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.

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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!

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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®.

Aside from keeping you and other swimmers safe during night swims, pool lights and landscape lights can add ambiance, creating a relaxing or even romantic atmosphere. And multicolored lights make the pool fun, and can be part of your pool party decorations. You’ll find no shortage of lights for all types of pools, and the area around the pool.

Pool Lights For Safety, Ambiance, and Fun

Whether you have an inground, above ground, or Intex pool, you can find several options to add light and color to your swims. Don’t forget to add some lights around the pool deck and in the landscaping, too.

Best Inground Pool Lights

Your inground pool probably already has lights installed. But have you thought about upgrading them? If you don’t already have LED pool lights, give them a try. They add brightness and longevity while using less energy to save you money.

1. TOVEENEN LED High Brightness Pool Light

Older style incandescent pool lights give off warm light that’s further dimmed by the water. This bright white light creates a clearer swimming environment, making night swims safer for you and your family. This 60W LED light is specifically designed to replace 500W R40 incandescent bulbs.

Replacement is easy. Simply unscrew your incandescent bulb and install the LED lamp, then watch the energy and electricity bill savings roll in.

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2. LAMPAOUS RGB Multicolor LED Pool Light

Want something more than just plain white? Try a multicolored one! This 35W screw socket LED light offers five colors, and multiple show speeds for a variety of effects.

It’s also the perfect option to replace halogen or incandescent bulbs for brighter lights, less energy use, and lower electric bills. One small inconvenience may be that it has no remote, and must be operated by the main power switch. But that may be a small price to pay for better and brighter pool lights.

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3. TOVEENEN Color-Changing LED Pool Light

Like the bright white TOVEENEN, this multicolored LED light is specifically designed to replace incandescent pool lights. The LED will provide more light and last longer than any incandescent option, and just one bulb can light up 16 × 32 foot pool.

The light simply screws into an existing lamp base, and offers seven brilliant fixed colors, and nine dazzling light shows. It also has a memory featuree, which saves the last color mode in use when the lamp is turned off, saving you from having to program your favorite options over and over again.

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4. S. R. Smith LED Pool Light

With even light distribution and a wide beam spread, this LED light eliminates the end shadow effect common with other pool lights. In addition to the six colors it produces—including white—it has two color-changing modes, and four colored trim rings, allowing you to match your pool’s surface.

This light is ideal for gunite, fiberglass, and vinyl liner pools, and can be used for new construction, retrofits, or conversions to LED. The light offers 50,000 hours of lamp life, and comes with a three-year warranty.

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Best Above Ground Pool Lights

You may not be able to install any pool lights directly into your above ground pool walls the way you can with an inground pool, but that doesn’t mean you have to swim in the dark.

5. Pentair AquaLuminator Aboveground Light and Water Return

So what happens when you have an above ground pool, and you can’t plug any pool lights into the walls? You use a light and water return combo! This light fits the existing water return hole pre-punched by most aboveground pool manufacturers. So there’s no need to cut new holes and risk voiding your pool manufacturer’s warranty.

This light has a 25-inch plug-in cord. It also comes with a hard plumbing adapter, and a fountain attachment is also available.

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Best Pool Landscape Lights

Now that your pool’s all lit up, create even more outdoor ambiance with landscape lights.

6. ZUCKEO Waterproof LED Landscape Lights

This set of eight lights does double duty, adding beautiful warm light to your garden and pool area while also enhancing your yard’s security. Each light is a 5W LED light that gives off 500 Lumens, and only uses between 12v and 24v.

Their thick aluminum bodies and glass lens covers are water resistant, which means they can stand up to wet weather and pool splashout. The lights are rotatable with a 90-degree beam angle and 270-degree adjustable heads. The lights will require a transformer, wire connectors, and low-voltage wires, which are not included.

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Light It Up!

No matter what kind of pool you have, or how big (or small) your back yard is, you can add safety, beauty, ambiance, and fun with a handful of carefully placed pool lights and landscape lights.

It’s not difficult, and doesn’t have to be hard on your budget, either. It’s just a matter of choosing what works best for you, and what you find most appealing. Have fun with it!

Happy Swimming!

The post 6 Best Pool Lights appeared first on Swim University®.

Some cities and municipalities require fences around residential pools, and if you’re found not to have one, you can be fined. Aside from the potential fine, a fence is just a good idea for safety. But you know what? Pool enclosures keep your pool area even safer, and keep your pool safe from external hazards as well.

What Are Pool Enclosures?

They’re exactly what their name suggests. They’re much more than just a fence. They’re structures that actually enclose the pool, usually in large panels of glass or polycarbonate.

The panels are held together by metal beams, which are usually made from high-grade aluminum alloy. Some higher-end enclosures use wood for the frame. The end result is something similar to an atrium that lets in plenty of sunlight, unlike a pool cover, pergola, or other barrier you might put over the pool.

Pool Enclosure Benefits

Do you really need to enclose your pool rather than simply putting a fence around it? Maybe not. But pool enclosures offer numerous benefits you just can’t get from fences.

Legal Compliance

If you live in one of those places that requires residential pools be fenced in, you may go above and beyond that requirement with a pool enclosure. Be sure to check with your local coding authority or other government office before you begin construction.

Even worse than a fine for no fence would be having to tear down an enclosure you had built without knowing whether it would comply with your local ordinances.

Safety

You may be thinking about putting up a pool fence to ensure the safety of your kids, and the other kids in the neighborhood. But you know what? Kids are industrious, and many of them won’t be stopped by a fence they see as a challenge to climb.

But a pool enclosure? There’s no climbing over it to get into the pool area, and you can have a good lock put on the door. Add a pool alarm—just in case—and you’ve made doubly sure kids and pets will stay out of the pool area without your supervision.

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Privacy

Sure, the pool enclosure’s panels are transparent, but that doesn’t mean you can’t get some privacy in the pool area. You could install shades to keep out the neighbors’ prying eyes.

Or you can put up window film that gives the look of etched or even stained glass. It’s easy to install, and will provide both privacy and beauty.

Pool Protection

How often do you have to fish leaves, twigs, dead bugs, and other debris out of your pool water? Weekly? Daily? Well, don’t throw away the leaf skimmer just yet because you never know when it might come in handy. But a pool enclosure means you’ll have a drastically reduced amount of debris in your pool, which means less work for you.

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Extended Pool Season

Pool enclosures essentially create indoor pools. They also trap heat, keeping your pool warmer and more comfortable in cooler weather. Put up an enclosure, and enjoy swimming well into fall, or maybe even winter, if you live in a milder climate.

Reduced Evaporation

The number one reason for water loss in a pool is evaporation. Water evaporates no matter what, but a pool out in the open will lose water more quickly due to wind. A pool enclosure removes wind from the equation, meaning you’ll have to replace and balance the pool water less often, which can save you money.

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Reduced Bugginess

You love your pool. But so do wasps, mosquitoes, water bugs, frogs, and other critters you’d rather not have hanging around your pool.

You’ll still get the occasional fly or other nuisance insect in your pool area, just like you do in your house. But you’ll be able to swim in peace without worrying about being stung, bitten, or just grossed out.

Enhanced Night Swimming

Do you love swimming at night, but hate the lack of light? You can install pool lights, sure, but sometimes installing and changing lights below the water line can be a huge hassle.

Instead, run string lights along the beams over the pool. You’ll get more light, be able to enjoy your night swims, and not have to worry about doing maintenance work under the water.

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Increased Property Value

This one’s a little iffy. Pools do sometimes add value to properties. But you also have to consider how much it cost to install the pool or pool enclosure, and whether that’s covered in the sale price.

Also, some homebuyers see a pool as an undesirable chore, even if it’s enclosed. So if you plan to sell your home in the future, think carefully before you spend the money to install an enclosure around the pool.

Aesthetics

Pool enclosures range from very basic metal and polycarbonate structures, to gorgeous showpieces worthy of inclusion in the toniest of neighborhoods.

Depending on your budget, you may be able to create a veritable paradise around your pool. But even if you decide on a more basic enclosure, it gives you more decorative options like window shades, patterned window film, hanging plants, and other things that an outdoor pool just can’t accommodate.

Saved Money

OK, yes, pool enclosures can be a little on the pricey side, especially if you get a fancier model. But you may be able to make at least some of that money back in a few ways.

The reduced evaporation will mean having to replace water less often, which gives you a break on your water bill. It also means having to add fewer chemicals to the water less often, so there’s a little money back in your pocket as well.

Then there’s homeowner’s insurance. You may get a bit of a break by installing a fence around your pool. But with the added security and safety a pool enclosure provides, your insurance provider may give you even more of a discount on your premiums.

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Pool Enclosure Types

You have a few options to choose from, depending on what you want your pool area to look like, and how much you want to spend.

• Flat Enclosures: These are usually the most cost effective out there, but they still look great on your pool. They sit right along the edge of the pool and pretty much act as fancy pool covers. You can retract them whenever you want to use your pool.
• Low-Profile Enclosures: On this type, the enclosure itself is raised slightly. The result is an enclosure that gives the pool a nice, low rounded top. You can swim in your pool when this enclosure is on, but you can’t really stand up inside it. You’ll be fine once you’re in the water. Just don’t plan on doing any big leaps into the air.
• Standing Enclosures: These basically transform your pool into an indoor pool, and can end up being quite expensive depending on the size you need to cover your pool, and the material they’re made of. Usually, wood and glass pool enclosures will cost more than metal and polycarbonate ones.

How Much Do Pool Enclosures Cost?

Way too many variables exist for us to be able to give you any kind of accurate estimate. Pool size, enclosure materials, labor, location, and several other considerations will factor into the price.

Do your due diligence, get several quotes, and then choose the options that are right for your pool and your budget.

