Swimming Pool Tips and Reviews

In this article I go over the Step by Step procedure I take when I service a swimming pool. This is a basic video guide on how to maintain a swimming pool for either a homeowner or pool service professional. I walk you thru the steps I take on a pool from beginning to end. For sake of time this is an overview video, however at every second mark in the video I have links to other videos that go into more detail for the item or procedure in each clip. That way if you need more detailed help on something I show or wish to investigate a product in the video you can do itby clicking on the link in the description at that time mark. The very first thing I do is scan the pool for anything unusual. A dead Gopher on the pool floor would be something noteworthy. I also can assess the pools clarity level by just eyeballing it and can pretty much tell if there is a chemistry issue – like no Chlorine or Combined Chlorine. I do all these steps in order so not to forget to do somet

This is the Hayward SharkVac Series robotic pool cleaner. There are two different models available, the standard SharkVac and the SharkVac XL. The SharkVac is a mid-range priced robotic cleaner and Hayward has packed it with some great features for the price. I will touch on the differences between the two models since this video features only the standard version. The SharkVac XL comes with more features such as a beach entry sensor and the ability to climb the walls and clean the waterline. The XL also comes with a 3 year warranty. The standard SharkVac only cleans to the coves or partial walls – about 3 ft up, and does not have a beach entry sensor and comes only with a one year warranty. But the price point of the standard version is great. These are the only differences with the two models. You can also order a caddy cart with both models if you choose. The new models for 2016 come with this really nice blue, black and white color scheme.  I like the SharkVac f

In this article I will cover some tips on how to become a pool guy or pool gal. If you are looking to change professions or just want to make some extra money part time, I will go over some points on how to get started. This is an overview video so if you have specific questions feel free to contact me. I start with the basic four qualities you need to be successful in the business. The first is you need to be a hard worker. This job is not for everyone. There is weather to deal with, wind, rain, heat, humidity , snow. You are doing physical labor all day long. I did a calorie count test and input the amount of weight I lifted all day and added in a rowing machine which is close to skimming the pool all day, and found I burned over 2000 calories per day. It can be rigorous. So if you don't like hard work or working in 100 degree weather, this job might not be for you. A book I read years ago helped me and it might help you also is called  The Go-Getter: A Story Tha

In this Article I go over a very easy way to replace your D.E. Filter Elements and your Top Manifold at the same time. The product is known by different names depending on the Manufacturer, Pentair calls it a Complete Element Assembly.  Hayward; Grid Element Assembly or Pool Filter Element Cluster. Jandy; Complete Grid Assembly Replacement or Grid Element Assembly. Each one comes completely assembled and includes all eight Filter Elements or Grids, Top and Bottom Manifold, rods or rod depending and the Air Bleed Assembly. Simply tank off your filter lid, pull the complete old Assembly out and set the new one in. Simple and quick. This would be perfect if you notice your Top Manifold has a crack and that you also need more than 4 new grids. It makes sense to just replace everything at once and have no more worries. Of course if the grids are good and you only need a Top Manifold - don't order this product. And if you just need all 8 grids and the Top Manifold looks fine -

The Aquabot Rapids 2000 is the Next Generation of Robotic Cleaners for Aquabot. There are a lot of great innovations with the Rapids 2000 and Aquabot is moving in the right direction. The Rapids 2000 is a retail pool store cleaner only and is not sold online. Aquabot has over 45 different robotic models and they are always upgrading and improving their models. The Rapids 2000 is chalk full of great innovative features. T he video will detail them all but I think they deserve to be unpacked here also. I will start with the Gyro Navigation System. This is a unique program that will allow the cleaner to stop and pivot, change direction and or reverse at times in the pool. The Gyro System will allow the Rapids 2000 to clean your pool in the most efficient pattern possible and it won't be covering the same areas over and over again. It is a really great innovative cleaning system. The Rapids 2000 features Aquabot's Dual Drive Motors with a split brush configuration much

The Remington Solar Chlorine-Free “Sun Shock” uses lower power output from the Solar Panels on the unit to generate ions which will keep your pool algae free all season long. The Remington Solar is an effective way to prevent algae in your pool and as a side benefit the Anode also attracts calcium and iron which will soften the pool water. For those opposed to using any copper in your pool for fear of staining the surface this is the safest method I have found thus far. It is very easy to control the Copper Ion output and if it reaches 0.5 ppm simply removing the Remington Solar will prevent any staining. Copper is an excellent way to prevent algae but it does have the one drawback of potentially staining the pool surface if the levels get too high. But in my testing the copper levels didn't approach anywhere near the 0.5 ppm mark in a 15,000 gallon pool. The Remington Solar comes with everything you need in the box including 30 copper test strips. So you have enough test s

