Category: From The Blog

Preparing your pool for winter is critical for any pool owner looking to protect expensive pool equipment from cooler climates. According to the experts, treating your pool at least once a week before closing it for winter is important.

Here’s a detailed guide to winterising your pool the right way.

Prepare Your Pool for Winter with These Tips

Deep Clean the Pool

Remove leaves and debris in the water using a pole or a net. Use a pool scrub and a telescoping pole to scrub the walls and the floor.

After thoroughly scrubbing, you may notice the water turns green because of the algae stuck at the pool’s bottom.

Alternatively, you can use an automatic pool cleaner if you don’t want the manual process; vacuum all the leaves and the debris away after scrubbing.

Balance Winter Chemicals

Use a pool test kit to measure alkalinity, chlorine, and water pH. The pH levels should range between 7.2 and 7.8. The proper pH level protects your pool from corrosion and scale build-up.

The chlorine level should not exceed five parts per million. Ensure the alkalinity falls between 100 and 150 parts. Once you balance the pH, alkalinity and chlorine levels, add winter chemicals to protect the pool from algae growth.

Shock the Pool

Shock the pool using additional chlorine tablets to kill off any bacteria left in the water. Leave the water to run for hours to allow the chlorine to circulate well throughout the water.

Consider shocking the water at night and leaving the pump to run until the following day. Use a saltwater cell to distribute chlorine if your pool is salty.

Lower the Water Level

Lower the water levels once done with shocking to prevent overflowing, however, this is more important in freezing temperatures and less a requirement of the warm Australian climate.

Leave the water level at about one foot below the skimmer if you’re using a mesh cover. For solid covers, the water level should be about half a foot below the skimmer.

Clean the Filter

Excessive deposits in the filter may clog it up and harden over time. Consider cleaning off dirt deposits in the filter before leaving it for winter.

Remove the Pool Accessories and Cover the Pool

The final step is removing all pool accessories and covering the pool to prevent dirt from getting inside. Use a larger and heavier cover for an above-ground pool to prevent wind from blowing it off.

Conclusion

Winterising a pool follows a similar process for many pool designs. However, the water drainage procedure may vary slightly for above-ground swimming pools.

Consider investing in a heavier pool cover if you own an above-ground pool. Such pools are more exposed to strong winds. A light cover will easily be carried away, exposing your pool to more dirt. Not sure how to winterise your pool? Contact the experts today at Affordable Pools.

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Above-ground pools are ideal if you don’t have the budget and space to construct an in-ground swimming pool. They’re also more practical for people living in temporary residences, as they don’t significantly impact the landscape.

Local authorities enforce regulations to ensure pool safety. Here are the most common requirements you must adhere to before installing an above-ground swimming pool.

Location

Many communities prohibit the installation of swimming pools in front of the house. Some authorities extend this rule to the side walls. For this reason, installing an above-ground pool behind your home is best.

You cannot construct your pool above underground water, drainage, or utility lines.

Construction

Before construction, your contractor or the homeowner must request a permit from relevant local authorities. Upon acquisition, you must display the licence on your construction site. You might require a licence to install pumps, filters, and other pool accessories in some areas.

Barriers and Fencing

An above-ground pool must have barriers or fences to prevent access. Some communities consider the pool’s vertical walls to be an adequate barrier, however, others require strict fencing. 

Where fencing is mandatory, the minimum height is 1.2 metres. The gaps between the pickets must not exceed 90mm, and this also applies to the space between the ground and the bottommost rail.

After fencing, you must install a self-latching gate that opens outwards. This gate must remain closed whenever the pool is idle.

Filtration

Above-ground swimming pools must contain a filtration system that circulates the water to keep the pool clean. The pump and filter must conform to standard suction regulations and have a functional drain gate.

Electrical Requirements

Water conducts electricity. For this reason, you must ensure your pool complies with the electricity wiring code to avoid serious injuries and possibly death.  

Standard electricity wiring rules dictate that overhead electricity lines must be at least 6 metres above the water surface. On the other hand, telephone and cable TV wires must be at least 3 metres above the water surface.

All electrical outlets must be at least 6 metres from the pool if they don’t have ground-fault circuit interrupters. Otherwise, they can be as close as 2.4 metres to the pool.

