Winterizing a Pool Vs. Keeping a Pool Open for Winter

For pool owners faced with the inevitable coming of winter, they must decide whether to winterize the pool and close it up for the season or keep it open and operate it all year around. Both options entail a number of advantages and disadvantage. To learn more about which winter option is best for you, read on about the pros and cons of winterizing a pool and of operating it all year round.

Winterizing Your Pool

Pros:

If you don’t want to have to worry about maintaining your pool during the months that it won’t be swimmable, then choosing to winterize and close your pool for the cold weather season may be the right option for you. Winterizing a pool refers to the process of thoroughly cleaning it and adding in special winterizing chemicals to keep your pool in good shape while the cover stays on all winter.

As mentioned before, the main benefit of winterizing your pool is not having to maintain it throughout the cold weather season. Plus, shutting down your pool system for winter, which includes clearing all of the water out of the system’s pump, means you won’t have to worry about frozen or bursting pipes when the temperature drops below freezing.

TIP: Pools located in areas where extreme winter climates are common will mostly likely be better off being closed down for winter.

Cons:

However, there are some negatives involved with closing the pool for winter that all pool owners should take into consideration before making a decision. For one, a lot of work is involved with cleaning out and closing down a pool system for winter. If you are doing it yourself, you’ll need to set aside a good amount of time to completely and thoroughly clean the pool and to make sure every drop of water is removed from the pump system. On top of that, you should expect to spend some more time reopening the pool in the spring once the weather permits.

Operating Your Pool All Year Around

Pros:

After reading about winterizing your pool and the lack of maintenance and cleaning you’ll have to do throughout the winter, you may have jumped to the conclusion that winterizing is the right option for you. However, there are many advantages to keeping your pool open all year long. Even when the water is too cold to swim in, pools look beautiful all year around. Imagine the still, crisp blue water of your pool surrounded by a blanket of white snow—sounds stunning, right? Just because your pool can’t be used for recreational purposes doesn’t mean it can’t still serve an aesthetic purpose.

Even though keeping a pool open for winter means maintaining it all season long, the weekly cleanings will be much less time consuming than the preparations involved in closing the pool down completely and then having to reopen it again for the spring and summer. Constant maintenance means you won’t have to deal with algae accumulating on the pool floor, which can sometimes take several days to clean up when reopening for spring.

TIP: If you live in a warm region where below freezing temperatures are not extremely common, definitely take advantage of it by operating your pool all year around!

Cons:

As could be expected, operating a pool all year around is more costly when it comes to electricity. In order to avoid bursting pipes due to frozen water in your pump, you’ll have to keep the pump on continuously throughout the winter. This can lead to at least several hundred extra dollars based on 4-6 months of extra usage. Plus, winter weather is often unpredictable, so in cases where your home loses electricity completely during below freezing temperatures, you won’t have any control over those pipes freezing up and potentially causing damage to your pump system.

Check back for more information and guidance related to your pool and spa needs brought to your by The Pool Guy Store!

How to Choose the Right Pool Heater

Getting the most out of your outdoor paradise means keeping the water warm enough to enjoy for as much of the year as possible. To keep your pool water heated during colder weather, or even just to boost water temperature on summer nights, consider installing a swimming pool heater as part of your pool system. There are three main types of pool heaters you can choose from:

Gas Heaters

Compared to any other type of swimming pool heaters, gas heaters by far have the cheapest price tag. Gas heaters also have an advantage over other types because of their ability to quickly warm up pool water. In fact, gas pool heaters are the fastest type of pool heater compared to others mentioned here. Since gas heaters burn propane or natural gas to create heat, they operate independently of outside air temperature or water.

On the downside, gas heaters are expensive to install and to operate ($500-600/month) and have a lifespan of only about 5 years. Gas heaters are best suited for pool owners in more extreme cold climates who want to keep the water heated the majority of the year.

Electric Heat Pumps

Electric heat pumps work much like central air conditioning systems. Rather than removing heat from inside your home to keep air cool, heat pumps take heat from outside air and use it to pump into your pool water to keep it warm. However, it doesn’t have to be 80°F+ outside for this to work. Electric heat pumps can extract useful energy from outdoor temperatures as low as 45°F. Advantages of this type of pool heater include lower operating costs (only $50-$150/month), high energy efficiency, and longer lifespan.

