Pentair/Sta-Rite Automation Systems

Having an at-home swimming pool can add so much to your summer! However, a swimming pool also takes a lot of time and effort, also a maintenance schedule can be very restrictive. Pentair/Sta-Rite has developed a line of automation systems that make it easier for you to maintain and monitor your swimming pool, even when you’re not at home. Pentair’s latest equipment offers you the option of built-in automation, like the system in the new Pentair/Sta-Rite IntelliCenter series. Built-in automation allows you to operate your pool more easily and efficiently. 

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Do you need an alarm for your swimming pool?

Pool safety is something that every swimming pool owner must constantly be aware of. A body of water can be dangerous to pets, kids, and even adults who are not prepared for the water. If you’ve installed a swimming pool, you know all about rules and regulations about pool safety. But, there is always a way to go above and beyond. 

Many conscientious pool owners have asked themselves if they need an alarm for their swimming pool. The answer depends on how you will use the alarm, and whether all of your other safety precautions are in place.  Continue reading Do you need an alarm for your swimming pool?

The Importance of Closing your Pool Correctly for the Winter 

Each autumn, pool owners have the sad task of shutting down the pool for winter. Closing the pool signifies the end of the summer, and a weekend full of a lot of work. After seasonal care, maintenance and small repairs, it can seem daunting to have to clean and close everything correctly.

You may be tempted to cut corners as you move through the process of closing down your swimming pool. But, closing each component of your swimming pool correctly at the end of the season is absolutely essential to keeping it in great shape. Neglecting important parts of the closing process can lead to damage, repair bills, and a delay in opening the pool next summer. Worse than that, every time you damage a component of your swimming pool, you shorten the life of your investment.  Continue reading The Importance of Closing your Pool Correctly for the Winter 

How to Cut your Solar Cover to Perfectly fit your Swimming Pool

The right solar cover can add up to 17 degrees to your average swimming pool temperature over the summer. But, a solar cover needs to be the right size and shape for your swimming pool for it to work correctly. Solar covers come in a variety of sizes, but most of them are rectangular or oval in shape. If you have an oddly-sized pool or an irregular pool shape, you may need to cut your solar cover to fit your swimming pool correctly.

Luckily, it is very easy to cut a solar cover to fit any swimming pool.

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Making sure your swimming pool is safe and legally compliant

Swimming pools are incredibly fun and encourage quality outdoor time every day of the summer.  Unfortunately for homeowners, a swimming pool (and any body of water) can also be incredibly dangerous. As every responsible homeowner knows, every time swimmers are in your pool, it is essential that they are supervised, and that the pool area is free of hazards. But, what about those times when no one is around the pool?  Continue reading Making sure your swimming pool is safe and legally compliant

Vinyl Liners 101

Vinyl-lined swimming pools are incredibly common in Canada, and across North America. Vinyl pools provide a durable, flexible and comfortable way for your family to enjoy their own pool at home. You have a lot of options when it comes to the materials in your swimming pool, but vinyl has remained a popular choice, particularly for pool owners with small children. 

If you’re looking for a new swimming pool and thinking about your options or hoping to learn a bit more about vinyl pools, you’ve come to the right place. By understanding more about your vinyl pool, you can maintain your liner correctly and save yourself time and frustration each summer season. 

What is vinyl swimming pool liner? 

All swimming pools have a similar design. But, the materials used to make a swimming pool will vary from yard to yard. Some swimming pools simply use the shell of the construction materials – concrete or fiberglass – as the outer surface of your pool. In a vinyl-lined pool, a thick, durable vinyl liner is placed between the pool wall and swimmers. This liner needs to be carefully measured and installed to be sure that all-important elements of the pool are protected and thoroughly coated. 

A vinyl liner created a water-tight seal that protects your pool walls and equipment and leaves you with a comfortable and easy to clean surface in your swimming pool. 

Does every swimming pool require a vinyl liner? 

Not every swimming pool requires a vinyl liner. But, vinyl-lined pools are very popular for homeowners, and all aboveground pools are lined in vinyl. If your swimming pool was manufactured with a vinyl liner, you’ll need to replace it to ensure your pool continues to operate correctly. 

Concrete pools are simply lined with concrete and do not require a liner to be installed for swimming. Pre-formed fiberglass swimming pools are also designed to be used without a vinyl liner in place. 

How much does it cost to replace a vinyl liner? 

Vinyl liners for swimming pools are carefully designed and manufactured to withstand swimming pool chemicals and to protect the structure of your pool. It is more expensive than you might think to replace and install a brand new vinyl liner. But, the cost of vinyl varies a lot from pool to pool. 

