Download The Ultimate Spring Pool Opening Checklist Today!

It’s that wonderful time of the year! The sun has returned, temperatures are starting to become more seasonal, and your swimming pool is almost ready to be opened for Summer again. Before you can invite the neighbourhood over for a swim though, there are a few things that will need to be done to ensure that your pump, filtration system and heater are running properly and the chemicals in your water are balanced.

To ensure you're ready to open your pool like a pro this year, click here to head over to our Opening Checklist page and download your copy now!

How Solar Covers Save You Money While Maximizing The Use of Your Swimming Pool

When you’re getting ready for an impromptu pool party the last thing you want to worry about is balancing your chemicals or unexpected energy costs. That’s why a solar cover from Pool Supplies Canada is a perfect decision for your swimming pool and your wallet.

Our Favourite Toys and Inflatables for Summer 2022

Ditch the long drives, longer lines, and theme park ticket fees with our top inflatable picks that will transform your backyard into paradise! Escaping the heat has truly never been easier or more stylish than with Pool Supplies Canada’s top picks for toys and floats.

Pool Supplies Canada's Must-Have Pool Opening Accessories

Give yourself a break this Spring by having the correct tools for whatever problems you face. Taking care of little problems as they arise during pool opening will save you time and effort as the Summer progresses. In fact, the most common troubles that pool owners face usually start creeping up at the start of pool season, or even during the Winter.

Pool Supplies Canada's Chemical Cheat Sheet

Warm weather is just around the corner, and before you know it, you’ll be poolside on a hot Summer day! You’ll want to have icy drinks, awesome tunes, and your water chemistry sorted out for the opening weekend. We can’t make you that perfect daiquiri, but Pool Supplies Canada does offer a range of high-quality chemicals.

Whether you’re diving deep into pool maintenance for the first time or looking for a quick refresher, let’s explore each of the Pool Supplies Canada chemicals.

Why You Should Consider Replacing Your Pool Equipment Early in the Spring

Pool season is right around the corner as Winter blossoms into Spring! Getting your equipment ready for a Summer full of splashes is one of the best ways to welcome warmer weather. However, equipment hiccups can hold the Summer fun and interrupt the pool season.  

Enzymes in Spas and Hot Tubs - 21st Century Hot Tub Water Maintenance

When it comes to maintaining hot tub water, chlorine and bromine-based programs are 1970's technology that were originally designed for cooler temperature swimming pools. Today, all-natural enzyme products are considered the latest technology to provide clean, clear, luxurious and environmentally friendly water in a hot tub.

Get Ready for Winterizing With Our Pool Closing Checklists!

As the Summer months get closer and closer to ending, it's time to start thinking about pool closing and stocking up on your Winterizing essentials. Whether you're a first time pool owner closing down your pool for its first Winter, or a long time pool owner, our pool closing checklist is sure to have one or two tips on it you may not have considered!

Fun Things to Do Outside the Pool With Noodles This Summer!

When most people think of pool noodles, the first thing that comes to mind is swimming - but there are so many other fun activities, crafts and things to do with noodles when outside of the pool. Here are a few new fun and interesting other ways you can use your pool noodles at home this Summer while keeping dry!

How You Can Adapt to the 2021 Chlorine Shortage

Backyard pools have provided homeowners relief during the COVID-19 pandemic. It's safe to say that pools across the country have worked overtime to make up for closed gyms and cancelled vacations. But the extraordinary measures needed to slow the virus have impacted all industries and pool suppliers are no exception.

You may already be aware of the chlorine shortage that stretches back to last year, but do you know what is behind that shortage? We'll explain and also help you prepare for the 2021 pool season.

UV Sanitizing Products: How They Keep Your Water Safe

It seems amazing that sunlight, the warmth we take for granted can be used to destroy germs in our pools, in our drinking water and on surfaces like hospital equipment. People are often surprised to learn that chlorine and other chemicals are not the only options to keep pool water clean. Read on if you are curious about how UV purifiers work and whether they can eliminate specific germs, viruses and bacteria from your water.

5 Surprising Facts About Pool Chemicals

Pool chemicals are most often thought of as a means to an end, just one way to get a healthy, happy pool to enjoy your summer days in. But, there’s more to pool chemicals than that. Some are known for creating exquisite beauty, some were collected as a mysterious purple liquid from shellfish, and yet others are developing a bad reputation they just don’t deserve. Test your pool chemical knowledge with these interesting facts.

The Benefits of Swimming in the Winter

Experts have long touted the benefits of swimming to help increase endurance and cardiovascular health, build muscle, improve sleep quality, lower blood pressure and manage a wide range of health issues such as arthritis and asthma. Swimming can also boost your mood and reduce anxiety and stress.

