Calsplash is a California company that is an authorized dealer of swimming pool products from Intex, Heritage Pools, and Summer Escapes. They sell several different pool filter pumps through their own website and through other online venues, such as Amazon.com.

Technical Details

A pool stays clean and usable in dependence upon a good pump and filter. Big public pools use complex pool and filter systems, but small pools at home can use a filter pump, which combines the filter and pump features into one easy-to-use unit. Calsplash sells several of these pool filter pumps, manufactured by various companies.

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Installation and Use

All of the pool filter pumps that Calsplash sells are remarkably easy to use. Unlike complex pool pump and filter systems, these pumps basically work by plugging in a hose and then turning it on.

The important point in choosing a pool pump is to decide on the right size. Calsplash’s pool pumps range in size from 530 gallon pools to 4000 gallon pools. Based on customer reviews of these products, it is a good idea to get a pump that is a little bit larger than what you think you actually need.

Maintenance

Most of the filter pumps sold by Calsplash have flush valves that allow for easy emptying of accumulated sediment and dirt at the bottom of the filter cartridge chamber. When users empty the sediment on a regular basis and change the filter cartridge per the manufacturer’s instructions, the lifespan of the pump filter will be greatly increased. Most models also include a release valve for any trapped air.

Models

The pool filter pump models sold by Calsplash include Intex, Summer Escapes, and Heritage. Each pump brand is available in different sizes, with different features and different horsepower, as well. Speak to a Calsplash representative to find out how to choose the right size for your pool.

The Bottom Line

The Summer Escapes pool filter pumps receive mixed reviews from their users. Some complain that the pumps are simply poorly designed and break easily; on the other hand, other owners of the Summer Escapes pool filter pumps were quite pleased with their purchase.

The Intex pool filter pumps receive more consistent praise; the only significant complaint is its tendency to leak. As for Heritage, customers are generally luke-warm towards the product, with very few rave reviews. Overall, it seems that if you decide to purchase a pool filter pump from Calsplash, Intex should be your first choice.

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One of the best things about Hayward Pool Products is that Hayward has been offering all kinds of pool equipment for over forty years. Far from a fly-by-night company, Hayward is in the business to stay, and their products generally show it.

Technical Details

Hayward offers a variety of both pumps and filters. They divide their pumps into three classes: high performance pumps, which include the TriStar and NorthStar lines of pumps; medium head pumps, including the Super Pump and Max-Flo pumps; and the booster pump, a supplementary pump meant to increase the efficiency of cleaning systems and water circulation.

The filters offered by Hayward are the industry standards of sand filters, cartridge filters, and dichotomous earth (DE) filters. Sand filters require the strongest pumps, because they need a high water flow rate to work properly. They are the most popular types of filter on the market today. DE and cartridge filters, on the other hand, are actually adversely affected when the pump is too strong. Be sure to take this under consideration when choosing a pool filter / pump from Hayward.

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Installation and Use

Unlike some of the other pool equipment companies, Hayward’s website has a great wealth of information to help you to size your pool filter / pump and install it. This information takes the guesswork out of the installation and use of the Hayward pool filter / pump.

Maintenance

The routine maintenance for Hayward’s pool filtration and pump systems is fairly easy. When these maintenance steps are taken, the Hayward products tend to have a long lifespan. The vast majority of user reviews prove the Hayward filter / pump systems to be popular with customers and long lasting.

Models

Pool pumps:

TriStar – including TriStar Energy Solution and TriStar Waterfall
NorthStar
Super II
Super Pump
Max-Flo I and II
Booster Pump

Pool filters:

Sand Filters: Pro Series and S200 Series
Cartridge Filters: SwimClear and Star-Clear systems
DE Filters: Pro-Grid and Perflex systems

The Bottom Line

It’s hard to find many negative comments about Hayward’s pool filters and pool pumps. Most users seem very pleased with their purchase, especially commenting on the high-quality manufacturing of the American-made products.

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Intex designs everything from above ground pools to swim gear and air mattresses, and quite a few other things in between. Their filter pumps, like their other products, are generally well-received by consumers, but there are a few exceptions.

Technical Details

Intex makes three pool filter pump combos – the 2,500 gallon per hour filter pump, the 2,000 gallon per hour filter pump for saltwater systems, and the 4,000 gallon per hour filter pump. Each of them work with Intex pools and other pools as water filtration and sanitation systems. Overall, it seems that most customers prefer the larger, 4,000 gallon per hour model for its higher capacity and efficiency.

