Posts Tagged ‘Pool maintenance’

Hot Tub Temperatures And Your Health

Tuesday, July 13th, 2010

After a hard day of work, its always nice to soak in a hot tub to eliminate stress and relax your tired, aching body. But before you dip into the hot water, check it first. Make sure your hot tub is set at the right temperature. The wrong temperature can be hazardous.

This hot tub health warning comes from the U.S. Consumer Products Safety Commission (CPSC) which explains that high water temperatures can endanger your health. For this reason, it recommends 104 degrees Fahrenheit as the maximum temperature of a hot tub.

Experts agree that the use of higher temperature water can have healing effects on the body. Such hot water treatments and baths are used around the world. In Japan, temperatures in these baths can reach more than 115 degrees Fahrenheit. However, in most countries, including the U.S., these temperatures are regulated. This is because experts agree that high temperatures are linked to problems with health such as heat stroke.

Because of this warning, most hot tub manufacturers have installed controls on their products so that temperatures cannot go above and beyond the recommended level. The CPSC has indicated that if the water temperature goes too far beyond a persons regular body temperature, it can make them feel drowsy. This drowsiness can result in unconsciousness and then drowning.

The risk of drowning increases with the consumption of alcoholic beverages before soaking or while in a hot tub. So far this year, 10 deaths have been reported, three of which occurred with the use of alcohol in a hot tub with a temperature of 110 degrees Fahrenheit.

For those who are pregnant, extremely hot temperatures should also be avoided since they can cause damage to the fetus. Those with heart problems and hypertension are also at risk. Since heat raises the blood pressure, individuals can be at greater risk for heart attacks and strokes, often resulting in death. Because obesity is often linked with high blood pressure, overweight individuals should also avoid excessive hot tub temperatures.

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Pool Cleaning 101: Filters

Monday, July 12th, 2010

Essentially, there are two important things that a pool owner has to consider when he or she wants to keep her pool at a healthy condition. 1. Constant running water; the kind of water that go on good circulation and will unlikely have the chances of getting stagnated. 2. Proper filtration; where it keeps the dirt off the precious pool.

Proper filtration in your pool will not only ascertain that the water will not get filthy; it also gives you assurance that bacteria is prevented from every infesting your pool. Something of ulterior importance to any pool owner. Come to think of it, who would want to swim over a pool full of sickness causing bacteria?

There are 3 types of pool filters that are widely used my most pool owners today. Let’s take a look at them and how they function.

1. Sand Filters

All sand filters have basically three things in common. 1. They all make use of sand (while others utilize sand & gravel combinations). 2. They flow through the top, then right down to the sand filters which will practically strain all dirt and debris off the water. 3. Clean water is then permitted back into the pool once it’s already cleaned.

Sand filters are perhaps one of the oldest known methods of water filtration known to man. Way even before during the time of ancient civilizations, they already make use of sand to filter out dirt from their water linkages in order to make the water potable.

They are very effective cleaning mechanisms when you are not making use of any chlorine oriented cleaning agents such as biguanides.

2. Cartridge Filters

All cartridge filters also make use 3 common denominators that make it work well: 1. Generally, all cartridge filters make use of specially pleated fiber cartridges to catch dirt and debris out of the pool. 2. Water goes through inside of the tank which will then proceed to the cartridges to be filtered. 3. Clean water is then flowed back to the pool.

Cartridge filters are generally large in size. The pleated fiber material can reach as large as several hundred square feet, very much larger than that of residential sand filters which sizes range only below 4 square feet. Due to its considerable size the chances of it getting dirty in between cleanings would take a while.

3. DE Filters

DE filters are perhaps the finest filtration mechanism there is available in the market. DE Filters make use of septum, finger-like grids that sift out dirt and even microorganisms as small as 2-5 microns in size, the size of some microscopic algae and large bacteria.

DE filters will filter out the dirt with their septum, and thoroughly clean the waters until even the smallest organisms are sifted. Then the cleaner water is flowed back into the pool.

