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4 Ways To Keep Birds Away From Your Pool

The pool season is right around the corner, and you could be looking forward to using your fibreglass pool through the season. Say you're heading out for a swim at around 10 AM on a nice Sunday morning. You walk out into your backyard and find that you aren't the first person to use your pool today.

A swallow could be sitting perched on the ladders leading into your pool, trying to wash its feathers. Maybe a few ducks have entered your fibreglass pool and are swimming around in it.

Having birds in your pool can be a problem. This is because they often leave behind feathers and droppings. If birds regularly visit your pool, then there’s a lot of cleaning up that you’ll need to keep doing. At the same time, your pool can also be a dangerous place for birds. This especially applies to birds who are still young and have just started learning how to fly.

But is there anything you can do to prevent birds from entering your pool? Actually, there is.

Keep the pool covered

A sturdy pool cover can be your best friend in preventing birds from entering your pool. You can even use pool netting to keep your pool covered when you’re not using it. Solar pool covers are another good option. They prevent not just birds, but even people and pets from falling into your pool.

Some birds might still want to drift on the top of your pool. If your pool is covered, then such birds will find the surface of the pool unsteady. The birds that want to go swimming in your pool also won’t be able to do that. When they find that they can’t reach the water under your pool cover, they’ll give up.

Make use of pool toys

Pool toys can be extremely useful for keeping birds out of your fibreglass pool. A floaty can be fun to lounge on, but they also deter birds from entering your pool. You can also make use of other pool equipment to prevent birds from entering your pool.

A floaty that’s shaped like a predator can make the birds fearful of coming near your pool. Consider getting floaties that are shaped like alligators, dolphins, and even sharks. The birds won’t be able to tell that these floaties are fake and not real predators. This will make them wary of coming anywhere near your fibreglass pool.

If you use pool equipment like an automatic pool cleaner, then this could also help in keeping the birds away. When your pool cleaner is doing its job, birds will see it as a threat. They see something moving around in the water, and it makes them hesitant to enter your pool.

Birds don’t need to be able to exactly see what’s moving around under the water, but simply seeing movement can scare them off. You can make use of toys that are inflatable to keep birds as well as other critters from falling into your pool. Should a bird or a critter accidentally fall into your pool, then the inflatable toy can give them something to hold on to, as they try to escape.

Use deterrents that are outside the water

You can make use of scarecrows as well as reflective elements, to keep birds out of your fibreglass pool. Let’s see how each of these works:

Scarecrows

Your scarecrow doesn’t have to be a strawman mounted on top of a pole. When it comes to deterring birds, you can even make use of a predator that’s fake, to ward them off. Get a fake owl, falcon or hawk. When the birds see potential predators in your yard, they’ll think twice before coming anywhere near your yard.

Remember to move the scarecrow around from time to time. This is in order to prevent the birds from getting used to the fake predators staying in the same place. Note that the birds won’t know whether your fake predators are real or not. But seeing them in the same place every day without reacting to the birds may make them think they can approach your pool.

Reflective elements

Based on what kind of layout your backyard has, you may be able to attach some fishing line leading from the roof of your home, to the fence. Do this in a pattern that is criss-cross, or you could also buy netting that’s already been strung.

This can prevent birds from flying too close to your pool. It’s especially important to note that the netting you hang has to be so high that it doesn’t get in the way of humans using your pool. You can even add reflective banners or even add tape to the fence posts that are around your pool.

Pets like dogs and cats can also help to keep birds away. Simply let them play in your yard from time to time, and the birds will know to leave your yard alone.

Give them an alternative

Although many homeowners see birds around their fibreglass pool as a menace, there are also several benefits to having them in your yard. They help with:

  • Mosquitoes love bodies of water, making them attracted to pools in people’s homes. Birds are great at keeping mosquitoes away from your yard. They can also help in controlling other pests like spiders and aphids.
  • Some birds, like hummingbirds, are very good at pollinating. So, if you have a garden in your backyard, then birds that love nectar can help you grow your garden.
  • Not all birds eat insects. Some, like finches and sparrows, actually eat weeds. So, if you have plants in your yard that are unwanted, then birds can help you get rid of those weeds.

You can install a bird bath if you want to give the birds a special place where they can prune themselves. When the birds are sharing your backyard in a way where they don’t disturb you, you can enjoy watching them as well as listening to them sing. You can enjoy several other benefits associated with allowing birds in your yard as well.

Conclusion

Birds can be a menace for fibreglass pool owners, but there are several things you can do to keep them away from your yard. You can build structures, especially for birds, like birdhouses and bird baths, so that the birds leave your pool alone. From keeping your pool cover on when you’re not using your pool, to installing netting above your pool, there’s a lot you can do. This guide can help you learn about the steps you can take to keep birds away from your pool.

