A Few ‘gifts’ For Your Swimming Pool

OK, so it’s Christmas week and I hope everyone is loving life with family and friends. But considering Santa is on his way, and being that Spring is believe it or not just around the corner, it may be time to think about a few ‘gifts’ for your swimming pool this coming year.

It’s likely that many of you already own some if not all of these, but for those who don’t, these items merit consideration.

1. Salt Chlorine Generator:

The days of you working hard to keep all your chemicals ‘just right’ are no longer necessary with salt chlorine generators. Although you’ll still have to do some chemical maintenance with salt, the work is minimal, and this little device will not only save you quite a bit of time and frustration, but it will also pay for itself within the first few years. At River Pools, we’ve now installed well over 1000 salt chlorinators and not a single person that I’m aware of has ever switched the system out or been dissatisfied.

2. Heat Pump w/Chiller

Does anyone remember just how hot it got this past summer? Yep, it was blazing at times, and because of such heat we had many, many customers grateful they were able to cool their water down because of their dual (heat/cool) heatpump. A heatpump will extend your swim season by a few weeks on each end but more than anything it will ensure the water is ‘just right’  to fit your needs.

3. Vacuum Head w/Rollers

There are two types of manual vacuums for fiberglass pools. One uses brushes and the other is on rollers. If you really want a fast and effective vacuum, get the one with rollers. These vacuum heads are typically used in gunnite pools but they increase normal vacuuming time by about 50% or so.

4. Automatic Vacuums

For those of you who’d like to vacuum your pool less, an automatic vacuum may just be the answer for you (either that or teaching your kids how to do it as I did with my 7 year old son). There are many, many types of auto cleaners for swimming pools and so if you have any questions as to the best ones, please don’t hesitate to inquire in the comments section below.

5. Leaf Rake

For some reason, many pool owners don’t own leaf rakes, and instead just own a ‘skim-net’. The difference between the two is that a leaf rake is more like a bag, similar to what you’d find with a crab net. This allows you to gather many, many leaves from your pool very quickly, without constantly having to knock off the net and bring it out the water. So if you don’t have a leaf rake, make sure you get one by next season.

The ultimate gift that doesn’t expire, break, get boring, or gets lost.

Well here it is, the secret to the best gift ever, and for everyone in the family.  A fiberglass swimming pool!  That is the ultimate gift that doesn’t expire, break, get boring, or gets lost. This is also the gift that gives every year, over and over.

Now the best part of this gift is the surprise of everyone’s face. First your little gifts will be the packages under the tree. Wrapped floats, snorkels, face masks, diving sticks, pool games, pool towels or even a new bathing suit. At first they will be thinking “maybe we are going on a trip” but the last gift they open is the box that has the picture of the pool of all your dreams. Now you could go on a trip, but that last about 5 or 7 days. But this pool will last you a lifetime and create memories that will never end. Your children, family , friends, and even years later your grandchildren will have a lifetime of memories. Earlier I said this gift is even the best for your pet. Why? Because now not only does your pet get to enjoy the backyard fun with the family but he/she won’t miss you while you are away for that 5 or 7 day if you had taken a trip. This way you will always have a vacation in your very own backyard.

Now is the time to get the best price on your pool. Installers aren’t swamped and can accommodate your needs at your price and time frame. So this year make them believe again. Be the hero in their lives and give them the gift that will never be forgotten!

A Winter Checklist

SOLID POOL COVERS

Above ground pool solid covers:

-Ensure winch system or tie downs are secure. Replace any missing or damaged cover clips

-All air pillows are inflated and are positioned properly

-All standing water is being removed from the cover (siphon or pump)

-Monitor water level of pool ensuring no leak has started

-Remove leaves/monitor water chemistry

In-ground solid cover w/ water bags:

-Ensure all water bags, aqua-blocks, or weights are sufficient in weighing down perimeter of cover, Replace any compromised water tube or bag

-Ensure pump is working and has not become clogged

-Monitor water level to ensure pool water is not being removed from the pool. Patch any hole or tear that may occur

-Remove leaves/monitor water chemistry

MESH POOL COVERS
Mesh covers: Mesh covers have come a long way and have improved on the amount of sunlight that makes its way through the cover and hits the water. Make sure mesh material is constantly allowing water to properly drain.

