So there was this guy at one of our suppliers (SCP – Livonia, MI) this summer who was so smiley and happy you just couldn’t help but have a better day after having been in his presence. I know @askthepoolguy Allan Curtis will agrees entirely – thank you Scott Brenneman for being that guy!

Every day – but especially on this day (Thanksgiving) we are reminded to express our gratitude. Let’s make it habit every day – and if we sometimes forget, that’s okay too. Just remember to each and every chance you get – and that will change the world!

Just Ask The Pool Guy, Al Curtis, what’s new and hot in the pool industry this season. The pool guy stays active on industry trends, what’s new and things to see. He’ll be stopping by the Mid America Pool Show on route 53 in Schaumburg, IL to see what is going to be important in the swimming pool industry for the 2012 swimming pool season.

Welcome to the Mid America Pool and Spa Show! The Mid America Show began in 1985 and continues to be the largest event of its kind in the Midwest. The show offers industry buyers the opportunity to learn about new products and services, network one on one with industry suppliers, and receive industry leading education programs tailored to business owners, managers and service technicians. In 2012, the show will relocate for the first time in 10 years. By moving the show to Schaumburg Convention Center in Schaumburg, IL, the show will offer exhibitors and attendees a modern, enhanced experience. Join us in 2012 for a whole new location and a whole new experience!

Exhibit Floor Schedule

Wednesday, Jan 18, 2012
11:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Thursday, Jan 19, 2012
10:00 AM – 2:00 PM

Atlantic City Pool and Spa Show 2012
January 24, 25, 26, 2012 – Atlantic City Convention Center
Over 625 Exhibitors
For three days, more than 10,000 pool and spa professionals will be immersed in the newest industry trends, soaking up cutting-edge design and product technology showcasing fun, safety and innovation at this year’s 30th Annual Atlantic City Pool & Spa Show, from January 24 – 26, 2012.

Presented by the Northeast Spa and Pool Association (NESPA), The Atlantic City Pool & Spa Show is a four-day conference and exhibit event where the industry conducts business with more than 500 exhibitors from across the US, Canada, Europe and the Far East. In addition to visiting the exhibition area, industry professionals have the opportunity to attend more than 75 educational business and technical seminars.

Here’s the question that came across the Pool Guy’s facebook page:

From: Joshua Mcentire To: Ask the Pool Guy

I have a question. We had anodes installed over the summer to prevent corrosion in our pool and spa heaters. It seems to have had the opposite effect as both the spa and pool heaters started leaking from the heat exchanges. We had the spa heat exchange replaced at the same time as the anodes we installed. 4 months later the spa furnace as well as the pool furnace started leaking. Does it make a difference that we are not using a salt system and instead use regular chlorine feeders?

• • 

    Ask the Pool Guy’s response:  My first question for you is what was your water chemistry through the process? If your alkalinity, pH, and calcium hardness were off, making your water aggressive or corrosive, that is the most likely culprit. Installing a zinc anode, basically a piece of metal in your system should have not had any affect on the heat exchangers leaking, especially in such a short time frame.

Raypak

Compact Series Heat Pumps
Raypak is excited to announce the release of our new Compact Series Heat Pump pool heaters. Three new sizes are available: 50k, 67k and 85k Btu, all with swept wing fan technology for quiet operation. Each unit is built as robust as our larger heat pumps and contain the same quality components. All steel, powder coated jacket, scroll compressors and TXV equipped. The Compact Series uses the same digital control as our larger heat pumps and is remote compatible. Priced extremely competitively and perfect for the aboveground pool market or small in-ground pools. All products are AHRI certified and listed. Contact Raypak for our new heat pump literature featuring our complete heat pump line.

More Info: www.raypak.com

Raypak

Professional Series Heat Pump
Raypak announces the release of our new Professional Series Heat Pump pool heater. The Professional Series is designed specifically for the light commercial market, such as condos, apartments, hotels, motels and high-end pools. Currently available in one model size, 170k Btu, which makes it currently the largest single compressor heat pump on the market today. Each unit is built with appliance-grade 304 series brushed stainless steel cabinet. The new Professional heat pump is available in 208/230v 3Phase or 460v 3Phase. Standard with a titanium heat exchanger, scroll compressor, swept wing fan blade, digital controls and flow switch. The Professional heat pump also uses newly patented refrigerant charge technology developed just for this product. This technology allows the unit to have extreme cooling capabilities and excellent charge spike suppression for trouble free operation. The new Professional is AHRI certified and listed. Contact Raypak for our new Professional Series Heat Pump literature.

More Info: www.raypak.com

Raypak

Professional Atmospheric Digital Gas Heater
Raypak is pleased to announce our new line Professional Series gas fired pool heaters. Created specifically for smaller commercial properties and high-end residential pools where esthetics and durability are key. It is a perfect heater for tough coastal weather conditions where salt air is a problem. Offered in two model sizes; a 268 with 266,000 Mbtu input, and a 408 with 399 Mbtu input. All waterways are non-ferrous with cupro-nickel tubes, and bronze headers. Standard with ASME certification. Also included is a pre-wired flow switch and T&P. Standard ASME rating meets all state regulatory requirements, unique for Commercial pool heaters under 400,000 Btu.

