Category Archives: Pool and Spa Equipment

3 Reasons to Take a Second Look at Above Ground Pools

Above Ground Pool

Above ground pools have gained in popularity over the last few years, and even homeowners who would never before consider installing an above ground pool have taken a second look at today’s models.  Three main reasons can be attributed to the above ground pool’s appeal:

  1. Cost — Compare the cost of installing and maintaining an above ground pool versus the cost of an in ground pool.  The cost of an in ground pool amounts to an impossible luxury for a large number of homeowners.  Above ground pools, on the other hand, are an affordable alternative that many homeowners find easy to manage.
  2. Selection — More varieties of above ground pools are available today than ever before.  Contemporary above ground pools come in a wide range of sizes and can be found in different shapes, including ovals, rectangles, and circles.  The array of sizes and shapes available give homeowners the ability to choose the best style and fit for their particular situation.
  3. Appearance — One of the main criticisms of above ground pools in the past has been theirSemi-inground pool unattractive appearance.  Above ground pools have come a long way, though, in terms of how they look.  Many models come with decorative elements like wall panels made to look like weathered stone and vertical supports that are reminiscent of roman columns.  The appearance of above ground pools can be further enhanced by adding colorful landscaping and wooden pool decks.  Some above ground pools can even be installed partially or mostly into the ground, giving them the feel of an in ground pool.

Owning and enjoying a backyard swimming pool can be a reality for homeowners who are willing to give above ground pools a second look.  Thanks to the advances in quality, materials, selection, and design that have taken place in recent years, above ground pools have become an appealing and affordable alternative to in ground pools.

Vinyl Pool Liners: Is Thicker Better?

21 Foot Round - Pebbles Beaded 25 Gauge  21' Rolling Rock J-Hook 48  21 Foot Round - Under The Sea

Is this the year for replacing your vinyl pool liner?  Are you wondering whether you should spend the extra money to purchase a thicker liner?  The thickness of pool liners is measured in mil or gauge units.  A mil is exactly equal to .001 inch and can be measured using a micrometer.  A 20 mil liner, then, will measure .020 of an inch thick.  A gauge is not an exact measurement, and the same number may vary in thickness depending on manufacturer, but it is roughly the same size as a mil.

Spending the extra money for a thicker pool liner depends on how your pool is used.  If your pool is enjoyed heavily over the course of a season and tends to take much abuse by the swimmers who use it, choosing a pool liner that measures 28 mil thick, or close to it, may be worth the extra cost.  Thicker pool liners offer better UV protection, too.

No matter how thick your vinyl pool liner, make sure the one you choose fits your pool properly.  Also, be sure to maintain proper chemical balance in your pool’s water.  Proper fit and chemical balance are two of the most important factors that can affect how long your vinyl pool liner will last.

Salt Water for All Pool Owners

Salt Chlorine Generator for Above Ground Pool
Saltwater pools have become increasingly popular in recent years. Many pool owners are opting for the softer, gentler water produced by salt chlorine generators. Your water will be silky smooth and you can stop spending money on traditional pool chemicals. Many in ground pools are already equipped with this technology, but above ground pool owners can ALSO have salt water pools. Above ground chlorine generators have become an affordable and usable solution for many pool owners. They are easy to install and cost less than $300. No more red eyes, skin irritation, or handling harsh chemicals again. All you add is salt! Convert your above ground pool before the next swimming season and be prepared to be amazed by the difference!

Make Entrapment Hazards A Thing Of The Past!

Anit-Entrapment Drain CoversAnti-Entrapment System

Pool safety should be of the utmost concern for any pool owner. In addition to pool alarms, fences, and pool safety covers, anti-entrapment systems and drain covers are very important steps in protecting your friends and family in your pool. Drains can be very dangerous in pools if they are not handled properly. Because traditional drains lay flat, any object or body part that covers that drain can become trapped by a powerful suction from which escape is difficult, and sometimes impossible. Thanks to the Virginia Graeme Baker Pool and Spa Safety Act of 2007, all public pools are required to take anti-entrapment measures to ensure pool safety. This law does not apply to private and personal pools and unfortunately accidents still occur. You can ensure that your pool is safe by installing anti-entrapment pool drain covers or a vacless anti-entrapment system.

Anti-entrapment drain covers are not flat, but domed. This prevents objects or bodies from completely covering the drain and creating a dangerous suction. They offer an inexpensive and simple solution to prevent drain related accidents. To extend your protection further, vacless anti-entrapment systems automatically allow air into the pump in the event of an abnormally high vacuum suction (such as child pulled down on the mail drain). This air will then cause the pump to lose its prime, preventing any chance of entrapment.  Both anti-entrapment measures are very easy to install and you will rest easy knowing that you have taken great measures to ensure that your pool is entrapment hazard free!

Save Swimmingly During Off Season Sales

Off Season Pool

Did you know that the best time to buy pool supplies is during the off season?  Most suppliers experience a dip in sales once the swimming season has ended, so they hope to keep their business going strong through the winter months by lowering prices.  Pool owners can often find everything from basic pool necessities like pool chemicals to upgrades in equipment at significantly lower cost than if they wait until spring or summer to purchase.

Take some time in the next few weeks to make a wish list of pool supplies and equipment upgrades you’ll need for the upcoming season.  Then, compare prices online, and you may be surprised to find that you can save a bundle by buying now rather than later.