FAQs

Sand filters are more efficient with some debris. Backwash when your pressure gauge shows 7 - 10 pounds of pressure above normal. Water clarity will be much improved and your pool will be cleaner.

An ozonator generates ozone just like the ozone in the atmosphere (O3). As your spa circulates, ozone is emitted and sanitizes the water. Ozone greatly reduces your chemical usage and helps keep your water clear, but is not a stand-alone sanitizer.

More than likely the pH of the pool is very low. We can test your water and help you adjust it properly. This should solve your problem.

The bubbles go down.

The Free and Total Chlorine are out of balance. Super shock it to get it back in balance.

The recommended rate is 1 pound for every 10,000 gallons of water.

As soon as the party is over or immediately after a big storm (over 1 inch of rain) shock the pool.

Depending on usage, we recommend regular shocking once a week. If there is heavier usage, shock immediately after a big party.

No. Petroleum jelly will harden and make it difficult to remove a lid or replace the O-rings. Use silicone or Teflon lubricant specifically made for O-rings.

We recommend twice a week at home.

At the very beginning of the season and the end of the season. Then once a month should be fine unless you think you have a water balance problem.

Every three years or per the manufacturer's recommendation.

Vacuum on waste.

It depends on the requirements of your township or county. Please check with your specific township or county for requirements.

We do not recommend straight salt systems on aboveground pools. In general, they don't generate enough chlorine and the corrosive effects of high salt levels can rust out walls and tracks. Many pool manufacturers void your warranty if you go to a high concentration salt system. They are great for quality in ground pools with commercial galvanization but not above grounds.

 Yes! We recommend the Simple Salt Water Treatment System. This is a hybrid system that uses only a very small, controlled dose of salt, along with sodium tetraborates, and other water enhancers. Water feels much softer and the borates are extremely effective at fighting algae. It is also very easy to use and low maintenance.

Low Maintenance means you, the pool owner, work less to enjoy the pool more. With the Simple Salt System, the primary component is added just once a year - at the pool opening. Other components require no more than 5 minutes every week or two.

Filters with single speed pumps should run at least 12 - 14 hours per day, 7 days a week. Filters with 2 speed pumps should run on low 24 hours per day and are only required to run on high when vacuuming or adding water care products.

This depends on your personal preference. In the summer, a solar cover will retain the heat, keep debris out of your pool and save on chemical consumption. In the winter, we highly recommend that you cover your pool.

Our sales staff would be glad to help you with any questions regarding winterizing or opening your pool.

Prolong your cover's life by keeping accumulated water pumped off. After removing your cover in the spring, clean it, dry it and store it in a sealed container to keep the mice away.

At the first sound of a pool motor's whining, take action. A new set of bearings now may save you the expense of a new motor later. Also, make sure there are no leaks at the pump seal. This is an easy and inexpensive repair.

The short answer is yes...and no. It all depends on the material that the outdoor furniture is made of. Obviously you don't have to worry about rust on your patio furniture if it is made of a wicker or wood material, however if you have metal patio furniture, the type of metal that it is made of will determine if it can rust. Outdoor furniture that is made of aluminum, both extruded or cast, will not rust because aluminum is a non-ferrous metal which means it has no iron in it. Outdoor furniture that is made of wrought iron or steel can possibly rust. Less expensive, inferior wrought iron or steel furniture is far more likely to rust than high-quality wrought iron or steel furniture. This happens because manufacturers of low-quality metal furniture often don't take the necessary steps to protect the metal from the moisture. Quality iron or steel furniture will be far less likely to rust due to their primer and powder-coating processes during production.

The best type of fabric for outdoor cushions is acrylic. Because acrylic fabric doesn't contain any cotton, polyester or olefin fiber, it will not mildew, stain or break-down as easily. Currently, the leading brand of acrylic outdoor fabric is Sunbrella. Sunbrella not only uses acrylic fabric, but they solution-dye the material so that the color is solid throughout the fiber versus a pattern or color that is "printed" or "stamped" on the fabric after it has been woven. This is extremely beneficial because it ensures the fabric will be color-fast and will not fade over time and exposure to the elements.