Inspections

You may receive visitors from your local government throughout the pool’s construction. These officers will conduct inspections to ensure every project step adheres to the set rules and regulations. Steps that require evaluation include excavation, wiring, and plumbing.

Wrapping Up

When constructing a swimming pool, it’s crucial to follow the requirements set by relevant authorities. Besides saving you from potential fines and jail terms, implementing these rules improves pool safety. Remember, swimming pools can be dangerous if not monitored.

A fence can help protect kids, while proper wiring eliminates the risk of electrocution. Whatever you do, never fail to adhere to construction rules and requirements.

If you want a pool that suits your family’s needs this summer, contact us at Affordable Pools. We specialise in installing durable, stylish, and functional swimming pools at affordable prices!

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Our Top 3 Tips For Choosing The Right Pool For Your Backyard
Keeping Your Pool Clean Without Using A Lot of Chlorine

A swimming pool is a great addition to your home. Not only does it increase the value of your property, but it provides a welcomed relief for those hot summer days. It’s also an excellent venue for entertaining and adds to the aesthetic appeal of your backyard. 

If you are investing in a swimming pool, you need to do some research beforehand. When deciding which pool will be best, consider the following:

• The space you have 
• Choice of materials
• The placement

Let’s get into more detail. 

Tip 1: Consider the available space 

Is the area where you want to place the pool large, long, straight, narrow, regular, wide, or irregular? Is the ground level or sloped? These questions will assist you in determining a suitable design. 

You will not get the approval you need to build your pool if your design does not integrate well into your yard. For instance, your pool must always allow enough room for the required safety fencing. 

If you intend to put up patio furniture or potted plants near the pool, you’ll require even more space – safety requirements stipulate that you can’t have any large objects right next to the pool’s fence.

Tip 2: Think about the pool’s safety

Consider the following factors to ensure that the pool isn’t dangerous:

• Ground Fault Circuit Interruption (GFCI). GFCIs are protective measures that prevent the risk of electrocution. The mechanism acts like a circuit breaker, shutting off electrical power in the event of a ground fault.

• Fencing. Erect a fence around the pool area. It’s recommended that security fences are over 1.2 metres high to prevent the risk of children climbing over. The fence should come with a secure, firmly attached gate that can’t be pushed easily. 

As an added layer of security, you can install an alarm that sounds an alert if the gate is open.

• Cover. It’s important to get a pool cover, so children and pets don’t fall in. Better yet, consider getting an automatic pool cover to avoid such accidents.

Tip 3: Consider the pool’s placement

Select from these pool placement options: in-ground, above-ground, or on-ground. 

In-ground pools require heavy machines to dig, so be sure the excavators can fit in your yard if you choose this option. 

On-ground pools are only partially submerged but still give the look and feel of an inground pool. However, they limit your choice of material and only come in specific shapes and sizes. 

Above-ground pools don’t require any digging and are more suited for smaller yards where you can’t use heavy machines. They also end up being much faster to construct and need less maintenance. We love above-ground and semi in-ground options as they offer versatility, beautiful landscaping and family fun – without breaking the bank.

Own your dream pool now. Consider these tips to select the right pool for your backyard and get in touch with the friendly Affordable Pools team to discuss your options. Check out these amazing pools to start collecting some inspiration.

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Heat Pumps 101: Keeping Your Backyard Pool Warm Year-Round
Should I buy an in ground or above ground swimming pool?

Summer is undoubtedly the best time to swim. Plunging into the warm water provides an unbeatable feeling of relaxation. However, those warm days aren’t a year-round joy.

When the cold season arrives, many people close off their above ground swimming pools because the water is too cold. This doesn’t have to affect you – the best solution is investing in a heat pump.

What is a Heat Pump?

As the name suggests, a heat pump is a device used for warming your pool. It works like your air conditioner in that it draws air from the atmosphere and uses it to heat the water inside your pool.

Unlike gas heaters which provide instant and short-lived warmth, heat pumps keep constant water temperature throughout their operation. This is why they automatically turn on and off to ensure the water is at the desired temperature.

Where Should You Install a Heat Pump?