The true beauty and reliability of this heater is achieved through the generous use of stainless steel inside and out. Inside, the base, burner tray, front panel, flue collector, V-baffles, and refractory retainers are all stainless steel. Outside the front door and control panel are finished in a beautiful, appliance-grade, brushed stainless. Is sheathed to help prevent rodent damage. This robust new heater carries a 3 year parts and labor limited warranty and 5 year parts on the heat exchanger for both Commercial and Residential installations.

More Info: www.raypak.com

Salt systems are a huge trend in pools. The chlorine generators use ordinary salt and break it apart into sodium and chlorine. The chlorine cleans your pool and clears the water; then, when the chlorine has done it’s job, it hooks back up with the sodium and turns back into salt. The salt is recycled continuously, day after day, reducing maintenance requirements even more. A salt system is the easiest, most effective and convenient way to keep your pool clean. Chlorine generators provide the same sanitation performance as manual chlorine addition without the drawbacks–you never have to handle chlorine. You don’t need to buy and store chlorine compounds and you’ll never have to deal with the smell, stinging eyes and bleached bathing suits. A zinc anode is an important part of your chlorine generating system. It is protects the metal components of your swimming pool from corrosion. The zinc anode will be the first thing to corrode, saving the other parts of your pool from corrosion. We are happy to quote a salt system if you might want to convert your pool to a salt/chlorine generating pool. If you have a salt pool already – double check to make sure you have a zinc anode. They are often overlooked, and are a critical part of your system!

kafko skimmer basket

SKIMMER BASKET(S):

At times, the pressure gauge on your filter will show the operating pressure to be low, which will cause circulation to be poor. The first area to check is to make sure the water level in the pool is adequate. If not, fill the pool to the standard operating level (halfway up the skimmer). If the water level is adequate, check and clean the skimmer basket(s). Some pools have only one skimmer, while many pools have at least two skimmers. Here are the steps to clean your skimmer basket(s):

Remove lid from the skimmer. This lid will be on your pool deck. If there is no lid to access the skimmer basket from the top, simply kneel down, stabilize yourself on the deck, and remove the skimmer basket from the skimmer opening inside the pool. If you cannot access the skimmer basket from your pool deck and have to get it from the skimmer opening inside the pool, be careful not to fall into the pool.

Remove the basket from the skimmer.

Empty out all the contents.

Spray the basket with a garden hose and nozzle.

Put the basket back in the skimmer.

(If you accessed the skimmer from the opening on your pool deck, put the lid back on the skimmer).

NOTE: For aboveground pools, you can remove the lid to the skimmer box that is mounted on the outside of the pool wall. Once removed, you will have easy access to the skimmer basket.

Notes:

If there is more than one skimmer, repeat the process for all skimmers.

If skimmer basket(s) are extremely full, it is a good idea to shut “off” the equipment TEMPORARILY in order for you to remove the basket(s) from the skimmer(s) without damaging them.

In autumn, when leaves are falling at a rapid and continual pace, it is a good idea to turn the skimmer valve(s) to the “closed” position in order to temporarily end skimming. This way there is no chance that leaves or debris can enter the plumbing where they could clog the plumbing. Once all baskets are cleaned and put back in place, make sure to turn the skimmer valves back to the “open” position. NOTE: For an aboveground pool, you can put a plug (either threaded or expandable) or a tennis ball in the plumbing outlet on the bottom of the skimmer.

Winter Pill Order Now

Winter Pill™ is an All-in-one formulated product with a 4 part blend to make spring openings faster and easier. It has a Clarifier to maintain sparkling clean water, a scale inhibitor to prevent scale build-up, and a stain inhibitor to prevent iron, copper, and manganese stains. Winter Pill™ is enzyme enhanced, it naturally destroys all organics, preventing water ring, enhances filter performance and improves sanitizer efficiency.

• Easy to use – floats under your winter cover all season
• Helps maintain clear, clean water all winter long
• Prevents scale build up
• Clarifies your water
• Inhibits iron, copper and manganese stains
• Enzyme enhanced to destroy organics in the water
• Makes spring openings faster and easier
• Safe for all surfaces and filters
• Patented slow releasing formula good up to 6 months
• Performs well with mesh safety covers
• Salt water compatible
• Dose: 1 pill per 30,000 gallons
• Note: compatible with all sanitizers and with other winter kits/products

Winter Pill™ provides pool owners with a simple, effective way to winterize their pools, simply by dropping this measureless capsule into your pool before installing the cover.Winter Pill floats in the pool underneath the cover all winter, preventing scale buildup, clarifying the water, and maintaining pool filters.

BUY NOW