How to Prepare Your Pool for Winter

Fall is in the air and everyone is throwing on their jackets and putting away their flip-flops. You have to begin to think about winterizing your pool and getting it ready for the cold winter months.

The first step is to begin balancing the water chemistry of your pool. We suggest a pH of between 7.2 and 7.6, an alkalinity of between 80 and 120 ppm, and a calcium hardness of 180 to 220 ppm. You should also shock the pool with a chlorine or non-chlorine shock. You want to make sure the chlorine levels return to 1.0 to 3.0 ppm before adding any winter algaecide and putting on your winter pool cover, since the chlorine tends to break down both of these.

For the winter months, you also need to remove any skimmer baskets, cleaners, ladders and solar covers. You should store these in a safe and stable location during the winter. You should also lower the water level in the pool with a submersible pump to 12 inches to 18 inches below the skimmer for mesh covers, and 3 inches to 6 inches below the tile for solid, floating covers. You should also drain or blow out all pumping, filtering, heating and chlorinating equipment so it doesn’t freeze and crack.

We also suggest lubricating the pump lid and push-pull valve’s o-rings. You should skim, vacuum and brush the pool as well. The pool should be clean and clear as possible before covering for the winter. You also need to winterize the pumping to and from the pool. For above ground pools, this means disconnecting the hoses to and from the pump and filter and plugging the wall outlets.

After you finish all of the above, you should add winterizing algaecide to the pool. You should never add algaecide and shock at the same time since the chlorine will just break down the algaecide and make it useless. Last but not least, you should cover the pool. A tight fit of the pool cover is essential to keep the pool clean and in good working condition. Mesh safety covers provide the highest protection and safety. Above ground pools use a cable device to secure the cover around the pool to prevent movement. Air pillows can also be used in above ground pools to absorb the expansion of ice inside the pool.

Getting your pool ready for the winter with pool supplies from Pools And stuff. It takes some work, but it will be worth it in the end when your pool is in great shape next spring.

Benefits of a Salt Water Pool

Every kid should get the chance to grow up with a pool. Sometimes it is not possible to have an in-ground pool so an aboveground pool is the perfect answer.  With a lower cost and all the same perks, above ground pools are gaining popularity. 

Due to the recent media coverage surround chemicals and how they can affect the body, many people are decreasing the amount of chemicals they are exposed to and have made changes in various areas of their lives to achieve this.  Converting your pool to a salt-water pool is a great option for those who fall into this camp.  These setups are virtually chemical free and offer more benefits than chlorine. 

There are some basic differences between a salt-water pool and a conventional chlorine-based pool.  Salt-water pools use a system like a Saltron Chlorine Generator to change the salt-water ions into chlorine to help sanitize your pool. The salt solution in the pool water is virtually undetectable and its concentration is less than that of human tears.  A Saltron system also has fewer odors, a more neutral smell and tends to be less harsh for your skin and eyes. 

Salt water pools have far less salt content than the ocean, but the same great benefits from the salt water including those that help your skin, stress levels, and overall health.  Swimming in salt water is cleansing and will leave your skin feeling smooth and supple.  It increases moisture retention, rejuvenates the skin by detoxifying and promotes cellular regeneration.  Salt water also reduces the inflammation of joints and muscles, leaving your body relaxed and stress free.  The minerals in salt water also offer health benefits.  The potassium present in salt water is beneficial because your blood needs it after exercise. Magnesium helps in making your nervous system healthy. The sodium in salt water keeps your immune system in check for appropriate fluid balance in your body. The calcium helps in keeping your bones and teeth healthy.

PoolsAndStuff.com carries many great salt water above ground pool options.  We have a standalone Saltron unit that you can add to any above ground pool and two dark blue Premier pools that can be used with salt water.  The Matrix and Bermuda are 100-percent corrosion resistant and can be used with salt systems as well.

Visit PoolsAndStuff.com to check out our amazing selection of Salt Water Pools.

The Best Summer Pool Party Games

The music is on and you have a hilarious group of your best friends and family members hanging out in your pool. Adults always channel their inner child when they are catching some rays in a pool, doing belly flops and splashing anyone trying to keep their hair dry. Sometimes, however, it might be a tough sell to actually get your adult guests into the pool. If that problem arises at your next event try some of these games to get things rolling.

