Pool Chemicals aren’t all created equal

• Chemicals from large retailers may be cheap, though they will cause expensive problems later.

• They chemicals you use affect other parts of the pool & water balance

• Pool shops have specialised knowledge on what chemicals to use and what’s in them.

• Use the right chemicals less often.

Don’t get sold the wrong pool chemicals for your pool!

Most large retailers don’t specialise in swimming pool & spa chemicals so will sell what has the best profit margins for them, and this usually means the quality is lower. Their staff also don’t have the high levels of knowledge and understanding about the chemicals they are selling, as well as the effects they have on your water & and your health!

Did you know?

The short-term saving on your chemical costs will cause issues later due to chemical imbalances & impurities from their pool quality. For example, did you know that not all pool Chlorine is the same? There are five types!

1. Sodium hypochlorite,

2. Calcium hypochlorite,

3. Lithium hypochlorite,

4. Trichlor, and

5. Dichlor.

Each Chlorine type has a different purpose based on what kind of pool you have and the application you’re using it for.

If you want to learn more about the different chlorines, keep reading below, otherwise, come in to and take advantage of the knowledge and extensive training from the team at Poolside Beaconsfield and we’ll make sure your pool is balanced.

Skip to Why is all this important?

Sodium hypochlorite is liquid chlorine, great for killing algae quickly, though is used up just as fast. Calcium hypochlorite is the powdered chlorine most used for pool shock & even day to day use.

The active constituent of chlorine changes from brand to brand and can range from 400gms/kgs for day-to-day use up to 600gms/kg for shock treatments.

These chlorines are also un-stabilised, meaning it does not contain any Cyanuric Acid which slows the chlorine from being broken down by the sun.

Trichlor and Dichlor are stabilized Chlorine, meaning they do contain Cyanuric acid for sun protection.

Trichlor has a high Chlorine saturation and affects a pool’s pH and Dichlor, on the other hand, has a neutral pH level, not affecting the pH of the pool. It also has a high Chlorine saturation, dissolves quickly, and is great for spas.

Trichlor & Dichlor may seem like the way to go… However, you can’t keep putting stabilised chlorine into the pool as this will increase your cyanuric acid (stabiliser) level, and lead to further issues.

Why is this important?

Children and adults with sensitive skin are vulnerable to the effects of over chlorination, changes in pH and other effects of improper pool chemicals.

If you put the same weight of chlorine into a pool or spa and it has a higher level of active chlorine, you’ll run the risk of sore eyes, itchy skin, difficulty breathing, discoloured clothing, reduced equipment life and the list goes on.

What other chemicals are different?

Other cheap chemicals that can cause more problems than just chlorine are algaecides, minerals and salt.

ALGAECIDES

It’s very common to find staining due to copper in algaecides. If you pick up an algaecide from a large retailer, they mostly likely won’t ask you what algae you’re treating, they won’t test your copper levels in your pool or check what equipment you must ensure there are no issues with putting that in your pool.

Using a copper algaecide regularly will eventually build up your copper levels and you’ll have staining occur. From there you’ll need to treat the stains and continually add a product to keep the stains from coming back.

OR

Go to Poolside Beaconsfield and let them take the risk out of copper staining.

SALT

The salt you can buy from the large retailers is what is not good enough for pool shops. This poor/low quality pool salt contains dirt, fillers and even metal shavings. This all goes into your pool and then stays there while you swim and can cause algae problems and staining.

OR

Go to Poolside Beaconsfield and let them take the risk out of salt staining.

MINERALS

Don’t overpay for minerals when your lager retails have a mostly salt content, mixed in with a little Magnesium and possibly some other minerals and passing off as ‘Minerals’. Poolside Beaconsfield have a guaranteed 70% Magnesium content in our bags of minerals, so when you buy Magnesium, you’re getting Magnesium, not a bit of everything else!

OR

Go to Poolside Beaconsfield and let them take the risk out of you minerals.

Overall, you can take a chance with cheaper chemicals from the large retailers, however, if you want you use less chemicals, use the right chemicals makes healthy water to swim in.

Chlorine Free Spa Sanitiser by Poppits

Poppits brand non-chlorine sanitiser is a healthy alternative to conventional chlorine and bromine options for people concerned about asthma, sensitive skin, and the environment.

