POOLplaza Article & Video Center

Summer No More!!

With the coming change of seasons, it is also time to look at a change in the way you manage your pool. We examine ways to winterize your pool and spa for easier openings next spring.  Don’t get left out in the cold this winter. Invest in products that make life easier for you and your pool.
 

Pumps and Motors - the HEART of your Pool System!

No part of the pool equipment system is as important as the main circulating pump (and it’s motor). Just as with living creatures, if the pump does not function correctly (or at all), nothing else works.
 

When Green Pools Are Cool!

Whether you already own a pool or are going to build one, there is now a wide range of things you can do to “go Green” and “reduce the carbon footprint” of your pool and it's equipment.
 

What You Should Know About Winter Pool Maintenance

Depending upon the part of the country in which you are located, preparing the pool or spa system for the winter can have very different requirements. The basic principles are the same however.
 

Causes of Cloudy Water

Begin by asking this question: "What causes cloudy water?" In other words, don't just assume that the problem is your sand filter. It may just be the filter, but it may also be something totally different. Cloudy water has only two possible causes: Water chemistry issues or filtration issues.

Virginia Graeme Baker Safety Act

Every drowning death and injury is preventable with necessary supervision and care in the construction, maintenance and operation of the pools and spas. The VGB Act mandates some changes in construction methods, safety devices and pool access but ultimately the most effective safety measures are increased education and supervision.
 

Safety and Savings with Pool Covers

Since the introduction of pool covers as a safety device that is all they have been, a safety device. It is true that pool covers were originally designed as a barrier to prevent accidental drowning, especially of young children. However, more pool owners are being made aware of something the industry has known for some time; pool covers are also a great way to conserve precious heat and expensive chemicals

Single Speed, Two Speed, or Variable Speed?

With so many options available, shopping for a new pool pump or motor can be quite a headache. Do I need Full Rated or Up Rated? Single speed or two speed? What about variable speed or variable flow?
 

Preventative Maintenance

Let’s face it, nobody likes to get covered in 12 months worth of dirt and grime every time it’s necessary to clean their filter media. I would even go so far to say it is the task most pool owner’s dread more than any other, and who could blame us? Pet hair, dead skin, body and suntan oils, and all sorts of microscopic nastiness we don’t want on our pool end up attached to filter media.

Heating Swimming Pools and Spas

Careful research and planning before installing a heating system can reduce those costs and make owning a pool or spa more enjoyable. There are different types of heating methods available for pools. Each of them has particular advantages and disadvantages as well as varying costs for both start-up and continuing operation.

Timers and Controls

In the 21st century, pool and spa automation has become an industry in itself, not just to reduce the time used to operate the equipment manually but to create grand designs with lights and water features as well as establishing complete control of even the most complex pool and spa/water feature systems at the touch of a finger from anywhere the owner might be.

Pool Cleaners

With new automatic pool cleaners being regularly introduced to the market, it’s easy for a pool owner to become overwhelmed and just replace their old cleaner with what they currently have. It is in our nature to avoid change and stick with what has worked for us in the past.
 

What’s Living in Your Pool?

Have you looked at the water in your swimming pool or spa lately? Is it sparkling clear? Does it look like you could drink it? Would you take a bath in it? Whether you say yes or no, give the water a test. Often, the water will look great but a test will reveal problems that may need to be dealt with. Water with chemical imbalances can harbor all kinds of creatures; algae, bacteria, viruses and fungi.

Troubleshooting a Pool or Spa Heater

A heater is one of the most expensive components of the pool or spa. When a heater breaks down, repairing it can be a costly process, and even more so replacing it. Regular maintenance can make a heater last longer and work longer without repairs. When it does need repairs, a mechanically inclined person may be able to do the troubleshooting and repairs himself.
 

The Easiest Job in the World

The most important task in taking care of a pool or spa is testing the water regularly. For a residential pool, this should be done once a week unless there are some special problems. Publicly used pools require daily testing, in some states more than once a day. Spas require frequent testing. While many pool and spa owners avoid doing water tests, it is not such a difficult task. A complete water test can take 5 minutes or less and, if you are careful, you will not even get dirty. The results can provide important information about the pool or spa and may help you take measures that will prevent problems that could end up costing a lot of money and time to fix. It also can prevent illness caused by an infected pool.

DIY: Install & Repair Your Pool Equipment

Recent economic conditions have encouraged a lot of homeowners to consider Do-It-Yourself options for home, swimming pool and spa equipment installations and repairs. As with many things, there is an upside and a downside to DIY entailing practical, safety and even legal considerations. The main consideration is this; am I going to save money and fully accomplish the job in both the short and the long run.

Having a Spa or Hot Tub

Spas can be fun, make us more comfortable and improve our health. Spa and hot tub dealers have invested large amounts of money in advertising, enticing those who have no spa to buy one and those who already have one to upgrade. As a result, spas are everywhere and now there are millions of them all across America.

Pool Pumps: Pentair Whisperflo Repair Video

A detail video on taking a part a Pentair WhisperFlo Pump, replacing the shaft seal and putting it back together.
 

Polaris Booster Pump Video

A detail video on taking a part a Polaris Booster Pump, replacing the shaft seal and putting it back together.
 

Sta-Rite Max-E-Glas II Video

A detail video on taking a part a Sta-Rite Max-E-Glas II Pump, replacing the shaft seal and putting it back together.
 

Hayward Super 2 Pump

A detail video on taking a part a Hayward Super II Pump, replacing the shaft seal and putting it back together.
 

Pentair Challenger Pump

A detail video on taking a part a Pentair Challenger Pump, replacing the shaft seal and putting it back together.
 

Identifying a Pump

Identifying certain places on a pump that will allow you to know what pump model you have to buy the correct pump parts.
 

Pool Pump Sizing

A video explaining the things to consider whenever sizing a pump for your pool.

 

Calculate the Volume of Water in a Pool

How to calculate the volume of water for different size and shape pools.

HowTo - Clean a Pentair Clean & Clear Filter

Taking apart a Pentair Clean & Clear filter, and cleaning the cartridge. And placing it back together.

Testing Pool Water

A video on the different types of water testing, and testing equipment.

Reasons to Test Pool Water.

A few reasons as to why it is important to test your pool's water.

Selecting a Pool Timer

A video on things to consider when choosing an mechanical or automatic timer system.

Reasons to have a Salt Water Chlorination Systems

The pros and cons of having or considering a salt water chlorination system.