Starting up your Spa for Spring

Its starting to get a little nicer outside (yes, even here in WI) and some are starting to think about what they need to do to get their spa ready for spring. 

Lets start with the water. Spa water should be drained every 3-4 months. After a few months, your water can no longer take any more chemical. Almost like if you were stirring packets of sugar into a glass of water.  After a while, the water cannot dissolve any more sugar so the sugar sits at the bottom of the glass. This can result in cloudy water and a not so pleasant smell.  A great product to use for draining is Spa Purge or Swirl Away.  These chemicals act like a drain-o for your spa, removing build up (usually calcium build up) from the plumbing in your spa.

How is your spa cover looking? Spa covers play a major part in the efficiency of your spa. (And the cost of your spa!)  Did you see any steam coming out of under the cover at all during the cold months?  It’s probably time to replace your cover. The approximate life of a spa cover is every 3-5 years. After the spa cover gets heavy, or has a “smell” it is also probably time to replace your spa cover. If your spa cover is good shape, make sure you clean the cover with specially formulated cover cleaner and add a little cover protect to lengthen the life of your cover.  NEVER use household type cleaners on your spa cover. Products like armor-all can actually dry out the cover.

Have a waterline around your spa? Most spas get some type of waterline built up where the water was before you drained.  You always want to clean out your spa before you re-fill for the spring. We have an awesome product (yes, I have used it on my spa!) called the H20 Cleaning Wand. This handy little product hooks up to your garden hose to let a little bit of water onto the sponge as you are cleaning. The H20 Cleaning wand along with some Baqua Spa Surface Cleaner (can be used on any spa) makes cleaning the shell of your spa easy! And again, the same as the spa cover, never use any household products on the surface of your spa.  They can be drying and damaging to your spa.

And last, but definately not least, your spa / hot tub filters.  Clean them? Soak Them? Spray Them? Yes! All three! Spa Filters should be soaked in a spa filter cleaner for a few hours before they are rinsed out. Try using the great easy clean to clean out the filter after it soaks.  This handy little device creates a long, flat, pressurized spray from your garden hose to get all of the build up out.  Please, never bring your spa filters to the car wash and use the pressure hose there. That much pressure breaks down the fibers in your filter, decreasing the amount of filtering in your spa. Now, after you are done cleaning your filter, you should allow the filters to dry before you put them back in your spa.  The fibers in the filter basically ‘fluff back up’ giving you a better filter in your spa. The best thing you can do is have two sets of spa filters.  Putting the ones you cleaned last time you drained your spa back in and letting the ones you just took out sit on the shelf and restore back to its original fiber shape. Spa filters should be cleaned with a filter cleaner every 3-4 months and replaced after 12 months of use. You can also spray the cartridges with Spray Filter cleaner in-between normal cleanings after heavy use of the spa.

Now that you have all of your cleaning done, (Phew!) it’s time to refill your spa. Make sure you always fill your spa from where the filters are to avoid an air-lock in the pump of your spa.

It’s finally time to relax and enjoy……

Questions?? Call us Toll Free 1-866-736-0732 or visit our site http://www.e-pool-store.com

Get ready to entertain this holiday season with NDPS!

December already!? Unreal.  2011 has gone so fast, but it’s not over yet! Christmas is only 23 days away…are you ready??  National Discount Pool Supplies not only has gifts for your family and friends, but we can also help entertain those family members and friends this holiday season!

Is your rec room ready to entertain??? Electronic Dart Boards create fun for everyone! National Discount Pool Supplies has many different options for electronic dart boards. Have an existing dart board? Maybe it’s time to update those worn out darts! Check out our Top Selling Viper Sure Grip dart set and the new sleek looking Viper Black Ice Soft Tip Dart Set.

Love to play poker but don’t have the table and accessories??  National Discount Pool Supplies has a Fold out Poker table top with a carrying case that makes it easy to store and easy to travel! This Poker / Black Jack table seats 8 and has built-in individual poker chip and drink holders! This is the perfect gift for the avid poker or a great present for the family for hours of fun!

