Cleaning and Service Equipment and Supplies
Maintaining your Backyard Pool Clean
Disasters, such as floods and fire, can destroy any event, but something as minor as a leaf can only damage a pool’s appearance. Most organic and inorganic stains are removable with the appropriate chemicals and scrubbing a bit. Other cases require extraordinary measures, such as washing with acid or scuba diving, to remove the dirt out. Keeping your pool clean can be a grimy task.
Let’s now talk about common and uncommon contaminants and how to make the pool clean again.
Troublesome trees
It is unavoidable to have some trees shedding leaves and other materials in a pool. Other species are more notorious for this than others.
Pollen plants:
Ragweed, mountain cedar, and oak trees produce the largest amount of pollen. In specific areas, the yield from these trees can torment your whole backyard, making it hard to maintain your pool clean. Heavy rain will wash the dust away; however, the pool will remain greenish.
Oaks also release tiny seeds called catkins. When they fall into a pool, they’ll make the water turn green or brown and exhaust the chlorine.
Eucalyptus is another species that withers and leaves rust-like pigment. In addition, some palm genus drop seeds tiny to pass through baskets, though enormous to block pump impellers. Their long, tacky strands can stick up the works.
To remedy this, Michael Lacey with Metro Pool Chemical in Fort Worth, Tx., suggests granular chlorine shock, with a higher pH, by sprinkling it on the affected regions. Scrubbing can also work to keep your pool clean. Lacey discovered that these remedies also work for other debris released by crepe myrtles, which leave brown stains.
Likewise, increase the pump operating time for one hour for each 10-degree rise in temperature through spring and summer since algae grow in warm water. Also, encourage your clients to cut trees close to the pool.
Cherry blooms:
This is one of the most stubborn species. The cherry bloom, with its pink blossoms, often sprouts in March and starts shedding at the end of April. The tree doesn’t have to be above the pool as the debris from the trees is light and can be easily carried by the wind. The debris fills up the pools creating a cover of blossoms on the pool. They are also tiny that they fill up the mesh and block the filters. Luckily, there is a procedure to clean up the pools, making it cleaner.
Owner of Pool Services Network in Arlington, Virginia, Myles McMorrow suggests the use of Surface Magic, which clears debris on the water’s surface. The compound creates a thin layer on the water top, which pushes debris to the side as it spreads. It is easier than making several rounds with a net around a pool. On the other hand, you can use a phosphate dish cleanser for a similar reason.
Fighting bugs
It is not surprising to find insects that create a home in your pools. For business properties, such a thing can yield an awful reputation.
You can opt for a sound portion of phosphate remover, destroying their food source that’s the algae. Another effective measure is the use of skimmers, making the water less accommodating.
Ashes
Wildfires leave many pools looking like cloudy ashtrays like it happened in Southern California. In such situations, cleanup comprises a super chlorination treatment trailed by a clarifier. Add algaecide after testing and treating for phosphates. It might take a few filter cleanings before the complete elimination of debris and ash. This may still not be enough. You may clean the ash debris but not aware of what else is inside the water.
Water may contain carcinogen agents. Considering all the poisons that burn, such as paint, tires, roofing, plastics, and that’s only the beginning. Some of these materials might have combined with the pool water when descending as debris.
Emptying and refilling the water might be a sure way to guarantee that it is secure for use again. The owners’ insurance can cater for the expenses. Every home-owner has a right to a clean, safe pool.
Yard cleaners
Many times, service experts take the blame for problems brought by the clumsiness of yard maintenance experts. For example, they may spill a bit of fertilizer in the pool in their work that might cause rusting or encourage algae growth.
To solve this, apply muriatic acid to the rust stains. You can use an acid apportioning gadget that connects to the pole. Concerning the grass trimmings, use a phosphate remover that will render them idle. It is important that you advise your clients about the yard professionals so that they can be more cautious.
Water rise/ Flooding
Natural calamities that cause pool contamination require a different technique to clean it up. For example, when a hurricane covers up the pool water when the water resurfaces, it contains so much dirt and mud.
Scuba diving is applicable in such a case. Keep the water in while you take the mud out. The suspended particles are dropped by flocculants to the pool’s floor, permitting the jumpers to see plainly. With the help of a four-inch trash pump, try vacuuming the grime with caution, not to disturb the silt that could turn the water cloudy once more. The pool will still not be ready for use. The use of chlorine and a few acid scrubbing will be helpful.
