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6 Steps to Buying a Swimming Pool

Buying a swimming pool involves so much more than choosing the actual model and style you want. Let’s take a look at the main things to consider:

1. Finding the Best Pool for You

Pool selection is about far more than looks. You’ll want to choose a model that works for you and your outdoor space. Things to consider include shape, size, depth, and frame style.

2. Choosing a Liner

When choosing a liner for your pool, you’ll want to consider color, pattern, and thickness.

While color and pattern come down to personal preference, the thickness of your liner can determine how durable it is. It’s a good idea to choose at least a 20-millimeter thickness for your liner. A good liner will not only protect your pool but offer UV protection.

3. Consider the Pump and Filtration System

There are three main choices when it comes to a filtration system: a sand filter, a cartridge filter, or a D.E. filter.

Sand filters are the most popular and economical system. Water is pushed by the pump through sand located in the filter. The sand catches debris and deposits it into the bottom of the filter tank. In most cases, the filter will need to be cleaned every few weeks depending on how dirty your pool water is.

A cartridge filter uses filter-like material to capture debris and has a large area to store it before having to be cleaned. Generally, these filters should be cleaned twice a season.

D.E. (diatomaceous earth) filters use the fossilized remains of algae-like organisms called diatoms. This powder is used to catch debris and filter out tiny particles from your water.

4. Choosing a Sanitization System

Chlorine is the most popular sanitization system used in pools today, but salt is an option that is gaining ground.

Chlorine tablets, which look somewhat like hockey pucks, are a great choice for sanitization. The puck is placed in a chlorine feeder or floater that dispenses chlorine as needed to clean your water.

With a salt system, a chlorine generator converts salt into free chlorine. The chlorine sanitizes your pool and then changes back into salt. The salt you use for this is similar to what you’d use in your water softener.

Both are great systems and will really come down to cost or personal preference.

5. Ladders or Stairs?

How you get in and out of your pool safely is a major consideration. There are many different ladder options available, although the most popular is the traditional a-frame. Ladders work well for older children and most adults but, if you have little kids or seniors using your pool, you may want to consider upgrading to pool stairs.

This offers more secure footing and requires less agility to use.

6. Deciding on Accessories

The sky is the limit when it comes to pool accessories. One of the most important accessories you can own, however, is the cleaning equipment. If you enjoy manual cleaning, then a traditional vacuum is a natural choice.

If you’d rather not have to worry about vacuuming or scrubbing down your pool walls, then opt for a robotic cleaner.

Other accessories to consider are pool lights (great for nighttime swimming), a pool heater (if your pool doesn’t get much sun), and a solar blanket (which enhances the sun’s rays to warm the water).

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