10 Most Unsafe Parts of Your Swimming Pool

Before reading this, may I recommend you to read first, "SWIMMING POOL INSPECTION"


It is said that all swimming pool owners recognize the danger of having a silent, lurking body of water in their house. Even more so for families with children, a swimming pool can be a silent killer. Consider this top ten list of the most common and most risky swimming pool deficiencies:

10) Electrical

Suitable electrical wiring for a swimming pool and all its components is critical because water, electricity and people are an unsafe mix. Swimming pools, and all metal components within one meter of the water line should be bonded with a heavy ground wire loop. Moreover, all electrical pieces of equipment that come into close contact with water such as pumps and lights must be appropriately connected with a GFIC or ground fault interrupter.

9) Slippery Decks

As swimming pool deck surfaces age and weather they will develop algae and become very slippery, especially in wet conditions. To cut the likelihood of falling or slipping on a pool deck, you should force clean your deck yearly. In addition, silica sand can be put in to your concrete sealer to provide a more textured and slip resistant surface.

8) Ladders & Stairs

Stairs and ladders are a very general place for injury in a swimming pool. Colored nosing tile is used to accentuate step edges in many pools, which helps to define the step edges under the moving water. The likelihood for a fall or injury increases at night, and also even more so if there is no underwater swimming pool light to illuminate the water. Ladders often have hand rails installed into the pool deck which can become loose over time. If the ladder rails shift as you are climbing out of the water, this will greatly increase the risk of a fall.

7) Water Quality

Do not undervalue your green swimming pool. Dangerous bacteria can reside in poorly maintained water. It is critical to ensure that the water quality is appropriate for swimming to prevent infections and staph infections of the eyes, ears, nose and throat. Chemical levels in the water can also affect those prone to skin reactions.

6) Chemical Storage

Your swimming pool chemicals are a potent mix of strong acids, alkaline and poisons. Even worse is that many of these chemicals purposely react with one another, yet they are often stored in the same location with little effort to keep them safe. Chemicals should be researched and stored in a controlled, dry and locked location at all times.

5) Pool Winter Covers

Winterization covers are often just large tarps stretched over the pool with sand or water bags pinning them down at the edges. These are not strong enough to support the weight of a medium pet or small child without pulling into the pool. They can look tempting to walk on, but any person or animal that walks out onto a swimming pool winter cover is in serious trouble.

4) Suction Lines

The swimming pool suction points, most commonly the skimmer and the main drain are directly connected to the front of powerful swimming pool pumps. The power of a pool pump is more than enough the cause sever and life threatening injury. The warning label that comes on new main drains, skimmers and pool pumps states that the pool pump has enough force to trap, drown and disembowel you should you unwittingly cover the suction point with any part of your body. Tragically every year more kids are killed this way from single suction main drains which are now illegal. Dual suction main drains spaced apart are now required so that you cannot cover both suction points at the same time. Suitable use of main drain lids is critical to ensure the safety of your swimmers.

3) Pool Toys

A wonderfully common source for swimming pool related accidents is a consequence of swimming pool toys which are not fitting for use in a pool. Some floatation devices can cause young swimmers to flip over and get trapped upside down under the water. Large inner tubes or inflatable boats are prime examples of items better suited for the beach.

2) Pool Slides

Swimming pool slides seem like a good idea when you consider children playing in the pool. At the same time, a pool slide is literally like letting your children play on a 9 foot tall ladder overtop of concrete. Pool slides are less and less common these days, and for good reason as they are the second most common cause of serious injury in a swimming pool.

1) Diving Boards

By far the most hazardous part to your swimming pool is the diving board. The enormous majority of swimming pools are not deep enough for a diving board. The jeopardy of spinal and head trauma are extremely high in pools less than nine feet deep, which most are. Even a moderately steep dive will cause a collision at the bottom for the swimmer, and the long slope of the pool shallow end is a tricky obstacle to avoid when pulling up from the dive. Removing the diving board from your pool and encouraging a no diving policy will decrease the likelihood of a swimming pool accident or injury by as much as 50%.


Bear in mind - these swimming pool risks relate to the average swimmer, but an unused pool can be just as deadly. Be sure to install an automatic swimming pool safety cover to take the single most proactive step towards increasing the safety of your swimming pool.

TOP 5 MISTAKES SWIMMING POOL OWNERS MAKE

Before reading this, may I recommend you to read first, FILTERS AND PUMPS OF SWIMMING POOL: Important tools for Pool Maintenance

When the hot summer comes there is no better place to make you cool and relax than your own swimming pool. There are lots of funs to have a pool, but they do need a little regular maintenance to keep running appropriately.

