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Pool
Equipment and Maintenance
With summer just
around the corner, it's time to get your pool ready by cleaning out the
debris that has collected since last fall. One way to do that is by
investing in a pool cleaner that will help you keep your water clean and
clear all season long. But with all the choices of pool equipment
out there, it's hard to know what to look for.
Here are a few suggestions: |
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Satisfaction Guaranteed - Not all pool
cleaners perform equally. Be sure to buy one that has a
money-back guarantee from the manufacturer.
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Easy To Assemble and Use - Be sure to buy
a cleaner that can be easily installed without tools - One that
doesn't require an additional pump to operate. Cleaners that
include and automatic skimming valve work best because they allow
simultaneous surface skimming and vacuuming while automatically
regulating the proper cleaning speed.
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Fewer Parts - The fewer the number of
parts, the less cost you will incur down the road. You'll save
money on repairs from summer to summer because there are no wheels or
gears to jam, diaphragms to replace, or bags to empty.
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Warranty - Occasionally, parts can
break. Read the fine print. Make sure the manufacturer is
confident enough in the durability and reliability of its product to
offer an extended warranty up to fifteen years.
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24-Hour Help Line - Representatives will
assist you with any problems or questions you might have about the
operation of you pool cleaner.
The National Spa and Pool Institute (NSPI)
also reports that cleaning, heating and lighting pools is much easier,
thanks to these new time-saving devices:
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Automatic cleaning systems built into the
pool to silently and invisibly clean and circulate water with greater
efficiency.
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Aquatic computers programmed to heat,
light and clean the pool by pressing a button on the kitchen wall,
remote control, cell phone or computer.
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Natural water clarifiers developed from
crab shells that cause dirt, minerals and oil to clump together for
easy filtration.
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Saltwater, bromine and mineral water
purifiers. Some attach to pool vacuum hoses, while others can be
dropped right into a pool or spa.
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Automatic pool covers that glide along
tracks installed at the sides of the pool at the turn of a key, in
order to conserve heat and reduce evaporation.
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Robotic vacuums resembling a turtle or
stingray that move silently and effortlessly up and down the pool's
floor and walls, ridding it of debris.
A consumer survey
conducted for NSPI revealed that concerns about maintenance are a key
reason why consumers decide against pool ownership.
However, Roger Galvin of
the NSPI believes that these new products will help alleviate those types
of fears. "With today's timesaving technologies, pool
maintenance is probably easier than taking care of the family sedan."
This article was taken from
the Buyers Edge April 18,2001 |