The first step to being sure your pool is safe for everyone to swim in is to be sure and always have an adult around to be sure everyone is being safe. The biggest mistake that a pool owner can make is to leave children unattended while swimming. Many accidents, that have happened, could have been avoided with a little extra supervision around. You may also consider to always having someone who is trained in CPR around while children are swimming. This is a vital skill to acquire, especially if you have small children swimming in your pool. Even if the children are just playing in the backyard and not swimming, supervision is a must when there is a pool around. The practice of having a phone close by the pool is always a good idea as well. This would come in handy in case of a real emergency.

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Most of us would love to just hire a professional to keep our pool clean, but for most of us that is way too expensive. So this leaves us with no other option then to keep it clean on our own. While this is not the easiest job it is not the most difficult in the world. So I will list a few tips to help the average person to keep their pool nice and clean for the life of your pool.
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If you are stumped as you search through the various options concerning swimming pools, you are not alone. There are several homeowners who struggle to find the perfect swimming pool shape, size and materials that will best suit their backyard. There are many important things to consider when thinking about what type of pool would work best for your situation.

If you live in Missouri, there are several things you should think about and one is Missouri pool instalation. Without having to comb through the yellow pages to try and find the right contractor, first check around your neighborhood and see if anyone has a swimming pool you admire. You might try asking them who they retained for building the pool and checking out that particular contractor.

Another good way to find someone for Missouri pool installation is to check out the local building department for referrals and contacts. Make sure you ask any potential contractor about experience and what type of work they have performed. Checking with past references is another good way to find a reputable contractor for your swimming pool project.

Make your any contractor you choose for your Missouri pool installation has a business card that includes a physical address, phone number and contractor license number. You can take this information and contact the attorney general or Better Business Bureau in Missouri to make sure the contractor has no complaints or negative customer feedback to be concerned about.

Once you have selected your contractor, you should ask to see the actual license which is awarded by the state or local county. Ask for additional identification if you feel the need, any reputable contractor will gladly comply and provide you with any information you need. Make sure the license you are presented with is valid and current, by law, the license number should be displayed on the contractors vehicle, business card and contact.

Do not use a contractor who asks you to obtain permits, you are responsible for code violations if you pull permits for an unlicensed contractor. You could also be prosecuted and fined for doing business in an unlicensed capacity. Do not use a contractor who tells you that a permit is not necessary for major repairs and never use a contractor who does not have valid liability and workers compensation insurance, a worker can personally sue you if hurt on the job or on your property.

Ask any and all questions you need to ask and check around and become educated about the requirements needed for finding a reputable contractor. Taking the necessary steps now will take the headache out of having a quality swimming pool installed that you and your family will enjoy for many years to come.

Opening the inground pool for the summer months, usually done in May, is an occasion pool owners (and their families, neighbors, and friends) often look forward to every year; closing the pool for the fall and winter, on the other hand, generally doesn’t hold the same level of appeal. However, it is nevertheless a job that must be done; not only that, but ensuring the job is done right and correctly is of utmost importance.

The purpose of “winterizing” your pool, which basically refers to shutting it down for the winter, is essentially two-fold: one, to protect your pool from the elements of the changing seasons, particularly winter; and two, to make for an easier transition when you reopen your pool next spring or summer. If you don’t bother winterizing your pool, or if you don’t take the time to do it carefully, you could end up with a dirty pool full of dead leaves and algae and possibly even damaged from a cold winter next year.

Here are a few steps you can use to help you close your inground pool for winter, until it’s ready to be reopened for use next year. Keep in mind that while it may be tempting to keep your pool open longer in case there might be a few hot days left in the autumn, it’s better to begin the pool-closing process before too many leaves begin to fall from the trees, which will only clutter up your pool and make the process more difficult and time-consuming than it needs to be.