Creative and Alternative Uses for Pool Noodles

When most people think of pool noodles, the first thing that comes to mind is swimming - but did you know that there are several other creative and alternative uses for these versatile products? Here are just a few of the many fun and interesting other ways you can use your pool noodles at home, outside of the pool!

How to Recover Your Pool After a Flood

Heavy rain storms and flooding in most parts of Canada are rare, but in the unfortunate event your yard is flooded, Pool Supplies Canada has you covered with tips on how to clean and recover your pool after a flood incident! Our pool experts have put together this easy to follow, step-by-step guide outlining the courses of action to take to ensure your pool isn't permanently damaged by flood conditions.

The Best Summer Toys To Keep The Entire Family Entertained!

Summer isn't over yet! If you're hosting an outdoor pool party, the first thing on your checklist should be the best floaties! With endless options available, you have a very wide variety to choose from - from a giant floating pizza slice to a popsicle floaty! No matter what toys you choose, your guests will be able to lounge in style. Don't forget to grab your camera because pool floaties look great in photos.

Relax by the Pool This Summer with Our Poolside Classics Playlist

Now that the sun is shining and Summer has officially arrived, it's time to get out by the pool and relax! To celebrate the first day of Summer and get you started on your path to true pool-side bliss, Pool Supplies Canada has compiled a Spotify playlist containing a list of over 6 hours worth of Poolside Summer Classics!

What Accessibility Equipment is Right for Your Commercial Pool?

While the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) requires that all commercial pools provide those with disabilities an accessible way to enter and exit the pool, the requirements around accessibility equipment in commercial pools varies by location in Canada, which means you’ll need to check local rules and regulations.

The Pool Learning Curve

How long does it take to go from a pool rookie to a pro? Experience might be the best teacher but reading about basic pool knowledge here will save you some headaches and quickly elevate your pool knowledge. This guide answers some of the top questions new pool owners have.

What Size of Pool Heater do you Need?

Pool heaters allow you to open your pool earlier in the spring, and extend the swimming season well into the fall, but they are a large investment, so before running out to buy a pool heater you should spend a little bit of time doing research.

If you don’t choose the size of your pool heater carefully you could end up spending a lot of time and money down the line.

How to Save Money with a Variable Speed Pump

Single speed pool pumps are the most common type of pool pump around the world, but does that mean they are necessarily the best option? Well, they are certainly reliable but if you want to save on your energy bills and get even better performance from your pool pump you should consider a variable speed pump.

The Benefits of a Pool Safety Cover

When you aren’t using your pool for swimming and fun in the sun, it is important to cover it with a safety cover. Safety covers are light, yet extremely strong covers for inground pools. Of course, as the name suggests, safety covers enhance the safety features of your pool but they also bring several other benefits as well.

Tips for Installing a New Standard Bead Above Ground Liner

Every so often, or when you install your new above ground pool for the first time, you need to ensure your pool's liner is installed properly in order to hold the pool water in for years to come! These days, most above ground pool liners feature the standard bead connection style, which fits in to a track for easier installation. To help make the process of replacing or installing your liner yourself - and saving money in the process! - even easier, we've filmed this quick video outlining the steps required.

Landscaping Tips for Your New Inground Pool

Congratulations on adding a pool to your outdoor space! Once your pool is installed, the next challenge is landscaping. There are a lot of things to consider when landscaping around your inground pool, but when done right you’ll have the perfect focal point for your backyard. Here’s how to get started.

4 Ways to Make Your Swimsuit Last Longer

What are your pool chemicals doing to your bathing suit? While swimming is a lot of fun and a great way to cool down, the chemicals in the water can do a number on your bathing suit! Use these tips to prolong the life of your favourite swimsuits.

Top Poolside Accessories

While swimming is one of many people’s favourite summer activities, there’s nothing like spending time relaxing and visiting poolside, especially when you’ve got these amazing poolside accessories to help you relax:

Pool Safety Tips No One Talks About

Some pool safety topics go neglected, not because they aren’t important but because they’re complicated. Here are three pool related safety tips you’ll want to understand before you buy your chemicals or step back into your pool.

You CAN Install Your Own Above Ground Pool!

One of the questions we get most often at Pool Supplies Canada is "can I actually install my above ground pool myself?" and the answer to that question is YES! With a few extra sets of hands, you can definitely install your own above ground pool kit in your backyard. Recently, we collaborated with Jessica Vanderveen, a Canadian blogger and very hands-on Do-It-Yourselfer from Ottawa, Ontario to help her build her very own backyard oasis!

Why Switch to the DIVE System?

Tired of buying pool chemicals? Do you wish balancing your pool chemicals was easy? The DIVE system is the solution to these problems and more. DIVE is a self-powered all-in one smart system that will save you time and money, while allowing you to control your water quality through an app.

