Here’s a list of our favorite hot tub accessories, covering everything from maintenance and protection to comfort and relaxation.

Best Hot Tub Accessories for Safety and Ease of Use

With these accessories, you can be sure everyone who uses your hot tub will be safe.

Hot Tub Steps

Confer Handi-Step Hot Tub Steps for Round and Straight-Sided Spas

Buy Now

If you click this link and make a purchase, we earn a commission at no additional cost to you.

Also known as spa steps, these stairs sit outside of the tub and make it easier for people to get in and out of it. They have slip-resistant grip support and the steps are wide and sturdy. And the universal fit ensures they can fit spas of any size or shape.

Hot Tub Handrail

Removable Hot Tub and Spa Handrail

This detachable spa handrail adds balance and stability any time you get in and out of your hot tub. It's easy to install and features a comfortable, foam grip.

Buy Now on Amazon

If you click this link and make a purchase, we earn a commission at no additional cost to you.

Adding a spa handrail ensures you have something to hold onto as you get in and out of your hot tub water. It adds more balance and stability to reduce the likelihood of slips and falls.

And it’s easy to install on the side of your tub. Plus, when you’re in the water, you can use the rail to hold towels.

Water Thermometer

Swimline 9250 HydroTools Solar Powered Digital Pool and Spa Thermometer

Buy Now

If you click this link and make a purchase, we earn a commission at no additional cost to you.

If you’re ever worried about the accuracy of your hot tub temperature, having a floating thermometer will help. Monitoring your hot tub’s temperature helps to prevent overheating and helps you keep an eye on the water temperature in real-time.

LED Lights

Solar-Powered Floating Lotus Flower LED Pool Light

$16.99

Buy Now

If you click this link and make a purchase, we earn a commission at no additional cost to you.

01/27/2023 09:49 pm GMT

For those nighttime soaks, adding floating lights helps keep your hot tub well-lit. And solar-powered LEDs will charge in the sunlight, giving you hours of lighting without having to re-charge them or replace batteries.

Best Hot Tub Accessories for Maintenance and Protection

Hot tubs need balanced water chemistry to keep everything clean and in good working order. So while all hot tub owners must invest in the right chemicals, there are a few other things that can make your hot tub cleaning a bit easier.

Hot Tub Cleaning Kit

Hot Tub and Pool Cleaning Kit

Buy Now on Amazon

If you click this link and make a purchase, we earn a commission at no additional cost to you.

Having the right hot tub cleaning tools makes maintenance so much easier. And a hot tub accessory cleaning kit comes with everything you need, including:

• Skimmer net
• Scrubbing brush
• Sponge brush
• Oil-absorbing sponges
• A pair of lightweight latex gloves

The skimmer net makes it easy to scoop out leaves, dirt, and other debris, while the brushes are great for cleaning the corners and around the waterline.

Hot Tub Filter Cleaner

Our Top Pick

Hot Tub Filter Cleaner

Spray Filter Cleanse on your hot tub filters, rinse with water, and your filters will look brand new in less than 20 minutes! Hot Tub Filter Cleanse is a powerful, fast-acting spray cleaner that removes body oils, lotions, and other organic materials from your hot tub filter cartridges.

Buy Now

If you click this link and make a purchase, we earn a commission at no additional cost to you.

Keeping your filters clean is absolutely necessary for hot tub water care. Whether you have a saltwater, bromine, or chlorine hot tub, a good hot tub filter cleaner will help keep your water chemistry balanced.

Simply soak your filter in the solution for an hour and then place it back into your hot tub. It’s a hassle-free way to clean your filters since many solutions require an overnight soak.

Hot Tub Oil Absorbing Sponges

Swimables Floating Sponges for Pools and Spas - 2 pack

Buy Now

If you click this link and make a purchase, we earn a commission at no additional cost to you.

These oil-absorbing sponges help to filter your spa water to prevent a scum line from building up on the walls. With the ability to absorb body oils and lotion up to 40x their weight, these are crucial to keeping your spa water clean.

When you notice the sponge is dirty, squeeze it out, clean it, and reuse it. It’s common for a single sponge to last an entire season when cleaned regularly.

Hot Tub Cover or Thermal Blanket

Horizon Ventures Hot Tub Cover Cap 8 ft. x 8 ft.

Buy Now

If you click this link and make a purchase, we earn a commission at no additional cost to you.

A hot tub cover is essential for keeping dirt and debris out while holding as much heat in as possible. Available in multiple sizes, it’s crucial can get the one that snuggly fits your spa.

To make cover removal easier, you may also wish to invest in a spa cover lift or cover roller. A cover lifter will save you the headache of having to heave your hot tub cover when you’re in your swimming suit.

Alternatively, if you’re not going to close your hot tub every day, you may wish to consider a spa thermal blanket. It’s a great way to keep your water warm by reducing evaporation and heat loss. And it can be cut to fit irregularly shaped hot tubs.

Hot Tub Accessories for Comfort and Relaxation

Chances are you bought a hot tub because you wanted a nice space to decompress. To kick the comfort up a notch, try these options.

Hot Tub Seats

Hot Tub Booster Seat, Non-Slip Weighted Spa Pillow

This hot tub booster seat will sink and stay in place even if the spa jets are on full blast. With a skid-proof surface, this seat provides both comfort and height.

Buy Now on Amazon

If you click this link and make a purchase, we earn a commission at no additional cost to you.

A spa booster seat helps children and shorter people enjoy your hot tub, especially if you have an inflatable spa. Look for a spa seat with good grip and “sinking” functionality so it stays underwater.

Hot Tub Headrests

Intex PureSpa Hot Tub Headrest

Designed to sit on top of your spa wall, this convenient headrest allows you to comfortably rest your head while using your hot tub. It can be partially filled with air to fit your personal preference for firmness.

Buy Now on Amazon

If you click this link and make a purchase, we earn a commission at no additional cost to you.

For the tall people out there, a spa headrest provides adequate head and neck support for a better soak. With an inflatable option, you can adjust the firmness by adjusting the amount of air. Attach it to the spa wall and fill it with water to hold it in place.

Hot Tub Pillows

Gorilla Grip Spa Pillow

Buy Now

If you click this link and make a purchase, we earn a commission at no additional cost to you.

To really amp up your spa relaxation, you need a hot tub pillow. Look for a spa pillow that works with curved or straight back tubs and uses suction cups to attach. Available in different sizes, you can choose a pillow that works best for your needs.

Hot Tub or Spa Aromatherapy

inSPAration Spa and Bath Aromatherapy Sample Gift Bag

Buy Now

If you click this link and make a purchase, we earn a commission at no additional cost to you.

For the ultimate relaxation experience, consider adding spa aromatherapy to your routine. Many products are available designed specifically for use with hot tubs, so they won’t interfere with the chemical balance of your spa water. And that means they won’t affect pH balance, cause foaming or bubbling, or damage your jets, pumps, or filters.

Hot Tub Umbrella

KINGYES Offset Cantilever Patio Umbrella - 10 ft.

Buy Now

If you click this link and make a purchase, we earn a commission at no additional cost to you.

Depending on where your hot tub is installed, you may need to invest in a spa umbrella or a canopy. Spas in open areas require some kind of sun and wind protection. And an adjustable tilt umbrella makes it easy to provide shade no matter what time of day it is.

Hot Tub Accessories for Entertainment

Want to really have fun with your hot tub experience? Check out these entertaining spa accessories.

Waterproof Games

Floating Game Board and Waterproof Playing Cards

This floating game board provides hours of fun for the whole family. It comes with waterproof playing cards, checkers, chess, and backgammon.

Buy Now on Amazon

If you click this link and make a purchase, we earn a commission at no additional cost to you.

Card game lovers will rejoice knowing they can play their favorite games without ruining them. Waterproof playing cards and a floating gameboard are a great way to have fun in the spa.

Floating Bluetooth Speaker

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

Buy Now

If you click this link and make a purchase, we earn a commission at no additional cost to you.

01/28/2023 04:19 am GMT

Want to enjoy some music and get some lights while you’re at it? Get a floating Bluetooth speaker. With a built-in mic and a 50 ft wireless range, you keep your phone away from the water while still using it to play DJ. It’s also rechargeable, so you never have to worry about batteries. After a full charge, you’ve got about 8 hours of playtime before needing to charge it again.

Hot Tub Cupholders and Trays

Intex PureSpa Cup Holder

Buy Now

If you click this link and make a purchase, we earn a commission at no additional cost to you.

If you want a convenient way to keep your drink nearby, invest in a few cupholders. Anti-spill drink holders make it convenient to hold cups, bottles, or cans and come with space to hold snacks, too.

Side Table Cooler

Hot Tub Side Table with 7.5 Gallon Cooler

This portable bar table allows your guests to grab chilled beverages while never being far from any of the action. The lid elevates upwards 10 inches above the rim for use as a patio bar table. And top reveals a hidden cooler with 7.5-gallon capacity.

Buy Now on Amazon

If you click this link and make a purchase, we earn a commission at no additional cost to you.

To save space while keeping your outdoor area looking stylish, consider a patio side table that doubles as a cooler. Raising the tabletop reveals a hollow center you can fill with ice to store drinks. Just lift the table, grab your drink, and keep it on the table next to you during your soak.

Inflatable Spa Bar

Life Floating Spa Bar Inflatable Hot Tub Side Tray for Drinks and Snacks

Buy Now

If you click this link and make a purchase, we earn a commission at no additional cost to you.

For the times you want to keep your drinks and snacks closer to you while you’re in the water, there’s always the inflatable spa bar. These can hold your snacks and drinks and float around from person to person for easy access. It’s not a bad idea to add a second one to your collection if you have parties regularly.

Need more help with your hot tub? Be sure to check out our hot tub video course!

Tired of trying to keep your hot tub clean all the time and dealing with chemicals?

You'll save $100 right away with this easy-to-follow digital ebook and video course. This is the ultimate maintenance guide that hot tub manufacturer doesn’t provide you.

Click Here to Learn More

The post The 18 Best Hot Tub Accessories for Under $100 appeared first on Swim University®.

Hot tub landscaping can reduce the amount of chemicals you need to use, and can conserve water, both of which will save you money. You’ll also get several other benefits, not the least of which is a prettier hot tub area. It’s not too late. You can get that beautiful oasis. It’ll just take a little work.

Hot Tub Landscaping Benefits

It’s essential to create a plan before you start shopping, especially if you have a limited budget. But remember, spending some money up front can help you save more money in the long run. Regardless of what you plan to spend, the first thing to do is think about what you want the new hot tub landscaping to do for you.

Better Aesthetics

Your back yard and hot tub area looking nice is just part of your entire home looking nice, right? If your hot tub is surrounded by just a few feet of dirt or rocks, it can definitely look uninviting and unkempt.

Just a small amount of hot tub landscaping can turn turn that barren spot into a haven. If, instead of open ground, you have a hot tub deck, colorful planters and containers can work wonders.

But there are even more valuable benefits to be had.

Less Evaporation

Any spa loses water to evaporation, whether it’s outdoors or not. This means you’ll have to replace lost chemicals and water on a regular basis. You can’t keep it from happening, but you can lessen it.

An outdoor hot tub is subject to wind, which increases evaporation. Strategically placed shrubs, plants, and other types of barriers can protect your spa from wind, which will decrease water loss through evaporation. You won’t have to replace as much water, which means you won’t have to replace as much chemicals, which means you’ll save money.

More Privacy

Wouldn’t it be nice to be able to soak in your hot tub without worrying about the neighbors peeking through the fence? It’s not like you’re going to soak in the nude—or maybe you are. No judgment.

Either way, privacy is nice, and it’s at a premium in some neighborhoods where the homes are quite close together. Tall hedges or flowering plants, or even small trees, shrubs or vines can give you the privacy your privacy fence can’t.

Less Yard Maintenance

Maybe you’ve been thinking you don’t want to do any hot tub landscaping because it will just mean a lot more yard work than you’re already doing. That is possible, sure, if you choose the wrong plants.

Get all the benefits with less work by selecting plants that:

• Are ideal for your USDA hardiness zone: Plants geared toward warmer temperatures won’t thrive, or possibly even survive too far north.
• Are native to your area: Because they’re at home in the local soil, native plants can better survive local weather, help prevent erosion, improve water quality with strong root systems, and will require less fertilizer, if any at all.

