Floats for the Pool Add to Summer Enjoyment

Summertime is the time of year that you can make the most out of your swimming pool. Therefore, pool floats are must-have items if you want to enjoy the benefits that a swimming pool provides. Swimming pool floats come in all sorts of shapes and sizes as well as colors and are designed for various ages and all members of the family. Therefore, you can find a host of items on the Internet that will make the time you spend in the pool just that much more fun for you and your family.

An Overview of Foam Pool Floats

When it comes to relaxing in the pool, there are a variety of pool float accessories available. A float that is immune to punctures is the foam pool float. This kind of float is constructed so it can’t be squashed by an unforeseen rupture while you’re relaxing in the pool. It’s good to have that kind of margin of comfort. Such a float is also ergonomically contoured to support the body. It comes with a pillow that provides cushioning for both the neck and head. When you’re done with the float, all you need to do is simply roll it up. Therefore, it’s convenient for transport and ease of storage. Most of these floats are around 72 inches in length.

Recliner Floats

You might also want to investigate the offerings among floating pool chair recliners. These kinds of pool chairs often come with cup holders so you can enjoy a cooling, refreshing beverage while you relax. You can select from a number of styles and colors. Some are made as permanent recliners and therefore offer a reliable way to bask in the sun and enjoy your pool.

Ideal for Parties

For birthday parties or summertime gatherings, bounce houses are floats that have been proven to be quite popular. Some of the bounce houses come with basketball goals so you can occupy yourself with a good, rousing game of pool basketball. Such floats are ideal amusements that can be set up easily.

Oversized Floats

You might also be interested in an oversized pool float. These floats often come with pillow-top surfaces for additional comfort as well as a raised pillow for supporting the neck and head. Most come with built-in holders for beverages as well as a pocket to hold snacks. This kind of oversized float is made of durable vinyl that will last throughout years of use.

Float Features

When looking for a float, you’ll find that most of the floats that are available for sale online are made of heavy-duty, high-grade vinyl. Therefore, you’re assured that you’ll be obtaining a quality float that will last for a long time. In addition to swimming pool toys, floats make time spent in the pool relaxing as well as entertaining.

Swimming Aids

For the little ones in your family, you may want to consider any of the baby pool floats that are sold on the Internet. This kind of float will not only make your toddler’s playtime in the pool more enjoyable, it can aid you in showing your child how to swim.

Whatever your choices among the pool floats that are provided for sale online, you’ll no doubt find such accessories provide added enjoyment to the time you spend in the pool with your family.
photo credit: .:Amy:.

Chemical Treatments are Necessary if you Want a Sparkling Pool

If you didn’t add the proper pool chemicals on a regular basis, your pool would start to become cloudy and murky and the water would become a home to algae and disease-carrying bacteria. It certainly would not be a pretty picture. Therefore, if you want to maintain a pool that is clean, sparkling and safe for swimmers, you need to add swimming pool chemicals on a regular basis.

How Chlorine Works

Probably the most popular pool chemical is chlorine. When you add the chemical to the pool water, it breaks down into a number of chemicals to kill harmful bacteria. The pool disinfectant destroys the cells of microorganisms, thereby oxidizing the cells and making them unable to cause any harm. After oxidizing the cells, the chlorine molecules stop working and no longer are able to do their job of disinfecting the water. Therefore, one must add chlorine on a regular basis. Chlorine can be purchased in granular, liquid and tablet form, with tablets dispensed through an in-line or floating feeder.

How Bromine Works

Another swimming pool chemical, bromine, works differently than chlorine when it comes to sanitizing the pool. This chemical, when added to pool water, forms hypobromous acid, which is the main ingredient that kills harmful bacteria in the pool, acting as an oxidizer as well as a sanitizer. But, unlike chlorine, the chemical still remains active, even after killing the contaminants in the water. Therefore, the disinfectant continues to work longer than chlorine and therefore does not need to be added as often. Usually, the substance is distributed through a chemical feeder.

