http://swimmingpoolstips.com/ en-us Copyright 2007 Fri, 19 Oct 2007 00:24:01 -0400 http://www.sixapart.com/movabletype/ http://blogs.law.harvard.edu/tech/rss Buying A Swimming Pool Buying a swimming pool can be quite a difficult decision indeed, especially when you are trying to decide between an in ground pool or an above ground pool. Each one has something to offer you and your family, although there are also differences, which you should know before you make that final decision. The shape with your pools is important. In ground pools come in oval, kidney, and square shapes. Above ground pools on the other hand are only available in round or oval If you have a large family or a lot of friends who like to swim, youfll want to get a shape that can support a lot of swimming. Size is also important, especially for families. Above ground pools are much smaller than in ground pools. Pools that are in the ground are a lot bigger, and offer you several different sizes to choose from. They cost a lot more than above ground pools though. Above ground swimming pools use less water, although they will also limit what you can do in your pool. If you like to dive, youfll have to get an in ground pool. Above ground pools canft have diving boards, as most are only 6 foot deep. This isnft a good diving height, which is why you wonft be able to dive with an above ground pool. Buying an above ground pool will save you a ton of money. The money that you save, can be used to add to your pool area, such as a deck or privacy fence around your pool. If you choose to buy an in ground pool, youfll spend a lot of money. You wonft need a deck though, as they are easily accessible. If you add a privacy fence to your in ground pool, it wonft have to be near as high as it would with an above ground pool. Installation is also a consideration with your pool. You can normally install above ground swimming pools by yourself with little to no help, in a few hours. In ground pools on the other hand, take several days to install and they must be done by a professional. This can get costly as well, racking up a hefty bill before you realize it. Making that final choice really comes down to what you hope to get from your pool. If you need a lot of space or want to swim laps, an in ground pool is your best choice. If you need a smaller pool for yourself or your kids, an above ground pool would suffice. The choice is entirely up you though, and what works best for you. If you are on a budget or donft have a lot of money to spend - you would be better off going with an above ground swimming pool.]]> http://swimmingpoolstips.com/swimming-pools/swimming-pools/home001385.html http://swimmingpoolstips.com/swimming-pools/swimming-pools/home001385.html 001Swimming Pools Fri, 19 Oct 2007 00:24:01 -0400 Swimming Pool Accessories Within the vast world of swimming pools, shopping can be pretty mind boggling. Choosing the type of pool and the type of accessories can be very stressful to say the least. There are decisions everywhere that youfll need to make, which can be pretty time consuming. Although there are hundreds of accessories out there for you pool - you can save a lot of time and money if you know what you need. An accessory that you simply must have for your pool is a cover. A swimming pool cover is ideal for keeping debris and people out of your pool, and protecting your water. During the winter season, a cover will keep your pool and water protected from the cold, wind, and even ice. Depending on the type of pool cover you select, youfll probably need to use either straps or several heavy objects to ensure that the cover stays in place. Another accessory that is very beneficial to you is a skimmer. A skimmer can help you pick up branches, insects, leaves, and other types of debris from the surface of your pool. The skimmer resembles a large badminton racket, and it can easily save you a ton of money with the maintenance of your swimming pool. If you use a skimmer each and every day to clean the surface of your water, your pool will stay nice and clean throughout the season. If you have a concrete below ground pool, youfll want to make sure that you treat the surface. If you donft, it can be extremely hard on the skin. To treat the surface, you can use pool paint. Pool paints come in a few choices, such as water, rubber, or epoxy based. If you use the paint to treat the surface regularly, youfll protect the surface of your swimming pool and youfll also help to protect the surface from harsh elements such as the sun and chemicals from the water. If you live in a colder climate, you should invest in some antifreeze. When you close your pool down for the winter, antifreeze can help you clean your pipes and pump. Once you have drained the water from your pool, pump, and pipes, simply pour the antifreeze into them and it will ensure that nothing freezes on cold days. To enhance the look of your pool and provide room to relax, youfll need to have some pool furniture. This doesnft need to be anything basic, as even the most simplest of furniture will be good enough. You can decorate your pool area virtually any way you desire, even make it look like your living room if you wish. When you select your furniture, you should always make sure that you select furniture strong enough to withstand both summer and winter temperatures. If you are on a budget, you can still get the accessories and supplies you need for your pool without having to spend a fortune. You can buy your supplies and accessories online at discount prices, or buy locally during a sale. Most wonft cost you much money, especially if you cut corners and buy only what you need at the lowest prices possible - which is normally during winter. In the world of swimming pools, some accessories are just fun to have while others are essential to maintaining your pool. There are hundreds of accessories out there, which can actually be a lot of fun if you just look around at what all you have to choose from. Although it can consume a lot of your time and money - accessories are something that can actually make your swimming pool experience a heck of a lot better.]]