How to Save Money Around the Pool

How to Save Money Around the Swimming Pool

Lots of ways to spend money around the pool, no doubt about it. There are also ways to economize around the pool, make better use of resources which also results in a smaller footprint or impact of owning a pool. That’s a win-win-win!

Swimming pools can be expensive to maintain and operate. There are some shortcuts to reduce your pool maintenance expenses. Lowering pool ownership costs, and reducing these barriers to ownership is a big part of what we try to do at Barrier Reef Pools. We think that swimming pools should be affordable to maintain, and fortunately, they are! Here’s some tips of reducing the cost of pool maintenance.  

Save Water around the pool: 

• Avoid draining the pool of water, if at all possible, or drain and refill only a portion of the pool water.
• Cartridge filters, which are not backwashed, use less than 1/4 of the water needed to backwash a sand or DE pool filter.
• Use of a solar cover or liquid solar blanket or automatic pool coversgreatly reduce evaporation loss, which can be as much as 1/4″ per day.
• Fix any leaks that occur in the skimmers, pool liner or around the filter pump.

Save Electricity around the pool:

• Run the filter pump as little as possible. Reduce until water becomes hazy, then increase filter run time by 4 hours per day.
• Keeping balancedwater and proper filter operation can reduce the hours needed to run the pool pump.
• Install LEDpool light bulbs, lifetime bulbs with colors and very low energy usage.
• Run pool cleaner booster pumps as little as possible. Most pools need only 2-4 hrs daily.

Save on Pool Chemicals:

• Pool covers, solar blanketsand even wind blocks reduce evaporation of your pool chemicals.
• Chlorine should be “stabilized” with Cyanuric Acid. It’s like sunblock for the chlorine molecule.
• Salt systems, chlorine generatorsreduce the amount of tablet production, transport, storage, use.
• Balanced pool water, and a lower pH will extend the efficacy of your chlorine, saving chlorine.
• Algae problems? Try a phosphate removerchemical to reduce chlorine demand.
• Shocking pool when chloramine levels are >.3ppm will increase your chlorine efficacy.
• DE powder can be rationed by “bumping” the filter 2-3 times before doing a full backwash. A bump is simply a short, 15 second backwash. Usually, this will lower the pressure for a few days to a few weeks, increasing the length of time between full backwash.

Save on Pool Heating Costs:

• Turn it down! Lowering your pool heater thermostat by just 1 degree, can save as much as 10% in fuel cost.
• Turn off the pool heater when you will not be using the pool for several days.
• Use of a solar blanket, automatic cover or liquid solar blanket dramatically reduces heat loss.
• Switch to solar pool heat (free) or consider a pool heat pump ($1 per day).
• Disconnecting the pressure switch wire is a slick way to prevent unauthorized pool heater use.

Save Costly Pool Repairs: 

• If you have a salt chlorine generator, use a good cleaneron your salt cell regularly to extend the life.
• Keep your pump motor dry, cool and well ventilated.
• Keep a clean pool heater, use a winter pool heater coverand clean annually.
• Make prompt repairsto tile and coping grout, expansion joint caulking.
• Keep pool water balanced to avoid problems with your pool liner or plaster finish.
• Winterize properly if you need to, and in all areas, be prepared to run the pump all night long when temperatures are forecast to be below 32 F. Water expands when it freezes!

Crypto Prevention Video

Though swimming is a popular sports activity with many health benefits, swimming-related illness in the United States is on the rise. The main culprit: a chlorine-resistant parasite known as Cryptosporidium (or “Crypto” for short). In a fun-filled reminder, experts show you how to keep your family healthy and safe when you get “In the Swim of Things.”

http://www.cdc.gov/cdctv/SwimOfThings/CDCtv_Video_Player.swf

Health Benefits of Water-Based Exercise

Swimming is the second most popular sports activity in the United States and a good way to get regular aerobic physical activity (1).

Just two and a half hours per week of aerobic physical activity, such as swimming, bicycling, or running can decrease the risk of chronic illnesses (2–3). This can also lead to improved health for people with diabetes and heart disease (2). Swimmers have about half the risk of death compared with inactive people (3). People report enjoying water-based exercise more than exercising on land (4). They can also exercise longer in water than on land without increased effort or joint or muscle pain (5–6).

