Please note the part that says, “Proper operation, maintenance, and disinfection …”

• Make sure your pool or hot tub is running properly, and that you’re using it the way it was intended to be used.
• Make sure you’re maintaining the equipment so it’s working the way it’s supposed to, and maintaining the pool or hot tub itself (i.e., cleaning it, etc.).
• Make sure you have the correct amount of sanitizer in the water. That is of the utmost importance.

Is Swimming in a Chlorinated Pool or Hot Tub Safe?

Yes, as long as the pool or hot tub is properly chlorinated with a chlorine level of between 1 part per million (ppm) and 3 ppm, with 3 ppm being ideal. However, if you’re sick, it’s a good idea to stay out of the pool.

A Warning About Pools and Hot Tubs

While swimming or soaking themselves are safe, we have two serious warnings for you.

1. Do Not Swim or Soak if You’re Sick

While chlorine and other sanitizers can kill some viruses, they will not cure you if you’re ill due to a virus. Simply swimming or soaking in chlorinated water is not a magical remedy. If it were, no one would be dying from this disease.

In addition, this is a respiratory disease. Swimming can put undue pressure and stress on your lungs. And sitting in the humid environment of a hot tub can make breathing a little more difficult than it already may be if you have COVID-19.

2. Do Not Allow Anyone Who Has COVID-19 to Swim in Your Pool or Soak in Your Hot Tub

As the CDC said, there is no evidence that simply swimming or soaking in pools and hot tubs will spread the coronavirus.

However, someone who’s sick may still cough into their hand, and then touch the pool ladder or the side of the hot tub, parts that are not submerged in chlorinated water. And then if you or someone else touches those parts after they do, and then you touch your face, nose, eyes or mouth before you wash your hands or put them in chlorinated water, there’s a chance you could become ill.

Here’s something else to consider. The COVID-19 coronavirus lingers on those surfaces. In fact, it can survive:

• up to four hours on copper
• up to 24 hours on cardboard
• up to two to three days on plastic and stainless steel (which is what your pool ladder handles are likely made of)

Should I Shock My Pool or Hot Tub?

We’re always proponents of regular shocking, pandemic or no pandemic. But right now, we think it’s an especially good idea to shock your pool or shock your hot tub right now. Then shock it weekly for as long as you keep your pool or hot tub open during the pandemic.

What if I Use a Sanitizer Other Than Chlorine?

You’ll notice the CDC specifically mentioned chlorine and bromine in its information about pool and hot tub safety. If you use a different sanitizer, you can still rely on it to keep the water clean as long as you keep the level where it should be.

But to remove coronavirus from your pool or hot tub, we highly recommend using chlorine shock, if possible.

Bromine

Pool: Between 3 ppm and 5 ppm, with 5 ppm being ideal
Shock: Use chlorine shock; follow the manufacturer’s instructions and be sure to shock at dusk or night.

Hot Tub: Between 3 ppm and 5 ppm, with 5 ppm being ideal
Shock: Use chlorine shock; follow the manufacturer’s instructions and be sure to shock at dusk or night if your hot tub is outdoors.

Minerals

Pool: 0.5 ppm chlorine
Shock: Use chlorine shock the first time, then alternate with non-chlorine shock to avoid raising the chlorine level above 0.5 ppm. If you decide to use chlorine shock more often, just keep a close eye on the chlorine level. Always follow the manufacturer’s instructions and be sure to shock at dusk or night.

Hot Tub: 0.5 ppm chlorine
Shock: Use chlorine shock the first time, then alternate with non-chlorine shock to avoid raising the chlorine level above 0.5 ppm. If you decide to use chlorine shock more often, just keep a close eye on the chlorine level. Always follow the manufacturer’s instructions and be sure to shock at dusk or night if the hot tub is outdoors.

Salt Water

Pool: 1 ppm to 3 ppm chlorine, with 3 ppm being ideal
Shock: Use chlorine shock. Always follow the manufacturer’s instructions and be sure to shock at dusk or night.

Hot Tub: 1 ppm to 3 ppm chlorine, with 3 ppm being ideal
Shock: Use chlorine shock. Always follow the manufacturer’s instructions and be sure to shock at dusk or night if the hot tub is outdoors.

Biguanide

Pool: 30 ppm to 50 ppm
Shock: Use only a biguanide oxidizer, not any kind of shock. Always follow the manufacturer’s instructions.

Hot Tub: 30 ppm to 50 ppm
Shock: Use only a biguanide oxidizer, not any kind of shock. Always follow the manufacturer’s instructions.

Important: Please note that the CDC specified chlorine and bromine in their statement about the safety of pool and hot tubs with regard to coronavirus. Most of the sanitizers listed here will accommodate chlorine shock. However, you cannot use chlorine products with biguanide. The active ingredient in biguanide—preservative-free polyhexamethylene biguanide, better known as PHMB—was originally derived from a surgical disinfectant. Please do further research to ensure that biguanide will be sufficient to eradicate coronavirus specifically. We recommend getting in touch with the manufacturer of the biguanide brand you use.

Ultraviolet, Ionizer, or Ozonator (Hot Tub)

Shock: Use chlorine shock. Always follow the manufacturer’s instructions and be sure to shock at dusk or night if the hot tub is outdoors.

Important: Please note that the CDC specified chlorine and bromine in their statement about the safety of pool and hot tubs with regard to coronavirus. Most of the sanitizers listed here will accommodate chlorine shock. However, you cannot use chlorine products with ultraviolet, ionizer, or ozonator hot tub sanitizers. Please do further research to ensure that the device you use will be sufficient to eradicate coronavirus specifically. We recommend getting in touch with the manufacturer of the device you use.

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Should I Add Extra Sanitizer?

It’s not necessary. As long as you keep your sanitizer within the recommended range—preferably, toward the higher end of that range—you’ll be fine. Adding too much sanitizer can cause skin and eye irritation, and really won’t kill the coronavirus, or any virus, any deader.

Should I Disinfect My Pool and Hot Tub Surfaces?

Yes. And not just because of coronavirus. Bacteria love damp, humid environments, and all types of viruses can be lurking on surfaces like pool ladder handles and diving boards or hot tub headrests.

Clean all the surfaces not submerged in sanitized water with a diluted bleach solution by mixing 5 tablespoons (⅓ cup) bleach per gallon of water (74 ml per 3.8 litres of water) or 4 teaspoons bleach per quart of water (20 ml per litre of water)

Are Public Pools and Hot Tubs Safe?

As long as the pool or hot tub is being properly maintained and sanitized. The problem is, unless you take your own test strips or testing kit with you, how will you know for sure the water is sanitary? There’s a test you can perform without any equipment.

A Word of Warning About Public Pools and Hot Tubs

If you approach a public pool or hot tub, and you get a whiff of that “pool smell” or what some call a “chlorine smell,” turn around and walk away. That smell is not chlorine. It’s actually an indication that there’s not enough chlorine in the water.

As chlorine is exposed to organic contaminants such as sweat, urine, and other bodily fluids, it combines with the ammonia in these contaminants. That’s how it works to sanitize the water.

When the chlorine combines with these substances and is gradually used up, it forms substances called chloramines.

The chloramines then off-gas into the air above the pool or hot tub, producing that telltale smell. So that lovely aroma is actually caused by used chlorine, which means there’s not enough chlorine left in the pool or spa to properly sanitize the water.

A properly sanitized pool or hot tub shouldn’t have any scent at all. No matter what chemicals you’ve added to the water, it should smell like clean water. In other words, odorless.

General Information about Coronavirus and COVID-19

First, we want to make clear that we are not doctors, scientists, epidemiologists, microbiologists, or any other kind of specialists related to medicine and health. You should always look to those experts for information about your health and well-being.

That said, we did gather some information for you from those kinds of authoritative sources. You’ll find a list of the sources we used at the bottom of this article.

What’s the Difference Between Coronavirus and COVID-19?

You may be seeing references to several terms. Here’s the difference:

• Coronavirus: This is a broad term for a category of human viruses.
• COVID-19 Virus: This is a reference to this virus being the one that causes coronavirus disease 2019, or COVID-19.
• COVID-19: This is the disease caused by this particular virus.
• SARS-CoV-2: This stands for Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2, which is now the official name of the disease caused by the COVID-19 virus. But many people still refer to the disease as COVID-19, which is not incorrect. Just a variation.

Is This Really That Big a Deal? Isn’t the Common Cold a Coronavirus?

Yes, the common cold is a coronavirus. Coronavirus is a broad term for a family of viruses. A handful of them cause common colds in humans: 229E, NL63, OC43, and HKU1. The one we’re concerned about now is a new coronavirus, the COVID-19 virus. This is why it was initially referred to as novel coronavirus. Novel means new.

We’ve never encountered this particular coronavirus before, which is why there’s no vaccine for it. And because no one has ever had it before, our bodies do not have any sort of natural immunity built up to fight it. This is part of why it’s so dangerous.

The other reason it’s dangerous, though, is because of the effects it can have on the body. It’s more than just a regular cold with a stuffy nose and mild cough.

As noted above, the COVID-19 virus causes SARS-CoV-2. It is a severe acute respiratory syndrome. It has three symptoms that a common cold does not normally have:

• fever
• dry cough
• shortness of breath

In addition, COVID-19 has a few emergency warning signs related specifically to the shortness of breath symptom:

• difficulty breathing
• persistent pain or pressure in the chest
• new confusion or inability to arouse
• bluish lips or face

All of these warning signs are indicative of the body and brain not getting enough oxygen. If these warning signs are not immediately treated by medical professionals, the patient will die.

How to Protect Yourself

Follow the recommendations from the CDC, and from the World Health Organization (WHO):

Also, learn to properly wash your hands, following the WHO’s instructions. Who knew we were doing it wrong this whole time?!

A Word of Warning About Misinformation

In a time like this, it’s imperative that we rely on good sources of information.

Sources to Trust

Get your information only from authoritative, reputable sources such as the following:

• World Health Organization (WHO)
• Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
• National Institutes of Health
• Mayo Clinic
• Harvard Medical School: Coronavirus Resource Center

Hoaxes and Misinformation

You’re probably seeing a lot of myths and misinformation flying around on social media, such as:

• something from “Stanford” that recommends holding your breath for 10 seconds to determine whether you have COVID-19
• recommendations to gargle vinegar or even bleach to kill the virus
• warnings about martial law and that if you leave your home, you could be punished somehow
• that the virus can’t be transmitted in hot or humid climates, or that hot weather will kill the virus
• that cold weather will kill the virus
• that taking a hot bath will prevent you from getting sick
• that coronavirus can be transmitted via mosquito bites
• that garlic will fight coronavirus

None of those things are true. Not one of them. Check out the WHO’s Coronavirus Myth Busters page to get the real scoop on some of these things.

If you see something on social media that doesn’t have a link to a reputable source or isn’t posted by a reputable source, you can do a few things:

• ignore it
• don’t share it
• inform the person who shared it that it’s incorrect
• ask the person who shared it to take it down (if you know the person)
• report it to the platform (Facebook, Twitter, etc.)

If, by some chance, you’ve mistakenly shared anything like this recently, consider taking it down to so you’re not a part of this spreading of misinformation.

What Else Can I Do to Help?

We’re sure you’ve seen plenty of suggestions online, everything from washing your hands and staying home to offering to shop for the elderly or other people who may be homebound.

All of those suggestions are wonderful, and we hope you’re participating in at least some of them (especially washing your hands and staying home as much as possible!)

But if you’d like to do more, you can help WHO:

• Send essential supplies such as personal protective equipment to frontline health workers
• Enable all countries to track and detect the disease by boosting laboratory capacity through training and equipment
• Ensure health workers and communities everywhere have access to the latest science-based information to protect themselves, prevent infection and care for those in need
• Accelerate efforts to fast-track the discovery and development of lifesaving vaccines, diagnostics and treatments

Simply make a donation to the WHO COVID-19 Solidarity Response Fund. Also, please consider making a donation to your local food bank to help those who have been laid off or lost their jobs due to the pandemic.

