An above ground pool in your backyard can provide you and your loved ones with endless fun and sun during the warm months of the year. They are much less expensive than in-ground pools, and are much more easily and quickly installed. You can have an above ground pool up and running in no time, and start enjoying the pool water almost immediately. However, it’s important to maintain the pool structure and the water in order to reap all the benefits of the pool for many years. Here are some above ground swimming pool tips to keep your pool and its water in top shape all summer long.

Pump and Filter Care

The pump and filter are extremely important for maintaining your above ground pool and the water in it. The filter is there to catch any debris and dirt, and the pump helps to push the water through the filter. In addition, the pump keeps the pool water circulating, which helps to minimize the build-up of bacteria and algae in the pool water. Having the pump and filter working for at least 8 to 12 hours a day is ideal for pool water maintenance.

Minimize Green Algae and Debris

Many pool owners will probably experience their pool turning ‘green’. This is actually algae that have grown in the pool, usually due to areas where the water is not circulating very well. Keeping algae growth to a minimum is important to keep the pool water safe for swimmers. The waste that algae produce feeds bacteria, which can become a real problem. One of the more important above ground swimming pool tips to keep your pool from turning green is to brush the floors and walls of the pool, as well as vacuum the pool at least once a week. Doing so will also minimize the build up of dirt and debris in the water.

Keep the Pool Water Sanitized

Sanitizing your pool is vital to keeping bacteria and microorganisms from multiplying in the water, and thus making the pool occupants vulnerable to illness. Using a sanitizer is one of the most vital above ground swimming pool tips you can follow.

The more popular sanitizers include chlorine and bromine, though chlorine tends to be the most widely used. Chlorine dissolves slowly in the water to keep bacteria out and your pool water clean. They come in many forms, such as tablets or sticks. Regardless of the style you choose, chlorine sanitizer is essential to keeping your pool water healthy for swimmers.

Maintain the Pool Water’s Chemistry

It is essential that you monitor your pool water’s chemistry on a regular basis. Key factors that need to be tested include pH levels, sanitizer levels, total hardness, and stabilizer levels. If the levels are either too high or too low, your pool water will become susceptible to becoming cloudy, turning green, and a variety of other conditions that make the water unfit for swimming in.

Testing the levels can be done using a digital test strip reader, which makes testing and reading rather quick and simple. Testing at least twice a week will help you to maintain your water’s chemistry levels.

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Opening Your Pool for the Summer Season

When the warm weather starts to approach, you’ll be anxious to get your pool up and running to enjoy all season. Spring is also the time most people purchase above ground pools and you will want to start off on the right foot.

There are a few things that you’ll have to prepare in order to get your water just right. Before you get started on the water preparation, you’ll have to prepare the equipment first. Any debris or mildew on any part of the pool will need to be removed before filling the pool with water. The pump and filters will then need to be turned on, and allowed to run for at least 4 to 6 hours for the water to circulate before preparing the pool water. After this, the pool water readings will be tested and adjusted. You’ll then want to shock treat the pool water, and add any desired algaecide and stabilizer.

Balancing Pool Water

One of the most important aspects of above ground swimming pool care is keeping the pool water in balance. Pool care is much easier if the water is in proper balance. The key factors in water balance are the pH, calcium and total alkalinity. These factors should be tested frequently to ensure they stay in balance. If any of the factors are off balance, it is important to add the necessary chemicals to bring that factor back within proper levels. The correct levels will ensure that bacteria will not build up, corrosion on the pool or pool parts does not develop, and skin or eye irritations are minimized or prevented.

Routine Pool Care and Upkeep

In addition to maintaining balance of pH, calcium and alkalinity, you will need to make sure their levels are within their ideal ranges. There are a few basic practices you should perform in order to keep the water clean and balanced, and to make sure the equipment is in good order. Your filtration system should be running between 8 to 12 hours per day during the summer while the pool is in use. You should also continuously remove debris from the pool water, skimmers, baskets and filters to maintain cleanliness and proper functioning.

Keep the pool walls and floor clean by brushing them on a regular basis in order to prevent build-up of green algae. If necessary, top up the pool water level whenever the level starts to drop. If required, check the filter pressure and backwash as per the pool manufacturer’s instructions.

Cleaning and Sanitizing Your Pool

Sanitizing and keeping the pool water clean is a vital part of above ground swimming pool care. The two most common methods of sanitizing a pool include the use of chlorine or bromine. Using such substances prevents swimmers from contracting illnesses or infections that can be passed on from one swimmer to another. Both are highly used and very effective substances to keep pool water clean and kill contaminants.