Unfortunately, these highly efficient heaters come with a hefty price tag. On average, an electric pool heater will run you between $2,000 and $4,000 big ones. And while they can still extract heat at temps as low as 45°F, if you live in extreme colder climates, this option would not be the best fit for your pool.

Solar Heaters

The last type of pool heater you can consider investing in is a solar powered heater. By far the most environmentally friendly, a solar pool heater will cost you ZERO additional monthly operating costs once installed! Plus, their lifespan is between 15-20 years, so you can count on it to be a reliable investment. This is the most environmentally friendly option since it uses renewable resources and emits no pollution.

But as you might have guessed, solar technology will cost you big time. How big? Anywhere between $4,000 to $7,000. Solar heaters are a great option for pools located in warmer, milder climates as they will be less reliant on a secondary pool heater during the winter. Since the solar panels take up a large portion of flat space, this option is only suited for pool owners with large enough roof configurations to install the panels.

Finding the right heater means taking into consideration not only cost, but also climate, lifespan, heating speed, and many other factors mentioned above. For more information about which pool heater is best for you, get in touch with us at ThePoolGuyStore.com, and we can help you find what you need from our great selection of products. Happy swimming!

Pentair MasterTemp Pool Heater

You’ve thought about it long enough, and the benefits of having a heated pool have finally outweighed the subconscious commentary of your inner naysayer who prefers the chilly waters of a heater-less pool! So what’s your next step? Deciding which of the many swimming pool heaters is the right one to get the job done. You’ll need something cost efficient, reliable, and easy to use if you want to get the most out of your newly heated pool. Luckily, we’ve already done the legwork for you. The Pool Guy Store would like to present: the Pentair MasterTemp pool heater.

When you decide to add a heater to your pool, you instantly increase the value of your pool dramatically by giving it use beyond the hot summer months. However, if you don’t want the costs of heating the pool to take away from this new found value, then you need to install a heater that will give you the best cost-savings through efficiency. It may not look like much, but this Pentair pool heater is a high performance, eco-friendly pool heater that can offer you best-in-class energy efficiency so you can be sure to keep that pool heater cost as low as possible. On top of the high-efficiency performance, the Pentair MasterTemp models also offer you these other remarkable features:

• Manual gas shut-off for maintenance and servicing
• Low NOx emission certification (it outperforms industry standards!)
• User-friendly indicator lights for easy system monitoring
• Rotating digital display for easy inspection
• Small design and ultra-quiet operation eliminate noisy disturbances
• Durable exterior for withstanding extreme weather and elements

Another reason why the Pentair MasterTemp is the best pool heater to invest in is its easy installation and use. It’s as simple as controlling the heating in your home. Simply choose an appropriate temperature for heating, and let the Pentair MasterTemp finish the job from there. You’ll be able to rely on this heater for years to come without worrying about excessive maintenance or replacement costs.

The amount of BTUs needed to heat your pool will depend on the pool’s size and the general climate in your area. But feat not, because the Pentair MasterTemp is offered at every BTU level you could possibly need. From the 175,000 BTU model all the way up to the 250,000 BTU level and everything in between, we’ve got you covered at The Pool Guy Store. Get in touch with our customer service team if you have any questions about which Pentair MasterTemp model will be best for keeping your perfect pool paradise warm all year around! Check back for more pool- and spa-related tips and tidbits, brought to you by The Pool Guy Store.

Product Spotlight: Water Tech Pool Blaster Battery Powered Leaf Vac

Cleaning the pool is a dreaded task for pool owners, especially after a long winter or a windy week has left the pool littered with leaves and other debris. Fortunately, you don’t have to let that pool cleaning anxiety take hold of you any longer. The Water Tech Pool Blaster Leaf Vac makes cleaning that unwanted filth easy with many convenient features, including:

• Battery operated and self-contained
• Adjustable height that fits standard pool poles
• High-velocity motor with safe blade technology
• Large volume leaf and debris bag

Fully Battery Operated

The best thing about this product is that it is fully self-contained and powered by AA batteries, so you don’t have to deal with the hassle of tangled power cords and limited mobility from pesky hoses. Eight AA batteries, which are included with your order, will keep this leaf vacuum operating for up to 3 hours, which is more than enough for several cleanings.

PRO TIP: Invest in a set of rechargeable AA batteries and save money while being environmentally-friendly!