Hydrogen peroxide (H202) is a powerful yet versatile oxidant that is both safe and effective for use in residential spas as well as being a stronger oxidiser than chlorine, chlorine dioxide, and potassium permanganate.

HOW ARE THEY DIFFERENT FROM CHLORINE?

Poppit Spa Sanitiser cleans and conditions the spa in one action. It uses hydrogen peroxide to oxidise the bacteria and organic materials in spa water, while at the same time preventing the buildup of organic slime on spa walls and seats.

The advantage of the Poppit Spa Sanitiser is that it does not contain chlorine or bromine making it ideal for asthmatics and people with sensitive skin. In fact, there is no need to shower or bath after using your spa.

Peroxsil365 Chlorine Free Sanitiser uses the synergy between silver and hydrogen peroxide to achieve the ultimate level of disinfection in spa and pool water. The combination of both components oxidizes any bacteria or organic matter that may be present in the pool or spa water.

USING POPPITS IN YOUR SPA

#1 HEAT AND READ THE POPPITS PEROXSIL TEST STRIP

Preheat the water in your spa to at least 26 degrees then, using the Peroxsil395 test strip (swirl 3 times and line up with colour indicators on test vial) check and record pH and alkalinity. It is important to make the reading within 30 seconds for it to be accurate.

#2 BALANCE WATER ADJUSTING THE PH & TOTAL ALKALINITY WITH POPPITS ONE-STEP PREP

Based on the reading on the test strip, you can determine how much of the Poppits One Step Water Prep to add. See the chart below for how much to add.

When adding Poppits One-Step Water Prep to spa water, pour it slowly into the spa with the jets turned on.

Circulate water for 2 – 3 hours before moving to Step 3.

NOTE: Generally, town water supply has some level of alkalinity whereas rainwater (tank water) has none. Check levels again the next day (please note, the strips read pH slightly lower than actual and so if reading for pH is at the lower end of the scale this is acceptable).

#3 SANITISE YOUR SPA BY ADDING POPPITS PEROXSIL395 POOL & SPA SANITISER

• For Spas up to 3000 litres add 380ml / 1000 litres and circulate for 30 minutes.

• For Swim Spas add 250ml / 1000 litres and circulate for 60minutes.

Make sure your PER (sanitiser) level before bathing is at least 100ppm. Or alternately ask us about auto-dosing.

WATCH POPPITS SPA MAINTENANCE VIDEO BELOW

Tips for upgrading your pool equipment

Winter is the perfect time to upgrade old equipment while the pool is not in use. There are a number of reasons to upgrade your old equipment, from better water quality & power-saving alternatives to reduced maintenance and peace of mind.

So what should you be looking for when upgrading your equipment? We've listed a few of the most common upgrades for your pool below and have provided links to the products we suggest and supply to help you with your research.

POOL PUMPS

Upgrading your old pool pump to a Variable Speed pump will not only save you money on your power bills, but its reduced flow rate also takes the pressure off the pool plumbing increasing the life of your other equipment. You'll also get peace of mind with quality construction and warranty support.

POOL FILTERS

Upgrading to a media filter will require much less maintenance than the other filter types. These filters only require backwashing to clean and take at the very most just five minutes with the turn of a valve. It is usually only done every two to three months in Winter and once a month in Summer so you'll save lots of time on maintenance.

FILTER MEDIA

Glass filter media such as AFM is non-porous, self-sterilising, and can trap 30% more bacteria and organic material than a traditional Sand Filter, giving Bacteria nowhere to grow within the filter. Backwashing will be required less often and when you do it will be more efficient, using less water.

ROBOTIC POOL CLEANERS

No more clicking noise from your suction cleaner interrupting a relaxing time by the pool. A robotic cleaner is easy-to-use, runs independently from your pool system.

It runs silently and intelligently, adapting to your pool. Simply plug it into power, drop it into your pool & turn it on.

One will cover the entire pool and filter the water as it goes to leave your pool clean and clear, much faster than other cleaners.

MINERAL SWIM SYSTEM

Using 100% natural minerals to produce low levels of chlorine combined with an Ozone water purification system that almost instantly neutralises bacteria, algae, and other organic material.

This system provides the safest, clearest, and healthiest, low chlorine swimming water available. The minerals soothe and hydrate the skin, relax muscles and clear the water, while Ozone provides one of the most effective sanitising agents available.

POOL COVERS & ROLLERS

Pool covers are the best way to reduce dirt and debris getting into the pool, minimising your cleaning time.