There are assured things every pool owners has to do on a fairly regular basis to remain your pool operation in the best condition. And while you may be tempted to omit a maintenance matter every once in awhile, finally, you may find your pool is not working appropriately. In the worse case, you may face a huge repair bill to fix it.

Top 5 Most Normal Mistakes Pool Owners Make:

1. Not running your pump long enough. The operation of your pump is critical to the operation of just about everything else related to your pool. Your filter, heater, automatic pool cleaner, and chlorinator will not work unless your pump is operating efficiently. A good pool pump has 2 speeds and we suggest that you operate it 24 – 7.

2. Not maintaining the right water level in your pool. If the water level in your pool is at or near the base of your tile line in your pool, the pump starts to draw air (rather than water) into your circulating system. This causes your pump to lose its “prime.” When the pump loses its prime, water is no longer moving through the circulating system and none of your equipment is working.

CAUTION: The water inside of your pump housing can reach over 200 degrees if your pump operates for an extended period of time without a “prime.” The heat and the steam created can melt piping, fittings, and your pump. If you open the pump strainer, SCALDING WATER CAN SPRAY OUT WITH DISASTEROUS RESULTS!!! Never open the strainer housing on your pump if you even think that this condition might exist. Turn the pump off and wait for the water to cool before opening the pump strainer housing.

3. Not adding pH adjustment chemicals to your pool water. Salt chlorination raises the pH of your water. If you don’t add enough muriatic acid to your pool water on weekly basis, YOU WILL DEVELOP SCALE. Scale will appear as white streaks and encrustations on your pool plaster. This will be especially troublesome on colored plaster pools.

4. Don’t regularly clean your equipment. Your swimming pool is built with specially designed equipment such as the pump strainer basket, chlorinator cell and filter elements. And without regular maintenance these parts will malfunction and eventually need replacement. Furthermore these are considered normal maintenance procedures that you have to perform and are not part of your warranty.

For instance, if your pump basket is not cleaned regularly, and re-inserted properly, debris will clog the impeller and the pump will not perform properly. Or if you neglect your chlorinator cell it can become encrusted with calcium and other minerals dissolved in your water, the chlorinator will not work. And if your filter elements get dirty, it becomes harder for the water to pass through and will eventually shut your whole system down!

5. Not testing your water. This is one of the “golden rules” of pool ownership - you CANNOT determine the condition of your pool water simply by looking at it. Of course if your water is cloudy or green, it certainly needs attention. But did you know that your water can be hazardous to your health, even if it “looks” good?

Weekly testing of your water, followed up by monthly testing by your local pool chemical store, is the only way to keep your water up. A little time and money spent on adjustment chemicals can save you lots of money in the long run.

EVALUATE HAYWARD POOL PUMPS

Before reading this, may I recommend you to read first, SELECT RIGHT SWIMMING POOL PUMPS…HOW???

If you believe that selecting what sort of pool pump that you are going to use as the key factor of your pools plumbing and filtration system is an unimportant decision in that case you have radically undervalued their consequence. From a distance, pool pumps may look alike on the outside but further than that there is much difference that set them apart.

Quality and Reliability

Hayward pool pumps stand at the front position of technological advance with an enormous variety of high quality, reliable pool pumps that can be counted on for the life of your pool. Generally speaking, it is said that Hayward pool pumps aren't the cheapest but they are the best.

No Difficulty with Spare Parts

Moreover, it is said that spare parts for Hayward pool pumps are snap to find and order. This may not look like big deal presently but if your budget priced pool pump needs a minor part that turns out to be impossible to find it will be.

Simple Access Filter

Hayward's “Super Pump” series right now features the very most up-to-date in hi-tech innovations and convenience features. For example, their swing away handle on their filter makes for uncomplicated cleaning with no instruments required.

Cooler and Quieter

This series of Hayward pool pumps also feature a see through filter cover that lets you promptly test if it needs cleaning in a fraction of a second. In addition, Hayward's high performance motors with “airflow” ventilation indicates cooler and quieter operation.

More Water Pumping but Less Power Consumption

This innovative series of Hayward Pool pumps also add in a new energy proficient devise that outcomes in more water being pumped than other pumps of equivalent horsepower.

SELECT RIGHT SWIMMING POOL PUMPS…HOW???

Before reading this, may I recommend you to read first, FILTERS AND PUMPS OF SWIMMING POOL: Important tools for Pool Maintenance

When you have made decision to invest in a swimming pool, one thing that you need to think is how to select a proper swimming pool pump. It is said that swimming pool pumps are very significant to appropriately maintaining your pool. They help to keep your pool hygienic, save money on chemicals, and they make your pool from turning into a green algae mess.

