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Newest Swimming Pool Trends

4/26/2021

The pandemic created a high demand for private home swimming pools, with this came an increase in some swimming pool design features as well. As more and more people continue to spend more time at home in their personal private pools they are wanting to add features that they find helpful and useful for their backyard pools

Here are some of the most current swimming pool trends right now.

Pool Bars
The most popular swimming renovation request is for a swimming pool bar. You may have seen them at fancy swimming pool resorts in hot destinations where people would rather not have to climb out of the pool and wait in line in the hot sun for a cold refreshing beverage. Now more pool owners are beginning to put these awesome bars that allow you to stay in the pool in their home pools.

Tanning Ledges
Have you ever been to a fancy large pool that had a platform just below the pool’s water surface so you can stay cool while still adding some color to your skin? Instead of heading to a resort more private pool owners are installing tanning platforms at home so that they can sit on a lounger and sunbathe with the opportunity to stay cool in the water.

Eco-Friendly Maintenance
Today there are more and more pool fixtures that provide eco-friendly pool maintenance. For example: a variable speed pump. A variable speed pump provides energy efficiency and savings because it can be programmed to slow down or speed up or shut off all together at specific times.

Pools that Seamlessly Fit a Custom Landscape
Not everyone has that perfect flat landscape to easily fit a pool into. With the newest in swimming pool designs a level area is no longer a big requirement for putting a pool in your yard. Pool contractors can now build pools, pool decks, and patios around a current uneven landscape and the results are quite impressive. Pools can serve as retaining walls on sloped yards, be built with separate multiple levels, have a waterfall or other water feature integrated in and more. Today more and more pools are looking less like a sunken rectangle box full of water and more like a tropical oasis in the back yard.

Of course the best strategy for your amazing new pool or pool renovation is to make sure to stay on top of pool maintenance.

For more information on pool maintenance in Lake Havasu City please contact us at any time.
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Things to Consider When it Comes to Dogs in the Swimming Pool

3/22/2021

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Dogs are more than just pets, they are part of the family. It is not uncommon to see water-loving canines in the family pool enjoying a swim on a hot day with their humans. But should you let your dogs swim in the swimming pool?

There are some things to think about when it comes to allowing our cute and sweet furry friends to join us in the swimming pool.

Dog Water Safety
Though it may seem like every dog is a natural born swimmer, some dogs actually do not naturally know how to swim. Puppies and older dogs may not have the muscle strength to stay above water on their own. This creates a risk for a dog to drown. Breeds with short noses and legs will also have a hard time swimming. This can include bulldogs, dachshunds, pugs, and other similar shaped breeds.

Some dogs just do not like the water and may panic to get out of the pool when you put them in. This can cause a dog to swallow pool water, which is not advisable. It could also cause injury to someone in the pool if they try to swim close for comfort. Dogs that can swim well can become fatigued and may not know how to exit the pool on their own. Ideally any dog that is able to swim should be trained to get used to the water before having them swim with others.

Pool Maintenance
One swimming dog is like having several humans in the pool. Studies have found that one swimming dog is akin to between 25 and 50 human swimmers. The amount of hair, dirt, body oils, and more being deposited into the pool water is very significantly raised with just one dog swimming in the pool. This results in a higher need for more frequent pool maintenance if the dog is frequently in the pool. Dog hair can also be much harder on a pool filter than other types of debris as it is much finer than human hair and dogs shed their hair at a much more rapid rate.

If your pool has a vinyl liner you will want to keep dogs from getting near the sides of the pools as their nails can create scratches and holes resulting in the need for very expensive pool repairs.

Should Dogs Swim in the Pool?
Swimming brings some great benefits to dogs that are able to swim and love to do so. It helps to keep them healthy and active while creating a source of happiness and excitement to play. A soak in the cool water also helps to cool down a dog on a hot day.

If you plan to allow your furry family member to swim in the pool, make sure that you are up for the maintenance and know that your dog is trained and ready to use the pool safely with your supervision.

Another alternative that requires less maintenance and time out of your day is to purchase your pooch their very own kiddy pool. It is a great alternative for anyone that would prefer not to have to take the extra maintenance steps of having a dog in the pool but still give them aplace to splash around and cool off.

For more information on pool care in Lake Havasu City please contact us any time.

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Can Pool Water Make You Sick?

