Which one is best: a salt water pool vs. a chlorine pool? Salt water pools tend to have gentler, smoother water than other pools. And you only need to add salt to your water once or twice a year to keep things sanitized. But you’re still technically swimming in water with chlorine. And salt water generators are expensive to buy and more complicated to maintain.
So before you switch the type of pool you have, here’s everything you need to know about salt water pools vs. chlorine pools.
How Does a Salt Water Pool Work?
A salt water pool uses a salt water generator, also known as a salt water chlorine generator. Through electrolysis, the salt water generator converts salt in your pool into chlorine.
Hayward Salt Chlorination System (Salt Water Generator)
This salt water generator (or salt water chlorinator) has a high/low salt and temperature indicators to help protect your equipment. And the self-cleaning salt cell makes regular maintenance easy. Check out their models for both inground and above ground pools.
That’s right: a salt water pool is sanitizing your water with chlorine. But instead of buying and adding chlorine tablets or granules to your water, you’re buying and adding pool-grade salt.
As that salt stays in the water, getting recycled and reused by the generator as it continues to maintain your chlorine levels. Again: this is NOT a chlorine-free alternative to a traditional chlorine pool. It’s just a different process of making chlorine.
Salt water swimming pools usually need salt levels of 3,000 ppm (parts per million) before the salt chlorine generator start working. And that’s the same amount of salinity as human tears. So salt water pool owners won’t find the water incredibly salty, like ocean water.
By the way, if you need more help with pool maintenance and making choices about your pool, be sure to check out our Pool Care Video Course!
Frustrated by adding chemicals and trying to keep your pool clear all the time?
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Benefits of a Salt Water Pool vs. Chlorine Pool
Here are a few reasons why a salt water system is a great investment.
1. You add salt to your water instead of chlorine
Handling pool-grade salt is a lot safer and easier than chlorine pucks or granules. And as the salt water generator uses the salt to produce chlorine, the salt gets recycled back into the water and reused again. That means you usually only add salt at the beginning of the pool season or if a heavy rainstorm dilutes your pool water.
It also means less maintenance constantly buying, adding and adjusting your chlorine levels. And pool-grade salt is much cheaper and simpler to buy than chlorine. A salt water pool can be worth it just to never have to handle chlorine again!
2. The water is gentler and smoother
Salt water pools have smoother, silkier water. Some sensitive swimmers who are normally irritated by chlorine pools find salt water pools to be much gentler. And it tends to be less corrosive to swimsuits, too.
3. Chlorine levels stay stable
Because the salt water generator monitors and releases a slow, steady output of chlorine, the chlorine levels stay consistent. And since the chlorine levels are consistent, salt water pools can avoid problems like algae and cloudy water. Fewer drops in chlorine levels also mean fewer chloramines, which is a chlorine byproduct that causes that nasty, chlorine-like smell in pools.
Downsides of a Salt Water Pool vs. Chlorine Pool
As great as a salt water pool seems, there are a few drawbacks to a salt water pool vs. a chlorine pool, including the upfront cost and ongoing equipment maintenance.
1. It’s an expensive initial investment
It can cost several thousand dollars to convert a chlorine pool to a salt water system. That includes purchasing the salt water generator, or salt chlorine generator, and the labor to install it.
2. Maintenance is more complex and expensive
Salt water generators and the salt cells inside need to be inspected and cleaned regularly. And you’ll need to replace your salt cell every 3-7 years, which can cost another few hundred dollars. While you won’t need to constantly buy chlorine tablets or granules, you will need to use more electricity to keep your salt water generator running and producing chlorine. And if you ever need any major repair or maintenance to your system, you’ll likely need to hire a specialized professional.
3. It’s not totally hands-free
While it’s easy to get excited about never having to manually add chlorine to your water again, you’ll still need to perform regular pool maintenance checks on your water and your salt water system. This includes regularly testing your water, especially your pH. pH levels tend to drift higher in salt water pools. And pH above 7.6 can lead to skin irritation, burning eyes, and calcium build-up or scaling on your pool equipment.
Be sure to check out our guide on 9 Common Salt Water Pool Maintenance Mistakes for more help.
4. Salt water generators don’t work in colder temperatures
Salt water pool systems won’t produce chlorine if your water is 60 degrees Fahrenheit or below. So if you’re in a colder climate without a heater, your chlorine production will stop when your water temperature drops too low.
5. It can corrode pool parts
While salt water isn’t harmful in average doses, it can start to break down equipment if it starts to build up. Automatic pool covers, pool liners, metal pool equipment, and even natural stonework or landscaping near the pool can start to erode with too much salt water exposure. So keep an eye out for exposed metal components, especially on vinyl pools. But fiberglass pools are generally more safe from salt water corrosion.
Which is Better: Salt Water vs. Chlorine Pool?
Whether you have an above ground pool or an inground pool, the pros of a salt water pool are the same:
- You won’t need to constantly buy and add chlorine to your water.
- It’s gentler on your skin and eyes with a softer, silkier feel.
- Your chlorine levels will remain stable, keeping your water sanitized.
But here are the cons of a salt water pool:
- It comes with a higher initial cost and ongoing maintenance costs.
- You may experience chronically high pH levels.