An Enclosed Pool is a Happy Pool

Whatever the reasons that lead you to consider pool enclosures, consider this addition an investment. With as much benefit as you’ll get from enclosing your pool, it’s worth considering before you settle for a simple fence.

Happy Swimming!

The post The Ultimate Guide to Pool Enclosures appeared first on Swim University®.

On the other hand, if you manage your entire life via smartphone, and you enjoy leveraging new technology to make life more convenient, pool automation is a natural extension of your smart home. You can control, schedule, and manage everything from adjusting the pump speed, to turning on the spa, all while on the go.

Whether you just want your pump and heater to run on a schedule, or tell Amazon Alexa to get the spa ready for when you get home from work, you’ll have the power at your fingertips. All it takes is Wi-Fi, a good automation system, and a few hours of setup, and your smart pool control will be ready to obey your every command.

How Does Pool Automation Work?

Obviously, you won’t be able to control your pool (or anything else) unless the wiring that powers those systems is connected to a control or switch. The way these systems work can be confusing if you’re not an electrician, but it’s actually pretty simple.

First things first. To add smart pool automation, you’ll need to ensure you have a reliable internet connection, preferably with upload and download speeds of at least 3 Mbps available wherever your pool pad is located. It’s easy to check the strength of your internet connection with online speed testers.

The latest generation of smart control systems connect wirelessly to your home network or, if you prefer, through a wired Ethernet connection.

The heart of your pool automation system will be a control hub that is connected to your pump, heater, and smart relays, which control additional devices such as lights or booster pumps. A touchscreen control pad means you can always operate all your equipment from the pool pad, even if you lose your internet connection.

Additionally, some automation brands will control valve actuators, which enables you to switch from pool to spa with just a tap of your app.

While newer products have made it fairly easy to add automation to your existing pool equipment, installation involves working with electricity and some basic software setup. The latest generation of automation systems can be installed in about two hours.

Important: Safety first. If you’re fine with software setup, but aren’t a savvy electrician, hire a pro. Aside from ensuring the system will be installed correctly, it’ll keep you and your system safe as well.

Do I Really Need Pool Automation?

Maybe you’re wondering how exactly pool automation might fit into your life, beyond simply scheduling or adjusting settings from your smartphone. Well, get ready because the possibilities are truly exciting.

Spa Night

You’re just wrapping up an amazing dinner date, and it looks like you might be headed for a swim, or a soak in the attached hot tub. The only problem? You’re not home yet, and your spa is cold. You want to walk through the door and take your date straight to the water.

No problem. Just open the app on your smartphone and initiate the theme (also called routines or group functions, depending on the app) you named “Spa Night.” While you drive back to your place, your spa heater will get the water up to a comfortable temperature, and your landscape lights will kick on.

No interruptions, just a continuation of your already fantastic evening. Not to mention, your date will be duly impressed by your forethought.

Bonus: You can also activate your Spa Night theme on your way home from a particularly stressful workday. Hey, who says you can’t pamper yourself a little?

Vacation

You’re lying on the beach outside your hotel, enjoying the sand and surf. The last thing you want to be concerned with is arriving home to cold water, or an algae problem in your pool.

Not to worry. With a “Vacation” theme set up before you go, you can set your automatic pool cleaner to work at specific intervals, keeping your pool spotless for when you get home.

You can also schedule your pump to run at lower speeds automatically every day, and at certain times such as during off-peak hours when power rates are lowest. Check with your local utility.

And if you’re traveling during winter, you can set your pool or attached-spa heater to turn on automatically if the temperature drops below a predetermined setting.

Party Time

You’re busy decorating, preparing food, and setting up extra seating. You don’t have time to run out to your pool pad and mess with controls. Instead, you can tell your voice-assisted device to initiate your “Party Time” theme.

With that simple verbal command, all the actions preprogrammed into your theme will begin. Kick the pool heater on and bring the water up to the ideal temperature. Run your pump. Turn on water features and backyard lights. Your pool will be party-ready without your lifting a finger.

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01/28/2023 06:59 am GMT

Out-of-the-Box Pool Automation

Some of the latest variable-speed pool pumps include full automation systems that allow you to control your pump, heater, and pool lights from a simple-to-use smartphone app, no matter which brand of pool equipment you already have.

Some of these systems also work with Amazon Alexa by enabling the appropriate “Skill” within the device. If and when you’re ready to replace your pool pump, you may want to consider one of these packages. They offer a new pump and a pool automation system, all for one price.

You can also buy complete pool automation systems without a new pump or other hardware. They come with the hub, controllers, and switches necessary to automate your basic pool functions but can be considerably more complicated to install and possibly more expensive.

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Piecemeal Pool Automation

If you already have some of the network controls and smart devices you’ll need, you can essentially build a pool automation system. This approach will depend on which devices you already have and your comfort level with technology. If you’re a DIYer who’s comfortable with tailoring your own tech solutions, you’ll love exploring all the ways you can customize pool automation to your liking.

To start, you’ll still need the basic setup including a hub and controls or switches for each device you want to link to your hub. Since you’re not buying a pool-only solution, you’ll need a hub, such as the SmartThings hub.

It’s similar to the smart hubs created by pool brands, except you’ll be able to link multiple components or devices (as many as 200, with some hubs), and create routines to trigger a group of actions with just one command.

Once you have your hub set up, you can begin connecting devices. Your pool pump and heater can be connected using a controller, of course. But you can also connect items such as lights, water leak sensors, smart outlets and switches, motion sensor pool alarms, and sound systems.

For both safety and security, you can connect motion-activated security cameras to get live video alerts on your smartphone when movement is detected in your pool area.

You can even connect door and window alarms to your hub so you can turn them on and monitor activity around your pool area remotely. These functions go a long way to putting your mind at ease with small children and pets in the home.

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01/27/2023 08:49 pm GMT

Additional Pool Automation Integration

What else can you use to control some of these systems besides smartphone apps? This is where you can really have fun if you’re comfortable with technology.

Online Software Integration

Software integrations, such as IFTTT (If This Then That), allow you to automate processes based on myriad trigger actions. For example, you can use an IFTTT recipe to turn your pool heater on when Weather Underground says the air temperature in your location has dropped below a certain point.

Other possible recipes for automating your pool area include turning on your pool lights when your GPS shows you’ve arrived at home, turning on your hot tub or pool heater when GPS shows you leave work, get a phone call if your pool door is opened while you’re away, or even turn off a hub-connected device, such as your pool pump, at sunrise each day.

Voice Assistant Device Integration

Controlling your pool cleaner or water features with your voice isn’t just fun, it’s practically a necessity in some households. At least until we all have Rosie Robots to do everything for us the way the Jetsons did.

Some of the pool brand automation solutions feature integration with voice assistants such as Google Home, Amazon Alexa, or Apple’s smartwatch. You’ll find other hubs sometimes offer a few more voice assistant compatibility options as well.

These handy and helpful devices are becoming more common among consumers every year. By the end of 2017, about half of Americans were using voice assistants, especially on their smartphones, but also on standalone devices.

If using a voice assistance device is important to you, be sure that the automation system you choose integrates with the devices you already have. Remember, you can use IFTTT recipes with those voice assistant devices, too.

What Are You Waiting For? Automate Your Pool!

You’ll find pool automation possibilities for just about every scenario you can imagine. You’re only limited by your imagination.

Whichever approach you choose, just remember that pool automation can save you frustration and money every day, help you get even more return on your pool investment, and allow you to spend more time swimming and less time maintaining.

Happy Swimming!

The post The Complete Guide to Pool Automation appeared first on Swim University®.

When you bought your above ground pool, it likely came as a package—the frame, the liner, and maybe even the pump, ladder, and cover. You didn’t have to make any decisions about those individual components. So how do you choose a replacement liner? And how do you care for it to make it last longer? It’s just a matter of learning some terminology and a few maintenance tips, and you’ll be back to backstroking in no time.

Above Ground Pool Liners: Hard Side or Soft Side?

First things first. Soft-sided pools, such as Intex pools, are made of a single piece of material that serves as both liner and pool walls. That’s not what we’re talking about here.

Hard-sided above ground pools use liners. They offer some support to the liner, so the vinyl doesn’t need to be quite as heavy duty as it is for a soft-sided pool. Unfortunately, the reduced durability can make the vinyl more vulnerable to damage, which eventually leads to the need to replace the liner.

Is It Time to Replace Your Liner?

If it’s more patch than pool, yeah, it’s probably time to replace that above ground pool liner. But a lot of factors can speed the need for replacement.

Sun Damage

The longer your pool spends out in the sun, the more potential for liner damage. The sun’s ultraviolet (UV) rays may not only bleach it, but can dry out the part of the liner above the water level, leaving it weak and brittle.

Too Much Chlorine

More isn’t always better, especially when it comes to chlorine. Too much chlorine in your pool can weaken the liner over time.

Lawn Mower Projectiles

No matter how careful you are, sometimes when you’re mowing your lawn, something ends up flying. If the debris hits your pool, it can tear the liner.

Windy, Rainy Weather

Nothing is as hard on your pool as the weather. Maybe you get a lot of thunderstorms, or maybe you even live in an area prone to tornadoes and hurricanes. Those events can throw tree limbs and other debris into your pool, damaging above ground pool liners. Or, you know, just taking the entire pool out.

Old Age

Just like anything else in life, above ground pool liners become brittle over time. It’s just part of the aging process we all go through.

Expansion and Contraction

Heat and cold have the same effects on all matter: expansion and contraction. It’s just science. And this applies to vinyl. Years of expanding and contracting can create weak spots in your liner, which can lead to leaks.

Got a Leak? Good Luck With That

Don’t get us wrong. Leaks in above ground pool liners are super easy to fix, and it’s always good to know how to patch a pool liner. Just Get a repair kit and you’ll be swimming again before you can say Marco Polo. The challenge is finding the leak.