Water-Based Exercise and Chronic Illness

Water-based exercise can help people with chronic diseases. For people with arthritis, it improves use of affected joints without worsening symptoms (7). People with rheumatoid arthritis have more health improvements after participating in hydrotherapy than with other activities (8). Water-based exercise also improves the use of affected joints and decreases pain from osteoarthritis (9).

Water-Based Exercise and Mental Health

Water-based exercise improves mental health. Swimming can improve mood in both men and women (10). For people with fibromyalgia, it can decrease anxiety and exercise therapy in warm water can decrease depression and improve mood (11–12). Water-based exercise can improve the health of mothers and their unborn children and has a positive effect on the mothers’ mental health (13). Parents of children with developmental disabilities find that recreational activities, such as swimming, improve family connections (14).

Water-Based Exercise and Older Adults

Water-based exercise can benefit older adults by improving the quality of life and decreasing disability (15). It also improves or maintains the bone health of post-menopausal women (16).

A Good Choice

Exercising in water offers many physical and mental health benefits and is a good choice for people who want to be more active. When in the water, remember to protect yourself and others from illness and injury by practicing healthy and safe swimming behaviors.

 

1. US Census Bureau. 2010 statistical abstract of the United States. Recreation and leisure activities: participation in selected sports activities 2008  [PDF - 81 kb]. Last verified on May 12, 2011.
2. U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. 2008 Physical Activity Guidelines for Americans: Be active, healthy, and happy! In Chapter 2: Physical Activity Has Many Health Benefits. Available at http://www.health.gov/paguidelines. Last verified on December 23, 2009.
3. Chase, N.L., Sui, X., Blair, S.N. 2008. Swimming and all-cause mortality risk compared with running, walking, and sedentary habits in men. Int J of Aquatic Res and Educ. 2(3): 213-23.
4. Lotshaw, A.M., Thompson, M., Sadowsky, S., Hart, M.K., and Millard, M.W. 2007. Quality of life and physical performance in land- and water-based pulmonary rehabilitation. Journal of Cardiopulmonary Rehab and Prev. 27: 247-51.
5. Broman, G., Quintana, M., Engardt, M., Gullstrand, L., Jansson, E., and Kaijser, L. 2006. Older women’s cardiovascular responses to deep-water running. Journal of Aging and Phys Activ. 14: 29-40.
6. Cider, A., Svealv, B.G., Tang, M.S., Schaufelberger, M., and Andersson, B. 2006. Immersion in warm water induces improvement in cardiac function in patients with chronic heart failure. Eur J Heart Fail. 8(3): 308-13.
7. Westby, M.D. 2001. A health professional’s guide to exercise prescription for people with arthritis: a review of aerobic fitness activities. Arthritis Care and Res. 45(6): 501-11.
8. Hall, J., Skevington, S.M., Maddison, P.J., and Chapman, K. 1996. A randomized and controlled trial of hydrotherapy in rheumatoid arthritis. Arthritis Care Res. 9(3) 206-15.
9. Bartels EM, Lund H, Hagen KB, Dagfinrud H, Christensen R, Danneskiold-Samsøe B. 2007. Aquatic exercise for the treatment of knee and hip osteoarthritis. Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews. 4: 1-9.
10. Berger, B.G., and Owen, D.R. 1992. Mood alteration with yoga and swimming: aerobic exercise may not be necessary. Percept Mot Skills. 75(3 Pt 2): 1331-43.
11. Tomas-Carus, P., Gusi, N., Hakkinen, A., Hakkinen, K., Leal, A., and Ortega-Alonso, A. 2008. Eight months of physical training in warm water improves physical and mental health in women with fibromyalgia: a randomized controlled trial. J Rehabil Med. 40(4): 248-52.
12. Gowans, S.E. and deHueck, A. 2007. Pool exercise for individuals with fibromyalgia. Curr Opin Rheumatol. 19(2): 168-73.
13. Hartmann, S. and Bung, P. 1999. Physical exercise during pregnancy—physiological considerations and recommendations. J Perinat Med. 27(3): 204-15.
14. Mactavish, J.B. and Schleien, S.J. 2004. Re-injecting spontaneity and balance in family life: parents’ perspectives on recreation in families that include children with developmental disability. J Intellect Disabil Res. 48(Pt 2): 123-41.
15. Sato, D., Kaneda, K., Wakabayashi, H., and Nomura, T. 2007. The water exercise improves health-related quality of life of frail elderly people at day service facility. Qual Life Res. 16: 1577-85.
16. Rotstein, A., Harush, M., and Vaisman, N. 2008. The effect of water exercise program on bone density of postmenopausal Women. J Sports Med Phys Fitness. 48(3): 352-9.

