The Intex Krystal Clear Deluxe Pool Maintenance Kit is one of the best selling and most popular above ground pool vacuums. It is one of the most popular kits for above ground pool owners. It includes all the tools needed to get your pool up and running. The included above ground pool vacuum is a manual cleaner that sucks up debris easily. It is ideal for new pool operators that want the necessary tools to keep their pool clean and in perfect condition. It is also perfect for experienced pool owners that wish to upgrade their maintenance equipment.

The Vacuum

The vacuum works perfectly! It easily picks up debris, dust, sand, pebbles, leaves, insects, and small sticks. It does not pick up larger rocks, but you ca not expect a manual vacuum to be able to pick up big stones. But seriously, how often would big rocks get into the pool unless someone tossed them in? If you need something to pick up large rocks, you would need a robotic cleaner.

The only problem with this product is that the suction could have been a little more powerful, though that is more an issue of my pool pump being too weak. As with any above ground pool vacuum, a hearty pump means a hearty vacuum, and a weak pump means a weak vacuum. Thankfully, above ground pool pumps are not as expensive to replace as inground pool pumps.

The bottom line is that this cleaner works incredibly well. If you have an Intex above ground pool that came with a vacuum, this is not the same model. This is an improved product that far outperforms the included cleaner. It is one of the most effective manual pool vacuums. And though it is not as hearty as an automatic pool vacuum, it certainly does the job.

The Hose

The hose included with the Intex Krystal Clear Deluxe Pool Maintenance Kit is perfect to use with pools with a diameter of 18 feet or greater. This size is great for just about any above ground pool. If the pool is fewer than that 18 feet across, you will simply have some extra hose, but it would be no problem.

The Brush

The brush attaches to the pole. It is perfect for scrubbing the sides and floor of the pool’s surface. It is great for scraping off any tough dirt or algae. Then, after you scrub the surface and loosen the algae, you can connect the cleaner to the pole and vacuum it up throughout the pool filter.

The Skimmer Basket

The skimmer basket works perfectly. You will only need to connect it to the side of your pool with the included parts. Then you adjust it to the level of the water. Then the pool’s pump sucks the water through the filter in the basket, and it automatically cleanses the water during the whole time that the pump is operating.

The Oversized Skimmer

The oversized skimmer connects to the pole. You use it manually, which allows you to spot clean the surface and remove particles that may be floating on the surface. The rim of the skimmer is wide and the fine mesh bag is much deeper than most skimmers, which allows you to collect a lot leaves and debris before you have to empty it.

The Filter

The Filter connects with ease. Once it is attached, you can automatically chlorinate the pool. Just drop in the required amount of chlorine tablets into the skimmer and let it do its work, where it will contain them as they gradually dissolve into the pool’s water.

Overall, the Intex Krystal Clear Deluxe Pool Maintenance Kit is one of the best values for a pool cleaning kit. Each item that is included is sturdy and depedable. As for manual vacuums, the one included in this kit is better than most. It is a great above ground pool cleaner for anybody who wishes to have a sparkling pool without needing to spend a fortune on equipment.

For more information about this intex pool vacuum, visit the author’s site: above ground pool cleaners, where you can find reviews and comparisons of all the best above ground pool vacuums.

The Three Kinds

Many people often wonder which type of above ground pool vacuum cleaner would be best for their needs. Here I will explain everything you will need to know each kind so that you will be able to make the best choice on the above ground pool vacuum that will be best for your pool setup.

There are 3 kinds of above ground pool vacuum cleaners. They are: manual, automatic, and robotic. Each kind is different in certain unique ways. Certain ones require more effort and time relative to the others, while some are more of a simple ’set-it-and-forget-it’ type. Let’s have a look:

Manual Above Ground Pool Vacuum Cleaners

Manual cleaners are certainly the most affordable ones. But these type require more time, and if you consider that time is money, then these type are definitely not for you! The manual cleaner connects to a pole. The device connects to the pool’s filter by way of a hose-pipe. It sucks the dirt from the bottom surface of the swimming pool and sends it to the pool’s filter system. During this entire process, you must manually push the pole so that it covers the whole floor of the swimming pool. It requires some physical effort, and might also require more strength and energy, especially if the pool is large. Apart from that, it probably won’t be pleasant to stand out below the heat of the sun every day as you vacuum your swimming pool.

Automatic Above Ground Pool Vacuum Cleaners

Automatic cleaners are available in the moderate price range. They have become quite popular and common everywhere. They are self-propelled and crawl over the bottom of the pool, collecting leaves, twigs, and other objects. They carry the dirt to the filter system by way of a hose which is attached to it. They are extremely popular because they need very little time and energy. All that you must do is drop it into the pool and return to remove it when it is done. You may do whatever you please while it vacuums the pool. Or you can simply relax and enjoy the sunshine outdoors or the air conditioning indoors. This type is comparatively inexpensive, and it is also an excellent bargain if you consider the time it will save you with its ’set it-and-forget’ advantage.

Robotic Above Ground Pool Vacuum Cleaners

Robotic cleaners are like automatic ones simply because they are self propelled. Like the automatic ones, they need almost no attention. It really is as easy as dropping it into the swimming pool and going back to remove it when it is done. They are the most costly among the three kinds of cleaners. However, they are the most efficient ones. Unlike the other two kinds, they do not send the dirt through the pool’s filtration system, but instead, keep it it inside themselves. Once you remove it from the pool, you can empty its container. This prevents deterioration of your pump and filter, causing them to last longer and work more efficiently. This type of vacuum will clean perfectly, leaving the floor of the pool spotless.

Now you know all about the three different kinds of above ground pool vacuum cleaners. I hope I have helped in making your decision simple!

Want to learn more about above ground pool vacuums? Check out Bob Washington’s site on how to choose the best above ground pool cleaner for your needs.

Solar pool covers are a great way to get heat from the sun to the swimming pool. Another name for a solar pool cover is a solar blanket. The solar pool cover acts as a barrier to keep the heat in the pool and not let it escape.

A solar pool cover floats freely on top of the water. There are no anchors or tie-downs. This makes the solar pool cover very easy to remove. A solar pool cover reel may also be used, and this will help roll up your solar pool cover easily and makes for great, clean storage. A solar pool cover can also be pulled out and folded up, but this can be a messier task. Get more information on solar pool cover reels, because these are usually the best bet for storage.

A solar pool cover is ideal to use in a sunny climate because the more heat they can gather, the longer the swim season. Note I did not say the climate needs to be warm all the time, but the blanket does need to have access to the sun.

Please be aware that solar pool covers are not safety covers. Consumers should completely remove the solar pool cover before anyone enters the pool. Solar pool covers are not intentionally designed to keep debris out of the pool, but they do a great job at it.

Solar pool covers can be many different shapes. They can be round, square, oval, or even a custom design. They work just as well for in-ground or above-ground pools. A solar pool cover can keep your pool 10-15 degrees warmer and are so much cheaper than a pool heater, which can cost hundreds of dollars a month, especially if you have a larger pool.

Rose Thomas is an expert in solar pool covers and runs a very informative and busy blog about solar pool covers. She has helped thousands of people get educated on the benefits of solar. Save time, money, and the environment. Go Green!