Pool Buying Guides

This page is a working draft — please review before calling it final.

Not sure what you need? Here's a plain-language rundown of what to think about across the categories we carry most. For anything model-specific, or if you want a hand picking the right part number, contact us or call 855-205-7139 — we quote this stuff every day.

Safety Covers

We carry Merlin SmartMesh, Dura-Mesh, Classic Mesh, and Solid XLS safety covers.

  • Mesh vs. solid. Mesh covers (SmartMesh, Dura-Mesh, Classic Mesh) let water drain through the fabric, so there's no standing water to pump off in spring. Solid covers (Solid XLS) block light and debris completely, using either a drain panel or an automatic cover pump to clear rain and melt water.
  • Pool size vs. cover size. These aren't the same number — cover size runs larger than the actual pool opening to allow for anchoring. Have both your pool's water-line dimensions and the overall cover size on hand (or a rough sketch) when you order.
  • Step and shape configuration. Center-end step, flush-left/right step, offset-left/right step, or no step at all — the cover is cut to match your pool's exact layout, so getting this right matters before we build your part number.
  • Color. Green, navy, black, tan, and gray are available across the line — a look/preference choice, not a performance difference.
  • Hardware. Our covers install with flush brass anchors set into the deck and stainless tension springs — no beauty rings or improvised hardware.

Pool Kits (Steel Wall & Polymer Wall)

  • Steel vs. polymer walls. Steel wall panels are the traditional, widely-used option. Polymer (plastic composite) walls resist corrosion in high-salt or harsh-soil environments and don't need the same bonding/grounding considerations as steel.
  • Shape and size. Kits come in a range of standard shapes and sizes — know your target pool dimensions before you start pricing a kit.
  • What's included vs. what you'll still need. Kits typically cover the structural shell; coping, liner, skimmer, steps, and equipment are usually priced separately. Ask us for a full parts list if you're estimating a job.

Replacement Pumps & Motors

  • Match your existing equipment pad. If you're replacing a motor rather than designing a new system, the model or part number of the old motor is the fastest way to get the right match — horsepower, frame size, and voltage all need to line up.
  • Single-speed vs. variable-speed. Variable-speed motors run at lower speeds for everyday filtration and ramp up only when needed (vacuuming, spa jets), which can reduce energy use compared to a single-speed motor running at full output all the time.
  • C-face vs. square flange. These are different mounting styles — you generally need to match whichever your existing pump housing uses, not mix them.

Coping & Liner Track

  • Notched vs. unnotched coping. Notched coping has pre-cut liner-bead channels at set intervals; unnotched is a continuous channel. Which one you need depends on your liner track system and installer preference.
  • Top-mount vs. side-mount liner track. These attach to the pool wall differently — confirm which style your existing wall/coping setup uses before ordering, since they aren't interchangeable.

Vinyl Liner Installation Parts

Skimmer faceplates, wall inlet fittings, main drain parts, pool light parts, ladder treads, liner adhesives, and liner-lock tools are all sold individually — useful for liner replacements and repairs where you don't need a full kit. If you're not sure which parts a liner swap needs, tell us your pool's age and equipment and we'll help put the list together.

Sanitizers, Salt Systems & Water Care

  • Salt systems generate chlorine from dissolved salt, which can mean gentler water and less manual chlorine handling, but the cell is a wear item that needs periodic replacement.
  • Traditional sanitizers (chlorine, other sanitizer feeders) tend to have lower upfront equipment cost and are straightforward to maintain.
  • Either way, sizing should match your pool's volume — let us know your gallons (or pool dimensions) and we'll help you land on the right capacity.

Deck Anchors & Prepour

If you're pouring new concrete around a pool that will get a safety cover, handrails, or a diving board, planning anchor locations before the pour saves having to core-drill later. Let us know what you're installing (cover, rails, board, ladder) and we can help you plan anchor placement in advance.

Not sure where to start?

Contact us with your pool's size, shape, and what you're working with (new build, replacement, or repair), and we'll help you land on the right products.