Now it is time for you to make a decision which pump will perform best with your pool. Selecting the Suitable pool pump will depend upon a number of key factors.

Pump Size: Not to big not too small

Selecting a swimming pool pumps size will rely on the size of your pool. If you pay money for a pump that is too undersized it will be ineffective at cleaning your pool. On the other hand, a pump that is too large can make your pool swirl and very uncomfortable. Your regional swimming pool dealership should be able to assist you in finding out the proper size. In most cases the dealership can look up the model of your swimming pool and determine the size. However, if you have a custom built pool the motor size can be calculated based on the size.

Energy Efficient Models

The environmental awareness is a factor that you need to think about. There are many energy efficient swimming pool pumps on the market today. You should think about this choice when purchasing a new pump, in order that you can save money. On balance, if you consider the number of hours you will run your pump for a whole period the cost can add up very rapidly. As an alternative would be to buy a pool pump that has an automatic timing system. With this machine you can program when your pool pump will turn on and when it should turn off. If you fail to remember to shut off the pump you do not have to worry it will shut off automatically.

Noise Level of Swimming Pool Pumps

Noise intensity of swimming pool pumps is the one factor that you need to reflect on. Swimming pool pumps can range in the level of noise they make from a small hum to a loud roar. When selecting a swimming pool pump you will maybe need a model that is quiet. Finally, nothing can run an excitement pool party like trying to talk over a loud roar. Min addition you may want to run your pool pump in the late afternoon when no one is using the pool and a loud pump could upset your neighbors. Most swimming pool supply dealerships will have models on display in order that you can see how loud they are. However, if you cannot sample the swimming pool pumps make sure you ask for a guarantee and return policy in case the pump is too loud.

Swimming pool pumps are very significant component of owing and maintaining your swimming pool accurately. Make sure you select a model that is heavy-duty and will last for a long time. In spite of everything, a swimming pool pump can be very expensive so you want something that will stand up to the components for a long time.

FIND THE POOL FILTER WHICH IS PROPER FOR YOUR POOL

Pool filters are necessary to maintaining your pools crystal clear look and clean and germ free feel. Don’t allow your swimming pool to become a hotbed of germs and bacteria – which can happen with all those bodies jumping in and out all day. Pool filters keep your water from going septic and stops swimmers from getting sick as impurities are filtered out thanks to the pool filter. If you didn’t have a pool filter and you left your pool alone it would turn green and algae would start to form. Catch the germs when you can’t see them by installing a quality pool filter that will suit your pool.

There a variety of pool filters on the market so be informed before making your decision. Three popular types of pool filters include Sand Filters, DE Filters and Cartridge Filters. Below is some information on each of these types of pool filters:

Sand Filters: Pool filter Sand are very popular at the moment as they are a basic pool filter option for ensuring bacteria is being cleaned from the pool water. The way the sand pool filters work is that dirty water is pushed into the filter where it is filtered through sand. The dirty water sits on top whilst the clean water is pushed back into the pull. When the pool filter is full with dirty water it alerts the pool pump which then flushes out the dirt and grime away from your nice clean water. Most companies will sell pool filters and pool pumps together.

DE Filters: DE (Diatomaceous Earth) pool filters use crushed fossil or coral like substances instead of sand. This substance is often finer than sand and DE pool filters are more complex filtering systems which is why they produce the cleanest water. The downside is that the filters need replacing more often, which makes this type of pool filter fiddler to use.

Cartridge Filters: Cartridge pool filters are a third option for pool owners. This type of pool filter collects dirt and debris via a system of removable cartridges which can be easily removed and cleaned. They do require more manual maintenance and are suitable for smaller areas.

Remember that whatever kind of pool filter you select for your pool you need to keep it clean in order that it continues to work for you and keep your pool clean and clear of nasty bugs. Regularly check the filter for any buildup of debris including leaves, dirt or hair.

FILTERS AND PUMPS OF SWIMMING POOL: Important tools for Pool Maintenance

Swimming pools can provide countless hours of fun and excitement for people of all ages. However, in order to ensure that you and your family get the very most out of your backyard pool, it's vital to keep the water clean. By properly maintaining your swimming pool water, you will be providing a sanitary, contaminant-free environment where your swimmers can have fun and relax without concerns about dirty water or contracting infections. While there are many different chemicals and supplies that can be used for pool maintenance, swimming pool filters and pumps are two of the most essential pieces of equipment for any pool, whether it's an above ground swimming pool or an in-ground swimming pool.