The size of your pool, the layout of your backyard, the thickness of the liner you purchase, and requests for patterns will all impact your final price. To make sure you make the right selection, you’ll need to work with a pool professional to find a firm quote and ensure your liner is installed correctly. 

Can I replace my swimming pool liner by myself? 

Replacing a vinyl liner is a very difficult job that requires experience, knowledge, and the right tools to complete correctly. Vinyl liners can be impacted by handling and even the temperature outside. Even the smallest mistakes during installation can lead to warping, stretching and tearing in a new liner. 

Some handy people are able to figure out how to install their vinyl liner correctly, but we do not recommend this approach. More often than not, a DIY liner installation results in disaster. When things go wrong, you’ll need to pay for a new liner, and the cost to have a professional install it correctly. 

How vinyl liners get damaged 

Vinyl liners are designed to last for many years, and are composed of very tough material. But, vinyl liners can be damaged when exposed to sharp objects or imbalanced pool water, especially if these conditions last over time. 

If your pool water is habitually out of balance in terms of chlorine and pH, your liner can become brittle, wrinkled, discolored and weak. This will all make your liner inflexible, meaning it more likely to fit badly, tear, or allow in leaks. A brittle, sagging or ill-fitting liner will need to be replaced much sooner than one that is cared for correctly. 

To prime your liner to last as long as possible, you should be sure to always keep your swimming pool’s alkalinity, chlorine, and pH in balance. You’ll also want to do everything you can to prevent your liner from damage, and to avoid patching it as long as possible.  Keeping pets, kids and sharp objects out of the pool can help you to avoid damage to your liner. 

Repairing your vinyl liner 

Sometimes, your vinyl liner can be damaged from an isolated incident. If you have a small tear in a liner that is otherwise in excellent shape, you may be able to repair your liner, rather than replace it altogether. 

Depending on the scope of the damage, a patch kit or service visit from a professional can help your liner to last a few more years. In some cases, even damage that seems very small can be enough to ruin your liner entirely. If you notice any kind of damage to your swimming pool liner, it is best to have it assessed and repaired immediately. 

Getting the most out of your vinyl liner 

For most swimmers, a vinyl-lined pool is what they are most familiar with when they imagine taking a swim. Vinyl-lined pools are easy to clean, durable and long-lasting. But, replacing a vinyl liner that has been damaged can be very expensive, and doing it more often than you need to can make the cost of owning a pool simply too high. 

Taking care of your vinyl liner will help it to last years longer. With some care and effort, you’ll be able to enjoy a pool that is more attractive, more affordable, and more likely to last for years.  

Swimming Pool Pumps 101

For many people who enjoy swimming, the function of the swimming pool system remains a mystery. But, a swimming pool system is very simple, and your pump provides most of the power. Your swimming pool pump powers circulates the water through your filter and allows all of your equipment and chemicals to function effectively. Understanding how your swimming pool pump works and the way it impacts your swimming pool is an excellent way to avoid issues and extend the life of your pool equipment. Whether you’re in the market for a new swimming pool pump or hoping to better understand how to manage your pool, this pool pump information can make your maintenance less intimidating.

Why do I need a swimming pool pump?

A swimming pool pump is essential for maintaining a clean and safe swimming pool. Stagnant water is very dangerous to swim in. Your swimming pool pump ensures that your swimming pool behaves more like a river than a stagnant pond. Circulating water from your pool pump keeps water flowing, allows your heat and chemicals to circulate, and prevents harmful pathogens from building up in the water.

A swimming pool pump is not just a bonus for your swimming pool. Without a quality swimming pool pump installed, you won’t be able to enjoy a safe and clean swimming pool.

Are there different types of swimming pool pumps?

There are a variety of ways that you can set up your swimming pool equipment. As a result, there is a huge variety of swimming pool pumps available, so you can always be sure that you make the right choice for your pool.

Swimming pool pumps vary based on the size of your pool, the horsepower required, what type of pool you have at home, and the function that you’re looking for in your swimming pool pump. When you select a new swimming pool pump, you’ll need to be sure that your pool pump is sized and powered correctly for your pool.

The horsepower of a swimming pool pump indicates how much water it can circulate over time. It is important that you find a pump that is powerful enough to handle your swimming pool size, or you won’t be able to circulate your water correctly.

You’ll need to choose a pump that matches the needs of your pool. Inground swimming pool pumps work with gravity, as they are usually situated above the waterline of your inground pool. On the other hand, above ground swimming pool pumps work against gravity, pushing water up and back into your swimming pool system.

