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Why I Want a Swimming Pool

So you want a swimming pool. I know I do but that's because my body is getting flabbier as I get older and I want a pool for 2 reasons. I hope by exercising in a swimming pool it will tone my muscles, help me loose some of my flab and make me fitter and the other reason is I don't want to scare people when I use a shared pool. When I'm in a public swimming pool people think there's a whale loose in it when it's only me. Oh dear, I think I need to diet as well.

I spent last summer vacationing in Europe. I started in London - it rained, travelled through France and stayed in an old converted remote farmhouse with its own pool and then travelled down through Spain to the Costa del Sol where I then spent 3 weeks in a villa high in the Andalusian mountains with stunning sea and mountain views and of course its own swimming pool. Both pools were unique and were self-builds. The swimming pool in Spain had been built by the villa owner, a great guy called John, who was an ex pat builder from London. The swimming pool he had built was 25 ft by 32 ft. It wasn't square, the floor wasn't level, the tiling wasn't level, the slope of the floor wasn't even, and you know, it was the best swimming pool I've ever been in. It was great.

I had travelled to Spain to see the area as its somewhere I had always wanted to visit on a vacation and do you know, I need to go back as I didn't see a great deal of it. I spent most of the 3 weeks I was there in the pool. The swimming pool had what they call in England, rustic charm. The sides were not straight, the floor tiles were slightly uneven and the floor sloped ever so slightly from side to side but taken with the converted stables, now a villa, and the country setting it worked and worked very well. It was the best swimming pool I've ever been in. If I was building a swimming pool this is how I would build it. However, a swimming pool like this would not work with a new build house, it just wouldn't suit it.

Take the swimming pool in France. This was much more of a modern pool but again was in a countryside setting so a really formal new swimming pool wouldn't work and I'm pleased to say that this wasn't a formal swimming pool although at least everything was straight like the sides of the pool. Again, the design was something I had never seen before. The swimming pool sloped down from the shallow end but at a certain point, the deep part fell away on all 4 sides to become 12 ft deep. However, it had an underwater ledge about 3 ft below the surface all the way round the pool. It was great for chasing the kids round the pool, or for them chasing me, and we had a fantastic holiday with 2 fantastic pools.

The trouble was though that although I had a very long vacation, I didn't see a great deal of France or Spain except when we were travelling. The reason, well I'm sure you can guess. If not here's a clue. I had 2 fantastic swimming pools. I am sure I can describe the swimming pools better than the countryside local to where I stayed. I'll have to go back next year and try again but I know I'll be distracted by the swimming pools when choosing somewhere to stay. Then again I could try a mountain cabin with a lake to swim in. That's something I've always thought would be fun. It's a tough choice, lake or swimming pool. Maybe I can try both or better still perhaps its time I built my own swimming pool at home.

Prevent Summertime Swimming Pool Accidents and Liability

Swimming pools are becoming an increasingly popular amenity in homes new and old, and represent an activity that is especially enjoyable in the summertime. Unfortunately, pools can also be extremely dangerous, particularly for small and unsupervised children. In fact, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, children ages one to four have the highest drowning rates, most of which occur in residential swimming pools. Approximately 300 children under the age of five die from pool-related accidents each year, and 2,000 more young children are hospitalized for submersion injuries. If you or a loved one has been injured in a swimming pool accident or if a person has suffered injury or death while swimming in your pool, contact an experienced personal injury attorney to discuss your legal options.

Factors That Influence Drowning Risk

There are a number of important factors that influence drowning risk and should be taken into consideration when preventing summertime swimming pool accidents and pool owner liability. It important for both parents and pool owners to consider all aspects of pool safety before allowing children, adolescents or adults access to swimming pools.

• Lack of Supervision and Barriers

It is extremely important for young children and even
adults to be supervised when participating in swimming pool activities, whether by a professional lifeguard, parent or guardian. In addition, barriers like pool fencing should be used to prevent young children from gaining access to a pool area without the awareness or supervision of a caregiver. According to CDC statistics, there is an 83% reduction in the risk of childhood drowning with a four-sided isolation pool fence, compared to the three-sided property line fencing.

• Lack of Life Jacket Use

Although life jacket use is typically more strictly enforced during boating activities or while swimming in lakes or rivers, small children and even adolescents or adults may also benefit from using a life jacket while swimming in a residential pool.

• Alcohol Use

Up to half of adolescent and adult deaths associated with water recreation involve alcohol use. Alcohol can severely affect judgment, balance and coordination, and its effects are heightened by heat and sun exposure, making it especially dangerous during pool use.

• Seizure Disorders

Drowning is the most common cause of unintentional injury and death among individuals with seizure disorders.

Consequences Associated with Swimming Pool Accidents and Injuries

In 2007, there were 3,443 fatal unintentional drownings in the United States, which translates to an average of ten deaths per day. Even nonfatal drownings can have severe consequences, potentially resulting in brain damage and long-term disabilities like permanent loss of basic functioning, memory problems and learning disabilities. According to the CDC, more than 55% of drowning victims treated in the emergency room require further hospitalization or transfer for higher levels of care. The injuries associated with swimming pool accidents can be severe, and the medical costs associated with pool accidents and injuries can also be quite high. During the initial hospitalization alone, medical costs can reach $2,000 even for victims who recover fully. For swimming pool accident victims who suffer severe injuries like brain damage, medical costs can skyrocket to $80,000.