Unless it’s a huge, obvious gash pouring water into your yard, finding a leak in an above ground pool is notoriously difficult. If you want to take a shot at finding the pool leak, you can try the bucket test. But finding a tiny leak in an above ground pool is so challenging, it may take you less time to get a new liner and install it.

How to Choose a New Above Ground Pool Liner

When you’re looking for a replacement liner, you’ll find four basic styles. They differ in how they attach to the pool.

Overlap Liner

As its name suggests, an overlap liner folds over the pool wall. It’s then clipped into place with coping strips These above ground pool liners can be a bit tricky to install properly, but they’re typically the most economical option.

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Beaded Liner

Also called snap bead and standard bead liners, these are designed with a bump running around the top edge, which is tucked into a special track on top of the pool wall. You can get conversion kits to switch your overlap setup to a beaded one.

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J-Hook Liner

A simpler installation than overlap and beaded above ground pool liners, a J-hook liner has a thick rubber fold running along the top edge.

Also called J-bead and V-bead due to the shape of that rubber fold, it’s slipped over the top edge of your pool wall. It doesn’t require coping strips to stay in place. Just install the top rails right over it.

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01/27/2023 09:00 pm GMT

Universal Bead

One style of liner can be installed on any setup you have—the universal or unibead liner. This style is shaped like a J-hook, and can be installed the same way.

If you have a beaded liner track, just trim off the top edge of the unibead, and it works just like a standard beaded liner. It’s designed so trimming is easy, too. Snip just above the beaded part and peel the top strip away with your hands.

Two other styles of universal liners differ slightly, but can also be used for either type of installation.

The duo-bead features a folding flap so it can be installed in either setup without trimming. Leave it folded to use in a beaded track, or fold open the flap to use as a J-hook.

The EZ-bead liner has a J-hook shape, but with a thick track for beaded use on the outside of the flap, so no alteration is needed to use it in either type of installation.

Brand-Specific

In addition to the four standard types of above ground pool liners, some pool brands have slightly altered the bead and receiving tracks so you must buy their brand liners for the best fit. Kayak, Esther Williams, and Wilkes are three such brands.

This isn’t necessarily bad, but it’s something to be aware of when shopping for above ground pool liners that will work with your setup. Other brands that don’t make pools do make liners to fit those picky brands, though.

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01/27/2023 08:24 pm GMT

How Do You Measure Durability?

No industry standard exists for precisely measuring the strength of pool liners, but the thickness can give you a sense of durability.

Very thick liners can be cumbersome to install and tougher to get wrinkles out of. Poor fit or installation mistakes can affect your vinyl as well, so the thickest liner around may be only as good as its installation.

Two units of measure refer to the thickness of above ground pool liners (and any vinyl, really): mil and gauge.

How Much is a Mil?

The standard United States unit of measure for one-thousandth of an inch is a mil. It comes from the Latin mille, which means thousand.

Typically, above ground pool liners measure 20 or 25 mil. For a little context, a dime measures 49 mil while a standard sheet of paper measures just 10 mil.

How is a Liner Gauged?

Because gauge isn’t standardized in the pool industry, one 25 gauge liner could measure 25 mil, while another could be 22 mil. Gauge sizes differ between manufacturers, too. The difference is usually slight, though.

If you stick with respected pool brands and pay careful attention to size and fit, the difference is unlikely to affect your pool liner’s lifespan. But for a more accurate idea of an above ground pool liner’s strength, you’re better off looking for the mil measurement.

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What’s Under the Above Ground Pool Liner?

Whoa, there! Before you just throw a new liner in the pool and call it good, make sure you also get a hiqh-quality liner pad. It’s a protective layer that goes between the ground and the pool liner. It helps prevent punctures and lumps you’d get if the liner were just sitting on bare ground.

Liner pads are made from two materials.

Foam Liner Pad

Rolled out in strips and trimmed to fit under the pool floor, foam pads are best for retaining heat and keeping the pool floor smooth, soft, and comfortable to walk on.

Geotextile Liner Pad

Usually a single sheet of durable polyester-based material, sometimes with seams, geotextile pads are precut, but may also be trimmed to fit your pool. They’re best for preventing lumps, nutgrass growth, and mildew-causing moisture.

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And Then There’s Coving

The bottom of an inground pool doesn’t have sharp corners where the floor and walls meet. Instead, it’s a gentle slope. To create this same effect in an above ground pool, you’ll use coving. It’s usually made of foam, and attaches to the pool wall.

The liner pad can go under or over the coving, and then the pool liner sits on top of both. You don’t have to use coving in your pool, but it can help protect your liner from stretching, wrinkles, and any damage that could be caused by the liner being wedged into a tight corner.

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Measure Twice, Buy Once

All you need to determine which size liner your pool requires is a tape measure and something to write down your measurements. Because pool walls can warp and shift, take each measurement twice.

To get the height of any shape above ground pool, measure from the bottom rail to the top. Remove any obstacles from the ground to ensure an accurate measurement.

Check your result by measuring the height on a second section of wall. If the figure is between standard liner heights, round up.

Round Pools

Measure straight across the inside of the pool at the top. Walk a quarter of the way around your pool, then measure straight across from there. These figures should be the same. If not, choose the largest. Round up if it falls between standard liner sizes.

Oval Pools

Measure inside the pool from rounded end to rounded end for thelength figure, then from straight side to straight side for the width. Measure width at two different points, and round up if necessary.

Rectangular Pools

Measure length and width, in two different spots each. Note your pool’s corner shape.

Important: Remember to measure from inside the pool walls, not from the outer edge or top rails.

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01/27/2023 04:28 pm GMT

How to Install an Above Ground Pool Liner

How you attach your new liner will depend on which type it is. The rest of the installation will be the same, regardless of liner type.

To prevent a wall collapse, only drain your pool when you’re ready to install the new liner. Remove any remaining water with a pump or dig a small hole below the wall at the lowest edge of your pool, then cut open the liner at the hole, and allow the water to run out.

Now you’re ready to install the new liner!

You’ll Need:

• New pool liner
• Liner pad (either material)
• Coving, optional
• Clean sand (if needed)
• Utility knife
• Screwdriver
• Adjustable pliers
• Push broom
• Tamper (or other soil-compacting tool)
• Rubber mallet
• Shop-Vac
• Duct tape
• Gaskets for skimmer and return

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1. Remove the Old Liner and Accessories

Keep the top rail installed so it stabilizes the pool walls. Remove the skimmer and return, using a screwdriver and pliers.

Using a utility knife, cut the liner a few inches below the top rail. Cut the liner into smaller pieces, so it’s easier to remove and discard.

Remove the liner pad and coving, if you have them, so you’re left with bare sand or dirt inside the pool walls. If you dug a hole to drain excess water, fill it in now.

2. Attach the Shop-Vac

Slide the vacuum hose into the skimmer opening and down the side of the pool until it’s about six inches (15 centimetres) above the ground. Use the duct tape to secure the hose and seal the opening. Tape the return closed.

3. Add and Smooth the Sand

If you used sand previously, check whether there’s still enough to support the bottom of the pool. If not (or if you don’t have any at all), lay enough sand to create a 3-inch bed across the entire inside of the pool.

Level the sand bed using a push broom, then pack it down with a tamper. If you don’t have a tamper, you may be able to rent a soil compacting tool from a local hardware store.

4. Install the Liner Pad

Follow the manufacturer’s installation instructions for the liner pad you chose. Wear only socks when walking on the pad (and liner) to avoid damage.

5. Place the Coving

Adhere the coving to the pool walls, taking care not to leave any gaps between any of the pieces.

6. Unroll the Liner

Place the liner in the center of the pool, then unfold it, working outward. Find the seam on the backside of the liner (the side you won’t see once it’s installed) where the floor piece and wall piece attach, and pull it toward the coving.

7. Remove the Top Rail

The pool walls will be wobbly, but you must remove the top rail to install the new liner. Remember to remove the strip of old liner left underneath the rail.

If possible, remove and replace one section at a time to prevent the pool walls from collapsing. This step may be easier with the help of a friend or two.

8. Center and Hang

Adjust the liner as needed to get it centered properly. Begin hanging the liner, whether you’re draping it over the wall or setting it into a track.

Those friends will come in handy here again to help stabilize the pool wall while you work your way around, so tugging on the liner won’t collapse a wall. Use your sock feet to push the liner against the coving.

9. Replace Coping and Top Track

If you’re using an overlap liner, replace the coping. Tap down stubborn coping with a rubber mallet. Install the track, then secure the plates.

10. Turn on the Shop-Vac

The vacuum will remove the air from behind the liner and eliminate most liner wrinkles. As the vacuum runs, continue pushing the liner toward the coving with your feet, stretching the wrinkles out of the floor of the liner as you work your way around the pool.

11. Start the Water

When the liner is smoothed out, start filling the pool. Use the fill time to re-install the top rails, then the caps.

12. Remove the Shop-Vac

When the pool contains a few inches of water, shut off the Shop-Vac and remove the hose. Remove all the tape.

When the water is about 12 inches deep, replace the skimmer and return fittings using new gaskets.

13. Fill ‘Er Up

Go take a nap while your pool fills up. Just make sure someone’s keeping an eye on it.

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Water Care is Liner Care

You take care of the things you care about. You wouldn’t put grandma’s china in the dishwasher—at least, not after what happened last time. Your pool liner may not be as delicate as that china, but it still requires maintenance to prevent damage and extend its life.

Using too many harsh chemicals in your pool or letting it go to swamp at the end of each season may severely affect the integrity and longevity of your liner.

Keep your pool chemistry balanced for the health of the liner, your pool, and everyone who swims in it.

