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Pink Slime & White-Water Mould: Causes and How to Remove Them
Pink Slime is an unsightly and unwelcome form of bacteria, which also happens to be really stubborn and tricky to remove, whilst White Water Mould is a naturally occurring form of fungus, equally as resistant to chemicals.
How To Winterise An Outdoor Swimming Pool

Winter Debris Cover on Swimming PoolThat familiar time of year has once again arrived for outdoor swimming pool owners, preparing to winterise the pool and close it down until next spring.

It may not be the most fun task of pool ownership, but correctly winterising your pool will protect your swimming pool equipment and minimise the chance of algae growth while the pool is closed (because nobody wants to start next Spring off by clearing a green pool, right?).

Let us make the process a bit easier for you in this simple step-by-step guide on how to winterise an outdoor swimming pool (run on chlorine).

Winterising an Outdoor Chlorine Swimming Pool

Step One:

Backwash your sand filter thoroughly. Remove any debris from the pump strainer, the skimmer and the pool water surface.

Pool Filter on Backwash SettingStep Two:

Check the pH and if necessary adjust the level to between 7.6 – 7.8 using All Swim Pak 2.

The reason for this is that while the pool water is stagnant while closed, the pH will naturally lower, so raising it prior to winterising helps to avoid any negative effects from low pH on the pool surface or on the liner such as staining. 

Step Three:

Using an un-stabilised form of chlorine, shock dose the pool at a rate of 70g shock chlorine per 1,000 gallons (pre-dissolve in warm water and leave the circulation on to make sure it is thoroughly distributed).

Shock dosing is necessary to ensure you kill off any algae or harmful organisms in the pool.

Step Four:

Close the valve(s) from the skimmer(s) and lower the water to around 15cm below the skimmer level. This is to prevent the pool water overflowing in high rainfall levels.

Next, close the valve for the skimmer on the plant room filter, to prevent air suction via the skimmer.

Test and Treat Pool Water Test StripsStep Five:

With the water still circulating through the bottom drain, add a winterising product such as All Swim Winterclear, Lo Chlor Winteriser, or Lo-Chlor Total Algaecide

These are specially formulated long-life algaecides, designed to help prevent the formation and growth of algae for up to a 6-month time period.

Please note that if the winter season is particularly mild and wet, it’s advisable to check the water after 3 months and add another shock chlorine dose if needed.

Step Six:

If you have a pool ladder or diving board, remove them at this stage and safely package them away in a frost-free location for winter, along with your summer pool cover.

Step Seven:

Switch off and isolate the electricity supply. We recommend contacting a qualified electrician to carry out this process if you are in any doubt or unsure at all.

All Swim Pak 2Step Eight:

Drain the water from the filter, the circulation pump and the heater (taking care to retain any o'rings from the unions).

Step Nine:

Disconnect your pool pump and safely store it somewhere free from extreme temperatures.

Step Ten:

Leave the valves above the water level open, and close off the valves below the water level to protect them from frost damage.

Step Eleven:

If you choose to, you can now insert some weighted and sealed polythene bottles, floated along the pool length and secured with strong cord. The purpose of this is to absorb ice expansion in the event of harsh winter weather.

Step Twelve:

Winter Debris Cover on Swimming PoolCover the pool with a good quality Winter Debris Cover to keep your pool free from debris and leaves (and unwanted wildlife!). If the winter is particularly mild and damp, we recommend checking the water after 3 months and if necessary topping up the shock chlorine and another dose of algaecide. 

And there you have the complete guide to ‘putting the swimming pool to bed’ for winter, safe in the knowledge you are looking after the equipment and less likely to face a pea-green sight next spring!

If in doubt, we recommend contacting a local swimming pool engineer, as this is a service they will more than likely offer and be highly experienced in the process. 

All Swim can put you in contact with South Wales based pool engineers if required. Please call 02920 705059 or email sales@allswimltd.com for more information.

Hot Tub Water Foaming Up?

Hot Tub Foaming Up

Here's Why and How to Remove It  

If you’ve been a hot tub owner for some time, you will more than likely have experienced the irritating issue of the water foaming up, looking less than inviting (if you’ve escaped it, you’re one of the lucky ones!).

What causes the water to become foamy in a hot tub?

Everything that goes into your spa water has some effect on the water balance; from laundry detergent residue on bathing costumes to cosmetic products, sunscreen, sweat, deodorants or even leaves and debris finding their way into the water, which results in a build-up of unwanted residue (known as Total Dissolved Solids or TDS for short).

If the water in your hot tub is due to be changed (the recommended approximate guidelines for this are to drain your spa every 3 months) you will more than likely notice an increase in spa water foaming also. 

How do you clear the foam in spa water?

Lo Chlor No More Foam

As a fast-acting solution, you can use an anti-foam product such as Lo-Chlor No More Foam  which will help to clear the foam – ideal if you’ve planned to use the spa and want a quick solution.

