What is pool shock? In essence, this chemical is a super dose of chlorine. It’s common for some of the chlorine in your pool to attach to nitrogen, ammonia and other chemicals. That stops that chlorine from doing its job. Pools should be shocked on a regular basis, according to experts.
Did you know that diatomaceous earth (used in pool filters) is actually the mined fossilized exoskeletons of tiny diatoms? In the filter, the diatomaceous earth is used to coat grids in the filter housing and then acts as tiny sieves to remove debris.
You should always have reliable rescue devices poolside – even when no one is using the pool – no matter how deep the pool is. The quickest response to someone floundering is to toss them a life ring or board, and prevents others from trying a rescue they are not qualified to handle.
When you have people in your family who aren’t able to exercise on solid ground because of joint issues, it can be difficult to stay healthy. Let’s talk about how the right accessories can make water workouts a possibility for everyone.
Out of all the dozens of different algicides, which ones are the best? There are multiple good algicides that you can purchase for your pool. Some of the more common ones that work well include; chlorine, bromine, poly-quat and copper in various forms.
Sand filters are a low maintenance filtration option since they’re designed to use backwashing to wash out any debris that has been filtered through. You rarely even have to open the tank, and they can last up to 20-25 years!
Cleaning your pool’s filter is an infrequent job, so it might be easy to forget to do it every 4-6 months. To serve as a reminder, try to pair up cleaning your pool’s filters with another chore you do every 4-6 months, such as changing the air filters in your house.
Besides offering energy savings, pool covers also serve other purposes. They conserve water by reducing the amount of make-up water needed by 30%–50%, reduce chemical consumption by 35%–60% and they reduce cleaning time by keeping dirt and other debris out.
Many pool users are hesitant to shower before entering the pool because they are afraid the water is too cold. You can alleviate their fears with a heater. They are available with either electric or solar heating sources.
Were you aware that up to a point, sand filters actually become more efficient as they get dirtier inside? As a sand filter traps debris, the particles become part of the filtering medium, and enables the sand to trap smaller particles.
A salt water swimming pool uses salt water to generate chlorine. These type of pools use a chlorine generator, which through the process of water passing through an electronic cell, produces sodium hypochlorite or liquid chlorine.
In above ground pools, keeping stairs in place can be problematic, not to mention unsafe. Fortunately, stair weights are available that are easily affixed to the steps. If you are in the market for a new ladder, consider ones that are already weighted.
An important chore for a pool owner is to check their salt water chlorine generator at least once a month if they have one. If you don’t wipe down the blades regularly, they can become calcified and fail to produce chlorine anymore.
Do you know electronic oxidation is an alternative to chlorination? It is a nice alternative to the chemical, especially if your little ones are sensitive to it. Our professionals can explain all the supplies you will need for your pool, in order to perform electronic oxidation.
A sand filter relies on sand to clean the water in your swimming pool. If you choose this popular filter system, remember that regular backwashing will be necessary. While this type of filter works well, it doesn't remove the smallest particles of dirt.
There are multiple different types of pool covers available. One of the lowest cost covers made specifically for swimming pools is the bubble (or solar) cover. Bubble covers are similar to bubble packing material except they use a thicker grade of plastic and have UV inhibitors.
It’s important to remember that even a relatively slight chemical imbalance in your pool’s chemicals can make it unsafe for people to swim in. Ensuring you always have the right chemicals on hand can help you keep your pool ready to enjoy.
The only way to lower the conditioner levels of your pool water is to drain part of it and refill it. Save yourself the trouble and keep your chlorine working hard by regularly monitoring conditioner levels.
Not everyone is a great swimmer, but that doesn’t mean they can’t enjoy the swimming pool. If you’ve ever had to use swim fins to float around in the pool, you have American icon Benjamin Franklin to thank for inventing them.
Many common chlorine products used in pools already contain conditioner. The only way to reduce conditioner levels is by draining part of the water and refilling, so be sure to check your levels before adding more.
