Pool Maintenance Tips | Pool Guides » Pool Accessories

Extending the Life Span of a Cartridge Pool Filter

Mon, 26 Jul 2010 13:00:37 +0000

Swimming pools can provide an oasis in the heat of summer. Owning one right at home can be so much more fun as you can take a dip anytime during the warm season.

Family and friends get to enjoy endless hours, days and months. With the right equipment, you can even further extend swimming season beyond summer. Proper care and maintenance of course should also be given the attention to ensure it is clean and safe enough for users.

Water should always be clean and clear with the use of a pumps and filters for health and safety reasons.

Filters are necessary items that keep water free from dirt, debris, floating insects, bugs and other solid particles that can be hazardous to users. Practical homeowners would usually opt to use a cartridge pool filter for their swimming pools.

There are probably two main reasons I can think of that drive them into using a cartridge pool filter over sand or diatomaceous earth (DE) type of filters.

A cartridge pool filter is both economical and low-maintenance. Sand filters require cleaning or backwashing every few weeks when there is significant pressure loss at the pump discharge tube.

A cartridge pool filter will only require you to perform maintenance work twice in a swimming season. DE filters need the same frequency of maintenance but DE filter will cost more than a cartridge pool filter. As far as ease of maintenance is concerned, the smart homeowner would choose a cartridge pool filter

In the middle of swimming season, you also have the option of changing out your cartridge pool filter with a replacement piece or a more economical alternative is to clean it in three simple steps. For a do-it yourself homeowner, these steps are quite easy to follow.

Step one is to rinse the cartridge using a regular garden hose. Just take note that water pressure should not be too high that it actually pushes dirt and debris deeper into the filter. The purpose of rinsing is simply to remove loose particles.

After rinsing, fill a bucket with filter cleaning solution and soak the cartridge. This process will loosen sticking particles and remove chemicals such as oil and lotion. Just make sure that your cleaning solution is not too aggressive or acidic that it will only further damage filtering materials. Erosion of such materials can only add up to unwanted particles in water.

The last step in this process is rinsing once again to make sure that there is no loose particle left in your filtering material. This also rinses the cleaning solution away. Once this is done, you can use your cartridge pool filter once again.

Sooner or later your cartridge pool filter will no longer be washable and useable. This should be a sign for you t consider changing out your cartridge. You would need to replace your disposable filters but it would probably take a longer time for that to happen. By then, you would have maximized your mileage of your cartridge pool filter.

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The Many Uses of a Pool Noodle

Fri, 23 Jul 2010 14:29:04 +0000

Who would have thought “noodles” will be ending up in the pool? Back in my days pool noodles were unheard of. The only floatation device we do know and use are round in shape and looks more like a doughnut than a floatation device. Or maybe I was just always hungry so I kept on associating pool noodles with ramen, Phad Thai and egg noodles, and a floatation device with a doughnut rather than the interior of an old tire (Yes, I am that old).

Anyway, a pool noodle is actually an ultra-flexible, neon-colored foam “pipe” or tube that is used as a swimming aid. It is the type of floatation device children nowadays know as the “woggle”.

Aside from being used as a swimming aid, I was surprised to find a pool noodle being used as decorations and costumes. Pool noodles have also been assigned other educational uses simply because it comes in different colors, sizes and texture. Sometimes pool noodles can be hollow or solid, so even that adds to its versatility.

It seems whether in or out of the water, a pool noodle will prove to be very useful.

Here are some of the other ways you can use a pool noodle

• As a floatation device – in lieu of the usual inflatable floater or arm bands for kids
• A swimming aid – it will be easier to teach your children how to swim with a pool noodle than with an inflatable floater around their waist
• To rescue someone – you can use a pool noodle to reach out faster to a struggling swimmer in an emergency
• A toy – play a number of water sports using a pool noodle
• A spider’s arms – these pool noodles are perfect as spider arms for a Halloween costume. I think I saw the step-by-step instructions in another website
• As exercise aid – doing various aquatic exercises is another great way to use a pool noodle
• As an alternative to Lego – create Lego-like connections with a chopped up pool noodle. Use a variety of colors to maximize the Lego-like experience
• As a curtain embellishment – I saw another website featuring the ridged-type of pool noodles as curtain embellishments or as a curtain on its own. You just need to chop different colored noodles into 1-inch thick blocks (they would look like flowers because of the ridges) then string them together with a nylon cord or a ribbon and hang on a curtain rod. This will look perfect for a little girl or a teenager’s room.