Top Tip: Less is more, No More Foam has a handy trigger spray and just one or two squirts should do the job (over-using anti foam products can contribute to more foam through product build up!).

Aquasparkle Spa Fusion  is our favourite ‘get out of jail card’. Spa Fusion is a rapid water-recovery saviour, perfect for when you’ve invited people over for a spa party then discover the water looks ‘flat’ or cloudy.  Sprinkle a Spa Fusion into the water, turn the jets on and voila - watch the water clear within 30 minutes!

  

Aquasparkle Spa Fusion Water Clarifier

How to deep-clean your hot tub

For a longer-lasting remedy, Aquasparkle Hot Tub Flush is a powerful cleaning solution designed to work its way through the internal pipework of Hot Tubs and Spas, removing bacteria and biofilm build-up.

Hot Tub Flush is simply dosed by removing the filter cartridge, pouring the solution into the water with the jets on for at least 30 minutes (ensuring no chlorine or bromine tablets are in the tub when dosing this).

After 30 minutes, turn the pumps off then ideally leave overnight before draining the spa, when all the collected deposits from the pipework will be swept away with the water.

Top Tip: The water will foam up a lot during the flush process - don’t worry, it’s just doing its job!

Aquasparkle Hot Tub Flush Pipework Cleaner

It’s a good idea to clean the spa surface before refilling, using Lo-Chlor Spa Polish with a soft microfibre cloth (ensuring you buff any residue off well prior to filling it back up with water).

We love this one so much we use it ourselves in the showroom - it smells divine, cleans  and protects the spa surface (plus it does a fine job on stainless steel and on your car too!).

  

    

Refill and Shock

Now your hot tub has been cleaned inside and out you’ll need to give the fresh water a ‘shock dose’ with shock chlorine to sanitise the water. This will ensure the water is safe and bacteria doesn’t have time to start multiplying while it is heating back up to temperature.

Lo Chlor Hot Tub and Spa Polish

A shock dose for spa water is a level of 5 mg/l (ppm) and the standard ongoing chlorine level of 3 – 5mg/l. Good practice would be a weekly shock dose going forward. If you use Bromine as your sanitiser, maintain a level of between 3 – 5mg/l for clear and safe water.

Continue to regularly test the water and when necessary adjust the pH and Total Alkalinity levels to bring them within the recommended ranges (7.2 – 7.8 pH and 80 – 120 TA). This helps protect both bather comfort and the spa equipment.

Following the above steps will help to minimise the water foaming up and keep your hot tub ready to jump in whenever the mood takes you!

All Swim are always on hand to help advise on Hot Tub and Pool Water Management, with a large selection of chemicals and accessories in store.

  

Hot Tub with clear water

All Swim Hot Tub Chemicals are in stock to keep your pool or spa sparkling and ready to enjoy.

Contact us for further advice or assistance on:

02920 705059

sales@allswimltd.com

Questions To Ask Before Buying A Hot Tub

Couple In Caldera Hot Tub

 

Choosing the right Hot Tub is bound to raise many questions, such as the running costs or how easy it is to maintain for starters.

With such a vast amount of hot tubs on the market, it can be a challenge to figure out which brand and model is the right choice, particularly if you’re researching tubs online and some deals seem almost too good to be true.  Our recommendation is to make sure you research the brand and always try to view the tub in person or arrange a ‘wet test’ to experience the tub in action!

Based on our experience in helping customers find their perfect hot tub, we’ve compiled a list of the most commonly asked questions during the decision-making process:

 Q.   How are hot tubs delivered and what preparation do I need to do beforehand?Hot Tub being lifted into place

A. The first thing to consider is how accessible the site is, but worry not as All Swim offer a free, no-obligation site check to establish if standard delivery is possible.  We’ll check access to the property right through to where you plan to have your hot tub and advise if any specific preparation aside from the standard concrete base and electrical supply is required.

A full guide regarding the, preparation and delivery guidelines can be viewed here: https://www.allswimltd.com/pdf/AllSwim-SpaPreDelivery.pdf

All Swim include the full Delivery, Positioning & Commissioning (set-up of the spa) on all Caldera Spas where access permits and the Fantasy Spas range currently have a free Kerbside delivery included.  If access is tricky, delivery can usually be made possible via a Hi-ab – which typically costs around £300.

So, all that’s needed is for you to prepare the site:-

The proper foundation (or base) is a reinforced concrete slab at least 4” (10cm) thick and needs to be completely flat and level.

With regards to electrics, Fantasy Spas hot tubs can either be hardwired or connected via a C Form socket (16 amps supply recommended to run both heating and jets simultaneously) whereas Caldera Spas hot tubs require a dedicated supply run from the main unit to an RCD. Once your electrician has installed the RCD and left the sufficient amount of armoured cable, our engineers are qualified to do the final connection on the day of delivery.

Aquacheck Test and Treat

Q.    How much will it cost me to run a hot tub?

A. This depends on a few factors; how well made and insulated the hot tub is, the quality of the cover and how you use the tub.  Our range of Caldera Spas hot tubs feature a special FiberCor Insulation that has 4 times better heat retention properties than traditional hot tub insulation foam, keeping running costs down as the water temperature is maintained more efficiently. 

