Get your pool ready for summer

A sparkling pool area

Before you spend up big on having a professional come to your home, pay a visit to your local store and look at the Hyclor Kiosk, found in the pool aisle in store.

The kiosk includes the Poolbert Einstein AI assistant to answer your pool questions and get instant, tailored product recommendations.

Here’s everything you need to know.

Free in-store pool water testing

In store you will find free in-store water testing that will provide you with fast, accurate results and information on the right chemicals in the right quantity to get your pool in the best condition. Take a water sample to your nearest store (take your sample at least elbow depth from the surface for best results) and input some basic information into the water testing kiosk.

The water testing kiosk will calculate which chemicals and the correct quantities you need to keep your pool or spa in tip-top condition in less than a minute.

As well as a sample of your pool water, you will need the following information:

• The volume of your pool in litres – if you're not sure of your pool’s volume, just take along your pool measurements (length, width and average depth).
• The type of surface of your pool or spa (pebble, fibreglass, vinyl, concrete, tiles, etc.).
• If you have a saltwater pool, you'll need to know your target salt range (refer to your chlorinator).
• If you have a chlorine pool, you'll need to know which type of chlorine you normally use (stabilised granular, unstabilised concentrate or liquid).
• Whether your pool water is cloudy and/or has algae.

To use, follow the simple on-screen prompts on how to use the supplied AquaChek test strips, then enter your test strip results on the touch screen display. You'll receive an instant printout of what your pool needs in terms of chemicals and pH levels. You can also choose to have your results emailed to you.

From there the next step is to take the list of pool products to the aisles around the testing area and grab what you need. Simple.

The last part of the puzzle? Check out the new pool cleaners available, which will help to maintain your pool’s good looks.

Give your pool’s surrounds a makeover

Now your pool is sparkling, it’s time to freshen up the surrounds. Style your poolside with our latest outdoor living range to create a resort-like feel and create some lounging spots for those long summer days.

A great way to soften any hard surface area is with plants. Try softening the space by planting a garden around the area up against the fence.

In an area as small as pool surrounds, big bulky pots could take up all of the room and also create climbing obstacles for kids – so planting outside the fence is a better approach.

If you do opt for potted plants inside a pool area, choose plants that can tolerate splashes and occasional flooding from excessive splashing. Do a little research into tolerant plants and also soil drainage – if the soil is free-draining then there is less chance of water-logging and the soil holding onto the salt and/or chlorine.

No plants should be climbable or able to support any weight.

A great tip when growing plants alongside a saltwater pool – or even chlorine or fresh – is to make the soil mix as free-draining as possible. You can even dig in some pebbles and sand into the top of the soil mix to help even further, and it is also a great idea to mulch with pebbles too.

While a robot pool cleaner will take care of the bottom of the pool, it’s always a great idea to have a pool scoop nearby for any surface debris, especially in summer with leaf drop and anything that wind can carry in.

Are you ready to dive into a refreshed pool?

Visit your local store today to test your pool and get it summer ready!