4 Ways To Keep Birds Away From Your Pool

The pool season is right around the corner, and you could be looking forward to using your fibreglass pool through the season. Say you're heading out for a swim at around 10 AM on a nice Sunday morning. You walk out into your backyard and find that you aren't the first person to use your pool today.

A swallow could be sitting perched on the ladders leading into your pool, trying to wash its feathers. Maybe a few ducks have entered your fibreglass pool and are swimming around in it.

Having birds in your pool can be a problem. This is because they often leave behind feathers and droppings. If birds regularly visit your pool, then there’s a lot of cleaning up that you’ll need to keep doing. At the same time, your pool can also be a dangerous place for birds. This especially applies to birds who are still young and have just started learning how to fly.

But is there anything you can do to prevent birds from entering your pool? Actually, there is.

Keep the pool covered

A sturdy pool cover can be your best friend in preventing birds from entering your pool. You can even use pool netting to keep your pool covered when you’re not using it. Solar pool covers are another good option. They prevent not just birds, but even people and pets from falling into your pool.

Some birds might still want to drift on the top of your pool. If your pool is covered, then such birds will find the surface of the pool unsteady. The birds that want to go swimming in your pool also won’t be able to do that. When they find that they can’t reach the water under your pool cover, they’ll give up.

Make use of pool toys

Pool toys can be extremely useful for keeping birds out of your fibreglass pool. A floaty can be fun to lounge on, but they also deter birds from entering your pool. You can also make use of other pool equipment to prevent birds from entering your pool.

A floaty that’s shaped like a predator can make the birds fearful of coming near your pool. Consider getting floaties that are shaped like alligators, dolphins, and even sharks. The birds won’t be able to tell that these floaties are fake and not real predators. This will make them wary of coming anywhere near your fibreglass pool.

If you use pool equipment like an automatic pool cleaner, then this could also help in keeping the birds away. When your pool cleaner is doing its job, birds will see it as a threat. They see something moving around in the water, and it makes them hesitant to enter your pool.

Birds don’t need to be able to exactly see what’s moving around under the water, but simply seeing movement can scare them off. You can make use of toys that are inflatable to keep birds as well as other critters from falling into your pool. Should a bird or a critter accidentally fall into your pool, then the inflatable toy can give them something to hold on to, as they try to escape.

Use deterrents that are outside the water

You can make use of scarecrows as well as reflective elements, to keep birds out of your fibreglass pool. Let’s see how each of these works:

Scarecrows

Your scarecrow doesn’t have to be a strawman mounted on top of a pole. When it comes to deterring birds, you can even make use of a predator that’s fake, to ward them off. Get a fake owl, falcon or hawk. When the birds see potential predators in your yard, they’ll think twice before coming anywhere near your yard.

Remember to move the scarecrow around from time to time. This is in order to prevent the birds from getting used to the fake predators staying in the same place. Note that the birds won’t know whether your fake predators are real or not. But seeing them in the same place every day without reacting to the birds may make them think they can approach your pool.

Reflective elements

Based on what kind of layout your backyard has, you may be able to attach some fishing line leading from the roof of your home, to the fence. Do this in a pattern that is criss-cross, or you could also buy netting that’s already been strung.

This can prevent birds from flying too close to your pool. It’s especially important to note that the netting you hang has to be so high that it doesn’t get in the way of humans using your pool. You can even add reflective banners or even add tape to the fence posts that are around your pool.

Pets like dogs and cats can also help to keep birds away. Simply let them play in your yard from time to time, and the birds will know to leave your yard alone.

Give them an alternative

Although many homeowners see birds around their fibreglass pool as a menace, there are also several benefits to having them in your yard. They help with:

  • Mosquitoes love bodies of water, making them attracted to pools in people’s homes. Birds are great at keeping mosquitoes away from your yard. They can also help in controlling other pests like spiders and aphids.
  • Some birds, like hummingbirds, are very good at pollinating. So, if you have a garden in your backyard, then birds that love nectar can help you grow your garden.
  • Not all birds eat insects. Some, like finches and sparrows, actually eat weeds. So, if you have plants in your yard that are unwanted, then birds can help you get rid of those weeds.

You can install a bird bath if you want to give the birds a special place where they can prune themselves. When the birds are sharing your backyard in a way where they don’t disturb you, you can enjoy watching them as well as listening to them sing. You can enjoy several other benefits associated with allowing birds in your yard as well.