Less Debris in the Hot Tub

Some plants release a lot of pollen, are deciduous, or drop their dead flowers. A lot of that debris is going to end up in your hot tub if you plant them too close.

Do some research and choose plants that have less pollen, are evergreen, and either don’t flower, or flower less than others. Putting some of these plants around your hot tub may also protect it from other plants in your yard that do give off more debris.

Higher Home Resale Value

Maybe you’re living in what you know is only your first home, and you plan to sell it eventually. Putting in some nice hot tub landscaping may add a little to the sale price. But if it doesn’t, it will still be more appealing to potential buyers than a wet, muddy area around the spa.

Design First

To get the most benefit from the plants you install, you need to make sure you put them in the right places. You don’t want to end up with a mishmash of wild growth you’ll have a hard time taming. Create a design before you break ground.

You can use an online garden planner, or just get a few sheets of graph paper and draw it yourself.

To build a solid plan, you’ll need to do a couple of other things as well.

Five Star Filler Graph Paper - 100 Sheets per Pack - 11 in. x 8-1/2 in. - 3 Pack

Buy Now

If you click this link and make a purchase, we earn a commission at no additional cost to you.

Measure the Space

Make sure you have enough space for the plants you choose. You don’t want to plant things too close together. If you give the plants enough room to grow, they won’t obstruct each other, or compete with each other for sunlight and water.

Important: When you measure, leave some space between the hot tub and the actual area where you’re installing the hot tub landscaping. You don’t want soil, plants or mulch touching the tub or cabinet. Place the plants around the hot tub pad (or whatever solid surface your tub in resting on). If you want to add plants closer to the spa, use plant boxes or containers.

Measuring Tape Reel - 200 ft. / 60 m.

$30.89

Buy Now

If you click this link and make a purchase, we earn a commission at no additional cost to you.

01/27/2023 04:28 pm GMT

Choose the Right Plants

Some plants grow upward, others grow outward, and some do both. Yes, you do want a few taller plants to reduce the amount of wind that skims over the water, but if you put them in front, you won’t be able to see the other beautiful plants you put in, and then what’s the point of having them?

Important: Avoid plants labeled invasive. This means the plant will grow aggressively and possibly kill other plants around it. It also means you’ll have to work hard to keep the invasive plant from taking over. Be aware that even some native plants can be invasive.

Hot Tub Landscaping Supplies

Depending on the choices you make, and whether you have a hot tub deck or not, you may not need all of these supplies.

• graph paper
• colored pencils
• steel rake
• square garden spade (for edging)
• digging shovel
• garden hose
• garden tools (trowel, transplanter, and cultivator)
• garden gloves
• spray nozzle
• landscape fabric (optional)
• mulch
• landscape edging
• pea gravel or other stones(optional)
• plant seeds
• live plants
• landscape lighting
• gardening gloves
• sunscreen
• closed-toe shoes

Fiskars Ergo Garden Tool Set - 3 Piece

Buy Now

If you click this link and make a purchase, we earn a commission at no additional cost to you.

How to Landscape Around Your Hot Tub

Whether you’re working with an entire yard or just a tiny strip of land next to your hot tub, you can add beauty and benefit with some hot tub landscaping.

Prep the Space

Clean up the area around your spa. Remove dead grass and plants, rocks, and anything else that’s in the way. You want to start with a clean slate.

Get rid of all the weeds too. If you do this after it rains, they’ll come up a lot more easily. If it hasn’t rained in a while, soak the ground the night before. This step is important because you need to pull out the entire root. Otherwise, the weed will just grow back.

Our Top Pick

Heavy Duty Lightweight Garden Hose

Buy Now On Amazon

If you click this link and make a purchase, we earn a commission at no additional cost to you.

Prepare the Plants

If you’re using seeds, you can skip this step. But if you’re using live plants, you can’t just pull them from their plastic pots and stick them in the ground.

First, gently pull them from their pots. Massage the roots to loosen them up, taking care not to break or damage them. Finally, pull any dead flowers or leaves off.

Tired of trying to keep your hot tub clean all the time and dealing with chemicals?

You'll save $100 right away with this easy-to-follow digital ebook and video course. This is the ultimate maintenance guide that hot tub manufacturer doesn’t provide you.

Click Here to Learn More

Hedges

If you choose the right kind of hedge, you can create a truly private space around your hot tub. Some hedges are so dense, you can’t see through them once they grow in. And some will grow tall enough that you can’t see over them when standing.

You can place them in a perimeter around the spa, or plant them along your fence line. If possible, choose an evergreen variety so they provide that privacy all year long. Just remember you may need to keep them pruned and shaped, depending on the type.

Plants

This is where it gets interesting and fun. You’ll be able to choose from literally hundreds of varieties: flowering, non-flowering, tall, short, narrow, wide, in all colors, shapes, and sizes.

If you’re unsure which plants will work best for you, go to a nursery instead of a big box store. Their botanical experts will be able to help you choose the right plants.

Note: Remember that many flowers attract bees and wasps, so choose carefully.

Vines

Even if your spa is out in the open, vines can provide aesthetics and privacy. You can put up a couple of trellises, or even a few to surround your hot tub, then plant vines at the base and train them to climb.

You may even get privacy more quickly from vines than any other plant because most varieties grow rather quickly.

This may not be feasible around the entire spa, but you could put trellises up on one or two sides, and train some type of vine to climb them. If you don’t have privacy fencing, you can also allow vines to climb your fence as well.

Or, if you want all the benefit with none of the work, you can use artificial ivy. A lot of what’s available now is pretty realistic looking.

Important: Some vine species are invasive, so choose wisely.

DearHouse Artificial Ivy - 12 Strands - 84 ft.

Buy Now

If you click this link and make a purchase, we earn a commission at no additional cost to you.

Gravel or Landscape Rocks

If you don’t want to go to all the trouble of planting anything around the base of your hot tub, you can lay gravel or landscape rocks instead. You’ll get a nice, clean perimeter with less maintenance and no watering required.

Gravel won’t keep weeds from cropping up, so you may want to lay some landscape fabric underneath. And while most home improvement stores will have some types of rock available, you can probably get better prices from a landscape supplier.

Landscape Fabric - 5 ft. x 100 ft.

$59.99

Buy Now

If you click this link and make a purchase, we earn a commission at no additional cost to you.

01/27/2023 09:59 pm GMT

Mulch

Once you’ve put your plants in, you want to help protect them. That’s a job for mulch. It helps keep the soil in place around the plants, and also helps keep more moisture in the ground to keep the roots hydrated. Mulch also helps prevent weeds from growing and competing with your plants.

You may also want to consider rubber mulch. It looks similar to organic mulch, and it also helps keep weeds at bay. If may even offer a little cushion should anyone happen to slip on their way into or out of the hot tub.

Note: Rubber mulch is best used only around your hot tub. We don’t recommend using it in your flower beds or gardens because it doesn’t break down the way organic mulch does, which means no nutrients are added to the soil.

Important: Some rubber mulch is made from old, shredded tires. There are concerns that it may not be the healthiest material to use. Do some research before you buy it so you can make an educated decision.

Rubber Mulch - 0.8 cu. ft.

$33.30

Buy Now

If you click this link and make a purchase, we earn a commission at no additional cost to you.

01/28/2023 04:34 am GMT

Ground Cover

The ground surrounding your spa can become saturated and muddy, especially if you let the kids use the hot tub. You know they splash around in there.

One solution instead of grass is ground cover. Some types are even better than grass at tolerating traffic and splashout.

Lighting

Ah, there’s nothing like a nighttime soak. But now that you’ve installed all this hot tub landscaping, it’s even harder to see out there! That’s an easy fix with landscape lights.

In keeping with the money-saving theme, choose solar lights that will charge all day, and then provide warm, ambient light in the evening.

Sunnest Stainless Steel Solar Garden Lights - 12 pack

Buy Now

If you click this link and make a purchase, we earn a commission at no additional cost to you.

Hot Tub Deck “Landscaping”

If your hot tub is surrounding by decking, not to worry. You can still some some hot tub “landscaping” with containers and flower boxes.

They’ll be even lower maintenance than anything planted in the ground. And they’re portable, so depending on what you grow, you can move it around to provide privacy.

Planter Pot - 15 in.

$101.99

Buy Now

If you click this link and make a purchase, we earn a commission at no additional cost to you.

01/27/2023 06:08 pm GMT

Who Says Beauty Can’t Be Functional?

After a season or two, when everything has had a chance to establish and start growing, you’ll be amazed at the difference a little hot tub landscaping can make. The change will be immediate, and will only get better with time.

Get ready to start enjoying that oasis, and a fuller wallet!

Happy Hot Tub Landscaping!

The post Hot Tub Landscaping for Beauty and Function appeared first on Swim University®.

And after a ton of research, we found the Intex PureSpa to be the best bang for your buck. It seats 6 adults, includes 170 bubble jets, and it’s easy to install with everything built right in. It also includes a wireless controller.

Our Top Pick

Intex PureSpa 6-Person Inflatable Hot Tub with 170 Jets

$826.49

Pampering up to 6 people is easier than ever with 170 soothing high-powered jets that give you the ultimate spa experience in relaxing water up to 104 F (40 C). Includes a wireless touch button control panel with up to 48 hours of wireless operation. Plus a built-in hard water treatment system makes water gentler on your skin, clothes, and the entire spa system.

Buy Now

If you click this link and make a purchase, we earn a commission at no additional cost to you.

01/27/2023 09:46 pm GMT

For our runner-up option, we chose the Coleman SaluSpa (and also the Bestway version). It seats 4 adults and includes 60 airjets.

Runner-Up

Coleman SaluSpa 4-Person Inflatable Hot Tub with 60 Jets

$489.99

Relax at the touch of a button with 60 soothing jets, a rapid heating system (up to 104°F/40°C), and integrated water filtration. Made with TriTech 3-ply inflated walls for durability and comfort. And includes a cover with safety lock clips and built-in air chamber for insulation.

Buy On Amazon (Coleman) Buy On Amazon (Bestway)

If you click this link and make a purchase, we earn a commission at no additional cost to you.

01/27/2023 10:54 pm GMT

Disclosure: We take pride in finding the best inflatable hot tubs on the market. We source reviews from popular retailers (like Amazon) and we try out these products ourselves when we can. While we do our due diligence, please note that this site is for informational purposes only. Our posts may also contain affiliate links, meaning we get a commission if you decide to make a purchase through our links (at no extra cost to you). It helps us keep the lights on

Are Inflatable Hot Tubs Any Good?

Actually, yes! If you’re a renter or just want a hot tub without breaking the bank, inflatable hot tubs are a great option. They provide essentially the same experience as a standard spa, without requiring permanent changes to your home or property.

You should be able to find one for less than $1,000. They’re even easy enough to set up that you’ll probably be able to do it on your own, as long as you can carry the hot tub when it’s deflated.

Inflatable Hot Tub Vs. Portable Spa Vs. Jacuzzi

For the sake of this article, we’ll use the terms “inflatable hot tub” or “inflatable spa” to mean the same thing. While inflatable hot tubs are portable, they can be confused with bigger hot tubs which are also called “Portable Spas” or “Portable Hot Tubs” even though they’re far from “portable.”

Jacuzzi is actually the name of a manufacturer of bigger “portable” hot tubs. But they do not make inflatable hot tubs at the moment.

What We Looked For When Picking The Best Inflatable Hot Tub

You won’t find the same bells and whistles on inflatable hot tubs that you will with premium spas. But a few things are worth comparing before you buy. And these are the features we thought were the most important.

Capacity: The Number of People That Can Fit

Inflatable hot tubs are available in two-, four-, or six-person capacities. However, they’re typically a tight fit. If you want more wiggle room (and have room in your budget), consider sizing up.

Control Panel: The Ease of Use

Most inflatable hot tubs have a simple digital control panel to adjust the water temperature and jets. When shopping around, check whether the control panel is accessible from within your hot tub. Nobody wants to get out and walk over the pump just to turn the heat back on, but some inflatable spas require you to do just that.

Built-In Hard Water Treatment System

This is an additional feature of the filtration system only found in some inflatable spas. It can help prevent calcium deposits and buildup in your hot tub. This is nice to have but it’s not a replacement for maintaining proper water chemistry.