- You’ll need to monitor your salt water generator
- Salt water may corrode some swimming pool fixtures
Overall, if you can afford the initial investment, the costs between salt water vs. chlorine pools even out. Given the lifespan of a salt water generator and how often you’ll need to repair or replace parts, you’ll probably spend the same as you would maintaining a chlorine pool. But it’s worth it for a better swimming experience and never having to handle a chlorine tablet again.
Need More Pool Maintenance Help?
- Download our free Pool Care Cheat Sheet. It’s a free, easy-to-use guide to help you keep track of taking care of your pool.
- Subscribe to our Swim University YouTube Channel. We publish free video tutorials throughout the pool season.
- Check out our Pool Care Course. You’ll get 30+ step-by-step videos and a downloadable guide with everything you need to know about pool maintenance.
The post Salt Water Pool vs. Chlorine Pool: Which One Is Better? appeared first on Swim University®.
Cyanuric acid, or CYA, is also known as pool conditioner or pool stabilizer. And it’s crucial for protecting your chlorine from being destroyed by the sun’s UV rays. So if your CYA levels are too low, your chlorine won’t last as long — and that leads to unsanitary pool water.
When do you know if your CYA is too low? Your pool’s cyanuric acid levels should be between 30 and 50 parts per million (PPM) and even a little higher for saltwater pools. However, indoor pool owners don’t have to worry about CYA levels, since the chlorine isn’t directly impacted by the sun’s ultraviolet rays. Cyanuric acid is only really a concern for outdoor pool owners.
In order to raise your cyanuric acid levels, you’ll need to add a pool stabilizer or pool conditioner to your water. You can also start using stabilized chlorine, like sodium dichlor or trichlor, to sanitize your pool.
If you’re wondering why these levels are low in your pool and how to bring them up, here’s everything you need to know about what causes low cyanuric acid levels and how to raise cyanuric acid in your pool.
What Causes Low Cyanuric Acid?
Chances are, your CYA level is low because you’re not using stabilized chlorine in your pool. Stabilized chlorine, like sodium dichlor or trichlor tablets and granules, already contains cyanuric acid. This helps protect it from being destroyed by the UV rays from the sun. If you’re using unstabilized chlorine, Unstabilized chlorine, like sodium hypochlorite (liquid chlorine), lithium hypochlorite, and calcium hypochlorite, does not contain cyanuric acid.
Other things like rain, splashout, and water dilution can cause a decline in your cyanuric levels as well. So if you’ve had to partially drain and refill your water recently, you will also have low CYA levels.
By the way, if you find pool maintenance confusing and you’d like more step-by-step help, check out our Pool Care Video Course.
Frustrated by adding chemicals and trying to keep your pool clear all the time?
We cut out all the confusion of pool maintenance in this easy-to-read illustrated ebook and video course. It’ll help you save $100 right away on pool care!
What Happens if Cyanuric Acid Levels are Too Low?
When the level of cyanuric acid is too low in a pool, you can end up with all kinds of chlorine problems and unsanitary water issues.
Chlorine Use Increases
Sunlight naturally breaks down pool chlorine — and quickly. An entire pool’s worth could be gone within a few hours and without CYA present to protect it, you could find yourself adding more chlorine daily to keep it clean.
Chlorine Won’t Sanitize As Effectively
Because the sunlight is essentially eating your chlorine, there’s just not enough available to keep the water clean. Pollutants, bacteria, and viruses can easily take over the water.
Pool Water Can Turn Green with Algae Growth
When you’re water isn’t clean, it may become the perfect breeding ground for algae growth. And green isn’t the only color you need to worry about. Some bacteria can even lead to black algae or pink slime – and no matter what color it is – it’s unsafe for swimmers. It’s every pool owner’s nightmare.
Unbalanced Pool Water Chemistry
Your chlorine level drops if there is not enough CYA in the water to protect it. Inadequate chlorine levels can’t keep the water clean and set off a chain reaction affecting total alkalinity and pH balance.
Chlorine Smell and Chloramine Build up
With low CYA, the free chlorine gets used up faster. When the chlorine in the pool binds to pollutants like urine, sweat, and sunblock, it creates combined chlorine or chloramines. This kind of chlorine is less effective as a sanitizer and contributes to that strong chlorine smell you’ve undoubtedly experienced at public pools.
How To Raise Cyanuric Acid Levels in A Pool (2 Ways)
There are two things you can do to increase your CYA levels: add stabilized chlorine or add a pool stabilizer and conditioner (pure cyanuric acid).
Before you add anything to your pool, test your water using a liquid test kit or test strips. Then balance your pH level and total alkalinity first. This will help any chemicals you add later work more effectively.
Note: It’s much harder to lower cyanuric acid levels than it is to raise them, so don’t overdo it. You can always add more stabilized chlorine or CYA later if needed.
1. Add Stabilized Chlorine
If you purchase a form of stabilized chlorine, such as dichlor or trichlor granules or tablets, your chlorine will come with cyanuric acid. So if you’ve been using unstabilized chlorine or liquid bleach, this can be a way to introduce CYA into your water. You can buy stabilized chlorine in chlorine tablets, granular form, or liquid chlorine.
If you have chronically low cyanuric acid levels, look for tablet or granular chlorine products with cyanuric acid and consider having them on hand as part of your regular pool chemical supply.
