When the winter weather arrives, you need to take care of your pool to make sure that it is ready to go for the next swimming season. While the process of winterizing a pool might seem difficult and complicated, it is helpful to have a step by step guide that you can follow to make sure that your pool is closed quickly and easily. Start Pool Closing Prep Early No matter what type of pool you have, the important tip is to start closing your pool early. One week prior to the closing date, it is important to add some phosphate remover to the pool. This will strip phosphate from the pool and keep algae out of the water. This will prevent algae blooms from accumulating. Furthermore, you should wait to close the pool until the water temperature is below 65 degrees. If you close the pool down too early, then algae might end up growing. Pool Closing Begins With Pool Cleaning Next, you need to make sure that you  clean your pool before you close it. When you take the time to clean the pool ahead of time, you will not only prevent algae from growing in the pool but you will make life easier when you open the pool next spring. Skim the surface of the pool, brush the sides, and vacuum the pool thoroughly. In addition to cleaning the pool, you need to make sure that you shock it as well. Shocking the pool will kill any bacteria that might feel like lingering around in the pool during the winter. Shock the pool a few days before you close it for the winter. Remember to backwash the pool filters as well. Let the pool pump run for a full cycle before you backwash it. Then, backwash the pool and chemically clean the pool filter to make sure that it is clean when you close it. The Pool Water Level and Chemistry For Pool Closing Remember that there is a chance that the water in your pool might start to freeze. To prepare for this, you need to keep the water at least four inches below the tip of the vinyl line (for vinyl pools) or tile line (for fiberglass and concrete pools). also, remember to balance the  pool chemistry. Use a test kit to make sure the alkalinity is between 80 and 120 ppm. The pH should be around 7.4. Pool Closing - Drain the Pool Lines Next, you need to make sure that you drain the pool lines. Remember that water is going to expand when it freezes. This is why we are keeping the level in the pool below the top. If water freezes and expands in your pool lines, the lines might rupture. This could lead to a very expensive repair bill. There is usually a drain plug that you can remove to allow the water to drain out. Make sure that you drain the pool heater, pool filter, and pool pump as well. Once you have drained everything, add pool anti-freeze. This is going to be important for protecting your pool’s system during the cold winter months. Pool Closing - Cover the Pool Finally, you need to make sure that you install a winter cover as well. Protect your pool by using a secure pool cover. No matter what type of pool you have, you need to make sure that it is tightly sealed along the edges of the pool. The best type of cover is a safety cover. This will keep out winter storm debris since it is anchored to the pool deck. Furthermore, safety covers will protect against people and pets from falling in the water as well. You need to think about the type of safety cover you want to use. Winter covers and leaf nets might protect against debris but will not protect people and pets from falling in. Check for New Pool Products from Dunn Rite Pool Products Once you have winterized your pool, take a look at your equipment. This might include pool volleyball and pool basketball products. Think about what type of equipment you might need to replace. Dunn Rite Pool Products has you covered if you are looking for new equipment for the next pool season! 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