Category: From The Blog

Are you expecting your pool to get a real workout over the Christmas holidays? Fair chances it will. Relatives and neighbours tend to visit more often over the Summer period and cool off in the pool and it’s hard to say no. Not that you’d want to. It’s all part of being neighborly and building community spirit.

But the extra use means extra maintenance to ensure that the water is safe to swim in. The extra bodies in the water will result in more bacteria entering the above ground pool and this must be counteracted by regular testing and maintenance. In this post, we give you some tricks and tips on how to stay on top of your pool maintenance over the bust Christmas period.

Regular Testing

In the Summer months, you should test your pool once or twice per week depending on the usage. If people are practically living in your pool you should step it up to three to four times per week. Make sure the pH levels are sitting between 7.2 and 7.8. The lower the p.H the less chlorine you have to use. This is a good thing because too much chlorine can be hazardous. We’ve all been in pools that sting your eyes and degrade clothing and it takes the fun out of swimming.

When the pH level gets above the recommended level chlorine becomes less efficient and you will have to add more to get the same result.

Keep It Clean

Keep your pool nice and clean. Scoop out all the leaves and other debris that can cause bacteria to build up in your pool. Don’t forget to empty out the lint trap located at the front of the pump. Turn the pump off before you do it to prevent damage. Then empty it out. This should be done once every two or three days.

Check the Water Level

Keep an eye on the water level. If it’s too low, it can run your pump dry and you don’t you don’t want that to happen. It will cause damage to the pump and cost a packet to fix it. If your pool is too high, it will negatively affect the efficiency of the skimmer. Of course, if you have to top up the pool you will also have to do another test to see if your pH levels are at the optimum level.

Clean the Tiles

Extra bodies mean extra dirt and grease and you will be surprised how quickly it accumulates. If you feel that your tiles or pool lining a getting a bit slippery this is an indication that it’s time to give them a clean.

Staying on top of your pool maintenance if easy if you know what to be on the lookout for. Do regular inspections of the thing mentioned in this post and you will be right as rain and you, your family, the neighbours down the road, Uncle Ian, Aunt Helen, their kids, the nieces, and nephews can enjoy the pool all Summer long. Ask us for a hand at Affordable Pools if you need any assistance!

Read More:

Keeping Your Pool Clean Without Using A Lot of Chlorine

Among the uninitiated, chlorine is a mandatory part of any swimming pool experience. It sanitises many above ground swimming pools in Australia, and elsewhere around the world. And while it’s been used to sterilise swimming and drinking water since the late 1800s, it has always been problematic. Chlorine reddens your eyes, dries out your skin, makes you itch, and causes rashes in some people. In others, it can trigger bronchial problems. Plus, it has bleaching properties. Still, we use it because it kills germs and prevents algae. And while it’s not ideal, we can’t completely eliminate it from our pools. What we can do is use less of it. We can switch to other sterilisers, combined with limited volumes of chlorine. So what are the pool-cleaning options available that can lessen your overall chlorine? As it turns out, they’re all natural products. Your pool is going organic, and will feel silky on your skin.

Air

Ozone (O₃) isn’t just a depleting part of the planet. It’s a naturally occurring substance made by three atoms of Oxygen (O₂), so it’s sometimes called triatomic oxygen. Two atoms of oxygen sustain life. That third atom destroys it – and it’s how ozone keeps your pool clean. It kills micro-organisms and other contaminants. To form ozone, you need an ozone generator. It comprises a corona discharger or an ultraviolet bulb. Either one takes regular oxygen and adds a third atom, converting it to ozone. After the ozone kills your pool bugs, it breaks back down to regular oxygen which is fed back into the ozone generator and the process repeats. However, because ozone can only exist for 20 minutes to an hour before it reverts to oxygen, you need a small chlorine primer to supplement O₃ and keep your pool consistently clean.

Light

UV bulbs can be used to generate ozone, but they can also be used as a standalone steriliser. A UV filter works by passing pool water through powerful UV rays contained in an enclosed chamber. Water flows in and out of the light, mixing with the rest of the pool until it’s all clean. The advantage of UV is it destroys regular germs, but it also kills micro-organisms like cyclosporam, e.coli, cryptosporidium, and giardia, which are usually resistant to chlorine. UV treatment doesn’t make water sparkly in the way that ozone does, but it gives it the same silky, skin-refreshing texture. It messes with your pool germs’ DNA, and it’s the only method that doesn’t require any added chlorine.

