6 Pool Party Must-Haves for the Best Pool Party - Ever

Now that warmer weather is finally here, you may be itching to get out of the house and into the pool. Whether you want to have a relaxing time lounging poolside or invite over a bunch of friends and family for a fun day by the pool, make sure you don’t forget the following 6 must-have items that will make any pool party experience one to remember!

1. Munchies

When you’re planning on having a pool party, you'll want to be prepared for practically anything. It’s likely you'll be outside for a few hours, so be sure to have enough munchies to tide you and your guests over. Pool party snacks like chips and salsa, cheese plates and fresh fruit are great party favorites. Need ideas? Check out these great summer party snack recipes that will be gobbled up in seconds!

If you're thinking about having a backyard barbeque, it’s a good idea to plan ahead to make sure you have all the needed supplies. Don't feel bad about asking your guests to pitch in; your friends and family will be quick to pick up a package of hamburgers or hotdogs when they know you're already supplying the charcoal and buns. Most important tip of all: keep it simple! Anything that requires more than your hands or a plastic fork should be left in the kitchen.

2. Tunes

Music is an absolute must for any great pool party as it sets the mood, gets guests excited and energized, and can lead to some fun(ny) sing-alongs. Public pools may provide some ambient music, but if you're in your own backyard or complex, you’ll have to step-in and play DJ. There are many different types of outdoor wireless speakers available on the market today, but the best ones to have around the pool are going to be water resistant. Water resistant portable speakers can play music from any device including iPods, computers, MP3 players and more.

Get your friends involved in making the playlist by taking song requests. If you prefer not to make a playlist, you can stream your favorite radio station or choose a pre-make playlist from programs like Spotify.

3. The Essentials

Bathing suit, towel, flip flops, sunscreen, hat – these are the basic ‘essentials’ you and your guests will need to bring to the party. Having backups of the essentials is not necessarily a must but can mean the difference between being a good host or a perfect host – because we all have that one friend who will always forget theirs!

4. Entertainment

Depending on how you and your crew enjoy your weekends, you might prefer a party barge or paperback. If you’re in the latter, don't forget that All-American classic you've been putting off reading if you're planning on a relaxing day poolside. Now is a great time to catch up on a bestseller while you're sunning by the pool.

If you're planning for a bit more of a livelier time, be sure to have some games on hand. Classic pool games like Marco Polo, chicken and splash competitions are great go-tos that don’t require any extra equipment. If your pool party is geared more toward adults, a floating beer pong table is a definite must! An inflatable beer pong table takes a fan-favorite and brings it to the pool with 11 built-in cup holders on each side and is available is either blue or pink.

5. Hydration

Plan ahead for your poolside beverages and pick up plenty beforehand. One of the worst things that can happen is having to take a trip back to the store to restock, so make sure you pick up a few extras the first time around. If you're planning on having adult beverages, err towards bringing cans, rather than bottles, so broken glass doesn’t find its way into the pool.

And of course, don't forget to keep plenty of water on hand. Being out in the sun for hours plus drinking alcohol can dehydrate you in no time so be sure to drink water frequently throughout the day.

6. Wind Down

After the sun has set, there is no better way to slowly bring the party to an end than sitting around a fire. Depending on where you live and the certain fire-burning rules of your town, you may be required to use a firebowl or have an inspected and approved fire pit. Firebowls are not only safer, they are also beautiful to look at. Sit around the fire, warm up and laugh about all the silly things that happened during the best pool party ever! Also: Marshmallows. Enough said. Find some beautiful firebowls that ship right to your front door for free here.

Save Big with Hayward Salt & Swim 3C Pool Salt Chlorinator

Comfort, convenience, and a low cost. Is there anything else you need in a salt water pool chlorinator? Hayward, a pool equipment company, offers a salt water chlorinator that makes salt chlorination easy. Install the Hayward Salt and Swim 3C in under 20 minutes and get ready to save time and money! If you’ve ever dreamed about owning a salt water pool, take the next step with the Hayward Salt and Swim 3C.

This super-star Hayward chlorine generator will make your pool more comfortable for you and your family to relax in. Say goodbye to traditional chlorination by converting salt into chlorine. This natural approach to pool sanitization won’t bleach clothing or turn your eyes red. Not only will this Hayward chlorinator allow you to swim and relax in silky-smooth pool water, it will also help you avoid the strong chlorine odors and constant dried-out skin. Sound good to you? Don’t worry, it gets better.