Two-In-One Product

Another great feature of this battery powered leaf vac is it can also be used as a skimmer to clear debris from the surface of the water! Just flip the Pool Blaster vac upside-down in the water, with the suction bag floating beneath, hover the mouth of the vacuum under any unwelcome leaves or bugs and easily collect it all in the bag. This two-in-one leaf vacuum and leaf skimmer will save you time and money in the long run.

Integrated Drive Motor & Damage Prevention

With this battery powered leaf vac, you won’t have to rely on local water pressure thanks to its high-velocity, integrated drive motor that easily lifts leaves and dirt off the bottom of your pool without the need for troublesome hoses. The powerful, high-quality motor creates a vortex in the water to draw up debris and the safe blade technology ensures that the motor will disengage at the first sign of resistance so you won’t have to worry about causing accidental damage.

Get an in-depth look at the Water Tech Pool Blaster Leaf Vac by watching the video below!

About the Author: The Pool Guy Store provides discount pool supplies for above ground, in ground, and commercial swimming pools. For more information on products and services, please visit www.thepoolguystore.com.

Common Mistakes to Avoid When Closing Your Pool for Winter

As the seasons transition from summer to fall, many of us look forward to a handful of exclusively autumn events like college football, Thanksgiving, and pumpkin spice lattes. We can even allow ourselves to start getting excited about the special aspects of the coldest months like Christmas, ice skating, and hot chocolate. Sadly though, the welcoming of fall inevitably means farewell to summer and all of its seasonal splendor: sunshine, beaches, sandals, snow cones, and of course, the pool.

Closing your pool for the colder seasons can seem as simple as throwing a cover on it and calling it a day. However, there are many common mistakes made by pool owners every year when it comes to winterizing a pool. The following guidelines for closing a pool will ensure that your pool is swimmer-friendly and ready for use by the first day of summer:

Take Your Time The most common mistake made by pool owners who are closing up for winter is speeding through the job. This practice is based on the common misconception that pools will unavoidably collect dirt and debris over the course of winter and need a full, deep cleaning come summer anyway. Lucky for you, this is wrong. If you take the time to thoroughly clean and close your pool properly for winter, you can expect swimmable water on opening day.

Clean Pools Are Happy Pools Even though cleaning the pool before closing seems like an obvious necessity, many pool owners still make the mistake of leaving debris in the water after it’s covered. While a small leaf floating on the surface may seem trivial, any amount of debris left in the water at closing will disturb the chemicals and leave you with an avoidable chore when opening your pool for the season. You’ll feel a huge sense of relief next spring when you realize another deep cleaning isn’t needed as long as you put in the work during winter.

Chemical Dump To ensure that you’ll maintain a healthy pool environment by the time spring rolls around, winterizing chemicals should be added to the pool water before a cover is attached. The biggest mistake made regarding these chemicals is overuse. In the case of winterizing chemicals, more is not better. Shoot for the following levels when closing your pool:

• pH: 7.2 to 7.6
• Alkalinity: 80 to 120 ppm
• Calcium hardness: 180 to 220 ppm

Unwanted Drainage Probably the most expensive mistake you could make when closing a pool is not properly draining your pumps and filtration systems. Removing “most” of the water will not suffice. In order to avoid bursting pipes or busted heaters, every drop of water should be drained. You can get rid of lingering moisture from your pool plumbing system with any kind of blow tool such as a leaf blower or a shop vacuum, which can remove exterior liquid as well as blow air from the skimmer through the equipment and back to the pool.

The best mentality to employ in regards to closing your pool is: more work now, no work later. The more care and effort you put into preparing a pool for the cold seasons, the less work you’ll need to do to ready it for spring and summer. The last thing you’ll want to do come springtime is worry about cleaning out gunk and green water that accumulated during the off-season. So be sure to avoid the most common mistakes when closing your pool this winter, and when the warm weather arrives next year, you’ll be ready to dive right in!

If you have any questions about the proper steps you need to take to winterize your pool, please contact us and we will be more than happy to help! Be sure to visit us at www.thepoolguystore.com for all your pool supply needs at discount prices.

SoundCast Wireless Outdoor Speakers

Summer pool parties and back-to-school barbecues bring family and friends together in backyards across America. However, if there isn’t any music playing, it’s not a party! The SoundCast Wireless Outdoor Speakers from The Pool Guy Store are the perfect solution when you need high-quality, water resistant amplification that will play your favorite tunes wherever you want. These state-of-the-art patio speakers are proven to broadcast music up to 350 feet in all directions, through floors, walls, and ceilings when you want them to.