Wash Your Hands, Keep Your Distance, and Stay Healthy!

We want you to be safe and healthy so you can continue to enjoy your pool and hot tub without worry. Remember, when it comes to maintaining your pool, now more than ever, it’s imperative that you keep sanitizer levels where they need to be. Not too low, but not too high, either.

We’ve covered pool and hot tub care during a pandemic pretty clearly here. But as far as general coronavirus and COVID-19 information, we’ve barely scratched the surface. Do your own reading, talk to your health professionals, and do everything you must do to protect yourself, your family and friends, and your community.

We’re all in this together.

Happy (and Healthy) Swimming!

Sources:

• CDC: Water Transmission and COVID-19
• Harvard Medical School: Coronavirus Resource Center
• WHO Advice for Public
• CDC: Coronavirus (COVID-19)
• Mayo Clinic: Coronavirus Disease 2019
• CDC: Coronavirus Symptoms
• CDC: How to Protect Yourself
• CDC: What to Do If You Are Sick
• CDC: Clean and Disinfect

The post Coronavirus Pool and Hot Tub Safety appeared first on Swim University®.

Before you resign yourself to jumping through the sprinkler or hoping for rain, you have another option—an inflatable pool. No, really. We’re not talking about the tiny ones made for kids and babies that you could blow up like a balloon. We mean modern inflatable pools that are bigger, better, and one of the best ways to turn your back yard into the coolest summer spot on the block.

Before You Buy an Inflatable Pool …

… you do need to make some preparations. While it won’t be as expensive as its inground and above ground cousins, you’ll still be spending money on it, and you’ll want to protect your investment. The inflatable pools of today aren’t disposable. With proper care, one could last several summers, giving you lots of fun and saving you money on repairs and replacements.

Check Your City’s Ordinances

Building an inground pool would require that you get a permit before construction began. Putting up an above ground pool may also require a permit, or at least that the pool meets certain size specifications.

Some cities may still see an inflatable pool as an above ground pool, and may apply the same rules to it. Before you spend the money on it, and on filling it, make sure you won’t have to take it down later, or possibly be fined.

Check with Your Homeowners Association

If you live in a neighborhood that has a Homeowners Association (HOA), you may be subject to rules or covenants laid out by that organization, regardless of what city ordinances say. The last thing you want is to get into a legal fight over a simple inflatable pool in your back yard.

Even if you’re renting your home, you’ll still have to follow the HOA’s rules. Otherwise, you risk getting your landlord into trouble, and then you could be fighting over a pool on two fronts. All of that can be avoided with one or two phone calls or emails. It’s worth the time.

Check with Your Landlord

Even if your neighborhood’s HOA allows inflatable pools, your landlord may still not want one on their property. If it’s placed in the grass, it could damage the lawn. And if your deck isn’t properly reinforced, an inflatable pool could be too heavy for it, and could damage the deck, not to mention, possibly cause injury.

In addition, your landlord’s homeowner’s insurance may have clauses about pools on the property, and violating them could cause your landlord’s premiums to go up, or could cause them to lose their insurance altogether.

If something you do on your landlord’s property costs them money, they may require you to cover those costs. Or, they may invoke the termination clause in your lease. Over an inflatable pool? No, not directly. Over them having to pay money and deal with the hassles of an insurance company that doesn’t want to insure a property with additional risks.

Ask before you buy and put up any kind of pool, including an inflatable one. You’ll be protecting your relationship with your landlord, which is especially important if you plan to live there for a while.

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01/28/2023 05:13 am GMT

Prepare a Space

The biggest question you’ll have about getting an inflatable pool (after size, shape, and cost) will be where to put it.

Patio

The advantage to putting the pool on your back patio—if it’s large enough—is that it’s a level surface. At least, it should be. This means you won’t have to worry about water spilling out, or the pool gradually dipping into a soft spot in the lawn.

The disadvantage is that the patio is made of concrete. Hard concrete. That’s not the most comfortable surface to be on when you’re trying to splash around, or even just sit in the cool water. Not only that, but you also run the risk of damaging the bottom of the pool on the hard, scratchy concrete.

A regular plastic tarp will be enough to protect the pool from damage, but it won’t provide any cushioning. For that, look for a pool liner pad.

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01/27/2023 05:49 pm GMT

Deck

You may be able to put your inflatable pool on your deck. Maybe. This would be better for smaller pools, but even then, the most important consideration is whether the deck can withstand the weight of all that water.

Important: We’re not engineers, so we’re going to recommend that before you put an inflatable pool on your deck, you consult with an engineer. They’ll either tell you not to do it because it’s too dangerous, or they may be able to reinforce the deck for you, if that’s what you want to do. But it’s imperative that you seek advice from a professional. We can’t stress that enough.

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01/28/2023 04:19 am GMT

Yard

The patio is best for being a level surface. But putting your inflatable pool out in the yard means the sun will warm up the water a little, making it more comfortable than it would be sitting in the shade all day.

The trick is to find a level spot. Or, if your yard doesn’t have one, you can create one with a few tools like a shovel and a 2 x 4 to level the ground.

The easiest option, though, is to build a small sand-filled spot for the pool.

• Create a walled-in area on the ground with bricks, landscape edging, or anything that will keep sand in place.
• Fill it with sand; the type used for sand boxes is best.
• Level it with a 2 x 4 or other instrument to create a flat surface.
• Place a tarp over the sand to prevent it from scratching and damaging the bottom of the pool.
• Place the pool on the tarp and inflate it.
• Fill the pool with water.
• Enjoy!

The other benefit of sand over grass is it’s softer, and you won’t have to worry about any sticks or other debris damaging the bottom of the pool.

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Make sure you’re taking care of your inflatable pool so it lasts more than just one summer. Our fully illustrated Pool Care Handbook and Video Course can help!

Get an Air Pump

Look, working out is great, and you want to keep your lungs healthy, but trying to blow up inflatable pools manually isn’t the best idea. You’ll pass out before it’s even risen a few inches off the ground. Get an air pump instead.

You could get one of those kinds you pump with your foot, but again, that’s an awful lot of work. Why do that when you could just get an electric air pump that will do all the heavy breathing for you? Just don’t use it to make obscene phone calls. We can’t condone that.

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Keep the Water Clean

Just because it’s not as permanent a pool as an inground or above ground type, don’t think you don’t have to take care of the water.

If your round inflatable pool measures 2 feet high by 12 feet in diameter, it holds roughly 1,700 gallons of water. You’re not going to be emptying and refilling it once a week. That’s a lot of work, not to mention quite a bump on your water bill. So if you want to use the pool all summer, you’ll need to use a sanitizer and keep the water balanced.

Use a pool calculator to figure out how much water your pool holds. Then use that information for the pool chemistry to make sure you use enough sanitizer, and that other levels such as alkalinity and pH stay balanced as well.

You’ll also want to keep a leaf skimmer on hand to scoop out leaves, twigs, bugs, and any other small debris that falls into the water.

What about dirt that accumulates on the bottom of the pool? No problem. Get a handheld vacuum that’s made to be gentle on vinyl surfaces.

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Inflatable Pools Are Blowing Up!

So what if you don’t have a big inground or above ground pool like the neighbors? You also won’t be spending as much money as they do to maintain those bigger pools, and you’ll be just as cool. Maybe even cooler.

Happy Swimming!

The post The Inflatable Pool: Just as Much Fun for Less Money appeared first on Swim University®.

Wouldn’t it be nice to have a cool, clear pool to jump into? To float around in, relax, and escape Ra’s brutal wrath? Of course it would! But what if you don’t have an inground pool? Or a backhoe? That’s where above ground pools come in! So you don’t have to settle for competing with the kids for sprinkler time.

Above Ground Pools Make Summer Better

Let’s be honest. Inground pools are wonderful, but they’re expensive to install. If you buy a house without one, you could be looking at tens of thousands of dollars to have one built in your back yard. It may not be a priority if you need to do other things with your house like replace the siding, or renovate the interior. But that doesn’t mean you have to spend your summer in the sweltering heat.

Above ground pools give you the best of both worlds—cool water to swim and splash around in at a fraction of the cost of installing an inground pool.

Tip: If you rent a home without an inground pool, an above ground pool could bring a lot of fun and summer relief to your family too. Just remember to talk to your landlord before you put one up. No, it’s not digging a big hole in the ground, but it will kill the grass underneath it, and could be too heavy for some patios. There may also be liability insurance concerns for the landlord—and for you.

Once you decide it’s a good solution for you, how do you choose the best above ground pool? What do you look for when making that purchase? They’re not as expensive as inground pools, but they’re not cheap like little plastic kiddie pools, either. You want to know what you’ll be getting for your money before you spend it.

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01/27/2023 07:55 pm GMT

Above Ground Pool Types

Knowing what your pool is made of will help you care for it properly so it lasts longer. You’ll also need to choose one that suits the space where you want to place it.

Resin Frame

Stronger and easier to care for than many other plastics, resin is used to make everything from patio furniture to jewelry, and hundreds of other products we use every day.

Resin is a more expensive construction material, but it’s used to make frames for the best above ground pools because it:

• is resistant to oxidation, which makes it resistant to rust and corrosion;
• tolerates heat and moisture well, both of which can be damaging to other, weaker materials;
• will last longer than many other materials that are exposed to the elements;
• stands up to minor damage like dents, and resists warping in the hot sun; and
• remains cool to the touch, even in the sun.

Steel Frame

Before resin came along, steel was the frame material of choice for above ground pools. Though resin does have some advantages over it, steel is still used for many pools because it:

• is lightweight;
• can be installed on a deck because it’s lightweight;
• can be easily bent into numerous shapes; and
• is less expensive than resin.

Hybrid

Want the best features of both resin and steel? Then you want a hybrid above ground pool, which combines the two materials to:

• be resistant to water and heat;
• have the strong support steel provides;
• be resistant to corrosion and rust; and
• be resistant to discoloration and chipping.

Radiant

Have a little more money to spend, but still don’t want the large expense of installing an inground pool? The radiant type will be the best above ground pool for you.

Sometimes called a semi-inground pool, a radiant pool can be partially installed into a slope or hill. This gives it the illusion of being an inground pool while still offering the benefits of an above ground pool, such as affordability and ease of installation.

Radiant pools can even look more like inground pools because they’re available in shapes other than round or oval. This allows them to conform even more to the space they occupy, and look like a more natural part of the landscape.

If you’re a true DIYer, you may even be able to install a radiant pool yourself. They come in kits with all the parts and hardware you need. If you’re not comfortable with the idea of installing a pool into a hillside, though, you may want to seek the help of a pro.

Intex

Probably one of the best-known brands for above ground pools, Intex goes the extra mile by making more than just Intex pools.

The company offers filters, pumps, maintenance tools, and all kinds of accessories to go with their pools. And Intex pool setup is easy, though it’ll be a lot easier if you have a friend to help.

Wondering how to take care of your brand-new above ground pool? Find all the tips and tricks in our handy Pool Care Handbook and Video Course!

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Above Ground Pool Features

Before you decide on your pool’s features, you’ll need to determine who’ll be using it. Do you have children? Maybe the grandkids visit often? How old are they? And just as important, how tall are they?

If you’re getting an above ground pool primarily for the kids to use, the pool’s height is going to be one of the most important factors to take into account. Small children will be safer in a pool with lower walls

Important: Do not ever leave a child unattended in a pool, regardless of the pool’s size or wall height. Children can drown in very small amounts of water—even just a few inches—especially if they fall, hit their head and are rendered unconscious. Two in ten people who die each day from drowning are children 14 or younger. To prevent tragedy, consider installing safety measures such as a fence and a pool alarm.

