It’s possible for individuals to maintain their pool themselves, but there can be a steep learning curve when it comes to chemicals, cleaning and testing. All it takes in one mistake and a pool can quickly become unfit for use and be extremely expensive to rectify.

Regular Inspections

A pool professional does far more than simply add chemicals. They inspect all the pool-related equipment to ensure it’s working correctly and identify any potential issues before they become costly problems. They also have the knowledge and experience to make repairs when needed. A pool professional has the high-tech equipment to inspect every inch of the pool for cracks, leaks, and other below-the-surface issues.

Time Savings

Caring and maintaining for a pool requires a considerable amount of time, especially for those that have little or no experience in doing so. It’s a definite benefit for those that have little time or travel frequently. Pool professionals are quick and efficient.

Chemical Balances

Chemicals can create more problems than they solve if applied incorrectly. Pool professionals know how to test, the chemicals to use to rectify any problems, and the quantity of chemicals to add.

Save Money

A pool professional can actually save money. One small mistake in a DIY pool maintenance plan can be extremely expensive to fix. The water can become unsanitary or it could lead to an algae bloom. Either condition can be costly and render the pool unusable.

Less Stress

Maintaining a pool can be very stressful, particularly for new pool owners. The services of a pool professional relieves the anxiety of caring for the pool and provides peace of mind knowing that it’s always ready to use.

Value

A pool that’s been well-maintained adds value to any property. That’s a particularly attractive and appealing element for potential buyers if a home or business goes on the market.

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For those that haven’t yet heard, there’s a nationwide chlorine shortage and it’s going to impact the way pools are opened and maintained. The shortage is affecting private and public pools in every state. The chlorine crisis came about as the result of a fire in a Louisiana plant responsible for making chlorine for swimming pools.

The loss of that manufacturing left people in the U.S. with only two plants that produce the chemical. Another factor impacting chlorine was the pandemic. Thousands of people installed pools during the height of the pandemic and it increased demand for chlorine at the same time that production was reduced due to the fire.

The Louisiana plant doesn’t expect to resume operations until Spring 2022. Chlorine is in short supply and it’s going to be far more expensive than in the past. Professional pool maintenance companies and pool supply houses are employing multiple strategies in an effort to obtain the chlorine they need.

In many instances, individuals and pool maintenance professionals will need to use powdered chlorine rather than tablets. At some point, they may also need to transition from powdered chlorine to liquid chlorine. They may also have to resort to non-chlorinated products to shock pools.

While pool professionals will have the knowledge and experience to make the necessary conversions, if you’re among the many pool owners that manage their own pool, you may not be able to make those changes in a way that’s safe for swimmers.

Another alternative is converting an existing chlorine pool into a saltwater pool. While a saltwater pool still uses chlorine, it requires far less of the chemical than a traditional chlorine pool. The same is true of pools that employ ozone, UV and ionization systems.

Keep your pool cleaner by showering before swimming and don’t let pets in the pool. Don’t neglect regular maintenance. For the best advice on how to keep your pool clean during the chlorine crisis, definitely consult with a pool professional.

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If you want to have a beautiful, clean, and healthy swimming pool, then you need to know how to maintain it regularly. In fact, maintenance is considered to be one of the most important aspects of pool ownership. Without proper maintenance, your pool can easily develop several dangerous contaminants such as algae, which can also clog the filters of your pool. In addition, if you do not properly maintain your pool on a regular basis, there are high chances that it can lose its luster and even it’s color. So, to help you in maintaining your pool at its best, here are some helpful tips:

Clean the Pool

The first thing that you have to do is to remove any leaves or other debris from your pool. It is very important to do this so you can prevent algae from forming on the sides of the pool. Then, make use of skimmers so you can get rid of the dirt and leaves in the water.

Proper Chemicals

One of the most common mistakes that most people make when it comes to keeping their pool in good condition is using the wrong chemicals for it. Make sure that you use the correct chemical that is suitable for the type of pool that you have. There are several types of pool chemicals including automatic pool cleaners that help in keeping algae at bay while using minimal amounts of chemicals. Also, regular maintenance is required to make sure that the chemicals are still in the right quantity. By following all these tips, you can surely enjoy crystal clear and beautiful pool water.

