Author: Randy Sellers

Pool and Spa Safety, Pool Safety Covers

Pool Safety Cover Care and Maintenance

Comment
Safety Cover Care and Maintenance

Safety Cover Care and Maintenance

Tips for Caring for Your Swimming Pool Safety Cover

A safety cover differs from any other type of swimming pool cover in that it is designed to prevent drowning and submersion accidents by providing a taut barrier over the pool water. A cover can only be called a safety cover if it is able to support at least 485 pounds per 5 square feet, according to standards set by the American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM standard F1346-91). Any person or animal who wanders onto a properly installed safety cover will be protected from falling into the pool.

In order for a safety cover to do its job, though, it must be kept in good shape. Here are some tips pool owners can follow to care for and maintain a swimming pool safety cover:

When installing the safety cover initially, ensure that springs are very taut because, over time, the cover will relax and the tension will ease.

Removing and replacing the cover before and after use is an easier process if the cover is fan folded.

When not in use, store the cover in the storage bag included. Hang the bag off of the floor so the cover can drain.

Flush out anchor casings in the pool deck with a hose several times a year to prevent sticking.

Debris can be easily hosed off of a properly installed cover.

To clean the debris screen in a solid safety cover, first remove the cover from the pool. Open and fold back the mesh panel on top of the cover. Hose the filter screen off from behind to remove any fine debris. Finally, close the panel and store the cover away until it is needed again.

Use a cover pump to remove any excess water that accumulates on the top of a solid safety cover that does not have a debris screen.

Any small holes in the cover should be patched right away to prevent them from increasing in size.

Large holes may not be fixable, and a new safety cover may be required.

The only way to ensure that a safety cover can adequately prevent submersion and drowning accidents is make sure it stays in top condition. Regular maintenance is the key. Additionally, proper installation of the safety cover is essential. A safety cover should lie flat against the pool deck to prevent any gaps or spaces through which a child could squeeze and gain access to the pool water.

Automatic Pool Cleaners, Hot Tubs and Saunas, Pool and Spa Maintenance

Automatic Pool Cleaners for Small Pools and Spas

4 Comments
Catfish Automatic Pool Cleaner

Automatic Pool Cleaners for Small Pools and Spas

The Best Choices for Small Pools, Inflatable Pools, and Spas

One of the frequent and necessary tasks that comes with owning a pool is cleaning it.  But, if you own a small pool, an inflatable pool, or a spa, standard-size automatic pool cleaners will prove to be too big and bulky for the job.  Smaller areas require smaller pool cleaners.  To most efficiently meet your dirt and debris cleaning needs, the best choice would be cordless, hoseless, automatic pool cleaners that work independently of your pool’s pump and filter system.

Larger automatic pool cleaners are most often powered by electricity from the home, or by the suction created from a pool’s pump and filter system.  Either way, pool owners are required to manage a fairly cumbersome machine and many feet of cords or hoses.  More substantial devices as well as long cords and hoses are useful when the area to be cleaned is significant, but not when it comes to cleaning smaller pools and spas.  Many of the automatic cleaners designed for smaller spaces are lightweight, easy to maneuver, free of cords and hoses, and powered by standard batteries.  Some cleaners come equipped with rechargeable batteries, which would be the more environmentally friendly option, and some even operate by using no batteries at all, but rather by drawing debris up into a capture chamber through a siphoning process.

Useful features to look for in automatic pool cleaners designed for smaller spaces include reusable filter bags for collecting debris and a telescoping pole for easy cleaning of deeper areas in the spa or pool, or the ability to attach your existing telescoping pole.  Additionally, look for the length of time that the cleaners can operate before new batteries are required — some hold a charge for as little as 30 minutes, while others can clean for up to 3 hours or longer on a single charge or set of batteries.  Length of operation time may not be a significant factor if the pool cleaner will be used in a spa or as a spot cleaner in a larger pool.  If the cleaner will be used to entirely clean a small to medium-size pool, though, length of operation time will be an important consideration.

An additional feature to consider when deciding among automatic pool cleaners for small spaces is the size and shape of the cleaning head.  What is the size and shape of your pool or spa?  Are there tight corners or small nooks into which you would want a pool cleaner to fit?  Will you be using your pool cleaner for spot cleaning only, or will it also be used to clean an entire pool?  Some cleaners are designed with a narrow head, and these are perfect for cleaning spas and for spot cleaning any size swimming pool.  Other cleaners for small spaces have a wider head, but often come with a crevice or corner attachment to reach tighter spaces.  These work well as spot cleaners in any size pool, but they can also more effectively clean small to medium-size pools as a whole.