Pool Supplies Canada Featured on The Marilyn Denis Show!

Pool Supplies Canada is proud to have been featured on The Marilyn Denis show as part of their epic Summer stay-cation special episode. Click the link below to watch Owen Reeves talk about all of our latest and greatest floaties and inflatable toys, available in every shape and size, that we have on sale NOW!

Click Here to Watch Pool Supplies Canada on Marilyn Denis >

Pool Supplies Canada Featured on CityLine!

Pool Supplies Canada is proud to have been featured on CityLine TV as part of their epic Summer pool party special. Click the link below to watch the entire cast of the CityLine TV team talk about all of our latest and greatest floaties and inflatable toys, available in every shape and size, that we have on sale NOW!

Click Here to Watch Pool Supplies Canada on CityLine >

Chlorine or Salt Water?

When deciding to install (or possibly convert) a pool, you’re bound to come across this long-discussed question. Both chlorine, and salt water pools have their advantages and disadvantages when it comes to cost, maintenance, and health, so you’ll have to compare each and decide for yourself which is best for you.

4 Easy Ways to Keep Your Hot Tub Energy Costs Down

Hot tubs are known for being notoriously costly to operate, especially when the temperature drops in the Winter — but did you know there are a few simple things you can do to keep your energy costs in check?

Hot Tub Care 101

Now that the warm weather is behind us, nothing beats a relaxing soak in the hot tub or spa. To help you make the most of your hot tub this Fall and Winter, we've put together our top tips for spa maintenance, hot tub cover maintenance, balancing your chemicals and more - all in one helpful infographic. Click below to see the full image and check out the tips.

5 Reasons to Remodel or Build a Pool in the Fall

The hot Summer heat is fading and fall is fast approaching. You’re hosting your last barbeques of the season and are getting into the swing of the new school year. Soon, thoughts of summer will be out of sight and out of mind. But wait! Even though it’s too cold for a swim, the Fall is actually a great time to install a pool!

Whether you’re on the fence, or have already decided to install a new pool or remodel your outdated pool, here are five reasons why it’s better to install a pool in the fall than in Spring or Summer.

Everything You Need to Know About Safety Covers for Your Pool

When the hot sun is shining, there is no better place to be cooling off than your inground pool. Pools are a fantastic investment as they create a space for exercise, fun, socializing and making summer memories. However, when you aren’t using your pool it is important to keep it covered up. Covering your pool keeps people and animals around it safe. Safety covers protect from unexpected falls and keep debris out of the water, saving you cleaning and maintenance come spring.

8 Ways to Cozy Up Your Backyard for Fall

Fall has arrived, the air is crisp, the leaves are changing colours and it’s the perfect time of year to curl up with a hot drink and enjoy your backyard. If your backyard needs an update this fall then we’ve got some inspiration that will help you make your outdoor space as cozy as your living room.

Cool Pool Additions For Your Yard

Installing permanent fixtures like waterfalls, fountains, or a hot tub can make your swimming pool feel like the centre-piece of a resort. The only problem is that these changes take time, money, and a lot of space.

Looking for an easier way to transform your backyard pool? This list has everything from the practical to the luxurious.

Choosing the Right Winter Pool Cover

As the end of summer approaches, it’s time to start thinking about closing your pool. So, keep in mind that the pool cover you use will affect how you use your backyard in the winter, and how you’ll open your pool in spring.

For your consideration, we’ve reviewed the most common types of pool covers, so you can decide which best suits your lifestyle.

How to Keep Your Pool Clean While on Vacation

Thinking of going on vacation but worried about your pristine pool turning into a swampy mess? Follow these simple tips to keep your pool clean while you’re gone and you’ll come home to clean, clear water that’s ready for you to dive in and enjoy.

Gary Klutt at the Grand Prix Du Trois-Rivieres Race Recap

Trois Rivieres QC: Tough luck continued for the Klutt at GP3R resulting in a 13th place finish this past weekend at Canada’s oldest street circuit.

Klutt and the Poolsuppliescanada.ca team qualified 11th for the main event. “ We worked hard on the car in practice and figured that we should sacrifice a little bit of qualifying speed for a better long run race set up” said Klutt. By lap 4 of the race the teams hopes of a strong finish were in serious doubt, as a rear end leak resulted in gear oil being distributed to the rear tires all race.

Summer Isn't Over Yet - Check Out These 12 Super Funky Pool Floats!

Summer isn't quite over yet, and Pool Supplies Canada has teamed up with Elle Canada Magazine to put together a list of funky and fun pool floats the whole family can enjoy!

