Discount Above Ground Pool Heaters

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Cleaning your swimming pool is a must in order to ensure that your environment is safe and protected. Automatic pool cleaners clean pebbles, dirt, bugs, debris, and even sand grains from the swimming pool floor and water. In fact, automatic pool cleaners help you to keep your pool dirt free even without hiring a swimming pool cleaning company to do it.

Automatic pool cleaners can clean all types of swimming pool surface. When properly used, such devices may make maintaining and owning a pool more fun. Hence, while choosing automatic pool cleaners, you must take a thorough look at all the features of your swimming pool before making final decision.

How Automatic Swimming Pool Cleaners Function

Automatic pool cleaners are basically waterproof vacuum that may be connected to the filter of your pool to clean all dirt and debris collected along the sides and bottom of your pool. Such devices will pick up almost everything from leaves to twigs and pebbles, and remove small insects and germs as well. Automatic pool cleaners perform a lengthy job, yet it is quite easy to install or assemble them.

However, not all pool cleaners function in the same way, and just like vehicles there are different models and makes with variety of warranty options and features. They are also available at wide ranging prices starting from nearly $150 to almost $800. They also have wide range of operating methods; hence, you must certainly see the video clipping of an automatic pool cleaner before you purchase it.

Tips to Buy and Use Automatic Pool Cleaners

Visit a swimming pool supply shop, and discuss about the type of pool cleaners that are best for your swimming pool. Gather all information regarding your swimming pool’s features such as filtration system, depth, volume and dimension before buying and using automatic pool cleaners.

Ensure to have electrical outlet for your automatic pool cleaners. Automatic pool cleaners generally entrap clay with the help of internal filter system; however you must plug them into electrical outlet.

Buy the right cleaner that suites the size of your swimming pool. Some cleaners are designed to clean the entire floor of your swimming pool and have self monitoring system that ensures coverage.

Install and start your automatic swimming pool cleaner. Some cleaners may take 2 to 3 hours to perform the entire cleaning process; however, there are some that can do it within 1 hour. Check pool chemicals on completion and also adjust as required.

Use automatic pool cleaners daily to lengthen the life of the filtration system of your swimming pool. They are inexpensive to run, and save backwash costs and electricity.

If you think that selecting what type of pol pump that you are going to use as the heart of your pools plumbing and filtration system is an insignificant decision then you have drasticly underestimated their importance. From a distance, pool pumps may look alike on the outside but beyond that there are many dissimilarities that set them apart.

Quality and Reliability

Hayward pool pumps stand at the forefront of technological innovation with a huge selection of high quality, reliable pool pumps that can be counted on for the life of your pool. Quite simply, Hayward pool pumps aren't the cheapest but they are the best.

Spare Parts – No Problem

Also, spare parts for Hayward pool pumps are snap to find and order. This may not seem like big deal right now but when your budget priced pool pump needs a minor part that turns out to be impossible to find it will be.

Easy Access Strainer

Hayward's “Super Pump” series right now features the very latest in technological innovations and convenience features. For instance, their swing away handle on their strainer makes for easy cleaning with no tools required.

Cooler and Quiter

This series of Hayward pool pumps also feature a see through strainer cover that allows you to quickly check if it needs cleaning in a fraction of a second. Also, Hayward's high performance motors with “airflow” ventilation means cooler and quieter operation.

More Pumping – Less Power Consumption

This new series of Hayward Pool pumps also incorporate a new energy efficient design that results in more water being pumped then other pumps of equivalent horsepower.

By now you may have already heard of diotomatious earth swimming pool filters and may have a few questions that you need answered. For instance, why are they so efficient at removing the smallest of particulate matter? Also the one big question, what is diatomatious earth and where does it come from?

A Long Long Time Ago

The story of diatomatious earth actually begins eons ago at the dawn of time. Back when the worlds oceans were teaming with one celled microscopic sea creatures called “diatoms”. Diatoms were compised of several types and some types of diatoms contained a microscopic shell much like todays coral.

