Hot Tubs and Saunas, Pool and Spa Safety

Safety Tips for Hot Tubs and Spas

3 Comments

Hot Tub and Spa Safety

Residential hot tub safety is not always given as high a priority as swimming pool safety, but just as many dangers exist in and around hot tubs and spas as there are around pools.  Here are a few safety tips recommended by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission that can keep everyone safe in the spa:

  • Hot Tub Cover — Always use a hot tub cover, and be sure to secure and lock it when the spa is not in use.  Remind children frequently to stay away from the hot tub unless they are accompanied by a responsible adult.
  • Drains and Drain Covers — Spas and hot tubs should have at least two drains which have compliant anti-entrapment drain covers.  Single-drain spas create a powerful suction that can entangle hair and entrap body parts, leading to injury and even death.  Check the hot tub’s drain covers several times throughout the year.  Replace damaged or missing drain covers immediately.
  • Pump Shut-Off — Know the location of the hot tub pump’s shut-off switch.  Turn off the pump immediately in any emergency situation.
  • Water Temperature — Keep the water temperature in your hot tub at or below 104 degrees Fahrenheit.
  • Alcohol Consumption — Avoid drinking alcoholic beverages while in a hot tub or spa.

Make these few safety precautions a priority around the spa.  Doing so will keep everyone safe and ensure that hot tub time is relaxing and fun.

Innovative Solutions, Outdoor Entertaining, Pool Equipment Storage, Pool Fun

Bobbing for Snacks in the Swimming Pool

1 Comment

Big Bobber Floating Cooler

The weather is gradually warming, and the time is right to start planning for long summer days spent playing and relaxing in the backyard swimming pool.  Staying hydrated and refreshed while outside will give you the energy to stay out for as long as you wish.  The key is to drink plenty of water and other fluids and to have healthy munchies at hand.  Apples, grapes, and carrot sticks are excellent choices for outdoor summer snacks.

Keeping all of your refreshments cool and crisp is simply a matter of having a cooler filled with ice siFloating Coolertting poolside.  An even more convenient place to store drinks and snacks, though, is directly in the pool water.  The handy and playful Big Bobber Floating Cooler keeps your refreshments within arm’s reach — you never need to leave the pool to fetch a soda or a snack.  This floating cooler is less cumbersome than standard coolers, and it’s versatile, too.  You can take it out of the pool and with you on your next camping trip or picnic in the park.

The fun and functional Big Bobber Floating Cooler makes it easy to stay outside longer on warm summer days.  Pack plenty of drinks and snacks to keep you going — this cooler lets you keep them close at hand, whether you’re in the pool or on an outdoor adventure with the family.

Innovative Solutions, Pool and Spa Safety

Protect Your Pets and Other Critters From Accidental Drowning

Comment

 

Protecting your children in your family pool is a given! Every parent knows the importance of protecting your loved ones, but have you considered protecting small creatures that may wander into your pool? Small animals such as cats, dogs, frogs, squirrels, and rodents can often find their way into your pool water. In the U.S. alone, over 50,000 family pets drown needlessly in swimming pools and walled lakes each year . This number does not even include non-pet drownings. There are tools available to help prevent this sad occurrence. In addition to the humane act of sparing the small animals’ lives, you minimize bacteria from animal waste because they will be safe and sound on your pool deck instead of being trapped in your pool skimmer. The Pool Critter Escape Ramp is a floating ramp with a weighted pillow that sits on your pool deck. When small animals fall into your water, they will instinctively swim to the sides of the pool looking for a way out. When they encounter the escape ramp, they can crawl out on their own. The Skamper-Ramp works in a similar way. It is constructed of blowmolded polyethylene that is both light and sturdy. It is also chemical and weather resistant to offer protection over many seasons! Both choices are affordable and almost effortless to install!

Pool and Spa Chemicals

Considering Bromine: A Chlorine Alternative for Pools and Spas

Comment

Bromine Tablets for Pools and Spas

It’s no secret that chlorine can be harsh on skin and irritate eyes.  Plus, the strong smell of chlorine is more than a little unpleasant to many swimmers.  For these reasons, bromine tablets are a desirable alternative for sanitizing pools and spas. 

Because bromine doesn’t have a harsh chemical odor, like chlorine, it is often used in indoor pools where chlorine odor can be overpowering.  Bromine is also preferred in spas and hot tubs because it is more stable in high temperature water than chlorine, making it a more effective spa sanitizer.

Using bromine in standard outdoor swimming pools is something to consider, too.  Bromine continues to kill bacteria even after the pool’s weekly shock treatment, unlike chlorine.  Because of this, the volume of bromine required to clean a pool is much less than the volume of chlorine required.  Using less chemical means that it needs to be purchased less often.

The downside is that bromine generally costs more than chlorine.  For many pool and spa owners, though, the advantages make it worth the extra expense.

Pool and Spa Maintenance, Pool Opening

Repair and Replace Pool Surfaces This Spring!

Comment

Pool Surface
Now is the time to spruce up your pool before summer fun begins. If your concrete,  plaster, gunite, or fiberglass pool has chipping or peeling paint, you might want to consider repainting it. Pool paint is more affordable and easier to use than ever before. Most pool paints last up to 8 years and can be applied without the help of a pool professional, saving you lots of money. If you have a liner pool, check your liner for fading and discoloration. Due to long exposure to chemicals and sunlight, vinyl liners can eventually become weakened and worn. Spring is a perfect time to consider replacement. Even if your pool surfaces are intact, they will certainly need to be cleaned to prepare for summer swimming. Check your pool maintenance equipment, including leaf skimmers, wall brushes, and vacuums, for any deterioration that could have occurred during the fall and winter months. These items are usually on sale at the beginning of pool seasons so now is the perfect time to replace any worn or outdated equipment. With some needed spring maintenance on your pool, you will ensure beautiful pool surfaces for years to come.