Megablab Home Improvement

Archive for the ‘Pool’ Category

Swimming pool contractors know that owning a pool or spa can sometimes be a confusing event when it comes to upkeep and maintenance. Hiring a service contractor to provide service and maintenance after the swimming pool or spa has been installed in order to keep it in great working order and as a way to keep the water clean, clear and always swimmable.

Here are tips for spa and swimming pool maintenance and upkeep:

· You should make an investment in a cover as you’re in the midst of a pool construction project – as a matter of fact it should be part of your budgeting steps. Having a cover will help reduce your over all maintenance costs, saving on chemical use and heating costs. A cover reduces evaporation and can also act as an additional safety barrier to keep children and pets from falling into the water.

· If you don’t have a retractable cover you will need somewhere to store it when you’re enjoying the water. Talk to your contractor about storage areas for the cover – you could even construct a seating area that can double as an area to put the cover.

· Either you or your contractor should use a waterproof marker to write the operating pressure on your swimming pool filter and it should be noted after the installation of a new filter or after having cleaned the old one.

· All manuals and operating instructions should be in an easily accessible location. There are times when you might think there is a major problem with the timers when it could merely be a matter of needing to be reprogrammed.

· Vacate the swimming pool as soon as you hear thunder or see lightning and don’t get back in the water until 20 minutes have past from the last time you hear thunder.

· The correct way to vacuum your swimming pool between pool service visits is to work slowly around the pool or spa. Work down the walls and along the floor. Take your time because if you move quickly you will simply stir up the dirt, making it harder to remove.

· Talk to your contractor about installing your skimmer on the downwind side of your swimming pool; this location means the wind will help push debris toward the opening and cut down on cleaning time.

· When you’re adding chemicals, add them a little at a time – this is especially true when it comes to balancing the chemicals in a spa.

Robbi Hess is a professional writer/editor. She is a social media consultant working with small business owners. You can see more about her at http://www.robbihess.com/ or http://www.poolinfosite.com/.

Sometimes the final key is the most important key. In the case of Spa & Hot tub care, the final key in maintaining a good and healthy spa is also part of the first step.

And getting your spa or hot tub off on the right foot is definitely the most important thing for you to have an excellent hot water experience. That’s what we’re looking for. Not just a good experience, but an excellent one.

Almost all spa & hot tub water care problems and issues can be dealt with when you properly Purge, Drain & Refill it. Whether it’s a cloudy or foamy water problem or a scaling problem or “sticky” jets or even skin rashes & breathing problems, this single step can successfully deal with these issues.

Many people don’t drain their spa often enough. They think the water looks “fine”, yet it smells funny or you come out with itchy skin.

Purge. Purging the spa is the most important step in this 3 step process. Purging allows you to get a lot of the “stuff” that’s sitting in the pluming lines & jets out into the water so that it can be drained out. Many spa water problems begin because there is a build-up of biofilms, scale & “stuff” that contains a lot of bacteria. I would encourage to learn more about biofilms.

Adding a “purging” additive such as AquaFinesse Spa Clean Tablet, Swirl Away, Spa System Flush or Spa Purge. These products will remove varying amounts biofilms & sludge from the hidden spa surfaces. Some only remove surface grime, while others get down to the root of the problem. Allow the product to run through the spa for 24 to 48 hours to get the best results.

The more you can purge from the lines, the better.

Drain. Now that you’ve got all (most) of this stuff removed, it’s time to get it OUT! Use a submersible pump & pump or drain out the water. It is important to get as much of this used water out as possible. Eventhough your drain brings you down to the floor of the spa, you still have lots of piping that is still holding water. Disconnect the plumbing lines at the front of the pump & the rear of the filter or heater to allow more used water to drain out.

If it’s at all possible (and safe), consider lifting the spa on its side to cause more used water to drain from the jets & fittings. You really want to remove as much old & used water as you can. Why? You’re also removing as much trapped bacteria and “ick” as possible.

Once the spa or tub is drained, be sure to clean all of the spa surfaces with a cleaning pad and appropriate cleaner.

Refill. Wow! You’ve done quite a bit to return your spa or tub to a really clean and efficient appliance. Now it’s time to get some fresh, clean water in there.

More and more customers are opting to “pre-treat” or “pre-filter” the fresh water that is refilling the spa. Pre-filters such as the Pristine Fill filter can remove all kinds of waste chemicals (including trihalomethanes) as well as microscopic debris from the incoming water. Or, if you’re otherwise satisfied with the fill water but want to remove fine silt or heavy debris, there are products such as the Great Grit filter which will take care of this issue.

