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.

Protecting Your Pet and Swimming Pool

When it comes to protecting your pet and swimming pool, there are many factors that can affect the water. The sanitation of your swimming pool can be easily affected, your pet can bring up several maintenance issues. The average dog brings in the same amount of contaminants as three humans. Dirt, body oil, Insects and so much more can be introduced to your swimming pool. In addition to this, your swimming pool may potentially transmit E Coli, Hepatitis A and Giardia to swimmers. With the increase of external particles, your pool’s ph levels will rise and FAC (free available chlorine) will be less available to combat bacteria. Although outbreaks rarely come from residential homes, bacteria can become extremely contagious once waterborne. Your pets are not the only risk to your swimming pool’s sanitation. Other swimmers and non disinfected water supplies can contaminate your swimming pool as well.

Most swimming pools are closed systems were the same water is filtered and when more bacteria are introduced, this increases the risk of disease. Large cartridge filters can prove to be an efficient and effective way of keeping your swimming pool maintained. If you ultimately decide to let your dog swim, make sure to rinse them after doing so as they can get the same skin irritations we get. Also ensure that your swimming pool is properly sanitized as your pet can get eye irritations from the lack of FAC in your pool as well. Take into consideration that your dog sheds enough hair when it is not in the pool. Choose the right filter as this is where most of the hair will either be properly disposed of or back washed. If you can keep your pets out of your swimming pool you will find it much easier to maintain.

I know if your dogs are like mine they will always want to jump in and swim with you. Sometimes a little extra work to keep your pool clean is worth it as my dogs and probably yours are part of the family.

Vinyl? Concrete? Fiberglass?

An inground swimming pool can instantly make any backyard more aesthetically pleasing. For those interested in purchasing an inground swimming pool, soon-to-be pool owners can choose from a selection of three types: vinyl, concrete, and fiberglass. Depending on your location, prices for each kind of inground swimming pool vary though. When it comes to choosing the right inground swimming pool for your backyard it’s best to get professional advice from your local swimming pool store.

The cheapest inground swimming pool available, vinyl pools can be purchased in several pre-manufactured shapes. They also require less labor than a concrete pool and customizable options exists, including vinyl liners that come in several colors or patterns. Construction can be done in a shorter amount of time because of the pre-fabricated materials as well with 3 weeks usually being the norm.

Concrete or gunite pools offer more flexibility when it comes to the design of your inground swimming pool. The adaptable nature of concrete pools, makes it possible for pool owners to fit them in irregular places. With the ability to be the most customizable pool comes the downside of an expensive and lengthy construction estimated at about 12 weeks. In addition to this the surface can discolor, attract algae and prove to be uncomfortable.

Lastly, fiberglass pools are the fastest to install as they arrive in one pre-finished piece. Construction can last from 1 to 3 weeks. Their smooth surface is a benefit in itself, as it makes it harder for algae to stick to and easier for you took maintain your inground swimming pool with less chemicals. Negatives for fiberglass pools are that it cost a lot and extreme weather conditions can cause shifting in the ground.

Spa and Hot Tub Maintenance

Spa and Hot Tub Maintenance is very important from removing dirt to replacing spa water or cleaning out the filter, knowing the basic steps to maintaining your spa is key. Using a mild non-abrasive cleaner and soft rag is an effective combination when it comes to cleaning your spa. Baking soda can also help clean small spots. Vinyl covers also need maintenance as well and this can be done with a hose and some mild soap or baking soda solution. Remember to always shower without soap before soaking in your hot tub, to prevent residue like detergent from entering your spa. Routine light cleaning each month is an effective means of managing your spa’s maintenance.

Cleaning the filter cartridges can help calcification and its tendency to clog up filtration systems. Make sure to use a hose to spray each cartridge to cleanse it of any debris and use a filter cleaner afterwards. It is good practice to get a replacement filter every three years as well. Overtime debris, dirt and residue will eventually build up and any kind of spa cleaning will keep the water clean for so long. Drain and refill the hot tub to keep your spa water fresh, but do so following the spa’s owners manual and its instructions.

Preparing Your Pool for Summer

Without the proper knowledge on how to open a pool for the summer, you risk the health of both swimmers and your pool. Ensure that your pool is both properly operable and chemically safe. Never empty your pool even if you live in a cold climate, unless your pool hasn’t been covered and there are too many leaves under the swimming pool. Draining can bring up problematic situations, in which an empty pool won’t have the water necessary to hold down and prevent the pool from lifting. Not being cautious will make a complete pool replacement both necessary and costly.

While your cleaning up the baskets and starting up the filtration system, keep the cover on. Before running the filter, you may need to cleanse it and reassemble it. If your pool has a sand filter, backwash it and then leave it on the normal setting. Remove the cartridge filter as well and use a hose to rinse it. Taking a water sample to your local swimming pool store, will provide you with professional advice on what adjustments are needed in your alkalinity, pH, and chlorine levels. Cleaning the filter is a daily task that has to be done, until the water is no longer cloudy and you can see the bottom floor of the swimming pool. After clearing up the water with the recommended amount of chlorine, you can remove the cover and have the pool vacuumed for any left over debris.

Choosing the Right Pool Cleaner

Pool cleaners are essentially vacuum cleaners that provide convenience to swimming pool owners and remove debris potentially harmful to a pool’s sanitation with ease. Hand operated pool cleaners exist, but can laborious and time consuming.

Three types of this automated maintenance equipment exist and they are known as suction-side, pressure-side and electric robotic pool cleaner. Suction side is the least expensive and most popular, but cleans through a random course or path. Power is provided by the pool’s pump and debris cleanup is done through the pool’s filter system. Energy-wise, this kind of pool cleaner is the least cost effective and your pool’s filter system will need more servicing.

When it comes to pressure-side pool cleaners, a secondary booster creates highly pressurized water. This turbulence cleans up the walls and floor of a pool, ultimately distributing debris into the surface and then the pool’s main filter. Like a suction-side pool cleaner, pressure-side equipment requires use of a pool’s maintenance systems, but it has the highest electrical usage among the three types of pool cleaners.

Lastly, Electric robotic cleaners operate independently of a swimming pool’s filter and pump. Powered by another electrical source, electric robotic pool cleaners have two motors that allow debris to be captured and filtered water to be returned. Paint-roller like brushes remove particles from the pool’s surfaces and allows contamination-prone materials to be stored in a filter bag. Electrical robotic pool cleaners can also climb walls and reverse their direction, thanks to an internal microchip and some programming. Electric robotic pool cleaners are the most efficient of the three, but involve a large investment or upfront cost at first.