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Nothing is as scary as having a pool in your backyard and inexperienced swimmers in your household. It is very important to keep swimming pool safety in mind to help alleviate some of the fright that comes with owning a swimming pool. Yes, of course they can be fun, whether you own one or you neighbor has one, they can provide hours of fun. And if you don’t have a pool in your actual yard, there are always public pools that you can go to, and those that you can take your children to. However, no matter what type of pool you have, or what type you go to, there are several factors that you absolutely have to have control over, and one of these is safety.

Swimming pool safety is something that is all too often overlooked, and something that can be deadly. That is part of what makes a swimming pool so scary - if you have one you are responsible for the swimming pool safety, and for the safety of anyone in the pool. Luckily, there are several pool safety products that you can have to make your swimming pool much safer when people are using it.

The first thing that you must have is a swimming pool fence. You will see the value of a swimming pool fence right away. A swimming pool fence will be able to keep out anyone that you don’t want in the pool. This is very important if you live in a neighborhood with a lot of people, or somewhere that others might try to sneak into your pool. Remember, whether you are home or not, it is your responsibility if someone gets hurt in your pool because it is on your property. Have a swimming pool fence so that you can control who gets in and who does not.

The same goes for swimming pool covers. They are a huge part of swimming pool safety. Even if someone gets over the fence, they won’t be able to get into the pool without removing the cover. And swimming pool covers are also great for when you have people in your yard - someone can fall into the pool but not into the water, with swimming pool covers. It will be much safer.

For both of these situations, swimming pool alarms will come in handy. You can set the alarm to go off if someone is in the pool area, which means that even in your home you will be notified if someone is getting into your pool.

Perhaps the most important thing that you can also provide is swimming pool training aids. This is because the majority of the time, when a person dies in a swimming pool it is because they simply don’t’ have the swimming skills. Swimming training aids can help anyone who does not know how to swim learn how to, and therefore be safe.

Remember, when it comes to pool safety, you are in control of what happens in your pool and the safety of others around. It is your responsibility to make sure that you are setting and sticking to strict pool safety rules and guidelines to be sure everyone is using the pool safely. The best fun will come with safe use!

Those who own a swimming pool have a luxury that others can only imagine. On the other hand, those who do not have a pool have no idea how much work it is to keep up with the maintenance just to keep the pool a clean and sanitary enough place to swim. If you have a pool but not a pool maintenance helper, it is a good idea to look into buying swimming pool robotic vacuums.

When you are selecting swimming pool robotic vacuums, look at what type they are. Some are meant to be used only for in ground polls while others are specifically designed for above ground pools. It is important to get the right kind.

These vacuums can do a lot of cleaning in one hour. Check the specifications to find out how much. Some can clean up to 6500 square feet in one hour and pump 4500 gallons of water through themselves while doing so. This means that the pool gets cleaned quickly and efficiently.

Find out what they will pick up. Some will remove twigs and acorns. They can filter out impurities as small as 2 microns in size. A micron is one millionth of a meter, or about one 40th of the diameter of the finest human hair. The best clean up sand, bacteria, and algae from the pool.

The robotic vacuums can go anywhere in your pool. They can vacuum the entire bottom, steps, and even the sides of the pool. A wireless remote will help you guide the swimming pool robotic vacuums to spot clean certain areas. That is a handy feature if you do not want to clean the entire pool sometimes.

Shop for the vacuums that will clean the kind of pool you have. Get one within your budget that has as many of the features you want as possible. You will save on pool maintenance costs. You will limit the time you spend taking care of your pool as well.

This is the unit which removes dirt and debris from a body of water such as a swimming pool and or spa. This piece of equipment is one of the most important because a crystal blue environment depends on how this apparatus functions.