-Check that all straps are connected to anchoring system which usually consists of an anchor inserted into surrounding decking. Make sure any spring is compressed roughly two-thirds and proper tension is maintained across entire cover.

-Monitoring water level to ensure freeze does not occur at tile line or within the skimmer throat

-Remove leaves/monitor water chemistry – if ice exists, (like in the picture above) don’t try to remove it, you may damage cover.

*Some mesh pool covers filter water down to 20 microns before it enters the pool but to prevent cloudy water, proper water chemistry maintenance is vital with a mesh cover to avoid staining and additional costly chemicals that may be needed to bring pool water back to swim able condition. Use of pool enzymes during the winter, in addition to having good chlorine and algaecide levels, will drastically reduce spring clean-up of mesh pool covered pools.

Solid Safety cover w/ mesh drain panels: These safety covers utilize mesh drain panels located in the center of the cover to concentrate silt and runoff water directly beneath drain.

-Check that all straps are connected to anchoring system which usually consists of an anchor inserted into surrounding decking. Make sure any spring is compressed roughly two-thirds and proper tension is maintained across entire cover.

-Solid covers should allow water accumulation at all areas to drain to a center point. Adjust straps if water pools in area other than drain location.

-Ensure drain is unblocked and water has ability to go into the pool

-Remove leaves/monitor water chemistry. If ice has stuck cover to pool – let it be, it will thaw.

-Monitoring water level to ensure freeze does not occur at tile line or within the skimmer throat

Solid Safety cover w/cover pump: In theory nothing enters the water when using a cover pump so water chemistry is highly unlikely to go bad. Main goal is to ensure cover pump continues to work

-Solid covers should allow water accumulation at all areas to drain to a center point where pump is located. Adjust straps if water pools in area other than pump location.

-Remove leaves/monitor water chemistry

Swim Spa Basics For Aquatic Fitness Routines

Every homeowner can benefit by creating an aquatic fitness routine in a swim spa. And better yet, it’s closer than the gym! You can install a swim spa in your backyard, sunroom, basement, or other convenient location within your home. Swim spas, also known as swim-in-place-pools, offer the swimming environment of a lap pool and the massaging jets of a hot tub/spa, all in one compact unit.

The key component in a swim spa is its current, and all models use one of three types: jet propulsion, paddlewheel, or propeller.

Jet propulsion systems, also known as pressure-driven systems, generate a current by forcing water through one or more jets. They are typically powered with a 4-HP motor and can be adjusted to speeds up to 8 mph. Some jets allow swimmers to change the direction of the current for a customized water flow.

Paddlewheel systems create a current powered by a rotating paddlewheel at one end of the swim spa. The wheel produces a smooth current across the entire width of the spa, moving in a layered, sheet-like flow that can reach as deep as two feet. The water is circulated under the swim current and back to the paddlewheel.

Propeller-powered systems create a wide, deep, smooth current that is essentially turbulent-free. A propeller forces water through a grate in the spa wall; the water continues toward a second grate on the rear wall, which keeps the water circulating. Water often travels back to the propeller through recessed channels, sometimes concealed in bench seats or beyond the side walls.

Fitness in a Swim Spa
Exercise machines typically found in a gym can be used in a swim spa, including exercise bikes, elliptical machines, and treadmills. These are usually add-ons to existing models, but at least one manufacturer offers a swim spa with a built-in treadmill. Some swim spas have optional water wells, which make the spa one or two feet deeper and allow for additional fitness activities such as deep water running.

You can attach resistance bands to fasteners on the swim spa in order to perform arm and leg exercises. You can also attach bands to rowing bars for arm strengthening.

To increase resistance and maintain body position while swimming against the current, you may utilize a swim tether. This aquatic fitness aid is composed of a belt that goes around your waist and is connected to a band that mounts to the end of the swim spa.

A number of other aquatic fitness products are available; these can be used in a pool, hot tub, or a swim spa:

• One unique product is comprised of a stick attached to two resistance bands with handles. By combining stick and resistance training, it allows for many different exercises in the water.
• Using ankle weights in the water can help shape inner thighs, calves, and glutes.
• You can strap buoyancy cuffs around your ankles to increase resistance without adding weight.
• Webbed gloves and fins increase the surface area of your hands and feet, increasing the drag.
• Foam buoyancy belts promote correct posture, support your lower back, and tone your abdominals while water walking or running.
• Certain exercises can be done while using dumbbells or dragging a ball or kickboard through the water.