A White Chalky Substance

This shell, just like the shell on all of todays sea creatures that have them was composed primarily of calcium carbonate, a white, non soluble chalky substance. So as these microscopic diatoms would die off, their shells shells, only the size of a needle tip would sink to the bottom of the ocean.

Many Commercial and Industrial Uses

There they would sit, piling on top of one another until massive deposits were built up. These deposits are now mined today as Diatomatious earth and used in any number of commercial and industrial applications. In fact, the next time you are watching a football game look at he white chalk powder lines on the field and guess what they are made of?

Particles as Small as 5 Microns

Due to their unique biological origins, these tiny sea shells that make up diatomatious earth aren't solid but rather are filled with small passageways that water can flow through. As your pools water flows through these microscopic passageways, particles as small as 5 microns are trapped.

Cheap to Buy

This is what makes diatomatious earth swimming pool filters the best filters available for ridding a pool of extremely small particles. Another thing that makes diatomatious earth a good product to use is that it is very inexpensive.

Nobody enjoys swimming in cold water, which is why most people installing a pool opt for a swimming pool heater to keep the temperature more comfortable. Several options exist, including gas, heat-pump and solar power. Which option is chosen by the pool owner will be determined by their budget.

Understand, most swimming pool heaters operate on the same premise. Water is pumped from the swimming pool, through the heater and back into the pool where the heated water raises the temperature level of the pool water. A thermostat installed on the line into the pump records the temperature of the water in the pool and stops pumping until the temperature drops below a pre-set temperature.

How the water is heated is what determines the cost. There are two variables to consider when deciding the type of swimming pool heater is best for your pool. The initial cost and the annual operating cost. Some may offer cheaper installation costs, but prices of utilities and the climate in the area, may make them expensive to operate during the season.

Installation And Operating Expenses
Of the three main types of swimming pool heater, gas, either natural or propane, is the cheapest for initial installation. For comparison purposes an example of a 15 foot by 30 foot kidney shaped pool will be used. A gas swimming pool heater will cost roughly $1,200 and another $500 for installation. A homeowner can usually install a swimming pool heater themself, but it is highly recommended that connections for gas and electric be left to a licensed professional.

A heat pump swimming pool heater is more expensive to install, about $3,900 including installation and a solar powered swimming pool heater will run about $3,000 with installation. Their operating costs are what sets them apart.

A gas swimming pool heater will cost about $1.20 to realize a dollar’s worth of heat. On an average, it’s expected to cost between $1,000 and $1,500 per season to operate on propane. Depending on the price of natural gas in the area, it could cost about 50 percent less.

A heat pump swimming pool heater, on the other hand will cost about 20 cents for $1,00 worth of heat, bringing the annual cost of between $250 to $500 per year, which can offset the initial cost. A solar powered swimming pool heater will cost about $30 to $75 in electric to operate the pump required for water circulation, but not for the power itself.

I am looking to purchase an pool heater for my above ground pool and want to know if I can use an inground pool heater for an above ground pool? Is ther really a difference that would effect my pool. I have a 15 by 30 that I would like to put a 200,000 btu heater on but am finding only inground heaters in this size.

By now you may already know that swimming pool filters come in three basic types. Those types are sand, DE or “diatomatious earth” and cartridge filters. So which one of the three does the most exacting job of removing the very finest of particles from your pools water?

5 Microns in Diameter

That would definitely be the DE pool filters. This is because DE swimming pool filters are able to trap particles as small as 5 microns in diameter. The next up would be the cartridge filter, that screens out particles of between 10 -15 microns in diameter.

Is it Backwash Time Yet?

Because the DE filter is operated at high pressure, it is imperative that the proper pump be connected to the system. So how do you know when it is time to backwash a DE pool filter to remove the debris that it has accumulated?