Not only does the Hayward Salt and Swim 3C provide the maximum amount of comfort, it also saves you time. Throw the heavy chlorine buckets and jugs away and start automatically converting salt into 100% pure available chlorine. No more mixing or measuring or heavy lifting! Cross off going to the store to get chlorine from your to-do list and find your extra time adding up. Let a single Salt & Swim 3C cell do all of the work for you and save yourself the time and the money.

Speaking of money, the Hayward chlorinator is surprisingly affordable. Not only is the upfront price competitive with other salt water chlorinators, it also saves you money in the long run. The Salt & Swim 3C produces over 200 pounds of 100% pure available chlorine at a 50% less cost than the other traditional jugs of chlorine. If you favor numbers over words, even the comparisons are impressive: 1 Salt & Swim 3C Cell equals 225 lbs of Trichlor, 208 gallons of liquid chlorine and 333 lbs of Dichlor. If you take into account the amount of chlorine you buy and the price you pay per gallon or per pound, you will find that you’re wasting an enormous amount of money.

This salt water pool chlorinator is best when used in in-ground pools that have up to 30,000 gallons. It has a compact design, easy-to-read LED lights and a weatherproof controller. If you still aren’t sold, the Hayward Salt and Swim 3C comes complete with a cutting template, wall mount template and easy-to-plumb cell with compression unions for a quick and easy disconnect. A 10 inch salt water chlorinator has never done more to sanitize your pool. Start your summer off right by saving your time and money with Hayward Salt and Swim 3C. For this product and more, visit The Pool Guy Store.

Product Spotlight: Hayward Super Pump

With the summer season fast approaching, you may be considering installing a new pool or making some improvements to your current one. Either way, one of the most important components of owning a clear blue swimming pool is the pool pump. By pulling water through a filter, it recirculates the water to sustain a clean and hygienic environment for your family and friends - day in and day out. The Hayward Super Pump is a great all-around pool pump that delivers dependable, hassle-free results.

With energy costs at an all-time high during the summer months, the Hayward Super Pump has the ability to keep your pool clean and your wallet happy. This heavy-duty pool pump comes in a variety of speeds including single- and dual-speeds. A dual-speed pump can alternate between two speeds to help reduce energy usage, compared to a single-speed pump that constantly runs at a high speed, even when cleaning at full power is unnecessary. It’s similar to leaving your air condition on full blast while everyone is out of the house; this waste of energy will eat away at your electric bill. A dual-speed pool pump will cost more up front compared to a single-speed pump but will help you save more money in the long run. However, just like your A/C, the act of being conscious and aware of when your pump is on and off can help reduce energy costs and save you money. In this case, the Hayward single-speed super pump is a more affordable option that will deliver equally impressive results.

The single-speed and dual-speed Hayward Super Pump comes with ½, ¾, 1, 1 ½, 2 and 2 ½ horsepower for maximum efficiency.

Another advantage the Hayward Super Pump offers is that it’s a self-priming pump - meaning it can use an air-water mixture to reach a fully-primed pumping state, compared to standard centrifugal pumps that will stop working if it becomes air-bound.

Other features include:

• A high-performance motor for cooler and quieter operation
• A 110-cubic-inch lint basket to catch leaves and environmental litter
• See-through strainer cover with swing-aside hand knobs
• Made of corrosion proof thermoplastic for durability and longevity of life
• Service-ease design for easy access to internal parts

Buy the Hayward pool pumps at The Pool Guy Store and cut costs when it comes to keeping your pool clean and running at its best! Every Hayward swimming pool pump ships for free!

Green Your Pool: 5 Eco-Friendly Pool Tips

There are many benefits environmentally friendly pools offer including lower electricity bills, reduced water and energy waste and reduced chemical usage. Going “green” with your pool doesn’t require an expensive overhaul, but rather a few simple changes. The following five eco-friendly pool tips can help save you money, reduce your pool’s environmental impact and make your pool a healthier one for your friends and family to enjoy all summer long.

Energy Efficient Pool Pumps

When it comes to pool pumps, there are more options available today than ever before. Newer model pumps are available in dual-, four- and variable-speeds that increase energy efficiency by reducing the day-time flow rate while increasing the total amount of run time. A lower flow rate for a longer period of time uses less energy and makes less noise. Longer circulation periods also help to decrease algae growth, reducing the amount of cleaning time and chemicals needed. A more efficient pool pump means your filter has to work less, leading to even more savings.