Conclusion

Birds can be a menace for fibreglass pool owners, but there are several things you can do to keep them away from your yard. You can build structures, especially for birds, like birdhouses and bird baths, so that the birds leave your pool alone. From keeping your pool cover on when you’re not using your pool, to installing netting above your pool, there’s a lot you can do. This guide can help you learn about the steps you can take to keep birds away from your pool.

What Do You Mean by Brushing Your Pool

Pool brushing is the activity of scrubbing the inner walls of your pool and ensuring that it remains safe for you and your loved ones. Brushing is one of the most important parts of cleaning your pool. It keeps the dirt, debris, and algae at bay and your pool’s walls and floors spotless. Regular brushing is important to keep your pool in top-notch condition.

If you do not clean and brush your pool regularly, it can become a breeding ground for several disease-causing microorganisms. Not to forget, excessive algae build-up ruins the pool’s walls, and you will have to shell out hundreds of dollars in repair and maintenance later on.

Tips and tricks for brushing your pool like a pro

Let’s face it: brushing your pool is a time-consuming task. However, with the right tips and tricks, it can become a lot simpler and more effective. While several people brush their swimming pools, not all of them do it in the right way.

Most people make the common mistake of using the wrong or a very old brush or brushing in the wrong direction. If you want the best results, it is important to know the right way to brush your pool.

Here are the tips to help you get started.

1. Go for brushes with stiff bristles

Choosing the right brush is the key to effective pool brushing. You need to ensure that your pool brush has strong bristles that are capable of removing the toughest of stains. For this, a nylon brush is the best option.

The reason for this is that nylon bristles are pretty stiff, and they can deal with all kinds of dirt and debris easily.

While nylon brushes are stiff enough to remove dirt and stains, they do not cause scratches or damage to your pool’s surface. So, you can use them without any worries.

2. Brush your pool at least twice a week

It is recommended to brush your pool three or four times a week if you use it regularly. However, if that is not possible for you, then make sure to at least brush your pool twice a week.

Doing so will prevent the growth of algae and other microorganisms on your pool’s surfaces. In addition, when you brush your pool more frequently, the build-up of dirt and debris will be significantly less. So, it will make your task simpler and quicker.

3. Using an old brush is a strict no-no!

Many people keep on using their old pool brush for several years without thinking about its effectiveness. If you have a brush that is more than four years old, it is basically useless.

Make sure to check that the bristles are not broken or damaged. Most brushes don’t last for more than three to four years. If you have a brush older than that, it’s time to say goodbye to it. Buy a new one for yourself. It is a small investment that will give you amazing results.

4. Deal with all the debris and waste elements before you start brushing

This sort of pool maintenance should go without saying. You need to take care of all the organic debris and waste materials before beginning scrubbing and brushing your pool’s surfaces. Common organic debris included leaves, twigs, flowers, bugs, and more.

Get a long pool net or skimmer and slowly skim it on the surface of the water. It will help you scoop out all the leaves, twigs, and other elements and clean up the water. You can then drain the water and start brushing.

5. Always brush towards the pool’s main drain

Another excellent pool brushing tip is to always brush in the direction of the main drain. When you scrub your pool’s walls, a lot of dirt and debris will loosen up. If you do not brush in the direction of the main drain, all that dirt will keep on shifting inside the pool and will not be completely removed.

6. Use smooth motions

The most effective way to scrub the pool’s walls and the floor is by using smooth, fast, and uniform strokes. Avoid using slow and short strokes as they aren’t that effective. You will just end up being tired quickly. Long and swift motions ensure that you do not miss any part of the pool and the dirt is removed quickly too.

7. Keep the pump on while you brush your pool

Another common mistake many people make while brushing their pool is that they do it while keeping the pump off. If you do so, the dirt and debris collected at the bottom will not be removed.

In order to remove all the dirt from the pool, you need to keep the pump running. It will ensure that all the waste particles are carried to the main drain and eventually gets out of the pool.

Summing up

There you go! That was all about brushing your fibreglass pool and why it is so important. While pool brushing is a tedious and time-consuming task, not doing it can result in severe consequences that, trust us, you do not want to face.

A dirty pool causes serious health hazards and is prone to frequent damage. When you do not brush your pool, algae and biofilm can develop on its floor and walls in the form of scum lines.

If you let the problem stay for longer, biofilm and algae can cover the entirety of your pool, and getting rid of them will be next to impossible. Thus, instead of spending a huge amount of money on dealing with the problem, it is better to avoid the problem in the first place – and regular pool brushing is the best way to do that.

So, make sure to follow all the above-mentioned tips, gather your brushes and pool cleaning supplies, and get down to work. The result will be worth it!

