Aquabot – Meet the Solution April 1, 2009
Posted by Pcpools Above Ground Pools in Automatic pool cleaner, In ground pool, Pool, video.add a comment
Five Steps guide to installing an above ground pool February 26, 2009
Posted by Pcpools Above Ground Pools in Above Ground Pool, Back yard, Pool, safety.add a comment
1. Plan your installation before you begin
Make sure your installation meets all municipal regulations and local codes related to above ground pool installations. Be sure to check the local laws regarding construction and electrical installations, and make sure your pool is installed to conform to all security regulations related to pool fencing and pool covers. Better above ground pool manufacturers are providing an installation DVD with the purchase of an above ground pool. This is a great way to get an over view of the entire installation process. However, there is no replacement for thoroughly reading the installation instructions to insure that installation goes smoothly.
2. Check for necessary parts
Make sure you have all of the necessary parts and equipment to assemble and install your above ground pool. Check the manufacturers’ parts list against the parts received. If you find irregularities such as missing or defective parts, see your pool dealer for replacement parts. A reputable online pool dealer will have parts available to send out quickly.
3. Remove Sod and any weed growth
You must remove all sod from your pool site to prevent grass from rotting and emitting odors around your pool and to inhibit weeds from growing through your vinyl pool liner. Choose the best firm ground for your pool. Strongly consider using a pool liner pad like gorilla pad to inhibit weed growth and provide more comfort to you pool floor.
4. Level the Ground
It is very important that the ground surface is firm and solid. The pool area must be free of rocks, roots, or other sharp edged objects. Avoid installing your pool on surfaces that have been treated with oil, weed-killer or chemical products which may affect the vinyl pool liner among other things. After the ground is level use a sand or finely crushed rock for a base.
The entire pool floor surface must be completely leveled when preparing your site. DO NOT FILL LOWER GROUND AREA. Remove all high spots and level to the lowest point. Do not add any soil to the site. Added soil will generally not provide the strength required to support the weight of the pool. Even if your yard looks level, chances are it is not as almost every yard requires some degree of leveling prior to installing your above ground pool.
5. Assemble your Pool
Once the ground is level, follow the installation instructions provided by the above ground pool manufacture.
Safety is number one when installing a pool, and with these directions, you can get a leg up when it comes to installation.
10 Steps to Get Children Swimming January 5, 2009
Posted by Pcpools Above Ground Pools in Above Ground Pool, Back yard, In ground pool, Pool, safety.2 comments
Few activities provide more summertime enjoyment than swimming in a back yard pool. There is no better way to cool down on a hot summer day than a cool dip in a swimming pool. However, we also recognize that playing around any body of water can be dangerous especially for younger non-swimmers. Studies have shown that the earlier in life kids begin the easier it is to teach them to swim. Three to five years of age is the best time to begin swimming lessons. With summer around the corner, PcPools would like to encourage parents to teach their children to swim with these 10 tips.
- Take lessons from certified swimming instructors. Do not teach the child yourself. Get lessons at the YMCA or a city pool or community recreation center.
- Choose the right teacher. You can rely on most certified swimming instructors to be competent but it never hurts to interview them. Ask them where they were trained, how long they have been teaching and their approach. Try and choose an instructor that best fits their child’s personality. Make sure that all kids above the age of 4 attend a certified swimming class or at least learn basic flotation techniques.
- Start Early. The sooner the child starts the more comfortable they will be in an around the water. Many YMCAs and recreational city pools offer parent-tot classes beginning as early as 6 months of age. Individual lessons generally start around age 3.
- Make sure the child is well rested. Studies demonstrate that children who are well rested are more apt to learn than if they are tired and stressed. Make sure your child behaves appropriately. What they learn in swimming class may very well save their life.
- Expose children to water early. Obviously under strict supervision, expose your child to pools, beaches, lakes and let them enjoy themselves around the water. The more experience they have with water the more comfortable they will become.
- Practice swimming year around. Just like everything else, a child’s skill levels drop when they are not doing the activity. Try and find a pool open in the winter to polish their swimming skills they learned. The more they swim the better they become.
- Be a good role model. Be a safe swimmer yourself. If parents are fearful or careless around water their children will pick up on those traits. If you are not a strong swimmer yourself, enroll in swimming lessons along side your child.
- Explain the benefits of swimming. Tell your child why learning to swim is important. Swimming is good physical exercise, it can be a lifesaver and it is a whole lot of fun.
- Be knowledgeable to help with common mistakes. A parent should strive to know enough about swimming to gently point out common mistakes that young swimmers make. You do not want to have bad habits reinforced away from the watchful eye of a swimming instructor.
- Reward success. Find a reward system that works for you child when they achieve certain swimming goals.
Learning to swim is never a substitute for watching what your kids are up to in and around the pool and always supervise their pool activities. Never leave them alone around the pool even for one second.
Filter Comparison December 8, 2008
Posted by Pcpools Above Ground Pools in Above Ground Pool, chemicals, In ground pool, Pool, pool filter, Uncategorized.add a comment
Which filter is the best? You will need to answer these questions first
- How fine a particle do you want to filter?
- Where will it be used and what is your budget?
