Category Archives: Pool and Spa Equipment

Pool and Spa Equipment

Why You Should Reconsider Above Ground Pools

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Above Ground Swimming Pools

The popularity of above ground pools has grown in recent years, and many homeowners who may have never before considered owning one are now taking a second look. The reasons for this turn around are numerous, but three major contributors to the rise in popularity of above ground pools include cost, selection, and appearance.

Cost

Even before the onset of current economic problems, in ground pools were cost prohibitive for many homeowners. In fact, “sales of new [in ground] pools have fallen nearly 75% from their 2004 peak,” according to research conducted by P.K. Data, Inc. Comparing the cost of purchasing and installing an in ground pool with the cost of purchasing and installing an above ground pool reveals a significant difference. Above ground pools, in most cases, cost thousands of dollars less, making them a much more affordable option for homeowners, even in today’s tough economic climate.

Selection

More than ever, today’s above ground pools are available in a wide variety of shapes and sizes. Round, rectangular, and oval pools give homeowners the freedom and flexibility to choose the most suitable pool for their specific situation. Smaller sizes can accommodate smaller yards, while much larger pools are available for homes where backyard space is not an issue.

Appearance

The most common critique of above ground pools has always focused on their traditionally unattractive appearance. These pools have come a long way, though, in terms of how they look. The state-of-the-art materials and protective coatings used in the construction of above ground pools prevent the appearance of unsightly rust and other damage caused by harsh weather. Additionally, decorative elements on contemporary pools give homeowners the ability to customize the look of their pool. Design choices can include colors that complement a home’s decor and finishes that resemble weathered stone or other decorative effects. Also, vertical supports are made to either blend into the pool’s design or to add a sophisticated touch to the pool’s appearance. Some pools, for example, feature vertical supports that are reminiscent of the simple and elegant style found in roman Doric columns.

Other ways that homeowners choose to enhance the appearance of above ground pools include adding attractive landscaping features, wooden pool decks, or decorative stone patios. Some above ground pools are even constructed so that they can be installed partially or mostly in the ground, giving them the feel of in ground pools.

Enjoying the luxury of a backyard swimming pool can be a reality for many homeowners who are willing to take another look at above ground pools. Thanks to advanced materials, expanded selections, and attractive designs, above ground pools can finally move beyond the negative images that have plagued them in the past. More homeowners than ever before are finding these pools to be an appealing and affordable alternative to in ground pools.

Pool Accessories, Pool and Spa Equipment, Pool and Spa Safety

When Pool Safety and Festive Fun Go Hand in Hand

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Swimming Pool Lighting

One of the advantages of owning your own backyard swimming pool, whether it be an above ground pool or an in ground pool, is enjoying the freedom of swimming at any time of the day or night. Night time swimming, though, is not safe unless your swimming pool is equipped with pool lights to illuminate the sides and bottom of the swimming pool.* Swimming pool lights come in a wide variety of styles, colors, and shapes, and choosing the right one depends only on the type of pool you have and your own personal tastes.

In ground swimming pool lights are often installed when the pool itself is constructed, but this is not the case for above ground pools. Above ground pool lights must be attached to the pool in one of several ways. Some lights hook over the top of the pool wall, some are mounted to the side of the pool wall, and some are installed directly to your pool’s return line. Each option has its own advantages, but many above ground pool owners prefer lights that hook over the top of the pool wall because this prevents the need to drill holes in the side of the swimming pool and makes the lights easier to remove or adjust.

Another choice to be made when selecting swimming lights is color. White lights are the standard choice, but colors add ambiance and fun to the swimming experience. Some lights offer the best of both worlds — a white bulb and different colored lenses that can be snapped into place as desired. Other lights are able to cycle through a series of different colors for an ever-changing effect.

Some of the most fun and colorful swimming pool lights are floating lights. Floating lights can illuminate both in ground and above ground pools, and they come in a multitude of creative styles. Floating lights that resemble lily pads or graceful jelly fish are just two examples of the unique pool lights available. Some floating lights feature a fountain on the top which sprays colorful streams of water. A favorite choice for pool parties are floating lights whose multiple colors spin and dance underwater like a kaleidoscope.

Having so many choices for swimming pool lights makes the selection process fun, but the choice itself doesn’t matter as much as ensuring that there are some kind of lights installed in your backyard swimming pool. Safety should always be the first consideration.