Salt or minerals

Cheap above ground swimming pools sanitised with salt are still chlorinated – it’s just that the chlorine is in a gentler form. Rather than powdered chlorine, salt-water pools use electrolysis to convert table salt into chlorine gas. This gas dissolves in the water, becoming liquid chlorine. The cycle is endless, with salt turning into chlorine, back to salt, and back to chlorine. Its bleaching properties are kinder, but they still kill germs. The salt is supplied in the form of a salt cell / cartridge, and the pool does need a small injection of chlorine powder to catalyse the conversion process. Finally, mineral pools have the least amount of chlorine. Mineral cartridges release the ions of borates, copper, and silver into the water, killing germs. A small amount of chlorine is added, but not enough to bleach or bother swimmers.

For your choice of low-chlorine pools, call Affordable Pools today on (02) 8625 3656.

Read More:
Which is Best: Chlorine, Salt or Freshwater Pools?
Which accessories will you need for your pool?

Statistics claim 85% of Aussies live within 50km of a beach. That doesn’t mean we can hit the sands whenever we want, but it does mean our prevailing weather is hot and humid, making swimming pools an essential part of many households. If you plan it right, you can even install a tank below your pool. The available space and your budget will dictate the size of your pool. At Affordable Pools, we install cheap swimming pools that range from a little over 1m to nearly 12m.

Our standard pool depth is 1.32 metres, but we have the technology to add a deep-end to your existing pool, as long as it’s a Palm Cove or Cape York. We can refurbish these models, tapering your deep end up to 1.7m, and our pool models have warranties of 10 to 20 years.

Here are some tips for choosing your pool.

Fitness pools

Serious swimmers prefer to practice in Olympic pools, but few homes have that kind of space. An Olympic pool is up to 3m deep, and your landscape and soil type would have to be strong enough to accommodate that. Plus it would have to be an in-ground model to support all that weight, or maybe an above-ground swimming pool made from a repurposed shipping container. That’s becoming a popular choice because it doesn’t need additional finishing.

For home fitness, a lap pool can be useful, especially for narrower yards, though you’re still limited to the sizing options offered by your pool company. As a general guideline, diving pools have to be 2.8m or more to avoid head injuries. If your pool is a metre or two, you’re safer jumping in feet first, using a ladder, or installing pool steps. Kids need smaller swim spaces, but they’ll soon outgrow anything shallower than a metre.

Just splashing about

If you merely want an excuse to get wet on a hot day, then a footbath or inflatable is adequate. But for proper swimming and pool games, you want to manage basic strokes without your feet touching the ground, even if you don’t have enough room to tread water. Our 1.32m depth does that suitably because it provides ample buoyancy. And our sterilisation options include both salt-water and regular chlorine so that you can take your pick.

That said, if you must have a deep pool, you can talk to us about commercial pool options. Ordinarily, concrete site-poured pools are recommended for enhanced depth, because you can make them any size you want. But our commercial models offer more flexibility regarding depth, so if you’re shopping for your mall, school, hotel, or gym, talk to us about commercial pool dimensions. We offer interest-free instalment plans, regardless of pool size.

For pools that are the perfect depth, call Affordable Pools today on (02) 8625 3656.

There are hundreds of articles about the best time to build above ground swimming pools in Australia. Many home owners build in the spring, getting their yards ready for a frolicking summer. Others swear by the cost-saving benefit of winter pool installation. After all, nobody else is doing it, and many pool companies close for the season, so you get off-peak pricing, both for your builders and your pool equipment.

At Affordable Pools, we believe the best time to build is whenever there’s a sale. And right now, we have specials on all kinds of pool equipment, so if you’re considering a pool installation in the near future, start planning (and stocking up) today. Pool equipment isn’t a perishable, so you can always buy whatever you need then install the pool when you’re ready. On the other hand, the sooner you build, the sooner you swim so …

Size does matter

Have you thought about how big (or small) your pool should be? Your decision is probably driven by the size of your yard, how often you swim, and how many people are likely to be in the pool at any one time. Here’s one more thing you can consider. While stocks last, we’ll give you a generous discount on the following pool sizes, including a filter, chlorinator, and either an auto-cleaner or a leaf cover. The offer applies to Cape York and Palm Cove pools, and the depth for all six pool sizes is 1.32m.