They will save you hundreds of dollars in excess water bills by preventing evaporation.

They're also great at retaining heat to extend the swimming season.

Heating your pool & spa

When you think about heating a pool or spa, a common misconception is "it must be expensive to run?" Energy efficiency has improved considerably over the last few years with the use of Inverter technology. This means pool & spa heating is now much more cost-effective & environmentally friendly.

The inverter technology works by constantly measuring water temperature and adjusting the speed of the heaters compressor and fan, ensuring the most efficient setting to match heat loss. On start-up, the unit slowly ramps up compressor and fan speed based on accurate measurements of inlet water temperature, air temperature and the preset temperature.

Then as the water temperature nears your set-point temperature, the unit slows down and reduces heating capacity. In contrast, a traditional header always works at full power turning on and off based on the set temperature drawing much more power, trying to keep the water within the set temperature range. The consistent, low power draw of an inverter pool & spa heater is much more efficient and economical.

"Which inverter heater is best for me?"

There are two brands we suggest that cover most pool & spa types. Both brands are very reliable and come with great warranty and support. Read more below and contact us to discuss which would be more suitable for you!

Hayward EnergyLine Pro Inverter

The Hayward EnergyLine Pro Inverter heat pump is a high performance, energy-efficient Hayward Heat Pump that quietly and economically maintains your ideal water temperature at all times while delivering potential energy savings compared to traditional on/ off Heat Pumps and Gas Heaters. It consistently monitors the temperature and adjusts its output to supply only the required amount of energy to heat your pool or spa.

Other innovative features of the Hayward EnergyLine Inverter

• Super-quiet performance system operating at low decibels this heat pump is virtually silent from only a few metres.

• The Titanium Heat Exchanger is designed for durability and efficiency to ensure maximum heat transfer and resistance to pool chemicals.

• Designed to operate at low ambient temperatures (designed for temperatures down to -7 Degrees Celsius) you can extend your swimming time earlier in Spring and well through Autumn.

• Digital colour touchscreen interface shows real-time power consumption for immediate feedback and control.

Astral Pool Eco Inverter Heater Pump

The AstralPool range of Heat Pumps now includes both standard technology and the new Inverter technology. Inverter technology allows the swimming pool heat pump to reach an extremely high COP* compared with normal heat pumps in the market Their unique inverter technology reduces the speed of the unit as it reaches the desired temperature. This greatly saves on energy and enables you to enjoy swimming quicker and at a constant temperature.

The ECO Inverter Heat Pump range uses R32 Gas Refrigerant, which offers higher efficiency and requires less refrigerant volume per kW. This means quicker heating times and less energy used to heat up your pool. you can also expect reduced electricity consumption by approx. 10% and lower environmental impact.

Other benefits are:

• Whisper-quiet & super-efficient operation

• Faster heat-up times

• Optional WiFi Module add-on for use with the HeatPumpGo app

Get more heat for less $

Reduce your costs even further by using a pool cover. A pool cover will retain heat (approx. 7-10 degrees overnight) which means a significant reduction in the running costs.

A pool cover will also reduce evaporation by up to 98%, saving you hundreds in excess water consumption each year and keeping dirt and leaves out!

Request a quote

*The Coefficient Of Performance or COP of a heat pump is a ratio of useful heating, to the work required. A higher COP equates to lower operating costs.

Ozone kills 99.9% viruses and bacteria

Ozone can be viewed as the most powerful oxidising and disinfecting agent available for pool & spa water treatment*. Ozone will act as the primary oxidiser and disinfectant destroying impurities and microorganisms allowing the pool owner to reduce the chlorine demand needed in their pool.

• Ozone destroys 99.9% of viruses and bacteria

• If pool water is treated only with chlorine takes approximately 16 minutes for viruses to be killed.

• Ozone Swim is 3,500 times faster at killing bacteria

• Ozone can be viewed as the most powerful oxidising and disinfecting agent available for pool & spa water treatment

Ozone, is the key component of a Mineral Swim system that destroys 99.9% of viruses and bacteria and has been proven to kill viruses including SARS which has an almost identical structure to COVID-19. Ozone is widely used in many industries where germs are likely to spread, including Aquatic Centres, Hospitals and the Airline Industry.

Ozone Swim is 3,500 times faster at killing bacteria than chlorine making it one of the most powerful and effective sanitation systems on the market.