Some of the parts of a cartridge filter are as follows:

• Upper Knob and or Clamp Assembly - Usually on the top of the unit and when unscrewed releases the filter head. Note: Always make sure the pump is turned OFF and the air pressure inside the tank has been released before loosening the upper knob.
• Tank Head - Provides easy access to the inner cartridge element. Usually can be rotated to position the pressure gauge and manual air relief valve in a convenient position.
• Tank - Unit in which the element is housed.
• Air Relief Valve - Allows for the purging of air which is inside the unit.
• Pressure Gauge - Usually reads 0-60 PSI and advises when the element is dirty and is in need of disassembly and cleaning.
• Element - Usually engineered of high quality reinforced polyester with molded end caps. This unit can be removed and cleaned many times.
• Inlet and Outlet - Ports which are used to connect the filter to the piping which allows the water to flow in and out. Depending on the brand and model, these ports can be either a slip or threaded port.
• Lower Plug - Used to drain the unit when necessary.

How should a cartridge filter be cleaned and serviced?

• TURN OFF THE PUMP SYSTEM
• Release the air from the tank by opening the air relief valve.
• Turn the top knob or release the upper clamp assembly and remove the top of the unit.
• Remove the element from the tank.
• Use a garden hose and a pressure nozzle to remove dirt and debris from the material.
• Replace the cartridge back into the tank.
• Replace the top.
• Re-tighten the top knob and or reinstall the clamp assembly and hand tighten.
• Restart the pump system, Bleed out the air inside the tank and close the air relief valve assembly.
• Check the system for leaks.
• Take note of the pressure gauge reading.

How can you insure your filter will last as long as possible?

Cleaning your filter on a regular basis is very important. As the element is “loaded” which dirt and debris, more and more pressure is asserted on the unit. If the unit is allowed to continue to operate without being cleaned the cartridge can and will be damaged. Regular cleaning removes the dirt and allows operation at a high level.

How important is the pressure gauge?
Checking the pressure gauge on the top of the tank when the unit is clean and noting the reading is very important. When the pressure inside the unit rises 5-7 pounds it is time to perform a cleaning. Example: Clean Reading = 15 pounds, Pressure goes up to 21 pounds = Time to clean.

Should the cartridge be washed with Muriatic Acid on a regular basis?
Acid washing shortens the life of the cartridge and should be done on a limited basis, if at all. Acid will remove built up calcium inside the element. When using muriatic acid use extreme caution, proper safety equipment and follow safety regulations for disposal of the used muriatic acid. Products are available for soaking to remove excess oils; these should be used as per manufactures recommendations. Remember that when cleaning with muriatic acid, if oils are present in the material, acid can “lock” the oil into the material. It is most important that a product to remove oils be utilized BEFORE acid is used for calcium removal.

How and why does calcium build up on the element?
Poor water chemistry (high calcium and pH levels) in your swimming pool and spa water will contribute to calcium build up. Regular testing is critical and it is important to monitor these levels in order to maintain cleaner and better functioning filters.

The filter in your swimming pool equipment is certainly one of the most important units in your system. Having it operate at peak level is very important to maintaining crystal clear and sparkling water. Take a few minutes each week to monitor and clean this apparatus and have fun and enjoyment with your pool and spa. Disregard your system and plan on spending unnecessary money and time correcting a variety of problems.

Swimming pool sand filters are one of the ways to keep your pool crystal clear and clean. This type of product uses sand as a means to collect and remove debris from a body of water. Sand is contained in a vessel or tank, water is pumped into the top of the tank, and into the internal distributor. This allows the pool water to “rain down” and flow through the media. As the water flows through, dirt and debris are collected and removed from the water. The debris is held behind and the clean water is returned to the swimming pool.

What are some of the items found and associated with a type of filter?
1. Multi Port Valve OR Control Valve

What are some of the functions found on a standard Multi Port Valve?
• FILTER - For normal filtering and vacuuming.
• BACKWASH - For cleaning the filter bed of accumulated debris.
• RINSE - Use after completing the backwash cycle to ensure all dirty water is rinsed from the tank to waste.
• WASTE - By-passes the tank for draining or lowering the pool water level and for vacuuming heavy debris directly to the waste line.
• RECIRCULATE - Water is recirculated through the valve by-passing the filter.
• CLOSED - Shuts off the flow from the pump to the filter

Internal Parts
2. Tank Or Vessel - Main body of the unit.
3. Top Diffuser - Allows the pool water to enter the tank and distribute the water inside the tank.
4. Media - Captures the dirt and debris from the pool water as it flows through.
5. Laterals - Located under the media, allows the pool water to exit the tank and flow back to the pool.