Now do you see how versatile and useful ordinary pool noodles are? Aside from providing great fun for your whole family throughout summer time, you can use these noodles as learning aids even out of the water. If you really just want to use them for swimming, you can also purchase noodle connectors or mesh seats to add more fun to your time in the water.

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Choosing the Right Swimming Pool Accessories

Fri, 16 Jul 2010 17:28:22 +0000

Having the right mix of swimming pool accessories can actually transform your swimming pool from a basic backyard watering hole into your family’s ultimate favorite get-together lounging area.

The thing is when I talk about swimming pool accessories I am not just referring to the basics gadgets for pool maintenance like pumps, chlorinators, filters, vacuums, covers and heaters. On the contrary, I am referring to those swimming pool accessories that make your pool more enticing, more lounge-friendly, or even more versatile.

You see your pool area is not and should not be limited to just swimming per se. It has a myriad of uses, be it for a family barbeque, an aqua sports venue, an afternoon tea gathering place, a place for meditation, a place to get a nap or read a book, a place to commune with nature, etc. You are limited only by your imagination as far as your swimming pool is concerned.

Following this line of thinking, swimming pool accessories can be anything from pool ladders and steps, diving boards, floatation devices, lounge chairs, patio umbrellas, or even decks. So before investing in swimming pool accessories make sure you have your intended pool purpose settled on first. This will help make choosing your swimming pool accessories a lot easier.

Aside from the purpose there are a few other considerations you need to make. Safety is one of them. You would naturally want your swimming pool to be a safe and fun area. Thus, ladders and/or steps must be safe enough for everybody frequenting the pool. There should also be swimming pool accessories fit for all ages in the family to ensure safety for all who use the pool.

Consider adjustable floatation devices instead of getting just one size for all kids, for example. As for floating lounges, try to find one that will be safe to use even by young kids. These floating lounges are guaranteed to be a hit not just for adults because the need to relax on a hot summer day is not age-dependent.

Diving boards and slides are other swimming pool accessories that will ensure pool fun for everyone. Choose the one that will fit both adult and children alike. I’m sure you will also want to go down the slide given the opportunity, right?

There are more swimming pool accessories available than you can even imagine. My advice is to do an internet search for you to see what is out there. While you are at it, you might also want to pick up some lighting equipment for your pool. This way you can do night swimming as well or hold parties by the poolside even at night.

As you can see, swimming pool accessories can greatly improve your pool from the way it looks to the way you use it. It is really just your imagination which will limit your pool’s possibilities.

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Automatic Swimming Pool Cleaner: Why It’s a Must-Have

Sat, 10 Jul 2010 14:47:03 +0000

Remember our automatic swimming pool cleaner Diver Dave? I wrote about him (err… “It”) in one of my articles about swimming pool accessories that my family and I have been “amassing” ever since we got our very own above-ground swimming pool kit. Remember that I wrote how I went around the swimming pool supplies store to tease my kids and see what other automatic swimming pool cleaner the store had?

One automatic swimming pool cleaner the store did have is the Orion Robotic Pool Cleaner. If not for Diver Dave’s “cuteness” that got my kids sold immediately upon seeing him (err…it) I would have gotten this automatic swimming pool cleaner instead.

The Orion Robotic Pool Cleaner is one fascinating automatic swimming pool cleaner. According to the salesperson at the store, it automatically scrubs and vacuums pools up to 800 sq. feet and it cleans any shape or type of pool you have. It works well in cleaning dirt, algae and even bacteria. Heck, it even knows how to move around ladders or stairs, drains and will even scrub part of the pool wall.

What I like most about this automatic swimming pool cleaner is once the pool had been cleaned, the Orion Robotic Pool Cleaner automatically shuts itself off. There is no danger of overheating or getting the system overloaded because of the length of time it is turned on because again, it shuts itself off. Talk about intelligence…artificial intelligence.

