Six Easy Steps To Remove Algae From Your Pool

When it comes to removing algae from your pool there are a number of different ways that you cannot only remove severe algae but also ensure that it never gets out of control from then on. Algae can be a huge hassle especially when you get it for the first time. If you really need to get rid of algae and make sure that it doesn't return you will need to follow the following tips.

1.       Maintain your circulation system: maintaining your pump, the filters and the skimmers is extremely important. When your filter becomes clogged and you don't make efforts to back washer clean your filter it's only a matter of time before algae will form. Your pump also needs to be running at least 6-8 hours a day when you have swimmers in your pool. Without the pump running at least this length of time you were going to get algae.

2.       Shock your pool weekly: one of the best ways that you can eliminate spores of algae is to use regular sanitizer and to shock your pool weekly.

3.       Monitor all the chemical levels in your pool: whether you are using an automatic or floating sanitizer device, you need to always monitor the levels in your pool to make sure that algae spores can't form. All the levels should be kept correct levels or you are going to consistently see algae in the pool.

4.       Use pool brushes: the walls and floors of your pool will often start to form algae. If you aren't regularly scrubbing your pool with the proper brush you'll start to see algae growth forming at the edges above the water or even on the bottom of the pool. It can be difficult for the circulation system to eliminate these spores so you will need to put in a little elbow grease yourself.

5.       Get algaecide: in the worst possible case you can use algaecide to help algae spores from developing into blooms. This is an easy-to-use chemical that is really only to be used if you are having real difficulty controlling the spores.

6.       Consider getting a vacuum for your pool: one of the automatic vacuums can help you clean all of the surfaces in your pool with ease and prevent algae from building up. You can also get a manual vacuum which will both scrub and remove any debris from the pool.

Five Top Reasons to Buy A Variable Speed Pool Pump

A variable speed pool pump offers a number of distinct advantages over a single or two speed pool pump.  For pool owners that are interested in maximum cost savings you absolutely need to consider getting a variable speed pool pump and for the following reasons.

1.       The high-quality magnet motor: the motor that comes in variable speed pool pumps is roughly the same type of motor that you would find in a reliable electric car. As a result of its platform which is built on efficiency and reliability you can get access to quite possibly the most efficient and reliable pumps in the pool industry. A motor failure with a pump is absolutely catastrophic and can cause a lot of lost time and damage to your pool with a quality motor you can avoid these inefficiencies and downtime substantially.

2.       Changes in flow rate: the ability to adjust the flow rate into your pump can help you maintain the circulation in your pool and ensure that you can actually keep it cleaner. A basic rule of thumb in pool circulation is that slower is better and this is because components have less of a chance of experiencing any friction or wear when pumps are kept running slower.

3.       Amazing efficiency benefits: because the pump can run at a slower rate or at the exact rate that it needs to keep your pool circulated and clean you can see amazing benefits when it comes to energy efficiency and for the amount of your own personal energy that you have to put into cleaning your pool and maintaining it.

4.       Much quieter: variable speed pumps are much quieter because they have to vibrate far less than other pumps.

5.       More advanced diagnostics: simple pumps just don't have any type of diagnostic or safety systems involved. With a variable speed pump you are always covered for emergencies with several failsafe’s put into place to reduce the chances of pieces falling into your pool for example or the pump staying off for too long. 

The Upside to Salt Chlorination versus Chlorine Chlorination

Water disinfection is a term used to describe the process of removal or deconstruction of pathogenic microorganisms. During this disinfection and sterilization of the water, the microorganisms lose their colloid balance which results in their elimination. Pools are places where many microorganisms dwell and procreate. Some of them are harmless, but some of them can be potentially very dangerous for the health of both children and adults because they can lead to infections and diseases. If they are not eliminated, they can easily transfer from one person to another. Organic matter makes the water in the pool look dirty. There are many ways in which people can disinfect pool water and one of the most popular is the process of chlorination.

