Jandy Air Energy Heat Pumps

By Mandy Schwimmer on January 21, 2010

Jandy Air Energy Heat Pump

Jandy Air Energy Heat Pump

Jandy Air Energy heat pumps are the most efficient, trouble-free swimming pool heat pumps in America. Jandy pool heat pumps run on electricity and emit absolutely no exhausts that pollute the air – they are low NOx by definition. They work by extracting heat from the air and transferring it into the pool water. Since the outside air is usually warm when the pool is in use, it is the perfect and most efficient use for a heat pump. Air Energy heat pumps are so efficient at transferring this heat that they operate at a much lower cost than natural gas pool heaters.

Jandy, the leader in swimming pool heaters, manufactures the Air Energy heat pumps in three sizes. Two are available with an optional chiller that helps the heater operate in even lower temperatures. All three units come with a digital control panel that displays current pool/spa temperature and automatically calls for heat when your pool drops below the temperature you set. All Jandy Air Energy heat pumps feature a corrosion-free titanium heat exchanger and a commercial-grade compressor that will stand up to harsh outdoor conditions for years. The rugged polymer cabinet will not rust or corrode in any location.

Designed with extra-large evaporator coils, the Jandy Air Energy heat pump collects more heat from the outside air. This makes them ultra efficient and energy saving. Jandy Air Energy heat pumps are quiet and their air defrost feature allows them to operate at lower air temperatures than other units. All three Jandy Heat Pumps for pools are “automation ready” and can easily connect to Jandy controls or other pool/spa automation systems.

Jandy’s Air Energy heat pumps are built to last and backed by impressive warranties. There is a Lifetime Warranty on the titanium heat exchanger and a 1-Year Parts & Labor Warranty on the rest of the unit. Enjoy warm pool water this season with efficient, non-polluting Jandy Air Energy swimming pool heat pumps.

Buy Jandy Air Energy Heat Pump.

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Teledyne Laars/ Jandy Lite2 250,000 BTU Natural Gas Pool Heater

By Mandy Schwimmer on July 30, 2009

PRODUCT UPDATE: This product is no longer available. Click Here to review the replacement product, the Jandy LXi Series Natural Gas / Propane Pool Heater.

Jandy’s expertise in electronics has been added to the design of the new, technologically advanced Lite2 heater. Its easy, programmable features make life around the pool more enjoyable. Built for dependability and efficiency, the Lite2 is one of the most reliable heaters on the market. High-performance insulation and efficient operation make this heater an excellent value.

The new LJ Laars / Jandy Lite model features a liquid crystal digital display with programmable pump control, dual temperature controls, built-in freeze protection and heater diagnostics.

Lite 2 LJ Display

Laars / Jandy Lite2 LJ Display

The LJ model has self-cleaning, hot surface ignition, which provides quick start-up every time and prevents soot from forming. It is not necessary to remove the burner tray (LJ) and the igniter is easily replaced with a single screw. The Laars/ Jandy Light LG model features a field-proven millivolt ignition system and electronic thermostat.

The Laars/ Jandy Lite 2 copper heat exchanger and Flo-Thru™ baffles allow for efficient heat transfer, lowering your operating costs and extending your swimming season. A ceramic fiber combustion chamber contributes to a lighter weight and more compact design.

Some of many benefits include:

Lite 2 Swimming Pool Heater

Easy installation: PVC hook-up. The Jandy Laars Lite 2 pool heater is over 30% lighter than its predecessors. Reversible heat exchanger. Easily connects to AquaLink® RS digital controls.

Energy Efficient: The efficiency of the Laars/ Jandy Lite2 copper heat exchanger and Flo-Thru™ baffles allow for efficient heat transfer, lowering your pool heating costs and extending your swimming season! The Laars/ Jandy Lite 2 pool heater boasts some of the highest efficiency ratings.

Storm Guard™: Weather resistant jacketing is designed for harsh wind and rain conditions. Teledyne Laars/ Jandy Vent cap further enhances performance in severe weather conditions.

Trouble-Free: Self-cleaning, hot surface ignition which provides quick start-up every time and prevents soot from forming in the heat exchanger. No burner tray removal required and igniter easily replaced with one screw. State of the Art electronics keep the Laars/ Jandy Lite 2 running clean and clear.

Dependable: Ceramic fiber combustion chamber (instead of fire bricks) contribute to a lighter weight and more compact design. This fiber is tough strands of an insulation like material, which never crumbles or cracks.

