Automatic Pool Equipment for Easy Maintenance

Routine maintenance is a necessary part of pool ownership—and it’s easier than you think. Thanks to technological advances in swimming pool equipment, pool care has become more simple, convenient, and efficient than ever. Here are six pool tools that will make taking care of your pool a quick and easy process.

1. Automatic Pool Cleaner

Automatic pool cleaners automate the otherwise manual task of removing dirt, leaves, and other debris from the pool. There are different types of automatic pool cleaners and most manufacturers offer a variety of models to fit any swimming pool, budget, or lifestyle.

Suction-side pool cleaners are the least expensive option, ranging in price from $200 to $500. These cleaners attach to the suction (input) side of the pool’s filter system and suck up dirt and other fine particles and transfer them to the skimmer.

Some models come with a separate filter bag to keep large debris from building up in the skimmer basket while others contain features that remove algae. For instance, the foot pad on the Kreepy Krauly® SandShark™ (pictured at right) has rows of squeegee-like fins that wipe away dirt and debris from vinyl, gunite, or fiberglass surfaces as the unit moves across the pool’s floor.

Click to see more automatic pool cleaners from Pentair Aquatic Systems >>

Pressure-side pool cleaners use either the return (output) side of the pool’s circulation system or a separate booster pump with a dedicated water pressure line to move around the pool and draw up dirt and debris into its attached filter bag.

Pressure-side cleaners have a larger intake than suction-side cleaners and can handle both small and large debris. Most models have a tail that stirs up the pool water and helps filter out finer particles to the main drain. Models typically cost around $425 without a booster pump and approximately $900 with a booster pump.

Robotic pool cleaners contain their own filtering systems and are self-powered by solar energy, a rechargeable battery, or a water-safe cord plugged into a standard GFCI-protected outlet. Because they have two intake ports, robotic cleaners are efficient at sucking up small and large debris, from pollen and sand to leaves and small twigs.

Many cleaners will also dislodge dirt and grime from the pool’s floor, walls, stairs, and waterline tile using built-in rotating brushes or powerwashing jets.

Robotic pool cleaners cost more than other automatic cleaners, with basic models starting at $1,190 and higher-end versions running as high as $3,350; however, they offer the most convenient and efficient cleaning process.

How to choose the right automatic pool cleaner model for your pool >>

2. Automatic Pool Covers

The simple addition of an automatic pool cover provides major maintenance benefits: Covering your pool between swim sessions not only keeps your pool cleaner longer by blocking out dirt and debris; it also prolongs the need to replenish water and chemicals by stopping the evaporation process.

Most automatic pool cover systems consist of a rectangular vinyl cover that fits into tracks permanently installed along the sides of the pool.

These cover systems can be installed in a variety of ways to fit any type and shape pool or design aesthetic: the tracks can be mounted into the pool deck, installed under the pool coping or in the pool wall for a seamless look, or mounted under a slightly raised rectangular or cantilevered deck to accommodate freeform pool shapes and vinyl-liner or fiberglass pools.

Above: This automatic cover by Cover-Pools, Inc., is able to accommodate a freeform pool with a built-in spa and water feature. View more automatic pool cover installations by Cover-Pools, Inc. >>

Right: The HydraLux cover from Aquamatic Cover Systems (right) is a trackless automatic pool cover system composed of interlocking PVC slats that float on the water’s surface. The cover deploys from a flooded vault installed behind the pool wall or in the pool floor and each slat is individually cut to fit the exact length and contour of the pool. The trackless design allows for installation on the most complex or limited pool shapes.

See more photos and watch a video of the HydraLux pool cover in action >>

3. Chlorine Feeders

Chlorine feeders, also called erosion feeders and chlorinators, hold several chlorine sticks or tablets (trichlor) and continuously dispense a stream of chlorine as the pool water passes through the feeder and slowly dissolves the tablets.

Chlorine feeders are available as a floating dispenser or an automatic chemical feeder that is plumbed into the pool’s filter system. Most automatic chemical feeders feature a regulation valve or dial that lets you adjust the feed rate to meet your pool’s specific needs.

