LEARN ABOUT SWIMMING POOL EQUIPMENT AND SUPPLIES

7-11 Pools offers 100's of Accessories to go with your In ground or Above Ground swimming Pools and Hot Tubs.  

Pool Equipment 

What is a sand filter? Sand filters are the most popular type of pool filter as they are very affordable and require low maintenance. They can efficiently remove large and medium particles that could accumulate in a pool and no chemicals are ever needed to clean your sand filter, saving you money. Sand filters are considered the perfect choice for owners concerned with price and ease of use. 20/40 Silica sand is required for a sand filter.

What is a Cartridge Filter? Cartridge filters offer a superior filtering capability over sand filters while costing much less than DE filters. They use replaceable filter elements that can be changed in minutes, eliminating the need to handle messy powders or sand, and last for years if taken care of. While their filter elements do require chemicals if especially dirty, they normally can be cleaned by just being sprayed with a garden hose. Best of all, cartridge filters can be serviced with no downtime required simply by purchasing a second filter element, which can be swapped out when cleaning the other one. For pool owners looking for an excellent all-around filter, a cartridge filter will keep your pool water clean and healthy for years to come.

The secret to clean, healthy pool water is your pool pump! Your pool pump acts as the heart of your pool, pulling water through the skimmer and main drains in to your filter and then out through your return jets. Every pool pump contains a motor, impeller and basket for trapping leaves, hair, lint and other debris as it passes through in to your filter unit. The impeller sits at the end of the pump motor, and as it turns, it pulls water through the pump in to the debris basket, and then back out of the top of the pump (the outlet) to your filter. It's important to always run your pump with the debris basket in place, as the impeller can easily become clogged by even medium-sized debris if it passes through the pump housing without being caught.

Your pool pump is vital in maintaining clean and healthy pool water. Through hydraulics, pool pumps prevent stagnant water and assist in powering the flow of water through your filtration, sanitation and heating equipment systems. With the right pool pump your pool will stay cleaner for a longer period of time, and you'll spend less time on pool maintenance. Be sure to choose a trusted, leading brand. 7-11Pools carries quality pool pumps from industry leading manufacturers, including Hayward, Pentair, HydroTool and more. Plus, all of our pool pumps are sold brand new with a manufacturer's warranty and are CSA Approved.  

If you have a semi inground swimming pool, then you'll need to decide whether to use an inground pump or an above ground pump. An above ground pump is gravity fed and typically 110/120 volt with a 25ft cord and a standard wall plug.

To help you decide, you will need to consider where your pump is located in relation to the pool's water level as well as the voltage. You’ll need an inground pump if the pool or pool water level is below the plane where the pump is installed, so be sure to consider where your pump is installed prior to purchasing a new pump.

An inground pump does not require gravity fed water like an above ground pump does, and is able to draw the water from the lower pool into the pump - this is known as self priming. Typically, inground pumps are 220 volt with the ability to switch to 110 volt, and most inground pumps need to be hardwired for installation.

You'll need an inground pump if the pool or pool water level is below the plane where the pump is installed, so be sure to consider where your pump is installed prior to purchasing a new pump.

When purchasing an inground pump consider if you would like a pump with the ability to be controlled with an app on your phone.  This type of pump is required if you would like to run your heater and water sanitization unit.

Whether you have an above ground or inground pool, if your water temperature is keeping you from enjoying it throughout the entire season then you may want to consider installing a pool heater. When purchasing a pool heater there are a number of factors to consider, including the size of your pool, BTUs needed to heat your pool, cost to purchase and operate, energy efficiency and installation.

Having a heated swimming pool not only increases the length of your family's swimming season, it also increases the value of your pool, especially in Canada! With a great selection of gas, electric and solar heaters for every shape and size pool, your sure to find the most effective and efficient heating option for you.

The gas heater comes in either natural gas or propane models and is available for both above ground and inground pools. Gas pool heaters come in electronic or millivolt (standing pilot) versions.

Millivolt models are a traditional technology which uses a permanent pilot light which is slightly less efficient than the electronic version, but does not require electrical service. The millivolt style has a constant burning flame pilot which may occasionally need to be re-lit and which can be trying on a windy day. Note:  Some parts of Canada require a licensed technician to ignite your pilot light.    