A Top 5 & 10 For Klutt at The Velocity Prairie Twin 100s in the PoolSuppliesCanada.ca Car

It was a good couple of races for Gary Klutt and the PoolSuppliesCanada.ca team. They were able to pull off a 5th and 10th place finish in the two races in Saskatoon. Klutt and the Poolsuppliescanada.ca team qualified 6th for the first race, and had a strong run on the way to a top 5 finish. “We had a really good car, and I may have played it a little conservative, but without a week before the next race, that’s the way you have to play it” said Klutt.

Gary Klutt Heads West for Two Races in the PoolSuppliesCanada.ca Car

Gary Klutt will make his Oval track debut for the 2017 Season in Saskatoon July 26th, 2017 in the PoolSuppliesCanada.ca #59 Dodge racing car with DJK Racing.

“I love racing at the Saskatchewan track… it’s a nice big oval with two lanes,” I couldn’t be more excited to get back to short track racing, and to do it in Saskatoon where the track and the fans are top notch is such a pleasure!"

Pool Supplies Canada Featured on CityLine!

Pool Supplies Canada is proud to have been featured on CityLine TV as part of their summer kick off special. Click the link below to watch DIY expert, Leigh-Ann Allaire Perrault, talk about all of the floaties and inflatable toys, available in every shape and size, that we have on sale NOW!

Click Here to Watch Pool Supplies Canada on CityLine >

25 Money Saving Ideas for Your Pool

Maybe the cost of maintaining your pool has got you stressed, or maybe you don’t realize how much you could be saving. Either way, following these tips will keep your pool and budget in good shape.

Download Our Ultimate Spring Pool Opening Checklist

It’s that wonderful time of year! The sun has returned, temperatures are seasonal and your swimming pool beckons to be opened for Summer once again. Before you can invite the neighbourhood over for a swim and BBQ, there are a few things that will need to be done to ensure that your pump, filtration system and heater are running properly and the chemicals in your water are balanced.

Click here to head over to our Opening Checklist page and download your copy now!

Tips to Make Pool Cleaning Easier

Summer is just around the corner. The sun is out, the rain has stopped and it is warming up. That means pool season is here. Want to spend more time swimming this year?

Now that beautiful weather has arrived, use your weekends to enjoy your pool – not cleaning it! We have tips to make pool cleaning faster and easier. And who doesn’t want that? Free up weekends to do the things you love. An automatic pool cleaner will let you focus on maintaining and using your pool.

How to Repair Green Hair After Swimming

Do you love to swim, but worry about your hair turning green afterwards? Green hair can happen to anyone, though it’s most commonly seen if you have light or blonde hair. Even those with dark hair can experience a green tint after swimming.

Hair turns green in the pool because the algae-killing copper particles become oxidized by chlorine and bind to the proteins in your hair. This chemical process can also happen in saltwater pools as there is still copper and chlorine working to keep bacteria out of the water.

The Mommy Moment Backyard Makeover With Pool Supplies Canada

Our friends at The Mommy Moment recently completed a backyard makeover, complete with a new pool from Pool Supplies Canada. To read all about their experience in choosing their new Creation above ground pool, preparing their ground work and completing the installation, and to see their finished backyard layout (complete with deck), click below to read the full article!

The 5 Best Spring Break Pool Toys for Kids

If you're on the hunt for pool games and toys for Spring Break, look no further! Pool Supplies Canada has the best and widest selection of pool toys, floats and games available online. So, what toys does your pool need for Spring and Summer fun? Here are our 5 picks for guaranteed fun!

Ontario Cutting Electricity Bills by 25 Per Cent

Starting this Summer, the Government of Ontario is going to be introducing a new Fair Hydro Plan that will cut the cost of hydro in households across the province by 25 per cent. What does this mean for you, the home pool owner? It means BIG savings in pool operations costs, including the cost to run your pump or heat your pool!

Customers using pool heating products such at the electric K-Star heater will see the biggest savings, as these electric resistance heating products typically have the highest running rates. Users of electric heat pumps will also see cost benefit, despite these heating products already being between 3 and 6 times more efficient then electric resistance heating units, such as the K-Star product.

6 Ways Your Hot Tub Can Improve Your Health

Our health and well-being is the most important thing we regularly neglect. We get caught up in our commitments and forget to take the time to take care of ourselves. Good news. You can start improving your well-being by soaking in a hot tub. In fact, it’s almost hard to believe you can enjoy the following benefits while relaxing, and doing nothing at all.

Relieve Back (and Other Muscle) Pain Naturally

Back pain is a common complaint as we age, and nearly everyone will experience it. Not only will regularly soaking in a hot tub decrease the intensity and duration of pain, it will also improve mobility. Heat relaxes the muscles and the jets amplify this relaxation with a massaging effect. Water also provides a gentle resistance, keeping your muscles from stiffening from inactivity. With regular use a hot tub will reduce your intake of anti-inflammatories and pain medication.

