Pool Covers | What’s The Difference? -Solar Covers vs. Automatic Covers vs. Winter Covers

Pool Covers – Different Types for Different Uses

Understanding The Differences in Pool Cover Designs – Pool Care 101

Keeping your swimming pool or spa covered can have a number of benefits. Using a cover can help keep your pool clean, keep out unwanted visitors (frogs, mice, etc.) and safety/winter covers can help to improve safety for your pets and children. There are three types of covers that are the most represented in the pool industry,


Solar Covers: These thin covers feature small air pockets, similar to bubble wrap. These ‘bubbles’ act as mini magnifying glasses and harness the power of the sun to warm the pool water. These covers also help you save money by preventing pool water evaporation.

Solar covers float on top of the water’s surface and can also aid in keeping light debris out of your pool. These covers can be attached to a manual or automatic reel for ease of use. They are not meant to hold the weight of humans or animals so they do not provide any additional safety benefits.

Automatic Cover: These covers are what the name implies, automatic. Useful year-round, these handy covers open and close with the push of a button and can be locked open or closed by the use of a key. This is a very convenient feature and is a great choice for those seeking the ultimate in convenience and security. These covers are often a good choice for commercial properties where the pool gets a lot of use. Automatic covers are often load-bearing, dependent on the model purchased. These are often the most expensive cover option but can be well worth the added convenience.

Safety/Winter Covers: These heavy-duty covers attach to the pool deck using straps and anchors. The amount of weight these can bear is dependent on the individual model of cover.

These are highly recommended if you have small children or wish to keep animals or heavy debris out of the pool. During the winter, these covers protect your pool or hot tub from severe winter weather conditions saving you money on maintenance and repairs and time that would have to spend cleaning out unwanted branches, dirt, and other debris prior to opening your pool each season.

“Having the right cover installed on your pool or hot tub can save you money and increase safety. If you have any questions about pool covers, get in touch with us today!”

 


Have a Pool or Spa Question? – Let Us Know!

Leisure Pool & Spa Supply Truck next to the Elkhart Health & Aquatics Center in Elkhart, IN - Beacon Health & Fitness Property
We supply numerous commercial aquatic centers with supplies – including the new Elkhart Health & Aquatics Center in Elkhart, IN!

If you have any questions regarding your pool or aquatic center needs, do not hesitate to get in touch with us. We are always available via phone or email and look forward to assisting you. If you are looking to purchase products directly online, visit our online pool and spa supply store. Leisure Pool & Spa Supply, Inc. was founded in 1982 and is headquartered in Syracuse, Indiana.

We focus on serving the service and supply needs of both residential and commercial clients. We have grown to include a branch office in Indianapolis allowing us to work with clients across the State of Indiana. Our service technicians are highly experienced and have decades of combined experience in the aquatics industry.

Leisure Pool & Spa Supply, Inc. – Service Since 1982 – Shop our eStore

Quick Dips - What to Do If Your Pool Water Turns Green, or Red, or Brown - Pool Care Guides

What To Do If Your Pool Water Turns Green (or Red, or Brown…) – Pool Care 101

Quick Dip: Fixing Your Water Color – Algae, Metals, Etc.

DEALING WITH ALGAE, HIGH METAL CONTENT & MORE – WATER BALANCE 101

When everything is working as intended, your swimming pool’s water should be crystal clear and have an inviting sparkle. However, algae or high levels of metal in the water can turn that clear blue water into a murky, icky mess. Below are some quick tips on how to deal with this issue.

The First Step

The first thing to do is to determine the color of the water and the source of that color before executing the prescribed treatment. Causes of water color issues can be traced back to the initial fill-water, inadvertent additions of chemicals from water run-off, treatment chemicals that contain copper or other metals and/or poor water chemistry that can cause corrosion of metallic pool components.