3-Inch Stabilized Chlorine Tablets
Stock up and save money on chlorine tablets for the season by getting the standard 3-inch stabilized chlorine pucks.
2. Add Pure Cyanuric Acid (Pool Conditioner or Stabilizer)
If you want to control the amount of cyanuric acid in your water, you can add pure CYA directly, also known as a chlorine stabilizer or chlorine conditioner.
Pool Mate Pool Stabilizer & Conditioner – 7 lbs.
As a general guideline, 3 ounces of pool stabilizer will raise a 10,000-gallon pool’s CYA levels by 10 ppm. Remember that your CYA levels should be between 30 and 50 ppm. Keep in mind that because CYA lingers in the work, you usually only need to add it once or twice a year. And it’s easier to add more cyanuric acid than it is to reduce it, so take things slowly.
Finally, cyanuric acid is exactly that: an acid. So if you don’t add the pool stabilizer correctly, it could damage your pool. Vinyl pool liners are incredibly susceptible to CYA damage. And be sure to wear protective gear, like goggles and acid-resistant gloves.
How To Add Pool Stabilizer and Conditioner
Before adding any chemicals, start by testing and balancing your pool water so you know how much you need to raise your CYA levels.
Start with a 5-gallon bucket of pool water. Add the pool stabilizer or pool conditioner to the bucket of water. Do not add the water to the CYA – you don’t want splashback! Then pour all five gallons of water-CYA solution into the pool’s skimmer and run your pool pump for several hours to help it circulate. Finally, retest your pool’s chemical levels and adjust if needed. Repeat the process if you still have lower cyanuric acid levels than expected.
Be sure to add your pool stabilizer slowly. You can always add more later. But if you end up with too much cyanuric acid, you won’t need to completely drain it to balance your pool chemistry. Slowly drain a few inches of water off and refill the pool with fresh water. Keep the water above the pool pump to prevent it from taking in air and getting damaged. If you need more help reducing your CYA levels, be sure to check out our guide on How To Lower Cyanuric Acid.
Frequently Asked Questions About How to Raise Cyanuric Acid
Need more help with cyanuric acid? Here are some common questions and answers.
What do I add to my pool if the cyanuric acid is too low?
If during the course of regular pool maintenance, you find your cyanuric acid levels are too low, you can either add stabilized chlorine or pure cyanuric acid, also known as pool conditioner or pool stabilizer. Stabilized chlorine already contains cyanuric acid.
Does baking soda raise cyanuric acid?
No baking soda doesn’t increase your CYA level. It does, however, raise your pool’s total alkalinity. It won’t protect or stabilize your chlorine levels.
Does pool shock raise cyanuric acid?
Pool shock can raise your cyanuric acid levels, depending on the type you use. If you use a stabilized chlorine shock, then yes, it will raise CYA because it’s the stabilizing ingredient.
Does Clorox pool shock have cyanuric acid in it?
Cholrox does not contain any CYA in it and will not increase the CYA levels in your water if you use it. Household bleach is unstabilized chlorine and will be destroyed by the sun’s UV rays.
Will low cyanuric acid make a pool cloudy?
If you’ve got an outdoor swimming pool and have low cyanuric acid, you may experience cloudy water. This is because CYA helps to keep your chlorine levels where they should be. And without it, the chlorine depletes faster, which leads to unstanitary cloudy water.
Does a saltwater pool need cyanuric acid?
Saltwater pools need CYA, and manufacturers recommend keeping it on the slightly higher side: between 60 and 80 PPM. In saltwater pools, you don’t add chlorine directly. Instead, you add salt, and the salt generator creates sodium hypochlorite, which also degrades under sunlight. Salt chlorine generator manufacturers recommend running with higher free chlorine levels, since the generators continuously create chlorine, it’s crucial to protect the existing chlorine.
Need More Pool Maintenance Help?
- Download our free Pool Care Cheat Sheet. It’s a free, easy-to-use guide to help you keep track of taking care of your pool.
- Subscribe to our Swim University YouTube Channel. We publish free video tutorials throughout the pool season.
- Check out our Pool Care Course. You’ll get 30+ step-by-step videos and a downloadable guide with everything you need to know about pool maintenance.
The post CYA Levels Low? Here’s How To Raise Cyanuric Acid in a Pool appeared first on Swim University®.
Pool aerators are a great way to help keep your water cooler and improve your pool’s circulation. And while things like your return jets can also aerate your water, a swimming pool aerator is an easy thing to install and may be a worthwhile investment — especially if you’re in a hotter climate.
Here’s everything you need to know about how pool aerators work and whether or not it’s worth owning one.
What is a Pool Aerator?
A pool aerator is a water feature that pulls air into the water to increase oxygen levels, improve circulation, and help with chemical distribution. A dedicated aerator is usually attached to the side of your pool (like your coping or deck) and connected to your return line.
Pool Aerator and Attachable Waterfall Fountain
This easy-to-attach pool aerator creates a waterfall feature to help circulate your pool and cool down your water. And the swivel design lets you turn it under the water when it’s not in use.
As it collects water from your pool, the pool aerator shoots it out in a stream, creating oxygen. Exposing water to air will help cool down your pool water, and the additional oxygen created by the aerator can reduce your pool water temperature by 3 to 4 degrees Fahrenheit.
