Posts Tagged ‘yard’

The 3 Types of Above Ground Pool Vacuum Cleaners: Pros vs. Cons

Sunday, July 24th, 2011

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.

The Three Kinds Of Above Ground Pool Vacuum Cleaners

Wednesday, June 1st, 2011

For years, people have been debating whether or not automatic above ground pool vacuums are necessary. They have their advantages and they also have their disadvantages. The following article will examine the pros and cons of automatic above ground pool vacuums.

There are three main types of above ground pool cleaners. These three types consist of: manual cleaners, automatic cleaners, and robotic cleaners. They each vary in different ways. Some involve more work and time than others, while some are as easy as set-and-forget.

Manual Cleaners

Manual above ground pool cleaners cost the least out of the three types. However, they need the most amount of time to use, and, as we all know, time is money. The manual cleaner attaches to a pole. A hose runs from the cleaner to the filter. This hose pick up any dirt and debris from the bottom of the pool and sends it to your pool’s filtration system. In order to use the cleaner, you must manually maneuver the pole through the water until the unit rolls over the entire floor of the pool. It requires some physical energy, and may require much time if your pool is large. Also, it might be undesirable to stand under the hoy summer sun every day while you vacuum your pool.

Automatic Cleaners

Automatic above ground pool cleaners are in the middle price range. They are the most common and most popular type of vacuum. The cleaner is a self-propelled unit that rolls around the surface of the bottom of the pool, picking up leaves, twigs, and other debris. It sends the debris to the filtration system through a hose that is attached to it. Automatic cleaners are so popular because they take very little time and energy. All you need to do is drop it into the water and come back to pull it out when it is done. You can do whatever you want while it is doing its work. They are relatively inexpensive, and a great bargain when you factor in all the time you save for yourself since it is as easy as set and forget.

Robotic Cleaners

Robotic cleaners are similar to automatic cleaners because they are self-propelled. Like automatic cleaners, they take very little time. It is as simple as dropping it into the pool and coming back to pull it out when it is done. They cost the most money out of the three types of cleaners, but they also clean the best. They do not send the debris through your filter system, and instead, collect it within themselves. When you take it out of the pool, you empty the compartment. This means less wear and tear on your system, and will save your filters so that you can replace them less often. Also, these types of cleaners tend to clean the best, making the bottom of your pool spotless.

That’s it. Those are the three kinds of above ground pool vacuum cleaners. Hopefully now you are able to choose which one is best for your pool and your needs. Enjoy the sunshine season!

Looking to find the best deal on above ground pool vacuums? Visit Bob Washington’s site to find the best advice on above ground pool cleaners for you.

How To Open An Above Ground Pool

Friday, May 20th, 2011

Each spring comes that time: time to open your above ground pool for the swimming season of summer. It has been a long, hard winter, and it feels like so long ago that your pool was open and the water was sparkling. This easy guide will get your above ground pool up and running in no time flat.

1. Start by siphoning off all water that might be collected atop your pool’s cover. if you will be using an electric siphon pump, it is a good idea to place a plastic frisbee or similar item between the pump and the cover.

2. Carefully remove any twigs and other debris from the top of the cover.

3. Disconnect and take off the cover cable from the ratchet.

4. Take off any cover clips and water tubes.

5. Remove the cover slowly. Try not to let any debris that is atop the cover fall into the pool as you slip off the cover.

6. Take off the pillow by untying its string. Deflate the pillow.

7. Take out any leaves and sticks or other debris from the pool with a skimmer or a leaf net.

8. Expect the water level to be low. This occurs due to ice, evaporation, and water displacement.

9. The water level may be low. Add more. It is imperative that the water level be at half-skimmer. This will be the water level to maintain throughout the pool season.

10. Check your filter, pump, and skimmer to make sure that they are in proper working condition.

11. Install your pump onto its base. Secure it with two pump mounting screws.

12. Attach the ground wire to the pump.

13. Put the filter onto the base.

14. Check to be sure that all rubber o-rings are well-lubricated and not worn out.

15. Tightly attach the connector between the filter and the pump.

16. Tightly connect the filter hose from the skimmer to the pump.

17. If you will be using a chlorinator, connect the return hose from the filter to the chlorinator. Then, connect the return hose to the outlet.

18. Make sure that all hose clamps are securely attached.

19. Be sure that the lid cover on the pump is secured tightly.

20. Take off the winter plug from the return fitting using the removal tool. Then take off the aquadoor, or ice-plate, from the skimmer.

21. Be certain that every screw on the skimmer is tightened.

22. Attach the eyeball return piece. Be sure that the fitting parts are all assembled before you install them. Once they are installed, be sure to point the fitting downward.

23. Attach the skimmer weir and skimmer basket.

24. If your pool if in or against a deck, insert your ladder into the flanges on the deck’s surface. Otherwise, insert the A-frame ladder. If you plan to use drop-in stairs, first put bags of sand into the stair unit, then put the stairs into the water until they are fully submerged. Attach the handrail into the flange of the deck or stairs.

25. Make sure that every electrical connection is grounded.

26. Power on the filter system.

27. If you use a DE filter, insert the necessary amount of DE. Expect to ‘bump’ your filter several times during the first 24 hours of usage.

28. If you use a cartridge filter, be sure that the cartridge is installed.

29. If you use a sand filter, be certain to install the drain plug into the tank. Be sure to properly fill your filter with filter sand. You should replace the filter sand at least every two years.

30. Backwash the filter.

31. Power the pump off.

32. Turn the valve handle to the position marked ‘filter’ and turn the pump on.

33. Don’t vacuum your pool for at least 24 hours.

Now you are done. You may now swim in the pool. Have fun and enjoy the water.

For more info on above ground pools and above ground pool vacuums, visit Bob Washington’s website, where you can find out which above ground pool vacuum is best for you.


Powered by Yahoo! Answers