At Riverside Pools Ltd, we know that owning a swimming pool is about far more than the initial design and installation. A great pool experience comes from having the right equipment to keep the water clean, safe and inviting throughout the year. As designers and installers, we build pools to last. As pool owners ourselves, we also understand the day-to-day realities of maintaining them.
Whether your pool is used daily in summer or enjoyed year-round with heating and a cover, having the right equipment makes all the difference. Here is our guide to the essential pool equipment every homeowner in Oxfordshire should have, based on what we see working best for our customers.
A Reliable Filtration System
At the heart of every well-maintained pool is an effective filtration system. This is what keeps your water clear by removing dirt, debris and fine particles that cannot be skimmed from the surface. A good pump and filter combination should be correctly sized for your pool and run for enough hours each day to circulate the full volume of water.
Sand, cartridge and glass media filters all have their place, and choosing the right one depends on your pool size and how you use it. If you are unsure, this is where expert advice really matters. Our Thatcham based specialist swimming pool shop stocks a wide range of filtration equipment, and our team can help you select the most suitable option for your pool.
Pool Covers for Safety and Efficiency
A pool cover is one of the most valuable investments you can make. It helps retain heat, reduces water evaporation and keeps leaves and debris out of the pool. In cooler months, a good cover can significantly cut heating costs and chemical use.
Safety covers are particularly important for families, offering peace of mind when the pool is not in use. From simple solar covers to fully automated systems, there are options to suit every pool and budget. Many of our Oxfordshire customers are surprised by just how much easier pool ownership becomes once a proper cover is in place.
Water Testing and Treatment Equipment
Clean water is safe water. Regular testing ensures that your pool remains balanced and comfortable to swim in. Every pool owner should have a reliable testing kit to monitor chlorine or alternative sanitiser levels, pH and alkalinity.
Alongside testing, you need the right treatment products to make small adjustments before problems develop. These include sanitising chemicals, pH adjusters and occasional shock treatments. Our shop carries a full range of trusted maintenance products, and we offer local delivery within a 15 mile radius of Thatcham so you are never caught short.
Automatic Pool Cleaners
Manual vacuuming certainly works, but automatic pool cleaners can save a huge amount of time and effort. Robotic cleaners are particularly popular as they operate independently from the filtration system and provide excellent coverage of the pool floor and walls.
For busy homeowners, this is often the piece of equipment that transforms pool maintenance from a chore into a quick check. Clean pools encourage more frequent use, which is exactly how a pool should be enjoyed.
Heating Systems to Extend Your Season
Oxfordshire weather can be unpredictable, but that does not mean your pool has to be limited to a few warm weeks a year. Pool heating systems allow you to extend the swimming season well into spring and autumn.
Air source heat pumps are a popular choice for their efficiency and reliability. Solar heating can also be a useful addition in the right setting. Choosing the correct heating solution ensures comfortable water temperatures without unnecessary running costs.
Poolside Accessories That Make a Difference
It is often the smaller accessories that enhance the overall pool experience. Leaf skimmers, telescopic poles, brushes and thermometers should all be part of your basic kit. Storage solutions keep everything tidy and easy to access.
For families, pool toys and floats add fun and encourage children to spend more time in the water. Our shop stocks a wide selection of accessories designed to be durable and safe, not just novelty items that last a single season.
Lighting for Atmosphere and Safety
Underwater and surrounding pool lighting improves visibility and creates a welcoming atmosphere in the evening. Good lighting also adds an extra layer of safety for night time swimming.
Modern LED systems are energy efficient and available in a range of colours and styles. When lighting is included as part of the overall pool design, it enhances both appearance and usability.
Designed with Experience, Supported Locally
At Riverside Pools Ltd, we bring together design, installation and ongoing support. From bespoke swimming pools in Kent to bespoke swimming pools in Cornwall, we apply the same attention to detail and practical knowledge to every project we undertake. That experience carries through to the advice we offer pool owners in Oxfordshire.
Our Thatcham based specialist swimming pool shop is an extension of that service. It allows us to support our customers long after installation, with expert guidance, quality products and convenient local delivery.
Owning a pool should feel like a pleasure, not a burden. With the right equipment in place, maintenance becomes simpler and your pool becomes a space you want to use more often.
If you would like advice on essential pool equipment, upgrades or ongoing care, visit our Thatcham shop or get in touch with the Riverside Pools Ltd team. We are here to help you enjoy your pool at its best, season after season.