Swimming Pool Materials
Above ground and semi-inground pools are primarily made from steel, aluminum, or resin. Below are a few pros and cons for each type of pool material.
- Steel is the least expensive, heaviest, and most solid of all the materials. They may take a long time to rust. They are susceptible to corrosion and oxidation, though. To combat this, many manufacturers will coat the bottom of the pool with resin or epoxy, behind its liner.
- Like steel, aluminum is rust-resistant but equally susceptible to corrosion and oxidation. Aluminum is more flexible and lighter than steel. As a result, it is much easier to install, disassemble, and work with overall. However, because aluminum pool walls are riveted together, problems can arise if sealed incorrectly.
- Though the most expensive option, resin does not corrode, oxidize, rust, or heat up. Whether it’s the overall material of the pool or only used for certain components (rims, beams, walls, etc.), you’ll find industrial resin on most top-of-the-line pools. Salt systems require resin – not steel – to prevent rust.
- Hybrid pools combine industrial resin on top with metal pillars for a more durable, affordable option.
Common Pool Equipment
Installing the best pool equipment will bring peace of mind, knowing your pool will run smoothly and look fantastic season after season.
Pool Pumps: One of the most important pieces of equipment is your pool pump, because without the water being moved through the other parts of the system, things begin to fall apart fast. We understand how important the pumping equipment is to your entire filtration and sanitation system, which is why we create some urgency around orders for new pool pumps or pool pump parts.
Pool Filters: Without a pool filter to remove the millions of visible and invisible particles from your pool water, your pool would quickly become cloudy and soon after turn much worse. The second most important piece of pool equipment is your pool filter – sand, cartridge or D.E. filters. And much like the pump, when the pool filter is not operating correctly, things can go bad fast.
Chemical Feeders & Purifiers: Delivering a constant and consistent flow of sanitizer to your pool water is paramount to maintaining clean and clear water. Pool sanitation equipment includes tablet chlorinators, feeders and floaters, and salt water chlorine generators. Another important pool hardware category, when chemical feeders or salt cells stop producing chlorine, your other pool filter can’t keep up!
Pool Heaters – Gas, Electric, Solar: For some, a pool heater is considered an optional luxury, while for others they can’t imagine their pool without their favorite equipment for the pool, a gas heater, solar heater or pool heat pump. Many pool owners add pool heaters when the pool is built, but they can be added to the pool system at any time, for longer seasons and more pool use.
Pool Cleaning Equipment: Another possibly optional pool equipment item for some is an automatic pool cleaner. We also have manual pool cleaning tools, but for automatic pool vacuums, pool owners look to robotic cleaners, suction cleaners and pressure pool cleaners. Pool cleaners could be your pool equipment’s best friend!
Pool products like these continually collect dirt, leaves, bugs and everything else you don’t want in the water, such as algae, bacteria and other germs that can flourish in unfiltered, uncirculated and untreated swimming pools. Even pool components you don’t think much about such as a pool heater and pool cleaner are sometimes essential for pool water that is refreshing, inviting and safe for swimming.