No one wants to hang out in swamp water. Except, of course, swamp monsters. But they’re not invited to your pool. To keep it clean, clear, and monster free, follow the correct steps to winterize your above ground pool every year.

How to Clean Your Pool Liner

Help your sanitizer work more effectively, prevent algae blooms, keep bacteria from setting up camp on your liner, and keep your water chemistry stable by properly cleaning your liner on a regular basis. And guess what? You don’t have to drain the pool first. In fact, you don’t want to drain the pool first.

Draining your above ground pool can leave the liner vulnerable to damaging ultraviolet rays. It may also affect the integrity of the walls, or even cause your pool to collapse. Unless you’re replacing the liner, don’t drain your pool.

When the time comes to replace the liner, be sure you know how to drain a pool before you start. You’ll save yourself a lot of headaches and avoid costly mistakes.

You’ll need a few things to keep your liner clean.

• Telescoping pole
• Pool brush with nylon bristles
• Vacuum head safe for vinyl liners
• Water testing kit
• Pool shock

1. Brush!

Time to attack those decay germs! OK, maybe just a little algae. Attach the brush to the telescoping pole. Use it to scrub the walls and floor of the pool. Don’t be afraid to put a little muscle into it, but remember you’re doing this to protect your liner—not to destroy it.

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2. Vacuum

Once you’ve stirred up everything that was stuck to the pool walls, manually vacuum as much of it out as possible.

3. Balance the Water

Test the water and adjust chemical levels as necessary, ensuring it’s balanced before moving forward.

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4. Shock the Pool

Add the same dose of shock you use in your weekly water regimen. If you’ve got an algae problem, treat it now with a double dose of shock.

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Use the entire contents of the bag when opened. If any granules settle to the bottom of the pool use brush to disperse them. Add the right dosage of this product during evening hours while the filter pump is running.

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5. Filter Forever

Okay, really just run your pump for a few hours until the water clears. You’ll have shock, particulate contaminants, and dead bacteria clouding up your pool water until your filtration system can catch ’em all.

Whew! Installing above ground pool liners is hard work! You’ve earned some time relaxing in the pool. And you know, if this all seems a little overwhelming, don’t be afraid to hire a pro to replace the liner for you. What you spend on a quality liner might as well be thrown away if it’s not installed correctly.

And now that you know exactly what goes into replacing a pool liner, maybe you’ll give it a little extra TLC throughout the year to keep it in good shape. It’s the least you can do for something that gives you so much enjoyment, right?

Happy Swimming!

The post The Complete Guide to Above Ground Pool Liners appeared first on Swim University®.

Eventually, your liner will go on strike. Maybe not altogether or in a big way. Maybe it’ll just develop a teeny, tiny tear that you can’t even see unless you’re right up close. And because you can’t see it, you might not notice it until it’s too late and patching isn’t enough. You’ll need to replace your pool liner.

Inground Pool Liners: Strong but Not Invincible

Anything that can hold tens of thousands of gallons of chemically treated water day in and day out has to be super strong, right? Absolutely. Inground pool liners are built to be sturdy and long lasting.

But everything eventually wears out over time, even the heavy-duty vinyl used in your liner. And sometimes, certain conditions or events occur that can speed the aging process, or just outright cause damage that can only be addressed with the purchase of a new liner.

Sunlight

They’re great for warming up your pool, but they’re not so great for your liner. The sun’s ultraviolet (UV) rays can take a toll on your pool liner, not just bleaching it, but eventually making the portion that remains above the water level brittle and weak.

Overchlorination

We get it. You want a clean pool. Who doesn’t? But when it comes to chlorine, more isn’t always better. Just as too much bleach in your laundry can eventually start to wear holes in your clothes, too much chlorine in your pool can slowly eat away at the liner, weakening it.

Lawn Mower Shrapnel

You try to clear your lawn of all obstacles before you mow. But sometimes, something slips through, and your mower sends it flying. If it lands in your pool, possibly hitting the liner before sinking to the bottom, it can cause tears.

Stormy Weather

From heavy thunderstorms to hurricanes, weather beats up on your pool like nothing else. Tree limbs or other debris might fall into your pool, scraping the liner on its way down, or damaging the bottom when it lands.

Playful Puppies

Taking a swim can help your dog cool off in the summer. And some dogs just really enjoy the water. But if their nails aren’t trimmed (or they are, but have ragged edges), or your buddy decides to try to claw his way out via the wall instead of taking the stairs, he can inadvertently scratch up the liner.

Expansion and Contraction

Everything reacts to heat and cold by expanding and contracting. Even things that seem completely solid, like concrete. The same is true for vinyl. Over the years, all that expanding and contracting can create weak spots.

Old Age

Getting old sucks. The older we get, the less flexible and sturdy we are. The same is true for inground pool liners. They become brittle over time, or stretched thin from holding all that water over the years.

The average pool liner lifespan is 5 to 9 years. If it’s low quality or it becomes damaged, it may not even last that long. And if it’s been in your pool for 15 or 20 years, even if everything looks fine, you may want to consider replacing it before the inevitable happens, and you end up having to address a leak.

Leaky Liners Create Profound Problems

Normal evaporation can lower a pool’s water level by ¼ to ½ an inch per week. A few external factors can increase that rate, such as: warm pool water; warm, dry air; windy conditions; and heat generated by sunlight.

But if you’ve noticed your water level dropping by an inch or more per week, it may be an indication of a leak. If you know how to patch a pool liner, you may be able to find and fix a pool leak, and a patch may last for a while. Eventually, though, you’ll need to replace that liner to prevent damage to the underlying structure of your pool, your deck, and your yard.

How to Choose a New Inground Pool Liner

If your pool came with the house when you bought it, you may not know where to even begin to decide on a new one. Knowing a few key terms will help you make an educated decision.

Virgin Vinyl

We’re not talking about Richard Branson’s record company. When referring to pool liners (or other products made of vinyl), virgin vinyl means the material doesn’t include any other plastics or recycled vinyl sources. It’s brand new, fresh from the factory, and that’s a good feature to have.

Virgin vinyl expands and contracts more evenly than composite vinyl, which means less chance of premature weak spots caused by temperature fluctuations or UV exposure.

Mil

Thickness is an indicator of durability in pool liners. For inground vinyl liners, thickness is measured in mil. Not to be confused with millimeters, this is a standard unit of measure that equates to one one-thousandth of an inch.

Most vinyl liners range between 20 and 35 mil. So a 20-mil liner is 20 thousandths of an inch thick. For a little context, a sheet of regular paper measures 10 mil. A dime is 49 mil.

You may also see some inground liners have two mil figures, such as 28/20. The first number refers to the wall section, and the second number is the floor. The wall will always be the larger number, thicker because it expands and contracts much more than the floor does. The two pieces are sealed together at a seam where the wall and floor meet.

Keep in mind, thicker doesn’t always mean better. For quality, better to aim for virgin vinyl. You don’t need to pay thousands of dollars more for super-thick vinyl to get 15 years out of your liner.

Gauge

Less common among inground liners is the gauge measurement. It’s not standardized in the pool industry, though some manufacturers use it interchangeably with the mil. But because it doesn’t represent a true unit of measure, liner makers can embellish a bit with gauge figures. The difference is usually negligible, but mil is the more trustworthy figure to go by.

Warranty

OK, you already know what this one means. But it’s important to check the warranty’s fine print before buying an inground pool liner. Nearly all liners carry a warranty, but their terms and coverage amounts vary significantly. A 20-year warranty covering few issues may not be worth the extra money you’d spend to get it.

How to Measure for a New Inground Pool Liner

Once you’ve determined it’s time for a new liner, your first step will be to measure your pool. It’s important to measure as accurately as possible because most replacement liners are cut to fit based on the figures you provide.

Some manufacturers have templates or apps for recording and sending measurements to them. Measuring a rectangular pool is pretty straightforward, but other pool shapes can be tricky.

If you have anything other than a rectangular pool, you may want to hire a professional to ensure accurate measurements. The last thing you want to do is spend a lot of money on a new inground pool liner only to find it doesn’t fit. If you decide to go with a pro, you can skip all the measuring stuff.

If you decide to do it yourself, you’ll need:

• Two, 100-foot tape measures
• Pencil and paper (or liner manufacturer’s template)
• Telescoping pole
• Utility knife
• Chalk
• A couple of friends to help

1. Measure Length and Width

In a round pool, measure straight across in two different spots to ensure accuracy. In oval pools, measure round end to round end for length, then two parallel spots on the sides for width. Measure the short and long sides of a rectangular pool in two spots each to check your results.

Rectangular Pool: Measure the short and long sides in two spots each to check your results.
Round Pool: Measure straight across in two different spots to ensure accuracy.
Oval Pool: Measure round end to round end for length, then two parallel spots on the sides for width.

Important: Measure inside the pool walls (the liner won’t cover the pool coping), and pull the measuring tape as tight as possible. Getting into the water may make this easier.

2. Measure the Corner Radius

Find the seam in each pool wall (called panel joints) nearest the corner. Starting at each joint, pull a tape measure out parallel to the wall. The distance at which they cross is the corner radius.

Tip: Obviously, round and oval pools won’t have corners. This is where hiring a pro to take these measurements becomes a really good idea.

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01/27/2023 04:28 pm GMT

3. Measure Three Depths

Measure each end, then find the difference between them to get three depth figures.

Shallow End: Measure the depth from the top of the liner track to the bottom of the wall on each side of the shallow end. You may use the utility knife to cut a slice in the liner and insert your measuring tape behind it to make measuring easier. But only do this if you’re definitely replacing the liner!

Deep End: Insert the telescoping pole straight down to the flat part of your deep end (called the hopper). Mark it with chalk, then lay the pole on the ground and measure to your chalk line.

Figure the Difference: Subtracting the shallow depth from the deep end depth for your third depth figure.