Based on an average daily use of one hour, running costs are approximately £1 per day.

Q.  I’ve seen tubs online that look similar but are a lot cheaper, what’s the difference between them?

A. In a nutshell, if you compare two hot tubs that are similar in size and appearance, but with a sizeable price difference, the cheaper one will have been made from cheaper materials and components and by a less skilled manufacturer.

Unfortunately, there are many cheap, poorly manufactured hot tubs available to buy, particularly online, that have inadequate insulation, cheap jets and an inferior build quality – which result in high running costs and costly ongoing maintenance/repair work being needed in the long term.

Check the warranty terms and conditions before making your decision also – this is a great indicator of a hot tub’s build quality!  For example, if you’re considering a deal that seems like a bargain but has a short warranty length, that suggests the manufacturer realistically doesn’t expect the spa to get past the warranty length without needing replacement parts or potentially expensive repairs.  Or the worst case scenario of a manufacturer that goes out of business during the warranty period – leaving you high and dry if anything goes wrong!

All Swim has many years of experience and is a hot tub retailer with over 48 years in business plus Watkins Wellness (who manufacture all our spas) are part of the MASCO Corporation, a Fortune 500 company required under US law to hold separate funds to cover the entire warranty length of all spas they make – which considering some models have a 10 Year warranty is pretty reassuring.

Q. Will a Hot Tub be difficult to look after?

A. The main thing any first-time hot tub owner needs to master is maintaining the correct water balance.  This involves testing the water to check the level of sanitiser (usually Bromine or Chlorine, which keep the water free of bacteria and safe) along with the pH.  A chemical starter pack (supplied with all our Hot Tubs) contains handy ‘dip strips’ for easy water testing and the products needed to adjust the levels to keep within the recommended ranges and takes just minutes to do.  Part of the All Swim commissioning service involves showing you how to test the water and treat the water, then it’s simply a case of remembering to regularly follow the steps and adjust accordingly for clear, safe water.

Your hot tub should be pretty easy to look after once you’re familiar with water balance.  BISHTA recommend draining the spa water and refilling it every 10 -12 weeks, depending on usage and the water treatment system on the tub.  Aside from this, the user manual supplied is a handy guide to help understand your hot tub and we’re always on hand to answer our customer’s questions! 

One of our previous blog posts covers looking after a hot tub in more detail: https://www.allswimltd.com/how-to-look-after-your-hot-tub

If you’re considering purchasing a hot tub and would like to have a chat, please get in touch with us either via email (sales@allswimltd.com), call us on 02920 705059 or call in to the showroom and we’ll be happy to help.

A Winter Guide For Hot Tub Owners

A winter guide for hot tub owners

As a Hot Tub owner, you probably have your own pattern of how and when you prefer using the tub, maybe a half-hour session daily, or a few hours with family and friends over the weekend. Whichever way you choose to use your hot tub, providing your spa comes from a reputable, quality manufacturer, hot tubs are designed for use all year round.

There are many benefits to hot tub ownership during autumn and winter, from enjoying a festive toast in the tub to watching Bonfire Night fireworks from the warmth of your spa. And not forgetting a key one - the hydrotherapy benefits that will help to ease stiff muscles and improve circulation to combat winter woes.

winterising a hot tub

 

If you’re new to hot tub ownership or considering purchasing one in time for this winter, here are some commonly asked Questions & Answers you might be wondering about:

Q. Won’t I get too cold getting into and out of the hot tub when it’s freezing outside?

A. We would advise popping a robe on when on the way to and from the tub and suitable footwear, along with pre-checking the access route is free from ice, so your walkway is clear and safe. Aside from that, when using the hot tub, your skin temperature actually increases close to that of normal body temperature and remains at that temperature for a short while after getting out of the water – making the exit from the tub less of a temperature shift until you’re back indoors.

Q. Will it cost more to run my hot tub in colder temperatures?

A. If you have purchased a well-made, well-designed hot tub, such as one by US manufacturer Watkins Wellness who manufacture our Caldera Spas, they are purposely designed to be used daily all year round. Caldera Spas feature a special type of insulation (FiberCor) that is 4 times denser than traditional hot tub insulation foam (so 4 x better at retaining the heat), helping to greatly minimise running costs.

Always fully remove your cover when using the hot tub (for safety reasons), and keep it fully on and secured when the tub is not in use to keep the heat in. Replace the cover as soon as possible as the greater difference between air and water temperature will result in faster heat-loss from the water in winter.