Chlorination is a reliable, cost-affordable and very efficient method of water disinfection. This process has a destructive effect on cells found in all organisms especially in microorganisms because they can’t stand even small quantities of chlorine. The success of this process depends on many factors such as: the type of chlorination, the biological characteristics of the microorganisms, water temperature, pH value of the water and few other factors. Very often people use two well-known methods – salt chlorination and chlorine. Although they are both efficient the truth is that salt chlorination comes with much more advantages compare to the use of chlorine alone.

Salt chlorination is a process that modifies conventional table salt into sodium chloride. With a system like this you can expect lesser amount of chlorine in the water, but this doesn't mean that the effects of purification and disinfection of the pool will be reduced. In addition, this method uses special chemicals that are not harmful for humans, but very efficient when it comes to elimination of microorganisms and algae. At the same time they provide ideal balance of the pH value in the pool which is extremely important for those who care about their skin health and health in general. Furthermore, water that uses salt chlorination is much softer for your skin compared to chlorine. Chlorine can cause negative effects in people who have sensitive eyes, hair and skin. Even if you use a pool which uses a system like this on a daily basis you won’t have problems with irritations and itching.

As we have mentioned before the level of chemicals in pools like these is very low and people don’t need to keep and use hazardous chemicals close to their pools. In other words, salt chlorination is an eco-friendly process. Even the smell that usually appears with the use of chlorine will be gone and you won’t have to inhale that unpleasant odor.

Pool maintenance can become a real nightmare in case you use chlorine, but this is not the case with salt chlorination. Pools using this chlorination are able to clean most of the water on their own. Users don’t have to clean the pools constantly and occasional check and cleaning of the water sanitation is more than enough to make sure that everything is working in a perfect order. 

Aqua Supercenter's Guide to Opening Your Pool Steps 13-15

Step 13 - PH Levels
Try and have PH levels between 7 and 8. If your water is far from this level, adjust it gradually. Adjust the levels, circulate for 4 hours, and readjust as needed.
Step 14 - PH Patience

Do not attempt to adjust the PH, the alkalinity, and the calcium levels on the same day. Do PH, then calcium, then alkalinity on separate days. Trying to do it all at once will result in cloudy water from precipitated calcium carbonate.

Step 15 - Missed a Spot
If your patience wore thin on step 6, we suggest using your swimming pool cleaner to remove any debris from your pool. An auto pool cleaner will make short work of any debris left behind.
The hard parts are over, and now you can enjoy your swimming pool . Now is the time to accessorize that beautiful, clean pool. Here are some common additions to your pool and outdoor area:

Above Ground Pool Decks

Outdoor TVs

Swimming Pool Floats

Swimming Pool Games & Toys

And now you are ready to enjoy your swimming pool. Again, this was a general list of common steps. We hope this was a helpful guide to opening your pool. We will have follow-up articles for frequently asked questions, and you can always contact us via email at PoolProfessional@aquasupercenter.com, Additional Swimming Pool information is available in our Information Super Center.

Aqua Supercenter's Guide to Opening Your Pool Steps 11 - 12

Step 11 - Check the Test Kits

Way back at step one, we suggested testing your water to see what the levels were before removing the cover. Now check those test kits so you know what chemicals to add to your swimming pool.

(We suggest practicing on the water inside to gain a familiarity with testing products. Before testing extreme swimming pool environments.) You local water company might have accurate information of what you can expect from your tap water.

Step 12 - Shock Your Pool

Using a Shocking agent is your first step to a healthy pool. Make sure your pump is running when adding chemicals. This is often overlooked. Exercise caution when adding copious amounts of chlorine. This could damage your pool liner.

Next Step, Pool Chemicals 102 - PH Levels

Aqua Supercenter's Guide to Opening Your Pool Steps 6-7

Step 6- Remove the Pool Cover

Drain as much water off the top of the cover as you can to make removal of your cover easier. This task is made simple with the a winter cover pump.