What Do You Mean by Brushing Your Pool

Pool brushing is the activity of scrubbing the inner walls of your pool and ensuring that it remains safe for you and your loved ones. Brushing is one of the most important parts of cleaning your pool. It keeps the dirt, debris, and algae at bay and your pool’s walls and floors spotless. Regular brushing is important to keep your pool in top-notch condition.

If you do not clean and brush your pool regularly, it can become a breeding ground for several disease-causing microorganisms. Not to forget, excessive algae build-up ruins the pool’s walls, and you will have to shell out hundreds of dollars in repair and maintenance later on.

Tips and tricks for brushing your pool like a pro

Let’s face it: brushing your pool is a time-consuming task. However, with the right tips and tricks, it can become a lot simpler and more effective. While several people brush their swimming pools, not all of them do it in the right way.

Most people make the common mistake of using the wrong or a very old brush or brushing in the wrong direction. If you want the best results, it is important to know the right way to brush your pool.

Here are the tips to help you get started.

1. Go for brushes with stiff bristles

Choosing the right brush is the key to effective pool brushing. You need to ensure that your pool brush has strong bristles that are capable of removing the toughest of stains. For this, a nylon brush is the best option.

The reason for this is that nylon bristles are pretty stiff, and they can deal with all kinds of dirt and debris easily.

While nylon brushes are stiff enough to remove dirt and stains, they do not cause scratches or damage to your pool’s surface. So, you can use them without any worries.

2. Brush your pool at least twice a week

It is recommended to brush your pool three or four times a week if you use it regularly. However, if that is not possible for you, then make sure to at least brush your pool twice a week.

Doing so will prevent the growth of algae and other microorganisms on your pool’s surfaces. In addition, when you brush your pool more frequently, the build-up of dirt and debris will be significantly less. So, it will make your task simpler and quicker.

3. Using an old brush is a strict no-no!

Many people keep on using their old pool brush for several years without thinking about its effectiveness. If you have a brush that is more than four years old, it is basically useless.

Make sure to check that the bristles are not broken or damaged. Most brushes don’t last for more than three to four years. If you have a brush older than that, it’s time to say goodbye to it. Buy a new one for yourself. It is a small investment that will give you amazing results.

4. Deal with all the debris and waste elements before you start brushing

This sort of pool maintenance should go without saying. You need to take care of all the organic debris and waste materials before beginning scrubbing and brushing your pool’s surfaces. Common organic debris included leaves, twigs, flowers, bugs, and more.

Get a long pool net or skimmer and slowly skim it on the surface of the water. It will help you scoop out all the leaves, twigs, and other elements and clean up the water. You can then drain the water and start brushing.

5. Always brush towards the pool’s main drain

Another excellent pool brushing tip is to always brush in the direction of the main drain. When you scrub your pool’s walls, a lot of dirt and debris will loosen up. If you do not brush in the direction of the main drain, all that dirt will keep on shifting inside the pool and will not be completely removed.

6. Use smooth motions

The most effective way to scrub the pool’s walls and the floor is by using smooth, fast, and uniform strokes. Avoid using slow and short strokes as they aren’t that effective. You will just end up being tired quickly. Long and swift motions ensure that you do not miss any part of the pool and the dirt is removed quickly too.

7. Keep the pump on while you brush your pool

Another common mistake many people make while brushing their pool is that they do it while keeping the pump off. If you do so, the dirt and debris collected at the bottom will not be removed.

In order to remove all the dirt from the pool, you need to keep the pump running. It will ensure that all the waste particles are carried to the main drain and eventually gets out of the pool.

Summing up

There you go! That was all about brushing your fibreglass pool and why it is so important. While pool brushing is a tedious and time-consuming task, not doing it can result in severe consequences that, trust us, you do not want to face.

A dirty pool causes serious health hazards and is prone to frequent damage. When you do not brush your pool, algae and biofilm can develop on its floor and walls in the form of scum lines.

If you let the problem stay for longer, biofilm and algae can cover the entirety of your pool, and getting rid of them will be next to impossible. Thus, instead of spending a huge amount of money on dealing with the problem, it is better to avoid the problem in the first place – and regular pool brushing is the best way to do that.

So, make sure to follow all the above-mentioned tips, gather your brushes and pool cleaning supplies, and get down to work. The result will be worth it!

Understanding The Different Parts Of A Swimming Pool

Essential parts of a pool are vital to know about, not just for the maintenance of pools, but also for pool safety considerations. If you are a proud pool owner, you must know what the different parts of a pool are, be able to identify them, and know their function. In case of any troubleshooting, knowing and grasping how pool components work can help you when you call in pool maintenance services. You may not know how to repair pool parts yourself, but you should be aware of their functioning to check the working of your pool generally.

