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The Most Advanced Salt System!: CircuPool CORE Balance Control | App + Wi-Fi Chemical Automation

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The CircuPool CORE Balance Control system is a modern chemical automation platform designed to simplify pool maintenance by combining salt chlorination, real-time water monitoring, and automated chemical dosing. At the center of this system is the CircuPool CORE Balance Control, which goes beyond traditional timers and manual testing by continuously analyzing water conditions and adjusting accordingly. Tutorial and setup videos: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLlbgfwNDzjchjdGmEF2i4ODbJRFoMvn0m Purchase info: https://www.circupool.com/circupool-core-balance-control-wifi-chemical-automation-platform.html Core Components and How It Works 1. Core Control (Chlorine Generation) At its foundation, the system uses a salt chlorine generator to produce sanitizer on-site. This reduces the need for manual chlorine handling. The transparent cell housing allows visual inspection, while CellSaver technology helps extend the life of the cell by protecting internal components. 2. Balance Contro...

Betta Flex Solar Surface Cleaner

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  The Future of Skimming: Why the Betta Flex is a Game Changer Let’s be honest: nobody buys a pool because they’re excited about the daily "skimming workout." Standing at the edge of the water with a long pole, chasing down a stubborn leaf, isn't exactly the relaxation you signed up for. If you’re ready to reclaim your afternoon, the Betta Flex might just be your new best friend. This solar-powered, cordless robotic pool skimmer is designed to handle the surface debris automatically, so you can spend your time actually in the water instead of cleaning it. Zero Cords, Zero Hassle One of the most annoying parts of pool maintenance is managing equipment that requires constant attention. The Betta Flex runs entirely on solar energy . That means: No extension cords draped across your deck. No manual recharging or hunting for outlets after every use. Energy-efficient operation that’s as friendly to the environment as it is to your schedule. Just place it in the water, and ...

Hot Tub Care Tips from Bob Lowry: Keep Your Spa Sparkling

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Hot tub maintenance gets confusing fast because spa water chemistry is not the same as pool care. Hot tubs run hotter, hold far less water, and see heavy bather load, so sanitizer demand spikes in minutes. That is why the bromine vs chlorine debate matters less than understanding what each product does. Bromine is a reliable disinfectant at higher temperature and higher pH, and bromamines stay active without the strong “chlorine” odor people hate. But bromine has a key limitation: it does not oxidize the oils and wastes bathers bring in, like sweat, urine, deodorant, lotions, and sunscreen. That missing oxidation is why many spas look fine and then suddenly smell or feel dull a day or two later. Without an oxidizer, bromine can kill germs but it cannot break down the contamination that feeds problems and creates odors. A practical routine is to add an oxidizer after you soak, often a non-chlorine shock (monopersulfate) or a chlorine-based shock. The challenge is there is no simple test...

Bob Lowry Explains Why Borates Are a Game-Changer

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Borates have become one of the most practical “set it and forget it” upgrades in modern pool chemistry, especially for pool service pros managing a weekly route. The big appeal is simple: borates are typically a one-time addition that you only verify occasionally, yet they deliver ongoing benefits in swimming pool maintenance. At the recommended borate level of about 50 ppm, they act as a secondary pH buffer that helps slow the upward pH drift many pools experience. That matters most in saltwater chlorine generator pools, and in pools with constant aeration like spillovers, waterfalls, negative edge designs, or heavy return turbulence, where carbon dioxide outgassing pushes pH higher and higher. The second benefit is algae prevention. Borates are best described as an algostat rather than an algaecide: they do not “kill” algae the way chlorine does, but they can make it harder for algae to get started. That distinction is important for realistic expectations and for sanitation. You stil...

Bottom Feeder vs Shrimp: Which Vacuum Fits Your Pool Route Best?

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  Bottom Feeder vs. Shrimp Cleaner A Professional Pool Vacuum Comparison for Route Efficiency When it comes to battery-powered pool vacuums, both the The Bottom Feeder systems—the full-size Bottom Feeder and the compact Shrimp—are built on the same core platform. But in real-world use, they serve very different roles on a service route. This breakdown focuses on practical differences that matter in the field: speed, maneuverability, debris handling, and workflow efficiency. Side-by-Side Comparison Feature Bottom Feeder (Regular) Bottom Feeder Shrimp Purpose Full-size professional route vacuum Compact spot-cleaning vacuum Vacuum Head Size ~18" × 11" × 9" 12" × 8" × 9" Weight ~18 lbs ~14 lbs Cleaning Coverage Wide path for large pools Tight access for small areas Run...

Salt Water Pool Pros and Cons – Advice from Bob Lowry

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Saltwater chlorine generators keep getting sold as a “chlorine alternative,” but the chemistry never changed: a salt pool is still a chlorine pool. You add salt, the cell applies electricity, chloride converts to free chlorine, and that chlorine sanitizes the water just like liquid chlorine or dry chlorine. The big win for many pool owners is convenience and steadier dosing, but the big misunderstanding is thinking sanitation is somehow different. A quick look at any owner’s manual reveals rated production in pounds of chlorine per day, which makes the marketing language hard to defend. For pool service techs, the practical takeaway is simple: test and manage free chlorine and combined chlorine the same way you would in any properly maintained swimming pool. Dialing in salt level and run time is where performance and cost meet. Most manufacturers target roughly 3,000 to 3,500 ppm salt, which can mean hundreds of pounds of salt in an average residential pool. Output is controlled mostly...

5-Star or Bust: Protect Your Business Reputation

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Online reviews are no longer “nice to have” marketing for a pool service business, they are the front door. When homeowners search “pool service near me,” they make a fast decision based on Google reviews, Yelp ratings, and a quick scan of recent comments. A 4.8 feels safe, while a 3.8 often gets skipped without a second look. That’s why online reputation management matters as much as water chemistry or route efficiency. Star ratings shape leads, call volume, and pricing power, and they also signal whether you run a reliable service company that respects the customer’s time.   A strong local SEO foundation helps you earn reviews consistently instead of randomly. Start with a clean website and make sure your Google Business Profile is complete, accurate, and active so you show up in local search results and on Google Maps. If you use Google Ads, even a modest budget can drive initial visibility and help you land the first wave of customers who can later leave honest feedback. A...