The following are some of our favorite summer pool games:

• Pool Volleyball – You all remember the scene. Gaylord Focker is meeting his girlfriend’s parents and family when he hits his girlfriend’s sister square in the nose with the volleyball. Those competitive types need to take it easy during this game to not hurt those out to have fun. We recommend using a beach ball to slow the game down a little and limit the chances of someone getting hurt. All you need it to string a net across the pool and grab a beach ball. Bump, set, spike! 
• Marco, Polo – This is a great game for those with great senses and awareness. Someone closes their eyes and has to tag the others in the pool. When the person who is it says “Marco” the others have to respond with polo. Just close your eyes and go. 
• Parlor or Drinking Games – Swim up blackjack tables are always a hit with the gambling types. They also make inflatable beer pong tables for the pool where you try to bounce your ping-pong ball into the other players’ cup of beer. Check out our selection of pool games and pool toys.

Having plenty of floating pool chairs is also a great way to get your guests to relax and enjoy themselves in your pool. Check out our pool accessories for more great entertaining ideas. Also, send us any more great pool games or post them on our Pools And Stuff Facebook page to be featured in a future post!

Soft-Sided Above Ground Pools

Above-ground soft-sided pools have become increasingly popular in the past several years due to their combination of easy installation and low cost. With improved strength and durability they make a great economical option for families seeking an instant improvement to their backyard entertainment space. The average family can assemble a soft-side pool in just an hour and move it as often as needed without damage to any of the parts.

Soft-sided pools come in different shapes including round and rectangular, to suit any taste. These pools can also be a variety of depths and sizes, making it easy for homeowners to find one that fits their needs. The pools can be placed on any surface including grass, dirt, concrete, or even sand or gravel, and have liners that are extremely durable and puncture resistant. They can, in some instances, even be placed on uneven ground without issue, although level ground is always the best choice for the pool.

The soft-sided pools usually come with the pump, pool cleaning kit and ladder. They can last several years or more with proper care and cleaning. In cold climates, these pools may degrade slightly faster to due to exposure to ice and snow, but they are still a very durable and affordable option for backyard aboveground pools. Pro-Series makes a great selection of soft-sided above ground pools that are a great quality and are built to last. Check out the many styles and options at PoolsAndStuff.com. Compared to Intex® brand pools, Pro-Series soft side pools offer great value and features.

The Pro-Series offers a powerful surface skimmer that helps remove leaves and has a removable built-in skimmer basket for easy cleaning. It also includes a pump and filter system that attaches to the side wall, keeping it out of the way and safe.

If you a looking for a best quality check out our Premier Soft-Side Pool models, made in the USA.

With all the benefits of above ground pools including low cost, portability, ease of installation, many features and options, as well as easy maintenance, soft-sided pools might be the perfect option for your family to make this summer the best one yet. Visit our website for more details and an amazing selection of soft-sided pools to fit your needs and style. We also offer free shipping in the 48 states. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=boWFW9oxA4U

Benefits of Above-Ground Pools

Above-ground pools are making a comeback due to their many benefits. With the new innovations in the above-ground pool market and all the exciting bonuses of purchasing this type of pool, people are looking towards them more or more to satisfy their want to have sensational swimming in their own backyard. Here are some benefits and highlights to purchasing an above-ground pool instead of in-ground pool.

The benefits include:

• Cost - The major benefit of an above-ground pool is the cost. When compared to an in-ground pool, the savings is many thousands and thousands of dollars. Also, in-ground pools add to the value of your home and cause your home to be assessed at a higher rate, increasing your property taxes. This is typically not an issue with an above-ground pool since it is not a permanent addition to a home. 
• Portability - The portability of an above-ground pool is also a major benefit. You can relocate the pool if you redesign your backyard landscape or want it in a sunnier location, or take it with you if you purchase a new home. Above-ground pools offer a great deal of flexibility and size options to fit your needs. You can also take them down after summer to allow the use of your full yard during winter or the off-season if needed. 
• Ease of Installation - The installation of an above-ground pool is simple and painless compared to the long process of installing an in-ground pool. Instead of tearing apart the backyard, above-ground pools can be installed in less than a day with minimal intrusion to current backyard landscaping. 
• Similar Features - Above-ground pools come with many different features and accessories including diving boards, steps, slides and more. They come in all shapes and sizes to accommodate a huge crowd or small family. Enjoying your backyard pool is equally as rewarding above ground as it is in-ground. 
• Safer Option - Depending on how you set up the above-ground pool, it is typically more difficult for small children or pets to fall in. You can remove the ladder when the pool is not in use, making it nearly impossible to enter, making it a safer alternative to in-ground setups. There are also a full range of safety ladders for above ground pools. Some have a flip up ladder, some have locking gates, and more
• Easier Maintenance - Despite still needing chemicals and a filter, above-ground pools are smaller than in-ground pools and require less chemicals and water. Also, above ground pool heating options can be cheaper as well. 

There are many benefits to consider when deciding between an in-ground or above-ground pool. There are now so many options for above-ground pools, allowing you to easily move the pool with you if you move. You also save money across the board. Look at all of your options and weigh the benefits to help you make the best decision for your new pool, just in time for summer!

ADA Pool Regulations - Lifts for Compliance

There is a lot of talk about the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and the regulations needed to make commercial pools ADA compliant. Some residential pools with disabled users will also be excited to learn about the innovative options with pool lifts and how they can make your pool a great experience for even those that need assistance.

Based on 2010 regulations, all public accommodations including hotels, resorts, timeshares, and more must bring certain elements of their facilities into compliance with the 2010 ADA standards as of March 15, 2012. An extension has been granted for pools, but don't wait. Manufacturing and shipping lead times can be as long as 8 weeks.

Elements of these new compliance laws include that any commercial pool under 300 feet must have a sloped entry or a pool lift. Commercial pools larger than 300 linear feet need two forms of access, one of which must be a sloped entry or pool lift.

Spas, wave action pools and leisure rivers, wading pools and sand bottom pools all need one access point. Wading pools must have a sloped entry. If you have multiple pools or bodies of water, the Patriot Portable Pool Lift or Revolution Pool Lift might be the perfect option to serve different areas.

In order to confirm your current pool lift is ADA compliant, make sure it has a lifting capacity of at least 300 pounds, a footrest that accompanies the seat into the water, except for spas. A manually cranked or manually rotated lift is not ADA compliant.

You can review the entire new requirements at the ADA website here. (http://www.ada.gov/).

Pools And Stuff has many great options for pool lifts and aquatic wheelchairs for all of your ADA compliance needs. Our qualified staff can help figure out the best option for your pool set up, as well as offer free shipping in the 48 states. Meeting the new ADA Pool Regulations can be easy!

 

Making Your Pool Eco-Friendly

Green and Eco-friendly ideas are touching every part of people’s lives today. There is always a way to make everything in your life more Eco-conscious, and your swimming pool is no different. Here are our top four ways to make your pool more Eco-friendly:

1. Upgrade Your Pool Pump. If you have a one-speed pool pump, you can switch to a variable-speed pool pump model. Despite being a higher initial upfront cost, these models run more efficiently and allow owners to see a 30 to 70 percent savings on electricity within the first month. These pumps can be programmed to run at lower speeds for circulation and a higher speed for the cleaning cycle. Or you can have them run at a low speed all day and night to help circulate the water during hot weather temperatures.

2. Switch to LED Pool Lights. New LED lighting for your pool not only provides superior brightness and appearance, but is also 80% more efficient than standard lighting. Combine superior style with energy saving efficiency at the same time.

3. Heat for Cheap. Supplement your pool heating system with solar power. Retain the heat in your pool’s water with proper pool covers or pool solar blankets. Remember that keeping a warm pool uncovered on a cool night is like leaving your refrigerator open all day.

4. A Smarter Filter. Many new cartridge style pool filter systems are simpler to operate and last for several seasons. Not having to replace sand each year not only saves time and money, it also saves the environment. Also, these filter systems are so efficient they require filtration less often, saving even more energy (and the environment!).

These are just a few of the ways you can enjoy your swimming pool and keep an eye out for the environment at the same time. So what are you waiting for? Dive in and check out the latest in pool accessories today.