Electronic versions are like a modern gas boiler and feature electronic spark ignition(no technician required) and micro processor controls, giving you complete control of your pool temperature at the push of a button. An electronic start allows the pool owner to use a push start to light the pilot in much the same way a gas BBQ is lit. Many people enjoy the convenience and reliability of an electronic start heater, not to mention it provides more efficiency than a burning pilot heater. If current trends predict the future, we will see the extinction of millivolt style pool heaters one day.

Low NOx heaters have more advanced technology and produce lower emissions than traditional heaters which make them more efficient to run in terms of heat transfer allowing the pool water to warm more quickly as well as operating in a more environmentally friendly fashion. These types of heaters are becoming increasingly popular as people change over to more environmentally friendly options, which translates into operational savings. Low NOx heaters are equipped to handle oxygen levels at altitudes over 2000 feet, unlike traditional pool heaters.

Pros of Gas Pool Heaters:

· Produces heat quickly

· Affordable to purchase

· Reliable technology that should last about 10 years

Cons of Gas Pool Heaters:

· More expensive to run depending on the price of propane or gas in your area, which will fluctuate based on a number of factors like season and demand

· Not as energy efficient or environmentally friendly as other options

· You'll need a certified gas fitter to install your gas or propane heater

Heat pumps are energy efficient electric pool heaters that work by transferring heat from the surrounding air into the pool water, rather than generating heat themselves. In terms of energy used to heat, they typically are more efficient then a gas powered heater. These units require outside air temperatures above 12 degrees Celsius to perform efficiently.

Pros of Heat Pumps:

· Low running costs

· Energy efficient

· Operating savings of 80% compared to propane, and 50 - 70% compared to natural gas

· Reliable technology that should last up to 20 years

Cons of Heat Pumps:

· Higher upfront costs

· Not effective below 50 degrees/10 Celsius

· You will need a licensed electrician to install your heat pump

An electric resistance heater is designed for a small above ground pool or spa. Electric pool heaters create heat in your pool by applying an electrical current to a heating element. The electric heater passes water over the element, heats it, and then moves the warm water through the assembly housing back into the pool until the desired temperature is reached. Often the flow of your water will have to be reduced to heat the water.

Pros of Electric Heaters:

· Environmentally friendly

· Energy efficient

· Can be less expensive to operate (depending on your local hydro costs and operating conditions)

Cons of Electric Heaters:

· Heats slower then gas heaters

· Water flow restriction

· You will need a licensed electrician to install your electric pool heater

Solar heater systems are installed alongside the pool, directly on a fence or on top of a roof. The pool water is pumped through solar collectors which are designed to trap solar energy. The water is heated through the system and returned back to the pool.

Pros of Solar Heaters:

· No operating costs associated with solar pool heaters

· Installation is easy and can be done by the home owner

· The most energy efficient and environmentally friendly pool heater option

Cons of Solar Heaters:

· Least responsive in terms of heating on demand

· Dependant on the weather

· Heats slowly

Pool heaters must be installed by a properly licensed technician because they can be dangerous due to the fuels and electrical parts involved. In the case of propane and natural gas you will require a licensed gas fitter and in the case of an electric heater or heat pump a licensed electrician. In addition the manufactures warranty on the unit will be void if found to be improperly installed by an unqualified service professional. Consider the location of the heater.  Natural gas and propane heaters must be installed 10ft away from any opening to your house.  Pool heaters can be installed outside or inside of pool sheds and in outdoor enclosures as long as they are correctly vented to allow for necessary air flow around the unit. Never install a heater inside of a residential dwelling unless the unit is specifically designed for residential use indoors. Heat pumps cannot be installed indoors. 

POOL CLEANERS  

With a robotic pool cleaner you can simply drop your robot friend in your pool and let it go to work. Robot pool cleaners vacuum all areas of your pool without any effort on your end. They are efficient, cost effective and best of all they work 24/7 to keep your pool clean and ready for you to enjoy. So the next time company drops in unexpectedly you can enjoy your time with them instead of frantically trying to clean your pool so it's ready for an impromptu pool party.

There are a number of above ground pool cleaner options including robotic, automatic or manual pool cleaners. A robotic or automatic above ground pool cleaner will save you time and effort because they can clean your pool while you're not around. A manual above ground pool cleaner is more affordable but requires you to do some of the work.

