Choosing to have a salt-water system for your inground pool with a chlorine generator is a great alternative—for your health and safety, as well as for convenience and cost-effectiveness—to using a traditional chlorinated pool. However, now that you’ve made the decision to use this method of safely cleaning your pool on an ongoing basis, you have another decision to make: the type of chlorine generator you will use for your swimming pool.

One type of chlorine generator you can use in your salt-water pool is a brine unit. The brine unit does not require the manual addition of salt into the pool because it already contains a predetermined amount of salt, and this unit produces chlorine, which is continuously and readily introduced into the pool through electrolysis. While the brine unit is generally considered to be more convenient because it already contains salt, it tends to be quite messy, and also produces hard-to-clean byproducts, which many consumers find annoying and distasteful.

If you decide against a brine unit, your other option involves a chlorine generator that requires the manual addition of salt into the pool—which basically means you have to add the salt yourself. There are actually two different types of this kind of chlorine generator, which is usually preferred over brine units. In one unit (the inline unit), the cell that produces the chlorine as well as all the generator’s electronics are installed at the equipment site, whereas with the other unit (the deck unit), while the electronics are installed by the equipment, the cell is located in the deck by the pool. The inline unit provides a 24-hour chlorine circulation system in which chlorine is produced as water passes through the cell. The deck unit, on the other hand, produces chlorine even if you turn the pump off, but does not have the circulation system in place.

You can also choose your chlorine generator based on polarity—with either a non-reverse polarity unit, or a reverse polarity unit. The latter is considerably pricier than the former, but reverse polarity units require less cleaning and are designed to cause mineral deposits to flake off the chlorine-producing cell. However, these pieces do tend to get sucked and stuck in the pool’s filtration system.

When selecting your salt-water chlorine generator, you might also want to consider the amount or level of salt present. Because people have a salt taste threshold of 3,500 parts per million, or ppm, you might wish to choose a unit that requires this amount (or less) ppm for your own comfort and preference. Most chlorine generators for salt-water systems need anywhere from 2,000 to 6,000 ppm.

Cost is, of course, another factor in determining which chlorine generator you would like to buy. In most cases, expect to fork out a least a grand for a good-quality chlorine generator. Some units cost several thousands of dollars, and while you may find a unit for less than $1,000, make sure that it’s up to the quality level you expect.

Finally, keep in mind that all chlorine generators require care. No matter which type of chlorine generator you choose for your salt-water pool, any and every unit must be properly cleaned and maintained on a regular basis, and your swimming pool’s pH balance must be checked regularly, in order for the generator to function properly and effectively.

Think you don’t need sunscreen while you’re swimming? Think again. Many people who enjoy swimming at the beach, lake, and their backyard swimming pool may mistakenly assume that they only need sunscreen near water when they’re lounging on the pool deck or tanning on the beach—if at all. They may think that being near or in the water somehow “protects” them from the sun’s harsh rays, which is not true. In fact, lathering up with sunscreen at and in your pool or the lake is probably one of the best times to use it.

The sun’s rays love to reflect off water from the ground to your skin, and if you’re in or near the water, you have a higher chance of getting sunburned and harming your skin if you’re not wearing sunscreen. Even if most of your body is submerged in the pool, your face, neck, upper back, and chest will be exposed much of the time, and if these areas are not protected by sunscreen, you could end up getting hit big time, which can cause painful burns, damage your skin cells, cause your skin to age prematurely, and increase your risk of skin cancer. Pool “loungers” are at particular risk for burns because of their proximity to the water coupled with more skin exposure.

But whether you’re lounging on an air mattress in your pool, soaking up the rays on the beach, splashing around in the water with your kids or friends, or just out in the sun at work or play (whether or not you’re near water), there are a few things you need to know about sunscreen in general, particularly as it relates to swimming in your pool.

First, consider sunscreen as your second skin. In warm or hot weather (be it sunny or cloudy) when you’re less than fully clothed, never leave the inside of your house without sunscreen, even if you’re just going to “relax by the pool for only half an hour.” Half an hour in the sun—especially near a body of water, which will reflect the sun’s rays—can do a lot of damage.

Next, choose the right sunscreen. Not all sunscreens are created equal, and you want to make sure that yours is doing its job. Look for sunscreen that protects against both UVA and UVB rays, in a high-enough SPF (sun protection factor), which depends on how long you’re going to be exposed to direct sunlight and how long it usually takes for you to start turning pink. While a good rule of thumb is the longer you plan to be in the sun, the higher your SPF should be, to err on the side of caution, use a sunscreen with an SPF of at least 30.