4. Salt Chlorinators

While saltwater pools still contain chlorine, they produce and disperse the chlorine automatically via a salt chlorinator or salt chlorine generator. Instead of using sticks or tablets of chlorine, salt chlorinators use pounds of sodium chloride (salt) to indirectly chlorinate the pool water. At startup, and typically a few more times throughout the season, several bags of salt are added to the pool. As the salt-infused pool water passes through the chlorinator, an electrolytic cell inside the device converts the salt in the water to chlorine before it re-enters the pool. Once the pool is effectively sanitized, the chlorine converts back to salt and the process starts over.

Check out automatic chlorine feeders and salt chlorinators from Pentair Aquatic Systems >>

5. Digital Test Strip Reader

Digital test strip kits make maintaining balanced water chemistry an easy and straightforward task.

After a test strip has been placed in a water sample, a digital test strip reader will automatically compare the reacted color blocks on the test strip against the color chart pre-loaded inside the device and translate the reading into numerical results, displaying the current levels of sanitizer, pH, and total alkalinity in the water on an LCD screen.

Photo courtesy of Hach Company/ETS Business Unit AquaChek

6. Floating Pool Sensors

The floating sensor continuously monitors the water’s chemical levels, and if they become unbalanced, the indoor unit will register the exact chemicals and dosage that the water needs. In addition, the indoor unit monitors the temperature of the pool so you’ll know when it’s time to turn up the heater.

Photos courtesy of Great American Merchandise and Events

Must-Have Pool Products for Fun, Fitness, and Faster Maintenance

Today’s high-tech pool equipment and accessories can boost your pool’s fun factor, improve your fitness level, and make pool care a breeze. Enjoy a great swim season this summer with the help of these top 5 pool products.

1. Swim Current Generators

A swim current generator can maximize your pool’s fitness factor. This portable, self-contained unit sits at the edge of your pool and produces a smooth adjustable current that you can swim in place against for a low-impact, high calorie-burning workout.

With a swim current generator you can enjoy continuous swimming without the interruption of flip turns or risk of injury. They can be used in aboveground and inground pools of any shape, size, and depth and are especially great for small or oddly shaped pools that are not conducive for swimming laps.

Variable speed settings offer a range of current paces to suit swimmers of any age or fitness ability. You can also swim laps, jog, or walk in place while the rest of your family relaxes and enjoys the pool.

The new Stream by SwimEx is a convenient swim current generator that operates via a rechargeable battery and requires no installation or setup.

Check out swim generator photos and videos of Stream by SwimEx >>

2. Automatic Pool Covers

An automatic pool cover retracts open and slides closed over your pool via a motor-driven track system that is permanently mounted along the length of your pool. Most automatic pool covers operate at the push of a button or turn of a key and can be installed on any type or shape pool, old or new, and indoors or out. Additionally, the track system can be mounted on top of your pool’s existing deck, under the coping, or seamlessly built into your pool’s design during construction for an aesthetically pleasing look.

Using a pool cover can significantly reduce your pool’s energy consumption and operating cost by minimizing the evaporation of heat, water, and chemicals. A pool cover also helps prevent dirt and debris from entering the water so your pool stays cleaner longer and requires less frequent skimming and vacuuming. This also reduces the workload on your pool’s circulation system and equipment.

In order to reap all the energy, money, and time savings, however, you need to keep your pool covered between uses. Automatic pool covers make it quick and easy to cover your pool when it’s not in use.

View more automatic pool cover photos and videos from Cover-Pools, Inc. >>

3. Control Systems

Swimming pool control systems allow you to manage all of your pool and/or spa equipment with the push of a button. Daily pool operations such as filtration, sanitation, and cleaning cycles are programmed or activated from a wireless, easy-to-use control panel located outdoors or inside your home. Most pool control systems can manage an unlimited number of pool equipment and features, including pumps, heaters, waterfalls, pool and landscape lighting, fountains, and more.

Additionally, some manufacturers offer optional remote controls, such as a spa-side remote or handheld wireless remote so you can operate equipment from anywhere in your yard. Automated pool control systems are available in various configurations, including pool only, spa only, pools and spas with shared equipment, and custom pools and spas with separate equipment.

With everyday pool operations on autopilot, you’ll have more time to relax and enjoy your pool. In addition, having automated control over your filter pump’s run time can help you save energy and money. For instance, when manually operating your pool, you’re probably running your filter during the day (between 1 p.m. and 9 p.m.) when demand for electricity is at its highest. What’s more, chances are you’ve forgotten to turn off the filter on more than one occasion.

