Our previous article talked about the essential tools every beginning or novice DIY should have in their toolkit for a successful pool season. This week’s article will go through a few pool tools that aren’t vital, but you’ll thank goodness you have the one you need.
Multimeter
A multimeter is the ultimate must-have for any DIY-er stretching their skills into the electrical side of pool equipment repair.
A few common tasks you can do with a multimeter
- Check Line Voltage for pumps, automation, pool cleaners, lights, and more
- Check Capacitance – If your pool pump motor is humming, then you may have a bad capacitor
- Pump Motor Winding Resistance – A Motor that hums and does not rotate may be a sign of failing copper windings.
- Circuit Continuity – Testing pump circuits, cleaner or light cables, or automation circuit boards.
It’s not surprising the multimeter is a multifaceted instrument for pool maintenance mastery.
Two Part Epoxy Sealant
Unfortunately, you’ll experience a pipe or equipment water leak if you own a pool long enough. When the plumbing springs a leak, you likely won’t have all the materials or replacement parts needed for a permanent fix; that’s where our two-part epoxy comes in. Two-part blended epoxy comes in a couple of forms, the most common being a two-stick/tube or pre-rolled tube you can slice as needed.
I also want to stress that an epoxy patch is temporary and should not be relied on for long-term repair. A good patch should give you a few days to pick up the supplies needed for a forever fix.
I liken two-part epoxy to telling your leaking plumbing, “Hold that thought,” while you scramble to a hardware store for a permanent fix.
Drain Bladder
If your pool deals with a lot of leaf debris or you’ve made the mistake of dumping too much stabilizer into your skimmer, chances are you’ve experienced a blockage you couldn’t shift. In that time of need, there’s no other place you need to look besides the trusty Drain Bladder.
A drain bladder screws onto your garden hose, turning it into a pipe blockage buster in time flat. Don’t believe me. Have a look at our how-to video on using one.
But be careful. Too much pressure applied through your pipes, can turn a pipe blockage into a pipe blowout in a heartbeat.
The Klorkinator
We can be honest: it is a ridiculous name, but the moniker belies a multitool that can open up even the tightest pump, filter, or chlorinator lids. The Klorkinator has a gripping end with nooks and notches, allowing it to gain a grip on most equipment, and its collapsible handle pops open to give you the leverage needed to crack open the most stuck-onningiest tops you have.
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