Pool pumps are so essential for pool maintenance because they are responsible for circulating the pool's water. This allows for better distribution of chemicals throughout the pool and also keeps the water moving through the filtration system so it can be cleansed. Pool pumps are electrically powered devices that can often be controlled by a timer. While some pool owners keep their pump running continuously during the swimming season, others will only keep theirs running for somewhere between six and twelve hours per day. Pool pumps for above ground and in-ground swimming pools are widely available wherever pool equipment is sold, and it's easy to find high-quality units made by highly respected manufacturers such as Hayward and Pentair.

Pool filters are also vital components of pool maintenance and work together with pool pumps to form the filtration system. While the pump is responsible for moving the water into the filter and then circulating the clean water back into the pool, the filter is responsible for removing dirt, algae and contaminants from the water. In order to do this, pool filters contain one of three types of porous materials which trap the unwanted particles while allowing the water itself to pass through and return to the swimming pool. These three types of porous materials are sand, cartridges and diatomaceous earth.

Sand filters have been in use for a long time and are commonly used for backyard swimming pools. These pool filters consist of a series of chambers, each of which contains a bed of sand. When the pump forces the pool water through these chambers, dirt and other particles of debris collect in the sand barrier and are prevented from moving on with the water. As a result, only clean water passes out of the filter and is returned to the pool. Since the debris particles and impurities build up in the sand, sand filters have to be backwashed once in a while in order to get rid of the water waste and keep the filter operating efficiently.

While sand pool filters are able to catch particles as small as twenty to forty microns, cartridge filters are able to trap particles as small as ten to fifteen microns. Cartridge filters are also easier to maintain as they have a larger surface area and tend to become clogged less often. In addition, these filters exert less back pressure on pool pumps and provide greater flow and turnover due to the fact that they run at a lower pressure than sand filters. Cartridge filters can be cleaned simply by spraying the cartridges with a hose, and this only needs to be done once or twice every swimming season.

Although cartridge filters provide better filtration than sand filters, diatomaceous earth (DE) pool filters provide the best swimming pool filtration currently available. Diatomaceous earth is a porous particulate made up of the fossilized exoskeletons of diatoms, a common type of phytoplankton. This powder has microscopic openings which are large enough to allow water to pass through but which are not large enough for most particles of debris and contaminants to pass through. In fact, diatomaceous earth will trap debris and bacteria as small as two to five microns. As with sand filters, DE filters need to be backwashed every so often in order to drain the clogged diatomaceous earth. Then the filter will need to be recharged with fresh DE powder.

While DE pool filters provide the highest level of water filtration available for backyard swimming pools, all three types of filters will help to keep your water sparkling clean. Swimming pool filters and pumps of a variety of types and brands are readily available from in-store and online retailers of pool supplies and equipment. Whether you have an above ground pool or an in-ground pool, swimming pool filters and pumps are absolutely essential equipment for pool maintenance and will allow you to provide your swimmers with crystal-clear, healthy swimming water that they will be able to enjoy all season long.

SWIMMING POOL INSPECTION

Inspecting your Swimming Pool

With the varied availability of swimming pool equipment and designs, you have a lot to think about when it comes to safety. Whether you use different kinds of swimming pool liners, or think about purchasing a new swimming pool toy, there are a lot of pool inspection tips you should consider. It may also help to ask questions at your local swimming pool supply shop, because talking to experts face to face about your swimming pool safety needs can help you in the long run.


Your swimming pool design and capacity

A lot of things depend on your pool's design and capacity. Some of these things include the amount of water treatment chemicals you'll need, the type of liner you should have, as well as the aesthetics of your swimming pool. It's important to calculate the average depth of your pool using this equation: Deep End (feet) + Shallow End (feet) ? 2 = Average Depth. It will help you determine your swimming pool capacity. The swimming pool design you choose will also aid you in buying the proper swimming pool covers that you will need during different seasons. Leaf-catcher covers are effective during summer, fall and spring, while a different swimming pool cover is available for winter. These allow you to keep your pools in top shape despite the seasonal and climatic changes. Almost any swimming pool supply shop has a good stock of covers for your swimming pool. Keep in mind that a well-covered swimming pool is a safe pool.


Getting the ideal swimming pool liner

The quality of your swimming pool liner is essential to your pool's water quality. This is because it prevents the water from being contaminated. It also maintains your water's pH, and helps keep algae and mildew from growing. Also consider the type of material used for your liner. Swimming pool liners are usually made with vinyl or plastic, and can be quite decorative.



