The Different Filter Systems for Above Ground Pools

April 29, 2016May 6, 2016 Dan Dougher 3 Comments

In my opinion, choosing a filter system is a big consideration when getting an above ground pool. The filter system is what you’ll be working with the most as it’s the main component responsible for taking care of the pool. Of course getting quality products and acquiring the correct size pump and filter for the pool are important, but for the sake of this blog post I’m going to focus on the types of filter systems you can get.

Most of the time above ground pool filter systems come in a pack. It’ll come in one big box and have the pump, filter, base or pad, and any fittings needed for assembly and hoses for attachment to the pool. Here we go then. (more…)

Poolside Chat Episode #28: Which Pool Pump Timer Do I Need?

April 27, 2016April 26, 2016 Matthew Simmons Leave a comment

This is Poolside Chat where every week we answer your questions on how to fix and maintain your swimming pool. Poolside Chat is presented by INYOPools.com, helping pool owners find the right parts since 2001. In today’s episode of Poolside Chat, Rob and Matt tackle another common swimming pool question:

Which pool pump timer is the best option for my pool application?

Now here’s your hosts – Matt and Rob.

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Pool Pump Motor Answer Guide

April 25, 2016April 25, 2016 Charlie Ramirez 8 Comments

In a earlier blog, we compiled a feed of previous blogs that all dealt with pool pumps. Our idea was to create a one stop shop for pool pump questions. This would eliminate the need for customers to browse through our blogs, how to guides, and poolside chat videos for general answers to one specific topic. As a result, we have decided to do the same with pool pump motors.

The motor is the only electrical component on your pump and therefore is the part that is replaced (and neglected) the most. For this reason, we receive many questions and concerns about pump motors, how they operate, and how to diagnose the issue. In this blog you will find answers to questions ranging from the most popular to the most obscure. In fact, we recommend you save this blog as a favorite because we can guarantee you will have to replace your motor at some point. Let’s explore. (more…)

What to Use for Leveling an Above Ground Pool

April 22, 2016April 22, 2016 Dan Dougher 33 Comments

Over the years I’ve seen my share of horribly built above ground swimming pools. Many of them were severely misshaped, all their uprights leaned to the side and the resin connectors were cracked and did not hide the screws. The biggest way to mess up an above ground pool installation, though, is for it not to be level.

The most “off level” an above ground can get is around three to four inches off. This means when the pool is filled, on the one side the pool structure is three or four inches higher above the waterline than on the other side. Chief Obvious nature fact: Water is always level with the earth. Since water can only be level, an “off level” swimming pool will look really bad when you fill it.

I don’t usually see above ground pools that are off more than four inches, because they will almost always cave in when the level is off by more than that. Most above ground installation manuals will say that a pool should be level within an inch, but I try to get it level to an eighth of an inch or so. Above grounds with liners that have patterns or tile lines will start to look “off level” at about the half inch mark as the naked eye can compare the level pool waterline against the pattern of the liner. (more…)

Hayward Aqua Rite Error Code Guide

April 18, 2016March 25, 2016 Charlie Ramirez 60 Comments

In my professional and personal experience, I have come to the conclusion that hardly anyone keeps owner’s manuals around. Don’t worry, this isn’t a dig at you but for some reason no one ever thinks he/she will need it again. Why? I am not certain. It is safe to say that somewhere down the line, the product will fail. And once it fails, the owner’s manual should be one of your first go-to documents for resources.

Sometimes, it’s not about the initial need for the manual, but for issues that spring up down the line. Pool owners are a group of consumers who I think need to keep all their manuals around, especially if you own any type of automation or salt chlorine system. The cool thing about salt systems is that when an error occurs, it typically gives you an error warning or code. That code gives customers a better idea of what the problem is and how to address the issue. But where are those codes and explanations usually? Take a wild guess.

The owner’s manual. (more…)