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Installation and Use

With a novel-sized installation manual and a large number of attachments, one might think that the Intex filter pumps are quite difficult to put together and use. However, it is actually surprisingly easy to set up. One note is that the Intex filter pumps are sized perfectly for Intex pools, but not all pools are the same exact sizes. Therefore, if you don’t have an Intex pool but choose an Intex filter pump system, you might consider working with your local pool equipment store to determine how to size your filter pump. Programming the pump can also be a bit of a pain if you’re not particularly tech-savvy.

Maintenance

One of the advantages to the Intex filter pump systems is that the filters don’t generally require the purchase of additional chemicals, such as pH balancer, chlorine, etc. In just one package, all of these chemicals are included.

Intex also has a decent reputation for customer service; one customer stated that a short, five minute phone call with friendly, helpful reps was all it took to replace the filter-pump that seemed to be breaking after only six months. Only four days after the initial phone call, the customer reported receiving a brand new, working pump.

Models

As aforementioned, the Intex filter pump systems come in 2,500 gph, 4,000 gph, and 2,000 gph (for saltwater) speeds.

The Bottom Line

Most reviews for Intex filter pumps are quite positive. In general, customers report that the product works as advertised and runs quietly.

However, not all customers have glowing reviews to offer to Intex. Common complaints include Intex products that break down sooner than expected. One oft-repeated comment is that the pump loses significant water pressure after only a few months. Other complaints surround the vacuum function, stating that the suction is not strong enough to keep the pool clean.

In all, Intex filter pumps offer an economical choice for pool filtration and cleaning, but it is safe to say that it is not the most reliable brand on the market today.

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Aqua Klean filters for spas and pools have received some very mixed reviews from their users. Take a look below to learn more.

Technical Details

According to LA Spas, a Los Angeles area hot tub retailer, Aqua Klean is an innovative, economically efficient filtration system that costs only about half what a normal filter costs. It does not use a bypass, and filters approximately 150 gallons of water per minute. When a bypass is used, as much as 70% of the water can bypass the filtration system; an Aqua Klean filter forces all of the water through the filtration system, leaving the pool or hot tub much cleaner.

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Installation and Use

Installation, however, is where some of the problems for the Aqua Klean begins. Some customers have reported difficulties keeping the filters on the intake canisters. In essence, the Aqua Klean filters use bands – something like a fancy rubber band – to keep the filters onto the intake canisters. When these bands break or fall off, the filter also falls off. Damaged filters are expensive to replace, and even healthy Aqua Klean filters don’t last especially long. At $15 to $40 for each filter, replacing Aqua Klean filters gets quite expensive, quite quickly. Although resellers of Aqua Klean state that they will last for a year, don’t count on that estimate.

Maintenance

However, if tricky installation and short life span was the only problem the Aqua Klean filtration system faced, the product would still have enough “pros” to outweigh the “cons”. Maintenance of the Aqua Klean filter is where the system really breaks down.

Ironically, Aqua Klean is supposed to solve the problem of filter maintenance. With just a little bleach, the filter can be placed into the washing machine on the gentle cycle and easily cleaned. That is, it can be easily cleaned in theory. In practice, many consumers find the maintenance aspect of these filters too much. For example, in the first two weeks of the filter’s life, it should be run through the washing machine at least every other day. After that, the filter should be cleaned once per week. Many consumers find this amount of maintenance to be too excessive for a simple filter.

The Bottom Line

Unfortunately for LA Spas and Aqua Klean, the filters do not receive many glowing reviews from customers. Many complain that the filters are more difficult to maintain than they were told, and others find that the durability leaves much to be desired.

On the other hand, some customers say that throwing a filter into a washing machine is really not much to ask, and that on the whole they like the Aqua Klean filters better than other filters they have tried.

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You might think that you have made a smart purchase when it comes to a solar pool heater, but when the box actually arrives on your doorstep, you open it, and to your dismay, it’s missing some key components you were expecting to have.

When purchasing a solar pool heater, it’s important to compare the different brands so that you know exactly what you’re purchasing in a given solar pool heater kit, because each brand sells their products in slightly different combinations.

Look for the Words “Starter Kit”

The majority of solar pool heaters include a few basic components: the solar panels (called “solar collectors” by some companies), the valves, the mounts, and the hoses. The solar panels are the most expensive part of the system, and many companies sell these panels or collectors by themselves. Usually costing at least $100 and as much as $300 for one or two collectors, these collectors are the most important part of your solar pool heater system.

However, a collector without any hoses or valves to connect it to your existing pool pump is relatively useless. You will need hoses, valves, and sometimes clamps to connect the panels to the pumps, and you will also need mounting hardware to attach the collectors to your roof, fence, or pool house.