Amazing Reasons why Swimming is Good for your Heart

February is Heart Month, and if you’re looking for an exercise that improves your heart and lung capacity but is also easy on your body, look no further then your backyard swimming pool!

Swimming has been scientifically proven to improve your cardiovascular fitness, improve your blood pressure, help improve your overall fitness, and more – all while putting less strain on your connecting tissues then running, weight lifting or other forms of weight training typically do.

Extending Your Swimming Season - Some Surprising Facts

With the days of summer long gone, you may be wishing that you could somehow extend your swimming season into the fall and winter months (without having to move south for the winter). With our mild weather this year, is it possible to keep a pool open and running in November and December?

The Canadian climate can cause some problems when it comes to extending your swimming season. But you’ll find that with the right equipment you’ll be able to enjoy your pool even as the days grow shorter and the temperature drops. All you need to do is remember a few of these surprising facts.

Enjoy Your Hot Tub Over the Holidays!

Gone are the days of huge shopping lineups and holiday shopping stress — at least for some of the population. It’s not that they are scrooges who don’t want to buy for their loved ones, they’ve just discovered the best ways to shop for gifts online.

Pool Supplies Canada is a testament to this, as seen in our unique online hot tub accessory line up that debuted in 2009. Since then, we’ve expanded our catalog and continue to sell top of the line pool and hot tub products – our loyal customers will tell you our growth can be attributed to our easy ordering process, fast shipping times and the fact we have the best pricing in Canada.

Preparing Your Hot Tub For the Winter

Many Canadians know the joy of defying winter, heading outside in your swim trunks and slipping into a hot tub. Imagine the water’s heat relaxing your muscles; the air’s bracing cold as it carries snowflakes down to earth. For those who love the cold (or can’t afford another trip to Florida) a hot tub is an invigorating way to enjoy our long Canadian winter months.

We haven’t quite gotten to those frigid temperatures yet, but the cold and snow could come any day now. To really enjoy the snowy days, you’ll want to start prepping your hot tub - sooner rather than later if you haven’t done so already. Here’s why you should change your hot tub’s water before the temperature gets too cold.

The Worst Things to Find in Your Pool

Anyone whose job involves cleaning a pool knows there are some things that you just don’t want to see. For pool cleaners and pool owners alike, two of the worst (and most common) pool problems are:

Glass

Getting glass out of your pool can be a nightmare. Glass can get into the pool in any number of ways. Glass patio tables thrown by the wind (or a rambunctious party guest), broken eyeglasses, even lawn ornaments can all end up in your pool. But by far the most common way that glass gets into the pool, as you might expect, is in the form of broken bottles or drinking glasses - usually after a particularly rowdy house party.

Keeping Your Backyard Safe this Halloween

A certain amount of mischief accompanies Halloween. Even with a little good natured rule bending it’s important to take safety into account. For pool owners this means minimizing the risks associated with your pool. Eager trick-or-treaters will sometimes cut through back yards or hop fences in search of short cuts. In the dark, amidst the night’s excitement, not to mention vision obscuring masks, someone could easily fail to notice a dark pool covering.

To keep your backyard absolutely safe, even for intrepid and unexpected trick-or-treaters, we recommend purchasing a safety cover for your pool. Here’s why.

Other Pool Covers Don’t Match Up

A safety cover is the best option for maintaining a clean and safe pool area. Safety covers are designed to support a large amount of weight and do not have any spaces that a person or animal can slip through. Although it’s not recommended you can walk across a safety cover.

How to Choose the Best Pool Heater For You

If you’re a Canadian and you have a pool you should consider getting a pool heater! With a pool heater you will be able to swim more months of the year and later into the evening. Extending your pool season just makes sense, but with a variety of heaters on the market it is important to first consider which will work best for your pool. Here are some of the factors you should consider before choosing your pool heater.

1. Size Matters

Consider the size of your pool and the size of your heater as well as temperature you’re aiming for. A simple rules of thumb is that a large pool requires a larger heater (but keep in mind that a larger heater will cost more to operate).

The following chart will act as a guideline, but it’s still a good idea to talk to a specialist at Pool Supplies Canada if you’re unsure.

4 Things You Didn’t Know About How Safety Covers Are Made

Safety covers are the preferred choice of pool owners who want the safest, most cost effective method of protecting their pool in all seasons. Pool safety covers are highly resilient, and incredibly strong making them a top choice for Canadian pool owners.

Pool safety covers:

• - Can withstand the harsh Canadian winter including heavy snowfall and freezing temperatures
• - Support the weight of animals, people, and debris so you don’t have to worry about children or pets falling into your covered pool
• - Protect your pool lining from damage
• - Last much longer than regular pool covers
• - Remove the need to pump stagnant water off your pool cover in the spring when you open your pool (as is the case with standard tarps)
• - Require minimal upkeep
• - Are easy and fast to setup

Six Ways an Eliminator Winter Cover Makes Opening your Pool Easier

To most of us pools are symbols of relaxation. Little backyard oases. But you may feel differently if you are maintaining your own pool. Closing your pool for winter and opening it in the spring can be costly, stressful and expensive.

