In today's world in which many people choose to live an organic lifestyle for foods they eat and grooming products they use, a common question for pool owners is to ask whether the pool can remain chemical free. It's a sensible question to ask. After all, you can swim in a lake, river, or the ocean and they are chemical free, assuming a lack of pollution. The fact is, such bodies of water are much larger and automatically flush themselves out rather than allowing bacteria or algae to build up. Swimming pools are different in that they are contained with the same water remaining in them throughout the year. Why Swimming Pools Need Chemicals The chemical used in pools is chlorine, or perhaps a chlorine substitute designed specifically for pools. Whichever product you decide to use, its purpose is to keep the water sanitized. Bacteria and algae grow in standing water, which cause it to not just look bad but can also spread disease to swimmers. In a bad scenario if the pool is left uncleaned for extended periods, algae can attract insects, especially mosquitoes, and eventually draw frogs, lizards, or snakes. Once it gets to that point, there's likely to be further damage to the pumps and filters which require extensive and expensive repairs to bring the pool back into usable condition. It's also likely to attract rodents and wild animals who view it as a source for water and food. Means of Using Fewer Chemicals in Your Swimming Pool Once it's understood that chlorine is required to keep the pool sanitized, there are a few other considerations. By following the instructions provided when the pool was installed and which come with the cleaning supplies, chlorine remains at a safe enough level not to worry about as a chemical to swim in. If you find yourself especially sensitive to chlorine, there are ways to use less of the chemical and maintain a pool which is safe to swim in. Simply maintaining a strict regimen of physically cleaning debris from the pool with a pool net is helpful, but not enough to assure sanitary safety. A great pump and filtration system will allow minimum recommended use of chemicals, but is still not enough to go chemical free. There are systems available which utilize UV light to clean the water. Such systems will allow you to use less chlorine, but not go completely chemical free. A method some pool owners use is to schedule the days they plan to use the pool, and use extra chemicals in the water on days off to assure the water is sanitized, then swim after the chemicals evaporate before the water becomes contaminated. Such a system is sketchy at best, as outdoor temperature fluctuations make it impossible to know the exact rate of chemical dissipation and without a science lab it's impossible to know when bacteria have reached unsafe levels. What Can Happen from Swimming in an Unclean Pool The fact is, skipping a pool cleaning is not going to cause the pool water to immediately become too polluted to swim in, and even if the water has taken a green tint from algae the water isn't going to be deadly, especially if you bathe immediately after swimming. The important thing to remember is while swimming, although you aren't going to intentionally swallow the water, it does get in you mouth, nose, ears, and eyes. Such a reminder should convince any reasonable person of the need for chlorine and sanitation. Dunn Rite Pool Products offers pool accessories such as  pool basketball and pool volleyball units, along with stand-up or sit-down paddleboards, either inflatable or solid wood. All of our products are designed to withstand the outdoor elements and the chemicals recommended for pool cleanliness. Always stay safe when using a pool. Products which aren't designed to function in a pool are likely to eventually fail, potentially leading to accidents which might result in injury or drowning, so be sure to order directly from us and rest assured you can swim comfortably and safely. Dunn-Rite Pool Products & Pool Accessories 3rd Generation Family Owned Company with a long history of developing innovative products of the highest quality. Pool Fountains - Combo Units - Pool Volleyball - Pool Basketball

With summer in full swing, you are probably thinking about heading out to your backyard pool (or neighborhood pool) to relax and have fun in the sun while cooling off in the water. Then, when you look outside, you realize that the water is green! Suddenly, your plans have changed. Now, you have to figure out how to address the green water in the pool. The good news is that there are a few ways that you can handle this. Take a look at some of the helpful information that we have put together below to help you with your green pool!Why Does a Swimming Pool Turn Green? The reality is that walking out to a green swimming pool is not that unusual, even if it is the bane of any pool owner. The green tint in the water is usually caused by small, microscopic plants that are called algae. The truth is that there are always algae growing in the pool. The job of the chlorine is to keep the algae in check while preventing the water from turning green. Algae are incredibly small plants. This also means that they grow very quickly. A day or two without proper amounts of chlorine can cause algae to grow out of control, turning the pool water from a beautiful, crystal blow to a gross, green color. While algae can grow in the pool itself, a green pool requires a thorough inspection. Sometimes, the algae might be coming into the pool through a crack in the pipe or pool wall. There could be an external contaminant that is simply making your job harder. While there could be some situations where