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| The Autopilot Digital Salt Chlorine Generator is one of the most technically advanced salt chlorinators available today. This digital all-in-one unit uses a microprocessor to control salt level calculations and digital readouts. With the digital readout you can see the water temperature, salt level and salt amount that needs to be added if its running low. Autopilot has also incorporated a temperature compensator feature that can adjust the chlorine production to the demands when the water temperature changes! |
Features:
- Digital Display for easy red-outs and diagnostics
- Can operate in water up to 104 degrees
- Built in freeze protection keeps your system safe in harsh temperatures
- Can operate at salt levels up to 35,000 ppm
- Salt cells offer a lifetime trade-in value
- Includes soft reverse cell cleaning
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| The DIG-36 comes with the Autopilot bypass manifold which houses the salt cell (SC-36). This manifold uses a spring check valve to regulate the amount of water that flows through the cell. If the water flow ever reaches past 20pgm, the excess water does not pass through the cell; resulting in a more consistent water flow. |
| The Autopilot DIG-36 salt chlorine system offers cutting edge technology with a easy to use system to give you one of the most efficient salt chlorinators available. |
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| Posted by PoolGuru on February 25,2009 08:32 AM |
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Swimming pool lighting can be an expensive feature to include when building your pool or for someone that didn’t have it installed originally and wants to have a light in their pool. Well there is a solution to adding a pool light without having to break bank, the answer is the GlowBuoy. The GlowBuoy is a simple floating device that has the power to light up a 20 x 40 foot pool.
The GlowBuoy creates a 360 degree of warm ambient lighting that is affordable and effective. It comes with a rechargeable battery that last about 6 hours of operation. By being under $100, the GlowBuoy is perfect for pool owners that didn’t think they could afford pool lighting but always wanted it.
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Features:
- Easy to use and setup, just put in your pool and turn on
- Designed to last for years of normal use
- Includes cradle for easy storage
- Solid design can withstand hard pool decks
- Creates a 360 degree light illumination
- The outside doesn’t have any sharp or abrasive edges so you pool liner will be safe
- Optional colored lenses available
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The GlowBuoy pool light is a great way to make your pool experience better without making you go broke in the process. We recommend the GlowBuoy for any above ground or in ground pool that could use some illumination.
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| Posted by PoolGuru on February 25,2009 08:00 AM |
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The Goldline AquaRite Salt chlorine system is a complete salt chlorinator setup made by Hayward. The AquaRite delivers soft, silky water with no chlorine odor. With salt chlorinators becoming the new standard for pools, it would be a good idea to upgrade to a system that you know will give you the best results.
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Benefits:
- Never buy, measure or mix old fashioned chlorine again
- No more red eyes, itchy skin, or strong chlorine odors
- Up to 40,000 gallon capacity
- Superior water quality
- Easy to use and low maintenance with low operating costs
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With AquRite’s advanced electrolytic technology, a small amount of ordinary salt turns into a virtual endless supply of pure chlorine. Salt does not evaporate so the cycle keeps repeating and requires minimal adding of salt. You can actually see how a salt cell works for more information about the technology salt chlorinators use.
The AquaRite system can be easily added to any existing pool filtration system so you can start saving money and taking the first step to having a eco-friendly pool.
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With easy to follow directions and setup, the AquaRite is the perfect solution to any pool owner that wants to save my and have a all around better experience in their pool.
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| Posted by PoolGuru on February 25,2009 07:41 AM |
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| At the start of a new swim season, it is a good idea to inspect all your pool equipment, plumbing and if you have an above ground pool; the liner. A solid liner is critical to your pool and should be inspected every year at least. If you determine that you do in fact need to replace your pool liner, we have prepared a helpful guide on getting started and replacing your liner. |
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Drain the Pool
The first thing you need to do is drain the pool, this can be done in a few different ways and varies depending on the pool. You can use a sump pump or can use your pool vacuum and turn your pump to waste and it should start pumping out the water. |
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Removing the Old Liner
You will now need to remove your top cap / top rail; this is the piece on the top of the wall that actually secures the liner in place. Once the top cap / rail is off you can discard the old liner. Once the liner has been removed you should inspect the walls and floor to make sure there is nothing that could potentially damage the new liner. |
| The New Liner Take note the size of your pool ( at this point you can measure the size if you don’t know ) and go about purchasing a new pool liner. A word to the wise, don’t always go with the cheapest liner available, the thickness (mil size) often determines how durable the liner is. Now is a good chance to purchase some preventative protection since you have the liner out. |
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A good way to do this is purchasing a Liner Guard to protect the bottom of your pool from any foreign objects puncuring the bottom of your pool. Liner Guard is made from a geotextile material this gives a soft cushy feeling while protecting foreign objects from penetrating your liner. |
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But Best way to save yourself time and money later on is purchasing a Perfect Pool Bottom Kit, these kits use hard flat polymer material that give you a super smooth pool bottom that reduces your need for sand while protecting you from any harmful objects. |
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Installation
It is a good idea to install on a warm sunny day to allow the new liner to become more flexible and relax the wrinkles. You should layout the liner according to the instructions or labels on the liner. Make sure that the liner seams meet where the wall and floor meets.
Once you have the position right, pull the liner evenly over the walls until a small center area is still touching the ground. The liner should be draped over the wall, now you need to attach top cap of the wall over the liner but DON’T fasten it down. This will give the liner some support while filling, you can now start to add the water. As the pool starts to fill up remove portions of the top caps to release more of the liner evenly around the pool. You should work your way around the pool repeating this process until the entire pool floor is filled with 6 inches of water and your liner is properly positioned. Now attach the top cap / rail and fasten it down to hold the liner in position.
