Check back often for updates and other ways to save this summer.

Another thing that will help stop the wind from blowing under the cover is to purchase a cover clip, but before you go and spend 3 to 4 dollars per clip, try something a little less expensive.You can purchase a 100-count bag of hard wood clothespins with a strong spring for 3 or 4 dollars and simply clip 2 or 3 between each vertical support.

These should help out – even with strong wind gusts.

Even though I have been in the pool business for over 28 years, I have only been a pool owner for 8 summers. My pool has never turned green, clouded, or used too much chlorine - and here’s why. From the very beginning, I have used the all natural mineral purifier - the Nature 2 Express (an all natural sanitizer). It saddles up on the return line and is good for 6 months at a time, can treat and maintain a pool containing up to 25,000 gallons of water, takes up only 4 inches of pipe, and installs in less than 10 minutes. 

In order to activate the Nature 2, the chlorine level needs to be at a 3.0 for 4 days straight (what I recommend), or 12 days with the pump running at least 8 hours a day (which means you will need to keep the level of chlorine higher and could cost more in the long run). Once the activation period is over, you will save hundreds of dollars because you're using less chemical. 

So how does this help you keep money in your pocket and not in your pool? In 2008 I bought a 7.5 pound container of 3 inch slow dissolve chlorine tablets and haven’t come close to using them all. The reason is this. I break each tablet into quarters - and in unison with the Nature2 purifier - I only use an average of 2 1/4 tablets every three months - which is using a 1/4 of a tablet every 10 to 12 days. I have gone as long as two weeks (with the water temp at 94 degrees) without dropping a piece of tablet into the skimmer. I don’t recommend doing that but my water stayed crystal clear with no signs of green anywhere. 

I do realize that every pool is different as well as the makeup of the water. There is a rule of thumb I use and If you choose to buy the Nature 2 and use it on your pool, feel free to follow these steps and spend more time in your pool without all the harsh chemicals that not only irritate your skin and eyes, but can turn your blonde hair green. 

Small steps:

• Get past the idea that you need all kinds of chemicals and a high dollar test kit or a pool place to test your water. Go buy yourself a cheap 2 vial test kit that only tests the ph and chlorine. 
• Keep the ph at around 7.6 to 7.8 - it is easier on the eyes when opening under water. In all the years of having my pool, it wasn’t until last year that I needed to add some ph increaser. 
• As stated previously - I use little or no chlorine in my pool. The highest I’ll let it get is a .5. Normally .3 does the trick and that is with the pump running only 7 hours a day as it is on a timer from 11am to 6 pm. There is more chlorine coming into my house than there is in my pool. 
• Every Saturday I add 2 ounces of Super Water Clarifier (just because I can) which treats 12,000 gallons per ounce. If it rains a lot, I will add a 1/4 pound of Shock Plus, both of which I purchase at Wal-Mart. 

There you have it. After the Nature 2 cartridge cost of $107 and the full unit cost of $157, I don’t spend over $30 more per summer if that (depends on what is left over at the end of each 6 month swim season). You may be wondering how I get a full 6 months plus swim season from my pool – I simply use the sun (it’s free). A solar cover does play a small part in being able to open up my pool the first week in April (with warm water to splash around in), and keeping it open until late October or early November with bath tub like water.

Summary:

• Purchase and install the Nature 2
• Bring the chlorine level up to a 3.0 for 4 days to activate the Nature 2 and keep the ph at least at 7.6
• After the activation period, let the chlorine drop to the recommended .5
• Optional: 2 Oz. Super Water Clarifier and Shock plus sometime every weekend and that is it.
• One more thing, stay away from the not so free water testing. 

For larger pools with more than 25,000 gallons of water, there is also available the Nature 2 pro G and the pro G plus which has the advantage of the Nature 2 and auto chlorination using 3 inch tablets.

The Zodiac G4 is a suction cleaner that automatically removes dirt, debris, bugs, twigs, leaves, sand and even pebbles from your in-ground pool. It comes pre-assembled in the box and installs in minutes; just attach the Disc and Long-life hoses. No tools are required.

The Zodiac G4 is built to work quickly, effectively and quietly. The compact self-adjusting flow control valve automatically regulates water flow, ensuring peak performance even with lower horsepower pumps. The Zodiac G4 comes with 40ft of hose and a 2 year limited warranty from the manufacturer.