High-quality outdoor furniture is typically low-maintenance just by virtue of the materials the manufacturers use in production. While some types of furniture require more care than others, most often you can simply use a garden hose to rinse the furniture off and keep it dust free. For more detailed instructions about outdoor furniture care and cleaning, please see our Patio Furniture Maintenance and Care instructions.

Spruce Up You Patio Furniture For a Super Spring

Sunbrella Cleaning Chart

Although it isn't necessary to cover your patio furniture, we recommend it. The materials our patio furniture is made of are selected for their durability and endurance. By covering your furniture, you will not only extend the lifetime of it, but you will also minimize the amount of cleaning and care your patio furniture will require to keep it looking like new.

Supplies Needed

• Dry vacuum cleaner
• Mild dish soap
• 5-gallon plastic bucket
• Soft-bristle brush 
• Washcloth
• (Optional) Liquid bleach

Instructions

1. Quickly remove loose dirt and debris with the dry vacuum.
2. Mix the dish soap and warm water in the bucket.
3. (Optional step) To clean and sanitize, pour in a bit of bleach. We recommend 1 part bleach to 2 parts water.
4. Use a washcloth to apply the soapy water to the lumber and let it sit for a few minutes.
5. Scrub the surfaces using the soft-bristle brush to loosen any dirt or debris.
6. Rinse with clean water and let your furniture air-dry.

Tip: Wear chemical-resistant gloves if you plan to use bleach.

Check out the full video here!

All POLYWOOD furniture hardware (screws, nuts, bolts, and other fasteners) is made using marine-grade 18-8 stainless steel with an AlloChrome 3200+™ finish and cosmetic coating. Here’s how to clean these hardworking parts.

Supplies Needed

• Mild dish soap
• 5-gallon plastic bucket
• Soft-bristle brush 
• Towel

Instructions

1. Mix the dish soap and warm water in a bucket.
2. Apply the soapy mixture to the hardware with a soft-bristle brush.
3. Rinse thoroughly and wipe away excess water with a dry towel.

Salt Air Tips:

Keep your hardware in great shape with these corrosion-prevention tips.

• Apply a color-appropriate appliance touch-up paint (available at your local hardware store).
• Dab on a coat of clear car wax.
• If the hardware comes in contact with salt water, rinse it right away with fresh water and towel dry.

Supplies Needed

• A pressure washer (rated no higher than 1,500 psi) equipped with a 40-degree fan tip

Instructions

1. Spray all areas of your furniture with slow, even sweeps, keeping the nozzle about 8 inches away from the surface. 
2. If any stubborn spots remain, follow the Clean & Sanitize steps to remove them.

Tips:

• Always keep the pressure washer's wand moving. Spraying one spot continuously can cause gouges and other damage.
• Wear goggles, gloves, a facemask, boots, and ear protection when using a pressure washer.

Follow these easy steps to keep your outdoor cushions clean and pillows pristine. 

Supplies Needed

• (Optional) Dry vacuum
• Mild dish soap
• 5-gallon plastic bucket
• Washcloth

Instructions

1. Brush or rinse loose debris off cushion covers before it embeds in the fabric. Using your dry vacuum makes quick work of this.
2. Create a mixture of ¼ cup of dish soap per gallon of warm water in a bucket. (For 5 gallons of water, use 1¼ cup of soap.)
3. Apply the mixture to the material with a clean cloth.
4. Rinse thoroughly and let your cushions air-dry.

Tips:

• Standing cushions on their sides will help them dry faster.
• If possible, flip your cushions periodically to even out the wear on each side.
• Store patio cushions in a dry spot—such as a shed, garage, or console table—when not in use.

Extend the life of your outdoor sling fabrics with this easy semi-annual cleaning method.

Supplies Needed

• Whisk broom
• Mild dish soap
• 5-gallon plastic bucket
• Sponge or washcloth
• Liquid bleach

Instructions

1. Remove loose dirt with the whisk broom.
2. Mix 1 Tbsp dish soap and 2 Tbsp bleach per 1 gallon of water. (For 5 gallons of water, use 5 Tbsp dish soap and 10 Tbsp bleach.)
3. Use the sponge or cloth to scrub the mixture onto all parts of the sling fabric.
4. Thoroughly rinse the material right away and let it air-dry.