Most pre-filters will treat up to about 1,500 gallons or between 3 – 5 refills (most spas hold between 300 and 500 gallons). Be sure to keep the filter in your refrigerator between uses to minimize bacteria growth (thoroughly drain it first).

Again, this is one of the most important procedures you can perform in maintaining your spa or hot tub. The total 90 minutes worth of work will save you in chemical costs, down time & even doctor’s visits for skin rashes or breathing problems.

After you have finished filling or refilling the spa, be sure to balance the water (pH and total alkalinity) along with a proper dose of your preferred sanitizer.

These days, the typical above ground pool is so well-disguised in the yard that it looks like an inground version. Adding a deck or patio around the pool enhances the appearance of the area and makes people forget they are swimming above yard level. These pools are huge, with oval versions ranging from 12×24 feet to 18×33 feet. Whether selecting one of these or spending the extra money for an inground model, consider purchasing a pool heater.

After saving up enough money to purchase this structure designed for family-fun, consumers often realize they will only use it for a few months each year. Not everyone resides somewhere that experiences pleasant temperatures year-round. More likely, it will not be warm enough to open the pool until late May or early June and the area will be closed up tight long before the trick or treaters ring the doorbell.

Tell Mother Nature to go pound sand by purchasing a pool heater. Solar, gas, and heat pump models are available to meet the energy needs of every pool owner. Raypak makes a gas heater with a digital pool temperature setting. Durable unit design prevents rain, wind, and debris from entering, allowing operation during those blustery fall days. Pool owners can set the water temperature to their liking and let the stainless steel burners take care of the rest.

Models carrying brand names like Versa II are available in either propane or natural gas. Both types are efficient, featuring an 80 percent or higher operating efficiency. More heat is delivered per unit of fuel, warming the water while conserving energy. Those who have both a pool and spa will appreciate the dual temperature controls offered on all models. Independent control of the spa and pool water temperature means no more complaining swimmers.

Heat pumps are the most economical way to heat pool water with power. High energy efficiency and the almost complete lack of chemicals make pool owners rest easy. Heat pumps transfer heat from the air to liquid refrigerant. The liquid boils as it absorbs the heat, becoming gas. This warm gas is drawn in by the compressor and when it is compressed, its temperature drastically increases. This now-hot gas is discharged to the condenser coil and the heat transfers to the pool water.

This sounds like a very efficient process but there is a heater that is even more efficient. It uses the power of the sun to heat the pool. Not only is the swimming season extended, the pool heating bill plummets, sometimes disappearing entirely. Slap some solar collectors on the roof and start taking full advantage of those daylight hours.

Swimming in heated water during colder days is pleasant and is also good exercise. Neighbors head to the local indoor pool, grumbling all the way about the traffic. Make their lives easier by inviting them to take a swim in your heated pool. The next day, they will probably head to the pool store to purchase heaters for their own pools.

Whether you own an above ground pool or an inground pool, you are going to have needs to keep it operational. Whatever you need, WaterWorldPools.ca can more than likely help you at a reasonable price. For more information, visit the website today!

Earlier, chlorine treatment of pool waters was preferred due to its low-cost and easy availability. Now a days, highly mechanized pool filters have totally replaced chlorinated system because skin problems was a common phenomenon among the swimmers. Hence, using pool filters has become must for a healthy swimming environment. There are various types of filters accessible in the market, but your job is to filter out best one for your lovely swimming pool. The basic types of filters found available are:

Sand filterCartridge FilterDiatomaceous Earth Filter

Choosing the best is one of the toughest jobs which requires a detailed account of all three of them. Then it would be easy for you to make a concrete decision. Read through the following information for a better idea.

One of the most basic forms of filtering water is using sand as a medium. It entraps the unwanted particles like dust and dead remains, letting clean water to pass through into your swimming pool. When the sand becomes dirt laden, then automatically water pressure drops. The only way out is Back-washing and this is done by a valve. The sand filter is cleaned in reversed direction and same material is repacked into the filtering container. It is definitely the cheapest of all types and considered as environment friendly too. It can be easily installed which saves a lot of your precious time.

The only negative aspect of sand filters is that it requires a lot of maintenance. So if that is worrying you then cartridge filters are at your service. These are unique as a cartridge requires one time installment for your lovely pool. It is designed in such a way that you can easily know the time of its replacement. These filters are cleaned once or twice in a year proving to be low sustaining one. Working at low water pressures is another advantage of these filters thereby there is less back-pressure on the system. After making you aware of its positive ends, the quotient of affordability needs attention.

