After running a pool business out of his home for 10 years, Kelly Ellis decided the time was right to expand his operation by opening up a store in downtown Covington.

 "It was just time to open a store," said Ellis, who has been in the pool industry for 28 years.

Located on U.S. Highway 278 next to KFC for the past month, Kelly's Pool Service sells the full range of products needed to clean your pool and pool water. The shop also offers pool cleaning services and will replace liners and filters.

"If it's got water in it, we'll work on it," Ellis said.

Kelly's service fee is $75 an hour. Pool parts and cleaning chemicals are charged separately.

Kelly's Pool Service carries Pool Season, Shock Wave and SeaKlear product lines. Items available for purchase at the shop include chlorinating tablets and sticks, stain controls, skimmer nets ($22), leaf rakes ($26.50) and vacuum heads ($34).

"If we don't have it, you can order it," Ellis said.

Kelly's also sells specialty products including pool games, floats and rafts.

For pool owners facing the current summer blight of mustard algae, which can be yellow or brown in color, Ellis recommends a round of algaecide to counteract it. Pool owners are also encouraged to be mindful of their water use this season by watching their pools for any leaks or plumbing problems.

For pool service calls, which are available seven days a week, anticipate a wait time of two to three weeks during peak swimming months.