Archive for the ‘pool’ Category

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Your Benefits Of A Portable Swimming Pool

Monday, March 7th, 2011

Unlike many in ground swimming pools, there are many benefits of a portable swimming pool. This style of body of water takes up minimal space in comparison to an in ground model and the savings alone is a major draw to this kind of pool. Also, an above ground pool can be disassembled and put away, unlike a more permanent above ground model. These are just a few of the many advantages.

People want to enjoy the luxury of being able to take a dip in cool water on a blistering summer’s day. In addition, it offers an attractive addition to your home. One can add solar lightening along with real or artificial greenery to create atmosphere around the pool area. A waterproof sound system can take away the cares of the day. Even if a person is not in the mood for taking a dip, it is a great spot for relaxation.

Pricing the movable pool is easy to do. This is because one price typically includes everything. There are no hidden costs with the exception of chemicals to keep your water pristine over the summer months. Even then, some companies offer you free starter samples to get you going. The kits comes with things such as a pump, filter, and skimmer.

Now the family can begin to have a good time while making memories of the fun times that were shared. Exercise is no longer a chore, but a joy. Both parents and children bask in the refreshing water while escaping the suns rays.

These simple movable units are known to add value to the home. Even with the smallest of yards, there is a unit that can be adapted to fit in the space you have. Available in a wide range of sizes and shapes, no area is considered not adaptable for installing a unit. They can be placed in a yard where in ground swimming pools could never go. In addition, there are colors and designs that will compliment any home’s exterior decor. The practicality of these units is unparalleled. The benefits of a portable swimming pool are many for the average family so look into one now and enjoy a respite from the harshest summer days.

For great priced pools, supplies, accessories, and pool safety equipment check out NationWidePools.com.

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Swimming Pool Trends You Can Rely On

Saturday, March 5th, 2011

If you are lucky enough to already have a pool on your property, why not revitalize it by adding a few modern features? On the other hand, if you have budgeted to afford the installation of an in-ground pool, consider some of the latest enhancements to your design. By including interesting characteristics, such as fiber optic lighting or a water fountain, you can add a few dollars to the resale value of your property. Plus, in the meantime, you and your family get to enjoy it all.

Saltwater Pools

The use of saltwater, instead of freshwater, in a swimming pool has been around for a long time, only now becoming more popular. Homeowners like salt water pools for the natural factor – there are no chemicals added to the water. The pool is filled with freshwater, a special salt cell system is used and salt is added to the water. As the salt dissolves and the water runs through the cell, the salt molecule is split into chlorine and sodium. The result is clean water that will not burn eyes, discolor hair or stain fabric. When the pool is drained, there are no harmful chemicals released into the environment; in fact, the water can even be safely drunk. The start up costs are a little higher, but the maintenance costs are much less than traditional freshwater pools.

Beach Entries

For those who are constructing a brand new pool on their property, consider a beach style entry. Despite the name, this type of pool entry does not include sand. It refers to a gradual sloping walkway into the pool. With each step the swimmer moves deeper into the water. This is a wonderful feature for those who find entering a pool troublesome, such as the elderly or physically disabled. Families with young children will also appreciate a beach entry to the pool as they can gently walk into the water holding an adult’s hand instead of being carried down a ladder or steps.

Water Fountains

Fountains and rock waterfalls that feed into your pool are a great way to ambiance to the pool area. There are several other benefits as well. The gentle sound of running water creates a sound barrier, which will in turn give you some privacy in the pool. Conversations are not as easily overheard by nosy neighbors. The constant flow of water through a fountain or waterfall into your pool also helps to keep the water clean. The water is constantly moving, preventing stagnant areas from developing. These water features can be very simple or very elaborate. If you have an existing pool, a fountain or waterfall can be added depending on the size and shape of your pool.