> http://swimmingpoolstips.com/swimming-pools/swimming-pools-supplies/home001384.html http://swimmingpoolstips.com/swimming-pools/swimming-pools-supplies/home001384.html 010Swimming Pools Supplies Thu, 18 Oct 2007 00:52:49 -0400 Things To Know About Swimming Pools In the warmer areas of North America, swimming pools are very popular. They provide great fun and exercise, along with plenty of entertainment for your entire family. When you decide to buy a swimming pool, youfll have two options to choose from - in ground pools or above ground pools. Both types are different, in appearance and what they have to offer you. Above ground swimming pools are the most affordable, as the prices range from $500.00 - $7,000.00. Above ground pools are also easier to install, and even portable. Normally, you can have this type of pool installed and ready for use in a few hours. You can self install them if you wish, which will save you money. If you have the money to spare, you can always have a professional install it to ensure that everything is done correctly. Pools that are in the ground cost a lot more. The prices for an in ground swimming pool can reach as high as $50,000.00, depending on the size of the pool, the design, and the materials that are used. The most expensive type of in ground pool is concrete, which is custom poured to virtually any shape you can imagine. You can also get a heater to help control the temperature of the water in the pool. You can get a standard type of heater or solar heater. If you have a solar heater in mind, you should make sure that your pool has been placed in a location where it will receive a lot of sun. If you use a solar powered heater but donft place your pool in the sun, itfll prove to be a waste of money. To protect yourself in the long run, you should always refer to the zoning laws for your area regarding a swimming pool or a deck. This way, youfll know what the laws are regarding your swimming pool. Once you know what the laws and regulations are, you should always do anything you can to ensure that you meet the requirements and that your pool is within the guidelines. Even though heat and hot summer days are the main reasons why most want a pool, there are other benefits as well. Swimming is one of the best exercises you can do for your body, so a pool will offer you a lot of health benefits. Keep in mind that unless you are using a heater to heat your pool, youfll only be able to use it during the summer. If you choose to use a heater however, you can extend summer and get a lot more enjoyment from your swimming pool. Once you have bought your pool and have everything going, it can cost you quite a bit to keep everything going. Pools need to be maintained, which can tend to be expensive. You can do this yourself or hire a professional, although either way will cost money. The equipment youfll need and the chemicals are expensive, and you should know that up front before you make your purchase. All in all, swimming pools are great for your property. Whether itfs an above ground swimming pool or in ground pool, your family will love it. Youfll have somewhere to go on hot days together, to relax and enjoy the cool water. Once you have a swimming pool you wonft have to use the local pool anymore - and you wonft have to deal with the crowds or long lines anymore.]]> http://swimmingpoolstips.com/swimming-pools/swimming-pools/home001383.html http://swimmingpoolstips.com/swimming-pools/swimming-pools/home001383.html 001Swimming Pools Wed, 17 Oct 2007 01:21:37 -0400 Tips For Swimming Pool Covers Covers for your swimming pool are available in an array of different colors, sizes, shapes, and purposes. To heat your pool and keep it protected at the same time, you can get a solar cover. If safety is your biggest concern, you can get safety covers that cover your pool and keep people and animals out of it as well. For both above ground pools and in ground pools, you can always find a cover to keep your pool protected from people, animals, and even the harsh weather of winter. When looking for a cover for your swimming pool, there are a few things that you should keep in mind. The first thing to do, is to look for a cover that is strong and sturdy. The cover you select should keep your pool clean from debris, but also provide safety for people who accidentally step out on to it. The cover should be strong enough to prevent people from drowning, and also sturdy enough to keep debris and other things from getting access to the water. Youfll also need to make sure that the cover you select is acceptable with both local and state regulations. Even though the laws and regulations vary, there are some areas that require a certain type or size cover. If you check with local police force, they should be able to tell you whether or not the cover you are using is acceptable with the regulations provided for your area. You should always check before you buy a cover, in the event that what you are interested in isnft accepted. Before you buy your cover, you should always ensure that it comes with a warranty. Most swimming pool covers include a warranty of 2 years or more. The cover that you buy should also include a warranty that covers all types of defects. You donft want to buy a cover that isnft warrantied, as you only want to buy a cover for your pool that you can trust - from a company that you know stands behind what they sell. Before buying, you also want to be sure that your cover offers a good overlap