Q: We get a great deal of calls at www.pcpools.com where customers have been told using a standard size winter safety cover on a non-standard size swimming pool is okay. What are your thoughts about this practice?

A: Attempting to put a stock safety cover on a custom shaped or sized pool brings several factors into play. The safety cover overlap may not be sufficient in certain areas to maintain the standards, and in other areas, an improperly sized safety cover may overlap too much into grassy areas or flower beds where it cannot be properly anchored.

This practice has been going for some time and especially for consumers with a tight budget. While they may save money up front buying a standard safety cover for a custom type swimming pool is not a good practice. For example if a customer had 16′ x 32′ kidney shaped swimming pool and purchased a standard rectangle safety cover. At first, when installed properly, the safety cover would look great. As soon as the weather of fall and winter sets in the deterioration of the safety cover has already begun. Here’s what happens. The safety cover strapping of an Arctic Armor safety cover is made with a very dense polymer, called strap wear guards, these wear guards are sewn directly into the the bottom of each cover strap to protect the strapping that comes in contact with the pool deck. Without the wear guards lining up properly in relationship to the pool size and surrounding decking, as in our pool’s example, the cover will fail within 3 years. The normal buffeting of the safety cover that occurs on a non-wear guarded cover strap will snap the strap right in half and the safety cover has failed. Continuing along with our pool example, the customer will assume the safety cover comes with a 12 or 15 year warranty so they call the cover manufacturer to inquire about there warranty. They send the safety cover back to the manufacturer for inspection. The factory then lays the failed cover out on the factory floor. Low and behold they see the outline of a kidney shaped swimming pool on standard rectangle safety cover. The safety covers warranty is null and void. Unfortunately, it’s like when an elephant sits on your fence!

Here is a link to our custom safety cover measuring form . Fill out and fax in to get a free quote.

Featured Product – Nitro Wall Scrubber

• Cleans and scrubs floors, walls, waterline and steps
• Intelligent navigation – does not require walls to change direction
• Revolutionary robotic design enabling a wider cleaning swath for 50% faster cleaning coverage
• Dual Direct-Drive motors for greater traction and pin-point navigation
• Quad-port brush-to-port suction for thorough vacuuming of acorns, leaves and fine debris
• Gel-Pro brushes – gentle enough for vinyl and fiberglass pools, rugged enough for concrete pools
• Quick-drain system for Easy-lift removal from pool; weighs only 10 lbs.
• 60′ super-cord with kink-resistant technology
• Super capacity filter bag – Biggest in industry
• Eco-friendly; uses 70% less energy than other cleaners
• Consumer or dealer DIY serviceability
• ETL, CSA and CE approved; manufactured in an ISO 9000 facility
• 2-yr limited warranty
• Works on in-ground pools UP TO 20′x40′ in size and up to 10′ deep!

Click here to view more product details at the interactive website.

Check out the The World’s Most Amazing Hotel Pools.  Breathtaking views, spacious, romantic, and even wildlife.

Even if you can’t go, they are very nice to look at.

Click Here for More Aquabot Videos

As the owner of a swimming pool you want beautiful clear blue water without the hassles. PcPools.com offers a complete line of high quality chemical products that will simplify pool care and make your pool water sparkle. PcPools.com has the information you need to keep your pool water clean from spring start-up to winter closing.

PcPools.com offers complete easy to use New Pool Start-Up Kits. These pool chemical kits are formulated with just the right amount of chemicals to set your pool up quickly and easily.

Easy Pool Care Guide for Pool Maintenance

Now that your pool is up and running, follow our Easy Pool Care process to ensure clear, brilliant pool water.

Need Help or Advice?

This guide is designed to educate you about PcPools.com programs and some of the products we carry. In the event of pool water questions or problems please contact us at 1-877-727-6657 for expert advice and simple solutions.

Great recipe idea for a summer pool party – Sticks & Spice Poolside Grilling Party

Shared via AddThis
Do you have any ideas for a summer pool party – let us know

Where can I buy parts for my Raypak heater?

Raypak sells its products through distribution. Raypak does not sell parts directly via the Internet. If you’re having difficulties locating parts, Raypak has a few sources you may consider for parts and pricing listed below.

Commercial Parts

800-666-7665
Commercial Pool Parts

Parts Depot
www.poolparts2u.com
800-799-5106

Manufacturer’s Referral Service

888-448-0208

Where can I obtain service in my area?

Raypak does have warranty service information listed out on the website. There is a service locator for Gas Fired or electric units, just key in your zip code.

How do I winterize my heater?

Heaters that are installed in a freezing climate and are shut down for the winter, please observe the following procedures;

1. Turn gas valve and manual gas valve off. Turn off electrical supply to the heater (applies only to electronic ignition heaters).

