About Variable Speed Pumps

Energy costs for homeowners can be expensive and one of the largest contributors can oftentimes be a pool. However, over the years, huge advancements have been made to reduce energy consumption and pool ownership costs. Variable Speed pumps create the same circulation, but with lower friction and better efficiency, resulting in lower energy costs.

If you’re looking to reduce energy costs, replace an old pump or build a new pool, variable speed pumps are a great option. Depending on the size of pool and local energy rates, these pumps can often pay for themselves within a year. Monthly energy savings combined with available utility rebates, make variable speed pumps tempting for any pool owner and something to strongly consider. For more information on variable speed pumps, visit one of our 900-plus stores or click below to see available variable speed pumps and variable speed pump savings in your area.

Solar Covers – Save Money & Swim More!

Using a Solar Cover is a great way for families to take full advantage of their swimming pool. Pool-goers can swim longer and save money while conserving hundreds of gallons of water each year by using a Solar Cover. Below we will discuss the endless features and benefits from using a Solar Cover.

What are Solar Covers?

Solar covers are a must-have pool accessory. Uncovered swimming pools are exposed to the outside elements such as dust, dirt, debris, and rain. The water also embraces varying changes in outside temperature. They are lightweight plastic covers, custom-sized for your pool. One side contains bubbles filled with air so the cover can float on the swimming pool surface.

How do Solar Covers Work?

When a solar cover is placed on the swimming pool, it begins to trap heat from the sun. At night when temperatures cool, the solar cover helps to retain all of the heat that the water gained during the day. Essentially, they stop heat from escaping your pool. An added benefit of Solar Covers is that they help keep dust, dirt, and debris out of the water.

How and When to Use a Solar Cover?

Place the cover on the pool with the bubbles facing down (smooth side up). This helps the cover float on the surface of the pool. Allowing the cover to sit on the pool for several hours, or even a few days, will allow the packing folds to straighten. Then, the blanket can be cut with ordinary scissors to custom fit the contours of your pool.

Note: Take extreme caution when trimming or cutting a solar cover on all forms of vinyl lined pools or above ground pools. Scissors may damage the vinyl liner.

The best time to use a solar cover is when the pool is not in use. Using the cover during the day will help collect heat from the sun. Using the cover at night will help trap the collected heat as temperatures cool.

What are the Benefits of a Solar Cover?

Using a solar cover can help you swim more and save money. It’s an inexpensive way to use your pool earlier in the season, maintain water temperatures, and extend your season as temperatures cool. It’s also a must-have for anyone using a gas or electric heater.

5 Reasons Why Every Pool Owner Needs a Solar Cover:

  1. Heat your pool up to 10-15 degrees Fahrenheit
  2. Reduce evaporation by up to 90%
  3. Reduce chemical consumption by up to 30-60%
  4. Reduce the amount of dust, dirt and debris from entering the pool
  5. Open your pool sooner in the spring and extend your swim season later in the fall

Must-Have Accessories:

  • Solar Cover Reel – Using a Solar Cover Reel makes it much easier for cover placement and removal. A reel system also provides a place for storage when the cover is not in use.
  • Cover FREE Weekly – Using a liquid solar barrier provides protection from evaporation and heat loss when the covers is off the pool.
Solar Covers are truly the most affordable and energy efficient products to heat swimming pools throughout the season.

Conserve Water with Your Pool Filter

The conservation of your pool water can start with your pool filter. By using a cartridge filter you can save water and eliminate the need to backwash. Of the three main types of pool filters, a cartridge filter uses the least amount of water.
Backwashing a DE filter or sand filter involves running pool water out of your filter to clean the filter of any debris. Backwashing is done multiple times a year. Depending on the size of your pool and your pool equipment, 250 to 1,000 gallons of water could be used each time your pool goes through the backwash cycle.

Along with conserving water, cartridge filters require less maintenance compared to DE filters or sand filters. A cartridge filter can catch twice as much dirt as a sand filter, and captures particles as small as 5-15 microns, leaving you with a cleaner pool. Cartridge filters can easily be removed and sprayed clean using a hose. This only needs to be done 4 to 5 times a year, and saves water compared to backwashing. Cartridge filters can be used with a low pump pressure, allowing you to use less energy and causes less wear and tear on your pool pump.

Be pool smart. Switch to a cartridge filter and help conserve water. For more information on cartridge filters or replacement cartridges, go to www.pool-services.gr or ask one of our pool experts.