How to Prevent Swimming Pool Accidents

The CDC provides tips to pool owners and users which can help prevent swimming pool accidents, injuries and death.

• Learn to swim properly. According to research, receiving formal swimming lesson instruction can reduce the risk of drowning by 88% among children aged one to four years.
• Designate a responsible adult to watch children in and around the water. Children should be within touch of this person at all times. Adults should not be engaged in other activities while watching children near a pool, including reading, talking on the phone, etc.
• Always swim with a buddy and/or swim within sight of a lifeguard when possible.
• Learn CPR. The faster a bystander's response time, the better chance the victim has of surviving.
• Do not use foam toys in place of life jackets. Noodles and inner tubes are not designed to keep a child safe, and may instill a false sense of security when a child is playing in a swimming pool.
• Avoid alcohol use before and during pool-side supervision.

How to Prevent Owner Liability in Swimming Pool Accidents

If you have a pool at home, you are responsible for taking the appropriate measures to make the area as safe as possible. The first step you should take in pool ownership is to install four-sided fencing around the pool so that the house and play area of the yard are completely separated from the pool area. The fence should be at least four feet high and should employ self-latching gates that open outward with latches that are out of reach of children. You may also consider installing additional pool barriers like automatic door locks or alarms to prevent unauthorized pool access or to alert you if someone enters the pool area. Another step to take to prevent swimming pool accidents and injuries is to clear the pool and pool deck of toys. Floats, balls and other toys should be removed from the pool and surrounding area immediately after use so that children aren't tempted to re-enter the pool area without supervision.

Most young children who drown in swimming pools were last seen in their home, had been out of sight for less than five minutes, and were in the care of one or both parents at the time they were last seen. Many communities have established safety regulations governing residential swimming pools; in addition to these regulations, parents and pool owners can take their own precautions to reduce the chances of unsupervised children gaining access to swimming pool areas. If your child has suffered serious injury or death as a result of a swimming pool accident, contact a personal injury attorney, as you may be entitled to financial compensation for your child's injuries and the pain and suffering endured by you and your family. If you are a pool owner and an accident occurred at your residence, there are steps you can take to avoid facing owner liability for injuries incurred. With the help of a qualified personal injury lawyer, you can be aware of your legal options and ensure that your rights are adequately protected.

Swimming Pools Designs - What Style is the Best Choice For You?

Types Of Swimming Pools

A home swimming pool could be a fantastic refuge for weary family members. It is the one place where we all wish to be on a hot day. Swimming is a calming exercise, as well as a healthy one, for individuals of all age groups. In addition, a nicely created swimming pool adds class as well as value to any home.

But what type of pool should you put in?

You will find numerous options to consider. Here are probably the most common options:

Swimming Pools Designs: Above Ground: 

Above ground swimming pools are the simplest to build and the cheapest to buy, as they come as pre-made kits. They are the summer-fun answer for those who don't wish to make the larger commitment of an in-ground swimming pool. If you're not yet ready for a permanent structure in your yard, then an above-ground may be the way to go.

Here are the above ground swimming pool tidbits to think about:

Quick to install: Grab a few handy neighbors and you can be hosting a pool party in just a few days.

Moveable: Should you move, you can take your pool with you, give it to a friend or even sell it. Or you can leave it as a gain for the next owner of your home.

Choices: You are able to choose from aluminum, resin or steel sidings. All 3 types have numerous benefits, ranging from rust-resistance to average life-span. Your local dealer can help you to weigh the pros and cons of each kind.

Affordable: Above-grounds are excellent for those searching for a fairly affordable way to provide years of backyard family entertainment.

Great for Small Lots: If getting a back-hoe into your yard might be next-to-impossible, an above-ground can usually be carried in a kit to your yard and set up.

Variety: Above-grounds come in several sizes and shapes, and a range of decorative wall patterns and decking choices.

Swimming Pools Designs: Below Ground: 

Fiberglass: 

Fiberglass pools are built utilizing molded fiberglass, reinforced plastic. Fiberglass pools are in ground, and can provide you years and years of family fun and swimming pleasure. Fundamentally, a fiberglass swimming pool is similar to a giant bathtub.

Here are fiberglass pool tidbits to think about:

Installation: As soon as your yard has been excavated, the swimming pool is delivered in one piece and set up. Building time is usually about two weeks.

Cost: Fiberglass pools are usually more expensive to purchase than concrete inground pools, but can save you money over the life of the pool. This is simply because they usually will require fewer chemicals than concrete pools. You also avoid upcoming replastering and liner replacement expenses.

Shock absorbent: What happens if the earth moves? Fiberglass has a shock-absorbing capability that allows it to bend up to 2 feet. However, there also are new concrete building methods that allow concrete to flex. So, it's important to remember that if you live in an earthquake-prone region, be certain to have your dealer explain the features and benefits of fiberglass and concrete construction.

