TIP # 1: Seek out at least 3 bids from swimming pool contractors
Swimming pool construction is handled by specialized swimming pool contractors who are experienced in ground conditions and climate of the region. Make sure that your contractor has experience building swimming pools especially the type of swimming pool that you are interested in installing. When you get your bids, look carefully at each swimming pool estimate to assure that you accurately compare one estimate with the next. It is very easy to miss details when comparing estimates. You may even want to create a swimming pool spreadsheet to compare one pool estimate to other pool estimates. Pay special attention to the types of materials that the contractor will use to construct the pool; project extras such as water to fill the pool, special features, energy efficient pumps, going green, salt systems, patio/decking; warranties on the swimming pool and equipment; project timelines and the types of pool equipment that the pool contractor will use such as pool filter, the pool pump, number of skimmers, returns, turnover rates, number of lights, steps, swimming pool vacuums, etc. Many companies will entice a buyer with low prices and then increase the price dramatically with extras that may be included in another pool company’s base pricing- make sure you compare the bids equally across the board. Try to use a company that sells the pool as a whole package to get better pricing or has an all-inclusive policy.
TIP # 2: Get at least 3 references to help you accurately assess the pool builder’s workmanship and customer service.
Ask the references about how and why they picked this contractor and about their experience work with the contractor. Find out if any issues came up during the project and how they handled the issues. Ask if they would have done anything differently in hindsight. If you cannot see the finished swimming pool project first hand, ask the pool contractor for pictures. The nature of references is that almost every reference will be positive. Do not depend on references to be a critical analysis of the pool contractor. The reference should give you an idea of how the contractor works on the project and how specific projects and issues were handled. Also, ask for trade references to show relationships within the pool industry, ask for architects, engineers and project managers that have real working relationships with the pool company to show the strength of the pool company’s business.
TIP # 3: Plan your payment schedule and follow schedule.
Most projects involve subcontractors, employees, equipment suppliers and others that are paid as a project proceeds or as needs arise. A delay in payment may slow down or even stop aspects of your project mid-stream. A slowed or stalled swimming pool project almost always increases the overall cost of the pool project. If you anticipate issues with the payment schedule, speak up early as the contractor may be able to move the project schedule around to protect you and your pool project.While you should not wrongly hold back payments, don’t make your final payment until your swimming pool is completed.Your previous payments during the project should ensure that construction and equipment, decking or fencing by the contract has been completed. Your final payment is your strongest insurance that your pool project will be completed as agreed. If you must make your last payment early, make sure that you get in writing a list of what still needs to be completed and the timeline for the remaining tasks. Do not pay cash in a lump sum for
your swimming pool. Most contractors expect to receive money at stages during the project. Contractors that request you to pay for the entire project in cash up front are operating illegally. Maryland Home Improvement Commission law states that a contractor can only take a 33% deposit.
TIP # 4 Communicate with your builder at all times.
Find out who will be responsible for supervising the work on your pool and keep in touch with them. Find out their full name, office and cell phone and email if available. Do not assume that the contractor will know what you are thinking about the progress of the project. If concerns, questions or comments come up, you must let the builder know immediately. Do not keep quiet or delay telling the builder. Silence and delays will only increase the cost of correcting the problem. Keep accurate records of all papers relating to your swimming pool. This information will help you maintain and take long term care of your pool. Many of the questions that might come up over time about your pool will probably be answered in the papers that you received during the pool construction.
TIP # 5 Use web resources to help learn about and plan your project.
Pool builder with lots of photos and advice on building pools
Sunday, February 28, 2010
Saturday, February 27, 2010
Using Automatic Controls to Help Maintain Your Pool
There are many products on the market to help maintain your swimming pool. An automatic pool cleaner is an ideal choice to help keep the pool clean. One of the best ways I have found to ensure the pool cleaner handles its duties on a regular basis is to set it up on an automatic timer.
When it comes to technology, the pool industry is moving right along. There is wide variety of automatic equipment available to control almost every aspect of pool maintenance. Some automatic pool controls even incorporate a salt water chlorination system. While some may find it quite relaxing to know that their pool equipment is relieving them of many routine maintenance chores, the cost involved in some of these setups may seem a little steep to the average pool owner.
While fully automatic systems may be nice, you may not have the need for such extravagances. One on a smaller budget can find some very good alternatives that are lees expensive. there are several brands of timer controls that can handle the job of running your pool pump and automatic pool cleaner
One popular unit Intermatic controls markets houses a circuit breaker panel as well as dual timers. With this setup the filter pump and cleaner booster pump can be controlled independently, allowing you to run your cleaner pump for for a shorter cycle than your filter pump.
Use care when configuring a control setup like this to always ensure that you have the cleaner pump interval running inside the filter pump interval. Damage to the booster pump could occur if it is not supplied with a constant flow of water from the pool pump
It's a good practice to operate your pool cleaner a few times when you will be present to attend it. This way you can ensure that it performs as expected and does not get hung up on objects in the pool. After you are sure that everything is running properly, set it up on the timers and let it take care of the cleaning at night or any other time that the pool will not be in use.
The expense of automatic pool controls doesn't have to exclude you from enjoying the benefits of technology. There are many other choices available at reasonable prices to help you control your automatic pool cleaner and pool filtration system.
When it comes to technology, the pool industry is moving right along. There is wide variety of automatic equipment available to control almost every aspect of pool maintenance. Some automatic pool controls even incorporate a salt water chlorination system. While some may find it quite relaxing to know that their pool equipment is relieving them of many routine maintenance chores, the cost involved in some of these setups may seem a little steep to the average pool owner.
While fully automatic systems may be nice, you may not have the need for such extravagances. One on a smaller budget can find some very good alternatives that are lees expensive. there are several brands of timer controls that can handle the job of running your pool pump and automatic pool cleaner
One popular unit Intermatic controls markets houses a circuit breaker panel as well as dual timers. With this setup the filter pump and cleaner booster pump can be controlled independently, allowing you to run your cleaner pump for for a shorter cycle than your filter pump.
Use care when configuring a control setup like this to always ensure that you have the cleaner pump interval running inside the filter pump interval. Damage to the booster pump could occur if it is not supplied with a constant flow of water from the pool pump
It's a good practice to operate your pool cleaner a few times when you will be present to attend it. This way you can ensure that it performs as expected and does not get hung up on objects in the pool. After you are sure that everything is running properly, set it up on the timers and let it take care of the cleaning at night or any other time that the pool will not be in use.
The expense of automatic pool controls doesn't have to exclude you from enjoying the benefits of technology. There are many other choices available at reasonable prices to help you control your automatic pool cleaner and pool filtration system.
Monday, February 22, 2010
Swimming Pool Sanitation
Bathing in swimming pool is very enjoying moment for anyone but if you refuse to proper sanitation then there will be a chance for being sick. To stop the growth of germs in your swimming pool, sanitation of chemicals in pool or spas water is necessary. There are some major points which we have to always remind in our mind.
1. These germs can cause contagion in ears, nose and gullet and possibly other more risky diseases like Meningitis.
2. Germs control is simply consummate by adding a sanitizer (most commonly Hypochlorous Acid or simply "chlorine") frequently, and then passing the water through a filter to eliminate the dead germs.
We then require being confident that any extra germs inflowing the water is met by a "sanitizer residual" in enough meditation to kill this new germs as frequently as possible.
The swimmers and bathers are the main base for germs in pool’s water. Other sources are top-up water and garbage, such as leaves, grass, soil, etc. Pets can add extensively to germs levels. A large dog can infect up to twenty times the volume of water that a human can.
But it’s not a matter of serious worry. It is generally accepted that most harmful bacteria will be killed when exposed to a "free chlorine residual" as low as one milligram per liter or, in other words one part per million (ppm). By frequently examination of pool’s water and including the desired amount of chlorine to the water, a residual level of 1.0 or 2.0 ppm is simply managed.
Types of chlorine:
There are various forms of chlorine available in the market. Granular, liquid, or tablet, and can also be stabilized or un-stabilized. There is also a product salt water chlorinator available in the market by which chlorine is generated. Each of these different forms has its own characteristics and advantages. For instance, granular chlorine is convenient, easy to store and relatively cheap, however it cannot be dosed automatically. On the other hand, liquid chlorine is bulky and can't be stored for long periods, but can be dosed automatically. All are suitable sanitizers for your pool, so select the type that best outfits your finances and existence. Anyway you choose any form to use the need for a residual of 1.0 to 2.0 ppm remains the same.