We have many more fun game items for the entire family include LCR Dice, PIG dice game, Shut the Box, Mancala, The Racing Horse Game, and more!

 

Questions?? Give us a call at 1-866-736-0732

Getting your Spa ready for Fall & Winter

Spa & Hot Tub water should be changed every 3-4 months. October is a great month (especially here in the Midwest) to get your spa ready for fall & winter before it gets too cold!

The first thing you want to do is use Spa Purge or Swirl away.  Either of these 2 chemicals work very well at breaking down build up in your spa lines!  A lot of spas get calcium build up in the lines which can cause poor circulation in your spa. Spa Purge or Swirl Away should be used 1-2 times a year.  This product is used before draining the spa.

So, you’ve got your spa lines cleaned out, and you’re draining your spa.  Now is the perfect time to clean your spa cover!  Use the Baqua Spa Cover Cleaner to clean the top & underside of your spa cover. If its a sunny day, lay our cover out underside up for a few hours.  This will help get rid of some of the water built up in the cover, which is making your cover heavy. If your spa cover is more than 3-5 years old, you may want to consider replacing the hot tub cover. The average life of a spa cover is 3-5 years.

After the spa has been drained, clean the shell of your spa/hot tub with a Surface cleaner like the Baqua Spa Surface Cleaner.(Can be used on any spa) DO NOT use household products. These products are not made to be used on a spa shell.  A great product to use with the surface cleaner is the H20 Cleaning Wand.  This product eliminates the need for buckets of water plus helps remove waterline build up on the surface of your spa.

Spa Filters should also be chemically cleaned every 3-4 months (when you change your spa water) and replaced completely after a year of use.  Spa filters should also dry before being put back into the spa. When the spa cartridge filter dries, it allows the fibers to return to their original state and give you better filtering.

When filling your spa back up, always fill through where your filter cartridge fits into the spa. This allows jets to fill from the inside out. If you stick your hose into your spa, you can get what is called “air lock”.  This happens when air is pushed into the lines and locks up the pump.

Check out our “Essentials” Spa Cleaning Kit!!

Questions?? Give us a call toll free at 1-800-736-0732 or send us an email to info@nationaldiscountpoolsupplies.com

 

Closing your above ground pool for winter

This may be a little early for some of you,  but here in Wisconsin, we’re getting close to the time most start thinking about closing their pool for the fall & winter. (Personally, I’m not ready for it, I could use a few more weeks of hot hot summer)

You’re closing your above ground pool, where do you start? 

First, you want to start with a clean, clear pool.  Throwing a cover over your algae filled pool or cloudy water (unfortunately) doesn’t make it go away. It will more than likely only get worse over fall/winter/spring.  

After your pool is sparkling clear, its time to start draining your pool water. Above Ground pools should be drained 4-6″ below the skimmer or return fitting. Make sure you drain all the water from your skimmer if you are in an area that freezes. Leaving water in your skimmer can cause freeze damage. This is a good time to take out your steps/ladders/solar covers, clean & dry them, and store them in a dry area for the winter.

Next step is winterizing your filter system. The best thing you can do for your filter system is store it somewhere the weather is not extreme.  If you are located somewhere that has cold & snowy winters, you do not want to leave your filter system outside.  If your filter is somewhere that it cannot be removed, make sure you add POOL ANTIFREEZE to your filter system. 

So, your pool is drained, equipment is clean & stored away, and your filter system is winterized. Time to add your chemicals. What you add for closing depends on what chemical system you use. Visit our website here to see our closing procedures for Baquacil & Chlorine pools. You always add winterizing pool chemicals after your pool has been drained. If you add chemicals before you drain, you’re just going to end up losing a portion of the chemicals you just added! After you add the chemicals to your pool water, take a brush or a net and walk around your pool to mix the chemicals up a little. 