How long do I need to run my swimming pool pump?

It is essential that you run your swimming pool pump for a minimum of 8 hours a day. If you have a larger swimming pool, you may find that a slightly longer run-time is best for your pool. Some people may run their swimming pool pump up to 12 hours a day to ensure their water is fresh, clean and circulated. But, if you have the right swimming pool pump installed, running your pump for 8 hours a day should be adequate for cleaning your water.

Can I turn off my pump when I go on vacation?

You should never turn off your swimming pool pump for more than a day during summer. A swimming pool that is left to sit stagnantly will quickly attract pests, bacteria, and algae. When closing up the pool for a vacation, many people wonder if they can turn off their pump as a way to save money during their trip. But, turning off your pool pump during a vacation can cause some serious problems for your swimming pool system and water.

If you turn off your pool pump while on vacation, you’ll return to a pool that is dirty, cloudy, and not safe to swim in. If you’re planning to go on vacation, be sure to keep your pump on a timer and have someone maintain your regular treatment schedule.

Maintaining a swimming pool pump

A swimming pool pump will last much longer and provide you with more effective and efficient circulation if you care for it properly. You’ll need to maintain your pump throughout each year for optimal performance.

Winterizing: When you close your pool for winter, you’ll need to ensure that you correctly winterize your pool pump and all of your swimming pool plumbing. Ideally, you should store your swimming pool pump should indoors to avoid any freezing damage.

Seals, gaskets and connections: Maintaining the seals, gaskets, and connections that lead to and from your pool pump is essential. These components ensure your system is water-tight and allows you to maintain the right pressure for your pool pump to function.

Water balance: Water that is out of balance, filled with calcium, or high in chlorine can cause damage to your pump over time. Ensuring the right water balance will ensure that your swimming pool pump lasts much longer.

Energy efficient swimming pool pumps

It is very expensive to operate a swimming pool pump. There are many new energy-efficient swimming pool pumps that can save you a lot of money on your pool operating costs each season. These modern swimming pool pumps give you all of the power and performance of traditional swimming pool pumps at a fraction of the energy usage.

Energy-efficient pumps are an excellent investment for your swimming pool and are truly the best option to invest in. The initial cost for an energy-efficient pump is higher, but what you spend in your pump, you’ll quickly save on your energy bills.

Quality swimming pool pump systems

There are many swimming pool pump models that are available that are simply not good enough to operate your swimming pool. If you’re looking to save money on your pool equipment, you’ve probably heard of low-cost pump options. But, they simply do not provide the function you need for your swimming pool and can cost more in the long run.

Most people who choose an unreliable or inadequate pool pump end up regretting it. Be sure to invest in a quality swimming pool pump that will give you years of efficient and reliable circulation for your pool. Choosing a reputable pool pump manufacturer will ensure you will be able to rely on a warranty, and get replacement parts to extend the life of your pump.

Circulation is essential for your swimming pool

Your swimming pool pump is the heart of your pool’s function. Your pump ensures that your water is circulated properly, allowing your filter, chemicals and heater to function correctly.

If you understand the function of your swimming pool pump, you can be sure to maintain it correctly, and make the perfect choice when it comes time to select a replacement. A well-maintained, quality pump will save you frustration and money every summer season.

Is an automatic pool cleaner worth the investment?

If you’re a pool owner, you’ve probably fantasized about a time when the pool would just take care of itself. Keeping a pool clean and sparkling every day of the summer takes a lot of work, and can cut into the time that you actually get to spend enjoying the water.

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The Benefits of Variable Speed Pumps VS. Single or Double Speed

Of the different pool renovations, repairs and accessories which reduce energy consumption, the one most often talked about is the pump, as it’s the piece of equipment that generally consumes the most energy. For this reason, finding a pump that suits your pool and reduces energy costs is an important task in the maintenance of your pool. You might find that your older, single or double speed pump is running your energy bills through the roof, and are considering a change.

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Sand VS Cartridge Filters

What is the Best Filter for a Swimming Pool?

Your pool’s filter plays a huge role in the maintenance of your pool, and is responsible for keeping your water clean, free of debris and contaminants. If you’re unaware of the way a filter works, and the kinds of pool filters available, you might have some trouble finding the correct one for your pool. The two most commonly used types of filters are Sand and Cartridge filters. These two offer different benefits, and vary significantly in how they work. In this article, we will outline the difference between these two kinds of filters so that you can have a more accurate picture of what each one can offer your pool. Continue reading Sand VS Cartridge Filters