Innovative Solutions, Pool and Spa Equipment, Pool and Spa Maintenance

Time and Money Savers….Let Your Robotic Pool Cleaner Do Your Dirty Work

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Robotic Pool Cleaners

It is amazing how technology is constantly changing our lives. We hope for the better – creating more conveniences to everyday life. From computers to cell phones, to programmable thermostats to robotic pool cleaners, people have saved precious time and money.

Most people would like have a swimming pool in their backyard , but sometimes the maintenance that goes along with one is not very appealing. In the past, cleaning our pools typically has been either a significant time commitment on our part, or, if we could afford the luxury, a service we would pay a “poolman” to provide for us.  These days, a pool owner can benefit from the automation technology that is now available. Cleaning your pool has never been as easy as it is now if you chose to invest in a Robotic Pool Cleaner. It is amazing what these cleaners can do. With the variety of quality robotic pool cleaners now on the market,you can finally spend more time swimming in your pool than cleaning it.

Although these cleaners have proven to be very effective, many people have been hesitant to invest in one.  The main reason being that they are typically higher priced than other types of pool cleaners.  As the technology of these units has improved, the costs have gone down significantly. That is great news for pool owners. The time you save is definitely worth the expense. These cleaners have so many advantages and features that make them the envy of pool owners everywhere. A robotic pool cleaner, once you put it in you pool and turn it on, will independently vacuum up all the debris, dirt, and green algae it comes in contact with on the bottom, walls, and the steps of your pool. It will even work around drains and ladders.The newer models are smart enough to be able to detect the size and the shape of your swimming pool. Some even have internal memories, and after the first cleaning will be able to recall your pool’s shapes and curves making subsequent cleanings even more effective. Finally, many robotic cleaners have self-progamming software that scans and calculates automatically the most effective pattern of cleaning that is needed.

Overall, a robotic pool cleaner is an effortlessly and efficient way to keep your pool crystal clean so that you can get on with enjoying your swimming pool.  Now, you will have time to lounge by the pool with family and friends. Isn’t that the true reason we desire to have a pool in our backyard anyway?

Pool and Spa Safety

Swimming Pool and Spa Safety Drain Covers Prevent Injuries and Save Lives

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Antivortex Drain Cover

According to the Virginia Graeme Baker Pool and Spa Safety Act of 2007, all public swimming pools and spas must be fitted with the newly compliant anti entrapment safety drain covers by December 19, 2008. Our safety covers are compliant and meet the ASME/ANSI A 112.19.8 certification standards. These anti vortex safety drain covers properly retrofit commercial or residential swimming pool or spa drains. Manufacturers of the compliant anti entanglement safety pool drain covers are feeling extreme pressure of their ability to successfully meet the anticipated large demand for their products. Most swimming pool industry professionals believe the demand for the newly approved certified covers will be much greater than the manufacturers’ ability to produce by the December 19, 2008 deadline. Manufacturers just recently received the final approval for new suction outlet covers meeting the new standards.

Newly designed and affordable compliant anti entrapment pool covers are easily retrofitted to existing drains and are instrumental in the ongoing effort to prevent future devastating swimming pool injuries and uneccessary drowning deaths.

 

Pool and Spa Chemicals, Pool and Spa Maintenance

Did You Know There Are 21,000 Known Species of Algae?

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Fight Algae

 

Question:  What is Algae?

 

Answer:     Microscopic aquatic plant life that contain chlorophyll. Algae are nourished by carbon dioxide (C02) and use sunlight to carry out photosynthesis. It is introduced by rain or wind and grows in colonies producing nuisance masses. Algae are not disease-causing, but can harbor bacteria, create a high chlorine demand, and it is slippery. There are 21,000 known species of algae. The most common pool types are black, blue-green, green and mustard (yellow or brown). Pink or red-colored algae-like organisms exist but are bacteria and not algae. Maintaining proper sanitizer levels, brushing and super-chlorination will help prevent its occurrence.

Pool and Spa Chemicals

Chemical Question and Answer Series for Pool Owners

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Question:  How can I lower the pH of my swimming pool?

Answer:  Acid

A chemical substance containing hydrogen with the ability to dissolve metals, neutralize alkaline materials and combine with bases to form salts. Acid is used to lower (decrease) pH and total alkalinity of swimming pool and spa water. Examples are muriatic acid (hydrochloric) and dry acid (sodium bisulfate).

