#PoolCue - a standard manual vacuum head will provide as effective of a clean as any device on the market (assuming system is operating as it should). A clear vacuum head allows offers a sightline into any potential issues while vacuuming (clog, need for backwash etc)

#PoolCue - there are two halves to a pool pump. One half is the 'volute' which is generally plastic. The other half is the motor which is generally metallic. The volute side and it's component parts rarely fail. The motor side is the reason almost all pumps are replaced.

#PoolCue - The tank body of a cartridge filter contains one or more cylindrical shaped cartridges made of a synthetic fabric arranged into pleats. Water that enters the filter body passes through the synthetic fabric before returning to the pool.

#PoolCue - considering a new pool or replacement filter and wondering how they stack up in comparison? This graphic provides all of the information you need to make an informed decision.

#PoolCue - many of the leading robotic pool cleaners will scale a vertical wall and give the waterline a scrub reducing the need to brush the debris that often accumulates along the waters edge.

#PoolCue - Sand filters are large tank bodies with a multi-port valve. The filtering medium is typically a bed of coarse silica sand. Silica sand has jagged edges to help trap particulate matter as it passes through the tank body.

#PoolCue - one of the great benefits of a variable speed pump is that they can be programmed to operate at different speeds at different times during the day. Increase speeds during day usage and lower speeds overnight to maximize efficiency.

#PoolCue - pool automation offer complete control over various aspects of a pool (temperature, lights, pump function, chemistry) with clicks of a button from a remote or App.

#PoolCue - a solar blanket provides significant savings in terms of water use, chemical and heating cost by significantly reducing evaporation and preventing sanitizer degradation from sun.

#PoolCue - today is a great day to sit by the pool and enjoy a birthday. So that's what I am going to do.

#PoolCue - heavy rain can lower pH and alkalinity, dilute calcium hardness and stabilizer but most importantly it can virtually eliminate free chlorine by introducing all kinds of contaminants. Make sure you test and adjust water when heavy rainfall occurs!

#PoolCue - if you are familiar with this style of pump strainer lid than you are familiar with the frustration of having to unthread it to clean out the basket. Sometimes a block of wood inserted under the handle will provide enough leverage to remove a stuck lid.

#PoolCue - black algae in a pool is not difficult to remove with some effort. It will require scrubbing with a brush to loosen off surface. Vacuum to waste to remove as many spores as possible. Remove any toys, floaties etc and clean. Shock pool. Scrub pool again following day.

#PoolCue - black algae can be prevented by maintaining a sanitizer residual, limiting pool temperatures to 86F, and maintaining a smooth pool surface as black algae loves small pockets where it can grow and multiply.

#PoolCue - copper is a natural algae preventer and is contained in some algaecide products intended for pools. It can cause problems if copper levels exceed threshold. However, with proper maintenance and sanitizer levels an algaecide should never be needed.

#PoolCue - the true benefit of a safety cover is 'safety'. People, pets, unwanted guests. None of them are at risk with this cover on your pool. Make sure the cover you are buying meets ASTM standards to ensure it is a true safety cover.

#PoolCue - in order to get a proper solvent weld with PVC pipe and fittings you have to use the appropriate primer and glue. You should not be able to remove pipe by hand or it should not fall out on its own accord.

#PoolCue - As pool closing time nears keep in mind these couple things regarding waterbags; 1. fill a single chamber bag to 2/3 to prevent rolling 2. waterbags need to butt end-to-end to prevent wind from getting under cover 3. fix an issue if you see it

#PoolCue - it is not mandatory to cover a pool as part of the winterization process. The main purpose of a cover is to prevent debris accumulation in the pool while not in use.

With the swimming pool season winding down and the curling season approaching it is important to keep in mind this sage advice...