Inground pool skimmers are set within the pool wall.   The inground pool skimmer connects to the pool pump and filter and the pool skimmer is situated directly within the concrete wall of the pool itself.  There is no face plate on an inground pool skimmer and water flows through the pool skimmer weir and into the pool skimmer basket located within the pool wall.  The basket filters out dirt and debris so that it is not recirculated throughout the pool and does not clog the pool pump or pool filter.    This is all done automatically and is therefore sometimes referred to as an automatic pool skimmer.  All that the pool owner needs to do is periodically empty the pool skimmer basket of the debris that collets.

Above ground pool skimmers operate in a similar fashion, but since there is no concrete wall in which to situate the pool skimmer, the above ground pool skimmer is set into a hole in the wall of the pool and does contain a face plate.  Above ground pool skimmers can also sit alongside the pool wall and be clamped to the wall so no hole is needed.  Like the inground models, the pool skimmer connects to the pool pump and pool filter to collect dirt and debris from the water before it flows into these devices and keeps the pool water cleaner.

Swimming pool skimmers are made up of a few different parts.  Some pool skimmer parts are easily replaced if needed, and others are not so easy to replace.  The main parts of a pool skimmer include the plate, basket, weir, and cover or lid.  Here is a description of each part:

Pool skimmer plates – The pool skimmer plate, which is located along the side of the pool wall in above ground pool skimmers, is the front of the pool skimmer to which the weir attaches, allowing the water to flow into the skimmer from the main part of the pool.

Pool skimmer baskets – The pool skimmer basket collects the dirt and debris that flows through the skimmer and collects it until it can be removed.

Pool skimmer weirs – A pool skimmer weir is one of the most important parts of a pool skimmer.  The skimmer weir is the part that the water flows over in order to make its way into the skimmer basket.  The weir is like a small door or gate that flaps and as it moves it functions in a similar fashion to a dam, which slows down the water and creates greater suction from the pool skimmer.

Pool skimmer covers – The pool skimmer cover or pool skimmer lid are located on the outside of the pool.  They can be opened so that the pool skimmer basket can be emptied of debris but protect anyone from accidently stepping into the open space.  It is important to make sure that pool skimmer covers are firmly in place so that no one trips over them.

In addition to the automatic pool skimmer models that are built into many pools, there are also floating pool skimmers that can float along the surface of the pool to collect dirt, leaves and debris.  A floating pool skimmer can be set to skim the surface of the pool when not in use to help clean it but they do not operate continuously like an automatic pool skimmer does.  The pool surface skimmer is a good option if you have a small above ground pool that only needs minimal debris removal.

For those that need to remove leaves and larger debris, a pool skimmer net can be manually dragged along the surface of the pool to collect additional debris. This type of skimmer should not take the place of an automatic pool skimmer, but every pool owner should have a pool leaf skimmer net in case they need to scoop up and remove any type of debris or foreign objects from the pool.  As the pool skimmer net is dragged along the water’s surface, any floating debris gets trapped against the netting and can then be manually removed.

Popular models of pool skimmers include the Hayward pool skimmer, Intex pool skimmer, Doughboy pool skimmer, and Jet Net pool skimmer, among other brands.  Pool skimmers can be purchased in pool supply stores or can be ordered online.  Pool skimmer parts can also be ordered in the same manner and are fairly easy to replace (except for the main body of the pool skimmer which is set into the pool wall).  Pool skimmer prices will vary by brand and location sold, so it is best to look around for the best pool skimmer prices once you know what model you are interested in purchasing.

Pool skimmers are a basic component of swimming pools that keep the water cleaner and keep the pool filter and pump from operating more efficiently.  No pool should be without one of these important swimming pool accessories.

Buy pool skimmers here.

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The first type of swimming pool accessory is anything needed to operate or maintain your pool properly.  This includes items such as pool filters, pool skimmers, pool pumps, pool vacuums, water testers, pool liners, pool chemicals, pool covers, and similar items.  Depending on what type of pool you have, you may need specific accessories that are geared to your pool, such as above ground swimming pool accessories or inground swimming pool accessories, and they may differ from one another.