length, by buying a size that is a bit larger than the dimensions of your pool. Doing so will give you more than enough room to anchor your cover down to the swimming pool and not have to worry about not having enough pool cover. You can stretch your swimming pool cover out over your pool, and still have plenty of room left to make sure that it fits tight. When you buy the cover for your swimming pool, always make sure that it includes everything you need to begin using it immediately. Depending on the type you select, you will get either straps or anchors. You should always make sure that there was no spillage with the cover, and everything you need is inside. The last thing you want is to buy a swimming pool cover that is missing vital components that you need to use the cover. Swimming pool covers are essential to keeping your pool safe and clean, and should always be used if you own a swimming pool. If you buy a cover that is good quality and good material, it should last you for several years. You can find swimming pool covers at your local supply store, or in any department store that sells pool gear. Always make sure that you read the instructions and other related material before you buy, to make sure that the cover you are interested in will work with your swimming pool.]]> http://swimmingpoolstips.com/swimming-pools/swimming-pools-supplies/home001382.html http://swimmingpoolstips.com/swimming-pools/swimming-pools-supplies/home001382.html 010Swimming Pools Supplies Tue, 16 Oct 2007 01:50:25 -0400 Swimming Pool Waterfalls A lot of swimming pools these days are now featuring waterfalls along the edges to create a much more enticing visual appeal. These types of waterfalls are built so the water falls down into the swimming pool, creating a continuous and never ending water flow with the pool. Sometimes, there are small bulbs placed around the pool, helping to give the water a glittery effect once the water from the waterfall makes contact with the water in the pool. Swimming pools that feature waterfalls are thought of as being more of a status symbol. Normally, waterfalls can be found in the bigger hotels and resorts, and sometimes in big mansions if the owners can afford them. There are other locations, such as popular water attractions and theme parks that have them as well. Waterfalls also provide a great attraction for little kids, as they like to play in the water as it goes up and over their heads - then comes down on top of them. Depending on the size of the swimming pool, there can be several waterfalls attached. Most often times, swimming pools that have multiple waterfalls can be found with exquisite resorts and the most popular of water parks. These days however, waterfalls are becoming more and more affordable, and can be found with many private swimming pools. You can also find smaller swimming pools that have smaller waterfalls constructed along the walls of the pool. Even though they donft produce a wide arc, they do create a splash effect thatfs simply amazing to watch. To use waterfall, youfll first need a swimming pool. The easiest way to construct a waterfall is when your pool is being built, so it can be built into the pool. You must also make sure that the water going into the waterfall is clean. Youfll also need to treat and clean the water going into the waterfall on a regular basis, as it can easily build up moss and algae if you donft. There are some waterfall models that will allow warm water to flow through them. Keep in mind, warm water is used more for health than aesthetic appeal. If you are using your waterfall for swimming, you obviously wouldnft want to use warm water. On the other hand, if itfs just for show or occasional use, then warm water waterfalls may be something of interest to you. Although they are great to look at and watch, a pool waterfall can cost you a lot of money. If you have the waterfall constructed at the same time you have your pool built, you can help save yourself a lot of money. If youfve thought about getting a waterfall - you should always plan things ahead and try to save yourself as much money as possible.]]> http://swimmingpoolstips.com/swimming-pools/kids-swimming-pools/home001381.html http://swimmingpoolstips.com/swimming-pools/kids-swimming-pools/home001381.html 008Kids Swimming Pools Mon, 15 Oct 2007 02:19:13 -0400 The Swimming Pool In the tropical areas of the world, there are several breathtaking areas that you could swim in, from lakes to amazing coastal beaches. Areas such as Hawaii, the Bahamas, California, and Puerto Rico have several beaches for you to enjoy. For those of us living in the middle of the United States, take a swim and enjoying the water can be a bit more challenging. While you can choose to go to a local swimming pool, the summer months can often leave the local pool crowded. Crowded pools can be very frustrating indeed, especially if you are looking to swim laps. If itfs a really hot summer day, the pool can be so crowded that it can be extremely hard to enjoy a nice dip in the water. To enjoy the water, you can always invest in a swimming pool for your home. Swimming pools can add value to your home, and give you the comfort of enjoying the water anytime you take a notion. If you are craving that exotic feel, you can always add plenty of accessories to your pool, such as shade trees, lemonade, and toys. There are hundreds of accessories and furniture out there, many of which can add virtually any look you desire to your swimming pool. During the hottest days of summer, nothing makes you relax more than a pool. During the afternoon or evening, swimming can help to make it a little cooler. By owning a swimming pool, you can go swimming anytime you please. You can even take a swim at night as well, providing you have adequate lighting outside near