Pentairs Winter pool care 5 off-season maintenance tips

This winter has been a wild ride with Mother Nature and after last weekend’s deep freeze, we’re all ready for summer! If you didn’t close your pool this winter, you’re not alone. For many pool owners in areas that winter temperatures don’t typically dip below freezing (and if they do, it doesn’t last long) closing your pool is optional. So if you’re one of those lucky pool owners, don’t forget the off-season or winter maintenance!

Don’t leave out these 5 tips for off-season pool maintenance:

1. Set Alerts for Freezing Temperature

When the temperature drops below freezing, your pump should be running to avoid damage. If you don’t have automation for your pool that will notify you and turn on the pump during freezing conditions, then you should set up weather alerts so you’ll know when freezing temperatures or other severe weather conditions are expected.

Weather alerts can be set up on most mobile devices and desktop computers. When an alert is received, you’ll need to go out and start your pump.

2. Winterize Water Features

Even if you don’t winterize your pool, you should always winterize your water features. These include deck jets, wall fountains, and cascades or waterfalls since the pump and pipes that feed them are more prone to freezing and damages.

3. Keep All Valves Open

It’s important to keep the water in your pool circulating and ensure that all the valves are open, especially if you have a pool with a complex plumbing system and/or an attached spa. Keeping the water flowing through these pipes will help protect against freezing.

So when you’re preparing your pool for winter, don’t forget to check ALL the vacuum lines, cleaner lines and waterfall lines, as well as the skimmers, drains and returns to ensure that all the valves are open.

4. Run the Pool Pump

Running your pool pump isn’t just for freeze protection! It’s for filtration too.

Even though you can reduce filtration to lower energy consumption during the winter months, be cautious not to run the pump too infrequently since circulation is important to keep the pipes and equipment functioning properly.

To reduce energy consumption and maintain your pool properly during the winter, you can use a seasonal timer that automatically reduces run-time during winter months. However, if debris tends to collect in your pool, you should run the pump longer OR if the temperature drops below 35 degrees, you should run the pump for 24 hours to prevent freezing.

5. Maintain Proper Pool Chemistry

Periodically test the water chemistry to make sure your pool has the proper pH, alkalinity, calcium, and cyanuric acid levels. Maintaining proper water chemistry can prevent pool surface staining or scaling, and reduce the amount of work required when you reopen your pool.

Selecting the Proper Pump for Your Pool

Buying and installing a pool is easy; keeping it properly maintained is the difficult part. This is because a pool needs to be treated with care if you want to make sure that it stays with you for longer, and while you may filter the pool cleaners, adjust the pool heaters and replace the pool lights; your pool can still give up on you if you don’t pay attention to the pool pump.

If you want to keep your pool clean, you need to make sure that the filtration of your pool water is done by the best quality pump you can find. A pool pump is responsible for performing the necessary task of circulating the pool’s water through a proper sanitation system so that the water remains clean, free of dirt and without the presence of bacteria and insects.

The pool’s water obviously cannot be replaced every month or so; so you need to make sure that the water in the pool is pristine and germ-free at all times. If a pool isn’t filtered and clean properly, it can clog the pipes and make the water harmful for your health. Your pool water thus, needs to be balanced with the proper chemicals or right salt content if you have a saltwater pool, and then, by using a pump, you can maintain it adequately.

Deciding on the right pump system for your pool relies on several factors. Many quality supplies from companies, such as Hayward, Jandy, Pentair, Polaris and Starite, produce systems which are according to the pool you have. When choosing a pool pump, brush up on your knowledge. Find out how big your pool actually is and select a pump which will work according to it. However, that does not mean that the pool pump needs to be as big as the pool. In addition to wasting energy, a pool pump which is bigger than needed will only cloud the water and damage the filter.

Select a pump which is according to your pool’s capacity, flow rate, resistance and turnover. Getting the right pump will give you cleaner water. Many companies nowadays, have the service of delivering pool accessories to your doorstep when you need them, so if you’ve just become the proud owner of a pool, it is probably best to get in touch with us at PoolSupply4Less.