For the best results, run the aerator at night. Cooler air temperatures will bring down the water’s temperature faster than running it during the day.
Benefits of a Pool Aerator
There are several benefits to having a pool aerator, especially for pool owners with chronically low pH, circulation issues, or hot pool water. So if any of the following apply to your situation, consider installing one.
Note: If you already have water features in your pool, like a pool fountain, these also offer aeration. So you might not need to purchase and install a separate aerator.
Cools Down Pool Water in Hot Climates
When you’re pool’s water temperature is consistently subjected to hot air temperatures, it can be impossible to cool down. And an aeration system is the only way to cool down hot water.
Running an aerator at night will help bring oxygen to your water and bring down your temperature. However, if you live in a humid climate or your nighttime temperatures don’t drop, an aerator might not create the cool pool temperatures you’re looking for.
Cools Down Shallow and Above Ground Pools
An above ground swimming pool can get even hotter than its inground counterpart. Heat can transfer through the pool’s walls, which heats the water faster than an inground pool with hot air temperatures. And if you have a shallow pool without a deep end, the water temperature will increase even faster.
A pool aerator is a must-have in hot, dry, climates with an above ground pool or a smaller pool, like an Intex pool. That said, if your above ground pool doesn’t have a deck to attach a pool aerator, you’ll need to install a mister system.
Misters are standalone options that attach to your garden hose or spigot. These mister heads force water out into a mist that falls into your water to cool it down.
While pool aerators or misters will cool your pool down significantly, you may need to consider a pool cooler. Installing a pool chiller can help decreases pool water temperatures by 8 to 10 degrees Fahrenheit, which can be crucial to enjoying a pool in the hot summer months.
Raises pH Levels without Raising Alkalinity
If you need to quickly raise the pH levels in your pool without raising your total alkalinity, aeration is the only way to do it. Aeration increases oxygen and off-gases carbon dioxide from the water. And this removes carbonic acid, which raises pH without raising total alkalinity.
If your pH is rising too fast or your total alkalinity is very high, it can lead to calcium scaling. So if you do need to bring down your alkalinity levels, check out our pool maintenance guide on how to use muriatic acid to lower your alkalinity.
Improves Water Circulation
Adding oxygen to the water provides another way to circulate the water around the pool. Even pools with top-of-the-line filtration systems may experience stagnate water at the surface and scum lines.
You can prevent the build-up of stagnant water with a pool aeration system. In addition to your skimmer and return jets, an aerator keeps the water moving at the surface to stop the buildup from happening. And it also ensures the pool water chemicals interact with more water, allowing them to work more effectively.
Cools Down Your Pool Water
Hot summer days will gradually increase the pool water’s temperature, especially if your pool is in an area where there’s a lot of direct sunlight. When you notice the water getting too warm, turning the aerator on can quickly help decrease the heat in your pool.
But just know that it is possible to “over aerate.” You could cause your pool to get too cold, or lose water to evaporation or wind. This is more of an issue for pools in incredibly dry climates.
By the way: if you want more help with pool maintenance, be sure to check out our Pool Care Video Course!
Frustrated by adding chemicals and trying to keep your pool clear all the time?
We cut out all the confusion of pool maintenance in this easy-to-read illustrated ebook and video course. It’ll help you save $100 right away on pool care!
How to Aerate Your Pool Water
There are plenty of ways to aerate your water besides a pool aerator, including misters and your own pool water features. So whether or not your want to buy an aerator, there are several options for adding aeration to your pool water.
Install A Dedicated Pool Aerator
Pool aerators are installed into your pool’s deck or coping and attached to the return line or pool pump. With its own dedicated valve, it’s easy to manually adjust the flow of water coming out of your aerator.
So if you have your pool cover on and you need to turn it off or you want to increase the amount of surface area its covering, an aerator gives you plenty of control.
Use Existing Water Features
Your pool may already come with an integrated water feature, such as a water fountain, a waterfall, or deck jets. And these water features like this also provide some aeration.
Have an attached hot tub? Look for a feature that allows you to adjust the valves so that it spills over into the pool and aerates the water. Just make sure that water isn’t already heated if you plan to use the spa overflow feature.
Adjust the Angle of Your Return Jets
Angling the return jets provides a quick way to aerate your water without needing extra plumbing or hardware. Adjust the return jets so the water comes out angled as far toward the surface of the pool as you can possibly get it.
If your return has a separate fitting behind it, you’ll need to loosen the outer ring, re-angle the eyeball fitting, then tighten the outer ring again. Practice care when tightening things up. Under high torque, can break easily. And check out our guide on Pool Circulation if you need more help.
Is It Possible to Aerate Your Pool Too Much?
There is such thing as over-aerating a pool! Over-aeration can raise your pH levels beyond the recommended range. And high pH levels can damage your pool equipment.
Be sure to test your pH and total alkalinity regularly. Your pH should be between 7.4 and 7.6 and your total alkalinity should be between 100 and 150 parts per million (ppm).
To test the effects of aeration on your water, run your aerator or natural aeration features, like fountains and hot tub jets. Then take a reading one day and two days later. If your pH has risen dramatically with all other levels equal, you might be over aerating your water.
Frequently Asked Questions About Pool Aerators
Need more help with pool aeration? Here are some commonly asked questions and answers:
What does an aerator do for a pool?
