Pool Maintenance Tips | Pool Guides » Pool Winterizing

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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Advantages of using a Propane Pool Heater

Thu, 13 May 2010 12:58:46 +0000

Just imagine swimming in warm pool water even in colder months. As a pool owner, you would want to maximize your swimming season even beyond summer to get the most out of your swimming pool.

Installing a pool heating system may cost you but the endless hours, days and months of swimming for fun and even fitness activities more than make up for the investment. Seeing your family and friends enjoy in your swimming pool months beyond summer can make you feel that it was money well spent on a heater.

Let us take a look at one of the more traditional type of pool heating equipment and find out how it can add value to you as a pool owner.

A propane pool heater is a type of gas-fired pool heating equipment. It is a popular choice for pool owners especially those who have certain budget constraints. Lower purchase cost does not necessarily mean lower efficiency of a system. Recent advances in heat transfer technology have raised efficiency levels of a regular propane pool heater.

Recent trends have been leaning towards protecting the environment. Some industry experts argue that a gas pool heater emits harmful gases into the air. Again, advancement in technology has enabled manufacturers to build high efficiency equipment with low emission levels of harmful gases.

In some states, legislative action has driven pool owners to use gas-fired pool heaters with low emission of harmful gases. Limits have been set to ensure safety and health of the environment and its population.

Compared to an electric heat pump, there can be advantages with using a propane pool heater. Initial and operating costs are major considerations for the average homeowner. With these in mind, a propane pool heater can be a viable option. Electric and solar heaters can cost almost twice as much as a propane pool heater.

A propane pool heater is also ideal for areas where climate is colder since it can heat water regardless of the ambient air. An electric heat pump draws heat from the outside air while a solar heater gets energy from the sun. Without sunlight and heat from the environment, both heating systems will run at much lower efficiency.

In terms of heating capacity, a propane pool heater can heat faster than any other heating system. Its quick heating property makes it an ideal choice especially for vacation houses where heating is on demand.

A propane pool heater can raise water temperature by as much as 5 degrees Fahrenheit in two hours. Solar heaters and heat pumps take a longer time to heat pools especially outside of summer season. In terms of volume, a propane pool heater can heat more than a heat pump and solar pool heater can.

For more convenience, an electronic ignition system is ideal for this type of heating. A pilot light used to be a common ignition method but it can waste so much energy.

As a pool owner, you may want to consider a propane pool heater. It is an inexpensive package that combines cost and energy efficiency.

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Warming up with a Solar Pool Heater

Tue, 04 May 2010 13:45:58 +0000

Keeping warm and comfortable water temperature in a swimming pool makes the most out of your investment because it allows more fun time with your family and friends. Rising energy costs and increased awareness of the need to protect the environment has driven consumers to look at alternative methods to pool heating.

Gas-powered heaters and heat pumps cost more to operate. A solar pool heater can give you a longer swimming season for less cost and harm to the environment. Initially it may cost more than other pool heating methods but looking at the long term benefits will make the smart pool owner realize that the savings can make up for such an investment. It utilizes renewable energy from the sun and at the same time it does not emit harmful gases and substances into the environment.

Unlike other methods of pool heating, a solar pool heater does not use electricity and other forms of energy that will cost the pool owner. It uses free energy from the sun to raise water temperature in your swimming pool.

A gas pool heater is fuelled by either natural gas or propane while pool heat pumps run on electricity. Natural gas, propane and electricity costs continue to rise that consumers are now driven to look for other inexpensive options.

A solar pool heater is a viable solution to energy independence since it does not use costly forms of energy. Installation cost for a solar pool heater is just about the same as that of an electric heat pump. Return on your investment comes in once your solar pool heater is operating. In fact a good quality solar pool heater can last up to 15 years.

As for the impact on the environment, a solar pool heater uses renewable energy from the sun. A gas-powered heater uses fossil fuel that can emit harmful gases into the air. A heat pump does not emit toxic gases but electric power usage can also harm the environment.

One question commonly asked when opting for a solar pool heater is where or how solar collector panels are installed. In general, solar panels are mounted on rooftops. In cases where rooftop installation is not possible, solar panels are mounted on racks near the heating system.

Proper model selection is important to make sure that your solar pool heater provides maximum efficiency. Some major considerations are pool size, location and orientation of the solar panels, frequency of pool usage and efficiency rating of the solar pool heater. Adding a pool cover also is a factor in choosing the right unit.