Read more pool cleaning tips and visit this article about pool cleaning filters to gain more infos.

Chemical Treatments For Pool Cleaning

Monday, July 12th, 2010

You practically have 2 main reasons why pool owners should always make it an appointment to keep their swimming pools maintained periodically: 1. When dirt accumulates it will lead to destroying your pool. Filth will pile up in every part of the place until such time they stick there for good. Thus you would have to go through the hassle of having your pool professionally overhauled; this practically entails additional expenses. 2. Dirt causes bacteria build-up in your pool. Bacteria will not only destroy the well-being of your pool but to you and your family as well, as it will cause sickness to everyone who would come in contact with them.

There are a lot of pool cleaning options available in the market. One of the most popular ones is the use of chemical based agents in cleaning in the pool. Chlorine based cleaning agents are amongst the ones mostly used by pool owners. They are proven effective to wear off germs from your pool waters. Below are two pool cleaning mechanisms that make use of chlorine:

1. Swimming Pool Shock

Pool Shocks are advisably to be used at least once a week. Especially when the pool is used quite too often within the time being, or after a heavy rain, and or during extended hot seasons like summer. Pool Shocking is simply “extremely chlorinating” your pool. Thias means that the chlorine content level of your pool is increased drastically to saturate the water with the chemical to ensure that all bacteria in it is eradicated. Every pool owner should have a basic knowledge about this method being one of the most commonly used treatment option.

2. Algaecides

The usual cause why your swimming pool becomes mossy and slimy is the presence of algae in it. In order to abate this condition, the use of algaecides is practical. There are 3 different most common types of algae that infest pools. The black, green and mustard. The green algae are obviously the green slimy stuff that floats around your pool. Also they stick on the in betweens of the pool wall tiles and floor giving it the slippery slimy feel. Black are ironically not black. They are more of greenish blue pigments that float around the pool as well. Mustard algae looks like dirt and often mistaken as dirt.

All of the mentioned treatments above are chemically based. Albeit them being effective in cleaning you pool, there comes natural hazards along with their usage. It is important to note precautionary measure each and every time you make use of these treatments.

read more on pool cleaning tips by going through this article about pool cleaning chemicals to gain additional inputs.

Do It Yourself Pool Cleaning Tips

Friday, July 9th, 2010

Swimming pools are not always fun to have around. Because there will come a time when your pool will turn green and dotted with some ugly blue stuff making it look unhealthy to swim on. Your once crystal clear blue waters will suddenly turn into a hideous place in your house. And you really don’t want this to happen to your precious recreational area. That is why it is important to make it a point to always clean your pool from time to time.

However, granted that a pool might be pretty big of a space to clean, the task at hand maybe quite considerable. Thus, you might find it convenient to make use of cleaning systems or machineries to do the job. But, it does not necessarily follow also that you cannot do it yourself.

There are a lot of pool cleaning tools you can make use that are cheap and are readily available. You can have these ones instead of going for those really huge ones. Although bigger ones are relatively more efficient because they would probably entail more comprehensive automated mechanisms. But sometimes the best way to go is to use the practical ones. These practical tools would include your skimming net, pool brush and vacuum.

After you have them, you can now personally begin your pool cleaning task.

Sometimes trees and plants the overlook your pool will wither its leaves on it. Over time they accumulate and eventually cover your pool. Withered leaves on the pool will not only make your pool look dirty, it would also make it susceptible for bacteria attacks. To clean the leaves that fell into your pool, use your skimming net to pick them up. Keep on skimming the pool with the skimming net until such time that you can clearly see that your pool is leaves-free. Place a container or a garbage can near you to easily dispose the picked-up leaves.

When a container or space has water in it, the presence of algae would be natural if the water is left unchecked and unchanged for too long. Same goes as well with swimming pools with unclogged water; the surfaces get mossy and slippery due to algae build-up. It is important to free your pool from this gross. First unclogged and drain the water that has probably been there for ever. When the pool basin is empty, begin using your brush to scrape all the algae pasted in the wall surfaces. After the walls you can proceed immediately with the floor. Tiled pools require a more specific kind of brush to clean the in between of the tiles.