Continue filling and that’s about it. Before you start your pump you might need to prime it to avoid running without any water and damaging the pump. |
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| Posted by PoolGuru on February 24,2009 08:36 AM |
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Starting your pool is a important step for some pool owners, it’s a time to check out your pool equipment and make sure your water is properly balanced before summer. This bit of maintenance is a preventative measure that can save you quite a bit of money and time later on in the pool season when you really want to use your pool. We have compiled some tips to help you get your pool ready:
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Purchase a start up kit
Each swimming pool start up kit comes with the essential chemicals to start you pool in spring. These are kits that are easily purchased for your appropriate pool size. These kits will clear your water after sitting all winter and get your pool sparkling in no time. Each kit contains the following,
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2 lbs Crystal Clear EZ shock
The Crystal Clear EZ shock is a quick dissolving formula that doesn’t cloud your water and gives you that extra clarity you want. This kills the bacteria and algae that can build up over the winter.
1 qt rust, stain and scale preventer
If you have heavy iron counts in your water, a rust, stain and scale remover is a must. This will get rid of any stains or brown that might occur due to mineral deposits
1 qt algae control
A green pool is never a good thing, so using the non-metallic algaecide algae control is a great way to keep you pool algae free all summer long
1 water sample bottle
We have also included a water sample bottle for testing of your water and helping achieve the proper balance.
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Tune up your pool cleaner
Another way to make sure your pool stays clean after you get it balanced and looking great is to make sure your cleaner is running right. If your pool cleaner is getting old or not quite cleaning the pool as efficiently as it used to, you might want to consider a pool cleaner tune-up kit. This will include a rebuild kit of the most common parts that tend to wear out. This will get your pool cleaner working better and save you money not having to buy a new cleaner.
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A dual speed pool pump lets you run the pump at a lower speed to circulate the water and increases the speed when you need to run pool cleaners or water features. This use less energy saving you money every time you pool pump is on.
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These are just a few ways you can get your pool ready for spring, you can learn more in our Pool Supply World Blog.
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| Posted by PoolGuru on February 24,2009 07:56 AM |
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| The easiest way to save money and keep your pool looking and feeling great is to keep it as clean as possible. The cleaner the better, this should be your motto to live by when it comes to you pool. When you keep your pool clean, it causes a chain reaction of events that help prevent you from having to spend more on repairs and chemicals. |
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Use a Automatic Cleaner
The first key component to keeping your pool clean is use a automatic pool cleaner, this saves you from having to be out there every day cleaning the pool. At the same time a automatic cleaner that has some type of filtration would be even better to help cut down the need for backwashing. |
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Filtration is Key
Backwashing can also be used to cut down costs, by keeping your water maintained and balanced to allow your filter element to do its job the best it can. If you wanted to save on water and not have to backwash you can change your filter to a cartridge filter (if you don’t have one already). If you do have a sand or DE filter, replacing the sand/DE will help filter the water better as well. |
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| A way to help keep your pool as clean as possible that doesn’t cost anything is cleaning debris from trees or the landscaping with low-tech tool like a skimmer net or rake. This takes the debris out of the pool so the chemicals don’t have to break them down. A solar cover is a great way to help out with this and keep debris out all together as well as make your water retain heat better. |
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Don't Drain if you don't have to
Lastly, you should not drain your pool unless you have a major water quality problem or you need to make a repair. If it’s clean there is no need to drain it and waste the water. When it comes to your spa, a properly balanced spa only will need to be changed 2 – 3 times a year if you use new water cleaning technology. |
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| Posted by PoolGuru on February 24,2009 07:30 AM |
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| NOx stands for a group of highly reactive gases that contain nitrogen and oxygen in different amounts. Nitrogen oxides are mainly colorless and odorless, although nitrogen dioxide (NO2) can be seen as a reddish-brown layer in the air. Nitrogen oxide is a fuel that is burned at high temperatures and the most common sources of NO2 is motor vehicles or anything that burns fossil fuels. |
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One of the main ingredients involved in the formation of ground-level ozone is NOx, which can trigger respiratory problems. A few harmful facts about NOx are:
- Contributes to global warming
- Reacts to form nitrate particles, acid aerosols, and NO2 which cause respiratory problems
- Contributes to nutrient over load that deteriorates water quality
- Reacts to form toxic chemicals
- Contributes to form acid rain
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NOx is the cause of a wide variety of health and environmental problems because of its various compounds in the family of nitrogen oxides, including nitrogen dioxide, nitric acid, nitrous oxide, nitrates and nitric oxide.
