ASK THE BEAR

Whether you're looking to buy, install, or maintain a pool, Ask the Bear is here to guide you through every step of the way. Explore through our collection of links that provide you with informative videos and helpful tips. We'll cover topics such as finding the ideal placement for your pool, including which places to avoid. Discover the right size and shape for your specific pool needs, understand what is too small or too large, and find YOUR perfect fit. Dive into the world of filter systems as we explore the benefits of different types such as sand, cartridge, or DE, helping you choose the one that suits you best. We'll also delve into the differences between steel and aluminum pools, providing valuable insights on what to look for when making your decision.

And most importantly, why should you choose Teddy Bear Pools & Spas to build your new above-ground pool?

• The Differences Between Steel & Aluminum Pools
• Steps to Buying an Above-Ground Pool - Placement 
• Steps to Buying an Above-Ground Pool – Size and Shape
• Choosing the Right Above-Ground Pool Filter System
• Landscaping After Above-Ground Pool Installation
• Extruded Aluminum Above-Ground Pools
• Above-Ground Pool Decks
• Semi In-Ground Pools

AIR-RELIEF VALVE

A manually-operated brass or plastic valve located at the top of a filter tank for relieving the pressure inside the filter and removing the air inside the filter (bleeding the filter). Also known as a pressure-relief valve.

ALGAE

Microscopic plant-like organisms that contain chlorophyll. Algae are nourished by carbon dioxide (CO2) and use sunlight to carry out photosynthesis. It can be introduced by rain or wind and grows in colonies, producing nuisance masses. Algae can harbor bacteria and can be slippery. There are thousands of known species of algae. The most common types of algae found in pools are black, blue-green, green and mustard (yellow or drawn).

ALGAECIDES

Chemical compounds designed to kill, prevent, and control algae.

AUTOMATIC POOL CLEANER

A pool maintenance system that will agitate and/or vacuum debris from the pool interior automatically.

BACKFLOW

The backing up of water through a pipe in the direction opposite to normal flow.

BACKWASH

The process of thoroughly cleaning the filter by reversing the flow of water through it with the dirt and rinse water going to waste.

BALANCERS

Chemical compounds designed to prevent corrosion and staining by balancing the pH, total alkalinity, and calcium hardness in pool water.

BROMIDE

A common term for a bromide salt used to supply bromide ions to the water so they may be oxidized or changed into hypobromous acid, the killing form of bromine. Used as a disinfectant.

BROMINE

A common name for a chemical compound containing bromine that is used as a disinfectant to destroy bacteria and algae in swimming pools and spas. Available as a tablet or as sodium bromide, a granular salt.

BTU

Abbreviation for British Thermal Unit. The amount of heat necessary to raise 1 lb. of water 1 degree Fahrenheit.

CENTRIFUGAL PUMP

A pump consisting of an impeller fixed on a rotating shaft and enclosed in a casing or volute and having an inlet and a discharge connection. The rotating impeller creates pressure in the water by the velocity derived from the centrifugal force.

CHECK VALVE

A mechanical device in a pipe that permits the flow of water or air in one direction only.

CHEMICAL FEEDER

A device that dispenses chemicals into pool or spa water at a predetermined rate. Some dispense chlorine or bromine while others dispense pH-adjusting chemicals.

CHLORINE NEUTRALIZER

A chemical used to make chlorine harmless. Used in test kits to counteract the bleaching effect of the chlorine or bromine in order to increase the accuracy of pool water tests. Sold as chlorine and bromine neutralizer, it is used to destroy excessive amounts of chlorine or bromine so the high levels will not affect swimmers.

CHLORINE

A term used to describe any type of chlorine compound used as a disinfectant in swimming pool and spa water or to kill, destroy or control bacteria and algae. In addition, chlorine oxidizes ammonia and nitrogen compounds caused by swimmers.

COPING

The cap or top lip on the pool or spa wall that provides a finished edge around the pool or spa. It can be formed, cast in place or precast, or prefabricated of extruded aluminum or rigid vinyl. It may also be part of the system that secures a vinyl liner to the top of the pool wall.

CORROSION

The etching, pitting, or eating away of the pool or spa or equipment. Can be caused by improper water balance, misuse of acid or acidic products, or from soft water.

COVER, SOLAR

A cover that, when placed on the water's surface of a pool, spa, or hot tub, increases the water temperature by absorption and transmission of solar radiation; reduces evaporation, and prevents windborne debris from entering the water.

D.E.

Diatomaceous Earth – a porous substance used in certain types of pool filters.

DIVERTER VALVE

A plumbing fitting used to change the direction or redirect the flow of water. Some diverter valves are used on pool/spa combinations to allow the use of the spa and then switch the flow back to the pool.

DRAIN

This term usually refers to a plumbing fitting installed on the suction side of the pump in pools, spas, and hot tubs. Sometimes called the main drain, it is located in the deepest part of the pool, spa, or hot tub. It does not function as a drain on a kitchen sink…pool main drains do not allow the water to drain to waste but rather connect to the pump for circulation and filtration.