This auto-shut-off feature is very important to me because my wife, who cleans the pool most of the time, often forgets leaving a lot of things she has turned on once she moves on to a new chore. I have tried telling her to finish everything first on whatever chore she has started with before moving on to the next, but she thinks it is a waste of time to wait around doing nothing for the pool cleaner to finish cleaning up. While I see her point, it still wastes a lot of energy to leave things running for a long time simply because you forgot to turn them off.

I think the solution is just to get an automatic swimming pool cleaner for my wife, the adamant multi-tasker. Since we already have a pool cleaner, maybe I will just wait for our anniversary to have a good enough reason to buy this automatic swimming pool cleaner.

One other thing I like about this Orion Robotic automatic swimming pool cleaner is that it is a cleaner and filter in one! It has its own motor, so it works independently of your filter system to purify your pool water and will even help distribute pool chemicals.

Yeah, maybe I will just get this automatic swimming pool cleaner for my wife on our upcoming anniversary. She has been complaining a lot lately about how I have not been helping in cleaning our pool, so I’m thinking instead of giving her a hand, I will give her an automatic pool cleaner instead! Brilliant idea, don’t you think?

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Pool Safety Fence: A Swimming Pool Must-Have

Thu, 08 Jul 2010 17:01:20 +0000

A swimming pool at home can give you hours of fun and enjoyment for the family especially during the warmer months of the year. For some, it is also used for therapeutic and fitness activities providing a safe alternative with less stress on muscles and joints.

As owner, you have the responsibility to maintain and keep it in good working condition. Homeowners with swimming pools have to make sure that water is clear of dirt and debris, warm enough for users and free from bacteria and other elements that can damage the pool and harm its users.

What is sometimes overlooked by owners is protecting users from accidents such as drowning especially among children. Drowning is one of the leading causes of death in households for children under five years of age.

With a pool safety fence, this could be prevented. It is common notion that a pool safety fence is needed most during swimming season, usually the summer months, when we get to spend more time around pools. What we may not realize is that drowning accidents any time regardless of the season.

Most accidents actually happen when gates or doors are left open and these lead to the swimming pool area. Even beyond the summer season, the likelihood of drowning accidents increases as more doors and windows are possibly left open.

This usually is the case during fall and spring season when we tend to enjoy the weather by keeping doors and windows open. This is perfectly fine as long as a pool safety fence is installed to keep children safe from accidental drowning.

Certain requirements for a pool safety fence have been established to ensure protection of swimming pool owners and users. The ideal pool safety fence should surround the entire perimeter of the swimming pool.

Height of a pool safety fence is set at a minimum of four feet. It should prevent children from accessing steps or stairs that lead to the pool.

A locked gate that can latch and close by itself is recommended since it will assure homeowners that it is inaccessible at any given time until someone deliberately opens it. The general tendency for children around access doors or gates is to push them to open.

With this in mind, the gate should be designed in such a way that it opens away from the pool. The gap between the fence and gate should be small enough that it will prevent children from reaching the latch to open the gate.

If the pool safety fence is made of mesh wires, openings should be small enough that would not to allow children to climb the walls leading to the pool. Other items such as furniture, plants, trees and other materials that can provide footholds for children to climb must be far enough from a pool safety fence at all times.

Aside from a pool safety fence, installing a pool alarm can provide additional protection. These can be installed on doors leading to the swimming pool area. Pool alarms should sound off even before a child can reach the pool.

A pool safety fence protects children all year round. Accidents can happen at any time and preventive measures like a pool safety fence can give us homeowners more peace of mind.

Advantages of In ground Pools

Wed, 30 Jun 2010 15:22:00 +0000

Admittedly, in ground pools can add more to your home’s value in terms of style than an inflatable above-ground swimming pool kit can, as these in ground pools are often integrated in a home’s landscaping and included in a property’s overall design plan.

Moreover, in ground pools are fully customizable in terms of shape, size, depth, material, and tile color, among others. A homeowner is limited only by his or her imagination as far as the look of in ground pools is concerned.

