Pool Maintenance Tips | Pool Guides » Pool Supplies

Extending the Life Span of a Cartridge Pool Filter

Mon, 26 Jul 2010 13:00:37 +0000

Swimming pools can provide an oasis in the heat of summer. Owning one right at home can be so much more fun as you can take a dip anytime during the warm season.

Family and friends get to enjoy endless hours, days and months. With the right equipment, you can even further extend swimming season beyond summer. Proper care and maintenance of course should also be given the attention to ensure it is clean and safe enough for users.

Water should always be clean and clear with the use of a pumps and filters for health and safety reasons.

Filters are necessary items that keep water free from dirt, debris, floating insects, bugs and other solid particles that can be hazardous to users. Practical homeowners would usually opt to use a cartridge pool filter for their swimming pools.

There are probably two main reasons I can think of that drive them into using a cartridge pool filter over sand or diatomaceous earth (DE) type of filters.

A cartridge pool filter is both economical and low-maintenance. Sand filters require cleaning or backwashing every few weeks when there is significant pressure loss at the pump discharge tube.

A cartridge pool filter will only require you to perform maintenance work twice in a swimming season. DE filters need the same frequency of maintenance but DE filter will cost more than a cartridge pool filter. As far as ease of maintenance is concerned, the smart homeowner would choose a cartridge pool filter

In the middle of swimming season, you also have the option of changing out your cartridge pool filter with a replacement piece or a more economical alternative is to clean it in three simple steps. For a do-it yourself homeowner, these steps are quite easy to follow.

Step one is to rinse the cartridge using a regular garden hose. Just take note that water pressure should not be too high that it actually pushes dirt and debris deeper into the filter. The purpose of rinsing is simply to remove loose particles.

After rinsing, fill a bucket with filter cleaning solution and soak the cartridge. This process will loosen sticking particles and remove chemicals such as oil and lotion. Just make sure that your cleaning solution is not too aggressive or acidic that it will only further damage filtering materials. Erosion of such materials can only add up to unwanted particles in water.

The last step in this process is rinsing once again to make sure that there is no loose particle left in your filtering material. This also rinses the cleaning solution away. Once this is done, you can use your cartridge pool filter once again.

Sooner or later your cartridge pool filter will no longer be washable and useable. This should be a sign for you t consider changing out your cartridge. You would need to replace your disposable filters but it would probably take a longer time for that to happen. By then, you would have maximized your mileage of your cartridge pool filter.

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Swimming Pool Covers: Pool Safety Basic

Mon, 21 Jun 2010 13:00:47 +0000

Taking good care of your swimming pool, whether in-ground or above ground, is a necessity in order to get the most out of it. You may have to spend a significant amount to purchase important items but these give back more value for your money.

The benefits far exceed the cost requirements. Most smart homeowners recognize this fact while some still perceive these as unnecessary expenses.

One of the things sometimes overlooked or underrated is the importance of swimming pool covers. When swimming season is over, covering your pool is important as it serves two functions. From a cost standpoint, swimming pool covers cut down maintenance expenses.

Aside from cost savings, swimming pool covers provide safety by preventing accidents. Varying models offer different functions.
Winter swimming pool covers shield pools from the cold winter temperature and at the same time prevents accumulation of dirt, leaves, fallen branches, and debris in your pool.

Covering pools during winter blocks sunlight and can prevent growth of algae. With winter swimming pool covers, you should be ready for spring with less cost and maintenance needs. Installation for in-ground and above ground pools may vary but they serve the same purpose.

Solar swimming pool covers can save you money by reducing energy required to heat water. A solar cover can heat water by as much as ten degrees Fahrenheit without the energy cost. This is because water is heated by transferring heat from the sun. This heat can be absorbed and stored even at night.

Heat loss is inhibited with solar swimming pool covers while at the same time reducing chemical and water evaporation by an estimated sixty to seventy percent. You can think about the savings each month on gallons of water that you could potentially lose without swimming pool covers.

Another type of covering for pools is a leaf net. These are used with winter and solar covers specifically designed to catch dirt and debris. Leaves, twigs and branches falling can easily be removed with the use of nets. A leaf net also protects you winter and solar covers, further extending their service life span.