Green-Greenish Blue Water

OMNI Multi-Purpose Algaecide 60 - LeisurePoolInc.com
Algaecide 60% from OMNI. This is our standard recommended treatment for algae buildup in pools.

This dreaded color of water is often caused by algae buildup. Keeping your swimming pool pump running and adding an algaecide and pool shock will usually take care of this issue. One thing to look for is the buildup on your pool’s surfaces. When algae begins to build up on the sides of your pool, it will form a protective, slime-like layer which can cause your pool shock to have little to no effect. This is why we recommend you brush the walls of your pool to break up this layer prior to adding algaecide and the appropriate amount of shock to the water.

Greenish-blue water can also be caused by high levels of copper in the pool. When this is the case, the use of metal control products such as OMNI Metal Control is required. Metal control chemicals help to break down the metals and deposit them into your filter system. Remember to keep your filter running and to retest for metal content after 24 hours. It is recommended to not shock the pool at this point, as the high oxidation could cause the metals in the water to stain your pool’s surface. After retesting, re-balance as needed.


Red-Brown Water

High metal content in your pool water can result in staining and unwanted buildup.

Iron or manganese is the most common culprit when your pool water has turned an ugly red, reddish-brown or brownish-black. If you have filled your pool with water with high metal content, the source of the water is often the cause.

The fix for reddish-brown pool water is similar to the fix for greenish-blue water caused by high levels of copper. Add a metal control sequestering chemical into your water in accordance with the label directions, keep your pump/filter running and retest for metal content after 24 hours. After re-testing, re-balance as needed.


“Pool water coloration, stains, and scale can be the result of copper, iron manganese, or calcium in the source water or from contaminants in the water. Whenever pool water coloration, stains, or scale are present, it is important to use a chelating or sequestering agent and then balance the water.”

– Pool and Spa Operator Handbook – NSPF


Have a Pool or Spa Question?

Enjoy your Pool & Ensure Peace of Mind - Trust the Experts at Leisure Pool & Spa Supply

Leisure Pool & Spa Supply, Inc. was founded in 1982 and is headquartered in Syracuse, Indiana. We focus on serving the service and supply needs of both residential and commercial clients. We have grown to include a branch office in Indianapolis allowing us to work with clients across the State of Indiana. Our service technicians are highly experienced and have decades of combined experience in the aquatics industry.

If you have any questions regarding your pool or aquatic center needs, do not hesitate to get in touch with us. We are always available via phone or email and look forward to assisting you. If you are looking to purchase products directly online, visit our online pool and spa supply

Leisure Pool & Spa Supply – Service Since 1982 – Shop our eStore

Pool Safety Guides - Keeping Your Family Safe Around Your Swimming Pool - Quick Dips by Leisure Pool & Spa Supply

Keeping Your Children Safe In And Around Your Swimming Pool

Swimming Pool Safety

Preventing Injury or Death Around Water

Relaxing in or around your swimming pool is one of the summer’s best pastimes. There is just no better way to beat the heat! However, any body of water comes risks of injury or even death. From chemical irritation to drowning, there are a number of safety concerns that you should be aware of and prepared for. Below, we have compiled just a few tips that can assist you in ensuring pool safety.


Drowning – A Leading Cause of Accidental Death

Sadly, drowning is one of the most common causes of accidental death among children. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, there were an average of 3,536 fatal unintentional non-boating related drownings each year between 2005 and 2014. One in five of those who died from drowning were children 14 and younger. Fortunately, there are a number of ways to reduce this risk.

  • Start your children in swim lessons as early as possible – education is key!
  • Make sure that your pool is fenced off with latching gates.
  • Supervise – never leave a child alone in or near a swimming pool. Regardless of the age of those swimming in your pool, make sure there is proper supervision present.
  • Have swimmers utilize the buddy system. Never allow them to swim alone.
  • Take a note from the Scouts and ‘Be Prepared’ – learn CPR and other basic first aid.
  • When boating, always use certified personal flotation devices (life jackets).
  • The CDC recommends clearing your pool and pool deck of toys and to keep them stored. This will reduce the temptation of children to enter the pool without supervision and reduces the risk of tripping.
  • Consider the use of a heavy duty winter/safety cover.
  • Know what drowning looks like. A point to remember is that drowning rarely looks like how it is presented in films and on television. It is often silent, with no thrashing or yelling. Be vigilant and alert.

