Pentair MasterTemp Product Review

Warm up Your Water with the Pentair MasterTemp Heater

Taking advantage of your pool year round is easy if you can warm up the water when it’s cold out. One of the most efficient ways of getting your pool to the perfect temperature is with the Pentair MasterTemp pool heater. 

When you make the investment to increase the value and use of your pool with a heater there is a lot to consider. Today, there are many options available and it can be hard to determine which heater offers the best performance at the best price. The MasterTemp heater is one piece of equipment that pool owners have come to rely on and trust that it will keep the water temperature where it needs to be even in the middle of winter.

Economical and Efficient – The Pentair MasterTemp is designed to be efficient with its energy usage to lower the long-term costs of heating your pool. It heats up quickly and is certified for low nitrogen oxide emission.

Convenient – The MasterTemp pool heater is easy to install, use and maintain. Its compact design makes it easy to incorporate and the quiet motor makes it easy to relax while you soak away the worries of the day.

Durable – When a piece of equipment is out in the harsh elements it has to be solidly built. The Pentair MasterTemp 400 parts include a rust-proof exterior that can handle all kinds of climates.

If you are in the market for a pool heater the Pentair Mastertemp won’t disappoint. Using the latest technology and solid design it offers superior energy efficiency and performance.

10 Cost Effective Pool Products for Easy Maintenance

On those warm spring and hot summer days there’s nothing more beautiful and enjoyable than a sparkling pool. Getting it to that pristine condition might be another story. The one reason most people say they wouldn’t want a pool is because of the time and cost involved in maintaining it.

But with the right pool products maintaining your personal watering hole is a lot easier and affordable. Here are our top picks for pool products that make maintenance easy.

The Top 10 Affordable Pool Maintenance Products:

1.    Pentair Test Kit 77DPD – Keeping your water balanced is the first step in maintaining your pool. This affordable Chlorine/Bromine test kit comes with a handled carrying case that holds 6 kinds of tablets and solutions for testing your water.

2.    POOLIFE Granular Chlorinator and Shock-and-Swim  – To control algae and contaminates treat your water with this patented POOLIFE product. All you have to do is add granules to circulating water in the afternoon or evening for the best results.

3.    POOLIFE Clean Shock – It’s multi-purpose and it’s a one-step solution that only needs to be done once a week to keep your pool clean and swimmer-friendly for seven days. There’s no need to pre-dissolve POOLIFE Clean Shock making it less of a hassle compared to other products.

4.    Pentair IntelliChem Chemical Controller – The IntelliChem is designed to make storing your muriatic acid as easy as possible with auto setup, a programmable chemical feed and built-in Langelier Saturation Index calculator.

5.    Artic Blue Winter Kits – Preventative care and maintenance is a must to get your pool ready for the winter. The Artic Blue Winter Kit has everything you need to quickly prep your pool so it stays clean throughout the cold months.

6.    POOLIFE Active Cleaning Caplets – Using the same active ingredient as the granules, but a unique design the caplets can keep your pool perfectly chlorinated for days.

7.    Jack in a Box All in One Pool Kit – Used along with your chlorine or bromine system the kit includes seven different products that keep your pool scum, stain and algae-free.

8.    Spa Magic – This spa cleaning kit from Jack’s Magic provides chemicals that only need to be used once and month and tablets that are added just once a week to keep the spa portion of your pool looking good for 30 days.

9.    Natural Chemistry Hassle Free Fall Shut - down and Spring Start-up Kit – The name says it all. End and begin your pool seasons with ease using the two simple products included in the kit.

10.     Stain ID Kit – Another amazingly easy-to-use pool maintenance product from Jack’s Magic. Use the Stain ID Kit to determine the best and easiest way to remove a stain by testing it first.

These 10 pool maintenance products are designed to make the management of your oasis as easy and quick as possible. Take a look at them today and start enjoying a clean, hassle-free pool.

Polaris Vac-Sweep 3900 Sport Product Review

Polaris is well aware that a pool vacuum is one of the most important pieces of equipment you’ll buy. The new design of the Polaris Vac-Sweep 3900 Sport cleaner exemplifies the style and performance that can be expected from the company. This automatic pool vacuum was created using 40 years of experience and cutting edge technology.

Features of the Automatic Pool Vacuum from Polaris

The durable stainless steel and plastic materials as well as the innovative design make the Polaris Vac-Sweep 3900 Sport easy to maintain and poised to last much longer than other pool vacuum products. Here are highlights that were found during our pool vacuum reviews.

