Archive for the 'Pools & Spas' Category

Jul 11 2010

3 Above Ground Pool Deck Accessories That Can Enhance Your Home

Published by Modesto Decorator under Pools & Spas

Having an above ground pool can bring lots of joy to your family. That happiness can be enhanced with suitable accessories for your above ground pool decks. Here are the best 3 accessories for pool decks that will enhance your experience:


Above ground child safety alarms for pools


This type of alarms has been specially formulated for pools that are situated above ground. Here’s how it works: Upon purchasing the alarm, you should read the instructions and set it up on your pool deck. The alarm sensors should be able to alert you when anything or anyone weighing 15 lbs. or over enters or falls into the pool. This is a great solution for parents and pet owners who are worried about their children and pets falling into the pool accidentally. Without a lifeguard standing by round the clock, a safety alarm for your pool is just the accessory you need to protect the lives of your loved ones.


Step and ladders


The are many types of steps that prove to be ideal additions to your pool decks. High quality steps should be durable and be able to withstand the harsh sun rays. It should also be slip-resistant so that friends and family members who are using the pool do not suffer from falls and untoward accidents. One of the most preferred steps designs is the “wedding cake” style where its wide angle allows easy access to and from the pool.


Above ground pool toys


Summer time in the pool will not be complete without a host of toys that the kids can indulge in. Inflatable toys such as slides are an affordable source of fun that can be set up easily and quickly. If you must splurge on a full sized slide made from durable resin body for your above ground pool decks, do make sure that it comes with non-skid steps to prevent unnecessary accidents.

Pool decks can be the best addition to your home! Find out more tips and tricks to spruce up your pool at http://www.custompooldecks.com/above-ground-pool-decks.html

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May 11 2010

Sauna Or Hot Tub – Which One to Go For

Published by Modesto Decorator under Pools & Spas

If you want to relieve stress from a hard day’s work, you might want to consider having your own recreational facility at home. You have two options -hot tub or sauna. Learn about their qualities such as popular types, pros and cons so you can decide better which one to get for your home.


Hot tub
In most homes, this is commonly installed adjacent to a swimming pool. It basically works by drawing water via a pipe system into a heat source. Then the water is directed into the tub. Most hot tubs have either a suction or pressure filtration system. Here are further details about this facility:


1. Two popular types for home use – inflatable hot tub, which is available in vinyl, plastic or nylon manufacture, and wooden hot tub, which is made from oak, redwood or teak. These both have seating for two to four people.


2. Pros – it promotes hydrotherapy through the combination of warm water, massage jets and semi-buoyancy. This treatment can calm down tensed muscles and joints. Many hot tub enthusiasts attest that they have better sleeping patterns when they regularly soak in the tub. This is much more affordable, portable at about 100 pounds, and easy to install.


3. Cons – one can get sick or rashes when dipping in an irregularly maintained hot tub. The stagnant water in it is a great host for bacteria and even insect larvae. More specifically about its drawbacks, the inflatable type comes with little or no product warranty, and is less durable than acrylic ones. As for the wooden type, severe maintenance is required because of its material’s vulnerability to pest infestation.


Sauna
A sauna is known alternatively as a steam bath. The basic form of a sauna utilizes a heated room wherein steam is contained. The heat is produced through using a stove, which can be electric, wood or gas. In many commercial spas and residential saunas, igneous granite rocks are used to absorb high heat. Once hot water is poured on them, steam is created. Additional details about saunas include:


1. Four popular types for home use – wood-burning sauna uses the technique of slow burning of wood. Manufactured sauna rooms are free-standing units, typically installed in basements. Electrically heated saunas enable temperature control settings. And an infrared or heat therapy room draws on radiant heat to produce steam.


2. Pros – it is more convenient to use and maintain. Many people believe it can give more than the physical benefit of releasing body toxins through perspiration. Some communities from traditional Finnish, Japanese and Native American cultures believe that as a sauna user’s body is relaxed, his mind invites clearer thoughts. Hence a higher level of spirituality may be achieved.


3. Cons – this is way more expensive and harder to install. The planning and construction have to be very meticulous because inefficiency throughout these processes may result to poor moisture control. Thus, molds can easily form. A sauna is commonly set up by a professional.


Upon deliberating between getting a hot tub or installing a sauna, take into account your budget, style and maintenance requirements entailed by your choice.

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Mar 27 2010

Prefer to Choose the Finest Above Ground Pools

Published by Modesto Decorator under Pools & Spas

Above Ground Pools are amongst the best things to possess principally for the patch vacationers for countless reasons. Pools of this form is quite a few to offer you the backyard paradise that you may perhaps have been wishing and craving to grasp for your family as well as traveling relatives and friends to get pleasure from.


