Selecting the right pool fence, though, can be problematic for many. The first step in selecting the right pool fence to meet your needs is to consider the laws in your area. Both states and counties have varying rules regarding pool fencing, and understanding the laws that govern your pool is essential to selecting the right fence.

Once you understand the laws surrounding pool fences in your area, though, the next task is to decide how your fence might look. Pool fences come in a variety of materials. Mesh makes a great temporary fencing material, and metal is chosen by lots of owners for its reliability. Wood offers an unbeatable classic look, while vinyl is often the maintenance free choice of pool owners everywhere. Whichever material you choose, consider the goal of the pool fence. If it’s to keep the neighborhood children out of your pool area, you probably want a fairly strong fencing material. If you just want to keep the dog away from the pool, a mesh might work, but make sure it’s high enough so he can’t climb over.

When you’ve decided on the fencing material itself, it’s time to start thinking about the pool gate. The type of gate you choose will, again, depend on your goals with the fence as a whole. If you have small children, any gate will do, but you may want to ensure that it has a locking mechanism. If you want to keep older children out, a lock is essential on the fence. If, though, you simply desire a classic, traditional fence around your pool, a latch may be sufficient to meet your needs.

The final step in the pool fence process is the installation procedures. If you’re not interested in handling this as a do-it-yourself project, hiring a professional is a great idea. There are several things to remember as you choose the right professional for the job. First, ensure they have handled pool fences in the past for other customers. Second, investigate the depth of their experience with pool fences. Finally, make sure they’re licensed and insured before they ever begin the job. This will help to protect both of you.

A pool fence is essential, and in some cases, it’s required by law. Choosing the right pool fence, though, depends on a number of factors. Talk with other pool owners. Spend some time online with the various pool owner forums before you make your final purchase decisions. Those extra research steps will ensure that you are happy with your final pool fence purchase.

Why vinyl? Well, for one thing vinyl is a very cost-efficient material. It’s very cheap, but not cheaply made. Most swimming pools you find in people’s back yards have vinyl linings for this very reason. However, if you do own a pool that’s older, your vinyl siding may be starting to peel. As the liner becomes more and more flaky, the water can have adverse affects on the inner walls of the pool. After just so long, the vinyl will start to crack and peel and will need to be replaced.

While you can both remove and install the vinyl pool liner yourself, many people often find it easier to hire an outside company to come in and do the manual labor. However, if you insist on doing it for yourself, be forewarned that you are in for a lot of hard work. Between the measuring and draining of the pool, the removal of old liner, the re-smoothing of the pool’s floor, and the eventual installation of the liner itself, you are looking at well over a weekend’s worth of work. If you are doing this with only a friend to help, or by yourself, it could easily take longer. If it’s in your budget to hire someone to do all the manual labor for you, do so. They’ve been doing liner installations for many years, and you’re guaranteed a professional level of work.

So why would you want to go with vinyl lining for your pool? Technology has advanced considerably since the last time your pool was lined. New linings are protected against chemical degradation, adding many years to the life of your vinyl. Previously, the chemicals in chlorine that many pools use to keep clean and safe from disease-causing bacteria would eat away at the vinyl, which is why it would turn brittle. Also, new advances in coloring and coating makes modern vinyl pool lining resistant to color fading from the sun’s ultraviolet rays to ensure that your pool will always maintain that colorful, fun look and feel.

There are other items that can help insulate your pool. For instance, many above-ground pools require a pool cove to help ensure the even distribution of weight as the water splashes around. This not only helps to prevent leaking at a vital point in the pool wall, but also ensures that you don’t have any freak toppling or spillages from the pool wall breaking. Another method to help increase the life of your pool wall is the use of wall foam. Wall foam is 1/8th inch thick foam padding that you line the innermost parts of your pool wall with. The foam helps to protect and prevent rust, corrosion of either the wall or the liner, and other degradation. It also helps support your pool’s structure, adding extra strength to the walls to support the weight.

No matter if you take every precaution in the book, or if you just want a quick fix, pool liners are an essential consideration in the construction, maintenance and use of any pool.

Pool floats are portable making them handy to carry back and forth to the pool. A foot or electric pump is used to inflate them. This saves you from running out of breath before you have a chance to enjoy your pool. Another benefit of pool floats is that they allow even the smallest children to enjoy the pool with adult supervision. It is a lot of fun for children to be pulled around on raft-like pool floats.