With an automated control system, you can set your filter pump to run during off-peak hours (before 1 p.m. or after 9 p.m.) and for the minimum duration. (Note: Time requirements for filtering depend on pool size, bather load, equipment, and amount of debris. Generally, filter operation should be no less than 4 – 5 hours.)

Learn about automatic pool control systems from Pentair Aquatic Systems >>

4. Pool Waterslides

There’s no doubt your swimming pool provides countless hours of fun and excitement for you and your family, but there’s nothing quite like the thrill of zipping down a pool slide and splashing into the water. From stand-alone units with a straight or corkscrew runway to custom built-ins that zig and zag around landscaping or take riders through a cave waterfall, there are a variety of waterslide options to fit every swimming pool.

Fiberglass pool waterslides have become a common choice among homeowners due to their durability, low maintenance, and customization. Pre-designed models are available in a wide range of colors, shapes, and sizes and can typically accommodate any pool design or decking allocations. If you can’t find the exact waterslide you’re looking for, the majority of fiberglass waterslide manufacturers will work with you and your pool builder to create a custom slide that’s just right for your pool, family, and thrill-seeking needs.

See more photos and videos of fiberglass waterslides from Dolphin Waterslides >>

5. Robotic Pool Cleaners

Want to spend more time enjoying your pool and less time cleaning? Replace your manual pool vacuum with a robotic pool cleaner. A robotic pool cleaner is a type of automatic pool cleaner that is driven by an electric motor, which can be powered by batteries, solar energy, or a low voltage water-safe cord plugged into a GFCI-protected outlet. The self-contained unit roves around the pool, sucking up dirt, leaves, and finer particles and transferring them into an attached filter bag; some models feature rotating brushes or rollers that scrub surfaces.

The majority of robotic pool cleaners contain a microchip that allows you to program the cleaner’s route for effective and efficient cleaning, though most pools can be cleaned in about one to two hours. Some models come with a remote control for easy spot cleaning.

The perks of a robotic pool cleaner go beyond not having to manually clean your swimming pool: Because a robotic pool cleaner does not hook up to your pool pump or filter, it reduces the use of your pool’s circulation systems, which lowers energy costs and extends the life your pump and filter.

Check out automatic pool cleaners from Pentair Aquatic Systems >>

Swimming Pool Filters and Pumps

Your filter system is an integral part in keeping your pool and spa clean. The three types of swimming pool filters are sand, D.E. (diatomaceous earth), and cartridge. Both sand and D.E. filters require backwashing; this means that whenever the pressure gauge reads 10 psi higher than the starting pressure, you’ll have to run the water in reverse so it passes through the filter and is flushed out of the pool. This process wastes a great deal of water.

Filter cartridges require less maintenance and are more eco-friendly because they don’t have to be backwashed. All they need is a periodic spray with the hose to stay clean. Experts recommend rotating between two cartridges; you can insert a clean one while rinsing the other one and leaving it to dry. Cartridge systems are used in most hot tubs and in many swim spas and pools. 

The type of pump you choose will determine the effectiveness of your filtration and how much energy will be used. While older pools may still be using single-speed pumps, variable-speed pumps are highly recommended because they allow the pump to run at a slower speed for a longer period of time. This means the water is filtered most consistently and effectively; it also saves a tremendous amount of energy, helping to lower your operating costs.

For a list of recommended filter cartridge companies, visit our Water Technology Buyers' Guide.



Photo courtesy of Pleatco, LLC

How to Open a Pool

Spring is in full bloom and Memorial Day is right around the corner. For many pool owners across the country, this means it’s time to start getting the pool ready for the summer swim season. If you properly closed your pool for winter, opening your pool should be an easy process. Follow these instructions for how to open a pool for summer and ensure a great season of swimming fun.

1. Check your chemicals.

Before you open your pool, it is recommended that you take inventory of the pool chemicals you currently have on hand to see what supplies you’ll need to purchase. (This will also eliminate the hassle of taking multiple trips to the pool supply store.) Any pool chemicals that have expired or were not completely sealed should be properly disposed of and replaced. Also check the amount of product available in the remaining containers to see if you’ll need additional supplies.