Safety Note:
1. Never mix other chemicals even mixture of chlorine. It may result fire and/or explosion.
2. Stabilizing refers to the mixing of isocyanuric acid (or "Stabiliser") with chlorine, to protect it from UV rays, which drastically decrease its efficiency. Isocyanuric acid can also be added manually to the pool.
Salt Chlorinator:
As the name suggests, these units produce chlorine in the pool water using a process of electrolysis to convert sodium chloride (salt) into hypochlorous acid. These units are available in different sizes to suit different size pools. Be sure the unit you select is capable of producing sufficient chlorine to meet your maximum requirements. No matter which one you choose, you may still need to add extra chlorine from time to time to make sure a satisfactory residual level is maintained.
The stage of stabilizer in the water should be checked frequently if you are using stabilized chlorine artifacts or are including stabilizer to the pool, the level of, as in doing its job, it does not get used up like other chemicals in the pool. If the stabilizer level gets too elevated, it can in fact restrain the effectiveness of the chlorine.
Chlorine Smell:
Many pool owners criticize about the smell of chlorine and think that the pool may have too much chlorine in it. In fact, the conflicting is most likely the case. Not having enough chlorine in the pool will result in the chlorine smell and also lead to users suffering with sore eyes and itchy skin. The reason this is so, is that a by-product of chlorination is the creation of chloramines. These chloramines are the smelly little beasts that cause all the hassle. For being free from them, we require to add more chlorine. It is for this reason that, from time to time, the pool needs "superchlorination".
Heated Pool:
A heated pool will need extra chlorine than a non-heated pool. The reason for that is chlorine used up much more speedily in hot water. Stabilized chlorine products should not be used in heated pools as their effectiveness is greatly reduced.
Major Points to remember:
1. Always maintain a chlorine residual of 1.0 to 2.0 ppm (milligrams per litre)
2. Select the product that best suits you
3. Chlorine smell generally means not enough chlorine
4. A heated pool will require more chlorine
5. Never mix chemicals
1. These germs can cause contagion in ears, nose and gullet and possibly other more risky diseases like Meningitis.
2. Germs control is simply consummate by adding a sanitizer (most commonly Hypochlorous Acid or simply "chlorine") frequently, and then passing the water through a filter to eliminate the dead germs.
We then require being confident that any extra germs inflowing the water is met by a "sanitizer residual" in enough meditation to kill this new germs as frequently as possible.
The swimmers and bathers are the main base for germs in pool’s water. Other sources are top-up water and garbage, such as leaves, grass, soil, etc. Pets can add extensively to germs levels. A large dog can infect up to twenty times the volume of water that a human can.
But it’s not a matter of serious worry. It is generally accepted that most harmful bacteria will be killed when exposed to a "free chlorine residual" as low as one milligram per liter or, in other words one part per million (ppm). By frequently examination of pool’s water and including the desired amount of chlorine to the water, a residual level of 1.0 or 2.0 ppm is simply managed.
Types of chlorine:
There are various forms of chlorine available in the market. Granular, liquid, or tablet, and can also be stabilized or un-stabilized. There is also a product salt water chlorinator available in the market by which chlorine is generated. Each of these different forms has its own characteristics and advantages. For instance, granular chlorine is convenient, easy to store and relatively cheap, however it cannot be dosed automatically. On the other hand, liquid chlorine is bulky and can't be stored for long periods, but can be dosed automatically. All are suitable sanitizers for your pool, so select the type that best outfits your finances and existence. Anyway you choose any form to use the need for a residual of 1.0 to 2.0 ppm remains the same.
Safety Note:
1. Never mix other chemicals even mixture of chlorine. It may result fire and/or explosion.
2. Stabilizing refers to the mixing of isocyanuric acid (or "Stabiliser") with chlorine, to protect it from UV rays, which drastically decrease its efficiency. Isocyanuric acid can also be added manually to the pool.
Salt Chlorinator:
As the name suggests, these units produce chlorine in the pool water using a process of electrolysis to convert sodium chloride (salt) into hypochlorous acid. These units are available in different sizes to suit different size pools. Be sure the unit you select is capable of producing sufficient chlorine to meet your maximum requirements. No matter which one you choose, you may still need to add extra chlorine from time to time to make sure a satisfactory residual level is maintained.
The stage of stabilizer in the water should be checked frequently if you are using stabilized chlorine artifacts or are including stabilizer to the pool, the level of, as in doing its job, it does not get used up like other chemicals in the pool. If the stabilizer level gets too elevated, it can in fact restrain the effectiveness of the chlorine.
Chlorine Smell:
Many pool owners criticize about the smell of chlorine and think that the pool may have too much chlorine in it. In fact, the conflicting is most likely the case. Not having enough chlorine in the pool will result in the chlorine smell and also lead to users suffering with sore eyes and itchy skin. The reason this is so, is that a by-product of chlorination is the creation of chloramines. These chloramines are the smelly little beasts that cause all the hassle. For being free from them, we require to add more chlorine. It is for this reason that, from time to time, the pool needs "superchlorination".
Heated Pool:
A heated pool will need extra chlorine than a non-heated pool. The reason for that is chlorine used up much more speedily in hot water. Stabilized chlorine products should not be used in heated pools as their effectiveness is greatly reduced.
Major Points to remember:
1. Always maintain a chlorine residual of 1.0 to 2.0 ppm (milligrams per litre)
2. Select the product that best suits you
3. Chlorine smell generally means not enough chlorine
4. A heated pool will require more chlorine
5. Never mix chemicals
Saturday, February 20, 2010
Is An On Ground Pool Better Than An In Ground Pool?
If you are thinking about getting your very own swimming pool for your backyard, there are actually two choices for you. You need to choose whether you want an in ground pool or an on ground pool. Just like the two options, there are many reasons why one is better than the other. For this reason, this article will discuss about the benefits of each of these options.
There is really nothing comparable to splashing into a cool pool on a hot summer’s day. Not even going to the movies can give you the satisfying and refreshing experience of being lazy in your on ground or in ground pool. Aside from swimming, you can also host your very own barbecue around the pool area.
For many people, getting their very own on ground pool is just like having their dream home. This is why they make a crucial decision as to whether they would like an in ground or an on ground pool.
With regards to these two options, there are actually a lot of advantages and disadvantages to which one you choose. As compared to an in ground pool, choosing an on ground pool will be able to save you money, lots of money. As a matter of fact, it can cost ten times lesser than the other option. Aside from saving you money in purchasing the pool, an on ground pool will not cause a raise in your property taxes. For this reason, you are able to save more money.
An on ground pool is also easier to clean and maintain. For the same manner, it is less expensive as compared to an in ground pool. This is because an on ground pool is typically smaller than the other type of swimming pool. So if you choose an on ground pool, you are saving time, money, as well as your energy in cleaning out the pool.
The downfall to an on ground pool though is that they have a restriction with regards to their size. While the deepest end for in ground pools are normally around 6 feet, an on ground pool can only have up to 4 feet. As a result, on ground pools are not allowed to have slides, diving boards or the other accessories which in ground pools have. Aside from the height of the pool, there are also more options for the design and look of the in ground pool. You can even get the shape of the pool custom made so that it fits the look of your home.
But at the same time, this is the disadvantage of in ground pools. The larger the size of the pool is, the more you need for maintenance and chemicals. This is why it is more expensive to clean and maintain an in ground pool. If you are also planning to move out of your home, in ground pools may turn off potential homebuyers as there are safety hazards to their children. Meanwhile, there are also who find this a big plus.
After reading the advantages and disadvantages of both the in ground and on ground pool, you can now make the decision on which pool will better suit your budget. Always make it a point to decide for the safety of your whole family.
There is really nothing comparable to splashing into a cool pool on a hot summer’s day. Not even going to the movies can give you the satisfying and refreshing experience of being lazy in your on ground or in ground pool. Aside from swimming, you can also host your very own barbecue around the pool area.
For many people, getting their very own on ground pool is just like having their dream home. This is why they make a crucial decision as to whether they would like an in ground or an on ground pool.