Once you’ve determined who’ll be using the pool the most, you can consider that when choosing other features.

Size

Another major influence on this feature is going to be the size of your yard. You don’t want the pool to take up every square inch of space, especially if the kids or your dog need room to run around. It’ll also make it difficult to get around the pool for cleaning and maintenance.

If your neighborhood has a homeowners association, they may also have rules about how large an above ground pool in your yard can be. And some cities may also have ordinances about it.

Check with those organizations before you buy your pool. The last thing you want is to have the pool installed, filled with water, and ready to use, and then have to take it all down again, not to mention, pay a fine.

Shape

Most standard above ground pools are either round or oval. Some brands, such as Intex, also offer square and rectangular pools. And remember those radiant pools come in all kinds of shapes to look more like inground pools.

Depth

How deep your above ground pool is will depend on how high the walls are. Pool wall heights range from 42 inches high to 54 inches high.

Of course, pools with higher walls will hold more water. This is important to know, not just for safety, but also because it will affect the amount of pool chemicals you’ll need to use to keep the water clean and balanced. Not to mention, it will just take more water to fill it, which will also contribute to the overall expense of the pool.

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01/27/2023 07:44 pm GMT

Above Ground Pool Liners

The outer frame isn’t enough to hold the water in your pool. It would slowly seep out between the frame’s joints, and you’d end up with quite a mess in your yard. You’ll need a liner to keep the water in.

But an above ground pool liner does much more than that. It also protects the pool frame from being in constant contact with chemical-laden water, which can contribute to discoloration and corrosion, including rust, if you have a steel frame.

Tip: When you put your above ground pool together, make sure to get all the wrinkles out of the liner around the bottom of the pool. Once the pool is full of water, it’ll be impossible to manipulate and adjust the liner floor, and wrinkled or puckered vinyl is very uncomfortable to walk on.

You can choose from four types of liners for above ground pools:

• J-Hook: The top of this liner is thick and curved like a J, and hooks over the top of the wall, hence its name. It’s also called a universal or unibead liner.
• Beaded: Thick vinyl beads on the liner snap into a track along the pool’s top rail.
• Overlap: This liner gets its name from the way it overlaps the top edge of the pool, and is then secured with coping strips.
• Expandable: As the name suggests, this type of liner can be expanded to custom depths or lengths in order to fit your pool, regardless of its shape and size.

Above Ground Pool Equipment

While they’re similar to inground pools in a lot of ways, above ground pools also require slightly different care and some different equipment. This is especially important because of the soft vinyl liners they use, and the fact that there’s no permanent plumbing installed.

Heater

Rather than trying to install a heater into the very short distance between the filter and the return jet, you’ll find it much easier to heat your above ground pool with a solar pool heater.

Pump

Why would you need a different pump for an above ground pool? Because they’re smaller than inground pools, and don’t require as powerful a pump. You’ll find that the best above ground pool pumps run on 1 to 1.5 horsepower, while some inground pumps offer up to 3 horsepower.

Filter

Your above ground pool’s volume is much smaller than most inground pools, so you’ll need a smaller filter. There’s no sense in paying more money for a filter that’s too large for your pool.

The key to choosing the right filter is to know how much water your pool holds, which you can easily figure out with a pool calculator.

Above Ground Pool Accessories

Again, due to their different size and the fact that they’re not installed into the ground and surrounded by concrete, some of the pool accessories you use will need to be specific to above ground pools.

Ladder

While inground pools will only have ladders inside the pool, if you don’t have a deck around your above ground pool, you’ll need a ladder on the outside of it as well.

Trying to climb over the wall would not only be difficult, it could be dangerous. At best, you’d pull the wall down, and release several thousand gallons of water into your yard. At worst, you’d pull the pool down on top of yourself, and possibly be injured. Always use an above ground pool ladder to enter and exit your pool.

Important: Make sure any children who use your above ground pool know not to try to climb up the outside of it. They could be seriously injured if the wall gives way, or simply by falling to the ground. We reiterate the importance of never leaving a child unattended around any type of pool.

Heavy Duty Steel Above Ground Pool Ladder - 36 in.

$135.98

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01/27/2023 06:19 pm GMT

Ladder Mat

Vinyl liners can be expensive, not to mention a hassle to replace since you’ll have to completely empty the pool. Then you’ll have to refill it and balance the water, which means a higher water bill, and more chemical expense.

Placing the in-pool ladder directly onto the liner can cause additional wear on the liner, or could even damage it. The solution is an above ground pool ladder mat. It provides a barrier between the ladder and the liner, and keeps the ladder from slipping while in use.

Protective Pool Ladder Mat

$12.89

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01/28/2023 07:08 am GMT

Fence

As hard as you try to keep an eye on your kids, it’s difficult to do that every single moment. Turn your back for just a few seconds, and your toddler could be out the back door, and running straight for the pool. And that’s just a tragedy waiting to happen.

Add a level of security by putting an above ground pool fence up. Be sure it has a locking gate, and make it even more secure by putting a pool alarm on the gate that sounds if it’s opened when it should be closed.

In some cities, you may be required to have a fence around your pool as well. Be sure to check with your local government to ensure you’re in compliance.

PoolGuard Outdoor Pool Gate Alarm

Made for any gate, outside door, or screen, this alarm protects access to your pool. The alarm automatically resets and is always on, preventing anyone from accidentally leaving your gate open for children or pets to wander to your pool.

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Cleaning Supplies

The vinyl liner in an above ground pool is much more vulnerable to damage than the one in an inground pool. You’ll need to use cleaning equipment made specifically to keep that damage from happening.

Automatic Cleaner

While it takes the drudgery out of pool cleaning for you, an above ground pool automatic cleaner is also gentle on the liner and walls of the pool.

Our Top Pick

Dolphin E10 Automatic Robotic Pool Cleaner for Above Grounds

$599.00

Designed for above ground swimming pools up to 30 feet. It takes less than 2 hours to clean your pool with built-in water filtering and scrubbing.

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01/28/2023 03:02 am GMT

Handheld Vacuum

Use too powerful a pool vacuum on an above ground pool liner, and you risk damaging it, possibly beyond repair. You also don’t need to use the long telescopic pole you’d use for an inground pool. You’ll find a handheld vacuum will be just the right size for your shallower pool.

Here’s our guide on how to vacuum an above ground pool manually.

Get Ready to Beat the Heat!

Stop spending your time peeking over the neighbor’s fence, staring longingly at their inground pool. It’ll just make you sad. It also makes you creepy. Get an above ground pool instead, and then enjoy a nice, cool swim in your own back yard anytime you like.

Happy Swimming!

The post Above Ground Pools: How to Choose the Best appeared first on Swim University®.

So when you open up your new Intex pool, and you see how many parts you have to put together, you may be tempted to just go back to the plastic kiddie pool. All those little parts! You need tools! You have to read instructions! You just want to get to the fun!

We hear you. Take a deep breath and relax. Intex pool setup may seem intimidating, but it’s not as difficult as you think it is.

Stock up on Supplies

Intex pools require a lot of the same maintenance as more permanent pools. So before summer is in full swing, you’ll want to stock up on some basic pool care supplies.

You’ll need:

• telescoping pole
• skimmer net
• pool vacuum
• nylon-bristle pool brush
• extra pool hoses
• test strips or a water testing kit
• chlorine
• shock
• any other pool chemicals you need to maintain water chemistry

Important: Be sure you wear protective gear like goggles, gloves, long-sleeved shirts, and closed-toe shoes when working with chemicals. Safety first!

Inventory the Pool Parts

Before you start assembling your pool, you’ll also want to make sure all of your Intex pool parts and pieces are there in the box and in good condition. This is especially important for Intex metal frame pool setup. One missing bar or strategically placed screw could bring the whole thing crashing down once you fill it with water.

Lay all the parts out on your lawn or patio. Compare them to the user manual that comes with every pool to make sure you have everything you’ll need to put your pool together.

If you’re missing anything, you can contact the manufacturer to see whether they’ll send you replacements, or you may be able to find replacements online. Either way, don’t start putting the pool together until you have every single part you need.

Find a Completely Level Surface

Nothing will ruin your pool setup like putting it on uneven ground. Your Intex pool—just like any above ground pool—must be on a flat, solid, level, and stable surface. If the ground is uneven, the water can shift to one side. This can put too much stress on the pool frame and possibly lead to collapse.

If you’re setting the pool up on your lawn, you can use a weed trimmer to cut the grass down to the dirt and even out the dirt. Be sure to clear the space of rocks and any other sharp objects such as twigs.

Run a leveling board, or even just a 2 x 4, over the surface to level it. Then use a level to make sure the ground is flat. The surface shouldn’t vary by more than 1 to 2 inches.

Then put down a ground cloth or a tarp so the pool doesn’t sit directly on the dirt. This will inhibit grass and weed growth, and help prevent damage to the liner.

Heavy-Duty Pool Tarp

$54.88

The unparalleled quality of the thick material is enhanced to be more protective. It can be used as a tarp under your pool or even as a pool cover during winter months to prevent water, mud, and dirt from filling your pool.

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01/27/2023 07:35 pm GMT

To make things even easier, you can also set your pool up on a concrete patio. You’ll still want to use a ground cloth or tarp, though.

Whatever you do, don’t even think about setting up your pool on sand. It can shift and cause the pool to lean to one side, which will put stress on the frame. The pool’s legs can also sink into the sand.

How to Set up an Intex Pool

Now that you’ve got the space all cleared and prepared, you can proceed to the actual Intex pool setup.

Get Help Moving the Pool Liner

The last thing you want is a hole in your pool before you even get it set up, and dragging the liner around by yourself is just asking for a big ol’ tear in it.

Instead of having to immediately order a new liner and put all your pool fun on hold, get a friend to help you move and unfold it. Be sure the two filter connection holes are facing toward where you’ll be setting up the filter pump and connecting to an outlet.

Frustrated by adding chemicals and trying to keep your pool clear all the time?

We cut out all the confusion of pool maintenance in this easy-to-read illustrated ebook and video course. It'll help you save $100 right away on pool care!

Click Here to Learn More

Build the Frame

Intex pool setup is kind of like building IKEA furniture: You can do it by yourself, but it’s a lot easier if you have help. And there’s less chance of you throwing a hex key across the yard. So hopefully your friend will stick around to help you speed up the frame-building process.

Start by slipping the horizontal beams or poles into the sleeves of your pool liner, and connecting the first pole to a T joint.

Continue going all the way around the pool, making sure the T joints aren’t resting on your liner. The last T joint is usually the hardest to connect. That’s where a friendly extra pair of hands comes in, uh, handy.

Finally, add the vertical support legs. Make sure every leg is inserted into the rope or liner with a leg cap.

Set up the Filter Pump

Intex pool pumps are a filter and pump in one, which makes maintenance a little easier. It’s also easy to set up.

1. Place the filter pump on a level surface, at least two feet away from the hose connection on the pool wall.
2. Place the nozzle union in the upper hose connection. This connection is located on the filter portion of the filter pump.
3. Place the strainer union into the lower hose connection. This connection is located on the left side of the filter pump.
4. Connect the hose by attaching one end to the lower connection, and the other end to the upper connection.
5. Use two hose clamps to secure the hose to both the pool and the filter pump; tighten with a screwdriver (usually a flat head).

Next, you’ll want to test the filter pump, but you have to fill the pool first.

Adjust the Pool Liner and Frame

Once your pool is full of water, you won’t be able to move or adjust it. Before you break out the hose, take a few minutes to smooth out the liner, especially on the bottom where swimmers will put their feet. Those liner wrinkles will be uncomfortable, maybe even a little painful, to walk on.