Ideally, you should place your equipment in an open outdoor area without many structures. Uninterrupted airflow is one of the primary factors that improve the pump’s efficiency.

Also, the pump should be in close proximity to your pool. Placing it too far away results in heat loss during transmission, which also increases your electricity bill.

How Much Power Does a Heat Pump Consume?

A standard 100,000 BTU heat pump consumes five kilowatts hourly. This is cheaper than natural gas.

Why Should You Buy an Electric Heat Pump?

Here are the benefits of purchasing an electric heat pump.

Durability

The average lifespan of a well-maintained heat pump is 15 years. In contrast, gas heaters last for only five years.

The heat exchanger is the main reason for the disparity in lifespan. Heat pumps have titanium exchanges that don’t rust. On the other hand, gas heaters have copper exchangers that corrode when exposed to salts and other chemicals produced during combustion.

Environmentally Friendly

Are you conscious of the environment? A heat pump is a more eco-friendly option than a gas heater. While they aren’t entirely green, heat pumps require 80% fewer fossil fuels to generate the same amount of heat as gas heaters. Even better, they don’t emit harmful gases like carbon monoxide.

Cost-effectiveness

Despite having higher upfront costs than gas heaters, heat pumps are cheaper to run over extended periods, as electricity is less costly than natural gas. Moreover, you can connect the heat pump to your solar energy system and harness free energy from the sun.

Wrapping Up

A heat pump is a must-have if you want unlimited access to your pool throughout the year. This equipment is efficient, affordable, and can last for many years if you maintain it properly. The best thing is that it’s more friendly to the environment than its fuel-powered competitors.

Now is the time to install a heat pump, whether you are renovating an existing pool or starting from scratch. If you’re ready, contact the experts at Affordable Pools. We will listen to your preferences and recommend the best type of pool for your home. 

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What are the Benefits of Solar Heating for My Pool?
Should I buy an in ground or above ground swimming pool?

If you’d like to keep your pool heated, but you’re concerned about the costs, then solar pool heating is a great option for you. Not only is solar heating cost-effective, but it’s also an environmentally-friendly way to keep your pool warm and comfortable throughout the year.

In this article, we’ll cover the benefits of solar heating and explain why it’s an excellent alternative to traditional heating options. Keep reading to find out about this innovative heating solution and why it’s worth purchasing for your pool.

How does solar pool heating work?

Before we explain the benefits of solar pool heating, it’s important to understand how it works. 

At a basic level, solar heating works by pumping pool water into a system of solar panels or rubber or plastic tubes located on your roof (called a “solar collector”). The solar collector absorbs the sun’s heat and transfers it to the water, heating it up before it’s sent back to the pool.

Your solar heating system will include a digital controller, which automatically begins the heating process when the conditions are right. When the pool reaches its desired temperature, the system will shut off.

Why choose solar heating

With the basics covered, let’s dive into why you should consider purchasing a solar heating system for your pool. Here are three compelling reasons to go solar.

1. It helps you save money

Unlike electric heat pumps or gas heaters, solar heating systems don’t require fuel to run. Instead, they absorb the free and renewable energy from the sun to warm your pool. As a result, you could potentially save hundreds of dollars per year (or more) by switching to a solar heating system.

On top of that, solar heating systems shouldn’t require much maintenance. During pool season, your digital controller should automatically run each day to flush out your system and keep it running properly.

2. It’s better for the environment

Since solar heating is powered by a clean and renewable resource (sunlight), it is an eco-friendly alternative to traditional energy sources. By making the move to solar, you can reduce your environmental impact and live a more sustainable lifestyle.

3. It extends your annual pool season

Without a heating system, your pool can only be used in the hottest months of the year. But with solar heating, your pool will be comfortable enough to use in the more moderate months as well – helping you get more out of your pool investment.

Whether you have a freshwater, saltwater, or chlorine pool, adding a solar heating system can help you save money, lessen your environmental impact, and maximise your swimming season.

If you’re thinking about installing a new pool or upgrading your existing one, get in touch with the team at Affordable Pools today. We offer a wide variety of pools, add-ons, and accessories and can help you customise the perfect pool for your space. Explore our range of pools on our website or call us on (02) 8625 3656 to learn more.

