Nothing makes summer more fun than a swimming pool, and having the right swimming pool accessories will ensure that your pool is ready for use anytime. As every pool owner knows, swimming pool maintenance can be a great deal of work and represent a large expense for pool owners (as if the inground pool prices themselves weren't high enough!). If you find yourself spending more time cleaning your pool than you do enjoying it, it may be time to update your swimming pool accessories. For anyone who is considering installing a pool in their yard, remember that the extra initial expense of top of the line swimming pools accessories will represent big savings in the long run. Good accessories will require fewer repairs and can last through years of use.

One of the first things that most people think of in terms of swimming pool accesories are filters and filter pumps. In addition to being vital to the successful operation of a pool (including fiberglass pools), filter pumps represent one of the biggest upfront costs in pool ownership. The size of your pool will dictate the type and price of pump you will need. Those with large pools, measuring more than 24’, may need to invest a few hundred dollars to find the right pump for their needs. Good pumps will keep water moving through the filter, ensuring that the pool stays clean and detritus free. The best quality pumps will last through many seasons of regular use and most pool owners find that the initial investment in a good one is much more cost effective than constantly replacing a pump that is on the lower end of the quality scale.

When purchasing a pump, make sure that it is indicated for use with your pool filters. Each pump will be clearly marked with the number of gallons per hour it can pump as well as the volume of water for which it will be ideally used. Make sure that these numbers are in line with the dimensions of your pool before buying a new pump. It is also important to refer to the box or talk to you pool supply representative about the ideal hose diameter for use with any pump. As water will be flowing through the hoses and pump quickly and with a great deal of force, one must be sure that the seal between the pump and hose is solid.

Among the more common above ground swimming pool accessories is a pool’s ladder. Though some many consider the ladder an afterthought, poorly designed ladders can cause slips and falls and may be prone to cracking. This cracking can not only injure pool users, but it may also puncture the side of the pool, leading to a costly and time consuming repair. If you are looking for a replacement ladder, find one that features a metal frame with plastic steps. This will reduce the chances of a potentially damaging crack, while ensuring that those climbing into and out of the pool will not slip. Most ladders are priced at less than $100. To find one that fits your above ground swimming pool, one must only know the height of the pool’s walls.  Don't forget the pool ladders that go inside inground swimming pools as well and help people climb out of the water.

All pool owners should consider making a small investment in a pool cover. For just a few dollars, good swimming pool covers will help keep your pool leaf free and reduce the amount of algae growth (there are pool liners that also help fight algae growth).  Solar pool covers can even help you save energy.  The Intex swimming pool accessories line is a great source for low cost pool covers that are extremely durable and easy to put on when you are done using your pool for the day. For those with smaller pools, less than $20 will buy a pool cover with a drawstring closure. This closure ensures that your cover will remain in place throughout the night and there is no need to worry about your cover blowing off, even during summer storms.  Between the pool filters and a solid cover, pool maintenance should be fairly easy.   However, if you are lazy, you can always buy an automatic pool cleaner, or you can just hire a professional pool service to take care of your pool.  Pool fencing is a requirement in many states, and is something you must make sure you have as well.

In addition to all the functional swimming pool accessories, most pool stores also carry sundry fun items that may be added to any pool. Both above ground and inground pools are made more enjoyable with the addition of a floating swimming pool accessory or two, such as a raft, lights, a floating fountain. or other pool floats. Plastic “swimming” fish are a fun, inexpensive way to encourage children to learn to swim, while adding rafts will encourage the adults in the house to spend more time lounging in the pool. These pool toys are generally available anywhere that filters, pumps, and cleaning supplies are sold, and are a low cost way to exponentially increase your enjoyment of the pool.

The right swimming pool accessories will make pool ownership more fun and less of a chore. With the number of reputable manufacturers now offering complete lines of accessories, there is no need to continue to battle your poorly functioning filter or that hard to manage pool cover.