As summer approaches, many homeowners are preparing their swimming pools after months of inactivity to enjoy the much-anticipated warm weather. However, this process often reveals murky water, chemical imbalances, and even cracks or leaks that demand time, effort and money to repair.

“During winter, most people do not use their pools and often cover them to conserve water and reduce chemical usage. As summer approaches, the pools are uncovered to begin preparing them for the warmer summer months,” explains Eldon Kruger, Marketing Director at Pratley.

Pratley, a leader in mineral-based solutions and repair products, offers homeowners a solution. Clinobrite® pool filter medium is a smart, sustainable solution for keeping pools in pristine condition. Made from the naturally occurring mineral Clinoptilolite, Clinobrite is a high-performance filter medium.

Unlike traditional sand or glass filter media, Clinobrite has a rough, pitted surface that allows for far more effective mechanical filtration. “This increased surface area enables significantly more effective mechanical filtration, delivering cleaner, clearer water,” says Kruger.

However, Clinobrite does more than just filter out particles. Thanks to its unique chemical structure, it also attracts and binds positively charged ions, such as ammonia and heavy metals, that are commonly present in pool water. “Ammonia, in particular, serves as a nutrient for algae growth. By removing ammonia through cation exchange, Clinobrite helps reduce algae formation, resulting in clearer water and decreased reliance on chlorine,” adds Kruger.

This means homeowners can enjoy healthier water with fewer harsh chemicals, which is good news for both swimmers and the environment. Clinoptilolite, a natural zeolite mineral, is sustainably mined and requires no chemical processing, making it an environmentally responsible choice.

Its advanced filtration capabilities reduce the need for harmful chemicals like chlorine, promoting an eco-friendlier approach to pool care. In addition to this eco-friendly approach, at the end of Clinobrite’s pool filter lifespan, it can then be used as a slow-release fertiliser in garden beds, adding to its benefits.

Clinobrite can save homeowners time, money, and water. Unlike sand, which compacts over time, Clinobrite maintains a loose structure that ensures more efficient backwashing. “Its lower density allows for more efficient backwashing, as the media lifts more easily within the filter. This results in shorter backwash cycles, saving both water and energy,” highlights Kruger.

Of course, pool care extends beyond the water itself. Seasonal maintenance often uncovers cracks, leaks, or loose tiles in and around the pool. These issues can easily be solved by incorporating Pratley’s range of epoxy putties providing quick, durable, and cost-effective solutions.

Pratley Standard Setting Putty cures underwater, making it ideal for repairing cracks without draining the pool. “This versatile putty provides a quick, durable solution for underwater repairs, saving both time and water,” says Kruger.

Pratley Steel Putty, commonly used for repairing steel pipes and fittings, offers a reliable solution where dry application is necessary. These products can easily be applied by the homeowners themselves with minimal preparation.

Importantly, these solutions are not only trusted by DIY users but also by professionals. “Our range of Pratley products is widely recognised throughout the pool industry as the go-to solution for reliable performance and excellent value. Pool maintenance companies often report that switching a pool’s filter medium to Clinobrite leads to greater customer satisfaction and long-term cost savings for the pool owner,” concludes Kruger.