Fortunately, the Eliminator Winter Pool Cover has a simple solution. Down its centre the Eliminator has a mesh line designed to help the ice and snow melt, filtering that water back into your pool. Below are the top six reason why this simple design will save you time, money and energy when it comes to opening your pool in the spring:

1. No Standing Water

By filtering melted snow and ice through its mesh line you won’t need to worry about standing water on your pool cover. Removing standing water from a pool cover is necessary to maintain the cleanliness of your pool, but it can be a long, messy job. With the Eliminator, opening your pool is simple and safe. Unhook a few straps, take out some bolts and enjoy those hours you saved.

The Green Pool in Rio and What It Means for Your Own

Water was a concern heading into the Olympics in Rio de Janeiro. Visible garbage and sewage raised concerns about athletes competing in waterways surrounding the city. Last week, however, attention shifted to pool water. Overnight the Olympic diving pool transformed from a clear blue to a murky green.

So what happened? After some confusion Rio officials have confirmed exactly what happened. And it’s a lesson that pool owners should take to heart.

The Cause

Savvy pool owners might have assumed that the green and murky water resulted from algae growth. Initially algae was a suspected cause, but officials also suspected “a fall in alkalinity,” which would explain how the water colour could change so quickly, and why the neighbouring pool remained unaffected.

3 Easy Steps for a Cleaner Pool

Cleaning your pool might not be your idea of a perfect weekend, but it is important and is part of the responsibility that comes with owning a pool. A well maintained and clean pool prevents serious issues that could impact the health of swimmers. According to the Government of Canada, some of the more common illnesses that caused by unclean pool water include “ear infections, stomach infections, and skin rashes”.

Unclean swimming pools provide the perfect habitat for bacteria, viruses and other microorganisms that can be seriously detrimental to your health. Follow these simple steps to ensure your pool stays clean and healthy:

1. Prevent algae before it grows

Algae is usually the culprit when your pool water is cloudy, murky or off colour, and especially when it is green. Aside from being gross and uninviting, cloudy water is also downright dangerous. Algae growth also makes pool equipment and surfaces slippery, increasing the risk of falling – which is especially dangerous for children or seniors.

Dealing with algae is important in its own right, but algae can also lead to other major issues. Algae diminishes the effectiveness of sanitizers (like chlorine or bromine). Sanitizers have to be added in proportion to the amount of organic matter or bacteria that you need to kill. If your pool has algae then adding the usual amount of sanitizers will not kill all the bacteria.

Take it Easy this Summer with an Automatic Pool Cleaner

Owning a pool is much like owning a dog. They’re great to have around, especially when you want to unwind, but sometimes all the extra work that goes into them makes you question if it’s worth it. But of course it’s worth it, you wouldn’t trade your Sunday afternoon drifting in your pool any more than you would your four-legged friend.

Many pool owners are surprised to learn that pool maintenance doesn’t have to be as time consuming as one might think, especially when you use an automated pool cleaner.

There are three different types of automated pool cleaners. Suction pool cleaners use the suction line of your pool to propel themselves through the pool while at the same time scrubbing the dirt that can build along the floor.

Pressure pool cleaners attach to the pressure side of your pool’s circulatory system. The water that is pumped back into your pool propels the unit around. Unlike the suction pool cleaners, pressure side cleaners have their own filters.

Robotic pool cleaners are independent of your pool equipment and draw power from your home. This creates less wear and tear on your pool system and is more energy efficient. For these reasons, robotic cleaners are ideal for almost any pool.

Best Pool Toys for The Big Kid in All Of Us

Who says pools are for kids? These fun pool toys for adults will satisfy your inner child. Whether your plans include a quiet book while you float around or a boisterous game of pool volleyball, there’s something here for everyone.

Pool Volleyball Net

This pool toy is a classic for a reason, there’s no better way to liven up an afternoon by the pool than with a friendly game of pool volleyball. Not only is it a great work out, but your spikes and dives will look better in the pool than on land.

Sunchaser Molded Float Chair

Now you can set up a floating living room in your pool. This cozy chair has a molded frame and pontoon design and comes with a comfortable woven sling with a pillow. It’s perfect for relaxing or entertaining while you bob around.

Spa Bar

Tired of having to get out of your pool every time you need a new refreshment? Now you don’t have to. This floating inflatable spa bar will follow you around the pool or sit stably on your pool’s deck. It’s got built in cup and snack holders and room for lots of ice.