Now onto the last step, your air pillow and winter cover. Air pillows are a sacrificial item to the closing process. The air pillow is there to absorb the expansion of ice, instead of your rails taking the beating from expansion. Most air pillows more than likely pop after the first freeze. Don’t worry, if your air pillow pops, you don’t have to run out to your pool in 20 degree weather to put a new pillow in.  See our chart here for air pillow/pool sizing. Now its time to put on your pool cover. National Discount Pool Supplies, LLC carries a few different types of pool covers. All of our winter pool covers come with the winch and cable to secure your cover.  The pool cover should drape over your pool, not pulled tight across the top of the swimming pool. If you have problems with wind, check out our cover clips, winter cover wrap, or above ground pool cover wall bags. These will help keep your cover from billowing up over the fall, winter & Spring. 

Check out these winterizing products to make your life a little easier (And some to save you some money!!):  Aquador Skimmer System, Pool Magic (Spring & Fall), Winter Pill (Available for up to 15,000 gallons & 30,000 gallons)

If you have any questions, feel free to email us at info@nationaldiscountpoolsupplies or give us a call toll free at 1-866-736-0732

Green Pools….How to prevent & treat

Its that time of year, its hot, you’re busy, and you’d rather use the pool than clean it. This is when pool owners see algae bloom the most.  Algae can be taken care of with a few simple steps, but lets start with a few tips on how to prevent algae from growing in your pool.

Run your Filter Your pool filter is made to be run 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, and if you’re like us, we wish 365 days a year (but in Wisconsin, we aren’t that lucky!) Running your filter gives your pool water circulation.  High circulation gives algae less of a chance to grow.

Check your Chemicals Not adding your weekly chemicals can greatly increase your chances of getting algae.  Its July, its in the 90′s, and that sun is beating down on your pool water for most of the day. If you use chlorine, its burning up extremely fast this time of year.  Make sure you are checking your floater for tablets, and checking your chlorine level every other day.  Also, make sure your Ph, Alkalinity & Calcium are in balance.  If these are not in range, your sanitizer (mostly chlorine, Baquacil is more stable in off ranges) will burn up faster.

Use your vacuum If you have a manual or automatic vacuum, use it! There are spots in your pool that may not get circulation even if you run the pump consistently. If you do not own either one of these, we strongly suggest every pool owner to have one. Manual vacuums hook up through your skimmer and uses suction to clean the pool.  Automatic pool cleaners work through suction, pressure, or electronic and automatically clean your pool.

Check your Phosphate Level A high phosphate level is a dream come true for algae.  Phosphates allow algae to grow & prosper in a place called your pool.  By using a product like “Phosfree” You will get rid of this algae food and have a crystal clear swimming pool! Phosphates can enter your pool from the environment, certain chemicals, and from swimmers.

But I have algae, What do I do now!?!??!

Do not worry, all hope is not lost! We’ll get you back to a crystal clear pool in no time.  The ways in treating algae all depend on what chemical system you are using.  In general, the first thing you want to do is brush up the algae off your walls, floor, & step. Algae is harder to kill when its clinging onto something.  Then you double the amount of normal shock/oxidizer you put in the pool, add double the algicide or a stronger algicide, let your water filter and a few hours later add a water clarify or floculant. It may take 24-48 hours for algae to clear up.  If you have brown/yellow(mustard) Algae or Black Algae, the process may take a little longer.  You can visit our site for more information on how to treat algae.

Contact us toll free at 1-866-736-0732

www.nationaldiscountpoolsupplies.com

Finding a replacement cartridge filter for your pool and/or spa

The most frustrating thing for spa owners and pool cartridge filter owners is trying to find a replacement cartridge filter.  There are hundreds of different cartridge filters made and finding the right one can sometimes be a chore.  I will post a few tips & tricks to try and make the cartridge search a little bit easier.

#1.  Try to find numbers on the cartridge

A lot of the time when searching for a filter, we can cross reference numbers that are currently on your cartridge filter.  The most common numbers out there are Unicel, Filbur (FB), and Pleatco (those always start with a P)

#2.  Measure your pool filter before you try and look for a new one

A lot of the times, we need the pool filter measurements when trying to match up the correct filter you need.   This becomes especially crucial when you cannot find any numbers on your current filter.   We look for the Diameter, Length, and size of the hole in them middle of the filter.