Cartridge filters are a very popular filtration option since they one of the easiest to maintain. The cartridges are easily removed and can be washed off with a hose. Clean your filter when the pressure reading exceeds 15 pounds.
Did you know that an electric heat element works the same as a heating kettle—through direct heat transfer between element and pool water? These are usually ideal for smaller-sized pools.
Did you know that outdoor pools absorb 75%–85% of the solar energy striking the pools surface? A pool cover will decrease the solar gain contribution to some extent. A transparent bubble cover may reduce pool solar energy absorption by 5%–15%, while an opaque cover will reduce it by 20%–40%.
Balance chemicals help prevent damage to your pool, either in the form of corrosion or scale deposits. These chemicals allow you to avoid problems that result from having too much or too little limestone in the water (calcium carbonate).
If metals are a common problem in your pool water, there are products on the market that you can add to keep these metals from oxidizing and turning your pool water any shade other than sparkling blue.
When it comes to pool pumps, there is a major advantage offered by variable speed pumps. While single speed pumps only operate at maximum horsepower, pool pumps with variable speeds can be adjusted to meet the required demand, thereby cutting down on operational costs.
We sell the chemicals that allow you to properly balance the pH level of the water in your pool. This level indicates the degree of acids and alkalis in the water. The proper balance is most comfortable and safe for your pool.
You want to be able to use your pool for as long as possible. By adding a water heater, you can begin floating around as soon as the weather warms up and keep on using it well into the cooler seasons of the year.
Shocks are high dosage mixtures of several chemicals needed to sanitize a pool after long periods of inactivity or to combat algae buildup. Shocking also removes chloramines, which are mixtures of chlorine and contaminants.
What is an automatic chlorinator? That is a pool supply item that evenly distributes chlorine throughout your pool to kill bacteria and algae. The chlorinator constantly travels around your pool, dispensing chlorine.
One of the most important tasks for a swimming pool owner is the final one of the season. We have the supplies to help you secure the pool for the winter, including pipeline anti-freeze.
Vinyl pool covers consist of a heavier material and have a longer life expectancy than bubble or solar pool covers. Insulated vinyl covers are also available with a thin layer of flexible insulation sandwiched between two layers of vinyl.
Unclean or unbalanced pool water can be harmful not only to swimmers, but to your pool equipment as well. For example, a high pH level may gradually erode pumping and heating systems.
We offer virtually any type of part you might need for your swimming pool. Whether it's a backwash hose, a thermometer or a leaf skimmer, you'll find all of your pool needs at our shop.
Alkalinity, the water's ability to resist changes in pH, is an important quality for pool owners to be aware of. The ideal range for alkalinity is between 80 and 200ppm (parts per million).
It's important to note the size of your pool when determining the right amount of hose to get for your cleaner. Not using enough hose will leave sections of the pool vulnerable to contaminant buildup.
One of the easiest tools to use in the cleaning of an outdoor pool is a leaf skimmer. This is essentially a large handled net that can be used on a daily basis to remove large pieces of debris (such as leaves, sticks, and insects) from the surface of your pool.
When covering your pool, it's best to use a cover designed specifically for swimming pools. They are normally made from materials such as UV-stabilized polyethylene, polypropylene, or vinyl. They can be transparent or opaque. Covers can even be light or dark colored.
Total Dissolved Solid buildup in your pool in unavoidable. Every time you add chemicals to the water, the TDS increases. That being said, the ideal range of TDS is from 1000 ppm to 2000 ppm, and the maximum level is 2500 ppm to 3000 ppm.
A dual speed pool pump motor typically has two settings: low and high. The low setting is ideal for basic pool circulation, while the high speed setting can be used while vacuuming or operating water features such as a fountain or slide.