you need to reach out to a trained professional, there are also a few immediate solutions that can help you handle the algae that have turned your beautiful pool into a green wasteland.How Can Pool Owners Fix their Green Pools? There are a few easy ways that pool owners can treat their green pools in the blink of an eye. First, note that algae tend to start showing up in swimming pools when the chlorine level drops lower than 1 ppm (part per million). This leads to an algae bloom that quickly expands and turns the entire pool green. The way to quickly kill an algal bloom is to use a chlorine shock. Now, it is important to make sure that people are not in the pool at the time (and because the pool is green, this should not be a problem). Try to make sure this is done either at dusk or overnight. The chlorine in a shock of this manner is not stable, so it could evaporate from the pool, irritating people who are nearby. The amount of shock you are going to need depends on how dark the water is. For example, if the green is just a light tint, use a double shock, which is 2 pounds of chlorine for every 10,000 pounds of water. On the other hand, black water merits 4 pounds of chlorine for every 10,000 pounds of water. Once you have administered the shock, the pool water should turn gray and cloudy in a day. Then, the pool filter has to be run continuously until the water is a nice, blue color once again.Why Is Blue the Ideal Pool Color? Blue is the right color of pools for a number of reasons. While it is true that chlorine might give pools a slight blue tint, the reality is that most pools are blue because the water is clear and they reflect the gorgeous sky that is above! Because many people are used to blue pools, they place blue tiles in their pools as well. This is another reason why clear water (which is ideal) looks blue.Visit Dunn Rite Pool Products Today! Once you have your pool totally clear of algae, think about planning a fun day! At Dunn Rite Pool Products, we carry some of the latest equipment from the top brands! We also make our own toys such as pool basketball and pool volleyball equipment! Contact us today to learn more about our products!Dunn-Rite Pool Products and Inflatable Paddle Boards 3rd Generation Family Owned Company with a long history of developing innovative products of the highest quality. Inflatable Paddle Boards - Combo Units - Pool Volleyball - Pool Basketball

If you are looking for a great way to enjoy the summer sun, you could be thinking about hosting a pool party with a  pool volleyball game in your backyard or taking a stroll to the nearby neighborhood pool. At the same time, you might also be wondering what gives pools their blue color. While most people know that a green pool or a brown pool is something to stay far away from (or clean up if they own it), why is blue the right color of a pool? How do we know that a blue pool is safe for use? There are a few points to keep in mind. Why Swimming Pools Are Blue If you are looking for something to drink and you pour a glass of water, you do not want it to be blue. In fact, you expect it to be clear, right? On the other hand, you are totally fine jumping in a pool that is blue. In fact, you expect it. Why is this the case? Reflects Sky There are a few major reasons why pools are blue. First, pools tend to turn blue because they are reflecting the sky. The sky is blue, so the water in pools tends to look blue as well. While this is a part of the argument, it is not the entirety of the explanation. Blue Tiles or Fiberglass Next, pools still look blue even when the sky is mostly cloudy, so there must be more to it, right? Yes! Pools are also blue because many people use blue tiles or fiberglass to construct their pools. Therefore, even though the water itself appears blue, people see the tiles or fiberglass underneath, which has been constructed to be blue. People like blue tiles and fiberglass because they expect to see a blue pool. The clear water looks blue due to the construction materials. Water Molecules Even this is not enough to explain everything. It is also important to explore the chemistry of how water molecules work. Water molecules get their energy from the sunlight that strikes them. When light strikes the water molecules, they absorb some of the visible spectrum while reflecting other colors. In this case, the water molecules absorb the red wavelengths of light from the sun. In return, they reflect the other types of light. This includes blue. As a result, water molecules in the pool reflect blue light to the eyes of nearby swimmers and sunbathers, causing the water to look blue. Water Depth Finally, some people would also like to know what determines how blue the water looks to the naked eye. This has to do with the depth of the water. The deeper the pool goes, the more opportunity there is for light to get absorbed by other water molecules along the way. This is what makes pools that are particularly deep that much darker when thinking about how blue they look. How to Turn Swimming Pools Blue If you walk outside and expect to see a blue pool, you might be surprised if this is your first trip out there this summer. Green pools are a common problem. This tends to happen due to algae that might be present in the pool. The good news is that a chlorine shock can clear out the algae quickly. Then, the pool filter can be used to remove the dead algae the next day. Finally, you can resume your regular pool maintenance, helping the pool turn that beautiful blue color once again. Best Pool Accessories for Swimming Pools Your pool is supposed to be a beautiful blue color. Once you have it this way, it is time to have a party! Make sure that you make the most out of your pool this summer. At Dunn Rite Pool Products, we have a variety of toys and pool equipment that can help you take your pool parties to new heights! We even make our own  pool volleyball and pool basketball products! We have been in business, family-owned, for more than 30 years, so we have the experience to help you with all of your swimming pool needs. Come and visit us today to see how we can help you get the most out of your pool! Dunn-Rite Pool Products & Pool Accessories 3rd Generation Family Owned Company with a long history of developing innovative products of the highest quality. Pool Fountains - Combo Units - Pool Volleyball - Pool Basketball