The DE filter is the most advanced form of filtering system. Its building structure is identical with the sand filter. The sieving material used is the soil containing debris of diatoms. It is termed to be an eco-friendly filter since it uses the elements of nature for the process to occur. This advanced substance helps to remove dust of 5 micron in size. Though the backwash factor is a part of this filter functioning, but its threat is much less compared to the sand filters. Since this earthy material is coated over filter grid therefore the process can function even at high hydraulic pressures compared to cartridge ones.

The above account must have cleared your mind about which filtering media is best suited for your swimming pool. So just scroll over the different websites to know more about their affordability and the other minute details offered by individual companies. Thus dive for a clean swim today!

If you want to know more about Pool Filters or Hayward Pool Products, then please visit buypoolfilter.com.

It’s important to remember certain safety precautions during your pool-time fun. Make sure your pool is up to code as far as supervision, chemicals, and supplies.

Always supervise children and avoid distractions while doing so. In a pool, it only takes a few seconds for a tragedy to happen, even in shallow water. Kids can develop cramps, get an injury while playing that keeps them below water, grow exhausted, or maybe aren’t strong swimmers. There needs to be an adult around at all times to make sure children are playing safely and to be ready in case an accident happens. It is a good idea to know CPR just in case. Children under four should always be swimming with an adult.

Make sure young guests know at least swimming basics. Sometimes even older children pretend to be more experienced than they are. Make sure they understand the basics like holding breath, treading water, and floating. It is better to underestimate their ability than to overestimate.

Monitor the heat of spas and hot tubs. Young children can overheat and even adults, especially if alcohol is involved. Have a thermometer close by and look for symptoms of overheating: dilated pupils, excessive sweating, headache, dizziness, muscle cramps, redness, and nausea. If someone becomes overheated, have them lie down and drink lots of water. Dehydration is something else you should be looking out for.

Install pool lights for safe nighttime swimming. It will be easier to monitor swimmers if you can see them.

If young children like to play in your backyard, make sure you have a pool cover so they don’t fall in or decide to swim unattended.

Install a pool alarm. The alarm will alert you to any pets or children entering the pool when they aren’t supposed to.

Use plenty of sunscreen. Sunburns are not only unpleasant, but can lead to skin damage and disease.

Don’t swim in bad weather. Large bodies of water can attract lightning. Even heavy rain can cloud vision and make accidents happen.

Make sure you have all the essential pool and spa supplies: chemicals, filters, etc. A chemical imbalance or dirty pool can make swimmers sick.

Install a pool fence. Along with the cover and alarm, you can keep any unwelcome swimmers out with the right fence.

Give young swimmers flotation devices. You can never be too careful. It is a good idea to always have one handy anyways.

Dennis Kucherka is a Service Manager at ASD Pool Supply, a leading pool cleaner and swimming pool supplies provider. For more information about ASD pool supply store or to purchase pool and spa supplies, please visit http://www.asdpoolsupply.com/.

Correct maintenance for swimming pools may seem easy for the experts, but for the average homeowner trying to keep up with everything on their own, a checklist can serve as a great tool to stay organized and keep the pool in order. Keeping up with maintenance can prevent many problems in the future and ensure a safe pool to enjoy all season long.

Here are a few things to add to your pool checklist:

There are many common maintenance mistakes that pool owners make, especially in regards to checking the chemicals. Pools should be checked for the correct chemical balances twice a week during the summer and once a week during the winter, but most pool owners do not do this nearly often enough. Making minor adjustments weekly will ensure chemical levels don’t have periods of major unbalance, which can be unsafe for those using the pool and can even lead to damage of certain pool components.
pH levels should never exceed 8.0, as this would cause the chlorine to be less active; levels of about 7.5 are ideal and make chlorine about fifty to sixty percent active. Having the correct pH will allow the chlorine to be more effective.
Alkalinity levels should be between 80 and 140 PPM. Low or high levels can affect water balance and can hinder the sanitizer.
Total Dissolved Solids (TDS) should also be checked regularly. Calcium hardness should be checked every month, while overall TDS about every six months.
Cells in chlorine generators should be kept clean; otherwise, corrosion or calcified cells can reduce chlorine production.
Filters require backwashing when the pressure gauge reads eight to ten PSI from clean. The skimmer basket and lint pot in the pool pump should also be emptied out on a regular basis; clogged filters inhibit circulation and, if the problem becomes severe, can cause damage to your entire system.
Chemicals will last longer if added during the evening; the sun can reduce their potency and overall productivity span.
Regular maintenance, such as brushing walls and tiles, will help keep algae at bay, keep the pool clean, and prevent debris from hardening, which would make it harder to clean.
Pumps should be run one hour for every ten degrees, and missing drains and suctions sources should always be promptly replaced.