With regards to these two options, there are actually a lot of advantages and disadvantages to which one you choose. As compared to an in ground pool, choosing an on ground pool will be able to save you money, lots of money. As a matter of fact, it can cost ten times lesser than the other option. Aside from saving you money in purchasing the pool, an on ground pool will not cause a raise in your property taxes. For this reason, you are able to save more money.
An on ground pool is also easier to clean and maintain. For the same manner, it is less expensive as compared to an in ground pool. This is because an on ground pool is typically smaller than the other type of swimming pool. So if you choose an on ground pool, you are saving time, money, as well as your energy in cleaning out the pool.
The downfall to an on ground pool though is that they have a restriction with regards to their size. While the deepest end for in ground pools are normally around 6 feet, an on ground pool can only have up to 4 feet. As a result, on ground pools are not allowed to have slides, diving boards or the other accessories which in ground pools have. Aside from the height of the pool, there are also more options for the design and look of the in ground pool. You can even get the shape of the pool custom made so that it fits the look of your home.
But at the same time, this is the disadvantage of in ground pools. The larger the size of the pool is, the more you need for maintenance and chemicals. This is why it is more expensive to clean and maintain an in ground pool. If you are also planning to move out of your home, in ground pools may turn off potential homebuyers as there are safety hazards to their children. Meanwhile, there are also who find this a big plus.
After reading the advantages and disadvantages of both the in ground and on ground pool, you can now make the decision on which pool will better suit your budget. Always make it a point to decide for the safety of your whole family.
Thursday, February 18, 2010
Clean Your Swimming Pool
Keeping the interior of your swimming pool fresh and clean doesn’t demand intensive labor, but it does take a steady commitment. Expect to spend between four and eight hours each week during peak season—a small outlay compared to the amount of time you’ll spend enjoying your pool.
The Best Tools for the Job
Using the right tools will make cleaning your pool easier and faster. You’ll find these at any large pool-supply retailer.
Leaf skimmer. This long-handled net is a must for removing large pieces of debris.
Vacuum. Another weapon that’s essential in any cleaning arsenal, a pool vacuum either connects to a pool’s circulation system or has its own power supply. Vacuums suction out dirt that has settled to the bottom.
Wall and floor brush. This nylon-bristle brush cleans the walls and floor of vinyl, fiberglass, and painted pools.
Algae brush. Concrete pools may require one of these as its stainless-steel bristles are up to the challenge of cleaning plaster walls.
Tile brush. If your pool has tiled walls, a handheld tile brush is great for removing calcium scale and other deposits without harming the grout. Use a pumice stone for stubborn spots on tile.
Skimming Debris
Skimming by hand is one of the quickest and most effective ways to keep a pool clean. A few simple swipes will remove floating objects such as leaves before they sink to the bottom, greatly increasing the efficiency of the pool’s circulation system and reducing the need for chlorine.
Cleaning Out the Baskets
Keeping the strainer baskets clear will also boost the efficiency of the circulation system, resulting in a much cleaner pool. At least once a week, remove leaves and anything else that could obstruct the water flow, especially if your vacuum is connected to a mechanical skimmer. Strainer baskets may be in the pool deck or, for an above-ground pool, attached to the side.
Vacuuming
Vacuuming every week helps keep the water clear and reduces the need to add sanitizing chemicals. Vacuums come in many designs and styles. All manual vacuums should be worked back and forth across the swimming pool, overlapping slightly on each stroke. Depending on the amount of dirt in the pool, it may be necessary to clean the filter each time you vacuum.
Cleaning the Walls
Brushing the pool walls at least once a week helps eliminate everything from calcium scale to algae buildup before they start to become serious problems. You can use a stiff brush on a plaster-lined concrete pool, but fiberglass and vinyl pools require a softer brush. For tile, be sure not to use anything too abrasive or stiff—it can scratch the tiles or destroy the grout. Water-line tile scum can be removed with a nonabrasive chlorine-based liquid and a tile brush or a sponge. For tough spots, use a nylon scouring pad or a pumice stone, which works like a giant eraser. Whatever type of pool you have, use a cleaner recommended by the pool manufacturer.
The Best Tools for the Job
Using the right tools will make cleaning your pool easier and faster. You’ll find these at any large pool-supply retailer.
Leaf skimmer. This long-handled net is a must for removing large pieces of debris.
Vacuum. Another weapon that’s essential in any cleaning arsenal, a pool vacuum either connects to a pool’s circulation system or has its own power supply. Vacuums suction out dirt that has settled to the bottom.
Wall and floor brush. This nylon-bristle brush cleans the walls and floor of vinyl, fiberglass, and painted pools.
Algae brush. Concrete pools may require one of these as its stainless-steel bristles are up to the challenge of cleaning plaster walls.
Tile brush. If your pool has tiled walls, a handheld tile brush is great for removing calcium scale and other deposits without harming the grout. Use a pumice stone for stubborn spots on tile.
Skimming Debris
Skimming by hand is one of the quickest and most effective ways to keep a pool clean. A few simple swipes will remove floating objects such as leaves before they sink to the bottom, greatly increasing the efficiency of the pool’s circulation system and reducing the need for chlorine.
Cleaning Out the Baskets
Keeping the strainer baskets clear will also boost the efficiency of the circulation system, resulting in a much cleaner pool. At least once a week, remove leaves and anything else that could obstruct the water flow, especially if your vacuum is connected to a mechanical skimmer. Strainer baskets may be in the pool deck or, for an above-ground pool, attached to the side.
Vacuuming
Vacuuming every week helps keep the water clear and reduces the need to add sanitizing chemicals. Vacuums come in many designs and styles. All manual vacuums should be worked back and forth across the swimming pool, overlapping slightly on each stroke. Depending on the amount of dirt in the pool, it may be necessary to clean the filter each time you vacuum.
Cleaning the Walls
Brushing the pool walls at least once a week helps eliminate everything from calcium scale to algae buildup before they start to become serious problems. You can use a stiff brush on a plaster-lined concrete pool, but fiberglass and vinyl pools require a softer brush. For tile, be sure not to use anything too abrasive or stiff—it can scratch the tiles or destroy the grout. Water-line tile scum can be removed with a nonabrasive chlorine-based liquid and a tile brush or a sponge. For tough spots, use a nylon scouring pad or a pumice stone, which works like a giant eraser. Whatever type of pool you have, use a cleaner recommended by the pool manufacturer.
Wednesday, February 17, 2010
Winterizing Your Swimming Pool
Don't simply turn the filter off and forget the pool for 3 or 4 months. This is false economy because the time, effort and money needed to get the pool water correctly adjusted next season, will be far more than the little needed to maintain it during winter.
Systematically backwash the filter and clean it using a recognized filter cleaner. Ensure that the skimmer basket and hair and lint pot are free of debris. Lubricate all o-rings with a silicone-based lubricant. If there is not a strong flow of water returning to the pool when the filter is turned on, ring your local SPASA pool shop or service company.
Adjust the total alkalinity level with bicarbonate of soda, if the level is below 80 - 120 parts per million.
Adjust the pH to 7.2 to 7.6 by adding acid if the level is too high or soda ash if it's too low. It is a good idea to mix all chemicals with a full bucket of water before adding to the pool. Remember always add the acid to the water and never in amounts more than 500 mls.
Mix 500 grams of granular chlorine or 750 mls of liquid chlorine with a bucket of water and add it to the pool.
Mix 750 mls - 1 liter of a long life algaecide that is specifically designed for winter and add it to the pool.
Adjust the timer to allow the filter to operate for 2 to 3 hours each day.
If the pool is equipped with a salt chlorinator, clean the cell with a recognized salt cell cleaner. Adjust the control to the ½ production setting. It will be necessary to check the chlorine level in the pool for the next 2 weeks, to ensure that there is a constant level of 1 0 2 ppm free available chlorine at all times. The production control on the salt chlorinator may have to be adjusted to increase or decrease its output.
Having carried out these procedures it should only be necessary to check the chlorine level every 2 weeks and empty the skimmer basket if it has a buildup of leaves etc.
Check occasionally to ensure the water level is half way up the skimmer box opening and that the pressure gauge on the filter is not indicating backwash.
This simple procedure will ensure that your pool will be ready for the first warm days of next summer.
