The Complete Pool Manual for Homeowners and Professionals: A Step-by-Step Maintenance Guide

Bring the 'Pool Doctor' Home with You

The title of this book might lead one to believe it to be yet another dry how-to kind of book. Though it does include much needed how-to information, it also includes fun stuff such as the history of pools. For those who are interested, they date back to 2500 B.C. But there is so much more to this book than background information and history. Just as the title claims, the book covers every aspect of pool maintenance and is equally suited for homeowners and professional. A case in point is the detailed chapter on equipment which gives loads of technical information about pumps (complete with drawings), filters and more. The information is easy to read, yet technical enough to satisfy the needs of the professional. Throughout, Hardy proves time and again that he is indeed an authority when it comes to pools. He knows his business and he knows how to convey what he knows to both the lay person and the professional alike. For example, in the water chemistry chapter, he stresses the importance of checking water quality, then tells how to determine such qualities as pH and hardness, which are common tests. But he doesn¿t stop with what¿s common. He goes on to discuss other topics such as advanced testing for iron and copper as well as what he says is the controversial topic of cyanuric acid, also known as CYA or simply stabilizer. When it comes to stabilizer, Hardy points out the importance of draining the pool when levels are too high. This whole issue of chemicals is thoroughly examined. Along these lines, the reader will find valuable information in the chemical treatment charts which are easy to read and interpret. As any one with a pool in their backyard knows, you don¿t just put it in and forget about it. Maintaining a pool requires ongoing attention. This book guides you along the way, so if you can¿t have the ¿pool doctor¿ Dan Hardy making house calls every day or so, you can settle for the next best thing and have his book on your shelf.

3 out of 3 people found this review helpful.

A reviewer

Pool maintenance remains one of my biggest chores. I¿ve always felt I couldn¿t pass it off to my wife and kids¿a burned out pump from low water levels or an algae outbreak from unbalanced chemicals was just too much of a risk. This book will lighten my load. It provides step by step guides and anyone (wives and children included) can follow with success. I¿m meticulous with my own pool & heretofore I would NEVER have considered doing anyone else¿s pool ¿ it just wouldn¿t be worth it, whatever it paid. Not only has Dan Hardy helped me ease my own workload, I¿m confident that I could be a successful ¿pool guy.¿ He¿d done a great job with this book. Who could have imagined a book about pool maintenance could be interesting? We¿ll this one is, and it¿s a great reference to boot. It¿s earned a permanent spot on my shelf.

1 out of 1 people found this review helpful.

Everything you ever needed to know about pools

Mr. Hardy has written a comprehensive manual on everything and anything you ever wanted to know about pools. Included in this book is a comprehensive description of everything from pool shapes and linings to pool pumps and chemicals. There are a variety of topics that the average pool owner would not readily contemplate. Not only are technical items addressed, the aesthetic aspects of pools are also addressed, with attention to landscaping and specific items about types of soil. I was impressed that this manual did not use off-putting technical jargon, but is geared to be interesting for the average reader.

1 out of 1 people found this review helpful.

A Pool Owners Must Have

Whether you are a pool novice or expert, this book makes understanding pool maintenance simple. Dan provides a detailed manual on pool construction to water chemistry. There are many pictures and diagrams that lend a visual aid to help understand pool and spa dynamics. The importance of regular maintenance is addressed by providing solutions for the busy pool owner. In addition, Dan integrates helpful tips for professionals on how to deal with problems like phosphates and green algae. This book alone will save a person hundreds of dollars in pool maintenance expense.

1 out of 1 people found this review helpful.

A reviewer

Don Hardy¿s 'The Complete Pool Manual for Homeowners and Professionals' is exactly what it claims to be ¿ complete, thorough, and indispensable ¿ even though the promise of the subtitle, ¿A Step-by-Step Maintenance Guide,¿ sometimes gets lots in the sheer amount of detail. Written for a wide audience of professionals and non-professionals alike, the book is very informative, packed with useful facts and tips, and an excellent resource for anyone who ever even thought of getting near a pool. In an accessible, informal, non-intimidating style, Hardy covers all the bases of pool construction, ownership, maintenance and use, from basic design, cleaning, heating and winterizing to essential pool safety, with occasional and interesting digressions into history 'seriously, who knew that ¿spa¿ was originally a Hungarian term?'. The style can at times seem a little too basic, but this is actually very welcome in the more technical sections, which actually become understandable to the non-professional as a result. Hardy¿s bluntness and humor are also welcome (regarding on-the-ground pools: ¿If you bought a pool at your local hardware, Target, or Wal*Mart stores, I feel your pain'') as is his direct, no-nonsense approach '¿Read the directions¿'. There are a couple of excellent features in the book, however, that actually call attention to some of its flaws. The outstanding safety checklist in Chapter 14, for example, reminds us that we could use similar easy-to-use checklists for other tasks, such as cleaning this is the ¿step-by-step¿ that both pool professionals and owners will be looking for and that can occasionally be hard to find. However, despite these drawbacks, 'The Complete Pool Manual for Homeowners and Professionals' is so useful and comprehensive that it deserves to become the standard reference text in the field.