This makes purchasing a pool heater that receives low NOx emissions rating a helpful to not only your health but the environment as well. To learn more learn more about NOx you can visit the EPA website. |
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| Posted by PoolGuru on February 18,2009 07:45 AM |
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| If your swimming pool pump is starting to run loud, or make strange noises or even not run at all then it might be time for a new pump motor. This might be a scary situation for some people but it’s not as bad as you think. We’re here to help you easily identify your replacement motor, this is a very important step because you need to find a motor that has your same spec’s in order for your pool to filter properly. Below we have included a picture of a typical pump label; this label has all the important items highlighted that you should look for: |
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| As you can see the important items to match up are the horsepower, voltage, amperage, hertz, service factor, and phase. Matching up these items on your new pump will ensure that your water will be filtered correctly. We also recommend that you purchase a go-kit that includes new shaft seal gasket and other miscellaneous gaskets and seals that should be replaced. |
| Now that you have a idea of what you will need, replacing your pool pump motor yourself will save you money and make you more knowledgeable of how your pool filtration system works. |
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| Posted by PoolGuru on February 17,2009 09:07 AM |
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| Chances are if you’re a pool owner, at one point you will have to replace your pool pump motor. But never fear we are here to get you started on the process. Before we start on this journey I need to say that if you’re not comfortable with testing electrical connections or disconnecting your pump / pool equipment, call a professional to come out and replace the pump. |
| The first thing you want to do is check to make sure that it’s actually the pool pump that is bad and not just a electrical connection problem. To do this, use a voltmeter and test the connection going to the pump when it should be running. If there is power going to the pump and it’s not working then it needs to be replaced so go in a make sure to switch the breaker OFF at the panel box or you run the risk of a bad electrocution! |
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| You will want to write down all the information on the pump label to get all the specifics of your pump, this way you can make sure to get a replacement pump that matches your old one in performance. It’s a good idea to check for leaks or any problems in the plumbing and purchase any parts if needed. |
| Once you have all your necessary parts it’s time to get in there and start disconnecting the old pump. You should disconnect the power and ground wires from the motor and label them to remember which is which later. Next you will want to disconnect the supply and return lines the come / go to the pool; this might be a good time to install a union in the pvc pipe to make repairing later easier. |
| Once you have the old motor out you will want to put in on the supplied base or wood and level the pump. Now size all your plumbing getting the inlet and outlet in the right position to make the connections. Now connect the plumbing to the pump, then reconnect the wires that you have labeled according to the manufacturers wiring diagram. Once everything is wired back up and all the plumbing connections are made you don’t want to turn the pump on right away, the pvc glue needs to dry for a few hours or however long the glue recommends. |
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| Now our glue is dry and a pump is wired up, for the first time start you want to fill the basket chamber with water so the pump can prime itself, and then close the lid. Double check that all your connections are tight and make sure the on off switch is in the off position before you turn the power on. You can now turn back on the breaker then go back to your pump and turn on the service switch to check for power and the correct wiring. If the pump starts with no strange noise then turn it back on again and let it run and you have installed correctly. If there are weird noises or leaks you need to turn off and repair / troubleshoot. |
| You should always refer to your manufacturers manual when doing any install but now you replace your swimming pool pump and save yourself some money. |
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| Posted by PoolGuru on February 13,2009 07:55 AM |
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| You’ve decided to buy one of the best pool pumps on the market today, the Pentair Intelliflo. But the problem is you don’t know if you need the Intelliflo VF or the Intelliflo VS. With both pumps being built on the renown Intelliflo platform, you can be guaranteed that this pool pump with be efficient and durable. The differences between the VF and the VS are in features, they both use the same permanent magnet motor to cut down on energy consumption and both operate at lower speeds than traditional pumps but get the same results to save you even more on energy costs. The noticeable difference is the control panel on the pump is different on the VF then the VS. |
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Both pumps have a variable speed control that can be programmed or changed manually, but the Intelliflo VF has a digital readout that shows you exactly how fast the pump is going. The VF also includes programmed modes for easy 1 button access to features such as, filter mode, vacuum mode, and can even backwash with the push of a button. Also included is a feature button that all you program in other equipment such as spas, waterfalls or water features. The VF also has the ability to automatically adjust itself to the most optimum performance necessary for your pool even when conditions change. |
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On the other hand the Intellifo VS includes the same ability to have the speed configured to your pools needs but it must be done manually and with no digital readout of how fast it’s going. There are 4 programmable setting so you can vary your speeds when necessary. |
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| Along with built in diagnostics and a totally enclosed fan cooled design that delivers a pump that runs at about half a whisper, the Intelliflo VF and VS combine all the features to make it a top of the line eco-friendly pool pump that help you save 30 – 90% on your energy costs to run. |
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| Posted by PoolGuru on February 13,2009 07:47 AM |
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| Choosing a pool heater is a very important decision, it will need to be a purchase that is research and thought through carefully. With a heater that is too small you won’t noticed the temperature change and waste your money, where if the heater is too big you will be also wasting money when you don’t have too. So we’ve put together a comparison of 3 of Jandy’ s popular swimming pool heaters to highlight what makes each different from the next and what will benefit you the most. |
| Here is a breakdown of the Jandy Hi-E2, LXi and LJ series heaters, for this comparison all three heaters are natural gass and in the 350k – 400k BTU range: |
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- 95% heating efficiency (often pays for itself in about 2 years with energy savings)
- Forced air induction system makes it great for extreme weather / unusual locations
- Eco-friendly NOx emissions, which exceeds environmental standards
- No need for pilot lighting with the hot surface ignition system
- Made of high-tech composite materials for superior quality
- Dual Thermostat controls
- LCD display with built in freeze protection
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- 33% lighter and 15% smaller footprint
- Easy installation with universal 2 in. offset unions
- Lo NOx through fan assisted combustion with multiple vents
- High efficiency C-Fin heat exchanger to lower energy consumption
- 1 touch automation controls
- No need for pilot lighting with the hot surface ignition system
- Dual Thermostat controls
- LCD display with built in freeze protection
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| Lite 2 LJ: |
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- Flow through heat baffles allow efficient heat transfer
- Lighter and more compact due to ceramic fiber combustion
- No need for pilot lighting with the hot surface ignition system
- Dual Thermostat controls
- LCD display with built in freeze protection
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| As far as cost wise the Jandy Hi-E2 is the most expensive but has the most features and potentially pays for itself in energy savings over other heaters. The LXi is in the middle cost-wise and offers a good amount of features for a lower price. Lastly the Lite 2 LJ heater is the most affordable out of the 3 but lacks in the features that the other 2 do. |
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| Posted by PoolGuru on February 13,2009 07:31 AM |
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| Swimming pool supplies might not be the first thing you think of when it comes to shopping online, but it would be in your best interest and your wallets to realize the benefits of ordering pool supplies online. There are numerous advantages to buying pool supplies and equipment but the one that everyone can appreciate is the savings you’ll find. |
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| Cost is the most important factor when shopping and most retail pool supply stores will try to charge you MSRP prices because they know most people feel like they don’t have a choice and would rather walk into a store and talk to someone about what they need. With the internet you can do all your research on any product you could imagine, then look around for the best available price, which typically can be 30 – 50% less then pool stores. Doing your research prior to buying is a crucial key to getting the best deal. Make sure you know what you are looking at and it is what you want down to color, size, and shape; if you’re not sure, ask! |
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| Another nice thing about shopping online, with anything really is the fact that you can comparison numerous stores at the same time from the comfort of your own home. If you’re worried about high shipping costs, you can look around at different stores and find ones that have free shipping. Another great advantage of using the internet is that you can check to see if company is rated by the better business bureau, which can ensure that you’re dealing with a company that is reputable. But there is another thing that you should look for when finding an online store to buy your pool supplies from and that is if they have a customer service department. |
| A lot of online stores don’t have a customer service department and this should be a red flag because if you can’t get a hold of them with a question, chances are if they mess up something on your order you won’t be able to get a hold of them. So make sure there is a phone number or a customer service number that you can get a hold of someone if necessary. You should ask questions like, “are you working from home?” and if they stutter then more than likely that’s a yes. Believe it or not the pool business is riddled with home base internet companies. Do you really want someone who is juggling getting their laundry done while they take your $1500 plus heater pump order? A good company will politely respond no; my co-workers and I work in a nice office space as a team to best help you. |
| A helpful tip for anyone that wants to save the most money on their pool supplies is to sign up for email lists. Online stores want to communicate with you and can use these as a way to inform their customers about specials and sale items they offer at limited times and can be a chance to save a lot on items you might need or are looking for. |
| With all this knowledge we recommend doing your research and looking around online and seeing what you could find, you won’t be disappointed. |
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| Posted by PoolGuru on February 12,2009 09:39 AM |
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If you own a above ground pool, using Nature2 Express is a must, Bottom line. This is by far the easiest way to reap the benefits of natural alternative sanitation using your existing filter system. The Express installs simply to you return line and is activated. That’s it, no wiring or intensive re-plumbing involved.