Cleaning and Service Equipment and Supplies
Darlly Filtration Partners With The Grit Game on Private Label Pool Filters
DAVENPORT, Fla., Darlly Filtration, one of the largest filter cartridge manufacturers in the world and a private label supplier to well-known names in pool and spa, has partnered with The Grit Game (TGG) to represent its pool and spa filtration line across seven states: Florida, Georgia, South Carolina, Alabama, Mississippi, Louisiana and Texas.
A filter program with the dealer’s name on it
For most pool stores, the replacement cartridge is the most shoppable item on the shelf. A customer brings in a dirty filter, the counter team identifies it, and the customer finds the same part number online before reaching the parking lot.
Darlly’s private label program is built to close that gap:
- Private label at no upcharge. The dealer’s logo goes on the cartridge label for the same price as a Darlly labeled filter.
- Custom part numbers. Dealers can assign their own part numbers, so the filter on their shelf is not a line-for-line price comparison online.
- No order minimums. No minimums on orders or on private label, so a dealer can start with their two or three highest-volume SKUs.
- Same ship timeline. Product is labeled when the order is picked, so private label ships as fast as stocked product.
“Every pool store we walk into has the same story. Their team does the work of identifying a filter, and the sale walks out the door to an online seller. Darlly gives dealers a real answer to that: their own name and their own part number on a cartridge built to the original spec, with no upcharge and no minimums. That is the kind of line we want to put in front of pool professionals, because it helps them run a better business,” Laci Davis, Co-Founder and CEO, The Grit Game.
Built to the spec of the original cartridge
Every Darlly pleated cartridge is built to the specification of the original equipment cartridge, with:
- Single-layer tri-lobal spun bonded polyester media that resists chlorine and bromine
- An ABS injection molded center core made with NSF certified material
- Reinforced end caps with screen mesh molded in during production
- Pleat bands for pleat stability
- A screw thread guaranteed for life
What the partnership means across the seven states
TGG’s reps will work with pool professionals market by market, starting with the filters each account moves most.
- Florida. A cartridge-heavy market where price pressure is constant. The focus is private label and custom part numbers that take the price comparison off the table.
- Texas and Louisiana. Larger filters are the norm. Reps will cross-reference the large Hayward, Pentair, Jandy and Waterway cartridge sets that dominate the region.
- Georgia, South Carolina, Alabama and Mississippi. Wide-open ground where D.E. filtration is still common, making universal grid kits a simple, single-line-item add alongside cartridges.
“Darlly Filtration is excited to partner with The Grit Game. The professionalism, integrity and high standards of The Grit Game Team embody what Darlly stands for,” Brad Schneider, Director of U.S. Sales Pool & Spa Division.
Pool builders, service route companies and retail store owners interested in a Darlly private label program can contact their The Grit Game rep here.
About Darlly Filtration
Hangzhou Darlly Filtration has manufactured filter cartridges for more than 25 years and is one of the largest filter cartridge manufacturers in the world, producing more than 35 million filters a year for customers in over 100 countries. Beyond pool and spa, Darlly serves the biopharmaceutical, microelectronics, medical, food and beverage, petrochemical and drinking water industries. Darlly is an OEM and private label supplier to established brands in the pool and spa industry and offers more than 600 replacement cartridge part numbers, universal D.E. grids and filtration systems. US operations run from warehouses in Ontario, California and Loveland, Colorado. Learn more at darllyfilter.com.
About The Grit Game
The Grit Game is an award-winning manufacturer rep firm and marketing agency serving the pool, spa and backyard industry across the United States and Canada. Founded in 2023 by Laci Davis and Johnny Davis, TGG works on an “education before transaction” model, connecting a vetted line of manufacturer partners with the pool professionals who build, service and sell to backyard owners. TGG was named Pool Nation Sales Rep Group of the Year in 2024. Learn more at thegritgame.com.
Cleaning and Service Equipment and Supplies
King Technology Opens $17M Manufacturing and Distribution Center
ST. PETERS, MO, September 29, 2026 – King Technology, a leading innovator in hot tub, swim spa and pool water care, and sanitization systems, has opened a new centralized manufacturing, warehousing, and distribution center in St. Peters, Missouri. The company is investing at least $17 million in the facility, which is expected to ultimately employ 40 workers in the next three years.
