Best automatic pool cleaner on the market!

...for swimming pools with a large amount of debris and/or leaves ... called the Polaris 3900 sport. In my opinion, this cleaner is not only much more efficient but will also last far longer than any other cleaner on the market. This cleaner operates with a booster pump and if your pool currently operates with a suction cleaner, then I would not recommend switching mainly from a cost effectiveness standpoint. With over 25 years experience in the swimming pool industry as a builder & service tech and experiential knowledge of just about every cleaner available, here are some main reasons why:

• all wheel drive system w/ 50% more torque than other polaris models. This gives it more ability to get around areas of the pool that otherwise would cause the cleaner to become stuck.
• wider wheels - same benefit as above because of better traction.
• 4 vacuum jets (as opposed to 3), giving the cleaner better suction allowing it to pick up debris more efficiently.
• stainless steel belt drive (as opposed to rubber) ... runs better and doesn't wear out!
• larger throat and debris bag than other units allowing it to pick up more, larger debris and reducing the amount of times between cleaning out the bag.

***This is under the assumption that I believe the polaris to be the best manufacturer of cleaners that run the return side of the system.

This unit costs about $200 more than the polaris 280, but the cost difference will be compensated for in the repairs alone not to mention the efficiency. ~
Click here for printable brochure on Polaris' website

2 ways to save your swimming pool coping before it's too late.

Generally, it's important to seal all cracks:

1. between the coping (rock, brick, coping stone) and the tile. *note picture above labeled "mortar joint".
2. between the coping and the deck. *note picture above labeled "deck-o-seal".

  The "deck-o-seal" is actually a water barrier. "Deck-o-seal" is a brand name for a two part mix which is poured into the space between the coping and the deck. A sand base is used to fill up most of the space and the deck-o-seal is pored on top of the sand (rules are no deeper than the width of the joint). If applied correctly and if the deck does not move too much, this should last approximately 5 years before needing to be replaced.

  If you see visible cracks in the caulking-like substance, depending on the size of the crack and length, a small amount of clear 100% silicone can be used to seal the crack as a temporary fix. Otherwise, it is recommended to remove the old deck-o-seal and replace with new.  

  A crack in the mortar between the coping and the tile usually starts around the skimmers and generally happens more rapidly on geometric shaped pools (45 degree angles). The crack can be cut with a 4" - 4 1/2" grinder and a diamond blade. This gives about a 1/8" wide gap to reapply new mortar. If the crack is wider and the mortar starts falling out when cutting, it's best to chip out all loose mortar and fill with new. Doing this will prevent the crack from going around the entire pool if caught early. If caught in later stages and done properly, it will gain you another 5 years before replacing  the coping and tile.

**when water gets into cracks and goes below the surface, it doesn't evaporate and will actually break down the properties of the mortar!

  Check for future blogs about how to properly mix mortar that will last far longer than what you can buy premixed.

5 things NOT to do on your swimming pool in freezing temperatures

1. Do NOT turn your heater on ... heating the water not only costs approx. $50/day, but it will decrease the gas pressure for your home heater ... in addition, heater owner's manuals warn owners not to run the heaters when temperatures get below 20 degrees Fahrenheit!
2. Do NOT throw wood logs in the pool to prevent ice from forming on the surface. Wood absorbs the water and freezes itself. It's best to use plastic jugs filled 1/4 way w/ water or Styrofoam coolers w/ a little water in them also. Especially in the spa to prevent structural cracking, and in front of pool skimmers to keep circulation intact. 
3. Do NOT turn the pool/spa pump off ... rapid, continuously moving water will not freeze.
4. Do NOT try to backwash pool filter ... backwash handle can freeze in position and could possibly break. If handle breaks in a certain position, running pool pump will drain the water in the pool.
5. Do NOT let the water level get below the skimmers. The pump will lose prime and be unable to keep the water flowing.