Measuring your Pool’s pH

For any chemical to work effectively in your pool, the water has to be kept at the right pH. The pH level is a way to gauge the acidity or alkalinity of the water. A preferred range is between 7.4 to 7.6 ppm or parts per million, which is a measurement for chemical concentration. If the pH level is lower, then the water will be acidic and therefore more corrosive to metal. On the other hand, if the pH is on the higher end of the scale, then disinfectants, such as chlorine, will not be able to work effectively. To restore the pH to its proper range, you need to add acid to the water if the pH is too high and you’ll want to include soda ash when the water’s pH is lower or the water is more acidic. HTH pool chemicals can help in this regard as they include products that are designed for maintaining a clear and safe pool.

When to Add Chemicals

When distributing chlorine in your pool, you’ll want to be sure to add it in the evening. Without a stabilizer, chlorine will last less than half a day, with much of the loss caused by the sun’s UV rays. Therefore, it’s best to add chlorine when the sun goes down. To maintain a pool that is continually clean and clear, include a shock treatment on a weekly basis as well. Give your pool a chlorinated booster shot, so to speak, to eradicate any algae or bacteria.

Chemical treatments are necessary if you want to maintain a pool that is an enjoyment to own. Take a look online. You can obtain chemicals for your pool that are dependable and at an affordable price.
photo credit: Son of Groucho

Installation
No professional help is needed in installing above the ground liners. When it comes to an above ground pool, installation of the liners can be done easily by following simple instructions. It is only in the case of in ground pools that professional help will be needed. Before installing a pool liner one must inspect the pool in such areas as the base and pool walls.The pool base should subsequently be swept clean. The complete guide to installing a liner in a swimming pool is available online.

Durability
All liners have vinyl as their only material.  Vinyl makes liners durable and long lasting. A vinyl liner can last up to ten years. Vinyl is a synthetic material that is highly resilient to harsh climatic conditions and other man made conditions. However to make liners more durable, the pool should frequently be cleaned and kept in good condition.  It is also important to fill the tear’s that form in the lining of the liner to ensure that the life of the liner is not shortened.

Types
Most above the ground pools use the same types of liners which are oval shaped liners. However special pools like doughboy pools will require their own special doughboy above ground liners. The liners used in Kayak pools unlike other liners have a rectangular shape.

Economical liners
The most affordable liner is the overlap liner. Overlap  liners are the ideal substitutes to the expensive expandable above ground pool liners, unibead liners and beaded liners. Overlap liners usually go over the edge of the swimming pool wall.  These pool liner is usually held in place by plastic strips which should be replaced regularly. These strips are normally replaced when they begin cracking or breaking.

Beaded liners have beads that form part of their entire edge and these beads are used to  install the liner to the wall of a pool.Liners with beads are in fact the easiest to install.  Unibead liners on the other hand are normally hanged over the swimming pool wall by an inch of vinyl liner that is shaped like the letter “J.”

When it comes to expandable liners, these are very tall liners that are made for swimming pools with deep or middle sized swimming areas. These liners can only be installed on oval pools with no buttress straps.

Style
Most liners are made with decorative patterns. Beaded liners and unibead liners do have elegant and beautiful patterns. There is an array of choices to choose from when opting for these two liners. Some overlap liners have decorative patterns while others are usually plain.

All in all, a liner is needed to protect a swimming pool from damage.  Above the ground pool liners’ can be installed without professional help but professional help should be sought if the installation proves problematic.
photo credit: audreyjm529

The ladders also differ in size and material they are made of. The most important thing you need to be careful of while buying is the size. Most often accidents happen due to the use of wrong sized ladders. This should be particularly taken care of if you have children and elderly people using it. The ladders have to be sturdy and fixed to a place so that they do not move when you step over. Here are some of the different types of above ground swimming pool ladders:

Rotate and lock frame ladders: The above ground pool ladder has a simple lock mechanism which will lock it in place. It has a foot bath below so that your legs will be clean. It can hold about 300 pounds, can be used with 48-56 inches deep pool and is made of strong resin. There are in pool lights for safety as well. The ladder costs $230.00.

Roll guard safety ladder: Designed with heavy duty plastic it has curved side rails and barriers. There is a large platform on the top for people to enter water safely that is about 48-56 inches deep. It has to be filled with water to anchor it to the ground safely. Cost is $215.00.