Drain Covers – Ensuring V.G.B Compliance

If your pool is more than a few years old, you should explore the possibility that your pool’s main drain cover causes a risk of entrapment. New, certified drain covers are designed and formed to prevent accidental entrapment in accordance with the Virginia Graeme Baker act (V.G.B). Making sure your drains are compliant is essential in both residential and commercial pools.

Named after Graeme Baker who died in an accident in 2002 this law went into effect in December of 2008. Contact your pool supply company for more information on this issue. Click here to read more about the V.G.B act and drain covers. 


Keep Your Pool Maintained! – Other Risks & Tips

There are other risks beyond drowning that can be mitigated with proper pool maintenance and care;

  • Regularly check your pool equipment to ensure it is good working order. The combination of water, chemicals, and age can cause mechanical and structural failure. Make sure your deck accessories such as slides, diving boards, and steps are in good condition and free from extensive corrosion.
  • Use shatterproof containers to hold food and drinks when around the pool. Do NOT use glass as this is an accident waiting to happen! If any glass is broken and gets into the pool, this requires the pool to be drained and swept out – a costly and time-consuming mess.
  • Keep your chemicals at proper levels. Make sure your chlorine levels are within spec before getting into your pool. Use quality pool chemicals in their correct dosages. Do not just throw in chemicals and call it a day, take the time to calculate the amount needed. Good water balance can reduce skin and eye irritation. Click here to read more about how to balance your pool water.
  • Regularly shock [super-chlorinate] your pool to oxidize unwanted contaminants and kill bacteria. This is essential to safe swimming.

Have a Pool or Spa Question?

Specializing in commercial & residential service.

Leisure Pool & Spa Supply, Inc. was founded in 1982 and is headquartered in Syracuse, Indiana. We focus on serving the service and supply needs of both residential and commercial clients. We have grown to include a branch office in Indianapolis allowing us to work with clients across the State of Indiana. Our service technicians are highly experienced and have combined decades of experience in the aquatics industry.

If you have any questions regarding your pool or aquatic center needs, do not hesitate to get in touch with us. We are always available via phone or email and look forward to assisting you. If you are looking to purchase products directly online, visit our online pool and spa supply store.

Leisure Pool & Spa Supply, Inc. – Service Since 1982 – Shop our eStore

What You Need to Know About Pool Shock - Pool Shock 101 - Bromine vs. Chlorine - Liquid vs. Tablets & Much More -QuickDips by leisurepoolinc.com

Pool Shock – What You Need to Know

Quick Dip: Pool Shock – What you Need to Know

THE DIFFERENCES BETWEEN POOL SHOCKS & MORE – SHOCK 101

Liquid chlorine, lithium hypochlorite, calcium hypochlorite – all of these have one thing in common, they are all considered to be pool shocks. Shocking your pool water is one of the keys to proper pool water quality maintenance. Failing to shock your pool water can lead to algae and bacteria build-up. This creates a swimming pool that is not only uninviting, but hazardous to pool patrons as well. Just because your water is clear, does not mean it is safe to swim in. This article covers a few of the most common types of shock, the difference between a shock and an oxidizer and chlorine vs. bromine. Read on for more!


Common Types of Pool/Spa Shock

Sodium Hypochlorite – Liquid Pool Shock

Sodium hypochlorite solution aka liquid chlorine is probably the most common choice amongst pool operators for use as a pool shock. Liquid shock contains no chlorine stabilizer (cyanuric acid) and thus is useful for use in commercial indoor pools and/or when cyanuric acid levels are high. Sodium hypochlorite comes in varying concentrations (we sell it at a commercial-grade 12.5 – 15% strength) and can be purchased in sizes ranging from 1-gallon jugs to full-on rail cars.