Maintenance: Unlike a plaster finish, a fiberglass shell doesn't change the chemistry of the water, so you often will use much less acid. Simply because of the non-porous surface, you do not need to brush the pool nearly as often as a plaster-finished concrete swimming pool. However, you typically do not need to brush a pebble-finish concrete pool as frequently as a plaster-finish pool, so when discussing this choice with a dealer, be sure you're comparing apples to apples.

Vinyl: 

Vinyl lined swimming pools would be the cheapest kinds of in ground styles you can get, even though you will need to have the liner replaced every ten years or so.

A vinyl-liner swimming pool typically is shipped from the manufacturer in kit form. After excavation, the panel walls are bolted or fastened together and supported at the bottom by a concrete footing. The vinyl liner is spread over the interior of the swimming pool and covers the excavated floor and paneled walls. It is connected to the top of the panel walls by a vinyl rib at the outside edge of the liner. Be sure to ask your liners usually have to be replaced in your area of the country. Construction time for vinyl-liner swimming pools is usually one to three weeks.

The 10 Most Common Swimming Pool Dangers

In the back of their minds, all swimming pool owners know the risk of having a silent, lurking body of water in the back yard. Even more so for families with children, a swimming pool can be a silent killer. Consider this top ten list of the most common, and most dangerous swimming pool deficiencies:

10) Electrical

Proper electrical wiring for a swimming pool and all its components is critical since water, electricity and people are a dangerous mix. Swimming pools, and all metal components within one meter of the water line should be bonded with a heavy ground wire loop. Additionally all electrical devices that come into close contact with water such as pumps and lights must be properly connected with a GFIC or ground fault interrupter.

9) Slippery Decks

As swimming pool deck surfaces age and weather they will develop algae and become very slippery, especially in wet conditions. To reduce the likelihood of falling or slipping on a pool deck, you should pressure wash your deck yearly. Additionally a silica sand can be added to your concrete sealer to provide a more textured and slip resistant surface.

8) Ladders & Stairs

Stairs and ladders are a very common place for injury in a swimming pool. Coloured nosing tile is used to accentuate step edges in many pools, which helps to define the step edges under the moving water. The likelihood for a fall or injury increases at night, and also even more so if there is no underwater swimming pool light to illuminate the water. Ladders often have hand rails installed into the pool deck which can become loose over time. If the ladder rails shift as you are climbing out of the water, this will greatly increase the risk of a fall.

7) Water Quality

Do not underestimate your green swimming pool. Harmful bacteria can reside in poorly maintained water. It is critical to ensure that the water quality is suitable for swimming to prevent infections and staph infections of the eyes, ears, nose and throat. Chemical levels in the water can also affect those prone to skin reactions.

6) Chemical Storage

Your swimming pool chemicals are a potent mix of strong acids, alkalines and poisons. Even worse is that many of these chemicals specifically react with one another, yet they are often stored in the same location with little effort to keep them safe. Chemicals should be researched and stored in a controlled, dry and locked location at all times.

5) Pool Winter Covers

Winterization covers are often just large tarps stretched over the pool with sand or water bags pinning them down at the edges. These are not strong enough to support the weight of a medium pet or small child without pulling into the pool. They can look tempting to walk on, but any person or animal that walks out onto a swimming pool winter cover is in serious jeopardy.

4) Suction Lines

The swimming pool suction points, most commonly the skimmer and the main drain are directly connected to the front of powerful swimming pool pumps. The power of a pool pump is more than enough the cause sever and life threatening injury. The warning label that comes on new main drains, skimmers and pool pumps states that the pool pump has enough force to trap, drown and disembowel you should you unwittingly cover the suction point with any part of your body. Tragically every year more children are killed this way from single suction main drains which are now illegal. Dual suction main drains spaced apart are now required so that you can not cover both suction points at the same time. Proper use of main drain lids is critical to ensure the safety of your swimmers.

3) Pool Toys

A surprisingly common source for swimming pool related accidents is a result of swimming pool toys which are not suitable for use in a pool. Some floatation devices can cause young swimmers to flip over and get trapped upside down under the water. Large innertubes or inflatable boats are prime examples of items better suited for the beach.

2) Pool Slides 

Swimming pool slides seem like a good idea when you consider children playing in the pool. At the same time, a pool slide is literally like letting your children play on a 9 foot tall ladder overtop of concrete. Pool slides are less and less common these days, and for good reason as they are the second most common cause of serious injury in a swimming pool.

1) Diving Boards

By far the most dangerous element to your swimming pool is the diving board. The vast majority of swimming pools are not deep enough for a diving board. The risk of spinal and head trauma are extremely high in pools less than nine feet deep, which most are. Even a moderately steep dive will cause a collision at the bottom for the swimmer, and the long slope of the pool shallow end is a tricky obstacle to avoid when pulling up from the dive. Removing the diving board from your pool and encouraging a no diving policy will decrease the likelihood of a swimming pool accident or injury by as much as 50%.

Remember - these swimming pool dangers relate to the average swimmer, but an unused pool can be just as deadly. Be sure to install an automatic swimming pool safety cover to take the single most proactive step towards increasing the safety of your swimming pool.