2. Clean the pool cover and deck.

Before removing the pool cover, clean the deck area to prevent debris from being swept into the swimming pool; this also gives you an area for preparing the pool cover for storage without the worry of scattered twigs and stones causing punctures, advises Thomas Cal Brown, executive vice president of Aquatech, a society of pool-building professionals. If you have a solid vinyl pool cover, remove any leaves and debris from the cover with a pool rake or leaf net. This prevents any extra debris from entering the pool, which you’ll eventually have to vacuum out. Once most of the debris is gone, use a submersible cover pump to remove as much standing water as possible. When using the cover pump, don’t place the pump near or over any seams of the cover--this will cause water to drain from the inside the pool.

3. Remove and store the pool cover.

Remove the pool cover and lay it out in an open area such as a deck, patio, or driveway. Sweep or brush off any remaining debris and then use a mild detergent to clean the cover. Let the cover air-dry completely before rolling up or folding for storage to prevent mildew and deterioration. Be sure to keep the cover stored in a dry place away from insects and moisture.

4. Inspect the pool.

If you have a vinyl-lined pool, check for tears or washouts; these can occur when groundwater erodes the sand under the pool’s vinyl floor and causes the liner to rest on sharp rocks and stones. Any small tears can be repaired using a patch kit (available at your local pool supply store). Consult the pool’s manufacturer or a local swimming pool maintenance company for any damage that you’re unsure how to repair. For concrete and fiberglass pools, look for cracks in the waterline tile, chips in the plaster, or depressions in the pool decking or coping. Some minor repairs can be made yourself following the advice of a pool professional; more serious defects should be left to the experts.

5. Remove the plugs.

Remove expansion or freeze plugs from all of the water inlets. If your pool equipment was winterized with antifreeze, you’ll need to lower the water level in the pool until it’s below the inlets. Then remove the plugs and drain the antifreeze into a bucket.

6. Reinstall skimmer baskets and fittings.

Remove the winter plate (if used) from the skimmer box and reinstall the skimmer. Hook up any hoses from the skimmer and return jets that lead to the pump and filter. Make sure all fittings are clean and tight.

7. Reconnect the equipment and plumbing.

Reconnect the filter, pump (if you removed it), and heater (if you have one) and inspect them for signs of wear or rust. If anything needs to be repaired or replaced, do so at this time. Remove the top of the filter and check that your filter media (sand, diatomaceous earth, or cartridge) are in good condition and clean. Make sure all valves are open and fill the pump with water so it primes properly. Also check O-rings and gaskets for damage and make sure all have been lubricated

8. Fill the pool.

Grab your garden hose and add water until the water level reaches midpoint on the waterline tile or the middle of the skimmer opening to allow for proper circulation. While you’re waiting for the pool to fill, skim out any leaves, twigs, and debris, and remove any debris from the leaf basket. Re-attach any equipment such as ladders, rails, diving boards, etc. This is also a good time to remove any scale from the pool tile.

9. Start the filtration system and vacuum the pool.

Turn on the power to the pool system (you may need to turn on the circuit breaker if your pool was winterized). Following manufacturers' instructions, start the pump and filter system. Look for leaks, split hoses, and cracks. If some pieces of equipment are damaged or not operating properly, turn off the power and contact a service technician for any repairs. Once everything is in working order, hook up your vacuum (pool cleaner) and vacuum/ sweep the entire pool and clean the walls with a wall brush.

10. Test the water.

Allow the pool water to circulate 24 – 48 hours to mix up the old and new water. Then test the water chemistry following the instructions on your pool water test kit. To ensure proper analysis, it is recommended that you bring a water sample to a local pool professional, who will provide you with instructions for balancing your pool water. For pools with a mesh cover, it is recommended that you add two or three gallons of liquid shock to the water about two weeks before you plan to open the pool to ensure good water clarity since these covers allow debris and sunlight to get through to the water which can lead to an algae bloom. It is also best to open your pool early (late April, early May) to avoid strong sunlight and temperatures above 80 degrees which can quickly turn the water into a green “swampy” mess.