Heritage pool resin ladder: The sturdy above ground pools ladders have a snap lock facility for safety. They also have anti swim through barrier to prevent getting stuck under water. They can hold about 220 pounds. Each ladder has extra wide space for entry and exit. Cost is $189.00.

Deluxe frame ladder: The ladder has a lift off stairs for extra safety. With a weight capacity of 220 pounds the ladder has a warranty of 5 years. It has a snap lock for securing it. Cost is $225.00.

Integrity ladder: This ladder is one of the best with great safety features. It has 5 steps (which are 10 inches apart from each other) to the pool. It is made of molded thermoplastic. It can also be adjusted to 3 different heights of 48, 52 and 54 inches. Weight limit is 300 pounds and has a warranty of 5 years.

Ultimate ladder: This has a 10-year warranty and is also protected from UV rays, corrosion and dust. It can be easily assembled and hold a weight of about 826 pounds on the platform and about 504 pounds on the stairs. You will not be able to find ladders that can hold this much weight. It costs $180.00.

For enhancing the beauty of pools you can also add one of the above ground pool liners.
photo credit: Lordcolus

Almost 90% of the heat of the pools water, which is lost, can be retained with the help of a solar pool cover. These pool covers are alternatives to vinyl and insulated vinyl pool covers which are more costlier and heavier. Solar pool covers,  uses the Sun’s heat energy to keep the water warm and hence cut electricity cost. They are also called as “Bubble Covers”.

They are made up of heavier grade plastic sheets, with a bubble pattern, which is resistant to ultra violet radiations. The pools water is kept warm with the help of these bubbles, which absorb and retain heat. The plastic sheet hot only helps keeping water warm but also keeps the dust particles and other unwanted things out of water. A debris free pool means less money spent on chemicals and cleaning. The pools water heater also works more efficiently with less energy consumption. With this type of cover, eveporation losses are also low.

These solar covers for pools are made to last longer, while one thing needs to be checked. The excessive chlorine level in the pools water can turn the bubbles of the cover milky white which turns brittle and its life comes to an end.

Following a normal swimming pool maintenance routine, getting the pools water tested regularly, say, every four to six weeks, can avoid the unwanted chlorine level rise. As the cover is fitted for the first time, get your water tested in the first week itself, because this bring down the loss of chemicals by evaporation and then you can follow the normal routine afterwards.

Solar pool cover reel is designed to help an individual to move the solar cover over the pool as and when necessary. Normal solar covers are bulky and are difficult to use. With the help of this reel, solar swimming pool covers are easier to operate and over-all pool maintenance cost is lowered.

The bubbles on the cover allows the cover to float while the darker color material, captures and directs the Sun’s heat into the pool. A side wheel is provided to undone the solar reel ultimately moving the solar cover into its place. Using a solar reel is advantageous because it prevent wear and tear of the cover when moved roughly to its place.

Mesh pool covers are also available, but you need water bags to hold them down. With this kind you can keep the debris on top while the water goes down through the mesh.

You can also contact the pool store or the dealer to ascertain that you have the right accessory. Do some online research and find a suitable option for your need..
photo credit: Simon Welsh

Swimming pools are of three types: in ground pools, above ground pools and portable pools. Of these three types, above-ground swimming pools are the least expensive and require minimal efforts in installation. These pools look good, feel good and cost less and therefore are increasingly finding their way in many humble abodes.

Above the ground swimming pools come in here shapes: round, rectangular and oval. The sizes available are very many and depend on the company from which you are buying the pool. But, it should be noted that pools as large as normal size pools suitable for average swimming activities are also available these days in addition to the smaller versions that are suitable for activities by the younger lot of the house.

These pools are especially suitable for those people who do not want to get their entire backyard dug up to make way for in-ground pools. Above ground pools also will not need any outsider’s help as many do-it-yourself options are available in the market nowadays that can be easily installed by the homeowner using the directions given by the company. All you need before installing a pool is a flat-leveled surface in addition to proper water and electricity supply. But, if you are not too comfortable, you can also hire an expert or contractors to professionally install the pool for you.