What keep people from choosing in ground pools is the cost of getting one installed and the length of time and inconvenience it will take to complete the installation. Just think of having to move everything out of your backyard, having to cut quite a few trees or displace some plants, then the massive digging it is likely to involve depending on the depth you would like your pool to have and plus the masonry and plumbing work which goes with the installation of typical in ground pools.

True in ground pools do provide years of unquantifiable fun for families and people of all ages, so it might be worth the trouble and the investment in time and dollars. What’s more, if you love to entertain, the vicinity of in ground pools can be a wonderful venue of many parties and get-togethers. Add a few more accessories like lounge chairs, water features and creative lighting and you can do away with your spa or health club membership.

But, there has got to be a way to lessen the inconvenience as well as the cost of having in ground pools, right?

Well, count your lucky stars, because today’s “version” of in ground pool kits now allow homeowners to save thousands of dollars with a new “install-it-yourself” feature.

What’s more, in ground pool kits now come in a wide variety of shapes, depth, size and design to serve whatever purpose you want your in ground pools to have, be it decorative, for training, therapy or relaxation. Best of all, you can now install these in ground pool kits indoors so you can enjoy pool fun all-year-long… with the right kind of heater, filtration and cleaning system of course.

Compared to a portable, often above-ground swimming pool, in ground pools require a larger investment and sterner commitment to having one installed because of the permanence that goes with the structure.

If you do not want a conventional concrete or tiled in ground pool and you think you have what it takes to be your family’s own Handy Daddy (or Mommy), get a kit that has everything you need in it.

First, determine the size, shape and depth that you want your in ground pool kit to have. Standard pool shapes include round, oval, rectangular, figure 8, Kidney bean or octagon. Size can be a basic 12’ x 24’ to 38’ x 49’ or maybe even larger, depending on which pool supplies store you inquire with. As for depth, your purpose and future plan will generally clue you in on how deep your pool should be. If diving is included in your swimming agenda, then you will definitely need a deeper pool.

Whatever you decide on make sure the in ground pool kit you will get comes complete with detailed installation instructions, digging specifications, warranty information and even a pool maintenance guide.

Of course, the kit should have pool walls, stake rods, a pool liner, and all the necessary hardware and accessories.

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Swimming Pool Covers: Pool Safety Basic

Mon, 21 Jun 2010 13:00:47 +0000

Taking good care of your swimming pool, whether in-ground or above ground, is a necessity in order to get the most out of it. You may have to spend a significant amount to purchase important items but these give back more value for your money.

The benefits far exceed the cost requirements. Most smart homeowners recognize this fact while some still perceive these as unnecessary expenses.

One of the things sometimes overlooked or underrated is the importance of swimming pool covers. When swimming season is over, covering your pool is important as it serves two functions. From a cost standpoint, swimming pool covers cut down maintenance expenses.

Aside from cost savings, swimming pool covers provide safety by preventing accidents. Varying models offer different functions.
Winter swimming pool covers shield pools from the cold winter temperature and at the same time prevents accumulation of dirt, leaves, fallen branches, and debris in your pool.

Covering pools during winter blocks sunlight and can prevent growth of algae. With winter swimming pool covers, you should be ready for spring with less cost and maintenance needs. Installation for in-ground and above ground pools may vary but they serve the same purpose.

Solar swimming pool covers can save you money by reducing energy required to heat water. A solar cover can heat water by as much as ten degrees Fahrenheit without the energy cost. This is because water is heated by transferring heat from the sun. This heat can be absorbed and stored even at night.

Heat loss is inhibited with solar swimming pool covers while at the same time reducing chemical and water evaporation by an estimated sixty to seventy percent. You can think about the savings each month on gallons of water that you could potentially lose without swimming pool covers.

Another type of covering for pools is a leaf net. These are used with winter and solar covers specifically designed to catch dirt and debris. Leaves, twigs and branches falling can easily be removed with the use of nets. A leaf net also protects you winter and solar covers, further extending their service life span.

A safety cover serves as a safety precaution especially for homeowners with children. It can be expensive but the value it provides cannot be equated with any price.