2/8/2021

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There are several hundred, if not thousands of articles all across the internet claiming for swimmers to beware of what is lurking in pool water. They borderline fearmonger people into thinking it is pretty easy to become ill after swimming in a pool. The question then becomes, are these articles communicating facts or overhyped fiction? Is your pool unsafe?

Are Swimming Pools Really Filled with Disease and Illness?

This is not a simple yes or no answer. Though we wish it was a clear cut no every time, there is more to determining the safety of pool water on our health. So let’s look at the actual facts to help us become more educated about pool water health.

Every body of water, whether in a man-made pool, lake, river, hot tub, ocean, or even bowl of water set out on a table, is capable of creating an environment for germs to thrive and grow. This is especially true when the body of water is stagnant (not moving). This is why swamps , ponds, bogs, and some lakes are prone to high amounts of pathogen growth such as algae.

The plants/flowers and animal life around a body of water can also play a big role in what is living in a body of water. Animals bathe and relieve themselves in water attributing to harmful bacteria in water. Animals can die in water and also contribute to contaminants.

So, yes, it is possible for a body of water to carry illness causing bacteria.

What Types of Illness Can Be Found in Pool Water?

There are a handful of micro-organisms that thrive in wet environments and some not friendly to the immune system of the average human. Those that have been found in pool water include:

Norovirus
Adenovirus
Hepatitis A
E. Coli
Giardia
Cryptosporidium

All of these illness causing buggers and a host of others can be found in aquatic areas and be harmful to humans that swim in waters with them. Just because these germs can cause illness does not indefinitely mean that all water, especially swimming pools, are going to make a person sick. Illness causing items can be found in a swimming pool, but there are many things that can be done to prevent illness causing organisms from making swimmers sick.

What You Can Do to Keep Pool Water Clean From Illness Causing Bacteria
There are several key pool water maintenance systems that attribute to keeping pool water clean and safe for those swimming in it including: filtration, disinfection, supervision, and knowledge of pool care. All of these things done correctly will keep your pool clean and free of harmful things lurking in your water and making people sick.

Pool Filtration

A good quality and clean filter is key to removing contaminants that want to hang out and live in your pool water. Some pool filters are so good at what they do they can filter things out of water at a microscopic level. A high powered Diatomaceous Earth filter can remove tiny Cryptosporidium from water.

Chlorine

Chlorine or Bromine are very effective in killing harmful pathogens in water. The latest suggestions state that pool water should be kept between 3.75 parts per million (ppm) and 4.0 ppm. Bromine levels should be kept at 4-6 ppm. Keeping disinfectant levels where they should be plays a huge role in pool cleanliness.

Watch What Enters the Pool

It is ideal for every swimmer to take a shower with soap and water before entering the pool, but to expect this is a little overboard. This is why you see so many public pools with signs telling people to rinse off before entering the pool. Do encourage a rinse before entering the pool to keep outside contaminants down. It is smart to rinse off pool toys as well. Make this a standard habit for people living in the home at least. For those times when people do not rinse, the disinfectants of chlorine and bromine will help out.

Keep Wildlife Out

Animals in the pool will bring in a large number of several different germs, if they relieve themselves in there even higher levels of germs will be in your pool water. Prevent animals from entering your pool by keeping it covered when it is not in use. If an animal is found in your pool dead or alive extra cleaning measures should be taken to ensure the balance and health of the water.

Know About Pool Care

Pools are fairly simple to maintain, but they do need to be consistently monitored and maintained to keep them swimmable. It is a smart idea to know what pool water needs to be clean and safe and what needs to be done to keep it that way. If you are unable to maintain the water on a consistent basis it is a good idea to hire professional pool care maintenance to perform important routine tasks.

For more information on our pool care services in Lake Havasu City please contact us any time.

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10 Tips to Finding the Right Pool Builder

1/25/2021

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Choosing a pool contractor can be the biggest decision in the entire pool building process. How do you sort through all the pool builders that are willing to come to your home to build a pool and come up with just the right one? How will you know it is someone whom will do quality work for a fair price that you can trust to be at your house?

Here are 10 Tips to Help You Find a Great Pool Builder

Search Local Websites

Do a web search and look at different builders’ websites. Look at pictures of pools they have built, search for reviews, check into their certifications, and then go to a website like Yelp or Angie’s List and read even more reviews. Pick out a few of the most promising prospects and ask them to do an interview appointment.

