The following is a list of approximate gallons for our common pool sizes. All numbers are for flat bottom pools.

• Circulation - The more the water moves, the harder it is for problems to take hold. Additionally, properly circulated water insures that chemicals are properly mixed throughout the pool.  The best time to circulate  the water is during the day, for 10 hours or more.  The more your water is in motion the harder it is for bacteria and algae to take hold
• Filtration - The filter is  on of the most important pieces of equipment.  Filtered water removes insoluble waste particles that can cloud the water and compete with bacteria and algae for the sanitizers attention. Generally a filter should be backwashed when the water pressure in the filter reaches 8 to 10 psi above normal  (check manufacture's guidelines). 
• Cleaning - Some swimming pools have areas with little or no circulation. Vacuuming and brushing debris in the pool and on the surfaces prevent the growth of bigger problems, making it easier to keep the water clean. Routine use of a skimmer net is helpful in removing floating debris to prevent it from settling to the bottom of the pool.
• Chemistry - Adding the proper amount of the right products at the right time insures that the water stays clear, clean and healthy.  Balancing the water will protect the pools equipment and pool surfaces.  Unbalanced water can permanently damage both.
• Testing - By measuring critical water factors, you can make sure the water is balanced and an adequate sanitizer level is being maintained.  Most important are the pH and the level of active sanitizer.  

Paying attention to these five keys will guarantee the beautiful water you expect. It should also be understood that poor filtration or inadequate circulation cannot be overcome by adding more chemicals. Numerous water problems are related to poor or inadequate filtration and/or circulation.

How to Install an Outdoor Hot Tub

1. Step 1

   Plan your installation carefully, including the entire trip from showroom to final hot tub placement. Select the easiest route on your property, making note of tight turns or obstacles requiring lift to get over or around.

2. Step 2

   Prepare a level surface able to support 100-pounds per square foot. Concrete or reinforced decking material is necessary equipped with both drainage and water access.

3. Step 3

   Pre-install 220-volt, 50-amp electric service attached to a ground fault interrupt circuit more than 5-feet from the tub. The certified electrician should have the cable prepped and ready for final hook up.

4. Step 4

   Use a flatbed truck capable of supporting the weight and dimensions of the hot tub and drive it as close to the installation site as possible.

5. Step 5

   Arrange to have eight or nine strong people on hand for a short period, to off load the spa and transport it by hand the rest of the way. Once it is in place, the extra people can leave.

6. Step 6

   Connect all pumps, hoses, cut-off valves and any other connection peculiar to that particular hot tub model.

7. Step 7

   Fill the hot tub with a garden hose using cold water until reaching the fill line.

8. Step 8

   Instruct the electrician to hook up the electric service and then follow manufacturer instructions on initial startup of that particular model.

9. Step 9

   Try all jets, pumps, lights and features to determine if all are working correctly. Set the thermostat to 100 degrees and make sure the heater works.

10. Step 10

    Treat the hot tub chemically and place the hot tub cover on the tub to retain the heat until you reach the desired temperature. Save all paperwork, such as instructions , warranty card and model information regarding this hot tub.

Automatic Suction-Side Cleaners
These rely on suction to make them move and vacuum the stuff off of the pool floor. There are several advantages to this. First, as I mentioned before, is that they act like a moving main drain. When the cleaner is underwater, sucking stuff into it, it is also sucking water through your filtration system, causing you to turn more water over in a shorter amount of time.

Some suction side cleaners have the ability to "scrub" your pool walls. By agitating itself as it moves around the pool, it also scrubs the walls. This can possibly cut down on the number of times you need to brush your pool. And since it sucks stuff right into your filter, it can remove much finer particles than a pool cleaner with a bag. And since there is no need to install any additional plumbing or pumps, a suction-side pool cleaner is usually a lot cheaper to install. If you are in an area where large debris rarely gets into your pool, then a suction-side cleaner may be your best bet.

These are driven by electric motors inside the unit. The electricity that powers the cleaner comes from a little transformer that you plug into a outdoor GFCI outlet. The transformer converts the outlet electricity to a low voltage which is then connected to the cleaner via a long cord.

It vacuums stuff strait into its own filter by a separate pump inside the unit. It also usually has some sort of on board computer chip that diagnosis any issues with the cleaner and helps to "learn" the shape of the pool. Some even have a remote control that allows you to maneuver the cleaner around your pool to spot clean anything it may have missed.

Robotic pool cleaners are one of the best when it comes to small debris and sand or silt situations. It is one of the only type of pool cleaners that not only scrubs the walls, but also the tile line. They also serve as a great supplemental way to circulate the water in your pool because of the powerful pump inside that vacuums the debris.

How to Connect the Pool Heater to the Filter

1. Step 1

   Test the water with a pH test kit and add the necessary chemicals to balance the water. It's important that the water be balanced before you begin installation of the pool heater.