Swimming Pool Designs for Maximum Fun and Enjoyment

The first thing you need to consider when designing your pool is its intended use. Do you want to swim laps, do physical therapy, exercise, entertain guests, let the kids have some fun, or impress your neighbors? After all, you want to get a pool for a reason or a multitude of reasons to enhance your life. A pool's intended use has arguably the greatest impact on the way it should be designed, and therefore, the needs and wants your swimming pool is intended to fulfill should be identified very early in the design process. It is also useful to recognize the pool's primary functions to help you narrow down your design choices. In the following sections we'll go over some of the most popular benefits people get from owning a pool, and how these impact the swimming pool's design.

Fun and Leisure:

The most frequent motive for obtaining a swimming pool is for family fun and leisure. A backyard pool is a great place to cool off during the summer, have fun with the kids and throw some inflatable toys around. If this is your only reason for wanting a pool, then the simplest, least expensive swimming pool designs will suffice. If your budget is large, then you may want to invest in some luxury, but otherwise an above-ground pool or a shallow in-ground pool would be enough to meet your needs. A pool that's at a constant depth of 4 feet is sufficiently deep to splash around and swim the occasional lap in, but also shallow enough to provide safety for the whole family.

Exercise:

If you want to use your pool for some serious exercise, then the dimensions of your pool require more critical consideration. For lap swimming, a pool at least 25 feet long and 3.5 feet deep is recommended, with typical lengths ranging form 25 to 40 feet. There are also dedicated lap pools that are relatively very narrow, and therefore fit in constrained spaces. Water aerobics require some more depth to avoid touching bottom. Typically a section of the pool that's 5 to 6 feet deep is enough for this purpose.
Another option for swimmers is the swim spa, which is a small pool, usually no more than about 12 feet in length that can generate a strong current to swim against. One can then swim against the current while remaining in place. Their small size also makes the installation of indoor swim spas a very viable option in many cases.

Parties and Entertaining Guests:

If pool parties are in your future you may have a few other design issues to think about. These largely involve the landscaping and design of the area surrounding the pool. You may want to surround the pool with a patio or a deck, add a pool house, a gazebo, an outdoor bar, furniture, etc. In addition, you may want the pool itself to be designed for looks, with a stylish shape, rather than just for functionality. Carefully hiding pool equipment will also make the pool area more appealing.

Relaxation:

Spending time at your pool can be very relaxing, and the proper amenities will make it even more enjoyable. An addition of a spa or a hot tub to the pool area is a great complement to the swimming pool itself. Like pools, these come in the in-ground, and portable, above-ground varieties. An in-ground spa is typically connected to the pool's filtration and heating systems. And if that's not the case, a portable spa is a much more economical option.

If you're going to spend time pool-side sunbathing, be sure to leave the space for it. And if you opt for the above-ground pool variety, the addition of a sizable pool level deck makes great sense.

Jerry Westly is an avid swimmer and swimming pool enthusiast who writes his thoughts on building and maintaining the perfect backyard swimming pool on Swimming-Pool-Designs.com Please visit the site for tips and advice on topics such as inground swimming pools, above ground swimming pools, swimming pool covers and much more.

10 Phases of Swimming Pool Construction

Building an inground swimming pool is the culmination of 10 different phases of swimming pool construction. This article will give you a brief understanding of the construction cycle. And it all begins with, the desire to have a pool in your own backyard.

Design & Engineering

The first place most homeowners look for qualified swimming pool contractors is the local phone book, and by word of mouth from others who have built a pool. After the initial interview process, you will have a good idea what your swimming pool will cost to have built. The contractor or consultant will provide a design and a complete bid for your acceptance. With a contract in hand, the contractor will obtain all necessary engineering from a qualified structural engineer. The contractor will then submit for permits from the local jurisdiction. At this point, it might also be necessary for the contractor to apply for a Home Owners Association(HOA) approval depending on your local community requirements. Once the building permit is obtained, the construction kicks off in high gear.

Layout & Excavation

This is one of the most exciting phases of swimming pool construction, excavation. Excavation is the digging and forming of the swimming pool. The very first thing the excavation crews do is the pregrade. Pregrade is the clearing of the pool site and the grading of the area for the swimming pool. This allows the crew to paint on the ground the final shape of your pool and at the same time the crew will stake the perimeter of the pool and add forms for the structure of the pool. The typical time needed to dig a pool depends on various factors. These factors include: access, soil conditions, and overall size and depth of the pool. Most pools these days are dug in 1 to 2 days.

Rough Plumbing & Electrical

Once the pool is dug, it's time to move on to the rough plumbing and electrical. This is where all of the trenches will be dug for all the pipes and conduits necessary to operate your pool. Sometimes, the rough plumbing & electrical will be broken down in a couple of parts, otherwise all trenching and installation of the pipes and conduits will be done at the same time. This includes installation of the suction and return lines, water-feature lines, vacuum cleaner lines, fill lines, solar inlet and returns, gas lines for swimming pool heater and future barbecues and firepits, and the electrical service line. In most cases this will take 2-3 days to complete, and may be done either before, during or after steel.