Floats are primarily made of vinyl and are quite durable. Though sturdy, they are not entirely immune to small leaks and punctures. This is why most pool stores offer patch kits for sale at very reasonable prices. You may even find that some floats come with a patch kit when you buy them.

Floats tend to be gauged for specific age groups so that all family members can enjoy their use.

Pool floats for adults

• Floating lounge chairs
• Pool chairs
• Floating chairs with armrests
• Air mattresses
• Canvass rafts

Many people enjoy their pools by just floating on the water and taking a dip when the heat overcomes them. Teens and older children tend to enjoy more different types of floats although active adults may enjoy them too. There are even floats for very young children and toddlers. You can choose one of the following pool floats for either:

• Snow tubes
• Air mats
• Ride-ons
• Inflatable boats
• Inner tubes
• River tubes
• Baby floats
• Pull floats
• Learn to swim floats
• Children’s beach toys

Use caution when using floats around children since some could become a choking hazard. Though a float can act as a life preserver in case of an emergency, this is not their primary purpose. If adults or children cannot swim, a life jacket is the most important floatation device that they will need.

Life jackets come in a variety of sizes and styles. They will not spring a leak when a person accidentally goes into water that is too deep for them to handle. A life jacket is meant to keep people afloat in the case of an emergency.

Anyone who has not mastered the art of swimming needs to wear a life jacket. If the life jacket doesn’t fit properly it can actually become more dangerous. If it’s dangling it could catch onto something and end up choking someone. It could also fall off and float away, so a proper fitting is necessary. Though it is not specifically designed for fun, it is the most important pool float that you have.

• Refrain from running, dunking or pushing.
• Children eight years old and younger must be accompanied by an adult at all times.
• No glass near the pool.
• Do not run around the edge of the pool.
• Do not dive in the shallow end of the pool.
• Keep animals out of the pool.
• No swimming while under the influence of alcohol.
• Do not keep candy or food near the pool.
• The diving board must be used for diving only.
• No swimming without parental consent.
• No swimming when parents aren’t home.
• Keep the gate to the pool locked at all when no one is home.
• Keep a cell phone or hands-free phone near the pool.
• Keep the deck clean and clutter-free.
• Do not bring extension cords near the pool.
• Pool lights must be kept on at all times during night swimming.
• Have a rescue device or floatie near the pool at all times.
• Never go swimming alone.
• Remember to remove the pool cover before going swimming.
• Do not swim when it is raining outside.

The best way to ensure safety is to educate your family and friends about the importance of swimming pool rules. You can visit your state pool safety laws website for resources about safety and other types of swimming pool information. A pool should also be enclosed within a fence of some type. Additional safety precautions can include pool alarms, safety covers and gates. Also, make sure that the pool is cleaned on a regular basis and check the water for the proper chemical balance so that is it safe to swim in.

There is plenty of pool safety equipment available as well. You can purchase safety ropes or safety lines, lifejackets, reaching poles, ring buoys and first aid kits at any swimming pool store. Buy the proper safety equipment that is right for you and keep it by the pool at all times. Show your children how to use it appropriately in case of emergency.

Anyone who comes over to your house to enjoy your pool should think about becoming certified in lifesaving techniques and CPR. Organizations like the YMCA and Red Cross often provide certification classes and training for pool safety.

When you have all the information you need regarding pool safety, write out a list of pool rules and post them where everyone can see them. Make sure that your children, family and friends are aware of the rules and abide by them whenever they come over to swim. Accidents are less likely to occur when everyone follows the rules, and less accidents means more fun!

The use of the multiport valve is identical to a sand filter; you must turn off the pump between each valve handle movement. The DE platform requires three two minute backwashes followed by rinse to clear, usually less than 30 seconds.

The backwash of a DE filter is designed to knock down all powder and contaminant from the grids and slapping (like the bottom side of a newborn infant) the side of the filter after each rinse cycle will yield optimum results as dirty powder drops to the bottom of the filter to be rinsed out.

Failure to get all used powder the bottom of the filter will not allow new powder to coat the grids evenly. At least twice per year the grids must be removed and soaked for trouble free performance. A one hour soak in five parts water, one part muriatic acid and 1 LB TSP (Trisodium Phosphate). It is usually a good idea to hire a pool professional if this is your first swimming pool on your first D/E filter.

Ionization

The oldest methods involve copper or copper/silver ionization using ionic metals to kill algae, bacteria and virus. Early Roman fountains and modern day wishing wells easily demonstrate the water clarity achieved from the stable part per million metal residuals. NASA legitimized this science in the 1960s by using ionization on three week Apollo missions to the moon when fear of moon microbes was tantamount. Only since 1999 have efficacy studies confirmed superior kill rates on Legionella, Polio Virus, Ecoli and Coliform with the use of ionization. The issues, however, revolve around staining and the need for oxidation.

