Tuesday 24 November 2009

Using a Pool Thermometer to Maintain Your Swimming Pool

Those people who are lucky enough to have a swimming pool in their garden will know that it's not all fun and games. It is hard work to maintain a pool and it can be very costly as well. However, there are also plenty of benefits of having your own pool which makes it all worthwhile.

Some aspects of maintaining a swimming pool are simple and straightforward whereas others are a bit more complex and time consuming. One of the easiest aspects of maintaining a swimming pool is monitoring the temperature of the water. With all the technology around these days it's very easy to test and keep an eye on this.

A pool thermometer is one of the best ways to check the temperature of your pool water. You get many different varieties from standard thermometers to digital ones. Regardless of which type you decide to use, they are all easy to set up and keep running.

The most obvious reason why you would want to use a pool thermometer is to keep an eye on the temperature of the water. It's highly unlikely that anybody is going to want to swim in a freezing cold pool, so knowing the exact temperature before you jump in is very handy. This is especially relevant if you have young children because it's highly unlikely that you're going to want them to swim in freezing cold water.

Public swimming pools are more than likely going to want to use a pool thermometer to monitor the temperature of the water. This is very important because people are not going to want to swim there if the water is too hot or cold. Using a thermometer ensures that the water will always be at a comfortable temperature.

Another reason why many people would choose to use a pool thermometer is because they are so easy to use. They don't require any maintenance or updating. You simply put it in your pool and leave it there. You can then check it whenever you want to ensure the water is it at the right temperature and perfect for swimming in.

One of the best things about getting a pool thermometer is the fact that they don't cost a fortune. Anyone with their own pool will know that it can be very expensive to buy all the necessary equipment and chemicals. Fortunately, buying a thermometer won't break the bank which means that you can use the money on other things that you may need.

Sunday 15 November 2009

5 Safety Pool Cover Reminders

The demand on pool covers are rising in the market as many Americans have started installing their own swimming pools on backyard. As their number escalates, not every new pool owners have the knowledge on how to maintain it.

Once owning a pool, facets of responsibilities follow. Protecting your pool from any foreign elements is one of the few. The usage of pool cover is beyond amazing. This magic cover is engineered to protect the pool from the sun, leaves, and decreases electric bills.

Here are the tips on how to install these non-living heroes for your pool:

· Measure - measuring it is a must to have a perfect cover. You have to measure its length and width before acquiring and/or using it. The selected cover should have an additional space to it. Normally, a pool with 12" can be covered by 5x5 strapping with overlapping space.


· Drain - drain the liquid it in half or by quarter. Then add the proper chemicals. These chemicals maintain the sanitation.


· Drill - You need to use rotary hammer to create hole on the concrete. This hole will be occupied with the anchors which will be used to support your cover. Drilling should be done safely and tentatively.


· Screw - The brass anchors will be a big help for the attachment of your cover. Lightly press the anchor and screw it tightly.


· Spread - Spread the cover on the entire perimeter. Then position the hardware to cover. Adjust the cover to tighten.

Friday 6 November 2009

Swimming Pools: What You Need for Your Pool

When summer arrives, it’s time to get cool and enjoy the fun of summer. Like other homeowners, you may be thinking a swimming pool. Pools are great to have, although they require a lot of work and maintenance - whether you have an in ground or above ground swimming pool. Before you rush out and buy your pool for summer, there are a few things you should know.

When you buy your pool, your dealer or salesman will more than likely go over what else you need with your pool. In order to operate your pool, there are several things that you simply must have to get started.

The first thing you’ll need is a filtration system. When you get your filtration system, make sure that your filtration system is capable of handling your pool capacity. A filtration system is very important, as it helps to remove small partials and bacteria from building up in your water
.

A vacuum is also important. You should make sure however, that you purchase a vacuum that is specific for your swimming pool. There are several types of vacuums available, and you want to make sure that you don’t purchase the wrong one. Vacuums are essential to operating your pool, as they help to clean out debris settled on the bottom.