While this list may seem extensive, regular maintenance is essential in keeping your pool safe and preventing future problems. However, if the work required to keep up your pool ever seems too overwhelming, you can always hire a professional pool maintenance service to carry out regular maintenance for you.

Walter Lee Davis is the owner of Piranha Pool Management, an Atlanta pool service company offering pool maintenance, chemical treatment, and Atlanta pool repair. With competitive prices, a drive for perfection, and extensive experience, Piranha Pool Management is the standard for pool management in metro Atlanta.

Within this recession, many people are looking for ways that they can save money. Even when the recession lifts, it is still probably a good idea to make sure that you continue to save money where you can so that you are fully prepared in case the economy ever gets into trouble again. A great way to save cash is to no longer hire a company for pool services. Pool maintenance is something that you can handle on your own and you can even ensure that extra money is saved by making a few energy efficient choices.

The first thing you will need to do is to learn about cleaning the surface of the pool. The bottom of the pool can easily be cleaned by using a robot vacuum that glides along the bottom of the pool. There are also other ways to clean the bottom using hoses and vacuum suction. It is also extremely important to make sure that you are learning what the exact levels the chemicals need to be at and how often you need to add them. This will ensure that everyone is safe and that the pool is kept as clean as possible for as long as possible. This will help keep the extreme pool services down somewhat.

To save on energy costs, you want to reduce the amount of time that the pump is running. This is something that your average pool services company would not do but it is a way you can make sure that you are saving every penny you possibly can. You can install a timer to make sure that the pump only comes on when it needs to. It would also be a wise idea to speak to your electric company to determine whether electricity is cheaper at night or during the day. This way, you can have the pumps running during the cheaper points of the day.

Pool maintenance will be a lot easier on you if you make sure that you are keeping your eyes on the different cartridges and baskets. You want to make sure that they are kept clean and free of clogs at all times. To help save a little more on energy costs, you might also want to make sure that you are turning off the things that you really do not need such as the lights, the heater, the waterfall, or the fountains.

If you still find yourself a little worried about handling all of the pool services on your own, you might want to consider taking a local seminar that will instruct you on how to properly care for your pool. In addition, you could talk to your friends and family that do their own pool services to see what tips and tricks you can pick up from them.

Even though at first it may seem like a lot of work, you will soon get in the hang of it. And when you do, you will see just how easy it is to save money during the times of a recession.

When you’re looking for the most recommended pool maintenance service in South Florida, has the A+ rated service you have been looking for. Now it’s time to visit Prime Pool Care’s website and see for yourself. The quality and level of perfection you will receive is exactly what you want.

If you always wanted a swimming pool but not actually buy one then you are able to build one; you can build a swimming pool but you will need to be very careful so that you don’t get this wrong. You will need to know how you can build a swimming pool, so follow these steps if you don’t know how to create a swimming pool yourself.

So firstly you need to get the following;

1. Some water chemicals
2. A filter
3. A pump
4. Some wooden steaks
5. A Digger
6. A cement mixer and cement
7. Some accessories and lighting fixtures
8. A DIY Swimming Pool Kit

Now you will have to think about what type of pool you want to have, how big you want this to be and remember how much space you are going to have for this pool in your garden. You will need to think about if you are going to look to have a shallow and deep end or just a small pool for the family like a Jacuzzi. You will have to think about the fixtures and accessories you will need for this before you start building your pool.

You will need to think out the area in which you want to build your swimming pool in, try to look for an area in which is going to be the best area. Try to go for an area which is flat with easy access and enough room, you will want to have a big clear space because you want room for the decking area also. Maybe look for an area which is shaded would be the best possible area.

You will need to start digging to add your wooden steaks where the pool will be going; you might think about getting in a professional to do this part however.

You will need to install your pool kit so follow the instructions and read them carefully before you actually install the kit. You really should start with your swimming pool wall panels and then go onto your flooring; remember that you will need to install the filter now and any plumbing work also. Remember that will include ladders.