Calcium Hypochlorite – Cal-Hypo

Poolife TurboShock - Shock Treatment for Pools & Spa - for sale by Leisure Pool & Spa Supply, Inc.

Calcium hypochlorite contains a high amount of available chlorine and is available in varying concentrations. Cal-hypo contains no chlorine stabilizer (cyanuric acid) and thus is useful for use in commercial indoor pools and/or when cyanuric acid levels are high. As it can bleach vinyl pool liners, we recommend caution if you are attempting to use this product in vinyl pools.

Calcium hypochlorite, as the name suggests, contains calcium and will increase the calcium hardness levels of your pool water. Examples of Cal-hypo products include Arch Poolife TurboShock, the product we recommend as the replacement for the now-discontinued Breakout 35, lithium hypochlorite.

Trichlor & Dichlor – Stabilized Products

Trichlor products are most often seen in stick or tablet/puck form while Dichlor is available in granules. The tablets are fed into the pool water via floaters or automatic erosion feeder systems. Granules are broadcasted over the pool water or pre-dissolved prior to insertion. (Consult your product’s manual or directions on the packaging) Both of these products contain cyanuric acid chlorine stabilizer making them preferred for many outdoor pools. With a high available chlorine level, trichlor and dichlor products are often used in commercial settings.

Lithium Hypochlorite – A Discontinued Product

Lithium Hypochlorite was a favorite of many of our clients. This product was fast to dissolve, safe for vinyl pools and had very little to no wait time between application and a ready to swim pool status. Unfortunately, this product is no longer being produced for swimming pool use. This is due to limited lithium supplies being used in the production of lithium-ion batteries. We recommend the use of Cal-hypo in most situations as a replacement for lithium pool shock.


Shock vs. Oxidizer – What’s the Difference?

Pool Shock for Sale - Pool Chlorine and More -LeisurePoolInc.com

Shock is any kind of product (liquid chlorine, bromine concentrate or granular shocks are just a few examples) used to increase the available free chlorine level of your pool or spa water to a highly concentrated level.

Shock attacks the bacteria and organics in your water. Organics can come from dead skin cells, waste, sweat or any other material brought into your water by swimmers. This creates a feeding ground for bacteria and can cause algae to form. This is why we recommend regularly shocking your pool.

In regards to waste, a straight Oxidizer works the same as a traditional sanitation shock and works to break down the organics in your water through oxidation. The difference between a straight oxidizer and a shock/oxidizer is that there is no chlorine in a straight oxidizer. Using an oxidizer in conjunction with shock allows you to use less chlorine since the shock that you are adding is being aided in the oxidation of waste by the straight oxidizer.

This difference is an important one to note. We have often had clients use a straight oxidizer, not realizing they are not adding any chlorine sanitizer to their pool water. Remember, a straight oxidizer does not contain chlorine, that is what sanitizers and shock products are used for.


Bromine vs. Chlorine

Another question we run into a lot here at Leisure Pool & Spa Supply is what is the difference between bromine and chlorine?

Chlorine – Chlorine is the most common type of sanitizer used in swimming pools. Many products contain available chlorine. From sodium hypochlorite solutions (liquid chlorine) to tablets, to granular calcium hypochlorite, chlorine products are seen everywhere. When used in outdoor pools, chlorine can be used with cyanuric acid stabilizers which act as a sunscreen against the sun’s UV rays – increasing its life expectancy in outdoor scenarios. Due to its ubiquity, chlorine is cheaper than Bromine in most situations.