Brushing a pool's walls prevents algae and calcium buildup, and helps its circulation system keep the water clean. Plaster-lined pools can be scrubbed with metal brushes, but a softer brush is best for vinyl or fiberglass pools.
Chlorine is a pool's best friend. It comes in a variety of forms, a tablet, stick, liquid, or powder, to kill bacteria and other waterborne contaminants.
Unless you’ve checked out a pool supply store recently you likely have no idea of the great games available for kids and adults in swimming pools. Baseball, basketball, football and volleyball are all great pool games that can entertain plenty of people.
Cartridge pool filters use a paper-thin cartridge to clean your water. These filters can strain debris as small as 10 microns, can be hosed off periodically, and only need replacing once or twice per year.
I thought shock was only used when my swimming pool needs a super cleaning job quickly. Actually, shock should be used regularly, perhaps once or twice a month – depending on how often you use your pool. It is best applied when the sun is down and the UV raises can’t affect the chlorine.
Part of the pool pump is the pump housing. This is sometimes called a vacuum chamber and is filled with water to create a vacuum. This pulls the water from the pool.
A self-priming pool pump is one that fills itself with water if its housing is not full when first turned on. Pool pumps come in a variety of horse power which usually depends on the size of your pool.
If you have an ozone system and find that you need to shock treat your pool, you don’t need to worry about buying any extra chemicals. Instead, just leave your ozone pump on for 24 hours.
Swimming races have been around quite a while. Even older than the first Olympic swimming races in 1896, there are records of swimming races held in Japan as far back as 36 BC.
One great addition to an outdoor pool is an automatic chlorine feeder. These feeders maintain a consistent feed of chlorine to your pool to kill any harmful bacteria and contaminants. This is important, as chlorine loses its effectiveness over time.
Balance chemicals help you to avoid damage to your pool, which comes either in the form of corrosion or scale deposits. They basically balance out the amount of limestone or calcium carbonate in the water.
What are the benefits of a Salt Water Swimming Pool system? Continuous sanitation eliminates free chlorine volatility, less burning eyes, softer skin with less chlorine residual, no chlorine smells, no handling, storing or transporting chlorine.
It's important to get pool chemical kits to make sure your swimming pool water isn't too acidic. If that's the case, metal equipment can be corroded over time and skin irritation is a possibility.
Do you have a pet that loves the water, but are not sure if it will be safe? You can help it enjoy the pool by providing safety products designed specifically for pets. They are available is a range of sizes and designs for any critter.
Balance chemicals help you to avoid damage to your pool, which comes either in the form of corrosion or scale deposits. They basically balance out the amount of limestone or calcium carbonate in the water.
What are the benefits of a Salt Water Swimming Pool system? Continuous sanitation eliminates free chlorine volatility, less burning eyes, softer skin with less chlorine residual, no chlorine smells, no handling, storing or transporting chlorine.
One great way to control contamination and debris in your outdoor pool is with a pool vacuum. Pool vacuums can be used weekly to suction out the dirt and debris that’s settled on the bottom of your pool, thereby keeping the water clear and reducing the need for sanitizing chemicals.
Chlorinators and brominators are a popular way to dispense pool chemicals automatically. They usually float freely in the water, and can be set to release certain doses of chlorine or bromine.
It's important to get pool chemical kits to make sure your swimming pool water isn't too acidic. If that's the case, metal equipment can be corroded over time and skin irritation is a possibility.
Do you have a pet that loves the water, but are not sure if it will be safe? You can help it enjoy the pool by providing safety products designed specifically for pets. They are available is a range of sizes and designs for any critter.
Balance chemicals help you to avoid damage to your pool, which comes either in the form of corrosion or scale deposits. They basically balance out the amount of limestone or calcium carbonate in the water.
What are the benefits of a Salt Water Swimming Pool system? Continuous sanitation eliminates free chlorine volatility, less burning eyes, softer skin with less chlorine residual, no chlorine smells, no handling, storing or transporting chlorine.