Some solar pool heater companies will sell boxes marked as starter kits that have all the equipment you need as a first-time user. These companies include:

• FAFCO Solar Bear products: These starter kits include a bypass valve that allows you to turn the system on and off without shutting off your pump, the extra large collector, two six foot hoses, and four clamps.
• Vortex Deluxe and Premium Kits: The Vortex Standard kit does not include the hardware you need to get started; this kit is just for replacing an existing solar panel. For the complete plumbing kit and valves, you will need to purchase a Deluxe or Premium kit.
• SunHeater Solar Heating System (including SunHeater Kit SK21): When you see the words “including SunHeater Kit SK21”, you know you have everything you need to get started with a SunHeater solar pool heating system. Besides panels, this kit includes mounting brackets, #14 screws, four connector hoses, eight stainless steel clamps, and even Teflon tape.
• Heliodyne: Heliodyne is an example of a company that always sells collectors and mounting hardware separately. For each collector you purchase, you’ll also need to place a purchase for mounting hardware and Dyn-o-seal unions with discs. Check with your vendor before purchasing.

When purchasing solar pool heaters, as with anything else, just remember to read the fine print. Do your homework before you buy; you might find out that the “great deal” you thought you saw turns out to not include half of the necessary accessories you need.

If you’ve ever used or seen a Brita water pitcher filter, you’ll understand the basics behind a pool cartridge filter. A pool cartridge filter essentially filters out the gunk from your pool by pumping water through the filter, which is a series of pleated bands designed to catch even very small particles. Though cartridge filters are not as efficient as sand and DE filters, they are much cheaper and require less maintenance. Here’s a look at one of these pool cartridge filter manufacturers: Pleatco.

Technical Details

Pleatco has been making pool cartridge filters for nearly forty years, so they are no newcomer. Offering over five hundred different models of pool filter cartridges, Pleatco makes cartridges for every type of pool. The Pleatco cartridge filters do have some unique features, including end caps that resist corrosion by pool chemicals, and special technology that filters even bacteria. The filter itself is a spun bonded polyester material.

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Installation and Use

Generally speaking, pool cartridge filters are easy to install and easy to use; they are the pool equivalent of “plug and play”. The only challenge to installing a Pleatco cartridge filter is choosing the right filter for your pool. With so many cartridges to choose from, you’ll want to be careful you choose the right filter that matches your type of spa or pool.

Maintenance

One of the advantages of cartridge filters is that they are very low-maintenance compared to sand and DE filters. One thing to keep in mind is that cartridge filters require less pressure from a pump than a sand or DE filter, so if you have a particularly strong pool pump, you might want to double check that a cartridge filter is compatible with your existing set-up.

Pleatco cartridge filters need to be hosed off once or twice per season. Other than that, there is very little maintenance required.

Models

To find out what models of cartridge filters Pleatco offers, the best thing to do is to visit their website and download their extensive catalog. The catalog lists the different pool and spa manufacturers, then lists the Pleatco product number that best fits with that particular pool or spa. This makes it easy to determine which model of cartridge filter you’ll need for your pool.

The Bottom Line

Overall, Pleatco’s cartridge filters are solid products. They are well-designed, long-lasting, and do the job they are meant to do. Pleatco receives good reviews from consumers and very few complaints; in other words, if your pool uses a cartridge filter, a Pleatco product will serve you well.

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Like a regular water purifier, a pool cartridge filter uses a cylindrical filter to catch particles and microbes from your pool’s water. There are several manufacturers of pool cartridge filters that most American pools and spas use; one of the better-known companies is Unicel.

Technical Details

Unicel, like Pleatco, uses Reemay polyester pleats to accomplish the big job of filtering pool water. Reemay is a special material made by Dupont designed specifically for filtering pool water. As it happens, Dupont designed Reemay just for Unicel in the mid-1980s, and the material turned out to be so successful that most major cartridge filter manufacturers use Reemay today.

The flagship cartridge filter of Unicel is the T-380 Red Top, which works in any cluster-type filter housing. The cartridge filters produced by Unicel use rounded pleats instead of sharp pleats, which Unicel claims makes the filters easier to clean and more effective.

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Installation and Use

Like other cartridge filters, Unicel cartridge filters are easy to install and easy to use. Unicel does not offer any particular advantage over other pool cartridge filters in the installation and use category.

Maintenance

Also like other cartridge filters, maintenance on Unicel cartridge filters is straightforward. By hosing off the filter once or twice per pool season, you will maintain the health of your cartridge filter and keep it working for some time to come.