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4. Measure Four Lengths

Extend one measuring tape along the full length of your pool—again, inside the pool walls, not up on the pool deck—to get the three length figures you need. This is where a couple of friends will be really helpful.

Shallow End: Use the telescoping pole to feel where the slope to the deep end begins. Check the tape at this spot to get the length of the shallow end.

Slope: Feel with the pole to where the slope ends, then check the tape for the distance from the top to the bottom of the slope.

Hopper: Use the pole to find where the back pool wall begins to slope upward. The distance from the middle slope to the back slope is the length of the hopper.

Determine the Back Slope Measurement: From the deep end to the back side of your pool, the wall slopes up and out. Get the length of this slope by subtracting the three length measurements (shallow end, slope, and hopper) from the total length of your pool.

5. Measure the Sidewall Slope and Hopper Width

This one’s a little tricky.

Sidewall Slope:Extend one measuring tape across the back end of the pool. Run the telescoping pole down the sidewall of your pool until it hits the bottom. That’s where the slope ends. Lay the pole down onto the coping on the side of the pool. Extend your second measuring tape from the spot where the pole hits the pool edge to the first measuring tape to find the sidewall slope.

Determine the Hopper Width: Subtract both sidewall slopes from the full pool width to determine the hopper’s width.

Important: We can’t stress this enough. Measuring instructions online, whether written or in a video, only go so far. If you’ve never measured for a pool liner before, and you have any doubts about doing it yourself, we highly recommend hiring a professional to measure for you. If you measure incorrectly, and get the wrong size liner, you’ll be out a lot of money for something you can’t use, and that can’t be altered.

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Inground Pool Liners: The Replacing

Even if your measurements were good, and you got the right size liner, if you install it poorly, you could end up with a big, watery mess on your hands. So we’re going to start with another recommendation: If you’ve never replaced an inground pool liner before, and you have any doubts about how to do it correctly, hire a professional. If you decide to go that route, you can skip down to what you’ll need to do once the liner is installed.

If you’re going to go for it …

1. Empty Your Pool

Improperly emptying an inground pool can cause the pool to literally pop out of the ground. Make sure you know how to drain a pool before you begin.

Also make sure you direct water to sanitary sewage so it won’t kill wildlife or create perching. If you’re not sure about this, contact your local water authority to ensure you’re following municipal rules. This doesn’t just protect wildlife, it can protect you from fines.

Gather your tools while you wait for the water to drain.

You’ll need:

• Pool liner
• Screwdriver
• Push broom
• Pool wall foam
• Pool wall foam spray adhesive
• Gaskets for fittings (optional)
• Shop-Vac
• Duct tape
• Utility knife
• Garden hose

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2. Remove Everything

Use a screwdriver to remove all the faceplates and gaskets. Pull the old liner from the bead track or trim it away. The liner will be heavy, so cut it into smaller, more manageable sections to remove it more easily. Pull the remaining strip from the track.

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3. Make any Necessary Repairs

If your pool walls have cracks, fix them now. If you uncover significant damage, it may require professional repairs before you can install the new liner.

4. Install the Foam

Use the utility knife to cut the foam into strips for easier installation. Use spray adhesive to secure the strips to the pool walls. Work in sections, carefully lining up the foam to prevent gaps. Be aware that using wall foam may actually increase the risk of liner punctures.

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5. Place the Liner

Take the new liner to the center of the pool and unfold it. Remove your shoes, then standing inside the liner, use your feet to help spread it out. Once the liner floor is lined up nicely, head to the shallow end and begin tucking the liner into the bead track.

If you chose a liner with a pattern, adjust to keep it even and consistent as you work your way around the pool.

6. Remove the Air

Directly across from the skimmer, pull a few inches of liner back out from the track. Insert the Shop-Vac hose, then carefully slide it down about three feet. Make sure the hose is at least six inches above the pool floor.

Use duct tape to secure it, sealing the entry point completely. Turn the vacuum on, then shuffle around the pool floor or use the push broom to help smooth the liner. Do not turn the vacuum off yet.

Shop-Vac Stainless Steel Wet Dry Vacuum - 5 gal.

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7. Install the Main Drain

When the vinyl looks smooth, install the main drain cover with a new gasket in the deep end.

8. Start Filling the Pool

You can choose from a few pool water delivery methods, but let’s go with the easiest. Run a garden hose into the deep end and turn on the spigot. When the shallow end contains six inches of water, turn off the Shop-Vac. Remove the duct tape, pull the hose out, and push the liner back into the bead track.

Our Top Pick

Heavy Duty Lightweight Garden Hose

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8. Install Gaskets and Faceplates

When the water in the shallow end is at least 12 inches deep, you can start replacing gaskets, faceplates, and step gaskets. The liner will stretch and move while filling, so installing these accessories before this point could result in tears. And tears.

9. Finish Filling

Using a garden hose to fill a pool can take a day or more, depending on your water pressure. Be sure to keep an eye on it, though, to avoid overflow.

10. Test and Balance the Water

You need to get a baseline, which will tell you which chemicals to use and how much. For this, it’s best to use a high-quality testing kit rather than test strips in order to get more accurate results.

Once you know what’s going on in the water, you can follow the same steps to open an inground pool, including using all the same chemicals.

Important: Do not skip the pool shock. Water that comes directly from your spigot, even though it’s been through a water treatment plant, can still contain microorganisms like algae spores and bacteria. Be sure to wait until dusk or nighttime to shock your pool.

Our Top Pick

Calcium Hypochlorite Pool Shock (Cal-Hypo Shock)

This fast-acting, quick-dissolving swimming pool shock from DryTec kills bacteria, controls algae, and destroys organic contaminants in pools. It comes in easy-to-use 1-pound bags.

Use the entire contents of the bag when opened. If any granules settle to the bottom of the pool use brush to disperse them. Add the right dosage of this product during evening hours while the filter pump is running.

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We’re OK, You’re OK, and Your Pool’s OK

So how are you feeling? A little overwhelmed? Or are you raring for the challenge of replacing your inground pool liner? Sometimes the best way to learn how to do something is just to jump in and do it. But don’t say we didn’t caution you about those measurements. They have to be absolutely accurate.

Once you’ve got that new liner in, though, you’ll be all set to go back to ignoring your liner and enjoying your pool. Or maybe now that you see just how important your liner is, and what goes into replacing it, you’ll have a whole new appreciation for it, and will give it a little pampering now and then.

Happy Swimming!

The post How and When to Replace Your Inground Pool Liner appeared first on Swim University®.

Sure, you could turn your filter system on and off yourself so they use less electricity. Or you could save yourself time, money, and hassle by getting an automatic pool timer. It keeps your pool running on a regular schedule so your water stays clean without creating outrageous electricity bills. And you won’t have to lift a finger.

What Are Automatic Pool Timers?

No, they’re not for when you need to get out of the pool to avoid getting too pruny. These specialty timers turn your filtration system on and off to reduce your energy costs while keeping your water properly filtered.

If you’re trying to save money, running your filtration system at lower speeds or for less time can help. However, one of the most common pool maintenance mistakes you can make is not running your pump long enough.

We recommend running your filter system for at least eight hours a day, which allows all your pool water to pass through the filter at least once. This turnover is essential to keeping your pool water clean, clear, and swimmable.

How Does a Pool Timer Work?

Usually, your filter system will be plugged directly into a power source. A pool timer becomes an intermediary between the system and that source. You plug your system into the automatic pool timer, and then the pool timer into your wall outlet.

The timer then disrupts the connection between your system and the power source whenever you set it to do so, and then reconnects the power when it’s time to turn your system back on.

It’s a largely mechanical system, which is why a lot of models look like an extension cord with a massive box and clock combination on one end instead of additional outlets. Newer models may be smaller and come with extra benefits like a Bluetooth connection for easy management from your mobile device.

Still, the more affordable models get the job done just as well without all those fancy bells and whistles.

Why Not Just Filter All the Time?

Running your pool’s filtration system 24/7/365 is undoubtedly the best way to keep your water clean of particulates, but it’s not truly necessary. It’s especially unnecessary if you’re trying to control your energy bill.

The average residential pool pump uses about 3,502 kilowatts an hour (kWh) annually. Compare that to your refrigerator, an appliance that runs all the time. Newer-model Energy Star refrigerators use an average of about 561 kWh per year.

So running a pool pump 24/7 is like having six refrigerators in your house. And that’s not even considering high-powered pumps, which can use upwards of 4,300 kWh annually.

All this power adds up. Conventional pumps can add about $450 to your yearly power bill, while variable-speed pool pumps cost between approximately $100 and $200. If you’re thinking in terms of pool ownership—years, because you want to enjoy your pool for a long time—you’d be looking at an extra $4,500 in energy costs if you ran a conventional pump all the time.

And we aren’t even talking about the age of your filtration system. Even if you care for your system properly, the motor runs downs after a while. If your pool pump makes continuous noise, is slow to start, is more than seven years old, or seems to be losing its will to live, you’re probably spending way more on your energy bill than you need to.

Reducing the amount of time your pump runs helps you save on energy costs and can help extend the life of your motor. Not to mention, the less energy your home consumes, the better it is for the environment.

I Have Alarms on My Phone. Why Bother Getting a Timer?

We’re all about a DIY, can-do attitude around here. But you have to balance the perceived savings of doing it yourself with the potential effort and risks. If you forget to turn off your filter, you risk running up your power bill. Even worse, if you forget to turn your filter system back on, you risk completely wrecking your water’s chemistry balance.

So do yourself—and your pool—a favor and err on the side of caution with an automatic timer instead.

Pool Timers Take the Hassle Out of Maintenance

Your filtration system, your wallet, and the environment all deserve a break from constant energy use. A pool timer is the best way to address all of those problems without adding an extra item to your already-packed to-do list.