Ionization / Oxygen and Ionization / Ozone

The problem in swimming pool applications however is that ionization alone does not address body oils, uric acid, and other organics brought into the water by swimmers. Therefore an oxidation supplement or method is required.

The less expensive ionization products ($800-$1400) recommend the use of household bleach or non- chlorine shock on a regular basis to accomplish the needed oxidation (Caribbean Clear, Pioneer, Sigma, Challenger, Lifeguard). The more sophisticated and successful manufacturers will incorporate a second device (ozone or oxygen generators) to eliminate the regular use of halogen chemicals (Clearwater, Superior Aqua, Ecosmarte). These Dual systems, while not necessarily doubling the cost ($1900-$4500) should be scrutinized, particularly if ozone is used to ensure proper sizing based on both the size of the pool and projected swimmer volume. Tens of thousands of pools operate without regular chemical to the pool a fact that North American pool professionals have acknowledged only after Wal-Mart, Sam’s Club and Canadian Tire garnered over 30% of the swimming pool chemical business.

Ozone

Has been accepted chemical reduction standard in water treatment since the early 1900’s. The short life of the ozone, however, makes both oxidation supplement and algaecide use a necessity. The main problem with ozone generators in residential applications is the cost of electricity and element replacement. (Residential ozone generators require 24 hour circulation and annual bulb/element replacement)

Ozone generators are rated in grams per hour and a 2-3 gram output is required to have an impact on the chemical demand of the pool.

You can create a restful haven by the side of your pool and indulge in the ultimate comfort with poolside lounge chairs. Or you can create the perfect outdoor dining area on your deck with a glass table and cushioned table chairs. You can even put up a hammock to waste those lazy summer days away with a nap or two. It’s up to you! Your backyard is a blank canvas for you to fill with the kind pool furniture that is just right for you.

Choosing pool furniture is a lot like choosing furniture for any other room in your house. You want to select comfortable and eye-appealing pieces as well as pieces that reflect your style and taste. Outdoor décor is becoming more popular as the amount of pool owners continues to increase. Many notable department stores and furniture outlets are carrying patio and pool furniture lines for you to choose from.

The fact is that pool furniture has come quite a long way. The days of plastic tables and big umbrellas are over. Now you can accent your pool, deck and patio with pool furniture in teak, cedar, wrought iron, aluminum, wicker and rattan in a variety of combinations of wood and metal.

The thing to look for in quality pool furniture is durability, weather resistance and resistance to sun damage. You can purchase preassembled sets or sets that require minimum set up. Mixing and matching pieces can also be fun. You can choose from a variety of pool furniture pieces including dining chairs, hammocks, tea carts, Adirondack chairs, dining tables, folding chairs, foot stool and more.

Outdoor dining sets can come in numerous styles such as aluminum, wrought iron, wick and rattan. Many dining sets come with matching umbrellas to help shield the sun from food and drinks. Some have circular vinyl umbrellas and other are Eastern-inspired with woven fabric and wood frames. You can choose from glass tabletops or metal tabletops, and pick table chairs with mesh fabric or removable cushioned seats.

The idea behind pool furniture is to accent your pool and construct a comfortable area to sit and enjoy everything a pool offers. Plastic pool furniture is no longer considered fashionable or even practical. Your backyard and patio should look and feel as great as your indoor rooms do. Whether it’s relaxed and casual or elegant and refined, you can find the right pool furniture to fit you and your style. A backyard and pool area should be considered and outdoor oasis for you and your family. And the right kind of pool furniture can help you achieve it.

Top Track
Track is mounted in the concrete deck. This is the only retrofit option unless you are prepared to replace your concrete deck.

Below Track
Track is built under the concrete deck with no exposed runners, over with a cantilevered edge..

Without entering into the debate it is not wise to use these covers as winter covers in northern freeze climate, despite manufacturers’ claims. A fabric replacement due to an ice tear is $3,500 to $5,000, excluded from their warranties. Investing $1,500 to $4,000 in a true safety cover is the idea way to winterize an autocover pool, extending the life and simplifying the maintenance. Leaf stains accumulated in the fall can also ruin the appearance.

OPERATING ISSUES

Cover Pump
A small sump pump is required to pump water off of the cover, especially before opening it. A leaf blower or pressure washer also simplifies clean up.