Swimmers should select a sunscreen that is water-resistant. Although some products claim to be “waterproof,” there really is no such thing, but do look for a sunscreen that is water/sweat-resistant. However, keep in mind that even water-resistant sunscreen won’t last you through hours of lounging near and splashing in your backyard pool. They tend to last anywhere from 30 to 90 minutes while swimming. Always reapply sunscreen after swimming and regularly while you’re out lounging by the pool or tanning on the beach, especially if you’re sweating.

It’s also important to ensure you slather sunscreen over all of your exposed body—not just the parts that tend to burn easily. However, remember that sunscreen is not enough for sun protection. Avoiding the sun during peak sunlight hours and wearing protective sunglasses and a wide-brimmed hat are other essential precautionary measures.

If you’ve decided to have an inground pool built into your backyard, or if you just bought a home with an inground pool as part of the property, you’ve got some choices to make. One of the biggest decisions you’ll have to make now is whether you’ll choose a salt-water pool or a traditional chlorinated pool.

Salt-water pools are becoming more and more popular nowadays as more people are discovering the potential dangers as well as inconveniences associated with traditional chlorine and chlorinated pools.

However, keep in mind that salt-water pools are not actually free of chlorine, despite what its name suggests and the fact that it is generally used as an alternative to chlorine pools. Salt-water pools use chlorine generators (which are actually not new pieces of pool equipment, but they do continue to improve over time). By using a “salt chlorinator,” not only are you able to chlorinate your pool without the harmful effects of regular chlorine—such as red, burning eyes and itchy, irritated skin—but it requires much less hassle to operate and maintain.

So what do chlorine generators actually do, and how do they work? Chlorine generators essentially do what the name implies: generate chlorine! But why wouldn’t you just stick with chlorine pools? The reason is simple: most chlorine generators are specifically designed to produce chlorine for your pool on a continual basis while the pool is pumping, which means that you don’t have to buy and store chlorine, and handle it on a regular basis when cleaning the pool. This is not only more convenient, but is also safer, and even more effective than traditional methods of using chlorine in swimming pools because the residual, continuous chlorine pumped through a generator helps prevent the growth of algae without you needing to do any extra work.

How do chlorine generators work? Through electrolysis, the non-chlorinated, salt water that passes through the generator makes chlorine, which is turned into hypochlorous acid, which in turn sanitizes the pool and kills the algae and other potentially junk in your swimming pool.

However, it’s important to understand that while many consumers love salt-water pools and chlorine generators, these systems do require proper care and maintenance even though you don’t need to handle the chlorine yourself. For example, in order for the chlorine generator to operate to its maximum capacity and keep generating chlorine effectively and continuously (and thus, keep your pool clean), the generator’s cell must be cleaned and maintained, and kept free of mineral deposits such as calcium. In addition, your swimming pool’s pH balance must be maintained, because the overall effectiveness of the generator hinges on your pool’s water conditions and balance.

When choosing a chlorine generator for your salt-water pool, consider a unit that requires 3,500 parts per million (ppm) or less in order to function, since humans reportedly have a “salt taste threshold” of about 3,500 ppm. Some chlorine generators require up to 6,000 ppm, which may be hard to handle and make your pool unpleasant to swim in. However, there are other considerations to keep in mind with respect to choosing the right chlorine generator for your pool, so take your time in this important decision.

Pool inspections are an essential component of buying or selling a home. Whether you’re buying or selling a home that includes an in-ground swimming pool, it’s important to make sure that you hire a professional to complete a thorough pool inspection to make sure it’s safe and working properly. A thorough, effective, and professional pool inspection tells you about the condition of the pool. Make sure, however, that you hire a specific pool inspector to do the job—not the regular home inspector. Not only will a home inspector be unqualified for the inspection, but most will not even offer this.However, despite the importance of pool inspections, you might be surprised to learn that many pools are not professionally inspected before or after a sale—sellers may not think it necessary, and buyers or the new homeowners may assume that everything is a-okay, when this may not be the case at all.

The thing is, pool inspections cost money, whether the money is spent by the seller or buyer—but it’s money well spent. A pool that is professionally inspected and officially declared safe and in good working order is a valuable asset for a homeowner trying to make a sale. Similarly, a buyer can rest easy knowing the pool they just acquired along with the house is safe and operable if they know it’s been recently professionally inspected, or if they hired the pool inspector themselves.

Keep in mind that effective pool inspections must be completed while the pool is operational. If you’re trying to sell your house with a pool or you’re looking for a house during the winter (or even late fall or early spring), you’re going to have to dish out a pretty penny to get the pool going for the inspection, and then close it down again (i.e., put it back into hibernating mode) until swim season. It could cost you up to $500. If you have a pool or want to buy a house with a pool attached, consider the May to September season for putting your home on the market or house hunting.

