What is an ideal swimming pool temperature? This is a difficult question to answer because it varies based on individual swimmers preferences. Based on recommended heater temperatures and settings from virtually all manufactures, the ideal range for both indoor swimming pools and outdoor swimming pools is anywhere from 75 degrees to 85 degrees Fahrenheit. This figure should not be thought of as final as temperature and comfort does differ from person to person and environment to environment, but it a good goal to reach.

If you have a backyard swimming pool without a heater, looking for an ideal temperature is a difficult task. The temperature of the swimming pool will gradually increase as the season changes and as the pool heats up, but the initial temperature of your swimming pool in the early parts of the swimming season will be quite cold - usually well less than 70 degrees Fahrenheit. Even though there is no proper pool temperature, swimming pools less than 65 degrees Fahrenheit are unpleasant even for the most adventurous swimmers. On the other side, if you do have an outdoor swimming pool with a heater, set it at something that is comfortable to your swimmers and your activity level. For instance, cooler pool water is more ideal for exercising where warmer water is better for a lounge / beach atmosphere. But, keep in mind that turning up your heater too much can lead to unexpected drama.

When you increase the temperature of your swimming pool water, it can have an effect on pool maintenance. With higher temperature comes more water evaporation. This means you will need to be more diligent about filling up your swimming pool to keep the water in your skimmers. Higher water temperatures also mean a faster buildup of dissolved solids. This is basically the a€œbad stuffa€ that the chlorine attacks in swimming pool water. Higher pool water temperatures will also burn off your chlorine and pool sanitizing agents much more quickly. Algae also love the hot water so they will grow faster and force more serious and diligent swimming pool vacuuming, squeeging, and cleanup.

Even if you don't have a swimming pool heater to maintain your swimming pools temperature, the same concerns of a warmer pool will eventually plague your pool in peak summer heat environments. Keep an eye out for seasonal changes and how they will affect your water chemistry. The most important reading in your swimming pool during hot and cold times will be your total alkalinity. When the weather is cooler, your total alkalinity should be increased. In warmer weather, your total alkalinity should be decreased with a muriatic acid to keep the saturation index fairly constant.

There is no ideal swimming pool temperature but you should adjust your temperature based on your individual preference. Also, keep in mind the added responsibilities that come with maintaining a warmer pool. Watch out for seasonal changes and note how they affect your swimming pool chemistry. Both cold and warm temperatures have an effect on pool chemistry and maintenance routines.

Having a hot tub or spa means you can take advantage of and enjoy its warmth even in the winter. Even in the cold and snow, you can take advantage of the soothing jets and heated water. Wintertime can be one of the most enjoyable times to use your hot tub, as long as you take proper care of it.

One of the greatest dangers of running your spa or hot tub year round is the damage that could occur if the plumbing freezes. Most spas have a built in preventative measure and will have a switch on the main control panel thermostat. If you plan to use the spa in the winter, make certain the setting is programmed to keep the water warm all day. You can program it to heat up before you plan to jump in but keep it warm enough to prevent freezing the rest of the time.

If your spa thermostat isn't equipped with a timer switch you will have to pick a temperature at which to set it so it doesn't freeze and so it maintains a steady temperature. You also want to keep the water circulating on a schedule to prevent freezing. Depending on the temperature of the climate in which you life, you might have to run the pumps more frequently to prevent freeze.

The colder it is outside, the longer it will take your hot tub to heat up and keep it at the same level. The spa will also need to run longer during the winter months to maintain the same temp you keep it in the summer months. The best way to keep a cap on your heating bills would be by investing in an insulating cover for the hot tub. You can also add a floating thermal blanket under the cover to further reduce heating bills.

When you aren't going to be using the spa, make certain you keep it covered. The spa cover isn't designed to bear the weight of snow. It's best to keep up with snowfall as it happens.

Make certain you have drained and cleaned your spa before the winter months hit - and then refilled it before winter's snows begin flying. If you drain and clean it before winter, you will not need to do it during the season.

While it's thrilling to slip into the warm embrace of the waters of your hot tub, make sure you've prepared for getting out o fit and have towels at the ready. Why not consider a heated towel rack or warming unit to make getting out of the tub as enjoyable as having been in it.

WINTER COVER INSTALLATION - IN GROUND:

1. The cover rests upon and is supported by the pool water. Therefore,

prior to cover installation, it is important to make sure the pool is not

leaking. 2. Follow the pool manufacturer's/builder's winterizing instructions for

your pool and accessories. 3. Consult with your pool dealer on the appropriate winterizing chemicals to be used. The pool must be chlorinated until freeze-up to prevent algae growth. 4. Although your winter cover is made of a tough material, it is required

that you pad sharp corners, abrasive decking, protrusions, rough edges of the coping, etc. with old towels, foam remnants or corrugated cardboard, etc. 5. Lower the water level in your pool below the skimmer (approximately 18 inches down from the coping) to prevent freezing. 6. Lay out the cover on the ground, black side down. Then spread it

across the pool. 7. For covers with straps, insert the unfilled vinyl water tubes through

the straps around the complete perimeter of the pool. It is important to lay the water tubes end to end to prevent the wind from getting under the cover. A billowing wind condition can cause serious damage to your cover. If the tubes are to be subjected to freezing

temperatures, they should be half filled, allowing for ice expansion to prevent damage.