1 out of 1 people found this review helpful.

Fun and Informative

I never knew it could be so fun and entertaining to read a book on pools. The Complete Pool Manual for Homeowners & Professionals: A Step-by-Step Maintenance Guide by Dan Hardy is a great book for pool professionals and homeowners alike. The author draws from his own personal experiences and he has seen it all and done it all when it comes to pools, spas and hot tubs. The book is written in first-person language and contains colorful personal stories that make it a very easy but informative read. The author is definitely not afraid to tell you his opinion on the best types of pools, equipment, and what to do and not to do in regards to pools, spas and hot tubs. It also has wonderful photos of pools and equipment that are both informative and entertaining. Reading this book is like having your own personal ¿pool technician¿ on hand to tell you all about different types of pools, water volumes needed, water chemistry, cleaning the pool, pool safety, and much more.

1 out of 1 people found this review helpful.

The Only Reference You Will Ever Need

At 288 pages, plus a set of color photos, this book certainly lives up to its claim of ¿Complete¿. After reading just a few pages, it is obvious that Dan Hardy has not only the experience to talk about every aspect of pools, but also boundless enthusiasm and interest for the topic, and it¿s easy to get caught up in his passion. The book starts with a detailed look at the types of pools and equipment. The next sections describe water and its many properties, and then all the possible additives that are available. Just when you think that you couldn¿t know any more about the science of looking after a pool, there is another chapter dealing with algae and other problems. I now know that there are 20,000 different species of algae! My pool in Arizona had some persistent recurring issues, and if only I had had Dan¿s book then, I would have been able to solve the problems which the local pool shop had no answer for. The book also covers comprehensive maintenance procedures for pool and equipment, details of heaters, and winterizing procedures. It includes spa maintenance, and highlights the similarities and the differences from pool upkeep. Throughout, Dan emphasizes the safety aspects of only tackling what you are confident doing. At times, it appears that the book is more a manual for the professional, as Dan recounts situations that he has encountered and gives examples as warnings but it doesn¿t hurt to know more than the average owner, and this book will tell you more than you ever imagined about all aspects of having a pool. With a conversational and readable style, I recommend this book as the only reference that you will ever need to be able to tackle all aspects of your pool maintenance and servicing.

1 out of 1 people found this review helpful.

A Valuable Resource for Homeowners and Professionals

Electrical wiring? Hazardous chemicals? Taking care of a pool requires a lot of care and attention. When maintaining a pool can be so complicated and dangerous, itâ¿¿s no wonder a lot of people choose to leave it to the professionals. According to pool expert Dan Hardy, pool maintenance is both a science and an art. Considering how important a pool can be for a family, itâ¿¿s amazing how little most people know about how to care for them. Even if you arenâ¿¿t interested in taking care of your pool by yourself, you will still benefit from this book. It will give you a good sense of what any pool owner should know about their pool. Did you know that almost every product made for your pool is a poison? If not, then you might want to think twice about who youâ¿¿re trusting to care for your pool! Hardy writes in plain English, so that the average homeowner can benefit from his years of experience and expertise. â¿¿The Complete Pool Manualâ¿ isnâ¿¿t just for do-it-yourselfers. Itâ¿¿s also for the professional who wants to make pool maintenance and repair a business. As both a how-to guide and as a professional manual, Hardyâ¿¿s book is a valuable resource.

1 out of 1 people found this review helpful.

Everything You Need to Know about Pools

Whether you are a pool owner or install and maintain pools, Dan Hardy¿s book is easy to understand. Although Hardy has a business building and maintaining pools, he writes in such an interesting and clear manner that even someone who is only thinking about having a pool built will be able to understand his book. Hardy managed to do the unthinkable: make a book about pool maintenance not bore you to death, and even entertain you at times. He begins with a short history of pools, which is a welcome surprise for the history buff. I highly recommend this book to you, particularly if you are thinking about having a pool built, and know next to nothing about maintaining pools. The book will tell you everything you need to know, and help you make informed decisions.

1 out of 1 people found this review helpful.

Simply Refreshing!