your swimming pool. If you are a professional swimmer however, a swimming pool on your property just might not be enough. Sport swimming has a lot of strict requirements, including lap swimming. A traditional swimming pool in your backyard may not be the best way to swim laps. You can always get a lap pool or swim spa, although they cost a lot more money than most people are willing to invest. When you look for your swimming pool, youfll have to decide between an in ground pool or an above ground pool. There are several choices available to you, although most will depend greatly on your budget. If you have the money to spare, you should go with an in ground pool. These swimming pools provide the most space, and give you plenty of options to enjoy swimming. You can also look into a fiberglass swimming pool as well. Swimming pools that are made from fiberglass are very durable, and offer you a pleasant solution to hot days. These pools are very flexible, as they can easily be lowered into a hole already in the ground. There is little to no construction involved, as most fiberglass pools are already constructed. They are also the cheapest solution to in ground pools as well. Fiberglass pools also eliminate the need for acid washing and liner replacements, as they donft require any type of treatments. With several options available to you, itfs easier than ever these days to have your very own swimming pool. If you are interested in a swimming pool you can look for the best prices online, or contact your local swimming pool dealer. Most pools are very affordable, and you can get some great deals if you buy at the right time. Youfll make a lot of friends with your new swimming pool - especially on hot days when the local pool is crowded.]]> http://swimmingpoolstips.com/swimming-pools/swimming-pools/home001380.html http://swimmingpoolstips.com/swimming-pools/swimming-pools/home001380.html 001Swimming Pools Sun, 14 Oct 2007 02:48:01 -0400 All About Swimming Pool Heaters To extend the swimming season after summer has come and gone, many people are turning to swimming pool heaters. A heater is great to have, especially with colder days. If youfve thought about buying a heater for your swimming pool, there are probably a lot of things that youfve found yourself wondering. When using a pool heater, you can adjust the temperature of your pool water to virtually any level that you are comfortable with. The recommended temperature for a pool is 78 degrees, although most people prefer to have their water just a bit warmer, around 80 degrees. The choice is up to you, as you canft really go wrong with either of the two. During the year, the sun can only get your pool water so hot for a somewhat brief period of time. When summer ends and things start to cool off, your heater can help you make swimming last longer. If you live in the north, you can actually double your swimming season. Those living in warmer climates, such as Arizona and California can actually triple the amount of swimming by using a heater with their pool. Even though you may be using a swimming pool heater, you should still invest in a swimming pool cover as well. A cover can help to protect against loss of heat from the pool, holding the heat of water inside the pool instead of letting it out. The fact is, a good cover that has plenty of insulation can actually reduce the amount of heat loss you experience with your water. There are a few different types of heaters available, although gas fired heaters running off LP gas seem to be the most common. Heaters such as this are easily the least expensive to buy, and also the cheapest to run over time. Oil is another way to heat your pool, and it is common in areas that you are unable to buy gas fired heaters. Other pools choose to run off electricity. Electricity is a great way to heat your pool, although it can easily be the most expensive to run and take the most amount of time to properly maintain. Last but not least, therefs the solar pool heater. Solar heaters may sound like the ideal way to heat a pool for some, simply because it uses the sun to heat, helping to save money. Even though it may sound like the ideal way to heat a pool, it actually has quite a few disadvantages when you compare it to other types of heaters. Youfll discover one flaw when you go to purchase one - youfll see that they cost nearly half the amount of your swimming pool! Even though solar powered heaters sound the best, they truly arenft. To get the most out of a solar powered heater youfll need to have large electric pump, which can cost you quite a bit of money. The pump delivers the water from your pool to the solar panels, which will in turn heat up the water. Once you have finished setting up a solar powered heater, youfll have invested thousands in it - which makes it something you should really try to avoid. In the world of swimming pool heaters, gas fired heaters remain the best and most cost efficient ways to heat a swimming pool. These heaters can be found locally, or on the Internet. They wonft cost you a lot of money to purchase, and they are very user friendly. Even if you are new to pool heaters - you wonft have any trouble using your new gas fired pool heater.]]