Heating System: How Fast Can You Heat The Water?

How hot should a hot tube be? The maximum safe temperature is 104°F (40°C). This is based on a recommendation from the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) about accidental drownings and heat stroke in too-hot spa water. Most bathers prefer to keep the temperature between 100°F and 102°F (37°C – 39°C).

And you can also expect your inflatable hot tub to take between 12 and 24 hours (at a rate of one to three degrees per hour) to heat water fully before your first use.

Pump: How Long Will It Last?

The pump is what circulates the water, and it has a built-in air blower to inflate your hot tub and power the jets. The pump and heater are typically housed in one container, which is enclosed to avoid exposing electrical components to water. And most inflatable hot tubs place the control panel on top of the pump enclosure.

Typically, they have a 120-volt cord with a built-in ground fault circuit interrupter (GFCI) to prevent electric shocks. This allows you to plug into any indoor or outdoor outlet. Because of the power draw, you’ll probably want to be sure it’s the only thing on the assigned breaker so the breaker doesn’t flip while you’re enjoying your spa.

Shape: Will It Fit Anywhere?

Nearly all inflatable hot tubs are round. But you’ll also find a few square models on the market. While it may not be a deal-breaking feature, you may find that square models and the two-person rowboat style hot tubs have a little more legroom for bathers. Of course, the space also depends on how many bathers you have in the spa at one time.

Cover: Safety and Less Energy Consumption

When you buy an inflatable hot tub, it will come with its own cover. Some even come with two or three types of covers. Depending on the spa model you choose, the cover may be leather, inflatable and insulated, a thermal blanket, or a combination cover that has an inflatable interior so you have just one cover to retain heat and close your hot tub.

Jets: What’s the Perfect Amount?

If water jets are an absolute must-have for you, pay careful attention to this feature. One brand of inflatable hot tub boasts four water jets. This is far fewer than a standard hot tub because of the difference in power, but they do provide a different experience than air-only jets.

A Few Inflatable Hot Tub Drawbacks

Consider a few downsides to buying, setting up, and maintaining your inflatable hot tub. You’ll be happy to know, though, there really aren’t that many.

They Can Be Noisy During Setup and Operation

The loudest sound you’ll hear is the air when setting up your inflatable hot tub. The air blower built into the pump and heater enclosure is used with a special, accompanying hose to inflate the whole spa. Once you’re up and running, you’ll notice pretty quickly that turning on the bubbles is pretty noisy as well.

Lack of Seating

If this is your first time buying an inflatable hot tub, you might be surprised to learn that there are no seats. In fact, they’re designed with a padded floor, so bathers will sit on the bottom.

For a child or short adult, the water level may be too high to sit comfortably. Some inflatable hot tubs feature I-beams to reinforce the structure, allowing you and your guests to sit on the sides of the tub without causing damage or leaks.

A Limited Warranty Length

Very few models offer a full year warranty. Some inflatable hot tubs only have 30-day, partial warranties. Such a short warranty could mean you haven’t even used your spa once before time runs out to contact the manufacturer about any issues.

Because the shorter warranties are so common, be sure to read the fine print on your spa. Get it set up and test it out before your warranty expires.

Short Filter Cartridge Life

All you need to do to keep the filter cartridges in good shape is to remove and rinse them thoroughly with your hose every few days. However, unlike standard spa filters, which can last a couple of years, the filters for inflatable spas must be replaced every two weeks or so depending on how much you’re using your hot tub.

Another drawback to certain models of inflatable hot tubs is the location of the filter or filters. While many models place the filter right inside the heater/pump unit for quick access, some models place the filters along the bottom inner portion of the spa, so changing them becomes a much more involved process than just opening the pump unit and popping in a new filter.

A Lack of Headrests

Depending on how tall you are, you may not notice the lack of headrests on your inflatable hot tub. However, if you need a little extra neck support, you can buy vinyl headrests. You fill them with a mix of air and water, and the weight helps hold them in place on the top edge of your hot tub. You can easily lift them and rearrange them as needed.

A Lack of Drink holders

Despite a lack of built-in cup holders in your inflatable hot tub, you can still add a convenient place for some drinks or a snack. You’ll find a few types of cup holders and trays that attach to the top of your hot tub, keeping your cold ones at arms reach.

No LED Lights Included

Instead, you can buy battery-operated, fully submersible LED lights to add some light and color to your inflatable spa. Lights come in variety of shapes, sizes, and colors. Some are even remote operated, allowing you to choose color, intensity, and mode.

Can Inflatable Hot Tubs Be Used in Winter?

One more consideration in choosing where your inflatable hot tub should be set up is whether you intend to use it during winter and how cold that season is where you live. Most inflatable spas are rated to work properly above 40°F (4°C), but water temperatures below that can cause problems for your pump and water heater.

If you want to use your spa during winter, consider sheltering it from the weather. You could set it up in your garage, add an enclosure around it, or add some extra insulation around it. You can even add a layer of insulation on the ground, under the protective blanket before you set up the spa.

Where to Install an Inflatable Hot Tub

First step, choose where to place your spa. You must be sure that wherever you intend to put your inflatable hot tub, indoors or outside, is strong enough to support its weight. This means you probably shouldn’t set it up on your wooden deck, but a flat spot in your yard or a concrete patio would work well.

The carry weights of empty inflatable spas are typically between 65 and 100 pounds. Some have handles to make carrying easier. The heavy models are usually styles intended for longer-term use and more bathers.

The filled weight can be as high as 2,000 to 3,500 pounds when you account for water and bathers. If it’s not somewhere you would park your car, you probably shouldn’t set up your inflatable hot tub there.

How to Set Up an Inflatable Hot Tub

The steps for setting up your inflatable hot tub may vary a little depending on the model you choose to buy, whether you’re setting it up indoors or outside, and whether you’re starting with a level surface. But the same basic steps will apply.

1. Be sure your location is close enough to an outlet to plug in the spa without being so close that it could get splashed. Also ensure there is room around the spa for splashout and drainage. Ensure any closed area has ventilation so humidity can escape without causing damage.
2. Clean the area where you’re setting up your hot tub. Be sure there are no sharp objects or debris that could get stuck under it and make for an uncomfortable soak.
3. Open the container, remove all the contents, locate the protective ground blanket, and spread it out on the location you’ve chosen.
4. Assemble the pump and heater unit.
5. Spread out the hot tub on top of the ground cloth, then use the included hose and pump to inflate your spa.
6. Install the control panel, if it’s separate from the pump unit.
7. Put all the air filters in place, then ensure your drain is closed.
8. Fill the hot tub with water.
9. Add sanitizer and balance the water chemistry.
10. Put the cover on your spa, then turn on the heater. Your water should be up to ideal temperature in 12 to 24 hours.

Set-Up Tip: If you’re in a big hurry to use your hot tub, you can purchase an attachment to hook your fill hose up to the hot water in your house. Keep in mind that most household water heaters are set to 120°F (49°C) or more, which is 16 degrees hotter than the maximum water temperature your spa water should be.

Start filling your spa with your hose outdoors, then finish off about the final third with hot water from your house. This will shorten the amount of time your heater will require to get the spa up to temp without putting yourself or your spa materials in danger from too-hot water.

Inflatable Hot Tub Safety

Look into your state’s safety laws and guidelines that may apply to using an inflatable hot tub. Your local code enforcement office can tell you where to find laws that apply to your situation.

Even if you don’t have any local safety laws to abide by, consider following the CPSC’s recommendations for keeping everyone safe around your inflatable hot tub. Their suggestions, such as notifying your neighbors that you bought an inflatable spa, could save a life.

Inflatable Hot Tub Sanitizing

Properly maintaining your inflatable spa also means making sure your hot tub chemistry is always balanced. Fortunately, you can use the same test strips and chemicals in your inflatable spa that you use in a permanent hot tub.

It is vital to follow the manufacturer’s recommendations regarding sanitizers. Some inflatable hot tub manuals warn against using chlorine tablets, while some spas actually include a floating chlorinator for use with tablets. Still, other inflatable spas offer saltwater sanitizing systems.

It may be tempting to forgo chemicals, especially if you only intend to use your portable spa for a few days, such as during a camping trip, but we highly recommend against this. Even if you’ll only be using your spa for a short time, be sure to add the appropriate amount of sanitizer to keep everyone safe and healthy.

Inflatable Hot Tub Maintenance and Cleaning

Maintaining your inflatable hot tub is actually pretty simple, as long as you don’t let it go a long while without care.

Filtration System: Cleaning Your Filter Cartridges

You’ll want to skim the water frequently because the filtration system on a portable spa isn’t as robust as the one on a permanent hot tub, so, especially if you haven’t been using a hot tub cover.

Remember to remove your filters and rinse with clean water every two or three days. Even then, they’ll only last a few weeks with regular use.

When they become hardened or discolored, and cannot be cleaned well with fresh water, they must be replaced. Don’t be tempted to use cleaning products or detergents to clean your filter. This can cause foam in your spa, as well as gunk up the filter media making your pump work harder.

Draining and Refilling

Every one to three months, you’ll need to drain and clean your hot tub. The more bathers and use it has, the more frequently you’ll need to change the water.

Not sure when it’s time to change the water? Out-of-control water chemistry, cloudiness that doesn’t resolve when chemicals are balanced and the filter is clean, and foaming are all signs that you need to drain and refill your inflatable hot tub.

Here’s more information on draining and cleaning a hot tub.

NOTE: If you’ve sprung a leak, pat dry the damaged area. Get out the patch kit that came with your inflatable spa. If you lost it, you can get vinyl pool and hot tub patches online or from your pool supply store. Apply the patch per the accompanying instructions.

Storage

If you’re draining and cleaning your spa to pack it up for storage, be sure to dry it completely before folding it up. When it’s completely dry, store it in its original box or another sealed container.

Be sure to store it somewhere dry, out of direct sunlight, and away from pests. Some portable spas come with a carry bag or case. These are great for helping you get your hot tub from Point A to Point B, but they’re not the best protection for long-term storage. If you intend to put your spa away for a while, it’s best to place it in a sealed container to maintain the integrity of the vinyl while it’s in storage.

Lifetime Extra Large Deck Storage Box

$149.98

Perfect for storing pool maintenance equipment like cleaners, nets, brushes, hoses, and more. Also great protecting your pool gear from the sun and critters all year long.

Buy Now On Amazon

If you click this link and make a purchase, we earn a commission at no additional cost to you.

01/27/2023 02:55 pm GMT

When you buy something like a hot tub, you sometimes find out that setup or maintenance is way more than you bargained for. Now you can rest assured that setting up and maintaining an inflatable hot tub really isn’t all that complicated.

But if you’re still looking for a way to time travel, we have some good news—just soak in your inflatable hot tub for a while, and when you get out, you’ll be in the future.

Happy Soaking!

The post The Best Inflatable Hot Tub appeared first on Swim University®.

Before you resign yourself to jumping through the sprinkler or hoping for rain, you have another option—an inflatable pool. No, really. We’re not talking about the tiny ones made for kids and babies that you could blow up like a balloon. We mean modern inflatable pools that are bigger, better, and one of the best ways to turn your back yard into the coolest summer spot on the block.

Before You Buy an Inflatable Pool …

… you do need to make some preparations. While it won’t be as expensive as its inground and above ground cousins, you’ll still be spending money on it, and you’ll want to protect your investment. The inflatable pools of today aren’t disposable. With proper care, one could last several summers, giving you lots of fun and saving you money on repairs and replacements.

Check Your City’s Ordinances

Building an inground pool would require that you get a permit before construction began. Putting up an above ground pool may also require a permit, or at least that the pool meets certain size specifications.

Some cities may still see an inflatable pool as an above ground pool, and may apply the same rules to it. Before you spend the money on it, and on filling it, make sure you won’t have to take it down later, or possibly be fined.

Check with Your Homeowners Association

If you live in a neighborhood that has a Homeowners Association (HOA), you may be subject to rules or covenants laid out by that organization, regardless of what city ordinances say. The last thing you want is to get into a legal fight over a simple inflatable pool in your back yard.

Even if you’re renting your home, you’ll still have to follow the HOA’s rules. Otherwise, you risk getting your landlord into trouble, and then you could be fighting over a pool on two fronts. All of that can be avoided with one or two phone calls or emails. It’s worth the time.

