07 Oct

Posted at 13:52h in General Interest by
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Pool Shade Ideas: 7 Ways to Cover Your Swimming Pool

From Shade FX

The thought that creating shade around a swimming pool is one that usually escapes most people.  Shade isn't the first thing that comes to one's mind when they envision their own inground swimming pool space.  Luckily, skilled designers are attuned to the crucial fact that creating shaded areas in the proper spots are every bit as important as the areas that receive sun.  This post from Shade FX presents 7 unique ways to provide a respite from UV rays and hot midday sun exposure.

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01 Oct

Posted at 13:30h in General Interest by
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Mystery Stains in Salt Generator Pools

From Aqua

One of the most popular trends in the swimming pool industry over the last two decades has been the proliferation of the saltwater swimming pool.  Never before in the history of the industry has a consumer-driven groundswell caused a demand for a product or service commensurate with salt water swimming pools, or chlorine generators.  Like many things in life that seem too good to be true, Salt water swimming pools can have some inherent issues that somewhat negate their promise of a maintenance free swimming experience.  This post from Aqua Magazine presents some frequently seen issues that happen with salt water chlorine generation, and explains what causes them.

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30 Sep

Posted at 13:57h in General Interest by
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Benefits of a Steam Room vs. a Sauna

From ehow

Many people don't realize that a Sauna is very different from a Steam Room.  This post from eHow discusses the differences between a Sauna and A Steam Room, and what makes the benefits associated with both entities different.  The main difference, as this article points out, are the types of heat that they provide, and whether the heat is dry or wet heat.  Either amenitiy would be a great addition to any type of indoor or outdoor swimming pool to warm up after a vigorous swim.

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29 Sep

Posted at 14:58h in General Interest by
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POOL MYTH BUSTERS!

From SwimmingPool.com

If you have ever used a swimming pool and had that familiar urge to go to the bathroom, you've probably heard the myth about a chemical that turns red, blue, or green when contacting urine.  You've also probably heard that swimming immediately after eating is a no-no.  Are these long-standing opinions surrounding swimming pools based on fact, or just wives tales that have been passed down through the generations to discourage certain behaviors?  This post from Swimmingpool.com addresses the most common myths and apocryphal stories surrounding the swimming pool, and tells you once and for all if the myths are based in fact.

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21 Sep

Posted at 15:09h in General Interest by
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Water Chemistry

From 1 Stop Pool Pros

It's easy to assume that a swimming pool is "set it and forget it", but that really is not the case.  Anyone familiar with swimming pool water chemistry understands that to achieve balanced, healthy water, one needs to understand the differing measurable components of the water saturation index.  The important levels of pH, Alkalinity, Hardness, Temperature and Free Available Chlorine are all integral to achieving a safe, sanitary swimming pool environment.  This post from 1 Stop Pool Pros gives a good primer on the different chemicals that are utilized to achieve balanced water in these important areas.

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16 Sep

Posted at 16:00h in General Interest by
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Backyard Parties: The Tiniest Party Guests

From Pools Spas & Patios

The Fall is a great time to utilize your outdoor living space to entertain.  Having a party for your small kids is even more fun, according to this post from Pools Spas & Patios.  Making the party fun and exciting for your smaller guests will give your backyard and home "cool" status, and will make your children want to spend more time around the house.  This post gives some great tips to make a kids party the best that it can be in your backyard.

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15 Sep

Posted at 14:35h in General Interest by
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Winterizing Your Outdoor Kitchen

From Houselogic

Unfortunately, its that time of year again:  There is a chill in the air, the days seem to be getting shorter, the leaves are falling, and winter is just a few short weeks away.  Looking outside at your swimming pool and outdoor kitchen brings you back memories of the wonderfully long, hot, summer days by the pool and in your outdoor living space.  Now that winter is almost here, it's time to start thinking about putting your outdoor space to bed for the colder days to come.  This post from Houselogic gives you the proper way to winterize your outdoor kitchen to ensure that when next summer comes, you will be ready to start up and go without significant damage to your outdoor kitchen.

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14 Sep

Posted at 14:42h in General Interest by
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Yuck! Most Kids Don't Shower Before Using Public Pools

From Live Science

RWI, or Recreational Water Illnesses, are one of the scariest and least understood of dangers that are lurking around inside swimming pools.  While most people find it a normal and appropriate act to take a shower after swimming, says this post from Live Science, a very small percentage of parents consider showering prior to swimming an appropriate act.  These parents consider it the responsibility of the swimming pool staff to ensure the safety of the pool.  This is a dangerous and misguided misconception, and must be rectified to prevent the spread of water-borne illnesses.

Here is an excerpt from the post:

11 Sep

Posted at 15:21h in General Interest by
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5 reasons swimming lessons are important for older kids and tweens

From Chicago Now

Do you know what the second leading cause of accidental death is for children under 14 in the United States?  According to this post from Chicago Now, it is drowning.  The saddest part about this statistic is that it is almost completely preventable with the advent of swimming lessons.  While learning to swim at any age is not a guarantee against drowning, it is a strong indicator that could nearly eliminate accidental deaths.  This post gives 5 additional sound reasons why learning to swim, regardless of age, is a great idea.

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08 Sep

Posted at 14:33h in General Interest by
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POOL WORKOUT: 10 WATER EXERCISES THAT TONE YOUR ABS, ARMS, LEGS, AND BACK

From Pool & Spa Outdoor 

As we age, it becomes harder and harder to stay in shape.  Not only do exercises and workouts become monotonous, the incidence of injury becomes more prevalent.  People that are desirous of staying fit are constantly looking for lower-impact workouts to work the heart and body while also avoiding the injuries commonly associated with exercise.  The swimming pool is a great way to get a vigorous workout, while eliminating the impact of running or more intense exercises.  This post from Pool & Spa Outdoor gives 10 exercises that one can do inside a swimming pool that will work one's entire lower body and eliminate the causes of injury.

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