Pool Covers

Pool covers are the easiest way to cut back on water usage and heating costs. Pool covers reduce water evaporation so you have to refill your pool less often, saving you money and making the planet smile. If you have a heated pool, solar pool covers harness the power of the Sun to heat your pool naturally, greatly reducing your overall energy usage and costs. Pool covers are also useful in keeping unwanted debris from being blown into the pool.

Natural Pool Cleaners

There are many benefits to switching to natural pool cleaners and chemicals. Pool cleaners and chemicals made of naturally-occurring, sustainable materials are less harsh compared to man-made pool chemicals and are better for both your family’s and the environment’s health. A popular line of natural pool cleaners is Natural Chemistry. Natural Chemistry pool chemicals are made from naturally-created enzymes and use a mixture of malt, molasses and citrus-based botanicals to keep your pool clean and sparkling.

Salt Water Chlorinators

While having a salt water pool doesn’t completely take the place of other pool chemicals like chlorine, it does mean that you’re going to be using a lot of them, reducing pool maintenance costs and dry and itchy skin that results from swimming in a chlorine-filled pool. When salt water is added to swimming pools, chlorine generators use a low voltage electrical charge to convert salt ions into chlorine. While the initial cost of a pool salt chlorinator is not cheap, it’s a worthy investment because it can end up saving you thousands of dollars in pool maintenance and cleaning costs.

Automatic Pool Cleaners

Automatic pool cleaners make cleaning the pool practically effortless, more efficient and ensures the task is not overlooked. Skipping regular pool cleanings allows algae growth to flourish and more debris to build up in the pool filter, making your expensive pool filter and pump work harder. Robotic pool cleaners keep your pool clean and running efficiently.

There are several easy ways to “green” your pool that will help reduce environmental impact, lower maintenance costs and create a healthier swim experience for your family and friends. For more information about optimizing your pool system visit The Pool Guy Store and we’ll be more than happy to help!

Dogs and Pools: Is It OK to Let My Dog Swim in the Pool?

If you’re one of the many people wondering if it’s OK to let your four-legged friend take a dip in the family swimming pool, you’ve likely noticed that it’s a highly debated issue. There are a couple of different factors that you should consider when deciding if you’re going to say “yay’ or “nay” to dogs in the pool.

During the hot summer months, pet owners want a place for their furry friends to both cool off and burn off some extra energy, without the threat of overheating. Swimming is the ideal hot-weather activity for dogs, and if you’re a pool owner, it seems like a no-brainer to let them jump right in. There are however a couple potential problems, both for your pool and your pet, that can arise if you’re not careful, but with a couple of quick fixes and a little planning ahead, both man and friend can safely enjoy the pool this summer.

Protecting Your Pool

Liners

Dog paws have claws and these claws can puncture, scrape or tear your expensive pool liner. Quick fix: The best way to protect against damage to the lining of your pool is to train your dog to use the stairs when getting in and out of the water. You should always be present when your dog is taking a dip, both for the safety of your pool and the dog. Keep dogs from swimming too close to the edge of the pool and from trying to climb out of the pool using anything but the steps.

Filters

The biggest debate over dogs in the pool usually stems from all that hair. Yes, it’s true, dogs do have a lot more hair than (most) humans but with a little extra attention, it shouldn’t cause a problem. The main drain and filtration systems of your pool are designed to remove excess hair and particles found floating around in the water. Quick fix: Empty the skimmers a little more often than you normally would. Allowing your pooch to take a swim every once in a while will not cause serious damage to the balance of the water or to filtration systems, as long as you take a little extra care in cleaning them.

Water Safety

Attached to all that hair is a long list of possible pool water contaminants such as dirt, leaves, bugs and fecal matter and is another main point for those who say “nay” to dogs in the pool. However, pool water contaminants, whether brought in by dogs or humans, are counter-acted by pool chemicals like chlorine. Quick fix: Spray down your dog with the hose before letting them get into the pool. A simple pre-swim rinse can help remove not only dirt, leaves and bugs, but also some extra hair, keeping it out of the pool in the first place.