Also, when you get a pump, remember that you will also need to take care of it. A pump might clean your water and make it stay fresh, but you will have to maintain the pump itself so that it works for a longer time. When buying a pool pump, remember the necessary pool pump accessories and parts, so that if there is ever a time when your pool pump stops working effectively, you can have it fixed right away with the parts you had bought in advance, instead of worrying about a pump part which may take days to arrive.

Having the right pool pump for your pool is highly beneficial. By doing so, not only will you be saving money on any future damages that your pool might incur without the pump, but you will also be extending the longevity of all the other equipment which your pool is using to stay clean and safe for your use.

Preparing the Pool for Your Baby’s First Swim

If your baby loves the water; then there is no time to waste. Water babies are not afraid of anything and will swim with the best of them, but if they’ve just started holding their head straight, it’s probably a good idea to make sure that the pool is well-equipped to make your bundle of joy safe and happy for their first swim.

Although your baby is strong enough to withstand the surprise of their first swim and even love it; as a new parent, you need to make sure that your pool is safe and secure for your baby to splash around in. So what are the first things you should look out for when you’re preparing for your child’s first swim?

Firstly, make sure that the water is heated properly. Most people take their babies for their first swim when they’re six months old, but you need to remember that your baby has relatively sensitive skin as compared to older children, which means that their body temperature won’t change gradually like ours, but will have quick fluctuations.

Many people use pool heaters from companies such as Hayward, Pentair, Jandy, Raypak and Sta-Rite to keep the water temperature regulated. If the water is at a proper temperature, than the baby’s body temperature will stay steady, making the water comfortable. Just make sure to keep the water warm, not hot; and with a proper pool heater, the temperature will stay regulated so that your baby doesn’t feel overheated.

Secondly, make sure that your pool is clean. A baby is very sensitive to dust or dirt, and if they haven’t had their complete course of allergy shots yet, they can get a bad reaction. Use a good quality pool filter to pull out all the dust and debris, leaving your pool water clean and pristine. Keep an eye on that pool filter though. If you feel like it isn’t working the way it was before, have it replaced. Nothing is more important than your baby’s health.

Your pool should also be equipped with a good quality pool cleaner from dependable brands such as Kreepy Krauly, SmartPool or Polaris so that it works alongside your pool filters to keep the water clean.

Thirdly, make sure your pool is properly chlorinated. It’s not harmful for your baby to be exposed to chlorine this early so you shouldn’t worry about it. Chlorine is used to keep the water clean because it kills all the bacteria and helps in controlling the algae spread in your pool water. A properly chlorinated pool helps in keeping the walls and the bottom of the pool clean so when you take your baby into the water for the first time, you know they won’t be harmed in any way.

Lastly, make sure you have the necessary safety gear such as a personal flotation device (PFD) which fits your baby perfectly properly and is approved by the U.S. Coast Guard. Make sure the baby has it on at all times so that they can splash around to their heart’s content.

Your baby’s safety and health is your first priority, and with the proper pool equipment, you can make sure that their first swim is a moment you will cherish forever.

Keeping Your Pool Clean

If you have a pool, chances are at one point; you have wished that your pool would perform a miracle and self-clean. Having a pool is a luxury, especially during the summer time. Nothing feels better than coming home after a long hard day at work, shedding off your clothes and jumping into the nice cold water, but what if the pool is dirty? You won’t stand by with a net scooping up debris because you want to cool off.

Getting the right pool cleaner for your pool is essential because not only does it help in keeping the water spick and span, but it’s also good for your health. Swimming in the water with a few leaves might be okay with you, but bacteria which are invisible to the naked eye, can be potentially harmful for you. Dust, dirt and germs are always around us, but with a perfect pool cleaner and some handy tips on how you can keep your pool clean, you can take a swim without worrying about your health.

Pool Cleaner

Pool cleaners from suppliers such as the Hayward, Kreepy Krauly or the Polaris models have been favorites in the pool industry for years. When you go to buy a pool cleaner, don’t just buy one which ‘looks’ like it’ll work. Know the dimensions, depth and details of your pool before making any purchase so that the cleaner doesn’t turn out to be too small or too big for the pool.

