FAQs

Frequently Asked Questions

Choosing the right pool or spa heater

How do you sell products for so low of a price?

Do you have a Low Price Guarantee?

Do you drop ship the items?

What about shipping?

What about heater shipments?

Do you sell refurbished equipment?

Why Buy From US?

Are you a authorized dealer with all the manfacturers?

How do build your own swimming pool

What about heating costs?

Choosing the right pool or spa pump.

Choosing the right pool or spa filter

Choosing the right Automatic pool cleaner.

Pump Trouble Shooting Guide

Servicing the Pool or Spa

Plumbing Tips for Plastic Pipe.

How do heat pumps work?

What size heat pump do i need?

How fast do orders ship?

Frequently Asked Questions

1.	Choosing the right pool or spa heater	Top
	If your replacement heater will be used to heat your pool, then replace it with a heater of the same b.t.u. capacity as the current unit. Do you want to heat just your spa because it is cost prohibitive to heat the pool? If this is the case then a heater of just 250,000 b.t.u. or less is plenty to quickly heat most residential spas. 100,000 btu heater - up to a 300 sq. ft. pool, 150,000 btu heater - up to a 450 sq. ft. pool, 250,000 btu heater - up to a 700 sq. ft. pool, 300,000 btu heater - up to a 900 sq. ft. pool, 350,000 btu heater - up to a 1050 sq. ft. pool, 400,000 btu heater - up to a 1200 sq. ft. pool. Figures based on a 30 degree F. temperature rise, 3 1/2 MPH average wind velocity and elevation up to 2000 feet above sea level.

2.	How do you sell products for so low of a price?	Top
	We run a very tight operation. We keep our overhead costs very low to make sure you the best deals in the world. We also take care of every customer with VIP service. We understand you have a choice in who you do business with. We know that if we take care of the customers and get them the best possible prices they will always look to us for low priced pool products.

3.	Do you have a Low Price Guarantee?	Top
	Absolutely, We work extremely hard to bring you the absolute best prices and will continue to do so to make sure you receive the best deals anywhere. We know if we provide you with VIP service and the best prices in the world you will always remember us. We always work with our customers on prices to make sure they get the best deal. The pool business is kinda of like the car business we are always working with the customers.

4.	Do you drop ship the items?	Top
	No, all products ship from our location. If you need a tracking no problem send us a email with you name order number and we will send you it right away. 99% of the online companies are drop shipping and have no inventory or tracking numbers available. They have no idea where your package is. We have everything here you need for your pool & spa and usually ships the same day. If we are out of stock on a product you will be contacted right away. Special order parts usally take 1-2weeks.

5.	What about shipping?	Top
	Beware of companies on the web offering free shipping, marked up flat rate shipping cost or just a handling fee. They pack in the shipping costs with a bit of extra cost so you can not see the actual product and shipping cost. We make it very easy we are integrated with USPS, Fed Ex, and UPS so you see the actual product cost and shipping costs. We know if we provide you with the best information we will earn you business for life. We offer many shipping options with all providers next day air,2nd day air,3 day air, or ground. Please refer to the map on ground shipping times unless you chose a quicker shipping method.

6.	What about heater shipments?	Top
	All heaters 125,000 btu and above are shipped LTL freight through Fed Ex freight, Bax Global, or any other reliable carrier. The heaters are received in 1-4 business days from the date of order. You will be emailed a PRO number for ease of tracking your shipment.

7.	Do you sell refurbished equipment?	Top
	NO, we only sell brand new products factory sealed with factory warranty cards.

8.	Why Buy From US?	Top
	We are the leaders in discount swimming pool products. My name is Kenny Briggs my wife Carrie and i own the company along with our 3 children Tyler, Josh, and Ashleigh. We have a great team of professionals Steve Wilcox(General Manager), Vernon Shinn(Customer Service/Shipping), Noel Urma(Customer Service/Shipping), Ingrid Newman(Accounting), Tonja McGee(Accounting/Customer Service), and Bonnie Briggs(Office Manager). We have the best prices and service GUARANTEED. 99% of the companies on the internet are higher priced than us due to high overhead costs. We run a very tight ship here to save you money. Why pay higher prices from a competitor when we can get the exact same products at the guaranteed lowest prices and offer a beat the best price you find guarantee. 110% Satisfaction Guaranteed! Our site is Secure through Digicert. All orders are processed the same day if orders are in by 12 noon pacific standard time and if the order is received after it will ship the next business day. Unless it a specialty part that needs to be ordered. We have 24 hour tech support available. With our low price guarantee no need to shop anywhere else.