Oil-based products can damage outdoor sling fabric and make it age faster. If direct contact occurs, clean it off right away using the following method.

Supplies Needed

• Paper towel
• Corn starch
• Dry vacuum cleaner or straight edge

Instructions

1. Blot any excess oil with paper towels—do not rub.
2. Apply cornstarch to the stain and let it sit for 10–15 minutes.
3. Remove the corn starch using the dry vacuum or straight edge.
4. Repeat the process until all the oil has been absorbed.

Prevent wear and tear on resin wicker with this easy cleaning method.

Supplies Needed

• Dry vacuum cleaner
• Paintbrush
• Mild dish soap
• 5-gallon plastic bucket
• Soft-bristle brush
• Toothbrush
• Towel

Instructions

1. Before cleaning, remove any cushions. 
2. Sweep away debris using your dry vacuum’s brush attachment, and get hard-to-reach areas with the paintbrush.
3. Dip your soft-bristle brush in the soapy water and gently scrub the wicker’s surfaces. Use a toothbrush to get into nooks and crannies.
4. Rinse with clean water and dry it off with a towel.

Keep your aluminum patio furniture in tip-top shape with the following steps.

Supplies Needed

• Whisk broom
• Mild dish soap
• 5-gallon plastic bucket
• Sponge or washcloth
• (Optional) Mineral spirits or other mild solvent

Instructions

1. Brush off any dirt and debris with the whisk broom.
2. Mix mild dish soap and warm water in a bucket.
3. Use the sponge or cloth to wipe the cleaning solution onto the aluminum surfaces, rubbing off any dirt.
4. (Optional step) Rub the solvent on tough stains with the sponge or cloth until they're removed.
5. Rinse your furniture thoroughly with clean water and let it air-dry.

Maintain the beauty of natural wicker furniture with this gentle method.

Supplies Needed

• Clean cloth or microfiber duster
• Soft sponge
• Mild dish soap
• 5-gallon plastic bucket
• Towel

Instructions

1. Take off any cushions.
2. Remove dust with the cloth or duster.
3. Mix mild dish soap and warm water in a bucket.
4. Spot clean with soapy water and the sponge. 
5. Dry the furniture completely with a clean towel before putting cushions back on.

Follow these instructions to make your wrought iron patio furniture last. 

Supplies Needed

• Dry vacuum cleaner
• Paintbrush
• Mild dish soap
• 5-gallon plastic bucket
• Washcloth
• Toothbrush

Instructions

1. Remove any cushions. 
2. Clear away loose dirt with a dry vacuum with a brush attachment—for hard-to-reach spots, use the paintbrush.
3. Mix mild dish soap and water in a bucket.
4. Wash away dirt using the soapy solution and a clean cloth. (An old toothbrush works great in reaching into tight curves and twisted pieces.)
5. Rinse your metal furniture with clean water and let it air-dry.

Keep your mesh, canvas, or sling fabrics clean with these simple steps.

Supplies Needed

• Dry vacuum cleaner
• Plastic spray bottle
• distilled white vinegar
• Soft-bristle brush

Instructions

1. Use the dry vacuum to remove dirt and debris.
2. Fill a plastic spray bottle with distilled white vinegar.
3. Spray the fabric and let the vinegar soak in for a few minutes.
4. Scrub the areas with a soft-bristle brush.
5. Rinse your chair thoroughly and let it air-dry.

Extend the lives of teak, ipe, cypress, and other wood furniture with these easy instructions.

Supplies Needed

• Dry vacuum cleaner
• Mild dish soap
• 5-gallon plastic bucket
• Soft-bristle brush

Instructions

1. Remove dirt and debris with a dry vacuum with a brush attachment.
2. Mix mild soap and water in a bucket.
3. Scrub the soapy solution all over the frame with the soft-bristle brush.
4. Rinse with fresh water.
5. Let your furniture air-dry completely. 

Ensure your plastic furniture is pristine with this quick cleaning method.