#3 Save the label from your replacement filter

When you receive a Pleatco replacement filter from us, there is a sticky label on the plastic wrapped around the cartridge.  The best thing you can do is peel that off, stick it to a sheet of paper, and put it with all of your pool/spa information.  This way, next time you go to order a filter, you know exactly what you need!

National discount pool supplies is currently in the process of adding & updating our pleatco replacement filter page!  If you have any questions or need help finding the correct filter for your pool or spa, please give us a call at 1-866-736-0732 or email us at info@nationaldiscountpoolsupplies.com

http://www.nationaldiscountpoolsupplies.com/repohottubca.html

Posted by  Maggie S. @ NDPS

 

Sand, Cartridge & D.E. Pool Filter Systems

There are three types of filter systems in the Pool industry; Sand, Cartridge and diatomaceous earth (DE).  So, which one should you choose?  Does one system filter better than the others?  Is one less expensive and easier to maintain?  Let’s take a look.  Also, a few hints & tips to maintain your filter system for current owners!

Cartridge Filters:  Cartridges are made of a fabric (usually bonded polyester – like in our Pleatco replacement filters) that collect debris, from fine silt to larger debris like algae.   Cartridges do a wonderful job at collecting all types of debris, but are a little less attractive when you are looking at a filter for easy maintenance.  Cartridge filters need to be taken apart (usually weekly, or biweekly) to be cleaned & rinsed.  For current owners: Make sure you are replacing your cartridge filter at least every other season.  Fibers in the fabric break down over time, and do not filter as well as it should be.  Your filter should also be taken in during the winter (if you are in an area where it reaches freezing temperatures) to ensure no damage is done to your filter.  Also, make sure you are using an acidic filter cleaner once a season, mid-season to ensure proper filtration.

Sand Filters:  Sand Filters use a #20 Silica Sand, which collects small & large debris from silt to algae just like the cartridge filters.  But unlike Cartridges, sand is a little bit more appealing to those looking for easy maintenance.  To clean a sand filter (weekly or bi-weekly depending on environment & use of pool), you simply turn a handle to a position called “backwash” and the filter cleans itself out.  For current owners: There is such a thing as backwashing too  much!  Make sure you are only backwashing when your pressure is 8-10 psi above your starting filter pressure.  THE BIG ONE: Your filter sand should be changed at a minimum of every other season! Your filter sand hardens over time, and the water creates little channels in the sand.  This means your pool water is bypassing the sand and you are not getting the proper filtration.  It is also recommended to use an acidic sand filter cleaner at least once a season to break down any build-up in your filter.

DE Filters: Diatomaceous Earth Filters are becoming more uncommon in the swimming pool industry every year.  Out of all three filter systems, the DE filters slightly better than the others, but it comes at a cost.  The DE is also the top filter system in the maintenance category.  The DE Filters require a great amount of maintenance.  This is the main reason they are not showing up in the pool industry as much as they used to.  Our main goal is to make pool ownership as fun and as easy as it can possibly be….after all, isn’t that why you have a pool??

Please respond with any comments or questions you may have on our blog, email us at drpool2001@yahoo.com or give us a call at 1-866-736-0732!
Visit our Site! National Discount Pool Supplies, LLC

New at National!

We have a new product at National Discount Pool Supplies that’s essential for anyone who owns a patio chair or lounge. Boca Beach Towel Clips!  These fun & exciting towel clips come in three different characters and are extremely durable against the elements.  The Boca Beach towel clips are a thick plastic and clip onto your deck chair, lounge or even work great for holding a table cloth down!

Chlorine for Spas vs. Alternative systems

Chlorine use in a spa

Chlorine is the basic chemical sanitizing system for any type of body of water. Pools, Spas, Water treatment centers, all use chlorine to sanitize water.  Here at National discount pool supplies, we try to stay away from Chlorine only sanitizing in a spa because chlorine is not stable in high temperatures, so if you are not consistent about checking your chlorine level, your spa may go unprotected.

So what chemicals can you use besides chlorine, or with chlorine, to make things  a little bit easier??? (After all, you got your spa for relaxation, right?)