8. When the cover is installed on the pool, it is normal for a small amount of water to seep onto the surface of the cover.

WINTER COVER INSTALLATION - ABOVE GROUND

1. The cover rests upon and is supported by the pool water. Therefore, prior to

cover installation, it is important to make sure the pool is not leaking.

2. Follow the pool manufacturer's/builder's winterizing instructions for your pool

and accessories. 3. Consult with your pool dealer on the appropriate winterizing chemicals to be used. The pool must be chlorinated until freeze-up to prevent algae growth. 4. Although your winter cover is made of tough material, it is required that you

pad sharp corners, abrasive decking, protrusions, rough edges of the coping, etc. with old towels, foam remnants, corrugated cardboard, etc. Also, place padding underneath the winch (non-deck pools only). 5. Lower the water level in your pool below the skimmer and return lines (approximately 18 inches down from the coping) to prevent freezing.

6. Weave cable through grommets all the way around the cover. Insert one end of the cable through the hole at the end of the winch and into spindle. Insert the other end of the cable through the hole on the opposite side of the winch and into the same spindle. Pull both ends of the cable through as far as possible. Start turning winch to tighten the cover. If material bunches or gathers, simply walk around the pool and position neatly.

7. When the cover is installed on the pool, it is normal for a small amount of

water to seep onto the surface of the cover. 8. For deck pools, place the cover over the pool with the black side down. Either weave the cable through the grommet and between the pool deck stanchions (posts) or run short pieces of cable from the grommet to the

individual stanchions. 9. It is important to tie down the cover properly to assure that the cover is not subjected to wind damage.

More and more people are getting their backyard garden turned into their dream pool. Swimming pools are becoming more popular pastime for families. So technological advancements has lead to number of developments in the pool industry. There is a vast range of swimming pool fro you to go for. Whatever your budget, swimming pool contractors are ready with the latest technology pool for you.

Swimming can be great workout for people suffering with asthma. This is because while you swim you can breathe in warm and moist air rather than cold and dry air.

Different kinds of pools with latest feature are:

Outdoor Swimming Pools

New in outdoor swimming pool is that you can benefit from the advantages of a solar heating cover, without the additional cost of a large, expensive heating unit. Using the heat that can be harnessed from the Sun you can maintain a comfortable temperature in your pool water. This is how you can minimize the energy consumption of outdoor swimming pools by installing these kinds of pool covers.

Infinity Swimming Pools

Infinity pools are on the leading edge of technology and innovation in swimming pool design and construction Infinity swimming pools are also known as Vanishing End pools. Pools are designed such as to give hallucination that they are never ending; it is one of the latest trend in swimming pool designs adopted by the pool industry.

Indoor Swimming Pools

A stunning indoor pool provides you with a private leisure and fitness area for your family and friends. Indoor swimming pools architects provide you highly efficient design, pool heating and ventilation system with fully insulated supply air distribution ducting and strategically placed grilles to eliminate condensation problems.

Movable Pool Floors

A pool with a multiple programming capability can offer multiple uses of the same space. Just a touch on button can variate the depth of the pool according to your need or becomes level to pool surround thus serving as a dry deck or a dance floor.

Now your pool can have an ability to change your indoor pool to a dance floor or an entertainment area. Short of space no problem now.

Swimming pools have been in use for thousands of years and still continue to be a relaxing and entertaining place to be. Modern swimming pools are becoming more sophisticated and upgraded with latest technology.

We all love swimming pools because it is a naturally controlled environment. You can control the influx of water, the presence of microorganisms and even the chemistry of the water. Unlike beaches, current is dictated by the gravity of the earth. It is naturally salty and you cannot do anything about it. Fresh bodies of water, comes naturally streaming at most of the time. It may not be salty but when water becomes murky, you do not treat it with anything. You just let it clear for itself. Swimming pools are the safest man-made body of water simply because you can purify the water, you can filter it, you can mix the chemicals to create a neutral ph of water and water problems can be easily taken cared of since you can drain them and do scrubbing.

Those are just the basic features. You can even do more for your pool pebble so that you can swim on it night or day without regard for temperature. Heaters are effective in manipulating the temperature of your pool. However, how hot it can be will be according to homeowner. Efficiency is really needed in here because people have varying preference for the temperature they want in a bathing.