Next, tighten the support beams. Pull the bottoms of the side supports away from the liner, and make sure the pool’s top beams are level.

Note: It’s OK if the walls and frame structure lean inward. As the pool fills with water, the sides will slowly move outward and be supported.

Fill the Pool

Depending on pool size, hose size, and water pressure, filling your pool can be an all-day activity.

Never leave a pool completely unattended while it’s filling up. Keep an eye on it, especially at the beginning, to make sure the water surface is level and there aren’t any major leaks.

Once the water reaches the fill line, turn it off. Overfilling the pool can put too much stress on the frame, and possibly cause it to collapse.

Our Top Pick

Hose Filter with Flexible Hose Protector

Fill your pool or hot tub with this hose filter that'll filter your water so you can have a fresh start with water chemistry.

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Test and Run the Filter Pump

If the pool is filled properly, the water line should be about two inches above the upper hose connection to ensure water enters the filtration system.

Plug the pool pump into an electrical outlet, and allow the system to run. Check to make sure water is entering the hose, running through the filter pump, and returning to the pool.

If it is, your Intex pool setup has been a success! Add chemicals, balance the water, and then get ready for some fun in the sun!

Do You Feel Like an Intex Pro?

Well, you should! You just cleared a level space, built a pool, and got a filtration system working, all in a matter of a few hours. Your kids and grandkids will look back on this as the day you saved them from unbearable summer heat, and bestowed upon them a cool, refreshing, new way of life.

OK, maybe that’s taking it a little far. But knowing how to set up an Intex pool has to have at least earned you a little quiet time. That’ll come in handy, because after all that work, you’ll probably need a nap. But once you wake up, you’ll be able to enjoy a nice dip in your new Intex pool.

Happy Swimming!

The post Stress-Free Intex Pool Setup appeared first on Swim University®.

We are, of course! In all seriousness, we’ve researched it to try to answer the question of perfect pool temperature once and for all. Short version? There’s not just one answer. How warm or cool you keep your pool, and how you do it, depends on several factors. It’s just a matter of knowing which of those factors apply to you so you can make the best choice.

Why is Pool Temperature Important?

Have you ever jumped into a nice, cool swimming pool on a super-hot day? It’s either refreshing or a nightmarish shock to your system. Or maybe you got into your pool and felt like you were taking a warm bath on a hot day. That’s no fun either.

In general, the most common pool temperature for a residential pool used for leisure is between 78°F and 82°F (26°C and 28°C).

But it’s important to know that some temperatures can be dangerous for certain at-risk groups of people, and can make your pool vulnerable to contaminants. And other temperatures are conducive to more athletic activities.

It all depends on who uses your pool, and for what purposes.

Leisure, Lessons, and Lots of Fun

If your pool is a gathering place for the whole family and lots of friends during the summer, you’ll need to take swimmers’ ages into account.

And is everyone just floating around for fun? Or are a few people using your pool for fitness or other efforts? It all makes a difference.

Kids and Swimming Lessons

The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends swimming lessons for kids starting at the age of four. and the Red Cross recommends a pool temperature of at least 84°F (29°C) to conduct swim lessons for children.

This is to keep their bodies comfortable in a new environment, to keep their muscles warm and loose, and to prevent any breathing difficulties that can arise from too-cold water.

While you may not be offering formal swimming lessons in your pool, if you’re trying to teach a young child to swim, consider raising the pool temperature, at least while this activity is taking place.

Important: Teaching a child to swim does not prevent drowning. When you have kids in or near the pool area, make sure they’re supervised at all times. Consider taking precautions to prevent tragedy, and perhaps investing in a couple of types of pool alarms for added safety.

Motion Sensor Pool Alarm

$128.77

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01/27/2023 08:49 pm GMT

Senior Health and Safety

As we age, our bodies become less tolerant of drastic temperature changes, and more vulnerable to both heat and cold. This is particularly true in swimming pools where too-cold or too-warm water can not only be uncomfortable for seniors, but detrimental to their health.

When the seniors in your life are going to use your pool for leisure, consider raising the temperature to somewhere between 86°F and 88°F (30°C and 31°C).

Water exercises can be particularly helpful for those with arthritis. The water’s buoyancy means less stress on joints, and little risk of falling while exercising.

If anyone with arthritis—senior or not—will be using your pool, they’ll be most comfortable in temperatures between 84°F and 88°F (29°C and 31°C). If they have limited function due to arthritis, they’ll do better in even higher temperatures, somewhere between 86°F and 90°F (30°C and 32°C).

Health and Fitness Benefits

You don’t have to be a senior to use the pool for fitness. Swimming is excellent full-body exercise, and has several benefits:

• cardiovascular health
• low back pain relief
• lower blood pressure
• mood improvement, especially during winter
• longer life
• increased lung capacity

For swimming and water aerobics, the recommended temperature is the standard range of 78°F to 82°F (26°C to 28°C). So you can get a lot of health benefits without having to adjust the temperature much at all.

Before You Start Adjusting and Readjusting Pool Temperature

If you normally keep your pool around 78°F (26°C), it can put a bit of strain on your pool heater (and your energy bill) to bring the water up to 90°F (32°C), or even just 84°F (29°C) to accommodate a child, a senior guest, or someone with arthritis.

If such a guest is only going to use your pool occasionally, heating it up to the appropriate temperature isn’t really cost-effective. It will also wreak havoc with your water chemistry.

If someone in your household is older, if anyone is living with arthritis, or you have senior guests on a regular basis, you may want to consider getting a hot tub instead of raising and lowering your pool temperature.

Hot tub temperature will always be somewhere between 98.6°F (37°C) and the maximum safe temperature, 104°F (40°C). It also offers that same buoyancy for low-impact exercise, though it may need to be performed sitting down rather than standing. But sitting in a nice, warm, bubbly hot tub isn’t really a sacrifice, is it?

Controlled Pool Temperature Benefits

In addition to protecting swimmers, keeping your pool temperature steady and within the right range can also protect the pool itself.

Algae and Bacteria Control

You’re constantly battling pool water contaminants, and for the most part, you keep them under control with chlorine or another sanitizer, and with filtration. But let the pool temperature get too high, and you’re practically laying out the welcome mat for algae and bacteria.

When your pool water heats up to around the 85°F (29°C) mark, bacteria and algae get nice and comfy, and start reproducing at exponential rates. Keeping your pool below that mark won’t get rid of algae and bacteria completely, but will make it more difficult for them to bloom and grow and become a problem.

If you do raise the heat in your pool to accommodate guests, shock it more often to keep algae, bacteria, and other contaminants at bay. If that’s not a concern, then try to cool the pool down to prevent an algae bloom.

Balanced Water

With that warmer water in your pool making it easier for algae and bacteria to gain a foothold, the chlorine or other sanitizer in your pool is going to have to work much harder to kill them. This means the sanitizer will become depleted more quickly, and your pool chemistry will be out of whack.

It also means you’ll have to add sanitizer more often, so a bonus to keeping your pool temperature within a good range is that you’ll save money on chemicals.

Our Top Pick

3-Inch Stabilized Chlorine Tablets

Stock up and save money on chlorine tablets for the season by getting the standard 3-inch stabilized chlorine pucks.

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Keep Swimmers Comfortable

Aside from maintaining certain temperatures to keep at-risk swimmers safe, you want everyone who swims in your pool to be comfortable. Too cold or too warm, and no one’s going to enjoy it. And then what’s the point of having a pool?

Set your pool heater’s thermostat to a temperature between 78°F and 82°F (26°C and 28°C) to keep the majority of swimmers comfortable. Maybe a little cooler if you’re in an area with very hot summers, or a little warmer if you live in a milder climate.

Frustrated by adding chemicals and trying to keep your pool clear all the time?

We cut out all the confusion of pool maintenance in this easy-to-read illustrated ebook and video course. It'll help you save $100 right away on pool care!

Click Here to Learn More

How to Measure Pool Temperature

All pool heaters have built-in thermostats to let you set and maintain the pool temperature you decide on. But just like the thermostat in your home may not accurately display the temperature from the room farthest away from it, the heater thermostat may not be completely accurate, either.

To get an accurate pool temperature reading, supplement the thermostat with a pool thermometer. You have three types to choose from: analog, digital, and infrared. We recommend digital for accuracy and cost-effectiveness.

Analog thermometers can be difficult to read accurately, and infrared thermometers are a little on the expensive side for residential use. Unless you just like pointing what’s basically a laser gun at your pool while you shout, “Pew! Pew!” We won’t judge.

Swimline 9250 HydroTools Solar Powered Digital Pool and Spa Thermometer

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How to Control Pool Temperature

Knowing the perfect pool temperature is only half the battle. Now you need to know how to keep it steady.

Choose an Efficient Pool Heater

You have three options to heat your pool.

You can rely on the sun, but this is really winging it, and you’ll have no way to control the pool temperature. Plus, the water will usually be a lot cooler than may be comfortable in certain regions or at certain times of the year. However, getting a solar pool cover can help you take advantage of this free heat source. And we recommend using a solar cover even if you have a pool heater to help retain heat.

A gas pool heater can be a good, economical option if you have natural gas available. If not, you can choose a heat pump.

Finally, you can still use the sun, but in a much more focused and efficient way with a solar pool heater. If you have the space on your roof, it’s definitely worth looking into.

Take a thorough look at all your options before making a decision.

Our Top Pick

Hayward HeatPro Titanium Heat Pump

$4,699.00

A super quiet acoustic compressor cover and profiled fan blade which is also efficient performance. And the titanium heat exchanger is designed for maximum heat transfer, efficiency, and reliability.

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01/27/2023 09:27 pm GMT

Get a Pool Heater With a Digital Thermostat

Any heater will have a thermostat, but the ones with digital thermostats are more accurate and easier to use. And the thermostats controlled by microprocessors are even more reliable, albeit more expensive. But you’ll make up for it in energy bill savings.

Save Money and Energy

Heating a pool is an expense along with pool chemicals and other maintenance tools and equipment. While you want to keep your pool temperature on an even keel, and keep your pool comfortable for everyone, you also don’t want to run up your energy bills.

A few heating tips will help keep things comfortable in the pool and in your bank account.

Turn the Temperature Down

If you don’t have to worry about maintaining a higher temperature for kids or seniors, consider dropping the pool temperature by a degree or two. That’s really all it takes to save money:

The energy consumption for each degree rise in temperature will cost 10% to 30% more in energy costs, depending on your location. In warmer climates, this percentage is higher because of the relatively low cost of heating a pool at 78ºF. – Energy.gov

Turn the Pool Heater Off

Going on vacation? There’s no need to keep your pool heated while you’re gone. Turn the thermostat down, or better yet, off to save both money and energy.

But won’t it take more money and energy to get the pool temperature back up when you return? It will take some energy and money, but not nearly as much as it would take to keep the pool heater running while you’re not even using the pool.

Use a Solar Pool Cover During the Day

Yet one more way to harness the power of the sun. If you’re going to be out of the pool for a while, float a solar pool cover or a solar blanket on it to both heat the water and retain that heat, depending on the type of cover you use.

If you feel a total-pool cover is too cumbersome to use frequently, consider getting a solar cover reel to make things easier. Or try using solar rings instead. Easy to deploy, easy to pick up and put away.

Solar Rings For Pool Heating

$221.94

Solar rings are perfect for quick pool heating during the hottest months. They're easy to take on and off your pool and help reduce water evaporation and chemical use.

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01/27/2023 03:35 pm GMT

Use a Pool Cover at Night

Both your pool heater and the sun warm up the water during the day. Hold onto some of that heat by covering your pool at night. The cover will trap some of the heat, and when you remove it in the morning, your heater won’t have to work as hard to get it up to the set pool temperature.