Lighting

The technology enabling Light-Emitting Diode (LED) lighting has been around for over a century, but its practical use was not discovered until 2006. Since then, the LED market has exploded with these long lasting, durable light sources being used in almost any application – including the swimming pool. They are great for pool lighting simple because of their long life but also because they do not produce a lot of heat. Fiber Optic pool lighting is the most cutting edge light feature to hit the market. The effect is incredible with fiber optics. There are a multitude of colors to choose from, even color changing fiber optics that rotate through a set pattern.

Edging

No, not lawn edging or hedge edging- swimming pool edging! Many resorts and high-end hotels have opted for an infinity edge pool, and now the feature is becoming increasingly appealing to families designing their own pool. The infinity edge is constructed so that water flows over the side of the pool and is caught in a basin, much like a moat. The water is re-circulated through the pool, which in turn aids in keeping the water clean.

Specialty Features

This is a fairly broad category. As homeowners look for more bang for their buck they want their special needs met. For example, they may request a pool be constructed in a non-traditional shape in order to fit a certain area of the property. Or perhaps, the use of high-end glass tiles will be requested. Glass tiles are available in many colors and effects, all of which create a highly customized look to the pool. Pool decks are another area where special features care being asked for. For families with children, fences and locking gates are a popular demand. These safety features no longer need to be the mundane chain-link fence that ruins the look of the whole pool area. There are now opportunities to have nicely stylized wrought iron fences and gates, or beautiful custom wood barriers.

The world of residential swimming pools is so much more now than it was in the 1960’s, when the trend of privatized pools began. Chlorine treated water is no longer the only choice, lighting is far more dramatic and water features aren’t’ just for celebrities homes anymore. If you are considering an upgrade to your existing pool or want to put in a new one, take a look at all the new trends. There is a lot to choose from.

By partnering with top leaders within the swimming pool industry, Reliable Pool Solutions, Inc. is designed to bring together the strongest team of swimming pool professionals who are leading the business today. We enable our customers access to the highest quality of swimming pool equipment at the best prices available, without sacrificing service. For more information about pool pumps, filters, heaters and cleaners, visit us online!

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Natural, Chemical Free Swimming Pools Are Not Your Ordinary Ponds…

Thursday, March 3rd, 2011

When constructing a swimming pool that runs on 25% of the water and energy needed to operate your typical pool you do not have to sacrifice beauty for sustainability or use any salt or regular chemicals. “Our natural, freshwater pools aren’t just planet friendly, they’re actually people friendly,” said Blake French of Millennium Pools in Austin, Texas.

“I estimate only 15 minutes per week for water testing and maintenance with an auto-vacuum and auto-cover. Pool buyers looking at cartridge filtered pool (touted as environmentally friendly) should know a chemical shock is needed on a cartridge pool to turn the human skin cells into vapor and the cartridge is the worst platform to recover the pool after a thunderstorm, dirt storm, hurricane, firestorm or even a pool party,” he added.

The cartridge filtered pool has a more frequent drain the entire pool probability as the total dissolved solids rise quicker per year than with sand, zeolite, glass or diatomaceous earth. “ECOsmarte has hundreds of sixteen year old pools that have never been drained, a claim no cartridge filter manufacturer can make,” said Jeremy Johnson, National Customer Service Manager for ECOsmarte based in Mpls., MN.

The use of dissolved O2 oxygen to oxidize bather oils and suntan lotions is the American green technology advantage. The platinum anode system uses 6 watts DC power and requires 6 to 10 hours of water circulation per day. “Compared to salt, chlorination, UV or ozone we use about 1/25 the power,” he added. Saving water and virtually eliminating chemicals depends on components only available through a select group of swimming pool builders, approximately 300 worldwide. “Our glass filter pools back wash for five minutes once every four to six weeks and the water is reused on the landscape. No water is wasted in our natural freshwater platform,” added Johnson.

The glass media is machined like sugar, sterilized and much harder than silica sand, the dominant filter media in the swimming pool industry since 1950. In 2006 ECOsmarte successfully switched to a 100% post consumer waste glass – a process so green and sustainable it will still be a number of years before green building experts score it correctly. The media has been certified to the NSF Standard 50 for public swimming pools by the NSF and ECOsmarte’s Glasspack is currently scheduled for additional listing by the Water Quality Association (WQA) to drinking water standards (NSF 61).