Quick Tips for Getting Your Pool Ready for Summer

Summer is just around the corner. That means lounging by the pool, kids splashing, swimming under the stars, and cannonballs. But first it means spring cleaning. Get ready for the summer with these quick tips for cleaning your pool!

Clean around your pool

Clean up any leaves, rocks, or other debris near your pool. Anything that might end up in the pool should be removed.

Check your pool supplies

Double check the expiry date on all your pool chemical containers. If anything is past the expiry date you should dispose of it safely and replace it immediately. Any chemicals that weren’t properly sealed over the winter should also be replaced.

Remove the pool cover

You may think it is a no brainer but removing your pool cover correctly is one of the most overlooked tips for cleaning your pool. Over the fall, winter, and early spring, snow and rain will accumulate on top of your pool cover. It is important that you avoid mixing this contaminated water with your pool water because it will contain plant matter, bird and animal excrement and other particles you don’t want to swim in.

Use a pump to remove the water safely. Then sweep, wash, and use pool tarp cleaner to sterilise your tarp before you pack it away.

5 Reasons You Need a Variable Speed Pump for Your Inground Pool

Owning a home is expensive, especially if yours includes amenities such as a pool. But you don’t have to give up your hard earned money at the expense of your summer fun. One of the best ways to save money on your inground pool is to switch from a single speed pump to a variable speed pump.

Differences between a single and variable speed pool pump

A pool pump is sort of like the heart of your pool. It sucks water in, pushing it through the filter and re-circulates it again, cleaner than before. Without your pump you would need to manually clean your pool of debris as well as add more chemicals in order to keep it hygienic and safe to swim in.

If you have a single speed pump for your pool then you’ll need to run the pump constantly, which will use a lot of electricity. In comparison, a variable speed pump adjusts the speed of the pump so that it’s not constantly working and therefore not using as much energy.

Variable speed pumps are eco-friendly because they use roughly 83 per cent less energy than a single speed pump. Variable speed pumps are so energy efficient that they save pool owners a lot of money over time.

7 Amazing Pool Products You Didn't Know Existed

Pool Supplies Canada offers the newest, top of the line pool supplies and accessories for less - including some amazing ones that you might not have known about, but soon won't be able to live without!

1. Variable Speed Pumps – are you struggling to come to terms with your energy bill? What if there was a way to reduce the amount of money you spend on heating and running your pool? With a variable speed pump you can slash your energy costs by 80% compared to a conventional pool pump.

2. Solar Pill is a liquid solar blanket which helps minimize heat loss due to evaporation. Solar Pill forms a harmless, ultra-thin, invisible barrier on the surface of the water which reduces evaporation. One capsule treats a 30,000-gallon pool for one month. Solar Pill works best along with your pool heater to help you maintain temperature levels and it can be used with all types of sanitizers and pool chemicals. Plus, it is environmentally friendly and safe on skin.

3. Robotic Pool Vacuums – meet your new best friend! With a robotic vacuum for your pool you simply drop your robot in your pool and let it go to work. Robot pool cleaners vacuum your entire pool, even the nooks and crannies without any effort on your part. If you’re tired of spending time and labour cleaning your pool then it might be time for you to get an efficient, cost-effective robotic pool vacuum which will work 24/7 to keep your pool clean.

Pool Safety Covers - 10 Reasons You Need One for Your Pool

A pool safety cover is a solid vinyl or mesh cover that is pulled tightly across your in-ground pool. Secured using anchors which are installed around the perimeter of your pool, a safety cover provides a custom fit that is simply not possible with a regular winter cover.

Safety for your family

The number one reason to own a pool safety cover is, of course, safety. The mesh or vinyl material is pulled tightly across the pool like a trampoline, which allows it to hold a significant amount of weight, meeting ATSM International Standards. Although no one should ever walk on a pool safety cover, in an emergency situation they can hold the weight of an adult, child or family pet.

If you have children, pets, or wildlife around then a safety cover is a must. A regular winter cover will not hold the weight of a child or animal who inadvertently walks or falls onto it, but a safety cover will protect your family and pets from falling into your pool and drowning. For this reason, every pool owner should have one. If you have a regular winter cover then you'll have water bags around your pool to hold the cover in place. These bags become tripping hazards, especially if you're walking at night across your pool deck to get to your hot tub. With a safety cover the anchors holding it in place are flush with your deck or patio stone so there is no need to worry about tripping or falling into your pool.

Browse our pool safety covers.

Two Speed Pumps - What Are the Benefits?

The two speed pumps have been available on the market now for many years and they have become more popular over the last few years. Here are the reasons why there is a surge in the market for two speed pumps.