If you’d rather not completely cover the pool when you’re just going to use it the next day, put a solar blanket on the water. It won’t keep as much heat in as a regular cover would, but it will keep some.

Our Pick

Clear Solar Blanket for Inground and Above Ground Pools (14-Mil)

$136.77

This solar blanket will increase the water temperature by about 15 degrees and prevent up to 95% of pool water and chemical evaporation. This reduction of evaporation is environmentally friendly, save you time, and money. Comes with a 6-year manufacturer warranty.

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01/27/2023 08:38 pm GMT

Maintain Your Pool Heater

After you’ve spent all that money on an efficient pool heater, it would be a shame to let it fall into disrepair. Just like all your other pool equipment, it needs regular maintenance. Keep it running well, and it’ll last a lot longer, which will save you the money of having to replace it too soon.

Above Ground Pool Temperature

You may be wondering how to set and maintain the pool temperature if you have an above ground pool. It’s very complicated. Are you ready?

There’s no difference.

All the same tips and tactics you’d use for an inground pool also apply to above ground pools. Get a good above ground pool heater, keep it in good condition, use a pool cover, and you’ll be fine.

EcoSmart Electric Tankless Pool Heater with Self Modulating Technology - 27kW, 240 Volt, 112.5 Amps

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Not Too Hot, Not Too Cold, Juuuust Right

Only you can determine the perfect pool temperature for you. Whether you have kids and seniors using the pool, or it’s just a source of fun and relaxation, once you’ve decided on your goal temperature, it’s just a matter of maintaining it.

Just remember to keep health and safety concerns in mind, and then everyone will be able to enjoy fun in the sun right in your own back yard pool.

Happy Swimming!

The post What is The Perfect Pool Temperature? appeared first on Swim University®.

The solution? A pool umbrella. It may be more expensive than a tree, but there’s no work to plant it, and you don’t have to wait years for it to grow and actually provide that shade you’re looking for. Made to be in the pool or right next to it, with or without lights and speakers, you can find one that fits your style and your pool.

Why Get a Pool Umbrella?

As if you don’t already have enough pool accessories, right? That may be true. But unlike some accessories that are just fun, this one’s also functional and offers several tangible benefits.

While some umbrellas are built specifically for pool use, you can always place a large patio umbrella near the pool’s edge and get the same benefits. But you got a pool to swim in the sun, right? So why would you bother with a pool umbrella? Well, for a few reasons.

Avoid Sunburn and Skin Damage

You already know a sunburn is painful and that sun damage can cause everything from leathery wrinkles to skin cancer. Even if you’re diligent about slathering on a good amount of water resistant sunscreen, that only lasts so long, and you can still get burned. This is especially true if you have sensitive skin.

Putting a pool umbrella either in the water or on the deck next to the pool edge can give you a spot to rest and give your skin a break from the harsh sun. It’ll also be just a little cooler under there.

Banana Boat Ultra Sport Sunscreen SPF 50+ - 12 oz.

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Protect Kids From Sunburn

When your toddler is just learning how to swim, having a shady spot to splash around in will let them enjoy the pool while protecting their delicate skin from the sun. Don’t forget the sunscreen for them too, though.

Give Seniors a Shady Spot to Exercise

Seniors like to spend time in the pool just like anyone, and maybe even do some exercise in it because it’s easier on their joints.

But standing in the hot sunlight for half an hour doing water aerobics isn’t any fun. A pool umbrella can provide a shady area where the seniors in your life can have fun and stay fit without worrying about heat stroke.

Give Your Pool-Loving Dog Some Shade

Yes, your dog is covered with fur, which protects her from sunburn—except on her snout. The hair on a dog’s snout is extremely thin—more like fuzz, really—and there’s no hair on her nose at all. Without protection, she can get sunburned quite easily.

Granted, she probably won’t want to just stay under the umbrella, so double up on protection by applying a sunscreen for dogs, specifically for her nose and snout.

Important: Even when it’s labeled “all natural,” always check with your vet before applying any kind of product to your dog’s skin. Better to check first than inadvertently apply something harmful and have a sick dog and vet bills to take care of.

Handy Hound SnoutScreen All Natural Nose Balm and Sunscreen - 2 oz.

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Spend More Time in the Pool

If you have kids, you know it practically takes a crowbar to get them out of the pool. You don’t want to leave them unattended, but you also don’t want to get a sunburn.

Put up a pool umbrella, and you can stay out with them a little longer and be more comfortable while they get all pruny.

To take advantage of these benefits, it’s just a matter of finding the right pool umbrella for your needs and your setup.

Frustrated by adding chemicals and trying to keep your pool clear all the time?

We cut out all the confusion of pool maintenance in this easy-to-read illustrated ebook and video course. It'll help you save $100 right away on pool care!

Click Here to Learn More

4 Best Pool Umbrellas

If you’ve seen one pool umbrella, you’ve seen ’em all, right? Not so fast, sparky! We found a few with some cool features to help keep you, uh, cool.

1. Purple Leaf Double Top Offset Square Patio Umbrella

This 10-foot square pool umbrella offers multiple height and angle options to block the sun from any direction. Its high-quality polyester fabric is UV resistant, waterproof, and won’t fade from sun exposure. The fabric is also easy to clean.

The heavy-duty aluminum ribs and steel frame are sprayed with an anti-oxidation coating for longevity. A storage cover and base are included, but you’ll need to get base weights separately to keep it from blowing over on a windy day.

Double Top Offset Square Patio Umbrella - 10 ft.

$569.00

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01/27/2023 07:02 pm GMT

2. Le Papillon Double-Sided Aluminum Patio Umbrella

Planning a party? Cover an even larger portion of your pool with this 15-foot umbrella. It’s easy to operate with a crank lift, and features not one or two, but three wind vents at the top. They increase air flow for added comfort, but the vents also reduce wind pressure to keep the pool umbrella more stable. The polyester fabric is durable and easy to clean.

Be sure to pick up the matching base so the umbrella won’t fly away like its namesake. The base is made from heavy-duty, weather-resistant plastic, and can be filled with water or sand for added stability.

Le Papillon Double-Sided Aluminum Patio Umbrella - 15 ft.

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3. KINGYES Offset Cantilever Umbrella

Thanks to its offset cantilever design, you can set this umbrella near the edge of your pool, and enjoy its full 10 feet of shade. The fabric is heavy-duty, waterproof, fade resistant polyester made to block UV rays.

The crank makes it open to easy and lift, and the 360-degree rotation makes opening and closing this pool umbrella easy. The frame is constructed from heavy-duty, powder-coated steel to protect against rust, corrosion, chipping, and peeling. Note that you’ll need to weigh the base down to keep it stable in windy conditions.

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4. Ainfox Solar Patio Umbrella with LED Lights

Just when you thought all these pool umbrellas were pretty much the same, there’s this one with built-in LED lights! A total of 32, to be exact—4 lights on each of the 8 ribs. They’re dimmable to you can turn them up for an evening card game in the pool, or lower them for a cozy, romantic evening in the water.

Not only that, the lights are solar powered, providing light for 6 to 7 hours. You’ll find the small, round charging panel at the very top of the umbrella, where it’s unobtrusive yet effective. Made from high-quality, waterproof, fade-resistant polyester, the 9-foot umbrella is made to last.

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4 Best Pool Umbrella Accessories

Even if the pool umbrella you choose doesn’t come with any neat accessories like drink holders and lights, don’t despair. You can get those separately, and create a custom mini-sanctuary under your umbrella, ella, ella, eh, eh, eh.

5. Best Choice Products Square Umbrella Base

Does the pool umbrella you want to get not come with its own base? No problem. This base’s sturdy 4-plate design is built to keep most offset umbrellas secure. Each plate features an easy-to-fill spout, and can hold 13 liters of water or 44 pounds of sand to help keep the umbrella upright when it’s windy.

This base is made from heavy-duty, weather-resistant plastic, so it’s durable and easy to clean. It doesn’t require any assembly other than filling the plates. Remember to double check all the measurements to make sure it’ll fit your umbrella stand.

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6. DC America Stone Umbrella Base

Love the look of metal but not the possibility of rust? Here’s the answer. This umbrella base is made from cast stone, but has a bronze finish, so it’ll be just as sturdy as metal, but without the rust worry.

This 18-inch base comes with plastic inserts that will allow for a 1- or 1.5-inch pole, and without the inserts, it’ll hold a 2-inch pole. Be sure to measure your pool umbrella first to make sure it will fit.

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7. OYOCO Patio Umbrella with Cordless LED Lights

If your pool umbrella didn’t come with lights pre-installed, you can add them yourself, no wiring necessary! This umbrella attachment features 28 lights total—24 bright, and 4 super-bright. By simply pressing a button, you choose whether you have 4, 24, or all 28 lights on depending on your mood or activity.

No tools are required to install this accessory. It attached to your umbrella pole with an adjustable clamp that will fit poles from 0.86 inch to 1.81 inches. You can’t get much more specific than that. The light attachment requires 4 AA batteries, and comes with a 1-year warranty.

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8. MYARD Umbrella Tray

Isn’t it a pain to have to get out of the pool and run to the patio every time you want a sip of a cool drink? Well, stop doing that! Instead, get this multi-function pool umbrella tray to hold your drink, snacks, sunglasses, phone, whatever you need to keep nearby when you’re hanging out in the pool.

It’s made from weather-resistant, anti-UV plastic for durability and longevity. The tray measures 15 inches in diameter, will fit umbrella poles up to 1.5 inches in diameter, and holds up to five pounds. All you have to do is slide it onto your umbrella pole to whatever height you wish, attach the included adapter, and tighten the included plastic screw to keep it in place. It comes with a 1-year manufacturer warranty.

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Cover Up, Buttercup!

Stop waiting for that tiny palm tree you planted to sprout up overnight. Get instant shade with a pool umbrella, and then add an accessory or two to really get the most out of your now-cooler pool time.

Happy Swimming!

The post 8 Best Pool Umbrellas and Accessories appeared first on Swim University®.

Maybe you’re thinking pretty isn’t practical. It doesn’t matter what the area around the pool looks like, as long as the pool is clean and swimmable, right? If that’s your stance, you may want to reconsider because pool landscaping can conserve water, reduce chemical use, and save you money, among other benefits.

Pool Landscaping Benefits

Before you run out to the nursery and pick out a bunch of plants, think about what you want to accomplish with your pool landscaping.

Privacy

Nosy neighbors? Want to be able to skinny dip in the middle of the day? Hey, we’re not judging. Whatever the reason, it’s nice to have a little privacy around your pool. You can get it with shrubs, hedges, small trees, tall flowering plants, or vines.

Less Debris in the Pool

The less often you have to skim and vacuum the pool, the more time you can spend swimming in it.

If you choose plants that lose their flowers often, give off a lot of pollen, or lose all their leaves in the winter, you’re going to have more clean-up to do. And if you think cleaning up leaves is a hassle, just wait until you have pollen in your pool.

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Reduced Evaporation

Replacing water and chemicals lost due to evaporation is a part of regular pool maintenance. Pool water evaporates no matter what you do. You can’t stop it, but you can reduce it.

Wind accelerates evaporation. By placing plants, shrubs, or other barriers around your pool, you can reduce the amount of wind that skims across the surface of your pool, thereby slowing the rate of evaporation. You’ll save water, chemicals, and money.

Low Maintenance

Let’s just establish right now that rose bushes probably aren’t the best option for your pool landscaping. Not that they aren’t beautiful, and they do smell wonderful. But roses are high maintenance flowers, and without constant care, they can quickly look unkempt and, well, ugly.