2. Open the drain plug located in the inlet/outlet header, (under water pipes at the inlet/outlet header).

3. Remove the heat exchanger inspection panel on the side opposite water piping to gain access to the drain plug on the return header. Open the drain plug on return header.

4. For heaters made before 1998, with a Pressure Switch Tube Assembly, (copper tube), You will need to disconnect the pressure switch at the header connection. For heaters made after 1998, there is no need to disconnect the Pressure switch.

How do I know the date of manufacture or model of my heater?

The heater’s model and serial numbers are located on the rating plate found on the inside of the unit. To locate the rating plate, first loosen the door screw. Remove the door(s), pull up and out. The rating plate will be either a gold or silver color with the Raypak logo. The serial number will have 10 digits. The date code is found in the first four digits of the serial number, for example, a unit made in April of 2001 will have the first four digits read as 0104.

The model number will have both numbers and letters, such as: PR-335B-EN

How can I convert my heater from Natural gas to propane?

Most Raypak swimming pool and spa heaters can be converted from one gas type to another, by simply purchasing a conversion kit listed in the Illustrated Parts List for that unit. Some complications may apply if your heater is equipped with electronic ignition. Please contact the factory, or your local Raypak Representative for more details. Conversions should be performed only by an “Experienced Gas Professional”.

Many states now also require a specific license to work on gas appliances. Check with your local utility provider for details.

What is the efficiency of my heater?

Raypak’s pool and spa heaters run at about 81 to 83 % Thermal Efficiency, (the amount of energy that actually heats the water). Raypak’s residential appliances have the highest efficiency that we can provide without creating rapid wear from the corrosive effects of condensation.

Pool products that have efficiencies in excess of 95% are also available from Raypak. These products are available through our commercial pool distributors. These are commercial grade appliances, and are not normally found on residential applications. High efficiency heaters are much more expensive than typical residential heaters, like the Raypak RP2100 series of heaters.

Where can I obtain a wiring diagram for my heater?

First look in your installation and operation manual. All our manuals have the diagrams for millivolt, and electronic ignition published within them. These are available for download in our document library.

Specialized wiring diagrams for wiring heaters to draft inducers, or other control devices are readily available from either the tech support group or the applications engineers. Contact the factory at 805-278-5300 for more information. Be prepared to have the exact model number and serial number with you when you call or Email the factory.

As the owner of a swimming pool you want beautiful clear blue water without the hassles. PcPools.com easy 4-step Start-Up Program will give you simple step-by-step instructions that will insure crystal clear water. PcPools.com offers the highest quality chemicals that are free of contaminates. We also offer full lines of products, which means you don’t have to mix and match, insuring superior performance and a clean, clear pool.

Spring Start Up Steps

1. Remove your Pool Cover
   1. If you use a solid cover, drain the water off the cover.
   2. Clean Cover Thoroughly and let it dry in the sun before storing it. (This will prevent mold, mildew and bacteria from growing which could damage your cover and you might end up transferring it to your pool.
   3. Remove any debris, leaves, twigs and sticks that may have gotten into your pool water.
2. Fill your pool
   1. Add enough water to bring the water level to the middle of the skimmers.
3. Check your pool’s equipment
   1. Make sure the main drain and inlets are open
   2. Make sure that the pump and skimmer basket are in place and free of debris
   3. Start your pump and filter system. Your pump and filter system are the heart of your pool maintenance program. This system keeps your pool water clear and clean.
   4. If you did not clean you filter before you closed you pool do so now.
   5. Cool Pool Deals offers filter cleaners that remove the build-up of grease, oil and scale in your filter allowing it to operate effectively, efficiently which will extend the filters life (and save you money).
4. Test your water
   1. Start your pool and let it run for 24 hours before taking a water sample.
   2. Take your sample from at least one foot below the surface.
   3. Using your test kit or test strips, test the water for free chlorine, pH and total alkalinity.
   4. Using your results refer to the following chart to bring your pool up the ideal range.If any of these levels are not in their proper range, PcPools.com offers the proper chemicals to being them into balance.

Spring Start-Up Kits

PcPools.com offers complete easy to use Spring Start-Up Kits. These kits are formulated with just the right amount of chemicals to get your pool ready for swimming and summer fun.

Easy Pool Care Guide for Pool Maintenance

Now that your pool is up and running, follow our Easy Pool Care process to ensure clear, brilliant water.

Need Help or Advice?

This guide is designed to educate you about PcPools.com programs and some of the products we carry. In the event of pool water questions or problems please contact us at 1-877-727-6657 for expert advice and simple solutions.

Click Here for More Aquabot Videos

Click Here for More Aquabot Videos