With the right parts and accessories for your pool cleaner you can extend its life span and improve its performance, keeping your pool cleaner for longer.

Pool cleaners are tools that help pool owners clean their pools. There are many different types including manual, suction, pressure, and robotic pool cleaners. Do you feel like you're spending more time cleaning and maintaining your pool than you are swimming and relaxing in it? If so, then consider fixing or upgrading your pool cleaner!

The main types of pool cleaners include suction (vacuum) pool cleaners, pressure pool cleaners, robotic pool cleaners, and manual pool cleaners (like skimmer nets). Pool cleaners remove dirt, debris, bugs, twigs, leaves, sand, and even pebbles. Automatic and robotic cleaners are easy to use and operate so you can set them in your pool and forget about them. They are built to work quickly, effectively and quietly, with an automatic or robotic pool cleaner you'll spend less time cleaning and more time swimming!

Pool cleaners are great as they allow pool owners to virtually eliminate a large part of pool maintenance, but which type of cleaner is right for your pool? When looking at pool cleaners, there are three different types: suction side, pressure side and robotic cleaners. Review the information below to find out more about cleaners and the pros and cons to each cleaner type.

Suction side cleaners work with the suction line in your pool. Suction side pool cleaners attach to the suction line and utilize the suction from the pump to propel the cleaner throughout the pool while scrubbing the pool surface, eliminating dirt and debris from your pool. Using suction side cleaners will require you to complete weekly backwashing of your filtration system.

Pros: Lower cost, fewer moving parts, easy maintenance

Cons: Increased pressure on filter, requires pool pump to run

Pressure side cleaners utilize an existing pressure side line to propel the cleaner throughout your pool. The water returned back into your pool fuels the cleaner, but it will require an additional booster pump to run. Unlike suction side cleaners, pressure side cleaners do not use your pool’s filtration system to filter out debris. Pressure side cleaners use a filtration bag attached to the cleaner to contain dirt and debris, relieving pressure and wear on your filtration system. It will also help reduce the need to do backwashing.

Pros: Lower cost, easy maintenance, relieves pressure on filter

Cons: Can require extra booster pump, requires pool pump to run

Robotic pool cleaners do not use your existing pool equipment rather they run off the power from your house and a standard GFCI plug outlet. They significantly reduce wear on your pool equipment, have much lower overall power costs, and consumption while providing superior cleaning power. Robotic pool cleaners pick up large and small debris in the built-in on board filtration system. Most robotic pool cleaners clean and scrub the pool floor, walls, water line and even sporadically will clean your steps, virtually eliminating the need to clean your pool walls with a brush. The reduced maintenance and wear on pool equipment makes robotic pool cleaners todays preferred choice for pool cleaning.

Pros: Superior cleaning, energy efficient, eliminates wear on pool equipment

Cons: Higher upfront cost, requires the need to empty filter

How Important is it to Test your swimming pool water

Testing your pool water regularly is important.  Chlorine levels will keep the swimmers safe from bacteria.  The PH level will increase the lifetime of your liner.  A high PH can cause your eyes to sting.  Is this testing enough?  NO regular testing at your local pool store is important so that other mineral levels don't get off balance and cause you to have problems with your pool and maintenance equipment  

What is a Salt Water Pool?  

A salt water pool relies on salt to generate chlorine to maintain a safe pool water balance. A salt water system automatically converts ordinary salt into chlorine, using less of the harsh chemicals usually required to keep your pool clean. With sensors to automatically generate and introduce more chlorine when your pool water needs it, salt systems require less maintenance, saving you time and money.

Is Salt Safer than Chlorine

Salt water pools are safer than chlorine pools because you don't have to store the chemical and since the chlorine is produced by the salt used in the system you are exposed to much less of it. For this reason, swimmers find that their skin and eyes are less irritated when they swim in a salt water pool. The low chlorine levels in the pool are gentler on your skin, hair and eyes. Many people also notice the smooth, silky, rain-water feel of a salt water pool. If the smell of chlorine bothers you then you'll love having a salt water pool, where the offensive chlorine smell is not an issue.

Salt water pools are a popular alternative to pool sanitation systems, like the traditional chlorine pool. With a salt freindly pool and salt system from 7-11 Pools you can avoid the hassle and cost of chlorine while enjoying water that is gentler on your body.