11. Run the filtration system until the water is clean.

Continue to run the filter until the water begins to clear (it may take several days). During the first few days, it may be necessary to backwash sand and D.E. filters a few times or clean your cartridge filter, depending on how dirty the water was when you started. After the filter has run for a few days, test the water again to ensure it is properly balanced. Chemical levels should be as follows: pH: 7.2 – 7.6 Alkalinity: 80 – 120 ppm ( for unstabilized chlorine); 100 – 120 ppm (for stabilized chlorine, chlorine gas, or bromine) Calcium Hardness: 200 – 400 ppm Chlorine: 1 – 3 ppm Bromine: 1 – 3 ppm Cyanuric Acid: 25 – 50 ppm Once the water is properly balanced, you’re ready for the final step…

12. Jump in!

REMEMBER: Routine maintenance is essential to retaining a beautiful pool all summer long. Check out our Pool Maintenance Guide for tips on keeping your pool clean and healthy.

Hach Company/ETS, the manufacturer of AquaChek® Pool & Spa Test Strips, is pleased to announce the introduction of AquaChek Spa, a 6-in-1 test strip developed specifically for testing in the hot tub environment. AquaChek Spa provides spa/hot tub owners an efficient and comprehensive means of testing the water.

The new 15-second, dip and read AquaChek Spa test strip includes tests for six chemistries: Total Chlorine, Total Bromine, Free Chlorine, Total Alkalinity, pH, and Total Hardness.

Spas and hot tubs present unique challenges to manage healthy, balanced water. The higher temperatures and lower water volume can cause faster chemical reactions and increased evaporation rates. Maintaining ideal levels of active and total sanitizer (Bromine or Chlorine), pH, Total Alkalinity, and Hardness will help ensure that the water is clean and healthy. In addition, it will protect the spa/hot tub against damage from fluctuations in pH, and a build-up of scale formation.

“Owners should test their water before and after each use, and treat the water regularly,” advises Joe Sweazy, Technical Sales and Service Manager for AquaChek. “We recommend tracking results each time the water is tested,” he adds.

AquaChek Spa 6-in-1 test strips are fast, accurate, and easy to use. Simply dip the test strip into the spa/hot tub, compare using the color chart comparator on the bottle, and adjust chemical levels that are not within the acceptable range by following chemical manufacturer’s recommendations. Each bottle includes 50 test strips with instructions in English, French, Spanish, and German.

For more info, visit www.AquaChek.com or call 888-278-2243.

Pleatco, LLC, a leading manufacturer of pool and spa filter cartridges, announced the winners of the 4^th Annual Pleatco Perfect Pool Guy/Gal contest at the International Pool | Spa | Patio Expo (IPSPE) in Vegas on Nov. 2, 2011.

The contest is an innovative way to honor the hardworking men and women of the pool service industry. With over 200 contestants, this year’s entrants were as impressive as ever. This year’s Perfect Pool Guy and Gal winners are Gil Serrano of Bay Area Pool Service in Florida, and Jennifer Angevine of Gold Coast Swimming Pools in New York.

"From all of us here at Pleatco, thank you to everyone who entered, nominated, and voted," said Howard Smith, Pleatco's CEO. "We have been truly overwhelmed by the quality of the hundreds of nominated entrants and the thousands of votes cast. The entries were extremely powerful and heartfelt across the board."

“Over the four years that Pleatco has sponsored this contest, we’ve learned that being a professional pool or spa service technician is more than a job—it’s a passion. Many homeowners treat their service guy or gal like family; it’s a special relationship," said Pleatco’s COO, John Antretter. "A pool or spa is an integral part of a home—a way to relax and a place for a family to share time together. Homeowners trust their service professional to keep their backyard oasis safe.”

In addition to a trip to the IPSPE, both winners received a $5,000 continuing education scholarship from Genesis Three Design Group to attend the G3 Certified Pool Operator Program. Serrano and Angevine will also star in Pleatco's nationwide follow-up ad campaign.

Gil Serrano has become the go-to “service master” over the past 14 years and now trains and re-trains pool service technicians in industry best practices. Humble through the entire competition, Serrano was shocked to learn how many people supported and rallied for him through voting and calling as references during the Perfect Pool Guy Contest. His long-time local title as “the pool whisperer” is also well-earned. Regarding the pool and spa industry, Serrano says he is “full of excitement to be part of this industry… It is all about the heart you put into it.”

