Getting the Most Out of your Swimming Pool

September 5th, 2010 by admin No comments »

Swimming Pool - HDR

A swimming pool can provide a lot of pleasure for the whole family, although you should make safety your first priority. The cost of installing a new in-ground swimming pool is going to vary widely. A family swimming pool can be a great addition to any household a gathering place for friends and family, for relaxation, for exercise, parties and more. Although a swimming pool can be fun, it can also be especially dangerous if you have kids present.

If you own a swimming pool, you should always do your part and help protect those you love. Teaching kids about safety can never come too early, as it will go a long way to protect them each and every day of their lives. Whether you have an above ground or below ground swimming pool, you must make sure that safety is imposed. Pool covers are also one such safety component. Overall, safety must be given first priority while purchasing a pool cover.

Warmer environments only require simple plastic swimming pool covers just to keep the pool clean and protected from airborne dust, dirt, and leaves when not in use. The choice of the type of swimming pool cover is determined by what the particular necessities are. You should always have a pool cover, and use it on your pool when you arent swimming. You will use the plastic cover to seal the pool for the winter and to protect the pool from the harsh elements such as wind, ice and debris. To protect your children make sure you have a cover on the pool, a simple plastic cover will help protect your children from taking a dive. When choosing a cover make sure that it can withstand falling debris. There are semi-automatic pool covers that run via a motor and they slide on parallel tracks along the pool, some of these device require you open it manually

To make the pool safe make sure you install a fence around the pool and make sure the fence is at least 3-4 feet high. The fence needs to be completely separate from the pools and house and must wrap around the pool. Less than 4 inches is an ideal width. If you do not posses a fence around your pool you should get one right away. Having a fence is an excellent method to protect your pool from children. The child safety pool fence is growing in popularity with more and more people recognizing how effective it is for preventing the risks of drowning. It was in fact noted by several reviews that the child safety pool fence is by far the most practical and effective barrier against pool drowning.

The purpose of chlorine is to chemically destroy complex organic contaminants introduced into a pool by swimmers and the environment. Potential buyers are about evenly divided on whether a pool is a good or bad thing in any given property. When researching pools make sure you do the proper research, in ground pools are permanent and above ground pools you can remove. Contrary to popular thought, winter, not spring or summer is the right time to get a pool dug up, as the ground is not soggy. Whether you want an in ground pool or above ground is a matter of personal choice.

No pool alarm is fail-safe no matter how many technologies and features are included and no matter what claims are made by the manufacturer. The infrared motion detector helps to detect anyone going near the pool.

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How To Choose The Best Swimming Pool Filter

September 4th, 2010 by admin No comments »

vintage swim a-go-go

A lot of folks seem to be confused about which filter will work best for their swimming pool. There is no one simple answer for that question, but the more you understand about swimming pool filters the better decision you can make.

There are three main types of swimming pool filters and they are sand, cartridge, or diatomaceous earth. Actually, any of the three will do a fine job of filtering your pool, but there are advantages and disadvantages for each of them. Let’s see what they are.

Sand filters — these are very simple filters that use a layer of sand that the swimming pool water is pumped through to clean and filter out impurities from the water. The dirty water goes in one side and it comes out clean on the other side of the filter. Eventually, the filter gets plugged though and will have to be backwashed to remove the debris. Often this has to be done every couple of weeks or so.

Cartridge filters — these are perhaps the easiest to understand and use. They work much the same way that an oil filter does for your car’s engine. The dirty water goes into the filter, passes through the filter material, deposits the debris on the material, and then exits back to the pool. Some cartridges must have their filter material replaced every few weeks or so, and others can be cleaned only once or twice a season and then reused.

Diatomaceous earth — this filter is considered the best water polisher of the three filters mentioned. The tiny diatoms can filter out debris as small as 5 microns from your water, making it an excellent cleaner. Similar to the sand filter, the diatomaceous earth filter must be backwashed every so often when the pressure rises in the filter. The old diatomaceous earth is washed away, and the new earth is applied by you to the filter through the pool skimmer.