Pool Maintenance Company

Pool cleaning and chemical maintenance can be overwhelming for any pool owner. One of the best things you can do hire a company to regularly visit and maintain you pool. They will keep you pool clean, clear, and ready for use.

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A great many people are choosing to install a saline swimming pool rather than a traditional chlorine model. While saline pools are gentler on hair and skin, it’s important to understand that the saline levels are not comparable to ocean water – salinity levels are approximately 1/10th that of the ocean.

The second thing to know about saline pools is that they’re more complex systems and if you’re not familiar with them, your best decision will be to hire a professional pool service for regular monitoring, maintenance and repair. Your initial set up will be more costly, but a saline pool is less expensive to maintain over time.

Maintaining a saline pool isn’t like a traditional chlorine pool and trying to apply the same principles will result in damage. Saline pools still require chlorine, but it’s not simply dumped in the pool. Chemicals must first pass through a salt chlorine generator that converts chemicals into hypochlorous acid and hydrogen gas. The hydrogen gas dissipates into the air and the hypochlorous acid is what sanitizes the water.

Salt is a corrosive material. In the recommended concentrations, it’s not harmful to any part of the pool system. If you add too much, the saline will begin to corrode pipes, fittings, pool liners and railings. Rectifying and repairing the damage will be extremely costly.

It’s critical that proper circulation be maintained to prevent salt from building up in specific areas. Depending upon the shape of your pool, it may require additional circulation devices to be installed. If you see salt crystals growing anywhere in the pool, call a professional.

Regular cleaning is required for any type of pool, but not all tools that are used for cleaning a chlorine pool are effective for a saline environment. Always make sure that your filter, skimmer and pump are kept clean.

You’ll need to maintain proper pH levels, manage stabilizers, sustain appropriate salt levels, and shock the pool when appropriate. Regular testing is critical to know what chemicals to add and when. Anytime you’re in doubt, engage the services of a pool expert.

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Planting trees near your swimming pool can aid in creating specific landscaping effects for a more inviting environment. In addition to leaves, some have pollen, blossoms, seeds, and fruits that will fall in the pool and add to maintenance costs. It will also make the pool unattractive and may even render it unusable. The following are trees you’ll want to avoid near your pool.

Evergreens

An evergreen may seem like a good alternative to traditional leafy varieties – until you consider that they shed needles at an amazing rate. Those needles can fall or be blown into the pool and carried in on damp feet. The trees also emit sticky pitch that’s difficult to remove.

Fruit and Nuts

Trees that bear fruits or nuts should be avoided whether they’re trees that are considered domesticated or those found in the wild. Fruits and nuts attract insects, wildlife, and present a hazard for people who can trip, fall, and be injured. Fruits and the husks of nuts will also stain pools, concrete and other surroundings.

Invasive Roots

Some tree species have invasive roots that actively seek sources of moisture – including your pool. They can grow through the sides of pools, erode the soil around the pool, and damage and destroy underground plumbing. Willows, aspens and cottonwoods are water seekers.

Big Bloomers

Trees that produce big blooms are beautiful to behold until they begin to drop their petals into the pool. The resulting debris can be considerable. Southern magnolias are well-known for their gorgeous blooms and messy aftermath.

Thorns, Spikes, and Spines

Some trees develop thorns as they mature, while others produce seeds with thorny coverings. Sycamores and sweetgum produce seeds with spiky coverings that are painful if stepped on. Hawthorns, honey locusts and acacias sprout thorns.

Messy Seeders

The catalpa tree is a messy seeder and the northern variety is even worse than the southern version. The long seed pods open to release clouds of fluffy seeds that can resemble a snow storm when blown about by the wind. Their flowers also create a mess when they drop and the seeds pods are unsightly when they fall on lawns and in pools.

Weak Limbs

Silver maples and Bradford pears are just two species that tend to have weak branches that break and fall in the wind. They can cause a significant amount of damage if the branch is large, while a continual rain of small twigs is equally annoying.

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Many individuals choose to perform maintenance on their pool themselves. Keeping a pool clean, sparkling and healthy will require a familiarity with a range of chemicals and their proper application. There are also basic tools and equipment that every individual should have. The following are pool supplies that every individual should have.