Generally people go soft-sided above ground pools to further reduce costs. These kinds of pools made from rubber or latex are not very durable; therefore, they are suitable only if one is looking forward to a short-time usage of the pool. But if you are looking forward to enjoying water in your backyard, you should go for the hard-sided varieties that employ metals or fiberglass in their construction.

Some companies also offer deck installation with pools with some extra charges. The decks will not only give you space alongside the pool for sunbathing or relaxing, they would also act as solid supporters for the pool, especially if you don’t have a solid pool liner, and therefore are recommended to pool buyers generally.

Many above ground swimming pools for sale are available online these days as well in large number of options and sizes. Discount above ground swimming pools along with free shipping facilities are also offered by many companies on the web. So, a thorough and patient browsing online can save you some money that you might utilize to purchase other swimming pool accessories.

photo credit: northpolemama

If you are a potential buyer of above ground pool decking you should realize that these decks come in many different styles. Above ground pool deck plans often include different materials that can be used for a deck such as resin material or pre-cut wood. The main two different types of decks are splash decks and side decks. Splash decks are decks that go all the way around a pool. They are called splash decks because any splash from the pool will land on the deck. These decks look very appealing and add a good look to a pool as they hide the outside of the pool. A side deck also looks great; these are decks that are only on one side of the pool and are usually a raised rectangular area. These are nice because they are often have a bigger area than the splash decks and it is a more open place for people to sit and relax or tan. Splash decks are also often extended to be a hybrid of the two, these are nice because there is now a large area that is not just for the pool, but it looks nice and is an open space to do whatever the owner wishes.

Above ground swimming pool decks do require maintenance for anyone who wishes to keep them looking fresh and well kept. This requires a variety of different tasks. Since many pool decks have ridges where the planks lie amongst one another, they need to be swept since leaves and other organic matter can fall between them and get stuck. Sweeping your deck will keep the wood from rotting or becoming damaged since organic materials often contain moisture that can become trapped between them and the deck. Also, staining needs to come into play at least once a year. This is even more important than sweeping since it is the main regulator of the dependability for wood built decks.

When staining your pool deck there are some things to be aware of, and some things that you need to make sure that you do. The first and most important thing to do is to make sure that you take your time with every detail. This insures that you don’t over stain or leave blotches in any areas. A deck with many blotches or incorrectly stained areas can be almost as bad as a deck with no staining at all. Also, stay away from the cheaper brands of stain. Even paying up to 50 dollars more for stain would be worth it because using an efficient bran will save you from restating or a damaged deck; which will cost you more in the long run.

photo credit: shaggyshoo

Preventing heat loss: Heat is lost from a swimming pool in three ways. By evaporation, through radiant heat loss and from pool floor and walls. During evaporation the cover will not let the water particles to escape. They will be trapped inside and will fall back into the swimming pool. This reduces great amount of water loss. The pool cover also minimizes the energy loss of water molecules to the atmosphere. Using a cover will reduce about 30% of the loss.

Absorbing sunlight: Apart from reducing heat loss, the covers are very useful for increasing the temperature of water. The amount of heat absorbed will depend on the kind of materials used to make these covers. If they are light more heat is absorbed and increases the temperature of water. If they are thicker or darker the temperature will be lesser. So it is better to have light covers for increased heat absorption.

Quality of the solar cover for pool: Look for the warranty offered for the covers. Good quality covers have a warranty against the damage due to exposure to sunlight. Though they may be slightly expensive, good covers are always an added advantage and an investment for the future. If they do not have warranty it is better not to buy the product.

Different types of solar covers: Covers usually last for many years. They are designed using UV stabilized polypropylene, polyethylene and vinyl to withstand damages. They look like the bubble wrappers but are thicker. Vinyl covers are heavier and considered to last long than other types of materials. You can also find insulated vinyl covers.

Cost: Solar pool covers can be purchased according to your budget. Since they come in different sizes, shapes and materials, you can choose a cover according to the features of your pool. You don’t have to get expensive covers but can go for slightly expensive ones that are automatically retractable.