Millennium Pools uses NASA inspired technology to generate natural oxygen and low level copper to virtually eliminate chemicals and completely eliminate the chlorine. This build platform is only slightly more expensive than the use of a zero backwash cartridge filter and a salt to chlorine generator. According to Johnson, the freshwater, natural pool has even “wetter” water than the widely promoted salt pool chlorine generators “with 20,000 gallons of brine or chloride created no one should call a salt pool a natural pool. The backwash and swimmer splash alone kill all plant life near the pool,” he pointed out. “The cartridge filter only removes particles as small as 20 microns on its best day and human skin cells are approximately 9 microns in size, making the cartridge filter useless in removing human skin cells from the water. Humans can shed up to 1 billion skin cells every time they enter the water with very few of them removed by a cartridge.”

There are no limitations in shape or size when it comes to the Natural Pools offered by Millennium Pools, who has become the local standard for family fun and elegance.
With today’s web and video technology we can determine the type and style of pool a client is looking for by visiting just one or two pools versus our previous pool tour approach.

ECOsmarte’s Natural Swimming Pool Systems with Residual Bacteria Control are available through Millennium Pools of Austin, Texas.

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Selecting Between Above Ground Pools and In Ground Pools

Wednesday, March 2nd, 2011

Swimming pools have always been a part of many homes in the past years. Many people, especially the kids, find swimming pools attractive and delightful. You can perform your daily swimming exercises in your swimming pool to improve your physique. Kids get to learn their first basic swimming lessons in swimming pools and dream of becoming the best swimmer someday. Families find these reasons enough to make the decision of having their own swimming pools.

Before thinking of acquiring your own swimming pool, there are a few important things you must know. There are two main types of swimming pools: above ground pools and in ground pools. These two types of pools have their own advantages and disadvantages and knowing all these will help you determine which one is right for your budget, space, and preferences.

If you have a limited budget, you may want to try the above ground pool, as this is the cheaper of the two types. You won’t need a pool contractor to plan where and how your pool will look like, as the above ground pools can be installed instantly. You can even install the pool by yourself with a little help from friends. Above ground pools can be bought for a less expensive price. You can easily acquire an above ground pool for a low price of $700. The above ground pools are also appropriate for homes that have limited space in the yard. You can also carry your pool and move it anywhere in the yard or bring it with you when you move to another house.

The in ground pools, on the other hand, are preferred by others for fairly good reasons, too. This type of pools can add value to your home, as the pools are permanent structures in your yard. Homes that have in ground swimming pools are valued higher in the market compared to those that have none. Aside from this, in ground pools can be built in different sizes and shapes. Above ground pools only come in oval and round shapes, while in ground pools can have various shapes depending on your preferences. In ground pools allow you to perform various swimming activities, such as diving or swimming at greater lengths. With above ground pools, you cannot dive and the swimming area is limited, thus swimming activities are limited.

You must first weigh down your purposes and limitations before choosing which type of pool is best for you. If you have kids and want a swimming pool for them, have a limited budget and space in your yard, your perfect choice would be the above ground pool. But if you have more than enough budget and want a bigger pool where you can perform your swimming lapses daily, an in ground pool is your top choice.

Written by Alfred King. Be more informed about above ground pools and the different shapes and forms of swimming pools that will surely suit your preferences.

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Health And Environmental Benefits Make A Salt Water Pool System The Obvious Choice

Saturday, February 26th, 2011

Are you someone who makes every effort on a daily basis to proactively work to recycle, reuse and help the environment? If you are planning to have a pool put on your property or already have a pool, you should strongly consider including a salt water pool system instead of a typical chlorine system.

Salt water pool systems have many environmental and health benefits. First, they virtually eliminate algae problems because the chlorine in the pool is not inhibited by high stabilizer levels. When you use chlorine tablets it can cause fluctuations in stabilizer levels making the chlorine ineffective and creating yellow algae and poor sanitation results.