Q. Will my hot tub require more maintenance during the winter?

A. Not necessarily, as they are designed to withstand harsh winter climates. However, it pays to pay attention to your hot tub when the temperature drops for a few reasons:

  • If it snows, we advise sweeping the snow off the hot tub cover, as a pile of snow is heavy and will add unnecessary strain on the cover and cover lifter if you have one.
  • Even if you don’t plan on getting in, it’s advisable to put your hot tub on periodically during the winter to check everything is operating as it should. This is because a spa is designed to have heated water circulating with built-in protection against the water freezing in the pipework. However, if something fails to operate properly and is not picked up, there is a risk of the water heating and circulation stopping and freezing inside the pipework leading to interior damage.
  • Maintain your water testing and treat the water as you would normally do, which is always recommended best practice.

Q. If I don’t plan on using my hot tub during the winter, do I need to winterise it?

A. If you have decided you won’t be using your spa over the winter period, you will need to follow the below steps to properly winterise it to protect the equipment from frost and potential damage:

Winterising (shutting down) your Hot Tub

  1. 1. Switch off the air control valves and open all jets.

    At this stage it would be a good idea to use a proprietary pipe cleaner and A hot tub flush product before draining the hot tub, which removes built-up biofilm and bacteria from pipework.

    Drain the water from the hot tub, using the hot tub’s in-built drain valve or a submersible pump (which will empty it out much faster). There will normally be a few inches of water left in the bottom of the hot tub which can be bailed out using a plastic bucket or similar plastic container.

    Switch off power to the hot tub both at the local isolator switch (if fitted) and the MCB in the consumer unit.

    Lo Chlor System Flush
    .
  2. 2. Remove the cabinet panel at the front of the hot tub’s equipment bay. Undo the unions connecting the pipework to the pumps and allow the water in the pipework drain away.

    Use a wet and dry vacuum cleaner to clear the pipework of any remaining water. If the hot tub is fitted with an air blower, disconnect the end of the pipe from the blower, and suck as much water as possible from the blower lines with the wet and dry vacuum.

    Remove the drain plugs from the pumps and let the water drain from the pump bodies. When all the water has drained from the pump bodies, replace the drain plugs.

  3. 3. Replace the cabinet panel.

    Wipe over the hot tub’s interior and exterior with a clean cotton or microfibre towel. When it has fully dried out, place the cover back on the hot tub, close it and secure it.

  4. 4. Cover up the Hot Tub

    As the hot tub is not going to be used for a while, it is better to cover it up properly to protect it from the elements, dirt and insects. you are ready to use it again. A Spa Protector Cover will help shield the cover and cabinet from harsh conditions also, until

    5. You have now successfully winterised your hot tub!

     

     

    For any help or advice on looking after your hot tub, feel free to contact us on 02920 705059 or email sales@allswimltd.com for assistance.

    Spa Cover Protector
    .

 

The Surprising Benefits Of Using A Hot Tub

Muscle massage relief with Caldera SpasUsing a hot tub is a proven method of enhancing health and wellbeing, with benefits including better sleep, physical and mental relaxation and detoxification to name a few. But how exactly does the experience of using a hot tub help?

The Science Bit

Most people attribute a hot tub session with relaxing tense muscles and pain relief, which are certainly key benefits of using a tub, but did you know the benefits run deeper than just relaxation?

The warm water temperature reduces the gravitational pull of the body and dilates blood vessels, reducing pressure on your heart – fantastic for stress reduction and improved blood flow.

The high temperature water also encourages your body to sweat out stored impurities, so it’s a great boost for detoxing your body and helping to reduce the appearance of cellulite.

Those suffering from arthritis will find the hydrotherapy massage on our Caldera Spas a great relief from their symptoms due to improved blood circulation, allowing for easier movement and pain relief.

Feel-good endorphins are naturally released by the body during a hot tub session too, which can reduce anxiety and promote feelings of calmness.

Social Interaction

With today’s hectic lifestyles and our growing tendency to spend time on our gadgets, spending all important quality time with family and friends can prove a challenge.

Hot tub owners have the advantage of using their hot-tubbing time to socialise with their nearest and dearest, helping to nurture relationships and step away from screen-time. They might also notice an increase in visits from friends once the hot tub arrives!

Long Term Gains

If you’ve never owned a hot tub before, the initial cost might be something you are questioning – as let’s face it, it’s not an every-day essential purchase.

At All Swim we offer a range of hot tubs, designed to suit a wide range of budgets and needs, as we believe the benefits of hydrotherapy should be widely available to all. If you're considering the hot tub lifestyle but are a little unsure as to whether you'll use it regularly our inflatable hot tubs are a great way to get started, all the benefits of a hot tub at a fraction of the cost! Alternatively, if budget is a consideration but you're looking for a hot tub you can use all year round, consider our Fantasy Spa range, durable, portable and offering all the comforts of a more expensive spa. And lastly, if you're looking for the ultimate in comfort, style and hydrotherapy massage experience our Caldera Spas will not disappoint!

Whether you’re a regular gym user or not, using a hot tub at home will help you achieve your health and fitness goals, as the massage from the jets is strong yet gentle, allowing you to work your muscles in a low impact environment.

The Caldera Spas Utopia series light showOwning your own hot tub is like having your very own personal wellbeing retreat, making a staycation an appealing alternative to pricey spa getaways.