Benefits of Aquatic Exercise

Aquatic exercise provides many health benefits and is suitable for people of varying fitness levels. Here are the two major advantages to exercising in water as opposed to on land: 

Water’s buoyancy supports the weight of your body. In fact, you weigh only 10 percent of your land weight when in water up to your neck. This means your movements are very low-impact and less likely to become painful; your risk of injury is also very low.

Water is also 12 times more resistant than air, meaning your muscles work harder as they move through the water. 

What do these benefits add up to? A great workout in an environment with a low risk of injury. Your pool, hot tub, or swim spa can be used for many different activities, including exercises to keep you in shape and treat various conditions; just be sure to consult your doctor before attempting aquatic exercises as a form of treatment.

Popular Landscaping Stone

Granite – Hardest, most expensive stone; difficult to quarry and shape; wide range of colors and grains; durable; low porosity

Common applications: Waterfalls, retaining walls, outcroppings

Limestone – Easier to shape than granite; many colors available; shades/patterns are uniform (but vary by location); weathers with an attractive patina; porosity varies by location

Common applications: Coping, retaining walls, waterfalls (harder varieties)

Travertine – Type of limestone formed by hot springs; natural divots can be filled in for more even surface; often honed to create matte finish; multiple colors and graining appear throughout, giving each stone a unique look

Common applications: Pool decking, coping, patio floors; sun ledges/tanning shelves in swimming pools

Sandstone – Easy to cut; resists erosion; softer than limestone; porosity varies; found in a range of earth tones; relatively uniform texture

Common applications: Pool decking, coping, pathways, patio floors, steps, water features (low porosity varieties)

Flagstone – Any kind of stone split into shallow, flat slabs for paving; easy to walk on; helps water drainage

Common applications: Flat surfaces including pool decking, coping, pathways, patio floors

Fieldstone – Thick stone easily excavated from top of soil; exposed surface is weathered and often moss-covered

Common applications: Stacked retaining walls, sitting walls

River Rock – Smaller stones that have been smoothed and shaped into circular forms by natural waterway

Common applications: Engraved marking stones, dry river beds, borders for pathways and plant beds

Paving The Way

Hardscaping is an important part of any residential landscape to create visual balance and functional surfaces. Because of their durability, easy maintenance, and cost efficiency, pavers have become the popular choice for achieving a stunning outdoor surface. Pavers come in a variety of material options, including concrete, natural stone, and brick, and each is available in different colors, shapes, and patterns. Whether you are looking to create a walkway, patio, or pool deck, see which type of paver fits your budget and best complements the style of your home.

Concrete pavers can be installed with or without mortar. Pavers installed without mortar—called interlocking or permeable pavers—are placed in sand; then the joints between each paver are filled with sand, locking them in place. These pavers are unaffected by shifts in the ground because the sand allows for movement without cracking. This technique creates a permeable surface for rainwater to drain; however, these pavers can get clogged with sediment over time and require regular sweeping and vacuuming to ensure proper drainage performance. 

Non-permeable concrete pavers are installed in mortar and need only occasional sweeping and rinsing with a hose.­

Concrete pavers range from $5 – $15 per square foot for do-it-yourselfers, and $15 – $25 per square foot if you hire a pro. Price ranges for interlocking concrete pavers are usually higher, costing $20 – $35 per square foot when installed professionally.

Brick pavers convey a statement of timeless elegance and Old-World charm to any home. Their hard surface and durability make them suitable for heavily used areas such as driveways, patios, and pathways. They’re also a great choice around pools because their porous texture provides a non-slip surface. Additionally, bricks will not fade or erode if exposed to large amounts of water or chlorine. 

Maintaining brick pavers is relatively simple, as clay ages well and looks better over time. Because pigments are not added, bricks are not affected by ultraviolet light and will preserve their color. Though not required, sealing the pavers will protect their texture and surface, as well as prevent staining and scratching. In addition, dirt can be easily washed away with mild detergent and water. 

Brick pavers run about $5 – $15 per square foot. For professional installation, estimates are typically $15 – $20 per square foot.