Check with Your Landlord

Even if your neighborhood’s HOA allows inflatable pools, your landlord may still not want one on their property. If it’s placed in the grass, it could damage the lawn. And if your deck isn’t properly reinforced, an inflatable pool could be too heavy for it, and could damage the deck, not to mention, possibly cause injury.

In addition, your landlord’s homeowner’s insurance may have clauses about pools on the property, and violating them could cause your landlord’s premiums to go up, or could cause them to lose their insurance altogether.

If something you do on your landlord’s property costs them money, they may require you to cover those costs. Or, they may invoke the termination clause in your lease. Over an inflatable pool? No, not directly. Over them having to pay money and deal with the hassles of an insurance company that doesn’t want to insure a property with additional risks.

Ask before you buy and put up any kind of pool, including an inflatable one. You’ll be protecting your relationship with your landlord, which is especially important if you plan to live there for a while.

Family Size Inflatable Pool - 120 in. x 72 in. x 22 in.

$89.99

Buy Now

If you click this link and make a purchase, we earn a commission at no additional cost to you.

01/28/2023 05:13 am GMT

Prepare a Space

The biggest question you’ll have about getting an inflatable pool (after size, shape, and cost) will be where to put it.

Patio

The advantage to putting the pool on your back patio—if it’s large enough—is that it’s a level surface. At least, it should be. This means you won’t have to worry about water spilling out, or the pool gradually dipping into a soft spot in the lawn.

The disadvantage is that the patio is made of concrete. Hard concrete. That’s not the most comfortable surface to be on when you’re trying to splash around, or even just sit in the cool water. Not only that, but you also run the risk of damaging the bottom of the pool on the hard, scratchy concrete.

A regular plastic tarp will be enough to protect the pool from damage, but it won’t provide any cushioning. For that, look for a pool liner pad.

Round Pool Liner Pad - 24 ft.

$159.94

Buy Now

If you click this link and make a purchase, we earn a commission at no additional cost to you.

01/27/2023 05:49 pm GMT

Deck

You may be able to put your inflatable pool on your deck. Maybe. This would be better for smaller pools, but even then, the most important consideration is whether the deck can withstand the weight of all that water.

Important: We’re not engineers, so we’re going to recommend that before you put an inflatable pool on your deck, you consult with an engineer. They’ll either tell you not to do it because it’s too dangerous, or they may be able to reinforce the deck for you, if that’s what you want to do. But it’s imperative that you seek advice from a professional. We can’t stress that enough.

Inflatable Pool - 118 in. x 72 in. x 20 in.

$59.99

Buy Now

If you click this link and make a purchase, we earn a commission at no additional cost to you.

01/28/2023 04:19 am GMT

Yard

The patio is best for being a level surface. But putting your inflatable pool out in the yard means the sun will warm up the water a little, making it more comfortable than it would be sitting in the shade all day.

The trick is to find a level spot. Or, if your yard doesn’t have one, you can create one with a few tools like a shovel and a 2 x 4 to level the ground.

The easiest option, though, is to build a small sand-filled spot for the pool.

• Create a walled-in area on the ground with bricks, landscape edging, or anything that will keep sand in place.
• Fill it with sand; the type used for sand boxes is best.
• Level it with a 2 x 4 or other instrument to create a flat surface.
• Place a tarp over the sand to prevent it from scratching and damaging the bottom of the pool.
• Place the pool on the tarp and inflate it.
• Fill the pool with water.
• Enjoy!

The other benefit of sand over grass is it’s softer, and you won’t have to worry about any sticks or other debris damaging the bottom of the pool.

Quikrete Play Sand - 50 lb.

Buy Now

If you click this link and make a purchase, we earn a commission at no additional cost to you.

Make sure you’re taking care of your inflatable pool so it lasts more than just one summer. Our fully illustrated Pool Care Handbook and Video Course can help!

Get an Air Pump

Look, working out is great, and you want to keep your lungs healthy, but trying to blow up inflatable pools manually isn’t the best idea. You’ll pass out before it’s even risen a few inches off the ground. Get an air pump instead.

You could get one of those kinds you pump with your foot, but again, that’s an awful lot of work. Why do that when you could just get an electric air pump that will do all the heavy breathing for you? Just don’t use it to make obscene phone calls. We can’t condone that.

Electric Air Pump - 110-240V AC

Buy Now

If you click this link and make a purchase, we earn a commission at no additional cost to you.

Keep the Water Clean

Just because it’s not as permanent a pool as an inground or above ground type, don’t think you don’t have to take care of the water.

If your round inflatable pool measures 2 feet high by 12 feet in diameter, it holds roughly 1,700 gallons of water. You’re not going to be emptying and refilling it once a week. That’s a lot of work, not to mention quite a bump on your water bill. So if you want to use the pool all summer, you’ll need to use a sanitizer and keep the water balanced.

Use a pool calculator to figure out how much water your pool holds. Then use that information for the pool chemistry to make sure you use enough sanitizer, and that other levels such as alkalinity and pH stay balanced as well.

You’ll also want to keep a leaf skimmer on hand to scoop out leaves, twigs, bugs, and any other small debris that falls into the water.

What about dirt that accumulates on the bottom of the pool? No problem. Get a handheld vacuum that’s made to be gentle on vinyl surfaces.

Intex Handheld Rechargeable Spa and Pool Vacuum

This vacuum's rechargeable batteries provide ongoing, powerful suction capability. Suitable for use with most hot tubs and above-ground pools up to 18 feet in diameter.

Buy Now on Amazon

If you click this link and make a purchase, we earn a commission at no additional cost to you.

Inflatable Pools Are Blowing Up!

So what if you don’t have a big inground or above ground pool like the neighbors? You also won’t be spending as much money as they do to maintain those bigger pools, and you’ll be just as cool. Maybe even cooler.

Happy Swimming!

The post The Inflatable Pool: Just as Much Fun for Less Money appeared first on Swim University®.

Wouldn’t it be nice to have a cool, clear pool to jump into? To float around in, relax, and escape Ra’s brutal wrath? Of course it would! But what if you don’t have an inground pool? Or a backhoe? That’s where above ground pools come in! So you don’t have to settle for competing with the kids for sprinkler time.

Above Ground Pools Make Summer Better

Let’s be honest. Inground pools are wonderful, but they’re expensive to install. If you buy a house without one, you could be looking at tens of thousands of dollars to have one built in your back yard. It may not be a priority if you need to do other things with your house like replace the siding, or renovate the interior. But that doesn’t mean you have to spend your summer in the sweltering heat.

Above ground pools give you the best of both worlds—cool water to swim and splash around in at a fraction of the cost of installing an inground pool.

Tip: If you rent a home without an inground pool, an above ground pool could bring a lot of fun and summer relief to your family too. Just remember to talk to your landlord before you put one up. No, it’s not digging a big hole in the ground, but it will kill the grass underneath it, and could be too heavy for some patios. There may also be liability insurance concerns for the landlord—and for you.

Once you decide it’s a good solution for you, how do you choose the best above ground pool? What do you look for when making that purchase? They’re not as expensive as inground pools, but they’re not cheap like little plastic kiddie pools, either. You want to know what you’ll be getting for your money before you spend it.

Above Ground Pool Set with Filter Pump & Ladder - 18 ft. x 48 in.

$792.39

Buy Now

If you click this link and make a purchase, we earn a commission at no additional cost to you.

01/27/2023 07:55 pm GMT

Above Ground Pool Types

Knowing what your pool is made of will help you care for it properly so it lasts longer. You’ll also need to choose one that suits the space where you want to place it.

Resin Frame

Stronger and easier to care for than many other plastics, resin is used to make everything from patio furniture to jewelry, and hundreds of other products we use every day.

Resin is a more expensive construction material, but it’s used to make frames for the best above ground pools because it:

• is resistant to oxidation, which makes it resistant to rust and corrosion;
• tolerates heat and moisture well, both of which can be damaging to other, weaker materials;
• will last longer than many other materials that are exposed to the elements;
• stands up to minor damage like dents, and resists warping in the hot sun; and
• remains cool to the touch, even in the sun.

Steel Frame

Before resin came along, steel was the frame material of choice for above ground pools. Though resin does have some advantages over it, steel is still used for many pools because it:

• is lightweight;
• can be installed on a deck because it’s lightweight;
• can be easily bent into numerous shapes; and
• is less expensive than resin.

Hybrid

Want the best features of both resin and steel? Then you want a hybrid above ground pool, which combines the two materials to:

• be resistant to water and heat;
• have the strong support steel provides;
• be resistant to corrosion and rust; and
• be resistant to discoloration and chipping.

Radiant

Have a little more money to spend, but still don’t want the large expense of installing an inground pool? The radiant type will be the best above ground pool for you.

Sometimes called a semi-inground pool, a radiant pool can be partially installed into a slope or hill. This gives it the illusion of being an inground pool while still offering the benefits of an above ground pool, such as affordability and ease of installation.

Radiant pools can even look more like inground pools because they’re available in shapes other than round or oval. This allows them to conform even more to the space they occupy, and look like a more natural part of the landscape.

If you’re a true DIYer, you may even be able to install a radiant pool yourself. They come in kits with all the parts and hardware you need. If you’re not comfortable with the idea of installing a pool into a hillside, though, you may want to seek the help of a pro.

Intex

Probably one of the best-known brands for above ground pools, Intex goes the extra mile by making more than just Intex pools.

The company offers filters, pumps, maintenance tools, and all kinds of accessories to go with their pools. And Intex pool setup is easy, though it’ll be a lot easier if you have a friend to help.

Wondering how to take care of your brand-new above ground pool? Find all the tips and tricks in our handy Pool Care Handbook and Video Course!

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!

Click Here to Learn More

Above Ground Pool Features

Before you decide on your pool’s features, you’ll need to determine who’ll be using it. Do you have children? Maybe the grandkids visit often? How old are they? And just as important, how tall are they?

If you’re getting an above ground pool primarily for the kids to use, the pool’s height is going to be one of the most important factors to take into account. Small children will be safer in a pool with lower walls

Important: Do not ever leave a child unattended in a pool, regardless of the pool’s size or wall height. Children can drown in very small amounts of water—even just a few inches—especially if they fall, hit their head and are rendered unconscious. Two in ten people who die each day from drowning are children 14 or younger. To prevent tragedy, consider installing safety measures such as a fence and a pool alarm.

Once you’ve determined who’ll be using the pool the most, you can consider that when choosing other features.

Size

Another major influence on this feature is going to be the size of your yard. You don’t want the pool to take up every square inch of space, especially if the kids or your dog need room to run around. It’ll also make it difficult to get around the pool for cleaning and maintenance.

If your neighborhood has a homeowners association, they may also have rules about how large an above ground pool in your yard can be. And some cities may also have ordinances about it.

Check with those organizations before you buy your pool. The last thing you want is to have the pool installed, filled with water, and ready to use, and then have to take it all down again, not to mention, pay a fine.

Shape

Most standard above ground pools are either round or oval. Some brands, such as Intex, also offer square and rectangular pools. And remember those radiant pools come in all kinds of shapes to look more like inground pools.

Depth

How deep your above ground pool is will depend on how high the walls are. Pool wall heights range from 42 inches high to 54 inches high.

Of course, pools with higher walls will hold more water. This is important to know, not just for safety, but also because it will affect the amount of pool chemicals you’ll need to use to keep the water clean and balanced. Not to mention, it will just take more water to fill it, which will also contribute to the overall expense of the pool.

Above Ground Pool - 14 ft. x 42 in.

$549.95

Buy Now

If you click this link and make a purchase, we earn a commission at no additional cost to you.

01/27/2023 07:44 pm GMT

Above Ground Pool Liners

The outer frame isn’t enough to hold the water in your pool. It would slowly seep out between the frame’s joints, and you’d end up with quite a mess in your yard. You’ll need a liner to keep the water in.

But an above ground pool liner does much more than that. It also protects the pool frame from being in constant contact with chemical-laden water, which can contribute to discoloration and corrosion, including rust, if you have a steel frame.

Tip: When you put your above ground pool together, make sure to get all the wrinkles out of the liner around the bottom of the pool. Once the pool is full of water, it’ll be impossible to manipulate and adjust the liner floor, and wrinkled or puckered vinyl is very uncomfortable to walk on.