Supplies Needed

• Whisk broom
• Mild dish soap
• 5-gallon plastic bucket
• Washcloth

Instructions

1. Use the whisk broom to brush away loose debris.
2. Mix mild dish soap and warm water in a bucket.
3. Using a clean cloth, rub down all the surfaces of your resin furniture. 
4. Rinse with clean water.
5. Let your outdoor pieces fully dry before using.

This depends on how much you use your outdoor area and the local climate. If you live on the coast and host alfresco family gatherings multiple times per month, weekly care and a deep cleaning session at the beginning and end of the season is a good idea. But if you don't use your furniture as often and live in a mild climate, a quick wipe-down before company stops by and one deep cleaning session at the start of the season will do the trick.

With these preventive measures, you can spend less time cleaning and more time lounging.

• Store outdoor furniture and cushions in your shed or garage when you aren't using them.
• Invest in durable covers that you can put over your furniture when it's not in use.
• If possible, keep furniture and cushions out of direct sunlight to reduce fading caused by sun exposure. 
• Spray outdoor cushions and umbrellas with fabric protectant that repels water, stains, and mildew. 
• Protect aluminum deck furniture from the elements with a coat of car wax, exterior paint, or a silicone spray like WD-40.
• It's always best to follow the manufacturer's care instructions, which are the results of thorough research and testing. Other methods may cause damage or lead to additional cleaning.

Check out the guide here.

Remove mold, mildew, and stains with this deep cleaning method.

Supplies Needed

• Dry vacuum cleaner
• 5-gallon bucket
• Mild dish soap
• Bleach
• Soft-bristle brush

Instructions

• Open your umbrella and lay it on its side.
• Remove dust and loose dirt with your dry vacuum fitted with a brush attachment.
• Rinse the canopy with your garden hose.
• Fill the bucket with warm water and mix in 1 cup of bleach and ¼ cup of soap per gallon of water.
• Apply the solution to the fabric and let it sit for 15 minutes. 
• Thoroughly rinse the canopy and leave it open to air-dry.

NOTE: Only use this method on bleach-cleanable performance fabrics. Before trying this approach, check with your umbrella’s manufacturer to see if it’s safe to clean with bleach.

Water in the spa gets 'tired' after a while, and it's a personal assessment as to when to change it. Change your hot tub water when it doesn't maintain its clarity, or if you feel that the water doesn't seem fresh. Water builds up minerals from salts from your body and from evaporation after adding additional water. Rule of Thumb: Change water every three to four months.

An ozonator generates ozone just like the ozone in the atmosphere (O3). As your spa circulates, ozone is emitted and sanitizes the water. Ozone greatly reduces your chemical usage and helps keep your water clear, but is not a stand-alone sanitizer.

How much time do I have to spend taking care of it? Once your hot tub is properly installed, you can care for it in just minutes each week. Maintenance really consists of checking the water chemistry with simple test strips, and adding required chemicals once or twice per week.

The easy solution is often overlooked....you simply need to clean your hot tub filters you should do this about once a week. Hose them off with a high pressure hose, and then spray them with Filter Cleaner, which releases minerals and oils. Rinse your spa filters thoroughly again, and that's it. keep in mind, hot tub filters don't last forever. They generally last one to three years, so replace them when the time comes. Sometime you can be in the wrong heating mode, or you have a heater issue and you need to contact us for maintenance.

Hot tub water can become cloudy for lots of reasons: the water may have contaminants, unbalanced levels, increased calcium hardness, or un-filterable particles. Check the levels of the water, add sanitizer or oxidizer(shock) if needed, and make sure the filter is cleaned and in the right filtration mode.

The manufacturers of the hot tubs require a level surface such as: concrete slab, deck, patio, pavers etc. We also offer spa pads which is a composite material for your hot tub to be placed on, this is a great alternative to the other level surfaces because it is very cost affective and portable.

Most 220 volt hot tub will heat the water much faster, you can also run your heater and your spa pumps at the same time. You will need an electrician for 220 volt spas, unless you are an electrician. Most 110 volt spas you can take home, fill with water and just plug in (this is what we like to call plug and play)!

Leisure Depot offers many different hot tub models and spa lines, allowing you to choose what fits your needs, available space and budget. All of our spa models bring warmth, comfort, and invigorating hydro-therapeutic massage. It’s the best way to relax and reconnect at home, with family and friends.