Swimming Pool Tips and Reviews

Which is the best Variable Speed (VS) swimming pool pump? While I definitely have my preferences, pinpointing the best VS pool pump is like trying to select the best SUV or full-size truck. Each model has its advantages and drawbacks. In my view, the best VS pump for you ultimately depends on your specific situation. For example, if your pool equipment pad operates on 115V (120V), the ideal VS pump will likely be one that matches your old 1 hp pump. Let me explain why. VS pumps feature Dual Voltage, meaning they automatically adjust to either 115V or 230V based on your existing setup. If you install a 2.7 THP Hayward TriStar VS pump on a 115V pad, the pump will automatically adjust to 115V, but it will also reduce the horsepower to around 1.85 THP. So, why spend extra on a 2.7 or 3 THP pump if a 1.5 or 1.65 THP model will do the job just as well? The situation gets more complicated when you have an automated system like Jandy Aqualink. If you're replacing a single-speed pump, I...

D.E. vs. Cartridge Pool Filters: Which Is Best for Your Pool? Choosing the right pool filter is essential for maintaining crystal-clear water and reducing the maintenance burden of your swimming pool. Two popular options are Diatomaceous Earth (D.E.) filters and cartridge filters. Each comes with its pros and cons, catering to different pool owners' needs. Let’s dive into the differences to help you decide which is the best fit for your pool.   What Is a D.E. Pool Filter?   A Diatomaceous Earth filter uses a fine powder made from fossilized diatoms to coat a series of grids or fingers inside the filter. As water flows through, the D.E. captures particles as small as 2–5 microns, offering exceptionally clear water.   Advantages   - Superior filtration: D.E. filters provide the finest filtration available, making them ideal for pools where water clarity is a top priority.   - High efficiency: They remove even the smallest debris, including...

The Smonet SR5 is a solid choice for a pool solar surface cleaner. It is a well-built machine with a lot of great features and, in my testing, it worked very well.   No wires, hoses, or pumps are required; just place this solar-powered sweeper robot in your pool, and that is it. The robot's front end is equipped with 2 radars to automatically avoid obstacles so it can work for pools of various shapes and types. SR5 has 2-speed modes and a large-capacity debris canister (rated for 400 microns) to efficiently handle common surface debris. Charging using solar energy or a 2.5H charger. With a lightweight design, SR5 only weighs 12.9 lbs. Highlights Wireless automatic pool surface cleaning: the robotic floating pool skimmer surface cleaners, autonomously maintain a clean above-ground pool surface by removing pet hair, algae, leaf, dust, pollen, and pesky bugs, say goodbye to traditional manual cleaning and hello to consistently fresh and clean pool water. Solar charging and power ...

 Adjusting Your Pool Runtime for Winter: Maximize Efficiency  As temperatures drop, your pool’s filtration needs decrease, allowing you to save on energy costs by reducing the runtime. Here’s how to optimize your pool’s runtime for winter while keeping it clean and well-maintained. 1. Reduce Daily Filtration Hours • Cut Runtime in Half: In summer, pools often run 8–12 hours per day, but winter needs are much lower. Scale back to around 4–6 hours daily, depending on your climate. This adjustment maintains water quality while using less energy. • Nighttime Operation for Freezing Climates: In areas where temperatures dip below freezing, run your pool during the coldest hours to keep water moving and prevent pipes from freezing. This also may activate automatically with Freeze-Protect Modes.  2. Adjust for Pool Usage and Debris • Lower Use, Less Filtration: If your pool isn’t in use, you can reduce runtime to as little as 2–4 hours daily. If your pool collects extra deb...

 When your pool's water temperature dips into the low 60s, your saltwater generator will likely stop producing chlorine. At that point, it’s a good idea to turn off the generator and switch to an alternative chlorine source. Using liquid chlorine is a great option, as it most closely resembles the chlorine produced by your salt cell. Plus, you’ll need only a small amount in winter. Monthly doses of Dichlor can also be helpful, as it contains about 50% cyanuric acid (CYA), which can boost your pool’s CYA level in winter, potentially avoiding a spring CYA recharge. If you’re in a warmer climate like Southern California, you might prefer adding a floater with Trichlor tablets tied to the skimmer lid to prevent it from drifting, which reduces the risk of staining. Trichlor, like Dichlor, has 50% CYA, so you can easily maintain CYA levels with a small weekly dose. If avoiding CYA altogether, stick to liquid chlorine as it contains no cyanuric acid. To ensure your saltwater generator is ...

The Madimack InverFLOW Eco is a great entry-level Variable Speed pump. InverMAC Enhanced Inverter Technology Madimack’s advanced InverMAC technology represents the pinnacle of energy efficiency and operational refinement in pool pump systems. This cutting-edge technology integrates several advanced features, such as full inverter capabilities, permanent magnet synchronous motors, and DC brushless motors, to provide an intelligent and adaptable pool experience. One of the standout benefits of InverMAC is its noise reduction capacity, significantly decreasing operational noise levels by more than 30 times, enabling an ultra-quiet environment. Compared to conventional pool pumps, Madimack's InverFLOW Eco pumps achieve up to 90% greater energy efficiency, translating to substantial savings on energy bills while also contributing to a more sustainable, eco-friendly pool setup. Key Features of InverMAC Technology Enhanced Inverter Motor for Optimized Efficiency The inverter motor adjusts...