Closing and Winterizing Your Pool

When pool season is over, it is time to winterize and close the pool during the cold months. Some of these steps are similar to above ground swimming pool care steps when opening the pool for the warm months. The water should be balanced, and the entire pool should be vacuumed. Pool water should be shocked, and any remaining chemicals in the feeder should be removed. The filter should be thoroughly cleaned, after which the pool water should be drained so that the water level is below the skimmers. All the pool equipment will be winterized accordingly, and the pool should then be covered with a durable, properly fitting pool cover.

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Chlorine free swimming pools have become an exponentially popular choice for pool owners around the world. Considering that chlorine is an extremely harsh chemical that can prove to be detrimental to various aspects of the body, utilizing copper ionization for pools can bring forth a wide variety of different advantages. Compared to the traditional swimming methods, a copper swimming pool can provide the same amount of fun but with more health benefits.

As an individual who spends an ample amount of time within a pool you undoubtedly ingest/taste the water on a constant basis. Copper ionization for pools helps to provide a more normal taste to the water rather than the chlorinated taste that is experienced with a traditional pool. This can prove to be beneficial for home owners due to their own personal preferences. Individuals have also stated that they prefer the way that a copper swimming pool maintains the water at a comforting feel when compared to a chlorinated pool.

Another advantage to chlorine free pools is that they are of the most sanitary options for built-in swimming pools. Considering that they are not affected by any temperature changes, the bather load, rainfall, or sunlight, they can ensure that the water will be maintained at a positive level for an extended period of time. Whereas with a traditional pool that is loaded with chlorine, the water would require a chlorine shocking after any of the aforementioned weathering is experienced.

It is also imperative to understand the health benefits that are associated with implementing chlorine free swimming pools. With the use of a copper pool, individuals will experience trace mineral compounds within their bodies which have been proven to reduce the affects of anemia. Copper pools have also proven to benefit the skin and the hair in order to relieve individuals of any discoloration or hyper pigmentation. Copper ionization for pools has also proven to help the immune system of individuals due to the fact that it assists the body in developing Vitamin A from beta carotene.

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It’s not worth it

Most of us are not aware (or choose to ignore) that keeping a pool makes us $2500 poorer every year. Yes, that is the average amount of expenditure that is eaten up by an average-sized pool every year. That is a lot of money, money that can be used for leisure and travel, new furniture, or to add up to your kid’s college fund.

Repair vs. Removal

If you rarely use the pool, be it for swimming or as a place to have an event or party, and its purpose for the time being is for aesthetic reasons, then having it maintained and repaired is not a nifty idea, especially if you have lots of bills to pay like mortgage, car payments, insurance, etc. Because believe it or not, swimming pool removal is much more cost-effective and practical than having it repaired and spending a lot of cash every year just to maintain something that is not worth using.

Improve the value of your property

If you are thinking of selling your house and you have an old, decrepit swimming pool in the backyard, should you renovate or remove it? If the pool is more than 10 years old, then it is better to remove it than have it renovated. Aside from the fact that renovation is more expensive and labor-intensive than swimming pool removal, a very old pool is susceptible to a lot of problems: underground pipes breaking and leaking, and plaster on the surface of the pool peeling because of years of wear and tear.

Many prospective house buyers will shy away from properties that have old swimming pools (even if they want one in their backyard) because maintaining and repairing an old pool every year is very expensive.

So it is better to remove it to increase the value of your property and attract a lot of buyers.

Swimming pool removal: Leave it to the experts

Doing a task like swimming pool removal is not an easy job. It takes a lot time and effort, and it can put a big dent in your wallet. It’s one of those household projects that you cannot do by yourself (or with the help of your family members or neighbors) no matter how skilled and handy you think you are. Removing a swimming pool is a task bigger than you.

Hardheadedly doing it yourself can result to more problems, like accidents, and will eventually cost you more money. To avoid unnecessary risks and unwanted cost and to save you a great deal of stress and worry, better leave this household project to the professionals. Just sit back and relax and hire a contractor to do the job.

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Pool Shapes

Freeform or kidney shaped pools are usually the best shapes for a pool as the flowing lines of the pool bring strength to the water element. However if the best place for your pool is in either the south west or north east areas of your plot then I would encourage you to go for a rectangular shaped pool. The reason for this is that these areas on the bagua plan are earth areas and too much water in these areas can disrupt the harmonious flow of energy around your plot. A rectangular shaped pool with it’s solid lines will help to strengthen the earth element and counteract any negativity that is caused by an excess of water.