If you’re looking for a truly authentic hardscaping material, consider natural stone. Natural stone pavers are cut from many different types of stones, including sandstone, limestone, granite, bluestone, marble, slate, and travertine. These stones are hard-wearing, long-lasting, and weather resistant, which makes them perfect for any outdoor application. In particular, granite, travertine, and bluestone pavers are known to have a non-slip surface, which is ideal for around pools. Additionally, travertine and flagstone have very low heat absorption, so the surface stays cool on your feet. For heavy traffic areas such as driveways, granite and slate work best.

Natural stone pavers are extracted from a quarry and cut into paver shape for easy installation. Like brick pavers, stone pavers may be set in a sand bed or in mortar. They can also be set on top of a soil surface with little preparation.  

One of the main highlights of natural stone pavers is their wide variations in color, texture, shape, and size. Stone pavers range in shades of blue, red, brown, and gray. They also can be finished to have a smooth matte, high gloss, or ultra rough texture to match the style of your home.
While stone pavers will not fade, initial sealing is advised to enhance colors and preserve luster. Stone pavers are easy to maintain: a simple rinse with a high-powered hose will remove any dirt or stains.

Stone pavers have a higher purchase price than concrete and brick pavers because they must be mined from a quarry. Their prices range from $15 – $30 per square foot, depending on the type of stone. Professional installation is usually priced around $30 – $35 per square foot.

Tips

• Simple patterns like running bond work best in small areas and can make paths look longer or wider. For larger spaces, multiple patterns can be incorporated to add variety and interest. 

• Laying pavers at a 45-degree angle to the lines of your home draws attention to the area.  

• Curves add a unique, decorative value, but involve lots of cutting; this means extra labor and wasted materials and could increase your overall cost.

Simple Swimming Pool Leak Test

How do I know if my swimming pool is leaking?

It’s hard to keep water in a pool. Every swimming pool, spa, or landscape pond is probably going to start leaking at some point in its useful life. These pesky problems can be more than just an inconvenience. An un-repaired hole the size of a pencil tip can result in hundreds of gallons of water lost per day. In addition to the replacement cost of the water, leaks in your pool will increase chemical demands, and may lead to more serious structural and mechanical problems. Fortunately, effective leak location and leak repair solutions are available.

By far the most common indication of a leak is that the water level is dropping faster than what is normally attributable to evaporation or splash-out. Often leaks are big enough that excess water loss is obvious. If you wake-up to find that your pool has dropped several inches overnight you know you’ve got a problem. The bigger challenges are the smaller, yet just as serious, leaks that may develop slowly. In these cases it is important to determine what is “normal water loss” and thus avoid wasting time looking for and worrying about a leak that really isn’t there. A simple way to account for evaporation and confirm a leak is to do a Bucket Test.

Bucket Test Procedure:
1. Bring the pool water to its normal level
2. Fill an empty bucket with pool water to about one inch from the top of bucket. (By filling the bucket close to the top you are ensuring that air movement over the surface of the bucket will similar to that of the pool.)
3. Place the bucket on the first or second step of the pool. To keep it from floating away it may be necessary to place a few bricks or rocks into the bucket. (By placing the bucket in the pool water you are ensuring that the water temperature of each will be similar).
4. Mark the water level inside the bucket.
5. Mark the water level of the pool on the outside of the bucket, on the pool wall, or skimmer face plate.
6. Operate the pool for 24 hours as it had been operated when a leak was first suspected.
7. After 24 hours, compare the two levels. If the pool water (outside mark) goes down more than the inside water level, there is probably a leak.

Once you know you have a pool leak it’s time for action. The longer a leaking pipe, liner or pool shell is left un-repaired the more costly the eventual fix will be. You have options, some pool leaks can be easy to find and fix yourself. In most cases however a qualified, and experienced pool leak professional using sophisticated electronic equipment will be able to provide more efficient and effective pool leak location and pool leak repair solutions that get you back into the water quickly.

Stain-Free Salt Chlorination

Staining of cementitious surfaces is a problem in traditional and salt water pools. These stains can develop almost immediately or over time. When stains develop gradually, the pool owners may not realize the problem until it’s too late.