If you¿re a pool owner or even a professional who needs information on how to maintain a well kept pool, this step-by-step maintenance guide is your answer. ¿The Complete Pool Manual for Homeowners & Professionals: A Step-by-Step Maintenance Guide¿ has in depth information on all types of pools from in-ground linear pools to fiber glass pools to help professionals as well as homeowners to provide and maintain good quality service to their pools. The manual is very thorough and easy to understand. Broken down into basic concepts, this step-by-step guide also provides detailed information on pool equipment, how to acquire a clean pool, using appropriate pool tools, using the right chemicals to maintain water balance and so much more. There is also a section of information regarding spas and hot tubs. This pool maintenance guide is packed with all kind of useful information for the pool owner or professional. There¿s also a glossary to assist you in recognizing pool terms. Hardy¿s step by step pool maintenance manual is a homeowner¿s and professional pool cleaner¿s dream come true. I give this book a 5 star rating.

1 out of 1 people found this review helpful.

Pick a different pool care book

This book is poorly organized and poorly written. There is no logical flow to the book and much of the writing is repetitive or tangential to the topic at hand. The author uses terms that are new to a new pool owner multiple times before actually defining them.

I have to believe all of these anonymous five start reviews are meant to enhance the sales of the book and not authentic end readers. The reviews are actually better written than the book itself.

A Good Addition to the Do-It-Yourselfer's Bookshelf

Pool owners and pool maintenance professionals alike will find a wealth of knowledge in The Complete Pool Manual. The purpose of the book is twofold: to give homeowners all the information that they need to properly care for their pools, and to give service and maintenance people a basic guide to cleaning, repairing, and maintaining pools. Throughout the book, Dan Hardy stresses the potential dangers of the chemicals in use, and emphasizes care and low-cost maintenance methods. The book is written in an easy-going, conversational style that gives the reader the impression he or she is talking with a handy uncle about maintenance. Dan Hardy literally starts at the top with a description of pool materials and liners, construction, water composition, and chemical additives. This base of information, which may possibly be over the head of the average pool owner, is still an excellent base of knowledge for the remaining chapters. Proper chemical balancing is a skill that takes observation, common sense, and a thorough understanding of each chemical¿s properties. Hardy describes how to solve pool problems and administer chemicals through his interesting real-life experiences, as well as quick lookup tables giving proper strengths of each substance. Written with a sense of humor, the book stresses some common-sense advice: ¿Do not have your cell phone on your body while working on pools¿ '72' ¿It is a good idea to see if any creatures are in the water before you hop in.¿ '185' Practical, cost-saving tips, such as suggesting that filters be soaked in a solution of dishwashing liquid, help beginners take care of pools without spending money on unnecessary products. Though the chapters can tend to ramble from the subject at hand to personal experiences, a glossary and index helps the reader jump directly to the topic of interest. The table of contents is well-ordered and the book follows a logical flow. Even more helpful is the step-by-step narrative for each task. Hardy does an exceptional job of describing what clues to look for to troubleshoot a problem, whether the problem is algae bloom or a burned-out pump. Then he takes the reader through detailed, painstaking instructions to ensure the job is done right. Common mistakes and pitfalls are pointed out for each process. Throughout the book, he urges pool professionals to uphold the reputation of pool maintenance by working with quality and craftsmanship. The Complete Pool Manual is not a quick read, but provides lasting value that the pool owner and professional will return to again and again. Well worth adding to any do-it-yourselfer¿s bookshelf.

When he says 'Complete,' he means COMPLETE

If you own a pool, or are thinking about buying one, you have to get this book. I have been toying with the idea of getting a spa, and my sister recently got an in-ground pool, so when I started reading this I thought I might pick up a few pointers. Once I got into it, I realized it went way beyond that. When Hardy says â¿¿Complete,â¿ he means it. The book covers everything from a summary of the history of pool development, to how to clean modern filtration systems. The author hits the â¿¿must knowâ¿ points of installation so you can keep an eye on how your pool is being put in and ask intelligent questions of the builder. He also goes into the good and bad points of all the different types of pools and pool surfaces, as well as the differences between pools and spas. When he gets into the actual cleaning and water maintenance, the detailed descriptions and instructions are so clear, that I imagine this will be very popular as a training text for professionals. Another thing that I really liked about the book was how easy it was to find information. The chapters are broken up into headings that were clear and easy to use. There is an exhaustive glossary, and a good index â¿¿ although I didnâ¿¿t really need the index much, because the section headings pretty much showed me where I needed to look for information. Then there are the diagrams and photos â¿¿ they added considerably to my understanding of the maintenance issues he was talking about. The emphasis on safety and how to handle chemicals was a real eye-opener. The writer says, â¿¿Almost everything we put into pool water is poison.â¿ I had never thought about it like that before. He goes on to discuss the ins and outs of mixing chemicals and what chemicals to use â¿¿ heâ¿¿s clear about the dangers and advantages of each one as well as when they should and shouldnâ¿¿t be used. Reading this book is almost like sitting down to talk to your pool man. There are a lot of anecdotes sprinkled through it, and plenty of little asides that keep it interesting. Sometimes it doesnâ¿¿t read very smoothly because of this very chatty style, but that is a minor problem in the book overall. Even if you donâ¿¿t maintain your pool yourself, this book will allow you to ask your pool service man smart questions, and help you figure out if heâ¿¿s doing a good job.