There are different kinds of home swimming pools on the market today, but the crucial parts of any pool remain common to most pools. When you decide to have a swimming pool installed in your backyard, you may also want additional features to complement your pool experience. These are features that you can customise your pool with. The main pool components are those which are necessary for a pool's proper functioning and operation.

The side of the suction

In any pool, there is a side that allows for the water to be sucked in. This is the side that performs the function of the suction of water. The water is sucked into the system and sent directly into the filtration device. Here, the circulation of water occurs.

The skimmers

Home pool tips to maintain your pool will always talk about skimmers. These are on the side where suction occurs, and you may consider them as a part of the filtration mechanism. Built at the side, they consist of buckets that have skimmer baskets inside. They catch large debris like bugs, twigs, leaves, and any other debris too big to fit through your filtration device. The water of the pool travels into the skimmer and begins its path to the filter. While speaking about skimmers, it is important to know about suction lines – these are pipes, made from PVC, that take the water of the pool from the skimmers to the pool pump.

The primary drain

The main or primary drain of your pool is typically located in the lowest surface area of the interior of your pool. Whether you go in for the advanced fibreglass pools or any other, the drains will always be there. You will find the drain at the deep end of your pool. Nonetheless, although this part is known as a drain, it can mislead you as to its actual function. Yes, it is used as a device to drain your pool, but it isn’t often used this way. Normally, the main drain acts like a skimmer does. The water circulation is controlled by the main drain and the skimmers as water is sucked at the top via the skimmers, and at the lower end of the pool by the drain.

Home fibreglass pool tips suggest that you should never try to use the drain as its name suggests and drain a pool by yourself. If you wish to drain your pool at any point in time, you should call in an expert to help you. Advanced pools built in-ground today have two drains. This is purely a protective measure in the event one of the main drains experiences a blockage.

The pool's filtration

In the system of filtration of any fibreglass pools of today (and other pools too), you will find the system composed of the filter of the pool and the pump of the pool. Although these are within the same system, they are entirely individual in their make-up and operation:

The Filter of the Pool – Pools often make use of sanitisers such as chlorine to get rid of bacteria and viruses. Nonetheless, this is only a small part of the job completed. The rest is conducted by the filter of the pool. Tiny particles, debris, and in particular cases, bacteria also, is removed by filters. These may be particles that sanitisers may have failed to remove properly.

The Pump of the Pool – In case you are thinking that the water of the pool simply drops into skimmers, you are wrong. The “impeller”, a part of the pump of any pool, is a spinning device that forces a vacuum, sucking water into the filter of the pool. In all pools, including home swimming pools, the device is operated by a motor. Consequently, any pump of a pool is classified according to its horsepower. The horsepower you need is dependent on your pool’s size. The larger the pool, the bigger your pump will be. This means that the pump has to move higher water volume.

The side of the pressure

The side of your pool that pushes water away from the filter and sends it back inside the pool is called the “pressure side” of the pool. This function makes the circulation of water complete. On this side of fibreglass pools, you will find the following parts:

Return Lines – These perform operations contrary to the lines of suction. They are pipes of PVC that take pool water back from the filter to the jets.

Return Jets – Once the water which has gone through filtration has travelled via return lines, it reaches the return jets, and enters the pool again.

Plainly put, the jets of home swimming pools have dual purposes. They are not only portals from which water is carried back and forth into the pool, these jets also tend to propel water all around the pool. This is a good way for water to reach skimmers, and also to force any debris into the baskets of skimmers.

Kinds of pools

Whatever pool you have chosen to own, whether fibreglass pools or concrete, all vary in shape and size, depending on the pool you have selected to meet your requirements. Basically, all pools have common components, and all serve specific purposes. These are fundamental pool parts that every pool requires for its adequate functioning and maintenance. Other components can be added to pools, whether in-ground or above.

Conclusion

Whatever you own, from a New Zealand fibreglass swimming pool to any device, you should know the ins and outs of working with any equipment. This goes for pools and their parts. Being aware of the parts of a pool gives you an edge and you can be savvy when it comes to pool maintenance and repair. Once you know about the parts of a pool, you are prepared for mishaps as you can easily decipher any pool problems.

Understanding The Different Parts Of A Swimming Pool

Essential parts of a pool are vital to know about, not just for the maintenance of pools, but also for pool safety considerations. If you are a proud pool owner, you must know what the different parts of a pool are, be able to identify them, and know their function. In case of any troubleshooting, knowing and grasping how pool components work can help you when you call in pool maintenance services. You may not know how to repair pool parts yourself, but you should be aware of their functioning to check the working of your pool generally.