Steel

The steel phase is the addition of rebar formed in the ultimate shape of the pool. A rebar contractor will "tie" the steel using bailing wire in a grid pattern determined by the structural engineer. A good crew will normally take less than a day to tie the steel depending on the size, shape and any raised walls or bond beams.

Gunite or Shotcrete

Up until this time, your backyard will look like one big disaster area, with trenches running here and there and a big hole in your yard with a criss-cross pattern of rebar running through. Gunite or Shotcrete is the application of the concrete to the pool surface, it makes the shell of your pool. The crews will arrive and via a hose will apply the concrete in the end, the pool will have a close to finish look. The benches installed, and the pool walls and floor will have been completed. This will also be one of the first times you will be required to be actively involved in the construction of your pool. For the next 7 to 10 days, you will be required to hose down the swimming pool shell two and three times a day with water to help cure the gunite or shotcrete. You will be truly amazed at how much water the pool structure adsorbs.

Tile & Rock 

After the installation of the gunite or shotcrete, the waterline tile and any rock or boulders will be installed on your pool. The tile is necessary to provide an easy surface to keep clean at the waterline. Rock or boulders are added to incorporate a natural "swimming hole" look and feel and for waterfalls and jump rocks. For pools with the contemporary look or classic style, tile is incorporated into the design and is applied not only to the water line, but also to any raise walls or water-features.

Decking

(Concrete, Pavers, Trex, Tile, Stone, etc.) With the tile installed, the next addition to your swimming pool project is the decking. Now where I grew up, decking was always associated with wood, and redwood was king. But when I got involved in the swimming pool industry, deck was the item that surrounded the pool. For the majority of swimming pool owners, the deck of choice is concrete. Concrete is durable and inexpensive when compared to the other options being, grass or landscaping, tile, stone, pavers and natural or synthetic wood products. The installation of decking takes a minimum of a couple of days for forming and finishing, or it can require multiple days and weeks depending on the surface. The deck crew will also be responsible for installing the equipment pad, where all the pumps, filters, heaters and other equipment necessary to operate your pool will be located.

Equipment Set

The excitement builds, you're almost done and ready to swim. At equipment set, either your pool service company or the plumbing and electrical company will return to install all of the equipment. The lights will be installed, control panels will be hooked-up, all pumps, heater and filter will be mounted to the equipment pad and plumbed. This normally is routinely completed within one to two days. All ready for the filling of your pool with water. But wait, we're missing the all important pool surface.

Plaster

Plaster provides the waterproofing surface for your pool. Plaster comes in many different forms from plain-old, to pebble and polished surfaces. Typically, this can be done in a day. And for those of you where money is no object, this can be an all tile pool surface complete with Grecian borders. After the swimming pool finish has been applied, now is the time to start filling your pool.

Construction Clean-Up and Start-Up

Once the bulk of the construction is complete, all excess and left over materials will be removed from the pool site. All empty boxes will be hauled to the dumps, and finally, your backyard will be ready to be enjoyed and not looking like a disaster zone. The last item left to do is to start up the pool. The start up process assures all equipment is operating and the swimming pool has all of the necessary chemicals to prevent algae and other problems. Now it's your turn to start reaping all of the benefits of swimming pool ownership.

This has been a brief article describing the inground swimming pool process for gunite or shotcrete pools. A swimming pool is the culmination of many individual persons, each an experienced veteran of his or her trade. For most homeowners, a licensed contractor can guide them through the process. For others, the option of building their own pool and acting as their own general contractor can save them thousands of dollars but requires a deeper level of understanding.

