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PARTS AND EQUIPMENT
Proper maintenance is one of the most important things you can do to maintain the beauty and protect the safety of your pool. Check your pool’s equipment regularly to ensure that it is working properly. When it’s time for replacement parts or new equipment, visit your helpful Backyard Place retailer.

Pumps
A good pump is an essential part of your pool equipment. When choosing a pump for a new pool, consider how quietly it operates, its energy efficiency, capacity, warranty and price. Many manufacturers’ Web sites provide detailed information about pump features and options. Your Backyard Place retailer can also offer helpful information and assist you in selecting the right pump for your pool.

Filters
Filters keep your pool fresh and clean by removing dirt from the water. Filters are designed to eliminate oils, grease and dirt from pool water, though they cannot filter out algae, bacteria or minerals.

Obviously, when pool water is no longer clear, it’s time to clean the filter. However, you should check the filter even before pool water loses clarity. The filter needs to be cleaned if the gauge on the filter tank registers an increase in pressure or there is a reduction in water circulation in your pool

Sand filters are less expensive than other filters and easier to operate and maintain than other filters, making them the most popular type of filter. Pool water is pumped into a pressurized container filled with layers of sand, which traps dirt and grease particles. When the filter becomes dirty, it begins to restrict the flow of water, causing water pressure to increase. This indicates that the filter should be cleaned – a relatively simple task that involves “back flushing” or reversing the water flow to clear the dirt from the filter. With proper back washing and use of a filter cleaner, the sand can last indefinitely.

Diatomaceous Earth (D. E.) filters contain diatomaceous earth, a white powder that filters out even very small particles. These types of filters offer less resistance to water, which allows the pump to work easily, even when the filter is dirty. D. E. filters offer outstanding cleaning capabilities. However, since they must be routinely disassembled for manual cleaning, they require more maintenance than other filter types.

Cartridge filters do not require back flushing and offer low water flow resistance. Durable polyester elements within the filter trap dirt. To clean a cartridge filter, you simply need to remove the filter from the unit and rinse with a water hose. You can remove a build-up of oily residue from the filter by soaking it in detergent. Cartridge filters have a low replacement cost and should be changed when they fail to maintain clear water in the pool or when they show signs of wear.

Pool Cleaning
Automatic pool cleaning systems allow you to clean your pool in a matter of minutes. These systems have units that “walk” along your pool floor and require little supervision while they are working. You can even continue to swim while the system cleans your pool.

Safety Equipment
While active adult supervision is the best way to maintain a safe pool, your Backyard Place retailer stocks equipment and devices, such as pool covers and alarms, that can provide additional measures of safety.

Safety covers, impenetrable barriers that completely cover and block access to the pool, are available in both manual and automatic versions. Door exit alarms alert homeowners when a door leading to the backyard pool area is opened. Fence gate alarms sound when the gate to the fence surrounding the pool is opened. You can even install a pool alarm, which detects accidental or unauthorized use of the pool.

There are many other safety enhancements available, and your Backyard Place retailer can help you decide which options are best for your pool. You should check with your state and local government regarding specific requirements for these safety features and conduct regular inspections to ensure that all safety equipment is in proper working condition.

CHEMICALS AND CLEANERS
You can easily and safely complete most of the water testing and maintenance that your pool requires. Your Backyard Place retailer is ready to provide you with all the supplies and helpful advice you need.

Water Testing
Your Backyard Place retailer stocks several types of water test kits and meters. Carefully follow the directions that come with the kit. For the most accurate results, take each water sample at the same time of day and reach far below the water surface to obtain the sample.

Your testing kit helps you determine the pH level of your water. If the water sample registers below 7.2 pH, the pool water is more acidic. If the water is too acidic, it can damage the piping and pool surfaces. Soda ash or sodium carbonate and sodium bicarbonate may be used to raise the pH level.

Above 7.6, the water is more alkaline (base) and can create deposits in the piping and on pool surfaces. Muriatic acid or sodium bisulfate lower pool water pH and make it more acidic. The ideal pH level for pool water is between 7.2 and 7.6. In this range, the pH balance helps chemicals disinfect the pool properly, prevents scale from forming on the pool surface and equipment and slows corrosion.

