Category Archives: Pool and Spa Maintenance

How to Make Pool Cleaning a Thing of the Past

Robotic Pool Cleaner

Most people would probably say that they’d love to have a swimming pool in their backyard, but many decide not to because they feel the maintenance that goes along with a swimming pool is too much to handle.  In the past, cleaning a swimming pool had been a time consuming activity, unless we could afford a pool service company to do the work for us.  These days, though, pool owners can rely on modern technology to do the dirty task of cleaning the pool.

Robotic pool cleaners bring together computer technology and robotic innovation to create an automatic pool cleaner that cannot be beat.   Once a robotic pool cleaner is placed in the pool and turned on, it will independently vacuum up all the debris, dirt, and algae it comes in contact with on the pool’s bottom, walls, and steps.  Robotic pool cleaners even work around drains and ladders.

The most current models of robotic pool cleaners are designed to detect the size and the shape of your swimming pool.  They “remember” this information, which ensures that each pool cleaning is consistent, thorough, and effective.  Additionally, many robotic cleaners have self-programming software that automatically scans and calculates the most effective pattern of cleaning that is required.

Even though robotic pool cleaners carry a higher price tag than most other automatic pool cleaners, pool owners who have them believe the initial investment is worth the amount of time and energy saved as a result of using a robotic pool cleaner.  Thanks to robotic pool cleaners, people can spend more time enjoying the pool rather than cleaning it.

New Year’s Resolutions for Pools

Now that 2011 is coming to a close, have you started thinking about what your New Year’s resolutions will be?  If you own a backyard swimming pool, will any of those resolutions include a plan to open up your pool sooner in 2012 rather than waiting until the swimming season has long begun?

Part of what makes this kind of resolution successful is to start planning early for opening the pool.  Take the time now to check your existing stock of pool chemicals, and keep an eye out for off-season sales so you can nab these necessities at the best prices.

Take a look, too, at your pool equipment to evaluate whether it may be time to replace or upgrade items like the pool pump, pool heater, or pool covers.  Test your pool alarm while you’re at it to be sure that it is still in good working order.

New Year’s resolutions like these can be accomplished easily and with little stress involved, especially if you enlist the help of family members.  Make a short list of tasks you’d like to accomplish in order to get your pool opened in a timely fashion, and stick to it.  Before you know it, the warm weather will return, and you’ll be ready to relax by the poolside instead of scrambling to complete pool-opening tasks.

Relax by the Pool

Fix-A-Leak the Fast and Inexpensive Way!

Fix-A-Leak

Hopefully, your pool is now protected for the winter and properly closed (unless you are one of the few lucky enough to live in a tropical location year round). If you DID have a winter time disaster, such as frozen pipes, do you know how to solve to problem come spring? For cracked pipes or leaking pools, excavation can be extremely expensive. Try Fix-A-Leak first. a blended concentrated material designed to seal leaks in virtually any material. It works extremely well on all types of plastics, from spas to plumbing. Fix a leak forms a permanent seal on holes up to 1/8″ in diameter. It is perfect for leaks in the walls, floor, or shell of a pool or hot tub. One quart works on up to 22,000 gallons and cures in 48 hours. At under $30.00 a quart, it will save hundreds or even thousands of dollars versus excavation.

Things to Remember for Winter Time Pools

Most people have already closed their pool for the season and protected it with a winter or safety cover. Have you thought of the other things that need protection around your pool? Pool heaters, when not in use, should be covered to be sure that they are not damaged by snow or ice. All floats, rafts, and pool toys should be stored away in a dry environment and left out in the elements. Diving board covers provide protection from staining that can occur from debris that rests on the board. This eliminates the need to remove the board and find a dry, warm place to store it during the winter months. You may also want to consider adding a leaf net over your winter cover to make spring opening a breeze.

Unbeatable Pool Gift Is Practical, Fun, and Inexpensive

Remote Control Pool Skimmer

Some would argue that the best gifts are practical gifts that serve a purpose and make the life of the recipient a little bit easier.  But, there’s no rule that states that practical gifts can’t also be fun.  Choosing a practical gift for your favorite pool owner that is not only fun but also inexpensive would be even better. 

Remote control pool skimmers, for example, make practical and fun gifts that are also quite inexpensive. Pool skimmers aid in pool maintenance by skimming the surface of the water and picking up floating leaves and other debris. Remote control pool skimmers make this necessary job more fun. Kids and adults enjoy steering the skimmer around the pool, and surface cleaning becomes less of a chore.