“King Technology’s investment of more than $17 million in a new manufacturing and distribution facility in St. Peters is another testament to Missouri’s strong business climate, skilled workforce, and central location,” said Governor Mike Kehoe. “We’re proud to welcome King Technology and look forward to seeing this family-owned company grow, create jobs, and succeed in the Show-Me State for generations to come.”
The 208,000-square-foot facility – located in the Lakeside Logistics Center in St. Peters – will enable King Technology to provide efficient world-class service to hundreds of distributors and dealers across the United States.
“Our new facility in St. Charles County is a milestone for our company’s long-term growth strategy,” said Michael Noer, President and CEO of King Technology. “The region’s commitment to growing businesses and its strong sense of faith, family, and community reflect the same values behind King Technology’s purpose to ‘Enrich Lives Daily.’”
King Technology is best known by thousands of hot tub and swimming pool owners for its FROG family of pre-filled, easy-to-use recreational water care products with patented mineral technology that keeps water crystal clear for in-ground and above-ground pools, swim spas, and hot tubs, while using significantly less chlorine. King Technology also introduced its New Water brand of products this year for mass retail across the U.S.
A third-generation, family-owned company for nearly half a century, King Technology will maintain its headquarters in Minnetonka, Minnesota. “King Technology’s decision to choose St. Peters for their new distribution center reflects our region’s clear strengths and our commitment to bringing new employers and new jobs to our region,” said Ron Kitchens, Managing Partner of Greater St. Louis, Inc. “Greater St. Louis, Inc. was proud to support King Technology’s first-ever expansion, and we look forward to watching them grow and thrive in St. Peters.”
King Technology worked alongside Missouri state and local partners to determine and invest in its second location, including Ameren, the City of St. Peters, the Economic Development Council of St. Charles County, Greater St. Louis, Inc., Missouri Department of Economic Development, Missouri Partnership, and Spire.
A ribbon cutting and celebration was held on September 29, 2026, with participation by St. Peters, Missouri Mayor Len Pagano and Missouri Governor Michael Kehoe (pictured).
WHAT OTHERS ARE SAYING
“For nearly half a century, this third-generation, family-owned company has built a legacy of innovation, growth, and commitment to its customers,” said Michelle Hataway, Director of the Missouri Department of Economic Development. “We’re proud King Technology has chosen Missouri for this significant investment and look forward to supporting its continued success as it creates new opportunities for Missourians to prosper in the St. Louis region.”
“We’re so excited to be welcoming King Technology to our FasTrac family,” said St. Peters Mayor Len Pagano. “I’m so proud of our FasTrac economic development team, working with our partners at the local and State of Missouri level to help King Technology expand to our region. We look forward to working with King Technology and watching them grow into the future!”
“King Technology’s expansion into St. Peters reflects the continued strength of St. Charles County as a place where manufacturers can grow, invest, and thrive,” said Scott Drachnik, President & CEO of the Economic Development Council (EDC) of St. Charles County. “We are grateful for the trust they have shown in our community and look forward to their continued success.”
“King Technology’s investment in St. Peters reflects what companies continue to find across Missouri: a strategic location, strong infrastructure, and a business climate that supports long-term growth,” said Subash Alias, CEO of Missouri Partnership. “This project strengthens Missouri’s advanced manufacturing footprint, creates new opportunities for Missourians, and reinforces the state’s position as a premier destination for companies serving customers across the nation.”
ABOUT KING TECHNOLOGY
King Technology, Inc. is a third-generation, family-owned water care company founded in 1978 by Lloyd King and Joe King. Headquartered in Minnetonka, Minnesota, the company is a market leader in hot tub and swim spa water care and a leading innovator in pool water care. King Technology is best known for its FROG family of pre-filled, easy-to-use water care products, which use patented mineral technology to keep water clear while requiring significantly less chlorine. The company’s mission is to Enrich Lives Daily. For more information, visit kingtechnology.com.
JED Pool Tools, US manufacturer and distributor of swimming pool and spa maintenance equipment, offers a new Pro 14” Pool Vacuum with a swivel-plastic handle for cleaning both residential and commercial swimming pools. This vac head is heavy weight and designed to make it easy to clean corners and steps. Made to handle the cleaning of any size swimming pool with durable construction. Easily maneuverable vacuum head has 360-degree swivel connector that ends aggravating hose tangling. Adapted for both 1-1/2” and 1-1/4” hose sizes. Proudly made by JED in Pennsylvania, USA.
www.JEDPoolTools.com
570-344-4137
Old Forge, PA
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