• 4.5m x 3m
• 5.6m x 3m
• 4.9m x 3.6m
• 7.5m x 3.m
• 8.2m x 4.5m
• 9.4m x 4.5m

In addition, we’ll throw in a pool liner in sky blue or midnight blue, a colorbond wall of Aussie BHP, a skimmer box for large pool, a safety ladder made of vinyl, verticals and wide top copings made from resin, and a vacuum kit for manual use. The kit has a CPR chart, a kit for testing the chemical levels in your water, a hose, a vacuum head, and a leaf rake. These specials come as a comprehensive pool package, and it’s what we recommend.

Just the pool please

Some buyers are focused on their pool purchase and we can accommodate them too. What we’ll do is offer an upgrade if you choose to buy other items while our specials are in stock. We have two upgrade options – pool lights and a solar kit. The pool lights kit costs $550, and we’ll give you kaleidoscope LED lighting plus a 20m cable and 12v trans. We’ll top it off with a HD leaf-stopping cover. If you need multiple kits, we’ll add two valves (3-way and non-return) plus a t section 40mm wide.

Plan B is the $650 solar kit though you’ll need a plumber to connect your pool to the solar collector on your roof. This kit is worth more than $1,000, and it includes a solar blanket, couplings, end caps, a repair kit for leaks, a vacuum break valve, right-angled elbows, a solar collector, solar pipes, and an instruction booklet for your plumber. With all the discounts and savings on offer, it’s a good time to start pool planning, and we’re right here for you.

To get the perfect pool at the perfect price, call Affordable Pools today on (02) 8625 3656.

Unless you’ve owned a swimming pool in the past, you probably don’t know what goes into one – apart from water. As it turns out, the average swimming pools needs a whole host of equipment in order to function, and when you buy from Affordable Pools, we make sure you have every piece you need.

This is crucial, because many times, you will spot above ground swimming pools for sale at ridiculously low prices. You might rush to your wallet or credit card, worried about missing the promotion. But once your cheap purchase arrives, you realise what the catch was – you have a pool, but no pool equipment. So … what exactly does your swimming pool need?

Pool essentials

The most basic accessories are what a pool can’t function without. They are always part of your swimming pool package, so you shouldn’t give them much thought unless you’re buying a used pool or are dealing with a shifty supplier. These include the pool liner – which is what makes it waterproof – and the pool coping, which is the material that coats the surface of the pool. It could be tile, stone, or concrete. There’s also the pool shell, which forms the actual shape of the pool, and is generally concrete, vinyl, or fiberglass. Finally, you need a skimmer box to collect leaves or twigs, and a ladder to get in or out of the pool.

Pool covers

Many pool suppliers neglect this handy device, and some homeowners might ignore it too, thinking it hides the beauty of their pool. Covers are essential though. They reduce your maintenance costs by protecting the pool from leaves, debris, or pests, maintaining the water temperature, reducing the number of pool chemicals you need, and lowering your daily labour in pool skimming. Plus, they prevent kids, pets, and outdoor animals like wild rodents and reptiles from accidentally falling into the pool.

Pool filters and pumps

Your filter pump has two main functions. It removes any solid contaminants that might be in the water, emptying them into a skimmer basket or filter sump, and it keeps the water fresh by circulating it in and out of the pool. The filter is attached to a pool pump that should run between 4 and 8 hours every day unless the pool is closed during winter or vacations. Aussie winters aren’t snowy though, so you don’t necessarily have to close the pool unless you’re travelling for a few weeks or months.

Pool lights

Adding the right kind of lighting can turn your poolside experience from mundane to magical. You can install multi-coloured LED fixtures or motion detectors that light up whenever someone approaches. You can set them to go on and off automatically, or link them to your smartphone. Pool lights can be suspended above the water or submerged beneath it, depending on your preference.

Pool cleaners

You can clean your pool by hand, in which case you need a pool brush, skimmer, or pool vacuum, as well as a water testing kit. Option two is to buy a pool robot that automatically moves through the water, cleaning it at pre-set intervals. Some robots can even get in or out of the water without your help, and you can park them by remote.

For affordable, top quality pool accessories, call Affordable Pools today on (02) 8625 3656.

Nothing says summer like kicking back by the pool with a cold beverage in hand. Make the most of the sunshine by installing an above ground pool in your garden this year. It’s the perfect time of year to make the purchase before the colder winter months kick in.