A pool aerator adds oxygen to the water. And that oxygen helps to cool down the water and boost water circulation. It also helps raise your pH levels without bringing up your total alkalinity.
When should I run my pool aerator?
For the best results, run the aerator at night. Cooler air temperatures will bring down the water’s temperature faster than running it during the day.
How do you install a pool aerator?
Installing a pool aerator is fairly simple. It attaches to the side of your pool, like your deck or coping, and connects to your return lines. Because it features a dedicated valve, you can adjust the level of flow that comes out. Always follow the manufacturer’s directions when installing your aerator.
Does aerating pool lower alkalinity?
Because aerating your pool can raise pH, anything you add to lower both pH and alkalinity will only significantly lower your alkalinity. That means if you add a pH decreaser or muriatic acid, your alkalinity levels will drop but your pH will not. Aeration is the only way to raise pH without affecting your alkalinity.
Need More Pool Maintenance Help?
- Download our free Pool Care Cheat Sheet. It’s a free, easy-to-use guide to help you keep track of taking care of your pool.
- Subscribe to our Swim University YouTube Channel. We publish free video tutorials throughout the pool season.
- Check out our Pool Care Course. You’ll get 30+ step-by-step videos and a downloadable guide with everything you need to know about pool maintenance.
The post What Is a Pool Aerator and Are They Worth It? appeared first on Swim University®.
As a former pool store manager for over a decade, you can trust that I’ve heard my fair share of, “My pool water’s cloudy, what can I do?!” In fact, it was the number one issue, day in and day … Continue reading
The post Cloudy Pool Water Issues appeared first on InTheSwim Pool Blog.
Now that National Pool Opening Day has passed, we flip the calendar to May, which is the start of National Water Safety Month. As most pool owners open their pools this time of year, May is a fitting month for … Continue reading
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Every pool owner needs to own and know how to use a manual vacuum. While an automatic pool cleaner provides hands-off pool cleaning, it doesn’t help vacuum cloudy water or algae.
Here’s our full in-depth guide to how to vacuum an inground or above ground pool quickly and effectively so you can get back to swimming.
What You Need To Vacuum Your Pool
- Pool vacuum head (also called a vac head).
- Telescopic pole to attach to the vac head.
- Pool vacuum hose long enough to reach every area of your pool.
- Skim vac or vacuum plate (optional).
If you’re looking for some more DIY pool maintenance video tutorials, invest in our Pool Care Video Course by Swim University®. We’ll show you the proper way to hook up your manual vacuum and vacuum your pool efficiently so you can spend more time swimming.
Frustrated by adding chemicals and trying to keep your pool clear all the time?
We cut out all the confusion of pool maintenance in this easy-to-read illustrated ebook and video course. It’ll help you save $100 right away on pool care!
A Step-By-Step Guide to Installing and Cleaning Your Pool with a Manual Pool Vacuum
Before you get started, make sure the pool pump and filter are running. You also want to check that you’re running at a good starting pressure. If you have a D.E. or sand filter and the pressure is high, backwash it. If you have a cartridge filter, make sure the cartridges inside are cleaned and ready to go. Here’s our full guide on cleaning every type of filter.
IMPORTANT: If you’re dealing with algae or cloudy water, change your filter valve settings to the waste setting if you have a multiport valve or push/pull valve. This will bypass your filter and send the dirty water out through the waste port. If you have a cartridge filter, just remove the drain plug and attach a backwash hose. Your pool water level will drop while you vacuum. Use a garden hose to add fresh water while you’re vacuuming.
1. Attach Vacuum Head and Hose to the Telescopic Pole
First, ensure the pump and filter are running. Attach the vacuum head to the open end of the telescopic pole. Attach one end of the hose to the vac head. If the hose is slippery, use a hose clamp to keep it in place.
2. Fill The Vacuum Hose with Water to Remove Air
Place the vac head, telescopic pole, and hose in the pool, making sure the vac head rests on the bottom of the pool. Place the other end of the vacuum hose against a return jet in the pool. This will push water through the hose and drive all the air out.
Triple-check to make sure the vacuum inlet is the only line open to the pump. If not, particles and debris will also be sucked in by the pump and undo all your hard work.
NOTE: You’ll see air bubbles rising from the vacuum head on the floor of the pool. Once the air bubbles stop, all the air is out of the hose.
3. Attach Vacuum Hose to Pool Skimmer
Attach the vacuum plate to the end of the hose you’d previously placed against the return jet, block the opening with your hand, and bring it over to the skimmer. Be sure to create a good seal or suction will be lost.
If you’re not using a vacuum plate, remove the skimmer basket inside. Use your hand to block the end of the water-filled hose. Then place the hose into the skimmer inlet, making sure it’s firmly inserted into the suction hole at the bottom of the skimmer.
NOTE: Whichever method you choose will create the suction that pulls material through the vac head, up through the hose into the skimmer, and then through the filter system. If your vacuum loses suction, just follow the prep steps again to restore it.
4. Start Vacuuming
Now that you’ve built a powerful siphon using your filter system, you can vacuum the floor of your pool. Start at the shallow end (if you have one) and move toward the deep end of the pool. If you have a round pool, just start at one side and move left or right across the floor.