Proven Reliability: There are over a million Laars/ Jandy and Teledyne Laars heaters installed world-wide. This heater has undergone over a year of rigorous field testing (15,000 cycles and environmental testing done to military standards). Laars/ Jandy heaters are the clear market leaders.

Convenient Sealed Controls: Protects thermostats (potentiometers) from corrosion or shorting.

This product is no longer available. Please see our review of the Jandy LXi Low NOx Pool Heater that has replaced this item.

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Enersol Solar Pool Heater System

By Mandy Schwimmer on July 30, 2009

Enersol Solar Pool Heater Systems, manufactured by Enersol Solar Products, are cost effective and energy efficient. In fact, a solar pool heater system is powered by the free heat from the sun and your existing pump and filtration system. This means that over time, the cost of a solar pool heater will be completely paid back in energy savings, usually in less than four years. When you consider that the system is warranted for 18 years, this means many years of “cost free” extended swimming seasons.

Enersol solar panels are constructed from Solarprene® rubber which is resistant to harsh chemicals, U.V rays and extremes of temperature from Canada’s cold winters to Florida’s hot summers. They are the most durable solar panels on the market. The synthetic rubber used in manufacturing Enersol’s product makes them the longest lasting, most durable and easiest to repair solar panels available. Their ‘slip & clip’ modular design allows for custom sizing, promotes roof health and resists wind lift.

Solar energy diagram

Solar energy diagram

The system works by routing water from your pool, through the pump and filter to the solar array, where heat from the sun is transferred to the water, then back through the auxiliary heating system (if any) and the salt or chlorination system and back to the pool.

The do it yourself kits can be easily installed anywhere, from the roof to poolside arrays to the ground, and require minimal tools. Some tools that are useful include: variable speed drill, 3/8″ socket driver, chalk line, level, tape measure, hacksaw, utility knife, ladder and safety equipment.

The Enersol Solar Pool Heater system comes in boxes of 4 panels each, sized either 4′ x 10′ or 4′ x 8′. Multiple boxes can be attached together (up to 7 boxes per array) to attain the required size. The recommendation is for your solar heater array to equal the surface area of your pool. In other words: a 12′ round above ground pool would have a surface area of approximately 112 sq ft. Therefore, 3 boxes of 4′ x 10′ would be required. If your system will require more than 7 boxes, Enersol recommends splitting the installation into two equal sized arrays. For example, if your system requires 10 boxes it should be split into two arrays of 5 boxes each.

Each System Package box contains:

Enersol Solar Pool Heater In A Box Kit 4x8

Enersol Solar Pool Heater In A Box Kit 4'x8'

Panels are rolled up to fit four – 1’x10’ modular sections per box for a total of 4’x10′ OR 1’x8′ modular sections per box for a total of 4’x8′. In addition, the package contains the following hardware in a 6”x 9” plastic bag:

  • 8 clips
  • 8 O-rings
  • 8 lag bolts
  • 2 top straps
  • 3 cross straps

Order an Enersol Solar Pool Heater Package 4’x8′

Order an Enersol Solar Pool Heater Package 4’x10′

The System Kit Box (sold separately, one per installation) includes:

Enersol Solar Pool Heater System Kit

Enersol Solar Pool Heater System Kit

  • 1 Roof Cement
  • 1 O-ring lube
  • 1 Installation Tool
  • 2 End Caps
  • 1 Installation manual
  • 1 Warranty card
  • 1 Installation DVD
  • 2 Extra O-rings
  • 1 HEC (header end connector)

Order the Enersol Solar Pool Heater System Kit

Enersol Solar Products, a family owned company, has been in business since 1979. Their solar pool heaters carry an 18 year warranty, one of the longest in the industry.

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Aqua Pro 600 Above Ground Heat Pump Review

By Mandy Schwimmer on July 30, 2009

Aqua Pro 600 Heat Pumps

AquaPro 600

AquaPro 600 Above-ground Heat Pump

AquaPro Systems™ makes one of the most efficient above-ground swimming pool heat pumps in America, the Aqua Pro 600. Heat pumps run on electricity and emit no hazardous pollutants into the air like natural gas and propane do. They are by definition low NOx. Heat pumps, like the Aqua Pro 600, operate by extracting heat from the air, compressing the air to warm it up, and transferring the heated air into your pool water. Since the outside air is always warm when the pool is in use, heat pumps for pools are ultra-efficient. They are much cheaper to operate than natural gas or propane.

The Aqua Pro 600 is built with quality first, combining all the features customers have asked for, all at an unbelievable price. The Pro 600™ features a cupro nickel heat exchanger that maximizes heat transfer. Solid-state controls allow you to set your desired temperature, and then the Aqua Pro 600 automatically calls for heat when the pool’s temperature drops below that setting. A super silent piston compressor makes this heat pump both quiet and ultra-efficient. The exterior cabinet is made of tough, durable resin that is weatherproof and will not rust or corrode in any location.

