3 Steps to Getting Your Pool Ready for the Summer

Posted in Pool Supplies on April 16th, 2009 by admin – Be the first to comment

Summer is just around the corner, which means that thousands of folks are preparing to get their pools ready for the summer. There are a few simple steps that you’ll need to take in order to ensure that your pool is up and running in no time. But remember: getting your pool ready for the summer does take some time and effort, so you may want to begin the process several weeks before you actually plan on using the pool.

Here are 3 simple steps you’ll need to take to get your pool ready for the summer:

Remove the cover

When removing the cover from the top of your pool, you really never know what you’re going to find - and the results can sometimes be scary. Depending on whether you emptied your pool of water before the winter or left the water in the pool will make a huge difference in how you proceed through these steps. If you emptied the pool of water, then you’ll have to simply scrub down the walls of the pool to remove dirt, dead animals, and other things that may have fallen between the cracks of your pool cover (such as leaves and acorns).

However, if you left water in your pool over the winter, you’ll need to carefully strain the leaves from the top and get as many larger items (such as dead frogs and even fish) from the pool. As the pool water gets clearer with treatment, you’re sure to find more.

Add chemicals

You’ll need to add chemicals to the pool water. If you drained the pool over the winter, then add water before adding chemicals. If you left water in the pool, then you will most likely want to “shock” the water by over loading it with chlorine. If you do, then remember that you should not get into the water for any reason until the chlorine has done its magic, as the chlorine will harm your skin. The shocking will turn the water from brown to clear. Once the water is clear (or full), then you can start to balance the chemicals using your kit.

Set up a maintenance system

Your pool maintenance system should last all summer long and will consist of pumping and filtering water into and out of your pool, keeping it clean with regular washings, getting on a schedule to add chemicals, vacuuming and more. Pool maintenance is on-going and needs to be tended to regularly.

Contact us today www.eswimdepot.com  all the accessories and supplies to get your pool ready for the summer in 3 easy steps!

Basic Pool Maintenance Tips for All Pool Owners

Posted in Pool Maintenance Toronto on April 3rd, 2009 by admin – Be the first to comment

If you own a pool, then it is essential that you are familiar with the basics of maintaining your pool. Proper pool maintenance can not only keep your utility bills low, but it can also ensure that your pool stays safe and clean throughout the seasons. Here are some pool maintenance basics that you’ll need to know in order to get started taking care of your pool:

Pools Have a pH Level

Whenever you step into a pool, you’re stepping into water that is loaded with chemicals and other agents. In order to have a hygienic pool that is safe for your skin, it is important to maintain a proper pH level of your pool. The pH level is, basically, an indication of how much acid is in the water. Too much acid may harm your skin and eyes. Too little acid may not be enough to rid the water of harmful bacteria.

Every pool owner should own a pH testing kit. To use this kit, simply dip a small canister about two feet deep into the water. Follow the instructions for mixing chemicals with the water (or using test strips, depending on your kit), and observer the color change of the water. The kit will include a key that will help you to determine what the different colors mean, which will indicate whether or not the water is safe to swim in.

Keep in mind that it is normal to have to adjust the chemicals that you put into the pool in response to the pH level reading. Often, new pool owners take time to experiment with different levels until they find the right fit for their climate and environmental conditions. However, it is important to keep in mind that if you “shock” the pool water by adding too much chlorine, the pool will be unsafe for you to swim in until the chlorine levels are reduced.

Winterize Your Pool

Living in Canada, you’ll have to be very familiar with winterization strategies.  One of the best ways to winterize your pool is to drain it at the end of the season, and cover with a heavy tarp and chemicals.  Then in the spring your pool in clean because of the winterizing chemicals that were put in as well as the tarp covering it to protect your liner. 

Contact us today at www.eswimdepot.com/shop  for more information about how you can maintain your pool in all seasons!  At Eswim Depot we have everything you need to keep your pool running well, and all the deck accessories and pool accessories to make it really fun!

Short Pool Season? Invest In a Heater for Your Pool

Posted in Pool Heaters on March 30th, 2009 by admin – 2 Comments

Many folks living in colder environments love having a pool, but don’t love having to close it up after only a few months of enjoyment. The fact of the matter is that many people only have a limited time to enjoy their pools before they have to winterize them in order to avoid cracking and other problems commonly caused by freezing. Plus, as the weather gets colder, it can be more and more difficult to enjoy having a pool, unless you have a heater.

However, installing a water heater might be just the solution to help you enjoy your pool year-round or at least for a longer part of the pool season. Heaters are an affordable investment that makes the water in your pool warm so that you can enjoy a pleasant dip, often regardless of the outside temperatures.

Here are some things you should know about a hot water heater for your pool:

It’s a Few Thousand Dollars

You’ll pay a few thousand dollars for your hot water heater, depending on the type and size of the heater. That’s a small price to pay for the luxury of being able to enjoy your pool in style and luxury!