1. Woods Outdoor 7-Day Heavy Duty Digital Plug-in Timer

Between its three timing features and a 7-day programmable timer, you can do a lot for a little with the Woods heavy-duty digital timer. Each day can be specifically programmed, or you can choose to separate your timing between weekends and weekdays. The digital display allows you to program down to the minute, so you have complete control over when your pool filtration system turns on and off.

The automatic timer comes with a self-charging backup power to retain your settings in the event of a power outage, so you don’t have to reset it every time. It also comes with a weatherproof outlet switch. The best part? You don’t even have to mount this to anything to get started.

Woods 50015WD 7-Day Heavy Duty Digital Plug-In Timer

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2. Honeywell Aube 7-Day Programmable Timer

It may not give you the flexibility other timers offer, but the Aube by Honeywell has both 7- and 14-day programming as well as three operating modes. You can turn your pump off manually, automatically, or through a temporary bypass. This third function allows you to override the system without disrupting your regular timer.

The timer runs for 16 hours a day and turns off your pump at whatever time you set. The casing is weatherproof as well as lockable, although a padlock is not included.

Aube by Honeywell TI040/U 7-Day Programmable Timer

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3. Intermatic Heavy-Duty Outdoor Timer

If you’re looking for a basic pool timer, look no further. You don’t have to fiddle with any settings to set your pump timing. All you have to do is stick two pins into the machine’s clock—green for start and red for stop. It doesn’t get much easier than that!

The timer comes with a waterproof cover and a 12-inch grounded cord. Plus, it has a manual override if you ever need to stop or start your pump outside the regular schedule.

Intermatic P1121 Heavy Duty Outdoor Timer

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4. Woods Outdoor 24-Hour Heavy Duty Mechanical Time Switch

If you prefer to mount your pool timer on a wall near an outlet, the heavy-duty mechanical time switch from Woods might be a better option for you. It doesn’t have the customizability of other models, but you can program up to 24 on/off daily settings that repeat like clockwork.

The timer is kept in a lockable metal box with non-removable pins on the gear train for extra security (padlock not included).

Woods 59104RWD Outdoor 24-Hour Heavy Duty Mechanical Time Switch

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5. Intermatic 24-Hour Mechanical Time Switch with Outdoor Case

Managing up to 12 appliances in a 24-hour period, the Intermatic mechanical time switch can really help you out if you want to coordinate your outdoor lighting, your pool pump, and a few other backyard extras.

Mounted to the wall in a protective case, it’s a good option for you if you need an outdoor electrical timing overhaul.

Intermatic T104R 24 Hour Mechanical Time Switch with Outdoor Case

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6. GE Z-Wave Plus Direct Wire Smart Switch

Love your Alexa? You’re going to love this. The Z-Wave Plus from GE is an automatic appliance and pool timer control system that can be managed from your mobile device or controlled by Alexa.

The system comes with a lockable, tamper-resistant metal case for the outside device, as well as a security network to help protect you from hackers. The hub for this switch is sold separately, but it’s a pretty nifty tool if all you want to do is tell Alexa to turn on your pump system before heading outside for an out-of-schedule swim.

GE Z-Wave Plus Direct Wire Smart Switch

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Let Something Else Flip of the On/Off Switch for You

You know how they say time is money? When you’re dealing with how long you’re running your pool pump, time literally is money. If you’re tired of looking at a monstrous electricity bill, a pool timer can help you reduce costs while keeping your pool consistently clean.

The best part about pool timers is they’re automatic once you set them up, which means you don’t need to add another chore to your to-do list. Hooking up a timer to your filter system is one of the fastest and easiest ways to reduce the cost of your pool, and enjoy it even more.

Happy Swimming!

The post 6 Best Automatic Pool Timers for Your Filter System appeared first on Swim University®.

Think of pool coping as the finishing touch that gives you something to grab onto when you’re ready to get out—and helps protect your pool from water damage in style. Understanding how it works and your available options will help you make the right selection for your pool for a border that’s both beautiful and functional.

Pool Coping Basics

In the world of architecture, coping refers to the protective cap or lip at the top of a wall that gives a finished look and protects the wall from the elements. It’s used largely the same way in pool design.

When an inground pool is built, the upper surface of the pool wall—known as the bond beam—will likely have exposed steel, which probably isn’t going to win any safety or design awards unless you’re going for Thunderdome chic. You install coping to cover this wall, where it can direct water away from your pool and into the deck drain. It will also give your pool a polished look, and make it safer for swimmers.

Typically, pool coping is designed with a graceful outward slant. It’s most often made of stone, concrete, or composite materials. Metal and wood options exist, but they tend to suffer wear and tear in the moisture-rich pool environment. Consequently, they tend to need more care, investment, and maintenance.

Why Your Pool Needs Pool Coping

The primary purpose of adding coping is to direct splashout away from your pool and into the deck drains. But it also serves a few other important purposes, including:

• Blocking water from penetrating the area behind the pool shell and potentially causing damage.
• Keeping debris like grass, leaves, and dirt from entering the pool.
• Providing an attractive but still accessible cover for mechanical components such as automatic pool covers.
• Giving swimmers a safe and sturdy way to enter and exit poolside while reducing the risk of slipping.

It’s not exactly a sassy azalea bush or a tasteful windscreen of slender pines, but pool coping could also be considered a bit of (inorganic) pool landscaping. It’s an opportunity to inject a little personal flair. You can choose from a wide range of colors, materials, cuts, and finishes to complement your overall design scheme.

Choosing the Right Materials for Pool Coping

You’ll have an embarrassment of choices when you’re considering how to finish your pool. But before you choose your pool coping, remember to keep a few key points in mind.

• Affordability: Is the material within your budget? How much maintenance will it need? Can it be readily, and affordably, replaced or repaired if needed?
• Durability: Is the material going to last a long time? Is it weather-hardy and able to stand up to chemical-rich pool water? Is it able to withstand the weather extremes in your area? If you have a salt water pool, is your coping choice salt resistant?
• Safety: Is the material slip resistant? Is it sturdy? Is the design safe and useful for everyone who will be swimming in your pool? Does the material absorb a lot of heat in the sun?
• Style: Does the material blend well with your deck, landscaping, and other design elements?

Note: No matter which material you choose, we recommend you add a sealant to prevent water damage and, if necessary, a non-slip coating to help improve safety.

Miracle Sealants PLUS QT 511 Porous Plus Sealer - 32 oz.

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Savor the Paver: Traditional Pool Coping

The hardy riches of the earth form the most common pool coping choices. Brick, pavers, natural stone (such as granite or marble), and composite materials all make excellent choices for finishing and protecting your pool.

This type of coping is installed directly onto the bond beam and can be cut and shaped to fit, in the style you prefer.

Bricks

Readily available, versatile, and hardy against the ravages of chlorinated water, brick coping also comes in a wide range of sizes and colors. It’s easy to replace individual bricks if they’re damaged, but remember to caulk and seal them during repairs.

Concrete Pavers

Similar to bricks, pavers are a sturdy and require little maintenance. They come in several finishes and sizes, and can be replaced piecemeal as needed. They’re water resistant and salt friendly too.

Natural Stone

From travertine marble to flagstone to granite, cut stone pool coping lets you bring a bit of natural beauty—and a whole lot of durability—to your pool. Natural stone can cost more than brick or pavers, but it requires very little maintenance and provides extra aesthetic appeal. Not all stones are created equal, though. Some, such as granite and sandstone, are extra durable, while others, like travertine, are porous and may require extra sealant.

Composite Materials

Moderately priced and easy to shape and modify, composite materials like pre-cast concrete make excellent pool coping. Shaped and sold in corners, straight lengths, and curved sections, these materials can be mortared piece by piece and then sealed for a cohesive look. They’re water and salt resistant, and can be exceptionally durable with a good sealant.

When Pour is Actually Good

If you have a fiberglass or vinyl-lined pool, or simply want a seamless rather than paver-based look for your pool, you’ve got plenty of options to integrate your deck and coping directly.

Custom-poured concrete coping is more expensive than pre-cast, and is created by building a mold all around the perimeter of your pool. You can choose the finish, size, and coping style to fit your individual needs.

Choose the Right Cut

While all coping slopes away from the pool, the actual lip and pool-facing edge can be cast or cut in a variety of ways.

Flat-Mount Coping

This term refers to the track used to secure your pool liner. It provides a sturdy installation platform for traditional pool coping pavers made of stone or other materials, and doesn’t necessarily require any additional concrete pouring. But it can work well if you’re combining cut stone with poured concrete.

Blue Wave Liner Coping Strips - 24-Inch - 10 Pack

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Rough-Cut Coping

This edging has a natural, unfinished look that pairs best with natural stone. It’s not as formal as the other options, but can really shine if you’re going for a relaxed, organic vibe.

Cantilever-Edge Coping

Choosing this style might be the only time you want foam in your pool. Cantilever-edge pool coping uses foam forms attached to the top of the pool wall to provide a framework for a poured concrete deck.

When the forms are removed, the finished deck—which can be stamped or stained to provide aesthetic appeal—will flow up and over the edge of the pool.

Capstone Foam Profile Pool Edging Tool - 4 Pcs.

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Top-Mount Coping

Also known as C-channel or half-round coping, this option is usually made of heavy-duty aluminum. It attaches directly to the top of the pool wall to provide a smooth, finished edge for a poured deck or patio.

Bullnose Coping

This coping has a flat, back-sloped surface and a curved front face that’s flush with the pool wall. It’s a gentle, comfortable cut that’s easy on the eyes and on folks climbing in and out of your pool. Plus, this cut makes it easy to change vinyl inground pool liners without having to remove the coping first.

Can You Say “Nope” To Coping?