For those who have a swimming pool in the backyard, this is a fun way to not only stay cool during the summer heat but also entertain family members and friends. On the other hand, maintaining a pool is also hard work. Those who do not keep up with their pool maintenance might be disappointed when they see the quality of their water. Water can go from cloudy to hazy and even green in the matter of a few days. The good news is that there are a few ways to keep the pool water crystal clear. Maintain Optimum Chemical Levels in The Swimming Pool There is a common misconception that pool water can never be “crystal clear” because the chlorine will turn it blue. This is simply not the case. Many pools have blue water because they are a reflection of the blue sky. In order to keep the pool water crystal clear, it is important to maintain the right chemical levels. The two most important levels are the pH and chlorine levels. Chlorine in the pool is used to kill both germs and bacteria. By killing these germs, bacteria will not be able to change the color of the pool. The chlorine levels should be between 1.0 and 3.0 parts per million, often shortened to PPM. The pool’s pH level is used to measure how acidic or basic the water gets. The ideal pH is between 7.2 and 7.6. If the pool’s pH level is out of balance, not only will it be unsafe but it will also start to change color. Provide Shock and Algaecide for the Pool Weekly One of the most commonly overlooked steps of pool maintenance involves shock and algaecide. Those who are wondering why their pools turn green should know that the most common culprit is algae. Even if the chlorine and pH are within safe limits, there is some pool algae that may still grow around the pool, causing the water to turn green. Shock and algaecide can be used to kill the algae, ensuring the pool water remains crystal clear. Now, these are strong chemicals that need to be used correctly. Therefore, make sure to read the package before using it. The amount required is going to vary with the size of the pool. Try to use shock and algaecide once per week to kill pool algae. Algae can turn the water green, yellow, or hazy. Clean the Pool Filter The pool filter plays a critical role in keeping the water clear. Many people believe that the pool filters do not need to be changed as long as they skim the pool regularly. This is simply not true. Yes, it is important to skim the pool regularly; however, the pool filter also has to be cleaned. This is a process known as backwashing. The job of the pool filters is to clean dirt and debris that might otherwise be too small for the skimmer. If the filter gets clogged, it will not be able to do its job well. In order to backwash the filters, force water through the system in the opposite direction. When the water starts to look cloudy, this is one of the first places to look. Eventually, it might be time to replace the filters. Do this to keep the pool water crystal clear. Avoid Baking Soda Finally, it is important to address one of the most common misconceptions. Many people think that baking soda is a magical trick that can be used to kill anything in the pool. Do not use baking soda. It is a powerful base that will shoot up the pH in a matter of seconds. This is not a reliable pool chemical. Baking soda is best left to removing strange odors from the fridge. At Dunn-Rite, we are here for all of your summer pool needs. When you are enjoying your pool this summer, why not add  pool volleyball and pool basketball to the mix? This is fun for family members and friends of all ages and we are proud to stock some of the top products from the leading brands! Take a look at our options today! Dunn-Rite Pool Products & Pool Accessories 3rd Generation Family Owned Company with a long history of developing innovative products of the highest quality. Pool Fountains - Combo Units - Pool Volleyball - Pool Basketball

Everyone wants to make sure that their pool is clean and this means investing in crystal clear water. In order to make sure the water is as clear as possible, it is important to keep the pool clean. There are a few steps that should be formed on a regular basis to make sure the pool is as clean as possible. By investing in routine maintenance, pool owners are less likely to become frustrated with the condition or state of their pool. Skim Off the Leaves and Debris of the Pool Surface This is a task that should be done daily. It should also be the first step of any weekly pool maintenance routine. In order to skim the pol effectively, use a long-handled skimmer to collect leaves, insects, and other debris that could be floating on the surface of the pool. This takes only a few minutes and will go a long way toward keeping the water clean. Try to catch dead debris early before it sinks to the bottom. If it touches the bottom, it might stain the pool. Also, if there are any trees hanging over the pool, thinking