The next group of swimming pool accessories refers to those items that you might be interested in purchasing  because they make your job easier when it’s time to clean or maintain your pool, or they enhance the look or function of your pool.  These include items such as automatic swimming pool cleaners, pool heaters, pool lighting, solar pool covers, pool cleaning attachments, pool ladders, pool fences, pool tiles, and other items that make it easier for you to enjoy pool ownership.

Swimming pool accessories that are primarily recreational are also an important part of pool ownership and include items like pool and water slides, pool floats, pool toys, pool rafts, pool inflatables, sports nets, lounges, balls, and other water toys.  No swimming pool would be complete without some recreational accessories.

There are many places to find accessories for swimming pools.  Accessories can be found in pool stores, big box stores, some discount stores, and online retailers.  One of the best places to find swimming pool accessories in a wide assortment of brands and styles is online.  By searching online, you can compare prices, find items that may not be available in stores, and order particular brands that your local store may not carry.

If you are looking for the best swimming pool accessory prices, you can purchase accessories when on sale or during the off season when demand is lowest.  If you live in a climate where pools don’t stay open year round, local pool stores may not be open all year, but you can always find items by searching online.  And even though there are locations that are perfect for year-round pool use, demand is still lowest in seasons other than summer, so chances are you can find some good swimming pool accessory sales, coupons or discounted prices by searching around.

When you own a swimming pool, you will inevitably need or want a variety of swimming pool accessories.  A swimming pool with accessories is like a garden with flowers – the accessories are very much a part of the pool and enhance the enjoyment you receive from the pool.

Buy swimming pool accessories here.

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Here’s a rundown of different types of pool covers and the benefits that each provides:

Solar pool cover – The primary purpose of a solar pool cover is to retain heat within the swimming pool when it is not in use.   The cover is comprised of a material that resembles bubble wrap, and is laid across the expanse of the pool.  During daylight hours, solar pool covers trap the heat of the sun within the bubbles or cells and that heat warms the water in the pool.  When the solar pool cover is used at night, it prevents the warmth within the pool from escaping into the cool night air, acting as an insulator.  Solar pool covers are sometimes referred to as solar blankets and are a fairly inexpensive way to keep your pool warm.  Swimming pool solar covers save pool owners money by reducing their reliance on pool heaters and are also beneficial because they can extend the amount of time the pool can be utilized if there is no pool heater being used.

Winter pool cover – Winter pool covers are a must for keeping your pool clean and protected during the off season.  There are a variety of different types of swimming pool covers that can be used during the winter months and which one you choose will depend on factors such as whether you have an above ground or inground pool, whether you want a solid or mesh cover, and how much you are willing to spend.   No matter what type of winter pool cover you choose, by covering your pool, you will prevent dirt, debris and leaves from building up in the pool, which will make the spring clean-up a lot easier.  You will also keep your pool safer when not in use.

Here are a few options to consider when covering your pool for the winter:

• Mesh pool cover – Mesh pool covers protect the pool from everything except rain and fine debris from passing through.   The quality of the mesh pool cover depends on the scrim, which refers to the tightness of the weave of the mesh.  The tighter the scrim, the less debris that will make its way into the pool and the stronger and more durable the cover will be.  One big advantage to mesh pool covers is that they are lightweight so they are easily attached and removed, and since they allow rain to seep through, you do not have to worry about using a pool cover pump to remove water from the top like it collects on solid pool covers.  You can find inground mesh pool covers or above ground pool covers, depending on what type of pool you own.
• Solid pool cover – A solid pool cover, also sometimes referred to as a safety pool cover, is a solid cover made of a vinyl-like material that is pulled tight across the pool area and is anchored to the side of the pool with straps.  For inground pool covers, the cover will be attached to springs that attach to brackets that are set into your surrounding deck surface.  If you have an above ground pool cover, then the straps are pulled down along the side of the pool and are attached along the sides.  In order for a pool cover to be considered a safety pool cover, the cover must hold a minimum of 485 pounds per five square feet, as determined by the ASTM (American Society for Testing and Materials).  A swimming pool safety cover does not necessarily have to be a solid cover, but can also be a mesh cover, but it is more likely that solid covers will meet the ASTM safety requirements.  Solid pool covers are beneficial because they not only keep out dirt, debris and leaves, but they also prevent small animals from making their way into the pool.  With safety pool covers, you also have the added piece of mind that a child or pet will not accidently fall into the pool when unsupervised.  One drawback to solid covers is that they tend to collect water on the top.  The easiest way to remove the standing water is by using pool cover pumps.
• Automatic pool cover – Automatic pool covers make installing and removing the cover a breeze.  Rather than having the entire process be manual, which can be a rather difficult task, an automatic pool cover easily retracts and unrolls with the push of a switch.  While automatic pool covers are rather expensive, they do save you the expense of having to hire a professional pool company to attach or remove your pool cover.  Since the cover is so easy to operate, you have the added benefit of keeping your pool cover on not only during the off season, but whenever your pool is not being used, keeping it safer, cleaner and warmer.

Some accessories that make utilization of your pool cover a bit easier include:

Pool cover roller – Pool cover rollers make it easier to cover your pool by assisting in the assembly and removal of the cover.  Rather than dragging a heavy cover across the pool, requiring multiple people to complete the task, the pool cover roller can be used by a single person and makes easy work out of rolling or unrolling the cover across the pool.  For homeowners that do not have an automatic pool cover, this accessory makes light work of covering or uncovering a pool.

Pool cover pump – A swimming pool cover pump is helpful to homeowners by automatically removing water that collects on the top of the cover.  Standing water on top of a solid pool cover can attract bugs, lead to the growth of mold and algae and can reduce the life of your pool cover.  It can also be a safety hazard, since animals or children can fall into the water.  A pool cover pump should be periodically used to remove the water from the top of the pool cover.

No matter what type of pool cover you select, or which accessories you choose to make using your pool cover easier, you will find that the benefits of using a pool cover will outweigh any work it takes to install or remove the cover each season.  For safety reasons alone, a pool cover, along with a pool fence, are a smart investment.

Buy pool covers here.

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3. Which Type of Pool Fence Is Best?

If you are in the market for pool safety fences and are trying to figure out which type is best for you, consider some of the different types of pool fences available. Different types of fences have varying characteristics so that you can find the type of swimming pool fence that best meets your needs and budget.

Pool Fence Types:

Aluminum Pool Fence – Aluminum pool fences not only provide safety, but can be an aesthetic addition to your backyard space as well. Aluminum fences are extremely durable and will last for years and years. If the fence has a polyester powder coating, then it will resist rust and other corrosion that could otherwise occur from being exposed to the elements and excessive moisture. Aluminum pool fencing can offer a decorative touch and can be selected in a wide variety of designs. They also usually come with a lifetime warranty and require almost no maintenance.

Vinyl Pool Fence – A vinyl pool fence, or one made from PVC, is a versatile fencing option. Vinyl pool fencing comes in many different designs and styles and requires virtually no maintenance. Vinyl pool fences are also a more economical alternative than some other types of swimming pool fences and the material is a great choice around water.

Glass Pool Fence – There is nothing as elegant, or as seamless, as a glass pool fence. Glass pool fences are made from tempered glass so that the fence is durable and safe, yet because it is glass, it does not detract from the look of the pool in any way. Glass pool fencing is one of the pricier pool fence options, but many people that install them say they are well worth the added expense since they maintain the beauty of the pool area. One issue with glass fencing is that is needs to be cleaned more often than other pool fence types, since dirt that builds up on the glass is more noticeable.

