Having a pool in the house is one of the ways to ensure that you and your family members have enough fun times together. The poolside is usually an ideal relaxation point in the home and you can always cool down in the waters at your convenience. However, if you want to build a pool it would be smart if you consider the pool installation costs before you start the project.

A project of this nature is not something that you can afford to do on impulse. You need to put many factors under serious consideration so that you can make an informed decision. This will ensure that you complete your project as at when due without running into financial problems.

A good place to start your research for up to date information of what it would cost you is to contact building contractors who have a specialty in the construction of pools. You will surely find many contractors who will submit a quotation to you on what the pool will cost you.

However, the quotations that you will consider should be those that provide you will detail information of all the cost. This would include how much you will spend, how much you should plan for rollovers and all additional costs. You should know that a rough price written on a sheet of paper does not qualify as a quotation.

More so, you should know that any company that will give you a detailed quotation must visit your house to examine where you want to site the pool. If you want it to be situated in the yard, they will need to check for trees and shrubs that may need to be uprooted. They will also factor in the custom features that you require as well as the payment for their services.

On the specific amount that you may need to spend, you should know that there is no fixed price. However, the cost of most standard pools usually starts at around twenty thousand dollars and you could even spend six figures if you can afford to spend such an amount.

Nevertheless, you can ensure that you get good value for every dime you spend on your pool installation costs by getting the best deal from your contractor. You can know the best deal by checking for the contractor that gives you the greatest value for your money. However, you ought to remember that the best contractors are not always the ones asking for the highest price.

You can get excellent tips on how to calculate your pool installation costs and details about the factors that determine pool liner costs, today.

Above ground pool vacuums often vary in function and design. Any decent cleaner will pick up not only small pieces, such as sand, but will also pick up larger things, like twigs. One way to improve the effectiveness of your above ground pool vacuum while ensuring your pool’s filter and pump have a healthy lifespan is to use an item called a leaf canister.

What Does A Leaf Canister Do?

Leaf canisters connect to the vacuum hose between the vacuum and the pump. They are also occasionally referred to as leaf traps, leaf catchers, or leaf filters. They perform the simple yet very important task of preventing bigger particles, such as leaves and twigs, from arriving at your pool’s filter after they are sucked up by your pool’s vacuum. Big particles, such as sticks and leaves, will seriously reduce the ability of your filter, and will deplete the life of your pump.

Is A Leaf Catcher Necessary For My Above Ground Pool Vacuum?

Though a leaf filter is not required for the use of a vacuum in your above ground pool, it is highly recommended. Using one will prevent strain and wear on your pool’s filter and pump, helping them to last longer and clean more efficiently. You will find that the small price of is well worth it when you notice that your filter lasts longer, not to mention that you probably won’t need to repair your pump any time soon.

Do I Need A Certain Kind For My Vacuum?

Any one will do. Several different companies manufacture them. Just about all of them are good quality. However, do not confuse a pool vacuum leaf canister with a different item called a leaf catcher that attaches to your pool’s surface skimmer. Fortunately, they look different, so it is not difficult to tell them apart.

Which One Should I Get?

The most common leaf filter for above ground pool vacuums is the BLK Canister Standard, made by Hayward, the company that produces the famous above ground pool vacuum, the AquaBug.

Other popular models include:

Large Capacity Leaf Canister – Also made by Hayward, this is similar to the BLK Canister Standard, only it is a bit larger. This enables it to hold more debris and leaves, and also enables you to empty it less often.

Zodiac G3 Leaf Canister – The Zodiac model is like the Hayward models, but it uses a patented T-Trap design to catch leaves and debris.

Leaf Canister CLC030 – While not quite as popular as the Hayward or the Zodiac models, this is still a quality item.

If you would like to know more about the Polaris Vac-Sweep above ground pool vacuum, as well as all the best and worst above ground pool vacuums, visit Bob Washington’s website.

Every spring brings that time: time to open your above ground pool for the swimming season of summer. It has been a cold, long winter, and it feels like so long since your pool was open and the water was gleaming. This easy guide will get your above ground pool open and running in practically no time.

1. Begin by siphoning off any water that may be laying atop the pool’s cover. if you plan to use an electric suck pump, it is a good idea to put a plastic frisbee or similar item between the pump and the cover.

2. Carefully remove any fallen items 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. Take Off the cover slowly. Be careful not to let any debris that is on top of the cover fall into the pool as you slip off the cover.

6. Remove the pillow by untying its string. Deflate the pillow.

7. Take out any leaves and sticks or other objects 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 important that the level of the water be at half-skimmer. This will be the water level to maintain throughout the pool season.

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

11. Install the pump onto its base. Fasten it with two pump mounting screws.

12. Attach your pump’s ground wire.

13. Put the filter onto the base.

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

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

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

17. If you plan to use a chlorinator, attach the return hose from the chlorinator to the filter. Then, connect the return hose to the outlet.

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

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

20. Use the removal tool to take off the winter plug from the return fitting. 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. Install the skimmer weir and skimmer basket.

24. If your pool if in or against a deck, insert the ladder into the flanges on the deck’s surface. If your pool does not have a deck, install an A-frame ladder. If you plan to use drop-in stairs, first put sandbags into the stair unit, then put the stairs into the water until they are fully submerged. Insert the handrail into the flange of the deck or stairs.

25. Check to be certain that each electrical connection is grounded.

26. Power on the filter system.

27. If you use a DE filter, insert the required amount of DE. You will ‘bump’ your filter multiple times during the initial 24 hours of operation.

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 off the pump.

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

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

That’s it. Now your pool is ready to swim in. Enjoy the water and have fun.

You can find out more about above ground pools and above ground pool vacuums by visiting Bob Washington’s website, where you can find out which above ground pool vacuum is best for you.