Temperature control devices allow pool owners to maintain water temperature at desired levels. A manual diverter allows the pool owner to turn the heater on and off on demand. This may not be the most efficient device as it is manually controlled. An electronic controller is preferred by most homeowners as it maintains the desired water temperature automatically.

Installing a solar pool heater in your swimming pool allows more time to enjoy with family and friends beyond the warm season by keeping pool water warm and comfortable nearly all year round.

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All About Swimming Pool Heating

Thu, 29 Apr 2010 17:31:25 +0000

Swimming pool heating allows pool owners to extend their swimming season. This means more months of fun, enjoyment and in some cases fitness activities even in colder months. Nothing can spoil a relaxing dip or good swimming workout than cold pool water.

Everyone loves warm and comfortable pool water at any given time of the year. Since swimming pool heating can cost a significant amount of money, the smart pool owner would choose a cost and energy efficient method. Others may find swimming pool heating an unnecessary luxury but for most it is a smart investment that gives back more value for your money.

Gas-fired swimming pool heating use either propane or natural gas in areas available for fuel. Choosing the right heater size that matches with the size of the pool and its pump are keys to achieving optimum efficiency. Regardless of the outside air temperature, gas heating can heat water fast by as much as 5 degrees Fahrenheit in two hours.

This type of heating system is ideal for vacation houses wherein pool usage is less frequent but requires quick heating capability. Gas heaters are the least expensive methods initially but can cost more during operation and maintenance. This type of swimming pool heating employs the most number of moving parts that entail more cost to repair or replace. In areas where natural gas is not supplied, propane is used and it can cost much more than natural gas.

Swimming pool heating that uses electricity is commonly called a heat pump. Heat pump applications transfer heat to pool water using heat from the ambient air making this method high on energy efficiency. The downside with heat pumps is that it takes a longer time to heat water especially in colder months since air drawn from the environment may not be warm enough. Again, choosing the right heat pump size for your pool is important.

Solar-powered swimming pool heating is considered energy and cost efficient. Heating comes from the sun which is renewable energy. Operation will cost minimal energy cost as it is supplemented by the pool filter pump to propel water through the heating system. This means very minimal impact on electricity bills. There is zero gas emission too making it an environment friendly option. Solar swimming pool heating can cost more than gas and heat pump heating but it gives returns on investment in the long run.

Cost is a major consideration for the regular homeowner. Heat pumps may be affordable at first cost but these run on electricity. Gas heaters use natural gas where available or propane that can cost much more. Solar heating can cost more to install but will not cost much to operate. Gas powered swimming pool heating emit toxic gases while solar heating is eco-friendly. Heat pumps do not emit harmful gases but utilize electricity.

All these factors come into play when deciding which swimming pool heating is best for you. A reputable pool professional can offer good advice but make sure that you have a good understanding of your needs and preferences as well.

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Pool Gas Heater Primer

Wed, 21 Apr 2010 13:00:01 +0000

Installing a heating system for your swimming pool is a wise investment that some pool owners tend to overlook. Some may think that it is a luxury and not a necessity.

However, you may also want to look into how much more time you can spend in your swimming pool when water is kept warm for comfort even outside of summer season. Just imagine your swimming season to be almost all year round. If you have invested time and resources in a swimming pool, you might as well get the most out of it.

A pool gas heater can do just that. With more efficient heating systems that can offset rising energy costs, a pool gas heater is an option that does not utilize electricity. Current economics also call for more inexpensive solutions and this is what a pool gas heater can offer to the regular homeowner.

There are two fuel types used in a pool gas heater. Both natural gas and propane perform with optimum efficiency and quick-heating capabilities. Current technological innovations in mechanical engineering have produced more efficient systems that can match up with electric heat pumps. What heat pumps cannot do is heating large volumes of water in shorter period of time. A pool gas heater can heat pool water by as much as 3 degrees Fahrenheit in one hour. This translates to more swimming hours for your family and friends with less time waiting for pool water to heat up.

Between natural gas and propane, operating a natural gas heater costs half as much as a propane heating system. However, you would need to make sure that natural gas is available in your area. In areas where natural gas is not available, propane would be the alternative fuel.

There are different models available in the market classified under pool gas heater. In order to make the right choice, there are some pointers that you may want to consider. Since the primary function is heating, you would need to check your BTU rating requirement.

BTU stands for British Thermal Unit which is a measure of heat needed to raise temperature of your water by one degree Fahrenheit. Higher BTU ratings will heat your pool faster but will cost more so it is also important to determine the right heater size corresponding to the size of your swimming pool.