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The Nature2 Express works by directing the water going back to your pool through the Natere2 cartridge were it is treated with a combination of silver, copper and other natural minerals then is sent back to your pool delivering cleaner, softer water. This also allows you to use less chlorine limiting the chances of burning eyes and strong odors.
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Some of the benefits of the Nature2 Express are:
- Available for pools up to 25,000 gallons
- Easy in-line installation, needing no extra parts
- Controlled release technology ensures the right amount of mineral levels
- Easy to replace cartridge
- Cartridge lasts 6 months
- Includes a limited 1-year warranty
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Learn more about the Nature2 Express pool sanitizer or finding Nature2 Express replacement cartridges…
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| Posted by PoolGuru on February 12,2009 08:31 AM |
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| Knowing your pool size is a crucial element when looking for any pool equipment or chemicals. You need to know how much water you have in your pool in order to get the right size equipment or to use the right amount of chemicals to balance your water. But it might be confusing to try and calculate your gallons so we’re here to help. |
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The following a few simple formulas to calculate a ESTIMATE of your pool capacity. You should always go with equipment that it rated for a bit higher than your actual capacity to ensure your equipment can always have more than it needs too. |
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L x W x AD x 7.5 = gallons
Example: 32 x 16 x 6 x 7.5 = 23,040 gallons |
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D (north to south) x D (east to west) x AD x 5.9 = gallons
Example: 15 x 15 x 6 x 5.9 = 7,965 gallons |
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D (longest points) x D (shortest points) x AD x 5.9 = gallons
Example: 30 x 15 x 6 x 5.9 = 15,930 gallons |
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Irregular pools:
These are a bit more complicated, you can ask your pool installer or can use the formulas above to make an estimate depending on what the shape most resembles. |
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| Posted by PoolGuru on February 12,2009 07:59 AM |
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Above ground pools are a great and affordable way to enjoy a pool, but above ground pools use a liner to hold the water in that can be susceptible to rips and tears. This is especially true on the bottom due to foreign objects under the liner. This is where the Liner Guard comes in.
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Liner guard is a geotextile fabric that protects the above ground pool liner from punctures that can be caused by rocks or tree roots. It is a great idea to use before you set up your pool or are replacing the liner because all you do is lay it down first and then put your liner over it, no need to cut or, measure or tape. The liner guard also adds another layer of cushioning for a softer pool bottom.
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The last thing you want to do is have to drain your pool and buy a new liner because of some small foreign object ripping the bottom. The liner guard is mold and mildew resistant and help to smooth out the bottom for pool cleaner to have a smooth ride. You also get a 15-year warranty in the event of anything happening to your liner guard.
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By using the Liner Guard you could be saving yourself a lot of money and a lot of time with a little bit of precaution.
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| Posted by PoolGuru on February 11,2009 07:56 AM |
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The Pentair Intellibrite lighting system is a innovative and energy efficient way of lighting your pool. The Intellibrite is a member of the Eco Select family of energy efficient products and can save you a substantial amount on energy costs. Normal pool lights used colored overlays or incandescent bulbs, whereas the intellibrite uses powerful LED’s to alternate colors.
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Not only do LED’s provide a vibrant spectrum of colors, but they have a life expectancy of 30,000+ hours! To put that into perspective, normal bulbs last about 5,000 hours. Also a traditional incandescent and halogen pool light operate at 161 watts, the Intellibrite LED uses only 37 watts. This means fewer costs in changing the bulb and also less hassle throughout the life of the pool.
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The Intellibrite system is designed with a superior reflector that aims more light down at the bottom of the pool and minimizes the glare. Also there are pre-programmed color shows creating a mood for your pool. The colors that are included are blue, green, magenta, white and red.
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If you use the Intellitouch pool control system, you can also incorporate the Intellibrite lighting system into your pool as well. With superior quality and eco-friendly technology, the Pentair Intellibrite pool lighting system is the best choice to get the most out of your pool!
