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Recent advancements in pool heating technology allow pool owners to choose from a vast array of options that vary based on effectiveness, space limitations, and cost. Such technological improvements have produced improved solar pool covers and solar panels that after the initial purchase, do not create any additional operating costs. Conversely, gas and propane pool heaters are still the best way to heat one’s pool quickly and effectively.

A solar pool cover lays on the surface of a swimming pool and attracts and absorbs sunlight. This method produces natural heat that makes the pool water more enjoyable. Similarly, solar panels are devices that do not come into direct contact with the pool’s surface. Instead, the panels are hooked up with PVC tubing that allows the pool water to flow directly through the device. Solar heating panels should be elevated for maximum sun exposure so that the water that flows through them can be heated before being pumped back into the pool. One disadvantage of solar materials is that they tend to take up lots of room. This is especially true with the solar panels, which can often measure up to twenty feet in length. One solution to that limitation is mounting the panels on a rooftop, although that makes the tubing process more complex. Despite the spatial concerns, solar heat is the most cost-effective method to heating your swimming pool.

As previously mentioned, gas and propane pool heaters are the best and quickest way to generate pool heat. There are multiple BTU levels available depending on the given water capacity of your swimming pool. For instance, a large pool measuring 20’ by 40’ would benefit from a high-powered 400,000 BTU pool heater. In contrast, a round 24’ above ground pool typically will not need more than 100,000 BTU. Another advantage to choosing a gas or propane pool heater is the limited amount of space one takes up. Most heaters will require between four and six square feet, with additional space being needed for piping in certain pool setups. This is much less space than any solar panel would require. The only disadvantage to using a gas or propane heater is the significantly higher cost in comparison to solar products. Prices for gas or propane pool heaters often exceed $1,000, and pool owners should also take monthly gas or propane refill costs. The monthly costs will vary depending on frequency of pool heater use, climate, and the BTU output.

When choosing how to heat an in ground or above ground swimming pool, many factors contribute to a final decision. If a pool is in an urban setting that does not get much sun exposure, a solar system is not the best choice. In contrast, rural areas that get eight to ten hours of uninterrupted sunlight are prime candidates for such a solar pool heating system.

PcPools’ first tip for opening your pool is…DON’T WAIT! Many swimming pool owners procrastinate to avoid the work that goes into the pool opening process. Understandable, yes, but by the time you are motivated enough to open the pool, frequently you and your family have already missed part of the swimming season. Depending on how short the summer swimming season is where you live, that could be a big mistake!

Once you’ve committed yourself to beginning the pool opening process – go ahead and pat yourself on the back – it is likely best to begin with a floc treatment. This will make it much easier for you to remove any existing contaminants from your pool water. Simply add the flocculant, turn on your pool pump for a few hours allowing it to circulate, shut it off so the debris can fall to the bottom, and then vacuum up the coagulated debris.

At this point in the process, you will need to evaluate if it is necessary to add water to your pool, as well as your chlorine demand. Once you’ve shocked the pool and satisfied the chlorine demand, the next step will be to add the Algaecide. Beyond that, make sure you monitor your filter pressure and chlorine levels extra closely for at least the first few days after opening.

Need a Spring Pool Chemical Start-Up Package to assist you with your pool opening? PcPools has you covered.

Now that Spring is upon us, many people’s attention is turning towards warm weather activities. That includes swimming, of course! The only problem is that in many parts of the country it is still too cold to comfortably use an outdoor swimming pool. What is a person to do?

Pool heaters to the rescue. While there are a variety of types of swimming pool heaters – gas, electric, and solar – gas heaters are the most heavily relied upon this time of year because they work quickly and easily without regard to the surrounding weather. So, if you are a gas pool heater user, here are a few tips to keep your heater working smoothly and safely.

Storage. Whether you are a homeowner or the manager of a commercial facility with a pool, ensure that any and all chemicals are stored separately and at a safe distance from the pool heater. This helps prevents any accidental combustion from turning into a dangerous fire or explosion. As a further precautionary measure, PcPools recommends utilizing a carbon monoxide detector if your heater is located indoors or anywhere near a window or vent leading indoors.

Safety Features. These days most pool heating units come with internal safety mechanisms to prevent gas leakage or other mechanical failures. Examples include ignition safeguards, pressure regulators, automatic shut-off controls, and water pressure relief valves. Using your heater’s manual as a guide, test all the unit’s built-in safeties. This is an especially important task if you are just starting it up after a winter of non-use.

Inspection. “Past results are not indicative of future performance.” This general truism applies to your pool heater: just because your heater hasn’t had any trouble in the past doesn’t mean it is immune to future problems. This is why regular inspection by a trained professional is recommended.

Precautionary care is the best kind of care for your heater, so get a maintenance checkup annually – you never know when your unit’s gas lines, wires, or gauges will fail. PcPools recommends calling a local skilled technician to do the job, because despite the upfront cost of doing so, the long-term benefit is that the service will keep your heater working efficiently for many years, possibly saving you more in the long-run.