Efficiency is also an important factor when choosing a pool gas heater. It would be smart to choose a pool gas heater with no less than 85% efficiency rating. Some models are even rated at 95% efficient although these are understandably more expensive than lower efficiency models.

You also have a choice between an indoor and outdoor pool gas heater. Certain models can be installed either way but make sure that outdoor installations are secure from extreme weather conditions. Typically outdoor units are made of weather resistant materials.

A pool gas heater will also need an ignition system. You have a choice between a pilot and an electronic ignition system. It is important to take note that pilot light can use up energy while an electronic ignition system works with one click. This is why electronic ignition systems are more common among homeowners.

Depending on your swimming pool size, usage and personal preferences, you have a variety of choices for heating your pool for an extended swimming season.

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What is a Pool Pillow?

Guest Blogger — Tue, 10 Nov 2009 15:18:46 +0000

I just got back from visiting my brother’s family down in Georgia, and notices a lot of pool’s closed and many of them had a pool pillow and many did not. And I bet many people don’t know what all of the important points on why a pool pillow is needed.

Water accumulation on top your you above ground pool can add stress to your cover of course, along with undue added pressure on the sides of your walls. Many people don’t realize that more of the damage can happen there. My brother who has an above ground pool and uses a pool pillow didn’t even know that fact. He just thought that it was only to keep the water off so he didn’t have to remove it himself over the winter.

A lot of people just use car inter tubes instead, and that is not the wisest choice. Using a tube can cause you to stretch your pool cover to tightly which you do not want to do. The best choice is to keep the cover slightly loose so not to put undo pressure on it causing premature wear. I have seen many a times when even a pool pillow was installed and the cover was installed as tight as a drum.

A tip when installing your pool pillow before putting your cover on, is to make sure you center the pillow and tie it in place by string at each corner of the pillow and to the top edge of the pool. This will insure that it will not move around causing an uneven drape of the cover. I’m sure most pool owners do this, but I have even seen a few pool that haven’t done this.

Another great tip for those pool owners who live in windy areas is to use a winter cover seal. It is similar to plastic wrap but is of much heavier gauge. It really secures the perimeter of the pool cover to the pool and prevents no wind from whipping up under your cover. These work great and I highly recommend them if you have had problems in the past from your pool cover getting blown off.

A pool pillow is a important component of properly closing your above ground pool. I you are using a inter tube, or some type of blow up device, I recommend switching.

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Above Ground Swimming Pool Covers

Guest Blogger — Fri, 21 Aug 2009 17:58:40 +0000

Swimming pools can provide tons of backyard hours of fun and relaxation. Many people have, (let me rephrase that) TONS of above ground style pools. You don’t have to have an inground pool to enjoy the benefits. And like there siblings,the inground, you have to cover them up in the winter or off season. This post is all about above ground swimming pool covers.

Depending on your budget and needs will determine the best type of above ground swimming pool covers that will fit you. The basic types of pool covers are solid and mesh. Within these two are a host of different materials and fabrics. Most of your solid pool covers are made out of vinyl. They are a great balance between pliability and durability. These types of above ground swimming pool covers tend to be less expensive than your mesh type. They can last just as long as mesh though, they are just easier and cheaper to manufacture.

Mesh type above ground swimming pool covers are designed to let the rainwater fall through them. This is created so you don’t have to pump off the water. They are commonly made out of vinyl, but their design is woven, like a fabric.. The drawback to this design is that dirt and debris can fall through them, and into your pool. So when you open up your pool in the spring time, more cleaning is required, than if you used a solid type pool cover. Personal choice for me, is go with the solid type cover, even though you have to pump off the water through out the winter season. What attracts me is the fact that there is less clean up of the pool when it is time to open again.

Here is what SOQISLIMMINGSPA.COM has to say and 5 tips on purchasing above ground swimming pool covers,

“1. Find the pool cover is clever as well as robust. The lid contingency not usually keep your pool clean, it contingency be security, though additionally for humans as well as animals. It is written to forestall drowning as well as mud as well as waste in to the pool.

2. Make certain the rug of the pool complies with state as well as internal requirements. Some areas need the certain distance as well as abyss of the pool when not in use. There have been certain mandate to be met, covered. Check with internal authorities to safeguard which their pool to qualify.

3. Make certain the organisation has comparison the great manufacturer’s warranty. In general, coverage of the pool should be the pledge of some-more than 2 years. Definitely the full 2 year guaranty for all defects as well as to the singular warranty. They only wish the pool which is protected as well as arguable with the full guaranty for the prolonged time. You should additionally have certain the association stands at the back of the products.