FIBERGLASS

Finespun filaments of glass are available in a rope or mat form. When used in a process with polyester resins, catalysts and hardeners can be formed or molded into pools and spas.

FILTER

A device that removes undissolved or suspended particles from water by recirculating the water through a porous substance (a filter medium or element). The three types of filters used in pools and spas are sand, cartridge, and D.E. (diatomaceous earth).

FILTRATION RATE

The rate at which the water is traveling through the filter, expressed in U.S. gallons per minute (GPM) per square foot of filter area.

FLOW RATE

The quantity of water flowing past a designated point within a specified time, such as the number of gallons flowing past a point in 1 minute – also known as gallons per minute or GPM.

GPM

Abbreviation for “gallons per minute.”

GUNITE

A mixture of cement and sand sprayed onto contoured and supported surfaces to build a pool. Gunite is mixed and pumped to the site dry, and water is added at the point of application. Plaster is usually applied over the gunite.

GUTTER

An overflow trough at the edge of the pool through which floating debris, oil, and other "lighter-than-water" things flow. Pools with gutters usually do not have skimmers.

HAND SKIMMER

A screen attached to a frame that is then attached to a telescopic pole used to remove large floating debris, such as leaves and bugs, from the water's surface.

HEAT EXCHANGER

A device located inside the heater providing for the transfer of heat from the heat source to the water. This is usually a series of metallic tubes with fins located just above the flames.

HEATER

A fossil-fueled, electric, or solar device used to heat the water of a pool, spa, or hot tub.

LINER

Also called a vinyl liner - The vinyl membrane that acts as the container to hold or contain the water in some types of pools.

MAIN DRAIN

A plumbing fitting installed on the suction side of the pump in pools, spas, and hot tubs. Sometimes simply referred to as the drain, it is located in the deepest part of the pool, spa, or hot tub. It does not function like the drain on a kitchen sink…pool main drains do not allow the water to drain to waste but rather connect to the pump for circulation and filtration.

NEUTRALIZER

A chemical used to make chlorine or bromine harmless. Used in test kits to counteract the bleaching effect of the chlorine or bromine in order to increase the accuracy of pool water tests. Sold as chlorine and bromine neutralizer, it is used to destroy excessive amounts of chlorine or bromine so the high levels will not affect swimmers.

OXIDIZER

A non-chlorine shocking compound that removes or destroys built-up contaminants and chloramines in pool water without raising chlorine levels.

POOL COVER, (HARD-TOP)

A cover used on pools, spas, and hot tubs that rests on the lip (coping) of the pool or spa deck - not a flotation cover. Used as a barrier to swimmers and bathers and for maintenance and thermal protection.

PUMP

A mechanical device, usually powered by an electric motor, which causes hydraulic flow and pressure for the purpose of filtration, heating, and circulation of pool and spa water. Typically, a centrifugal pump is used for pools, spas, and hot tubs.

PUMP CAPACITY

The volume of liquid a pump is capable of moving during a specified period of time. This is usually listed in gallons per minute or GPM.

PUMP CURVE

Also called a pump performance curve - A graph that represents a pump's water flow capacity at any given resistance.

pH

Abbreviation for Potential Hydrogen. Indicates the level of acidity or alkalinity of water on a scale ranging from 0-15. A low pH can cause etched plaster, metal corrosion, and eye irritation. A high pH can cause scale formation, chlorine inefficiency, and eye irritation. The ideal range for pH in swimming pools is typically 7.4 to 7.6.

SANITIZERS

Chemical compounds designed to kill bacteria, algae, and other living organisms. Also protects water from the effects of the sun.

SHOCK TREATMENT

The practice of adding significant amounts of an oxidizing chemical - (usually non-chlorine oxidizers, such as sodium persulfate or potassium peroxymonosulfate) - to the water to destroy ammonia and nitrogen compounds caused by swimmers, the environment and/or weather.

SKIMMER

A device installed through the wall of a pool or spa that is connected to the suction line of the pump that draws water and floating debris in the water flow from the surface without causing much flow restriction.

SKIMMER BASKET

A removable, slotted basket or strainer placed in the skimmer on the suction side of the pump, which is designed to trap floating debris in the water flow from the surface without causing flow restriction.

SOLAR COVER

A cover that, when placed on the water's surface of a pool, spa, or hot tub, increases the water temperature by absorption and transmission of solar radiation; reduces evaporation, and prevents windborne debris from entering the water.

TEST KIT

An apparatus or device used to monitor specific chemical residuals, levels, constituents, or demands in pool or spa water. The most common pool and spa water tests are pHs, total alkalinity, free available chlorine, water hardness, cyanuric acid, iron, and copper.

TEST STRIPS

Small plastic strips with pads attached that have been impregnated with reagents that can be used to test pool water for residuals, levels, constituents, or demands. The strips are usually dipped in the water, and the resulting colors of the pads are compared to a standard set of colors to determine concentration.