A safety cover serves as a safety precaution especially for homeowners with children. It can be expensive but the value it provides cannot be equated with any price.

Materials are designed to support load equivalent to the weight of a child or animal that may walk on the cover. You have a choice between a solid and mesh covering. These are held in place using anchors. These anchors are designed to support the material covering the entire pool area.

Shapes and sizes vary to fit varying shapes of pools. Repair kits are also available so that holes are easily patched. In some cases, installation of anchors may need professional help. Licensed pool contractors do this for a living. In other cases, a skilled homeowner can install anchors without a pool professional.

There are many ways of cost savings that swimming pool covers can provide. More than the cost savings, swimming pool covers also give homeowners peace of mind.

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Pool Exercise Equipment: Water Fitness at its Finest

Sat, 19 Jun 2010 13:17:23 +0000

We all know that following a regular exercise plan has its short and long term benefits. It helps us keep strength in our muscles and joints.

The heart is also a muscle that needs conditioning and this can be achieved through regularly exercising too. The lungs are also strengthened with cardiovascular or aerobic activities.

Typically we would head out to the gym three to four times in a week to hit the treadmill, stationary bike and lift weights. Others would rather hit the road to run for half an hour a day. However, there is an excellent alternative to the more traditional exercises and this can be done in any swimming pool with the proper pool exercise equipment.

Working out in swimming pools or hot tubs has other benefits on top of physical conditioning. The warm water causes the dilation of blood vessels resulting to better blood circulations. As the body temperature goes up with the warmth of the water, your body metabolism also increases to some extent.

Exercising in pools also minimizes the risks to joint and muscle injuries since water supports the body with its buoyancy. Add to this the availability of pool exercise equipment and we can convert swimming pools into virtually an aquatic gym.

Working out in water can yield far better results with the right pool exercise equipment. Whether for cardio or weight training, there is appropriate pool exercise equipment for these trainings. We all know that water as it is already has a natural resistance. This makes it ideal for resistance or modified weight training that we can adapt from a traditional weight training program at the gym.

Swimming multiple laps for three to four times in a week develops the heart and lungs. All major muscle groups are active in this type of workout. For more fat loss, interval training is recommended. This means using sudden bursts of energy and then going back to a steady pace to recover. Some of the pool exercise equipment that can be used in swimming laps are fins that come in different shapes and sizes.

Ankle cuffs provide extra resistance to enhance muscle strength and tone. There are other pool exercise equipment that can enhance swimming laps training. Snorkels allow better focus on the strokes and balance instead of the breathing cycle. It also increases oxygen consumption, a key ingredient to losing unwanted fat. Hand paddles teach swimmers the right position and proper techniques in each stroke.

Another cardio workout that can be adapted in pools is running or jogging. This is comparable to wind sprints as water provides added resistance. Pool exercise equipment that can help maintain balance in water is a jogger belt. It helps the runner or jogger keep the shoulders above water with the use of a belt. A jogger belt allows free movement for the swimmer.

For resistance training, the swimming pool offers a safe and effective muscle toning workout. Water provides natural resistance to begin with and this can be further enhanced with other pool exercise equipment. Just as you use dumb bells in the gym, there are dumb bells made for the swimming pool. Movements based on your weight training program can be modified to adapt to water. Pool exercise equipment can add resistance to water and allows more muscular activity.

There are aquatic exercises for every muscle group and these are further made more challenging yet effective with pool exercise equipment. If you want a workout without that sweaty and sticky feeling, then the water is an excellent option for you.

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Portable Pools: The Inexpensive Option

Fri, 18 Jun 2010 13:12:12 +0000

A swimming pool is a welcome oasis especially on a warm summer day. It can even be used almost all year round with a heater installed. It easily provides fun for the family at any time.

Another benefit out of a swimming pool is that it can be used for fitness and therapeutic activities. However, the price to install a swimming pool at home can be costly that most homeowners more often than not decide against it.

Nowadays there is an inexpensive option to owning swimming pools right at home. Instead of in-ground pools that are permanent fixtures, above ground pools are more flexible and offers cheaper options for the average homeowner.