- How much time do you want to spend on maintenance?
Here is some information to help you compare and contrast the sand and cartridge filters.
| SAND | CARTRIDGE | |
|---|---|---|
| Size of particles filtered | 20-40 microns | 10-25 microns |
| Estimated filter rate | 15-25 gallons per minute per square foot | 0.375-1 gallons per minute per square foot |
| Relative cost of filter | $$ | $ |
| Relative cost of media | $ | $$ |
| Cleaning frequency | Whenever the pressure reaches 10psi or higher than starting pressure. Usally depends on bather load, hydraulics and filter design. |
Whenever the pressure reaches 10psi or higher than starting pressure. Usally depends on bather load, hydraulics and filter design. |
| Replacement frequency | Typically, after 3-5 years the sand grains have worn smooth and need to be replaced. This is indicated when the pressure fails to fall below 5 psi of initial pressure. |
Typically, after 3-7 years. |
| Strongest selling point | Requires little attention. | NO backwashing provides easy maintenance. |
In Ground Pool kits November 24, 2008
Posted by Pcpools Above Ground Pools in Back yard, In ground pool, Pool, pool filter, pool pump.add a comment
Our Infinity do-it-yourself (“DIY”) in ground pool kits have solid aluminum construction and have an unmatched reputation for quality and design. We strongly believe that aluminum in ground pool kits are superior to every other pool construction material on the market. Each Infinity in-ground pool kit will come with the following features:
- Pool Entrance Steps- Handsomely formed one-piece constructions. Made of outdoor, weatherable polymer for many years of use.
- Sta-Rite In Ground Pump and Filter System.
- Stainless Steel Fasteners- Rust resistant and stronger than galvanized steel.
- Pool Coping Strips- Made of electro statically painted extruded aluminum. The pool coping frames the perimeter of the pool and allows concrete to meet the edge of the pool.
- Delta Brace- Structural extruded aluminum with 3-point connection for superior strength and alignment.
- Extruded Aluminum Wall Panels- Each panel is factory welded and painted to provide the best protection against the elements.
- Vertical Bead Receiver and Designer Vinyl Liner- Provides long lasting durability locking the liner securely into position. Treated for protection, the pool liner prevents mold, mildew, with added protection against ultraviolet rays.
- Pool Lighting and niche.
- Infinity pool comes with a limited lifetime warranty.
We have several shapes and sizes. Check them all out at our website. Also click here for a video install.
The company that has been a chosen leader of In ground swimming pools is now making the Infinity Swimming Pools, Delair Group, located in Delair, NJ was founded more than 40 years ago as the Esther Williams Pool Company. Since 1967, Esther Williams has stood behind the high-quality swimming pools that bear her name. Delair manufactures pools under the Infinity, Esther Williams, Johnny Weissmuller and Symphony series and all of their products are manufactured in the USA using only superior strength extruded aluminum. These world class swimming pools are computer designed to ensure the quality, durability and innovation that you would expect. Whether you are looking for a custom in-ground pool, a value priced above ground pool, or a strong durable fence, Delair is your trusted source for a broad range of pools and fences.
http://www.delairgroup.com/
http://www.infinityswimmingpools.com/
Pool Care Glossary November 11, 2008
Posted by Pcpools Above Ground Pools in Above Ground Pool, Automatic pool cleaner, Back yard, chemicals, Diving Boards, Heat pump, Heaters, liners, Out door living, Patio, Pool, Pool Deck, pool filter, Pool Ladders, pool pump, safety, safety covers, Solar, solar cover, Spa, spa safety, Umbrellas, winter covers, Winterizing.add a comment
Check out our vast Pool Care Glossary.
Everything you needed to know from A to Z.
In Ground Winter Closing Checklist September 16, 2008
Posted by Pcpools Above Ground Pools in Automatic pool cleaner, chemicals, In ground pool, Pool, pool filter, pool pump, safety covers, winter covers, Winterizing.add a comment
VACUUM pool & remove all debris.
Use a Blue Wave WINTERIZING POOL CHEMICAL KIT to add the correct chemicals for the winter for your pool size.
Drain Filter tank of all water. Bring pump/motor indoors. Remove return eyeballs and install WINTERIZING PLUGS.
Thoroughly blow out water from underground lines. Install SKIMMER GUARDS to protect skimmer. Add NON-TOXIC POOL ANTI-FREEZE to pool’s plumbing.
Put on cover, SAFETY POOL COVERS should be anchored down. Solid WINTER POOL COVERS should float on top of the water, For MESH WINTER POOL COVERS, do not drain pool lower than bottom of skimmer.
Lay out LEAF NET over to catch leaves this fall. (Remember to move before the first snow fall!) Fill heavy duty WATER TUBESor leakproof AQUA BLOKSand position around pool’s edge.
Above Ground Pool Closing Checklist September 3, 2008
Posted by Pcpools Above Ground Pools in Above Ground Pool, Automatic pool cleaner, chemicals, Pool, pool filter, pool pump.add a comment
VACUUM pool & remove all debris.
Use a Blue Wave WINTERIZING POOL CHEMICAL KIT to add the correct chemicals for the winter for your pool size.