With a salt pool system, stabilizer is only used as needed and you use much less to get positive results. Salt systems save on water usage because they keep levels stable and stop you from having to remove all the water from your pool if the stabilizer levels climb too high.

Aside from conservation of water and avoiding the use of harsh manufactured chemicals there are several health benefits. Swimmers in traditional chlorinated pools often experience dry itchy skin, eye irritation, and possible skin rashes, hair discoloration, and unusually dry skin. The amount of salt used in salt water pools is a mere fraction of the concentration of the salt in ocean water, so the effects of water from a salt system pool would be much less harsh as well.

In addition to the environmental, and health benefits that a salt pool system ensures, statistics show that consumers find these to be a cost effective alternative to traditional chlorinated systems. Salt is much less expensive to purchase than chlorine, and the dangers of transporting and storing salt is minimal compared to trying to safely transport and find safe child-proof storage for chlorine. Use as many resources as you can to educate yourself and make an informed decision before buying any pool system.

Go here to find out more about Salt Pool Systems and why they are the healthy choice for your family and the environment.

categories: Salt Pool Systems, salt water pools, salt pool, swimming pool, pool cleaning, pool maintenance

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Tips for Installation of Swimming Pool

Tuesday, February 22nd, 2011

Swimming pools are a great asset to any home. It is a sure-fire way to increase the value of your home. It will provide good exercise for the entire family and hours of fun for children. Pool installation can be complicated and troublesome if not planned properly. There are different options for the structure of any pool. Pools can be made of fiberglass or concrete or can be lined with vinyl, ceramic, or stone.

Among the different types, vinyl-lined pools are the most affordable. Once the site has been excavated, the wall can be framed with steel, wood, polymer, or concrete. The floor can be made of concrete or packed sand. After the vinyl has been lined, the area should be backfilled before it can be filled with water. The vinyl lining is cheaper, but depending on usage, it will need to be refurbished every 10 years.

The fastest type of pools to install are fiberglass pools. It is also resistant to stains and algae. Since it comes as a one-piece product, it can be made into different shapes and sizes. When installing a fiberglass pool, it is important to have an area where it can be stored before it can be fit into the excavation. Installation also involves the use of a crane to lift and drop it into the designated area.

Though it will take weeks to install, concrete pools are the most common and are usually finished with porcelain or ceramic tiles. Latest trend now have concrete pools also finished with glass tiles or natural stone. Those that are merely concrete-finished will need to be resurfaced every 10 years.

After considering the type and design of your pool, you should now look into the type of maintenance you would want. There are now new technologies that can make you do away with chemical treatments. You may consider automated cleaning systems that can make maintenance easier. Finally, decide on a good contractor that has a solid reputation for installing swimming pools. A good contractor can also help you make the right decisions on your pool installation such as lighting, landscaping, and filter systems. Always remember that a pool may seem a difficult project to undertake – but proper planning can make it worthwhile experience.

Discover more about swimming pools at Tile Center.

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The 2011 Rugby World Cup only a few months from now!

Tuesday, February 15th, 2011

Comparable to other world cups, the World Cup of Rugby appears every 4 years. Regardless of whether there are a variety competitions and tours in between, it still continues to be the overall report in concerning which team is the foremost on earth.

Rugby is more popular in the Southern hemisphere between South Africa, New Zealand and Australia. The Tri Nations tournament is held annually between these nations and was won in 2010 by the All Blacks in an intensified manner. We also have the Super 14 event held among these nations provincial teams. Last years final was among 2 South African teams, the Bulls and the Stormers. This tended to give the notion that the South African national team, the Springboks might lead the Tri Nations that takes place following the Super 14. This was not the case and New Zealand and Australia were the shining stars as they introduced a range of fresh talent.

The Northern hemisphere does not lack rugby love, its only that football receives more attention there than in the south. The Six Nations tournament is held between France, England, Scotland, Ireland, Wales and Italy yearly. The final was between England and France last year. France won and are currently Northern hemisphere favorites.