They are measured by BTUs

The hot water heater is measured by BTUs, which is the amount of water that it can heat up and circulate into the pool. The larger your pool, the higher the BTUs you’ll need.

They May Not be Suitable for all Weather

Hot water heaters make the water hot. However, as the temperatures drop, water will freeze more rapidly, even if it is sent into the pool hot. In most cases, a hot water heater will only give the pool water warmth; not a high degree of heat (like a hot tub). Therefore, the pool water can still freeze in cold temperatures. In addition to the water freezing, it is also important to think about the water pipes.

They Are External Units

Unlike a space heater or a heating unit that you may have in your home, hot water heaters do not actually sit inside of the pool water. Instead, they are adjacent to the water pump and heat the water as it passes from the pump, through the water pipes, and into the pool. Because they do not require electricity to be run into the water, they are also safe.

Contact us today at http://www.eswimdepot.com/shop  to learn more about hot water heaters for your pool. We’re happy to show you affordable options that may be available to you.

Deck Accessories for Your Pool

Posted in Deck Accessories For Your Pool on March 17th, 2009 by admin – Be the first to comment

If you have a pool or are in the market to buy one, there are some helpful and fun deck accessories that you may want to consider. Many deck accessories are designed to help you maintain your pool. Other deck accessories may help you enjoy your pool even more. Depending on your needs, chances are good that there are pool deck accessories that are just right for you.

Here are some of our favorite and most popular deck accessories we think you’ll love:

Sheer Descent Powerfalls

Add a touch of luxury to your pool with a thin waterfall layer that will not only make your pool more elegant and stylish, but that will also help to keep your water circulating. This Sheer Descent Powerfalls features a gentle stream of water that is safe to swim under and beautiful to watch.

Alps Fibreglass Straight Roman Steps

These steps are easy to install into any pool to make getting into and out of your pool safe and comfortable. We also have a cantilever option available to make your steps more mobile.

Slide

We offer a wide variety of pool slides that are designed to make your pool more fun and action-oriented. Whether you’re a kid at heart, or a kid in age, you’ll love splashing into your pool from any of our selection of slides. These slides include the Turbo Twister Slide, the Rogue Grand Rapids Slide, and the Rocket Ride Slide.

Pool Cover

Covering your pool is one of the best ways to prevent it from getting loaded with leaves, grass, and other yard debris that requires regular maintenance. Whether you are looking for a pool cover to winterize your pool or would prefer to have a cover that you can use on a daily basis, we have a wide selection of covers to choose from for all of your various needs.

Diving Board

If your pool is deep enough for a diving board, then it’s time to take the plunge! Our diving board selection includes a variety of stand and spring boards that will make pool time much more fun - at any age!

Lighting Kits

Make your pool night-ready with a unique and safe lighting kit. Keep in mind that if you have underwater lights, they need to be specially made for pools so that you do not get electrocuted! Check out our selection for some affordable options you’ll love.

Contact us today www.eswimdepot.com  for more information about our huge selection of pool accessories that can make your pool more fun and easy to maintain!

Things to Think About Before Buying Your Pool

Posted in Thinking of Buying a Pool? on March 9th, 2009 by admin – Be the first to comment

If you are in the market for a pool, then chances are good that you are thinking about your budget and about just how affordable your pool can be. There are a wide variety of options that you may wish to pursue in order to select the right pool for your budget and in order to pay for that pool. Here are some tips and ideas to get you thinking about how you can afford to have a pool:

Develop a Budget

The very first thing you should think about when trying to figure out how to afford a pool is to develop your budget. Your budget should be based on your income, the money you spend to purchase the pool, any loan repayments (if applicable), and anticipated costs of operating the pool. Contact us for more information about operational expenses and the price to purchase and install pools to get a better idea of what budget you may face.

Think About Types

Some types of pools are more expensive than others. In most cases, for example, an in-ground pool is more expensive to install, maintain, and run than an above-ground pool. In-ground pools not only need to be cleaned regularly (like all pools), but they require special piping and drainage systems to install, land-moving equipment, and on-going filter pumping in order to keep the pool water healthy.

However, above-ground pools are also an investment that adds value to your property and may be well-worth the additional expense in the long run when you go to sell your house (not to mention the luxury of having a pool).

Above-ground pools are exciting options for everyone, especially people with a limited budget or restricted space (including wires and cables running underground). Above-ground pools are often less expensive to maintain as well, as they generally have simpler maintenance and filtration systems.

Specials

We are always offering specials on our pools and pool-related inventory. Our specials are designed to help our customers save money not only on their initial pool purchase, but also on equipment that they may need to maintain and enjoy the pool. Check on our Web site for current specials, visit us, or call to find out what we have on sale!

Contact us today at www.eswimdepot.com/shop/  to learn more about how to afford your pool. We’re always happy to share information that will help you to buy a pool within your budget - and comfortably operate your pool for years to come!