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The Best Pool-Side Plants to Create a Resort-Feel At Home
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There’s nothing more relaxing than a tropical holiday. From the warm weather to the sun-soaked days at the beach to the breathtaking scenery, everything about a resort getaway is perfect for unwinding and getting back in touch with nature.

Unfortunately, we can’t be on holiday full-time (as much as we’d like to). However, there are ways to replicate the resort aesthetic at home. For example, adding tropical plants to your pool area can amp up the tropical vibes to make you feel like you’re on a permanent vacation.

Below, find a list of five of the best pool-side plants to bring the resort feel to your home.

Palm trees

Of course, no list of resort-style plants would be complete without palm trees. These versatile plants come in all shapes and sizes, so you’ll find plenty of options for your pool area – no matter how much space you have.

If your backyard is suited for tall palms, consider a Bangalow palm or a golden cane palm. Either one will instantly add a holiday-like vibe to your backyard and make you feel like you’re in the tropics. You can purchase potted palms from Bunnings and plant them yourself, or you can contact a local landscaper for more options.

Bamboo

Bamboo is another excellent option to create a resort-like pool area – particularly if you’re aiming for a zen, spa-style aesthetic. There are numerous species of bamboo, including leafy green plants like the Chinese dwarf or dwarf green stripe bamboo. If you prefer a taller, more classic-looking bamboo, look out for Slender Weavers or China gold bamboo.

Hibiscus

As the state flower of Hawaii, hibiscus is a must-have in any tropical-themed pool area. It grows in several different sizes and colours, including pink, purple, white, and yellow, so you can choose one that complements your outdoor space. To really amp up the tropical vibe, plant your hibiscus alongside a fragrant bunch of frangipani.

Ornamental ginger

Ornamental ginger plants are unique, colourful plants that work perfectly in a Balinese or tropical-inspired garden. You can find them in diverse shapes, sizes, and shades, ranging from elongated blue-purple styles to bulbous orange-red styles. No matter which colour you choose, these stunning plants will undoubtedly make a statement in your pool area.

Tree fern

Finally, tree ferns are another quintessential tropical plant. Some species of tree ferns (like the dwarf tree fern are small and dainty, growing to just one metre in height. Others, like the Australian tree fern, can grow up to 10 metres, providing big patches of shade for your backyard. If you have enough space, pool-side tree ferns are certainly worth the consideration.

Incorporating tropical plants and flowers is just one way to create a resort-style feel in your pool area. Another option is to upgrade your current pool to a state-of-the-art luxury model from Affordable Pools.

Based in Sydney, Affordable Pools specialises in quality and cost-effective above ground swimming pools for various budgets and styles. Call us today on (02) 8625 3656 to learn more or get started on your pool project.

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How to Keep Your Children Safe Around the Pool this Summer
6 Benefits of Choosing a Salt Water Pool

Summertime is all about making happy memories, and for those fortunate enough to have access to a above ground pool, many special moments are made splishing and splashing poolside! But, there are hidden dangers around the swimming pool, and it’s vital that all appropriate safety precautions are taken. Here we take you through some of the best ways to keep your children safe around the pool this summer.

Fence it!

It is an Australian legal requirement that all private pools and spas are fenced in accordance with the legislation. This includes restrictions on fence height and child safety locks. It is important to teach children that pool fences are only to be opened by a supervising adult. Ensure that pool fences are securely closed AT ALL TIMES, including while children are swimming – so that younger children or pets do not accidentally access the pool area.

Check the surroundings

Pools usually require chemicals and equipment to help maintain the water quality. It’s important to keep all chemicals, hoses and other objects out of reach of children. When the pool is in use, remove anything that children could become tangled in, and keep pool decks clean and clutter-free to avoid tripping hazards.

Active supervision

Children must only ever swim under the supervision of a responsible adult. Adults should actively supervise children at all times, which means eyes should never leave sight of swimmers. Avoid distractions such as phones, reading material or momentary absences, e.g. answering the door or using the bathroom. Supervisors must be over 16 years of age, and children under the age of five must be within arms’ reach at all times.