Jennifer Angevine has owned Gold Coast Swimming Pools for nearly 10 years and has been in the industry since she was old enough to accompany her father on service calls. Every member of the Gold Coast team expressed great pride in working for Angevine and could not brag enough about their boss who goes above and beyond for clients and her team every day of the year. In regards to winning the 2011 Perfect Pool Gal title, Angevine “couldn’t be more proud to be a part of the contest and to hold the title of the year.” She gracefully acknowledges that she wouldn’t be where she is today without the encouragement and enthusiasm from her team and the true support of her father.

Special Awards

With so many worthy entrants, Pleatco once again expanded the contest and created additional awards. "During our final interviews, we were impressed with the caliber of so many individuals that we felt it was proper to recognize the outstanding achievements of several other entrants,” says Antretter. "In that spirit, we selected contestants for six other Special Awards based on their contribution towards their community and the pool and spa industry."

• 2011 Industry Achievement Awards to Jim DeBerry of Aqua Pool Dealer in Florida and Annie Abbate of Chem-Tech Pool Cleaning in Arizona
• 2011 Big Heart Award to Bob Charlton of The Pool Guy in Florida
• 2011 Future Leadership Awards to Chris Hamm of Crystal Clear Pools in Florida
• 2011 Most Creative Entry Award to Jonathan Santoscoy of True Blue Pool Service in Texas and Larry Sniezek of Burnett Pools and Spas in Pennsylvania
• 2011 Customer Service Award to Lesley Leal of Optimus, LLC in Tennessee
• 2011 Biggest Pool Personality Award to Paul Beauparlant of Paul and Sons Pool Service, LLC in Nevada

14 other finalists were also named:

• Adam Shulte of Watson’s Cincinnati in Ohio, Cameron Dillon of Tri-County Pool and Spa in Florida
• Bob Hickle or Nierman Brothers Pool and Spa in Indiana
• Andrew Meece of Amerimerc in Kansas
• Michael Berggren of Berggren Pool and Spa Services, LLC in Washington
• Geoffrey Dillon of Pools and Spas a Go-Go
• Bob Malsack of Hansens Pools and Spas in Wisconsin
• Jason Blake of B&S Pools in Arizona
• Anne Bostwick of Gulf Coast Pool & Spa in Florida
• Jim Eiler of Aqua Pools in Illinois
• David Bristow of David Bristow’s Pool Service in North Carolina
• Beau Braisher of Beau Braisher’s Pool Service in California
• Kyle Conlon of Cypress Pools in New York
• Ryan Landriault of In Hot Water Spas in Alberta, Canada

About Pleatco

Pleatco, based in Glen Cove, N.Y., has served the pool & spa community for the past 40 years and continues to be a leader in the industry through innovation and the desire for constant improvement.

Photos courtesy of Pleatco, LLC

1. 1.  Consider your timing. While you may be ready to close your pool by mid-September, the ideal time is when daytime temperatures begin to range in the low 70’s to 60’s—closer to mid-October. Once the water temperature is lower, there is less chlorine demand, meaning it will last longer over the winter.  Also, winterizing chemicals last about four months so it’s best to close the pool in the fall to prevent algae blooms come springtime.

2. 2.  Do a visual inspection. Make sure the pool structure and all equipment are in good working order. Replace broken equipment and repair any structural defects before closing your pool to prevent further damage over the winter.

3. 3.  Test chemical levels the week before. Approximately three (3) to seven (7) days before closing the pool, make sure the water is chemically balanced and adjust levels if necessary. Imbalanced water can corrode the pool surface and cause scale to build up. Chemical levels should be as follows:

    

       pH: 7.2 – 7.6
       Alkalinity: 80 – 120 ppm
       Calcium Hardness: 175 – 250 ppm
       Chlorine: 1 – 3 ppm
   
   Not familiar with these terms? View our Water Care Glossary>>

4. 4.  Add winterizing chemicals. Mix any granular winterizing chemicals in a bucket to make sure they are totally dissolved before adding them to the pool. Undissolved granules can settle on the pool floor and stain the liner. Allow the chemicals to circulate in the pool so they are evenly dispersed.

5. 5.  Drain the water to recommended level. Drain the pump and drop the water level down 12 to 18 inches below the return lines so that any water in the plumbing lines can drain back into the pool. Then plug the jet and skimmer holes to prevent water from getting in, which can freeze in the pipes and cause them to crack.