Yes! It's Backwash Time

That determination is done by examining the pressure guage that is connected to the filter. When it is registering 6 pounds over normal then that means that the accumulated particles in the filter are begin to clog the system.

Tiny Ancient Microscopic Sea Shells

Each microscopic particle of diatomatious earth is actually the tiny shell of an ancient one celled sea creature called a diatom. They are actually quite porous, which makes them each their own little water filter as the water pases through these incredibly small pores.

More DE Please!

After back flushing a DE filter, the grids inside of the filter itself have to be re coated with diatomatious earth. This is accomplished through a simple process that involves feeding fresh DE, which is essentially a type of very fine powdered chalk back into the filter through the skimmer.

Swimming is something that most everyone considers a warm weather summer activity.  But when the weather cools if you have the right gas pool heater you can enjoy your pool, swim spa or hot tub year round no matter where you live.

How Gas Pool Heaters Work

Pool heaters work by re-cycling water, so the water will not be hot to the touch when it comes through the pool jets or inlets.  Heat is added gradually as the water is turned over in the pool.

Heat pumps, used in conjunction with a “solar blanket”, open the door to swimming on a daily basis in 85 degree water.  Like a gas heater, the heat pump has the same requirements to operate.  The pump must be operating efficiently, the filter must be clean, and the thermostat must be high enough to activate the heater.

Your heat pump runs on electricity.  It requires 50 to 60 amps to run properly.  Although it is much more economical to operate a heat pump, it heats your pool much slower than a gas-fired heater.  Heat pumps are usually rated anywhere from 90,000 to 150,000 BTU’s, whereas a gas heater is typically between 250,000 to 400,000 BTU’s.

Common Complaints!

The most common complaint we hear about heat pumps is “my heat pump is not working!”  However, if the fan is turning and it is blowing out cool, de-humidified air – that it IS working and you just need to give it more time.

Another concern we often hear about is leaking.  However heat pumps, just like air conditioning units, create condensation when functioning properly.  So it is normal to have water leaking from the outlet at the bottom of the heater.

Advice for getting the most of out your gas pool heater:

Your gas heater will only operate properly if the following factors exist:

Your pump must be operating efficiently Your filter must be clean Your Electronic Controller (PDA) must have the temperature set high enough to activate the heater

Therefore, if your pump strainer basket is full of leaves, or if your filter is dirty, or if your pump is not primed, your heater will not work.  If your controller has your pool set to come up to 85 degrees and your water is already 86 degrees, your heater will not work.

One problem that has become much more prevalent lately is insufficient gas supply to the heater.  In order for a gas heater to work properly, a commercial gas meter will be required.

In addition, a “dedicated” line of sufficient size is absolutely necessary for the heater to function.

Article by:  Charles Elfert

No matter what type of pool you have, you’ll need to perform regular maintenance on it. Potentially, the biggest task you'll face is keeping your pool clean. Unless you want to spend hours of time scrubbing your pool instead of swimming in it, you should take a look at automatic pool cleaners.

Automatic swimming pool cleaners are available for both inground and above ground pools. Prices vary quite a bit so, even if you're on a tight budget, you should be able to find one that's right for your situation. Pool cleaners come in three basic designs: suction side, pressure side and robotic pool cleaners.

Suction side swimming pool cleaners attach to your pool's plumbing on the suction side, usually at the pool skimmer. Some pools have a vacuum port especially for a pool cleaner. Suction is created on the underside of the pool cleaner by your pool's filter pump. Dirt and small debris is sucked up into the cleaner and through a hose to your strainer basket and filter, where the dirt and debris are trapped. This design makes suction side cleaners very much like pool vacuum cleaners.

Suction side cleaners are available for all pool types. One advantage of suction side pool cleaners is that they rarely require any additional parts or adapters to connect to any swimming pool. The popular Kreepy Krauly pool cleaners are suction side cleaners.