The #1 alternative to Chlorine is the BaquaSpa chemical system.  Baqua Spa is a 100% Chlorine & Bromine free chemical system.  It is formulated with Hydrogen Peroxide and Polyhexamethylene Biguanide (To make it easy, we call it Biguanide or PHMB, after all, easy is what were going for here)  Biguanide is extremely safe (used in cosmetics, surgical scrubs, etc.) and is very stable in high  temperatures and does an excellent job at killing bacteria.  In my opinion, the best part of the Baqua Spa system is……….. You only add it once a week!!!!!! Yes, once a week, no more adding chlorine after you get out of your spa, or going out to your spa, when its cold and rainy outside (yes, its still cold & rainy here, Wisconsin weather, can’t beat it) just to make sure you have chlorine in your spa water.

Now, the Baqua Spa system may not be for everyone.  If you are using well water, which means you more than likely have a high level of Metals in your water, Baqua Spa is not the right fit for you.  (baqua spa doesn’t react well with metals like copper in your water) Another great alternative would be the Brilliance system.  The Brilliance for Spas 3-part chemical system is made with 100% Bromine.  There is no other Bromine system like this one.  Most bromine chemicals are still made with part Chlorine, but not Brilliance.  Bromine is not as harsh as chlorine, and is more stable in your high temperature spa water.  And just like the Bauqua Spa, it is only added once a week!!!!

This is starting to get a bit lengthy, but I’d like to hop on out of here with the FROG spa sanitizing system. Frog is a mineral system, that uses copper & silver to kill bacteria.  These two minerals do an excellent job at killing bacteria.  You can use the Frog one of two ways:  A mineral stick that sits in your filter, and then you manually add chlorine to the spa.  Or a mineral floater that has a Bromine floater along with it.  Normal Chlorine/Bromine levels should be at a 2-4 ppm range but with the frog, your range is 1 ppm or below.

Spa Chemicals can be found here: Spa Chemicals & Supplies at National

Don’t forget! We’re on Facebook! Like our page for special sales & discounts!

By: Maggie @ NDPS

Tips for a crystal clear pool all season long

Do you find your pool cloudy & algae filled half way through the season and just can’t figure out why??  Try these tricks of the trade to ensure a crystal clear swimming pool all season long!

Run your filter pump Do you shut off your pump and then forget to turn it back on for a few days? or maybe you’re only running your pump for a few hours a day?  Pool filter pumps are made to run consistently, 24 hours a day, seven days a week, all summer long. The only time you really should be turning off your pump is to clean your filter.  If you cannot run your pump all day, a great way to ensure it is being run at least 8-12 hours a day is to purchase a timer to automatically turn your pump on and off.

Test for Phosphates Phosphates help algae grow.  When you have high amounts of phosphates in your pool water, no matter how diligent you are with your chemical addition, there is a good chance algae will still show up in your pool.   Phosphates can come from your pool hoses, fertilizers, and other environmental factors.   To test for phosphates, you need a phosphate test kit, and if you have a high level of phosphates, you can use Natural Chemistry’s PhosFree.

Add extra Shock or Oxidizer when the pool is consistently used. Adding extra shock or oxidizer whether you use Chlorine, Baquacil, or another type of sanitizing system can help maintain a clear pool.  The shock is made to oxidize organics (hair products, lotions, sweat, unrine bleh!) .  When you have a large amount of swimmers, it never hurts to add a little extra shock or oxidizer.

Clean your filter! Not cleaning your filter whether it is Sand, Cartridge or DE, is one of the most common mistakes pool owners make.  Half way through the season, an acidic filter cleaner should be used such as Baquacil’s Sand Filter Cleaner or Baquacil’s Filter cleaner.  “Backwashing” a Sand filter all season long simply isn’t enough.  Pulling out your cartridge filter and rinsing it off does not break down all of the debris that is built up in the fibers of your filter.  Make sure you use a filter cleaner at least once a season!

If you run into one of these issues, feel free to email us or give us a call!

National Discount Pool Supplies – Ph: 1-866-736-0732 Email: drpool2001@yahoo.com

 

Post by Maggie S. @ NDPS