Unicel points out that one of the most common maintenance mistakes made with cartridge filters is acid washing it at the wrong time. DE filters do require periodic acid washing, but acid washing can damage cartridge filters. After hosing off your filter you drop a little bit of acid onto it and notice it bubble, then you need to perform a mild acid wash. Otherwise, do not acid wash your cartridge filter.

Models

Finding the right model of Unicel cartridge filter is easy. Their website has a drop down menu that allows you to select the model of your pool or spa, then you are taken to a new page that suggests which model of Unicel cartridge filters are the best choices for your particular set-up.

The Bottom Line

Unicel has long been a pioneer in the cartridge filter industry. They are a trusted brand name, and have primarily positive customer feedback about their products. It is easy to find a Unicel cartridge filter that works with your pool or spa, and once it’s installed, the filter is easy to maintain. Although Unicels are pricier than some other brands, the value for these cartridge filters is good.

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A lot of money can be saved with the use of alternative energy in domestic and commercial buildings. Solar power panels, which are one of the most popular alternative energies is invading the look of exteriors everywhere. People are realizing and taking confidence in the potential of these energies which is grounded in self-sufficiency and awareness of the environment.

Homeowners can invest in solar panels that supplement or completely satisfy part of their utility needs. Almost anything can be run by solar power and businesses are starting to cater to customers who want to save money by using the power of the sun.

Pool pumps can be powered by solar energy. Solar pool pumping costs near to nothing, it has been said to be the most cost effective use of solar. With the use of a solar pool pump the owners of it should be able to tell how much money they are saving by having it. Solar powered pool pumps Federal energy bill 30% tax credit for commercial and domestic solar plan needs.

Dependable has ETA 90 Volt Direct Current Pool Pumps. Dependable offers two year warranties on its pool pumps and affordable pricing. The pump offered by Dependable is available as a stand along pump or with the full solar-electric system.

The Lorentz solar operated centrifugal solar surface pump has a twenty year warranty. It is not battery operated, has a brushless motor and has an optional AC backup. Because this model operates on the surface none of the electrical parts will have to be submerged.

Most of these solar powered pool pump kits are designed to pump a pool one and one half-times per day. The pumps are powered by 500 watts of solar electric panels.

If you do not like the looks of solar panels and do not want to make the commitment dual speed pumps are another money saving option which can help reduce the amount of energy the pump expends by adjusting the speed during the day. Of course, it all depends on how much the pool is being used. If the pool has many users a higher speed might be optimal to maintain pool clarity (cleanliness).

However if the pool is only used once or twice a week one might want to switch to a lower speed if confident that this switch will have no effect on pool clarity. The Pentair Intelliflo pump is pump with dual speed capabilities.

Lighting for any pool at home, in hotels, at gyms and in public swimming areas is not complete without lighting. The other conventional methods of lighting have been outdone by the new modern lighting methods thanks to their favorable attributes.

Solar technology is the new wave that has come in handy in providing the best lighting for pools. Solar lights for your pool are the typical smart, functional and attractive ones. The pool lights which run by solar come in an array, you will definitely find one that matches your taste. The solar pool light is easy to use since they do not need power plugs and cables to operate.

Due to their favorable nature these solar lights charge during the day when the sun is present. With the latest designs you do not have to physically move to the pool location to turn on the light, the solar pool lights switch themselves on when there is darkness.

The main function of the solar pool lights is to add the visibility to the pool as well as add a perfect feel to the atmosphere. Choosing of the appropriate pool light for you swimming pool can be tasking, but there are simple ways you can go about choosing them.

Consider the wattage in the swimming pool

When choosing the kind of light to incorporate in your pool it is important to consider the wattage in the swimming pool. For the solar pool lighting to be effective it is important to have a comfortable wattage in the swimming pool. Too much bright lights can be uncomfortable for people using the pool during the night. Do not go for too dim lights either.

One good thing about this kind of solar lighting is that it is cheap and convenient. Solarpassion.com is a place where you can find the variety of pool lights for your swimming pool. Since most of the pool lighting is done on the bottom there is no reason to consider the décor of your outside when choosing the kind of lighting. Apart from lighting the pool, pool lighting can be used to illuminate the pool such that it looks great.

As you install the environmentally friendly solar pool lights you shouldn’t worry about getting electrocuted since no chords are involved. The GPSP is a solar lamp that can be used for the pool, it is advanced and of high quality. Many people love it as it also lightens up the surrounding pool compound.