Keep maintenance requirements low by choosing plants that:

• Are native: They’ll require little, if any, fertilizer, will withstand the local weather, prevent erosion, and their root systems improve water quality.
• Will grow in your USDA hardiness zone: Plants meant to thrive in warm climates won’t do well too far north.
• Don’t attract bees and wasps: You don’t want to spend time combating angry wasps while you’re just trying to enjoy a swim. We highly recommend using plants that support pollinators, just not in the immediate area of your pool.

Increased Resale Value

If you don’t plan to live in your home for the rest of your life, well-executed pool landscaping may add some value to your home. And if not actual value, then at least visual appeal, which can go a long way to making a sale.

Check with your real estate agent to see whether buyers are looking for any particular trends in backyard pools and landscapes, and try to incorporate them if you can.

Beauty

Well, of course. You want your home to look nice, and that extends to your back yard and pool area, right? Sometimes, pools are surrounded by nothing more than a few feet of concrete, and then grass. That can make any pool look barren and desolate.

Putting some effort into pool landscaping can turn a concrete wasteland into a gorgeous back yard paradise. And if you have a large concrete deck that prevents you from bringing that landscaping inward, you can always use planters and colorful containers to bring the beauty a little closer to the pool.

OK, so you’ve identified your pool landscaping goals. Now come the fun parts!

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01/27/2023 06:08 pm GMT

Choose a Pool Landscaping Theme

This is completely optional, and depends on your preferences. But if you do decide to create a theme with your pool landscaping, you can go with tropical, desert, jungle, Mediterranean, or whatever appeals to you.

The theme you choose will inform the plants and other garden materials you use. For example, a desert theme will have lots of cacti and succulents and maybe landscaping rocks instead of mulch around them.

Take a look around online to get your creative juices flowing.

• Pool Landscaping on Pinterest
• Pool Landscaping Photo Gallery on Southern Living
• Pool Landscaping Photo Gallery on LandscapingNetwork.com

Design Before You Start

You don’t want to choose a bunch of plants and flowers just because they look nice, then plant them all next to each other. You may find the ones you plants in front are taller than the ones planted in the rear, and one plant spreads out so far, it crowds out everything around it. You need a plan.

This can be as easy as grabbing some graph paper and colored pencils, and drawing a landscape design. Or you can use an online garden planner.

To build a solid plan, you’ll need to do a couple of other things as well.

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Take Measurements

How much space do you have to work with? This is essential information before you start choosing plants.

Choose the Right Plants

Aside from their being native and low maintenance, you also need to know how tall and how far outward they’ll grow. This will allow you to structure the landscaping so you get benefit from all the plants, and get to enjoy their beauty without obstruction.

Important: Avoid plants designated invasive. This means it’s a pest plant, growing aggressively and overtaking or even killing the plants around it. It will also mean a lot of work for you to keep it under control.

Pool Landscaping Supplies

Depending on the specific choices you make, and whether you have an inground or above ground pool, you may not need all of these supplies.

• graph paper
• colored pencils
• digging shovel
• square garden spade (for edging)
• steel rake
• garden tools (trowel, transplanter, and cultivator)
• garden hose
• spray nozzle
• garden gloves
• landscape edging
• mulch
• landscape fabric
• pea gravel or other stones, if desired
• flower seeds
• live plants
• landscape lights
• sweat-proof sunscreen
• closed-toe shoes

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Inground Pool Landscaping

Whether you have a large yard or just one strip of grass next to your pool, you can add colors, beauty, and pragmatism to your pool area.

Prepare the Area

Start by cleaning the area around your pool. Remove all plant pots, debris, trash, metal, and anything else that doesn’t belong there. Check for any rocks in the soil and remove them.

Pull all the weeds from the area where you’re going to plant. It’s best to do this after a good rain because the weeds will come up more easily. If it hasn’t rained in a while, you can soak the ground the night before. Remember, you want to pull out the entire root, or the weed will just grow back.

Prepare the Plants

If you bought live plants, remove them from their pots, and gently massage the roots to loosen them up. Also remove any dead leaves or flowers from the plants.

Now you’re ready to really start rockin’ it! Except not really, because you removed all the rocks. But you know what we mean.

Hedges

Either close to the pool or in front of your fences, hedges can be a foundation for your pool landscaping. Thicker varieties will offer lots of privacy, and may even become home to birds, butterflies, and other flying friends.

If you live in a warmer climate and swim year-round, consider evergreen hedges so you won’t lose that privacy in the winter. Just be aware that you may need to prune them regularly to keep them looking neat.

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Trees

Small trees may do the job depending on the type you choose, how leafy they are, how high your fence is, and how much higher your neighbors’ houses are than yours.

If you have the space for them, consider planting one or two large trees for shade, privacy, and cleaner air. Again, evergreens are a good choice due to their fullness and year-round aesthetic. But if you choose deciduous trees (those that lose their leaves in winter), don’t plant them too close to the pool, or you’ll be skimming leaves out like it’s your job.

Plants

Hedges and trees too much trouble? Don’t have the space for them? Stick with plants! They come in all shapes and sizes, and in green, red, purple, yellow, and every shade in between. You can also choose plants with variegated leaves for visual interest.

Flowering Plants

They’d probably be a lot of work around the entire perimeter, but tall flowering plants might work on one or two sides of your pool. They also wouldn’t be as solid as shrubs, or as full as trees, so they wouldn’t provide as much privacy.

Still, if this is your preference, consider a variety such as giant sunflowers to get the most height.

Note: Remember that many flowers attract bees and wasps, so choose carefully.

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Vines

This may not be feasible around the entire pool either, but you could put trellises up on one or two sides, and train some type of vine to climb them. If you don’t have privacy fencing, you can also allow vines to climb your fence as well.

Most vines grow pretty quickly, but it may still take a while to achieve the level of privacy you’re looking for. Also, some types of vines can be invasive, so choose your plants carefully.

If you want to go super low maintenance and have immediate privacy, you could cover trellises with artificial ivy. Or maybe just until the real stuff gets growing.

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Lighting

After all this work, you want to be able to see your pool landscaping at night! Having lights around your pool is also just a good idea for safety. Nice, warm lighting can also create a cozy ambience.

For energy efficiency and to keep your electric bill low, choose solar landscape lights. They’ll charge during the day, and then brighten up your pool area from dusk ’til dawn.

Inground Pool Landscaping Alternative

If you’d rather not do all this work to install pool landscaping, or you don’t want to add garden maintenance to your already full schedule, consider putting up a pool enclosure.

Depending on the type, you may not get the privacy, but you’ll definitely see less debris, reduced evaporation, and less maintenance. And they can be pretty, too.

Above Ground Pool Landscaping

If you already have a full above ground pool deck, you can add color and greenery to the pool area with containers.

But if you have a partial or no deck at all, you may want to improve the space around the pool.

All of the inground pool landscaping suggestions also apply to above ground pools. But you have a few additional above ground pool landscaping options.

Ground Cover

The ground surrounding your above ground pool can become saturated and muddy, especially if the kids like to splash around a lot.

The pool chemicals may not be so friendly to sod, either, and things can start to look mucky. Not only that, but that mud and muck will get tracked into the pool if you’re not careful.

Ground cover to the rescue! Some varieties of ground cover are hardier than grass, and can stand up to a lot more water and traffic. Clover is one good choice, and so is frog fruit. Yes, you read that correctly. You might want to plant frog fruit just so you can say you have frog fruit in your yard. It’s fun to say!

Mulch

It’s not just for gardens. Laying mulch around your above ground pool can also help keep the mud at bay, and make the area look neat and tidy.

Another option is rubber mulch. From a distance, it looks like regular mulch, and it discourages weeds, the same way regular mulch does.

But rubber mulch doesn’t attract insects, and it’s touted as a safer surface. In fact, it’s often used to cover playground areas. If you have kids climbing in and out of your above ground pool, rubber mulch may offer a little peace of mind as well as aesthetic appeal.

Note: We’re talking about using rubber mulch specifically around the base of your above ground pool. We don’t recommend it for gardens and flower beds because it doesn’t break down and add nutrients to the soil.

Important: Some rubber mulch is made from shredded tires, and concerns have been raised about whether this is healthy material to use in gardens and on playgrounds. Do your due diligence and research it before you buy it so you can make an informed decision.

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01/28/2023 04:34 am GMT

Gravel or Landscape Rocks

It keeps the mud at bay, it doesn’t attract insects, and it’s definitely not a health hazard. Gravel doesn’t do much to prevent weeds, though, but that’s what landscape fabric is for.

Laying gravel or landscape rocks around the bottom of your pool can create a beautiful perimeter that requires no maintenance other than picking up the occasional stray pebble.

Some types of rock are more expensive than others. While you can find it at home improvement stores, you may get a better deal at a landscape supply company.

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01/27/2023 09:59 pm GMT

Consider Xeriscaping

If you’re not familiar with this term, it’s likely you don’t live in an area that experiences drought and water restrictions. Xeriscape (the X is pronounced like a Z) means dry landscape, but don’t let the name fool you.

We’re not talking about turning your pool area into a dry, dusty desert with no plant life at all. You could leave the ground bare if you wanted to, but many xeriscapes use gravel or landscape rocks both to keep the dust under control, and to add color and brightness.

And while a xeriscape does often include cacti and succulents, you can also add green and flowering plants that simply don’t need much water to thrive. There’s no reason you couldn’t do this with your pool landscaping.

You’d also get a few extra benefits.

Water Conservation

Landscape rocks and plants that don’t need a lot of water means you won’t have to turn the sprinklers on for hours to soak them. Just be aware that some of the plants you use may need some water.

Water Utility Rebates and Coupons

Some cities offer rebates to residents who create xeriscapes. They may even offer coupons for you to buy some of the supplies to help you get started with xeriscaping. Check with your local water utility.

The Lowest of Low Maintenance

If you decide to go all out with your xeriscaping and completely replace your water-hogging lawn with gravel or landscape rocks, guess what? You’ll save a lot of water, sure, but even better—no more mowing!

You may still have to pull the random weed here and there, but that can be remediated by putting landscape fabric under the surface.

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Get Growing!

Are you ready to get your hands dirty? Then roll up those sleeves and get to it! Before long, your nosy neighbors will be complimenting you on your gorgeous pool area.

One last thing. Don’t start anything until you’ve taken a “before” picture. Then take lots of “after” photos when you’re done. You’ll marvel at the difference smart pool landscaping can make!

Happy Landscaping!

The post Pool Landscaping: Pretty and Practical appeared first on Swim University®.

But before you go out and buy a ton of lumber, you’ll need to take a few things into consideration. If you’re going to take on a project like this, you want to do it right from the get-go.

Benefits of Above Ground Pool Decks

Is a deck a necessary component of your swimming pool? Of course not. You can enjoy your pool just fine without a deck around it. But you may not have considered all the advantages to an above ground pool deck.

Getting in and Out is Easier

Right now, you’re probably relying on a ladder to enter and exit your pool. Nothing wrong with that. They work well. But they may also make it a little more difficult for smaller kids and seniors to get in and out of the pool.

There’s the ladder on the outside of the pool, then they have to go down a second ladder inside the pool. This can be taxing. It’s much easier to step directly from a deck onto the in-pool ladder.

Bonus Benefit: Your family and friends can sit down on the deck and dangle their feet in the water if they just want to cool off without swimming.

Your Yard Will Look Nicer

A nice wood deck can just be a beautiful addition to any back yard. Aside from the deck’s appearance, though, it can keep your actual yard looking better.

Between splashout and weather, if you haven’t installed hardy above ground pool landscaping, there’s nothing to keep the ground around your pool from quickly becoming a major muddy mess. Then swimmers have to step into that area before they climb the ladder to get into the pool, which means they could be bringing dirt and mud into the pool with them. Yuck.

Above ground pool decks do away with this problem. There’s no need to step on the ground at all before getting into the pool, which helps keep the water clean.

