Both filters achieve the same goal but in a completely different manner. A cartridge filter can filter down to 5 microns, whereas a sand filter usually filters 5-10 microns. However, the lifespan of a sand filter can be 10+ years while cartridge filters will need to be replaced every 2-3 years. Cartridge filters also require more hands-on maintenance than a sand filter.

If you are uncertain of which is the best option for your pool, visit our friendly team in-store and we’ll answer any questions and provide you with our professional advice.

Cloudy water on the Sunshine Coast is incredibly common, especially after high bather loads during summer or abrupt weather changes. If your chlorine and pH are balanced, cloudy water is usually a filtration issue. It means your pump isn't running long enough (we recommend 8 hours a day during QLD summers), your filter needs backwashing or cleaning, or there is an excess of fine particles that require a pool clarifier or flocculant to clump them together for the filter to catch.

Due to the intense UV rays and frequent heavy rains we experience here on the coast, pool chemistry can fluctuate wildly. During the swimming season (September to April), we strongly recommend having your water professionally tested every 2 to 4 weeks. During the cooler winter months, every 4 to 6 weeks is usually sufficient. Remember, we offer fast, complimentary water testing at our Coolum Beach location!

That white buildup is calcium scaling. When calcium builds up on the chlorinator cell plates, it prevents the unit from producing chlorine, which will quickly lead to a green pool. The cell needs to be soaked in a specialized cell cleaning solution to dissolve the calcium. If your cell is constantly scaling, your pool water's calcium hardness or pH is likely too high and needs immediate balancing.

Before a major storm hits, never empty your pool; the groundwater pressure can actually pop a fiberglass pool out of the ground! Instead, ensure your skimmer box and pump baskets are clear of debris, drop your water level slightly if you don't have an overflow pipe, and secure any loose pool toys or cleaning equipment. Once the storm passes, remove organic debris immediately and bring a water sample to us, as heavy rain severely dilutes your salt and chemical levels.

We do it all! While our retail shop in Coolum Beach is fully stocked with the highest quality equipment and chemicals, we also have a dedicated fleet of service technicians. We provide regular maintenance schedules (weekly, fortnightly, or monthly), green pool recovery, and equipment installation and repairs to residential and commercial properties across the Sunshine Coast.