Have you figured out how to pick the finest above ground pools? It is really important that you get simply the best of this backyard activity thing for the entire household to consider and relax. Because of the truth that these precise types of pools are at this moment getting more and more accepted it is no longer hard to attain them.


Above ground pools may clearly be found in the market wherever you may be and anytime you must have them. There are many different designs of these types of pools that are ideal for backyard vacationers. The special models of above ground pools may be sort out in accordance to the kinds of equipment of which they are crafted from, the dimension, and even the cost.


It is truly necessary to put few parameters in trying to ensure getting only the greatest above ground pools that you possibly can get. What are the things that you want to think in deciding on to possess the finest of these kinds of pools in your backyard?


Before you choose to pick and purchase the design or size that you wish, you need to make sure getting one that is made of real good class materials for it to certainly persist the throughout the year. Having to make certain that it is made of great good quality materials is a sure way of getting your money’s worth for such a thing.


Other than having to be certain getting one that can really last a lifetime, it is also essential to consider the volume of the above ground pools that you want to have. It must rightly fit to the area in your backyard where it shall be installed. This way you will be able to truly appreciate this thing around your quarters where it is being made or just idly being there for ornamental reasons too.


If you are a true blooded backyard vacationer, you must see the real meaning of having above ground pools. Hence, dealing with its fee is no longer a big deal. But you also ought to see that you need not have to use all your wealth just to get the greatest above ground pools that you or your family considers to have.


Of course, even if you are on tight funds for apparent reasons, you can still have the movable pools that you wished for because there are several of these that you certainly can acquire at very affordable price.


These are just among the several things you ought to consider when you want to grasp these types of outdoor pools. You just have to keep in mind that realism and effectiveness must be the two generally necessary things you need to acquire when you acquire above ground pools.

Written by Scott Collins. Find the finest data on Above ground pools plus swimming pools.

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Feb 12 2010

The Advantages of a Sauna Kit

Published by Modesto Decorator under Pools & Spas

Assembling a sauna kit could be a lot of fun if you enjoy the challenge of building things yourself around the house. It lets you build a custom spa in your own home, by yourself. With a kit, you can suit it to your house’s dimensions and needs. It will contain everything that you require to build one of these units. You will need to put in some time and effort, but the results will be well worth it.

Why should you choose a sauna kit? The answer is that you can use the kit to build a unit that suits your house. It can be designed for any space that you have and can look however you want it to. All of the materials that you’ll require to build it are included in the kit. This isn’t an infrared unit or any other complex variant, but a regular sauna for your home.

Because you can design the interior to your preferences, this undertaking is just the thing for anyone who enjoys do-it-yourself projects. And it won’t be a time consuming undertaking, either. After the frame is built, constructing the rest of the unit should only take a couple of days.

Most of the contents of a sauna kit consist of wooden planks, so you might wonder why you couldn’t just produce them on your own. Well for starters, the planks are all cut to the right dimensions; this makes it a lot easier to build your project without worrying about measuring, cutting and waste. In addition, you have just as many planks as you need. You would have to cut and treat your own wooden planks if you had to source them yourself.

Even better, the kit will contain cedar wood, which is the best material for saunas. Not everyone uses cedar when building these structures, but it is definitely the best-suited wood for it. Cedar’s ability to contract and to expand makes it an excellent choice for this purpose, and that is why it is usually found in a sauna kit. The wood will expand as heat is applied and contract when it is dissipated, so a variety of wood that cannot easily do this will most likely splinter, which require you to repair it down the road.

So if you’ve wanted to install a sauna in your house, and you’re handy with a hammer and nail, you should be able to enjoy the comforts of a spa right in your own home. And you can design it just the way you want it.

There are various kinds of saunas that you can enjoy in the comfort and privacy of your home, from a portable sauna that you build yourself to an infrared unit that comes ready built. Visit the Home Sauna site to learn more about your options and help you decide which kind of sauna is perfect for you.

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Feb 11 2010

5 Best Spa Pool Maintenance Tips

Published by Modesto Decorator under Pools & Spas

Is it time to conduct spa pool maintenance? If you want to enjoy yours long-term, do so. After all, dipping in the pool is a fantastic way to rest and relax after a stressful day at the office or a vigorous workout at the gym. But hold on a minute-what do you know about spa pool maintenance? Here are some important tips to keep in mind.