Certifications

Many websites will let you know about the certifications a builder holds, but sometimes they do not. Make sure the builder has CBP Certified builders on staff- this is a certification only given to individual builders. This is proof of extensive knowledge and training as well as testing in pool building.

Seek Referrals

Ask each pool builder you meet with for a list of customer references or to see examples of their previous work. Ask if you may contact any of their previous clients to speak about their experience. Ask them about the before, during, and after.

Get the Quotes/Claims/Promises in Writing

If the salesperson guarantees anything or gives any estimates or warranty information about the pool, be sure to get a written copy of what they communicated to you. This helps to keep things clear through the process and everyone at the company should have no problems honoring the agreement.

Take Your Time

Do not rush making a decision on hiring a builder. Compare prices and service offerings. Get bids from everyone you meet with. The right contractor will feel right and not be priced overwhelmingly high.

Visit the Pool Store

To help get an idea for what you would like, visit the builder’s place of business or showroom. Do the showroom employees seem helpful and knowledgeable? Are there products there that you like? Do they have examples in store of what they can do for you?

Read All of the Paperwork

A good pool builder will be able to provide plenty of material with good information on everything to do with the process. Read all of the materials so you are well-educated, this includes any contracts you are required to sign. Do not sign anything you are not comfortable with.

Know Your Rights

This goes hand in hand with reading everything. It is important to make note of what you can do should a problem arise or in the event that the contract is breeched for some reason by the builder.

Are They Insured

Ask if the builder is insured and ask to see a copy of the liability insurance, worker’s comp, and a state contractor’s license to be sure they are operating legally and all workers are covered by the company while on your property.

For more information about pools and pool maintenance, and our professional pool services in Lake Havasu City please contact us at any time.

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Chlorine or Bromine- What is the Better Choice for a Pool?

12/19/2020

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Chlorine and Bromine are both chemicals used in pool and hot tub water care, but which is the better choice to put in your pool or hot tub to keep the water safe to be in?

First let’s take a look at what the differences are between these two chemicals.

Chlorine
Chlorine used for pool and spa care dissolves rapidly and more quickly gets to the work of sanitizing water. Chlorine can be used in a few different forms to keep swimming water clean. The most common include tablets or sticks in floating dispensers, in line or offline chlorine feeders, and directly placing chlorine in the skimmer basket (this is not the most recommended method). Chlorine granules can also be dissolved in a bucket of water and poured around a pool.

What Chlorine Does: chlorine oxidizes the contaminants in water and kills bacteria from the inside of their body. As the chlorine is working, it turns into waste called chloramines. Chloramines are what produce the “bleach smell” around a pool.

The Advantages of Using Chlorine

Chlorine is less costly than bromine
Chlorine can be protected from the sun’s UV rays with stabilizer
Chlorine is more powerful in oxidizing
Chlorine is an oxidizer and sanitizer

The Cons of Using Chlorine

In turbid waters it is less effective
Potential odor and taste
Lower protection against protozoa bacteria

Bromine
The chemical reactions caused by bromine take a little longer to get to work as compared to chlorine. Bromine comes in the form of 1” tablets meant to be used in a feeder or floating dispenser. Bromine can also be placed in a skimmer basket, but will take longer to dissolve. Bromine tablets work best when they are in a bromine feeder and water is rushing over the tablet to help it dissolve.

What Bromine Does: bromine ionizes the contaminants in pool and hot tub water and reverses the polarity of the chemical bonds. A large amount of the bromine in the water remains active after attacking water contaminants. Some people believe bromine to be a more stable sanitation method for water.

The Advantages of Using Bromine

Bromine is effective in higher pH levels
Stable in higher water temperatures

Bromamines retain killing power after attacking bacteria
It does not gas off the water surface
It can be reactivated with granular oxidizer also known as shock

Cons of Bromine

More costly
Not as easy to find in a store
Not as stable in the sun

So Which is Better for Your Pool or Hot Tub?
If you have a pool of considerable size it is best to use chlorine. In smaller pools and in hot tubs bromine is a good solution for swimmers that are sensitive to chlorine.