With two models to choose from, you will not be disappointed in these portable outdoor speakers that come fully-equipped with rechargeable batteries, charging systems, adapter cables, power cords, and line input for direct play. Both models are designed to accommodate superior sound in outdoor spaces with easy setup and a phenomenal sound range and quality.

SoundCast’s OutCast Jr. Wireless Speaker - without Transmitter

The SoundCast OutCast Jr. wireless speaker was specifically designed for the outdoors. This wireless model, made from water-resistant plastic, has an amazing broadcast range of up to 350 feet. Using the auxiliary input/output jack, this unit is compatible with any computer, home theater system, audio system, iPod, MP3 player, or TV by purchasing a companion iCast transmitter (for use with iPods, etc.) or a UAT (Universal AudioCast Transmitter). These options can be added on to your SoundCast speakers as needed, or you can select the model that includes an iCast transmitter. Enjoy up to 9 hours of uninterrupted play with the long-lasting, rechargeable NiMH battery that is included.

This model is built to withstand any type of weather and you will enjoy an easy pause/play and track forward/backward system on the remote. The setup is easy and the sound quality is phenomenal! At approximately 10” x 19.5” and only 16.4 pounds, it’s the perfect size outdoor speaker when space may be an issue or you want to be able to blend the unit in with your patio or pool décor and/or landscaping.

SoundCast’s OutCast Wireless Audio Speaker - with Transmitter

SoundCast’s OutCast wireless audio speaker comes with a transmitter already included in the package and price and is the answer to high-quality, portable, mega sound. This model offers leading-edge multidirectional sound that can be enjoyed in backyards, on patios, poolside or anywhere you may want to listen to music away from your home. The plug-and-play option broadcasts up to 350 feet away, through walls, floors or ceilings, all with no required wiring! This particular model is endorsed by national publications like Popular Mechanics, GagetNutz, and CrunchGear as an ‘exceptional weatherproof pool speaker’.

The OutCast model is also made from high-grade plastic, in order to withstand the elements, and features a tracking remote, easy setup, and amazing sound quality. At approximately 10” x 26” and only 25.4 pounds, this leading model includes an iCast transmitter for easy connectivity to a variety of audio devices, particularly the Apple iPod, using the auxiliary input/output jack. Those who purchase the OutCast wireless audio speaker will also receive an 8” downward firing woofer, four 3” high-frequency drivers in an omni-directional array, and a 100-watt built-in digital amplifier. The built-in NiMH rechargeable battery pack promises up to 10 hours of playtime using an internal AC power supply.

For high-end outdoor wireless speakers, the water-resistant systems offered by SoundCast are perfect for pool parties, backyard barbecues or any other outdoor setting all year long and in just about any type of weather.

When you need a wireless outdoor speaker system, The Pool Guy Store has the products and services you need to make your backyard sound system a rockin’ success! We offer free shipping on every order of $79 or more.

Top 10 Best Pools in the World

As the final days of summer drift away, many across the country are crossing their fingers hoping for a few more warm days so they can savor the last few dips in the pool for the year. If you are getting ready to put the cover on your pool, The Pool Guy Store is sharing a few drool-worthy pools to add to your vacation bucket list from all over the world.

Nemo 33 - Brussels, Belgium

If you love diving into the deep end, The Nemo is the pool for you. Known worldwide by adventure seeking swimmers and divers, it currently holds the title of the world’s deepest indoor swimming pool at 108 feet deep. Filled with 2,500,000 liters of filtered spring water, the pool contains a series of underwater caves beginning at 32 feet under the surface. If you want to take a peek into other areas, the underwater windows allow visitors to peer into the pool at various depths.

photo credit: nemo33.com

Four Seasons Safari Lodge - Serengeti, Tanzania

While there are many hotels with luxury swimming pools in swanky cities or beachside resorts, pool at the Four Seasons Safari Lodge is the only pool on our list in the middle of the desert. Do not be fooled, this swimming pool is no mirage, and offers an unprecedented experience for the animal lover in you. As you lounge in the pool, releasing some of the heat from a day in Africa, elephants do the same in their own watering hole directly next to yours. Night vision cameras feed to a channel in the comfort of your room so you can watch the animals drink and play through the night. Plenty of swimming pools offer you the chance to swim with dolphins, but how many give you the chance to swim next to a 10,000 pound elephant? This is definitely an experience to add to your bucket list.

