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.
Tag: Pool Maintenance
Pool Care During the Winter
During the winter months, it can be depressing to look at your pool and remember the fun of summer. You might be tempted to ignore your swimming pool until the first warm days of early summer. But during the winter, your pool and outdoor equipment are exposed to temperatures and conditions that can be very damaging. It is important that you prepare your swimming pool to withstand winter. But it is also essential that you check your pool regularly throughout the winter season. In Canada, our winters can be very harsh, and winter damage can shorten an already narrow summer swimming period. Make sure to get the most out of your swimming pool by taking care of it all year long.
Best Swimming Pool Apps for your Smartphone
Swimming pool design and technology has come a long way, and there are many helpful smartphone apps that can help you with everything from managing water chemistry to planning your summer season.
If you’re looking for a better way to control and manage your pool, apps are a great place to start. We’ve put together a list of the best swimming pool apps that can help you to manage your pool more effectively.
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New Homebuyer’s Guide to Pool Maintenance
If you’ve purchased a home with a swimming pool, congratulations! A swimming pool can add so much to your home each summer – encouraging your family to socialize, exercise, and spend more time together. But before you dive in and enjoy your new pool, you’ll need to be sure you understand each of its components and how to operate the pool correctly. We’ve put together a homebuyer’s guide to pool maintenance so you can learn tips and tricks on how to properly and cost-effectively maintain your pool and familiarize yourself with your pool equipment.
With a little work when you first take over the pool, you can ensure your swimming pool operation is easier and more cost-effective for many summers to come. Continue reading New Homebuyer’s Guide to Pool Maintenance
Weather impacts on your swimming pool water
One of the major factors that impact your swimming pool is the weather outside. From week to week and even day to day, changing temperatures, rainfall, and sun exposure can all impact the way your swimming pool functions and what it needs. By understanding a bit more about how weather impacts your swimming pool water, you’ll be able to adjust your maintenance approach to ensure the weather doesn’t negatively impact your pool. Continue reading Weather impacts on your swimming pool water
How to Clean your Swimming Pool from Leaves
Having a leafy backyard can create unique challenges for swimming pool owners. Leaves and berries can easily drop into your pool, causing problems with debris, dirt and clarity. This can be especially difficult as autumn approaches and you get ready to close your swimming pool. This problem can be so frustrating that many people will avoid planting trees at all so it doesn’t add to their pool care needs.
With some planning and a regular cleaning schedule, you can overcome the challenge of having a leafy backyard area, and enjoy a sparkling clean pool this summer. Keep these tips in mind if you’re hoping to cultivate a garden oasis in your backyard.
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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.
Understanding chlorine levels in your swimming pool
When it comes to keeping your swimming pool water clean, chlorine is the most essential chemical in your maintenance routine. There are many steps you need to take to keep your pool water in balance and sparkling clean. But none of these steps will work without the right chlorine levels.
The chlorine levels in your swimming pool should always be maintained between 1.0 and 3.0 parts per million. These levels will keep your water safe and clean. There are many ways that you can choose to add chlorine to your swimming pool water.
Using testing kits can make it easier to keep your chlorine levels stable, but there are many different factors that impact your chlorine levels, usage, and demand. Understanding more about how chlorine functions in your swimming pool water can help you to keep your levels stable and constant. With the right chlorine balance, your swimming pool water will be clean, clear, and easier to maintain.
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The Frugal Pool Owner: Cost Saving Dos and Don’ts for Your Pool
Operating a swimming pool each summer can be very expensive. Maintenance, chemicals, repairs, and energy costs all add up quickly. But, the cost of running a swimming pool is not fixed, and there are many ways that you can save money while enjoying the pool each summer.
It is never a good idea to compromise on what you need to keep your pool safe and clean. But, we’ve put together a list of practical tips you can use to save some money next summer (and, over the life of operating your pool).
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How Does Smart Pool Automation Work?
When homeowners make the investment in turning their house into a Smart Home, the pool is an area that is often overlooked. But your swimming pool is also the area of your home with the most potential for added convenience through automation.
Pool technology has come a long way, and smart technology now makes it easier than ever to maintain the essential features of your pool, even from a distance. With some adjustments and updates to your pool system, you can maximize the effectiveness of your pool appliances while saving energy and money, all through your smartphone or tablet.