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| Posted by PoolGuru on February 11,2009 07:46 AM |
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| Alternative sanitizers are becoming the standard for a lot of in-ground and above ground pools and King Technologies are there to help you transition into the world of less chlorine with its Pool Frog inline mineral system. What these systems do is help sanitize your water allowing you to use less chemicals, it will not replace your chlorine but help reduce the amount necessary by up to 50%. |
| Pool Frog is available for above ground pools up to 40,000 gallons and In-ground pools up to 25,000 gallons. One mineral reservoir will last about 6 months and will need to be replaced after that to ensure proper water balance. The Pool Frog is a great solution if you’re looking to retro-fit your existing system because install is easy with no complicated wiring. As a matter of fact, the pool frog doesn’t need any electricity and no moving parts! |
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| Both systems deliver the same clean, clear and safe pool water that is remarkably gentle on the skin, hair and eyes. They use a combination of silver, magnesium, zinc and other minerals to kill viruses and bacteria along with the help of a small amount of chlorine. |
| You can find out more about the above ground Pool Frog and the in-ground Pool Frog… |
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| Posted by PoolGuru on February 11,2009 07:37 AM |
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| Heat pumps are often confused with actual heaters, but they are very different in the way that they deliver hot water to your pool. Normal heaters use propane, natural gas or electricity to heat the water and return it to the pool. A heat pump uses the outside air as their heating source and takes the heat out of the air and delivers it to your pool water. This saves you a substantial amount on your energy costs as compared to a heater. |
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The way a heat pump can do this is, hot air is drawn in by a fan and passes through a condenser were a refrigerant is running through the evaporator lines. It is then compressed and pressurized to increase the temperature and water is heated and returned to your pool. This is what makes the heat pump so efficient, you don’t need any other energy then to run the unit but not to actually heat the water. The savings can be up to 80% over a propane gas unit, 50-70% over natural gas and over 600% over resistance heaters! |
| Some heat pumps such as the AquaCal Heatwave feature the ability to cool the water if it ever gets to warm for you at the touch of a button! |
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| A heat pump is a great solution for anyone looking for economical solution to heating their pool, but what you have to understand is that heat pumps are only effective as the environment that there in. Since they rely on the outside air temperature, this dictates how much your pool is actually heated. A regular pool heater might be necessary in your particular case or for someone that’s looking for the most possible heat. |
| Which the rising energy costs, a heat pump is a great way to save on energy costs while still being able to enjoy your pool longer. |
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| Posted by PoolGuru on February 10,2009 09:15 AM |
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| Taking the step to environmentally responsible pool care is becoming a priority for a growing number of pool and spa owners. Most people just think about making their homes eco-friendly or purchasing a hybrid vehicle, but you can do more when it comes to pool or spa. |
| "...And, with recent reports that chlorine levels in pools are often 200 to 400 times higher than what's considered safe for the environment" (source, Yahoo! Green) |
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Zodiac’s Nature2 mineral sanitizing products dramatically reduce the need for large amounts of chlorine and chemicals. Not only does reducing the amount chemicals used help the environment, it also makes your water feel better. Zodiac recommends,
"When Nature2 is used with Zodiac's Cense, aromatherapy MPS (the most recommended oxidant for spas) Nature2 Spa becomes the only EPA-approved chlorine-free mineral sanitizer system for spas on the market" (source, Nature2) |
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| With alternatives available at affordable prices, the use of alternative sanitizers make the most sense to provide a all around better experience while helping do your part to better the environment. |
| "Findings that link regular swimming in chlorinated pools by young children to an increased risk of developing asthma" (source, The Green Guide) |
| Find out more about our Eco-Friendly products and Nature2… |
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| Posted by PoolGuru on February 10,2009 09:08 AM |
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With the increase of salt chlorine systems in residential swimming pools on the rise, we thought it would be a good idea to go over a common question that we get a lot regarding adding an ozonator to your salt system. A ozonator (like the salt chlorinator) is a great way to steer away from harsh chemicals and use a more natural cleaning system.
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Ozonators work by converting oxygen molecules into ozone molecules (click here to learn more about how this works), causing them to oxidize contaminants such as body oils, hair products, etc. This alone is not enough to completely sanitize the pool water so you still need to use a form of chlorine; this is where the salt chlorinator comes into play. The salt chlorinator will generate the chlorine that will kill the remaining bacteria and contaminants, resulting in a pool that feel soft and silky on the skin while polishing and making the water sparkle more.
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If you have a salt chlorine system the benefits of a ozonator go beyond the look and feel of the water because it actually assists your salt chlorinator. Ozone oxidizes metals such as calcium, magnesium and iron, which keeps your salt cell plates cleaner and working more efficiently. The ozone also reduces the load on the salt cell to oxidize contaminants making it not have to work as hard, increases the longevity and life of the actual cell.
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The downside to this setup is that the salt cell needs to be replaced every 3 – 5 years, if you have an over sized cell and/or properly balanced water it could last longer. The ozonator has about the same life expectancy, but both items are easily replaced.