The answer is really dependent upon your pool and your particular lifestyle and needs. If you prefer to have a lower maintenance sanitizing method then chlorine is the better choice as it is easier to more quickly raise and lower chlorine levels requiring less water testing. Those swimmers with a sensitivity to chlorine that swim frequently may benefit from the use of bromine.

For indoor pools that do not get much sunlight, bromine is more effective. This is due to the fact that once bromine begins reacting with bacteria in the water it does not produce gas off the surface of the water the way chlorine does when it becomes a chloramine. This reduces the smell and irritation as things get “trapped” inside.

For more information on pool care or help with pool maintenance in Lake Havasu City please contact us any time.

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A Daily, Weekly, and Monthly Pool Maintenance Schedule

11/23/2020

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With the COVID stay at home measures many people in warmer climates like here in Lake Havasu City sought out to buy homes with private pools or to build a brand new pool in their backyard so they can enjoy swimming on their own terms.

After your pool is constructed or you move into a home with a swimming pool for the first time, you will want to do everything you can to keep that pool in top condition and the water clean and safe to swim in. To do this there is daily, weekly, and monthly upkeep tasks that should be performed. These tasks should be done regardless of how often the pool is used. Even if no one has been in the pool for a few weeks, proper maintenance should be performed, because your pool is still exposed to outside contaminants.

Keeping a pool in good condition and the water clean is not a difficult task as long as it is met with consistency. Here is a daily, weekly, and monthly pool maintenance guide to help pool owners stay on top of keeping their pools in top shape.

Daily

Skimming: Getting out the net and skimming the pool for debris should be done every day. Sometimes this needs to be done multiple times a day.
Brushing- After skimming the pool for large debris the sides/walls and floor of the pool should be brushed for any clumps of dirt. Brushing the pool also helps prepare for vacuuming.

Twice a Week

Check the pH levels. This will help ensure the water is properly balanced. It should be between 7.2 and 7.7
Cleaning the Skimmer Basket: The skimmer basket should be removed and cleaned to keep the circulating water clean. If it seems like the pool needs more frequent skimming with a net check the skimmer basket more often.

Weekly

Algaecide: at least once a week the pool should have a dose of algaecide and clarifier. This will kill algae without ruining pool tiles and it will keep the water from becoming cloudy.
Chemicals: pools use chlorine to kill the bacteria in the water and keep it safe to swim in. It is critical to have the level of chlorine in balance so that the water is kept sanitized but does not irritate the eyes and respiratory system of swimmers.
Vacuum: suck out all of the debris at the bottom of the pool after brushing the walls and bottom once a week. Investing in a robotic vacuum will free up some time from doing it yourself.
Clean the Pool Deck: the stuff hanging out on the pool deck ends up in the pool. Keep the pool deck clean to help minimize what gets in the pool.

Monthly

Clean the Filter: This is usually monthly but really depends on how long the filter has operated since the last cleaning. The indicator of when to backwash is when the gauge reads between 5-10 psi higher or is very low.
Shocking: This is when the chlorine level in the pool is raised to 5 to 10 ppm to make sure all algae and bacteria are eradicated. This will also break up any combined chlorine.
Prevent Ring Around the Pool: Clean the water line on the pool walls and use a scrubby sponge to clean the throat and well of the skimmer to prevent unsightly ring around the pool.

Yearly

Dive and Slide Surfaces: These surfaces can get a buildup of gunk and make them slippery. They should be cleaned annually to keep them safe. While cleaning check for loose bolts and the overall working condition.
Check the Pool Cleaner: once a year make sure the parts are in good shape and functioning as they should
Thorough filter clean: filters should be removed and deep cleaned once a year. They should be hosed down and then soaked in a filter cleaner.
Pump: check the pump and give it some yearly maintenance
to keep it running properly.

Keeping up a pool is not hard work, but it is a significant amount of work. With the right routine you can cut down on how much time this will take you. Some people opt to save time by hiring a professional to help with all or some of the maintenance.

For pool maintenance in Lake Havasu City contact My EverClear Pool any time.
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How to Have a Pool If You're Allergic to Chlorine

10/26/2020

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Salt chlorinators can provide a solution for swimmers who are sensitive to liquid chlorine or are allergic to it and suffer adverse effects from swimming in chlorine. The advantages of using salt to sanitize a pool are numerous beyond just offering an alternative for sensitive skin.