So how do you select these devices? These are few of your considerations:

•You have to determine the size of the heater- this is done by determining the size of the pool as well as knowing the outside temperature in your area. This allows you to determine how efficient your heaters can be.

•Know the type of heater you want to use. There are several types in the market today. They can be gas, liquid or electric source. This is important because you will be basing your savings in here.

•You also have to consider your budget.

It is normal if your electric consumption to rise if you will be using electric heaters. For the other types, you cost will variably go up for the fuel source. Therefore, this can also be an important factor in determining which type you want. However, if you want to save a lot of money from using these heaters, you have to know some tips. You have to check this out:

• Be certain with the temperature that you want. Use a thermometer to be precise.

• Use the lowest setting for your thermostat, which still gives you a favorable temperature.

• Do not forget to cover your pool pebble when not in used. This way, you can help in the insulation.

• Have your heaters checked up from time to time to avoid costly repairs.

• Strictly follow the manufacturers guide on how to use them. This way you will be guided accordingly.

Always remember to choose the most convenient device for you. One thing for sure, you really have to be ready for the cost in obtaining them and the cost after using them. Nevertheless, you will still have the privilege of enjoying your swimming pools no matter what the temperature is.

Swimming pools at home can be a great venue for exercise, family bonding and even serves as a main outdoor attraction for your house so who wouldn't dream of having one in his own backyard? Many people think that it's a luxury but the good news is there is a practical alternative to have your own pool.

It's a fun thought on how you can walk out of your door and dip on your very own pool once you feel the need to fight the heat. It is also a good way to spend quality time with your love ones by swimming in the pool on your backyard.

Portable Swimming Pools are now introduced in the market to provide home owners a practical choice. Instead of constructing a pool for your lawn, you can now choose from portable pools offered, each is designed to enhance your property and at the same time fulfill your wish of owning a pool. It is a good investment as a recreation for your family and at the same time it adds value to your real estate property. The best thing about portable pools is there is one perfect for everyone. It comes in different designs, size and style to fit your needs and your overall home theme as well.

You can personalize it as much as you want and it also comes with add-on features such as water proof sound system, solar lights, fountains or even waterfalls. Some packages comes with pumps, filters and other cool pool accessories. You might want to check out online stores that sells portable pools so that you can research for more details and even compare its prices.

Below are the basic types of portable pools.

1.Inground swimming pools.

You can choose from Inground swimming pool kits where you will get every material you need to build a pool from the cement, sand upto the pool chemicals and walk in steps.

Liner pools are cheaper and easier to build as well as to maintain.

Concrete pools on the otherhand requires building skills to setup.

2.Above ground swimming pools

It can be sunken partially of fully and can look beautiful when applied with great landscape.

3.Splashers and portable pools

Inflatable family portable swimming. It has enough space for the whole family to splash around and have fun together. It is easily inflatable and stack down, made of material and have features that make the pool very reliable in terms of toughness.

Portable swimming pools can be added to your backyard as an enhancer but the most important thing is it can enable you and your love ones to have a brand new outdoor activity to explore and enjoy right outside your house.

If you are a pool owner or looking after the maintenance of a swimming pool, you may often face issues regarding your pool water. Maintaining a swimming pool isn't a hard task, but you need to follow the correct guidelines and know how to deal with pool water problems, especially the correct usage of pool chemicals and swimming pool sanitizers.

Stabilised chlorine granules are ideal pool chemicals which you could use daily in your swimming pool. These chlorine granules have the capacity to destroy harmful bacteria. They do not affect the pH level of the pool water as they already contain clarifiers as well as oxidizers, so it would be a recommended to use them.

You may find that you have algae issues in your swimming pool. It could be either green algae, yellow algae or even harder to remove black algae. You will need to act fast in order to get rid of it. Whenever you opt for an algicide, make sure that you check for the period of effectiveness. Some algicide products promise an algae free pool for almost 6 months after its application; however some products can cause discolouration, adding a haze which gives an untidy look to your swimming pool.

While cleaning your swimming pool, you may have noticed some marks above your water lines which are hard to erase. You can always buy a waterline cleaning gel which is specially formulated for this purpose. The waterline cleaning gel has low foaming properties with non abrasive properties which works wonders on removing the tide marks.

As you try different methods of maintaining your swimming pool, you will come across many varieties of pool chemicals, water clarifiers and algicides which will promise to solve your pool water issues. You should always research their composition, directions for use as well as the dosage required when choosing the right product.