Spa Essentials Brominating Concentrate - for Spas & Hot Tubs - 2 lb BottleBromine – Bromine works the same as chlorine when it comes to its basic function as a sanitizer. Bromine offers a few benefits that make it a good choice in certain scenarios. Bromine is more effective in high-temperature situations. This means that Bromine, even though more expensive, can actually be the same cost or more affordable when used in hot tubs.

In hot tubs, less product is needed to get the same sanitation results, making bromine a good choice for those with sensitive skin. Bromine produces less odor as well, perfect for hot tub use. Bromine cannot be stabilized with cyanuric acid meaning that in sunny situations, the product will bake-off very quickly. Want to learn more about pool and spa operation? Click here to read more Quick Dips!


 

Have a Pool or Spa Question?

Enjoy your Pool & Ensure Peace of Mind - Trust the Experts at Leisure Pool & Spa Supply

Leisure Pool & Spa Supply, Inc. was founded in 1982 and is headquartered in Syracuse, Indiana. We focus on serving the service and supply needs of both residential and commercial clients. We have grown to include a branch office in Indianapolis allowing us to work with clients across the State of Indiana. Our service technicians are highly experienced and have combined decades of experience in the aquatics industry.

If you have any questions regarding your pool or aquatic center needs, do not hesitate to get in touch with us. We are always available via phone or email and look forward to assisting you. If you are looking to purchase products directly online, visit our online pool and spa supply store.

Leisure Pool & Spa Supply – Pool & Spa Service & Expertise Since 1982

Pool Care 101 - Quick Dips - How to Balance you Pool Water - Swimming Pool Care Guides by LeisurePoolinc.com

Balancing Your Swimming Pool Water – Total Alkalinity, pH Levels & Calcium Hardness

Quick Dip: Pool Water Balance – Total Alkalinity, pH & Calcium Hardness

WHY POOL WATER BALANCE IS IMPORTANT & HOW TO FIX IT – Water Balance 101

Finding balance – it is essential in life and very important in the proper maintenance of your swimming pool or hot tub! Utilizing a quality test kit from companies like LaMotte or Taylor, you are able to quickly ascertain the balance levels of your pool. In this ‘Quick Dip’ article we explore the top three pool water balance factors, Total Alkalinity, pH, and Calcium Hardness. Dive in and read on!


Total Alkalinity Level

Swimmer’s Advantage Sodium Bicarbonate – pH Booster/Increaser

Optimum water Total Alkalinity level: 80 – 120 Parts Per Million (PPM)
Chemicals to lower TA level: Muriatic Acid, Sodium Bisulfate
Chemicals to raise TA level: Sodium Bicarbonate

Acting as a pH buffer, the Total Alkalinity (TA) helps keep your pH level in its correct range with reduced swings from lows to highs. It is important to check and correct your Total Alkalinity level prior to working on your pool’s pH level. Often, correcting your TA level will correct your pH level as well. Below is how to adjust your total alkalinity level.

  • To lower your TA level, the most common chemical used is liquid Hydrochloric (Muriatic) Acid. Muriatic Acid is available in both standard and low-vapor options (AcidBlue by Champion). Sodium bisulfate (acid salt) is a commonly used granular product that achieves the same effect.
  • To raise your TA level, sodium bicarbonate is the preferred material of choice. (Typical sodium bicarbonate label instructions list a rate of 1.4 lb per 10,000 gallons of water for a 10 PPM increase.)
    • When lowering or raising your TA level, ensure there are no swimmers in the pool and you are utilizing the chemicals in accordance with best practices and to the label instructions.

pH Level

AcidBlue - Balancers for Sale
AcidBlue Muriatic Acid – pH & TA Decreaser

Optimum swimming pool water pH level: 7.2 – 7.4
Chemicals to lower pH level: Muriatic Acid, Sodium Bisulfate
Chemicals to raise pH level: Sodium Carbonate aka Soda Ash

Controlling the pH level of your pool water is important not just for swimmer comfort, but also aids in the efficiency of chemicals and the life expectancy of pool mechanical and structural components. There are many factors that can influence the pH level. This includes debris, chemicals and skin oils/waste brought into the pool by swimmers. (One of the many reasons you should shower before jumping into a pool!) Before checking or correcting the pH levels, check and correct the Total Alkalinity level. As the pH level of the human eye is 7.5, pool patrons often experience stinging eyes and discomfort when the pH levels are too far out of spec. Although the optimum pH level is 7.2 – 7.4, 7.2 – 7.8 is the acceptable range. Below is how to adjust your pH level.