Chemicals
Chlorine, bromine, shock treatments, sanitizers, algaecides and other chemicals all play an important role in maintaining the safety and beauty of your pool. Your Backyard Place retailer can explain the benefits and proper use of these supplies.

Chlorine and Bromine
Chlorine and bromine protect your pool from germs and algae.

Pool Shock and Super Chlorinators
Lotion, cosmetics, perspiration and other organic material may react with the chlorine in your pool water and form combined chlorine. Combined chlorine is a very poor disinfectant and can cause eye and skin irritations as well as a strong, unpleasant chlorine odor. Routine shock treatment, through super chlorination or the use of non-chlorine shock, is necessary to destroy combined chlorine compounds and restore the efficiency of the chlorine sanitizer.

Super chlorination, adding large amounts of chlorine to your pool, has some disadvantages. Large amounts of chlorine can damage pool lines and disturb the chemical balance of the pool water. After super chlorination, swimmers must wait, often a day more, until the chlorine drops to a safe level and they can return to the water. However, a non-chlorine shock product allows swimming almost immediately after its application and is safe for pool liners and water balance.

Algaecide
Algaecide kills algae growing in your pool. This product should be added exactly as specified by the manufacturer’s directions. Since algae are plants that grow in the presence of sunlight, this product is most effective when added to pool water in the morning on a bright sunny day. If black algae are present, brushing the algae once a day removes dead cells and makes living algae more susceptible to the algaecide.

Sanitizer
You should regularly add and maintain a proper level of an EPA-approved sanitizer, especially when using non-chlorine shock treatments.

A few more words about chemicals and cleaners …
Unless you are super chlorinating, you can generally use your pool once the chemical has been dispersed, approximately fifteen minutes to one hour after adding the product.

Always store chemicals and cleaners in a safe and secure area away from children and pets. Regularly check expiration dates, use protective gear and follow manufacturers’ instructions.

You should also be aware that water chemistry varies from pool to pool. Talk with your friendly Backyard Place retailer if you have questions about water testing, water chemistry or pool chemicals.

ACCESSORIES
Your Backyard Place retailer has put together a full selection of accessories that will complete your outdoor living experience.

Patio Furniture
Adding comfortable furniture to your backyard patio and pool area instantly creates another living space for you and family. Dining sets allow you enjoy your meals al fresco. Seating sets and tables offer an inviting place to entertain friends. Or just sit back, relax and enjoy the calming beauty of your pool from a chaise lounge.

Lighting
Appropriate and sufficient lighting helps keep your pool safe, but lighting can be used to set the mood, create interest and focus attention as well. Pathway lighting directs the flow of foot traffic around the pool and deck and provides additional illumination and safety. Clear or colored underwater lights let you to keep swimming even after the sun goes down. And you can showcase waterfalls, spas, landscaping and other special features with fiber optic lighting.

Fireplaces
A little flickering firelight can transform the entire feel of your pool area. Whether you’re planning a gathering of great friends or a romantic evening for two, a fire pit or chimenea brings the feel of the great outdoors into your backyard. Gas and wood-burning models are available and both add extra warmth, allowing you to enjoy even a chilly evening by the pool.

Grills
Beat the heat in the kitchen. Prepare your summer meals on a free - standing or permanently installed poolside grill. Serve up hamburgers and hot dogs for a family picnic, or try your hand at cuisine that’s a bit more complex.

POOL TOYS AND SUPPLIES
In addition to pool equipment, maintenance products and outdoor living accessories, your Backyard Place retailer stocks supplies that help you make the most of the summer, the sun and your beautiful pool. You can count on your Backyard Place retailer to cover every last detail, so you don’t have to a miss a minute of fun.

Stock up on sunscreen to protect yourself and your family. Choose from a variety of pool games and toys, including beach balls and diving toys, all sure to provide endless hours of fun and entertainment. Grab an inflatable raft and float the day away.

When it’s time to share your backyard retreat with others, your Backyard Place retailer is a one-stop shop for all your entertaining needs. Their helpful staff will make sure you have everything you need to celebrate any occasion in style.

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