Wednesday, December 4, 2013

Debunking the swimming after eating myth

All content from blog.apsp.org




Should You Wait an Hour After Eating to Swim? No, you shouldn’t.
That’s the short answer. The long answer addresses the origins, medical evidence, and statistical realities of the long-standing myth that has kept millions of children in idle despair after a poolside lunch, helplessly watching their friends splash away while they remain sad, dry prisoners of superstition.
It’s time to debunk the swimming after eating myth.
The first-known mention of the myth comes from an early 20th century scouting manual, which sternly warns would-be swimmers of their certain (and well-deserved) death by cramping:
“If you bathe within an hour and a half after taking a meal, that is, before your food is digested, you are very likely to get cramp. Cramp doubles you up in extreme pain so that you cannot move your arms or legs  and down you go. You may drown  and it will be your own fault.”
Ever since, moms across the world have steadfastly refused to let youth anywhere near the water until they were certain that digestion had taken its course. Who can blame them? Death by PB&J is an ignoble one, especially if it’s preventable.
But like many parents’ hysterical habits, this one just isn’t necessary. It doesn’t protect children, except from fun. It also instills in them the most regrettable characteristic of Generation Coddle, a complete and paralyzing aversion to life, for fear it might harm them.
The assumption behind the myth rests on an ill-conceived understanding of how cramping works. The basic idea is that your body doesn’t have enough blood to both aid your stomach in digestion and keep your swimming muscles functioning at the same time. If you try to digest and swim simultaneously, the story goes, either your stomach muscles or your limbs will be deprived of blood, and therefore oxygen, and so the cramping begins.
This is hooey for three reasons. First, there is no medical proof of this hypothesis. It’s at best debatable that your stomach and the rest of your body are competing for blood when you swim after a meal.
Second, even if we assume there isn’t enough blood to go around, and a cramp does ensue … that kind of cramp won’t drown you. Most cramps, except for those caused by extreme exhaustion and overuse, are easily resolved by flexing and relaxing the muscle. Even if the cramp is stubborn, human beings are pretty naturally buoyant, and any swimmer with the most basic survival instincts can keep their head above water while the situation is resolved. That includes children, especially children in a pool of limited size, and most especially supervised children in a pool of limited size.
Third, and most importantly, there is not a single case of drowning by post-meal cramps on record. Not in the whole world, not in all of human history. If this problem was real, the statistics would bear it out, or at the very least mention it at least once.
So, there you have it. Toss this one into the same bin as medical leeching or the idea that Columbus was trying to prove the world was round. “Myth Busted,” as the television guys say.
The legend of the post-lunch drowning is, like all the imperfect beliefs of the past, something to be discarded by adults and not inflicted on the next generation.

Thanks to Apsp for the great blog content! For more information please visit Blog.apsp.org


Friday, November 22, 2013

How to Store and Protect your Pool Solar Cover


Content taken from Blog.Apsp.org

Solar covers are one of the smartest investments a pool owner can make. That’s because for the (very affordable) price of what’s essentially a really big piece of bubble wrap, a pool can be kept both warm and debris-free all summer long.
Solar covers work by simply floating on the surface of the pool and transferring the sun’s rays into the water, allowing the pool to be mildly heated with no effect on your electric bill. At night, the solar cover traps whatever heat has built up during the day in the water. It does all this while keeping leaves or any other debris out.

Because solar covers are smaller and lighter than full wintertime covers, they are easy to put on and take off every day during the swimming season. It’s very important, however, to properly care for the solar cover. Simply pulling it off and throwing it in the shed every day can damage the cover and defeat its purpose. Here are a few tips that will extend the life of your solar cover and help keep your pool in tip-top shape.
1. USE A CONTAINER

You should have a separate container for your solar cover, one that you keep it in each day. Too many pool owners toss their cover aside or put it somewhere that’s out of the way but doesn’t protect the cover.
Debris, insects, and damage are a threat on every lawn and in every shed, so do yourself a favor and use a large, clean rubber or plastic container. This way, there’s no chance of any dirt, debris or living things adhering to the cover and ending up in your pool. There’s also no chance of the cover getting snagged, stepped on, or otherwise damaged.
In addition, make sure not to keep your solar cover together with pool chemicals such as chlorine. These chemicals can damage the cover and should be stored separately.

2. KEEP IT CLEAN
There’s no need to do it daily, but every once in a while during the season, hose off the cover. Obviously, when any visible dirt or debris finds its way onto the cover, it should be removed. As the season wears on, there will be some inevitable build up.
Roll and fold it neatly. It’s tempting just to jam the cover into its container (you do have a container, right?) and get right to the cannonball competition, but a few short minutes spent neatly rolling/folding the cover will extend its life and effectiveness. Roll or fold the cover neatly but loosely, so as not to pop any of the bubbles, and to lessen the chances of its getting snagged or damaged.