1. Understand the importance of spa pool maintenance. It’s critical to maintain spas and hot tubs correctly. Failing to treat and sanitize them properly can cause dangerous bacteria and microorganisms to form. If you fail to keep particular chemicals in healthy ranges, various viruses, algae, and mold can easily reproduce in the water. However, periodically adding the proper sanitizers and chemicals can keep pools safe and sanitary.

2. Periodically change the water and flush the system. Every 60 to 90 days, you should empty the tub completely and then use fresh water to fill it up again. This should be dependant on how frequently you use the hot tub. Here are the basic steps:

- Take off the filter.

- Utilize a flushing agent for plumbing.

- Drain the tub’s water.

- Use a (non-foaming) cleaner to clean the interior’s surface.

- Clean the hot tub’s cover.

- Clean the filter and replace it whenever necessary.

- Fill up the tub with new water.

- Add a UV protectant to both sides of the cover.

3. Treat the water whenever necessary. You can take several steps. When the hot tub is half full of fresh water, add scale controller, stain controller, and so on. Then after the hot tub is full, use test strips to examine the water’s alkalinity, calcium hardness, and pH. Based on the readings, conduct any adjustments that are needed. Make sure to never add more than one chemical at a time. Furthermore, weekly test the water to ensure that it remains balanced.

4. Install a sanitizer system. This is a crucial step in your spa pool maintenance. The three primary varieties of sanitizer are Cleanwater Blue, Nature2, and bromine. It’s important that you always adhere to the manufacturer’s directions depending on the system that you select.

5. Buy a spa vacuum. This is a quick way to remove various debris that collect at the hot tub’s bottom. It’s critical to remove them immediately, to keep your tub as sanitary as possible.

While spa pool maintenance can be quite challenging, it’s important to conduct all necessary daily, weekly, and monthly upkeep. Keep your body in hot water and your tub out of it!

Joe McGrath is a spa pool maintenance pro who has cleaned more pools than he can count. His greatest advice? Clean regularly to enjoy long-term. For all your pool maintenance needs, check out Perfect-Pool-Maintenance.com today!

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Feb 10 2010

Plastic Baby Pools – Most Important Things You Need to Know

Published by Modesto Decorator under Pools & Spas

The summer time just makes you want to stay outside forever and enjoy all the pleasures the sunny warm weather provides. You want to have the best time with your family, so you also have to think about the children and their fun as well. The plastic baby pools are ideal for the kids to play in safely while you comfortably relax with a drink in your hand. Here is a thorough overview of the types of pools you can choose from and some tips on how to pick the best one for your baby or babies.

The plastic baby pools can be put in two different categories depending on the type of material they are made from. The hard-plastic baby pools are perfect for the backyard. They are easy to assemble and install despite the size and depth they have. They are also durable and not easy to damage. Such a pool will wear out eventually, but it can last for a good number of years. It does not require any particular maintenance, but might prove to be a bit difficult to repair. The main advantage of the soft-plastic inflatable pools is that they are easy to deploy and to uninstall as well, which makes them perfect not only for home use but also for family trips.

They take up a small space when deflated, so you can carry the baby pool in a bag and literally take it everywhere with you. The problem with these pools is that they are more easily damaged. However, they are also easy to fix in case of damage – you just glue the extra piece of plastic material provided according to the instructions and the pool is as good as new again.

The size of the baby pool is up to you to pick. It is important to measure the exact space available in your back yard if you are planning to install it there. Usually most potable ones are small and can accommodate only one child at two at the most. The larger soft-plastic ones and hard-plastic ones are also abundantly available on the market. The depth of the pool is also very important, so do check carefully that it is appropriate for your child’s age. The pools for the smallest kids aged 1 to 3 years are very shallow so that the baby can safely enjoy the water. The deeper pools are also great but you always have to be on the watch when the kids are playing in them.

The plastic baby pools are a great entertainment for small children. You just have to make sure your pool is clean and filled with warm water to provide for a great day outside.

Plastic Baby Pools are fun and great to have for a hot day outside, spend time with your baby. The plastic baby pools are a great entertainment for small children. You just have to make sure your pool is clean and filled with warm water to provide for a great day outside.

If you are thinking about buying a plastic baby pool then I highly recommend visiting http://babypoolfloat.com for all the information that you will need regarding baby pools.

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Nov 17 2009

Swimming Pool Pumps and Filter Systems

Published by Modesto Decorator under Pools & Spas

No matter your set up, every swimming pool you own (with the exception of a kiddie wading pool of course) will require a pump and filter system. You need to be able to make the right choice in these areas because you do not want to be under serviced or buy something that is way too big for your operation.

A pump for the swimming pool has one chief responsibility: circulate the water. The pump circulates the pool water through a heating and filtration unit in an efficient manner at a low-energy cost to you. In order to have a cheap running pump you need to choose one that is right for the size of your pool. That is the only way to achieve low cost for the pump.