So what is the best swimming pool filter for you? Well that all the depends on several factors. What is most important to you? If you want low maintenance of a pool filter, then the cartridge filter is what you should go for. If you want an absolutely reliable, long-lasting filter, then the sand filter may be your best choice. If on the other hand, having the cleanest water possible is a high priority for you, then the diatomaceous earth filter just simply can’t be beat. And keep in mind that you can add diatomaceous earth to both the sand filter and a cartridge filter to improve their water cleaning capabilities without causing any problems in the process too.

Hopefully, this article has helped you understand a little bit more about the different kinds of swimming pool filters that are available, how they work, and what you can expect from each one. By examining the features listed above you should be able to decide which swimming pool filter will work best for you.

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Todays Swimming Pools are More Beautiful and Affordable then Ever if You Shop Smart

September 2nd, 2010 by admin No comments »

Buck Swimming

Swimming pools have been on the top of peoples wish lists for about as long as they have been getting installed in people yards. However; the last thing that anyone should do now is to take out a loan against their home to buy one. The good news, is that people don’t have to any more, because above ground swimming pools are more affordable and beautiful then they have ever been before. Also, newer materials and manufacturing techniques has made them far easier to install and longer lasting as well.

New Developments

Pool designers have been hard at work for years on prefabricated swimming pools and the results of their endeavors are simply astounding. For instance, prefabricated above ground swimming pools now have deep-ends that are even equipped with diving boards and pool slides.

Super Low Maintenance

Older style swimming pools have always had a well earned reputation for being high maintenance. This meant that even after it was paid for, many pool owners had to pay a pool service to maintain their investment. Above ground swimming pools, on the other hand, require so little maintenance that outside services are never needed.

Lower Prices on Accessories

Amazing new choices in decorative above ground pool liners have also replaced the standard blue vinyl pool liners of the past. Tropical lagoon, faux ceramic tile and intricate pebble are just three of the dozens of styles that there are now available to choose from. Pool accessories such as automatic pool cleaners are no longer luxury items either, because one can now be purchased for less than $100.

Research Is Key

Research is key to anyone that is out looking at swimming pools today with an eye towards buying. Take your time to look around online and you may find yourself amazed at the number of great deals that are out there to be had. Also, as usual, the best deals are always to be found online, even for swimming pools.

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Beginners basics in the swimming pool

September 2nd, 2010 by admin No comments »

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Beginner’s basics in the swimming pool begin with the feel of the water. Touching it, getting to know what it’s like to be immersed in that wonderful, life giving substance! A baby will remember what it was like to be back in the womb, floating in it’s little amniotic sac of fluid. We come from water, going back into it should be the most natural thing in the world!

Teaching swimming is an extremely rewarding experience. Having been taught to swim at a very early age myself, I subsequently developed a deep love for the water. I ended up swimming for my province and when I eventually had children, taught them all to swim at the age of two.

Over the years I have wanted to see other people experience that wonderful feeling of absolute confidence in the water and consequently became a swimming teacher.

One should bear in mind that children should be taught by an experienced and qualified teacher. I have often heard of children being terrified of water as they have been taught by someone without the required experience.

Swimming is undoubtedly one of the most rewarding sports for many reasons.

It teaches confidence; is great exercise; improves breathing; can lead to more serious water sports like skiing or scuba diving and with the number of private swimming pools being constructed around the world and with the popularity of water sports in general it is imperative for children to learn to swim at an early age – for safety’s sake.

1. A swimming lesson should begin with making the pupil feel comfortable and happy in the water. The teacher should be in constant contact with the pupil. If they take a while to feel at home in the water, they should be gently eased into it. Talking tenderly to the pupil helps especially if they are very young. Holding onto them and dipping them up and down in the water while chatting all the time will take their mind off their fear.