Environmentally Friendly Ideas, Uncategorized

Save the Planet – Go Green with Your Pool

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Solar cover

“Going Green” means to pursue knowledge and practices that can lead to more environmentally friendly and ecologically responsible decisions and lifestyles, which can help protect the environment and sustain its natural resources for current and future generations. With that being said, caring for the environment is our responsibility as consumers of it.

According to the U.S. Department of Energy, Swimming pools lose energy in a variety of ways, but evaporation is by far the largest source of energy loss. Evaporating water requires tremendous amounts of energy. It only takes 1 Btu (British thermal unit) to raise 1 pound of water 1 degree, but each pound of 80ºF water that evaporates takes a whopping 1,048 Btu of heat out of the pool.

Outdoor Pool Energy Loss

  • Losses to Ground and other 10%
  • Radiation to Sky 30%
  • Evaporation 70%
    The evaporation rate from an outdoor pool varies depending on the pool’s temperature, air temperature and humidity, and the wind speed at the pool surface. The higher the pool temperature and wind speed and the lower the humidity, the greater the evaporation rate. In windy areas, you can add a windbreak—trees, shrubs, or a fence—to reduce evaporation. The windbreak needs to be high enough and close enough to the pool that it doesn’t create turbulence over the pool, which will increase evaporation. You also don’t want the windbreak to shade the pool from the sun, which helps heat it.

Here are some suggestions to follow allowing for a more environmentally friendly swimming pool:

 First of all, use Solar Covers also called a solar blanket. Solar Pool Covers or Blankets resemble giant sheets of bubble wrap. The bubbles trap heat from the sun and transmit the heat to the pool, keeping the water temperature warm and inviting. The solar cover also helps to trap the heat of the water and prevents its escape into the cool night time air. Solar covers float freely on top of a pool without tie-downs or anchors to hold them in place. Solar covers are usually folded and stored or rolled-up on a large reel and wheeled out of the way. Solar Blankets are ideal for use in sunny climates because the more heat they can gather, the longer they can extend the swim season. Solar pool covers can raise water temperature by as much as 10-15 degrees.

Besides offering energy savings, pool covers also do the following:

  • Conserve water by reducing the amount of make-up water needed by 30%–50%
  • Reduce the pool’s chemical consumption by 35%–60%
  • Reduce cleaning time by keeping dirt and other debris out of the pool.

Using a Solar Pool Heater is another way that you can take advantage of the sun’s free energy.
How They WorkMost solar pool heating systems include the following:

Solar Heaters are extremely efficient, inexpensive to operate, and are the ultimate in environmental friendliness. When combined with a solar pool cover, Your Solar Pool Heater will maintain a comfortable water temperature well into the cooler months. 

A solar collector — the device through which pool water is circulated to be heated by the sun

  • A filter — removes debris before water is pumped through the collector
  • A pump — circulates water through the filter and collector and back to the pool
  • A flow control valve — automatic or manual device that diverts pool water through the solar collector.

Example of a solar pool heating system.Pool water is pumped through the filter and then through the solar collector(s), where it is heated before it is returned to the pool. In hot climates, the collector(s) can also be used to cool the pool during peak summer months by circulating the water through the collector(s) at night.Another way to save energy is by using a Pool Filter Timer.Installing and Operating a Swimming Pool Pump for Energy EfficiencyYou can save energy and maintain a comfortable swimming pool temperature by using a smaller, higher efficiency pump and by operating it less.

Automating a pool’s filter operation pays for itself in energy savings within the first month or two. Except for during times of heavy use, most pools only need to filter 12 hours per day. Pool Filter Timers save money on electricity and chemicals. Most Pool Filter Timers are rugged, weather proof and have up to 50 settings to allow you to make your pool turn on and off whenever you want. Most Pool Timers are easy to program.

  • Substituting a large filter (rated to at least 50% higher than the pool’s design flow rate)
  • Increasing the diameter or decreasing the length of the pipes, or replacing abrupt 90-degree elbow pipes with 45-degree ones or flexible pipes.
  • By decreasing the pool circulation system’s hydraulic resistance, you can reduce the pump’s electricity use by up to 40%.