To avoid yard debris from falling into your pool, exercise patience and remove your cover slowly. Its always a good idea to thoroughly wash and rinse your pool cover afterward. Using regular soap and water will help extend your cover’s lifetime. Drying the cover thoroughly will prevent any unwanted molds to flourish during your cover’s storage.

Step 7 - Connect Your Equipment

Since you already did an inventory of all missing items this will be a breeze. If your filtration system was cleaned before closing your pool in the fall, then attach the hoses and open all valves. If your system needs to be cleaned or the sand needs to be replaced, now is the best opportunity to do so.

We suggest following all manufacturer guidelines to prepare your pool pumps, filters, and pool heaters. Double check that your o-rings are lubricated for use with water-based lubricants. Double check your skimmers and lint pots are free of debris. If you used an anti-freeze for your lines, make sure to vacuum those lines clean.

Next Steps: You Get a Clean Slate.

Aquasupercenter's Guide to Opening Your Swimming Pool Steps 4 & 5

Step 4- Plugs and Valves Inventory

Do an inventory of all plugs that came out of the valves, filters, and pumps. If you check now, this will help alleviate future frustration. Some pool owners charge ahead opening their swimming pools only to discover they do not have everything they need. Sometimes it’s hard for some pool owners to remember where the stashed the plugs, so we suggest putting them in the strainer basket of your pump.

Step 5 - Checking the Guages

Check your Filter Gages. Filter gages are prone to freezing. The best way to test is to look at the gage for a “0” reading. If it reads “0” there are no problems. If not, replace it.

Shameless Plug (And Pun!)

We can help you with all filter parts and accessories that may have gone missing in the off season. Call us or email us and we will be happy to diagnose the problem or part you need and give you the best price, guaranteed. sales@aquasupercenter.com – 941-487-2775

Aqua Supercenter's Guide to Opening Your Swimming Pool Steps 2 &3

Step 2 - Chemical Inventory

Do an Inventory of all necessary chemicals. Look through your store of chemicals to see if you have all the proper ones you need. Being prepared will make the process go quicker and smoother. Green Tip! To get rid of expired chemicals, pour them into the pool before you drain the water.

Step 3 - Conversion

If you are converting from PHMB to chlorine, have replacement filter media on hand before you start.

Tomorrow, the next steps of preparation for opening your pool. Stay Tuned.

Spring Opening Guide Part 1

Aqua Supercenter’s

Guide to

Opening Your Swimming Pool

There is no absolute method for opening a swimming pool. Because swimming pools pot mark landscapes across the country, there is no one method exclusively used. With the varieties of swimming pools and their locations, we can’t pinpoint a certain method for opening your swimming pool for spring, but we can make a generic list of necessary steps the majority of pool owners follow.

Step 1 - Preparation

Test your pool water before removing the cover of your pool. You’ll need to know what your levels are so you can accurately apply the right chemicals.

Tomorrow, the next steps to take to prepare for a successful pool opening. Stay Tuned.

What Size Pool Pump Do I Need?

Determining the proper size pump you need requires a little research . Luckily, you came to the right place.

1. Determine the number of gallons of water in your pool. One way to do this is by multiplying length times width, times average depth, times 7.4.

2. How many hours per day do you intend to run your pump? You should run your pool long enough to turn over all the water through your system at least once per day. Most people will run their pool between 8 & 10 hours per day.

3. Next, check the size of your pool plumbing. Maximum flow rate through 1 ½ “ piping is 44 gallons per minute. Maximum flow rate through 2” plumbing is 73 gallons per minute.

Now that you have this information you can determine the time your need to run your pool in order to circulate all the water correctly. Your can divide the number of gallons by the number of hours you intend to run your pool. Divide that number by 60 (the number of minutes in an hour) and you will know the flow rate you need.

