The In The Swim catalog has established itself as a cornerstone in the pool maintenance industry since its inception in 1982. Starting as a small operation, the company has evolved into a massive distribution network that provides residential and commercial pool owners with direct access to professional-grade supplies. This evolution reflects a deep understanding of the technical requirements necessary to maintain safe and clear aquatic environments. The catalog functions as a comprehensive repository of chemical solutions, mechanical hardware, and structural components designed to address the specific challenges of seasonal pool ownership. By focusing on volume-based procurement and efficient logistics, the brand ensures that essential supplies are available to a broad demographic of users, ranging from first-time above-ground pool owners to professional facility managers responsible for Olympic-sized installations.
Navigating the complexities of water chemistry and mechanical filtration requires accurate information and reliable product specifications. The In The Swim catalog addresses these needs by categorizing thousands of items into logical segments that facilitate informed decision-making. Each product category is supported by technical data regarding chemical concentrations, equipment compatibility, and material durability. This authoritative approach helps users identify the most effective solutions for sanitization, algae prevention, and equipment upgrades without the confusion often found in generalized retail environments. The catalog emphasizes the importance of preventative maintenance, providing the tools necessary to monitor water balance and mechanical efficiency effectively. This guide examines the core offerings within the catalog, highlighting the specifications that define high-quality pool care and the logistical advantages of sourcing from a specialized industry leader.
Essential Pool Chemicals and Water Sanitization Systems
Proper water sanitization is the foundation of a safe swimming environment, and the In The Swim catalog provides an extensive array of chemical options tailored to different pool types and usage patterns. At the core of their chemical offering are various forms of chlorine, including 3-inch Trichlor tabs, 1-inch tablets, and granular Dichlor. Trichlor tablets are noted for their high concentration of available chlorine (typically 90%) and the inclusion of cyanuric acid, which acts as a stabilizer to prevent UV degradation from sunlight. This makes them an efficient choice for long-term sanitization in outdoor pools. For quick adjustments or specialized applications, granular Dichlor offers rapid dissolution and a neutral pH, making it suitable for vinyl liners and fiberglass surfaces that might be damaged by more acidic formulations.
Shock Treatments and Oxidation Methods
Beyond routine sanitization, the catalog features several types of pool shock designed to eliminate organic contaminants and chloramines. Calcium Hypochlorite (Cal-Hypo) remains the most popular choice for heavy-duty oxidation due to its high potency and ability to quickly raise free chlorine levels. The catalog offers various concentrations, with professional-grade options reaching 65% or 73% available chlorine. For pool owners seeking to minimize downtime, non-chlorine shock (Potassium Monopersulfate) is available. This oxygen-based oxidizer destroys contaminants without increasing chlorine levels, allowing swimmers to return to the water almost immediately after treatment. Understanding the distinction between these oxidative processes is critical for maintaining water clarity and preventing the characteristic chlorine odor associated with high chloramine levels.
Water Balance and Specialty Additives
Maintaining the delicate balance of pH, total alkalinity, and calcium hardness is essential for protecting pool surfaces and maximizing the efficacy of sanitizers. The catalog provides a full suite of balancing chemicals, including sodium bicarbonate for alkalinity, soda ash for pH increases, and muriatic acid or sodium bisulfate for pH decreases. Technical descriptions emphasize the target ranges for these parameters: pH between 7.2 and 7.6, and alkalinity between 80 and 120 ppm. Additionally, specialty chemicals such as algaecides, clarifiers, and metal sequestering agents are featured. These products address specific issues like mustard algae outbreaks or mineral staining from well water. By utilizing concentrated formulas, the catalog ensures that users can achieve the desired results with smaller dosages compared to diluted big-box retail alternatives.
High-Performance Pool Equipment and Filtration Technology
The mechanical heart of any pool is its circulation and filtration system. The In The Swim catalog features a wide selection of pumps and filters from industry-leading manufacturers like Hayward, Pentair, and Jandy, alongside their own high-value branded equipment. Modern pool pumps have seen significant technological advancements, particularly with the shift toward variable speed (VS) models. These pumps allow users to adjust the flow rate based on specific tasks, such as low-speed filtration or high-speed vacuuming. The catalog highlights the energy efficiency of these units, which can reduce electricity consumption by up to 80% compared to traditional single-speed pumps. Specifications such as horsepower (HP), total dynamic head (TDH), and voltage requirements are clearly detailed to ensure proper matching with the pool’s plumbing infrastructure.
Filtration Media and Systems
The catalog offers three primary types of filtration systems: sand, cartridge, and Diatomaceous Earth (DE). Sand filters are valued for their ease of use and low maintenance, utilizing specialized filter sand to trap particles down to 20-40 microns. For those seeking higher clarity, cartridge filters offer a larger surface area and can capture debris as small as 10-15 microns without the need for backwashing. The most advanced option, DE filters, uses a powder coating on internal grids to filter water down to a microscopic 3-5 microns, providing the highest level of water polish. The catalog provides detailed dimensions and flow rate capacities for each unit, allowing owners to select a filter that can process the entire volume of the pool within a standard 6 to 8-hour turnover period.