Systematically backwash the filter and clean it using a recognized filter cleaner. Ensure that the skimmer basket and hair and lint pot are free of debris. Lubricate all o-rings with a silicone-based lubricant. If there is not a strong flow of water returning to the pool when the filter is turned on, ring your local SPASA pool shop or service company.
Adjust the total alkalinity level with bicarbonate of soda, if the level is below 80 - 120 parts per million.
Adjust the pH to 7.2 to 7.6 by adding acid if the level is too high or soda ash if it's too low. It is a good idea to mix all chemicals with a full bucket of water before adding to the pool. Remember always add the acid to the water and never in amounts more than 500 mls.
Mix 500 grams of granular chlorine or 750 mls of liquid chlorine with a bucket of water and add it to the pool.
Mix 750 mls - 1 liter of a long life algaecide that is specifically designed for winter and add it to the pool.
Adjust the timer to allow the filter to operate for 2 to 3 hours each day.
If the pool is equipped with a salt chlorinator, clean the cell with a recognized salt cell cleaner. Adjust the control to the ½ production setting. It will be necessary to check the chlorine level in the pool for the next 2 weeks, to ensure that there is a constant level of 1 0 2 ppm free available chlorine at all times. The production control on the salt chlorinator may have to be adjusted to increase or decrease its output.
Having carried out these procedures it should only be necessary to check the chlorine level every 2 weeks and empty the skimmer basket if it has a buildup of leaves etc.
Check occasionally to ensure the water level is half way up the skimmer box opening and that the pressure gauge on the filter is not indicating backwash.
This simple procedure will ensure that your pool will be ready for the first warm days of next summer.
Sunday, February 14, 2010
The Necessity of Pool Chemicals
There are two main pool chemicals you can choose from to maintain the water in swimming pools today. They are chlorine and bromine. Without one or the other you risk having contaminated water not fit to swim in which can cause disease or infection. You could also begin to see some algae growth. However each chemical has its own restrictions and uses so let's look at those and then we'll discuss some less popular pool chemical supplies.
Chlorine is used most widely in private and public swimming pools. It is easy to use and highly effective in eliminating bacteria and foreign contaminants. It oxidizes the cells of organisms and then destroys them once they become vulnerable. However, it is harmless to humans as once the foreign organism is invaded it neutralizes the chlorine compound too. There are some people that can be a little sensitive to chlorine and will get itchy skin and red eyes but this is a mild side effect that goes away quickly.
Bromine has a higher temperature resistance than chlorine which makes it ideal in heated pools, hot tubs and spas. It is also less harsh on the skin and eyes than chlorine. It does have a chlorine base though. As far as how it works it does the same thing chlorine does but it lasts long after eliminating contaminants which makes it cost effective in the long run as you won't have to add as much to the water like you do with chlorine.
Alternatives to these two pool chemicals are ozone generators which is a pump of sorts that infuses ozone into the water to sanitize it. Mineral sanitization is a copper solvent that kills bacteria via an ionizer. There are also catalytic sanitizers which use minerals and oxidation to sanitize the water. These are all environmentally safe alternatives to chlorine and bromine.
Regardless of the chemicals you use you need to balance that with a stabilizer. A stabilizer will help keep the water healthy and will supplement the job the chlorine or other pool chemical does. Maintaining the pH level in the water is critical to pool safety and will often tell you what kind of chemical would work best to balance the purity of the water. These stabilizers and chemicals can be in the form of algae remover should you find the water too alkaline and starting to produce algae. Enzymes have a similar effect.
Peter Flaherty has been involved with home improvement for seventeen years. He knows all the tool and techniques for the DIY crowd and loves to share his knowledge with the general public. If you are interested in learning more about pool chemicals or are looking for other kinds of pool maintenance equipment like pool cover, follow the links and you will find all the information you need.
Chlorine is used most widely in private and public swimming pools. It is easy to use and highly effective in eliminating bacteria and foreign contaminants. It oxidizes the cells of organisms and then destroys them once they become vulnerable. However, it is harmless to humans as once the foreign organism is invaded it neutralizes the chlorine compound too. There are some people that can be a little sensitive to chlorine and will get itchy skin and red eyes but this is a mild side effect that goes away quickly.
Bromine has a higher temperature resistance than chlorine which makes it ideal in heated pools, hot tubs and spas. It is also less harsh on the skin and eyes than chlorine. It does have a chlorine base though. As far as how it works it does the same thing chlorine does but it lasts long after eliminating contaminants which makes it cost effective in the long run as you won't have to add as much to the water like you do with chlorine.
Alternatives to these two pool chemicals are ozone generators which is a pump of sorts that infuses ozone into the water to sanitize it. Mineral sanitization is a copper solvent that kills bacteria via an ionizer. There are also catalytic sanitizers which use minerals and oxidation to sanitize the water. These are all environmentally safe alternatives to chlorine and bromine.
Regardless of the chemicals you use you need to balance that with a stabilizer. A stabilizer will help keep the water healthy and will supplement the job the chlorine or other pool chemical does. Maintaining the pH level in the water is critical to pool safety and will often tell you what kind of chemical would work best to balance the purity of the water. These stabilizers and chemicals can be in the form of algae remover should you find the water too alkaline and starting to produce algae. Enzymes have a similar effect.
Peter Flaherty has been involved with home improvement for seventeen years. He knows all the tool and techniques for the DIY crowd and loves to share his knowledge with the general public. If you are interested in learning more about pool chemicals or are looking for other kinds of pool maintenance equipment like pool cover, follow the links and you will find all the information you need.
Friday, February 12, 2010
Plans for swimming-pool.
Plans for pool construction in the garden.
Choose a place for the swimming pool.
Ideally, a south side of the lawn, far away from trees and close to water and electricity connections. But to allow the swimming pool appropriate space, one must adjust to the surroundings, they must also compromise with the pool construction. I decided to insert the washbasin in a slope below, so that it does not seem to bulky behind the house. It will not look beautiful if the roofing of the swimming pool blocks the view of the rest of the lawn. So that it is not too striking to the eye, a dark green roofing would be nice. Details can be found under pool roofing. Moreover, the trees keep with the pool construction to a certain extent.
While planning the design of the pool, the question arose: what about the washbasin? The following types are current:
Steel Wall Washbasins
Advantages: good price, easily constructed, finished well
Disadvantages: Side walls, additional expenditure with structure
Polyester washbasins (GRP swimming pool)
Advantages: to repair finished washbasin, short construction time
Disadvantages: difficult to repair the form of the washbasin, high carriage
Iso - stones
Advantages: easy to process, altogether lighter, possibly easy curvatures
Disadvantages: Plaster, not really water resistant, rather expensive.
Concrete pool completely from formwork
Advantages: solid, longer durability
Disadvantages: very luxurious (formwork), labor cost-intense
Swimming pools with scarf stones
Advantages: solid, can be built with mortar itself and the concrete can be condensed.
Disadvantages: hard to carry, installation parts for swimming-pool must become polished.
My choice: scarf stones for the pool construction
I decided to use scarf stones to build the pool. A scarf stone costs (50x20x23) approximately 1.10 Euros (list price), an Isostein (100x25x25) 7.00 Euros, respectively. In addition, I get by with roughly 20 cm of wall each time. Isostein is 25 cm thick, this saves concrete. Moreover, the belaying of the walls is cancelled with the feeling. The technology shaft is established even more thinly, with 15 cm of scarf stones. Indeed, the installation parts from the stones must be polished, but I take this into a shop. I realize the walls generally with scarf stones, because where the Swimming pool in the stands.
Pool size
How Big should the pool become?
Width of the swimming pool
The size can be judged by practical terms. The foil is 2.10 meters wide, a little bit too narrow for a pool. With two roads (some overlapping), I have 4.05 pools, an interior measure. Because need/want roofing, it should be concise with the outside wall. In my case I have 4.50 meters outside. Fits perfectly. 450 cm of outer wall, (20 cm of wall + 4 cm of isolation) the outer-rail is 21 cm.
I plan the pool roofing on the wall for the following reasons: To can between swimming-pool roofing and a pool with closed roofing to go along, one needs approximately 1-1.5 meters of space that allows to considerable rise in expenses. I would have to prepare the subsoil at the side for the pool cover and fasten - more expenditure. Moreover, if one possibly lays on the left and on the right from the upper deck, it will look, at the time, different, because a part is protected under the upper deck. Thus, swimming-pool width inside 4.05 and outside 4.50 meters.