In short, when it comes to small pools, inflatable pools, or spas, choosing the right automatic pool cleaner depends largely on your own needs: how do you prefer your pool cleaner to be powered; how long do you need a single battery charge to last; and what features will help you most effectively clean your specific pool or spa?  No matter what size your pool or spa, cleaning it is a must, and using the most appropriate pool cleaner for the job will save you time and effort.

Hot Tubs and Saunas, Pool and Spa Maintenance, Pool and Spa Safety

Spa Covers and Hot Tub Covers

Comment
Spa & Hot Tub Covers

Spa Covers Hot Tub Covers

Spa and Hot Tub Covers are an Essential Element for Maintenance and Safety

With the colder weather upon us folks are starting to fire the hot tubs and spas up. Not too many things feel as good as soaking in a hot tub sipping your favorite beverage with friends, family or that special someone in freezing weather or while it is snowing outside. Unwinding in a spa or hot tub after a tiring day is one of life’s ultimate luxuries.  What do you do, though, when you’re done with your toasty soak?  Do you keep your hot tub covered?  If not, here’s why you should:

  • Spa covers and hot tub covers prevent evaporation, saving you money on water and chemicals.  Maintaining the chemical balance of your spa’s water is easier and less time consuming when a spa cover is used on a regular basis.
  • Spa covers also insulate the water and prevent much of the heat from escaping.  Keeping the hot tub’s water warm when not in use makes heating the water faster the next time you want to take a soak.  Not only do you save energy, but your spa heater lasts longer because you use it less often and for shorter amounts of time.
  • Spa covers keep debris and dirt out of your hot tub.  Cleaning your hot tub takes less time and effort when there is less to clean up.

One specific type of spa cover that is recommended for homes with children and pets is called a walk on spa cover.  Standard spa covers, while they appear to be perfectly sturdy, may not be able to support the weight of a child if he or she decides to use the top of the hot tub as a play area.  Children and pets can be injured or may drown if a spa cover collapses into the water below.  Walk on spa covers, on the other hand, can support the weight of a child as well as the child’s entire family.  They come equipped with a locking mechanism, too, so the cover cannot be lifted or moved from the hot tub.

Even if you don’t have children or pets, walk on spa covers are a good option if you live in a snowy climate.  Accumulated snow can be quite heavy, especially if it is wet snow, as opposed to dry, powdery snow.  If that heavy snow is not cleared off of standard spa covers very frequently, those covers can become damaged.  Walk on spa covers can easily handle the weight of many feet of accumulated, heavy snow.

Whether you opt to purchase a standard spa cover or a walk on spa cover depends on your situation, but covering your spa or hot tub whenever it is not in use is an important step in properly maintaining it.

Hot Tubs and Saunas

Infrared Saunas: Ceramic Vs. Carbon Heaters

Comment

Infrared Saunas

What’s the Difference? Which Should You Choose?

Infrared home saunas are rising in popularity as availability increases and cost declines. Selecting which sauna to bring into the home may seem like a simple decision initially — most are beautifully constructed wood enclosures with comfortable seating, sound systems, and other luxurious extras. The choice of heating element, though, is where most homeowners get stuck.  Infrared saunas are available with either a ceramic heater or a carbon heater.  What’s the difference?  Both have their advantages and drawbacks, but understanding the basics of each heating option should provide homeowners with enough information to make the best individual decision.

Warm Up Time and Distribution of Heat

In general, ceramic heaters are quicker to heat up than carbon heaters, but with ceramic heaters, more intense warmth tends to be concentrated closest to the heating elements. With carbon heaters, the heat is more evenly distributed throughout the sauna and provides a body with even heat exposure. Heat that is not as evenly dispersed will warm the body unevenly, but it can be an effective way to focus the more intense heat on specific areas of the body that may need more attention.

Some homeowners prefer carbon heaters for larger saunas because uneven heat distribution is more noticeable.  Some, however, prefer the subtle variations in temperature in a sauna that uses a ceramic heater because it allows for a less intense experience.

Durability

An important consideration when comparing home saunas is durability of the heating elements.  Both ceramic and carbon heaters are considered durable. Ceramic rods, though, can be fragile, so carbon heaters are generally able to endure more abuse.  The durability of the sauna’s construction should be considered, too. A well-constructed sauna will help provide safe a sturdy housing for the heating elements, so they can remain in good condition over many years.