Mesh Pool Fence – Mesh pool fencing is a very popular option for many reasons. For one, mesh fences are removable since they are not permanently installed in the ground, so when they are not needed they can be taken down. Mesh fences are durable and are not easily climbed over, which makes them a great swimming pool safety fence. Even for homeowners that install another type of more permanent fence around their yard, having a removable pool fence made of mesh directly around the pool provides added security against children and pets accidently falling into the pool.

Wrought Iron Pool Fence – Another more decorative option is a wrought iron pool fence. Wrought iron is an extremely durable material, and can last a lifetime. It can also provide a more upscale look than aluminum or vinyl. Like aluminum pool fences, those coated with a protective polyester powder coating will resist rust and other corrosion and will require virtually no maintenance.

Chain Link Pool Fence – A standard chain link fence can be used as a safety pool fence as well. This is a fairly economical option, but one hazard is that chain link pool fencing can more easily be climbed over than some other options.

Wood Pool Fence – Wood has always been a material often used in fencing. It can be used as a pool fence as well, although wood will require a bit more maintenance than the other pool fence choices, especially since it is near the water. Wood pool fences, however, can offer an attractive option when it comes to a swimming pool safety fence.

There are many different types of pool fences. Each comes with various benefits and some disadvantages, which are best weighed by each individual homeowner. Before selecting a fence, it is best to first check with your local municipality to see if there are any specific pool fence regulations that you must adhere to. Some localities place requirements on the types of pool fencing you must use, the height of the fence, how far the fence must be placed in proximity to the pool and other rules and regulations.

Once you have decided what type of pool fence is best for your needs, it is then best to do some research to find the best pool fence prices and options. Some fencing will also require additional labor, so be sure to factor all supply and labor costs into your pool fencing estimate.

No matter what type of pool fencing you choose, it is always best to have some type of pool safety fence around your pool to provide an added measure of safety and security. Drowning can occur within seconds of a young child or pet being unsupervised.  All it takes is a little one trying to get to some attractive looking pool toys and winding up in the pool by accident to cause a disaster, so investing in your family’s safety, as well as the safety of others, is a wise investment.

Buy pool fences here.

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Here are some of the pros and cons related to installing above ground swimming pools.  If you want more information about inground pools, you can view the article “Inground Pools – Are They Right For You?”

Pros:

Price – Above ground swimming pools are a far more economical option than a pool that is installed in the ground.    The price of an above ground swimming pool, however, can vary considerably based on such factors such as the size, materials, functionality and manufacturer so you will still have a wide price range to choose from.  But no matter what type of above ground swimming pool you choose, you can be sure that it will far less expensive than any inground pool.

Space – While there are many sizes available when it comes to an above ground swimming pool, if you are short of space in your yard, any type of above ground pool will take up less space than an inground pool.  If you’re really short on space, there are even inflatable above ground swimming pools that can just be blown up when you want to splash around and can be deflated and stored away when you’re not in a swimming mood.    Small above ground swimming pools can also be set up more permanently or you can select a larger model if you have the space.

Flexibility – When you make a decision to install an inground pool, you will have the pool for as long as you live in your home, even when you tire of the maintenance or no longer want to use it.  When you are no longer in need of above the ground swimming pools, they are easily disassembled and removed.

Maintenance – Swimming pools above ground require much less maintenance than those in the ground.  They need to occasionally have the water topped off, will need to be skimmed if debris gets in them, and will require chlorine or other cleaning treatments if the water remains between uses, but they will not require the extensive maintenance that inground pools require.

Installation – Above ground swimming pool installation is a snap compared with inground versions.  In some cases installation can take a few hours to a few days at most, compared to weeks of intensive construction for inground pools.

Cons:

Aesthetics – Above ground swimming pools do not offer the beauty and ambience that their inground counterparts can.  They are more noticeable, since they sit above the ground, and do not blend in to the backyard décor as easily.  Above ground swimming pool decks can be installed, however, and by installing the decks around the pool, the space around the pool becomes more usable and attractive.