And you don’t have to build a raised deck to see this benefit, either. You could surround your pool with ground-level decking, which can both save your yard and look beautiful.

Bonus Benefit: This also means your sanitizer doesn’t have to work as hard, and can last longer, saving you time and money.

You Can Create Built-In Seating

If you’re going to spend the time and money to build your own above ground pool deck, why not buy a few extra pieces of lumber to create seating too?

It doesn’t even have to be fancy. Simple benches will work, and you can even add a table or two if you like. Cover the hardwood with patio cushions and you can add both comfort and color to your deck.

Bonus Benefit: Good quality patio furniture can be expensive. Spend a little more on your deck, what you would’ve spent on furniture can go to some other backyard amenity like a gas grill or a patio umbrella.

Above Ground Pool Deck Materials

The first thing that pops into your head when you think of an outdoor deck is probably wood. But did you know you have another option?

Wood

This is the most common material used to build decks, and the types of wood most often used are cedar, redwood, and pressure-treated wood. They’re strong, cost-effective, and you can stain or paint them any color you like.

Wood does have some drawbacks, though. Over time, the stain will fade under ultraviolet (UV) light exposure. And if you don’t take good care of a wood deck, it will eventually start to become weak, warp, and rot.

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Another problem is, when wood stays damp, it can grow mold, which can also weaken it while also making it look terrible. You can try mold inhibitor, but sealing it is a much better preventive measure.

Finally, just one word: splinters.

Still, as long as you take the time and put in the effort to care for it, a wood above ground pool deck can last you for decades.

Composite

Like wood, but better, for a few reasons. Composite, as its name suggests, is made of a blend of recycled wood. Some brands add recycled plastic for more strength and durability. This preserves trees, makes the composite strong, and helps it last longer than regular wood.

Composite resists fading, splintering, and mold. It may also come prestained and oiled so you don’t have to do the work of staining or waterproofing it. And it has a wood-grain pattern so you get the beauty of wood without the maintenance.

Prices will vary from brand to brand, so do your homework to find the most affordable and cost-effective option for you and your pool.

Caring for Above Ground Pool Decks

An outdoor deck needs protection from the elements. But a deck around a pool filled with chemical-laden water needs even more.

Seal Your Deck

If you build your own wood deck, and if you decide to stain it, you’ll need to seal it. Being constantly bombarded with water, whether from the pool or the sky, your beautiful stained deck is going to look gray and ashy in no time. Use a high-quality sealant to keep the beauty in and the water out.

Some sealants also include UV protection to offer even more protection against the sun’s rays. Check

Also remember that sealant doesn’t last forever. While it’s doing its job of protecting your above ground pool deck, it’s taking a beating, and will eventually start to wear out. How often you need to reseal your deck will depend on the weather where you are, and how much wear and tear your deck sees. Keep an eye on its condition so you can reseal it before the wood suffers too much exposure.

Use Paint Made for the Outdoors

This one seems like a no-brainer, right? Until you buy a house and find out the previous owner painted the entire interior with matte outdoor paint. So apparently, some people need to know that there’s indoor paint, and there’s outdoor paint.

If you decide to paint your deck rather than leave the wood natural or stain it, be sure to choose an outdoor paint. It’s made to stand up to harsh sunlight and rain beating down on it and not crack or flake at the first sign of winter. It will also seal the wood, meaning you don’t have to put a sealant over the paint.

Keep it Clean

What? Why should you have to clean a deck that’s constantly being splashed by chlorinated water?

Because it’s constantly being splashed by chlorinated water. The sanitizer and other chemicals in your pool water will take a toll on your above ground pool deck, whether it’s made of wood or composite. Plus, there’s just dirt and pollen flying around, dead bugs, grass, and the inevitable spills that will happen when you have friends over for a cookout.

Sealant will help wood stand up to all of those things, but keeping it clean will help the sealant last longer. Sometimes, just hosing off the deck will be enough to combat dirt and stray bits of grass. If you have a tougher dirt dilemmas, follow the sealant’s instructions for cleaning to make sure you don’t damage the surface of your deck.

Also in the plus column for composite, it can be easier to clean than wood. For most dirt and spills, all it takes is spraying it down with a garden hose. For more stubborn dirt or grease, you can use a power washer (no greater than 3,100 psi), then give it a gentle scrub with a soft-bristled brush.

All Hands on Deck!

What are you waiting for? A mud pit to form around your pool so you can wrassle? That’s just asking for trouble. Start planning your above ground pool deck now. There’s never a bad time to beautify your yard, and make your pool area safer and more sanitary.

Happy Swimming!

The post The Complete Guide to Above Ground Pool Decks appeared first on Swim University®.

When’s the last time you took a moment to think about the measures you’re taking—or maybe not taking yet—to keep your family and friends safe around your pool? If it’s been a while, there’s no time like right now to amp up your pool safety.

What Does Pool Safety Mean?

It’s actually a lot of things. It encompasses everything from the equipment you use to keep the pool area free of accidents, to how everyone—including you—behaves in and around your pool.

Every day in the United States, about ten people drown, and two of them are children aged 14 and younger.

Drowning is the worst-case scenario. In an area that’s often wet, it’s also easy for people to slip and fall, possibly hitting their head or even breaking a bone on the hard pool deck. Common causes of drowning and injuries include lack of barriers, lack of supervision, and alcohol use.

Important: A major misconception about drowning is that you’ll be able to hear someone thrash around or yell for help if they’re going under. In reality, drowning is usually silent, and you may not know someone is in trouble until it’s too late.

To prevent accidents from happening, we recommend taking precautions to help ensure the safety of anyone who may be in or around your pool.

Supervision

This is the number one way to prevent accidents and injuries. We can’t stress enough how important it is to pay attention at all times when people are around your pool. It can be tough to have your eyes on multiple children at once, especially if you’re entertaining guests.

Remind all the adults to be aware of the children in or around the water. Also, in party situations, keep an eye on any intoxicated adults who could fall in or forget to be vigilant about supervising their own children.

If young children or weak swimmers are in the pool, be sure there is a competent adult within arm’s reach of the child at all times. This is commonly called “reach supervision.”

Learn to Swim

Make sure your family’s swimming skills are up to snuff by taking a class. Solid swimming skills are a must, but don’t assume you can let your guard down once your kids take lessons. Even big kids shouldn’t swim alone.

The jury is still out on whether early childhood swimming lessons or “swim survival” classes aimed at infants and toddlers necessarily prevent drowning, but research suggests they reduce the chance. But reach supervision is still recommended for little ones, even if they’ve taken classes.

You can never be too careful with the lives of your children, or any children, or anyone who sets foot in or near your pool.

Until they build up their swimming skills, smaller kids can benefit from a little help in the pool. Consider getting them a pair of arm floaties. Some of them even have an extra inflatable part that goes across the chest for added buoyancy.

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01/27/2023 09:05 pm GMT

Learn Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR)

No one wants to believe that the worst imaginable outcome could happen in their own pool, so it’s easy to think you’ll probably never need to know CPR. But if an accident does occur, you certainly won’t have time to learn CPR in the moment.

We highly recommend you and your family members take the time to learn as soon as possible. The Red Cross even offers online-only CPR courses. The online course doesn’t give you certification, but it still teaches you the skills you need to save a life.

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Establish Ground (and Water) Rules

Every play area needs to have a few rules to keep it safe. For example, kids need to understand why it’s dangerous to run around on the pool deck. And that dunking their friends isn’t funny or safe. And that not all toys are meant for use in the pool.

Be sure that anyone who uses your pool is aware of your rules, and know that everyone will need reminders from time to time, especially kids who will easily forget once they start splashing around and having a good time.

Sigo Signs Rust Free Aluminum Pool Rules Sign - 10 in. x14 in.

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Pool Safety Equipment

In addition to knowledge and behavior, having the right equipment can help you make your pool area even safer.

Fences

Physical barriers around the pool area can stop a child from even getting far enough to set off a surface or subsurface pool alarm. A pool fence usually features a walk-through gate only adults or taller children can reach. And an above ground pool fence is an added level of security around the pool itself.

A fence can help keep people from falling into the pool accidentally, and keep small children from quietly wandering into the pool unnoticed. They can also help keep critters out of the pool.

Life Saver Mesh Pool Fence Kit - 48 ft. - Self-Closing Gate - Drill Guide

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Gate Alarms

Installing a fence is only a half measure. Kids can figure out how to open gates, and still find their way into the pool area without your knowledge.

The solution is a gate alarm, which will sound when the connection between the fence and the gate is broken. It’s an invaluable tool in your quest for pool safety.

PoolGuard Outdoor Pool Gate Alarm

Made for any gate, outside door, or screen, this alarm protects access to your pool. The alarm automatically resets and is always on, preventing anyone from accidentally leaving your gate open for children or pets to wander to your pool.

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Door Alarms

You can take safety a step further by installing a door alarm on the door that leads to the back yard or pool area. Most models contain a contact sensor, which means the alarm sounds as soon as contact is broken, meaning as soon as the door is opened. The goal is to give you time to reach your child before they reach the pool.

iSmartAlarm Contact Sensor

This alarm is perfect for doors and windows around your pool enclosure. The wireless system allows you to monitor your security system directly from your smartphone.

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Pool Alarms

If, by some chance, a child makes it past the back door and past the pool fence, a last line of defense is a pool alarm. This type of alarm is partially submerged in the pool, and will sound when a certain level of movement in the water is detected, such as a child falling in.

Some models also come with a receiver you can keep in your home to further guarantee you hear the alarm when it goes off. These types of alarms are available for both above ground and inground pools.

Our Top Pick

PoolGuard In-Ground Pool Alarm

Installed at the edge of your pool, this battery-powered alarm is tamper-proof and simple to operate. It's equipped with an in-house remote receiver to help alert you both at the pool and in your home.

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Safety Covers

If you want a barrier for when no one needs access to the pool, consider a pool safety cover. No person or animal can slip into your pool when a safety cover is properly installed.

Blue Wave Rectangular Inground Pool Safety Cover - 16 ft. x 32 ft. - 4 ft. x 8 ft. Center Step

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Float Lines

This is a good piece of safety equipment to keep in the pool even when it’s being used. You can stretch the line across the water from side to side, and the floats will keep it on the surface.

If anyone starts to have trouble staying afloat, they can hold onto the line, which will keep them above water until help arrives until help arrives. Consider two or even three lines, for the shallow and deep ends, and the middle of the pool, if children or seniors will be swimming.

Pentair Safety Float Line with 9 Floats for 25-Foot Pool

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Life Preserver

If someone starts to have trouble keeping their head above water, you can toss a life preserver to help them stay afloat until you reach them. It’s much easier to assist someone who is floating on the surface than it is to pull someone from under the water to the surface.

Trying to save someone who is already under water also puts you in danger because if the person panics, they may pull you down with them. The life preserver gives them something to hold onto and can help keep them calmer while you help them.

Cal June USCG Approved Ring Buoy - 24 in.

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Pool Safety Hook

Like a life preserver, this piece of pool safety equipment gives the struggling person something to hold onto to keep from going under. To avoid falling in yourself, lie down on the deck and extend the hook to the person in trouble. Once they grab hold of the hook, slowly pull them toward the side of the pool.

A pool hook is also useful for gently pulling small animals from the water when they need help escaping the pool.

Swimline Safety Hook for Pools

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Critter Escape Ramp

Aside from just wanting to help small animals escape the pool when they fall in, it’s no fun to retrieve dead frogs, mice, squirrels or other unfortunate animals from your pool. And smaller creatures can actually be pulled into the filtration system, causing a blockage and potentially damaging equipment.

Help them find their way out by placing two or three escape ramps around the perimeter of your pool. They won’t drown, and you can feel good about helping animals in need whether you’re near the pool or not.