How are sand filters cleaned?
Most filters come equipped with a valve, commonly referred to as a Multi Port Valve. The Multi Port Valve has various settings allowing water flow to be directed in many direct directions. One of the directions is BACKWASH. In the backwash mode the water inside the tank is made to flow in reverse. Instead of the water flowing from the top of the tank down, the water from the pool is fed into the bottom of the tank through the laterals. This causes the sand to be churned, the dirt and debris which has been contained is flushed out of the tank through a separate waste line. Many Multi Port Valves have a sight glass for viewing this process. As the water is backwashed, use the sight glass to inspect the water, as the water becomes visually clean the backwash should be considered finished, the pump stopped and the valve now put in the RINSE mode. Reenergizing the pump in the rinse mode allows the water to flow in the standard operating direction and allows settling to occur in the tank. Dirty Water is flushed out to waste during this process.

NOTE: This process will lower the water level of the pool. Once the pool level is lowered additional chemicals may be needed. Retesting of the water will be required to determine the type and amount of chemicals which will be required.

What if backwashing is not enough?
If backwashing does not “clean” the media, the time has come to disassemble the unit, empty the tank and replace the sand. The media will deteriorate over a period of time, become hard and crusty, and forming channels. When this takes place, backwashing will not be enough to allow proper filtration. It is important to remember the following when performing this task.

1. If the filter has not been disassembled for some time, when removing the multi port valve, top dome or top half of the tank, remember to have new o-rings available which will be in the area of disassembly. Old o-rings stretch and crack over a period of time and need to be replaced periodically.

2. Carefully remove the old media from the tank. This can be accomplished by scooping or by using a sand vac tool (a tool which by using a garden hose and exhaust hose, vacuums the sand out of the filter tank.

3. Inspect the bottom laterals, checking for damage or cracks. Replace any laterals which are defective to prevent by-passing of sand back to the swimming pool.

4. Prepare to refill the tank with the new media (Check the instruction manual for the filter and use the size and type which is recommended).

5. Fill the tank half full with clean water

6. Slowly and carefully add the new media to the tank. Use caution not to damage the laterals during this process. Add the correct amount for the size filter being serviced.

7. Reassemble all parts removed, top half, dome, and valve, replace o-rings as required.

8. Position the multi port valve in the RINSE position to settle the new media, check for leaks, once settled, turn off pump and return the valve setting to the filter position. Restart Pool Pump and begin normal operation.

How often does the sand need to be changed?
Filter size, pool usage, bather load and weather conditions will dictate the time frame for changing and recharging the filter.

These types of filters have been utilized for many years as an effective means of swimming pool water filtration. Maintaining the filter and valve will provide many years of service, keeping your water crystal clear, enjoyable and ready for fun.

The other day I interviewed a company who has created a unique niche business manufacturing cement crack repair products.

They have developed products and the proper methods for successful crack repair of concrete pool decks, sidewalks, foundations and pretty much any kind of concrete crack.

One of their systems utilizes carbon fiber strips that are cut into the interior of a swimming pool and anchored with an epoxy system. Then the cracks are filled and small ports are placed along the crack. Then crack filler is squeezed through the ports settling behind the crack filler.

The ports are removed and the cracks sanded down to a smooth finish. The next step is resurfacing the pool interior with a new coating for a brand new finish.

Another unique crack system is one that fixes leaks around skimmers. Cracked skimmers are the leading cause of water loss in swimming pools. This cement crack repair system will save thousands of dollars eliminating the need for a costly new skimmer.

If your pool deck is cracked the cement crack repair system for this problem can be easily solved and is a simple DIY project. Then resurfacing swimming pool decks with the appropriate system will restore your pool like new with unlimited decorative finishes.

The advancements in product technology and application methods makes it possible to restore concrete to new rather than a costly concrete construction project.

Decorative skim coats can be applied with finishes in unlimited stone or brick patterns then sealed with environmentally friendly sealers with non skid additives. The system I reviewed enables a pool in disrepair to be restored and functional within a week.

I have been researching products for swimming pool deck designs and the most functional solutions.