If pool water is treated just with chlorine alone, at certain levels, it will take approximately 16 minutes for viruses to be killed.

Viruses are chlorine resistant, meaning they are not easily destroyed by chlorine alone. However, when combined with a secondary sanitation system like Ozone Swim the risk of contracting a virus is significantly decreased.

“Ozone is a stronger oxidiser than chlorine, it substantially reduces chlorine demand and allows chlorine to be more efficient in residual disinfection allowing for lower chlorine levels…”

Effect of Ozone on Bacteria & Viruses

Ozone is a water purification system that’s 10 x stronger than chlorine as a disinfectant & kills bacteria on contact leaving no residual traces as chlorine does. It’s the residual from chlorine (combined chlorine/chloramine) that’s responsible for that nasty smell and irritating the skin and eyes.

Viruses are different, unlike bacteria, they multiply only within the host cell and they transform proteins of that host cell into proteins of their own. Ozone destroys viruses by diffusing through the protein coat into the nucleic acid core resulting in damage to the virus.

What about other Health Benefits?

Ozone has many other well-documented health benefits, the water feels softer to swim in, it's gentle on the skin and the eyes, particularly for the 1 in 4 Australians that suffer from a skin condition like eczema & psoriasis and finally, it’s a natural flocculant so your water clarity will be crystal clear.

Fun Fact: All bottled water is treated by ozone!

*Recognised by The World Health Organisation (WHO)

Which pool type is best for you?

Which is chlorination (sanitation) type is best for your pool and your family? There are a multitude of different options available to choose from so we break down the benefits and drawbacks of each one along with our preferred options, allowing you to make a more informed choice when choosing your type of pool.

Chlorine

A Chlorine only pool (in this instance), is one where either liquid or powdered chlorine is manually or automatically added to the water regularly. Liquid chlorine is the cheapest way to chlorinate your water, however, it is also the bulkiest and most hazardous. The use of an automatic feeder will monitor your pool chlorine level and adjust accordingly. These however are expensive and due to the highly corrosive nature of liquid chlorine, can require a lot of maintenance.

Powdered chlorine is more efficient, safer and easier to handle, however, it is more expensive. It also cannot be manually delivered, with the exception of chlorine tablets, which are compressed forms of powdered chlorine.

All other balances still need to be maintained especially the pH as this is easily affected by the addition of chlorine. Maintaining proper stabiliser & calcium levels with powdered chlorine is also necessary.

Pros - Potentially cheaper

Cons - More work to maintain levels, bulky, hazardous, throws out other balances quickly.

Saltwater

By far the most popular type of pool sanitation in Australia. The use of a saltwater chlorinator to produce chlorine regularly throughout the filtration cycle is both efficient and practical. The constant production of chlorine gas begins to work instantly in the pool water to neutralise algae, bacteria and other organic matter. The process requires the pool water to have a minimum amount of salt in the water, usually anywhere from 2,500 ppm (parts per million) to 5,000ppm depending on the brand and model. If the salt level falls below this level, the production is reduced or even stopped to avoid damage to the unit.

Saltwater chlorinators have an approximate lifespan of about 5 years depending on how long they're used each day and at what output its set to.

Pros - Tried & tested, efficient chlorine production, great if you like salt water!

Cons - No testing of chlorine levels so can build up chlorine too high if left unchecked.

Mineral Pool + Ozone

Fast becoming a very popular option among pool owners, Mineral pools such as Mineral Swim, utilise a two-stage sanitisation process. The first is similar to the saltwater chlorinator which uses minerals instead of salt to produce a small amount of chlorine as well as make the water softer and clearer. It works in conjunction with the Ozone system to neutralise organic material such as algae and bacteria in the water. The Ozone component is 3,500 times faster at killing bacteria than chlorine alone.

Pros - Softer & clearer water, low chlorine levels, no 'chlorine smell' perfect for sensitive skin & asthma sufferers.

Cons - More expensive than traditional saltwater systems

Freshwater

The typical 'freshwater' system uses a combination of copper to prevent algae growth and silver to disinfect the water which is infused into the water neutralising bacteria. This type of water purification has been around since the Ancient Greeks discovered that algae wouldn't grow in copper water pots! There is still a very small amount of chlorine that is required to keep the water safe.

Pros - Very low chlorine levels required, soft free water feel

Cons - One of the most expensive options for residential pool water management.

