I’ve spent the last three summers maintaining a 24-foot above-ground pool, and let me tell you, dragging out the hose and manual vacuum every weekend gets old fast. That’s why I jumped at the chance to test the best cordless robotic pool cleaners for small pools this season. After running 8 different models through their … Read more
Finding the right pool pump can make or break your summer swimming experience. When I first installed an above ground pool at my home, I quickly learned that the pump included with the pool kit was barely adequate for the job. After testing dozens of pumps over the years and helping neighbors choose the right … Read more
If your inground pool pump sounds like a small jet engine and your electric bill makes you wince every summer, it might be time for an upgrade. I spent the last three months testing the best variable speed pool pumps for inground pools, and the difference in my own backyard was shocking. My old single-speed … Read more
After three summers of testing sand filter pumps on my own 24-foot above ground pool, I can tell you the difference between crystal clear water and a green swamp comes down to the filter pump you choose. Our team spent 90 days running 10 of the top models through real-world conditions, including backwashing sessions, post-storm … Read more
When I first set up my above ground pool, I figured the summer sun would handle the heating. Three weeks in, I was staring at a 68-degree pool wondering why nobody wanted to swim. That sent me down a rabbit hole researching the best pool heaters for above ground pools, and after testing models across … Read more
Living in a cold climate shouldn’t mean giving up your pool for half the year. After spending three winters testing pool heaters in my own New England backyard and talking to dozens of pool owners from Minnesota to Colorado, I’ve learned that the right heater turns a four-month swim season into a year-round experience. The … Read more
Heating an inground pool with gas or electric can cost $1,000 to $3,000 every single season. That is money you could be spending on literally anything else. Solar pool heaters flip that equation by using free energy from the sun to warm your water, extend your swim season, and drop your utility bills to almost … Read more
Switching my above ground pool to saltwater was one of the best backyard decisions I have made in . No more hauling buckets of chlorine tablets, no more burning eyes, and the water feels noticeably softer on the skin. The right saltwater chlorinator for above ground pool setups makes all the difference between a maintenance-free … Read more
When winter hits, your above ground pool needs more than a quick tarp tossed over the top. After watching my own cover shred during a December windstorm a few years back, I learned the hard way that not every winter pool cover can handle real cold, snow load, and falling debris. The best winter pool … Read more
Living with hard water and a pool is a constant battle against white scale deposits and clogged filters. I’ve spent countless hours scrubbing calcium buildup off my pool equipment, and I know the frustration of watching a cartridge filter turn into a crusty mess within weeks. The good news is that choosing the right cartridge … Read more