AquaPro 600 heat pumps are built to last and are backed by impressive warranties. The entire unit carries a 5-Year Warranty on parts and a 1-Year Warranty on Labor. As natural gas and propane prices continue to soar, you can enjoy a warm pool with this ultra efficient non-polluting heat pump.

Aqua Pro 600 Features

:

  • Durable cupronickel heat exchanger for proven performance
  • Small footprint is ideal for tight spaces or retrofits
  • Perfect size for smaller pools up to 13,000 gallons
  • Single mechanical temperature controller allows for easy temperature setting
  • Virtually silent performance with highly engineered design
  • UV and corrosion-resistant housing for durability from weather conditions and pool elements
  • Reliable PVC slip fittings for ease of installation
  • For pools up to 18,000 gallons

Other Aqua Pro 600 Features:

  • Scroll compressor with a limited 10-year warranty
  • Parts and labor within a 5-year limited warranty
  • Dual electronic temperature controller with LED readout and diagnostic codes for troubleshooting
  • UV protected enclosure that is non-corrosive and won’t fade
  • 2 Inches PVC unions for easy installation and winterization
  • ETL certified for Safety
  • 3/8 Inches tubing connection for draining away from installation site

Click here to Order the Aqua Pro 600 Above-ground Heat Pump

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Adding A Swimming Pool To Your Backyard

By Mandy Schwimmer on July 11, 2009

Adding a swimming pool to your backyard can be a great investment. It will add value to your home and could seal the deal for a potential home buyer. A swimming pool in your backyard will also bring hours of enjoyment for the family. On those hot summer days everyone can dive into the swimming pool to cool down and relax. Having a pool in your backyard is also great exercise. If you are looking for a great way to stay in shape adding a pool can be a great idea.

There are two basic types of pools that you can put into your backyard. The first type of swimming pool is an in ground swimming pool. These pools will be flush with the ground and are often more expensive to install than other types of pools. This is because the area where the pool will be placed must be excavated and then the pool is essentially built into the excavated area.

The second type of common pool is the above ground swimming pool. This type of pool can be fairly easy to install and they generally come in preconfigured shapes and sizes. Factors like these make this type of pool less expensive.

Things To Consider Before Putting A Swimming Pool In Your Backyard

The cost of installing a pool can be substantial depending on the size and type of pool you are considering. Once you decide to spend the money to have the pool constructed in your backyard you will also need to be prepared to invest a considerable amount of money every year maintaining the pool.

It will also be necessary to invest in various types of swimming pool equipment. There are different pieces of cleaning equipment that you will need to take care of your pool. Precautions will need to be taken to make your swimming pool and its surrounding area safe. The chemicals that you will need to maintain your pool can get expensive.

Aside from monetary costs, someone has to actually maintain the swimming pool. The pool will need to be cleaned and the water will need to be tested regularly. As an alternative you can hire someone to take care of your pool. Make sure you are prepared to commit some of your extra free time to taking care of the pool or add a pool maintenance person into your budget.

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How To: Swimming Pool Pump Repair

By Mandy Schwimmer on July 10, 2009

POOLCENTER.com ~ Buy parts for your Swimming Pool Pump Repair at 30 – 50% below retail.

I’m sure that most people would be absolutely flabbergasted if I were to ask what they know about swimming pool pump repair; and with good reason. It’s not an everyday activity. There are specific things you should know about your swimming pool pump; details like the size of the nozzle, the suction power of the motor and so forth. If you check your local DIY stores you may find parts are available at affordable prices.

Hard to Find Pool Parts

The parts that would probably be more expensive would be the swimming pool pump itself and the filter. So why can’t we do this repair ourselves? The biggest reason is because we don’t know how. So today, we’re going to look at some basics of swimming pool pump repair. Before we get to the technical bits, let’s start with the basics.

Ensure that your pool pump is properly maintained.

This one action alone will alleviate the need for many pool pump repairs, and save you money along the way. Ensure that there are no leaves or objects floating loose in and around the pump area. The kids’ toys, marbles, stones and such should all be cleared out from the pump area.

Ensure that your pool pump is always clean…

and all the little parts are dust free. Periodically inspect your pump yourself. Look for worn or broken handles, leaky seals and other signs of deterioration. Replace those right away. Once in a while, have a pool equipment professional out to make sure that everything is still running smoothly. Take good care of your pool pump and it will take care good care of your swimming pool.

