An in-ground swimming pool is a lovely addition to any outdoor space, but it requires proper maintenance to retain its beauty and safety. The right equipment will make all the difference in an effective maintenance routine. Before you even begin excavation of your new pool, make sure you are up to the task of maintaining your new feature with this equipment checklist.

Cleaners

A clean pool is a safe and healthy one, so you will want to have equipment on hand to clean in properly. Cleaners come in a wide range of styles, ensuring you can choose the one that meets the needs of your pool and your budget the best. These are the most common types of pool cleaners available:

• Suction - These cleaners use a suction device to remove dirt and debris from the pool floor. It is basically like a vacuum cleaner that works underwater.

• Pressure - A pressure cleaner uses pressure to push dirt through the pool filter for cleaner water. However, this system does not remove dirt from the water completely, which may be a drawback for some pool owners.

• Robotic - Robotic cleaners, as the name suggests, are almost completely automatic, making them the most desirable type of cleaner for most pool owners. However, the robotic cleaners also come with a hefty price tag, which may prohibit some from investing in them.

Pumps and Filters

The pump and filter work together to keep water clean and circulating. Pumps direct water into the filter, where dirt and debris are separated out before the water is allowed back into the pool. Pumps are generally chosen by weighing the size of the pool against the pump's circulation ability. Filters come in three basic types:

• Sand - These filters use a layer of sand to clean out the water. They are usually the least expensive type of filter, but they require regular maintenance to keep them running efficiently.

• Cartridge - Cartridge filters are the most popular because they are the easiest to maintain. As the name suggests, these filters use a removable cartridge to filter the water.

• DE - DE filters are considered the most efficient because they use a special formulation of soil to filter pool water. They also require regular maintenance and can be pricier than the other two.

Heaters

If you want to swim at night or extend your swimming season, a heater may be a necessity. These devices work in a similar way to the pump, forcing water through the heating element and then releasing warmer water into the pool. Heaters should also be chosen based on the size of the pool and the strength of the pump.

Chlorine Generators

These handy devices will save you a lot of time in maintaining the proper chemical balance in your pool. An automatic chlorinator will periodically add the precise amount of chlorine to your pool's water with slow dissolve sticks or tablets. Some of these devices attach near the pools pump and filter while others are free floating in the pool's water.

The right equipment makes all the difference in a pool that is safe, clean and beautiful. Check out this equipment before your pool is complete and you will be ready to maintain a lovely spot for your family to have fun in the sun.