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If you having trouble figuring out where the ozonator is placed in your pool equipment, we’ve included a diagram:
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| Posted by PoolGuru on February 06,2009 07:38 AM |
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| If you purchased a Nature2 spa stick and are having trouble trying to figure out how to install it in your spa, we are here to help. The good news is your one step closer to using fewer chemicals in your spa and installing is relatively easy. Nature2 is made to work with most portable spas (no built in spas), and as always you would refer to the manual if you have any questions. |
| The first thing you need to do before installing your Nature2 is to drain your spa water and then refill it and balance the water. This is important because for your Nature2 to work efficiently, it needs to be used in properly balanced water. |
| Once the water is balanced you can put together the Nature2 stick by connecting the support stems and press them onto the main body to create the unit. Here is a diagram of the included pieces: |
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| Now you can place the Nature2 in the core of your existing spa filter cartridge, when installed the Nature2 must me at least 1” above the bottom of the filter to prevent water blockage. Here is a few examples of how to install in different filter setups: |
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| Once you have your Nature2 stick installed in your filter, you need to super oxidize the spa water with Dichlor (Sodium dichloroisocyanurate dehydrate) to burn off contaminants and activate the cartridge. To do this we recommend using an EPA registered source of chlorine according to your spa manufactures instructions. After the water has a residual chlorine level of over 5 ppm you can re enter the spa and run it according to manufactures recommendations. |
| You now have installed your Nature2 and can enjoy, we do recommend reading the manual for operation and maintenance for a low chlorine recipe spa. |
| Check out our entire selection of Nature2 products… |
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| Posted by PoolGuru on February 06,2009 07:24 AM |
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| So you decided to get better pool water quality and bought a salt chlorine generator, but now you’re asking yourself “how long before I have to replace this thing?” Well we got the answer; the typical rule of thumb would be 3 – 5 years. This may differ depending on manufacturer but for this example we will use the Autopilot system, Autopilot will actually warranty their cells for a certain amount of time depending on which one you buy (check with your manufacturer for details). |
| There are some precautions you can take to make the life of the cell last longer, one of the easiest way you can increase the life is by purchasing a little bit over sized cell then what you need. If you use a over sized cell that’s rated for more gallons than you’re using, the cell doesn’t have to work as hard. |
| Second you can regularly check on the cell and clean it regularly when needed. Proper cleaning will not only prolong the life of the cell but ensure the water balance stays balanced better. td> |
| Lastly, a way to help assist your salt cell in cleaning would be to install a ozonator into your system. A ozonator injects ozone into the water before it reach the salt cell which kills some of the contaminants before it reaches the cell. |
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| All these are ways that you can help increase the life and productivity of your salt chlorinator cell, so you can keep enjoying the wonderful silky water it helps create. |
| find out more about our selection of Salt Chlorinators… |
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| Posted by PoolGuru on February 05,2009 07:42 AM |
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| Nature2 Cense is a non-chlorine oxidant that uses aromatherapy to not only help sanitize your water but creates a relaxing immersion into tranquility within your spa. Nature2 Cense can be combined with Nature2 spa sticks to produce the only non-chlorine spa sanitizing system! |
| The Nature2 Cense is offered in 4 unique fragrances, island pleasures, divine secrets, simple rituals, and quiet escape. Each has its own blend of fragrances that deliver a great experience; all it takes is about a tablespoon 30 minutes before you go in and it will last the entire time you’re in. There’s no need to worry about clogging your filters or it creating a residue in the water like some aroma oils can. |
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Simple Rituals
A tranquil, marine accord that combines lavender flowers blended with camellia and sheer green herbs, with vanilla, musk and precious woods to add depth to the scent. |
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Quiet Escapes
A unique blend of vanilla, amber, and cinnamon, with a floral heart of rose, jasmine, and geranium, rounded out by rich cedar and lavender |
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Island Pleasures
A tropical, fruity, and floral blend of mandarin, coconut, pineapple, and creamy banilla, accented with soft petal jasmine |
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Divine Secrets
This vibrant combination of spring blossoms, freesia, cassia, night blooming jasmine and sweet citrus notes creates a modern, sheer floral that is clean and fresh |
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| Posted by PoolGuru on February 05,2009 07:24 AM |
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One could say that Green fits ozone like a global glove.
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Ozone is produced from ambient air and leaves no chemical by-products. Ozone is approved by the FDA, the USDA, the EPA and the CDC as an antimicrobial that is healthy and safe for humans as well as the environment.
It is completely sustainable as defined, “sustainable – resource use that aims to meet human needs while preserving the natural environment so that these needs can be met not only in the present, but in the indefinite future.” The equipment that produces ozone has no toxic materials, is mostly recyclable, and with proper maintenance can perform for many years.
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| Posted by PoolGuru on February 04,2009 03:29 PM |
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| Too many, the insides of a spa/hot tub are a mystery because they don’t really ever see inside the wood paneling. But there is more than meets the eye, to these elusive creatures that provide with such warmth and relaxation. We’re going to delve into the inner workings of the spa to let you know just how everything works. Here is an example of a spa and some of the main components (note: not all spas will come equipped with all these options): |
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| This is the inside of a typical spa / hot tub highlighting all the main components (to find out more about those components, Click here. Most of the time you will never see this stuff until something isn’t working right or you have repairs done, but knowing what you’re looking at could save you time and money in the end. |
| A couple of the big differences that can vary depending on the model are: |
Type of Filter
There is a suction type (that is the most common in spas today) that are connected before the spa pumps intake and sit at the water level like a skimmer. The other is a pressure type that is places after the pumps intake in a sealed canister |
Ozonator
This device turns oxygen into ozone (Click Here to learn more about Ozone) and injects it back into the water to help clean and disinfect the water, resulting in the use of less chemicals and better feeling water. |
| Find out more about our great selection of spas and hot tub parts... |
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| Posted by PoolGuru on February 04,2009 02:49 PM |
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Your spa filter is one of the most important components in your hot tub. It filters your water and helps keep out the microscopic and large particles that can ruin your spa and your spa experience. Not only is it one of the most important components but if not cleaned/replaced properly can lead to numerous other problems with other components such as the pump or water quality. You should check your filter regularly and here are a few signs you should look for when inspecting:
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- If the filter element (part in the center) feels loose, you need a replacement
- If the center element is ripped, collapsed or bent its time to replace
- Inspect the end caps and if there brittle, you should replace
- If you can’t get the filter clean, regardless of age you should replace
- Regardless of condition, if your filter is older than 2 years old you should replace
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If you have come across any of these symptoms then it’s time to get in there and replace your filter, the first thing you should do is find a new replacement filter (get help finding your replacement filter) and purchase.
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Once you’ve received your new filter you should turn off the power to your hot tub at the circuit breaker to prevent the system from turning on in the middle of the replacement (it’s a good idea to have a extra filter to use as a substitute). Now you need to locate your canister that holds your filter and remove the old filter, this would also be a great time to install a Nature2 Spa Stick. You can inspect the filter and attempt to clean it if it looks in fairly good condition, otherwise throw it away and re-install your new filter.
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Once you have your new filter in you can turn the power back on and run the system on high for a couple minutes to get the air out. If your filter is cracked, collapsed, broke, or limp, don’t operate your hot tub until you have a new filter.
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You should now be on your way to having a properly working filter and nice clean water. If you have any questions about were to find your filter or replacements please refer to your manual.