First, if you have a heater and it’s been in use throughout the summer, shut it off. Your pool doesn’t need to stay warm throughout the winter when it’s not in use; plus, you can save on your electric bill. Next, it’s time to clean the pool thoroughly. This will save you a lot of work next year. Vacuum the bottom (floor) of the pool, brush the walls, and skim the surface for any leaves, bugs, and other paraphernalia.

After the pool is clean, it’s time to check the pool’s pH balance and add the appropriate winterizing chemicals to it. Your pool requires a different balance during the winter than during the summer in order to keep in clean and functioning properly. Winter chemicals for your pool include algae fighters or winter algaecide, extra-strong sanitizing cleaners that control stains, scum, and mineral deposits, and winter oxidizers, among others. Try to have these chemicals ready and on hand before you start the pool-closing process. Some pool contractors and pool companies offer winter packs that include everything you need to winter-proof your pool when the time comes.

Once this is done, you can drain the pool to the level you’d prefer, whether it’s somewhere below the return fittings or completely drained. You may also need to add appropriate antifreeze solution to your pool’s plumbing system, and you will need to completely shut down your pool’s filtering system. Next, remove ladders and ropes or anything else around the pool, including poolside furniture. Clean these items as needed and store them appropriately.

Finally, make sure that you completely cover your pool before you consider the job officially done. Covering your pool is not only a safety feature, particularly for families with children, but it also serves as a protectant from winter’s elements. If you don’t already have a winter-proof pool cover, there are a number of different options available. Make sure it’s secured firmly.

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.

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.

Getting excited to open your beautiful backyard pool for swimming season? After waiting for the long, cold winter to finally end, you’ll probably be antsy to get the pool out of its hibernation mode and into the sun ready for you, your family, and your friends. However, you can’t just roll up the cover and jump in after months of no use—particularly if all the water was drained out.Opening your pool for the new swimming season involves getting your pool ready for swimming again. There are actually a few steps involved in making sure your pool is ready. First, it’s better to start early. As soon as winter melts into spring, and when the weather warms up a bit and it’s a bit less mucky, it’s time to start cleaning your pool, whether it’s empty or filled with old water from last season. Most pool owners work with leftover water rather than dumping and refilling.

You’ll need to clean the debris off the pool cover before removing it, which will reduce the amount of debris that ends up falling into the pool. Then, remove the pool cover and clean it. Next, get your trusty pool net to scoop out as many leaves and bugs and as much dirt, debris, and other clutter out of the pool as possible. If there’s no water in the pool, clean out the bottom of the pool, then add fresh water.

Next, buy some fresh pool supplies to clean the water and remove algae. If you have old supplies that are still usable and not expired, you can try those, but for best results, new supplies are always better. Read the instructions before use, and then follow them. Always double check instructions, even if you think you remember what to do. After adding the cleaning supplies, restart the pool pump and filter and check the water level. You should also inspect all your pool equipment for any leaks, broken parts, tears, or cracks.

Hire a professional who will make sure everything is in good working order before you “officially” open your pool for the swim season, after you’ve completed the other steps yourself. Hiring a professional pool contractor to thoroughly inspect your pool will give you the reassurance and peace of mind you need to ensure everything is safe, ready, and good to go. If you don’t have a pool contractor, look for one in your area. Try the local business listings and compare prices and services offered, or you can ask around for a recommendation.

The pool contractor should inspect the pool water carefully, making sure the water level is right and testing the chemical balance of the pool, and then make any changes or give suggestions as necessary. Balancing the water and its chemicals is a fairly complicated process, and it’s best to leave this up to a professional, rather than trying this yourself. The contractor should also check for any leaks, tears, rips, cracks, or broken parts in the pool, the liner, filter, and pool pump, and make any repairs as necessary, and ensure everything is in good condition before giving you the thumbs-up approval.

If you’re slightly on the “lazy” side and you’ve got the extra money, you may want to consider hiring a pool contractor or pool service team to complete the entire process—from the unearthing and original cleaning to the chemicals balance and final inspection. Although this will certainly cost you more, it will be much more convenient for you, save you time, and you won’t have to wonder if you did everything correctly or properly.

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