Inground Swimming Pool Safety

The elegance of inground swimming pools attracts a lot of buyers. However, it is important to keep in mind that inground pools have their own safety risks. It is important to always have someone watch the pool such as a "lifeguard" or simply an adult who can swim. This is because children (and unmindful adults) have a higher tendency to fall into an inground swimming pool as opposed to an above ground swimming pool. It will help to keep your inground swimming pool covered when not in use, or fenced off in certain areas.

Safe swimming pool toys for added fun

While purchasing fun and colorful swimming pool toys can be exciting, there are some accessories that can be considered as a "must-have". Goggles are important, especially for children. There are also special swimming pool toys and floats available for toddlers. Swim aids such as swimming pool floats, swim belts, and water wings, are also considered as safe swimming pool toys. Your local swimming pool supply shops probably have a good toys department - take a look around in order to get the best prices.

SWIMMING POOL SAFETY FOR KIDS

Having a swimming pool on your home can be a great way to have enjoyment for yourself and your entire family. Even though a pool can be fun, it can also be very unsafe if you have children around. If you can wait, you should wait until your kids are least 5 or older before you put a pool on your home. Alternatively, if you already have a swimming pool, there are ways that you can protect your kids.

One thing you should always keep in mind is to never, ever, allow your kids to be unaccompanied near your pool. Children tend to be drawn near the water, and all it takes is a second for them to fall in the pool. If you and your kids are at your pool and you need to leave the area for a second, you should always take your children with you.

To be on the safe side, you should always make sure that you have plenty of safety tools around your pool at all times. Safety items are great to have around, as they can save the life of a child or anyone else who can't swim. You should also provide in a shepherd's hook as well, as you can use it to pull someone out of the water. Having a phone at your pool is also a wise investment, as you can easily call for help in the event of an urgent situation.

If you don't have a fence around your pool you should look into getting one. A fence is a great way to protect your pool from kids. If you have a protective fence up, you won't have to worry about little kids falling in while you are away from the pool. When you put your fence, you should always make sure that it's at least 6 foot high, with a locking gate. This way, no one can get into the pool without the key - which you should keep with you at all times.

You can also learn CPR as well. Even though you may not ever have to use it, it's always great to know in the event of someone falling in your pool that is unable to swim. Whenever you have children or people you know can't swim at your pool, you should always stay within reach of them, so you can react instantly if they fall in. A second is all it takes to save someone's life.

Always bear in mind that swimming is fun, although you should always think in terms of safety first. Once you have finished using your pool for day, make sure that you secure the area well - and lock the gate up tight so no one can get in.

CATEGORIES OF SWIMMING POOLS

Swimming pools offer an enormous way to relax, exercise, and enjoy yourself on a hot summer day, coming in a range of different shapes and sizes. To efficiently and safely operate a swimming pool, you'll need to have a pump, basin, water filter, chemical feeder, return, drains, and the proper plumbing to move your water.

Depending on the basin formation, there are various kinds of pools existing for you to select from. Above ground swimming pools are the easiest to construct and the cheapest to buy, as they come with pre-made kits. Fiberglass pools are built using molded fiberglass, reinforced plastic. Fiberglass pools are in ground, and can provide you years and years of family enjoyment and swimming excitement.

Vinyl lined swimming pools are the cheapest types of in ground designs you can get, even though you'll need to have the liner changed every 10 years or so. Concrete is another trendy design for in ground pools, as they provide plenty of room and no need to have the liner replaced.

There are also the public swimming pools, which include heated indoor pools, children's pools, and outdoor pools. Public swimming pools are distinguished for their slides and other aspects such as waterfalls and splash pads. Public pools are great for hot days, although most prefer to get their own pool due to public pools being so crowded on a frequent basis.

Swim spas, or exercise pools are also popular, known for their resistance swimming. Swimming is one of the best exercises that you can do for your body, as it works just about every muscle in your body. There are several exercises that you can do in an exercise pool, such as jogging, water toning, and water yoga.

No matter what type of swimming pool it may be, it's very important that the chemicals stay balanced. If the balance of the chemicals is off, it can damage the water, which can really irritate your skin and your eyes. Therefore, swimming pools need to be disinfected on a daily basis and treated with various chemicals. To maintain the proper health of the skin, purifying the water is very important.

If you are looking to add a swimming pool to your property, there are several for you to choose from. Swimming pools can help add property value to your home, which is always a good thing. When you add a swimming pool to your property, you should always think in terms of safety, and ensure that your pool is protected against young children. If you take care of your pool and always make sure that things are clean and safe, your pool will provide you with plenty of fun for years and years to come.