Above ground pools offer flexibility in terms of the many different shapes and sizes available plus the fact that there are portable pools that can be moved from one place to another. Portable pools are ideal for owners who may have plans of relocating their pool.

Portable pools are popular because of the advantages and benefits to the owner. While it takes a long time to construct permanent pools at home, it only takes a few days or even hours to set up portable pools.

In most cases, installing swimming pools may need the services of a licensed swimming pool contractor. Assembling portable pools may not require special tools and can be done by any skilled do-it-yourself homeowner. In some cases, kits for portable pools do not even require tools at all!

Materials are made of heavy duty material that is designed to withstand hydrostatic pressure plus all the live loads when the pool is in use. Aside from its resistance to physical loading and puncture, materials are usually treated to protect the walls and floors from growing molds and algae. Bracing and other frame materials are made of steel that is protected from rusting or oxidation.

Portable pools are popular nowadays that aside from the usual devices like skimmers, cleaners and heaters, other accessories such as ladders, decking and toys are compatible for use on them.

To make sure that you get the most out of your investment in it, here are a few tips on how to take good care of portable pools.

When choosing a location, make sure that the surface area is level and free from loose rocks. A level surface is important to ensure that water does not spill over the top of the walls. Surface under the pool floor must be clear of loose rocks and other debris to ensure safety of swimmers.

It is also recommended to choose a location away from trees. Falling leaves can be an additional task. Taking this off the to-do list is avoidance of any inconvenience to the pool owner.

The chlorine level of pool water should be properly maintained. Some homeowners use an automatic chlorinator to dispense chlorine tablets at a fixed time interval. The right chemical composition of water helps disinfect your swimming pool.

Keeping a repair kit in storage is just as important as a spare tire for your car. Although portable pools have puncture-resistant liners, accidents can happen and it would be wise to have a repair kit always ready.

Portable pools can give you unlimited hours of fun and enjoyment for less cost. Its versatility adds more value to the investment which makes it an excellent option for the average homeowner.

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The Inflatables… Pool toys that is

Wed, 09 Jun 2010 17:00:37 +0000

Summer is just around the corner and I cannot wait to have my kids at home so they could help around the house. Yeah, right… dream on Mom!

Actually, I do get them to do some stuff around the house when they are home… that is in exchange for longer hours in our above-ground swimming pool. But, yes, like any other parent I too crave some quality time with my kids… time that we can “waste” lounging around not worrying about school the following morning or homework or some school project that needed to be turned in; time that we can enjoy doing recreational activities together to get some bonding time going; or time when my 2-year old son can pester his older siblings to his heart’s content (read: time that he won’t me pestering me or my husband).

Yes, summer is such a great time for me and my family because we don’t even have to drag anyone to some remote resort and spend a hefty sum just to enjoy each other’s company.

All we need is water in our above-ground pool and the “inflatables”… pool toys that is. Yes, our pool toys are all we need to make the most out of our pool and summer in general. Come to think of it, we even have some pool toys that do not need to be in the pool just so we could enjoy them. A perfect example is our inflatable pool lounge. While it is meant to be used in the water, you can just as well set it up on the lawn or on a rug in front of the TV and sit on it. No one said it is not possible, right?

Let’s see, what other pool toys do we have? We have an inflatable pool slide, an Aqua hammock, a shooter game, a water wheel and a see-saw rocker. Mind you, those are just the inflatables. We are crazy about pool toys that we already have a collection of some sort.

If you own a pool, whether it be an in-ground or above-ground type, pool toys are an absolute necessity. Well, pumps, filters, chlorinators and pool vacuums are necessities too, but pool toys are the “fun” necessities. Oh, I’m sure you know what I mean.

Swimming in the pool is just half the fun when you have kids. You will need a variety of pool toys to keep the fun going, especially for young kids who are just starting to learn how to swim.

Squirt guns are just the start. Actually, being the old school people that we are, my husband and I thought squirt guns are all there is to pool toys as floaters are to inflatables. Boy, are we so wrong. You can imagine my surprise that there is a see-saw rocker meant to be used in the swimming pool.

Try looking at the many pool toys available on the internet and be pleasantly surprised just like I was. The thing is these pool toys do not really cost that much, compared to bringing the whole family on a Caribbean cruise or an African Safari.