Materials are designed to support load equivalent to the weight of a child or animal that may walk on the cover. You have a choice between a solid and mesh covering. These are held in place using anchors. These anchors are designed to support the material covering the entire pool area.

Shapes and sizes vary to fit varying shapes of pools. Repair kits are also available so that holes are easily patched. In some cases, installation of anchors may need professional help. Licensed pool contractors do this for a living. In other cases, a skilled homeowner can install anchors without a pool professional.

There are many ways of cost savings that swimming pool covers can provide. More than the cost savings, swimming pool covers also give homeowners peace of mind.

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Pool Exercise Equipment: Water Fitness at its Finest

Sat, 19 Jun 2010 13:17:23 +0000

We all know that following a regular exercise plan has its short and long term benefits. It helps us keep strength in our muscles and joints.

The heart is also a muscle that needs conditioning and this can be achieved through regularly exercising too. The lungs are also strengthened with cardiovascular or aerobic activities.

Typically we would head out to the gym three to four times in a week to hit the treadmill, stationary bike and lift weights. Others would rather hit the road to run for half an hour a day. However, there is an excellent alternative to the more traditional exercises and this can be done in any swimming pool with the proper pool exercise equipment.

Working out in swimming pools or hot tubs has other benefits on top of physical conditioning. The warm water causes the dilation of blood vessels resulting to better blood circulations. As the body temperature goes up with the warmth of the water, your body metabolism also increases to some extent.

Exercising in pools also minimizes the risks to joint and muscle injuries since water supports the body with its buoyancy. Add to this the availability of pool exercise equipment and we can convert swimming pools into virtually an aquatic gym.

Working out in water can yield far better results with the right pool exercise equipment. Whether for cardio or weight training, there is appropriate pool exercise equipment for these trainings. We all know that water as it is already has a natural resistance. This makes it ideal for resistance or modified weight training that we can adapt from a traditional weight training program at the gym.

Swimming multiple laps for three to four times in a week develops the heart and lungs. All major muscle groups are active in this type of workout. For more fat loss, interval training is recommended. This means using sudden bursts of energy and then going back to a steady pace to recover. Some of the pool exercise equipment that can be used in swimming laps are fins that come in different shapes and sizes.

Ankle cuffs provide extra resistance to enhance muscle strength and tone. There are other pool exercise equipment that can enhance swimming laps training. Snorkels allow better focus on the strokes and balance instead of the breathing cycle. It also increases oxygen consumption, a key ingredient to losing unwanted fat. Hand paddles teach swimmers the right position and proper techniques in each stroke.

Another cardio workout that can be adapted in pools is running or jogging. This is comparable to wind sprints as water provides added resistance. Pool exercise equipment that can help maintain balance in water is a jogger belt. It helps the runner or jogger keep the shoulders above water with the use of a belt. A jogger belt allows free movement for the swimmer.

For resistance training, the swimming pool offers a safe and effective muscle toning workout. Water provides natural resistance to begin with and this can be further enhanced with other pool exercise equipment. Just as you use dumb bells in the gym, there are dumb bells made for the swimming pool. Movements based on your weight training program can be modified to adapt to water. Pool exercise equipment can add resistance to water and allows more muscular activity.

There are aquatic exercises for every muscle group and these are further made more challenging yet effective with pool exercise equipment. If you want a workout without that sweaty and sticky feeling, then the water is an excellent option for you.

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Pool Exercises You can do this Summer

Mon, 14 Jun 2010 16:09:33 +0000

We all recognize the hours of fun and entertainment a swimming pool provides especially in the warm season. An often overlooked benefit with swimming pools is that these can also be used for different fitness activities. Pool exercises offer the same benefits as a regular workout program such as working out in a gym, playing sports, running or cycling while preventing serious joint and muscle injuries.

Pool exercises also provide an excellent alternative when the weather is too hot for comfort. Just imagine working out under the heat of the sun and you can actually visualize yourself all sweaty and sticky. A workout in water keeps you cool while being able to perform cardio or aerobics, resistance training and stretching.

Prior to getting started with pool exercises, it is important to consult with a physician. Make sure you are in good health to start on a new exercise program.