Make sure that you ask plenty of questions…

about your pool pump when you have it installed. You should thoroughly understand the way the pump works and how to operate all the features. Make sure you have the Owners Manual and, if possible, a parts list and exploded diagram so you can identify parts that might need to be replaced and ensure that you are purchasing exactly the right thing. Research and learn all you can about your model of pool pump and the best ways to maintain it.

What To Do Should Your Pump Seize

If you’ve done all you can do to prevent damage to your pump and it still seizes on you, what do you do? You are in urgent need of a swimming pool pump repair technician. Go to your directory and call a few services to compare prices, warranties and experience. You should choose your pool pump repair technician as carefully as you would an auto mechanic or appliance repair person.

Buy the right parts for your swimming pool pump repair.

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Adding Some Fun Equipment To Your Swimming Pool

By Mandy Schwimmer on June 26, 2009

Whether you have had your pool installed for years or the construction of your pool was recently completed, adding some fun equipment to your swimming pool can be a great idea. By adding a slide or a diving board to your swimming pool you can create new ways to enjoy it even more than you already do. Take a look around at how you use the pool on a daily basis and see if there is a piece of fun swimming pool equipment that can be added to compliment its use.

Different Types Of Swimming Pool Equipment

Consider the amount of space in your yard. If you have a lot of space, adding a swimming pool slide can be a lot of fun for you and the family. The kids will be entertained for hours splashing into the pool again and again. There are numerous slides that can be added to a pool fairly easily. Depending on the amount of land you have available you can put in a short simple slide or a longer slide with lots of turns. The more complex the slide becomes the higher the price tag will be so keep your budget in mind when shopping for a slide to add to your swimming pool.

Diving boards can add a new level to your pool as well. When adding this type of equipment, consider swimming pool safety first. Make sure that you have a pool that is long enough and deep enough to accommodate the diving board you are considering installing. This piece of swimming pool equipment can be fun but not at the expense of the safety of your family.

Another simple and fun piece of swimming pool equipment that can be installed fairly easily is a volleyball net. Everyone can jump into the pool on those hot sunny days and play a friendly game of pool volleyball. Depending on the difficulty of installation this could be an inexpensive way to add some life into your pool.

Similar to a net for volleyball, you can have a basketball hoop installed next to your pool. This is a great way to stay cool in the pool while keeping your net skills sharp.

There are a variety of different types of fun swimming pool equipment that you can add to your pool to introduce new ways to enjoy your pool. Get creative and figure out which options would work best in your yard and with your budget.

Shop our Swimming Pool Toy Store for more high quality swimming pool toys ideas.

Be sure to check out our Coupons and Price Drops for Big Savings on fun swimming pool equipment.

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Reasons For Purchasing An Above Ground Swimming Pool

By Mandy Schwimmer on June 26, 2009

If your summer is in full swing, you may be sick of the hot, sticky, and sweaty days that summer brings. Your children may be bored at home and begging you to find something for them to do. Keeping your children cool and occupied during the summer may seem like a daunting task, but it isn’t! Instead of lugging your children and all of their pool things to the beach or the public pool every time they are bored, you could purchase an above ground swimming pool!

Owning One Is Simple!

An in ground swimming pool can be a difficult item to maintain, but owning an above ground swimming pool is very easy. When you purchase your swimming pool, it usually comes with everything you need from a pool liner to a pool cover, pump and filter. Even keeping an above ground swimming pool clean is simpler because most of these swimming pools come with a pool vacuum and a pool filter. The filter keeps the swimming pool water in constant motion and therefore keeps it from getting stagnant. The vacuum is an easy tool to use to clean debris off of the bottom of the pool when it becomes dirty. Adding chemicals at the proper time and vacuuming just once a week will keep your swimming pool clear, beautiful, and safe!

Above Ground Swimming Pools Are cost Effective!

A swimming pool that is above ground instead of in ground is much less expensive. If you currently go to the public pool three, four, or more times a week, it could even work out to be more economical to just stay home, save the gasoline, and purchase your own above ground swimming pool.

Department stores like Wal-Mart have recognized a need for reasonably priced above ground swimming pools, and because of this you do not even need to go to a pool store to purchase your pool. Some department stores sell inexpensive swimming pools that are actually inflatable. They have to be put up at the beginning of the swimming season and taken down at the end of the season. A fifteen foot across, four foot deep swimming pool will probably cost around six hundred dollars.

Remember, if you have an above ground swimming pool at your home, your children will use it every day that weather permits. The daily use of this pool will make it more than pay for itself over the course of the summer!