3. STORE IT PROPERLY
When the pool season ends, take the time to put it away for the winter carefully. Lay the cover out and hose it down thoroughly. Do not use any chemical cleaners; water alone will do. Make sure that before you put it away it is completely dry. You can leave it out to dry, but ideally a leaf blower can be used to dry the cover quickly before there’s any chance of new debris finding its way onto it. Fold it up neatly (but loosely) and place it into a container with a secure lid.
By following these simple steps, your solar cover will heat and protect your pool for years to come.

THANKS AGAIN TO APSP FOR THIS GREAT INFORMATION.


Tuesday, October 29, 2013

Poolside Halloween Decor

With Halloween quickly nearing, most of you have probably already decorated for the holiday, and most everyone forgets about the pool around this time of the year. Halloween gives us the opportunity to step outside of our comfort zone, and really get creative.

Whether you're looking for a whimsical kid-friendly look, or a ghoulish adult, scare the neighborhood theme, don't forget about the outdoors-including the pool.


Floating pumpkins are a great, festive addition to pools and spas. We love faux, foam pumpkins because they can be used year-after-year. Just be sure to dry them well before storing post season so they don't grow mold. There are many inexpensive foam pumpkins that can be purchased at just about any big box or craft store, but if you're feeling creative and want to carve your own, we recommend Funkins Artificial Carvable Pumpkins.

For some real fun...turn your pool BLOOD RED using color LED lighting. Its a great touch for any Halloween party/bonfire in the back yard. If you don't have LED lighting, look into getting a red lens for your in-wall light. You won't get quite the same color intensity, but you will get the same effect. Add a fog machine poolside, and you'll create a great haunted vibe.

Technical Note On Adding Dry Ice To Pools:
Have fun and be safe!We suggest adding a fog machine to your haunted backyard, because we simply can’t endorse using dry ice in pools and spas. BOO right?  But we have very good reasons for it.  Quite frankly, transporting and handling dry ice can be dangerous.  So if you do, please be careful.  Secondly, adding dry ice can really wreak havok on your water chemistry.  Remember dry ice is essencially CO2 – and what does it do?  Right – it will lower pH and we all know how important it is to keep your pH within 7.2 – 7.8.  And lastly, it can damage a pool’s finish, particularly vinyl liners.

Monday, September 16, 2013

Scale in Saltwater pools????

http://aquamagazine.com/content/post/Scale-It-Back.aspx


This is a good read article!!

Tuesday, August 13, 2013

Is there an easier way to Chlorinate your pool?

Have you ever wondered if there was an easier way to chlorinate your pool? Are you getting tired of having to handle tables, transporting and storing all the different kinds of chemicals? Well there might just be something different that would work for you. Have you ever heard of Salt Pool? Or many people say they have salt water? Well this is called using a Salt Chlorine Generator...



              What is a Salt Chlorine Generator?

Products like the SGS Salt System uses common table salt to product all the chlorine a pool need so you don't have to buy, store or handle chlorine. By installing a salt generator, you get the same sanitization performance as manual chlorine. Also remember that in times you might still have to some chlorine.

Clean, sparkling water- water is cleaner and clearer than before.
Softer Skin- your skin won't dry out.
Easier on the Eyes- No more red irritated eyes.
                                                          Nicer to the nose- eliminates harsh chemical odor.
                                                          Gentler on fabrics- no more faded swimsuits
                                                          Safer for you family- no more liquid chlorine spills

How Does it work?

A salt system is plumbed into a pool's pump and filter system along the return side of the plumbing. Once installed, ordinary salt is added to the pool water. Usually it take a hundred pounds of salt to get the system going.  As salt water begins to flow through the generator it is electrolytically converted to pure chlorine. The chlorine is then automatically distributed to your pool, sanitizing your water by eliminating biological and bacterial growth.

The genius of the system is that when the chlorine breaks down it becomes salt again. So the salt you add to the pool earlier is not consumed, it is continually recycled. You won't need to add salt often, but remember that you will lose some from splash-out with regular use. Most salt generators will clearly indicate when salt needs to be added to the pool.

Last thing is that the amount of salt in the water is less than what we humans have naturally in our bodies. You won't taste it. but you will feel the effect it has on your skin- soft- skin.  It is also much easier on your eyes, skin, hair and swimsuits.

Monday, August 12, 2013

check this out!!!!

