Frequently Asked Questions

Al's Cool Pool Store is run by the team at Sapphire Swimming Pools, a pool service company based in Smithtown, NY with over 30 years of hands-on experience opening, closing, repairing, and maintaining pools across New York. Every product we sell is one we've personally installed and trust in our customers' backyards.

We operate entirely online and do not have physical retail store locations. However, our full catalog is available 24/7 right here on our website with fast shipping straight to your door!

The best way to reach us is by emailing Support@sapphirepoolsny.com or by visiting our online Contact Page. If you prefer to speak with someone directly, you can also give us a call at (505) 516-0007.

Yes, we are an authorized online retailer for all major pool brands we carry, including Hayward, Loop Loc, King Technology, and Dolphin. This ensures that all products purchased from us are 100% genuine and eligible for full manufacturer warranty support.

For our local customers on Long Island, NY, our dedicated service company, Sapphire Swimming Pools, offers in-person delivery and professional equipment installation. For our nationwide customers, we operate as a specialized online retailer. While we do not offer nationwide hands-on installation, our expert team is always available to help guide you through any installation questions you might have!

Yes, we are happy to discuss custom orders! Please send your bulk or wholesale inquiry to Support@sapphirepoolsny.com so we can find a solution that works for you.

Yes! We offer many items at a 10% discount, and first-time buyers can apply the code ALSCOOL10 to receive 10% off their entire order at checkout.

Yes, we offer a price match guarantee on identical, in-stock items sold and shipped by authorized online retailers. The price match must include the competitor's shipping and handling fees. Marketplace sellers and auction sites are excluded.

Yes, we stock OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturer) replacement parts for all major brands of automatic pool cleaners, including Polaris, Dolphin, Hayward, and Zodiac. Using OEM parts ensures proper fit and maintains your cleaner's warranty.

Yes, we offer flexible financing options at checkout through Affirm and Shop Pay Installments. You can split your purchase of pool heaters, pumps, or safety covers into monthly payments subject to credit approval.

Yes, we offer volume tier pricing and dedicated commercial accounts for pool service professionals, hotels, and community centers. Please contact our commercial sales team directly with your tax ID and estimated annual volume to set up an account.

Orders can be canceled for a full refund only if they have not yet been processed or shipped. Once an order leaves our warehouse, it cannot be canceled and must be processed as a standard return, with the customer responsible for any freight rerouting or return charges on oversized items.

Sales tax is calculated and charged based on the shipping destination's state and local tax laws at the time of checkout. If you are a tax-exempt organization or pool professional buying for resale, please submit your exemption certificate to our support team before placing your order.

Always add stabilizer (cyanuric acid) first to protect your chlorine from UV degradation. Once dissolved, add your sanitizer (chlorine). Wait until chlorine levels drop below 5 ppm before adding algaecide, as high chlorine will destroy the algaecide.

For basic balancing chemicals (pH, alkalinity), wait at least 20-30 minutes. After shocking your pool with chlorine, wait until the chlorine level drops to a safe range (1-4 ppm), which typically takes 12-24 hours. After adding algaecide, wait at least 15-30 minutes.

Mesh safety covers allow rain and melting snow to drain through into the pool, which prevents dangerous puddles on top and makes them ideal for heavy snow loads. Solid safety covers block all sunlight and water, which prevents algae growth and keeps the water cleaner, but requires a cover pump to remove standing water.

If your pool is any shape other than a standard rectangle, or if you have non-removable obstructions within 18 inches of the water's edge (like rock waterfalls, slide legs, or raised spas), you will need a custom-measured safety cover to ensure ASTM safety compliance.

Cloudy water is typically caused by poor filtration, early algae growth, or chemical imbalance. Test and balance your pH and alkalinity, shock the pool with chlorine, run your filter pump 24/7, and add a pool clarifier to bind small particles together for the filter to catch.

You should clean or backwash your pool filter when the pressure gauge reads 8-10 PSI above the clean starting pressure. For sand and DE filters, this means backwashing. For cartridge filters, remove the elements and hose them off thoroughly.

For general recreational swimming, the ideal temperature is between 78°F and 82°F. For young children or therapeutic use, 82°F to 86°F is preferred. Using a solar cover helps retain heat and reduces energy costs.