Swimline FrogLog Critter Saving Escape Ramp

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First Aid Kit

Not all pool accidents happen in the pool. Kids can get involved in playing and forget they’re not supposed to run on the pool deck. One slip in a puddle or a stray patch of algae, and down they go.

Keep a first aid kit on hand that contains disinfectant and bandages for those bumps and scrapes, as well as other minor medical emergency supplies.

A poolside kit should also contain a first aid blanket for anyone retrieved from the water after nearly drowning, as they will likely be in shock.

Note: We don’t recommend allowing anyone with a bleeding would back in the pool. Sure, your sanitizer may neutralize it the way it does other organic contaminants. But it’s best not to tax your sanitizer any more than necessary. Plus, no one wants to swim in water with someone’s blood floating around in it. Ew.

Waterproof First Aid Kit - 228 Pieces

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01/27/2023 08:53 pm GMT

Virginia Graeme Baker Pool and Spa Safety Act

In June 2002, seven-year-old Virginia Graeme Baker drowned in a hot tub when the drain’s suction trapped her under the water. As a result, in 2007, Congress passed a law that called for a national pool safety campaign, which is called Pool Safely.

This law created new safety standards for public pools and spas, plus a state grant program to encourage state safety laws for residential pools.

Since the act was signed into law, a few states have created laws pertaining to residential pool safety, such as required use of pool alarms, but some only apply to new builds or remodels. Check with your local code enforcement for up-to-date regulations to ensure you’re in compliance.

Safety Rules!

It’s a well-worn cliche, but it really is better to be safe than sorry. Taking steps toward pool safety will allow you and everyone else who uses your pool to do so with less worry and fear. And that will just make it more enjoyable for everyone.

Happy Swimming!

The post Essential Rules and Tools for Pool Safety appeared first on Swim University®.

You don’t need to leave your backyard for a trip down a pool slide. Like a good diving board, a high-quality slide can be the perfect add-on to your inground pool. All you have to do is find the right fit for your pool, deck, and back yard, and your sense of adventure.

Can You Even Own a Pool Slide?

Sure, we’re all kings and queens of our own castles. But we also have outside forces like local ordinances and homeowners’ associations to worry about.

For example, your city or state may require you to have a fenced-in yard if you install a residential slide. Your homeowners’ association may also have regulations on the height of the slide, if you’re allowed to own one at all.

Before you invest in a pool slide, check with your homeowners’ association and your local and state governments. Many regulations apply only to public swimming pools, but it’s better to ask for permission now than fight a fine later.

Tip: Pay particularly close attention to your city or county rules. They can be more strict or specific than statewide regulations.

CPSC Compliance is a Must

No, this isn’t another legal hoop you have to jump through. CPSC stands for Consumer Protection Safety Commision, a government agency dedicated to protecting consumers by creating safety guidelines for the products we use every day. CPSC compliance means a particular slide meets those government guidelines.

Slides taller than 7.5 feet, for instance, must have a slip-resistant platform at least a foot wide between the ladder and the slide to be CPSC compliant. Slides with steeper ladders may require handrails to help stabilize and protect swimmers. These lengthy rules also include quality control tests for the slide.

CPSC compliance is a good indicator of quality and safety for your family, not to mention everyone else who uses your pool. And since a crippling injury can be a huge damper on summer fun, we definitely recommend looking for compliance first when hunting for the perfect pool slide.

S.R. Smith 610-209-5813 Rogue2 Pool Slide - Right Curve

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Know How Much Space You Actually Need

Before you run out and spend any money on a pool slide, you need to make sure it’ll actually fit next to your pool. This will require going back to basic algebra just for a second. We promise, it won’t take long.

Can Your Pool Deck Handle It?

Remember a² + b² = c², or the Pythagorean Theorem? The longer the slide is, the longer at least one of the edges of the designated space will need to be. It doesn’t apply as neatly to curved or corkscrew slides, but—for structural and safety reasons—they still take up a significant amount of space on your deck.

Slides rely on a concrete deck for stability, so a small deck probably won’t cut it if you want a bigger slide. Most manufacturers will specify the space you need for a particular model, which can range from a 5 ft. x 5 ft. square to a 15 ft. x 13 ft. rectangle. So always check the deck requirements before setting your heart on a slide.

Unless you’re willing to add an extension to your deck, what you have now is really going to dictate the type of slide you can accommodate.

While we don’t have standard types of slides, they fall into three general shapes: straight, curved, or corkscrew. For space considerations, the type isn’t as important as the actual height of the slide. Think back to the Pythagorean Theorem: If you have a longer ride, you’re going to need more space.

Is Your Pool Deep Enough?

Another consideration is your pool’s depth. Your state may have specific recommendations for homeowners and requirements for public facilities, but a good rule of thumb is the taller the slide, the deeper your water needs to be.

Regardless of how tall your slide is, though, you want to install your slide at the deep end of your pool. This will help ensure the safety of everyone who uses it.

Generally, you need to have at least three feet of water directly under the mouth of the slide, which is also known as the flume. Your slide manufacturer will have more specific depth requirements once you select a slide, or you can ask a local pool professional to help you make a final decision.

Slide Materials: What You Need to Know

If you’re on a budget, it may be tempting to buy a secondhand pool slide. Just remember older slides may be made of less durable materials than the ones used today. Investing in a new slide can save you from repairs (and possible injuries) later.

When searching for this addition to your pool, consider a new slide made from one of two materials.

Polyethylene

Most slides manufactured today are made of polyethylene, which is an incredibly fancy way to say plastic. It’s actually the most common plastic you’ll encounter.

Polyethylene is used to make tons of commercial and noncommercial items from grocery bags to bulletproof vests. It’s highly durable to water and pool chemicals, plus it maintains its color and holds its shape despite intense and long-term sun exposure.

Fiberglass

Like polyethylene, fiberglass and fiberglass laminate are types of plastic. Essentially, this plastic is reinforced with glass fibers to increase strength and reduce corrosion.

Don’t let the inclusion of glass scare you—it’s not a hazard. Fiberglass is also durable and has low maintenance requirements.

Caring for Your Pool Slide

Remember, like any part of your pool, the slide needs care and maintenance too.

A Clean Slide is a Fun Slide

No one wants to try to glide down a dirty slide. Leaves, twigs, bugs, and other outdoor debris can fall onto your slide, making for a bumpy ride. Brush off debris with a broom or soft brush. Then use a simple, non-abrasive cleaner, a sponge or soft cloth, and a good rinse to remove grime and keep your slide spick-and-span.

Wipe Out 6012 All Purpose Surface Cleaner for Swimming Pools - 1 qt.

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Seal Those Cracks

If you notice cracks developing—they’re rare nowadays, but they happen—a simple epoxy repair kit can easily take care of them.

A+B 9904K White Rezolin Epoxy Putty Kit - 14 oz. - 2 Pack

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Diving Into Slide Plumbing

Have you ever tried to go down a dry pool slide in a wet bathing suit? It’s not the most comfortable feeling, to say the least. The slide works best when it’s slick with water, and you can zip right down with no friction burns.

So how are you going to keep the slide wet when it’s in use? You have two main options: using a garden hose or connecting permanent plumbing to use your pool water.

Frustrated by adding chemicals and trying to keep your pool clear all the time?

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From the Garden Hose

We don’t mean just laying your hose at the top of the slide and letting the water run down, though that would certainly work. We’re talking about spray kits that connect to your garden hose and then wet the slide via small nozzles you install on your slide.

We’re not going to say this is a lazy way to get your water slide up and running, because using water from a hose comes with a couple of maintenance drawbacks that will actually make more work for you.

You have both immediate and long-term concerns when using a hose as your water source.

Immediate: An overflowing pool is a problem and a half. Relying on a hose means you either have to limit the amount of time the slide is in use, drain some water from the pool, or turn the hose on and off for every ride. It’s a lot of work and a great way to run up your water bill.

Long-term: Adding and removing water can really mess up your pool chemistry. If you’re using a garden hose, you’ll need to check your chemical levels more often to make sure your pool doesn’t develop any algae or bacteria.

Also, if your area has higher concentrations of metals or calcium in the water, they can affect your water quality. You could use a hose filter to help stave off some of these effects, but you’ll still spend more time balancing your water chemistry overall.

Finally, it’s just wasteful. Running your hose for hours and hours over the course of the summer means gallons upon gallons of water being dumped when you drain it from your pool. Using a hose to wet down your pool slide is definitely not an environmentally friendly option.

Poolmaster 36631 Spray Kit for Pool Slide

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From the Pool

It takes a little bit of work to connect a water line from your pool to the slide, but it’ll pay off in lower pool chemical costs, less maintenance time, a lower water bill, and less water waste in the long run. Depending on the manufacturer, the parts you need to connect to your pool’s return line may be included with your slide.

With permanent plumbing, you don’t have to worry about overflow or chemical imbalance like you do with the garden hose. If you’re not adept at working on plumbing, though, it may be best to hire a pro to install it for you.

Pool Slides are for Closers

If you choose to install plumbing for your slide, then whether and how you close your pool for the season will be especially important. If you close, you’ll need to devise a game plan for closing your slide as well. That means draining and/or storing the plumbing before cold weather hits to prevent ice from damaging your equipment.

If you don’t go with permanent plumbing, closing your slide is mind-blowingly simple: just make sure it doesn’t collect too much standing water or snow. Standing water in the slide flume can mean a buildup of dirt and debris, as well as be a breeding ground for mosquitoes, if it’s not too cold out. Check the slide once or twice a week, keep it clear of any debris, and it should be fine till next summer.

Ease of Installation

You always have the option of installing a pool slide on your own. If you try to avoiding hiring extra help as much as possible, make sure you can at least understand the manufacturer’s installation instructions and that you own all the tools needed to get the job done before you choose a slide.

Most manufacturers will share downloadable versions of their owner/installation manuals on their websites. You may also be able to find those manuals through a search engine.

If you’re not comfortable installing a slide on your own, a local pro is the way to go. Before you make a final decision on your slide, make sure to ask if your contractor can or will install a slide you purchase.

What About Salt Water Pools?

You’ll find several slides available that are salt water pool friendly. Just remember that the salty environment can be corrosive to metal, so just choose a slide that is made completely from plastic or fiberglass, and has no exposed metal components.

Last Resort for Your Home Resort: Inflatable Slides

They might not come with the smooth adrenaline rush of a permanent pool slide, but inflatable pool slides can be a great alternative if you’re short on space. Plus, they’re a huge hit with young kids.

Inflatable slides are generally less expensive and require less deck space for safe use.

If you have your heart set on a slide but don’t have the space or the budget to get a permanent one now, an inflatable one may be your best option for slippery summer fun. Just remember they tend to be on the smaller side.

Inflatable Pool Slide - 2 Lanes - 9 ft.

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01/28/2023 07:06 am GMT

A Word of Caution About Inflatable Pool Slides

If you decide to go this route, that CPSC compliance will be all the more important. In the past, some inflatable slides have been defective, and would partially deflate while in use. This led to several serious injuries, and at least one death.

Everything in life comes with some risk. Just be sure to get an inflatable slide that meets safety standards, and always follow all the manufacturer’s instructions for safe use.

Slide Into More Exciting Pool Days

Once you know your state and local laws, the size of your deck, and your water depth, all you have to do is pick a slide the jibes with your pool vibe. And, of course, remember to double check the manufacturer’s recommendation for space and depth before you make your final decision.

When that’s done, there’s just the small matter of setting up, figuring out how to keep it wet, and then enjoying it. Once you have a pool slide installed, you’ll wonder how you ever got along without it.

Happy Swimming!

The post How to Choose the Perfect Inground Pool Slide appeared first on Swim University®.