You can choose from four types of liners for above ground pools:

• J-Hook: The top of this liner is thick and curved like a J, and hooks over the top of the wall, hence its name. It’s also called a universal or unibead liner.
• Beaded: Thick vinyl beads on the liner snap into a track along the pool’s top rail.
• Overlap: This liner gets its name from the way it overlaps the top edge of the pool, and is then secured with coping strips.
• Expandable: As the name suggests, this type of liner can be expanded to custom depths or lengths in order to fit your pool, regardless of its shape and size.

Above Ground Pool Equipment

While they’re similar to inground pools in a lot of ways, above ground pools also require slightly different care and some different equipment. This is especially important because of the soft vinyl liners they use, and the fact that there’s no permanent plumbing installed.

Heater

Rather than trying to install a heater into the very short distance between the filter and the return jet, you’ll find it much easier to heat your above ground pool with a solar pool heater.

Pump

Why would you need a different pump for an above ground pool? Because they’re smaller than inground pools, and don’t require as powerful a pump. You’ll find that the best above ground pool pumps run on 1 to 1.5 horsepower, while some inground pumps offer up to 3 horsepower.

Filter

Your above ground pool’s volume is much smaller than most inground pools, so you’ll need a smaller filter. There’s no sense in paying more money for a filter that’s too large for your pool.

The key to choosing the right filter is to know how much water your pool holds, which you can easily figure out with a pool calculator.

Above Ground Pool Accessories

Again, due to their different size and the fact that they’re not installed into the ground and surrounded by concrete, some of the pool accessories you use will need to be specific to above ground pools.

Ladder

While inground pools will only have ladders inside the pool, if you don’t have a deck around your above ground pool, you’ll need a ladder on the outside of it as well.

Trying to climb over the wall would not only be difficult, it could be dangerous. At best, you’d pull the wall down, and release several thousand gallons of water into your yard. At worst, you’d pull the pool down on top of yourself, and possibly be injured. Always use an above ground pool ladder to enter and exit your pool.

Important: Make sure any children who use your above ground pool know not to try to climb up the outside of it. They could be seriously injured if the wall gives way, or simply by falling to the ground. We reiterate the importance of never leaving a child unattended around any type of pool.

Heavy Duty Steel Above Ground Pool Ladder - 36 in.

$135.98

Buy Now

If you click this link and make a purchase, we earn a commission at no additional cost to you.

01/27/2023 06:19 pm GMT

Ladder Mat

Vinyl liners can be expensive, not to mention a hassle to replace since you’ll have to completely empty the pool. Then you’ll have to refill it and balance the water, which means a higher water bill, and more chemical expense.

Placing the in-pool ladder directly onto the liner can cause additional wear on the liner, or could even damage it. The solution is an above ground pool ladder mat. It provides a barrier between the ladder and the liner, and keeps the ladder from slipping while in use.

Protective Pool Ladder Mat

$12.89

Buy Now

If you click this link and make a purchase, we earn a commission at no additional cost to you.

01/28/2023 07:08 am GMT

Fence

As hard as you try to keep an eye on your kids, it’s difficult to do that every single moment. Turn your back for just a few seconds, and your toddler could be out the back door, and running straight for the pool. And that’s just a tragedy waiting to happen.

Add a level of security by putting an above ground pool fence up. Be sure it has a locking gate, and make it even more secure by putting a pool alarm on the gate that sounds if it’s opened when it should be closed.

In some cities, you may be required to have a fence around your pool as well. Be sure to check with your local government to ensure you’re in compliance.

PoolGuard Outdoor Pool Gate Alarm

Made for any gate, outside door, or screen, this alarm protects access to your pool. The alarm automatically resets and is always on, preventing anyone from accidentally leaving your gate open for children or pets to wander to your pool.

Buy Now On Amazon

If you click this link and make a purchase, we earn a commission at no additional cost to you.

Cleaning Supplies

The vinyl liner in an above ground pool is much more vulnerable to damage than the one in an inground pool. You’ll need to use cleaning equipment made specifically to keep that damage from happening.

Automatic Cleaner

While it takes the drudgery out of pool cleaning for you, an above ground pool automatic cleaner is also gentle on the liner and walls of the pool.

Our Top Pick

Dolphin E10 Automatic Robotic Pool Cleaner for Above Grounds

$599.00

Designed for above ground swimming pools up to 30 feet. It takes less than 2 hours to clean your pool with built-in water filtering and scrubbing.

Buy Now on Amazon

If you click this link and make a purchase, we earn a commission at no additional cost to you.

01/28/2023 03:02 am GMT

Handheld Vacuum

Use too powerful a pool vacuum on an above ground pool liner, and you risk damaging it, possibly beyond repair. You also don’t need to use the long telescopic pole you’d use for an inground pool. You’ll find a handheld vacuum will be just the right size for your shallower pool.

Here’s our guide on how to vacuum an above ground pool manually.

Get Ready to Beat the Heat!

Stop spending your time peeking over the neighbor’s fence, staring longingly at their inground pool. It’ll just make you sad. It also makes you creepy. Get an above ground pool instead, and then enjoy a nice, cool swim in your own back yard anytime you like.

Happy Swimming!

The post Above Ground Pools: How to Choose the Best appeared first on Swim University®.

So when you open up your new Intex pool, and you see how many parts you have to put together, you may be tempted to just go back to the plastic kiddie pool. All those little parts! You need tools! You have to read instructions! You just want to get to the fun!

We hear you. Take a deep breath and relax. Intex pool setup may seem intimidating, but it’s not as difficult as you think it is.

Stock up on Supplies

Intex pools require a lot of the same maintenance as more permanent pools. So before summer is in full swing, you’ll want to stock up on some basic pool care supplies.

You’ll need:

• telescoping pole
• skimmer net
• pool vacuum
• nylon-bristle pool brush
• extra pool hoses
• test strips or a water testing kit
• chlorine
• shock
• any other pool chemicals you need to maintain water chemistry

Important: Be sure you wear protective gear like goggles, gloves, long-sleeved shirts, and closed-toe shoes when working with chemicals. Safety first!

Inventory the Pool Parts

Before you start assembling your pool, you’ll also want to make sure all of your Intex pool parts and pieces are there in the box and in good condition. This is especially important for Intex metal frame pool setup. One missing bar or strategically placed screw could bring the whole thing crashing down once you fill it with water.

Lay all the parts out on your lawn or patio. Compare them to the user manual that comes with every pool to make sure you have everything you’ll need to put your pool together.

If you’re missing anything, you can contact the manufacturer to see whether they’ll send you replacements, or you may be able to find replacements online. Either way, don’t start putting the pool together until you have every single part you need.

Find a Completely Level Surface

Nothing will ruin your pool setup like putting it on uneven ground. Your Intex pool—just like any above ground pool—must be on a flat, solid, level, and stable surface. If the ground is uneven, the water can shift to one side. This can put too much stress on the pool frame and possibly lead to collapse.

If you’re setting the pool up on your lawn, you can use a weed trimmer to cut the grass down to the dirt and even out the dirt. Be sure to clear the space of rocks and any other sharp objects such as twigs.

Run a leveling board, or even just a 2 x 4, over the surface to level it. Then use a level to make sure the ground is flat. The surface shouldn’t vary by more than 1 to 2 inches.

Then put down a ground cloth or a tarp so the pool doesn’t sit directly on the dirt. This will inhibit grass and weed growth, and help prevent damage to the liner.

Heavy-Duty Pool Tarp

$54.88

The unparalleled quality of the thick material is enhanced to be more protective. It can be used as a tarp under your pool or even as a pool cover during winter months to prevent water, mud, and dirt from filling your pool.

Buy Now

If you click this link and make a purchase, we earn a commission at no additional cost to you.

01/27/2023 07:35 pm GMT

To make things even easier, you can also set your pool up on a concrete patio. You’ll still want to use a ground cloth or tarp, though.

Whatever you do, don’t even think about setting up your pool on sand. It can shift and cause the pool to lean to one side, which will put stress on the frame. The pool’s legs can also sink into the sand.

How to Set up an Intex Pool

Now that you’ve got the space all cleared and prepared, you can proceed to the actual Intex pool setup.

Get Help Moving the Pool Liner

The last thing you want is a hole in your pool before you even get it set up, and dragging the liner around by yourself is just asking for a big ol’ tear in it.

Instead of having to immediately order a new liner and put all your pool fun on hold, get a friend to help you move and unfold it. Be sure the two filter connection holes are facing toward where you’ll be setting up the filter pump and connecting to an outlet.

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!

Click Here to Learn More

Build the Frame

Intex pool setup is kind of like building IKEA furniture: You can do it by yourself, but it’s a lot easier if you have help. And there’s less chance of you throwing a hex key across the yard. So hopefully your friend will stick around to help you speed up the frame-building process.

Start by slipping the horizontal beams or poles into the sleeves of your pool liner, and connecting the first pole to a T joint.

Continue going all the way around the pool, making sure the T joints aren’t resting on your liner. The last T joint is usually the hardest to connect. That’s where a friendly extra pair of hands comes in, uh, handy.

Finally, add the vertical support legs. Make sure every leg is inserted into the rope or liner with a leg cap.

Set up the Filter Pump

Intex pool pumps are a filter and pump in one, which makes maintenance a little easier. It’s also easy to set up.

1. Place the filter pump on a level surface, at least two feet away from the hose connection on the pool wall.
2. Place the nozzle union in the upper hose connection. This connection is located on the filter portion of the filter pump.
3. Place the strainer union into the lower hose connection. This connection is located on the left side of the filter pump.
4. Connect the hose by attaching one end to the lower connection, and the other end to the upper connection.
5. Use two hose clamps to secure the hose to both the pool and the filter pump; tighten with a screwdriver (usually a flat head).

Next, you’ll want to test the filter pump, but you have to fill the pool first.

Adjust the Pool Liner and Frame

Once your pool is full of water, you won’t be able to move or adjust it. Before you break out the hose, take a few minutes to smooth out the liner, especially on the bottom where swimmers will put their feet. Those liner wrinkles will be uncomfortable, maybe even a little painful, to walk on.

Next, tighten the support beams. Pull the bottoms of the side supports away from the liner, and make sure the pool’s top beams are level.

Note: It’s OK if the walls and frame structure lean inward. As the pool fills with water, the sides will slowly move outward and be supported.

Fill the Pool

Depending on pool size, hose size, and water pressure, filling your pool can be an all-day activity.

Never leave a pool completely unattended while it’s filling up. Keep an eye on it, especially at the beginning, to make sure the water surface is level and there aren’t any major leaks.

Once the water reaches the fill line, turn it off. Overfilling the pool can put too much stress on the frame, and possibly cause it to collapse.

Our Top Pick

Hose Filter with Flexible Hose Protector

Fill your pool or hot tub with this hose filter that'll filter your water so you can have a fresh start with water chemistry.

Buy Now On Amazon

If you click this link and make a purchase, we earn a commission at no additional cost to you.

Test and Run the Filter Pump

If the pool is filled properly, the water line should be about two inches above the upper hose connection to ensure water enters the filtration system.

Plug the pool pump into an electrical outlet, and allow the system to run. Check to make sure water is entering the hose, running through the filter pump, and returning to the pool.

If it is, your Intex pool setup has been a success! Add chemicals, balance the water, and then get ready for some fun in the sun!

Do You Feel Like an Intex Pro?

Well, you should! You just cleared a level space, built a pool, and got a filtration system working, all in a matter of a few hours. Your kids and grandkids will look back on this as the day you saved them from unbearable summer heat, and bestowed upon them a cool, refreshing, new way of life.

OK, maybe that’s taking it a little far. But knowing how to set up an Intex pool has to have at least earned you a little quiet time. That’ll come in handy, because after all that work, you’ll probably need a nap. But once you wake up, you’ll be able to enjoy a nice dip in your new Intex pool.

Happy Swimming!

The post Stress-Free Intex Pool Setup appeared first on Swim University®.

What’s that? You already have a deck? Well you could just use that—maybe. Or maybe that would be asking for all kinds of trouble. Before you go to all the trouble of moving your hot tub or putting a spa deck around it, you need to make sure you do it right the first time. Otherwise, you’re just wasting money, and possibly creating a dangerous situation.

Hot Tub Deck Types

You have two options when installing decking for your spa.