This year the World Cup of Rugby is in New Zealand. Home of the current top ranked team as stated by the IRB. The All Blacks are one of the most respected teams by their opponents. Playing against them on their home ground is considered by some as the most difficult arrangement for a rugby match. With this home field advantage the All Blacks are definitely considered favorites. It should also be noted that the pressure to deliver might have the opposite effect since rugby is the biggest sport in New Zealand.

With seven months left prior to the kick off to this monumental competition there is still time for plenty of deciding things to make an appearance. One point is apparent though. The build up will certainly be an experience in on its own and the actual competition in September of 2011 is going to be a wonderful release of adoring sportsmanship, loyal camaraderie and bench marking enjoyment.

Learn more about rugby world cup. Stop by The World Cup of Rugby where you can find out all about the pools, matches and news.

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Passive Pool Heating with Solar Pool Blankets

Saturday, February 12th, 2011

Solar heating is an extremely cost-effective method of heating a swimming pool, but the suitability of these systems is heavily dependent on your local climate. Most likely, you decided to own a swimming pool for a number of reasons, including recreation, fitness and entertainment. Therapeutic reasons may have also played a part in your decision. However, if your pool is not heated you may find that the water is often not warm enough for you to be able to enjoy using your pool comfortably. This will likely be particularly true at the beginning and the end of the normal swimming season. By heating your swimming pool, however, you can significantly extend the swimming season, allowing you and your family to get far more use and enjoyment out of your pool.

Please keep in mind that we live in South Carolina. This type of pool care may not be appropriate for much colder climates. If you live in the north and have an inground pool, please contact your local pool company and they will be able to recommend something appropriate for your colder climate.

The most important consideration is called the “Denier”, which refers to the breaking strength of each strand used in the weave fabric. The denier associated with domestic winter covers is nearly twice that of the imports, making them almost impossible to rip. They hold up to harsh winter conditions far better as a result. Preventing tears in the cover lends itself to cover durability, how long it will last and serviceability.

Swimming pool solar covers, often called a pool solar blankets provide passive heating for your pool. Passive solar home heating is a tremendous cost saving benefit. Pool solar heating using a solar blanket also has ECO friendly benefits. Solar blankets can raise pool water temperatures by as much as fifteen degrees. Even though solar covers are a nuisance to use, increasing the water temperature fifteen degrees is definitely worth the hassle.

Which heating system is best for your swimming pool? In most cases you’ll be able to choose between electric, gas, and solar heating systems, but the best system for your situation will vary depending on where you live and what your specific needs are. So which is best? The answer to that question depends on a fairly long list of factors, including your budget, location, the size of your pool, and how and when you normally use it.

Pool owners should invest in necessary swimming pool accessories. Swimming pools should be treated as one of the valuable investments that should be given proper attention to maintain its good performance. Pool equipment and accessories such as pool pumps, pool filters, pool cleaners, chlorinators and others are what we need to make pool maintenance easier and more convenient. Although some equipment costs high and requires you more time to operate it, at least you are sure that you are giving proper maintenance that your pool needed.

A solar pool heater enables you and your family to enjoy your swimming pool or outdoor spa for a greater part of the year. Into spring and autumn. And into cooler mornings and evenings. When others are shivering!

Solar heating is an extremely cost-effective method of heating a swimming pool, but the suitability of these systems is heavily dependent on your local climate.

While the solar blankets available in the market today are easy to use, they are not all created equal. At different price points they each offer different functions. For best overall use, we recommend solar pool blanket. For more information please visit this website at www.poolsolarblanket.org.

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Owning Pool Tables Orange County People Interested

Sunday, February 6th, 2011

Finding pool tables Orange County individuals can love is not hard. Otherwise known as billiard tables, the tables are enclosed on which people take part in. They provide a flat surface covered by a cloth. They are available in a variety of sizes, shapes and colors with creative designs and accessories. Some of these accessories that are needed to play are, chalk, cues, balls and covers. They are made of high quality material.