Size – Even the largest of above ground swimming pools can’t provide the swimming space that inground pools can.   Another factor is that the pools maintain the same depth throughout, so there is no very shallow end for young children or deeper end to allow for diving.

Permits – Be sure to check with your township or municipality because some locales do not allow above ground swimming pools to be installed in backyards, or if they do, they may have restrictions related to keeping the pool in your backyard.

As with any other major decision to be made, there are pros and cons to installing an above ground swimming pool in your backyard, but if you’re not ready or able to take the plunge to install a pool in the ground, then an above ground swimming pool may be the perfect solution.  And, adding a few pool toys is sure to add to the enjoyment!

Buy above ground swimming pools here.

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Swimming pool toys are a must for those that plan to spend countless hours of fun in their pool.  Unless you are looking for a solitary oasis to relax in the quiet of your own backyard, then you will certainly want to include a repertoire of fun pool toys to have on hand when the gang comes by for a swim or you want to have some good times with your kids (or with your spouse!).

What types of pool toys are best?  There really is no one pool toy that is superior to all others.  The general rule of thumb is this:  As long as the pool toy can provide some fun, is safe to use, and is sturdy enough to withstand the wear and tear that it will endure, then it is a good pool toy.  When it comes to toys for pools, there is a wide variety to choose from.

Below we list just a sampling of the types of swimming pool toys to choose from:

Inflatable pool toys – These are a must for any pool, whether you’re looking for hours of active fun or a great place to lounge and relax.  Inflatable pool toys include floats, rings, and any other type of inflatable item that is made for the pool and can hold the weight of a person laying or sitting on it.  There are also inflatable toys just for playing with, such as beach balls, blow up floating toys and other toys made for smaller children.  There are also large inflatable pool toys, such as large slides, that can provide hours of fun and laughs.

Motorized pool toys – These can provide hours of fun!  Motorized pool toys include boats, animals and other small toys that can be navigated along the water with the help of a small motor.  They are not made for humans to ride on, but rather for a bit of fun from the side of the pool as you navigate a remote control to make the toy ride across the water.

Floating pool toys – Floating pool toys can include any type of toy that can float in the water.  This includes inflatable pool toys, such as floats, rings and blow up balls, as well as any other type of toy or item that can float along the top of the water.  There are many types of pool floats that are not inflatable but that float and are great for a few hours of relaxing on the water, and there are lots of other types of toys or other items that float that can provide fun and can also help with floatation and even exercising.  These include items such as kickboards, swim noodles and more.

Plastic pool toys – Plastic is one of the most popular materials used for making pool toys for kids and also baby pool toys because they are so durable and can also easily be cleaned.  Plastic pool toys are hard and usually float, although some (like diving sticks) can be weighted so that they can provide an opportunity for diving and exploration below the water’s surface.   These toys are inexpensive, easy to clean so that if they wind up in the mouths of small children they remain fairly sanitary, and easy to transport if you’re headed to someone else’s pool.

Sports pool toys – Want to get in a fun family game while in the pool?  Consider installing a pool basketball net, a volleyball net that spans the pool or another type of sports pool toy that can provide hours of fun and recreation for the whole family.  These work especially well in inground pools, but can also be used in some above ground swimming pools as well.

There is no doubt that when it comes to pools toys add an added element of fun, whether for the young or the young at heart.  There are lots of cool pool toys on the market and they come in a variety of sizes, price ranges and types.  There are toys for as little as a dollar that can provide hours of fun for the little ones, while some pool toys and floats can get rather pricey but can last for a long time and can meet the needs of even the largest (or oldest!) kids.

Pool toys can be purchased almost anywhere.  They can be found online, at your local pool store, at a toy store, or even at the nearest discount store.  Some toys are specifically labeled and sold as pool toys but there are other regular toys that can easily be transformed into a fun swimming pool toy with just the addition of a little water.  Whether you own an above ground or inground pool, pool toys can really add to the fun!

Buy pool toys here.

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