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Find out more about our Spas and Filter Replacements…
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| Posted by PoolGuru on February 04,2009 02:41 PM |
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Most salt chlorine generators have a salt cell that lasts typically from 3 – 5 years, you should check with the manufacturer to double check the life expectancy. Most salt chlorine systems come with a control panel or a self regulating system that will tell you when the cell needs to be cleaned or replaced. Even though salt systems are lower maintenance you should still check inside your salt cell to make sure there is minimal build up on the metal plates.
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A few key signs to look for:
- Blue/green soapy discharge forming inside the cell
- Scale and mineral salt deposits building up
- Chlorine level drop resulting in unbalanced water
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If you notice any of these symptoms, we recommend that you clean your cell or look into replacing your salt cell if cleaning doesn’t resolve the problem.
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It is imperative that you inspect your cell regularly, we recommend once and week during heavy use and bi-weekly/monthly during the off season when you don’t use it as much. If you don’t check your cell, the buildup can result in an overload and damage the cell and/or power supply.
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Learn more about Alternative Sanitizers and Salt cells…
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| Posted by PoolGuru on February 04,2009 02:30 PM |
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| Cold pool water got you down? Don’t want to spend the money on a pool heat pump? Solar heat is a great alternative to make your pool more enjoyable. But now you have to decide on what type of cover to get, a regular solar cover, solar sun rings, or a solar pill? Today were going to breakdown the differences of these three so you can decide on what you need for your pool. |
SOALR COVER |
| The first is the typical solar cover that we’ve all seen before. This Solar Cover acts like a blanket made of heavy duty polyurethane material that is sized to your pool dimensions. These have been around for a long time and not only absorb heat and trap it but also prevent water evaporation. |
Pros:
- Time tested heating technology
- Prevents water evaporation
- Greatest heat gain
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Cons:
- Large 1 piece cover that takes up space when stored
- Can be potentially danger if someone is trapped under
- Require a reel for continent storage
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| The price of the solar cover is in the mid range of the 3, being around $100 to cover a 16 x 32 foot pool and seems to be the best all around bang for the buck, but if space is limited in your backyard this could be a big problem. |
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SOLAR SUN RING |
| Next we have the Solar Sun Ring, this type of heat cover uses the same concept as the solar cover but instead of being a one piece cover, the cover is made up of multiple smaller “rings”. The rings are attached to one another by magnets so they won’t come apart but can be easily taken apart when you need to store them. |
Pros:
- Can work with automatic pool cleaners
- Prevents water evaporation
- Almost as much heat gain as the cover
- Safe if someone falls in or is under the rings
- Takes up less space when stored then the cover
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Cons:
- Separate rings will require longer time to put away
- Potential heat loss through uncovered areas
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| Solar sun rings carry the most expensive price tag out of the 3, with 15 solar sun rings enough for a 16 x 32 pool) the price is around $326. This might be a more expensive route but they work well and provide the safety that a lot of people want. |
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SOLAR PILL |
| The last type is the Solar Pill; this type of cover is actually a liquid that distributes over the top of your pool creating a layer of non-toxic biodegradable film. It works just like a solar blanket but is not affected by pool cleaners and if you jump in the water, the film separates and when the water settles over time the blanket reforms. Easy to use design allows you to install in minutes and not have to worry about cleanup. |
Pros:
- Very low maintenance
- Prevents water evaporation
- Easy setup and install
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Cons:
- Least amount of heat gain
- Needs to be replaced every couple months
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| The solar pill is a great easy to use system that allows you to not hassle with a physical cover and the maintenance that goes along with it. The cost of a solar pill is $12.95 and can treat up to a 30,000 gallon pool with 1 pill. |
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| Now that you have a better understanding of the different types of Pool covers, don’t ever be left with cold pool water again! |
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| Posted by PoolGuru on February 03,2009 07:53 AM |
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Spa Frog has developed an alternative spa sanitizer with their Spa Frog Mineral Spa Care sticks. These sticks install in directly with your filter and work to help disinfect your water. The Spa Frog can reduce your chlorine and bromine use from 50 – 80 percent by helping keep the pH neutral. This results in the water feeling soft and silky.
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Just like with the Nature2 spa sanitizer, the Spa Frog need to be replaced after 4 months of usage to ensure proper water balance and cleanliness.
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Features
- Better water quality
- Reduced need for chemicals
- Eco-Friendly
- Month indicator to know when you need to replace
- Last 4 months
- Easy install
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You can learn more about our Alternative Sanitizers and the Spa Frog Mineral Spa Care…
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| Posted by PoolGuru on February 03,2009 07:46 AM |
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This choice of to just repair a part or replace a part is a age old question that needs to be looked at from different angles in order to see what is best for your situation. Usually the cost of repairing something yourself is less then replacing the part all together (if it’s repairable) but you need to first check to see if there is a way to repair it. If you dealing with a pool cleaner, they sell pretty much every part that you would need to rebuild the entire unit at a cost that is less than buying a new unit. This does require your time and has the potential to make things worse if you don’t know what you’re doing or break something else.
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While pool cleaners aren’t the most advanced piece of equipment (unless you have a robotic cleaner), it might be a better idea to replace a unit such as a control system or a salt chlorinator control panel. Those types of parts are best to be replaced or service by a trained professional.
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With a little bit of research and going through some of our helpful articles, you can find out if a part is something that can be repaired or has to be replaced. Again with a little elbow grease and the right information you can do your own repairs, but if that not your cup of tea and don’t want to deal with doing it yourself there always the option of buying a replacement and really not worrying about it.