Save on electricity

During the grueling months of summer, some pool owners will run their pumps 24 hrs a day, 7 days a week, to ensure the water is filtered continuously to remain clean and clear. If you were to run a single speed pump continuously during those hot months of summer, it could become an expensive summer with high electrical bills.

For example, our friends at Campbell Pools in Ottawa did a test with a Jandy 1.5 HP 2 Speed Flo Pro Inground Pump. When you run it at at low speed, and it will result in a average decrease of 61% of power usage. The beauty is that the water flow will only decrease by half, which means you get much more water filtered per kilowatt/hour.

Note: Running the two speed pump on the low speed will not interfere with the chlorine generation of your salt system nor will it interfere with your heater. Although the water flow is less on the low speed, it is sufficient for the salt system and heater to work.

Summer Fun and Safety

Summer time is meant for happy times. One way to keep the happiness in your summer memories is by excercising prudent safety precautions in and around your pool area by having not only your safety rules and emergency plan in place but also the correct equipment on hand.

Safety equipment

• A light and strong pole not less than 12 feet (3.66m) long with blunt ends located in close proximity of the pool.

• A life ring preserver with a throwing rope attached to it.

• Emergency numbers near the pool and on the telephone nearest to the pool. (Police, fire and rescue unit, physician, ambulance, and hospital)

Pool Chemicals and You

Its early spring and the 24^th of May weekend is rapidly approaching. Your beer fridge is stocked, grass is cut and swimming pool opened and sparkling. You are more stoked than your BBQ for a summer of good clean fun!

Now it’s one thing to envision a swimming pool that is clearer than a Hawaiian lagoon but another to keep it that way. Once it is opened and you’ve used your opening kit which contains:

Algaecide : a  40% concentrated Algaecide to prevent algae growth.

Stain Control : protects from metal staining during the Season.

Oxidizer : a non-chlorine shock treatment which oxidizes contaminants. 

Summertime Safety and Your Swimming Pool

Opening your swimming pool is a sure sign that summer has its foot in the gate and is ready to dive in! The most favorable way to keep the fun in and everyone laughing for more reasons than poor ol’ Granddad’s swim trunks sinking down to the bottom after he dives in is a good sense of summer safety.

Having a plan for safety and wellbeing can include everything from the basic fencing, to a standard telescopic pole and hook, to a simple alarm system and signage. These are just a few safety summer options among many.

The first thing that you will want to be sure of is the perimeter of your swimming area and access points. If you have an above ground model it would be prudent to have it barricaded off with a solid fence structure that is a minimum of 4’ high all the way around.  One of the reasons why accidents occur is when the fence is built in such a way that it opens against the house or garage where small children and non-swimmers can gain easy access to the pool through a door or window.

Above Ground Pools Never Stop Evolving

Above Ground pools never stop evolving: here are a few recent advances that make these pools a better choice than ever!

More styles

If you still think aboveground pools all look the same – think again! They come in any number of exciting styles and shades. And with dozens of aboveground pool wall styles and liner options available, you can mix and match for the perfect combination.

Landscaping potential

With all the available looks and styles for your aboveground pool, you can pick the right pool for your yard – and even reinvent your space around the pool you choose!

10 Reasons Why Above Ground Swimming Pools are The Best Option For You!

Attractive, convenient and affordable – choose an Above ground pool to transform your backyard into your family’s perfect summer water paradise!

Here are 10 reasons why Above Ground Swimming Pools are the best option for you!

Sand Filters and Backwashing

The sand in a sand filter is specially graded to trap particles in the 20 - 100 micron range. As a sand filter collects dirt, its efficiency increases, trapping more dirt. When your pressure gauge shows a reading 8 - 10 lbs. over its clean, start-up reading, it is time to backwash the captured dirt out of the filter.

"They say" that a sand bed should be replaced after seven years. Gradual loss of efficiency may be hard to notice if you don’t know what to look for. Here are some signs that it may be time to change the sand bed. If your filter requires frequent backwashing, every week or two, the sand bed may be "mudballed", or it may be "channeled". It may also "calcify" with calcium deposits. Other water balance problems may also contribute to sand deterioration, but a properly sized filter could go over 10 years between sand changes.

Aboveground Trends Over the Last 10 Years

The Changes Pool Supplies Canada has seen over the last 10 years in terms of above ground pools and liner patterns, colours, and popular accessories? 

In the past ten years Pool Supplies Canada has seen significant changes in the aesthetics and composition of above-ground pools. The sales of above ground pools composed of metal have been on a slight decline, as pools made of resin have become the popular choice of consumers. The dynamic and sleek new looks of resin pools, in addition to their durable and rust-free structures are just a few reasons why the market has shifted in this direction. This past year, resin above ground sales reached an all time high, showing that there is a demand for high-end pools and that consumers are looking to make above-ground pools the centre pieces of their backyard landscapes.