Heating Solutions for Seasonal Extension
Extending the swimming season requires reliable heating technology, and the catalog includes gas heaters, heat pumps, and solar heating systems. Gas heaters, powered by natural gas or propane, are favored for their ability to heat water quickly regardless of the ambient air temperature, making them ideal for spas and pools used in colder climates. Heat pumps, while slower to heat, offer incredible efficiency by extracting heat from the air and transferring it to the water. These units are categorized by their BTU (British Thermal Unit) output, with the catalog providing sizing charts based on pool surface area and desired temperature rise. Solar heating panels offer a sustainable alternative, utilizing roof-mounted or ground-mounted collectors to harness solar energy with minimal operational costs.
Structural Maintenance: Liners, Covers, and Safety
The structural integrity and safety of a pool are paramount, and the In The Swim catalog provides the necessary components to protect the investment. Vinyl liners for above-ground and in-ground pools are available in various thicknesses (typically 20 to 28 mil) and patterns. The catalog emphasizes the importance of precise measurements and material quality to ensure a wrinkle-free fit and resistance to UV damage and chemical fading. These liners are engineered to withstand the rigors of seasonal temperature fluctuations while maintaining the aesthetic appeal of the pool interior.
Winter and Safety Covers
For pools in regions that experience freezing temperatures, the catalog offers a range of winter covers and professional safety covers. Standard winter covers are made of heavy-duty polyethylene and are designed to keep debris out and block sunlight to prevent algae growth during the off-season. However, safety covers provide a higher level of protection. Constructed from mesh or solid vinyl and anchored into the pool deck with stainless steel springs and brass anchors, these covers can support the weight of a person or pet, preventing accidental submersion. The catalog details the ASTM safety standards met by these products, providing peace of mind for families and property managers alike.
Automatic Pool Cleaners and Maintenance Tools
Automating the cleaning process reduces the manual labor required to maintain a pristine pool. The catalog features three main types of automatic cleaners: suction-side, pressure-side, and robotic. Suction-side cleaners attach to the skimmer and are an affordable entry-point for debris removal. Pressure-side cleaners use a dedicated booster pump to propel the unit and collect debris in an onboard bag. Robotic cleaners represent the most advanced technology, operating independently of the pool’s main filtration system. These units use internal motors and microprocessors to map the pool floor and walls, scrubbing surfaces and filtering water through fine mesh canisters. Technical specs for these robots include cable length, cleaning cycle duration, and the types of surfaces they are optimized for, such as tile or vinyl.
Commercial Requirements and Specialized Accessories
In addition to residential supplies, the In The Swim catalog serves the commercial market with high-capacity equipment and bulk chemical options. Commercial facilities, such as community centers, hotels, and schools, require products that meet stringent health department codes. The catalog provides NSF-certified pumps, large-scale chemical controllers, and heavy-duty deck equipment like ladders, handrails, and lifeguard chairs. For these users, the catalog offers bulk pricing on chlorine and other essentials, ensuring that large-scale operations remain cost-effective. Specialized accessories like competitive swimming lane lines, starting blocks, and ADA-compliant pool lifts are also available, demonstrating the brand’s capacity to support diverse aquatic needs.
Deck and Leisure Enhancements
The area surrounding the pool is just as important as the water itself. The catalog includes a variety of deck accessories and leisure products designed to enhance the user experience. This includes LED lighting systems that offer color-changing capabilities and energy efficiency, as well as water features like fountains and deck jets. For maintenance, a full range of manual tools such as telepoles, leaf skimmers, and vacuum heads are provided. These items are constructed from durable materials like reinforced plastics and aluminum to ensure they withstand regular use in a chemically treated environment. By providing a single source for both functional and aesthetic products, the catalog simplifies the procurement process for all aspects of pool ownership.
Strategic Procurement for Long-Term Pool Health
Choosing the right products for a swimming pool involves a balance of technical performance, durability, and cost-effectiveness. The In The Swim catalog provides the data necessary to navigate these choices, offering professional-grade solutions that cater to specific environmental conditions and equipment configurations. By prioritizing high-active-ingredient chemicals and energy-efficient hardware, pool owners can maintain superior water quality while reducing long-term operational costs. The extensive inventory ensures that whether one is performing a simple water test or a complete equipment overhaul, the required components are readily available with detailed specifications to guide the installation. Maintaining a pool is a continuous process of monitoring and adjustment, and having access to a specialized resource like this catalog is an invaluable asset for any property owner. For those ready to secure their seasonal supplies or upgrade their current systems, the full inventory is accessible through the In The Swim Catalog website.