4. Make certain which the cover has the great length overlap. You buy the distance the small incomparable than your pool. This allows we to safely repair the pool rug but carrying to be concerned about not being means to have your advance booking completely.

5. Make certain the rug of the pool is versed with sufficient pieces to anchor safely, but fright of slipping. Most of the largest swimming pool lonesome with the tag or anchor for any 4 feet of cover. Want the great volume of roots, so the word will cover any time we have make use of of it.

There we have it! The 5 things we should if we buy the pool for any distance as well as for any material. You can shift the peculiarity of the pool referred to his internal pool emporium or the dialect store sells swimming gear, as well as supplies. Read the manufacturer’s instructions as well as safeguard which coverage meets all the mandate in your internal area. Always reserve first, if we have the pool.”

There are tons of choices when it comes to above ground swimming pool covers. We are just touching he tip of the iceberg here in this post. Whatever type of pool cover you choose, we recommend not going for the cheapest as these covers do not hold up as well and will not last you as long. Good luck in your purchase.

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Swimming Pool Cover Pumps, What?

Guest Blogger — Mon, 13 Jul 2009 15:16:43 +0000

When installing a non-safety cover on your pool, you have to have some way of removing any accumulated water on the top of your cover. Swimming pool cover pumps are designed just to do that. Most are a submersible type of pump that can be placed on the top where the water is, plugged in and presto.. water is removed.

There are a few different types but all have and do the same purpose. Some are self contained where you place the entire unit on top of your pool cover to remove water. These types of swimming pool cover pumps are light in weight, and provide good flow and pressure. Enough to get the job done. Many of these units are manually controlled and you have to turn them on and off yourself. Some of the nicer units have automatic on & off feature, so you can just set it and forget it.

Another type of swimming pool cover pumps to consider is a separate pump and drain design. Basically with this design, you place a small collection drain on top of your pool cover, with a return hose connecting to it. The pump is places on the ground near the pool, and connected to the hose. With this design, the pump can be bigger and pump the water off more quickly. Many prefer this design, because the drain is extremely light in weight, and they can leave it on the top of their pool cover with the pump set up on the side, all winter long. Then when water accumulates on the top and it is time to remove, you just flip the switch, without any set up that you would have with a one-piece unit.

One of the most popular swimming pool cover pumps is made by the Little Giant Company. This unit is very small and compact, and is a one piece self contained unit. Any of these types of units are good and will provide years of service.

With regards to swimming pool cover pumps, both types of units will do a great job. Personal choice along with cost are the real only factors to consider.

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What are Mesh Safety Pool Covers?

Guest Blogger — Thu, 25 Jun 2009 16:42:33 +0000

Why are winter covers for pools called safety pool covers, and what are “mesh safety pool covers“? Well to me the mesh part seems easy enough… a cover made of mesh type material. But what does the safety part of the phrase mean? Lets see what different kinds of pool covers there are first.

Above ground and inground solid pool covers are simply solid type covers that are draped across you pool. Most of them are secured by pool cover weights. These are tubes that you fill with water and weigh down and secure the edges of the cover. These are the least expensive to purchase, and have to be tended to and monitored over the winter season so water and snow doesn’t accumulate on top. If not monitored, the weight of the water or snow will weigh down the cover cause it to cave into the pool. This isn’t such an issue with above ground pools because the covers are easier to secure around the top than their inground siblings.

Are leaf net covers considered the same as mesh safety pool covers? Well they basically the same, only leaf net covers are a designed with a tighter woven scrim. They let water through, but keep leaves and most smaller debris out. That way water does not pool up and develop on top. You mostly see these types of covers on above ground pools.

Mesh safety pool covers are considered by many as the top of the line covers. They are designed tight woven scrim and allow water to pass through so you do not have pump any water off the top. They are secured at the edge with spring loaded buckles. They are the best way to secure pool covers, and have an added benefit that if someone falls onto the cover it will not allow the person and cover fall in. These type of pool covers because of their woven design are very strong and very rip resistant.

Solid safety pool covers are secured to you pool the same way as the mesh safety pool covers, just as you guessed it are solid in design. They are made so no water or debris falls into the pool. These type of pool covers are great for areas with a lot of trees. This is the type of pool cover I have because I live in the woods, and when I uncover the pool in the spring time, my water is nice and clear with no dirt or debris in it.

So I hope this answers any questions on the different types of covers and what mesh safety pool covers are. Any of them will do a decent job for you.