The Hayward TigerShark Robotic Pool Cleaner has a proven track record of durability and reliability and is a top choice for many pool owners. The TigerShark has the typical robotic profile but don't let the exterior fool you, this is one solid robotic pool cleaner. There are three version of the TigerShark available and the one in this video is the TigerShark Plus - it comes with a simple three button remote. The TigerShark Series consists of three versions: The standard TigerShark RC9950CUB, the TigerShark Plus RC9955CUB and the TigerShark QC RC9990CUB. The differences are as follows: TigerShark 1 year warranty TigerShark Plus 3 year warranty – remote Tiger Shark QC 3 year warranty – 3 hour cycle and 90 minute Quick Clean mode All three come with 55 feet of cord, have a 3 hour cleaning cycle, clean the pool floors, walls, coves and waterline, weigh 21.5 lbs and are suitable for all surface types. The only differences between the thre

The Aquabot Turbo T-Jet is a uniquely designed robotic pool cleaner. The Turbo T-Jet features power washing jets to scrub the pool floors and walls as it moves in the pool. The Turbo T-Jet is designed to clean both the pool floors and the walls to the waterline. One great thing about the T-Jet is that is it priced at most retail locations under $500.00 I really like this cleaner because it has a great price point and it is loaded with features. The jets on the bottom work exceptionally well at loosening up dirt, algae and debris. The high profile and non-marring wheels makes it perfect for all pool surface types. It picks up large debris as well as dirt and filters down to 2 microns. The timer is also unique. The timer will run the Turbo T-jet for a 2 hour cycle or you can use the continuous run feature. What I really like is how the timer allows you to set in seconds how long the Turbo T-Jet will run before reversing.  This is a great feature and one that will allow you to se

Hayward Pool Products makes three Robotic Pool Cleaners. They make the AquaVac® 500 , TigerShark® Series and the SharkVac Series. The Hayward Robotic Pool Cleaners are well made and assembled here in the USA. The Hayward Robotic cleaners all feature a debris chamber that is screened in by two cartridge filters. These cartridge filters will filter down to 5 microns – better than most pool filters. The debris chamber is very easy to clean out and you can hose it off in less than a minute. Both the AquaVac 500 and SharkVac are top loading so it is even easier to access the chamber. I really like the cartridge based debris chamber, they are effective, easy and hold a lot of debris. The power supply is very simple on the TigerShark and SharkVac. Plug it in and the TigerShark will run for 3 hours. The Sharkvac will run for 2 hours. The AquaVac 500 is a little more advanced as you can choose between floor cleaning, wall and waterline and also set a simple program time so the cleaner tur

The Aquabot Turbo T4RC is a truly awesome robotic cleaner. The Turbo T4RC comes with a multifunction remote and for 2016 the Turbo T4RC will come with a Caddy for easy transport. The Turbo T4RC will clean most pools in one hour The remote control is a great feature of the T4RC and it is very responsive and user friendly. You can change directions, pause the cleaner, make the cleaner climb the wall and adjust the speed of the cleaner. It works very well. The T4RC will clean your pool floor, walls and waterline and it will leave your pool spotless. The dual drive motors makes this cleaner one of the most effective ones on the market today. This allows the split brush configuration which allows it to move rapidly on the pool bottom and walls increasing it's cleaning efficiency and allowing it to run smoothly and evenly. You can really notice the difference when comparing it to the single roller brush robots. The quad brush design of the T4RC makes this a top of the line cle

This is the Aquabot Supreme Robotic pool cleaner. It is designed to clean the pool floors, walls and waterline. This is a retail pool store only cleaner and as a bonus for purchasing it at your local pool store Aquabot is offering a 2 year 100% bumper to bumper warranty. That is a great warranty and one of the best offered in the industry. I like these retail only robotic cleaners because the manufacturers, in this case Aquabot, load these cleaners with extra features to encourage you to purchase it from your local pool store. Many of which are Mom & Pop stores that are up against internet Giants like Amazon.com. Some of the other great features of the Supreme are that it filters down to 2 microns, it features The NeverStuck™ system which means it won't get hung up in the steps or corners of your pool. It also has a cord swivel to prevent cable tangling and comes with a 60 ft long cable. It also will pump 70 gallons per minute so as it is running it is also filtering th