Basic Swimming Pool Water Chemistry

• Pool pH & Pool Alkalinity The pH and Alkalinity levels of swimming pool water affect many areas of the swimming pool and must be kept at the correct levels if you expect to successfully maintain your swimming pool. The Alkalinity of pool water acts as a buffer for the pH, and helps prevent the pool pH level from fluctuating. The Alkalinity should be maintained at 80 - 120 ppm. The pH is the measure of the acidity of the swimming pool water, and the pH level should be maintained at 7.2 - 7.6 ppm. The pH of pool water is somewhat sensitive, but easily controlled if the Alkalinity is kept in range. All basic pool test kits should read the pH and Alkalinity level of pool water, and these levels are easily adjusted with common water balancing pool chemicals. If the pool pH level is not kept in range pool water may irritate the skin and eyes of swimmers, corrode the pool surface and inside of the pool equipment and make it very hard to maintain the chlorine level of the swimming pool.
• Pool Chlorine Stabilizer The chemical name of pool "Stabilizer" is Cyanuric Acid and it is referred to by either title. The Stabilizer level of swimming pool water must be maintained at 30-50 ppm. The Stabilizer level is important, but is typically only tested at the beginning of the swimming season when a pool is opened. The Stabilizer in swimming pool water partially surrounds the chlorine on a molecular level, to protect the chlorine and prevent the chlorine from being quickly burned off and used up by the sun. The symptoms of having too much Stabilizer or too little stabilizer in your pool water are very similar, and if you experience problems maintaining a chlorine level when all other chemical levels are properly balanced the stabilizer level should be tested. If the Stabilizer level tests lower than 30 ppm it will be difficult to maintain a chlorine level, because any chlorine added to your swimming pool will quickly evaporate and burn off in direct sunlight. If the Stabilizer level tests above 50 ppm it will also be difficult to maintain a chlorine level. Rather than partially surrounding the chlorine in your pool water to protect the chlorine, too much stabilizer will completely surround the chlorine making it inactive. In this state the chlorine is unable to combine with bacteria and harmful contaminants to sanitize your swimming pool. Stabilizer can be added to a swimming pool if necessary to raise the level, however once Stabilizer is present in pool water it cannot be easily removed. To reduce the amount of Stabilizer in a swimming pool the water must be diluted by partially draining the pool and re-filling with fresh water. 25% of the pool water should be drained and replaced with fresh water. The pool should be circulated for 12-24 hours, and the Stabilizer level should be tested again. This process should be repeated until the Stabilizer level is within range. The chlorine tablets and granular chlorine used to sanitize a swimming pool on a daily basis is a pre-stabilized form of chlorine. This means that the chlorine contains a small amount of stabilizer, and as chlorine is added to the pool a very small amount of Stabilizer is also added to help maintain the level. This small amount of Stabilizer constantly added with pool chlorine does not cause a problem in outdoor swimming pools because water is splashed out or evaporates, and gets replaced with fresh water to dilute the Stabilizer. This pre-stabilized form of chlorine cannot be used in indoor swimming pools, because much less water evaporation occurs and the stabilizer level will slowly buildup. Indoor swimming pool owners need to use an un-stabilized form of chlorine.
• Calcium Hardness The calcium hardness of swimming pool water refers to the amount of the mineral calcium present in the pool water. The calcium hardness should be maintained at 80-150 ppm in a pool with a vinyl liner, or 150-200 ppm in a concrete or plaster finish pool. Low levels of calcium hardness can lead to corrosive water conditions, which may damage the pool surface, pool equipment and pool plumbing. If the water in a plaster or masonry finish pool becomes corrosive, the water will absorb calcium from the pool walls and floor by eating away at the pool surface until the hardness level nears 150 ppm. The calcium hardness level can be easily raised using a Calcium Hardness Increaser available from most pool supply dealers. High levels of calcium hardness may lead to cloudy pool water and "scaling". Scaling is most visible around the water line of a swimming pool as a white chalky deposit, but also forms inside pool equipment and pool plumbing. A pool Calcium Hardness Reducer chemical is available from most pool supply companies to lower the hardness to the desired range for your pool. You may also partially drain and refill a swimming pool with fresh water, which has a lower concentration of Calcium. Calcium is present in the water used to fill the pool and in the pool chemicals used to treat the water. The pool chemical that adds the most calcium to pool water is standard chlorine pool shock. If you find that your calcium hardness level is too high, read the label of the pool shock you've been using and you will likely find that the active ingredient is calcium hypochlorite. Each time this pool shock is added to the pool water, calcium is added to the water. To prevent this problem begin using Chlorine-Free Pool Shock on a regular basis, instead of standard chlorine pool shock (Calcium Hypochlorite). The active ingredient in chlorine-free pool shock is Potassium Monopersulfate, which does the same job of oxidizing bacteria and harmful organics but does not contain any calcium. If you choose to switch to chlorine-free shock you should always still keep the standard chlorine pool shock on hand, because it is the only pool chemical capable of killing algae.

Pool Equipment: Choosing an Automatic Swimming Pool Cleaner

An automatic swimming pool cleaner is absolutely the best piece of swimming pool equipment a pool owner can invest in. Manually cleaning a swimming pool is very time consuming and few pool owners enjoy this tedious task. An automatic swimming pool cleaner allows you to spend less time maintaining your swimming pool, and more time relaxing and enjoying your pool! There is a wide selection of automatic pool cleaners available for any budget, and every size In-Ground or Above-Ground swimming pool. There are three different types of automatic pool cleaners for In Ground pools and Above Ground pools, and they are classified by the way they collect debris and move around the pool. "Suction Side" automatic pool cleaners are connected to your pool skimmer and "Pressure Side" automatic pool cleaners connect to a return line fitting of your pool. "Robotic" pool cleaners work independently from your pool filtration system, and are powered by electricity.

Suction Side automatic pool cleaners use the suction power created by your filtration system to propel a pool cleaner around your swimming pool, and pick up debris from the pool floor. Suction side automatic pool cleaners are connected to the skimmer of the pool, and dirt and debris collected from the pool is deposited directly into your filtration system. Suction side automatic pool cleaners are very easy to connect to your swimming pool and to use. These pool cleaners may have an advantage over pressure side pool cleaners, because very little or no adjustments or additional parts are typically needed to adapt a suction side pool cleaner to your swimming pool. Examples of popular suction side automatic pool cleaners are the Hayward Pool Vac or Kreepy Krauly.