Allergic or sensitive reactions to chlorine can bring on many different symptoms. Some of them can include red or irritated skin, itchy skin, or even sniffles and breathing problems. These reactions do not commonly appear right away at exposure to chlorine. In most cases adverse reactions and symptoms are experienced a few hours later. If you have experienced unpleasant symptoms you feel are a result of swimming in chlorine, it is best to consult a doctor so they can help to diagnose the issue and determine if you do in fact have an allergy or sensitivity to chlorine.

In some cases, people spend their entire childhood as frequent swimmers with no problems and develop chlorine sensitivities later in life.

Read More: How to Care for a Pool Naturally

The best way to continue to enjoy swimming is for those sensitive to liquid chlorine to swim in pools with a salt chlorinator. Salt chlorinators produce natural chlorine by applying an electrical current that is of low voltage and turns the salty water in the pool into water with free chlorine that kills all organic matter in the pool without causing harsh side effects to swimmers.

Salt Water Pool Maintenance
A salt water pool is similar to a traditional chlorine pool in that you add salt regularly like you would chlorine. The difference is you add salt, not chlorine, and you add it to the salt chlorinator for it to turn the salt into natural chlorine. Some people are concerned their pool will feel like the ocean after converting it to a salt system, but the salt needed to chlorinate and keep pool water clean and balanced works out to be less salt than what is present in human tears. Most people don’t even realize the salt is in the pool. Some people with salt water pools like the way that the salt water feels on their skin saying it has a softer feel than traditional chlorinated water.

If you are having skin issues every time you go swimming, you may want to look into converting your home pool to a salt chlorinator system after taking a visit to the doctor of course.

For more information on pool maintenance or for professional pool maintenance services in Lake Havasu City please contact us any time.

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Educational Pool Games for Back to School

9/21/2020

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Now that the kids have been back to school for a little while we thought we would share some fun pool games you can play with them to help them become stronger in some of the skills they are learning in school.

Here are some fun educational games to play in the pool.

Word Hunt

Buy a couple of packs of sponges and write random letters on each one with a large permanent marker. To be able to create more letters you can cut the sponges down to smaller sizes if you wish. Have your kid(s) grab a specific number of sponges after you say go. You can play a second way by having them grab as many sponges as they can in a certain time period. When they have all of their sponges, see how many words they can create.

Pool Noodle Counting

This can be a fun math game for younger kids. Purchase a pool noodle and cut it into ten equal rings. Write the numbers from one through ten on each ring, you can buy more noodles and write more numbers if you wish. Throw the rings in the pool and have your kids collect and put numbers in order, count by twos, by threes, find two numbers that add up to a number you call out, etc.

Treasure Hunt

Grab a handful or two of spare change and throw it in the pool. Tell your kids they can keep all of the money they find if they add it up themselves and get the right amount. Change is a great way to count by fives, tens, twenty-fives, and of course ones.

Whirlpool/Wavepool

This is a game best played with several people. Kids love how they can generate enough power to change the flow of the water in the pool. Smaller pools are easier to accomplish the task.

-Whirlpool: have everyone circle around the outside edge of the pool in the same direction for at least three or four minutes. With enough people this will cause a current that creates a water tornado in the middle and sort of carries everyone along with the current.
-Wavepool: this works really well with boogie boards, but can also be accomplished by just moving your arms back and forth just under the water’s surface without breaking the surface tension.

Boat Race

Have each kid create their own boat that floats and line them up in the pool. Give every boat builder a straw and see who can sail their boat from end of the pool to the other by blowing through the straw to push the boat. It’s a fun science lesson.

For more great pool tricks and care information please browse our website. For professional pool maintenance in Lake Havasu City please contact us anytime.

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What Type of Pool is Best for My Home

8/17/2020

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Many people right now are interested in investing in a backyard swimming pool to have their own private oasis to cool down on hot days. Installing an inground pool in your yard is a large expense so you want to be sure you are making the best decision with your hard-earned money.

To help decide what type of pool would be best for your home, let’s take a look at the most common types of inground pools.

Vinyl Liner Pools

Pros: This inground pool is one of the least expensive options. The material cost is lower than other options and can save around $5,000 to $10,000 compared to a fiberglass pool. A vinyl liner also allows you to pick almost any shape and size of pool you can imagine. Today’s vinyl liner options allow you to make the pool as deep, curvy, or large as you would like.