Ultimately, the type of pool comes down to your personal preferences. Do you want ease of maintenance or an amazing swimming experience? Whichever you decide, we can help you find the right system to your pool and ensure it works for you and your family!

Benefits of Robotic Pool Cleaners

Robotic pool cleaners clean the pool better, are easier to use, and are more efficient saving on energy and chemical costs. Take the cleaning of your pool to a whole new level.

Robotic pool cleaners are amazing, but did you know that they can also reduce your water wastage by up to 80% or over 13,000 liters each year as well?

The way robotic pool cleaners save you money is by reducing the filtration time required, which in turn requires less backwashing or filter cleaning. This can typically use up to 20,000 liters each year!

Using a robotic pool cleaner it will also put much less strain on the pump and filter as the operating pressures are usually considerably lower when the filter is clean. You can also, add a Variable Speed Pump as you won't need the higher water flow to keep a suction cleaner going.

Suction cleaners such as a Kreepy Krauly or Baracuda require a high water flow rate to operate. You may notice when your suction cleaner 'stops working', sometimes a quick backwash will get it moving again. A robotic cleaner, however, runs independently of the pool pump and filtration system under its own power, so it isn't at the mercy of the other components.

Robotic cleaners such as the Dolphin M600 provide the most effective all-around pool clean. They are programmed to ensure they cover the entire pool from the floor, to the walls and even the tile line. They have great suction for the large debris, internal filters for the very fine dust and dirt, as well as scrubbing, and brushes it help remove the stubborn debris in pebble surfaces and grout lines

In addition to saving money on your water bills, if a Dolphin robotic cleaner is paired with a variable-speed pool pump, there are huge potential power savings to be had. Lower running power consumption paired with the robot will keep your pool just as clean and filtered (if not more!)

These cleaners are also a great way to lower the environmental impact of owning a swimming pool, and in some cases, it may also help achieve a carbon-neutral running of your pool.

If you'd like to make your pool as green (in an environmental sense that is) as possible we suggest a combination of a variable-speed pool pump, glass filter media, a Mineral Swim system, and of course a robotic pool cleaner. These combined will ensure you have the smallest water, chemical, and power consumption possible.

Maytronics cleaners are Climate Care Certified. This is the swimming pool industry’s new efficiency and sustainability certification program. The Climate Care Certification Program is an initiative of the Swimming Pool & Spa Association of Australia Ltd (SPASA). Click here to find out more about the program.

Robotic Pool Cleaner Maintenance

Robotic cleaners are superior pool cleaners to suction and pressure pool cleaners. They make doing a lot of the hard work of keeping your pool clean look easy. So what should you do to help your cleaner keep cleaning at its best? Here are a few simple maintenance tips to keep it running at its best!

Robotic cleaners such as the Dolphin M600 have an internal filter that collects the leaves, sticks and dust from your pool. This filters the water down to as little as 15 microns (*a micron is 1,000th of a millimetre) which is fine enough to filter out almost everything! If you have a sand filter or better yet a glass media filter as well, this will pick up everything else down to 2 microns in some cases! They have rotating brushes to scrub the walls and floor and tracks to grip the pool surface that all need to be maintained.

Baskets

The first thing to do is to take out the cleaner from the pool and remove the filter basket. This is a simple process usually done by opening the top casing to access the filter. Empty the filter basket of the larger debris and then hose from the outside until it’s visually clean.

Cleaning

The next step of maintenance is to hose down the whole unit, ensuring that you get into all the scrubbers and wheels, gently turning them as you go to get all built-up dust and dirt.

Visual inspection

As you go, check the wheels, tracks and brushes to ensure that they’re still in good condition, any signs of damage to these parts should be replaced and any loose connections should also be reviewed by a professional to ensure it doesn’t cause further damage and a more expensive repair.

Cables and Swivels

The power supply cable can show signs of wear and tear from dragging across sharp edges of the pool and the swivel (if fitted) may also become stuck or too loose.

Final step

Return the filter basket to the cleaner, keep the power supply cord neat and kink-free, and then store it in the shade and in its ‘caddy’ where possible. Some newer cleaners are designed to stay in the pool so they can be returned to the water once back together.

These simple steps will help you not only extend the life of your cleaner but will make sure it’s doing the best job possible.