Designs the length of the inground pool
Practical proofs also fit. The length of the roofing and the end walls should end concisely on the pool walls. Thus I can drive the roofing a piece above the technology shaft. Because the front end is removable or able to open, it looks rather good. I excluded half of the terrace, so that during winter no color difference on the terrace can form.
Technology shaft behind the swimming pool
The length for the technology shaft in the pool arises from the pool width and I have fixed 1.50 meters as an inside measure. This should reach to move in it. Moreover, the technology space is laid nearly 50 cm deeper to be able to go directly to it.
Stair in the swimming-pool
For the design, I decided to have a concreted Roman stair / steps in the swimming pool. It simply looks better than one entrance leader and one can sit on her comfortably. In addition, this is again realized with scarf stones. The stair will be inside-lying because of the roofing.
Choose a place for the swimming pool.
Ideally, a south side of the lawn, far away from trees and close to water and electricity connections. But to allow the swimming pool appropriate space, one must adjust to the surroundings, they must also compromise with the pool construction. I decided to insert the washbasin in a slope below, so that it does not seem to bulky behind the house. It will not look beautiful if the roofing of the swimming pool blocks the view of the rest of the lawn. So that it is not too striking to the eye, a dark green roofing would be nice. Details can be found under pool roofing. Moreover, the trees keep with the pool construction to a certain extent.
While planning the design of the pool, the question arose: what about the washbasin? The following types are current:
Steel Wall Washbasins
Advantages: good price, easily constructed, finished well
Disadvantages: Side walls, additional expenditure with structure
Polyester washbasins (GRP swimming pool)
Advantages: to repair finished washbasin, short construction time
Disadvantages: difficult to repair the form of the washbasin, high carriage
Iso - stones
Advantages: easy to process, altogether lighter, possibly easy curvatures
Disadvantages: Plaster, not really water resistant, rather expensive.
Concrete pool completely from formwork
Advantages: solid, longer durability
Disadvantages: very luxurious (formwork), labor cost-intense
Swimming pools with scarf stones
Advantages: solid, can be built with mortar itself and the concrete can be condensed.
Disadvantages: hard to carry, installation parts for swimming-pool must become polished.
My choice: scarf stones for the pool construction
I decided to use scarf stones to build the pool. A scarf stone costs (50x20x23) approximately 1.10 Euros (list price), an Isostein (100x25x25) 7.00 Euros, respectively. In addition, I get by with roughly 20 cm of wall each time. Isostein is 25 cm thick, this saves concrete. Moreover, the belaying of the walls is cancelled with the feeling. The technology shaft is established even more thinly, with 15 cm of scarf stones. Indeed, the installation parts from the stones must be polished, but I take this into a shop. I realize the walls generally with scarf stones, because where the Swimming pool in the stands.
Pool size
How Big should the pool become?
Width of the swimming pool
The size can be judged by practical terms. The foil is 2.10 meters wide, a little bit too narrow for a pool. With two roads (some overlapping), I have 4.05 pools, an interior measure. Because need/want roofing, it should be concise with the outside wall. In my case I have 4.50 meters outside. Fits perfectly. 450 cm of outer wall, (20 cm of wall + 4 cm of isolation) the outer-rail is 21 cm.
I plan the pool roofing on the wall for the following reasons: To can between swimming-pool roofing and a pool with closed roofing to go along, one needs approximately 1-1.5 meters of space that allows to considerable rise in expenses. I would have to prepare the subsoil at the side for the pool cover and fasten - more expenditure. Moreover, if one possibly lays on the left and on the right from the upper deck, it will look, at the time, different, because a part is protected under the upper deck. Thus, swimming-pool width inside 4.05 and outside 4.50 meters.
Designs the length of the inground pool
Practical proofs also fit. The length of the roofing and the end walls should end concisely on the pool walls. Thus I can drive the roofing a piece above the technology shaft. Because the front end is removable or able to open, it looks rather good. I excluded half of the terrace, so that during winter no color difference on the terrace can form.
Technology shaft behind the swimming pool
The length for the technology shaft in the pool arises from the pool width and I have fixed 1.50 meters as an inside measure. This should reach to move in it. Moreover, the technology space is laid nearly 50 cm deeper to be able to go directly to it.
Stair in the swimming-pool
For the design, I decided to have a concreted Roman stair / steps in the swimming pool. It simply looks better than one entrance leader and one can sit on her comfortably. In addition, this is again realized with scarf stones. The stair will be inside-lying because of the roofing.
Swimming Pool Sanitation
Bathing in swimming pool is very enjoying moment for anyone but if you refuse to proper sanitation then there will be a chance for being sick. To stop the growth of germs in your swimming pool, sanitation of chemicals in pool or spas water is necessary. There are some major points which we have to always remind in our mind.
1. These germs can cause contagion in ears, nose and gullet and possibly other more risky diseases like Meningitis.
2. Germs control is simply consummate by adding a sanitizer (most commonly Hypochlorous Acid or simply "chlorine") frequently, and then passing the water through a filter to eliminate the dead germs.
We then require being confident that any extra germs inflowing the water is met by a "sanitizer residual" in enough meditation to kill this new germs as frequently as possible.
The swimmers and bathers are the main base for germs in pool’s water. Other sources are top-up water and garbage, such as leaves, grass, soil, etc. Pets can add extensively to germs levels. A large dog can infect up to twenty times the volume of water that a human can.
But it’s not a matter of serious worry. It is generally accepted that most harmful bacteria will be killed when exposed to a "free chlorine residual" as low as one milligram per liter or, in other words one part per million (ppm). By frequently examination of pool’s water and including the desired amount of chlorine to the water, a residual level of 1.0 or 2.0 ppm is simply managed.
Types of chlorine:
There are various forms of chlorine available in the market. Granular, liquid, or tablet, and can also be stabilized or un-stabilized. There is also a product salt water chlorinator available in the market by which chlorine is generated. Each of these different forms has its own characteristics and advantages. For instance, granular chlorine is convenient, easy to store and relatively cheap, however it cannot be dosed automatically. On the other hand, liquid chlorine is bulky and can't be stored for long periods, but can be dosed automatically. All are suitable sanitizers for your pool, so select the type that best outfits your finances and existence. Anyway you choose any form to use the need for a residual of 1.0 to 2.0 ppm remains the same.
Safety Note:
1. Never mix other chemicals even mixture of chlorine. It may result fire and/or explosion.
2. Stabilizing refers to the mixing of isocyanuric acid (or "Stabiliser") with chlorine, to protect it from UV rays, which drastically decrease its efficiency. Isocyanuric acid can also be added manually to the pool.
Salt Chlorinator:
As the name suggests, these units produce chlorine in the pool water using a process of electrolysis to convert sodium chloride (salt) into hypochlorous acid. These units are available in different sizes to suit different size pools. Be sure the unit you select is capable of producing sufficient chlorine to meet your maximum requirements. No matter which one you choose, you may still need to add extra chlorine from time to time to make sure a satisfactory residual level is maintained.
The stage of stabilizer in the water should be checked frequently if you are using stabilized chlorine artifacts or are including stabilizer to the pool, the level of, as in doing its job, it does not get used up like other chemicals in the pool. If the stabilizer level gets too elevated, it can in fact restrain the effectiveness of the chlorine.
Chlorine Smell:
Many pool owners criticize about the smell of chlorine and think that the pool may have too much chlorine in it. In fact, the conflicting is most likely the case. Not having enough chlorine in the pool will result in the chlorine smell and also lead to users suffering with sore eyes and itchy skin. The reason this is so, is that a by-product of chlorination is the creation of chloramines. These chloramines are the smelly little beasts that cause all the hassle. For being free from them, we require to add more chlorine. It is for this reason that, from time to time, the pool needs "superchlorination".
Heated Pool:
A heated pool will need extra chlorine than a non-heated pool. The reason for that is chlorine used up much more speedily in hot water. Stabilized chlorine products should not be used in heated pools as their effectiveness is greatly reduced.