2. Step 2

   Turn off the pool pump and for added safety disconnect from the power outlet. Clean the pool filter and skimmer of all debris.

3. Step 3

   Locate a spot for the pool heater. The pool heater should be on level ground about three or four feet away from the pool filter. Use a leveling tool to be sure the area is level.

4. Step 4

   Attach a PVC pipe from the pool filter return valve to the inlet valve on the pool heater. Cut the PVC pipe to fit the area using a small saw or a sharp cutting blade. Use another section of PVC pipe to attach the return valve jet located on the side of the pool to the outlet valve on the pool heater.

5. Step 5

   Set the thermostat on the pool heater to your desired temperature. Reconnect the pool pump to the power outlet and turn it on. Wait for the water to cycle through the pool filter and the pool heater.

6. Step 6

   Check for any leaks on the newly installed PVC pipe. If there are any leaks, turn off the pool pump and secure the leaky areas with PVC compound.

How to add a Solar Heater to Your Swimming Pool

1. Step 1

   Why not use the power of the sun to heat your pool? A solar cover utilizes that power but can be a pain to take off and put on if you don't have a reel system. A solar heater takes the energy produced by the sun and can warm your water by as much as ten degrees!

2. Step 2

   If you have never thought about it before, then why not consider it now! The whole planet is trying to go green, so why not you and your swimming pool? It's pretty simple to do. All you need is a filter system with at least a 1 h.p. pump and a solar heating kit.

3. Step 3

   The instructions will come with the kit, but I want to give you an idea of how the solar heater works. A typical solar heater will measure about 2- 1/2'wide x 6' long. It comes rolled up like a mat, but quickly unrolls and can be placed near your pool on the lawn. It is comprised of a series of thin channels that form one complete circuit or tunnel if you will.
   What you do is hook this up to your circulating system just after the water has passed through your pump and filter.
   Before it returns to your pool, it is forced to travel back and forth through these black plastic channels that have been absorbing the heat of the day.

4. Step 4

   As the cool water goes through the heated channeling that heat is transferred to the water raising its temperature.
   Once it exits the solar heater it resumes its journey through your return inlet hose and goes back into the pool. The cumulative effect of all of your pool water coursing through the solar heater can make a marked and very noticeably difference in pool temperature.

How to remove and clean your pool handrails or ladders.

1. Step 1

   To clean your rails or ladders you must first remove them from the pool. They are wedged in sockets called deck anchors. By lifting up the escutcheon plates-the decorative circles around the rail/ladder where it goes into the deck-you will see the bolt that raises the anchoring wedge. Using a wrench, you can unscrew this bolt about a half an inch. You may then need to knock down the bolt to drive the anchoring wedge down, freeing the rail/ladder. You now should be able to lift the rail or ladder up and out of its sockets. If the rail/ladder is stuck, you can use a rubber mallet or similar tool to bang the rail just above the deck to break it free.

2. Step 2

   If the handrail/ladder still will not come out and you are sure the wedge is knocked down, you can try using a car jack to get the rail out. By putting the jack under the hooked part of the rail (you may need to use a short piece of 2 x 4 to reach), you can apply force upward. Be careful not to jack it too hard as you can deform the rail or bend it. Try lifting the jack just enough to apply pressure and hitting on the rail just above the anchor with your rubber mallet. In most cases this will free the rail.
   
   Occasionally, you may come across a rail that will not come out, even with light pressure from a jack. The rail has probably corroded to the anchor, and you may have to distort or destroy the rail to get it out. You will have to determine if replacing the rail and/or the deck anchor is worth it at this point.

3. Step 3

   Now that you have removed the handrail/ladder you can clean it. The best cleaner for this is Naval Jelly®. Use a plastic scouring pad (not steel because it scratches the rail) to scrub with. You may want to disassemble a ladder to make cleaning easier. Be sure to rinse thoroughly after cleaning to remove all risidual chemical from the rails. Note: If you can't find Naval Jelly at your local hardware store, try using Coca Cola®.

4. Step 4

   Now that you have cleaned them well, you can apply some car wax to them if you like. This will help protect them from the elements longer. If you close up your pool for the winter, this is an ideal time to remove and clean your handrails and ladders. By cleaning them, you will maintain that new look much longer.

How to Install In-Ground Pool Ladders

1. Step 1
   
    
   Ladder cup in pool deck

   Clean out the ladder cups in your pool deck with a high-pressure spray of water. Over the winter, dirt, leaves and grime accumulate inside these holes. Failure to clean out the ladder cups will prevent installation of the ladder. Watch out for flying debris that can be quite smelly from decomposition.

2. Step 2

   Insert the ladder bumpers onto the bottom edges of the ladder railing. Ladder bumpers look like a rubberized cork and help protect pool liners or concrete siding from damage as the ladder moves.