What is a Chemical Feeder?

You can get a Salt systems, Ionizers, Chlorinators and Brominators for inground and above ground pools.  Typically when people refer to a chemical feeder they are talking about chlorine or Bromine feeders.  Automatic Chemical feeders make pool chemical maintenance easy.   Automatic pool chemical feeders, such as a chlorinator or brominator, help to take some of the guess work out of pool maintenance. These type of pool sanitation systems dispense the exact quantity of chemicals into your pool at the right time to help you maintain the correct chemical levels for your pool.  As is the same for all chemical dispensing systems be sure to buy a system or chamber  capacity that will accommodate the size of your pool.

Do Solar Blanket Covers work?

The simple answer is yes! With a solar cover you can keep the heat in your pool for FREE! Whether your pool is too cold to enjoy consistently throughout the summer or you're currently spending a fortune heating it,   you'll be able to extend your swimming season and save money with a solar cover. Solar covers are designed for inground, semi inground (onground) and above ground pools. The bubbles should face down into the water when you put your solar cover on. 

Unlike other types of pool heaters, a solar cover helps to maintain heat in your pool for free. Other than the cost of the solar blanket, there are no associated costs to operate your blanket (like electricity, gas or propane). Proper use of a solar blanket can retain up to 10 degrees of additional heat in your pool, depending on the amount of sun your pool gets throughout the day, and the duration it is exposed to the sunlight 

Will Solar blankets Cause us to buy more chemicals?

A solar cover blanket not only retain the heat, but it will reduce evaporation causing you to use less chemicals.  The tiny air bubbles on the cover that trap heat in also work to block the sun from reaching your water, slowing down the rate that the water evaporates.  Saving you money on water and chemicals.

Are Solar roller Reels worth buying?

Solar roller Reels are great for the ease of removing the cover.  

Many people invest in a solar cover reel to minimizing the risk of damage. The ideal solar cover reel should prevent your cover from sagging, for thicker covers you will want to invest in a reel with a larger tube diameter, which will keep the cover taut. A sagging solar cover will increase the risk or rips or tears.  When purchasing a Reel for a Freeform inground pool be sure to get a tube that is as long as the widest point.  You should consider Liquid Solar Blankets.

Should the Pump run while the cover is on my pool?

Yes! Your solar cover magnifies the sunlight, causing the water underneath to warm. The warmer water rises to the top, and brings with it a higher concentration of chlorine. Timing your pumping and filtration system to the warmest part of the day (approximately 10am to 4pm) will circulate the hot and cool water around your pool. This should help spread the heat more evenly throughout the pool while preventing hot water and chlorine from building up at the top of the pool, which can damage your cover.

How do I  choose the correct ladder?

First, choose the right ladder for your pool.  Inground ladders will not work on an above ground pool.  

Choose the right ladder or steps for the depth of your pool. Whether you have an inground or above ground pool you can find two, three and four step ladders and stairs.

Ladders are usually shipped unassembled and packaging will include the ladder treads, bumpers, bolts, nuts and plates as well as assembly instructions. It is important to note that most ladders do not come with deck anchor sockets to secure the rail to the pool deck - you will need to buy these separately. In-wall pool ladders are a common feature of an inground pool but are not easy to install on an existing pool after the fact. This is why drop-in steps have become a popular feature for both above ground and inground pools.

Will a Ladder or Step cause a hole in my Liner?

Over time the constant motion of a step and ladder will wear the liner.  Every time you step in and out of your pool the ladder or step will move.  It is important to check you ladder or step in the spring that there are no sharp edges on the bottom.  It is best to invest in a ladder pad.  It is a small investment and save the life of your liner.

What is better Steps or Ladders?  

Steps are easier for most people to use.  They do use up a large footprint in your pool but the advantages of having a step are greater than a ladder.  Steps are an important feature for anyone with limited mobility. Water is a great way to rehabilitate a serious injury. Don't let a lack of steps stop you from enjoying your pool after recovering from a knee injury or other serious surgery. With steps in place you can safely get back into your pool as soon as your doctor says it is okay.  

A ladder, steps and rails are an important and often overlooked safety feature to any pool. Ladders and steps offer assistance to young, tired or inexperienced swimmers, helping them get in and out of the pool safely.