Major Points to remember:
1. Always maintain a chlorine residual of 1.0 to 2.0 ppm (milligrams per litre)
2. Select the product that best suits you
3. Chlorine smell generally means not enough chlorine
4. A heated pool will require more chlorine
5. Never mix chemicals
1. These germs can cause contagion in ears, nose and gullet and possibly other more risky diseases like Meningitis.
2. Germs control is simply consummate by adding a sanitizer (most commonly Hypochlorous Acid or simply "chlorine") frequently, and then passing the water through a filter to eliminate the dead germs.
We then require being confident that any extra germs inflowing the water is met by a "sanitizer residual" in enough meditation to kill this new germs as frequently as possible.
The swimmers and bathers are the main base for germs in pool’s water. Other sources are top-up water and garbage, such as leaves, grass, soil, etc. Pets can add extensively to germs levels. A large dog can infect up to twenty times the volume of water that a human can.
But it’s not a matter of serious worry. It is generally accepted that most harmful bacteria will be killed when exposed to a "free chlorine residual" as low as one milligram per liter or, in other words one part per million (ppm). By frequently examination of pool’s water and including the desired amount of chlorine to the water, a residual level of 1.0 or 2.0 ppm is simply managed.
Types of chlorine:
There are various forms of chlorine available in the market. Granular, liquid, or tablet, and can also be stabilized or un-stabilized. There is also a product salt water chlorinator available in the market by which chlorine is generated. Each of these different forms has its own characteristics and advantages. For instance, granular chlorine is convenient, easy to store and relatively cheap, however it cannot be dosed automatically. On the other hand, liquid chlorine is bulky and can't be stored for long periods, but can be dosed automatically. All are suitable sanitizers for your pool, so select the type that best outfits your finances and existence. Anyway you choose any form to use the need for a residual of 1.0 to 2.0 ppm remains the same.
Safety Note:
1. Never mix other chemicals even mixture of chlorine. It may result fire and/or explosion.
2. Stabilizing refers to the mixing of isocyanuric acid (or "Stabiliser") with chlorine, to protect it from UV rays, which drastically decrease its efficiency. Isocyanuric acid can also be added manually to the pool.
Salt Chlorinator:
As the name suggests, these units produce chlorine in the pool water using a process of electrolysis to convert sodium chloride (salt) into hypochlorous acid. These units are available in different sizes to suit different size pools. Be sure the unit you select is capable of producing sufficient chlorine to meet your maximum requirements. No matter which one you choose, you may still need to add extra chlorine from time to time to make sure a satisfactory residual level is maintained.
The stage of stabilizer in the water should be checked frequently if you are using stabilized chlorine artifacts or are including stabilizer to the pool, the level of, as in doing its job, it does not get used up like other chemicals in the pool. If the stabilizer level gets too elevated, it can in fact restrain the effectiveness of the chlorine.
Chlorine Smell:
Many pool owners criticize about the smell of chlorine and think that the pool may have too much chlorine in it. In fact, the conflicting is most likely the case. Not having enough chlorine in the pool will result in the chlorine smell and also lead to users suffering with sore eyes and itchy skin. The reason this is so, is that a by-product of chlorination is the creation of chloramines. These chloramines are the smelly little beasts that cause all the hassle. For being free from them, we require to add more chlorine. It is for this reason that, from time to time, the pool needs "superchlorination".
Heated Pool:
A heated pool will need extra chlorine than a non-heated pool. The reason for that is chlorine used up much more speedily in hot water. Stabilized chlorine products should not be used in heated pools as their effectiveness is greatly reduced.
Major Points to remember:
1. Always maintain a chlorine residual of 1.0 to 2.0 ppm (milligrams per litre)
2. Select the product that best suits you
3. Chlorine smell generally means not enough chlorine
4. A heated pool will require more chlorine
5. Never mix chemicals
Thursday, February 11, 2010
Clean Your Spa
The hot water in your portable spa may feel relaxing but its also a good home for bacterial and other microorganisms that can affect your health. To avoid trouble, keep your spa clean by using the right chemicals. The correct amount of sanitizers will kill these uninvited guests.
Below are some common chemicals that keep spas clean. Before using any of them, its wise to read your spas instruction manual since some products may not be compatible with the kind of spa you have.
Bromine - is similar to chlorine but is easier to use and doesn't have a bad smell. It creates bromamines - disinfectants that are odorless and less irritating than chloramines made by chlorine. Bromine is suitable for high water temperatures and is more stable as well.
Chlorine - is the oldest chemical for cleaning water. However, it has a strong smell and is irritating to the skin and eyes. Certain health problems have also been associated with the use of chlorine although the jury is still out on this mater.
Biguanide - is a sanitizer without chlorine or bromine that eliminates bacteria by attacking the cell wall. This is done with a hydrogen peroxide-based oxidizer that burns organic matter and keeps the water clear. This chemical produces fewer odors than chlorine or bromine.
Ozone - is an oxidizer that reduces the amount of sanitizers needed to keep the spa clean. It relies on a device called an ozonator. But you still need to clean your water with a low level of bromine or chlorine. Don't think that using an ozonator is enough to thoroughly sanitize your spa. Ozone works with bromine, chlorine, biguanide and mineral systems.
Below are some common chemicals that keep spas clean. Before using any of them, its wise to read your spas instruction manual since some products may not be compatible with the kind of spa you have.
Bromine - is similar to chlorine but is easier to use and doesn't have a bad smell. It creates bromamines - disinfectants that are odorless and less irritating than chloramines made by chlorine. Bromine is suitable for high water temperatures and is more stable as well.
Chlorine - is the oldest chemical for cleaning water. However, it has a strong smell and is irritating to the skin and eyes. Certain health problems have also been associated with the use of chlorine although the jury is still out on this mater.
Biguanide - is a sanitizer without chlorine or bromine that eliminates bacteria by attacking the cell wall. This is done with a hydrogen peroxide-based oxidizer that burns organic matter and keeps the water clear. This chemical produces fewer odors than chlorine or bromine.
Ozone - is an oxidizer that reduces the amount of sanitizers needed to keep the spa clean. It relies on a device called an ozonator. But you still need to clean your water with a low level of bromine or chlorine. Don't think that using an ozonator is enough to thoroughly sanitize your spa. Ozone works with bromine, chlorine, biguanide and mineral systems.
Tuesday, February 9, 2010
Sidewalk pavers and pool fencing for your home
In all of New York's sidewalk pavers Queens has the best selection for residential projects. The variety of styles includes decorative, permeable, concrete, asphalt, brick or stone. This does not include all styles but is relative to the most common variety sought by homeowners. In selecting pool fence Staten Island holds the largest variety of styles and designs for the hard to please homeowner and also for those homeowners looking to stick to a budget. Both Queens and Staten Island are home to a great selection of contractors who can help you in your quest for the perfect sidewalk and pool fence to make your backyard your oasis away from your everyday life along with a beautiful place to entertain guest.
Sidewalks can be constructed from almost any materials you can find. The most common of all sidewalks are stone, concrete and brick. When you are looking for sidewalk pavers Queens has a wide range of contractors who can help you decide the type of sidewalk to install, give you an estimate and arrange for construction to commence. Each company has professional contractors who can complete the job in a timely manner as well as guarantee their work. You should ask friends and family for recommendations before committing to any contract. You should also never be afraid to ask for reference from the contractors themselves.
For selecting pool fence Staten Island is one of the finest areas to look. It is a matter of safety for not only a homeowner's children but for neighborhood children and pets to install a pool fence around your backyard pool. Staten Island professional fence contractors can advise you on the regulations for height of a pool fence. It is crucial that pool owners have locks and an alarm installed on their pool fence. When you want to locate a sidewalk paver Queens is the city to look in for the variety, style and quality you desire on a budget you can afford. When considering a pool and a pool fence Staten Island has a lot to offer pool owners in terms of fencing as well as safety.
Sidewalks can be constructed from almost any materials you can find. The most common of all sidewalks are stone, concrete and brick. When you are looking for sidewalk pavers Queens has a wide range of contractors who can help you decide the type of sidewalk to install, give you an estimate and arrange for construction to commence. Each company has professional contractors who can complete the job in a timely manner as well as guarantee their work. You should ask friends and family for recommendations before committing to any contract. You should also never be afraid to ask for reference from the contractors themselves.