Just like your car, we suggest having a yearly service done by a pool professional. Contact us today or bring your cleaner down to us in-store to have your robotic cleaner serviced.

*1 micron = red blood cell.

Variable Speed Pool Pumps

Variable speed pool pumps are saving pool owners hundreds of dollars each year, though how exactly does variable speed pump work? Why are they so good? And how much will one actually save you?

A single-speed 1.5hp pump will start up and then run at a consistent speed, flow rate, and power consumption level for the entire time. More often than not, it's pumping more than what is effectively required, costing you money. For this comparison, we have used the Astral Viron P320 XT Variable Speed Pump to show you the difference between variable-speed pumps and single-speed pool pumps.

Variable Speed Pump technology

A variable speed pump such as the Astral Viron P320 XT allows you to tailor the flow rate to suit your pool and filtration requirements. Once a pool pump has started up and the water moving, it’s about keeping the water circulating as efficiently as possible, this is where the variable speeds come into play.

By reducing the speed of the pump, you're reducing the power consumption, as well as the flow rate, though this can be set to whichever setting is most effective.

The challenge for swimming pool filtration design is that 90% of the time, effective filtration and circulation of the pool water is achieved with a gentle flow rate of between 120 to 200 litres a minute. Occasionally, however, vacuuming, backwashing, and specific applications such as water features, spa jets and in-floor cleaning require higher flow rates and pressures.

The Viron XT has 4 flow settings

• Overdrive - up to 600 liters/min

• High Speed - 2850 RPM (around 400 liters/min, great for backwashing)

• Medium Speed - 2000 RPM (around 200-300 liters/min, ideal for larger pools or where equipment is much lower than the pool level)

• Low Speed - 1125 RPM (around 100-150 liters/min, perfect for smaller pools with equipment nearby)

Power Savings

If you were to halve the speed of your pump, the flow rate will also halve however, the energy consumed drops by more than 85%. Compared to conventional single-speed pumps, the Viron XT pump will save you anywhere between $700 and $1,200 every year in operating costs, which, over the life of the pump will pay for itself many times over!

Benefits of the Viron XT Variable Speed Pump

• Two sizes to suit the most demanding applications

• Save between $700 and $1,200 every year in operating costs

• High-performance overdrive mode and fast priming programs Reduce carbon emissions

• Whisper-quiet operation

• Longer pump and equipment life

Comparison between 1.5hp pump vs Variable Speed Viron P320 XT

• Viron Annual Operating Cost* $818

• Viron Annual Saving $809

• Viron Saving over 7 years $5,663

Environmentally Friendly

Warranty

Built in Australia for Australian conditions the Viron XT Pumps are covered by a limited 3 year warranty against defects in materials and workmanship.

Astral Viron XT Variable Speed Pool Pumps

*Annual operating cost based on operating pumps at factory preset low speed for 8 hours a day, each day of the year. Actual operating costs may vary according to time spent on higher speeds and the actual speed required to effectively circulate water throughout the pool, filtration, and plumbing system.

Pool Filter - Glass Media

Pool Filters have evolved significantly over the last 20 years. The move toward glass media filters and away from sand or zeolite media, cartridge filters and DE or Diatomaceous Earth filters which are labour intensive, have too many wearing parts and can be expensive to repair.

Cartridge filters require at least monthly cleaning. DE filters required monthly backwashing, and recharging of the DE powder inside the filter. Then the DE filter required quarterly stripping and cleaning of the filter.

Today we estimate 90% of pools are filtered by media filters.

Now, the sand filter has seen another makeover that has improved the quality and clarity of the water you swim in. Glass offers a much finer filtration, which relates directly to clearer water.

Regular questions from customers are "Why should I change to a media filter?" and if they already have a sand filter "Why should I upgrade to the glass media?"

"Why should I change to a media filter?"

It's much less effort...

Media filters require much less maintenance than the other filter types. These filters only require backwashing. This procedure takes at the very most just five minutes and is usually only done every two to three months.

It's more economical...

The initial outlay is more expensive than a cartridge filter however, the ongoing costs are minimal. Doing your research and buying a reputable brand from an authorised pool store is your best course of action. By buying from a pool shop, you will get the right filter for your pool size, pump size and the option of media as well as the full manufacturer’s warranty!

Improved warranty and material durability...

Most filter tanks come with a manufacturer’s warranty of 10 years. The media is also good for the life of the filter, though this depends greatly on water quality and debris that enters the pool over the years.

