Pools come in a lot of shapes and sizes. There are residential pools and commercial pools. Above ground pools and in-ground pools. Backyard swimming pools and hot tubs or spas.
But they all have one thing in common: They all need to have water that is continually recycled, filtered and cleaned. And they need to have equipment that is working properly to protect the health and safety of swimmers.
Essential Pool Equipment
A trip to the pool supply store can be a confusing and even frustrating experience for new pool owners or homeowners considering adding a pool to their backyard. The job of the pool supply sales staff is to sell your equipment — even if you don’t really need it. So it’s a good idea to have at least a basic understanding of what a pool actually requires before making any buying decisions.
Water that is not circulated and cleaned will quickly become stagnant. That means that things like bacteria and viruses can quickly grow in it. It also will soon become a breeding ground for insects and may even attract rodents.
So if there is one piece of gear that you absolutely, positively need it’s a pool pump. This is basically a motor that circulates the water and passes it through a filter before returning it to your pool. Pumps typically have either a detachable replaceable filter that can be changed out before they become too dirty or clogged or, for larger pools, a separate filter altogether.
More Pool Equipment
Pool water is generally kept clean by two methods: Mechanical and chemical. Mechanical pool cleaners include vacuums that can suck up dirt and debris from the pool’s bottom as well as hand-operated pool screens that are used to skim debris floating on the top of the water.
Chemical cleaners most commonly use chlorine, which is distributed evenly and consistently into the water by means of a chlorine generator and a chemical feeder.
To learn more about the kind of pool equipment you need to keep your pool clean, safe, and fun, contact the pool professionals at Tropics Pool and Spa, South Florida’s backyard pool experts.