Top 10 Reasons to build a Swimming Pool 

1. Swimming pools are the 1 choice for summertime fun. Whether you're a kid or just a kid at heart.
2. Owning a Teddy Bear pool is like taking a vacation in your own backyard. Once Teddy Bear Pools & Spas has built your pool, it's an oasis. What better place to unwind, visit with family and friends, host the most popular barbecues on the block or just float around wondering what all of the people without pools are doing?
3. Swimming pools reduce stress, providing a real and figurative escape from the pressures of the day. With the qualified and experienced staff  at Teddy Bear Pools & Spas, even the installation can be stress-free.
4. It's easier and cheaper to build a pool than to take the family on a cross-country trip. How many times have you flown or driven halfway across the country to reach your long awaited vacation destination only to have your kids complain that they want to spend the week in the hotel pool? Save yourself the headache. Call a Teddy Bear  Pools & Spas and use the money you would have spent on next year's vacation to buy yourself a new grill.
5. Kids who have a pool learn to swim at an earlier age and enjoy it more. How many adults do you know who never learned to swim and, thus, are afraid of the water? Kids are naturally drawn to water and once they learn to swim, they just get better at it.
6. Swimming pools draw family and friends together. There are few things better than the simple joys of a pool party. It's healthy, fun and less stressful than a trip to the amusement park.
7. Swimming is good for you, providing a proven low-impact cardiovascular workout.
8. Owning your own pool gives you an excuse to invest in other cool toys like floats, rafts and Water Noodles.
9. Think back to when you were a child, who was the most popular kid on the block? The one whose family owned a pool, of course.
10. Marco Polo, Water Polo or Volley Ball anyone?

Are you ready to get that pool built?  Contact one of our friendly sales people and ask them the benefits of an Esther Williams Swimming Pool.

Teddy Bear Pools & Spas

www.teddybearpools.com

Swimming is obviously a good exercise for the body. It is a good work out for basically the whole body. It's a nice cardiovascular activity and stretches your legs and thigh muscles, as well as your arms and your entire upper body. It can give you exercise similar to what two or three gym equipment does.

However, you can't always be at the swimming pool everyday. Having swimming as a part of your daily exercise routine is not as cheap as buying newspapers. Commercial swimming pools costs some money, and if you will do this everyday, it sure costs a lot. There may be swimming pool amenities in subdivisions and clubhouses that are free depending on your home owners association, but it sure isn't as nice as you would expect. Sports centers on the other hand may offer you good swimming pool facilities, but it requires heavy pocket.

Because of all these reasons, you probably would disregard the idea of having swimming as a part of their fitness routine. What you do not realize yet is that you can have the swimming fitness routine that you wanted without spending too much. All you need to do is to build your own swimming pool at home.

Seems even more expensive? It actually isn't. Having your own swimming pool at home can provide you all the benefits of being in a swimming complex without actually spending as much. There are a lot of pool stores that provides high-quality but very affordable pool supplies to help you start with your swimming pool. All you need are pool filter parts to keep your swimming pool clean, pool liners for your pool wall, pool heater parts in case you want to install a pool heater, and pool leaf covers to keep it clean from falling leaves whenever you're not using it. It does not have to be very big because what you want to achieve is good exercise. You can choose between inground or above ground pools, depending on your preferences. You can also customize the look of your pool with colorful pool paints and fancy pool liners depending on your taste. After all, it's much comfortable to be at your home doing all those fitness routines.

Building your own swimming pool at home may cost quite a lot at first because you have to buy all the necessary parts for your swimming pool and hire someone knowledgeable to install it. However, after everything's done and you already have your pool built, you won't spend much at all. You can have your daily morning exercise at the pool everyday without paying per hour. It's even less hassle because you can have whatever food you want after each exercise.

It would be a better idea to install a pool heater on your swimming pool as it also has a lot of health benefits. Pool heaters can maintain your swimming pool's relaxing temperature, more like of a jacuzzi or spa. This is a good alternative whenever you want to relax your body every other day in replacement of your body exercise. Warm temperature is good for sore muscles and back aches, and it's a good way to cool down your tired body.

All the health benefits of a swimming pool can be at your home, so why not start building your own swimming pool right now? Pool supplies will not cost much, promise.

In the back of their minds, all swimming pool owners know the risk of having a silent, lurking body of water in the back yard. Even more so for families with children, a swimming pool can be a silent killer. Consider this top ten list of the most common, and most dangerous swimming pool deficiencies:

10) Electrical

Proper electrical wiring for a swimming pool and all its components is critical since water, electricity and people are a dangerous mix. Swimming pools, and all metal components within one meter of the water line should be bonded with a heavy ground wire loop. Additionally all electrical devices that come into close contact with water such as pumps and lights must be properly connected with a GFIC or ground fault interrupter.

9) Slippery Decks

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

Ladders & Stairs

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

7) Water Quality

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

6) Chemical Storage

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

5) Pool Winter Covers

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

4) Suction Lines

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

3) Pool Toys

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

2) Pool Slides

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

1) Diving Boards

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

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