Essential Pool Equipment Every Homeowner Should Have
You’ve taken the metaphorical plunge and become a proud pool owner. You’ve probably never felt better — and your backyard has never looked so enticing.
But taking care of your pool is a job. And just like any job, you’ll need the right tools. Here are some of the most essential features and pool equipment that do the heavy lifting for you and make maintenance stress-free.
The Pool Pump
The pool pump circulates water, preventing it from getting stagnant while pushing it through the filter so it gets clean. Your basic, run-of-the-mill pool pump gets the job done, yet there are plenty of options that might better fit the bill.
The most notable choice is a variable-speed pump. This is a more modern design that focuses on energy efficiency and user-friendliness. It’s much quieter and can save you a lot of money over the lifespan of your pool.
The Pool Filtration System
The pool filter is where all the dirt and debris go when the water gets pushed around by your pump. The filter systems catch the things you don’t want in your water, leaving only clean water to be recirculated by the pump.
You have many options for filters, and each has its pros and cons. Sand filters are the most common and likely the first choice for many since they’re easier to maintain. Cartridge filters are more expensive, but they’re better at trapping even the finest particles. Diatomaceous earth (DE) filters are even better, but they require more upkeep than both sand and cartridge filters.
The good news is that all of these filters will do the same thing: clean your water. It just comes down to what’s most important for you — efficiency, ease of use or maintenance, and cost. You’ll have a solid option no matter what.
Remember that if you have a sand or DE filter, you’ll need a backwash hose. This hose attaches to the filter and directs dirty water away from your pool when it’s time to clean it out manually.
The Automatic Cleaner
No, you don’t have to buy an automatic cleaner. You could instead constantly clean your pool by hand or accept that you’ll never truly have a clean pool without one. Cleaning the entire surface of your pool without help from equipment will eat away all of your time. Automatic cleaners give it back.
Robotic cleaners are becoming the most popular choice since they’re self-contained and extremely efficient. This type of cleaner is similar to a Roomba — you adjust the settings to have it clean as often as you need, and it goes on its merry way. Now your pool is always clean, and you have a free Saturday afternoon.
The Lights
Lighting is often seen as more of an ambiance element than a valuable piece of pool equipment. Yes, good lights can make your backyard a magical place, but they are also essential for safer swimming, especially if you’re interested in going for a dip after dark.
LED lights are an excellent marriage of form and function. They’re energy-efficient, and they come in fun colors that you can often adjust to fit the mood. Additionally, they make it easier to see when you’re swimming, ultimately creating a safer experience.
The Brush and Pool Skimmer
Whether you have an automatic cleaner or not, you’ll need a brush to get into those hard-to-reach places. Get into the habit of brushing the sides of your pool at least once a week. This will deter algae growth and keep the surface from getting slimy.
The type of brush will come down to personal preference. Just remember to buy a telescopic pole (if it doesn’t already come with one). This is a piece of pool equipment that helps you reach every inch of your pool, and you can usually swap out the head depending on what maintenance task you’re doing (for example, switching from getting leaves out with a net to cleaning the bottom of the pool with a brush).
The Heater
Do you really need a pool heater when you’re living in Tampa Bay? Consider another question: Do you only want to use your pool on days when the weather is nice? Chances are that you installed a pool because you want to swim at any time. A pool heater helps you do that.
Modern pool heaters, like the LXi Heaters by Zodiac, also have energy efficiency and eco-consciousness built into their designs. This means you can run your pool with the knowledge that your pool heater is better for the environment and your wallet.
The Water Test Kit for Pool Safety
You don’t need a chemistry degree to become a master at managing your pool’s chemical levels. But you will need a water test kit, and you’ll need to know how to use it.
Regular testing is vital for keeping your pool (and those swimming in it) healthy. Testing not only shows you if your chemicals are off but can also offer insight into how effective your maintenance is.
The Chemicals
Chemicals are what you’ll use to balance or rebalance the water based on your results from the test kit. You should always test your water before adding chemicals and adjust alkalinity before bothering with your pH.
The ideal pH threshold for a pool is 7.4 to 7.6. Alkalinity should be between 80 and 120 ppm. Keep calcium chloride between 200 and 400 ppm. Learn to read your test kit to get these numbers, and add chemicals as needed.
Chlorine is one of the most common options for sanitization, but it’s far from the only one. There are more natural sanitizers that can also work, though to a varying degree of efficacy. Chlorine is still the default choice for many pool owners because it’s consistent.
Get the Essential Pool Equipment from Tampa Bay Pools
Are any of these essential pool supplies on your shopping list? Come find exactly what you’re looking for at Tampa Bay Pools. Reach out to us today to learn more about what we offer or to browse our selection.