Pool Size - number of gallons of water in the pool
Turnover Time - time to move entire capacity of pool through filter
Flow Rate - desired flow rate in gallons per minute

35,000 divided by 8 hours divided by 60 equals 73 GPM
35,000 divided by 10 hours divided by 60 equals 58 GPM
24,000 divided by 8 hours divided by 60 equals 50 GPM
24,000 divided by 10 hours divided by 60 equals 40 GPM
18,000 divided by 8 hours divided by 60 equals 38 GPM
18,000 divided by 10 hours divided by 60 equals 30 GPM

If you have a 25,000 gallon pool and want a turnover rate of 8 hours, then you will need a pump with a flow rate of 52 gallons per minute.

If you have a 35,000 gallon pool and want a turnover rate of 10 hours, you will need a pump with a flow rate of 56 gallons per minute.

Example: 18,000 gallon pool with a run time of 8 hours needs a minimum flow rate of 38GPM.
A Hayward super pump 3/4hp has an average flow rate of 47gpm so this would work well on this pool.

8,000 – 18,000 gallon pools the following pumps are recommended:
Hayward Super Pump 3/4 HP
Hayward Max-Flo 3/4 HP
Pentair Super Flo 3/4 HP
Sta-Rite Dyna-Glas 3/4 Hp

18,000 – 30,000 Pools the following pumps are recommended:
Hayward Super II 1 Hp
Hayward Super Pump 1 HP
Pentair Pinnacle 1 HP
Pentair WhisperFlo 1 HP
Sta-Rite Duraglas 1HP

30,000 – 40,000 gallon pools the following pumps are recommended:
Hayward MaxFlo 1.5 HP
Hayward Super II 1.5 HP
Pentair WhisperFlo 1.5 HP
Sta-Rite Duraglas 1.5 HP

For larger pools please contact one of our representatives. The Pool RX will continue to update this post, as we receive new information from vendors and other industry professionals. Our goal is to keep our valued customers informed so they can make the best decision. Check back next week when we will cover what swimming pool filter system you might need.

Heaters 101

There are 3 common types of heating: Heat Pumps, Gas Heaters, and Solar. Below will explain the pro's and con's of the different types of heaters.

Heat Pumps - Heat pumps are more expensive up front to purchase than gas heaters and about the same price as a comparable solar system. Heat pumps are more efficient than a gas heater. You can heat your pool for as little as a $1 a day with a heat pump. Heat pumps usually carry a 10+ year warranty.

Who should buy a heat pump - Someone looking to heat their pool many times throughout the year.

Gas Heaters - Gas heaters are less expensive up front. The life span of a gas heater is approximately 6 years. Gas heaters heat the quickest but cost the most to run.

Who should buy a gas heater - Anyone wanting to heat their pool or spa quick but use it few times a year, since it is costly to use it constantly.

Solar - Solar is great since it doesn't cost anything to run. It will heat your pool by as much as 10 degrees in most spring and summer months. Solar is not a good choice if you want to swim in the winter. Solar will extend your swimming season approximately 4-9 weeks.

Who should buy solar - Solar is great for those wanting to swim warm during the spring, summer, and part of fall.

Click here to view our heaters

Welcome to the Pool RX!

Seeing as this is the inaugural post, I guess we’d better explain what this is all about. This web log has several purposes. Firstly, we would like to post answers to common, swimming pool questions. What swimming pool products we recommend, what backyard accessories will best suite certain needs, what swimming pool supplies will work the best…These are the type of topics we are hoping to cover.

Secondly, we are hoping we can post articles that relate to swimming pool ownership. What type of maintenance is required? What to look for in a good swimming pool cleaner. What type of swimming pool chlorinators are available. What new swimming pool products are available, or on the horizon.

Thirdly, we hope to post information about the company. What we are up to, what expos and conventions you could meet us at, and even some info about our swimming pool experts we have working here.

So feel free to post comments, or e-mail us with any questions you might have. Our next post will be a “How-To” on opening your pool for spring after its winter hibernation, so check back with us soon.