Add Value to your Home

Seeing as we’re not blessed with year-round fine weather in the UK, it’s fair to say most of us don’t make great use of our outdoor space during autumn and winter. The addition of a hot tub makes being outdoors more inviting – just imagine toasting the New Year in under the stars together in your hot tub!

Or maybe you’d prefer your tub to be indoors? Either way, it can add value to your property if in time you choose to move on and include the hot tub as a feature.

Not sure where to begin? For expert advice or a free, no obligation site visit contact us on 02920 705059 or email e-mail sales@allswimltd.com.

Waterco Develop A Revolutionary New Microfibre Pool Broom

Aquafingers pool broomWaterco are an Australian manufacturer specialising in a wide range of swimming pool products. As industry leaders they are constantly looking to develop new and innovative products, and their new Aquafingers® broom is a world-first. This unique multi-purpose Microfibre broom was designed by Connie Grace, a stay-at-home mum, and is set to make pool maintenance quicker and easier for you as a pool owner.

"This is a truly innovative addition to the pool cleaning accessories category," says group marketing director Bryan Goh. "Nylon pool brooms have been in circulation for 80 years and consumers haven’t had a choice of broom that better suits the make of their pool, until now."

The Aqua Fingers® pool brush features a high-density microfibre attachment to help gently remove dirt and algae from your pool. The multi-purpose design also includes a unique, flexible body and curved underside, which ensures no awkward corners or difficult to reach areas are missed.

"This provides more angles of operation, making it quicker and easier to clean smooth surfaces,” Bryan explains. “Furthermore, Aqua Fingers® is made from flexible ethylene-vinyl acetate (EVA), which enables pool owners to clean hard-to-reach places."

That light bulb moment

Aquafingers pool broomIn January 2017, Connie Gerace from Abbotsbury in Western Sydney returned from a four-day holiday to discover her fibreglass pool's walls and floors were covered with algae.

"I tried sweeping it off with my pool broom, but it proved unsuccessful,” she recalls. “The next day I called our local pool guy to come over and after treating it with chlorine, I asked if there was a better way to clean it. He replied, ‘If you come up with an idea, let me know.’ That’s when a light bulb went off in my head."

Later that day, Connie attached a microfibre cloth to her broom and used it to clean off the algae from the surfaces of her swimming pool. "I could see it working and, even though I had no idea where to start, I believed in my idea."

Connie then developed a prototype with an industrial designer and pitched her revolutionary new idea to industry experts, she also approached Waterco’s Research and Development division, meeting with domestic water care product manager George Flory and senior engineer Pradeep Tandon. They both immediately saw the potential in this new invention.

"As a pool owner, I know how important it is to keep the water clean, inviting and easy to maintain," she says. "With Aqua Fingers®, all it takes is a quick sweep to dislodge dirt or algae."

Just some of the unique features that Waterco’s Aquafingers® Multi-purpose microfibre broom include:

  • Flexible ethylene-vinyl acetate (EVA) construction, making it easier to clean curved corners, ridges, crevices and steps,
  • Premium quality microfibre chenille is gentle on smooth surfaces
  • Perfect for cleaning fibreglass, tiled and vinyl lined pools
  • Also suitable for cleaning glass fences, windows, pool covers and pool coping
  • Replacement chenille attachment also available

Aquafingers® has patents pending in New Zealand, Europe, the United Kingdom, and the USA.

What Is Pre-Filtration?

Imagine filtration as a sieve;

  • large particles caught by a coarse mesh, with wide open holes
  • smaller particles pass through
  • they are caught by a smaller, finer mesh
  • fine particles pass through and so on until the finest of material is captured

Pre filtration is removing as much coarse material from the water, before reaching the primary filter. This reduces the ‘load’ on the main filter and extends filter cleansing cycles. It can also lead to better water quality.

The image below shows where Pre-Filtration is within a pool system;

Why use pre-filtration?

Prevent blockages

Skimmer and basketIf a skimmer basket wasn’t used, there is a high risk of blocking pipes and other equipment. This first method of pre-filtration is generally accepted as a ‘must’ when constructing a swimming pool, yet no further thought is given to pre-filtration.

Improve circulation

Leaf trappers (bag filters) have a large capacity and can collect a large amount of course debris before it reaches the pump. This helps the pump circulate more water without becoming blocked itself.

Improve water quality

By using a combination of pre-filtration methods, much of the coarse debris can be removed prior to the primary filter.This allows the primary filter to perform more efficiently, and therefore improve water quality. Service/cleaning cycles are extended which can also save water. Waterco’s award winning MultiCyclone is an example of how pre-filtration can be applied most effectively to improve water quality and save water.

Multi Cyclone 16 diagramExtend equipment life

If pre-filtration devices are installed, the life of equipment such as pumps and filters can be extended. Effective pre-filtration will also prevent damage to other equipment such as pool heaters and salt chlorinators.