Pressure Side automatic pool cleaners connect to the return line fitting in the wall of your swimming pool. Pressure side automatic pool cleaners use a powerful jet of water to move around your swimming pool, and a jet of water is used to draw debris up from the pool surface into a special filter bag connected to the pool cleaner. Pressure side pool cleaners may have an advantage over suction side cleaners because they are typically more powerful and can climb the walls of an inground swimming pool. Because pressure side automatic pool cleaners are connected to the return line fitting of the swimming pool, the pool skimmer is left open to draw dirty water and debris from the surface of the pool. These pool cleaners act as a roving return line, and help eliminate "dead spots" in the swimming pool which are not reached by the circulating action of the main filter system. These pool cleaners deposit debris into a special filter bag instead of inside your pool filter system. Some pressure side pool cleaners feature their own "booster pump", which works independently from your main pool filter system to create the extra water pressure needed for these powerful cleaners. Examples of popular pressure side automatic pool cleaners are most Polaris and most Letro brand pool cleaners.

Robotic automatic pool cleaners feature a built in filtration system, and operate independently from your main pool filter system. No cumbersome hoses or tedious adjustments are required. These self-contained automatic pool cleaners use on board electric motors to move around your pool and create the suction necessary to pick up debris from the pool surface. As these robotic pool cleaners move about cleaning the pool surface, they constantly circulate and filter your swimming pool water. A robotic pool cleaner will pick up debris from the pool floor, and can also climb the walls and steps of an inground swimming pool. These pool cleaners are designed to scrub the water line of the swimming pool, and regular use of a robotic swimming pool cleaner will eliminate the water line stain found on most outdoor pools.

Robotic pool cleaners save a great deal of money in operating costs, because these pool cleaners do not require your pool pump and filtration system to be running for the pool cleaner to work. This also means you do not have to clean your filtration system after each use, using more electricity and losing chemically treated water through the filter backwash cycle. Robotic pool cleaners are available in many sizes and models designed for average size above ground swimming pools, up to the largest commercial facilities and water parks. Many robotic pool cleaners feature a hand held remote control, giving the pool owner complete control over the movements of the pool cleaner. This allows very quick and easy spot cleaning. The most common robotic swimming pool cleaner on the market today is the Aquabot pool cleaner.

Inspecting your Swimming Pool

With the varied availability of swimming pool equipment and designs, you have a lot to think about when it comes to safety. Whether you use different types of swimming pool liners, or think about purchasing a new swimming pool toy, there are a lot of pool inspection tips you should consider. It may also help to ask questions at your local swimming pool supply shop, because talking to experts face to face about your swimming pool safety needs can help you in the long run.

Your swimming pool design and capacity

A lot of things depend on your pool's design and capacity. Some of these things include the amount of water treatment chemicals you'll need, the type of liner you should have, as well as the aesthetics of your swimming pool. It's important to calculate the average depth of your pool using this equation: Deep End (feet) + Shallow End (feet) ÷ 2 = Average Depth. It will help you determine your swimming pool capacity. The swimming pool design you choose will also aid you in buying the proper swimming pool covers that you will need during different seasons. Leaf-catcher covers are effective during summer, fall and spring, while a different swimming pool cover is available for winter. These allow you to keep your pools in top shape despite the seasonal and climatic changes. Almost any swimming pool supply shop has a good stock of covers for your swimming pool. Keep in mind that a well-covered swimming pool is a safe pool.

Getting the ideal swimming pool liner

The quality of your swimming pool liner is essential to your pool's water quality. This is because it prevents the water from being contaminated. It also maintains your water's pH, and helps keep algae and mildew from growing. Also consider the type of material used for your liner. Swimming pool liners are usually made with vinyl or plastic, and can be quite decorative.

Inground Swimming Pool Safety

The elegance of inground swimming pools attracts a lot of buyers. However, it is important to keep in mind that inground pools have their own safety risks. It is important to always have someone watch the pool such as a "lifeguard" or simply an adult who can swim. This is because children (and unmindful adults) have a higher tendency to fall into an inground swimming pool as opposed to an above ground swimming pool. It will help to keep your inground swimming pool covered when not in use, or fenced off in certain areas.

Safe swimming pool toys for added fun

While purchasing fun and colorful swimming pool toys can be exciting, there are some accessories that can be considered as a "must-have". Goggles are important, especially for children. There are also special swimming pool toys and floats available for toddlers. Swim aids such as swimming pool floats, swim belts, and water wings, are also considered as safe swimming pool toys. Your local swimming pool supply shops probably have a good toys department - take a look around in order to get the best prices.

Swimming Pool Renovation Ideas - 5 Best Upgrades to Consider for Your Swimming Pool

Making a decision to renovate a swimming pool is not an easy task, but the recent advancement of swimming pool technology makes renovations well worth your while. Homeowners can now transform an old, troublesome pool into a luxury swimming pool, with every possible amenity, that runs smoother than it ever did. Unfortunately, many people settle for their existing pool because they do not receive adequate information regarding the possibilities of a pool renovation. Maybe they simply underestimate the transformative possibilities of renovating an existing pool. Don't be intimidated by the task of renovating your pool with the latest industry trends.