For selecting pool fence Staten Island is one of the finest areas to look. It is a matter of safety for not only a homeowner's children but for neighborhood children and pets to install a pool fence around your backyard pool. Staten Island professional fence contractors can advise you on the regulations for height of a pool fence. It is crucial that pool owners have locks and an alarm installed on their pool fence. When you want to locate a sidewalk paver Queens is the city to look in for the variety, style and quality you desire on a budget you can afford. When considering a pool and a pool fence Staten Island has a lot to offer pool owners in terms of fencing as well as safety.
Sunday, February 7, 2010
Swimming Pool Accessories make Extra Summer Fun
Are you looking to increase the amount of summer fun your family and friends will have in your swimming pool? After all, that's exactly what summer is about; laying back, letting loose and having a great time. If this is your goal for those hot days, then perhaps you should consider purchasing some of the most fun swimming pool accessories available.
One of the most standard and fun accessories are the pool slide. After being installed properly around the area of your pool you may climb up the ladder and slide down into the water below. This is great fun for everyone involved, especially the children, and if you want a custom design for maximum enjoyment, you can find these in shops around you area as well. One of the many favorites of those who have used these slides is the swirl, which winds down a beam in the center before tossing you in the pool.
If climbing up a ladder and sliding into the water isn't your cup of tea than perhaps laying in the pool and floating around is? There are many assortments of inflatable floating pool chairs that you can purchase that enable you to kick back, sip your drink of choice and catch some summer rays. In addition to inflatable chairs, one can find special wooden and hardened plastic models available as well. These are much more durable than their air-filled counterparts and won't run the risk of becoming popped by a sharp object piercing its shell.
Another great addition to your summer pool fun is the goggles and snorkels. A big hit with both kids and parents alike, goggles and snorkels can allow you to float around while submerged in water, giving you a clear view of whatever lies beneath. You can dive for objects with the goggles or just lay at the top of the pool with the snorkel, uninterrupted by outside distractions. In addition to giving you a clear view of the swimming pool water, the goggles will also protect sensitive eyes from the chlorine in the pool that helps kill moss and algae.
All in all, swimming pools can be very fun by themselves, without any additional products. But you'll find out that once you do jazz up your experience with these extra accessories, your time spent in the pool will be much more fun and not only for yourself, but your friends and family as well. If you'd like to learn more about swimming pool accessories, please visit the Swimming Pool Hut.
One of the most standard and fun accessories are the pool slide. After being installed properly around the area of your pool you may climb up the ladder and slide down into the water below. This is great fun for everyone involved, especially the children, and if you want a custom design for maximum enjoyment, you can find these in shops around you area as well. One of the many favorites of those who have used these slides is the swirl, which winds down a beam in the center before tossing you in the pool.
If climbing up a ladder and sliding into the water isn't your cup of tea than perhaps laying in the pool and floating around is? There are many assortments of inflatable floating pool chairs that you can purchase that enable you to kick back, sip your drink of choice and catch some summer rays. In addition to inflatable chairs, one can find special wooden and hardened plastic models available as well. These are much more durable than their air-filled counterparts and won't run the risk of becoming popped by a sharp object piercing its shell.
Another great addition to your summer pool fun is the goggles and snorkels. A big hit with both kids and parents alike, goggles and snorkels can allow you to float around while submerged in water, giving you a clear view of whatever lies beneath. You can dive for objects with the goggles or just lay at the top of the pool with the snorkel, uninterrupted by outside distractions. In addition to giving you a clear view of the swimming pool water, the goggles will also protect sensitive eyes from the chlorine in the pool that helps kill moss and algae.
All in all, swimming pools can be very fun by themselves, without any additional products. But you'll find out that once you do jazz up your experience with these extra accessories, your time spent in the pool will be much more fun and not only for yourself, but your friends and family as well. If you'd like to learn more about swimming pool accessories, please visit the Swimming Pool Hut.
Saturday, February 6, 2010
Automated Pool Cleaners
There are people who think that pools are merely in-ground and above ground holes that are filled with water. On the face of it, it may seem so but in fact there is a lot more to a pool that just that. The filtration system and the pumping system are considered the heart of any pool system which is hidden from the view. Pool water can get contaminated easily. Things like dirt, twigs, leaves, frogs, dead insects and unidentified debris pose a constant risk of pool water contamination.
To expand your knowledge about the different ways in which pool water gets and contaminated and the different ways in which you could clean your pool, you should do some research over the internet. There is ample amount of information present on the internet that would help you regarding these issues. Pool filters are a great way of cleaning your pool. These filters are available in different types and do there job perfectly.
But with the advancement in technology, automated or robotic pool cleaners have found there way in the market. These come with sensitive cleaners and are programmed to do just one thing which is to clean your pool water. They have a waterproof cord attached that floats with them. The rear end of this cord is attached to an electrical outlet. Robotic pool cleaners can be controlled by a remote control or let on its own to do its job.
These creep along the pool floor and suck debris which is collected in the bag. Once the bag is full, all you have to do is to pull the cleaner out, empty the contents of the bag, load the bag and it the pool cleaner back in the pool for cleaning.
Robotic pool cleaners have cartridges and filter bags that it uses to capture different kinds of debris and particles that may be as small as 5 to 2 microns in terms of size. Pool cleaners also conserve water as debris is contained within the bags which do not require backwashing for cleaning.
To expand your knowledge about the different ways in which pool water gets and contaminated and the different ways in which you could clean your pool, you should do some research over the internet. There is ample amount of information present on the internet that would help you regarding these issues. Pool filters are a great way of cleaning your pool. These filters are available in different types and do there job perfectly.
But with the advancement in technology, automated or robotic pool cleaners have found there way in the market. These come with sensitive cleaners and are programmed to do just one thing which is to clean your pool water. They have a waterproof cord attached that floats with them. The rear end of this cord is attached to an electrical outlet. Robotic pool cleaners can be controlled by a remote control or let on its own to do its job.
These creep along the pool floor and suck debris which is collected in the bag. Once the bag is full, all you have to do is to pull the cleaner out, empty the contents of the bag, load the bag and it the pool cleaner back in the pool for cleaning.
Robotic pool cleaners have cartridges and filter bags that it uses to capture different kinds of debris and particles that may be as small as 5 to 2 microns in terms of size. Pool cleaners also conserve water as debris is contained within the bags which do not require backwashing for cleaning.
Friday, February 5, 2010
Hot Tub Spas: Home Cozy Home
Every now and then, whenever we visit a resort, a sheer craving to have those facilities in our backyard leave us feeling a bit disappointed. Now, you can add that glitter and coziness in your home, you always want – a hot tub complementing by greenery and your backyard spa resort is ready. Interestingly, by adding a simple Hot Tub to your home, you can really boost the vibes of the place and make yourself feel – more related to your home. The sense of belongings does come from within, but you can take care of the surroundings to make it stronger. This highly valuable luxury item not only adds up to your home value, but also provides you that preferred relaxation, luxury and warmth.
One basic feature that makes these hot tubs so special is that they easily get along with the surroundings of our home. And now that there are innumerable features are available, you can easily personalized they tubs according to your style and expectations. Over the years, these portable tubs have become a perfect choice for home improvement. There is a comprehensive collection of such tubs. While choosing a hot tub, you should remember a few things:
1. You can customize your spa by adding your kind of colors to it. Well, there is a huge collection of colors available in the market. In fact, you can also create your own colors. At the same time, you should remember that your hot tub color does match with your outdoor furniture. If you choose the color of the tub as per your home ambiance, then it would certainly appear like another part of the house. It would make you feel more comfortable.
2. Music is another important ingredient in making it a worthwhile and stimulating endeavor. Well, modern spas do come with on-board music systems. You can choose your favorite music system or speakers to enjoy your favorite tracks while relaxing.
3. Hot tubs are all about comfort. Thus, they should be ergonomically designed to offer you the ultimate coziness. You can get them designed, according to your preferences. All the controls should be at the right places and user friendly.
One basic feature that makes these hot tubs so special is that they easily get along with the surroundings of our home. And now that there are innumerable features are available, you can easily personalized they tubs according to your style and expectations. Over the years, these portable tubs have become a perfect choice for home improvement. There is a comprehensive collection of such tubs. While choosing a hot tub, you should remember a few things:
1. You can customize your spa by adding your kind of colors to it. Well, there is a huge collection of colors available in the market. In fact, you can also create your own colors. At the same time, you should remember that your hot tub color does match with your outdoor furniture. If you choose the color of the tub as per your home ambiance, then it would certainly appear like another part of the house. It would make you feel more comfortable.