Pool cleaners are not just extravagant expenses and when you want a pool without the $100 a month cleaning service, you need the best you can get. With so many companies making high-quality pool cleaners at affordable prices, it’s best to make the right choice.

Pool Filters

Pool filters work like coffee filters. They trap the dirt and allow the water to pass through. A safe swimming pool needs an efficient filter system. When opting for a pool filter, know your brands and the size of the filtration system. Major filtration systems are available in sand, cartridge and diatomaceous earth types, so if you know your pool details, you can get an effective system without worrying about whether it will work.

Pool Safety

Safety is obviously important for any swimming pool. Whether you have children or not, you still need to keep a clean and safe pool, not only because it will help you in the long run but also because a nice clean pool looks good. Having a clean pool means not worrying about germs, algae, or dirt etc, and pool cleaners and filters are specifically designed to keep the water sparkling while maintaining its safety standards.

Most pools have a heavy duty filter and cleaner installed which works periodically to keep the water clean at all times, and it can be really helpful if you don’t have the time to take out the cleaner itself. At the end of the day, you want to unwind and relax, and there is nothing more relaxing than wading into the crystal clear water of your private pool and feeling the comforting chill surround you and take away all your achiness.

How to Maintain Your First Hot Tub

So you bit the bullet and had a Jacuzzi built in when you were having your swimming pool installed, and now you have no idea how you’re going to take care of it. There’s no need to worry.

A Jacuzzi or a hot tub is like a pet which will dirty itself if it is not taken care of. Most people who have hot tubs usually have someone else to take care of it, but since not all of us have the time to hire the neighbor’s kid to take care of our backyard, here are some tips for the beginners who are in a panic over having their very first hot tub.

Tip#1 Keep it clean

This one is a given. All bodies of water need to be cleaned at intervals. Hot tubs are basically full of bubbling hot water but that doesn’t mean they’ll be boiling out the germs. Hot water is more likely to gather germs because bacteria usually look for a hot place to settle. Hot tubs are fitted with a filter to keep the water clean and odor free. Companies such as Sta-Rite and Hayward make hot tub filters which are of high-quality and affordable so you don’t have to worry about them conking out after a few weeks.

Also remember to drain out your hot tub every three months. Although the water chemicals and installed filters do keep the hot tub clean and safe, it won’t harm you if you drain it out and refill the water every three months, just to stay on the safe side.

Tip#2 Understand your hot tub chemistry

A hot tub isn’t filled with plain water only. Just like your pool, your hot tub needs to have the right amount of chemicals to keep the water fresh and odor free. Most hot tub owners use chlorine to sanitize their tubs from bacteria and algae growth, and using equipment such as the hot tub “Spa Saltwater System” can greatly reduce your hot tub problems. You also need to keep the chemicals properly balanced with your water content, so keep an eye on the chlorine along with the alkalinity and pH levels of the water.

Another tip is to always pour the chemicals after you’ve filled in the water, never before. This allows proper water balance. Having a good chlorine chemical feeder will keep the water chemistry steady, so you will not have to worry about bacteria.

Tip#3 Keep an eye on the heat

Having a good quality hot tub heater is a must. Most heaters from companies such as Hayward are affordable and can be placed near your tub. Proper heat means comfortable water. A pool or spa heater is programmed not to let the temperature go above 102 degrees, and with a reliable and good quality thermostat, your hot tub will be warm and not just tolerable.

A hot tub is a luxury and should be treated as such, and by using extra precautions to keep the water clean and the chemicals balanced, you can enjoy the wonderful and soothing waters of your hot tub after a hard day’s work.

Getting the Right Pool Lights

When you get a new pool, there is nothing better taking your first swim under the glow of the moon at midnight. But the moon shouldn’t be your only source of light. Swimming in the sunlight would give you no problem, but with no lights, it will be a bit of problem when you step into the water in the dark.

Although many do have their pool lights installed accordingly, others prefer not to swim at night and save the cost. This can be a problem when you need to cool off and can’t, because you were stingy with the equipment you needed for the pool. Pool lights may be a bit more expensive than your usual pool accessories but you cannot deny their importance for your pool.