Stains caused by leaves in the pool, metals in the source water, and exposed rebar will impact any type of pool. However, other causes of staining, such as galvanic corrosion and metals in the salt itself, are much more of an issue with salt water pools.

The warning signs of staining in salt water pools include mild streaking down the sides of the pool, or discolored pool surfaces or water. Water discolorations can range from blue-green to dark brown. Interestingly, a significant contributor to staining can be the naturally occurring contaminants found in pool salt itself.

All salt molecules have the same chemical makeup — sodium chloride (NaCl). However, pool salt is not 100 percent pure sodium chloride; it contains different types and levels of impurities. Where the salt comes from and how it was produced — mined from underground salt deposits, mechanically evaporated, or evaporated from saline ponds (solar) — affects the levels and types of contaminants found. Manganese, iron and copper are responsible for the majority of staining issues.

even if high-purity pool salt is used, improperly applying it can also cause stains. If undissolved salt is allowed to remain on a cementitious pool surface, it can cause efflorescence, a type of staining. To put it simply, calcium carbonate is a major structural component of plaster, and it’s not very soluble in plain water; but high salt concentrations greatly increase its solubility.

In a salt water pool, the impact on plaster is minimal since the salt concentration is only about 3,200-3,500 ppm. However, the salt concentration in the immediate vicinity of an undissolved pile of salt on the pool floor could be well over 300,000 ppm. This concentration of salt is high enough to dissolve the calcium carbonate in the plaster, effectively weakening it.

In fact, the calcium carbonate quickly returns to its insoluble state as soon as it contacts pool water with “normal” concentrations of salt (i.e., 3,200-3,500 ppm). As the calcium carbonate falls out of solution, it attaches to and discolors surfaces. This discoloration is especially visible on colored plaster finishes.

Staining due to metals in source water, corrosion of metallic equipment, or salt impurities is exacerbated by pH that is too high or too low. Weekly testing for pH and monthly testing for metals (if source water is high in stain-causing metals or if pools contain copper heaters) is recommended.

Treat when needed
There are many stain removal products available that can be used in salt water pools. Some of the more advanced salt products also contain anti-stain agents, and some manufacturers offer performance guarantees with them.

Avoid phosphorous-based stain-fighters, since they break down into orthophosphates, which are nutrients for algae and promote the formation of phosphate scale in the chlorine generator. Physically removing dissolved metals can usually be accomplished with sequestering agents and filter aids.

Fortunately, by following sound product application procedures and maintenance principles, stains can often be prevented. That way, customers can enjoy all the benefits of their salt pools without the worry of unsightly stains.

Choosing Stone for Your Pool and Yard

Stone makes a statement. Carefully placed rock brings a yard to life, helping to create a look that is both functional and beautiful. The key, though, is to know what you want before ordering tons of expensive materials. For a natural aesthetic, it’s important to maintain balance between softscape (trees, plants, and flowers) and hardscape (stone, bricks, and decking) and to use stone that looks as though it belongs there.

Each stone’s intrinsic properties determine how it will function in your backyard. Selecting the best stone for a waterfall versus a footpath depends on the material’s hardness and ability to withstand running water and erosion. Granite, for example, is very dense and difficult to cut, making it ideal for waterfalls and decorative boulders. Limestone and sandstone are a bit softer and can be split into shallow, flat slabs called flagstones, which are used for steps, pathways, and swimming pool decking. Irregularly shaped stones are ideal for facers (the exposed side of a stone) and outcroppings (rocks that protrude from the soil). Fieldstone is found on the ground’s surface and can be used for numerous applications, while river rock consists of smooth, round cobbles, often used to border pathways or create dry river beds.

Where the stone is quarried or excavated also affects its characteristics and functionality. For example, Texas limestone is too soft for a swimming pool and should not be used in cold weather regions where it will be in contact with wet soil. It soaks up quite a bit of moisture, and when it freezes, the stone deteriorates.

Positioning is an important factor in rockscaping. In nature, stones don’t just pop up out of nowhere. You want it to look like it’s coming from some type of hillside. Another key to an authentic look? Foliage. “You should cover about 30 percent of the rock in your backyard with foliage, such as overlapping ferns and fronds of palm, to marry the rock to the landscape.

Fun Pool Games

Pool games can really bring the family together, and make for great memories. We had our favorites when I was a kid, but I never knew that so many pool games existed! Print out this list for your kids and they can try a new swimming pool game or race every day!