2. Music is another important ingredient in making it a worthwhile and stimulating endeavor. Well, modern spas do come with on-board music systems. You can choose your favorite music system or speakers to enjoy your favorite tracks while relaxing.
3. Hot tubs are all about comfort. Thus, they should be ergonomically designed to offer you the ultimate coziness. You can get them designed, according to your preferences. All the controls should be at the right places and user friendly.
Wednesday, February 3, 2010
Top 10 Hotel Swimming Pool number1
Cliffside Pool, Hotel du Cap Eden-Roc, FranceThe majestic infinity-edge pool of the fabled Hotel du Cap Eden-Roc is forged into cliffs along the rugged Cap d'Antibes coast just outside Cannes. Filled with ocean salt water and heated on cooler days, it looks out on the Lérins Islands and the glassy Cannes Bay, where the gin palace yachts of the celebrities and tycoons who stay here bob on the water. On a secluded cement terrace, hidden among rocks above the pool, cocktail waiters tend to guests reclining in private cabanas on deck chairs under glossy white umbrellas. Almost as spectacular as the views are the celebrity sightings of the likes of Kate Moss, Bruce Willis,
and Johnny Depp.
Tuesday, February 2, 2010
The Real Solar Pool Heaters Performance
Are you thinking about using a solar pool heater to get your pool up to temperature? What is the real solar pool heaters performance? There is a great way to answer this question and with the personal experience that can be gained by not only building the heater yourself, but also enjoying the benefits of a longer season of swimming and warmer water. Here is what you can expect.
First, let us go over what exactly a solar pool heater is and what the best choices are for this type of heater. A solar heater for a pool is basically one that uses the sun to heat the water in your pool. There is a pump that will pump the water up through a set of black plastic tubes that will heat up from the sun. There are a few problems with most of solar heaters that are on the market though, so here is what you should do.
You should build your own heater because it is much cheaper and will do more for you as well. You will need some pvc piping, a shut off valve, a pump, and a large amount of black tubing. All you have to do is use the pvc tubing to get the water out of the pool and, then back in as well. Install the shut off valve on the end of the pvc that is going to run the water back into the pool.
The black tubing runs in between the two sets of pvc pipes and needs to be very long. You will want to coil this tubing on a roof top going back and forth. You can secure it with a couple of 2 by 4s with holes cut in them. You will have to make sure this tubing is in direct sunlight as much as possible and run the heater during the hottest hours of the day. You can plug the pump into a timer that can turn it on and off with the hottest hours of the day.
So, what is the real solar pool heaters performance? Having had personal experience with this in a climate that allows for good swimming from Memorial day to Labor day or shortly after. Our pool went from the low 70s with not heater to the mid 80s with our solar heater. We were also able to extend our swimming season into the beginning to middle of October and we opened the pool at the beginning of May or end of April instead of Memorial day.
First, let us go over what exactly a solar pool heater is and what the best choices are for this type of heater. A solar heater for a pool is basically one that uses the sun to heat the water in your pool. There is a pump that will pump the water up through a set of black plastic tubes that will heat up from the sun. There are a few problems with most of solar heaters that are on the market though, so here is what you should do.
You should build your own heater because it is much cheaper and will do more for you as well. You will need some pvc piping, a shut off valve, a pump, and a large amount of black tubing. All you have to do is use the pvc tubing to get the water out of the pool and, then back in as well. Install the shut off valve on the end of the pvc that is going to run the water back into the pool.
The black tubing runs in between the two sets of pvc pipes and needs to be very long. You will want to coil this tubing on a roof top going back and forth. You can secure it with a couple of 2 by 4s with holes cut in them. You will have to make sure this tubing is in direct sunlight as much as possible and run the heater during the hottest hours of the day. You can plug the pump into a timer that can turn it on and off with the hottest hours of the day.
So, what is the real solar pool heaters performance? Having had personal experience with this in a climate that allows for good swimming from Memorial day to Labor day or shortly after. Our pool went from the low 70s with not heater to the mid 80s with our solar heater. We were also able to extend our swimming season into the beginning to middle of October and we opened the pool at the beginning of May or end of April instead of Memorial day.
Monday, February 1, 2010
Heat Pumps -An Efficient Way to Heat Your Pool
There's no two ways about it - most pools aren't at a good temperature for swimming in year round. When winter makes the contrast of a chilly dip unpleasant rather than a relief, having a swimming pool heat pump can be a total boon. Not only will you increase the value of your home by installing one of these, you'll also make room for a ton of great family memories, and provide a way to keep fit in winter without making yourself sick.
There are a number of ways to heat a pool, including the use of swimming pool heat pumps, gas or solar panels. Swimming pool heat pumps don't generate heat. Instead they use electricity to capture heat and move it from one location to another. As the swimming pool's water is circulated by the pump, it is passed through a filter into which a heat pump is incorporated. The heat pump's fan draws outside air in, directing it over an evaporator coil containing a liquid refrigerant agent. This agent absorbs the air, becoming a warm gas that then passes through a compressor, becoming hotter as its particles are pushed more closely together.
The now hotter agent passes through a condenser, which transfers the heat of the gas to the relatively cool pool water circulating through the other end of the heater, returning to the pool where it increases the overall warmth of the pool, even as the gas returns to liquid form and goes back to the evaporator for its next cycle.
All science aside, essentially what swimming pool heat pumps represent is a more energy efficient solution to the problem of keeping your pool warm year-round. They work better than other in ground pool heaters, such as those involving solar paneling, because they're less seriously affected by changes in weather and the absence of direct sunlight. While they cost initially more than gas pump heating solutions, their long term cost is less due to their higher efficiency levels, in addition to which they have a significantly longer life span.
It's obvious that as with any machine that involves gas, heat coils and such, heat pumps for swimming pools are not things that you want installed in anything but the most professional manner. Make sure that the job's being done by someone with all the proper credentials (yes, there are pool professional credentials), preferably someone recommended to you by friends or family. Poor installation can mean that the pool pump won't operate optimally - you're going need someone that understands the physics and energy requirements of inground pool heaters.
The second uppermost concern is whether, even if you can afford to front the initials costs of installation, you're really ready for the financial burden of such a heating system. You may need to regiment how long your Swimming Pool Heat Pump is on each day to ensure your children don't saddle you with a debt you can't pay at month's end.
There are a number of ways to heat a pool, including the use of swimming pool heat pumps, gas or solar panels. Swimming pool heat pumps don't generate heat. Instead they use electricity to capture heat and move it from one location to another. As the swimming pool's water is circulated by the pump, it is passed through a filter into which a heat pump is incorporated. The heat pump's fan draws outside air in, directing it over an evaporator coil containing a liquid refrigerant agent. This agent absorbs the air, becoming a warm gas that then passes through a compressor, becoming hotter as its particles are pushed more closely together.
The now hotter agent passes through a condenser, which transfers the heat of the gas to the relatively cool pool water circulating through the other end of the heater, returning to the pool where it increases the overall warmth of the pool, even as the gas returns to liquid form and goes back to the evaporator for its next cycle.
All science aside, essentially what swimming pool heat pumps represent is a more energy efficient solution to the problem of keeping your pool warm year-round. They work better than other in ground pool heaters, such as those involving solar paneling, because they're less seriously affected by changes in weather and the absence of direct sunlight. While they cost initially more than gas pump heating solutions, their long term cost is less due to their higher efficiency levels, in addition to which they have a significantly longer life span.
It's obvious that as with any machine that involves gas, heat coils and such, heat pumps for swimming pools are not things that you want installed in anything but the most professional manner. Make sure that the job's being done by someone with all the proper credentials (yes, there are pool professional credentials), preferably someone recommended to you by friends or family. Poor installation can mean that the pool pump won't operate optimally - you're going need someone that understands the physics and energy requirements of inground pool heaters.
The second uppermost concern is whether, even if you can afford to front the initials costs of installation, you're really ready for the financial burden of such a heating system. You may need to regiment how long your Swimming Pool Heat Pump is on each day to ensure your children don't saddle you with a debt you can't pay at month's end.
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