Drain Filter tank of all water. Bring pump/motor indoors. Remove return eyeballs and install WINTERIZING PLUGS.
Winterize skimmer with AQUADOR.
Put on cover, SOLID WINTER POOL COVERS should float on top of water. If using an AIR PILLOW, inflate 2/3 full. For MESH WINTER POOL COVERS, do not drain pool lower than bottom of skimmer.
Fill WALL BAGS and fasten to covers cable every 2-3 feet. Tighten CABLE securely around pool cover. Position wall bags on top of pool cover.
Use POOL COVER CLIPS or premium COVER LOCK JR’S to secure cover. Fully protect your winter cover from high winds with COVER SEAL
Solar Pool Heating August 27, 2008
Posted by Pcpools Above Ground Pools in Above Ground Pool, Heat pump, Heaters, Pool, Solar, solar cover.add a comment
- Provides the lowest annual operational costs (energy is provided free from the sun)
- Provides the lowest maintenance costs (minimal if any)
- It is the cleanest, safest and quietest source of energy
- Solar systems have the longest lifespan (no moving parts, no corrosion) – almost always outlasting their warranties.
- A solar pool heating system pays for itself within 2 to 4 years
- Heats your pool to a warm, comfortable temperature.
- Is environment-friendly energy – free from the sun.
- Doubles your swim season with luxuriously warm water.
- Dramatically reduces or eliminates pool heating costs.
- Adds value to your pool and to your home.
Why is solar energy superior for heating your pool?
Check out PcPools Above ground and In ground Solar Pool Heater options.
Pool Chemistry 101 July 2, 2008
Posted by Pcpools Above Ground Pools in Above Ground Pool, chemicals, In ground pool, Pool, pool filter.add a comment
Pool Chemistry 101
For clean and clear pool water, certain chemicals must be added to the pool and their proper levels maintained. A brief overview of the essential pool chemicals and their optimum levels will help familiarize you with the products necessary to attain the perfect pool. To check the levels, daily pool water testing is necessary. This is achieved easily using pool water testing supplies, carried by pcPOOLS. Remember, always start the pool season with fresh test strips to ensure their accuracy. In adding the appropriate amount of chemicals, you must know the size in gallons of your pool. pcPOOLS has provided the formula to compute the size in gallons.
Chlorine is the most popular sanitizer and disinfectant for pool water. It is a natural chemical that oxidizes bacteria to keep the pool water safe and clean. The Free Available Chlorine (FAC) level should be maintained between 2.0 and 3.0 parts per million (ppm). During hot weather, the FAC level should be held at the higher end of the acceptable range. pcPOOLS offers 1″ Chlorine tablets, 3″ Chlorine tabs, & 8″ sticks that can be dispensed by placing the tablet in a chlorinator, floating feeder or the skimmer basket. If you prefer to add the chemical directly to the water, Dy-Chlor, a granular form of chlorine, is a good choice. Please follow the instructions on the product for safe use.
pH is the level of acidity of the pool water. A proper pH level, between 7.2 and 7.6, is necessary so that chlorine can work effectively. If the pool’s pH level is below 7.2, there is a possibility that the water could corrode your pool equipment and you should consider adding pH Increaser to bring up the pH to an acceptable level. If the pH level is above 7.6, pcPOOLS carries pH Decreaser which would help bring the pH level down to the proper level and alleviate the possibility of scaling.
Alkalinity is the measure of certain minerals which act as buffering agents and allow you to readily adjust the pH levels. Alkalinity acts as a pH stabilizer and reduces pH “bounce”. The level of total alkalinity should be maintained between 100 and 150 ppm in plaster pools and between 125 and 175 ppm in painted, vinyl and fiberglass pools. If total alkalinity is too low, use pcPOOLS‘s pH Buffer. To reduce alkalinity, use pH Decreaser.
A Stabilizer is a chemical that prevents the sun’s ultra-violet rays from affecting the chlorine levels. The stabilizer forms a protective bond around the chlorine to resist the sun’s harmful effects. Pools should be stabilized whenever large amounts of fresh water are added. The level of stabilizer should be maintained at approximately 35 ppm. Try pcPOOLS‘s Stabilizer/Conditioner.
Shock is a chemical that raises the chlorine level and breaks up contaminants that resist normal chlorination and cloud water. Weekly shock treatments work to remove these contaminants and aid in maintaining clear and biologically clean pool water. pcPOOLS offers both Blast Out Shock and Burst Shock.
Algae Control chemicals combat algae, the aquatic plant that grows in pool water due to its warmth and lack of proper sanitization. Common types of algae include green, pink, black and mustard. Algae growth in its early stages can be contained using a chlorine shock. However, some stubborn algae may require an algaecide. pcPOOLS has a section dedicated to Algaecides in the chemicals section of this website.
Clarifiers and Flocculants are chemicals used to help achieve clear pool water. Some contaminant particles are too small to be caught within the filter. Clarifying agents and flocculants cause these particles to bond together into larger particles which will be removed through filtration or vacuuming. pcPOOLS offers Shimmer, Super Shimmer, and Super Floc to help maintain your water clarity.
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