about trimming them back to reduce the number of leaves and branches the land in the pool. Brush the Sediment Off of Walls of the Pool As pools start to age, algae and small bits of debris can start to collect on the sides of the pool. This is common on pool slides and ladders as well. Weekly, pool owners should take the time to remove dirt and other debris from the sides of the pool as well as the fixtures. This can be used to prevent the spread of algae. In addition, try to brush the sediment toward the main drain of the pool. This will make it easier to vacuum. Vacuum the Swimming Pool Regularly Speaking of vacuuming the pool, this is another task that has to be completed on a weekly basis. The goal of the vacuum is to collect debris that might have dropped to the bottom of the pool. It needs to be collected quickly or it could end up staining the pool itself. There are a few options when it comes to a pool vacuum. The first option is to go with a manual vacuum, which is the easiest to control and still one of the most popular. Another option is a robotic vacuum. This is a vacuum that does the work for the pool owner. They are energy-efficient, meaning they will not run up the utility bills, and can work free from the control of the owner. There are two types of pool vacuums. The first is called a pressure vacuum that uses a pool pump to collect debris. The other vacuum is called a suction vacuum that attaches to either a skimmer or suction port. Backwash the Pool Filters on a Regular Basis Every week, it is important to check the pool filters are used to collect small dust and debris that might have escaped the skimmer. Look at the filter, remove anything that might be present, and consider backwashing the pool. If the pool is used on a daily basis, it might be a good idea to backwash the filters on a weekly basis as well. As a rule, look at the pressure reading on the filters. If the pressure reading is 10 PSI above normal, it is time to backwash them. Do Not Neglect the Swimming Pool Chemicals Finally, take the time to check the chemicals on a regular basis as well. This includes chlorine and pH. These should be checked daily. In addition, use shock treatments and algaecide on a weekly basis to keep the pool clean. This could be the last step because the other steps above might alter the chlorine and pH levels. Once all of these steps are done, the pool is clean and ready for use! This might include paddleboarding, pool volleyball, pool basketball, or other fun activities. If you are looking for pool products, check out Dunn-Rite! We offer some of the top products from many of the leading brands! We can make your next pool day one for the record books! Dunn-Rite Pool Products & Pool Accessories 3rd Generation Family Owned Company with a long history of developing innovative products of the highest quality. Pool Fountains - Combo Units - Pool Volleyball - Pool Basketball

A pool is a popular addition to numerous homes and apartment complexes. When the weather heats up, it is always great to have a place to cool off. Furthermore, pools are beautiful to look at and are a great place to socialize. Those who have installed a pool in their backyard also know that this comes with a few major responsibilities. One of these has to do with maintenance. When it comes to the maintenance of a pool, there are a few points that everyone should know. How is a Pool Maintained? In general, the purpose of pool maintenance is to keep it safe for use while extending its longevity. In order to accomplish this task, there are a few important categories. The first has to do with the water. The water of the pool needs to be safe for use. This means that it needs to have a sanitation level that will kill bacteria and viruses. This will keep people who use the pool from getting an infection. The other part of pool maintenance has to do with the structure. The structure of the pool needs to be kept clean and safe. This will prevent cracks from developing in the foundation of the pool. What Chemicals are Required for Pool Maintenance? When someone is maintaining the water, there are two broad ways that the water can be kept clean. The first method involves traditional chlorine. If someone is trying to sanitize the water by adding chlorine directly to it, then chlorine is required along with a pH indicator. The pH is used to indicate the chlorine level (or bromine if someone is going with an alternative). There is also a chemical used to measure the alkalinity of the water. All of this is necessary for making sure the pool is safe to use. Should a Professional Service be Hired? One of the most common questions people ask about the maintenance of a pool is whether or not they should hire a professional service. This is a personal question; however, there are a few factors to consider. Some people are too busy to take care of their pools. In this case, it is better to hire someone else to accomplish this task. Other people may think their time is more valuable than what they would pay a pool maintenance crew. This is another good reason to hire a professional service. Finally, other people might not be present often enough at the property to take care of the pool. This is another good reason to hire a professional service. Are There Seasonal Differences in Pool Maintenance? There are seasonal differences in pool maintenance only if someone winterizes the pool during the cooler months. If the pool is not heated, then when the temperature drops, it is unlikely to be used for several months. When someone is going to winterize his or her pool, there are a few tasks. First, the chemical balance of the water