Backwash hose-Walmart vs Pool Store

[hoffmans]

Hi All,
Quick question:
Is there any difference between the backwash hoses sold at Walmart and the ones sold at the pool stores?

Thanks,
~Hoffmans

[matt4x4]

If you're talking about the flat blue hoses, I prefer my walmart one over my pool store one, a littel bigger and slightly more flexible - less likely to split in colder weather.
I use them to run my rainbarrel overflow to the pool over my lawn in the spring to fill the pool - about 100 feet - works like a water level, top of pool is about 2 feet lower than top of rainbarrel.

[cleancloths]

Generally you can find better products for less money at any place other than a pool store. When they put the word pool on it, it just adds to the mark-up.

[waterbear]

Generally you can find better products for less money at any place other than a pool store. When they put the word pool on it, it just adds to the mark-up.

Not necessisarily! Skimmer socks are 3 for $6 and change at walmart and 5 for $5 and change at the pool store in my area! It pays to comparison shop!

[cleancloths]

Well there are exceptions to everything, but generally pool stores are high. Take a look at the price of a ball valve there versus at one of the big box hardware stores.

[waterbear]

Then again, therre is a REAL difference in quality between a ball valve from a big box and a Jandy or Hayward ball valve. If you don't believe me just check them out! Just try turning them both and you will see what I am talking about.