3. Step 3

   Place the ladder wedge inside each ladder cup on the pool deck. Insert the socket and loosen the wedge with a counter-clockwise turn so it lies flush against the outside edge of the cup. When tightened, the wedge holds the ladder firmly in place to prevent slippage.

4. Step 4
   
    
   Ladder cup covers

   Slide the ladder carefully into the water, making sure the bumpers don't fall off into the pool. Installation works best if you stand between the ladder rails and slowly slide the ladder bumpers against the side of the pool. Slide the ladder covers up the exterior rails to keep them out of the way.

5. Step 5

   Insert the exterior ladder posts into the ladder cups in your pool decking. Wiggle the ladder until the rails slide completely into the cups with very little play. Rails should be positioned inside the wedges to allow for tightening of the bolts.

6. Step 6

   Attach the socket to the wrench and tighten down the bolts inside the ladder wedges in a clockwise motion. It comes in handy to have a helper to hold the plastic ladder covers out of the way when tightening the bolts. Tighten both sides completely and position the ladder cup covers to hide the point where the ladder meets the deck.

7. Step 7

   Test the ladder to assure complete and proper installation.

How to Choose a Pool Ladder

1. Step 1

   Measure the distance from the ground to the top edge of the pool in the area that you want to place the ladder.

2. Step 2

   Decide which type of ladder to purchase. Ladder style steps or staircase style steps? Free-standing or installed on a deck? Stainless steel or plastic?

3. Step 3

   Purchase a ladder that is no more than 1 foot higher than the pool edge. A ladder that is too high is a safety concern and can tip.

Choosing a Ladder for an In-Ground Pool

4. Step 1

   Determine if your pool was built with ladder anchors. For pools without ladder anchors, go to Step 4.

5. Step 2

   Measure the distance between ladder anchors to determine how wide the ladder should be. Average pool ladders are around 18 inches wide.

6. Step 3

   Measure the distance from the top of the pool to the bottom of the pool. Purchase a ladder that will fit within this dimension and provide a comfortable step out of the water.

7. Step 4

   For pools without ladder anchors, purchase a drop-in staircase ladder.

Instructions on Installing a Replacement Pool Liner

Installing a Swimming Pool liner

1. Over time swimming pool liners need to be replaced. People often upgrade or buy liners because of rips and tears in the old swimming pool liner. Replacing a swimming pool liner is a simple task but you will need another person to assist you in the project.
   
   Make sure to complete the replacement on a warm and sunny day, which will make it easier to handle the pool liner. Most pool liners are made of vinyl and are more flexible when the weather is warm.
   
   Before removing the old pool liner you will need to empty all the water from the pool and use a wet vac to get the last bit of water up from the pool liner.
   
   Lay out the replacement liner on a clean surface. Remove the stabilizer rails along the top of the swimming pool and set aside so that you can spray them off and wipe down with a clean cloth.
   
   Remove the metal band that lines the perimeter of the pool along with the plastic clips. This will allow you to remove the old pool liner.
   
   Once the old pool liner is lifted out, make sure to rake the sand smooth and remove any debris.
   
   Take the replacement pool liner and gently stretch out over the pool and follow the arrows and seams. The center seam should be in the center of the pool.
   
   Place the replacement pool liner in the pool and gently smooth out any wrinkles and smooth the sides with your hands. Replace the metal band and plastic clips. Replace the stabilizer rails and fill the pool with water.

Types of Above-Ground Pool Liners

Overlap Liners

1. These liners go up and over the top edges of the pool and then hang over the side.

Beaded Liners

2. Beaded liners go up the side of the pool and then snap on a track with the help of welts or beads that run along the whole edge.

Unibead Liners

3. These liners can either hang over the over the pool side like an overlap liner or they can be attached like the beaded liner.

Expandable Liners

4. Expandable liners are tall liners that accommodate for the extra vinyl that is needed for the deeper end or middle  swimming areas.

How long do pool liners last?

1. Step 1

   Divide the number of gallons of water your pool holds by 8. Then, divide the quotient by 60. This will determine the minimum flow rate you need use to ensure the water in your pool can make a complete circulation every 8 hours.

2. Step 2

   Determine the maximum flow rate your pool can handle by looking at its plumbing system. Most pools use 2-inch pipes, which can handle about 73 gallons per minute. A 1.5-inch pipe can handle less than 45 gallons per minute, while a 3-inch pipe can handle more than 150 gallons per minute. Use a slightly lower flow rate if your plumbing has a lot of intricate turns and connections that could be stressed by too much rushing water.

3. Step 3

   Select a pool pump with a flow rate between your minimum and maximum allowance.

4. Step 4

   Consult a professional for complicated systems that involve using a single pump for multiple pools, or multiple pumps for a single pool.