They aren't kidding when they say 'complete!'

The Complete Pool Manual is the definitive guide to all things pool-related, covering every aspect of pools and pool maintenance imaginable. The author¿s love and knowledge comes shining through, especially when making references to a pool being like a child in need of time and attention. If you were a pool, you¿d clearly be happiest in Dan Hardy¿s backyard. Because of the detail and enormous amount of information, the manual would seem most beneficial to pool maintenance business owners ¿ a ¿must have¿ for new employees, perhaps as part of initial training. As a layperson, you may find yourself skimming through some of the more advanced chapters, such as those related to the mechanics of the pool and specifics on chemicals, however, it¿s a great handbook to have on standby, especially if you run into a problem and need to know the basics, such as ¿what does THAT valve do?¿

Everything You Need to Know

Maintaining a pool to keep it clean and safe can be a difficult task to say the least. This book by Dan Hardy proves to be an excellent resource to make the job easier and take the mystery out of the science of maintaining a pool. While it is not a book for builders, it does offer a significant amount of information about building materials and methods for various types of pools. After that it delves into the finer details of maintaining the pools and covers all the areas from how the materials used in building affect the maintenance to explaining the many formulas needed to keep the water levels where they should be. He covers all the necessary factors with maintaining accessories and how they all play a part in the production of unwanted particles in the pool. While some books may give you general information on how to maintain your book, Hardy takes it a step further and really offers a thorough understanding of how the water works in your pool and how to work with the water to make your pool a safe and enjoyable recreation. Through his experience, he is able to give suggestions and answers that have been found effective through personal use. I would highly recommend this book to others for its thorough, useful explanations and user friendly, easy to apply information

A reviewer

This book really does provide, as its title suggests, a step-by-step guide to everything you could ever need to know about setting up and maintaining a pool. Although the book contains a wealth of information about pools, spas and hot tubs, the book is well-written and easy to read. What most impressed me is that, while reading the book, you can¿t help but get the impression that the author really does have first-hand experience of everything he is writing about. This gives a certain level of comfort and confidence to the reader that this book will, on its own, provide all the information you could need to know about designing, setting-up and maintaining a pool. During each step of the process the author provides details, from his own experience, of things that could go wrong thus ensuring that that you won¿t make the same mistakes. The author obviously is passionate about the subject of pools and wants to make sure that anyone who wants to have a pool will be able to have one that they will enjoy and not cause problems or undue expense. Pools have the potential to be dangerous in terms of the hazardous chemicals involved, not to mention the lethal combination of water and electricity. However, these subjects are addressed in great detail and therefore any potential dangers should be avoided allowing pool-owners to enjoy their pools in the knowledge that they are safe to use. The book will be useful to the home-owner who wants to establish their own pool as it will provide an understanding of the basics of pools and how to maintain them, but the depth and breadth of information provided also means that it would be useful to professionals already working in the pool business.

Need Help With Maintaining Your Pool?

With the increasing summer temperatures, many people are a having a pool installed at home. Yet, the glamour of having a pool declines when they realize the amount of maintenance a pools needs. Therefore, Dan Hardy has compiled expert advice into this Complete Pool Manual. One of the greatest things about this book is that it is not just for homeowners to use, pool maintenance professionals can benefit from its contents as well. This manual presents the clear-cut process involved in setting up a pool, and having it run efficiently. When dealing with a topic such as pool maintenance it is not always easy to explain each different concept. However, the manual has to overcome the complications associated with this topic, to present the facts in a well-organized manner. Without being properly organized, anyone reading it would not have been able to understand the key concepts explained. It starts off with the basic information about the types of pools available. Since it is also written for homeowners, professionals within the pool and spa industry can read quickly through these early chapters, especially if it is beginner¿s knowledge for them. The manual then presents a thorough education on every aspect of pool maintenance ¿ from the equipment a pool would need to the many problems a homeowner or professional would encounter. Other than discussing pool maintenance, there is also a chapter dedicated to maintenance of hot tubs and spas. This section starts with the history of hot tubs, and how they appeared almost 5,000 years ago. It then goes on to describe the difference between a hot tubs and spa, and why working with them are a ¿good source of income¿. Yet the best part of this manual has to be the chapter on ¿Pool Problems¿. It lists the various algae problems commonly encountered by pool owners, along with their formation and how to overcome it. If you are deciding to buy this manual, it is worth it just for this section.

Best book I have read on the subject.

Have read the original non-edited version and find this book loaded with helpful information. While trying to help the new professional in the business but also keep it simple enough for the home owner. A good book for the personal spa and pool owner.

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No text was provided for this review.