Instead of investing in a pool heater it would be ideal to get a cover for your home garden swimming pool to keep it clean, safe from all the natural elements and at the same time use the solar energy to heat the water. The water will remain warm during the whole day and the heat will be retained during the night also. Using these covers is just a way to make your pool eco-friendly.

photo credit: Navin75

Filters: The modern filters are built in fiberglass with the latest engineering technology. The winding design in the fiberglass equipment allows extra resistance and strength against damages due to corrosives and chemicals. These are the most recommended type of filters for water treatment in swimming pools. These are meant to carry out the basic activities of filtering (i.e. vacuuming and filtration), backwash (cleaning by reverse flow), automatic rinsing (to clean the filter after use) and recirculation of water. The fiberglass filters are available in many designs like top mounted, side mounted, cartridge filter, commercial filter etc.

•    Motor Pumps: The latest technology in motor pumps is the centrifugal motor pump. These ensure high levels of performance to maximize water turnover rate. Designed for effortless repairs and maintenance, the centrifugal pumps are easy to install and use.

•    Cleaning Equipment: These include leaves skimmer, wall brushes, water testing kits, suction heads, telescopic poles etc. Commonly available in all hardware stores, these are used for daily maintenance and cleaning activities. There are many varieties of cleaning equipment available in the market; however it is recommended that you purchase the good quality ones which will last you for a long time.

•    Underwater lights: You need to be extra careful while selecting underwater lights for your pool. It is extremely important that the wiring is water proof and the materials used are non corrosive to ensure safety. Remember that the lights are not just meant for beauty, but have a basic purpose of providing adequate light at nighttime. It is strongly recommended that you get a proper diagram and a plan drawn for light installation in your pool. Among the various products available, the LED lights are considered to be the safest and most economical in the long run.

The above mentioned tools are some of the basic ones required for installing a swimming pool. There are other above ground swimming pool accessories that you can install like heaters, ladders and alarms. Among heater, solar powered ones have become very popular as these are eco friendly and also reduce your electricity bills substantially. Although many of these swimming pools accessories have do – it – yourself installation instructions, it is strongly recommended that you call in experts to install and test the equipment for safety purposes. Whether you choose to go for an in ground or above ground pool, remember that swimming pool accessories that you choose to install will make a marked difference in your pool’s look and performance.

photo credit: Clintus McGintus

In water swimming pool accessories are meant to help kids swim and parents relax.  Inflatable plastic rafts are a great way to leisurely float about, working on a tan or reading a book while enjoying the cool air coming across the water’s edge.  Inflatable rafts take only about a minute to fully pump up and are fairly cheap, coming in at only ten to twenty dollars at any retail store.  Some rafts are simple planks, others are far more complex, boasting cup holders, double seats, back rests, cushions, and even foot powered wheels for locomotion.  Parents enjoy taking it easy on rafts, while kids mostly enjoy tipping them over and into the water!

Inflatable tubes are a great way to assist poor swimmers or just take a load off while you paddle about.  The quintessential swimming pool accessory is the inflatable waist ring, designed to keep anyone of any age afloat.  This is a great safety tool for younger kids or even babies — with proper supervision, naturally — who could not swim otherwise, allowing them to paddle about to their hearts’ content.  Inflatable tubes cost about the same as inflatable rafts.

Pool noodles need not be blown up, as the synthetic material traps air and makes it far too light to sink under water.  Pool noodles are just as often used to buoy a child as they are for a match of pretend sword fighting, and some parents have to be careful that the noodles are not used too rashly.  Noodles are extremely cheap, often as low as five dollars, so it is not uncommon for families to take as many as a dozen at a time.

Not all accessories need be taken into the water, some help make it more intriguing from the outside.  Slides and diving boards allow anyone to jump straight on in with a fun twist; case in point, the number of kids waiting in line for their turn!  Diving boards can be set up at heights just a few feet off the water, or to Olympic sized heights of three dozen feet.  Similarly, a slide can be a simple forty five degree angle plastic chute, or can curl around and around before depositing the inhabitant into the water.  Slides and diving boards are more expensive than simple float toys, and may cost as much as a thousand dollars for purchase and installation.

Above ground pool accessories may be the costliest of all, as many above ground pools are designed for heating or even hot tubs.  Custom heaters cost several thousand dollars, but many customers claim the feeling of the hot water is well worth the investment.  Have professional plumbers install any heating apparatus to an above ground pool for proper effect.
photo credit: cdsessums