Why a Dolphin Robotic Vacuum May be a Good Idea

If you have a pool and clean it regularly, you’re probably well aware what a pain it can be to install and use traditional pool cleaning devices. Whether you have a suction cleaner that connects to your skimmer or a pressure cleaner that connects to the pump, you spend your time installing fittings, cutting and assembling hoses and untangling hoses and cords. It can be a chore!

Not only can traditional pool cleaning devices waste your time, but they can also waste your money. A typical suction cleaner can cost you up to $400 of electricity in a year. Pressure cleaners use even more energy, for a whopping yearly cost of about $650.

A Dolphin robotic pool vacuum from Maytronics is an independent cleaning machine that is “plug-and-play”. It doesn’t rely on the pool’s filter or pump, and it doesn’t need any additional pumps or hoses to get your pool clean. Just drop it into the water and turn it on.

Not only are these robotic pool vacuums easier to use—they are also up to 90% more efficient than the suction and pressure cleaners on the market today. A robotic cleaner uses far less energy for a total yearly electricity cost of only about $20.

The latest generation of Maytronics pool vacuums are cloud-connected, WIFI enabled, remote controlled and easily programmable, giving you the ability to clean your pool from anywhere, anytime.

So, stop in to your local Colley’s location and find out why a Dolphin from Maytronics is the right fit for your pool!

Variable Speed Pumps- The New Standard

As of July 19, 2021, variable speed pumps are to take the place of single speed pumps. This is a move to meet the minimum efficiency requirements outlined by the Department of Energy. All pumps manufactured after July 19, 2021, must meet minimum efficiency standards being put in place for U.S. homes and businesses.

Don’t stress- you do not have to run out right away to replace the single speed pump currently installed in your pool if it’s still in good working condition. Instead, with this new regulation, it will get progressively harder to find large single speed pumps. Moving forward, manufacturers will switch production to the variable speed pump only.

Now that variable speed pumps are the standard, here’s what you should know:

• Lower Energy Bills

Variable-speed pumps save you money in the long run. Pool pumps don’t have to run at high power 24/7 to keep your pool clean. Variable-speed pumps allow you to use only the amount of power you actually need. In fact, lowering the pump speed when the pool filter is running will allow for more effective filtration, all while saving energy.

• Quiet Operation

Variable-speed pumps are much quieter than the other options. The quieter operation is one of the biggest benefits people notice right away. Because the pumps aren’t always running at the highest speed, they make less noise overall. Less noise leads to more peaceful pool time and happier neighbors!

• Convenient Control

The best part about the various speeds and modes of variable-speed pumps is that you don’t have to control them manually. You can set schedules, and let the pump run on its own. This enables you to program the pump to dial down for quiet times and ramp up for quick cleaning.

• Fewer Headaches Down the Road

The new standards implemented by the Department of Energy don’t prohibit single-speed pumps outright, but they will make it necessary for most pool owners to install variable-speed pumps down the line. By making the switch to a variable-speed pool pump today, you can avoid having to replace a single-speed pump in the future.

Colley’s does still have a limited quantity of single speed pumps available, but once they are gone, we will only carry variable speed pumps. Contact (716) 649-7640 for more information on having a new pump installed this spring!

Hot Tub Maintenance Tips

The winter season can be the most relaxing time of year to use your Marquis hot tub, so it’s important to keep your hot tub in working order! Here are a few tips for maintaining your hot tub!

Clean the Filter(s): This is one of the most important aspects of maintaining your spa. A regular cleaning routine will help your spa’s filtration system run as efficiently as possible. It can also help to extend the lifespan of your filter(s), which may help to save money in the long run. How often you clean the filters depends on how much you use your hot tub.

Keep a spare set of hot tub filters in a clean, dry place. When you remove the dirty filters from your hot tub for cleaning and air drying, swap in your spare set from storage. Once your dirty filters are cleaned and air dried, they become your spare set for storage. Repeat this process as necessary.

Rinse Off First: Prior to entering your spa, if possible, rinse off completely in the shower. Showering removes skin residue like deodorant, lotion and makeup which can impact the cleanliness of your hot tub. Additionally, rinsing your bathing suit reduces residue from detergent and fabric softeners.

Top it Off: Regular spa usage and evaporation will gradually reduce your spa’s water level. Without people in the spa, the water should reach about two thirds of the way up the skimmer opening. If you notice the pumps “surging”- meaning repeatedly starting and stopping- it can mean your water level is too low.