> http://swimmingpoolstips.com/swimming-pools/swimming-pools-supplies/home001379.html http://swimmingpoolstips.com/swimming-pools/swimming-pools-supplies/home001379.html 010Swimming Pools Supplies Sat, 13 Oct 2007 03:16:49 -0400 How To Inspect Your Pool With several different swimming pool designs and equipment out there, thinking in terms of safety can be very confusing. From different swimming pool liners to buying different toys, you surely have a lot to choose from. You can always ask questions at a local supply shop to find out more, as the experts there can surely help you. There are a lot of needs with swimming pools, especially when you get everything you need. The first thing to do when inspecting your swimming pool is to figure out your average depth. Your average depth will help you determine your swimming pool capacity. You can figure out your average depth by adding the deep end to the shallow end, then dividing by 2. The average depth tells you a lot about your swimming pool, including the design and capacity. Once you know your average depth, you can pretty much buy any accessory you need without any problems. Your design of swimming pool will help you in choosing the best cover for your swimming pool. There are a few covers to choose from, most of which vary from season to season. You can use different covers for summer, spring, and winter, each one offering you something different in terms of protection. Nearly all supply shops have a lot of covers to choose from, and as long as you know your design - you can further inspect your pool and select the right cover. Once you know your average depth and capacity for your swimming pool, you can move on to other inspections. The liner is next, as it protects the quality of your water. A liner will maintain the pH level of your water, and help prevent algae from forming and growing. When you inspect your pool to select a liner, you should think in terms of material. Most are plastic or vinyl, and can provide you plenty of attraction along with great protection as well. With your swimming pool, youfll also need to think and inspect your swimming pool in terms of safety. If you have a belowground swimming pool, you should always remember that it can attract a lot of visitors. Due to this fact, you should always have someone watching the pool, or an adult around at all times who can swim. Or, you can simply use a locking gate that surrounds your pool to keep people out of it when you arenft around. Another area of swimming pools that most people find enjoyable are the toys and accessories. The more must have accessories and toys are goggles, as they will help little children protect their eyes from the chlorine. You can also find several different types of floats as well, as they are fun to lay on and also help kids stay afloat. Swimming belts and water wings are great as well. If you have thought about adding toys to your pool, you should always look around and shop for the best prices. Inspecting your swimming pool can be fun, although it is something that you simply must do. You can inspect in terms of maintenance as well, although youfll need to inspect your pool before you buy any type of equipment or other things for you pool. When you visit your local pool supply store youfll need to know different things, which is the reason for inspecting. Inspecting your swimming pool doesnft take a lot of time - yet it is something that you simply must do if you want to get the best out of your swimming pool.]]> http://swimmingpoolstips.com/swimming-pools/swimming-pools/home001378.html http://swimmingpoolstips.com/swimming-pools/swimming-pools/home001378.html 001Swimming Pools Fri, 12 Oct 2007 03:45:37 -0400 Locating And Repairing Swimming Pool Leaks If you own a swimming pool, it can be quite easy to notice a leak. Once you have opened your pool for the year, you can easily spot a leak by the water gushing out. Where the leak is coming from though, may be an entirely different story. Sometimes it may be easy to tell, although other times it can be a bit more complicated. The first thing you need to do, is make sure that the water you see or notice missing is actually a leak. Even though you may think itfs a leak, it could be something else. Basically, there are three causes of water loss with swimming pools - plumbing leaks, shell leaks, and evaporation. You should make sure you know the cause of the leak before you go any further. Sometimes, what you think is a leak could be water lost from splashing - which can easily happen if you have a lot of people diving in your pool. Evaporation is a common cause of water loss, and there is a way that you can determine if your loss of water is indeed evaporation. To find out, take a large container then fill it full of water and put it on the first pool step. Next, remove some water from the container sitting on the first step, so that the water in the pool and the container are the same level. Now, let the container sit there for a few days, with no one using the pool during the entire time. When you check back in a few days, the levels should be the same. If they have gone down any, then you know that evaporation from the sun is to blame. If the water that you have in the pool has dropped a great deal more than what you have in the container, youfll know that you have a leak in your pool. If you think that the water is going down to a pool leak, youfll first need to find where the leak is coming from. You should always start looking near the pump and the filter. Along the way, if you happen to notice any wet areas or damp areas, you should trace the water back and see if you can locate a leak. In most cases, the leak will turn out to be a connection with one of the pipes. If it isnft a pipe, then it could be a problem with the shell. If you have an aboveground pool, simple look for the hole where the water is coming out of and repair it. On the other hand, if you have a pool that is below ground, it can be a bit more complicated. You can try inspected the shell in the pool, or checking surrounding areas. Sometimes, no matter how hard you look, it can seem almost impossible to find where the leak is coming from. Keep in mind that if it is the shell, you should always leave it to a qualified professional to fix the problem. Shells for underground pools especially can be very tough to fix, and even harder if you know very little about swimming pools. In most cases, locating and repairing a leak with your swimming pool is more or less just eliminating causes until you find the right one. Once you have located the problem and know what is causing it, you can decide on whether or not to do the repair yourself or to call a qualified professional and have them do the repair for you.]]