Chemicals

Anyone with a pool knows how many chemicals are required to maintain pH balances, kill algae, and keep pools sanitized for a healthy environment in which to swim. There are also chemicals to shock pools, clarifiers, chemicals to remove stains. Test strips are also needed to determine if there are imbalances that need to be rectified.

Gates and Fences

Every pool is required to have a fence that children can’t climb under or over and an automatically locking gate latch to prevent drowning. It can also be helpful to place an alarm on the gate and specially designed pool motion sensors are available.

Pool Brush

This is an essential cleaning tool, but be careful to select the right head for the type of pool finish. There are brushes that are equally appropriate for concrete and plaster pools, while others are used for vinyl lined pools only. One of its most important functions is scraping algae off the side after the pool has been treated with an algaecide. Some are equipped with a magnetic edge to retrieve missing jewelry.

Pool Cover

A pool cover will keep debris out of the pool when it’s not in use and it’s an important safety feature that helps prevent accidents. Solar pool covers will use the power of the sun to help warm the pool water.

Skimmer

This is a flat net attached to a long pole, enabling owners to remove debris floating on the surface of the pool such as insects, leaves and flower petals. It’s also effective for reaching pool toys that have floated out of reach or that have sunk to the bottom.

Vacuum

A manual vacuum designed for pools allow people to reach the bottom, sides, and hard to reach corners to remove any slime, algae or residue that’s built up in the pool. A robotic cleaner is another option. While a robotic cleaner isn’t an absolute necessity, they’re very convenient and save time. The robots can clean the bottom, sides and even steps, depending on the model, while owners are sleeping or at work.

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When people think of wearable tech, they automatically envision products like smartwatches and fitness trackers. The wearable technology industry has expanded significantly and one of the most popular products on the market is UV clothing. The biggest question for most people is “Does UV clothing really work?”

The short answer is yes, but there are variables that can affect effectiveness. The majority of UV fabrics are designed to provide a protective factor of 50 or more against UVB rays and the protective ability lasts for 2-3 years. UV clothing is available in pants, shirts, and hats that more closely resembles high-end fitness or leisurewear for a stylish look.

UV clothing is created by treating the cloth with substances that either absorb or reflect UVB rays to minimize the amount that reaches the skin, combined with a very tight weave. To qualify for the Skin Cancer Foundation’s Seal of Recommendation, UV clothing must provide an ultra-violet factor (UPF) of at least 49.

A rating of 30-49 is considered good, while a rating of 50 or more is excellent. Clothing with a rating of 15 or below isn’t considered UV protective. Tightness of the weave or knit also affects the protective power of the clothing. The protective factor diminishes if the clothing is worn while wet.

UV clothing does minimize the amount of ultraviolet rays from the sun that reach the skin. Sunscreen will still need to be used on exposed areas of skin. The following are tips when choosing UV garments.

• Always look for a UPF rating
• Choose garments with the most dense weave
• Red and blue colors work best at blocking UVB rays
• Nylon and polyester materials are better at disrupting rays
• UV clothing that fits tightly reduces its effectiveness
• The tighter fabric weave increases heat, so check for items with ventilation options

UV clothing can be especially beneficial for children and people that burn easily. The garments are equally advantageous for individuals that work outside, are on the water or snow where light reflects, in equatorial regions, or at high elevations. The clothing is also helpful for individuals taking some types of medications that increase sensitivity to the sun.

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Whether an individual is getting a drink of water, taking a shower, or swimming in a pool, the temperature of the liquid has a definite effect on the body. It affects the biological and chemical reactions within the body. Water temperature affects the body in a myriad of ways, some of which may seem contradictory. Fortunately, the human body is a wonder of bioengineering and able to adapt.

Drinking cool liquids help reduce internal body temperature. Cooler water is transferred through the stomach and into the intestines quicker than warm beverages for faster hydration. The ideal temperature for drinking water is between 50 and 72 degrees Fahrenheit. It’s a guideline closely followed by professional athletes and studies have demonstrated that water temperatures of 60°F is the optimum temperature for initiating a sweat response and rehydration.

Warm water has the surprising ability to aid in fat burning and curbing appetite. Warm water mobilizes molecules within the body when ingested and makes it easier for the digestive system to burn calories.