Here are the 5 best upgrades to consider for your swimming pool renovation:

1. Salt Water Chlorinator - Swimming Pool Purifier Extraordinaire

Salt Water Chlorinators represent a new wave in swimming pool service technology. Salt water chlorinators remove the need for liquid chlorine, granular chlorine, or chlorine tablets. The key here is convenience. Salt water chlorinators eliminate the storage and manual application of chlorine. When chlorine is needed, salt is converted into chlorine through a simple chemical process, the same process that is used to create these other chlorine additives. The creation of chlorine within the swimming pool itself has increased sanitizing effects due to the chemical process by which the chlorine is formed. Overall, a renovation that includes a salt water chlorinator cuts down on the hassle of adding and monitoring chlorine. These chlorinators will also prevent itchy eyes and green hair by regulating their own chlorine levels. Save your goggles for the beach. Spend more time swimming in your pool and less time taking care of it. Salt water chlorinators take complete responsibility for your pool.

2. Color LED and Fiber Optic Pool Lights - Swimming Pools That Shed Light on Backyard Nightlife

One renovation that would significantly upgrade your pool's visual effects is the addition of color LED and fiber optic lighting. This new trend of backyard night lighting is heating up swimming pools and landscapes all over the world. Color fiber optic and LED pool lights can be inserted directly into the floor or wall of a pool or spa, allowing entire bodies of water to glow in a wide array of neon colors. A well-lit pool surrounded by fiber optic spot lights can bring your pool and landscape to life. These fiber optic and LED lights increase the overall value of your pool; they enhance the functional use of an outdoor living space by encouraging homeowners to swim and entertain in their back yards well after sundown. In addition to extending the hours of swimming pool use, color LED and fiber optic lights also create dynamic backdrops to evening gatherings. Fiber optic star lights can be sprinkled along the bottom of the pool, wall of a waterfall, or inside of a grotto with astronomical effects. Dazzling visual displays can be seen as the LED and fiber optic lights shift in color and set the mood for a romantic late-night swim or a bustling backyard bash. Including fiber optics or LED lights in your pool renovations will change your nightlife.

3. Aggregate Finish Pool Plaster - A Durable Surface That Sparkles from Top to Bottom

Much like pool lighting, aggregate pool plaster finishes produce richly-colored pools. Pool plaster protects concrete gunite pools from damaging, but new plaster technology has developed much more aesthetically-pleasing alternatives to boring, white Marcite plaster. Aggregate finishes not only produce more durable surfaces than the outdated Marcite but they also come in a wide variety of textures and colors. As quartz, crystals, and pebbles have increased the plaster's durability, the standard has also been raised for the overall visual appeal of pool plaster. These surfaces reflect and refract colors and light, producing exhilarating effects from the bottom of the pool all the way up to the surface. Aggregate finishes can be polished and smooth or bumpy, using pebbles, for a natural feel. Overall, renovating your swimming pool with an aggregate finish can garnish it with sparkling color and increase the life-expectancy of the finish to anywhere between 10 and 20 plus years, as opposed to Marcite which lasts no longer than 10 years.

4. Electronic Auto Fill - The Endless Water Supplier

Renovating your pool with an electronic auto fill can provide an excellent, practical addition to a swimming pool. Much like the salt water chlorinator, electronic auto fills, in general, cut down on the time you spend worrying about your pool. Water levels in pools drop every day as a result of evaporation and people coming in and out. If the water is too low, pool pumps and filters cannot function properly. Electronic auto fills monitor the water level of the swimming pool and fill the pool accordingly until it reaches its proper level. You no longer have to worry about where the water level should be, nor do you ever have to run a hose into the pool for an hour or two. Renovating with an electronic auto fill serves as yet another solution to your swimming pool concerns.

5. Natural Stone Coping and Decking - Swimming Pools Decked Out in Natural Stone

Another useful swimming pool renovation is the addition of natural stone coping and decking. Stone coping and patios bring style to outdoor living spaces. A variety of stones can be used for coping and patios, such as bluestone, sandstone, and Tennessee Crab Orchard. Depending on the style of the swimming pool, various natural stones can complete the look with natural or formal tones. Contrasting materials can also be used to draw attention and frame focal points of the back yard. For instance, bluestone coping around a swimming pool with sandstone decking highlights the outline of the pool. Be sure to choose stones wisely, and keep in mind the practical needs of given spaces. Tennessee Crab Orchard pool patios, for example, stay relatively cool in the hot summer sun, keeping your bare feet from burning up as you relax around your newly renovated swimming pool. In addition, natural stone serves as a better choice than a simple paver patio; pavers usually become outdated after 5 years. Natural stone also proves to provide a better surface than stamped concrete because it is not slippery and the color does not fade.

Renovating Conclusions

Homeowners should take full advantage of their pool renovations by upgrading certain aspects of their swimming pool and outdoor living space. Visually, natural stone coping and decking, as well as color LED and fiber optic pool lights, create beautiful scenes that show off in exciting ways. On the service end, electronic auto fills and salt water chlorinators provide hassle-free solutions that keep pools crystal clear and running smoothly. Finally, aggregate plaster finishes combine practicality and beauty. Durable pool plasters protect swimming pools from damaging for 20 plus years. At the same time, aggregate finishes bring a colorful shimmer to concrete swimming pools. Don't overlook this versatile list of exciting upgrades when considering a swimming pool renovation. Upgrade your pool with each of these up-to-date amenities and you may never have to renovate your swimming pool again.