During social occasions, it is very easy to become distracted by conversation. Sadly, drownings can still occur when there are a number of adults present. Unfortunately, it’s easy to feel as though children are sufficiently supervised when surrounded by adults, however, unless a designated adult is actively watching the children (even strong swimmers), tragedies can happen.

Be up to date on First Aid

We strongly recommend that parents and carers participate in a first aid course to learn paediatric CPR and general first aid strategies in case of an emergency. Stay up to date by refreshing your CPR skills annually and your general first aid skills every three years.

Teach water awareness

The Aussie lifestyle is centred around water, so it’s crucial that children learn water awareness from a young age. In infancy, children can build their water awareness skills with simple water play, bathtime fun, books, songs and gentle instruction of water safety rules.

Swimming lessons and water safety lessons are strongly recommended for all children. Contact your local aquatic centre to find a suitable class for your child. Baby swim lessons will help build your child’s confidence in the water, experiencing water immersion and learning safety strategies such as floating, turning around and reaching for the edge of the pool. These strategies save lives.

For older children, water safety education includes:

• Learning about water depth.
• Interpreting rips in oceans and rivers.
• Diving safety.
• Never running around a pool area
• How to flag for help if you find yourself in trouble in the water.

Use pool toys as instructed

Pool toys such as lilos and pool noodles can add so much fun to pool time. They can also be dangerous when not used in accordance with their instructions and under strict adult supervision at all times. Children may find themselves trapped under large pool floats with obstructed access to the water’s surface. Noodles and other floatation devices may create a false sense of security. Always maintain proximity to young children and early swimmers, and always keep active supervision on all swimmers, even when using floatation aids and toys in the pool.

Following these safety guidelines will help ensure that your summer is filled with happy memories and your family and friends stay safe around the pool. Affordable Pools helpful and friendly staff are here to help you create a safe and fun pool setting. Contact us today to get your safe summer play underway!

As a pool owner, summer is one of the best seasons of the year. It’s the perfect time for relaxing and spending quality time with friends and family while also enjoying the outdoors. But after a long winter without using your pool, there is some prep work required to get it ready for summer.

Below, we’ve outlined a few basic steps that you should take to prepare your backyard pool for the hottest months of the year.

Start with a quick clean

Begin the prep process by removing your cover and doing a quick visual assessment of your pool and equipment (including the pump). It’s likely that the water will be discoloured, but don’t worry too much at this point.

The goal at this point isn’t to completely clean the pool but simply to remove any large debris (which could block your filter). Instead, focus on skimming the top to remove leaves, twigs, and other debris. Once that’s done, make sure to clean out your filter and skimmer box.

Top up the chemicals and add water

Now is the time to get your pool’s chemical and water levels back to an appropriate range. It might be tempting to drain the entire pool and start fresh, but there’s no need to do this. Instead, you can add fresh water from a garden hose and use the right combination of chemicals to get your pool nice and clean for summer.

If your pool is particularly murky or filled with algae, you may need to shock it with a dose of chlorine. The appropriate amount will depend on the size of your pool and the type of chlorine you’re using, so make sure to consult us if you have any questions.

Test and adjust levels

Once you’ve added the chemicals and water, turn on your pool equipment and allow it to run for about 24-48 hours. From there, you can test the chemical levels with a pool test kit from your local pool or hardware store (or the one we supplied with your pool purchase). You’ll also want to assess how much salt is in your water with the salt test strips.

Depending on the results, you may need to adjust the chlorine, calcium, pH, or salt levels. Before adding anything to your pool, have a chat with Affordable Pools to make sure you purchase the right products and use the correct amounts.

End with a deep clean

After you’ve confirmed that your pool is damage-free and in good working condition, you’ll want to do a final clean. This entails vacuuming the bottom of the pool, and cleaning around the outside of the pool.

If you’re thinking about buying a pool or upgrading your current one, get in touch with the team at Affordable Pools today. We’ll help you design and install the backyard pool of your dreams, whether it’s an semi-inground or above-ground pool, creating an incredible gathering place for years to come.