 

Pool Maintenance – Clear Water

Ack! I’ve got a picnic this weekend and my pool’s cloudy, what do I do??? is the cry of many a pool owner this summer. The better question might be what DIDN’T I do??

Keeping your pool clean and clear is all a matter of balance. Just enough sanitizer, enough water movement, the right pH and temperature, and regular brushing and vacuuming, it seems so complicated! Well, relax, if I can keep my pool clean so can you! Since most of you have already opened your pool this summer, let’s consider what factors help keep your pool clean and sparkly. We’ll cover how to open and close your pool in another article.

The two most important things to consider are sanitizer and water movement. Stagnant water breeds bacteria and other micro-organisms, which is fine if you are a pond, but not so desirable if you happen to be a swimming pool. Humans also introduce bacteria into the pool, as well as oils and, in my family, an occasional peanut butter and jelly sandwich. While you can fish out the sandwich, bacteria are harder to capture.

To combat such assaults, a sanitizer is used, which kills the bacteria and helps control algae growth. The most common sanitizers are chlorine and bromine based compounds. Bromine tends to be easier on the skin and mucous membranes. These compounds must be added routinely to the pool during the course of the summer to maintain high enough levels to prevent bacterial growth. The levels are measured in parts per million (ppm). If your sanitizer level drops below recommended levels for more than a few days the pool may turn cloudy. Routine super chlorinating or “shocking” your pool burns out any residual algae or bacteria.

Now, all the sanitizer in the world won’t keep your pool clear without some method of circulating the sanitizer and filtering out the debris that accumulates. That is where your pump and filter come in, besides running up your electrical bill that is…

Ideally, your pump should run for about 10 hrs a day. If you have problems keeping your sanitizer level high enough, run it more. Be aware that problems keeping the sanitizer level up may be caused by high bather load or poor circulation due to pump malfunction. To some extent, lots of activity in the pool will help circulate the water.

Sometimes though, even if your sanitizer level is high enough, the water is still cloudy. This can be caused by a few factors and is usually easy to remedy. The filter is what removes particulate matter from the pool water, this is called polishing the water. If the filter is dirty or clogged, it can’t do its job. Watch the pressure gauge on your filter, if it jumps 10psi or higher than normal it is time to backwash, “bump” or clean the filter media, depending on whether you have a sand, cartridge or DE filter. There are also filter cleaning products available which extend the life of the media.

Finally, if the water is still cloudy and your filter is clean, then it is possible that the particulates are too small to be trapped by the filter. A coagulating agent, usually a polymer, can be used. This will aggregate the particles and allow them to be trapped by the filter. This will usually work within a day, but you need to watch the pressure gauge on the filter, and clean it as the pressure rises.

With the warm weather solidly upon us, pools provide a refreshing addition to our outdoor activities.  Happy swimming!

Pool Safety from the CPSC

NEWS from CPSC

U.S.Consumer Product Safety Commission

Office of Information and Public Affairs

Washington,DC20207

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CPSC Issues Swimming Pool Safety Tips

WASHINGTON, D.C. (Aug 74) — The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission today warned that almost 50,000 persons will require hospital emergency room treatment this year in accidents associated with some of the nation’s four million swimming pools.

Residential in-ground pools now number about one million and home above-ground pools are estimated at three million, according to the National Swimming Pool Institute. The Institute also states there are about 340,300 in-ground pools in hotels, motels, apartments, parks and public facilities, schools, clubs and camps.

Commission injury statistics indicate that 39,500 persons, annually will seek hospital emergency room care for injuries involving below-ground pools; about 10,000 will need treatment for injuries related to above-ground pools. Seventy-five per cent of the injured will involve persons 19 and under, and almost twice as many boys as girls will be hurt.