My belief is summer fun doesn’t have to cost an arm and a leg. As long as your family enjoys spending time together and all of you get to live comfortably because of the wise decisions you make about the things you spend on, then all is well.

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Inground Pool Steps for Your Pool

Mon, 07 Jun 2010 16:12:48 +0000

An inground swimming pool is a great add-on to any home. It provides an excellent form of entertainment for family and friends. It can also be used for fitness activities too. On top of the immediate benefits of owning an inground swimming pool at home, there are long term benefits as well.

It further adds value to your property. In order to protect this investment, homeowners need to take the necessary steps for proper care and maintenance of their inground swimming pools.

For example, inground pool steps provide a safe and secure access to users when climbing up or down swimming pools. Swimmers who wish to take a short rest in between laps can also use inground pool steps as rest area.

There is a wide variety of designs, shapes, sizes and styles for inground pool steps available in the market today. Homeowners just need to consider certain facts to help them decide which of these would best suit their needs.

To the average homeowner, the first criterion for selection is the cost. The cost varies and it is typically commensurate with the quality of products you are buying. Cheaper items can mean less durable materials were used. Understandably, the more expensive items are likely to be the sturdier ones.

When buying your inground pool steps, make sure that they fit and match with the pool’s shape. The size must be proportional to the swimming pool size. Size limitations somehow limit your choices, making the selection process easier.

The location must also be set in such a way that these are not near any diving platform or board to avoid accidents. Load capacity should also be an important consideration when shopping for inground pool steps.

Consulting with the local pool dealer or a licensed pool professional is recommended. They can provide information to help you make an intelligent decision on which model to buy. In some cases, you may need to have your inground pool steps custom-built to your specifications when there is no suitable model available.

A must-have in inground pool steps would be the hand rails or grab bars. These ensure safety and stability of swimmers when they access pools. Children and the elderly would benefit most out of hand rails as these prevent injuries from accidents. Hand rails are usually anchored to the side of the inground pool steps but these can also be installed right at the center is the steps are wide enough.

Safety should always be the primary concern for the pool owner. You may be able to save on lower cost but the risks can be higher.

Investing in more expensive inground pool steps can give you more durable and sturdier materials. It can also assure homeowners that family and friends are safe from accidents related to climbing up or down the swimming pool. Stringer materials equate to better load capacity.

Aside from the quality of materials, proper installation is also important. The primary purpose of inground pool steps is to ensure safety to all users. Therefore the materials and installation should also be safe to begin with.

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Swimming Pool Kits: Summer Fun Right at Home

Tue, 25 May 2010 17:15:32 +0000

Have you come across the word, “Staycation”? I just recently have… through a newspaper article I read last night.

Prior to reading that article I had no idea that there is this new word (forgive me I’ve been hiding under a rock lately – or maybe “staycationing” will be a better description?), coined precisely to encapsulate all that you will be having less of by deciding not to travel for this summer – destination dilemmas, flight and hotel booking stress, shopping expenses, packing confusion, pre-departure hold-ups, etc.

If only for limiting our urges and restraining our spending power, I think recession was good for the nation. To me, it was a wake-up call that there is so much more to family bonding than hauling your whole family to some “exotic” place where no one speaks English and where their idea of a delicacy is stir-fried worms or some endangered animal’s brains.

How many times have you traveled with your family? Don’t you think you have enough travel-horror stories to last you a lifetime? Personally, I think traveling with the whole family in tow has become an acid test for my patience, endurance and finances. This year I am putting my foot down and declaring that I have had enough. I’m staying at home!

Besides, since when did traveling become an absolute must to have good, clean summer fun? Well it is not. Swimming pool kits are THE absolute musts for a family to have outrageous amounts of summer fun – right at home.

Why swimming pool kits in particular? It’s because swimming pool kits are portable and can be installed in a lot less time that it would have taken you to drive to the nearest beach. You can even bring swimming pool kits when you take the kids to visit grandma and grandpa. Anywhere there is a flat, open space you can set up swimming pool kits.