Use long, slow, sweeping strokes to clean. Make sure your strokes overlap slightly to avoid leaving any debris behind. Rushing will just kick up debris, which will reduce visibility and take hours to settle down again.
If the water does become cloudy, give it a couple of hours to resettle, then come back and vacuum again, repeating as necessary.
If the vac head becomes stuck, switch off the pump for a second to break the vacuum force and set it free. Also, be sure to monitor your pool filter’s pressure gauge as you vacuum. If the pressure rises above the levels recommended by the manufacturer, take a break, and backwash your filter.
5. Disconnect The Vacuum and Perform a Final Clean
Once you’ve finished vacuuming your entire pool, it’s time to clean up and get back to swimming.
- Remove the vacuum head from the telescoping pole, and drain any water still in the vacuum hose. Attach your cleaning brush to the pole, and use it to scrub away any algae, dirt, and debris from the sides of the pool.
- Clear any debris in your pump strainer basket, and backwash the filter if you have a multiport valve and used the “Filter” setting. Here’s our full guide on cleaning your pool filter after you’re done vacuuming.
- If you used the “Waste” setting to vacuum the pool, make sure you switch the valve back to the “Filter” setting and keep adding fresh water to your pool until the water level is restored.
- Once you’ve topped off your water, test your pool water, and adjust your alkalinity, pH, and chlorine as necessary.
- Rinse all your equipment with freshwater, dry it, and return it to storage. This will help keep it in top working condition and avoid unnecessary wear and corrosion.
You don’t have to dread the vac head! When it’s time to vacuum your pool—whether you’re just the hands-on type or waging war on invading algae—you can get the job done by hand with a little preparation, a lot of elbow grease, and a healthy dollop of patience.
Frequently Asked Questions About Vacuuming a Pool
Looking for more help with your pool vacuum cleaner? Here are some common questions and answers.
What setting do you put your pool filter on when vacuuming?
If you’re just doing a light debris vacuum, you can keep it on the “Filter” setting. But if your pool is really dirty, it’s best to put the filter on the “Waste” setting (not “Backwash”) to bypass the filter when vacuuming. The filter is now powerful enough to remove debris that quickly.
Do you vacuum a pool on backwash or waste?
If you’re vacuuming a lot of heavy debris out of your pool, your filter setting should be turned to “Waste.” Do not use the “Backwash” setting. The goal is the bypass the filter entirely which is what the “Waste” setting does. Backwashing reverses the flow of water through your filter to clean it out.
Do you leave skimmer basket in when vacuuming pool?
When I vacuum my pool the dirt comes back in?
This is because your filter system isn’t powerful enough to filter debris that quickly. If you’re dealing with a lot of fine debris that’s passing through your filter, turn your filter setting to “Waste” and bypass the filter completely when you vacuum. Just be sure to fill with freshwater while you vacuum so the water level in your pool doesn’t get too low.
Don’t Like Vacuuming Your Pool By Hand? Here are our Favorite Automatic Pool Cleaners
First of all, welcome to the club! While some people find this to be a form of meditation, it’s still a chore. And thankfully, we live in a world of blossoming technology I can help you task this to a swimming pool vacuum that acts like a robot.
1. Robotic Pool Cleaners
Independent cleaners that vacuum your pool using electricity. You plug them in, drop them in your pool, and let them do all the hard work on their own. All you have to do is empty the built-in filter bag when they get full of debris. These are by far the best automatic pool cleaners on the market, but they can be a bit pricer. Hey, you get what you pay for.
We keep an updated list of our favorite robotic pool cleaners. But here’s one we highly recommend:
Dolphin E10 Automatic Robotic Pool Cleaner for Above Grounds
Designed for above ground swimming pools up to 30 feet. It takes less than 2 hours to clean your pool with built-in water filtering and scrubbing.
Dolphin Nautilus CC Plus Robotic Pool Cleaner
Ideal for swimming pools up to 50 feet. Cleans large pools in just 2 hours. Includes dual scrubbing brushes and a built-in schedule using 3 settings: every day, every other day, or every 3rd day.
2. Pressure-Side Pool Cleaners
These cleaners hook up to your return line and use the water pressure from your filter system to power a self-contained automatic cleaner around the bottom of your pool to pick up debris into a filter bag.
We highly recommend investing in a Polaris Pool Cleaner. But here’s our favorite one:
Polaris Vac-Sweep 65 Pressure Side Pool Cleaner for Above Ground Pools
Connects to the pressure side of your pool and uses a patented jet sweep assembly to loosen and remove dirt and other particles from hard-to-reach places. It also has a trailing all-purpose debris bag that scoops up some of the larger items that are blasted loose from the pool floor.
Polaris Vac-Sweep 360 Pressure Side Inground Pool Cleaner
The Polaris 360 automatic pool cleaner improves water circulation and helps mix chemicals and heat while it cleans the bottom and walls of your pool. It’s powerful enough to pick up larger items like leaves and pebbles, catching the debris in its own filter bag.
3. Suction-Side Pool Cleaners
This is just an automatic version of vacuuming your pool manually. They hook up the same way you do when you vacuum your pool manually. The biggest difference, however, is that they move around the bottom of your pool by themselves. That way, you don’t have to stand there in the hot sun and do it yourself.