What I have found is that decorative concrete with so many options appears to be the most popular design and function solution. My research found 20 companies that manufacture products for resurfacing existing pool decks alone. These products can transform unattractive surfaces into beautiful functional surfaces in a few days. The popularity of decorative concrete has spread worldwide and is used on residential and commercial properties.
Here is a list of options.

1. Spray Systems - Spray down concrete systems are thin coats for resurfacing existing concrete. Stencils and the use of unlimited color can create swimming pool deck designs in many brick or stone patterns. There is even software imaging that will show a client exactly what the final result will look like.

2. Stampable Overlays - These are thicker coatings than the spray system. When you need a thicker system to blend with an adjacent surface stampable overlays solve this problem. Thickness can be adjusted. There are stamps that make it possible to stamp at a minimum of 1/4 inch thick. Unlimited swimming pool deck designs can be created with patterns and color. For use over existing concrete.

3. Stamped Concrete - Stamped concrete has been around for a while. When done properly stamped concrete looks great. This is for new concrete. Lots of options for swimming pool deck designs, patios, walkways and driveways. The only negative I hear from consumers is the expansion joint s that cut through the pattern.

4. Pavers - Pavers are precast concrete. They come in many styles with unlimited designs. Benefits are that they don’t crack like concrete. If an area becomes uneven the pavers can removed, smooth the grade beneath and reset the paver. The correct sealers will restore faded pavers like new. The only negative is the weeds that will grow through.

Most companies who manufacture the products have created videos showing the processes and design options which makes it easier to make a decision. The 4 options mentioned are ideal for creating value added swimming pool deck designs whether you have existing concrete or planning a new deck.

As private swimming pools have become popular, there are various kinds of loungers available in the market. Some people like to lounge besides the pool. Mothers would do that while the kids are playing in the pool. Even when teenagers and adults use the pool, they provide a useful break. Sometime a quite evening can be spent sipping lemonade on the loungers along with a book. The concept of swimming loungers has increased the popularity and time spent on the poolside.

Swimming pool loungers are air-filled and act as seat as well as float on the water. With them an individual is capable to relax the body on water and take a clear sunbath. There are ranges of loungers that have been available at the market. Some pool loungers are long providing a complete body relaxation while some are short comprising three-fourth area of the body into it. Some loungers are available with arms while some are just floating mats. Some are scientifically designed loungers that keep in mind about the pressure points or acupressure of the body. Loungers are seat-like material that is utilized to sit back and relax. They are used differently in various locations. There are separate loungers used for beaches, in-side pools, outside the pool and for sunbathing.

Some of the loungers that are already available include: Palm Bay Lounge, East Spring lounge, floating lounger, captive lounge, deluxe lounge, Caribbean lounge, premium floating lounge, sofa island lounge, royal Hawaiian lounge, Sunchaser cushion, French oval lounger, Newport Elite lounge, Ensolite Chaise, VIP lounger, Oval longer and easy spring lounge.

Are you planning to buy a swimming pool cover? If yes then keep on reading this article. In this article I have tried to give some tips to buy swimming pool accessories. There are lots of sources which offer high quality accessories at reasonable prices. Online stores are getting more and more popular. There are many reasons behind the increasing popularity of online shopping. Online shopping is beneficial for both customers and retailers. Online stores always offer discounts and free gifts because company don`t have to pay the money for product launching in the market. In this way customers can buy high quality accessories at reasonable prices.

It is good idea find some information about the materials which are used to manufacture swimming pool covers. Mainly there are two types are materials which are used in manufacturing swimming pool covers. The first type of material is known as mesh. A mesh completely covers the pool and does not allow debris and leaves to enter the pool. These types of covers are available in different sizes, shapes and colors. If your swimming pool is having a special design then you should look for customized covers. The customized covers can be designed according to the size and shape of your pool.

The second type of material which is used for manufacturing a cover for the pool is known as vinyl. Vinyl is an excellent insulating material. Vinyl cover plays many roles. The first one is insulation of the pool. With the help of this you can keep the water of the pool warm. The second function of vinyl cover is safety and cleanliness.

There are some minute details which should be kept in mind while buying a cover for a swimming pool. First of all you should know all your needs. It is a good idea to fix a budget before buying anything new for your home or office. You can go through the prices offered by different companies after fixing the budget. A proper budget can help you a lot in saving some money. It is a good idea to go through the guarantee of the product before buying it. Guarantee of the cover signifies it`s quality. There are many good companies which offer a life time warranty.