Vacuums are essential in cleansing the water that is circulated in the pool. Vacuum siphons the water and removes certain dirt and debris off it. You can do this ever week.

Filters are important pool items to have. They keep your pool clean in between general cleanings. Filters sift water from dirt thus making the water cleaner. But eventually, all the dirt filtered by the filters will accumulate until it can’t manage to filter any more dirt. It is important to periodically clean the filters to ensure that they are working properly and at the same time, keeping your pool clean.

If you want to make your pool cleaning task easier, read this article about cheap pool cleaning tips to gain additional tips.

Hayward And New Brands Of Pool Pump

Sunday, June 27th, 2010

In the roasting heat of summer season the best thing that can do to cool youself down is jump in a swimming pool. For people with access to swimming pools, maintenance is rarely a priority. All too often, leisure takes priority over the joy of cooling down in a relaxing pool. However, the reality is that if you own a pool, you will need to maintain it, and periodically, you will even need to replace your Hayward Super Pump pool pump. In general, if you own a pool or spa, you will most likely have a Hayward Super Pump swimming pool pump installed in your pool.

These pumps are ideally suited for the in-ground spas and pools that require so many high capacity filters, heaters and cleaning equipment. It brings together a self-priming pump as well as a greatly innovated seal and impeller design.

The Super Pump design is reliable and it is designed to avoid corrosion as well a run cool and quit at almost continuous duty. As a result, these swimming pool pumps are reliable and durable.

When trying to exchange a pool pump yourself, the very first thing you must understand is that trying to do all the essential wiring yourself is not exactly the smart thing to do. Understanding the hazards of electricity, you should always turn off the power before working on the unit. Be sure to monitor your wiring and its relation to the water. If wiring gets wet it can cause electrocution, and even death.

Hence ensure that you hire a licensed electrician to carry out the installation for you. Try avoiding using extension chords to connect the pump to an electric supply by using a suitable outlet for electricity that you may have to produce yourself. As well as in situations where wires have been damaged it is important to repair them for the sake of avoiding unexpected electrocution.

Hazards concerning suction entrapment are principally common with these pumps, so make sure you are aware of a few safety tips in order to avoid drowning when children swim alone. Hair can simply become trapped in the suction tube, thereby trapping a child in that area of the pool until help arrives, if at all it arrives on time.

The suction outlet pump has an opening that can also bring about limb entrapment is the opening is cracked, broken, damaged or not safely secured. Limbs can become swollen quite easily when this happens or even mechanical bind. Apart from having your limbs suctioned jewelry, swimsuits and hair can also be trapped at the suction outlet or opening. Be sure to avoid such areas when swimming.

These pumps contain a number of features that make them a prudent buy. They have a ceramic seal that is warmth resistant; a see through filter cover that facilitates you to see when the pool needs cleaning and of course rust proof PermaGlass to amplify durability.

So if you are looking for a pool pump to purchase you might want to try this out.

Hayward Super Pump are some of the most robust swimming pool pumps available. If you need pump equipment for your spa or swimming pool, visit us at Hayward Super Pump today.

Swimming Pool Chemicals – Kill Bacteria And Make The Water More Pleasant To Swim In

Saturday, June 19th, 2010

There are some chemicals for your swimming pool that are a must if you want to keep your swimming pool safe and sanitary for you and your family to use. Swimming pools are some of the most fun a person can have, but they are hard work to maintain and you must make sure you do it well.

Various bacteria needs be cleaned out of the pool before you use it, and the pH balance needs to be leveled. There are various chemicals you can use to do this. Most of them you can find some department stores, while others you will have to go to specialty pool supply retailers or websites.

Ensuring that the pH is balanced is the most important part of choosing swimming pool chemicals. To check your pH balance I need to do is pick up a test at any retailers that sell any other pool supplies. Checking your pH balance should be the first thing you do aside from add chlorine. The pH balance affects how hard or soft the water is, as well as how clear it is and whether or not it damages your eyes.