The temperature of the water when swimming is important as it can affect the core body temperature and heart rate. When immersed in water of 102°F, moderate cardiovascular stress and hyperthermia take place. While few people will encounter those temperatures, it’s a good example of how water temperature can affect body function. The average temperature of a shower is 112 degrees, but doesn’t cause as much stress on the body since exposure is shorter in duration.

Conversely, swimming pool water kept at less than 78 degrees Fahrenheit will leave swimmers shivering when they emerge as the body tries to warm itself. Whether swimming in a pool or the ocean, water temperatures of less than 70°F makes breathing more difficult. During Olympic competition, water is maintained between 77 and 82 degrees Fahrenheit.

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Pool maintenance is a must in the summer and the watery oasis may need more frequent attention depending on its usage and weather conditions. In very hot weather, a pool’s chemical balance can change quickly and it will be affected by a number of variables.

Increased Usage

For those that have large families or entertain frequently, summer pool maintenance is especially important. Each time someone gets in the pool, they bring along with the dead skin cells, sunscreen, and a myriad of normally occurring bacteria, fungi, and viruses. The levels of all those elements increase as more people use the pool or people use it more often.

More Debris

Trees, bushes, flowers and grass shed leaves and pollen throughout the summer that will find its way into the pool. It’s important to skim any large debris from the pool to help the filter work more efficiently and ensure it doesn’t get blocked. A weekly check is critical. The task may need to be performed even more often if there are a lot of plantings very near the pool. It can help to remember that the pool’s filter works much like the kidneys in the human body to filter waste.

More Algae

No one wants to swim in an algae laden pool and it’s more than just an aesthetic concern – it’s also a health issue. There are a number of factors that will have a bearing on algae growth including warm temperatures, pH balance, and sunlight, all of which cause algae to flourish. Poor water circulation and incorrect pool sanitation measures also have the ability to contribute to algae growth.

More Chemicals

Inexperienced pool owners often try to compensate for problems by adding more chlorine. That chemical and others have specific uses within the pool environment and should only be used for the issues for which they were intended. Too many chemicals or in the incorrect amount will cause an imbalance in pH levels, causing swimmers’ eyes to burn, irritation of the nose and throat, and even a burning rash.

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Every parent knows how quickly children of any age can get into mischief. Youngsters are curious and have no comprehension of the dangers a pool can present. For anyone planning on hosting a pool party for kids, there are a few basic tips that should be followed to ensure everyone has a happy time but remember that safety should always be the top priority.

No Unaccompanied Children

This should be clearly stated when you issue the invitations. Each child must be accompanied by a parent or responsible adult. It may seem harsh, but make it clear that unaccompanied children will not be allowed to attend.

Have a Lifeguard

If there’s someone that can be trusted to act as a lifeguard, ask them to do so. If no one is available or willing to take on the responsibility, hire one from a reputable company.

Establish Health and Safety Rules

Set safety rules and make sure that each parent receives a copy of them when the invitation is issued. It will help reduce problems on the day of the event and be sure to post them on the premises where they’re easily seen. Some basics include no diving or running in the pool area, and no food or drinks are allowed in or near the pool. All children that aren’t potty trained must wear a swim diaper.

Stock up on Essential Supplies

It’s inevitable that children will arrive without floaties or sunscreen. Floaties are essential for any child that has limited swimming experience or skill. Sunscreen is equally important. Children are at increased risk of sunburn in the late morning and early afternoon, and the potential increases due to the sun’s rays being reflected from the water in the pool.

Take Regular Breaks

Even though children are surrounded by water, they can easily become dehydrated. Make sure everyone takes regular breaks and they have plenty to drink. Get everyone out of the pool periodically and offer them juice and tempting frozen treats.

Prepare for Potential Emergencies

Despite the best laid plans and precautions, the potential still exists for an emergency. Hosts should be trained in CPR, have a fully stocked first aid kit ready, and keep a phone close to hand. It’s also a good idea to check and make sure the event is covered by the homeowner’s policy.

Prepare the Pool

A pool party is no fun if there’s algae growth or the pH levels are off. To ensure that the water is perfect for swimming on the day of the big event, consult with a pool specialist. Explain what’s needed and when the celebration will take place. A pool professional can ensure that the water is sparkling clean, safe, and inviting for the party.

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