  • To lower your pH level, the most common chemical used is liquid Hydrochloric (Muriatic) Acid. Muriatic Acid is available in both standard and low-vapor options (AcidBlue by Champion). Sodium bisulfate (acid salt) is a commonly used granular product that achieves the same effect.
  • To raise your pH level, sodium carbonate aka soda ash is the preferred chemical of choice.
    • When lowering or raising your pH level, ensure there are no swimmers in the pool and you are utilizing the chemicals in accordance with best practices and to the label instructions.

Calcium Hardness Level

OMNI Calcium Hardness Increaser - 12 lb Bucket
Calcium Hardness Increaser aka Calcium Carbonate

Optimum water Calcium Hardness level: 200 – 275 Parts Per Million (PPM)
Chemicals to lower calcium hardness level: REPLACE WATER
Chemicals to raise calcium hardness level: Calcium Chloride aka Calcium Hardness Increaser

Low calcium hardness in your water can result in corrosion and etching of your pool/hot tub surface. If the calcium hardness level swings too high, this can result in calcium buildup, clouded water, and clogged mechanicals. The optimum Calcium Hardness level is between 200 to 275 PPM. To remove calcium from the pool, the old water must be drained and new water with less calcium added to dilute. Below is how to adjust your calcium hardness level.

  • Calcium chloride is used to raise the calcium hardness level in pool water.
  • To lower the calcium hardness level, partially drain your pool and replace the ‘hard’ water with ‘soft’ water to dilute.
    • When lowering or raising your calcium hardness level with calcium hardness increaser, ensure there are no swimmers in the pool and you are utilizing the chemicals in accordance with best practices and to the label instruction

*Statistics referenced from the Pool & Spa Operator Handbook by the National Swimming Pool Foundation. This is utilized as the textbook for the Certified Pool Operator Course & Certification. [Want to learn more about pool maintenance? Click here to read about using the right sand in your pool’s sand filter.]


Have a Pool or Spa Question?

Enjoy your Pool & Ensure Peace of Mind - Trust the Experts at Leisure Pool & Spa Supply

Leisure Pool & Spa Supply, Inc. was founded in 1982 and is headquartered in Syracuse, Indiana. We focus on serving the service and supply needs of both residential and commercial clients. We have grown to include a branch office in Indianapolis allowing us to work with clients across the State of Indiana. Our service technicians are highly experienced and have combined decades of experience in the aquatics industry.

If you have any questions regarding your pool or aquatic center needs, do not hesitate to get in touch with us. We are always available via phone or email and look forward to assisting you. If you are looking to purchase products directly online, visit our online pool and spa supply store.

Leisure Pool & Spa Supply – Swimming Pool & Spa Service & Since 1982 – Shop our Online StoreConnect on Facebook

Leisure Pool & Spa Supply, Inc.

Serving the Midwest Since 1982

With over three decades of experience, Leisure Pool & Spa Supply offers the following services; New Commercial Pool Construction – Splashpad Construction – Aquatic Facility Renovation – Mechanical Systems Maintenance & Replacement – Consulting – Design Assistance – Weekly Mandated Water Quality Testing – NSPF C.P.O Certification Courses [Northern Indiana] –  Commercial Pool & Spa Maintenance – eCommerce Online Store & of course, Commercial Pool & Spa Chemicals/Supplies.