Chlorine’s job is to killy any pathogens or bacteria that are in the water. It is just as important as pH balancing and should be done whenever you plan on using the pool. It is also extremely important to have a quality filtration system that helps circulate the water.

Not only should you have swimming pool cehmicals and a water filtration system, but also a vacuum. The system you use as filtration helps fliter out anything that the chlorine has killed, as well as larger particles that the chlorine cannot break down.

Once ever two or three months, you should replace your water to be sure it’s safe. However, you will need to do it at least this much. This is why it’s important to keep trap of the maintenance you perform on your pool.

When you own the pool, chemicals for your pool are a necessity.

Swimming Pool Covers – The Only Winter Time Maintenance You Need

Friday, June 18th, 2010

When it is cold outside, pool owners have to use swimming pool covers in order to keep debris from falling in to the pool. These covers also keep leaves and other debris from falling into the water in the months that you cannot use the pool as well

There are different types of swimming pool covers for pools that are below the ground or on top of the ground. You know which type of pool this is, because it is fairly obvious. Pools are under the ground or built in, while ones are above the ground are set up. One that is an in ground pool is permanently installed, while those that are not to be taken down at any time.

If you have an above ground pool, there are two options for covering it. You can leave the pool up and put a cover on it or you can simply take it down, depending on what kind of pool it is.

Any in ground pools should have swimming pool covers for the winter. In ground pools tend to be larger than those that are above ground, and you have to keep up with their maintenance for years. It is as much easier to put a cover on them to forget about them for the winter.

Using a pool cover can keep you from having to clean up the bottom of the pool before using it again. This is especially true if you keep water in the pool during the winter months, which can get extremely dirty especially if uncovered.

At nearly any pool supply retailer, you can find a swimming pool cover that will fit your pool. They are a popular and much used product, meaning that the price will be reasonable; expect to only have to pay between $15 and $30 for your cover.

When you have a swimming pool, swimming swimming pool covers are a necessity to have.

Above Ground Pools And Swimming Pools Are Relief For When The Heat Is On

Sunday, December 13th, 2009

Summer brings warm weather. One of the best ways to beat the heat is through the use of above ground pools.

It will cost you much less to install an above ground pool than it will to have an in ground pool installed. Above ground pools can be self installed while in ground pools will require hiring a professional for the installation.

There is some initial prep work that will need to be done regardless of the type of above ground pool you choose. The area where you will install the pool should be free of stones other foreign objects. A layer of sand will help to protect the pool from cuts and rips. For the above ground pool with metal walls you will need extra sand to form a cove around the inside of the wall. Without the cove the liner can become damaged and allow all the water to leak from your pool.

For easiest setup, choose one of the inflatable ring pools. There are no walls or supports to assemble. Just inflate the ring and fill with water. This pool practically sets its self up. These pools are of limited size range.

The oldest style above ground pool is the metal sided pool. These pools are quite sturdy and durable. They can last for many years with proper care. The plastic liner keeps the water in the pool and can be replaced if necessary. Pools with metal sides can be much larger than the inflatable ring pools.

For ease of setup like an inflatable ring pool but a larger size like the metal sided pool, try a pool with a PVC frame. These pools do not require the time of setting up a metal pool, and have the heavier liner used in the ring pool. These pools can be as large as most metal pools.

Your above ground pool will need a filtering system. Many owners prefer a sand filter to the paper filters common with pools today. While more expensive, they do not require daily cleaning like the paper filters and can be back-flushed in needed.

Salt systems are becoming very popular ways to control algae and other contaminates in the pool. They are just as effective as chlorine, but the chemicals are much more stable, do not bleach clothing and less expensive. As an added advantage, salt systems will not burn your eyes. The salt is very mild and will not harm clothing either.

A variety of above ground pools, above ground swimming pools and plenty of pool liners to choose from.

categories: Above ground pools,Above ground swimming pools,Pools liners,Pool covers,Swimming pools,Pool maintenance,Pool ladders