Our Suggestions…

We supply and install Astral Filters. They're manufactured in Melbourne and are at the forefront of industry technology with over 40 years of experience.

Astral Pools CA Media Filter range provides the best value for money filter range which is designed for tough Australian conditions.

Astral Pools FG Media Filter has been designed to provide high-performance filtration for residential and small commercial pools.

When used in conjunction with Activated Filter Media (AFM®) you're water will never have looked so crystal clear.

View fullsize

Click to enlarge

AFM ng offers superior filtration (200% better than sand) and prevents the transmission of bacteria.

• Made from pure selected glass which is safe to touch, and won’t cut you.

• Exposed to a patented 3-step activation process which makes the glass self-sterilising to prevent transmission of pathogens.

• Developed by Marine Biologists who specialise in Aquarium and Water Treatment systems.

• AFM ng prevents the formation of harmful chlorine trichloramines, so your customers can breathe easy.

• With a certified 1-micron filtration rate (that is incredibly small!!), AFM ng is certified to surpass the performance of any sand or other glass filter media to provide exceptional water clarity.

"Why should I upgrade to the glass media?"

Quality...

Glass filter media will provide the finest filtering media available. Providing you with clearer, healthier pool water.

Environment...

Glass is non-porous, self-sterilising and can trap 30% more bacteria and organic material so it cannot flourish or grow within the filter. Backwashing will be required less often and when you do it will be more efficient, using less water.

Increases your options for healthier water...

Having glass media in your filter allows you the luxury to choose a mineral pool over a salt pool. Mineral-laden water is far healthier for you and the environment. Read more about the benefits of a mineral pool here.

Final thoughts...

If you want to reduce your pool filter maintenance and have minimal ongoing costs, install a media filter. If the media filter decision has already been made, then why not experience the clearest pool water available and choose glass?

Glass pool filter media is the clear winner.

Benefits of Pool Covers in Melbourne

Pool covers are becoming more and more popular as they're the best way to reduce dirt and debris getting into the pool as well as saving you hundreds of dollars in excess water bills by preventing evaporation. They're also great at retaining heat to extend the swimming season.

Evaporation reduction is the main benefit of installing a pool cover as an average 8 x 4m uncovered Melbourne pool will lose almost 45,000 litres of water each year and up to 80,000 litres of water each year if it’s heated all year round.

The 4 main factors that affect evaporation rates from domestic outdoor pools are:

Pool surface area
The bigger the pool, the more surface area, therefore, a greater evaporation volume.

The temperature of the water and air
The highest evaporation rates occur when the differences between water and air temperatures are the greatest. Surprisingly this may not be in the middle of a hot day when the pool is in use as at this point in time, the water and air temperatures may be quite close. Whereas, later at night, the pool water may remain warm, but the air temperature has fallen substantially which means a greater temperature difference between the air and water and therefore greater evaporation.

Humidity
As is typical in most parts of Victoria we have relatively low humidity. The drier the air is, the greater the evaporation rate. In very humid conditions less evaporation occurs.

Wind
The other significant factor for home pool evaporation is wind. A gentle breeze of just 11 kilometres per hour can more than double the evaporation rate by removing the insulating layer of warm, moist air directly above the pool surface.

Here are 4 reasons why you need a pool cover:

Saves water

While evaporation rates vary greatly depending on a range of factors including volume of water and location, an average 8 x 4m uncovered Victorian pool will lose almost 45,000 litres of water each year and up to 80,000 litres of water each year if it’s heated all year round. A pool cover will save you money by reducing your water bill by approx. 45,000 litres / year from having to top up from the tap.

Keeps pool water clean

Pulling the cover over your pool after each use will save you a lot of time cleaning out leaves, dirt and other debris that would be blown into the water if it wasn’t covered. This ensures it’s clean and clear when you’re ready to use it.

Reduces chemical loss

Chemically balancing the water is one of the most costly and time-consuming parts of owning a pool. By installing a pool cover, the need for the chemicals such as chlorine and salt can be reduced by up to 50% by preventing the chemicals from evaporating into the atmosphere and keeping them in the water for longer.

Keeps the heat in = Reduces heating costs

The pool cover acts as a barrier between the cold air and the warmer pool water. A pool cover will increase heat retention by up to 75 per cent, reducing CO² emissions and saving on power normally used to run a heat pump, solar or gas system, as the heat they generate won’t be instantly lost. It also means the system won’t have to work as hard, so you can reduce running times and costs.