> http://swimmingpoolstips.com/swimming-pools/swimming-pools/home001377.html http://swimmingpoolstips.com/swimming-pools/swimming-pools/home001377.html 001Swimming Pools Thu, 11 Oct 2007 04:14:25 -0400 Above Ground Swimming Pools Swimming pools are very popular these days, proving to be one of the best investments you can make for your home and your family. If you live in an area that is known for a hot climate, a swimming pool can be an ideal way to cool off. You can have friends over at your pool to have fun, or use it to teach your kids how to swim. Although many people prefer an in ground pool, an above ground pool is just as good - if not better. Above ground swimming pools are well known for three reasons - safety, installation, and maintenance. All types of swimming pools can be a chore to maintain, as you have to clean it on a daily basis and ensure that you have the right balance of chemicals in the water. You also have to keep an eye on the temperature as well, and keep objects such as leaves out of the water. Above ground pools are easier to maintain for the simple reason of being above ground. In ground pools are down low, meaning that debris can easily get into it, and animals such as dogs, cats, and even squirrels have easy access to it. Above ground pools on the other hand are a bit higher up, and make it hard for animals and debris to gain access to the water. Those of you who are looking for a pool that requires less maintenance - should look into an above ground swimming pool. Above ground pools are also safer for children as well. Children can easily fall into in ground pools, for the simple fact that they are low to the ground. With an above ground pool, children have to climb a ladder before they can get in the water. This can make it hard for children to gain access, which is exactly what you want. If you have young children at your house, you can count on an above ground pool to provide a sense of security. Unlike in ground pools, above ground swimming pools are much easier to install, as you can do it yourself. You can choose a professional if you like, although above ground pools are so easy to install that anyone can do it. With these types of pools, there is no digging up your yard or other dangers involved. All you need to do is clean off an area of your property for the pool, then set everything up. It normally takes just a few hours to set up your pool, which makes it a very time efficient way of having a swimming pool. Above ground pools are also cost efficient as well. Most above ground swimming pools cost nearly 1/4 the price of an in ground pool, making them affordable for even those who on a tight budget. There are several sizes to choose from, from the smallest and cheapest to the largest. Even if you get a large model, the prices are still very affordable. This way, your entire family can have a pool to enjoy in the summer without going broke in the process. With an above ground swimming pool, you can spend quality time with your family without leaving your home. Even though there are responsibilities and maintenance involved with a swimming pool, itfs well worth it. If you have been looking for a great swimming pool, you can rest assured that an above ground pool is well worth the time - and the money.]]> http://swimmingpoolstips.com/swimming-pools/above-ground-swimming-pools/home001376.html http://swimmingpoolstips.com/swimming-pools/above-ground-swimming-pools/home001376.html 002Above Ground Swimming Pools Wed, 10 Oct 2007 04:43:13 -0400 Types Of Swimming Pools Swimming pools provide a great way to relax, exercise, and enjoy yourself on a hot summer day, coming in a variety of different shapes and sizes. To efficiently and safely operate a swimming pool, youfll need to have a pump, basin, water filter, chemical feeder, return, drains, and the proper plumbing to transport your water. Depending on the basin structure, there are various types of pools available for you to choose from. Above ground swimming pools are the easiest to build and the cheapest to buy, as they come with pre-made kits. Fiberglass pools are built using molded fiberglass, reinforced plastic. Fiberglass pools are in ground, and can provide you years and years of family fun and swimming excitement. Vinyl lined swimming pools are the cheapest types of in ground designs you can get, although youfll need to have the liner replaced every 10 years or so. Concrete is another popular design for in ground pools, as they provide plenty of room and no need to have the liner replaced. There are also the public swimming pools, which include heated indoor pools, childrenfs pools, and outdoor pools. Public swimming pools are well known for their slides and other features such as waterfalls and splash pads. Public pools are great for hot days, although most prefer to get their own pool due to public pools being so crowded on a frequent basis. Swim spas, or exercise pools are also popular, known for their resistance swimming. Swimming is one of the best exercises that you can do for your body, as it works just about every muscle in your body. There are several exercises that you can do in an exercise pool, such as jogging, water toning, and water yoga. No matter what type of swimming pool it may be, itfs very important that the chemicals stay balanced. If the balance of the chemicals is off, it can damage the water, which can really irritate your skin and your eyes. Therefore, swimming pools need to be disinfected on a daily basis and treated with various chemicals. To maintain the proper health of the skin, purifying the water is very important. If you are looking to add a swimming pool to your property, there are several for you to choose from. Swimming pools can help add property value to your home, which is always a good thing. When you add a swimming pool to your property, you should always think in terms of safety, and ensure that your pool is protected against young children. If you take care of your pool and always make sure that things are clean and safe, your pool will provide you with plenty of fun for years and years to come.]]