9.	Are you a authorized dealer with all the manfacturers?	Top
	Yes, we are a authorized dealer from every manufacturer we carry on our website. All the products are brand new with factory sealed packages along with warranty cards and instruction manuals.

10.	How do build your own swimming pool	Top
	This is great information to help you with your pool building and is a basic step by step. The hottest trend in pools is owner builders now. Customers are seeing the huge mark ups in pools and they are doing the contracting themselves. This step by step information below will help you with an insight as to how to do your own pool and save you thousands of dollars. Step 1)First thing to do is contact a designer to draw up your pool on your plot map. This can be done from $500-$1000. They will go over styles of design for your backyard. Most pools are free form: meaning just about every pool has its own custom design. Step 2)After the design is complete on your plot map. You will need to visit your county office to get a permit pulled to start your pool. Step 3)I recommend using a builder that will take you to pre-gunite. You want him to carry the paper on the pool(this protects you if something happens. Have the builder lay out the pool with stakes, do the dig, plumbing, rebar(steel), and electric. The dig is very crucial is gunite costs. You want use a good pool shaper he can save you thousands in gunite costs. Have the builder also set all the pool equipment you get from Paradise Pool Supplies the same day he does the plumbing and also pressure up the system so it is ready for inspection. Step 4) When are you at pre-gunite call out for a inspection. Step 5) You are now ready to gunite. Check the local phone book and even ask the steel guys who is good in town for gunite and ask for a couple names and bid them against each other. Step 6) After gunite is complete you are ready for the tile/rock work on tile line and coping. You can also ask some of the guys about good subs around town for this also. Check the local phone books or even talk to some friends at work or family. Step 7) After all the coping & tile work is done you are ready to start the water feature if any. After the water feature is complete you are now ready to start the decking. Step 8) Stamped concrete is the hotest in pool decks right now, most home owners are wanting 2 & 3 color concrete. The standard is a salt rock finish with broomed edges. This is most affordable. If you are wanting the oohs & aaws stamped is the way to go. This is one of the most important parts because you have a great deck the pool looks great. Bad concrete means a bad looking pool. Step 9) Starting to look good almost done. The final is the plaster. The typical is a standard gunite finish. Most pools now are going with Pebble Sheen or Pebble Tech. They are a bit more expensive but worth it due to the long lasting finsh. Right after the pool is plastered starting filling it up and give you local service a call for a start up or take a class to learn how to take care of your own pool. I hope this helps you understand it is not difficult to build your own pool. It is very fun and rewarding financially and personally. If you have any questions feel free to email us.

11.	What about heating costs?	Top
	Heat pumps are the economical way to heat your pool or spa. By comparison, traditional pool heating systems like natural gas, propane gas, oil and electric can only generate heated pool water on at best a dollar for dollar basis. In fact, the more expensive fuels like electricity and oil return 70 cents - 80 cents of heat for every dollar spent resulting in an inefficient operating return on investment. Heat pump cost savings versus other pool heating means: 80% less than propane gas, 30% to 40% less than natural gas 600% less than electrical resistance heaters Please keep in mind a solar blanket will greatly reduce your energy costs and help maximize the pool heat pump efficiency.

12.	Choosing the right pool or spa pump.	Top
	When replacing an old worn out pump, keep in mind that the new replacement pump is of a different design ,and has much more pressure and flow than the old one. If you are replacing an old bronze 1 h.p. pump, you would only need a 3/4 h.p replacement, due to the difference in performance and design. When it comes to pumps, bigger is not always better. Never install more than a 1 h.p. pump if your pool has 1 1/2 inch plumbing. The only exception to this rule would be if you have a"T" installed in the line between the pump and filter to operate a pool cleaner. If your pool is plumbed with 2 inch pipe you can use a larger pump, but it probably isn't necessary unless you have a lot of return lines, a long plumbing run, or a pool & spa combination.

13.	Choosing the right pool or spa filter	Top
	There are 3 popular types of pool and spa filters. They are D.E., cartridge, and sand filters. All 3 types work well and choosing between them is more a matter of personal preference and prior experience. We carry all types for this reason. If you don't have a preference then I would go with one of the cartridge filters we stock. They are the least expensive to buy and operate and if you go with a large size (150 sq. ft.) or larger, then maintenance is a snap. The D.E. and sand filters require a backwash valve and in most counties a separation tank.