Many feel that pool maintenance is an easy job but that is not the case. There is a lot more involved then skimming the top of the water of leaves and other debris. More involved then just assembling a couple parts to a pump – there needs to be a correct flow to the water or else the pump is useless. And you want an optimized running pump. Prior to purchasing a pump you should keep in mind that the pump has to be able to work with your size of pool – If you follow that one bit of advice you cannot fail.

Even really efficient pumps can use a ton of energy – nearly on the same scale as a home air conditioning unit. The only way to avoid over extending your electric bill is by purchasing a pump that is best suited for your size of pool. First thing you need to do is make sure that the capacity of the pump matches your pool volume. If you need to conserve energy you can place most pumps on a timer so you can better regulate the power usage for optimum times of day.

Not many pump brands come close to the performance of Hayward Pool Supply. They have been in the swimming pool pump business for 80 years and are still growing and going strong. They also make filtration systems as well which only need minor maintenance, such as cleaning the filter every month.

Intex Pool Supplies is a specialist in recreation pools and has been for over 40 years. If it has to do with pools and fun then Intex makes it and makes it very well too. They make great inflatable products and pools, swimming gear, toys and more.

I cannot stress this enough: size matters. You do not want a filtration system or a pool water pump that is not rated for the volume of water that your pool has. If you have a unit that is too small it will not be effective and cannot do what it is meant to do. You will wind up burning the unit out which will do you no good at all or, at the very least, it will do a very inadequate job and will work harder and waste more money in electric. Same thing goes with buying a pump and filter that is far greater than you need – it is a waste of money and power and will not guarantee a cleaner pool.

John Thomson is webmaster of http://www.poolcoverpump.org and is pleased to show a wide selection of Pool Cover Pumps including Little Giant.

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Nov 16 2009

Jacuzzi Tubs

Published by Modesto Decorator under Pools & Spas

When people refer to a hot tub or a spa, they often think of the word Jacuzzi. The terms are often used interchangeably but Jacuzzi is actually a brand name. So the term should be Jacuzzi tubs or Jacuzzi hot tubs.

When you start shopping for Jacuzzi tubs, there are a number of issues to bear in mind. Firstly, where are you going to put it? I know that sounds obvious, but many people dont consider the consequences of putting a hot tub inside the house, upstairs or even in the basement. They need a room with plenty of air circulation to keep drywall from mildew or rot. It also needs plenty of weight support to hold all of the water. Putting one on the second floor is not a good idea, unless it is a small bathtub Jacuzzi. A basement hot tub is not a good idea either since the walls can hinder ventilation and cause added damp problems.

The ideal place for Jacuzzi tubs is in the garden or patio where you have substantial foundations to rely on. To enable all year round use you can construct a gazebo or small room around it. Windows can be used for ventilation, or to cool off on hot summer nights.

What size do you need? Do you like parties and entertaining? If so you will want to consider 6-8 person tubs. If it is just for you and your partner then a two seater will be perfect. Jacuzzi tubs come in a variety of sizes and shapes such as round, square, oval, kidney shaped. Some manufacturers supply a custom design and can be made into a shape to fit a unique room.

What often determines the price is how many jets there are are inside the tub and how many settings these jets have. Settings on simple models can just be set to either high or low, but more advanced models will offer multiple choices for water speed and angle as well as options such as waterfall and lights. Jacuzzi tubs require care to keep that at their best, and that includes taking care of the water quality. Water levels must be checked regularly and treated for bacteria using a variety of chemicals available to treat the water.

There are a wide variety of options to go with your hot tub. Steps up to the edge, bars and stools, TV’s, music centers, floating bars, drink holders, pillows and toys for the kids are just a few of the fun things available. One pretty useful accessory (if the tub didn’t come with one), is a cover. Hot tub covers should always be on the Jacuzzi when not in use, keeping excess dirt and dust out of the water and jets, keep wandering children out of the water (many are lockable) and reducing heat loss to keep your bills as low as possible. So get one that has some good insulation on it.

Don’t forget that apart from the initial purchase expense, there will be monthly expenses for maintaining Jacuzzi tubs. Those expenses will be the electricity to keep the water at the right temperature, chemicals to keep the ph levels safe and water to keep it at the right level. Get all these things right and you will never regret buying a Jacuzzi tub, so seek professional help when selecting a hot tub for your home – you can often try them out at the dealers shop too.

So, there you have it. Now that you’ve been given a hint at ways to improve your well-being, the next step is up to you. Take this information and make use of it. It’s easier to do nothing, but in the end you will thank yourself for having taken action on this.