Energy Efficiency

Infrared heating, in general, is very energy efficient, so it should come as no surprise that ceramic and carbon heaters both score high for energy efficient performance.  Either choice would provide homeowners with a sauna that operates at a low cost.  Carbon heaters, though, are usually more efficient than ceramic, which means operation costs would be even lower than with ceramic heaters.

Cost

The overall cost of home saunas is certainly a consideration for homeowners in the market for one.  Saunas that use carbon heaters are usually more expensive to purchase than saunas that use ceramic. Before making the final decision, though, homeowners should weigh all of the different characteristics of carbon and ceramic heaters to determine which offers the best fit for the individual.  Homeowners should also compare other sauna features, too.  Quality of construction, ease of assembly, size, and creature comforts can make a significant difference in final cost.

Understanding the main differences between ceramic and carbon heaters for infrared saunas is crucial for making the most informed purchasing decision. When the desired heating components and sauna features match the homeowner’s expectations and desires, the result is a more rewarding and satisfying experience.

Pool Fun, Pool Toys and Games

Pool Toys and Swimming Pool Games Make the Most of Swimming Season

Comment

Pool Toys and Swimming Pool Games

Make the Most of Your Backyard Swimming Pool

Backyard swimming pools can become a hub of summertime fun and activity when you bring pool toys and swimming pool games into the picture.  Pool toys and swimming pool games allow you to do more with your pool than just swim, float, and soak up the sun.  They add extra fun to neighborhood parties and family get togethers and allow you to make the most of the swimming season, which sometimes seems way too short.  A wide variety of toys and games for pools are available, from the more common basketball and volleyball sets, to the less common remote controlled boats and toss games.  Choosing the right toys and games for your pool depends only on your family’s preferences and on how much you are willing to spend.

Two of the more commonly known pool toys and swimming pool games are basketball and volleyball.  Swimming pool basketball games that float on the water’s surface are often the least expensive of the basketball games, and they are particularly fun for kids.  These can be inflatable or pop up, which makes for easy storage.  At the other end of the spectrum of basketball sets for pools are those made for the serious basketball enthusiast.  These come with sturdy bases which can be filled with water, a reinforced backboard, adjustable rust-proof metal rim, and regulation size ball.

Just like with the basketball pool toys, you’ll find volleyball sets for pools that range in cost based on the quality and number of features available.  Better quality volleyball sets are rugged enough to be used in both home and public pools.  All volleyball sets should come with sturdy posts, but the material out of which the post is constructed will be one feature that determines the product’s price point. Another feature that may help determine price is the net.  Some nets are adjustable in height and length so that they allow you to create a custom fit for your specific pool. If the net is not described as adjustable, make sure that its dimensions are right for your pool. For in ground pools, some volleyball sets come with weighted bases for stability, while others have heavy-duty plastic bases which, when filled with water, help keep the net from sagging or collapsing into the water during active play.  For above ground pools, volleyball sets will often come with special brackets that attach to the pool’s top rail.

Some of the less commonly known pool toys and swimming pool games include remote controlled boats and toss games.  Remote controlled boats are fun for everyone, regardless of athletic ability, and they can be controlled no matter if you are hanging out in the water or lounging poolside.  A favorite choice among pool owners is the boat that doubles as a skimmer. Remote controlled pool skimmers make the cleaning up of leaves and surface debris a much more interesting and amusing activity.  Additionally, it’s easy to create your own games with a remote controlled pool skimmer and score points with every bit of debris collected.  Another fun remote controlled boat resembles a flying saucer and squirts water at the touch of a button.  You can surprise an unsuspecting friend with a stream of water shot from twenty feet away — just be sure your friend is a good sport.

Classic yard games, like ring toss and bag toss games, can also be enjoyed in the swimming pool.  These pool toys are a fun choice for swimming parties and small family gatherings, but they can also be played by a single person.  You can play while in the water, or you can toss the rings or bags onto the floating structure from poolside.  Ring toss and bag toss swimming pool games, as well as remote controlled boats, are generally less expensive than the standard basketball or volleyball sets for pools, but you should still be able to find any of these types of pool toys in a reasonable price range.

In short, you really can’t go wrong when choosing from the many types of pool toys and swimming pool games that are available if you make sure to consider your family’s play preferences as well as your budget.  No matter what you decide to get, the simple act of adding toys and games to your backyard pool allows you to make the most of the swimming pool season.