There are different kinds of home swimming pools on the market today, but the crucial parts of any pool remain common to most pools. When you decide to have a swimming pool installed in your backyard, you may also want additional features to complement your pool experience. These are features that you can customise your pool with. The main pool components are those which are necessary for a pool's proper functioning and operation.

The side of the suction

In any pool, there is a side that allows for the water to be sucked in. This is the side that performs the function of the suction of water. The water is sucked into the system and sent directly into the filtration device. Here, the circulation of water occurs.

The skimmers

Home pool tips to maintain your pool will always talk about skimmers. These are on the side where suction occurs, and you may consider them as a part of the filtration mechanism. Built at the side, they consist of buckets that have skimmer baskets inside. They catch large debris like bugs, twigs, leaves, and any other debris too big to fit through your filtration device. The water of the pool travels into the skimmer and begins its path to the filter. While speaking about skimmers, it is important to know about suction lines – these are pipes, made from PVC, that take the water of the pool from the skimmers to the pool pump.

The primary drain

The main or primary drain of your pool is typically located in the lowest surface area of the interior of your pool. Whether you go in for the advanced fibreglass pools or any other, the drains will always be there. You will find the drain at the deep end of your pool. Nonetheless, although this part is known as a drain, it can mislead you as to its actual function. Yes, it is used as a device to drain your pool, but it isn’t often used this way. Normally, the main drain acts like a skimmer does. The water circulation is controlled by the main drain and the skimmers as water is sucked at the top via the skimmers, and at the lower end of the pool by the drain.

Home fibreglass pool tips suggest that you should never try to use the drain as its name suggests and drain a pool by yourself. If you wish to drain your pool at any point in time, you should call in an expert to help you. Advanced pools built in-ground today have two drains. This is purely a protective measure in the event one of the main drains experiences a blockage.

The pool's filtration

In the system of filtration of any fibreglass pools of today (and other pools too), you will find the system composed of the filter of the pool and the pump of the pool. Although these are within the same system, they are entirely individual in their make-up and operation:

The Filter of the Pool – Pools often make use of sanitisers such as chlorine to get rid of bacteria and viruses. Nonetheless, this is only a small part of the job completed. The rest is conducted by the filter of the pool. Tiny particles, debris, and in particular cases, bacteria also, is removed by filters. These may be particles that sanitisers may have failed to remove properly.

The Pump of the Pool – In case you are thinking that the water of the pool simply drops into skimmers, you are wrong. The “impeller”, a part of the pump of any pool, is a spinning device that forces a vacuum, sucking water into the filter of the pool. In all pools, including home swimming pools, the device is operated by a motor. Consequently, any pump of a pool is classified according to its horsepower. The horsepower you need is dependent on your pool’s size. The larger the pool, the bigger your pump will be. This means that the pump has to move higher water volume.

The side of the pressure

The side of your pool that pushes water away from the filter and sends it back inside the pool is called the “pressure side” of the pool. This function makes the circulation of water complete. On this side of fibreglass pools, you will find the following parts:

Return Lines – These perform operations contrary to the lines of suction. They are pipes of PVC that take pool water back from the filter to the jets.

Return Jets – Once the water which has gone through filtration has travelled via return lines, it reaches the return jets, and enters the pool again.

Plainly put, the jets of home swimming pools have dual purposes. They are not only portals from which water is carried back and forth into the pool, these jets also tend to propel water all around the pool. This is a good way for water to reach skimmers, and also to force any debris into the baskets of skimmers.

Kinds of pools

Whatever pool you have chosen to own, whether fibreglass pools or concrete, all vary in shape and size, depending on the pool you have selected to meet your requirements. Basically, all pools have common components, and all serve specific purposes. These are fundamental pool parts that every pool requires for its adequate functioning and maintenance. Other components can be added to pools, whether in-ground or above.

Conclusion

Whatever you own, from a New Zealand fibreglass swimming pool to any device, you should know the ins and outs of working with any equipment. This goes for pools and their parts. Being aware of the parts of a pool gives you an edge and you can be savvy when it comes to pool maintenance and repair. Once you know about the parts of a pool, you are prepared for mishaps as you can easily decipher any pool problems.

Why You Should Take Care Of Fibreglass Pool Stains Promptly

If you own a fibreglass pool, then you'll eventually notice stains forming. It could be as little as a month before you notice a stain starting to form around the water line. If you leave it alone, you'll find that this stain doesn't go away by itself.

At this point, you could be wondering if your pool maintenance was off in any way. This isn't your fault in any way, but something that naturally happens with fibreglass pools. If you own a fibreglass pool, it will stain eventually. And when this happens, you should get rid of the stain immediately.