When buying lights for your pool, remember three important factors; color, shine and comfort. The color needs to be soft enough so it doesn’t make your pool look cheap. The shine needs to be clear enough so that the light doesn’t look like a floodlight, and when you put the light on, it shouldn’t hit your eyes in a harsh way but still provide you with a comfortable atmosphere. The comfort factor also incorporates how the light can be fixed and replaced.

Deciding on the right lights for your pool can be difficult so consider each option carefully. Different types of pool light fixtures are readily available in the market. Many prefer to use the affordable halogens for their swimming pool. Halogen lights are installed in above ground or in-ground pools. The reason why many people are fans of halogen lights is because of their versatility which means that they can work in any pool and are easy to replace.

Another popular lighting choice for a swimming pool is LED pool lights. LED has become very famous over the years because of its brightness, longer life and affordable cost. While halogens are the classic choice for a pool light, the LED pool lights are the popular one because they come in white and color changing models so you have a wide variety of choices. LED lights can be added to any pool type as well and if you want a bit of style, these LED lights can be used as floating lights for an above ground pool as well. Since LED lights consume only 20% energy, many people are now switching their pool lights to the option of LED pool lights.

However, if you want a pool which is an eye-catcher, you can also switch to fiber optic pool lights which may be expensive but can add personality to your pool. These lights are colorful and festive and if you want to have a party in your pool, fiber optic lights are the way to go. Fiber optic lights are the easiest to replace since they are usually placed above the pool in a dry box. All you need to do is open the box, change the bulb and you’re good to go.

Pool lights may be expensive, but their effects can be breath-taking. So whether you want to take a midnight swim or surprise your significant other with a romantic night, pool lights should not be neglected.

Adding a Little Cool to Your Pool

Do you feel like perhaps you need to something new to your pool? Has the simple kidney-shape finally lost its charm, are the pool chairs towering with your children’s used pool toys, or is it just the fact that it seems too boring to swim around in anymore?

When you have a pool, you know you need to spend a lot of money to make it look good, so you settle for the simple luxury of just having a proper safe pool for your weekly swim without any bells and whistles. However, the dreams of having a center-of-attention pool can now become a reality. Because companies are now making beautiful pool features such as waterfalls, fountains and pool lights which won’t cost an arm and a leg anymore. Thus, many people are thinking outside the box to add a bit of drama to the family swimming hole.

Waterfalls

Magazines are filled with pictures of celebrities’ homes with their swimming pools decked with beautiful waterfalls, their beauty emphasized by the lights. However, you don’t need to be a millionaire to make your pool look like a million dollars. Companies such as Jandy are making beautiful waterfalls which are designed to fit in any pool.

A waterfall is a beautiful feature because it allows a peaceful and soothing flow of water as well as a bold and thundering shower, which adds excitement to your pool. It also isn’t as expensive as it was before, and if you have a sense of adventure, a waterfall would be the perfect addition for your pool.

Fountains

Fountains aren’t just for the rich and famous. A fountain adds elegance and class to your home, and if you’re having a party, nothing is more of a show stopper than a fountain suddenly bubbling up in your pool. Polaris has designed two beautiful fountain features for swimming pools which are affordable and beautiful for any pool.

Fountains for a swimming pool take the water from the pool cleaner line or the swimming pool’s return lines, so the water stays clean and keeps on circulating. You can either have a floating fountain which bobs along the surface of your pool or you can have the fountain fitted to the wall of your pool. Add a few well-placed plants and pots to that side, flare up the fountain and you’re good to go.

Pool lights

Pool lights are necessary for every pool. Not only do they give off a beautiful luminous glow from inside the water, but with so many options, you can now add color to your pool with above ground lighting as well. Many people use halogen lights, which is a classic option. The other options for pool lights are LED lights, which are available in basic white and color changing models as well. They’re energy-efficient and last longer, so you don’t have to worry about the expense.

Another option is that of fiber optic lights. These lights are available in a variety of shades so you can have a lot of choices if you want some drama. With the proper pool lights, you’ll be able to see while you’re swimming at night, and you’ll have a beautifully lit pool.

So if you want to create a night to remember by bringing the party to the pool, deck it out with the perfect waterfall, pool fountain and gorgeous pool lights and you’ll be the most popular pool owner in the neighborhood.