The manufacturers that recommend their autocovers for winter use expect the cover to be regularly pumped as water accumulates and before ice forms. They also expect you to pump it as ice melts. The fabric itself will become very dirty over winter month and must be cleaned each spring.

Sun Light
It is a good idea to expose your pool to the UV frequently regardless of the sanitation methods used. Saltwater chlorine generators and ozone generators will destroy both the fabric and the track if the cover is not opened every day.

Heating the pool
Keep the cover closed and realize your energy saving benefit with the autocover. Generally, two to four hours with a properly sized heater will raise the pool water temperature for planned swimming events. This permits the heater to be turned off or down on days when the homeowner knows there will be unlikely use of the pool.

One of the challenges many standard pool owners face as they consider conversion to salt is how the salt will affect the pipes. Salt is corrosive. The higher the salt levels the more corrosive it can be. In-ground pool owners are often concerned with how the salt will affect underground pipes. Dealing with broken water pipes for an in-ground system can be quite costly. Above ground pool owners though don’t necessarily have those same concerns. They do however have to deal with splash outs. Splashing normal tap water onto grass and pool furniture is no cause for concern, but years of splashing salt water can lead to sterile soil and costly replacement of backyard furniture.

Converting to an above ground salt water pool is not simply a matter of adding salt. You need to find the right chlorine generation system and these systems are not inexpensive. Neither is the large amount of salt that must be added when you first start operating above ground salt water pools.

Keep in mind that converting to salt water does not mean that your pool will now be maintenance free; the usual care is needed. Cleaning the pool is still going to be required just as it is with any other system. You will also need to keep track of your pools pH and chlorine levels. Some are under the impression that once you convert to salt water that you never have to worry about chlorine and to an extent that is true. Since the system constantly creates its own chlorine, you should not have to physically add or shock the system with large amounts of chemicals. This balance is not easily achieved, and most people do end up having to add extra chlorine. You have to be willing to test your pool’s water balance on a regular basis. Failure to do so will tax the chlorine generation cells possibly leading to early break down.

Regular testing will also ensure that swimmers aren’t irritated by elevated pH levels. You will also need to maintain the right salinity. Since water evaporation leaves the salt behind, you will need to refill the pool on a regular basis to keep salinity levels in the correct range.

Obviously despite the claims, salt water pools are anything but maintenance free. They require constant upkeep and even the addition of the very chemical you were trying to avoid. Instead many are starting to consider salt and chlorine free pool systems. Without expensive systems and high upkeep, you can still have a crystal clear pool with the benefit of no chemicals.

Understanding the technology
A solar pool heater usually includes each of the following parts: the control valve, the collector, the pump, and the filter. Here’s how the system works. Your filter (with the help of your pump) sucks the water out of your pool. With the help of the control valve, the water passes through the collector, and returns to your pool.

Keep in mind that should you decide a solar pool heater is the right type to meet your needs, they come in a variety of shapes and sizes, so ensuring you get the perfect one for your pool is essential. The kind of solar pool collector you actually need is dependent upon both where you live and how you will be using it. If you live in a warm climate and you’ll only use it when the temperatures are above the freezing mark anyway, an unglazed system is fine. They don’t have the glazing (or glass top) that glazed systems do, and they’re usually created from UV treated plastic or rubber to ensure the panels will last as longs as you need them to. They are also a bit cheaper than their glazed counterparts. Should you have different climate and use needs, though, a glazed system will be absolutely necessary. Talk carefully with your agent before you make a purchase.

Making the Right Selection
While the technology is really simple that, installing the technology is, as you can probably imagine, a bit complicated. That makes an expert solar pool heater installer very important to the success of your project. Choosing an inexperienced representative just won’t work with this kind of purchase.

If you have decided that it’s time to go solar, be sure to select the right company to meet your needs. These tips may help.
• Evaluate your chosen company’s experience carefully. If they’ve never heard of the system type you have selected, it might be time to choose a different company.
• Find out how long your company has been in business. Solar pool heaters have been developing over the last several decades, and if your company just started three months ago, you might not get the experience and service level you prefer.
• Check certification carefully. Understanding your company’s level of certification as well as the licensing requirements in your state is part of the research process.
• Check to see if your company is insured. Insurance is mandatory for any contractor you allow on your property, so check with them to be sure that they have the necessary policy to protect both of you.

A solar pool heater is a great idea, but finding the right company to meet your needs is important. Check with friends and neighbors, as well as places like the Better Business Bureau before you hire anyone.