Archive for the ‘Swimming Pool Safety’ Category

Pool Equipment and Safety Tools Reviewed

If you are a swimming pool owner or if you are interested in becoming one, it is important to familiarize yourself with pool safety tools and equipment pieces.  Although law may not require these items, they are always recommended. 

One of the most important pieces of pool safety equipment that you could ever invest in is that of a pool fence.  Laws for pools that contain more than 24 inches of water often require pool fences.  Even when law does not require a pool fence, one should be installed.  They are considered a must for inground pools.  When a pool safety fence is properly used, the risk of drowning related accidents significantly decrease.

Before buying a pool fence, you are urged to review your local and state laws.  With that said, all pool fences should be at least four feet high, come with a self-closing gate, and latch.  You should have freedom when choosing which style fence you want.  Wrought iron, mesh, wood, and chain-linked fences are popular.

In keeping with pool safety fences, it is a wise idea to examine gate alarms.  These are alarms that will attach to the gate of your fence.  When the alarm is activated and the gate opens, the alarm should sound.  If you have children in your home who are not allowed to swim unsupervised, but do know how to open the gate, an alarm should be considered a must have.

Pool safety covers are another pool safety tool that you may want to use.  However, know that there is a difference between traditional pool covers, such as solar covers, and safety covers.  Safety covers should not be walked or played on, but they are designed to withstand the weight of an adult. 

Pool alarms are a pool safety tool that is still relatively unheard of.  With that in mind, the level of protection that they provide should be screamed from the rooftops.  All pool owners should have a pool alarm installed.  Of course, nothing is as safe as a constant supervision and pool fences, but pool alarms aren’t far behind.  When activated, pool alarms will sound when they notice a disturbance in the water.  Since many fatalities occur when no one is supposed to be swimming, pool alarms can help to save lives.

Although not as highly regarded as pool safety covers, pool fences, and alarms, pool safety hooks are always a good idea to have on hand.  These hooks are also commonly marketed and sold as Shepard’s hooks.  In the event of an emergency, they can be used as a lifesaving device.  Adults are able to use the hook to grab the swimsuit or clothing of a swimmer in trouble and pull them to the surface and then the side of the pool.  Despite the recommendation, know that nothing is better than a strong adult swimmer who can provide aid and assistance.

As you can see, a number of safety tools and equipment pieces can be used to keep your pool fun and safe this summer.  In fact, there are other items available for sale as well. You may want to just start shopping and see what you find available.  As an important reminder, all of the pool safety tools in the world cannot and should not replace the watchful eye of an adult.

Tuesday, August 12th, 2008

The Pool Cleaning Duty of the Home Pool Owner

If you own a swimming pool, YOU must assume the task of keeping your pool clean and safe for yourself and anyone who swims in it. Or, you can hire a professional to take care of this rather mundane task.

Now this will not be an onerous task if you buy a good robot pool cleaner. The iRobot Verro 600 Pool Cleaning Robot will according to the manufacturer, clean your entire pool from the floor to the waterline (including the steps) in about 60 to 90 minutes. It uses real PVA brushes to scrub the surfaces clean. It also has a vacuum and self-contained filtration system to remove everything from leaves, dirt and other larger debris to smaller items down to 2 microns in size.

The best computer-controlled dynamos available today are fully automatic, and they scrub, vacuum and even filter your pools water! Just plug in the unit, drop it into your pool, and off it goes.

A swimming pool pump is a crucial piece of mechanics that works hard with many pool cleaners to keep your pool clean.

Chlorination

The pool chlorine level should be maintained at 1-3 ppm at all times, using chlorine tablets in an automatic chemical feeder or a floating chlorine dispenser.

Filter Maintenance

Under normal conditions in many pool designs the pressure gauge of the pool filter should be checked twice a week, and any cleaning or maintenance performed following the pool filter manufacturer’s instructions.

Many have said that it would be a good design feature to provide a manual vacuuming capability in an automatic pool cleaning system which exceeds the debris holding capacity of the “hair and lint basket” of the main pump. It also would be desirable to avoid damage to the pump impeller by heavy debris which is manually “vacuumed” from the bottom of the pool in the manner described above.

With an automatic cleaner you only have to monitor it to watch for plugging of the system. The floating cleaners need to be refilled occasionally, but otherwise operate without several assist from you. It would be preferable to provide a manual vacuuming capability in an automatic pool cleaning system which exceeds the debris holding capacity of the hair and lint basket. It also would be desirable to avoid damage to the pump impeller by heavy debris which is manually ‘vacuumed’.

Filters must be cleaned as necessary to provide a clean and clear pool that is safe for large numbers of swimmers. Please note, additional cleaning visits may be necessary or requested to meet bather demand.

The chemicals used to keep pools clean and safe can be dangerously toxic in high amounts. Chlorine, for example, can dry and irritate skin as well as aggravate asthma. Not only do they produce sweeping and cleaning agents for in the home, but they also make pool cleaners! My friend has an above ground pool and she uses her Dirt Devil to clean it. In this free series of pool maintenance videos, a pool-cleaning professional will tell you how to repair the Polaris 180 Pool Cleaner. You will learn how to take apart the cleaner, troubleshoot potential problem parts, and then put everything back together.

These spa and pool filters improve the water so much, that customers have told us they can feel and smell the difference. Learn more about how these mineral filters swimming pool supplies can improve your swimming pool, spa, or hot tub. We make sure that the pump, filter and heating are in good functioning order, and that the correct chemical levels are constantly checked, helping keep your pool crystal clear throughout the season. Take care to also handle the closing down and / or opening of your pool at end and start of the summer season with Health and safety in mind at all times.

Swimming and water sports are acknowledged as being an ideal aerobic and non-impact activity. Keep your family fit and healthy while they have fun. Extend your swim season and stay healthier.

 

Reliable control and performance and pool cleaning along with attention to pump maintenance should make your pool a delightful asset to your home and much used by the family throughout the summer.

 

Tuesday, June 17th, 2008