Pool Corners

Whatever the shape of your pool always try and ensure that the corners are curved as opposed to sharp. Sharp corners with right angles can create poison arrows which can direct negative energy in the direction that the arrow is pointing. As the chances are that at least one of the corners, and probably more, will point at your home this is something that you want to avoid. If your pool has sharp corners these can always be disguised by the placement of potted plants or statues at each of the corners.

Maintaining Balance in the Garden

Most pools will be surrounded by manmade materials in the form of paved terraces and tiled areas. If your plot size is small and the pool takes up a large area of your plot then this can disrupt the natural yin energy of your garden. If this is the case soften the pool area with large bushy evergreen plants with pale flowers and try to introduce some grassy or wooded areas (perhaps with decking) around the pool areas to restore the yin element.

Pool Placement

From a Feng Shui perspective the best place for a swimming pool is in the north area of your plot as this is the area represented by water. From a more mundane perspective this is often the worst area as it is the area of your plot that gets the least sun. Wherever you place your pool always remember to add at least one object that is representative of the area in which your pool is placed. This can be as simple as adding wooden pool furniture if your pool is in the east or south east, pots of bright red and purples flowers if your pool is in the south, stones and crystals if your pool is in the south west or north east or a metal sculpture if your pool is in the west or north west.

I hope that this article has given you some useful information on swimming pool placement and Feng Shui. For more information on all aspects of Feng Shui please visit my free weekly blog published every Friday.

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Using the right mixture of chlorine for a swimming pool or hot tub is an essential part of owning the device that brings so much pleasure, exercise, and comfort to many of us.

The reason how and why chlorine works is simply a commonly understood chemical reaction of the breakdown of the chlorine once it is mixed with the swimming pool water. Hypochlorite ion, or OCI, and hypochlorous acid, or HCOI, break down the cell walls of bacteria and microorganisms by working on the lipids and destroying nasty enzymes that can cause bad things to happen in your swimming pool.

The pH balance of your water and amount of chlorine you’ve put in is closely related.

Adding chlorine to the swimming pool is a trial and error experience with a testing kit leading the way. Too much chlorine in the water can add an unbearably strong odor, and too little chlorine in the water is basically useless, so getting it right is key to your success.

Swimming pool chlorine come in many different forms, commonly: gas, liquid, tablets or granules. With all these choices, the consumer is expected to know which is better and which is best.

Chlorine in gas form is actually in its pure elemental state. This was at one time a popular method to obtain swimming pool chlorine, but the gaseous form is highly acidic being close in pH to muriatic acid.

The tablet form of chlorine is called trichlor or trichloro s-triazinetrione. This form of chlorine is extremely stable and has gained in popularity quickly over the past decade. Stabilized chlorine is beneficial in a residential setting because it has pressed cyanuric acid in the tablet with the chlorine.

Another popular form of chlorine is called Dichlor. Most consumers will purchase Dichlor in granulated form. Dichlor is highly popular in a residential setting because the pH is a steady 7, and the granules dissolve quickly getting the swimming pool cleaner faster.

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There are different kinds of pool filters in the market today. In general, you will find that there are three kinds of filters for your swimming bath. All three function efficiently in cleaning your pool water. Depending on your needs, you will observe that each filter has their own share of unique function and other upsides.

The first is the sand filter. This particular swimming pool filtration material is simple and utilizes a sand layer to thoroughly clean the water in your natatorium. The dirty water from the lap pool will go to the filter on one side then going through sand layer to be filtered. The water then becomes purified. The resulting clean water will pass on the other side of the filter. This particular should be cleaned thoroughly every week.

The next is the cartridge filter. The operating process of this particular swimming pool filtration material is like that of an oil filter in the engine of your car. The cartridge that is placed inside consists of various layered purifying materials. The purified water comes out on the other end of the filter. Since the swimming people cartridge is often filled with debris, it needs to be replaced regularly.

The Diatomaceous filter is another kind of filter that homeowners use for their lap pools. This pool equipment filter is the most efficient compared to the other three. The small diatoms seen inside can clean even the smallest debris, as much as 5 microns in size. This not only makes it possible for swimming pool filter to clean the usual leaves and twigs but minute dust debris responsible for the growth of bacteria.

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The easiest way to find out if you have a leak is to take a bucket or another container that can hold water and mark the water line. Place it by your pool and check back at the end of the day or even in a few days. Is there a big difference in water levels? This way you know that they bucket experienced the same environmental factors as the pool. If the pool lost significantly more water, then you have your answer: you’ve got a swimming pool leak. Another sign of a swimming pool leak is if you have unexplained damp soil in the area close to your pool.