Protecting Your Dog

Skin and Coat

Chlorinated pool water can dry out your dog’s skin just as it can dry out yours. Quick fix: Rinse your dog with the hose after swim time to remove any residual pool chemicals that can cause skin irritation. This is also extremely important as it stops your dog from ingesting too much chlorinated pool water later when he is cleaning himself and licking his fur.

Ears

Excess water and moisture can get trapped under those cute, floppy ears and potentially cause an infection. Quick fix: Dry your pooch off after his swim, paying extra attention to the ears. It may also save you from getting drenched when your dog decides it’s time for a shake.

Floatation Devices

Many dogs are natural born swimmers, but not all dogs are. If your dog is not a strong swimmer or is a little timid when it comes to the water, using a doggie floatation device is always a good idea. Available in a variety of sizes, it’s easy to find a perfect fit for your best friend. And, as we said before, it’s always best for you to be present whenever your dog decides to go for a swim.

In the end, the decision whether to let your dog swim in the pool or not comes down to personal preference. Some people say that the risk and extra effort required for sharing your pool with a dog is not worth it, but that is something only you can decide. Be sure to weigh the pros and cons and, most importantly, enjoy your pool this summer!

The Pool Guy Store is a leading retailer of residential and commercial pool supplies and products offering free shipping on every order of $79 or more.

Product Spotlight: Jandy ChemLink ORP and pH Interface C1900

The Jandy ChemLink ORP and pH Interface C1900 automatically monitors and controls both the sanitizer level and the pH balance in swimming pools and spas so you can spend less time maintaining your pool and more time enjoying it.

Automatic pool chemical controllers adjust chlorination and pH levels in response to swimmer load, water temperature and Oxidation-Reduction Potential (ORP) – a measurement of organic contaminants in the water. If the ORP or the pH levels fall below a predetermined point during the filtration cycle, the controller activates the chemical feeder, restoring pool water balance to safe and healthy levels.

The Jandy ChemLink C1900 is designed for easy installation and operation from an AquaLink RS or PDA system and is compatible with the following pool chemical feeders:

• Liquid feed pumps
• Granular and tablet erosion feeders
• Ozone generators
• Salt chlorinators

It is not recommended for use with chlorine gas systems.

The C1900 provides constant monitoring in order to avoid both excessive and insufficient chemical levels in pools and spas. Automated pool chemical systems can help reduce the cost of owning and maintaining a pool or spa because precise dosing and efficient use of chemicals safeguards against unnecessary waste.

The Jandy ChemLink C1900 is versatile, allowing for user customization in order to meet the needs of every pool water system. Multiple feed time and feed delay options, as well as auto alerts and internally programmed safety shut-downs protect expensive equipment and pool systems.

When you purchase the ChemLink kit you’ll receive the following:

• C1900 ORP/pH Controller
• Flow Cell with Flow Switch
• Parts Bag
• ORP Sensor
• pH Sensor
• Manual

The Jandy C1900 ChemLink Interface is now available for purchase at The Pool Guy Store, a leading supplier of swimming pool and spa equipment and supplies. This product qualifies for free shipping.

Product Spotlight: AqquaWALKING Treadmill

Looking for a new exercise routine that’s as fun as it is effective? The AqquaWALKING Treadmill is the perfect choice for a fun, safe workout routine.

Water exercise has become very popular in recent years because the water buoyancy lowers the risk of stress related injuries, especially in the joints, and allows muscles to work their full range of motion. For years now, people suffering with sports injuries and physical limitations have been using aquatic exercise to rehabiliate injured bones and joints, as well as stay fit and healthy, and now the rest of America is learning about this fantastic way to exercise.

Using a water treadmill is especially great for people suffering from soft tissue injuries or arthritis, as the pressure of the water helps provide both resistance and cushioning for the person exercising.

This treadmill was engineered specifically for the water, offering stainless steel construction so it’s long-lasting and requires less maintenance. Instead of using a motor, the belt on this aquatic treadmill is moved by the user pushing down and backwards with their legs, making this treadmill safe under water while also providing more versatility. Users can walk, run or even walk backward. The treadmill comes with rubber wheels for easy transportation, and it folds down when not in use, allowing for easy storage.

For optimal exercise results, place this treadmill in 40-55 inches of water and exercise regularly.

Have you tried aquatic exercise before? What did you think of it? Let us know in the comments!