As we have waved goodbye to daylight saving, and summer, we are in winter. You have probably noticed that your above ground pool isn’t being used as often. It’s getting too cold, so the kids *have packed it in*, but even though your pool isn’t being used anymore – and won’t be in use over the winter months, it doesn’t mean you can forget about pool maintenance for winter. If you do, you’ll start spring with a green pool, a lot of *mess* to clean up, and a hefty pool maintenance bill.

Getting your above ground pool ready for winter will take time, but it will be worth it come summer!

Follow these simple steps to keep your pool healthy over winter, so, when summer arrives your pool will be *ready to go*.

• Give your pool a clean. Remove all the debris from the water, filters, pump basket and skimmer. If you leave anything behind, it can fall to the bottom of the pool and stain it.
• Make sure all your pool equipment is working – check the pump is working and that there isn’t a build-up on the chlorination cell. Even though you’re heading into cooler weather, you will still need to run the pump, filter, and chlorinator for at least 4 hours each day.
• Take time to backwash your filter, especially if it contains any contaminants.
• Still, balance your water. Even with the pool not in use, your pool will stay more efficient when it has water that is properly balanced. While you balance the water to protect from any annoying outbreaks of algae, all your surface equipment will last longer when it’s only dealing with well-balanced water.
• Even if your pool doesn’t have algae in it, add a phosphate remover as this will remove the algae’s food source, and if there is no food in your pool, algae can’t start growing.
• Always use an above ground pool cover. If you don’t already have a pool cover, now is an excellent time to get one. A cover protects your pool from evaporation and the elements. Do you want to spend your time in winter out by the pool skimming and vacuuming?
• Even though it’s autumn/winter, you should always continue your essential above ground swimming pool maintenance. Check your pool waters chemistry every two weeks and adjust where necessary.

Having a pool is a lot of fun. You have invested time and money in your pool, and it isn’t *worth it* just to let your pool *go* over the winter months. You might not want to take care of your pool in winter, but, if you take the time needed and follow the above tips, your pool will be in much better condition when you need it to come spring/summer. Leaving your pool will see the water turn green, you may end up having to drain the water and start again, including cleaning out the pool lining, filters and everything else.

Make Sure You Maintain Your Pool in Summer

Pool Accessories You Have to Have

A swimming pool is an amazing addition to your home allowing you to enjoy a refreshing dip any time of day. An entertainers dream, pool parties, bbqs and endless memories with family and friends.

In this article, we compiled a few tips on how to affordably maintain your pool. Whether you are a new or seasoned owner of an above ground pool in Australia, these tips could save you some time and money.

Regular Cleaning

The first thing you can make a habit of is to clean your pool regularly. The frequency and intensity of cleaning vary depending on how you use the pool as well as how much debris gets into it.

If there is a tree that regularly sheds leaves, spores or pollen, near your pool, then you may need to add pool cleaning to your daily work out routine. You can use your leaf skimmer to scoop out leaves and other debris from your pool before they get soggy and sink to the bottom.

If organic material accumulates in your pool, it can promote the growth of bacteria that could be hard to manage. Moreover, if there is too much dirt in your pool, it could clog your filters. Regular cleaning reduces the burden on your filters. Prevention is key!

If you can, invest in an automated cheap swimming pool vacuum that you can program to clean the bottom of your pool every few days or on a weekly schedule. This will save you a lot of time and energy. Regular vacuuming prevents the development of murky, slimy layers at the bottom of your pool.

Maintain pH levels

Many people overlook the necessity of checking the pH of their swimming pools. You can use pH strips to test the acidity or alkalinity of a substance. The appropriate pH for your swimming pool is between 7.2 and 7.8, which is close to neutral.

If the pH of your pool is above 8, the efficiency of chlorine will be low and you will need more of it to keep the water fresh. Lower pH means you can save on chlorine costs. However, if the pH is not well balanced, it could cause skin rashes or eye irritation.

Maintain Water levels

If the level of water in your pool keeps fluctuating, you could be unknowingly incurring unnecessary maintenance costs. If you don’t control the water getting into your pool, then your utility bills could rise when the water levels get too high. Moreover, when there is too much water in the pool, you need more chlorine to keep it clean.

On the other hand, if the water levels get too low, your pump could run dry. Running dry can seriously damage the pump and cost you a lot in repairs.

If all this seems tooo much, there are experts that can do the job for you.