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Spring Opening TipsSpacer

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The ABC of Pool CareSpacer

All About Pool ChemicalsSpacer

How To Cure AlgaeSpacer

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Water Quality & Mechanical Pool Questions!

Common Product Questions
[Chemicals] [Pool Covers] [Pumps & Filters] [Pool Cleaners]
[Pool Steps] [Safety Products] [Pool Liners] [General Questions]

Chemicals:

Which products work with Revacil?
The following chemicals are compatible with REVACIL: All In One Algaecide, Algaecide Concentrate, PH Plus, PH Minus, Total Alkalinity Increaser, Calcium Hardness Increaser, Chlorine Neutralizer, Super Water Clarifier, Ultimate Water Clarifier, Drop Down, Metal Control, Super Metal Control, Ultimate Metal Control, Ultimate Metal Control+Salt Solution, Stain Gone, Super Stain Gone, Stop Stains, Iron & Cobalt Remover, Filter Renew, Filter Clean, Spray & Rinse, Tile & Liner Cleaner, Party Pool, Stop Foam, Natural Oil & Scum Remover, Phos-Phade. NOTE: PoolGear Plus does not supply shock for REVACIL as it is Hydrogen Peroxide based and must be purchased locally.

Which is better, Chlorine Sticks or Tabs?
Either will work fine. The sticks are designed to dislove slower and are ideal for commercial pools, or for chlorinating over a long period of time such as a vacation.

How many tabs do I put in a floating or in-line chlorinator?
The rule is 1 tab per 5,000 gallons of pool water.

Do I still use Chlorine with NATURE 2?
Yes, but you can cut chlorine use by 75%.

How do I choose the right Algaecide?
There is always a specific algaecide for a specific algae problem. Call our PoolGear Plus Technical Representatives at 888-718-7946 for a proper solution.

How do I get rid of a pool stain?
Every stain is different! The first step is to identify the type of stain you have. Stain removal without this information can be very expensive and time consuming. Once you have the results, call a PoolGear Plus Technical Representative at 888-718-7946 for proper solution to the stain.

What is the difference between In-Line and Off-Line Automatic Chlorinators?
In-Line chlorinators are plumbed in-line after the filter and before the water return with 1 1/2" pvc pipe. These are the easiest to install as long as you have space to place it in-line with your existing plumbing. Where space is a problem, an Off-Line may suit your needs, as it can be plumbed in away from the equipment and connected by tapping and drilling into the water feed line.
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Pool Covers:

How long does it take to get a custom pool cover quote?
PoolGear Plus will quote any custom cover! You can download the appropriate form from our website, whether it is a Saftey cover, In-Ground Winter or Mesh cover within 48 hours of receipt of your completed dimensional drawing.

Are Silver Diamond Solar covers better than standard solar covers?
The silver backing reflects the heat retained in the pool water back into the pool, keeping the water warmer, longer. Solar covers can give you up to 15% heat gain, but tend to loose more without the lining to reflect heat back into the pool.

Why does my Solar Cover break down so quickly?
Poor pool chemistry is the most common cause of cover de-lamination and lose of bubble surface. Too much or too little chlorine will break the cover material down very quickly while exposed to the sun. Covers are warranty for seam splitting only. Always keep your pool chemistry in balance. Refer to the "A,B,C's" of pool chemistry.

How effective is the Tropical Fish Liquid Solar Cover?
Tropical Fish can raise the temperature of your pool water by up to 15%. It is completely safe, non toxic and should last up to 30 days.

What is the difference between the 8, 10 and 12 year warranty winter covers?
Winter covers are not known for their thickness in MILS or GUAGE, but rather for their style of stitching design. 8 year covers have an 8 stitch per inch weave with a 45 micron coating. 10 year covers have a 12 stitch per inch weave with a 55 micron coating, and a quadruple sewn edgeing for superior strength. All winter cover warranties are pro-rated after the first 2 years. 12 year winter covers are similar to the 10 year, but also have aluminum grommets instead of brass to help them last longer.

Does the Blanket Handler Kit come with the Reel?
Yes! The reel comes complete with Velcro fasteners and straps for the in-ground reels, and rope for the above-ground reels.
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Pumps & Filters:

Will my existing hoses fit a new pump and filter setup?
Above ground pumps and filters are setup for 1 1/4" PVC pipe, but can be converted with standard 1 1/4" to 1 1/2" unions from your local plumbing supply for greater water flow. In-Ground pumps and filters come standard with 1 1/2" fittings, unless it is a commercial installation which requires 2" pipe.

How big a pump do I need for my above-ground or in-ground pool?
If there are no gas or solar heaters installed, an above-ground pool will typically need no more than 1 hp (3/4 hp can easily be used with less than 10,000 gallons of pool water.) An In-ground pool without spa or heater up to 25,000 gallons can easily be run with 1 hp. Depending on filter size, 1 1/2 hp is very standard. Large motors will accually REDUCE suction and are not recommended unless there is a specific need, such as a long water run or sever ellevation difference between the pump and the pool. Consult with your PoolGear Plus Technical Representative at 888-718-7946 for details.