However, we recommend if you’re going to make this investment, that you go for a pressure-side or robotic cleaner. That said, here’s our favorite suction-side automatic pool cleaner:
Pentair Kreepy Krauly E-Z Vac Suction-Side Above Ground Pool Cleaner
This Kreepy Krauly pool vacuum attaches directly to your pool skimmer line and is powered by your pool’s pump, using an internal free skimming valve to automatically regulate water flow, ensuring the unit is cleaning at the proper speed.
Kreepy Krauly Suction-Side Automatic Inground Pool Cleaner
It connects directly to your pool filter system and includes 32 ft. of hose. It’s powerful, balanced, and doesn’t have any hammering noises (common in other suction-side pool cleaners) for quiet operation.
Happy Swimming!
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The right solar pool heater for your above ground pool needs to be effective, energy-efficient, and take little to no money to heat your water.
When choosing the best solar heating system for your swimming pool, you need to think about your local climate, the length of your swim season, the size of your pool, and the cost to purchase and install a solar heating system.
With these things in mind, our pick for the best solar heater for above ground pools is the SunHeater S220 Solar Pool Heater. It’s built with the ability to connect multiple panels together, letting you customize how powerful you need your solar heater.
For smaller, pre-mounted options, we recommend either the GAME 72000-BB SolarPRO or the very affordable Goplus Solar Dome.
Remember that solar heaters require plenty of sunny days to have enough energy to heat your pool. That’s why they’re best suited for areas with lots of sunshine and where winters are mild.
So if you’re in a colder climate with a limited swim season, or if you want to heat your water faster, you’ll need an electric pool heater or gas pool heater. They can heat more water in less time compared to solar.
Want to build your own solar heater? We have a step-by-step walkthrough on How To Build a DIY Solar Pool Heater for Less Than $100.
If you still want help deciding on the best heater to buy for your pool, here’s our complete guide to above ground pool solar pool heaters and how to pick the right one.
FYI: We’re a small team of pool industry experts and researchers that care about recommending quality, reliable pool products. If you do choose to click a link and buy any of the products we recommend, we earn a commission at no additional cost to you.
Best Solar Pool Heater: SunHeater S220
SunHeater S220 Solar Heating System for Above Ground Pools
Sunheater’s Solar Pool Heating System is an efficient and cost-effective method to heat your above ground pool. This heater uses your existing filtration system and comes with the necessary fittings for easy installation.
As your pool’s pump pushes water through the panel’s tubes, it’s warmed by the sun and then returned to your pool. This system can raise the water temperature up to 15°F and extend your pool season by weeks.
The SunHeater S220 Solar Heating System maximizes solar collection with its flat-panel style tubing. Since this solar heater uses your existing pool pump, it should be installed near your pool. And while its versatility gives you plenty of options and is easy to set up, it does not come mounted on anything. That means you’ll need space to lay it flat, like on a rooftop or deck.
A single installation kit comes with one panel that measures 2’ x 20’ (40 sq. ft.). So it’s perfect for heating above ground pools that are 24’ round pools or 15’ x 30’ oval pools. But keep in mind that additional units will be necessary to heat larger pools.
Best Smaller Solar Pool Heater: GAME 72000-BB SolarPRO
GAME 72000-BB SolarPRO Curve Solar Above Ground Pool Heater
The SolarPRO Curve Solar Pool Heater is an affordable way to increase your pool temperature steadily using the sun. For an 8,000-gallon above ground pool, expect your water to increase by 5 degrees in 4 days.
The SolarPRO is a great option for those with smaller pools and limited space. Since it’s a curved solar pool heater, it allows it to maximize heat collection throughout the day. It also keeps the solar unit from killing your grass. And the adjustable legs make it compatible with multiple manufacturers, such as Intex and Bestway.
An 8,000-gallon pool can expect an increase of five degrees over several days. If you have a larger pool or need more heating power, it’s possible to add more solar panels to the system. But this might not be the most effective solution. And purchasing multiple units also means you’ll need bypass kits.
By the way, if you need more help taking care of your above ground pool, be sure to check out our Pool Care Video Course!
Frustrated by adding chemicals and trying to keep your pool clear all the time?
We cut out all the confusion of pool maintenance in this easy-to-read illustrated ebook and video course. It’ll help you save $100 right away on pool care!
Best Budget Solar Heater: Goplus Solar Dome
Goplus Solar Dome Pool Heater
This affordable, space-saving solar dome will help you extend your swimming season and heat your pool to a warm, comfortable temperature. It’s best for smaller pools, but multiple units can be connected to heat more water.
As one of the cheaper options out there, the Goplus Solar Dome is a cost-effective way to heat a small pool. The dome style provides a compact size while maximizing the energy collection surface. And at only 11 pounds per unit, it’s easy to fit multiple units together if you want more power.
Each dome features rotatable hose connectors and foldable support legs. So it’s easy to adjust toward the sun and convenient to store. But because the hoses are only 38.5’’ long, you’ll need to install the system near the pool itself. And it won’t work for rooftop installation.
A single unit can heat a 6,000-gallon pool by 5 to 10 degrees. But with additional kits required for larger pools.
How Do Solar Pool Heaters Work?