If you don’t fancy the idea of separate coping for your pool, and you have a discrete deck (rather than a poured one) you can design your pool’s deck to pull double duty. Simply extend the edge of your deck around the entire pool to create seamless protection with a modern look.

Your Pool is Ready to Cope with Anything

A pool without coping is like a plane without a roof: it looks a little unsettling, and you’re not keen to hop in. Take the time to familiarize yourself with your coping options, and choose the one that best fits your needs while giving your pool a bit of pizazz.

In no time flat, you’ll have a beautiful, functional pièce de résistance for your personal backyard paradise—and enjoy safe, comfortable swimming for years to come.

Happy Swimming!

The post What is Pool Coping And Why Do You Need It? appeared first on Swim University®.

That’s all the more reason to add some pool accessories that will put some of the enjoyment back into your back yard. And you don’t have to spend a ton of money to do it, either.

The Best Pool Accessories are Fun or Functional

Or a combination of the two. Take LED pool lights, for example. They’re great for seeing during night swims, but can also add color and sparkle to your pool.

Don’t stop there. How about a pool float with a canopy? A patio table and cooler combo? Or maybe a towel warmer? Doesn’t matter whether you have an inground, above ground, or Intex pool, we found a little bit of everything for you.

1. Wireless Floating Pool speaker

It’s just not a pool party without music. Before you place your speakers to face outside, turn your stereo up to eleven, and annoy the heck out of the neighbors, get a couple of wireless floating pool speakers instead.

These are completely waterproof, and offer several volume levels and a powerful subwoofer for rich stereo sound in crisp high definition. You can connect it to your smartphone, tablet, or computer to access your favorite playlists, and easily control the volume and other functions from your device.

Portable Floating Waterproof Bluetooth Speaker

$49.99

Waterproof Bluetooth speakers for 100% protection against water and dust, rubberized rugged exterior for ultimate impact resistance. Enhanced bass and loud volume: 10W subwoofer for loud sound and three passive radiators for rich bass

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01/28/2023 04:19 am GMT

2. Poolmaster Pool and Spa Waterfall Fountain

You know how important pool circulation is. Sure, you’ve got the pump and everything, but a well-placed fountain can not only be pretty and cooling, it can help move your pool water around even more. Win-win!

This fountain’s spray height and direction are fully adjustable. It fits most 1.5-inch threaded return fittings, and works for both inground and above ground pools. It’s also super easy to install, so what are you waiting for?

Poolside Fountain

$25.27

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01/28/2023 06:59 am GMT

3. Swimline FrogLog Critter Saving Escape Ramp

You may not think of this particular pool accessory as being about fun, but consider for a moment how NOT fun it would be to swim in a pool with poor little drowned frogs floating around. So this little escape ramp helps our amphibian friends make their way out of the pool, and keeps you from having the sad duty of removing little froggy bodies from the water.

This ramp isn’t just for frogs, though. Squirrels, mice, birds, snakes, rabbits, and even bees can benefit. Helping those critters get out of your pool also means less cleaning for you. It’s so to easy assemble and place, you may even want to get a few of them to place around the pool.

Swimline FrogLog Critter Saving Escape Ramp

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4. Aquatix Pro Aluminum Pool Accessory Hangers

Leaving your telescopic poles, your skimmer, your vacuum hose, and any other essential pool accessories lying on the ground is just asking for trouble. They’re much more likely to be damaged, and won’t last as long as if you keep them up off the ground where they can dry and be protected. Plus, leave them on the ground, and someone’s bound to trip over them eventually.

Put a few of these equipment hangers on your fence, and clear your pool deck making it more attractive and much safer. These hangers are made from heavy-duty, lightweight, rust-resistant aluminum, and can hold up to 33 pounds each. Don’t have a fence? You can also mount them on concrete walls, metal posts, vinyl siding, or pretty much anywhere else. They also come with all the mounting hardware, and a 100% money-back guarantee.

Aquatix Pro Aluminum Pool Accessory Hanger - 4 Pack

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5. Brookstone Towel Warmer

This isn’t just for the bath or spa! Heck no! Plug this baby in on the patio, and always have a nice, warm towel waiting for you when you get out of the pool. This extra-large capacity towel warmer can hold up to two oversize towels, or a few smaller ones.

It keeps your pool towels at a perfectly toasty 120°F (49°C), and has an auto shutoff so you never have to worry about anything overheating and being damaged. It plugs into any standard 120V AC outlet.

Note: Anytime you plug something in near water, it’s best to use a GFCI outlet for safety. If you don’t have one near your patio, you can install one. Or, if you’re not comfortable working with electrical components, check with a professional electrician about having one installed.

Spa Hot Towel Warmer

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6. Pool & Spa Footbath

You spent all morning skimming your pool, pulling every last leaf and twig out of the water, making it nice and clean to have guests over to swim. Then they arrive, walk through the grass, jump into your pool, and you’re left with another chore—skimming out all that grass and debris after they leave. Almost makes you want to call the whole thing off.

No more! Just set this durable little plastic footbath on the deck near the steps, and everyone can rinse their feet off before they get into the water. Your water will stay clean, they’ll swim in a clear pool, and you’ll have a lot less work to do later.

Pool & Spa Footbath

$19.98

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01/27/2023 09:28 pm GMT

7. Inflatable Flamingo Drink Holders

You MUST get these drink holders, if for no other reason than they’re cute little flamingos! But they’re also useful.

They’ll securely hold your drink, and they’re designed to not tip over while they do it. And come on, who doesn’t want cute little flamingos floating around the pool?!

Inflatable Drink Holders - 36 Pack

$23.99

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01/28/2023 12:45 am GMT

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!

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8. Pool Toy and Float Storage Bin

Does your back yard look like a pool float factory exploded? Yeah, we’ve been there. Time to get it together with a storage bin to keep all your pool accessories in one place. They’re protected, and no one will be tripping over noodles. Have fun explaining that one to the ER nurse.

This storage bin is made of high-quality mesh, which allows air to circulate so your pool toys will dry. This also decreases the chance of mold cropping up on them or the storage bin itself. Yuck. It requires no tools to assemble, which is a big plus in our book, and it has wheels to make it easy to place wherever you want, whenever you want.

Pool Toy and Float Storage Bin - 42 in. x 26 in. x 24 in.

$59.95

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01/27/2023 06:43 pm GMT

9. Intex Canopy Island Inflatable Lounge

Don’t let the brand name fool you. This super comfy pool lounge can be used in any type of pool as long as there’s water in it. Well, maybe not a kiddie splash pool, but you get our meaning. It has a back rest so you can relax as you float around the pool, and the sun shade will help keep you cool and fend of sunburn.

But when you’re ready for a little more sun, that sun shade is easily detachable. You’ll also find two built-in cup holders—one for water to keep you hydrated, and the other for your favorite summer beverage. It also comes with a repair patch, just in case. It’s got everything!

Intex Canopy Island Inflatable Lounge - 78 in. x 59 in.

$102.69

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01/28/2023 12:31 am GMT

10. Outdoor Cooler Table

OK, so you don’t really need a pool for this one. But you know why it’s perfect if you do have a pool? Because no one will have to go inside, dripping pool water all over your floors, just to get a drink. That alone makes this cooler/table combo worthwhile.

The cooler’s capacity is 7.5 gallons. Set a couple of these out for your pool party, and you’ll have a hard time running out of drinks! When things cool down, you can close the cooler part, and just use it as a sleek, contemporary design patio table.

Outdoor Cooler Table

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11. Fill-O-Matic 2000 Swimming Pool Water Leveler

Your pool water needs to stay at a certain level for the skimmers to work properly, which helps your filter work properly. But a lot of swimming and splashing around can bring that water level down pretty quickly. Set up this pool water leveler, though, and you won’t have to worry about a thing.

It works with both inground and above ground pools, regardless of liner type. The rubber base keeps it in place so it won’t fall into the pool, and the brass, acrylic, and stainless steel hardware and connectors ensure it’ll keep working for years to come.

Fill-O-Matic 2000 Swimming Pool Water Leveler

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12. Intex Clear Color Tube

Usually, our best advice is to spend a little more on your pool because you’re investing in its long-term care and use. But in this case, a few cheapie inflatable tubes can be a lifesaver. (Get it?!)

Next time you have a bunch of people over—especially a bunch of kids—leave the more expensive pool floats in the shed and break these out instead. Everyone can have fun with a float, and if one of them pops or is otherwise damaged, you’re only out a few bucks instead of a few dozen. Besides, they’re cute and colorful, and measure 36 inches in diameter, so they’re perfect for just about anyone.

Intex Clear Color Tube - 2 Pack

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13. Gemmy Deluxe Inflatable Movie Screen with Storage Bag

Yeah, we know. This technically isn’t a pool accessory. But come on. A giant inflatable movie screen?! Are you seriously saying that wouldn’t look good at one end of the pool while everyone floats around watching, say, Jaws? You wanna get on that right now and you know it.

The screen measures 123 inches by 70 inches, and the entire unit measures 12 feet high by 11.5 feet wide. It includes stakes and tethers to keep it in place during your double feature, and a storage bag for when movie night is over. This movie screen also has two built-in fans for fast and easy inflation. Start popping the popcorn now!

Gemmy Deluxe Airblown Inflatable Movie Screen with Storage Bag - 144 in. Screen

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14. Aqua Monterey 4-in-1 Inflatable hammock Pool Float

It’s a lounge chair, it’s a hammock, it’s a convertible pool float! It can also be a drifter and an exercise saddle for when you feel like working out in the pool. The woven fabric is not only comfortable, it keeps you cool while you’re floating around.

This 4-in-1 float measures 54 inches by 27.5 inches and can hold up to 250 pounds, so it can accommodate just about anyone. It’s easy to inflate and deflate, and even easier to use.