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| Posted by PoolGuru on February 03,2009 07:30 AM |
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| Everyone is “going green” nowadays, people are trying to conserve more by using less electricity and buying products that require the least amount energy and produce the least waste. This is also true for people that have pools; they are using alternative sanitizers to clean their pools, but is it really worth it to use these products (from a economic standpoint)? |
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Chlorine is a great way to clean your pool and probably also the cheapest way to keep your water blue. But it does come with regular maintenance and adding of chemicals, which means purchasing those chemicals. Along with that comes the time it’s going to take you to properly balance and maintain your water, this varies depending on how much you know or want to learn and stick with. |
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| Depending on how far you want to take your use of alternate sanitizers (from a salt chlorine generator to using as little chemicals as possible), we need to realize that alternative sanitizers reduce the amount of chemicals necessary to keep your water clean, they don’t replace them completely. The initial cost is more with a salt chlorine system which is the most expensive item, but what you get from using the salt system is much higher quality water that feels better on your skin and actually looks better. You also won’t have to worry about the water balance getting off resulting in a strong chlorine odor or red irritated eyes. The salt gets recycled through the pool so you don’t need to add very much after the initial amount. |
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| After experiencing both types of pools and being in the water, I would recommend any kind of alternative pool sanitizing system. The initial cost might be more but not having to deal with harsh chemicals and less maintenance is worth it. In the long run it costs money both ways to keep up a pool and whether it is chlorine or alternative, the costs are close to the same. But the added benefit of not using as many chemicals to better the environment and my families swimming experience is well worth it. |
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| Posted by PoolGuru on February 02,2009 07:57 AM |
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| Is your pool cleaner starting to not work as well as it has before, or looks like its seen better days? Maybe you should think about purchasing a Polaris 280 tune-up kit or rebuild kit so get it back to its optimum performance. All cleaners have certain parts that wear out faster than others; if this is the case a tune-up will probably be right for you. The tune-up kit replaces the common parts that can get worn out or break after time. |
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| If your cleaner is falling apart or not working at all, you should consider a rebuild kit. This will pretty much make your cleaner just like new, the only thing that will be from the old cleaner is the frame and in some cases the mast. |
| Here is an example breakdown of what’s in a Polaris 280 rebuild kit and tune-up kit: |
| Polaris Rebuild Kit |
| Part # |
Quantity |
Description |
| C-86 |
1 |
Drive shaft, assembled |
| C-83 |
1 |
Turbine shaft tubes |
| C-80 |
2 |
Ball bearings, turbine |
| C-66 |
2 |
Axle, large (w/washer and sand guard) |
| C-65 |
1 |
Axle, large (Rear wheel only) |
| C-64 |
4 |
Wheel washer, plastic |
| C-60 |
8 |
Ball Bearings, wheel |
| C-6 |
3 |
Wheel, large |
| C-55 |
4 |
Wheel screw, plastic white |
| C-36 |
1 |
Swing axel kit |
| C-16 |
1 |
Ideler Wheel, small, white |
| C-131 |
1 |
Thrust jet kit |
| C-120 |
1 |
Hose for C-110 |
| C-10 |
3 |
Tires, white |
| B-5 |
1 |
Sweep hose complete |
| B-15 |
1 |
Sweep hose attach clamp, white |
| A-5 |
1 |
Top, Blue |
| A-20 |
1 |
Float head |
| A-16 |
1 |
All purpose bag |
| A-10 |
1 |
Bottom, white, with bracket |
| 9-1007170 |
2 |
Hose clamp |
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| Polaris Tune-up Kit |
| Part # |
Quantity |
Description |
| C-86 |
1 |
Drive shaft, assembled |
| C-83 |
1 |
Turbine shaft tubes |
| C-80 |
2 |
Ball bearings, turbine |
| C-66 |
2 |
Axle, large (w/washer and sand guard) |
| C-65 |
1 |
Axle, large (Rear wheel only) |
| C-64 |
4 |
Wheel washer, plastic |
| C-60 |
8 |
Ball Bearings, wheel |
| C-6 |
3 |
Wheel, large |
| C-55 |
4 |
Wheel screw, plastic white |
| C-36 |
1 |
Swing axel kit |
| C-16 |
1 |
Ideler Wheel, small, white |
| C-131 |
1 |
Thrust jet kit |
| C-120 |
1 |
Hose for C-110 |
| C-10 |
3 |
Tires, white |
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| Both kits require you to disassemble all or some of your cleaner so if you’re not comfortable with doing that you might want to contact a service center, but the cleaners are pretty easy to take apart. With a rebuild kit costing about $200 and a new cleaner being around $370, its definitely worth the effort not to mention the self satisfaction that you fixed it yourself. |
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| Posted by PoolGuru on February 02,2009 07:46 AM |
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| There will come a time in your pool’s life were the filter will call it quits and need to be replaced. Unfortunately this problem can be confusing to most people, but we’ve put together a way to find the right replacement cartridge for your filter. |
| The first thing you should do is remove your cartridge and measure the dimensions, this will ensure that you know exactly the size you need. You should measure the outside dimensions, the cartridge should be measured including the end caps but excluding any handles or extensions. If you can measure through the center, this is the most accurate way. |
| The first thing you should do is remove your cartridge and measure the dimensions, this will ensure that you know exactly the size you need. You should measure the outside dimensions, the cartridge should be measured including the end caps but excluding any handles or extensions. If you can measure through the center, this is the most accurate way. |
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| Since you have the filter out you should write down the OEM name and model of the filter as well as the OEM part number. |
| After you have gathered all this information you have a couple options on how to find your actual replacement. We have put together a search feature that allows you to select from a variety of different search criteria to find your replacement. |
| Alternatively you can use the replacement guide directly from Unicel, that gives you all the information you’ll need to find any replacement cell for any pool / spa filter and purchase accordingly. You will be able to locate your replacement easier if you take down the information we discussed earlier. |
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Some tips we recommend to prolong the life of your cartridge here are some tips to remember:
- Clean the elements following the instructions
- Maintain your pool water chemistry balance
- Alternate 2 sets of cartridges when cleaning
- Never allow the differential pressure to go above 8 psi between cleanings
- Never use a stiff brush to scrub the cartridge
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| Posted by PoolGuru on February 02,2009 07:22 AM |
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