*Safety Note: Children, even older children who may have strong swimming skills, should never be permitted to swim after dark unless closely supervised by a responsible adult.

Pool and Spa Equipment, Pool and Spa Safety

Above Ground Pool Ladders That Can Save a Life

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Anyone who owns an above ground pool knows that getting into and out of one requires a safe and sturdy pool ladder.  When swimming is over for the day, though, do you remove your pool ladder?  To help prevent access to your above ground pool when a responsible adult is not around to supervise, it’s essential to remove your pool ladder from the pool after each use.  Yes, pool ladders can be heavy and awkward — removing and installing them each time you wish to use the pool is not always convenient.  Fortunately, safe alternatives exist.

Choosing a pool ladder that has safety features built-in is the best way to prevent pool access while also saving you from the hassle of removing the ladder after each day the pool is used.  Here are 3 common options:

1.  Pool ladders that are equipped with locking gates are one option above ground pool owners can choose to prevent pool access.

2.  A ladder that features a unique rolling barrier is another way that above ground pool owners can block access to the pool.

Roll-Guard A-Frame Ladder

3.  A third alternative to standard above ground pool ladders is one whose outer steps can swing into an upright position and be locked into place to keep ladder rungs out of reach.

Eliminator A-Frame Ladder

 While convenience is certainly a benefit of the pool safety ladders shown here, safety is at the heart of their importance.  Sure, you can save your time and your back by not having to haul the ladder out of the water at the end of each swimming day, but you may also save a life simply by ensuring that the safety features are engaged before leaving the pool side.

Pool and Spa Equipment, Pool and Spa Safety

Pool Fences are Just One Part of the Protection Plan

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Pool Safety Information

Ensuring the highest level of safety around the backyard swimming pool means creating a plan of protection that makes it extremely difficult for children or pets to gain entry to the pool water.  Proper adult supervision is one important part of this plan, but it doesn’t provide the entire solution. 

Along with supervision, a pool fence should be installed around the pool to prevent entry.  Pool fences that surround in ground pools should be at least 4 feet in height and should be constructed of a material that cannot be climbed.  Gate entry points should always remain locked, and gate handles should be out of reach of small children.  

Pool Fence for Safety

If the side of your home makes up the 4th wall of your fenced pool area, be sure to install a door alarm on the door that allows entry to the pool area.  Keep the alarm on at all times, and make sure it’s loud enough to hear in all parts of your home.

The same fencing will work well around an above ground swimming pool, but you should also consider installing a safety fence on the pool itself.  A safety fence designed specifically for above ground pools provides an additional safety barrier that prevents unauthorized entry to the pool.

Above Ground Pool Safety Fence

There’s no such thing as too much safety when it comes to backyard swimming pools.  Responsible adult supervision and proper pool fencing are just two parts of the protection plan that homeowners should implement to help prevent accidents in and around the pool.

Environmentally Friendly Ideas, Pool and Spa Equipment

How to Make 2012 the Year of the Energy Efficient Pool — Part 4 of 4

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Why should you care about making your swimming pool more energy-efficient in 2012 and beyond?  Saving energy is one excellent reason, but saving money is another good one, too.  Greening your pool means keeping more green in your wallet.

This series of posts on creating an energy-efficient pool has so far recommended Solar Pool Covers, Solar Pool Heaters, and the Pool Filter Timer as three sure-fire ways to cut energy consumption and costs.  The last and final recommendation in this series is the Pool Pump.

4. Swimming Pool Pump

The fourth way to increase energy-efficiency in your swimming pool is to install and operate a swimming pool pump. You can conserve energy and sustain a comfortable swimming pool temperature by using a smaller, higher efficiency pump and by operating it less frequently.  In a study of 120 pools by the Center for Energy Conservation at Florida Atlantic University, some pool owners saved as much as 75% of their original pumping bill when they used these energy conservation measures.

Hayward Swimming Pool Pumps

These aren’t the only four ways to increase energy-efficiency in your backyard swimming pool, but they do offer a variety of options for accomplishing the task.  Whether you decide to take on these four recommendations one at a time, or choose to adopt them all at once, any steps you take toward greater energy-efficiency will make a positive difference for the environment and for your wallet.