It is a good idea to purchase the accessories through internet. There are many reputed websites and online stores which sell swimming pool accessories. These websites can be found with the help of major search engines like Google, Yahoo and MSN. All you have to do is to type the keywords in the search bar and to click the search icon. Always try to find a reputed and secure website. The method of payment should be safe.

Buying an excellent accessory is a bit difficult task but can be made easier by following some tips and techniques which I have stated in this article. It is a good idea to spend some time with friends or relatives who he recently bought a cover for their pool.

A cover is an essential part of a pool. It not only keeps it safe but also increases it`s functionality.

If you have a pool, have you ever considered using a swimming pool heat pump to heat it? The efficiency of one of these units depends on the actual temperature outside. Since most pools are located outside, it is a logical choice to heat them in this manner. Many people still are not familiar with the operation of these machines. They do not actually generate heat; they just move it from one place to another.

A swimming pool heat pump will heat the pool to the desired temperature at an efficient cost. Just set the machine to the temperature you want and that is it. Thus, even if the weather is not that great, you can be assured that your pool is the right temperature for a enjoyable swim. These pumps work best when the weather is not too cold. They use the outside air as a free energy source.

A swimming pool heat pump will work in the same principle as an air conditioner or refrigerator but in reverse. The main mechanics of one of these units consists of a condenser, a ventilator, a heat exchanger and a compressor that incorporates a refrigerant.

The swimming pool heat pump will kick into action when the temperature of the water falls a degree or two below its desired setting. When the water reaches the temperature you have set on the machine, then it will automatically shut off until it is needed again. To find one of these units, check with a local heating and air conditioning supplier, they will likely carry heat pumps of varying sizes as well. Alternatively, you can search the internet for a company that may sell them online. However, purchasing them from a reputable dealer that is local to you is much more advised because you should have the supplier install the unit and provide you with the proper operating instructions.

In conclusion, heating your pool with a swimming pool heat pump is an energy efficient method of keeping your pool comfortable during the entire swim season.

It’s not uncommon for pool owners to notice that water seems to be leaking out of their pool after opening it for the year. But where is the leak coming from? Let’s take a look and see how to find and repair swimming pool leaks.

First of all, you have to make sure that it really is a leak in the first place. What do you think is a leak, may be something else. There are actually three main causes of water loss from swimming pools and they are:

1. Swimming pool plumbing leaks

2. Swimming pool shell leaks

3. Normal evaporation or excessive splash

So before you go any further let’s rule out number three in the list above. It’s important to do this, because actually the sun can evaporate quite a bit of water from a pool on a daily basis without your realizing it, and swimmers can splash a lot of water out of a pool too..

To find out for sure if the water loss is due to evaporation or not, take a fairly large container and fill it with water and place it on the first step of your pool. Then remove enough water from the container so that the water level in the pool and in the container is exactly the same. Now leave the container there for a couple of days to see what happens with no one using the pool in the meantime. If after a couple of days the water level in the pool has gone down, and the water level in the container has gone down the same amount, then you know that the water loss you are experiencing is most likely just evaporation due to the sun.On the other hand, if the water in the pool has gone down farther than the water in the container, then most likely there is indeed a leak in your pool somewhere.

To find a pool leak, the first place to inspect is around your filter and pump. Do you notice any water spots or damp areas there? If so, try to trace back where the water is coming from. Very often, it will be a connection on one of the pipes in this particular area.You may need to turn on the pump for a while and observe it to see if any leaks develop while everything is running. If the leak begins to show, and you feel comfortable with repairing the pool plumbing, then this is a job that you may wish to do yourself. However, for most people it will be a job that is best left to a pool professional.

If no obvious leaks can be found in the plumbing, then perhaps the leak is in the shell of the pool itself. And in this case, it’s almost always advisable to leave any of this type of work up to a well-qualified professional.

As you can see, finding and repairing swimming pool leaks is usually just a matter of eliminating possible causes until you find the real problem. Once the problem is found, your final decision is whether to fix it yourself or pay someone to do it instead.