•    Cleans the walls and floor of all types of in-ground pools
•    Sleek stylish design makes the Polaris Vac-Sweep 3900 Sport as attractive as it is powerful
•    WideTrax® Tires allow the vacuum to climb all the way up the sides of your pool
•    3 jets circulate more than 40 gallons of water per minute and is more powerful than any vacuum of its kind
•    Uses the all-wheel drive PosiDrive System that produces 50% more torque than average    vacuums
•    The new Polaris Vac-Sweep 3900 Sport is capable of covering more ground in less time
•    The 5-liter bag of the Vac-Sweep 3900 Sport is 40% larger than most other bags and    requires less emptying
•    Hits all the hard to reach places with the Polaris sweep hose no matter what shape your    pool is

Like the 280 and 380 models, the Polaris Vac-Sweep 3900 Sport is poised to become one of the most popular pool vacuums among commercial and home pool owners. The Pool Guy Store provides this and many other pool products at discount prices.

Loop-Loc's Spa Cover Protector Cap Protects Spa Covers from the Elements

Hot tub covers protect your spa, but what’s protecting your expensive Jacuzzi spa cover from the elements? The newest release of our spa cover reviews actually looks at an ingenious product that offers an added layer of protection.

How the Loop-Loc's Spa Cover Protector Cap Protects Hot Tubs?

After spending hundreds of dollars on a Jacuzzi spa cover you notice it’s quickly taking a beating from the elements. Sun, rain, snow, debris – they all cause wear and tear on spa covers until eventually they have to be replaced. But there’s a product that can help you protect your investment and eliminate the need for finding a replacement.

Loop-Loc's Spa Cover Protector Cap was designed to fit over hot tub covers while they’re in or out of use. It features an elasticized fitting so it goes on snug and has a 12” apron to cover long edges. The Loop-Loc Spa Cover Protector Cap also allows users to create a perfect fit that stays in place by weaving closure straps through the polypro loops that are sewn into the cap.

The Loop-Loc Spa Cover Protector Cap’s high quality polypropylene material can withstand the brunt of Mother Nature’s punishment and keep your spa cover looking like new no matter what environment you live in. Have questions about the Loop-Loc Spa Cover Protector Cap? Call 1-800-517-5384 to speak with a pool specialist today!

How to Close Your Pool for the Winter

The thought of closing a pool for winter is never a joyous one. It reminds us that, for several months at least, there will be no more swimming, diving and relaxing poolside. But anyone who has had to get a pool back up and running come springtime will tell you that proper winterization makes it a whole lot easier and protects pool equipment from costly damage.

The Pool Guy has put together a list of the best pool tips for winter. The step-by-step guide will help you close your pool for the winter whether you’re a beginner or seasoned pool owner.

Winter Swimming Pool To-Dos and Must-Haves

Step 1: Balance the Water

Once your water gets down to 65° F it’s time to start the closing process. Balancing your water is a crucial first step that should happen several days before you close it up. An expert can analyze a water sample if you need help figuring out the exact pH, alkaline and calcium hardness levels.

Step 2: Clean the Pool

Once your water is balanced the next step is to thoroughly clean the pool. This involves vacuuming, brushing and skimming to get out all the debris. Next scrub around the waterline and clean the skimmer to remove dirt that can become a breeding ground for bacteria.

Step 3: Clean the Filter

You must chemically clean the filter to keep it in good working condition over the winter. This is a preventative maintenance step that will also ensure the filter is running strong when you fire it back up in the spring.

Step 4: Treat the Water

Now it’s time to add shock to the water as well as an algae protector. The Bioguard Artic Blue Winter Kits contain both products, which works together to keep the water clean throughout the winter. First add the shock then follow up with the Algae Protector. BioGuard Winter Algicide 40 is another good option for keeping water algae-free. Once the shock and an algae protectant are added run the pump for 24-48 hours.

Step 5: Remove and Winterize Other Equipment

While the pump is running start removing nonessential equipment like ladders, skimmers and wall fittings. Use the manufacturer’s suggestions for each to properly winterize your equipment.

Step 6: Drain Pumps, Filters and Other Pool Equipment

After running the pump for 24-48 hours it’s best to drain it as well as other pool equipment to prevent possible damage from freezing. Again, refer to the manufacturer’s suggestions on the best way to drain equipment.

Step 7: Cover Your Pool

The final step is to cover your clean, treated pool to keep out all the debris, bacteria and algae. If you have a white plaster pool and want to provide continuous chlorination throughout the winter put a BioGuard Winter Floater in the water before covering.

That’s it. Seven simple steps to closing your pool for winter.