For your concrete, you will need to fill the pool with this so remember to add the concrete all over your panels and make sure that it has a completely professional look. Sometimes you might think about getting in a professional in to carry out this part.

For the water, you will need to make sure that your filtration pump and system will be connected properly before you fill your pool with the water. You can just use a garden hose or anything really to fill the pool up; remember to add chlorine however and wait for a while before you can use your pool.

Hot tubs and saunas are two of the most popular social hydrotherapy and heat therapy treatment options. They are both becoming the norm at gyms and fitness centers. However, they are also moving from luxuries to common home furnishings. So whether you’re interested in a soothing way to transition from a stressful day at work to a relaxing day at home or for a relaxing way to loosen up your muscles before a workout, a hot tub or home sauna has become an attainable home therapy dream for many individuals just like you.

The Therapeutic Effect

No one doubts that home saunas and hot tubs have a therapeutic effect, but in recent years there have even been studies that proved many of the therapeutic effects of each. Doing your own relaxing therapy in an easy-to-install tub or sauna that matches the landscaping of your home could be an excellent way to heal your skin, relax your muscles, and relax your mind.

For the muscles, there is nothing like the feel of hot water jets massaging your muscle tension and muscle cramps away. If you have others with whom to relax and enjoy the experience, it will be all the more a relaxing experience. A hot tub or sauna is a great place to have relaxing discussions. Physical and mental health professionals, as well as natural healing practitioners, have prescribed the use of saunas and hot tubs for a variety of health conditions for many years.

Easy to Install, Maintain, and Use

Long gone are the days when you needed to be a member of an exclusive club, have hydrotherapy prescribed, or have a wealthy friend to have access to a sauna or tub. As more and more wealthy people began purchasing them for home convenience, economies of scale have kicked in and made home saunas and hot tubs affordable relaxation therapy conveniences for the middle class. It is so much easier to get away for a 10-minute soak in your tub or sauna after a hard day at work when it’s just right in your property.

While most of the home saunas and hot tubs sold today are very easy to install, transportation equipment and the desire to have it built into a deck or patio make relatively inexpensive installations more attractive. For safety reasons, you should look for a package deal that includes professional gas, water, and electricity hookups. This is true even if you go with a portable unit. Take note that built-in units tend to be more durable and less noise polluting, but more expensive to repair or replace.

You have many options for home saunas and hot tubs. When shopping for one, consider your needs, the space in your home, and your budget. If you’re particularly interested in owning a home sauna, visit Hot Tub Barn.

Copyright © Sherry Ann Smith

If you’re like most people, a hot tub is a sizable investment. You’ll want to do all you can to prolong the life of your tub and to make sure it operates at peak efficiency. Thus, you need to know everything you can about proper hot tub care. The majority of these tubs are designed to last for many years, but they’re designed to do so only when proper care guidelines are followed.

The current high-quality hot tubs use sanitation systems that are on par with or better than most modern swimming pools. But while these sanitation systems are for the most part automated, you do have to apply the treatment supplies for them. Proper care involves making sure these supplies are put in your tub and activated in the prescribed amounts. Maintaining a clean tub with a proper pH balance doesn’t just make the hot tub more pleasant for use, but will help to prolong the life of the tub.

Also, a common mistake is to take your garden hose and fill your tub with that water. It is much better to use a water source that has not had water softener added. Filtered but not softened water is usually the best choice to prevent the accumulation of materials that can clog your tub jets and heater.

It cannot be overemphasized just how important it is to have the proper chemical balance in your tub in order to prevent damage to it. It’s best to follow a weekly maintenance schedule for cleaning your filters and balancing the water. Most people do this monthly, but if you do it weekly, you’ll find that soaking and scouring the filters takes very little time. You may also want to spray a mild disinfectant on the filter and the rinse it again. Weekly care should prevent the need to change the water, except in cases where the tub receives heavy use by multiple people.

If you practice weekly hot tub care, it shouldn’t take you more than half an hour each week to keep it in “like new” condition for many years to come. Make sure you read the guides that come with your tub for specific information about its proper care. Also, note what warranty and care services the store of purchase and the manufacturer offer. Most stores will even let you bring in water samples for testing to see if your tub water is balanced.

And finally, note any special care required for your hot tub in extreme weather. Many years from now you’ll be glad you took the time to learn about how to care properly for hot tubs. For a wide selection of hot tubs, swim spas, and home saunas, visit Hot Tub Barn.

Copyright © Sherry Ann Smith