Manual vacuum heads and hoses are for when your automatic pool cleaner plays up or is not coping with the job. Just a quick tip, hold the open end of the hose over one of the return jets to blow all the air out of the hose before plugging it into the vac plate. This saves your pump getting a big belly full of air.

TIP: Hold the open end of the hose over one of the return jets to blow all the air out of the hose before plugging it into the vacuum plate. This saves your pump getting a big belly full of air.

Water Testing Kits

There are liquid test kits available but these can be a little complicated unless you are prepared to learn how to use them. A simpler method is the dip strip, 30 seconds job done. For the more adventurous there are CD Rom test kits available that have data recording facilities and treatment suggestions, just like having your own pool shop

LIQUID TYPE:

The liquid type uses 2 vials to take a water sample and then a cocktail of drops to get a colour reading. Charts are included that tell you how much of what chemical to add (but because they are usually an imported product the chemicals do not relate to Australian chemicals. These kits can be very accurate if you know how to use them properly " but most people dont. The test chemicals also are not reliable after 18 months.

TEST STRIP TYPE:

The test strip type uses litmus paper that is impregnated with a reactive solution. You simply dip the strip in any quantity of water, remove and read the colours off a colour chart. It is that simple! Where they fall down however is that do not tell you what chemical or how much to add.

CD-ROM TYPE:

The latest test kit takes the simplicity of the test strip coupled with a very user friendly software program that can be customised to Australian tropical conditions and chemicals. By entering the test strip readings into the program the software takes your geographical location, pool and equipment details to give you a customised report on what chemicals to add, how much to add, and how to add them. It is like having a pool shop at home