What are the benefits of getting a pool?

Let’s face it – living in Australia is a life of paradise. We’re spoilt with fantastic weather, beautiful beaches and a high quality of life – and we really shouldn’t complain about it! But, sometimes, the heat can get too unbearable temperatures. Many people live within walking distance to the beach, but for those who don’t, it can be challenging to cool off outdoors.

One of the most significant benefits of having an outdoor pool is the fact that you can jump right in whenever you need to cool down. You don’t have to think twice about going for a swim when you have a pool, as there’s no need to get your beach gear together and make a long car journey or walk in the heat.

Also Read This: Our Chlorine/Freshwater Pools

One of the most appealing things about having an outdoor pool is the privacy that it provides. Sure, you could head down to your local swimming pool, but chances are you’ll be fighting for a lane and your personal space in there. When you get your pool, there’s no need to pre-plan or schedule in your swim – you just do it! Even when you just need some chill time by the poolside, you can rest assured that you can read your book in peace in your very own tranquil space. Bliss!

Is it affordable?

An outdoor swimming pool is an investment. Just think of the money and the time that you’ll save on transport with trips to the beach or your local swimming pool. Plus, the convenience and luxury of having your private pool will far outweigh the costs. Given Australia’s warm climate, the amount that you use your swimming pool will soon take over from the initial price – especially in the summer months.

There’s often an option for interest-free payment plans so that you can work with your budgeting needs. If you’re looking for cheap swimming pools or something on the lower price end, you don’t need to be concerned about the quality of the pool. Even the most affordable pools are built using premium materials.

When can I start?

Now! Summer is the perfect time to invest in a swimming pool, as you’ll get the most use out of it. Plus, there are a number of summer specials on offer during this peak season. Don’t think twice – just jump right in! There are so many great above ground pools to choose from, so you can select the perfect size, style and price range for you. Once you invest in an outdoor pool, you won’t be able to imagine life without it.

Affordable Pools has super affordable swimming pool choices for our customers – that’s what we are known for! Our chlorine/freshwater pools are our most popular options, they come in 3 different customisable styles that are ready to install in your yard. Big or small, we’ve got you covered when it comes to cheap swimming pools. Check out these three designs that we have available in our chlorine/freshwater range.

Cape York Design

The Cape York is one of our premier pool designs that comes in a 1.32m deep option – and you can choose to add a deep end up to 1.7m to keep you fresher for longer. This model also features a top ledge that’s 18cm wide, very comfortable for leaning. It’s made from galvanised BHP steel for sturdy solid construction, with an outer wall in Sandstone Colorbond. It’s attractive and functional and comes in a vast range of sizes and widths so that you can go with a skinnier pool all the way through to round pool design. Current prices of the Cape York design start at just $2,770 for the pool only package. All Cape York models feature a 20-year warranty so you can be assured of longevity.

Also Read This: Our Summer Specials

Billabong design

Our Billabong model is a more standard type of above ground swimming pool – you’ve probably seen our style in backyards around the country! The Billabong is super affordable, easy to construct, made again from galvanised BHP steel and still finished in the Sandstone Colorbond colour. Each pool comes with a 4cm top rail with optional 18cm seats on either side of the pool. Again, there are various widths that the Billabong design comes in, from 3m to 4.5m, with varying lengths, as well as round pools too – and they are all 1.32m deep. Prices start at only $1,840 making this pool an extremely affordable choice. With our Billabong pools, you have a 10-year warranty.

Spacesaver design

The ideal choice for smaller backyards, our Spacesaver range ensures that you don’t have to miss out on a swimming pool just because you don’t have a huge backyard. Spacesaver pools come in 1.2m or 1.32m depths, and widths start from just 2.4m – so it can fit into squeezy spaces. The pools feature Sandstone walls, metal frames and heavy duty liners. Pools in our Spacesaver range start at $3,430 and go up from there. This range carries a 20-year warranty for peace of mind.

Flick through our chlorine/saltwater above ground pool collections to get an idea about the size, shape, design, and cost of each. You will be surprised at how affordable our range is! Make sure to get in contact with us for any questions you may have or to get started with installing your very own pool.