needs to be altered. This is important for keeping the water safe and also for preventing it from freezing. This is the other important point of winterizing a pool. If the water freezes, then it expands. This will damage the structure of the pool. This must be avoided through proper maintenance. Does the Type of Pool Matter? The type of pool is going to influence the way someone takes care of it. For example, a vinyl liner requires more upkeep than a concrete structure. Mold sticks to vinyl and forms more quickly than it does concrete. Furthermore, if someone uses a saltwater chlorinator to sterilize the pool, this is going to require less upkeep than the traditional chlorine method. Make sure the right method is being used to take care of the pool. Trust the Professionals for Pool Assistance At Dunn Rite Pool Products, we have some of the top pool pieces on the market to make your day outside as fun as possible. Take a look at our  pool basketball hoops, pool volleyball, and more! We are always here to help you take your day at the pool to new heights! Swing by and take a look at our selection today! Dunn-Rite Pool Products & Pool Accessories 3rd Generation Family Owned Company with a long history of developing innovative products of the highest quality. Pool Fountains - Combo Units - Pool Volleyball - Pool Basketball

The leaves are turning colors, cluttering the pool and clogging the filters. Memories of sunny days, family fun, poolside cookouts and the simple pleasures of summer are coming to a close. Many pool owners live in warmer climates and won't close their pool for the winter. Fall pool maintenance prepares the components of the pool for freezing weather so they won't suffer in the cold winters. It keeps pools in warmer areas going strong and helps to sneak in a few more weeks of fun if you get a warm fall. Here's what you should know. Fall Swimming Pool Maintenance Basics Inside your in ground pool is a filter system, the skimmers and returns system, and the water. Leaving water in the pool in winter prevents cracks in the walls. Cleaning the systems keeps the water alkaline and at the proper pH level. When these things are done you have clean and clear water. Above ground pools include a filter lasting about three to five years, the other maybe 25 called a “permanent” pool. They are smaller and hold less water. The filtering and skimming systems are not integrated. The pool owner is responsible for cleaning and chemically maintaining the water. Empty the Swimming Pool By this, we mean clear out the pool toys like the Clear Hoop, water volleyball or any floats you've had in the swimming pool. Using your telescoping skimmer net, remove leaves and other debris. Above ground and in-ground pool owners will do this regularly, so as not to leave any debris behind which could lead to bacteria that could cause illness. Test The Swimming Pool Water You wouldn't put cheap oil in your car, because it might gunk up the motor. Testing the swimming pool water is a vital part of pool maintenance year round in both above ground and in-ground pools. You'll need the proper testing materials to check the pH level of the water, the alkalinity and the sanitizer or chlorine levels. Pool experts tell us that the pH level of pool water is ideally, 7.4 to 7.6. Its alkalinity should be 100 to 150 parts per million or ppm. One hundred twenty is ideal. Your pool maintenance professional will tell you the proper level of chlorine for your type of swimming pool as it varies depending on the type of chlorine. Cycle the water through the system for three to four days before adding the winter algaecide to kill the green goo. Tip: You'll need to shock the pool following a storm or a lot of people swimming. Shock the pool at night, because the sun will evaporate the chlorine before it can clean the water. Run the pump for eight hours minimum so it can completely circulate through the system. Note: Algaecide and chlorine should not be used together. The chlorine kills algae as well, but cancels out the algaecide. Chlorine evaporates in sunlight, where algaecide doesn't. Add algaecide after the chlorine is down to about five percent. Clean The Swimming Pool Brushing the walls and bottom of the pool removes algae, bacteria, and/or silt buildups. It also removes the remains of personal grooming products like shampoo, perfume, sunscreen and makeup. This should be done once a week for both above ground and in ground pools no matter what the season. The difference between fall pool maintenance and seasonal maintenance is the deep cleaning. In spring and summer, above ground and in ground pool owners might brush the pool walls and bottom but not scrub, leaving it to the chemicals to keep the pool viable. Drain The Swimming Pool The goal is to prevent water from getting into an in ground pools filter and pump systems. Drain the water until it's beneath the tile to empty water from these systems and prevent the plumbing from freezing. Contact a pool professional for this so no damage is done to the systems. Covers are a smart idea for pool owners: They keep the water from evaporating. They reduce the need for as much chemicals in the water. Heat retention. Any pool cover, but especially a solar cover, keeps heat in the pool both on cooler days. If the pool is heated, then the heat will stay in. Safety! A swimming pool cover can be an added layer of security for keeping little ones out of the pool. Dunn-Rite Pool Products & Pool Accessories 3rd Generation Family Owned Company with a long history of developing innovative products of the highest quality. Pool Fountains - Combo Units - Pool Volleyball - Pool Basketball