Its body may be made of laminates, real metal, wood veneer, wood or plastics. The prime material used to make the playing surface is known as slate. It is strong and reliable natural stone which is not affected by temperature or humidity.

The most important characteristics in a pool table Orange County people love is the cushion, the complete frame, wide rails and the legs and they can be created in many styles such as modern, classic, antique, casual and European.

It is nothing but the best when making one of these. There are high standards that must be met. The quality is high, there is creativity needed and craftmanship. The cloth used for the surface of of higher grade. The ball moves better for greater performance.

People who live in homes with a finished basement may consider having one of these tables. Oftentimes, the home with the entertainment is the preferred place of stay. Be sure to keep the fridge stocked because friends and family will opt to go to your house. You can have hours of enjoyment with the people you care most about.

Individuals who own a bar may think about putting one in a side room (if there is one). Visitors will surely stop and have a few rounds with the ball and stick. Some places actually have tournaments where you win something. Everyone loves this game. They even make smaller size pieces, good for children who are wanting to do what their parents are doing. The sticks and balls are smaller as well as the tables, perfect for their size. This is better than letting kids play with the more expensive piece.

Many people meet in billiard rooms to play. These places carry 20 plus tables for people to come and play and practice. If there is ever a doubt of what to do for an evening, try going out to play a few games at the billiard room. Tables are also made for variations of pool such as snooker tables created for the game of snooker or used for specific games like Asian four balls, bumper pool and Russian pyramid. Dealers, suppliers, and manufacturers from Orange County are in high supply and they comprise of over 20 players in the industry.

pool tables Orange County

Looking to find the definitive source of information on pool tables Orange County ?

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3 Easy Billiards Tips That Will Make A Difference

Sunday, February 6th, 2011

The one thing you should do, aside from playing and practicing often, is to take billiards tips in small doses. Just like with other things, an excessive of examinations can cause immobility and who needs that! It can also turn into puzzlement, as your mind is still trying to process the new information. You need to do some learning, and it’s pretty easy to learn, and then convert those lessons learned into body and muscle memory. Billiards is a game of really good motor control and evaluation of the positions of balls, based on familiarity. This article shares many optimal billiards suggestions which will not strain your brain or lead to puzzlement.

Always know and have awareness of your particular game as well as the table you are playing on. You will discover that each table behaves in its own way. That personality results from the table bottom material, felt material, air and environment, degree of felt wear, and how much the table is played. All of those factors will have an effect on your game. You will come to learn that most tables have felt that is made from cotton. What you might not know is cotton is highly susceptible to weather conditions. For example, high humidity will cause the billiard balls to slow just a little bit.

One of the basic billiard strokes is the draw stroke, and there are many nuances involved with this type of stroke. This is a stroke that we believe has more promise than most players are aware. The rationale for us saying this is that you can form a linear draw, plus a non-linear or curved draw. We kindly suggest you become proficient with the linear draw before you attempt the curved draw. Naturally, you should always have a prosperous amount of chalk on the tip to promise a solid strike hold with the cue ball. For training, work on the more distinguished short draw in which you need to draw, although you are restricted in stroke power.

Every game of billiards is a practice of certitude. No one but you should decide what shots to take or your overall game strategy. When it comes to measuring up your shots, you should pick out how you’re going to shoot and then stay with that decision. Of course you have to make the appropriate shot analysis just like you always do. But the thing is your mind needs to be totally focused on what you are trying to do. Billiards calls for your entire focus and meditation. If you aren’t sure about your shot, or are still questioning your shot selection, then you won’t be able to concentrate. That moment of being unsure will cause more shot failures than you realize.

Occasionally, you will see and read dissimilar and ostensibly incompatible billiards clues for the same thing. Or, there are slight differences as far as recommendations go for playing a certain way or taking a shot. If you are not sure, or wonder, about which is best, then you simply have to do some testing. Yes, run your own experiments and see how the tips work for you. We are all unique, and there could very well be some portion of one hint that suits your style better than the other.

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