14.	Choosing the right Automatic pool cleaner.	Top
	Determining the correct pool cleaner isn't too hard. Do you currently have an automatic pool cleaner? What type? Many of the older pool sweeps like the Arneson Pool Sweep and the Polaris 180 use a separate booster pump. Provided the booster pump is still in good working order you can use it with any of the new pressure style pool sweeps, saving yourself a lot of money. What type of debris gets into your pool? Do you get a lot of large leaves, pine needles, or twigs in your pool?, or is it mostly dirt, dust and sand. What is the condition of your existing filtration system? Suction Cleaners: Suction cleaners attach inside the surface skimmer or to a dedicated vacuum line on the side of the pool. Examples of suction cleaners are the Kreepy Krauly, and Baracuda pool cleaners. Since these cleaners work off the vacuum of the pools filtration system, a separate booster pump is not needed. This type of cleaner is the least expensive to purchase and operate since you don,t need to pay to run the second pump. The suction style cleaners also have very simple operating systems, so there is very little to go wrong with them. The Kreepy Krauly only has one moving part which powers the entire unit. The suction cleaners install easily in minutes and they clean whenever the filter is running. Pools with heavy leaf loads, especially large leaves, and pine needles aren't usually good candidates for suction style cleaners unless the heavy leaf fall season is short. Generally if a sweep can do all the work for you 11 months of the year , but requires a little help in the fall, that's usually acceptable. Suction Style cleaners Best Buy stocks: Kreepy Krauly, Baracuda, Great White, Navigator, and Polaris. Pressure Style Cleaners (booster pump driven): As indicated this style sweep is driven by a seperate booster pump. Unless you are replacing an older booster pump driven sweep such as an Arneson pool sweep or Polaris 180, then you will need to purchase the pump with your new cleaner as well as a separate time clock. This type cleaner works well in virtually every pool and they vacuum leaves, pine needles, twigs, rocks you name it, without a problem. The pressure cleaners gather up debris in their own bag, which you remove and dump periodically. Best Buy stocks: Letro Jet Vac,and Legend and the Polaris 380and 280 pressure style sweeps. Pressure Cleaners without a booster pump: This style pool sweep is a derivative of the booster pump pressure sweep. Instead of operating off a separate booster pump, this style sweep operates off the pressure from the filtration system. Normally a "T"is plumbed into the line between the pump and filter and pressure is bled off to run the cleaner. Because of this bleed off it's best to step up the size of the filter pump to make sure everything operates properly. Unless you are replacing an old sweep of this same type such as the Arneson Turbo Sweep, Ray Vac, Energy Sweep, Energy Porpoise 2, or an early Polaris 360, then it may be cost prohibitive to go this route. Best Buy stocks the Polaris360 and the Letro Legend 2 cleaners of this type.

15.	Pump Trouble Shooting Guide	Top
	Pump will not prime : No water in the pump strainer pot. Strainer pot lid is not tight. Damaged lid O ring Water level is below skimmer Strainer or skimmer basket is clogged. Closed valve in piping system. Pump is on low speed (two-speed ) units only. Air leak in the suction line. Low flow- High filter pressure: Filter is dirty Restriction in the return line. Low flow-low filter pressure: Strainer basket or skimmer basket is clogged. Clogged impeller Air leak in suction line Restriction in suction line Motor does not turn: Power switch is off. Circuit breaker is tripped. Pump is in off mode of timer controlled circuit. Motor terminal connections are incorrect. Motor shaft is locked by a bad bearing. Impeller is locked by debris. Motor overload protection "kicks out" Electrical supply connections are incorrect. Wiring to pump is undersized. Power company supply voltage is low. Ventilation is inadequate for motor.

16.	Servicing the Pool or Spa	Top
	A suggested chain of events: Test the water using a good quality test strip or test kit. Check the filter pressure, and if needed backwash (DE) and sand filters, or hose off the filter cartridge. Clean the tile. Skim the surface and remove the large debris. Vacuum Brush any remaining dirt from the walls. Clean out the skimmer and pump baskets Add the chemicals needed to maintain proper sanitation and water balance. Check the time clock trippers for proper run cycles. Check for proper water level.