Which is the best filter, and what size do I need?
Sand filters: They are the least expensive and least effective. They require backwashing to clean.
16" size is good for up to 15,000 gallons
21" size for up to 24,000 gallons
23" size for up to 26,500 gallons
Cartridge Filters: The most common of the pool filters. It is easily cleaned by removing the filter element and washing it with a hose. Replacement elements are available.
25 square foot cartridge is good for up to 12,000 gallons
50 square foot for up to 20,000 gallons
100 square foot for up to 35,000 gallons
DE Filters: These are the best filters and are the most expensive, but give superior filtering of your pool water. They require backwashing to clean, and will require the addition of DE Powder from time to time.
50 square foot filter good for up to 24,000 gallons
75 square foot for up to 36,000 gallons

How much sand does my sand filter take?
The amount of sand required is approximately the diameter of the tank in inches x 10 ( 16" tank x 10 = 150 to 160 lbs of sand ).
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Pool Cleaners:

What is the difference between the Baracuda Alpha 3 and Baracuda G3?
The Alpha 3 has an external body with a step guard. It will not have the potential to get stuck as much as other cleaners.

Which automatic pool cleaner will work on my pool walls?
The Tiger Shark automatic cleaner will clean the walls of your pool effectively. Other makes may or may not, and can not be guaranteed to do this job as well.

Do vacuum heads come with poles?
No! All vacuum heads are sold seperately.

How much hose comes with my automatic pool cleaner?
Above-Ground cleaners come with 25 feet, and In-Ground cleaners come with 40 feet of hose.

How much hose do I need for my pool?
The best way to determine this is to measure from the skimmer to the furthest point of the pool the cleaner must reach, and add 6 feet. If the length is longer than the cleaner comes with initially, you can purchase 3 foot extensions. If your pool requires less hose than is supplied, remove sections accordingly for best results.

Which is the best cleaner for my pool?
Unfortunately there is no specific answer to this question! The best starting point is to choose a cleaner based on the finish of your pool. Automatic cleaners are available for Vinyl, Concrete/Marcite or Fiberglass pool surfaces. Based on obstructions such as ladders and steps may also have a bearing on the most suited. Check with a PoolGear Plus Technical Representative at 888-718-7946 for answers to these questions.
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Pool Steps & Slides:

Will any of the PoolGear Plus steps fit my in-ground pool?
Yes! PoolGear Plus now has specific steps for both above-ground and in-ground applications. These steps should NOT be used in applications other than recommended in the descriptions given.

What is the typical weight limit for your steps and slides?
The weight limit for steps and slides is 200 to 250 lbs max. More than this on any of these products is not suggested.
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Safety Questions:

What is the weight restriction on the children's Tugboat Float?
Tugboat floats are sufficient for children up to 45 lbs.

What ages do the Children's Protective Swimwear fit?
Children's protective swimwear are measure by the child's size, and comes in size ranges from:
X Small = sizes 2 to 3 and 22 to 35 lbs in weight
Small = sizes 4 to 6 and 33 to 65 lbs in weight
Medium = sizes 7 to 8 and 55 to 75 lbs in weight
Large = sizes 11 to 12
X Large = sizes 13 to 14

Do Pool Alarms run on batteries, and if so, how long will they last?
Yes, batteries come with all pool alarms and should last at least the season.
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Pool Liners:

What is the difference between "BEADED", "J_HOOK" and OVERLAP" pool liner styles?
A beaded liner fits within a grooved track around the perimeter of the pool wall. A "J" hook liner has an upper lip which looks like an upside-down "J" that clips over an aluminum extrusion. The coping is installed over top. An overlap liner fits over the top of the wall edge and is held in place with coping strips of 2 or 4 foot lengths.
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General Questions:

Mailing Lists: Why is my name still on your mail list after I have asked for it to be removed
Once you request your name to be removed from our mail lists, it will be coded accordingly in our database. The mail lists are purged three times a year. Catalogs are pre-printed which means you will probably receive 3 to 4 additional catalogs after your request.

Do you install any of your products?
PoolGear Plus is a catalog company, and as such, we do not install any product. All sales are handled from our Corporate offices in Clearwater Florida. We recommend that you obtain the appropriate assistance for installation of your PoolGear Plus products on a local level.

Why are you charging me $8.99 when you advertise FREE SHIPPING?
PoolGear Plus charges a HANDLING fee of $8.99 on any order, regardless of how many items are included with the order. PoolGear Plus does however, pay for the UPS SHIPPING charges for all the items ordered.

What are your shipping options?
PoolGear Plus ships by UPS Ground. If requested to do so, we will ship by UPS Air - next day, 2nd day or 3rd day, but will charge your order with these extra shipping fees plus the $8.99 handling. Most items can be shipped by air, however, chemicals and larger equipment will not be shipped by this means. Check with your PoolGear Plus Customer Service Representative for details. Large items such as heaters and slides will be shipped by a common carrier that delivers in your area. There will be no extra shipping charges for this service. Please refer to our ORDER INFORMATION page for more details.

How long has PoolGear Plus been in business?
PoolGear Plus and it's parent company Pinch-A-Penny have been in business since 1975.



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Above-Ground Pools | Alternative Sanitizers | Automatic Pool Cleaners | Chemical Feeders | Chemicals | Garden Ponds | Ice Rinks & Winter Toys | Ladders and Steps | Liners | Maintenance and Cleaning | Pool and Deck Accessories | Pool and Deck Paint | Pool Filters | Pool Heaters | Pool Pumps | Safety Covers | Solar Products | Spa Supplies | Swimming Pool Cleaners | Tanning Beds | Toys and Floats | Safety Pool Covers  
Winter Covers and Chemicals | Clearance Items

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