A Waterco Multicyclone will help you save money

MultiCyclone is the brilliant new pre-filtration device that can help you save thousands of litres of water and reduce filter maintenance. Based on the principals of centrifugal water filtration – MultiCyclone collects 80% of the dirt that clogs your filter before it gets there. It drastically reduces backwashing and filter cartridge maintenance. There are no moving parts to wear and tear, and no filter media to clean or replace.

How does it work?

Centrifugal water filtration

  • Incoming water enters 16 hydro cyclones tangentially, generating a strong centrifugal effect
  • Sediment is spun out to the hydro cyclone’s wall, and then spirals down to the
    sediment chamber
  • Multi Cyclone schematicThe filtered water migrates towards the centre of the hydro cyclone and spirals upwards through the outlet

There are no moving parts to wear and tear, and no filter media to clean or replace.

  • Accumulation of sediment can be visibly monitored through the MultiCyclone’s clear sediment chamber
  • The MultiCyclone is easily cleaned by opening the valve - whilst the pump is running
  • Only 15 litres of water is discharged to cleanse the MultiCyclone

 

Introduction

MultiCyclone Ultra combines centrifugal and cartridge filtration into one streamline housing, creating an ultra filtration system that can be vertically installed on a pool pump.

  • Dual Filtration
  • EnviroproUltra Compact
  • Ease of Maintenance
  • Save Time, Water & Energy

Features and benefits

Dual stage filtration

  • MultiCyclone Ultra uses the most advanced hydro cyclone technology to reduce the footprint of the filtration system.
  • It combines all of the revolutionary features of its predecessor with an inbuilt cartridge filter.
  • Incoming water tangentially enters its multiple hydrocyclones, generating a strong centrifugal effect.
  • Approximately 80% of the incoming dirt load is spiraled down to its clear sediment chamber.
  • The outgoing water is finally polished via its inbuilt cartridge filter, producing crystal clear water.

Extended filter capacity

  • The MultiCyclone Ultra increases the capacity of the 75ft2 filter cartridge by five times, equivalent up to a 375ft2 filter cartridge.
  • Its centrifugal section filter pre-filters up to 80% of dirt which would normally go into the filter, and drains it out.

Ease of maintenance

Extended filter capacity

  • MultiCyclone Ultra’s sediment chamber is easily cleaned by opening its purge valve.
  • Only 15 litres of water is discharged compared to a sand filter, the MultiCyclone Ultra can save between 7,000 to 10,000 litres of water a year.

Ultra compact

  • MultiCyclone Ultra’s streamline design enables installation directly to the pump out let port and Chlorinator on top of the MultiCyclone Ultra.
  • Achieving a reduction in pool equipment foot print, minimising pipe work and reducing the filtration system’s overall head loss.

EnviroproDual cleaner

  • Benefit of placing a filter cartridge on the MultiCyclone. When the air release valve is opened, the flow of water through the filter cartridge flushes some of the large debris down through the MultiCyclone’s sediment chamber.
  • The filter cartridge is not cleansed of all its debris, but the removal of some debris during each purge of the sediment chamber, will definitely decrease its cleaning frequency.

Time Saving

  • Its centrifugal section filter pre-filters up to 80% of the dirt which would normally go into the filter, and drains it out.
  • Filter cartridge maintenance is significantly reduced. Frequency of maintenance should be equivalent to the same level of maintenance required for a 300ft2 to 375ft2 cartridge filter.

The best of both worlds

  • The MultiCyclone Ultra offers the best of both worlds. It is more hydraulically efficient than a sand filter, reducing the overall head loss of the pool’s filtration circuit.
  • MultiCyclone Ultra does not have backwashing requirements and is not dependent on a high flow rate for backwashing.
  • Smaller single speed pumps are capable of operating a MultiCyclone Ultra, reducing electrical usage and operating noise of the filtration system.

MultiCyclone Ultra offers the water savings of a cartridge filter, but without the frequency of filter cartridge maintenance.

MC12 Ultra and MC16 UltraWaterco MultiCyclone 12 & 16 Ultra

MultiCyclone 12 & 16 Ultra specifications:

  • Cartridge rating: 30 Micron.
  • The MultiCyclone 16 Ultra’s maximum flow rate is 280lpm.
  • The maximum flow rate is determined by the surface area of the filter cartridge.
  • NSF international cartridge design filtration rate is 41lpm/m2 (1gpm/ft2).
  • However, the MultiCyclone 12 Ultra’s maximum flow rate has been set to 225lpm.
  • The flow rate has been decreased to meet with a Head Loss of 5m that offers a better operating balance to lpm and Head Loss.

MC Ultra performance table

Waterco MultiCyclone Plus

Multicyclone UltraSaves water, energy and extends the life of pool filters Waterco Ltd has unveiled the next generation of its multi award-winning centrifugal pre-filter.

Waterco engineers have taken the MultiCyclone technology one step further and developed the MultiCyclone Plus, a vertically-mounted, all-in-one pre-filtration/filtration unit which saves between 7,000 and 10,000 litres of water a year compared to sand filtration systems.