Aqua Monterey 4-in-1 Inflatable Hammock Pool Float

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Time to Accessorize!

Next time you have to buy some necessary pool supplies, why not throw in a few fun pool accessories? Choose a few with function, and you can easily justify your purchases as being “necessary.” We won’t tell.

And hey, what time should we be over for the movie?

Happy Swimming!

The post 14 Best Pool Accessories You Must Have appeared first on Swim University®.

Now that you’re all grown up and times have changed, modern diving boards might feel a bit different than you remember. Plus, you have to consider things like safety standards and homeowner’s insurance. Even though it may seem boring and a little complex, you’ll be rewarded at the end with a fun, safe diving board your friends and family will enjoy for years to come.

A Tale of Two Diving Boards

You could just jump from your pool deck, but it’s just so much more fun to add room to take a few steps and a little extra bounce when you jump. Diving boards range from little stone platforms to ten-meter Olympic diving towers.

Unless your backyard is as big as a football field, you’re probably not in the market for a massive dive tower. Still, residential diving boards are available in a variety of styles, materials, and mounts so you can find one that fits your space safely and beautifully. They can be divided into two categories.

Springboards

The basic design is probably the same one you recall from summers spent at camp. Springboards feature a base with—you guessed it—springs. Sometimes they’re visible at the base, others have a cantilever design without visible springs.

This is the type of board that gives you the extra power to jump high in the air and dive. It’s that extra height in your dive that means your pool must be deep enough that you won’t hit the bottom. Because diving from a springboard increases the risk of serious injuries, especially in shallow depths, this style of diving board is less common than it once was in home swimming pools.

Platforms

These differ from springboards in one simple way: no springs. These are the most common in backyard pools nowadays. Any diving board without springs is considered a platform because the base is fixed.

You may be picturing a typical diving board with a stationary base, but that’s just one type. Manufactured platforms and field fabricated platforms are pool industry terms for variations on this style, such as diving rocks.

For example, imagine a huge stone jutting out above a waterfall where tourists can plunge into the sea. Now imagine a similar stone slab on your pool deck, or even in your pool. That diving rock is another sort of platform diving board.

Avoiding Bodily Injury

The most important aspect of choosing the right diving board is calculating something called the diving envelope. This refers to the area in which a diver may enter the water, and the depth and distance they could travel when diving.

It’s vital to be sure there’s not only enough depth directly beneath the diving board, but that the pool floor doesn’t begin to rise too near the diving area. Imagine a short pool with one very deep end. The transition from the deep to shallow end would be quite steep, like a wall in the middle of the pool that a diver might strike.

The longer your pool is, the more gradual the transition from deep to shallow will be, making it safer for divers. We can’t stress enough how important the diving envelope is, not only to choose the perfect diving board but, but to ensure the safety of everyone who uses your pool.

If you install a diving board that’s too long for your inground pool, and a diver strikes the bottom, they could break or injure their hands, arms, shoulders, knees, head, or neck. Injuries sustained from improper diving can cause lifelong paralysis or death.

A pool that’s most suitable for a diving board will be both deeper and longer than the average backyard inground pool. The board suitable for your inground pool (unless it’s quite a large pool) would be shorter, fixed, and not as high above the water as the diving boards you see in large, commercial inground pools.

Diving Envelopes and Pool Types

You’ll need several measurements of your pool to determine your pool’s diving envelope. You might already have some of those figures on hand from your pool builder, but if not, you or a pool pro can take them.

Measuring depth in a particular spot can be tricky, especially if your pool is full of water, so you may want to leave this step to the contractor or pool pro who’ll be installing your diving board. If you’re up to the task of taking the measurements yourself, make sure you carefully follow the instructions to do so. You’ll need four specific depth measurements, four widths, and the distance between certain points.

All that measuring is used to determine which type of pool you have. Diving Pool Type I, II, III, IV, or V refers to the size of your pool’s diving envelope, and determines how high your diving board can be above your water line. It also shows you whether you have any features or accessories impeding the diving area, such as ladders or waterfalls. The envelope area must be completely clear of any obstacles a person could hit when diving.

Once you know which type of pool you have, you can easily find the correct size diving board or platform.

Important: Be sure to brush up on safe diving techniques and smart pool rules to help you and your family get the most of your new diving board while minimizing the risk of injuries.

The Fun Stuff

Safety matters are serious, but choosing the right diving board isn’t all death-and-taxes-serious. Contemporary diving boards offer some exciting differences from the boring, white planks of your youth.

Diving Board Material

Forget the lame boards of yore. Now you’ll find boards in sleek, stylish shapes and interesting colors and materials, such as natural stone and even wood. Some models let you choose from a range of colorful non-slip surfaces.

S. R. Smith TrueTread Diving Board - 6 ft.

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Corrosion Resistance

Advances in manufacturing mean you can purchase a saltwater-pool-friendly diving board for your made with materials that resist salt corrosion. You won’t have to worry about rusty springs staining your pool deck.

S.R. Smith Flyte-Deck II Stand with 6-Foot Frontier III Diving Board

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Mood Lighting

If water isn’t exciting enough, you’ll also find diving boards with colorful LED light strips on the ends. Beautiful mood lighting blows your old summer camp diving board right outta the water. If you’ve already added LED pool lights to your pool, this diving board will make your late night swims even cooler.

If you can’t find a diving board with built-in lights, you can always add a strip of waterproof LED lights to your board, and create your own colorful atmosphere.

DAYBETTER Waterproof Flexible Color-Changing LED Light Strip with Remote - 32.8ft - 10m

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Not-So-Fun Stuff

As the responsible adult you’ve become, you must consider the mundane details of buying a diving board that could affect your enjoyment or your wallet in a big way. Avoid accidents or fines by checking out diving board–related building codes and your insurance policy provisions before installing a new diving board.

Homeowner’s Insurance

Some insurers won’t cover liability related to pools with diving boards (or slides) at all. This means if you or anyone else is injured in your pool, the expenses related to that injury may have to come out of your pocket. Other insurers may raise your rates—or even drop you entirely—if your pool has a diving board or you add one.

Before you start shopping for your diving board, check with your insurer to make sure you’re in compliance with whatever they require to keep you covered. If they won’t cover the pool at all, you may be able to add an umbrella policy that adds liability coverage for your pool.

Disclaimer: We are not insurance experts. Always check with your insurer before making any large purchase decisions for your home, for a diving board or any other addition. Do your due diligence to ensure you’re protected in the event of an accident on your property. We can’t stress this enough.

Safety Recommendations

You may have seen the acronym ANSI/APSP when looking at safety ratings on pool products. The Association of Pool & Spa Professionals (APSP) is part of the American National Standards Institute (ANSI). Together, the organizations develop standardized pool safety measures and ratings for products.

APSP also teamed up with the International Code Council (ICC) to create worldwide standards of safety for pools and spas. This document goes far beyond things like weight limits and handrails. It covers every aspect of pool safety you can imagine, from proper drainage to energy standards. It has recommendations for residential inground pools, as well as hot tubs, splash pads, and community pools. If you can get wet in it, the International Swimming Pool and Spa Code (ISPSC) addresses it.

It’s no surprise that residential diving board safety concerns and proper diving envelopes are also covered. It also includes a few practical recommendations you can use in your backyard, such as:

• Affix a permanent label to your diving board with the manufacturer’s name and address, date of manufacture, minimum diving envelope, and weight limit.
• Use only a slip-resistant diving board. Check the integrity of your non-slip covering regularly so you can repair or replace before an injury occurs.
• Be sure you have no pool features within the diving envelope.
• Place your diving platform flush with the pool wall so no one can hit their head.
• Follow manufacturer and ISPSC recommendations for diving board elevation above waterline. Mounting a board or platform too high can cause divers to hit the pool floor.

Technical Specifications

Some diving board manufacturers recommend professional installation of your new diving board so you can be sure the board is properly secured. Even a tiny error in installation could be the reason a diver slips and falls, or your diving board doesn’t last as long as it should.

If you’re building a new pool or installing a diving board for the first time, you’ll need to install a jig—that’s a metal base installed under concrete. Your diving board is bolted to the it. Installing a jig is major construction and carries safety concerns which are best left in the hands of a professional.

If you’re replacing an existing diving board, you’ll need to know the bolt pattern of your current jig so you can match it up with the diving board base you want.

If you’re not installing a jig or if you can’t find a board with the correct bolt pattern, you can get an epoxy repair kit designed for diving board bolt installation. You’ll have to cut off any previous jig bolts level with your pool deck.

Then you’ll drill new holes into your deck in the pattern required for your new diving board, pour the epoxy in the holes, then insert the new bolts. Once fully set, you’ll be able to put your new diving board base on the newly installed bolts.

S.R. Smith Epoxy Kit with 4 Bolts

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Building Codes

The final concern when adding or replacing a diving board for your pool is local building codes. These vary from place to place, so you’ll need to check in with your local code enforcement office.

Codes regarding diving boards typically contain the same kind of regulations you’ll find among safety recommendations in the ISPSC, such as ensuring all pool accessories are outside the diving envelope and affixing a permanent label with important info to your board.

You’ll also come across codes aimed at contractors and builders which may not apply to you, such as the minimal required distance between springboards and overhead wiring. If you’re not sure which codes you need to adhere to, ask your code office. And again, you can always hire a pro to do the installation for you.

The Water’s Fine!

Choosing the perfect diving board for your inground pool requires so much more than just a keen eye for sleek design. You need to check with your insurance company, be sure to measure your pool correctly, or even hire a pro.

But it’s well worth all the effort to be sure you make the right choice that’s going to provide your family and friends with a fun way to jump into the pool without injuring themselves. All that’s left to do is dive right in!

Happy Swimming!

The post How to Select The Perfect Diving Board For Your Inground Pool appeared first on Swim University®.