Support Deck

This looks like a regular deck you might have connected to the back of your home, and the hot tub sits on top of it. It might be just a few inches off the ground, or elevated by several feet, with crawlspace below it.

That space is important because it will give you access to your spa’s cabinet and the equipment inside. You can’t properly maintain a hot tub if you can’t get into the cabinet. It’ll also make it easier to access the drain plug when it comes time to change the spa water.

Surround Deck

You’ve seen hot tubs that look like they’re sunken into a deck, with just the top few inches exposed, with winding paths of decking around it. This kind of spa deck can be a simple square around your spa, or get into some pretty elaborate designs with steps, benches, planters, and all kinds of features.

But a surround deck may not completely surround the spa. It may only connect with one, two, or three sides of it, or just part of a round hot tub. The top of the deck may also be a little lower than the top of the spa, or possibly even a couple of inches higher.

It all depends on the space your hot tub occupies, and what kind of look and functionality you want. The possibilities are endless if you have a good design and the time and money to implement it.

Do I Need a Special Hot Tub Deck?

Perhaps you’re thinking, “But what about the deck I already have in your back yard? The one where I do all your grilling and hanging out on weekends? Can’t i just put a hot tub on top of that deck and call it a day?”

It depends. Do you want to be able to use your hot tub, or do you want it to completely destroy your deck and cost you thousands of dollars in repairs? Easy answer, right?

Here’s the thing. When you build a backyard deck, it’s made to withstand the weight of some patio furniture, maybe a grill, and people walking and sitting on it. Now think about:

• Empty Hot Tub Weight: A spa can weigh about 600 pounds (272 kilograms) or more, depending on the size.
• Filled Hot Tub Weight: Some hot tub models hold about 400 gallons of water. One gallon of water weighs 8.34 pounds (3.8 kilograms).
• Bather Weight: Let’s say one person weighs an average of 150 pounds (68 kilograms).

Let’s do a little math.

empty hot tub weight + water weight + four bathers

600 lbs. + 3,336 lbs. + 600 lbs. = 4,536 lbs.

272 kg. + 1,520 kg. + 272 kg. = 2,064 kg.

So the deck originally meant to withstand a few hundred pounds now suddenly has to hold up a few thousand more. You see the problem.

Now, this isn’t to say you absolutely can’t use that deck. You can—if you take certain precautions.

Using Your Existing Deck

You can put a hot tub on your backyard deck. It just needs to be reinforced.

The first thing to do is consult with an engineer. This isn’t like other DIY projects. We’re talking about making sure your deck can withstand thousands of pounds of spa, water, and people.

Reinforcement must be done absolutely correctly, or you run the risk of damaging your hot tub and your deck. Worse, if an accident occurred, you, your family, or your friends could be injured.

An engineer will be able to make all the necessary measurements and calculations, and provide a plan to properly reinforce the deck. They’ll also tell you what materials to buy, such as lumber for new joists, ledger board fasteners, wood screws, and anything else you’ll need.

If you’re handy with tools, you can follow the engineer’s plan and reinforce the deck yourself. Or, if you’re not comfortable with the job, you can always hire a pro.

Important: We can’t stress strongly enough how imperative it is to consult with a professional engineer before undertaking this project yourself. For this reason, we’re not going to list a step-by-step process for hot tub deck reinforcement. We’re not engineers, and we want you to take the necessary steps to keep yourself and anyone who uses your deck or hot tub safe.

Note: If your deck is just a few inches off the ground, you may be able to put a hot tub on it without any reinforcement. Emphasis on the may. Your best bet is to still consult with an engineer to make sure. Spas are expensive. You don’t want to damage yours when it can be so easily avoided.

FastenMaster FMLL358-50 LedgerLOK Ledger Board Fastener - 3-5/8 in. - 50 Count

Buy Now

If you click this link and make a purchase, we earn a commission at no additional cost to you.

Installing a Custom Surround Deck

If you have the know-how, the time, and the inclination, you can build a custom surround deck yourself. The benefits to this are you don’t need to worry about it holding the weight of a full hot tub, and you’ll be able to create a deck system that offers everything you want and need.

Space for a deck box to hold towels and other hot tub accessories? Sure! Built-in planters for nice flowers and plants to add to the ambience? Absolutely! A diving platform? Whoa, too far. Leave the diving for the pool, OK?

A quick online search will lead you to deck design tools and free deck plans that you can either use out of the box, or as a starting point for your own custom design.

Keter Westwood Plastic Outdoor Storage Box - 150 gal.

Buy Now

If you click this link and make a purchase, we earn a commission at no additional cost to you.

Spa Deck Materials

Before you either build a spa deck or have one built for you, you’ll need to decide what material you want to use.

Wood

Well, of course. Most decks are made from some kind of wood. They’re sturdy and can last a long time—if they’re properly maintained.

A wood hot tub deck will need to be painted, stained, or sealed to prevent water damage. Moisture will discolor the wood, but more importantly, will cause it to warp and weaken over time, or possibly even rot.

And it won’t be enough to pain or seal it once. You’ll need to repaint and reseal from time to time. But before you can do that, you’ll have to remove the old paint or sealant, usually by sanding it off. It’s a lot of work, but can be worth it for the look real wood offers.

Eventually, though, no matter how vigilant you are about maintenance, you’ll likely have to replace some or all of the wood. It can only take so much exposure to water and weather before it starts to give out.

Ready Seal 512 Exterior Wood Stain and Sealer - 5 gal. - Natural Cedar

Buy Now

If you click this link and make a purchase, we earn a commission at no additional cost to you.

Composite

The beauty of wood without the upkeep, that’s composite. A mixture of approximately equal parts recycled wood fibers and recycled plastic, composite decking is impervious to rot, and will last much longer than a real wood deck.

You’ll never have to paint, stain, sand, or seal composite, either, and you won’t need to worry about warping or discoloration. Just hose it off regularly, and if it gets really dirty, scrub it with a mild soap and a soft-bristled brush.

Composite costs more up front than wood, but it more than makes up for it in lifespan and low need for maintenance.

SIMPLE GREEN All-Purpose Cleaner - 32 oz. - 3 Pack

$41.09 ($0.43 / Fl Oz)

Buy Now

If you click this link and make a purchase, we earn a commission at no additional cost to you.

01/27/2023 10:41 pm GMT

Concrete

You can completely do away with the concern about whether your deck can hold a full spa by placing it on a concrete pad. This includes your patio. As long as it’s not cracked or otherwise damaged, your back patio may be able to accommodate your hot tub.

There’s that may again.

Concrete weakens over time. If your home is relatively new, the patio is likely strong enough to withstand the weight of a full hot tub. But if you live in an older home, and the earth has shifted under the patio, putting a spa on it could damage both the patio and the hot tub.

So you know what we’re going to recommend? That’s right—talk to an engineer. Make sure your patio is stable enough to hold it before you put your spa on it. And if it’s not, you can either replace it, or have a new concrete pad installed just for the hot tub.

Also, if you’re going to place your hot tub on a concrete pad, you may want to seal the pad first.

Olympic Stain Waterguard Waterproofing Clear Sealant for Wood, Concrete, Brick - 1 gal.

Buy Now

If you click this link and make a purchase, we earn a commission at no additional cost to you.

Should You Go Pro?

If you’re not the handiest person with a hammer and nails, or you simply don’t have the time to get out in the back yard and build your own spa deck, you can hire a professional to do it for you.

Make sure you get a pro who specializes in hot tub decks so all the weight considerations aren’t neglected, and safety is the primary concern.

Will you spend more than if you’d bought the materials and built it yourself? Probably. It’s a tradeoff to spend your time on other pursuits, or have it done professionally and not worry the deck is going to collapse every time you step into your hot tub. That peace of mind alone is worth the added expense.

Deck the Hot Tubs!

Just not with boughs of holly. You keep all that green stuff out of your spa. Instead, add a nice hot tub deck to your backyard setup, and relax in style.

Happy Soaking!

The post Hot Tub Decks: Everything You Need to Know appeared first on Swim University®.

The solution? A pool umbrella. It may be more expensive than a tree, but there’s no work to plant it, and you don’t have to wait years for it to grow and actually provide that shade you’re looking for. Made to be in the pool or right next to it, with or without lights and speakers, you can find one that fits your style and your pool.

Why Get a Pool Umbrella?

As if you don’t already have enough pool accessories, right? That may be true. But unlike some accessories that are just fun, this one’s also functional and offers several tangible benefits.

While some umbrellas are built specifically for pool use, you can always place a large patio umbrella near the pool’s edge and get the same benefits. But you got a pool to swim in the sun, right? So why would you bother with a pool umbrella? Well, for a few reasons.

Avoid Sunburn and Skin Damage

You already know a sunburn is painful and that sun damage can cause everything from leathery wrinkles to skin cancer. Even if you’re diligent about slathering on a good amount of water resistant sunscreen, that only lasts so long, and you can still get burned. This is especially true if you have sensitive skin.

Putting a pool umbrella either in the water or on the deck next to the pool edge can give you a spot to rest and give your skin a break from the harsh sun. It’ll also be just a little cooler under there.

Banana Boat Ultra Sport Sunscreen SPF 50+ - 12 oz.

Buy Now

If you click this link and make a purchase, we earn a commission at no additional cost to you.

Protect Kids From Sunburn

When your toddler is just learning how to swim, having a shady spot to splash around in will let them enjoy the pool while protecting their delicate skin from the sun. Don’t forget the sunscreen for them too, though.

Give Seniors a Shady Spot to Exercise

Seniors like to spend time in the pool just like anyone, and maybe even do some exercise in it because it’s easier on their joints.

But standing in the hot sunlight for half an hour doing water aerobics isn’t any fun. A pool umbrella can provide a shady area where the seniors in your life can have fun and stay fit without worrying about heat stroke.

Give Your Pool-Loving Dog Some Shade

Yes, your dog is covered with fur, which protects her from sunburn—except on her snout. The hair on a dog’s snout is extremely thin—more like fuzz, really—and there’s no hair on her nose at all. Without protection, she can get sunburned quite easily.

Granted, she probably won’t want to just stay under the umbrella, so double up on protection by applying a sunscreen for dogs, specifically for her nose and snout.

Important: Even when it’s labeled “all natural,” always check with your vet before applying any kind of product to your dog’s skin. Better to check first than inadvertently apply something harmful and have a sick dog and vet bills to take care of.

Handy Hound SnoutScreen All Natural Nose Balm and Sunscreen - 2 oz.

Buy Now

If you click this link and make a purchase, we earn a commission at no additional cost to you.

Spend More Time in the Pool

If you have kids, you know it practically takes a crowbar to get them out of the pool. You don’t want to leave them unattended, but you also don’t want to get a sunburn.

Put up a pool umbrella, and you can stay out with them a little longer and be more comfortable while they get all pruny.

To take advantage of these benefits, it’s just a matter of finding the right pool umbrella for your needs and your setup.

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!

Click Here to Learn More

4 Best Pool Umbrellas

If you’ve seen one pool umbrella, you’ve seen ’em all, right? Not so fast, sparky! We found a few with some cool features to help keep you, uh, cool.

1. Purple Leaf Double Top Offset Square Patio Umbrella

This 10-foot square pool umbrella offers multiple height and angle options to block the sun from any direction. Its high-quality polyester fabric is UV resistant, waterproof, and won’t fade from sun exposure. The fabric is also easy to clean.

The heavy-duty aluminum ribs and steel frame are sprayed with an anti-oxidation coating for longevity. A storage cover and base are included, but you’ll need to get base weights separately to keep it from blowing over on a windy day.

Double Top Offset Square Patio Umbrella - 10 ft.

$569.00

Buy Now

If you click this link and make a purchase, we earn a commission at no additional cost to you.

01/27/2023 07:02 pm GMT

2. Le Papillon Double-Sided Aluminum Patio Umbrella

Planning a party? Cover an even larger portion of your pool with this 15-foot umbrella. It’s easy to operate with a crank lift, and features not one or two, but three wind vents at the top. They increase air flow for added comfort, but the vents also reduce wind pressure to keep the pool umbrella more stable. The polyester fabric is durable and easy to clean.

Be sure to pick up the matching base so the umbrella won’t fly away like its namesake. The base is made from heavy-duty, weather-resistant plastic, and can be filled with water or sand for added stability.

