Swimming Pools
General Information
Pool Care
If you own a swimming pool, you know the hours of fun and enjoyment it can provide. It does however, require a good amount of maintenance. By preparing your pool in the spring, you can look forward to a summer of fun. Diving board, ladders, and swimming equipment should be taken out of storage and completely cleaned. Check to be sure the equipment is safe before using. Here are some helpful hints in order to enjoy your pool with relatively little maintenance. Clean and disinfect your pool with chlorine at all times. Chlorine will kill bacteria, controls algae, and will breakdown organic matter in the water. It works well by regulating the residual chlorine in the pool and the proper pH control. pH can be controlled by using a pH test kit. pH should range from 7.4 to 7.6. Every week the pool should be super chlorinated or “shocked.” This is three to five times the normal dosage of chlorine. A filter and skimmer should be used daily to remove bugs and debris. A vacuum should be used to remove sediment and a pool brush will get rid of dirt on the pool walls. Tiles should be scrubbed to eliminate mildew. Check your pool pump, circulation system, and filter regularly. A daily maintenance schedule will eliminate costly emergency repairs. Call Blue Haven Pools at 903 534-1919 for additional information on this topic.
Pool Safety
A backyard pool is a new adventure for young children. It is critical that activity be closely supervised around the pool and a barrier be kept around the area. It is mandated by most states to have a barrier around backyard pools. If you’re not sure what type of barrier you need, safety officials suggest you install a fence that meets state, federal, town, county, and subdivision requirements. The fence gate should close by itself and have a locking mechanism out of the reach of children. Any doors in your home which lead to the pool should also be self closing and locking. An audible alarm can be placed on doors and gates leading to the pool. There is also an alarm for the pool itself which sounds at any water movement. No matter how good your fence of gate is, you must watch small children carefully.
Types of Pools
There are a large variety of swimming pools available to fit almost any preference or budget. Depending on your location and budget, most swimming pools can be formed in any shape. Rectangular and kidney shapes are the most popular. They offer the most space for recreation and usually most cost effective to install. You can individualize these shapes by adding specialties such as a waterfall, island, or bar. Lap pools are also becoming a fast favorite among pool shapes. Lap pools are designed for those who swim as a form of exercise. They are long and narrow and usually only three feet deep. Consult your local yellow pages for more information under swimming pool contractors. Call Blue haven Pools for free estimates today at 903 534-1919.
Diving for Fun and Fitness
Diving is not only fun, but it can also be done to stay fit. Here are some helpful tips to keep in mind. You must learn to swim before you can dive. Children should be able to swim in deep water. The child should be able to jump in deep water and swim to the side without help. Children should also be able to judge the depth of water before learning to dive. Never force anyone to jump or dive. This can be dangerous and it certainly isn’t fun. You just can’t be too cautious.
Buying an above ground pool
Buying an Above Ground Pool
There’s nothing like cooling off on a hot summer day in the privacy of your own backyard in a beautiful above ground swimming pool. You and your family can enjoy years of pleasurable swimming and relaxation, when you choose the pool that’s right for you. First, find a proven, strong, safe and reliable product. There are several types: galvanized steel, aluminum and resin, and many sizes to fit your backyard, your budget and your family’s needs. Installation is perhaps most important. Will it be professional or a do-it-yourself? Professional installation guarantees a successful installation which means a level pool, wrinkle-free liner and a complete, safe finished product. For those of you who enjoy a splash of excitement, there’s the old do-it-yourself route. Just make sure your get easy-to-follow instructions, preferably with a video. For your convenience, your dealer should have pool supplies, parts, a knowledgeable staff and a National Spa & Pool Institute member. Above ground pools are easy to maintain. Get a complete equipment package, including winterizing items, cover and chemical, or automatic cleaning supplies. If you follow these few important tips, your search for swimming pool paradise will be but a stroke away. Call Blue Haven Pools – 903 534-1919 for more details.
Building an Inground
Building an Inground Pool
Pool parties, sunbathing, more friends than ever before. Yes, you’ll be the envy of the neighborhood with your beautiful inground swimming pool. It’s the ultimate backyard summer paradise. But, before building the pool of your dreams, there are some important considerations. The dealer you choose should be experienced and proven. Investigate the quality of their work. Ask for recommendations from your area, particularly of pools that are several years old. How are they holding up? Are there any problems? The dealer should explain the different types of inground pools available today — like polymer wall vinyl-liner pools, concrete and several others. Construction choices reflect the difference in materials as well as the time it takes to build, design flexibility, appearance and cost. A full-staffed, year-round in-house service department is a must, as is a well-stocked store to ensure support following construction. Your dealer should be a National Spa & Pool Institute member. Call Blue haven Pools for more information at 903 534-1919. We will exceed all the recommendations.
Chemicals and Accessories
Chemicals and Accessories
It’s clear as can be, your swimming pool is your backyard paradise and to keep UFOs – unidentified floating objects out of your pool, a sanitation method is necessary. The method you use is a matter of preference, but all pools must be treated to keep bacteria, algae and other unpleasant UFOs away, and keep your pool crystal clean, clear and healthful. Chlorine is the most common pool sanitation method, but there are a number of other non-chlorine products like BioGuard Soft Swim, Ozone and Bromine. To decide which is best, consult with Blue Haven Pools as they are well-equipped and stocked to make your life easier, and keep your equipment operating at peak performance. Look for a well-trained staff who are able to instruct in repair and replacement of pool parts and provide free computerized water testing to insure a proper chemical treatment program. This cuts down on wasted chemicals and cost. And, if manually vacuuming the pool just isn’t’ your thing, new and revolutionary items are always coming out, like efficient automatic pool cleaning devices. So keep the UFOs away and keep your swimming pool sparkling with proper chemical maintenance.
Service
Your home pool or spa is an investment, and you’ll want to make sure it’s well-cared for so it can give you years of pleasure and enjoyment. So, it’s a good idea to hire trained professionals to service your pool and spa needs. Winter closing by professionals will help avoid damage like cracked plumbing from freezing winter temperatures. Come spring, have all systems checked and operations verified so you can enjoy the pool season, all summer long with minimal effort. Cleaning and adjusting gas heaters should also be done by pool professionals. Be sure to choose a reputable, well-known pool service company, one that is fully insured. Make sure their mechanics and service people are familiar with the latest methods, techniques and equipment on the market. Make sure they’re trained in pools and spas, major and minor repairs like changing vinyl pool liners, repainting concrete pool surfaces, sealing leaks, changing pump seals and adjusting and replace electronic parts. Choose a National Spa & Institute member. And, sit back, relax and enjoy years of trouble-free, home pool and spa enjoyment, by hiring trained professionals.
Buying a Spa or Hot Tub
The beauty of spas and hot tubs is the wondrous sensation created by a good old fashioned pleasure soaking. Commonly called Jacuzzi, which is actually a brand name, spas and hot tubs assist in rapid healing from sore muscles, relief from tension and stress, and of course, provide a great deal of enjoyment and relaxation. While shopping for just the right one to fit your family’s needs, visit showrooms with models on display. Get comfortable, sit in them and see how they feel. Check out more than one brand for a choice of styles, colors, prices and features. Remember, they’re available for both indoors and outdoors, so take your time and decide what’s best for you. Be sure the dealer you choose has an in-house service department, knowledgeable personnel, and is a member of the National Spa and Pool Institute. Support after the sale is very important. Quality and service pay off in the long run, and should leave you bubbling with excitement for years.