> http://swimmingpoolstips.com/swimming-pools/swimming-pools/home001375.html http://swimmingpoolstips.com/swimming-pools/swimming-pools/home001375.html 001Swimming Pools Tue, 09 Oct 2007 05:12:01 -0400 3 Chemicals You Need Every pool owner has to deal with chemicals at some point in time. When dealing with chemicals, there are a few things that you should know. No matter how many chemicals you have, you should never attempt to mix them together. Also, you should never try to add water to dry chemicals of any form. Last but not least, you should never under any circumstances attempt to handle chemicals with your bare hands. Throughout your time of owning a pool, there are 3 chemicals that you simply must have for your pool. These chemicals are very important, as you?fll be using them quite frequently. 1. Chlorine tablets Chlorine tablets come in dimensions of either 1 inch or 3 inch. Chlorine tablets go in your skimmer, normally 3 - 4 tablets at a time. During the summer, when you run your pool on a daily basis, you?fll need to change out your tablets every week or so. If you are planning to use 2 skimmers, you?fll need around 8 tablets each week. You can buy chlorine tablets by the bucket, containing 30 - 50 tablets. They can tend to get expensive, around $80.00 a bucket, so you?fll need to have plenty of money to invest in your pool during the summer. 2. Alkaline powder Even though chlorine in your water will help to kill off germs, it can also raise the level of acid in your pool. If you aren?ft using enough alkaline, parts that contain metal will begin to corrode, turning your water a misty green color. On the other hand, if you are using too much alkaline powder, the water will get very cloudy, raising the level of germs in the water - which can lead to very dangerous health issues. In order to get the right about of alkaline powder in your pool water, you should always use brand name alkaline powders in the amount recommended by the package. 3. Chlorine powder Chlorine powder is essential to killing germs such as algae and bacteria that exist in your pool and multiply at very fast speeds. To kill off these germs, you?fll need to use a large amount of chlorine powder in your water. Depending on the size of your pool, you may need to use more powder than others. Chlorine powder can tend to be expensive, so you should always check how much you need before you buy. This is a chemical you must have, as it?fs impossible to keep your pool free of germs without it. If you have already bought it or if you plan to buy a large supply, you shouldn?ft worry as you?fll always have the need for it - meaning that you can never buy enough chlorine powder.]]> http://swimmingpoolstips.com/swimming-pools/chlorine-swimming-pools/home001374.html http://swimmingpoolstips.com/swimming-pools/chlorine-swimming-pools/home001374.html 004Chlorine Swimming Pools Mon, 08 Oct 2007 05:40:49 -0400 Safety Supplies For Your Pool A swimming pool is a great thing to have on your property, although you need to keep in mind that drowning is one of the most common deaths with children. In the cases where swimming pool drowning is involved, the cause is most likely due to a lack of supervision. A child can drown in a matter of seconds, which is less time than it takes to make a phone call. If you own a pool, you simply must have safety equipment around at all times. These days, there are a lot of safety supplies and equipment that you can get for your swimming pool. If you have an in ground pool, you may want to invest in a fence or a barricade. A barricade will protect your pool from children, and prevent them from getting access to your pool without you around. Fences are the most common way to keep your pool safe, as you can keep the gate locked, preventing unauthorized access while your away. Other supplies that are great for safety are safety nets, pool covers, and even shepherdfs hooks. You should always have a pool cover, and use it on your pool when you arenft swimming. A strong and sturdy pool cover will keep debris out of your pool, and keep a child from accidentally drowning should he fall onto the cover. Throughout the industry of swimming pool equipment and accessories, safety is a major concern. You should always buy safety supplies and keep them pool side. The easiest way to do this is to build a small building or pool house near your pool, so you can store all of your equipment and supplies when you shut your pool down. You should also have a phone at your pool as well, in case of an emergency. As far as equipment is concerned, you should always have floatation devices, a shepherdfs hook, safety vests, goggles, waist belts, a telephone, and anything else that comes to mind at your pool at all times. When you use your pool you should also leave a few flotation devices in the pool at all times, just in case. If you do your homework and get plenty of safety supplies for your pool, you wonft have much to worry about. Pool safety is one of the biggest growing concerns these days, as so many children are drowning throughout North America. 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. Even though they may not realize it now - they will when they get a bit older.]]