Heading into summer without a swimming pool? Uh oh! Why not try and beat the heat and get in quick for one of our summer specials. We have some real bargains lined up just in time for the most scorching part of the year, ready to go directly out to your home for installation. Get in quick and get them before they are all snapped up – go on, treat yourself!

The Palm Cove and Cape York pool designs

Two of our most popular designs are on special just in time for summer – the Palm Cove and Cape York. Both pools are available in no less than 6 different sizes:

• 4.5m x3.0m x1.32m
• 4.5m x3.0m x1.32m
• 4.9m x 3.6m x 1.32m
• 7.5m x 3.6m x 1.32m
• 8.2m x 4.5m x 1.32m
• 9.4m x 4.5m x 1.32m

This way, no matter what your yard dimensions are, you’ll be able to find something that fits. Each pool comes with your choice of a sand filter or cartridge filter (21” sand or 75sq.ft. cartridge filter and 550watt pump for the smaller models, 25” sand or 100sq.ft. cartridge filter and 750watt pump for the larger models), and either the saltwater package (including automatic salt chlorinator) or the chlorine/fresh water package. The saltwater package for each pool is just $500 extra. Prices for these pools including everything you need start at $3930 for the 4.5m x3.0m x1.32m chlorine pool, through to $6450 for the 9.4m x 4.5m x 1.32m saltwater pool. Each of these includes a leaf stop cover, a coloured liner, vinyl safety ladder, a large skimmer box, manual vacuum kit with leaf rake, vacuum head, hose, water test kit and CPR chart, plus a Colorbond outer wall. You can choose to upgrade your package to include pool lights or a solar DIY kit.

Also Read This: Key Differences Between an Above Ground and a Semi Above Ground Pool

The Billabong pool design

The Billabong is also on spesh this summer, with five different sizes available:

• 4.9m x 3.6m x 1.32m
• 6.2m x 3.6m x 1.32m
• 7.5m x 3.6m x 1.32m
• 7.0m x 4.5m x 1.32m
• 8.2m x 4.5m x 1.32m

These are available only in the cartridge filter style with chlorine, and range in price from $3150 to $3970 – super affordable! Each model includes ladder, liner, skimmer box and a vacuum kit. You can choose to upgrade to a sand filter, a heavy duty later, or to a more energy efficient pump.

Also available is the Billabong Spacesaver – a smaller pool but at a truly bargain price. For our smallest model of 4.5m x 3m x 1.32m, this starts at $2540.

Check out these specials plus more and get yourself a super affordable above ground swimming pool this summer! At Affordable Pools, we make pool ownership cheap and easy for everyone.

Pools are a wonderful addition to the back or front yard that can help keep you cool with a dip during the warmer months of the year. If you are looking to purchase a new pool, then you have some important decisions to make. The first decision to look at is what type of pool to buy – and you have three different types here to choose from. They are in ground, above ground, and the semi above ground pool.

You will probably know by now of in ground and above ground pools already, and the semi above ground pool is a bit of a different take on an above ground pool.

Here we outline the key differences between the two.

Surrounds of the pool
This is where the biggest difference between an above ground pool and a semi above ground pool lies. With a regular above ground pool, the pool itself is completely free standing. It will extend over a metre high, just from the ground itself, and it will have a ladder attached so that you can enter the pool easily. A semi above ground pool will be either partially or completely hidden by some other structure. This may be the ground, a deck, or other materials.

Also Read This: How long should an above ground pool installation take?

Cost difference
Above ground pools are less expensive overall that semi above ground pools. This is because the landscaping surrounding the semi above ground pool is an additional cost to the pool.

The outer shell
If the pool is surrounded by dirt around the edges (i.e. the ground has been dug out, or sloped up surrounding the pool) then the pool shell may need to be made out of a different shell than an above ground pool. It may need to be sturdier as it will need to be strong enough to without the force of the dirt next to the shell. If the shell is surrounded by space (i.e. it is built into an elevated deck), then there may be no difference between the shell of the semi above ground pool and an above ground pool.

Above ground and semi above ground pools are both far less expensive than in-ground swimming pools. A semi above ground pool is a popular choice for a landscaped look, and a regular above ground pool is a popular choice for the most affordable model on the market.

Whether you’re after an above ground or semi above ground pool, we have what you are looking for at Affordable Pools. We help homeowners to purchase their very own pool for their house at a very cost efficient price. With both chlorinated and salt water models available, there is something for everyone in store with us.