To winterize, clean the pool thoroughly, balance the water chemistry, and add a winterizing chemical kit. Lower the water level below the skimmer, blow out the plumbing lines and plug them, drain all pumping equipment, and install a winter or safety cover.

Variable speed pumps allow you to adjust the motor speed to the exact flow rate needed, saving up to 80% on energy costs compared to single speed pumps that run at maximum speed constantly. Variable speed pumps are also significantly quieter.

First, perform the 'bucket test' to confirm the water loss is a leak, not evaporation. If it's a leak, check the equipment pad for drips. For the pool interior, use dye testing around the skimmer faceplate, return jets, and underwater lights, which are the most common leak areas.

Saltwater systems use a salt cell generator to convert dissolved pool salt into pure chlorine. This provides a constant, steady supply of sanitizer, resulting in softer water that is gentler on skin, eyes, and hair compared to traditional liquid or tablet chlorine.

Mustard algae is chlorine-resistant. To treat it, brush the pool walls vigorously, lower the pH to 7.2, and use a specialized yellow/mustard algaecide followed immediately by a massive dose of chlorine shock (up to 3 times the normal amount). Wash all pool toys and swimsuits to prevent reinfection.

A loud screeching or grinding noise usually indicates that the motor bearings are failing, often due to a leaking shaft seal that allowed water into the motor. You will likely need to replace the motor and the shaft seal, or upgrade to a new variable speed pump.

A general rule of thumb is to use 1 pound of calcium hypochlorite shock or 1 gallon of liquid chlorine per 10,000 gallons of pool water for regular maintenance. If you are treating an algae bloom, you may need to double or triple this dose.

Cyanuric acid, also known as pool stabilizer or conditioner, acts as a sunscreen for your chlorine. Without it, the sun's UV rays will destroy free chlorine in a matter of hours. The ideal CYA level for a traditional chlorine pool is 30-50 ppm.

The three main types of swimming pool filters are Sand, Cartridge, and Diatomaceous Earth (DE), each offering different levels of filtration and maintenance. Sand Filters: The most traditional and budget-friendly option. They use special pool sand to catch debris down to 20-40 microns. They require regular backwashing to clean the sand. Cartridge Filters: Very energy-efficient and eco-friendly because they do not require backwashing, which saves pool water and chemicals. They use pleated paper cartridges that filter down to 10-15 microns. You simply remove and hose off the cartridges to clean them. DE (Diatomaceous Earth) Filters: These provide the highest level of water clarity, filtering microscopic particles as small as 1-3 microns using a powder made from crushed fossilized diatoms. They require backwashing and adding fresh DE powder afterward. At Al's Cool Pool Store, we stock complete systems, replacement cartridges, and parts for all three types!

If an item arrives damaged, especially via freight, note the damage on the delivery receipt before signing. Take photos of the packaging and the damaged product, and contact our customer service team within 24 hours so we can file a claim and send a replacement.

Orders are typically processed within 1–2 business days. After processing, standard delivery takes 3–7 business days depending on your location.

Yes — we offer free standard shipping on most orders within the contiguous United States. Small to medium items such as replacement parts, accessories, and small pumps ship via UPS, FedEx, or USPS.

We offer free standard shipping on most items, as well as calculated expedited shipping options at checkout if you need your order sooner.

No, we currently only ship to the 48 contiguous states within the United States. We do not offer international shipping at this time.

Yes, we offer free shipping on almost every product! Plus, we provide free returns to make sure you are completely satisfied with your purchase.

We offer free standard shipping on almost every order over $9.99 within the 48 contiguous United States. Large equipment and above-ground pools ship via LTL freight, which may incur additional liftgate fees.

Due to DOT regulations, hazardous chemicals like liquid chlorine, muriatic acid, and large quantities of certain sanitizers may have shipping restrictions, require special hazmat shipping fees, or be available for local pickup only.

Large items like pool heaters, filters, and above-ground pool kits ship via LTL (Less Than Truckload) freight. The carrier will call you to schedule a delivery window. You must be present to sign for the delivery and inspect the items for damage before the driver leaves.

We process orders quickly to ensure fast delivery. Once an order has shipped or a custom item (like a pool liner or cover) has entered production, it cannot be canceled. You will need to receive the item and follow our standard return process.