Cons: The biggest disadvantage of a vinyl liner inground pool has got to be its lifespan. The liner material is a polymer that will break down over time and need replacement. The liner is easier to tear and it can come undone at the top seems causing it to sink into the water. The average expected lifespan of a vinyl inground pool liner is 7 to 12 years and the average cost of liner replacement can be anywhere from $3,000 to 7,000 depending on how large the pool is and how uniquely it is shaped.

Concrete Pools

Pros: Concrete pools, also known as gunite pools, are probably the most common type you see. One of the best features of installing a concrete pool is the ability to design and customize it specifically how you want including size, depth, and shape. Concrete pools are very nice to look at and elevate the luxe of your backyard, because of this they can bring a lot of added value to a home.

Cons: Concrete pools are sometimes considered high-maintenance. These type of pools need more chemicals and brushing to keep them clean and every 8-15 years the concrete will need a resurface. In addition to more upkeep some say that concrete pools can be rough on the feet when you are in the pool for several hours. If you decide on a saltwater pool this will cause the concrete to need resurfacing much sooner.

Fiberglass Pools

Pros: Fiberglass pools are much lower maintenance than other types of inground pools. Their smooth and non-porous finish makes it hard for things like algae to grow on the surfaces. Fiberglass pools require a much shorter construction period and some can be installed in as little as five days. Some of the newest fiberglass pools offer a 35 year lifespan.

Cons: One of the major disadvantages of a fiberglass pool is the liner needs to be constructed off site and transported in one massive piece from the factory to your home. This puts a limit on the size of the pool. If you want a swimming pool larger than 40 feet by 16 feet, a concrete pool would be a better option for you. Another disadvantage is that you will have to pick from pre-designed shapes made by the pool company. This is not the best pool if you are hoping for a custom shape.

For more great information on pools and pool care please check out our site. For professional pool maintenance in Lake Havasu City please contact us any time.

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Using a Swimming Pool Chiller to Keep Cool

5/15/2020

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An over-heated pool is more than just a bummer when you are trying to cool down on a hot summer day. Pool water that is too warm is a maintenance nightmare and is a favored home of bacteria and algae. One way pool owners keep their pool cool is with a pool water chiller.

Here is a closer look at what pool chillers are and how they can be beneficial to your pool during the summer.

What is a Swimming Pool Chiller?
A pool water chiller helps to cool down the temperature of the pool water by pulling the excess heat out. Pool chillers come as stand alone units and also come included in some heat pump units. Heat pumps with chillers will have a reverse switch or optional chilling feature. There are many different options in a variety of sizes and prices.

Why A Chiller is a Good Idea
The biggest reason to purchase a chiller, of course, is for the comfort of swimmers using the pool. Nobody wants to swim in a hot pool.

Other great reasons and benefits of investing in a pool chiller include:

The efficiency of your chlorine: Chlorine is not as helpful to your pool water at higher water temperatures. The warmer the water is the more chemicals you will need to use in your pool.
Less Algae: Algae loves warm water. Lowering the pool temperature will greatly help to slow algae growth.
Less evaporation: Pool water is always going to evaporate, but colder water evaporates much more slowly.

Do You NEED a Pool Chiller?
If you are constantly battling high water temperatures in your pool, have heat-related maintenance issues like constant recurring algae blooms, live in an area prone to extreme heat, or the pool is in direct sunlight all day a pool chiller is definitely worth considering. Is it needed? There might be others ways to fix these issues, but a chiller requires the least amount of labor.

How Much Do Pool Chillers Cost?
This will depend on a few factors of your pool including the size, as well as if you choose a stand-alone model or combo heat pump and chiller. The best way to ensure you are purchasing the right pool chiller within your budget is to talk to a pool maintenance professional.

Other Ways to Beat the Heat in Your Pool
If you are not quite sure about investing in a pool chiller some other options to help cool down your pool include:

Water Features: waterfalls and fountains are pretty and fun, but they aren’t just for decoration. They help to keep the water moving which in turn keeps the pool temperature down a bit.
Air Flow: Let the air flow around the surface of the pool. Take down anything that could be blocking a nice summer breeze from reaching the water. Keep in mind though, this will up the evaporation rate.