17.	Plumbing Tips for Plastic Pipe.	Top
	and/or solvent welding.The following is recommended for piping systems normally encountered in the swimming pool and spa industry. Threaded Joints Plastic to Plastic A dry male fitting should be made up hand-tight about two-thirds (2/3) of the way into any female threaded connection. Use only the following plastic-to-plastic thread sealants.Teflon tape, 100% pure Teflon paste or Permatex # 2. Use three (3) full turns of Teflon tape. Apply sealant to male thread only. Use liberal coats of either the 100 % pure Teflon or Permatex # 2. Use (3) full clockwise turns of Teflon tape. Screw the fittings together hand-tight. Then (1/2) to (1) more full turn using a strap wrench or small pipe wrench. You now have a good joint-stop. Plastic to Metal Be sure to clean or deburr any rough metal threads to prevent uneven covering of sealants or tearing of the tape The same sealants are recommended as above. Avoid the use of a male metal threaded end into a female plastic thread, whenever possible. If heated water of any degree is involved, the different expansion rates could cause leaks. Tapered metal male fittings over-tightened into plastic female threads can create stresses that, though not immediately apparent , can cause fractures later. Screw the fittings together hand-tight. Then, (1) more full turn using a strap wrench or a small pipe wrench. You now have a good joint-stop. Note: Most common plumbers oil-base pipe dope compounds should not be used with plastic pipe, valves, or fittings. Cracking or breaking of valves and fittings has been caused by the effects of some of these pipe dopes, failures occur shortly after use and over prolonged periods of time. Solvent Welding Avoid using the so-called all-purpose cements or spray can types. Use a good solvent cleaner-primer on all slip pipe and fittings. Quickly, while surfaces are tacky , brush on a moderate coating of cement to the fitting socket and the pipe end. Within 5 to 10 seconds, insert pipe giving it a slight twist until it bottoms out. Hold joint for 5 to 10 seconds to prevent the pipe from pushing out of the socket. Note: You can handle almost at once. Do not put any stress or twisting force on the joint for at least 20 minutes. Do not pressurize for at least 2 hours. A full 100 % joint strength takes 48 hours.

18.	How do heat pumps work?	Top
	A heat pump is the most economical way to heat your swimming pool or spa. The illustration below describes how the heat pump uses minimal amounts of electric energy that you pay for in your electric bill each month and large amounts of "free" energy that is captured from the air around you. To describe how energy efficient our heat pump is, we use this example. If it takes 10 units of heat to heat your pool, only 2 units are needed from an electrical source to power the heat pump, the remaining 8 units are captured from the surrounding air by the advanced technology of our heat pump and are considered a "free" source of heat. You only pay for minimal amounts of electricity and your heat pump does the rest of the work for you. EVAPORATOR COMPRESSOR HEAT EXCHANGER The fan draws warm, moist surrounding air into the evaporator. R-22 environmentally friendly liquid Freon is pumped through copper tubing within the evaporator. As the warm outside air passes through the evaporator the liquid Freon becomes a heated gas. As the heated Freon gas enters the compressor it is put under pressure which creates an even hotter gas. The hot compressed gas is pumped through the heat exchange coil which transfers heat to the surrounding pool water. As water circulates through the heat exchanger it is heated 3° - 5° F and is returned to the pool. This cycle continues until the water reaches the desired temperature.

19.	What size heat pump do i need?	Top
	Determining which size heat pump of ours to purchase is very simple, but there are a few things you should take into consideration. Besides knowing your pools dimensions, other things to keep in mind that may affect your decision are if your pool is heavily shaded or if you live in a very windy environment. The list below will provide the majority of pool owners an accurate guide to choosing the correct size heat pump. 80,000 BTU is the smart choice for large above ground pools up to 27' round or inground pools 16' x 32' 100,000 BTU is the popular choice for inground pools up to 18' x 36' 115,000 BTU is our largest heat pump and is meant for heating pools up to 20' x 40' 115,000 BTU is the ultimate solution for perfect pool comfort and will heat and cool pools up to 20' x 40'.

20.	How fast do orders ship?	Top
	If orders are in by 12 noon pacific standard time Monday- Friday they will ship the same business day. If the order is received after that time or on a Saturday or Sunday it will ship the following business day. Special order items such as specialty parts take between 1-2 weeks. We will always inform you right away if a part or product is back ordered.

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