For cardio workouts, training by swimming laps is one of the more traditional forms of pool exercises. It helps develop and maintain the heart and lungs in good condition. Keeping the heart beat at a steady pace for about half an hour a day for three to four times in a week is usually recommended for those who wish to lose weight.

Interval training can even boost fat burning compared to a steady aerobic pace cardio workout. What this means is employing sudden bursts of speed and then reverting back to a steady pace at fixed intervals. A 20-minute swim for example can have four intervals of speed bursts every five minutes.

Running or jogging in the pool can be effective too as it can simulate wind sprints done on land. There are other pool exercises that are classified as aerobic or cardio. With long term training, the lungs and the heart will get stronger. These can also burn calories and essentially help you lose weight or maintain a desired body weight.

Pool exercises can be challenging with the density and buoyancy of water that gives you natural resistance. Resistance training in pools is comparable with lifting weights in the gym. There are just some modifications in pool exercises to adapt to the water resistance and buoyancy.

Pool exercises using resistance can develop and strengthen all muscle groups. To further add resistance to water, there are kits and gadgets for pool exercises that include weight sets specifically designed for swimming pools. What makes pool exercises a preferred choice is that there is less strain on muscles and joints in water. Integrating resistance training in your pool exercises can result to better muscle strength and tone with very low risks of injury.

Stretching to improve flexibility can be done in water just as is can be done on land. Before and after your cardio or resistance pool exercises, stretching is recommended to cool down your body. It lessens the likelihood of injury and muscle soreness.

You may not feel the discomfort during pool exercises due to the water’s cool temperature. One can hardly feel the effort while training but the usual muscle soreness can still be expected. It is also important to drink water before and after workouts to rehydrate.

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The Inflatables… Pool toys that is

Wed, 09 Jun 2010 17:00:37 +0000

Summer is just around the corner and I cannot wait to have my kids at home so they could help around the house. Yeah, right… dream on Mom!

Actually, I do get them to do some stuff around the house when they are home… that is in exchange for longer hours in our above-ground swimming pool. But, yes, like any other parent I too crave some quality time with my kids… time that we can “waste” lounging around not worrying about school the following morning or homework or some school project that needed to be turned in; time that we can enjoy doing recreational activities together to get some bonding time going; or time when my 2-year old son can pester his older siblings to his heart’s content (read: time that he won’t me pestering me or my husband).

Yes, summer is such a great time for me and my family because we don’t even have to drag anyone to some remote resort and spend a hefty sum just to enjoy each other’s company.

All we need is water in our above-ground pool and the “inflatables”… pool toys that is. Yes, our pool toys are all we need to make the most out of our pool and summer in general. Come to think of it, we even have some pool toys that do not need to be in the pool just so we could enjoy them. A perfect example is our inflatable pool lounge. While it is meant to be used in the water, you can just as well set it up on the lawn or on a rug in front of the TV and sit on it. No one said it is not possible, right?

Let’s see, what other pool toys do we have? We have an inflatable pool slide, an Aqua hammock, a shooter game, a water wheel and a see-saw rocker. Mind you, those are just the inflatables. We are crazy about pool toys that we already have a collection of some sort.

If you own a pool, whether it be an in-ground or above-ground type, pool toys are an absolute necessity. Well, pumps, filters, chlorinators and pool vacuums are necessities too, but pool toys are the “fun” necessities. Oh, I’m sure you know what I mean.

Swimming in the pool is just half the fun when you have kids. You will need a variety of pool toys to keep the fun going, especially for young kids who are just starting to learn how to swim.

Squirt guns are just the start. Actually, being the old school people that we are, my husband and I thought squirt guns are all there is to pool toys as floaters are to inflatables. Boy, are we so wrong. You can imagine my surprise that there is a see-saw rocker meant to be used in the swimming pool.

Try looking at the many pool toys available on the internet and be pleasantly surprised just like I was. The thing is these pool toys do not really cost that much, compared to bringing the whole family on a Caribbean cruise or an African Safari.

My belief is summer fun doesn’t have to cost an arm and a leg. As long as your family enjoys spending time together and all of you get to live comfortably because of the wise decisions you make about the things you spend on, then all is well.