Make it easier selecting your first hot tub. Learn the essentials and enjoy a stress-free purchase by visiting the Jacuzzi Tubs website.

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Nov 15 2009

Three Tips for How to Maintain a Salt Water Pool

Published by Modesto Decorator under Pools & Spas

If you’ve recently put in a salt water pool, then you should know by now how important it is to learn how to maintain a salt water pool. The better you know how to maintain a salt water pool, the more easily you can keep the water safe and healthy. Remember, after all, that poorly maintained salt water pools can make swimmers very ill. Here are the three best tips for learning how to maintain a salt water pool:

Tip #1: Learn how to check water levels.

Many people things that chemical testing isn’t a part of learning how to maintain a salt water pool. That couldn’t be farther from the truth. Salt water pools are usually marketed as a safer option to chlorine pools. However, salt water pools are NOT chemical free. They still have to be tested for pH levels, alkalinity and calcium regularly. When learning how to maintain a salt water pool, you should also learn how to understand your salt water control box. That way, you’ll also be able to easily maintain the chlorination levels of your pool, as well as know when to add salt to the water.

Tip #2: Be careful to maintain the water when you have a large number of swimmers.

If you’ve recently installed your pool, having swimming parities often may seem like a good idea. While it is definitely good to make use of your pool, it is important to understand how to maintain healthy water when you have more swimmers than usual. Prepare the water before the swimmers arrive with higher levels of chemicals, and throughout the party, test the water if you see it is getting cloudy. You should also learn how to maintain a salt water pool after the swimmers leave. You may have to shock the pool with an emergency supply of chlorine or add chemicals to restore the pH level. This is true even if your swimmers aren’t dirty. We are all naturally dirty from the grease in our skin, and party guests have a tendency to spill drinks and food in the pool as well.

Tip #3: Notice any cosmetic problems, as these could be signs of other pool care problems.

When you first learn how to maintain a salt water pool, you may not actually think about the general wear and tear you’ll see on your pool cosmetically. However, over time, your pool can become corroded or you may see grayish and dull deposits on the tiles. This indicates a number of problems, mainly with the salt itself and the other minerals in the water. You can learn how to maintain a salt water pool in this situation quite easily. First, remove anything beginning to show signs of corrosion and rust and replace or clean. Before putting back in the water, however, use a sealant to prevent future problems. Also, you can use a tile cleaner to remove the gray deposits. This often indicates a calcium problem. Remember, how to maintain a salt water pool is not something you can learn in a day. Take time to learn what is normal in your pool and what is not.

Please visit us to see the problems with salt water pools and having a chlorine generator.

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Aug 25 2009

3 Kinds Of Swimming Pool Filters

Published by Modesto Decorator under Pools & Spas

One of essential accessories of your swimming pool is the pump and filter. The pump circulates the water in your pool and brings the dirt and debris into your filter that is responsible for removing it before sending it back out into the pool. This is very essential to your pool to keep it health and clean so that you can swim in your pool. There are several things you need to look at when choosing the type of filter that is best for you. There are three kinds of filters the cartridge filter, sand filter and the Diatomaceous Earth filter (DE).

The Cartridge filter uses an actual filter to clean the particles out of the pool water. It can filter out up to 5 to 10 microns size partials. You will know when the filter needs to be either cleaned or replaced when the pressure in the system increases to 8-10psi (pounds per square inch). If you clean the filter and put it back into the system and the pressure is still high then it is time to replace the filter. The cost of the replacement filters tends to be low.

Sand Filters use layers of sand that the pump pushes the swimming pool water through to clean all of the debris and impurities and traps them in the sand. After the cleaning process the pump pushes the pool water back out into the pool. When the pressure in the system increases to about 8-10 psi you will need to run the pump through a backwash to remove the debris. To do this you need to turn the pump off and turn the diverter valve and run the water about 3 minutes till the water is clear. Once you have finished and have turned the diverter back you need to keep the pump off for a few minutes to let the sand settle. The sand needs to be replaced about every two years.

Diatomaceous Earth (DE) Filter uses a white powder mined substance that runs similar to the sand filter. It can remove the tiniest of particles. Once you have done the backwash on the DE you reenergize it by adding more powder to the skimmer. Make sure when you are adding the powder that you watch the water coming back into the pool to make sure that the water is not cloudy. If the water is cloudy the powder is not going where it should and you need to stop and figure out what is wrong.

Hope this help explain a little the differences of the three types of filter systems for your swimming pool.

Stacy Anthony -owner of http://www.accessories4pools.com

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