You should also make sure that you get a skimmer basket or strainer as well, as it helps with your vacuum and filtration system. Skimmer baskets or strainers will keep your pool clean by catching debris and bugs that manage to get into your pool. You should use them whenever you use your pool, as they will do a majority of the cleaning for you.

To protect your pool, you’ll also need a swimming pool cover. Covers are available in a few different types, and several different sizes. A cover will protect your pool from debris and elements, as well as preventing those you love from drowning. You should always make sure that you buy a strong and sturdy cover, and be sure to use it to cover your pool when you aren’t swimming.

A maintenance chart is also important. With a maintenance chart, you can keep track of what you have done to your pool, the level of chemicals that you are using, and the readings of the tests that you have performed on your water. Maintenance charts are easily overlooked by pool owners, although they are essential to knowing what you have done to your pool.

Another important items you’ll need are chemicals. They play a very important role in balancing your water, and helping swimmers stay healthy. There are several different types of chemicals available, including chlorine, clarifier, and pH chemicals. All types of chemicals are very important, and need to be used to keep your water levels healthy. You can check your water and pH levels on a daily basis, as you do your regular pool maintenance.

In order to perform tests on your pool, you’ll need a testing kit. They come in either strip or bottle form, and allow you to test and understand the different chemical levels in your water. If you are planning to keep your pool healthy, you’ll need to do tests. They are easy to do, and won’t take you but a few minutes of your time.

To operate your pool and perform the proper maintenance, you’ll need to have the above equipment and supplies. Although you can buy pool accessories such as toys and furniture, they aren’t required to use your swimming pool. You don’t need to have any accessories - although you do need everything listed above.

Tuesday 3 November 2009

The Basics of Water Balance in Pools

Keeping your pool in tiptop shape is about more than just running the filter and using a skimmer every now and then. To properly maintain your pool, you need to become something of a chemist and learn a bit about maintaining the balance of chemicals in your pool's water. Any pool construction Brisbane professional will tell you that people who fail to keep their pool's chemicals in check face many serious problems. After the Brisbane pool builders have left, make sure you know the basics of achieving - and maintaining - the proper water balance.

pH -

Even if you've never owned a pool before, you've probably heard other pool owners mention pH. pH refers to the measure of how alkaline or acidic the water in your pool is; its scale ranges from zero to 14. A measure below 7 means the water is acidic, a measure above 7 is alkaline, and a measure of 7 is neutral. Optimally, you want to keep the water within the neutral range; a measure between 7.0 and 7.8 is considered best. If you have a fibreglass pool, you'll want to aim for a pH between 7.0 and 7.2.

A Note About pH And Chlorine -

pH has a major effect on the sanitising effects of chlorine therefore it is important to keep your pH levels in balance. If your pool's pH levels get out of whack, no amount of chlorine is going to keep it sanitary.

Total Alkalinity -

Total alkalinity - often referred to as T.A. - is another important measure of the water balance of your pool. Basically, total alkalinity is a measure of the carbonates, bicarbonates and hydroxides in your pool water. Optimally, you'll want to maintain a T.A. of approximately 60 to 200 ppm, or parts per million. When you have your pool installed, the Brisbane pool builders who have installed it can tell you the exact level you'll want to maintain for your specific pool.

Low levels of total alkalinity can cause concrete and painted surfaces in the pool to erode. pH levels also become very unstable when the T.A. gets too low, and it is difficult to maintain the proper pH. There are various products you can use to change the T.A. of your pool; they include bicarbonate of soda, which raises total alkalinity, and acid, which lowers T.A.

Calcium Hardness -

Calcium hardness is a measure of the level of dissolved calcium in your pool water. Optimally, it should be between 80 to 500 ppm. As with total alkalinity, low levels of calcium hardness can lead to erosion in your pool. Unlike pH and T.A., calcium hardness cannot be measured with a regular testing kit but can usually be tested by your local pool supply shop.