The National Safety Council reports that 600 children and adults drown annually in swimming pools, 330 in home pools.

Swimming alone or without adult supervision leads too many drowning. Each year, headlines note the deaths of infants and children who tumble into pools and drown because a gate was left open or they otherwise were able to gain access to a pool when no one was around to save them.

Many severe injuries result from falling on slippery walkways and decks and falling from diving boards and ladders. Diving and jumping into shallow water also are major causes of serious injuries.

Although many pool accidents are related to running and roughhousing, numerous injuries also are attributed to the pool, its accessories and general environment.

The severity of injuries associated with swimming pool water slides– permanent disabilities for some adults and children who went head first down the slide and struck the bottom of the pool– led to a Commission decision in June to commence a proceeding to develop a mandatory safety standard or slides.

The Commission also is considering a variety of approaches that could reduce injuries associated with other pool hazards such as sharp edges and protruding bolts, slippery ladders, decks and diving boards, lack of depth indicators, shock hazards from electrical wiring and problems of exploding filter tanks.

Commission staff recommends a number of precautionary measures consumers can take to reduce home pool hazards.

Construction and maintenance:

• Check local ordinances and codes for safety requirements.
• Use non-slip materials on the pool deck, diving board and ladders.
• The steps of the pool ladder should be at least three inches wide, and the ladder should have handrails on both sides small enough for a child to grasp. There should be a ladder at both ends of the pool.
• Electrical equipment should be installed by a licensed electrician in accordance with local safety codes. Ground-fault circuit interrupters are now recommended for pool area installations. Faulty electrical installations could cause serous or fatal electric shock.
• Check with a reputable pool contractor to be sure the depth is sufficient for a diving board or slide. Always put a slide in a deep area of the pool– never in shallow water.
• There should be a fence at least six feet high around all sides of the pool with a locked gate to keep children out when there is no supervision and the fence should be constructed so it is difficult to climb. Lawn furniture, trees and shrubs should not be close enough to provide an easy boost over the fence. Avoid using a side of the house as part of the fence; toddlers have wandered out through an open patio door or window and drowned.
• Mark water depths conspicuously. Use a safety float line where the bottom slope deepens.
• Above-ground pools: Install sturdy guard rails around the pool deck. Look for rolled rims on the metal shell to be sure the rims do not present a sharp cutting edge if someone falls. The access ladder to the deck should be sturdy and without protruding bolts or other sharp edges. The access ladder should swing up to prevent children from unauthorized entry or should be easily removable for secure storage away from the pool area.
• Check the pool and equipment periodically for cleanliness and good maintenance. Cover all sharp edges and protruding bolts; repair rickety or broken ladders and railings. Replace non-slip materials when they wear out.

Use:

• Obviously teach children to float or swim as soon as possible.
• Always provide competent adult supervision when the pool is in use.
• Even adults should never swim alone.
• Caution children against showing off and playing rough and explain the dangers of running and diving recklessly.
• Never push others into the pool.
• When using water slides, always go feet first.
• Before diving or sliding, check to be sure that other swimmers are out of the way.
• Keep rescue devices and first aid supplies near the pool. A floating shepherds crook is useful.
• Teach children what to do in case of emergency. An alarm bell that could summon help would be a good idea.
• Keep electrical appliances such as radios out of the pool area because of the hazard of electrical shock.
• Never swim after drinking alcoholic beverages, eating or taking medications.

To report pool hazards and pool-related injuries, call the toll-free safety hotline: 800-638-2772.

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The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission is charged with protecting the public from unreasonable risks of injury or death from thousands of types of consumer products under the agency’s jurisdiction. The CPSC is committed to protecting consumers and families from products that pose a fire, electrical, chemical, or mechanical hazard. The CPSC’s work to ensure the safety of consumer products – such as toys, cribs, power tools, cigarette lighters, and household chemicals – contributed significantly to the decline in the rate of deaths and injuries associated with consumer products over the past 30 years.

To report a dangerous product or a product-related injury, call CPSC’s Hotline at (800) 638-2772 or CPSC’s teletypewriter at (301) 595-7054. To join a CPSC e-mail subscription list, please go to https://www.cpsc.gov/cpsclist.aspx. Consumers can obtain recall and general safety information by logging on to CPSC’s Web site at www.cpsc.gov.