2. Once it is established that the pupil is happy the next step is to encourage them to dip their faces in the water. So many children who are not taught to swim properly try swimming with their heads out of the water. They tire quickly and could eventually drown if they are not close enough to the side of the pool. Encouraging them to put their faces in the water and blowing bubbles is a huge step in getting them to be water safe. They could practice this step at home by blowing bubbles in the bath or basin – making sure their faces are submerged when doing so. A parent

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How to Sanitize your Swimming Pools

September 1st, 2010 by admin No comments »

Observing other kids swimming

Swimming pool sanitation plays a very significant role in preventing diseases from being transmitted from a swimmer to another swimmer. Water management in a swimming pool should be one of the factors that pool operators should give sufficient attention to, just like how they provide a lifeguard to ensure the safety of swimmers. Highly maintained swimming pools are less likely to have health hazards. The pH, total alkalinity and clarity of the water are taken into consideration in order to meet the standards.

Sodium hypochlorite, a simple chlorine compound, can be used as a strong oxidizing agent while bromine and ozone are also utilized as disinfectants. Chlorine and bromine can be passed through an electrical current on the pool water and ozone can be generated on site through the air. When putting any chemicals in the pool, it is very critical to achieve the right pH to maintain a safe concentration. The desired pool pH ranges from 7.2 to 7.6. A higher pH loses the effectivity of chlorine to sanitize. A lower pH on the other hand, can cause irritation to the bathers especially to the eyes. When chlorine mixes with urea in urine excreted by swimmers, it produces nitrogen trichloride which has a tear-gas effect.

A balanced pool meets the requirements of having a pH of 7.6, sodium bicarbonate level of 120 parts per million (ppm), residual chlorine level of 1.0 to 2.0 ppm and calcium hardness of 200 ppm.

Other materials or systems that can be used to sanitize the swimming pool are ozone generators, ionization systems, biguanides and salt systems or chlorine generators.

Ozone generators can come in two forms: fluorescent and catalyctic cracker. The latter is much more effective but utterly costly. These equipments can reduce the usage of chlorine for about 75%. Ozone lasts for a very short time but it can effectively kill pathogens in the water.

Ionization systems use copper and silver to eliminate bacteria and algae. These systems also minimize the use of chlorine thus, compared to chlorine, it costs higher.

Biguanides are one of the recent sanitizers introduced in the market. It is generally considered less harsh and stable in the water but may become harsh when in contact with chlorine and other sanitizers.

Chlorine generators eliminate the handling of harsh chemicals and may cost lower compared to the other chemicals used to sanitize the pool. The popular sanitizer, chlorine, is generated through electrolysis of dissolved salt.

Whichever system or chemical sanitizers you will use to maintain the sanitation of the pool, make sure that the usage of these materials should be in accordance with the standards to prevent any side effects or bad consequences on the side of the swimmers and the pool owners and more importantly, to ensure the health and safety of the bathers.

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Swimming Pools Purchased Online – Whats the Catch

August 31st, 2010 by admin No comments »

vintage swim a-go-go

It seems that the list of things that are being sold online just keeps on growing and now that list has expanded to include even inground or built in swimming pools. How do they do it? Are there any benefits and most importantly are there any potential pitfalls or problems? Is it any cheaper to buy a swimming pool online? What about do-it yourself pools? Is it really possible?

Better Materials and More Choices

There are several factors that all combine to make online swimming pool shopping possible. One of these factors is that todays prefabricated pools are made from better materials and are far easier to construct. Also, far more design selections to choose from, means that it is far easier to find the pool that you want and construct it or have it constructed for you.

Greater Savings – Better Service

The benefits of shopping online are many but of course, the first one would be greater savings on the total cost. In fact, complete inground and above ground swimming pool packages can be purchased online that include virtually everything, including all of the hardware, pump and filter and even the automatic pool cleaner. Have any questions regarding building or maintaining your pool? Just contact the online source that sold you the pool and they will be glad to answer any questions that you have.

Anything and Everything With the Click of Your Mouse

Once you have installed your swimming pool or had someone do it for you, then there will be other things that you need form time to time. Chemicals, pool toys, a prefabricated deck, a ladder, a diving board and anything else that you may need or want along the way. All of these things can also be bought online as well and delivered right to your door step. So, when they are all added together the benefits of buying your swimming pool online are just too great to ignore.