Here's What You Should Know About Fibreglass Pool Stains:

Fibreglass Pool Stains Aren't Unusual

One of the advantages of getting a fibreglass pool, especially one that is gel-coated, is that it isn’t porous in the same way plaster pools are. This means that your pool won’t become rough or etched. Fibreglass feels smooth but is susceptible to the growth of algae.

As the surface is super slick, stains can firm as well. Even a fibreglass pool with a gel coat will stain easily.

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Stains Aren't Random

There are several things that could cause stains on the surface of your fibreglass pool. The chemicals in your pool could be imbalanced or there could be high levels of metal in it. Sometimes, foreign objects can also stain fibreglass pools. Sunblock and swimmers who use a lot of body oil can also cause stains to form in your fibreglass pool.

The Importance Of Water Balance

You’ll need to test your water balance regularly if you want the optimal standards related to water balance to be maintained. The pH balance of your fibreglass pool should be between 7.2 and 7.4.

The total alkalinity of your pool water needs to be between 80 and 100 parts per million. The chlorine in your pool should either be at or above 1 part per million. And the calcium hardness of your pool needs to be between 200 and 400 parts per million.

Should any of these numbers fall out of the optimal range, then stains can develop in your pool. If you want to prevent pool stains from forming, then you’ll need to check the water balance of your pool regularly and add chemicals as needed.

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What Causes Stains In Fibreglass Pools?

Your pool can either be stained by organic stains or inorganic stains. Let’s first look at what the organic stains are.

Organic Stains In Fibreglass Pools

There are two kinds of organic contaminants that can cause your fibreglass pool to stain. These include:

Leaves And Pollen

Usually, organic stains are caused by leaves as well as pollen. Organic stains aren’t difficult to clean. You can just use your regular pool brush to clean these stains. Sometimes, however, organic stains can be slightly sticky and difficult to just brush off. In such cases, you may think this is an inorganic stain.

But organic stains like these disappear eventually within a few weeks or a month. If it doesn’t come out in an easy way, don’t just assume that the stain is organic.

To prevent organic stains from forming in your fibreglass pool, ensure that you keep your pool clean. Clean out any leave or pollen that falls in your pool, especially during Autumn.

Prep your fibreglass pool for a fantastic summer with these tips and guidelines here!

Algae

Algae can also cause organic stains to form in your pool. This is the result of low levels of free chlorine. The colour of algae can be yellow, green, as well as black. Getting rid of algae requires you to shock your pool.

In order to determine that you’re dealing with stains caused by algae, conduct an OCLT. Also known as an Overnight Chlorine Loss Test, you’ll need to add chlorine to your fibreglass pool water in the evening. Then, compare the reading of free chlorine in the morning to what it was the night before. If the amount of free chlorine falls by at least 2 ppm or more, then it’s an algae infestation.

You can spot green algae floating on the water sometimes. If you see yellow or even mustard algae, then you’ll need a lot of chlorine to get rid of it. You can spot black algae as well, in the form of black spots on the walls and the bottom of the pool.

Inorganic Stains In Fibreglass Pools

What causes inorganic stains include heavy metals such as iron, copper and magnesium. Stains can be formed after chlorine is added to the water. If the pH level increases sharply, then the metals in the pool will be oxidized, causing stains to form.

If you notice a stain that is light green, then this means that copper could be the culprit. Copper has a tendency of turning the colour of the water into a shade of green. Should the stain be yellow or brown, then this indicates that iron is causing the stain. In the case of magnesium, you’ll see a black stain developing.

Stains caused by iron look yellow when they appear on the steps and the walls of a fibreglass pool. Heavy metals could have found their way into your pool if you used water from a well or a borehole to fill your pool.

Minerals can also be deposited as a result of using pool chemicals that come with added metals. An example of this is an algaecide that is copper based. If the metal fittings in the pool are corroding, then this could leave behind stains as well.

You’ll need to use a stain remover with the right chemical formula, in order to get rid of inorganic stains from your fibreglass pool. Usually, however, it’s well water that causes inorganic stains to form.

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Conclusion

If your fibreglass pool starts to develop a stain, and it eventually will, then you’ll need to get rid of the stain immediately. If you don’t, then the stain can look more pronounced and will be more difficult to clean eventually. Use this guide to learn what causes fibreglass pools to stain, as well as what you can do to prevent stains from forming.

Why It's Important to Keep Your Pool Area Clean During the Winter Months 

The swimming pool can be your family's favourite place to hang out during the summer months. You're likely to find people splashing water, enjoying themselves, and having fun during the sunny days of summer. But this can change drastically as soon as the winter months appear. 