TURBIDITY

The cloudy condition of the water due to the presence of extremely fine particles in suspension that cannot be trapped by the filter because they are too small. Adding a clarifier, such as an organic polymer or alum, will coagulate the particles and make the filter more efficient.

VACUUM

Devices that use suction to collect dirt from the bottom and sides of a pool or spa. The most common is a vacuum head with wheels that attaches to a telephone and is connected to the suction line, usually via the opening in the skimmer. Pool vacuums must be operated by a person, and debris is collected in the filter.

VINYL LINER

The vinyl membrane that acts as the container to hold or contain pool water.

WATER CLARIFIER

Also called coagulant or flocculant - A chemical compound used to gather (coagulate or agglomerate) or to precipitate suspended particles so they may be removed by vacuuming or filtration. There are two types; inorganic salts of aluminum (alum) and other metals or water-soluble organic polyelectrolytes.

WEIR

The small floating "door" on the side of the skimmer that faces the water over which water flows on its way to the skimmer. Adjusts automatically to small changes in water level to assure a continuous flow of water to the skimmer. The weir also prevents debris from floating back into the pool after the pump shuts off. Also known as a skimmer weir.

Above-Ground Pools Opening Instructions

Tips for Opening Your Above-Ground Pool on Your Own

Tips for Closing Your Above-Ground Pool On Your Own

Teddy Bear Pools & Spas offers a variety of filters for both in-ground and above-ground pools. We provide Sta-Rite cartridge systems, as well as Hayward DE and cartridge systems, which are available for purchase at our retail store.

When installing your filter for the first time or at the beginning of each season, we suggest that you remove and clean the DE element or cartridge at least once a week for the first week or two of operation. Your water may look clean, but this will help polish it.

At the end of each season, remove the filter top and clean the DE element or cartridge with “Bear Strip,” a biodegradable non-toxic cleaner. Do not use muriatic acid, which is harmful to your DE element or cartridge and the environment.

When the reading on the pressure gauge raises more than 10 P.S.I. in 24 hours or the water flow into the pool (return) decreases, it is time to clean your cartridge. It is recommended that you clean your DE filter as needed (about every 4 weeks) or your cartridge at least once during mid-summer months as a maintenance cleaning (Usually at the end of June or beginning of July).   

Videos:

How-To Clean Your DE Filter

How-to Operate and Clean Your Cartridge Filter

PDFs:

How-To Clean A DE Filter

How-To Clean a Cartridge Filter

1. Determine what type of pool liner you need. Above-ground swimming pools are built to accommodate either an overlap-style liner or a beaded-style liner. The difference between a "beaded" style liner and an "overlap" style liner is the way the liner is held in place at the top of the swimming pool. Beaded above-ground pool liners have a very small groove or lip at the top edge of the liner. This small lip is snapped into a track all the way around the inside of the swimming pool at the very top of the pool wall, to hold the pool liner in place. If your swimming pool requires a beaded pool liner, you will be able to see this track by looking under the top rail on the inside of the above-ground swimming pool.
2. An overlap-style liner is folded over the wall of the swimming pool and held in place underneath the top rail of the above-ground swimming pool. If your swimming pool requires an overlap-style liner, you can see a small amount of the pool liner under the top rail on the outside of the swimming pool. To install an overlap pool liner, the top rail of the above-ground pool is removed all the way around the pool. The new liner is then placed in the pool and draped over the top of the thin metal wall of the pool. Long plastic coping clips, along with a top metal rim, are placed over the liner and the metal wall to hold the liner in place. The top rails are then re-installed over the new liner.
3. Determine what grade of pool liner is in your price range. Replacement swimming pool liners for aboveground swimming pools can be found in several grades or thicknesses. The thickness of the vinyl pool liner material indicates how durable the pool liner is, and how long it might last inside a swimming pool. The thicker the pool liner material is, the more durable (and more expensive) it will be. The measure of pool liner thickness is presented in either “gauge" or “mil", both meaning the same thing.

Tips:

• The pool liner included with most new above-ground swimming pools is plain blue color and a 20 mil thickness. This is a standard pool liner and will perform well and look great for years.
• Replacement swimming pool liners can be found in thicknesses up to 30 mils, but be aware that this is a significant price difference.
• There are many ways in which liners are manufactured in the industry, with some companies offering re-processed vinyl. What this means is vinyl which is ground up and re-manufactured out of second-hand material.  It will not be as strong, or last as long in your pool. Be sure you are buying "virgin vinyl", which is the original processed material.

Warnings:

Installing a replacement pool liner yourself can be trickier than it seems. Mishandling or improper installation can lead to tears or leaks, affecting the appearance of your new liner. If you're new to liner replacement or pool installation, it's best to hire a professional for this task. Watch closely, ask questions, and you'll gain valuable knowledge for future installations!

Swimming Pool Leak Bucket Test

Pool Leak or Evaporation