photo credit: Four Seasons Magazine

The Library Hotel - Koh Samui, Thailand

The swimming pool at the Library Hotel is certainly the most colorful on our list. Many are initially shocked by the bold color of the water, which appears to resemble blood thanks to the red, orange, and yellow mosaic glass tiles beneath the water’s surface. This has been widely named one of the best swimming pools in the world in highlight pieces by CNN and TripAdvisor, among others.

photo credit: thelibrary.co

The Neptune Pool at Hearst Castle - San Simeon, California

The Neptune Pool may not be the largest or most expensive on our list, but it has certainly seen the most famous patrons. When owned by newspaper magnate William Randolph Hearst, guests included celebrities such as Charlie Chaplin, Cary Grant, Charles Lindbergh, Greta Garbo, and Clark Gable, in addition to global political leaders Calvin Coolidge, Franklin Delano Roosevelt, and Winston Churchill. The Hearst family maintained the private residence until it was named a US National Historic Landmark in 1976. Since being named a historic landmark, only two projects have been granted permission to film in the pool: Stanley Kubrick for Spartacus, and more recently pop star Lady Gaga for her Y.O.U. music video. Unfortunately, visitors are not permitted to take a dip, but still flock from all over the world to walk around the statues and imagine the iconic personalities that once basked in the sun poolside at The Neptune.

photo credit: hearstcastle.org

Ubud Hanging Gardens Resort - Bali, Indonesia

The double decker swimming pool at the Ubud Hanging Gardens Resort is rivaled by few for the title of the world’s most beautiful swimming pool. Although each room has its own private pool, guests prefer to dip in the hotel’s iconic stacked swimming pools that seem to float as if by magic atop the jungle. Peer over the treetops at the beautiful birds and wildlife that Indonesia has to offer.

photo credit: hanginggardensubud.com

La Piscine Molitor - Paris, France

In the 1930’s swimmers at Paris’ famous La Piscine Molitor were protected by a lifeguard named Johnny Weissmuller, who would later be better known as Tarzan in the series of popular movies by the same name. A favorite spot for Parisian masses for decades, it was closed and scheduled for demolition in 1989, but wound up sitting derelict for years. When closed, it was colorfully targeted by vandals and graffiti artists. In 2014, the pool was reopened and restored to its original splendor as part of a new hotel in the city, regaining its place as one of the most beloved swimming pools in the world.

photo credit: lepoint.fr

Huvafen Fushi - The Maldives

The Huvafen Fushi resort in the Maldives is home to one of the world’s best swimming pools, particularly once the sun goes down. A series of fibre-optic lights in the base of the pool create the illusion of twinkling stars beneath the water. Passes to the resort have also recently been given in gift baskets to Academy Award nominees, and it is not uncommon to see an A-list celebrity like Nicole Kidman from across the pool.

photo credit: Inlighten Photography

The Blue Lagoon Geothermal Spa - Grindavik, Iceland

Kicking back in the steaming waters of the Blue Lagoon in Iceland may feel like you are in a natural bath, but in fact it is a man-made lagoon. With a year-round water temperature of 98-102 degrees Fahrenheit, the spa is a beautiful place to warm up after a chilly day in Iceland. Rich in minerals like silica and sulphur, the water is said to have rejuvenating and healing benefits for your skin, and guests flock from all over the world to step into this luxurious pool.

photo credit: fastlanemag.com

Oberoi Udaivilas - Rajasthan, India

Why walk across the hotel to your swimming pool when you can wade out directly from your room’s patio? At this luxury swimming pool in India, guests can do just that. Overlooking a lake, this is one of the most serene pools in the world, as the still waters provide relief from the heat.

photo credit: Travel + Leisure

Alila Villas Uluwatu - Bali, Indonesia

The second pool in Bali on our list, the infinity pool at the Alila Villas is one of the most beautiful swimming pools in the world, and one for every bucket list. Perched high over the ocean on a cliffside villa, it is picture-perfect. Wander out over the edge of the pool from the birdcage-like lounge and take in the sunset in this romantic setting and feel like you are floating on air.

photo credit: Tim Griffith & Patrick Bingham-Hall

Have you taken a dip in any of these pools? Know of others that didn’t make our list? Let us know in the comments or on our Google+ page.

About the Author: The Pool Guy Store provides discount pool supplies for above ground, in ground, and commercial swimming pools. For more information on products and services, please visit www.thepoolguystore.com.