If winter has set in, there’s nothing to worry about since summer will arrive soon enough. But before summer comes back, you need to ensure that the fibreglass pool is clean, healthy, and ready for your family members to use. This is why it’s necessary to clean your pool from time to time, even when it’s offseason. Your pool will still need attention from you. 

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Why Maintaining Your Pool Is Important 

If you neglect your swimming pool during the winter months, then you’ll find that this is a mistake that turns out to be costly later on. When you keep your fibreglass pool water clean, you ensure that: 

  • The water health of the pool is maintained 

  • Health-related issues from swimming in the water can be avoided 

  • Expensive repairs can be avoided 

  • Pool toys can be safely stored 

  • The pool can be protected from damage 

Pool cleaning is both necessary and can help you protect your fibreglass pool. That way, as soon as summer arrives, using the pool is no problem. When your fibreglass pool is clean, you’ll find minimal growth of algae, as well as low debris accumulation. There are many other benefits to maintaining your pool as well. 

Cleaning your pool isn’t important just for the pool itself but also for the garden adjacent to it. You also ensure that the pool toys are maintained, as well as the trees that are close to the pool. 

Here is how you can keep your fibreglass pool clean during the winter months. 

Safely Storing Pool Accessories and Toys 

The first thing you should do is gather all the pool accessories and toys that won’t be used during the winter months. Children love their pool toys, and can spend hours entertained with them by the pool. You don’t want to have to buy new pool toys every summer, so safely storing the old pool toys is a good idea. 

You can also reduce incidents related to tripping over the toys and protect the toys from sun damage by safely storing them. Keep in mind that there are proper ways of storing these toys. If a toy is wet or has moisture, then it may develop mould and mildew. These are unhealthy for kids and bad for the toys as well. This is why pool toys should be stored in covered areas, such as a garage or a basement. This can also protect them from gathering dust or exposure to the snow. 

You can also consider using talcum powder as a way to protect inflatables from sticking together. This prevents damage as well. Store them in airtight containers. You can also think about cleaning the fences next to the pool. All pool accessories like umbrellas, chairs etc should be safely stored away as well. 

Maintaining the Garden 

If you want to keep your fibreglass pool clean during the winter months, then you’ll also need to care for the garden area adjacent to it. The trees will need to be trimmed. Falling leaves can also lead to a mess forming in a pool that is uncovered. If you cover your pool, then these leaves can gather on top of the pool cover and gather moisture. If you now your lawn and prime your trees, then you can prevent this from happening. 

Note that wet, rotting or soggy leaves have a tendency of being perfect for algae. You wouldn’t want an algae bloom in your pool, so keep the area around your pool clean. 

Taking Stock of Pool Chemicals 

Pool chemicals are needed to maintain the water health of your fibreglass pool. Any containers of pool chemicals you have can become useless upon the onset of the new season for swimming. This is why you should take stock to note what is useful and what isn’t. If any chemicals have become redundant, then you’ll need to discard them. Useful chemicals should be locked carefully so that kids and pets cannot access them. 

If you clean your pool area before the winter season starts, then this can save you a lot of work later on. 

Maintaining the Water Chemistry 

Chemicals used for pool closing are essential for keeping the water in the pool clean during the winter season. You’ll need to analyse the level of pool chemicals to determine the pH, the alkalinity, as well as the water hardness. You’ll also need to know how much free chlorine is in your pool before you can add chemicals to it. 

There are also winter algaecides that you can consider, as well as pool enzymes. These help maintain the water in the pool during the winter months. You can also visit a nearby pool store to learn what the best chemical options for balancing the pool water are. 

Cleaning the Pool Water 

Even if you and your family don’t use the pool during the winter months, algae have no such preferences. This is why you’ll need to maintain the water health of your fibreglass pool in the winter months as well. You can drain out some of the water and keep the pool covered during the winter. If you clean your pool thoroughly, then you can save effort when opening the pool during summer again. 

Consider giving your fibreglass pool a good scrub before you close it. Scrub the walls as well as the floor to remove any trace of algae. You can also think about making use of a leaf net so that debris can be removed before making your pool ready for winter. You’ll need to run filters as well so that tiny particles that could lead to the growth of algae can be cleaned out. 

Covering Your Pool 

If you cover your fibreglass pool, then you can ensure that the water is clean and that a lot of effort isn’t required when reopening your pool. You can also prevent problems like debris accumulating in the pool, algae, and even accidental falls. Having a pool cover also ensures that the rate of evaporation of the pool water is reduced and pool chemicals aren’t diluted. 

Conclusion 

Taking care of your fibreglass swimming pool during the winter months is important, and it can help ensure that the water health of your pool is maintained. Use this guide to properly take care of your fibreglass pool during winter. 

Feel free to reach out to our friendly team for support!

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