Pressure side cleaners, as you might guess, are hooked up to the pressure side of your pool's plumbing system. This is the side that is returning clean, filtered water to your pool. Pressure side pool cleaners use the power of water pressure to push dirt Pool cleaners and debris into an attached bag. One advantage of pressure side swimming pool cleaners is that they don't put extra pressure on your pool's filter system. They also help distribute clean water throughout your pool.

Pressure side cleaners are almost always automatic inground pool cleaners. Primary pressure side pool cleaner manufacturers are Polaris and Letro. The pressure side design tends to be more expensive than suction side.

Robotic pool cleaners are self-contained units that you put in the pool as and when needed. They are normally plugged into an electrical outlet using a really long cord. A transformer provides low voltage to electric motors inside the unit. One motor vacuums up dirt and the other moves the unit around the pool. Some models swim around randomly, while others can be programmed to follow a specific pattern.

Robotic pool cleaners can be used in any type of pool. They have their own self-contained filter, and they also put no resistance or back pressure on your pool's filtering system. They can also save money because they don't require you to run your filtration system for pool cleaning. However, robotic pool cleaners can cost more than the other filter types. Aquavac, Dolphin and Aquabot are all robotic pool cleaners.

One of the top features of owning your own swimming pool is being able to swim whenever you want. Automatic pool cleaners help out by doing the dirty work for you and letting you cool off and relax.

Just when you thought that a pool pump is just a pool pump, along comes Hayward pool pumps with what they call their new Super Series pool pumps. So, what is really in a name? Are these pumps actually as superas their name suggests or do they fail to live up to this presumptuous moniker that has been attached to them.

How Super Are They?

Then again what comes after the Super Series? Maybe the Super Dooper Series; or is this the end of the line for pool pump improvements? Then again, is at all just advertising gimmickry? Or does this new line of pool pumps by Hayward actually live up to their name?

More Convenience Features

Personally, the name Super Pool Pump is a bit of a stretch, because at first glance it seems that it would imply that this new line of pumps are in fact more powerful, which they aren't, However; they do contains several features, which while not being exactly super they do make for more convenience.

See Through Easy Open Strainer

Take for instance, their common sense see through strainer cap that allows you to check to see if it needs cleaning without having to actually open the strainer up. Then if you do need to open it, a new swing out lever means no tools are required.

New Energy Efficient Design

Then there is the new energy efficient design. Is it actually super? Not really but considering that a pools pump is the only source of energy consumption on a pool that uses a suction or supply side pool cleaner it is a super step forward.

Quieter Pump Motor Fan

Then there is the newly designed fan in the pump motor itself that does make for a much quieter pool pump. Is it super? That is your call to make and it depends on if you like listening to whining pool pump when you are laying out by the side of your pool.

Over the course of the past few decades cartridge style pool filters have been making huge gains in popularity. The reasons are simple. It's all the result of a range of new developments that have served to improve this style of pool filter in several areas. No where is this more obvious then in Hayward pool filters new generation of replacement cartridges.

An Excellent Concept

When cartridge filters were first developed and introduced to the public they were a good product in concept but the actual technology to support the idea was lagging. Older style plastics and manufacturing processes meant that the actual replacement cartridges degraded too quickly and weren't able to remove particles as fine as todays cartridges are now capable of removing.

New Developments

However; all that has changed today and nowhere else is this more apparent than in Hayward pool filters replacement cartridges. Not only are these replacement filters made of a newer and much more superior reinforced polyester plastic but they are also now manufactured to far more exacting specifications.

Number One on the Market

The end result is clearer water, less maintenance and replacement filters that stand up much longer to the harsh environment that they function in. This in turn has led Hayward pool filter replacement cartridges to now be the number one choice today of all replacement filters that are currently on the market.

Energy Efficient

One more benefit of this scientifically engineered and computer aided designed, state if the art replacement filters is greater energy efficiency, as the result of a smoother more even flow-through design that means far less resistance on the pool pump. Remember that the pool pump is where most of the energy that a pool consumes is used and thus should be your primary focus when looking to conserve electricity.