6. 6.  Shut off equipment and timers. A pump can be damaged if it runs without proper water flow. With the water level drained for winterization, it’s important to make sure any timers are disabled so that the pump does not accidentally start.

7. 7.  Put on the pool cover and secure it. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions to ensure proper installation of your pool cover. Edges should be sealed tight so that wind cannot get under the cover and allow debris and leaves to enter the pool.

8. 8.  Store chemicals properly. Keep pool products in a cool, dry, well-ventilated area away from other products such as paint, fertilizers, gasoline, and any flammable materials. Make sure products are tightly sealed in their original containers and inaccessible to children and pets. Contact the product’s manufacturer or your local hazardous waste facility to learn the proper disposal of pool chemicals.

9. 9.  Prevent access to the pool. A swimming pool is less likely to be supervised during the winter months, so it’s important to have several layers of protection in place to keep children and pets safe.

10. 10.  Practice off-season care. Make sure rain and snow has not caused the water level in the pool to rise or put too much pressure on the cover. Use a pool cover pump to drain off excess water so that the cover does not stretch out or sink. Also remove any heavy debris or fallen twigs that could damage the cover. Do a couple quick inspections in the late fall and early spring to make sure the winterizing chemicals are still working.
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    Visit our Pool Covers Buyers’ Guide for a list of pool cover companies and resources.
    
     
    
    

If you’re a current pool owner who tests and treats the water yourself, you’re probably aware of the basics of testing chlorine and pH levels. You may have also experienced algae blooms (especially in warm, muggy weather) and needed to shock the pool or use an algaecide.

But upon seeing the title of this article, you may be wondering, what are phosphates? 

Phosphates feed algae and promote algae growth; they serve as the main ingredient in fertilizer because they are essentially plant food. So when fertilizer (and/or leaves carrying fertilizer) are blown into the pool, phosphate levels will increase. Phosphates can also be introduced to the pool through human contaminants, rain water, runoff, and even hose water used to fill the pool. Testing and controlling phosphate levels helps to prevent algae outbreaks.

 “We recommend checking the phosphate level once a week and more frequently if there are unique environmental or seasonal changes in the area; for example, heavy wind, rain, sand or fire storms, as well as during gardening, growing, and plowing seasons,” says Joe Sweazy, Technical Sales and Services Manager for Hach Company/ETS Business Unit, manufacturer of AquaChek®.  

AquaChek recently released the new One Minute Phosphate Test, making it easy for pool owners to check phosphate levels. To use, add the powder pillow content to the water sample, shake gently to mix, and compare it to the color chart. The AquaChek One Minute Phosphate Test comes with 20 phosphate powder pillow reagents and a testing vial.

The ideal maximum level for phosphates is 0.1 ppm. If the phosphate level in your pool water is above that level, it is likely to have algae blooms. To treat such algae blooms, you can shock the pool, bringing chlorine level to 10 ppm, and keeping the chlorine at shock level until the algae begins to clear up. Another option is to purchase a phosphate remover and follow the manufacturer’s instructions.

Phosphates are similar to nitrates in that they are both plant nutrients and are used in fertilizer. The difference is, nitrates are much worse to have in your pool because the only way to get rid of them is by partially draining the pool. The good news? Phosphate treatment can help control high nitrate nitrogen levels. Thus, keeping phosphate levels in check is critical to the health of your pool water.

Whether you’re a new swimming pool owner or have been swimming in your backyard oasis for years, you know the importance of testing the water regularly. To help promote clean, healthy pools, The Water Quality & Health Council is offering FREE pool test kits on HealthyPools.org. 

Kits include simple directions for dipping a color-coded test strip into the pool to determine the water’s pH and chlorine level, which should be measured at least three times a week (especially after heavy use, such as a pool party), and even more often when the weather is hot and humid (ideal conditions for algae growth).

The Centers for Disease Control & Prevention (CDC) states that pools with proper disinfectant levels and pH are less likely to spread germs, including the ones that cause “swimmer’s ear” infections. The free kit includes CDC’s tips for preventing swimmer’s ear.

You can even return to the HealthyPools.org to upload your readings to a national data collection map to see how your pool compares with others across the country.

To order your free test strips, provided by AquaChek/Hach Company, visit HealthyPools.org.