Innovative Solutions, Pool and Spa Safety

Pool Safety Netting are NOT Safety Covers!

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Above Ground Pool Safety Covers

For years, we’ve emphasized the life-saving benefits of pool safety covers for in-ground pools, which prevent countless drowning accidents and can be a literal lifesaver. Now, with the increasing popularity of above-ground pools, many people are looking for similar safety solutions. While traditional safety covers were not always an option due to the usual lack of decking around the entire pool, we’ve seen innovative solutions like the Water Warden Above-Ground Pool Safety Net.

Keep in mind these do NOT qualify as a safety cover and do not satisfy many requirements of local codes or insurance requirements for a safety cover or fencing for your pool.

A safety net is a significant step toward making your pool safer, as it provides a tensioned barrier that prevents children and pets from submerging into the water. It installs quickly and is lightweight for easy removal, holding up to 485 lbs of weight without tearing. However, it’s crucial to understand a key difference: The picture above Pool Safety Netting is NOT a Safety Cover!

A true safety pool cover, as defined by ASTM standards, is a much different product. It not only provides an unparalleled safety barrier but also helps keep your pool clean. A safety cover is anchored to the deck and is designed to support the weight of a person, preventing them from coming into contact with the water. There are two main types of safety covers:

  • Mesh Safety Covers: These are lighter and allow rain and melted snow to pass through, preventing water from pooling on top.

  • Solid Safety Covers: These covers offer the ultimate protection by blocking all sunlight, debris, and rain from entering the pool. They require a cover pump to remove any standing water.

Beyond providing a safety barrier, these covers offer additional benefits, including preventing evaporation and reducing the need for chemicals and routine maintenance.

Looking for a Safety Cover for your Pool?

For ready-made rectangular safety covers for common-sized pools, visit our selection here: Pool Covers – Safety

For custom safety covers, such as when you are replacing a worn cover and want to match existing anchors, or if you have a non-rectangular pool, or a rectangular pool with non-removable objects within 18 inches of the pool’s lip, we can help! You can find more information and get a quote for a custom safety cover here: Custom Safety Pool Covers

 

Pool and Spa Chemicals, Pool and Spa Maintenance

Get the Skinny on Pool Algae

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Algae makes swimming pool water green

Green Algae in Pool Water

Did you know that there are 21,000 known species of algae?  Luckily, pool owners usually have to contend with only a tiny fraction of these.  Algae are microscopic aquatic plant life that are introduced by rain or wind and grow in colonies that produce nuisance masses.  While algae do not cause disease, they can harbor bacteria, create a high chlorine demand, and pose a dangerous slipping hazard.

The most common types of algae that can grow in swimming pools are black algae, blue-green algae, green algae, and mustard algae (which can be yellow or brown).  Prevention is the key to controlling algae.  Preventing algae growth in swimming pools is as easy as maintaining proper sanitizer levels and proper filtration, brushing pool surfaces,  and using super-chlorination.

To rid a pool of algae once it has become established, the use of a high-quality algaecide is recommended.  The best choice is an algaecide that will not only kill existing algae, but prevent them from forming again.

Pool Accessories, Pool and Spa Safety

Summer Pool Safety for Children

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Swimming pools are great, but they can also be a hazard. Drowning deaths among children increase significantly during the summer months when children have access to opened swimming pools. Just a few minutes of unsupervised time can lead to disaster. Make sure that you have some (or preferably all) of the following safety features in place. Even if you do not have small children living in your home, you should use these safety devices to ensure the safety of neighborhood children or visitors to your home.

  • Fencing – Most states require that some form of fence enclose your pool to keep children out. Even if your state does not have this law, you should still enclose your pool to prevent unauthorized access.
  • Safety Pool Ladders – There are several kinds of pool ladders that restrict a child’s access to an above ground pool. Some have a locking gate that blocks steps when not in use. Others have a roll guard that is pulled down and works like a garage door to cover the ladder. No matter which kind of safety ladder you choose, they are an outstanding way to prevent children from entering the pool.
  • Pool Alarms – Pool safety alarms do not prevent entry into the pool. They alert you if a child DOES fall into the pool. When something weighing 10-15 pounds or more (minimum weight depends on brand), a high decibel siren is sounded, both at pool level and at a receiver inside the house. You will be alerted instantly, and those precious saved minutes could be the difference between life and death.
Hot Tubs and Saunas, Pool and Spa Equipment, Pool and Spa Maintenance

Expert Help for Choosing the Perfect Filter Cartridge

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Filter Cartridge Diagram

Do you need to replace the filter cartridge in your pool or spa? Knowing which replacement model to choose can be confusing. Use the easy step by step guide below to make sure that you choose the correct option!

  1. Measure the outside diameter of the end cap. Be sure to use exact measurement (+ or – 1/32″).
  2. Measure the existing cartridge length. The length is calculated from end cap to end cap and should be exact (+ or – 1/16″). Be sure to exclude any handles or extensions from this measurement.
  3. Measure the top inside diameter. Again, be sure to use exact measurements (+ or – 1/32″).
  4. Do the same with the bottom inside diameter.
  5. Note the name and model of the filter that the cartridge came out of.
  6. Next, you will have to identify the correct top and bottom type. These are the types that you will see. Note the one that most closely matches your filter cartridge.

Open Top/Bottom
Open Top/Bottom w/Gasket
Closed Top

Closed Top
w/ String Handle
Castle Top
Molded Cone
Handle

Semi-Circular
Handle
Open Bottom
w/ Male Slip Fitting
Open Bottom
w/ ThreadedFitting

With all of the information that you have now gathered, you are ready to call or visit your pool supply source with the knowledge needed to make an informed purchase!

Pool and Spa Chemicals

Ideal Chemical Levels for Your Pool

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Proper Chemical Balance in Pools

Maintaining chemical balance in your swimming pool’s water is essential for keeping algae and bacteria at bay as well as ensuring that the water is safe and comfortable for swimmers.  Here’s a quick reference guide that gives you the ideal chemical levels and recommendations for how to raise or lower the levels if they are out of balance:

Chlorine

  • Ideal level = 2.0
  • To raise chlorine levels = Shock the pool
  • To lower chlorine levels = Turn the chlorinator down

pH

  • Ideal level = 7.4 (Summer), 7.8 (Winter)
  • To raise pH = Add soda ash
  • To lower pH = Add muriatic acid (diluted) into the pool with the pump running to ensure that the acid spreads throughout the water as quickly as possible.

Total Alkalinity

  • Ideal level = 80-100 ppm
  • To raise total alkalinity = Add baking soda
  • To lower total alkalinity = Add muriatic acid to the deepest part of pool while the pump is off.  Allow this to sit for at least 20 minutes, then turn the pump back on.

Calcium Hardness

  • Ideal level = 250-500 ppm
  • To increase calcium hardness = Add calcium chloride
  • To decrease calcium hardness = Drain pool and refill

Stabilizer

  • Ideal level = 20-50 ppm
  • To raise stabilizer levels = Add cyanuric acid
  • To lower stabilizer levels = Drain pool and refill