> http://swimmingpoolstips.com/swimming-pools/swimming-pools-supplies/home001373.html http://swimmingpoolstips.com/swimming-pools/swimming-pools-supplies/home001373.html 010Swimming Pools Supplies Sun, 07 Oct 2007 06:09:37 -0400 Swimming Pool Ladders You can find a swimming pool ladder on almost all types of swimming pools. Ladders are essential to swimming pools, as they are used to get in and out of the pool. For both in ground and above ground pools, you can find a variety of different ladders to choose from. The materials used for the ladders are available in either vinyl, aluminum, plastic, resin, or stainless steel. The choices of color doesnft vary too much, although you shouldnft paint them. To prevent slipping, some come with anti-skid materials. Almost all pool ladders are easy to assemble if you follow the instructions, and come with a warranty as well. You can find pool ladders on the Internet, or at your local department store or pool supply store. The ladders used with in ground swimming pools normally include 1 - 5 steps. Depending on how deep the water is where you are using the ladder, the installation and number of steps will obviously vary. When you select your ladder, you should make sure that the shape and height is compatible with your pool. If your pool was formed with concrete, you may have had the ladder or steps formed during installation. If you have a fiberglass or liner pool on the other hand, youfll need to properly secure the ladder at both the upper and lower ends. Above ground swimming pools on the other hand, are a bit different. Most people who have above ground pools have a deck that surrounds the pool, then a ladder than leads down into the water. You can install your ladder off the deck, or simply position it solely on the pool. Itfs easier to install the ladder running off the deck and into the water, although youfll need to properly secure it to the deck to ensure that it doesnft slide off or end up hurting someone. The ideal swimming pool ladder for an above ground pool should have 2 - 4 steps. Most above ground pools are 4 - 6 feet in depth, although they can be a bit tough for kids to enter. The more steps you have on your ladder, the easier it will be for kids to get in and out of the pool. If you are using your ladder with a deck, you wonft need as many steps. All things aside, a swimming pool ladder is essential for any swimming pool. Without a ladder, it would be near impossible to get out of the pool. If you have an in ground pool, adults and teenagers can get out from the side, although kids will need to use a ladder. Ladders donft cost a lot of money, yet they help to simplify getting in and out of your pool.]]> http://swimmingpoolstips.com/swimming-pools/swimming-pools-supplies/home001372.html http://swimmingpoolstips.com/swimming-pools/swimming-pools-supplies/home001372.html 010Swimming Pools Supplies Sat, 06 Oct 2007 06:38:25 -0400 Swimming Pool Supplies For Cleaning Keeping your swimming pool nice and clean is easier than ever these days due to the ever increasing amount of quality cleaning accessories. There are many tools to choose from, including skimmers, brushes, and vacuum heads. These tools make pool maintenance easier than ever, meaning that you can spend more time swimming and less time cleaning. The more specialized tools that are used to clean swimming pools include leaf skimmers, leaf rakes, brushes, corner brushes, pool sweeps, grids and cartridges for the filter, motors and pumps, pool filters, and many more. Most of these accessories are a must have, especially for those who have trees around their pool. Leafs in the water can be very annoying and distracting, and should be removed on a frequent basis. The biggest aspect to keeping your pool nice and clean is to make sure that the care of your water is always up to date. There are many water care products that you can buy, including balancing chemicals, sanitizes, chemicals to treat algae, stain treatment products, water testing kits, and saltwater systems. Normally, chlorine is used as a sanitizer, as it helps to get rid of and prevent any organic material that exists in the water. By using chlorine in your pool, you will greatly reduce the load that organic material puts on the filter. The regular maintenance of your pH balance and the right levels of alkalinity are also very important to keeping your pool clean. You should also make sure that you check your calcium as well. The pump that you use is also important, as it will prevent the waste of energy. To make things easier on yourself, you can get an automatic pool cleaner that will do just about everything for you. To get the right amount of chlorine feed, youfll need to use hand feeding or tablet feeding. This will ensure that you get the right amount of chlorine in the water. Chlorine is also important for protecting skin, although you should try not to swallow water that has chlorine in it. There are saltwater chlorine generators out there as well, which are one of the most popular ways to get the right amount of chlorine in your water. As long you use the proper cleaning supplies and products with your pool, youfll be able to enjoy fresh and clean water whenever you decide to go swimming. Keeping your water clean is also healthy for your skin, and anyone else who gets in your pool. You should always make sure that you have cleaning supplies on hand, and check your water on a frequent basis. You can get a pool testing kit for a little of nothing - which will more than pay for itself when you decide to check your water.]]> http://swimmingpoolstips.com/swimming-pools/swimming-pools-supplies/home001371.html http://swimmingpoolstips.com/swimming-pools/swimming-pools-supplies/home001371.html 010Swimming Pools Supplies Fri, 05 Oct 2007 07:07:13 -0400