How Does a Pool Pump Work?

Importance of a Pool Pump

1. All swimming pools have a filtering system to keep the water clean and free of algae and bacteria. An integral part of your filtering system is the pool pump. Without a pump your filtering system will not work and your pool will get too dirty to use rather quickly. Most pool pumps are self priming which mean if the pump housing is not full of water when you turn the system on, it will fill it by it's self. This is a very helpful feature because priming a pump can be a difficult task. Pool pumps come in various horse power depending on the size of the pool and how many gallons of water it must pull through the filtering system each hour.

Parts of the Pump

2. The pump has a motor that turns at a high speed when the pump is on. At the other end of the pump there is an impeller that is driven by the pump motor. The pump housing, also known as the vacuum chamber, is filled with water. This creates a vacuum which allows the pump to pull the water out of the pool. Some pools have a diffuser in the pump itself and some have an external diffuser. The diffuser takes the air out of the pump, hoses or suction piping. If the air does not get out you can loose your prime. All self priming pumps have diffusers. Another part important to your pump is the pressure gauge. As the impeller creates the water pressure it is measured by the gauge. When the pressure gets too low you will know that the filter is dirty and needs to be cleaned or back washed.

How the Pump Works

3. Now that you know how the individual parts work it is easier to understand how the whole process works. When the pump is turned on and it is properly primed, the motor turns the impeller. This helps to pull the water into the vacuum chamber which is the pump housing. The water goes through a filtering system which could be sand, diatomaceous earth or a cartridge. The water is cleaned by the filtering system and pushed back into the pool. All the while the diffuser is helping to get rid of any air bubbles that have made their way into the pump. When the pressure gauge shows the low pressure you will need to back wash the system. This is done by switching valves to redirect the flow of the water and stopping water from going into the pool. The water is pulled from the pool, only this time it goes into the bottom of the filter, pushing the dirt up where it is drained out. This is done until the water comes out clean. Then the valves are put back to their original position and the pump starts pulling the water through the filtering system again

How to Hook Up Your Pool Filter & Pump

1. Step 1

   Place the pool pump and filter in a level area about 2 to 3 feet away from the pool skimmer. If needed, use paving stones and a leveling tool to ensure the area is level. Place the pump near the pool skimmer, which is on the side of the pool. Place the filter to the right side of the pool pump, near the return valve on the side of the pool.

2. Step 2

   Connect the outlet valve on the pool skimmer to the inlet valve on the pool pump, using a piece of pool hose. The valves are labeled, but you can refer to your owner's manual if needed. Secure both ends of the hose with hose clamps and tighten the hose clamp with a flat head screwdriver.

3. Step 3

   Connect the pool filter's outlet valve to the pool return jet valve, using another piece of pool hose. The pool's return jet valve is on the sidewall of the pool. Use two pool hose clamps to secure the hose and tighten.

4. Step 4

   Determine what type of pool pump connection you have. A lot of newer models have a connector on the pool pump that connects to the pool filter. If you have that type of connection, use a large wrench and tighten the connector to the filter. If you do not have a connector, use a small piece of pool hose and connect the pool pump outlet valve to the pool filter inlet valve. Secure the hose with two hose clamps. Your pool is now ready to be filled and the filtration system is now ready for use.

	Assign an adult to supervise children in and around the swimming pool and spa. This is needed whether there is one parent or guardian present or numerous adults present such as during a family event or party.
	Maintain constant eye-to-eye supervision with children in and around the swimming pool and spa.
	Remove children from the swimming pool and spa area for any distraction such as a telephone call, use of restroom, etc.
	Issue the adult supervisor an item such as a whistle, bracelet, etc. to reinforce which adult is in charge of the safety of the children.
	Floaties or other inflatable flotation devices are not life jackets and should never be substituted for adult supervision.
	Maintain a clear view (no trees, bushes or other obstacles) from the home to the swimming pool and spa.
	Ensure any adult responsible for the children know the emergency services telephone number and also your location address in the event emergency personnel are needed to be called to the scene.

B = Barriers

Have a fence enclosure that isolates your swimming pool and spa from the home, play areas, front and side yards and the neighbor’s yard.

Make sure all gates in the isolation fence are self-closing and self-latching.

Multiple layers of barriers isolating the pool and spa from children should be installed. In addition to an isolation fence, one or more of the following safety features can provide the additional protection necessary:

All chairs, tables, large toys or other objects that would allow a child to climb up to reach the gate latch or enable the child to climb over the isolation fence should be removed or kept inside the fenced area.

C = Classes

	Learn how to perform Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR).
	See CPR Awareness Video on this website; or use the link on this website to the American Heart Association to sign-up for a CPR class or to purchase an at-home training kit.
	Enroll your child in swimming lessons.