Le Papillon Double-Sided Aluminum Patio Umbrella - 15 ft.

Buy Now

If you click this link and make a purchase, we earn a commission at no additional cost to you.

3. KINGYES Offset Cantilever Umbrella

Thanks to its offset cantilever design, you can set this umbrella near the edge of your pool, and enjoy its full 10 feet of shade. The fabric is heavy-duty, waterproof, fade resistant polyester made to block UV rays.

The crank makes it open to easy and lift, and the 360-degree rotation makes opening and closing this pool umbrella easy. The frame is constructed from heavy-duty, powder-coated steel to protect against rust, corrosion, chipping, and peeling. Note that you’ll need to weigh the base down to keep it stable in windy conditions.

KINGYES Offset Cantilever Patio Umbrella - 10 ft.

Buy Now

If you click this link and make a purchase, we earn a commission at no additional cost to you.

4. Ainfox Solar Patio Umbrella with LED Lights

Just when you thought all these pool umbrellas were pretty much the same, there’s this one with built-in LED lights! A total of 32, to be exact—4 lights on each of the 8 ribs. They’re dimmable to you can turn them up for an evening card game in the pool, or lower them for a cozy, romantic evening in the water.

Not only that, the lights are solar powered, providing light for 6 to 7 hours. You’ll find the small, round charging panel at the very top of the umbrella, where it’s unobtrusive yet effective. Made from high-quality, waterproof, fade-resistant polyester, the 9-foot umbrella is made to last.

Ainfox Solar Patio Umbrella with LED Lights - 9 ft.

Buy Now

If you click this link and make a purchase, we earn a commission at no additional cost to you.

4 Best Pool Umbrella Accessories

Even if the pool umbrella you choose doesn’t come with any neat accessories like drink holders and lights, don’t despair. You can get those separately, and create a custom mini-sanctuary under your umbrella, ella, ella, eh, eh, eh.

5. Best Choice Products Square Umbrella Base

Does the pool umbrella you want to get not come with its own base? No problem. This base’s sturdy 4-plate design is built to keep most offset umbrellas secure. Each plate features an easy-to-fill spout, and can hold 13 liters of water or 44 pounds of sand to help keep the umbrella upright when it’s windy.

This base is made from heavy-duty, weather-resistant plastic, so it’s durable and easy to clean. It doesn’t require any assembly other than filling the plates. Remember to double check all the measurements to make sure it’ll fit your umbrella stand.

Best Choice Products 4-Piece Square Patio Umbrella Base w/Easy-Fill Spouts

Buy Now

If you click this link and make a purchase, we earn a commission at no additional cost to you.

6. DC America Stone Umbrella Base

Love the look of metal but not the possibility of rust? Here’s the answer. This umbrella base is made from cast stone, but has a bronze finish, so it’ll be just as sturdy as metal, but without the rust worry.

This 18-inch base comes with plastic inserts that will allow for a 1- or 1.5-inch pole, and without the inserts, it’ll hold a 2-inch pole. Be sure to measure your pool umbrella first to make sure it will fit.

DC America Stone Umbrella Base with Bronze Finish - 18 in.

Buy Now

If you click this link and make a purchase, we earn a commission at no additional cost to you.

7. OYOCO Patio Umbrella with Cordless LED Lights

If your pool umbrella didn’t come with lights pre-installed, you can add them yourself, no wiring necessary! This umbrella attachment features 28 lights total—24 bright, and 4 super-bright. By simply pressing a button, you choose whether you have 4, 24, or all 28 lights on depending on your mood or activity.

No tools are required to install this accessory. It attached to your umbrella pole with an adjustable clamp that will fit poles from 0.86 inch to 1.81 inches. You can’t get much more specific than that. The light attachment requires 4 AA batteries, and comes with a 1-year warranty.

OYOCO Patio Umbrella with Cordless LED Lights

Buy Now

If you click this link and make a purchase, we earn a commission at no additional cost to you.

8. MYARD Umbrella Tray

Isn’t it a pain to have to get out of the pool and run to the patio every time you want a sip of a cool drink? Well, stop doing that! Instead, get this multi-function pool umbrella tray to hold your drink, snacks, sunglasses, phone, whatever you need to keep nearby when you’re hanging out in the pool.

It’s made from weather-resistant, anti-UV plastic for durability and longevity. The tray measures 15 inches in diameter, will fit umbrella poles up to 1.5 inches in diameter, and holds up to five pounds. All you have to do is slide it onto your umbrella pole to whatever height you wish, attach the included adapter, and tighten the included plastic screw to keep it in place. It comes with a 1-year manufacturer warranty.

MYARD Umbrella Tray with 4 Compartments - 15 in.

Buy Now

If you click this link and make a purchase, we earn a commission at no additional cost to you.

Cover Up, Buttercup!

Stop waiting for that tiny palm tree you planted to sprout up overnight. Get instant shade with a pool umbrella, and then add an accessory or two to really get the most out of your now-cooler pool time.

Happy Swimming!

The post 8 Best Pool Umbrellas and Accessories appeared first on Swim University®.

Maybe you’re thinking pretty isn’t practical. It doesn’t matter what the area around the pool looks like, as long as the pool is clean and swimmable, right? If that’s your stance, you may want to reconsider because pool landscaping can conserve water, reduce chemical use, and save you money, among other benefits.

Pool Landscaping Benefits

Before you run out to the nursery and pick out a bunch of plants, think about what you want to accomplish with your pool landscaping.

Privacy

Nosy neighbors? Want to be able to skinny dip in the middle of the day? Hey, we’re not judging. Whatever the reason, it’s nice to have a little privacy around your pool. You can get it with shrubs, hedges, small trees, tall flowering plants, or vines.

Less Debris in the Pool

The less often you have to skim and vacuum the pool, the more time you can spend swimming in it.

If you choose plants that lose their flowers often, give off a lot of pollen, or lose all their leaves in the winter, you’re going to have more clean-up to do. And if you think cleaning up leaves is a hassle, just wait until you have pollen in your pool.

Our Top Pick

Heavy Duty Pool Leaf Net

It's a deep and durable leaf net pool skimmer that can collect a lot of debris all in one skimming. It also includes a lifetime guarantee. This is what the pros use!

Buy Now On Amazon Buy on InTheSwim.com

If you click this link and make a purchase, we earn a commission at no additional cost to you.

Reduced Evaporation

Replacing water and chemicals lost due to evaporation is a part of regular pool maintenance. Pool water evaporates no matter what you do. You can’t stop it, but you can reduce it.

Wind accelerates evaporation. By placing plants, shrubs, or other barriers around your pool, you can reduce the amount of wind that skims across the surface of your pool, thereby slowing the rate of evaporation. You’ll save water, chemicals, and money.

Low Maintenance

Let’s just establish right now that rose bushes probably aren’t the best option for your pool landscaping. Not that they aren’t beautiful, and they do smell wonderful. But roses are high maintenance flowers, and without constant care, they can quickly look unkempt and, well, ugly.

Keep maintenance requirements low by choosing plants that:

• Are native: They’ll require little, if any, fertilizer, will withstand the local weather, prevent erosion, and their root systems improve water quality.
• Will grow in your USDA hardiness zone: Plants meant to thrive in warm climates won’t do well too far north.
• Don’t attract bees and wasps: You don’t want to spend time combating angry wasps while you’re just trying to enjoy a swim. We highly recommend using plants that support pollinators, just not in the immediate area of your pool.

Increased Resale Value

If you don’t plan to live in your home for the rest of your life, well-executed pool landscaping may add some value to your home. And if not actual value, then at least visual appeal, which can go a long way to making a sale.

Check with your real estate agent to see whether buyers are looking for any particular trends in backyard pools and landscapes, and try to incorporate them if you can.

Beauty

Well, of course. You want your home to look nice, and that extends to your back yard and pool area, right? Sometimes, pools are surrounded by nothing more than a few feet of concrete, and then grass. That can make any pool look barren and desolate.

Putting some effort into pool landscaping can turn a concrete wasteland into a gorgeous back yard paradise. And if you have a large concrete deck that prevents you from bringing that landscaping inward, you can always use planters and colorful containers to bring the beauty a little closer to the pool.

OK, so you’ve identified your pool landscaping goals. Now come the fun parts!

Planter Pot - 15 in.

$101.99

Buy Now

If you click this link and make a purchase, we earn a commission at no additional cost to you.

01/27/2023 06:08 pm GMT

Choose a Pool Landscaping Theme

This is completely optional, and depends on your preferences. But if you do decide to create a theme with your pool landscaping, you can go with tropical, desert, jungle, Mediterranean, or whatever appeals to you.

The theme you choose will inform the plants and other garden materials you use. For example, a desert theme will have lots of cacti and succulents and maybe landscaping rocks instead of mulch around them.

Take a look around online to get your creative juices flowing.

• Pool Landscaping on Pinterest
• Pool Landscaping Photo Gallery on Southern Living
• Pool Landscaping Photo Gallery on LandscapingNetwork.com

Design Before You Start

You don’t want to choose a bunch of plants and flowers just because they look nice, then plant them all next to each other. You may find the ones you plants in front are taller than the ones planted in the rear, and one plant spreads out so far, it crowds out everything around it. You need a plan.

This can be as easy as grabbing some graph paper and colored pencils, and drawing a landscape design. Or you can use an online garden planner.

To build a solid plan, you’ll need to do a couple of other things as well.

Five Star Filler Graph Paper - 100 Sheets per Pack - 11 in. x 8-1/2 in. - 3 Pack

Buy Now

If you click this link and make a purchase, we earn a commission at no additional cost to you.

Take Measurements

How much space do you have to work with? This is essential information before you start choosing plants.

Choose the Right Plants

Aside from their being native and low maintenance, you also need to know how tall and how far outward they’ll grow. This will allow you to structure the landscaping so you get benefit from all the plants, and get to enjoy their beauty without obstruction.

Important: Avoid plants designated invasive. This means it’s a pest plant, growing aggressively and overtaking or even killing the plants around it. It will also mean a lot of work for you to keep it under control.

Pool Landscaping Supplies

Depending on the specific choices you make, and whether you have an inground or above ground pool, you may not need all of these supplies.

• graph paper
• colored pencils
• digging shovel
• square garden spade (for edging)
• steel rake
• garden tools (trowel, transplanter, and cultivator)
• garden hose
• spray nozzle
• garden gloves
• landscape edging
• mulch
• landscape fabric
• pea gravel or other stones, if desired
• flower seeds
• live plants
• landscape lights
• sweat-proof sunscreen
• closed-toe shoes

Fiskars Ergo Garden Tool Set - 3 Piece

Buy Now

If you click this link and make a purchase, we earn a commission at no additional cost to you.

Inground Pool Landscaping

Whether you have a large yard or just one strip of grass next to your pool, you can add colors, beauty, and pragmatism to your pool area.

Prepare the Area

Start by cleaning the area around your pool. Remove all plant pots, debris, trash, metal, and anything else that doesn’t belong there. Check for any rocks in the soil and remove them.

Pull all the weeds from the area where you’re going to plant. It’s best to do this after a good rain because the weeds will come up more easily. If it hasn’t rained in a while, you can soak the ground the night before. Remember, you want to pull out the entire root, or the weed will just grow back.

Prepare the Plants

If you bought live plants, remove them from their pots, and gently massage the roots to loosen them up. Also remove any dead leaves or flowers from the plants.

Now you’re ready to really start rockin’ it! Except not really, because you removed all the rocks. But you know what we mean.

Hedges

Either close to the pool or in front of your fences, hedges can be a foundation for your pool landscaping. Thicker varieties will offer lots of privacy, and may even become home to birds, butterflies, and other flying friends.

If you live in a warmer climate and swim year-round, consider evergreen hedges so you won’t lose that privacy in the winter. Just be aware that you may need to prune them regularly to keep them looking neat.

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!

Click Here to Learn More

Trees

Small trees may do the job depending on the type you choose, how leafy they are, how high your fence is, and how much higher your neighbors’ houses are than yours.

If you have the space for them, consider planting one or two large trees for shade, privacy, and cleaner air. Again, evergreens are a good choice due to their fullness and year-round aesthetic. But if you choose deciduous trees (those that lose their leaves in winter), don’t plant them too close to the pool, or you’ll be skimming leaves out like it’s your job.