Solar pool heaters work by directing your pool water through a series of valves to reach your solar collectors, which are solar panels. Water enters the collectors and is heated by solar energy. The heated water returns to the pool. The cycle repeats itself until the pool reaches your desired temperature.
Even though solar heaters are made from several types of materials, polymer systems are most common for above ground pools.
Polymer Solar Heating Systems
Polymer systems can be made out of PVC, polypropylene, rubber, plastic, and more. You can find them in mat and coil configurations, these are the most common options for above-ground pools. Many are affordably priced and offer an easy installation process. And they can usually be mounted on the ground close to the pool or on a rooftop or deck.
However, these models aren’t suitable for areas where below-freezing temperatures are common and require seasonal draining. This can damage the solar heater material.
Flat vs. Mounted Solar Heaters
With polymer systems, you’ll find either flat-lying or pre-mounted options. With a mounted model, like a dome, the system comes already tilted towards the sun and off the ground. This makes setup extremely easy. Also, dome configurations are also better for tight spaces where you don’t have the space to lie down a full mat. However, flat-lying options can collect more sunlight and can be mounted on sunny spots like a rooftop.
How To Choose The Best Solar Pool Heater
There are several considerations to keep in mind, including your access to sunlight and how much space you have around your pool.
Local Climate and Pool Season
The warmer your outdoor air is, the less your pool heater will have to work. That also means you can get by with a smaller pool heater. If you have a small pool or a short swimming season, solar heating panels are an eco-friendly way to heat your pool.
But if you’re in a cooler climate, a solar pool heater, even with multiple panels, may not be enough to help you achieve a comfortable water temperature. Solar heaters can only increase the temp by about 12 degrees, max.
Pool Size
The larger your pool, the more solar panels you’ll need to achieve the correct temperature. If you’re in a naturally cooler climate, it may not be possible to achieve it with solar alone.
It’s not just the size of your pool that matters – it’s also the size of the panels, and whether you have an open pool, screened pool, or shaded pool. For roof installations, you also have to account for the size of each panel.
For the basic solar domes and solar mats, one unit will heat a 6,000 to 8,000-gallon pool. Read manufacturer’s descriptions carefully, as the bypass kits you need to connect multiple units may need to be purchased separately.
Pool Heater Location
With solar pool heating systems, you could have a solar dome or mat on the ground next to the pool. Or you could have it raised off the ground nearby. Many kits allow for roof or rack installation. If you do a rack installation, you’ll need an area large enough to hold all the panels that also gets the necessary sun exposure.
Installation Requirements
Solar heaters are the easiest for DIY installations, but they still require planning, and the installation itself is time-consuming. With the right tools and adequate space on your property, you can take care of it.
Winterization
You must completely remove your solar heater from your pool to winterize it safely. This means turning off your circulating system and allowing the solar collectors and pipes to drain. Check all connectors, bypass valves, etc. Store the components in a dry place. If you’re planning on keeping everything in the basement or garage, it’s a good idea to keep it all in a box to protect the system from rodents.
If you run a year-round swimming season, shut the panels down if a hard freeze is expected.
Maintenance
The biggest part of maintaining your solar pool heater involves taking care of your pool and filtration system. Keep the filter clean and the chemicals balanced to ensure proper water flow goes to the collectors.
Frequently Asked Questions About Solar Pool Heaters
Need more help picking out the right solar heater? Here are some commonly asked questions and answers.
What size solar pool heater do I need to heat my above ground pool?
Choosing the right solar pool heater size depends on the solar panel’s surface area and the size of your pool. You’ll need enough solar paneling or tubing to equal 50% of your pool’s surface area. For example, if your pool’s surface area is 600 square feet, you’ll need 300 square feet of solar panels or tubing to heat it. Smaller above ground swimming pools of up to 8,000 gallons can get by with one unit. Larger pools require additional units with bypass kits. You’ll also need to consider local landscape features and how much sunlight you get.
Is solar pool heating worth it?
Solar heating is a cost-effective way to gradually boost your pool’s water temperature. In warmer climates where there are plenty of sunny days, it’s an energy-efficient way to keep your pool warm. But if you’re in a cooler climate, solar heating isn’t as effective as gas or electric pool heaters. To maximize solar pool heat, use a solar pool cover. This will help prevent evaporation and heat loss, especially at night.
How much warmer does solar heating make a pool?
Compared to an unheated pool, a solar pool water heater is on average, 8 to 12 degrees warmer. But that can be over the course of several days of heating. And your pool will still lose heat on cloudy days and overnight. Using a solar cover helps to reduce heat loss, but won’t completely prevent it.
How can I heat my above-ground pool fast?
If you need to warm your above-ground pool quickly, it’s most effective to use a gas pool heater or an electric heat pump. Pool solar panels are designed to heat the water gradually, over a period of several days. Gas and electric models can heat a larger volume of water over a period of hours.
Need More Pool Maintenance Help?
- Download our free Pool Care Cheat Sheet. It’s a free, easy-to-use guide to help you keep track of taking care of your pool.
- Subscribe to our Swim University YouTube Channel. We publish free video tutorials throughout the pool season.
- Check out our Pool Care Course. You’ll get 30+ step-by-step videos and a downloadable guide with everything you need to know about pool maintenance.
The post Best Solar Heaters for Above Ground Pools of 2022 appeared first on Swim University®.