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So how much water am I losing?

According to the official Bureau of Meteorology long term, historical evaporation rates in Melbourne, measured at the airport over our hottest 6 months October - March is an average of 6.4mm / square meter.

This means the Mean Melbourne Daily Evaporation on a 40,000 litre uncovered pool is approx. 205 litres/day!

The cost of topping up

Depending on your water pressure the average backyard hose (according to the NSW Govt.) is approx. 17 litres per minute. So with this in mind, as an example, an average pool in Summer may take topping up for 10 minutes a day, every second day. This would use: 17 litres x 10 minutes x 15 days = 2,550 litres each month!

Ok... how much will a pool cover save me?

If a pool cover is used diligently it will save up to 95% of your water evaporation saving a 40sq/m pool from losing 53,200 litres each year. That's a lot of money saved on water bills! Also, when it does rain, all that water will still go into the pool, effectively topping it up.

You’ll also notice the reduction in your chemical costs, with lower levels of chlorine and no stabilizer needed (if the cover is always on when not swimming), you can potentially save hundreds of dollars each year on your pool chemical spending as well.

References:
Sunbather National Evaporation Download.pdf
Daisy Evaporation Fact Sheet.pdf

Benefits of a Mineral Swim System

Mineral Swim or Magnesium pools are all the rage at the moment. If you haven’t heard about the benefits of this new type of pool sanitising system, we’ve outlined what you need to know and the benefits you can expect below!

How does it work?

The Mineral Swim System combines magnesium-rich minerals found in the world-famous Dead Sea, known for its health benefits, with ozone water purification from Ozone Swim.

The minerals used in a Mineral Swim pool are 100% naturally occurring with NO synthetic additions.

The chlorinator cell uses electrolysis to convert the Magnesium Chloride in the water into small amounts of chlorine (approx. 0.5ppm in a standard pool), which is necessary for keeping the pool water free of bacteria and organic material after the filtration system has turned off.

This level of chlorine is significantly less than a typical salt of chlorine pool that usually sits at 2.0 - 3.0ppm. With this small amount of chlorine present in the water, it’s almost undetectable by swimmers and doesn’t require showering afterwards to the 'remove ‘sticky’ chlorine feel.

The minerals are added to the pool water manually and only need replacing when the water has been lost or freshwater added. They also provide many health benefits on top of being used to produce low levels of chlorine to sanitise the pool, they also act as a natural flocculant, so any debris clumps together and drops to the floor of the pool, all ready to be vacuumed up by your automatic cleaner.

Mineral Benefits:

• Stimulates hydration

• Relaxes muscles

• Crystal clear water

• Detoxifies & regenerates the skin

What is Ozone?

The Ozone system is 3,000 times more effective at killing organic contaminants than chlorine alone. It does this through a process called Oxidisation which kills organic material by stealing its oxygen atoms.

Almost all bottled water goes through an ozone process to purify it before being bottled & sold

A more scientific answer: Oxygen is O2 (2 x Oxygen atoms) whereas Ozone is O3 (3 x Oxygen atoms). When Ozone is injected into water it wants to break back down into Oxygen. It does this by leaving a lone Oxygen atom to ‘steal’ (oxidise) other oxygen atoms from harmful water contaminants like organics, impurities, bacteria and viruses. This is a natural and safe process.

The increased oxygenation in the water also helps maintain water freshness and clarity, leaving the water feeling noticeably softer.

Ozone Benefits:

• Safe water purification

• Odour-free

• Soft on the skin & gentle on the eyes

• Compatible with any existing pool system

How to make the switch to mineral swim

Now you know how the minerals and Ozone of the Mineral Swim system work together to make your pool water healthy and crystal clear, it’s a really easy process to make the change from your current system.

Having one of our service technicians install the Mineral Swim system is super quick, taking only about 1-2 hours. It can be installed on an existing pool regardless of if it was a chlorine or salt pool previously. Once installed, the system works exactly the same as any other pool system on a timer.

After the first year, the minerals cost approximately $400 annually (this is less than what you would normally spend on salt, clarifying chemicals and flocculants used in a salt pool). Mineral Swim also comes with a 12-month Customer Service Guarantee as well as a 10-year warranty on parts.