To buy your above ground swimming pool Click Here.

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Installing Your Above Ground Swimming Pool Liner

By Mandy Schwimmer on June 26, 2009

You have purchased your above ground swimming pool and now you are faced with the task of assembling it. Putting it together yourself is a great choice. You save money on installation fees and will have the pleasure of knowing that you did this yourself for your family. However, putting the swimming pool together can be difficult even with an above ground swimming pool kit, and you may need to enlist the help of family members and friends. The hardest part for many is the installation of the pool liner.

Working With The Sand

The above ground swimming pool liner can be difficult to install. This step comes after you have put up the swimming pool walls, sand is centered and leveled, and nothing is uneven. The sand can be difficult when installing the swimming pool liner. It is difficult to keep level, and it is easy to get footprints in it. However, some places have a product to help with this. This product puts an inch of polypropylene foam over top of the sand. This keeps it perfectly level and free from footprints so that you can more easily install the swimming pool liner.

Putting The Liner In

Even with the polypropylene foam, it can be extremely difficult to get the above ground swimming pool liner in correctly. Here are some tips to make the process easier:

  • First, slowly drop the liner into the pool.
  • Second, attach the liner to the wall of the swimming pool. If you have an older style above ground swimming pool, there will be an overlap of the liner on the wall. If you do have this type of liner, and you very well may since this is the most popular above ground swimming pool liner, you will need to use plastic clips that go over the wall of the pool and over the liner to hold it in place.
  • Lastly, put the inner stabilizer on top of the pool wall. These stabilizers are pieces just like the wall of the pool was.

Another type of above ground swimming pool liner is a J-break liner. This liner has small hooks that are built into the top of it. This liner easily hooks to the top of the wall of the pool.

Now that your pool liner is installed, all you have left to do is fill the pool with water and decide whether to install an above ground swimming pool deck!

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Factors For Deciding On An Inground Swimming Pool

By Mandy Schwimmer on June 26, 2009

The decision to have an inground swimming pool designed and installed is not a small decision or small commitment. An inground pool requires excavation, plumbing and then building of a pool, or placement of a pre-made pool. After the pool is installed and all the equipment is installed there are additional costs for maintenance.

To keep your pool and equipment from needing costly repairs and replacement, you need to maintain an inground pool with regularity. This includes cleaning of the pool, care of the equipment and maintaining a proper chemical balance in the pool. All of these factors need to be considered in planning your swimming pool and budgeting to maintain it. While any pool contractor would be happy to sell you an inground swimming pool you can and will be very unhappy if you do not consider all of the costs of a pool, both in time and in money.

Swimming Pool Design and Equipment Are Crucial

The bid cost of installation of an inground swimming pool may not cover all items needed for a complete and running pool. Make sure that the contractor you choose has a good reputation and that you verify that the cost is reasonable by taking competitive bids. Make sure that all the bids include the same items. In other words, make sure you are comparing “apples to apples.”

A comprehensive pool bid should include design, permits, excavation, plumbing, electrical and construction of the pool and installation of all its equipment. If the pool design also includes a hot tub section, there are additional requirements to that portion. Ask your contractor specific questions to verify that you will have a complete and functioning inground swimming pool when his contract is completed.

The inground swimming pool equipment, including electrical and plumbing, needs to be high quality. Verify what equipment will be used in your pool and do research on the products. Check their warranty lengths and coverages to verify what you will be required to expend in the event of a problem. Also verify that the pool contractor will warranty his pool, and for what length of time.

Pool Maintenance Is A Daily Matter

The maintenance of an inground swimming pool is a daily matter. You need to be careful, as the incorrect use of chemicals can destroy the equipment, electrical and plumbing, and could void your warranties. A pool cleaner than can be set on a timer is an excellent investment and can go quite far in keeping your personal work time in your pool to a minimum. If you do not want to maintain your chemicals, you can find and employ a local pool maintenance company to keep the pool in good condition.

In addition to daily maintenance, an inground pool needs to be properly “opened” in the spring and “closed” in the winter to prevent damage to the pool surfaces and equipment. In the spring this may involve removing swimming pool covers or cleaning out debris that has collected in the pool over the winter, shocking the pool to maintain the proper chemical balance as the water temperature warms and giving the pump and filter a good checkup before the intense activity of swimming season. In the fall, pool covers may go back on, chemical levels should be monitored as the temperatures cool and evaporation decreases and the equipment should be “winterized” to protect it from freezing temperatures.

You want the most out of your new inground swimming pool. To get that you need to care for your pool consistently.

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