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Design your Swimming Pool

August 31st, 2010 by admin No comments »

vintage swim a-go-go

Consumers have enough options in pool design these days. Availability of so many choices gives more comfort and choices while designing the ultimate pool for a home purpose. The task of designing the right swimming pools is not a difficult one but a bit tricky. The following piece of information will help you to get the right combination on a pool design. Pools can be made for various purposes. Here is brief information about some of the purposes:

Pools for Recreational Use:-

If you intend to design a pool for entertaining children and friends, you need to consider pools which support water sports and makes food consumption.

You can also consider adding large decks, patios, and grilling areas to provide a space to socialize, prepare food, and eat.

Pools Designed for Exercise:-

Nowadays, pools meant for exercising are becoming huge hits. Such pools should be long and narrow, an ideal shape for swimming laps.

Pools for Adding Beauty:-

a href=”http://www.poolsearch.org” title=”Swimming pools”>Swimming pools also serve as a beauty piece for your home. You can choose a good shape ands decorate it with bright lights and other things to make it really desirable.

Points to Consider While Designing Pools:-

While designing the most beneficial pool, you need to identify the purpose in advance. After knowing the purpose, you can decide your specifications. Decide on the budget and stick to it. You need to choose the best safety measures. Choose your walls, fences, door alarms, or pool covers from the best manufacturer.

Look into the condition and layout of your pool area. The design will be entirely based on this area. Pool accessories including underground piping, gas, sewer, and water lines must be of good quality.

Above all, you can take a professional help if your budget allows. Tell him about your specifications and he will help you to get one.

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Indoor Swimming Pools Linked to Increase in Childhood Asthma

August 31st, 2010 by admin No comments »

Tampa Bay Florida Spa Addition to Swimming Pool

A recent Belgian study, reported by the Journal of Occupational and Environmental Medicine, found that children who use indoor swimming pools have an increased risk of asthma. The study was conducted by scientists at the Catholic University of Louvain, Belgium.

The researchers found that the prevalence of childhood asthma was closely associated to the number of indoor pools for every 100,000 people. They discovered that for each extra swimming pool per 100,000 people, asthma rates in an area go up by 2 to 3 percent. The team of scientists looked at rates for asthma and associated problems in a study of 180,000 children aged 13-14 from various European countries. The researchers believe this increase could be caused by chlorine build-up in indoor swimming pools.

The number of indoor pools varied greatly between Easter and Western Europe; ranging from one pool for every 50,000 inhabitants in Western Europe to one for every 300,000 inhabitants in Eastern Europe. The findings revealed a clear East-West divide in indoor pool availability and rates of asthma.

The Belgian study, presented by Dr. Simone Carbonnelle, showed that exposure to chloramines greatly increases permeability of the lung epithelium. This is a condition that is associated with cigarette smoking. Chlorine by itself isn’t the problem; it’s what happens when chlorine is combined with organics. The organics are produced by pool users in the form of sweat, dander, urine, etc. The chlorine reacts with these organics, producing dangerous chemicals such as nitrogen trichloride, aldehydes, chloroform and chloromines.

According to Dr. Carbonnelle, the level of lung permeability is equivalent of what she would see in a heavy smoker. “These findings suggest that the increasing exposure to chlorine-based disinfectants used in swimming pools and their by-products might be an unsuspected risk factor in the rising incidence of childhood asthma and allergic diseases”, reports Dr. Carbonnelle.

This research may help explain why swimmers in indoor pools are more prone to asthma than athletes in other sports. During the 2000 Olympic Games held in Australia, it was revealed that more than one-quarter of the U.S. Swim Team suffered from some degree of asthma.

An effective way to combat this problem is with a good quality, high efficiency indoor swimming pool dehumidifier. The dehumidifier removes the chlorine along with the moisture laden air. The HI-E Dry line of swimming pool dehumidifiers features remarkable energy efficiency.

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A Swimming Pool Dehumidifier Can Prevent Mold, Wood Rot and Rust From Ruining your Indoor Pool

August 24th, 2010 by admin No comments »

Villa Ixtapa in Mexico - Private pool and access to PALMA REAL golf course

Three of the most common and most destructive invaders of an indoor swimming pool are mold, rust and wood rot. Left unchecked, these problems can lessen your enjoyment of your pool at best and cause serious and expensive damage at worst.