How to Use Pool Solar Covers

Using Solar Pool Covers

Solar safe pool covers offer more than just a warm pool. Of course a warm pool on a cold night is a good thing, but there are a wide variety of benefits that a solar cover provides. We want to ensure that you have the run down and basics on how to use them, and, above all, understand the benefit of owning solar pool covers.

So how do you use a pool solar cover?

1. It is actually a very easy process. In fact, it is so easy that you can do it yourself! However, before you begin, here are some simple tips to follow:
2. You can choose to place the cover onto the water either manually or with an automatic system 
3. If you are going to use the manual approach, you may need to get into the pool to ensure the cover is properly placed 
4. Make sure the cover completely encompasses the entire surface area of the water
5. Using a manual system with a crank makes the process much easier 
6. If you want to place the cover perfectly each and every time, check out the Wheels Solar Cover Reel System

Some Advice

You don’t need to worry about having a manual or automatic system for placing your cover on your pool. However, keep in mind that taking a cover on and off your pool by hand does require time and energy. Using a system makes the process much easier.

It is best that you store the solar cover in a shady area. You take a risk of the material degrading by storing the cover in direct sunlight. Remember, it is the job of the plastic to get very hot, so shade is always best.

Keep in mind that you don’t necessarily need to cover the entire pool to get all the benefits. For example, if you have a kidney shaped pool; it might not be possible to cover your entire pool with a rectangular shaped cover. However the portion covered will still retain heat, or you can choose to buy a shaped cover.

Big Benefits

Solar safe pool covers are a great way to save money. They increase the temperature of your pool by up to 15 degrees, which saves money on your pool heating bill.

The covers are designed to insulate and trap the sun’s heating rays, which ultimately benefits your pool and your wallet. The thermal bubbles along with the insulation properties have the ability to retain heat at night and on cloudy or cool days.

So, what are you waiting for?

Owning a solar pool cover not only provides money saving benefits, it allows you to swim whenever you want. You deserve a warm pool, even if you don’t have a pool heater!

Start saving money and start using the power of the sun for more than a suntan! Contact The Pool Guy Store today. We are happy to help and always available to answer any questions.

The Benefits of Salt Water Systems for Swimming Pools

More pool owners are switching to saltwater pool systems.

Recently, salt water pool systems have increased in popularity as many current pool owners and those who are building pools have noticed the many benefits that this type of system has over the standard chlorine systems. Some advantages that pool owners will be able to take advantage of after installing a saltwater system includes: reduced chemical use, lower maintenance fees and work to be done, as well as increased comfort for an overall better swimming experience. The Pool Guy Store will assist you in learning more about the benefits that salt water pools offer and can provide you with all of your residential and commercial pool product needs.

Increased Comfort

One of the biggest perks of owning a salt water pool system is the increased comfort that you will notice while in the water. Chlorine can be uncomfortable on your skin and may cause irritation such as red and burning eyes, discolored hair and itchy skin. With salt water, these are issues that you simply do not have to worry about. The salt is much softer on your skin and health.

Cheaper Costs

By purchasing swimming pool chlorine generators from The Pool Guy Store, you will be investing in top of the line equipment that will actually lower your overall pool maintenance costs. This chlorine generator uses salt to produce chlorine which will keep your pool water clean without the use of many different chemicals. Although the upfront cost of a chlorine generator is more expensive than your average chlorine pool, you will save money over time by spending less than half the cost that it typically takes to maintain a chlorine pool. Simply test your water levels regularly and add salt as needed to keep your swimming pool in tip top shape.

Less Maintenance and Less Chemicals

Those who have chlorine pools may need to store toxic chemicals on a regular basis that need to be added to their pool. With a saltwater pool, this is never an issue. In addition to being more eco-friendly, you will not have to deal with the strong chlorine smell, as saltwater does not emit a strong odor. In addition to not having to use a variety of different chemicals, saltwater systems basically keep themselves clean, leaving you with much less maintenance to do. Because the salt is constantly converted into a form of chlorine, you do not need to check your water sanitation levels as regularly and algae growth will be highly reduced while the system is running throughout the year.

No Effect on Medical Conditions

While unknown to many, chlorine pools can actually cause major medical conditions such as abnormalities in your immune system, cancer and asthma. This is caused when chlorine levels drop far too low, leaving organochlorines to form in the water. In saltwater, these levels never drop that low, meaning that there are no medical conditions to be concerned about.

With all of these major benefits that saltwater pool systems offer, you may consider updating your pool today. The Pool Guy Store can provide you with all of your equipment, parts, supplies and chemicals at affordable everyday rates with free shipping on orders over $79.