Saturday May 7th FREE Safety Classes

May is National Water Safety Awareness Month.

On Saturday, May 7th, local lifeguards and swimming instructors will provide free swimming-safety classes at all ten Saf-T-Swim locations across Long Island.

The Long Island Drowning Prevention Task Force consists of local EMTs, nurses, and other health professionals who will provide year-round classes, workshops and other services at no cost to Long Island families.

A brief history of swimming pools

A Brief History of Swimming Pools

Swimming is, by far, one of the most popular pastimes in the world. It is also one of the oldest. As an organized activity, swimming dates back to around 2500 BC. Swimming was immensely popular in ancient Egypt, and there are a number of relics from the period which depict the act of swimming in vivid and awe-inspiring detail. In ancient Greece and Rome, swimming was taught to boys as part of their elementary school curriculum. Furthermore, the first known public swimming pools were built in Rome.

Under the direction of a wealthy Roman lord named Gaius Maecenas, the first heated swimming pool was also built for public use. Plato, himself, once declared that anyone who could not swim lacked a proper education. Who dares to argue with him? Aside from the Greeks and Romans, many other ancient cultures have left evidence of their love for swimming; among them the Babylonians, Assyrians, and Phoenicians. There is also evidence of competitive swimming in Japan over 2000 years ago.

In the 1830′s, swimming became extremely popular in England with the establishment of various swim clubs. At the time, the breaststroke was the most often used technique. In 1885, Captain Matthew Webb became the first man to swim across the English Channel and the breaststroke was his technique of choice. Two of the most popular swim clubs from the time were The Otter Swimming Club and The Leander Swimming Club.

In 1896, the first of the modern Olympic Games were held in Athens, Greece. Naturally, competitive swimming played a significant role. The swimming event was held in the Aegean Sea, in the bay of Zea. The gold medalist for the swimming event was a fellow named Alfred Hoyos Guttman. Of the event, he said that his greatest struggle “was against the towering twelve-foot waves and the terribly cold water.” Swimming continues to play a prominent role in the Olympic Games.

Swimming continues to be the sport of choice for many of today’s athletes. Most cities have public swimming facilities, where you can swim for competitively or merely for fun. In fact, a number of public swimming areas also offer lessons for a very reasonable price. If you are a keen swimmer, you might even consider installing a pool in your backyard. With summer just around the corner, it would be a good time to start planning.

Read more: http://www.articlesbase.com/home-improvement-articles/a-brief-history-of-swimming-pools-23647.html#ixzz1Kk0ajato
Under Creative Commons License: Attribution

Simple Steps Save Lives

Learn how simple safety steps save lives in and around pools and spas.

 

Parents and families can build on their current safety systems at pools and spas by adopting additional water safety steps. Adding as many proven water safety steps as possible is the best way to assure a safe and fun experience, because you can never know which one might save a child’s life—until it does.

Staying Close, Being Alert and Watching Children in and Around the Pool

• Never leave a child unattended in a pool or spa and always watch your child when he or she is in or near water
• Teach children basic water safety tips
• Keep children away from pool drains, pipes and other openings to avoid entrapments
• Have a telephone close by when you or your family is using a pool or spa
• If a child is missing, look for him or her in the pool or spa first
• Share safety instructions with family, friends and neighbors

Learning and Practicing Water Safety Skills

• Learn how to swim and teach your child how to swim
• Learn to perform CPR on children and adults, and update those skills regularly
• Understand the basics of life-saving so that you can assist in a pool emergency

Having the Appropriate Equipment for Your Pool or Spa

• Install a four-foot or taller fence around the pool and spa and use self-closing and self-latching gates; ask your neighbors to do the same at their pools.
• Install and use a lockable safety cover on your spa.
• If your house serves as a fourth side of a fence around a pool, install door alarms and always use them. For additional protection, install window guards on windows facing pools or spas.
• Install pool and gate alarms to alert you when children go near the water
• Ensure any pool and spa you use has compliant drain covers, and ask your pool service provider if you do not know
• Maintain pool and spa covers in good working order
• Consider using a surface wave or underwater alarm

About PoolSafely.gov and CPSC

The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) is charged with protecting the public from unreasonable risks of injury or death from thousands of types of consumer products under the agency’s jurisdiction. In addition to Pool and Spa Safety, the CPSC is committed to protecting consumers and families from products that pose a fire, electrical, chemical, or mechanical hazard.