The most common cause of swimming pool water leakage is is damage to your pool or pool equipment, so if you suspect a leak, look over your equipment, especially your backwash lines. It could also be a piece of equipment malfunctioning. It could be the filter, one of the lines, or a number of other appliances. If you check for physical damage and can’t find any, then you should try to observe your equipment in working action and look for leaks.

You also might have a tear in your liner, especially vinyl liners. Look for tears or other damage to your liner and also look particularly closely at areas of the liner that open for equipment connections. Liners don’t last forever and should be replaced as needed because fixing leaks and the damage caused by leaks can be even more expensive than a new liner. There is even an entire branch of pool maintenance service devoted to finding and fixing leaks. If your leakage can be fixed by simply replacing your liner, then you would be saving yourself a lot of money. Find a new liner at a pool supply store if you’re due for one even if you don’t suspect a leak because then you’ll be preventing leaks before they even happen.

There are natural ways to lose a lot of pool water, like evaporation or especially rowdy kids, so investigate the more obvious forms of water loss first.

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Above ground pools are less expensive than in-ground versions and they can be removed. Expect to get 15 to 20 years of use from a high-quality above ground pool. Based on usage and quality, liner replacement may be required every five to seven years. Professionals can easily install this pool and minimal maintenance is required by the owner. A complete kit includes the pool, ladder, cover, and possibly a vacuum. City regulations may pertain to above ground pool installation, so look into this before deciding on the location.

Standard above ground pools range in diameter from 12 to 30 feet and come in round or oval shapes. Twelve to 15-foot diameter pools called splashers are designed for young children. An 18-foot or larger diameter pool is suitable for a family of four. The pool is supported by steel walls, vertical steel posts, and a wide top ledge. For an 18-foot pool, a minimum one-horsepower pump and a sand filter are recommended.

Homeowners may face geographic, soil, terrain, and climate challenges when installing an in-ground pool. Features designed to handle special conditions include non-corroding super structures, monolithic grout bottoms, and aluminum coping systems that resist frost and feature replaceable coverings. The best in-ground pools are professionally engineered. They feature heavy gauge galvanized and welded steel walls and heavy duty bracing for strong anchoring.

A durable coping system fitted with a replaceable vinyl cover is the best choice. Some companies use a patented system that eliminates coping failure. During seasonal freezing and thawing in some geographic areas, the deck can move, causing the coping to fail. Having a pool that prevents this from occurring reduces worry on the part of the homeowner. Each spring, the pool can be opened as usual without requiring any major repairs.

The quality of the in-ground pool liner is important and a 30 or 40 mil liner is recommended. Reputable manufacturers fit the liner to the dimensions of the pool. This durable liner protects against fungi, bacteria, and algae growth and may feature an attractive pattern. In-ground pool packages may include the pool, step ladder, diving board, vacuum, concrete liner, solar blanket, winter cover, self-cleaning system, and more.

Compare packages, sizes, and styles of in and above ground pools, taking budget into account. Always comply with municipal regulations during installation, which may require adding a safety fence around the pool. Select the highest quality pool that is affordable because it should offer more years of enjoyment. Learn maintenance tips to care for the pool properly each season.

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The people who have swimming pools in their home always rely on chlorine tablets as it has helped them immensely to enjoy in cleaner and safer pool water. swimming pool chlorine has a high guarantee of killing bacteria and virus present in water and at the same time is relatively an affordable type of water treatment. A chemical reaction is caused when the tablets are applied to water and after dissolving in water, they turn into the required acid which allows the chlorine to kill bacteria and virus.

These tablets also act as a standard disinfectant agent as they dissolve easily without leaving any nasty residue thus making your swimming pool a safe and fun place for your friends and family. As chlorine tablets perform various vital tasks, they are a crucial part of your pool maintenance. They kill bacteria making your water bug free and maintaining a satisfactory PH level. They are very easy to use as the owner of the swimming pool is required to drop the tablets into the water with the aid of a tablet dispenser and the pool will be ready for use very shortly.

Do not drop the chlorine tablets directly into the pool as it can cause discoloration and can even cause damage to your pool. Before utilizing the tablets, know the length, width and the depth of the pool. If by chance balance goes wrong then it can result in breathing difficulties, appearance of rashes on the skin and cause the eyes to become very irritable.

As the tablets are easy to use and can be purchased easily, the demands for tablets are increasing day by day with myriads of pool owners acknowledging its benefits and cost effectiveness and promptly using it to enjoy pool dips safely and disease free!

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