A common affliction of an indoor pool with inadequate dehumidification is mold. To establish itself and grow, mold requires 4 criteria:

1) Mold spores

2) Organic matter (paper, wood, carpets, cloth, drywall)

3) Moisture

4) Warmth

Mold spores carried by air currents can reach all surfaces in your pool room. Mold growth is especially active when the relative humidity level is at or above 80%. Often you can smell the presence of mold and mildew in your pool room before you see it because of the unpleasant musty odors they cause. Many individuals report hypersensitivity and allergic reactions to mold. Other reactions to mold include itching, skin rash, eye irritation, coughing and congestion. Individuals at greater risk when exposed to mold include: the elderly, infants and children, pregnant women and those with existing respiratory conditions.

Another problem area in indoor pools with poor dehumidification is rust and corrosion. These issues can potentially cause serious structural damage that can be very expensive to repair. Rust and corrosion are often hidden and go un-noticed until severe damage is done.

Damage to structures begins when the relative humidity levels reach 62% or above for extended periods of time. The corrosion can be accelerated when chlorine from pool chemicals reacts with condensed water and actually forms hydrochloric acid. A good example of the devastating effects of chlorine laden moisture is the swimming pool roof collapse in Switzerland in 1985. 12 people were killed when the concrete roof collapsed after only 13 years of use. The roof was supported by stainless steel tension rods that cracked and failed due to stress corrosion as a result of chlorine-based disinfectants.

Even though it may not be potentially deadly, wood rot is another issue many indoor pool owners face. Wood rot (decay) is often referred to as “dry rot”. This term is inaccurate and misleading because dry wood does not decay. Wood requires moisture to decay. This is where the moisture rich air in your pool room comes in. Depending on the type and quality of the wood being used, repairs or replacements can be shockingly expensive. Look for signs of blistering or peeling paint as early indicators of humidity and moisture problems.

To help prevent these 3 major concerns from getting out of hand, it is strongly recommended that you perform a periodic survey of existing conditions in your pool room. There are several obvious warning signs that your indoor swimming pool has moisture problems:

* Foggy windows

* Wet walls

* Mold spots on carpets or drywall

* Loose floor tiles

* Suspended ceiling that sags

* Blistering or peeling paint

* Warped wood on window sills

* Rust around door frames and lighting fixtures

All 3 of these problems can be solved by using a high quality, properly sized swimming pool dehumidifier.

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The benefits of converting your swimming pool to a saltwater system – Part 6

August 22nd, 2010 by admin No comments »

pool yos

In today’s environmentally conscience world, many people are considering converting their chlorine pool to an easy to maintain, inexpensive to run saltwater pool system.

Saltwater pools work by sending salted pool water through an electrolytic cell, which runs electrical voltage through the water. The electricity separates the salt into chloride and sodium, and releases chlorine gas into the water. It’s this chlorine gas which cleans and disinfects your pool water.

Like chemically treated pools, the chlorine gas prevents growth of harmful bacteria and algae.

Unlike chemically treated pools, a saline pool system won’t irritate your eyes. The level of salt in the saltwater pool is similar to the amount of salt in tears, making the water non-irritating.

Since the pool is maintained without harsh chemicals, those who experience dry, flaky and irritated skin after swimming, will find they no longer have that problem. Some people report softer skin after swimming in a saltwater pool.

The chemicals used to treat traditional pool water slowly eat away at fabric, making your swimsuits wear out faster than suits worn in saltwater pools.

Saltwater pools are less expensive to run than their chemically treated counterparts. The electrolytic units cost approximately USD 5-10 per month to operate. Under typical circumstances, you’ll only need to add salt after a heavy rain. You’ll also need to add salt when you replace pool water lost to splashing and filter back flush. The average saline pool user adds approximately 20lbs of salt or less every 8 months. Some people find they need to add chemical agents or “shock” after heavy storms.

In addition, saline pools are simple and straightforward to install. They use common PVC pipe and a simple electrical unit. This makes them simple for the DIYer to install, providing they have basic plumbing and electrical ability.

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