Features and benefits of MultiCyclone Plus

The MultiCyclone Plus offers the best of both worlds. It is more hydraulically efficient than a Sand filter, reducing the overall head loss of the pool’s filtration circuit. MultiCyclone plus does not have backwashing requirements and is not dependent on a high flow rate requirement for backwashing.

A small single speed pump is all that is required to operate a MultiCyclone Plus, reducing electrical usage and reducing the operating noise of the filtration system. MultiCyclone Plus offers the water savings of a cartridge filter, but without the frequency of filter cartridge maintenance.

Dual stage filtration

  • MultiCyclone Plus uses the most advanced hydro cyclone technology to reduce the footprint of the filtration system.
  • It combines all of the revolutionary features of its predecessor with an inbuilt cartridge filter.
  • Incoming water tangentially enters its multiple hydro cyclones, generating a strong centrifugal effect.
  • Approximately 80% of the incoming dirt load is spiraled down to its clear sediment chamber.
  • The outgoing water is finally polished via its inbuilt cartridge filter, producing crystal clear water.

Extended filter capacity

  • The MultiCyclone Plus increases the capacity of the 402 ft filter cartridge by five times, equivalent to a 2002 ft filter cartridge.
  • Its centrifugal section filter pre-filters up to 80% of dirt which would normally go into the filter, and drains it out.

Ease of maintenance

  • MultiCyclone Plus’s sediment chamber is easily cleaned by opening its purge valve.
  • Only 15 litres of water is discharged

Energy saving

  • The MultiCyclone Plus’s excellent hydraulic efficiency means that a small ¾ horsepower or 0.61kW pump is capable of circulating water through it.
  • A 1 horsepower or 0.82kW pump may be required to power a suction cleaner or water features.
  • OR alternately, use a variable speed pump such as Waterco’s ECOV 100 on low speed.

Multicyclone and floor standWater saving

  • MultiCyclone Plus’s sediment chamber is easily cleaned by opening its purge valve.
  • Only 15 litres of water is discharged. Compared to a sand filter, the MultiCyclone Plus can save between 7,000 to 10,000 litres of water a year.

Time saving

  • Its centrifugal section filter pre-filters up to 80% of the dirt which would normally go into the filter, and drains it out.
  • Filter cartridge maintenance is significantly reduced. Filter maintenance should be equivalent to the same level of maintenance required for a standard 1502 to 2002 ft cartridge filter. 
How To Safety-Proof Your Swimming Pool

Finding the right safety-proofing solution for your swimming pool is a must, particularly where young children and pets are involved. You need equipment that offers reliable protection and meets your budget, so we’ve put together a little guide to help you choose the right solution for your needs:

Pool alarms

Immerstar floating pool alarm The IMMERSTAR Pool Alarm is one of the most popular alarms on the market, which complies with the French NFP90-307/A1 Safety Standards.

The sensor of the IMMERSTAR alarm detects the fall of a body and raises a powerful alarm with a 100db siren.

The IMMERSTAR fastens to the pool edge and is operated with a magnet contact key. It won’t be set off by strong winds and features LED status indicators and auto switching from swim to alert mode.

Swimming pool safety covers

Whatever your style or budget, we supply a range of manual or automatic swimming pool safety covers designed to suit all needs:

Walu manual pool safety covers

Immerstar floating pool alarmThe different types and styles of Walu Swimming Pool Safety Covers are designed to suit a variety of swimming pool shapes and sizes and are manufactured to comply with strict French NFP90-307/A1 Safety Standards. The Walu Starlight consists of strong yet lightweight aluminium bars that run across the pool width, with a fabric panel section in between each bar.

The Starlight features a sleek appearance, as the support poles are underneath the cover on this model, also making the winding and unwinding process smoother. Due to the positioning of the support bars, the Walu Starlight is only suitable for rectangular swimming pools.

The end bars are fixed to the deck via a webbing strap, which are tensioned to ensure a firm cover which completely seals the swimming pool.

Removing the cover is a case of simply releasing the tension then rolling the bars away, either with the manual Walu Crank Handle or the electrical Walu Power. Pull on one of the webbing straps when ready to unwind the cover to replace it.

Walu Air pool safety coverThe Walu Evolution works in the same way as the Starlight, but has the support poles on the top of the cover. This allows the flexibility of being able to manufacture the Evolution in all shapes, making it suitable for kidney or other shaped swimming pools.

Both the Walu Starlight and the Walu Evolution are available in either Opaque or Translucent finishes in a range of colours. The Walu Air is effectively two covers in one, as it acts as both a safety cover and a winter debris cover.

The Walu Air works by creating an inflated pillow that plugs the shape of the pool completely. This means that no debris can get in to the pool from underneath and the shape formed on top of the pool allows rain and debris to flow straight off it onto the poolside, keeping the water clear – and stopping anyone or anything getting on top of the cover too!