Fiberglass Swimming Pools FAQ’s

In-ground Fiberglass Swimming Pools FAQ

Will the fiberglass swimming pool discolour? The fiberglass swimming pool will with stand the test of time, the fiberglass pools are UV treated and require less maintenance than a concrete pool. The pool should be maintained as per the warranty specifications set by Barrier Reef Pools.

Will the fiberglass pool crack? The fiberglass pools are constructed from one piece 100% fibreglass swimming pool shell and will flex without cracking to accommodate earth movement.

Can I empty the fiberglass swimming pool? The fiberglass swimming pool should never be emptied. If there is a requirement for the fiberglass pool to be emptied, for warranty reasons you should first consult the installer (Barrier Reef Agent) to advise on the situation.

Will the fiberglass swimming pool lift out of the ground? All fiberglass pools are fitted with a Hydrostatic valve in the floor this balances the outside pressure against the inside pressure of the pool which prevents the pool from lifting. If the pool is installed to Barrier Reef Pools requirements as set out in the install manual and video then it would be very uncommon.

How long will the fiberglass swimming pool last ? The swimming pools come with a 25 year structural warranty. The colour warranty varies the Sapphire Blue and Jade Green carries a 3 year internal warranty, the cultured colours and shimmer come with an 8 year internal warranty. Please refer to warranty structure for full reference. Our pools have been in the market place for over 20 years and show no signs of deterioration so we can safely say a lifetime.

What styles of fiberglass pools are available? Barrier Reef Pools boasts one of the largest and most modern ranges in the fibreglass pool industry consisting of 22 different shapes and sizes with another 13 modern colours with the shimmer options.

Is the pool surface abrasive? Barrier Reef fiberglass swimming pools are smooth and safe unlike other materials fiberglass is not abrasive there are no sharp or dangerous edges.

Is fiberglass compatible with saltwater? Yes fiberglass is totally compatible with Saltwater.

Do the pools stain? The gel coat finish enables the pools to be stain resistant smooth surface which cleans easily and requires less chemicals saving you money.

 

Top Reasons to buy a Fiberglass Pool

01: QUICK AS A SPLASH
Your fiberglass swimming pool can be installed in as little as 7 days. A concrete pool may take as long as 3 months.

02: WEATHER OR NOT
Weather conditions usually won’t hold up insulation. The pool shell arrives on-site pre-formed, complete and weatherproof.

03: THE BIG FINISH
An impervious pigmented surface finish called “gelcoat” is applied during manufacture. So you needn’t spend time and money tiling, (etc).

04: MAINTENANCE FREE
Under normal conditions, the “gelcoat” finish never needs painting. Its smooth inert surface cleans easily, resists stains and requires less chemicals saving you $$$ and giving you more time to enjoy!

05: SMOOTH AND SAFE
Unlike other materials, our fiberglass swimming pools are non-abrasive. There are no sharp, dangerous edges and abrasive surfaces so there will be no skin off fingers and toes. We incorporate anti-skid surfaces on all stairs and the pool floor to help keep your family safe.

06: ADD A LITTLE SALT
Salt water pools are becoming increasingly popular for their healthy, natural feel. Salt water is totally compatible with fiberglass.

07: YOU GET WHAT YOU SEE
The pool style you select in your dealer’s display center, retail store or brochure is exactly what you get at home. No hit or miss guesswork. All Barrier Reef pools are manufactured in climate controlled factories and held to the highest standards.

08: FLEXING ITS MUSCLE
Our fully molded one piece 100% fiberglass swimming pool shell flexes without cracking to accommodate earth movement unlike concrete and other pre-formed pools that contain mineral fillers which have reduced flexibility.

09: LOOKING GOOD
Fiberglass swimming pools come in a fantastic range of new colors, shapes, sizes and designs.

10: HAVE FUN
That’s all that’s left to do. With the most hassle-free pool materials available.