I don’t know about you but my kids enjoy being in the water more than anything and getting a portable above ground swimming pool kit is probably the best decision I’ve made. Not only do we get to spend summer swimming everyday we are also doing our bank accounts a favor.

Want proof? Check out the prices of swimming pool kits against what it would have cost you to bring at least 4 people out on a summer trip. See what I mean?

When I see my kids splashing in the water or just hearing their giggly squeals as they shoot each other with water guns, while in the swimming pool, more than makes up for whatever good thing there is to traveling that I will be missing.

More than giving us longer family bonding time because there is no need to drive off to wherever just to enjoy the summer, swimming pool kits make the home much more conducive to lounging around to rest the weary brain or to catch up on sleep while getting a nice tan.

Really, swimming pool kits are worth looking into if you don’t want to go through the hassles of traveling just to give your kids something enjoyable to do this summer.

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The Cutest Above Ground Pool Vacuums Available

Sat, 22 May 2010 13:00:38 +0000

They say image is everything, and I think they are right. How many times have you bought an item just because it looks good? I mean, between two items that do basically the same thing (let’s assume all specifications being equal) which would you buy, the cute one or the plain-looking item?

A lot of times I have gone with the cuter of the two, or the cutest of them all, if there are more than two choices. But, before I whip out my credit card to make a purchase I make sure my choice is also the one that is most cost-efficient and the most effective at what I am getting it for.

Take ordinary vacuum cleaners for example, when faced with a lot of brand choices I would go for the one with the more powerful motor or the one with more features. Well, ordinary vacuum cleaners all look almost the same… so the aesthetics will most likely not matter.

However, for above ground pool vacuums you really would have a hard time choosing. We saw one that looks like a diver, a whale and a bug, among others. There are “conventional” looking ones, too.

The thing is every time we go out to buy any pool accessory we always bring the whole family along. So, when my kids saw one that reminded them of a relative (their opinion, not mine) they went nuts asking me to get it right away.

Of course getting a pool vacuum is a welcome idea for me, because it means I don’t have to exert that much effort at cleaning the pool, so we really were prepared to buy when we went out to look at the above ground pool vacuums available.

Well, there he was, Diver Dave. I have to admit, though, that he is kinda cute with that wide-eyed look plastered on his face. But, I am all about finding the most efficient of all the above ground pool vacuums out there. Hence, I had to make sure Diver Dave offers more than good looks.

Just to tease the kids I wandered off to look at other above ground pool vacuums. Plus, I wanted to see how the other models stack up against Diver Dave.

Hmmm… it seems like they offer almost the same thing. A few models required human “intervention” because you would have to hold on to the handle so it can reach the places where you want it to go. What I wanted to choose from are above ground pool vacuums that I can throw into the pool (probably not literally) and leave to do its job.

It seems like Diver Dave is leading. Well the brochure did say “trouble free operation” and I don’t even have to replace or empty the dirt bag. What I like most about it is that it does not need its own power source, it will work with the filtration system that I already have.
So much to my kids delight I got diver Dave. That puts an end to reading through all the above ground pool vacuums’ manuals and specifications.

If you are also on the lookout for the latest in above ground pool vacuums you might want to check out Diver Dave’s “cousins” (or pets?) the Aquabug and the whale. They can both give Diver Dave a run for his money as far as cuteness is concerned… well depending on what you or your kids fancy.

Just make sure that the above ground pool vacuums you will be looking at will have service and replacement parts available in case something goes awry.

But, if you are looking for efficiency combined with cuteness the above ground pool vacuums you should check out are Diver Dave, the Aquabug and the Whale.

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Step into your Pool Safely with Above Ground Pool Steps

Fri, 21 May 2010 16:09:16 +0000

Above ground pool steps are important components that enhance the safety of swimming pools. These provide safe access to users when getting in and out of their above ground pools.

Material composition of these above ground pool steps may vary but these are specially designed to bear heavy load and last a long time. You can check your local pool store and you will find different materials such as aluminum, stainless steel, heavy duty plastic or vinyl.

Pool owners will surely find a suitable model from a wide array of above ground pool steps. There are of course certain considerations in choosing the right model such as budget, comfort, ease of installation, maintenance and durability.