REMEMBER POOL SAFETY FIRST!  Always have an adult around when playing games in the pool.

If you have other favorite swimming games not listed here, let us know by commenting below! We’d love to publish your favorite races, relays and games here! 

Belly Flop Contest
This one really needs no explanation, and this pool game doesn’t even need a diving board. One at a time please, with a judge to rate the flops according to splash height, smacking sound, style or creativity.

Boogie Board Relay
You will need two boogie boards or kick boards and two ski ropes or just regular rope. Two relay teams will race against each other from one end of the pool to the other.  While one swimmer kneels or lays on the board, another swimmer on the side of the pool pulls them across the pool. The swimmer that was on the board, being pulled across the pool first, then trades positions with the puller, and race back to the other end of the pool. If more players are involved in the team, they switch after reaching the end. 

Bottle
Similar to Steal The Bacon, this pool game requires a CLEAR plastic 2 liter bottle with the label removed. Fill the 2 litre bottle full of pool water, and put the cap on tightly. Divide your swimmers into two teams. Each team will take opposite ends of the pool as their endzone. Place a pool chair on the edge of the pool at each end as the goal. Line up the players on either end of the pool, facing the outside – with eyes closed. Throw the bottle into the pool, (which will sink) and yell “Go!” The players launch off the wall and dive for the bottle.

The object of this pool game is to get the bottle to the other teams chair (goal). 1 point is awarded for each “goal” – when the bottle is placed in the opposing team’s chair. Line up again on opposite sides after each goal is scored.

Bumper Boats
Each player mounts an inflated pool tube, and when “Go!” is announced, they push, splash, paddle their way into each other. Using feet and hands is allowed, but no touching the other contestants – only touch the tube, or you get expelled for 30 seconds. The object of this pool game is to knock others off of their tube, into the water.

Coin Chase
Collect coins from the parents, as much as you can,and throw the coins into the pool. Yell “GO!” and all contestant jump in the water and try to collect as much as possible.

Diving Board H.O.R.S.E.
Players line up behind the diving board. Similar to the basketball game “HORSE”, the first diver states the dive or jump they will do. If they complete it, then the next diver has to duplicate the same dive (jump, flip, cannonball, whatever, but always different). If they also do it correctly – then the next diver also attempts the same dive. If a diver does it incorrectly, (and you may need a referee) they get a “letter”, beinning with H. The next person in line then gets to call the next dive. Once you mess up 5 times, (and spell HORSE) you are eliminated. Continue until all have been eliminated except one – the winner.

Ducky Push
You’ll need enough rubber duckies for each player. Swimmers line up on one side of the pool, and swim across to the other side, blowing or bumping the duck with their face only. You many not touch the duck with hands, or bite the duck and carry it in their mouth. Splashing other players ducks is allowed, however, no touching off the other player is permitted. First swimmer to get their duck safely to the other side is the winner.

Jump or Dive
In this game, line up the participants behind the diving board, and designate one person to be the caller. The diver runs and jumps off the board, and while in mid-air (not too late) the caller yells out either “jump” or “dive”. The contestant reacts in mid-air, trying to correct themselves into either a jump or a dive, but usually ending up in a belly flop!

Jump the Noodle
With one person in the deep end, treading water, hold a pool noodle laying flat on the water at a perpendicular angle to the diving board. Start easy, say 3-4 feet from the board, and after each round, move the pool noodle a foot further away, eliminating those whose dives don’t clear the noodle. This pool game is easy and fun for all ages.

King of the Tube
Much like King of the Hill, this pool game involves everyone trying to knock off the king of the tube. One swimmer sits in the pool tube while others try to knock her out, without touching her! only touching the pool tube. The winner is the person who can stay in the tube the longest, without being pushed off or flipped over.

Sharks & Minnows
Make  two teams of swimmers and choose a home base on opposite sides of the pool.  When the game starts, the minnows push off the wall or dives into the pool. The sharks push off when ready, and while swimming underwater, try to touch/tag the minnows before they reach the other side. If the minnow reaches the other side without being tagged, one of the sharks comes over to the minnows team. When a minnow gets tagged, however, he/she becomes a shark. The point of this pool game is to try and get everyone on your team.