If you hire a reputable and experienced pool inspector specialist or company, you should feel confident that they will cover all the necessary areas of the pool inspection in order to ensure the pool is completely safe, hazard-free, up to good working order, clean, and in good condition—or if one or more of these areas is lacking (for example, if repairs need to be made or further testing is needed). However, here a few things you might want to make sure are inspected thoroughly: the liner (if there is one), ladders and any diving equipment, the slide, if applicable, the bottom and sides for any cracks or tears, the overall pool structure, expansion joints, the pool cover, the pool pump, including the vacuum, filter, amperage, and voltage, as well as the heater. Other areas that should be checked out include the deck, gates, fence, walkway, and gates.

In order to get the professional pool inspector’s evaluation report in your hands for your own safekeeping, or to show to potential buyers when you’re selling your home the proof that the pool is completely safe, working properly, and ready to go, be prepared to dish out about $100 for the official document. When looking for a professional pool inspector or inspecting company, compare reputation, quality, cost, the type of specific services offered, what’s all included, information about the evaluation report, and whether they do year-round inspections.

Already have a pool and wanting to buy some quality supplies? Visit our Pool Supply Store

If you don’t have your own pool, local lakes offer cool temptations for getting back to nature
There’s nothing that compares to the thrill and excitement of skinny-dipping. Whether you dare to bare with your love interest or a group of adventurous friends, there are few things quite as exhilarating as splashing into the water au natural.

But be careful. Unless you have your own swimming pool, you’ll need to plan ahead to ensure your clothes and swim come off without any snags.

True, part of the fun of skinny-dipping is the excitement of getting naked — and possibly seen — in public. But it’s only fun if you don’t get caught, arrested and served with an embarrassing citation. This is easy if you have your own pool, because the shelter of your house is close at hand.

If that’s not an option, or you just want to add to the excitement, these local lakes provide some good locations to strip down, jump in and try your luck.

ST. LOUIS COUNTY

Bee Tree Park (map)
2701 Finestown Road
South of Telegraph Road along the Mississippi River in Oakville, Bee Tree Park has a 7-acre lake with accessible parking and fishing dock. Watch for anglers and hooks and keep an eye out for park rangers.

Spanish Lake Park (map)
12636 Spanish Pond Road in north St. Louis County
Spanish Lake Park offers two lakes in which to try your luck. Spanish Lake consists of 34 acres and Sunfish Lake has 29 acres. Both are popular fishing holes and are also open to non-motorized boats. If you want to make a day of it, take a boat out on the water, find a quiet, secluded cove and take a dip.

JEFFERSON COUNTY

Brown’s Ford Park (map)
Located on the Big River, Brown’s Ford Park in Dittmer is a perfect place to launch a float trip. Starting from the boat ramp at Brown’s Ford, you can float 18.3 miles down to Morse Mill Park. Just remember, whatever happens on the river, stays on the river.

Morse Mill Park (map)
Also on the Big River, Morse Mill Park near House Springs features and old mill and dam overlooking fast flowing water dropping over rocks. It’s a nice place for a dip and another good place to launch a float trip. From Morse Mill the Big River flows 9.8 miles to Rockford Beach. Park security is provided at Morse Mill during selected hours. So take a careful look around before taking it all off.

Rockford Beach Park (map)
Rockford Beach Park in High Ridge is a perfect spot to spend a relaxing afternoon next to the Big River. An old stone dam creates a cascading waterfall producing an environment that naturally suited to adult recreation. Park security is provided at specific hours.

George C Winter Park (map)
If you enjoy a sandy beach, swimming and fun, you will enjoy Jefferson County Winter Park near Fenton. This is a popular spot for picnics, swimming and personal watercraft, so plan accordingly. Park security is provided at selected hours.

ST. CHARLES COUNTY

Hideaway Harbor Park
Located on Sioux Drive just west of Portage Des Sioux, Hideaway Harbor Park features an accessible fishing dock and Weber Lake. Watch for hooks and park security.

Quail Ridge Park (map)
Located at Interstate 70 and Highway 40/61 near Wentzville, Quail Ridge Park is located along Peruque Creek and includes a three acre lake. This is a popular family spot, so after dark excursions are recommended.

Indian Camp Creek Park
Situated at the confluence of Big Creek and Indian Camp Creek offers a six-acre fishing pond in a largely undeveloped setting. A perfect place to get back to nature, but watch for the park rangers.

Of course, the best place to skinny dip is in your own pool. If you don’t have a swimming pool, but are thinking about getting one this year, go ahead and fill out our pool project form. Several local verified contractors will contact you about free quotes. Best thing is, if you do end up getting a pool, we’ll pay you $50 bucks!
Do you have a favorite skinny-dipping spot in St. Louis? Don’t agree with our list? Ever snuck in a few unclothed dips in a public pool or fountain? Let us know!