The more durable ones will surely cost more but the less expensive models are not necessarily flimsy. Less expensive models are built within accepted minimum standards that still guarantee safety for users. The more expensive ones offer a certain premium, be it a longer service life or heavier load capacity.

You may want to evaluate what exactly it is that you want out of your above ground pool steps.

Cheap and light materials like plastic and aluminum have just about the same load capacity as that of stainless steel. As you shop for you own above ground pool steps, inspect the owner’s manual to determine material composition and basic safety instructions.

Your choice of above ground pool steps may also vary with the type of potential users. Adults may have different needs and safety requirements compared to children who may have a higher risk of accident and injury. Safety needs of the elderly may also be a factor when choosing the right type of above ground pool steps.

Above ground pool steps should also be easy to install so that these are ready for immediate use. The number of treads should match with the depth of your swimming pool. Make sure that you have made the correct measurements to determine the right fit. Due to the area of coverage, certain models would also require flat floor surfaces where these are installed.

These are not supposed to be painted over even if the available colors are plain looking. Paint chemicals might contaminate water which could pose some hazard to users. Paint can also reduce the anti-skid properties of your material.

It is recommended that handrails are installed to provide added safety and stability. Most models include handrails along with the kits but some do not include them. Handrails are more of a necessity especially when there are children and elderly using the swimming pool. You have a choice of installing either a one-sided handrail set or handrails on both sides of your above ground pool steps.

There are different models available online. For a better feel, you may want to visit your nearest swimming pool supplies dealer and check out the above ground pool steps they offer. The actual touch and feel of these items can help you decide which one is the best fit for you.

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Shopping for Pool Accessories

Tue, 11 May 2010 13:00:52 +0000

Building a swimming pool in your own backyard may seem to get more complicated when it comes to choosing pool accessories. More often than not your local pool salesman will offer so many different products that get you more confused with your choices. It is because salesmen have their own sales agenda which may not be in line with your goal of getting the best pool accessories for your swimming pool at home.

When shopping for pool accessories, try to think about buying furniture and appliances for the house. Everything will revolve around a working budget. This could be your budget for all pool accessories and maintenance as well. It can be quite challenging for a pool owner to mix budget, function and form.

Setting priorities when shopping for pool accessories is important. One must determine what the necessary items are and what the decorative items are.

Pool accessories that maintain and ensure pool safety are necessities. These are equipment or components that a pool owner should have for better quality swimming time and a longer swimming pool lifespan.

A filter system and pump can keep your swimming pool from dirt and debris making them essential items for pool owners. Supplementing the pool filter and pump would be other pool cleaners such as pool vacuum cleaners and skimmers. For particles that a pump and filter cannot catch due to size and weight, a pool vacuum and skimmer can.

Pool vacuum cleans dirt and debris on pool floors while skimmers catch particles such as leaves, bugs and insects on the pool water surface.
Heaters are also necessary items for the pool in order to maintain warm and comfortable water temperature even in colder weather.

Adding a heater to your swimming pool can extend your swimming season to almost the whole year round. Pool owners have a choice among gas, electric and solar powered pool heaters.

Chlorinators keep pool water healthy and free from contaminants. There are many variants of chlorinators in the market that serve the purpose of primarily sanitizing pool water.

A pool cover is another essential item for a pool owner. It slows down heat loss to help save energy consumption of a pool heater. The pool cover can protect your swimming pool from other elements like dust, debris, ice, bugs and leaves.

Pool ladders are installed to provide safe access to pool users climbing up and down the swimming pool. There are different types of pool ladders that suit different needs and preferences.

Other pool accessories that may not be necessary for pool operation and maintenance are for aesthetic or decorative purposes. Furniture can enhance the overall look of your pool area. Lounge chairs and tables create that resort feel and it can give you an outdoor living area.

Pool floats are probably the most popular of decorative pool accessories. In some cases, floats can even substitute lounge chairs to a certain extent. The choices are without limits as pool floats come in different shapes and sizes.

Slides, toys and diving boards are also available for more hours of swimming fun and enjoyment.

When shopping for pool accessories, keep track of your budget and your priority items. Essential or “must-have” items should come first and if budget permits, then you may start shopping for your decorative pool accessories.

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