Chlorine

• To maintain the proper level of residual chlorine when bather load is heavy, shock your pool once a week with a 3 to 5 times higher than normal dose of chlorine. Do not enter the pool until the chemical level is normalized.
• Chlorine is broken down by the sun’s ultraviolet rays. Using cyanuric acid to stabilize the chlorine in your pool at the beginning of the swim season will help you maximize your chlorine’s efficiency all summer long.
• Filters remove suspended particles from pool water, but don’t control bacteria or algae. Maintain a residual chlorine level of 1.0-3.0 ppm (parts per million) to kill bacteria and/or algae present in the water.

pH Level

• The ideal pH for pool water is 7.5. A pH range of 7.4-7.6 is considered acceptable.
• Maintaining a total alkalinity (T.A.) range from 80-120 ppm (parts per million) will help minimize changes in pH, which can result in scaling and corrosion. Frequent testing can help prevent these problems before they get out of hand.

Quality

• To ensure accurate readings, replace test kit reagents annually.
• To ensure the highest water quality, test your pool’s pH and free chlorine levels daily, adding chemicals as needed.
• Proper chemical usage is important for maintaining a healthy pool. Be sure to follow the chemical manufacturer’s instructions closely regarding proper dosage for your size pool.
• Add an algaecide and chlorine to your pool before covering it for the winter. It will ensure that the water is clear and algae-free when you reopen it the following season.

Here are the details on the $265 Solar Reel that PcPools is giving away for Free! Click Here for details on how to enter to win.

PREMIUM QUALITY METAL “LOW PROFILE” SOLAR REEL

SUPER STRONG REEL GLIDES YOUR SOLAR BLANKET OFF THE POOL

Engineered for smaller hotel and motel pools, this reel is designed for heavy use. Its powder-coated heavy gauge aluminum frame is super strong, lightweight, and will never rust or corrode. The large stainless steel crank with handle at one end makes turning the reel easy. Precision stainless steel bearings allow a single person to effortlessly glide the solar blanket off your pool.

Our premium reel is built with a heavy-duty tube that will not sag or flex. It will support solar blankets up to 20-ft. wide by 40-ft. long. Standing only 12” high, this low profile reel can fit under most diving boards for easy storage when not in use. Optional locking casters can be purchase separately for easy portability.

Contest ends at 5 pm CST on April 15, 2012.

Handling, storing, and disposing of pool chemicals are often tasks that are done incorrectly. It is important to keep in mind that before they are mixed into a swimming pool, many pool chemicals can be extremely hazardous. There are multiple potential hazards involved with pool chemicals.

The first rule of handling pool chemicals is to always read and follow the instructions. Even if you have handled a certain pool chemical in the past, it is important to read the label every time you use a new package. Even if it is the same brand, there could be new guidelines to follow. You should always wear protective eye equipment as well as rubber gloves when handling pool chemicals because some pool chemicals are much more volatile before being mixed with water. Be sure to keep the pool chemicals away from any plants, or even you lawn. Never smoke within range of the pool chemicals because even one small spark can cause an explosion or the release of hazardous gases. Lastly, you should always use clean equipment when handling or transferring the pool chemicals.

Storing pool chemicals requires very close attention as well. Always store your pool chemicals in a cool, dry, well-ventilated place. Never store chemicals in hot environment or near an open flame. Similarly, you should never store pool chemicals near other chemicals such as pesticides. Do not mix pool chemicals into the same bin to save space – this could be potentially dangerous.

Improperly disposing of pool chemicals might not be as hazardous to you, but it can cause major issues for the environment. Always refer to the pool chemical’s instructions for any tips on safe disposal. Be sure to rinse out each bin three times during disposal. This allows the bin to be reused in the future, but it should only be reused to store the same pool chemical. Do not vacuum pool chemicals up if spilled – this is not a safe way to dispose of chemicals.

Learning the properly handle, store, and dispose of pool chemicals allows pool owners to safely do the routine pool maintenance themselves.

Imagine it is a brisk spring day with a temperature of 50˚ Fahrenheit, when your furnace kicks on to heat your house. On a day when your comfort is only altered in a miniscule way, it is unnecessary to burn fossil fuels as if there were a frozen tundra outside your door. The energy alternative is all around you – solar power.

Many believe that solar power was a trend that started in the 1970’s and fizzled out by the late 1980’s. What those people do not know is that any new house built today can be made to utilize solar energy better than ever before. Fortunately the use of large, bulky black panels is no longer needed to make use of solar energy in one’s living quarters. Instead, the solar techniques can be found when the actual designing of the house is done. An example of such a technique would be positioning the windows of a house to face south and southwest in order to capture sunlight in the winter months. Using heavy materials that insulate well is another instance of proper solar energy use. Thick concrete, large overhangs, and limiting windows on the north and east sides of a house are all useful forms of capturing and using solar energy. The same is true when installing an above ground or in ground pool. Design and place your swimming pool to maximize the amount of sunlight it receives each day. Also, the use of a solar pool cover will help retain the heat in the pool water and reduce pool water evaporation.

All of the aforementioned energy-saving practices are different forms of “passive solar energy”. In fact, any behavior that maximizes energy from the sun and cuts down on how much energy is lost is considered as such. Utilizing any of them will save you energy and money on fossil fuel costs. In a world that is trying to “go green”, you can do your part by simply designing your house properly.

Summer’s going to be here sooner than you expect, and that means sun, surf and sand. Spend your afternoons outside with these pool and beach-safe toys.
Must-Have Poolside Gadgets