The Walu Air overlaps the pool by 35cm around all sides and is secured in place using traditional spring, pin and strap fixings. This cover is suitable for pools up to 11.5 x 5m (not free form pools) with optional ladder or counter current system cut outs available.

Coverstar automatic safety cover

Coverstar automatic safety coversWidely regarded as one of the best on the market, the Coverstar is the ultimate automatic safety cover around.

At the flip of a switch, the Coverstar automatic safety cover creates an impenetrable barrier preventing children, pets or even adults from accidentally falling into the pool.

Featuring sliders 4 times stronger than traditional sliders (typically the weakest component in safety covers), choosing a Coverstar system ensures your peace of mind that your pool is safely secured.

An additional benefit is the Ultraguard III vinyl material of the fabric with heat-sealed webbing for double strength, which is also highly resistant to pool chemicals and UV light, greatly minimising colour fading. With 5 colours to choose from, you can ensure the cover complements your pool perfectly too!

Additional Coverstar System Benefits:

  • 90% reduction in evaporation
  • 70% reduction in pool heating costs
  • 50% reduction in electricity costs
  • 70% reduction in chemical use
  • Acts as a debris cover, preventing any debris from entering the pool

Coverstar systems can have either a deck mounted or in-pit installation and can be made to suit almost any shaped pool!

Swimming pool safety fencing

Coverstar automatic safety coversWhen a traditional style swimming pool safety cover isn’t compatible with a pool due to the shape or specific nature of the pool, Swimming Pool Safety Fencing offers an attractive and practical solution. Rollaway Safety Fencing is easy to install and is easily removed when not required – the perfect flexible safety solution!

Made from exceptionally strong plastic coated polymer mesh and fixed to sturdy aluminium uprights, Rollaway Safety Fencing can be affixed to concrete, grass, soil or paving. Glass Swimming Pool Safety Fencing is a stylish safety-proofing option with the added bonus of shielding the pool from the wind.

Whatever size or shape pool you have, or are planning to have, we can help you create the perfect safety solution for your needs, simply contact us on 02920 705059 or e-mail sales@allswimltd.com for assistance and quotations.

Swimming Pool Pumps: Choosing The Right One For Your Pool

Sta-rite pool pumps It’s important to ensure you choose the right swimming pool pump when planning your pool, or when replacing an existing pump.

What does a swimming pool pump do?

UK guidelines for residential pools state that the entire volume of pool water should pass through the filtration system every 8 hours.  The pool pump controls the circulation system of the pool water, a very important job as the circulation and filtration of the pool water ensures your chemicals are properly distributed, preventing the water from stagnating. 

The pool pump draws the water through the skimmer and the main drain, forces it through the filter (which traps and removes debris and impurities) then returns it back to the pool via the return inlet.   

How do I find the correct size pump?

The first thing to establish when choosing a pool pump is:

  • The total volume of water in your swimming pool(in gallons). This can be calculated using the following formula:

Calculating the volume of your pool Astral Victoria Plus pool pumps

Square & Rectangular Pools

Length (ft) x Width (ft) x Average Depth (ft) x 6.25 = Gallons

Circular Pools

Diameter (ft) x Diameter (ft) x Depth (ft) x 4.9 = Gallons

The water flow rate (gallons per minute) of a pool pump determines how quickly the pump can move the water.  We can use the below example;

Pool Volume = 24,000 gallons of water

  • To calculate how many gallons you need to pump each hour based on an 8 hour total turnover, divide the number of gallons by 8 (24,000  8 = 3,000)
  • Divide the 3,000 by the number of minutes per hour (60) then = 50 gallons per minute, in order to provide a complete turnover of the pool water in 8 hours.

For help or advice in sizing your swimming pool pump, give us a call on 02920 705059 or use our online enquiry form.

Which brand is best?

Certikin Aquaspeed pool pumpsWe have chosen our swimming pool pumps based on their long-standing reputations for reliability and performance, including the very popular Sta-Rite 5P2R range, Astral Victoria Plus, Hayward Super and Certikin Aquaspeed. Alternatively, have a look through our complete range of swimming pool pumps.

It’s worth keeping in mind that if you are replacing an existing pool pump, opting for a like for like swap will require less work in terms of changing any pipe and fittings.

All of the swimming pool pumps we stock are self-priming pumps and popular brands from reputable manufacturers, in a range of sizes to ensure all size and shapes of pool are covered!

With over 47 years’ experience in swimming pool equipment, we are ready to share our advice and talk you through any aspect of either building or maintaining a swimming pool.  And if you’ve browsed our products and cannot find what you’re looking for, or are trying to replace a swimming pool pump and are unsure what model it is, contact us on 02920 705059 or email a picture of it to us on: sales@allswimltd.com for further help.

2024 All Swim Catalogue
A.J & J.L Veysey | Company registration no: 1061642 | VAT no: GB133 4078 90
All Swim Ltd, Units 3-5 Link Trade Park, Penarth Road, Cardiff CF11 8TQ

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