In any given season, the swimming pool industry sees its fair share of new products and technologies. Some are fads that come and go, while others such as passive ionizers or biguanides, which were introduced in the ’90s, experience initial rapid growth and then settle into a niche category. A few become really popular because they create real value. Over time their popularity grows and they become established as they evolve to match changing consumer expectations.
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It goes without saying salt is a critical component of saltwater pools. Without it, electrolysis within the electrolytic chlorine generator (ECG) could not take place, and chlorine could not be produced to sanitize the water. Yet, ironically, poor quality salt can produce several problems in a saltwater pool, including staining, scale, and increased chlorine demand.
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Spring is here, which means opening season for swimming pools is just around the corner. The proper spring startup sets the tone for the entire season. For saltwater pools, spring startup is even more critical if problems such as chlorine (Cl) demand, algae, staining and scale were experienced during the prior season and not dealt with adequately.
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It is no secret the pool industry has been beset by declining sales and profits. The reasons seem obvious: new pool construction is down, consumer spending has slumped, the overall economy is struggling and mass merchants are carrying more and more after-market pool products. Pool owners are also turning to the Internet to purchase pool supplies, which further decreases profits.
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A customer enters a pool store with an electrolytic chlorine generator (ECG) cell that is scaled beyond repair. If the customer wants to continue enjoying his/her saltwater pool, the cell would need to be replaced and a better quality pool salt with scale preventatives should be recommended. However, due to fear the customer might balk at the cell’s replacement cost, the dealer finds…
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Specialty pool retailers are facing stiffer competition from mass retailers, such as Wal-Mart, Home Depot and Canadian Tire. It is not surprising, as pool owners are desirable customers for any retailer. They typically have more…
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Scale is one of the most common and serious challenges in saltwater pool maintenance. It typically forms first on the cell plates of the electrolytic chlorine generator (ECG), where it can remain undetected until the problem is well advanced. It also hampers the effectiveness and lifespan of the ECG cell, which can be costly both to pool owners, who may need to prematurely replace a cell, and to service companies, which will have to…
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Saltwater pools are becoming increasingly popular in Canada. People love the soft, soothing feel of salt water, which is gentle on eyes, nose, skin and hair compared to…
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