Plants

Hedges and trees too much trouble? Don’t have the space for them? Stick with plants! They come in all shapes and sizes, and in green, red, purple, yellow, and every shade in between. You can also choose plants with variegated leaves for visual interest.

Flowering Plants

They’d probably be a lot of work around the entire perimeter, but tall flowering plants might work on one or two sides of your pool. They also wouldn’t be as solid as shrubs, or as full as trees, so they wouldn’t provide as much privacy.

Still, if this is your preference, consider a variety such as giant sunflowers to get the most height.

Note: Remember that many flowers attract bees and wasps, so choose carefully.

David's Garden Seeds Mammoth Grey Stripe Sunflower - Non-GMO - 50 Seeds

Buy Now

If you click this link and make a purchase, we earn a commission at no additional cost to you.

Vines

This may not be feasible around the entire pool either, but you could put trellises up on one or two sides, and train some type of vine to climb them. If you don’t have privacy fencing, you can also allow vines to climb your fence as well.

Most vines grow pretty quickly, but it may still take a while to achieve the level of privacy you’re looking for. Also, some types of vines can be invasive, so choose your plants carefully.

If you want to go super low maintenance and have immediate privacy, you could cover trellises with artificial ivy. Or maybe just until the real stuff gets growing.

DearHouse Artificial Ivy - 12 Strands - 84 ft.

Buy Now

If you click this link and make a purchase, we earn a commission at no additional cost to you.

Lighting

After all this work, you want to be able to see your pool landscaping at night! Having lights around your pool is also just a good idea for safety. Nice, warm lighting can also create a cozy ambience.

For energy efficiency and to keep your electric bill low, choose solar landscape lights. They’ll charge during the day, and then brighten up your pool area from dusk ’til dawn.

Inground Pool Landscaping Alternative

If you’d rather not do all this work to install pool landscaping, or you don’t want to add garden maintenance to your already full schedule, consider putting up a pool enclosure.

Depending on the type, you may not get the privacy, but you’ll definitely see less debris, reduced evaporation, and less maintenance. And they can be pretty, too.

Above Ground Pool Landscaping

If you already have a full above ground pool deck, you can add color and greenery to the pool area with containers.

But if you have a partial or no deck at all, you may want to improve the space around the pool.

All of the inground pool landscaping suggestions also apply to above ground pools. But you have a few additional above ground pool landscaping options.

Ground Cover

The ground surrounding your above ground pool can become saturated and muddy, especially if the kids like to splash around a lot.

The pool chemicals may not be so friendly to sod, either, and things can start to look mucky. Not only that, but that mud and muck will get tracked into the pool if you’re not careful.

Ground cover to the rescue! Some varieties of ground cover are hardier than grass, and can stand up to a lot more water and traffic. Clover is one good choice, and so is frog fruit. Yes, you read that correctly. You might want to plant frog fruit just so you can say you have frog fruit in your yard. It’s fun to say!

Mulch

It’s not just for gardens. Laying mulch around your above ground pool can also help keep the mud at bay, and make the area look neat and tidy.

Another option is rubber mulch. From a distance, it looks like regular mulch, and it discourages weeds, the same way regular mulch does.

But rubber mulch doesn’t attract insects, and it’s touted as a safer surface. In fact, it’s often used to cover playground areas. If you have kids climbing in and out of your above ground pool, rubber mulch may offer a little peace of mind as well as aesthetic appeal.

Note: We’re talking about using rubber mulch specifically around the base of your above ground pool. We don’t recommend it for gardens and flower beds because it doesn’t break down and add nutrients to the soil.

Important: Some rubber mulch is made from shredded tires, and concerns have been raised about whether this is healthy material to use in gardens and on playgrounds. Do your due diligence and research it before you buy it so you can make an informed decision.

Rubber Mulch - 0.8 cu. ft.

$33.30

Buy Now

If you click this link and make a purchase, we earn a commission at no additional cost to you.

01/28/2023 04:34 am GMT

Gravel or Landscape Rocks

It keeps the mud at bay, it doesn’t attract insects, and it’s definitely not a health hazard. Gravel doesn’t do much to prevent weeds, though, but that’s what landscape fabric is for.

Laying gravel or landscape rocks around the bottom of your pool can create a beautiful perimeter that requires no maintenance other than picking up the occasional stray pebble.

Some types of rock are more expensive than others. While you can find it at home improvement stores, you may get a better deal at a landscape supply company.

Landscape Fabric - 5 ft. x 100 ft.

$59.99

Buy Now

If you click this link and make a purchase, we earn a commission at no additional cost to you.

01/27/2023 09:59 pm GMT

Consider Xeriscaping

If you’re not familiar with this term, it’s likely you don’t live in an area that experiences drought and water restrictions. Xeriscape (the X is pronounced like a Z) means dry landscape, but don’t let the name fool you.

We’re not talking about turning your pool area into a dry, dusty desert with no plant life at all. You could leave the ground bare if you wanted to, but many xeriscapes use gravel or landscape rocks both to keep the dust under control, and to add color and brightness.

And while a xeriscape does often include cacti and succulents, you can also add green and flowering plants that simply don’t need much water to thrive. There’s no reason you couldn’t do this with your pool landscaping.

You’d also get a few extra benefits.

Water Conservation

Landscape rocks and plants that don’t need a lot of water means you won’t have to turn the sprinklers on for hours to soak them. Just be aware that some of the plants you use may need some water.

Water Utility Rebates and Coupons

Some cities offer rebates to residents who create xeriscapes. They may even offer coupons for you to buy some of the supplies to help you get started with xeriscaping. Check with your local water utility.

The Lowest of Low Maintenance

If you decide to go all out with your xeriscaping and completely replace your water-hogging lawn with gravel or landscape rocks, guess what? You’ll save a lot of water, sure, but even better—no more mowing!

You may still have to pull the random weed here and there, but that can be remediated by putting landscape fabric under the surface.

The Practical Illustrated Guide to Growing Cacti & Succulents

Buy Now

If you click this link and make a purchase, we earn a commission at no additional cost to you.

Get Growing!

Are you ready to get your hands dirty? Then roll up those sleeves and get to it! Before long, your nosy neighbors will be complimenting you on your gorgeous pool area.

One last thing. Don’t start anything until you’ve taken a “before” picture. Then take lots of “after” photos when you’re done. You’ll marvel at the difference smart pool landscaping can make!

Happy Landscaping!

The post Pool Landscaping: Pretty and Practical appeared first on Swim University®.

But before you go out and buy a ton of lumber, you’ll need to take a few things into consideration. If you’re going to take on a project like this, you want to do it right from the get-go.

Benefits of Above Ground Pool Decks

Is a deck a necessary component of your swimming pool? Of course not. You can enjoy your pool just fine without a deck around it. But you may not have considered all the advantages to an above ground pool deck.

Getting in and Out is Easier

Right now, you’re probably relying on a ladder to enter and exit your pool. Nothing wrong with that. They work well. But they may also make it a little more difficult for smaller kids and seniors to get in and out of the pool.

There’s the ladder on the outside of the pool, then they have to go down a second ladder inside the pool. This can be taxing. It’s much easier to step directly from a deck onto the in-pool ladder.

Bonus Benefit: Your family and friends can sit down on the deck and dangle their feet in the water if they just want to cool off without swimming.

Your Yard Will Look Nicer

A nice wood deck can just be a beautiful addition to any back yard. Aside from the deck’s appearance, though, it can keep your actual yard looking better.

Between splashout and weather, if you haven’t installed hardy above ground pool landscaping, there’s nothing to keep the ground around your pool from quickly becoming a major muddy mess. Then swimmers have to step into that area before they climb the ladder to get into the pool, which means they could be bringing dirt and mud into the pool with them. Yuck.

Above ground pool decks do away with this problem. There’s no need to step on the ground at all before getting into the pool, which helps keep the water clean.

And you don’t have to build a raised deck to see this benefit, either. You could surround your pool with ground-level decking, which can both save your yard and look beautiful.

Bonus Benefit: This also means your sanitizer doesn’t have to work as hard, and can last longer, saving you time and money.

You Can Create Built-In Seating

If you’re going to spend the time and money to build your own above ground pool deck, why not buy a few extra pieces of lumber to create seating too?

It doesn’t even have to be fancy. Simple benches will work, and you can even add a table or two if you like. Cover the hardwood with patio cushions and you can add both comfort and color to your deck.

Bonus Benefit: Good quality patio furniture can be expensive. Spend a little more on your deck, what you would’ve spent on furniture can go to some other backyard amenity like a gas grill or a patio umbrella.

Above Ground Pool Deck Materials

The first thing that pops into your head when you think of an outdoor deck is probably wood. But did you know you have another option?

Wood

This is the most common material used to build decks, and the types of wood most often used are cedar, redwood, and pressure-treated wood. They’re strong, cost-effective, and you can stain or paint them any color you like.

Wood does have some drawbacks, though. Over time, the stain will fade under ultraviolet (UV) light exposure. And if you don’t take good care of a wood deck, it will eventually start to become weak, warp, and rot.

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!

Click Here to Learn More

Another problem is, when wood stays damp, it can grow mold, which can also weaken it while also making it look terrible. You can try mold inhibitor, but sealing it is a much better preventive measure.

Finally, just one word: splinters.

Still, as long as you take the time and put in the effort to care for it, a wood above ground pool deck can last you for decades.

Composite

Like wood, but better, for a few reasons. Composite, as its name suggests, is made of a blend of recycled wood. Some brands add recycled plastic for more strength and durability. This preserves trees, makes the composite strong, and helps it last longer than regular wood.

Composite resists fading, splintering, and mold. It may also come prestained and oiled so you don’t have to do the work of staining or waterproofing it. And it has a wood-grain pattern so you get the beauty of wood without the maintenance.

Prices will vary from brand to brand, so do your homework to find the most affordable and cost-effective option for you and your pool.

Caring for Above Ground Pool Decks

An outdoor deck needs protection from the elements. But a deck around a pool filled with chemical-laden water needs even more.

Seal Your Deck

If you build your own wood deck, and if you decide to stain it, you’ll need to seal it. Being constantly bombarded with water, whether from the pool or the sky, your beautiful stained deck is going to look gray and ashy in no time. Use a high-quality sealant to keep the beauty in and the water out.

Some sealants also include UV protection to offer even more protection against the sun’s rays. Check

Also remember that sealant doesn’t last forever. While it’s doing its job of protecting your above ground pool deck, it’s taking a beating, and will eventually start to wear out. How often you need to reseal your deck will depend on the weather where you are, and how much wear and tear your deck sees. Keep an eye on its condition so you can reseal it before the wood suffers too much exposure.

Use Paint Made for the Outdoors

This one seems like a no-brainer, right? Until you buy a house and find out the previous owner painted the entire interior with matte outdoor paint. So apparently, some people need to know that there’s indoor paint, and there’s outdoor paint.

If you decide to paint your deck rather than leave the wood natural or stain it, be sure to choose an outdoor paint. It’s made to stand up to harsh sunlight and rain beating down on it and not crack or flake at the first sign of winter. It will also seal the wood, meaning you don’t have to put a sealant over the paint.

Keep it Clean

What? Why should you have to clean a deck that’s constantly being splashed by chlorinated water?

Because it’s constantly being splashed by chlorinated water. The sanitizer and other chemicals in your pool water will take a toll on your above ground pool deck, whether it’s made of wood or composite. Plus, there’s just dirt and pollen flying around, dead bugs, grass, and the inevitable spills that will happen when you have friends over for a cookout.

Sealant will help wood stand up to all of those things, but keeping it clean will help the sealant last longer. Sometimes, just hosing off the deck will be enough to combat dirt and stray bits of grass. If you have a tougher dirt dilemmas, follow the sealant’s instructions for cleaning to make sure you don’t damage the surface of your deck.

Also in the plus column for composite, it can be easier to clean than wood. For most dirt and spills, all it takes is spraying it down with a garden hose. For more stubborn dirt or grease, you can use a power washer (no greater than 3,100 psi), then give it a gentle scrub with a soft-bristled brush.

All Hands on Deck!

What are you waiting for? A mud pit to form around your pool so you can wrassle? That’s just asking for trouble. Start planning your above ground pool deck now. There’s never a bad time to beautify your yard, and make your pool area safer and more sanitary.

Happy Swimming!

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