APSP members continue to get the word out about drain cover safety. Tom Sheehy of Crystal Clear Custom Pools spoke to NBC 5 in the Dallas-Forth Worth area about why installing an ANSI/APSP-7 Standard compliant drain cover is so important.

http://www.nbcdfw.com/news/local/Drain-Covers-Raise-Pool-Safety-Questions-218945991.html

Friday, August 9, 2013

Pool Ownership Benefits

Did you know that there are benefits in owning a pool? Yes, there are many different types keep reading to find out. 

The benefits of Pool Ownership

Some people think that a swimming pool would be a non-necessity, like many other high priced items. Many other people have grown up with a pool and would not know what to do without one. Owning a pool does take time and commitment.
But here are some of the major benefits we have found for owning a pool.

Family, Lifestyle, health, convenience, entertainment, and aesthetics.

Family- This is biggest reason of pool being so popular, swimming and being around the pool creates a family atmosphere.

Lifestyle- Relaxing!!! A common place to relax is out by the pool catching some sun! Poolside reading and meditating are popular activities that are usually not considered when purchasing a pool. 

Health- Swimming has been rated at or near the top of the list for favorite recreational activities for many years. Water aerobics is very popular activity to help some keep in shape. These activities are  medical benefits of weight control and heat and lung conditioning.

Convenience- Nothing beats being able to stay at home and enjoy the pool! With a pool at home you don't have to pack up the car and battle the public for space. By having a pool at home you have the convenience of taking a dip when you come home from work or after you have finished cutting the grass. 

Entertaining- Everything that happens in the backyards seem to be better with a pool. Such as cookouts, birthday parties, holidays, anniversaries and any other festivity. 

Aesthetics- Over the years pools have formed into the backyard centerpiece. Consumers today are adding more of a natural tropical look to their backyards. This way they have a their own tropical paradise right at home! 

Wednesday, August 7, 2013

D.E filtration affords intense water clarity

Article taken from Service Industry New July edition

Diatomaceous earth is the fossilized skeletal remains of marine life know as diatoms.
Diatoms are a type of algae known as phytoplankton with porous silica cell walls that makes them useful in industrial applications. Diatomaceous earth is used extensively as filters, fillers, insulation and abrasives.
The pool industry began incorporating  D.E as a filter medium in the 1940's because its minute porous structure enable extremely fine filtration. In fact, today, it is among the best types of filter media, capable of filtering particles as small a 3 microns.
In a D.E. filter, the filter media is held against a support such as a cloth-covered grid by the movement of water.
The filter is designed such that a rigid structure, called a grid, holds and supports a flexible septum, which can be composed of variety of materials.
In most cases, the septum, which can be composed of a variety of materials. In most cases, the septa made of woven polyester cloths, but they can also be made from porous stone, or stainless steel hardware cloth.

When the D.E is added, the septa acts as a screen to hold it in place. D.E produces fantastic water clarity. However, the main disadvantage is that the medium is temporary. This mean that it must be replaced, or recharged, frequently D.E filters must be recharged after every backwashing or cleaning. Another disadvantage lies in how to dispose of the used and dirty D.E. The U.S Environmental Protection Agency prohibits releasing spent D.E into a drinking water source or into storm drains.
 It is recommended that backwashed water be sent into a separation tank. The tank has a bag that collects the D.E from the water, which can then be disposed of according to local regulations.
  Finally, care must be taken when handling D.E, which may pose a further disadvantage, While it might seem like a harmless substance, D.E is very dangerous if inhaled because it is composed of microscopically sharp silica. A protective mask should be worn to avoid inhaling.
 
 D.E filters at a rate of 2 gallons per minute per square foot. There are three main types of D.E filtration systems and these include the pressure D.E  filter, which uses a closed pressurized tank; the regenerative D.E filter, which is also a pressure system but uses an interrupt filter step to redistribute partially soiled D.E; and the vacuum D.E  filter, which has an open tank that is usually fed water by gravity.
 
The pressure D.E filter is comprised of a closed pressure tank containing the septa and grids and is places after the pump in the water path. In this arrangement, the water is forced through the tank by the outward pump pressure.

Water generally comes in from the bottom of the tank and forces the D.E up to the grid. As the water passes through the septa, any suspended debris is collected by the D.E These types of filters are cleaned by backwashing, which results in D.E loss, that must be replaced.

The time to backwash is determined by a pressure increase on the influent (incoming)  gauge of 8-to-10 psi over the start-up reading. When recoating the grid elements, the new coating of D.E should be applied slowly and evenly. A slurry of D.E and water is fed into the filter, and care should be taken when mixing the D.E to avoid pulverizing it and there fore reducing its efficacy.

A regenerative DE filter is also a pressure filter in which water id forced into the filter by the pump. It differs from a standard D.E filter in that it uses an interrupt filtration step called "bumping" in which the pump stops briefly, allowing the D.E filter to drift away from the septa, presenting a different, cleaner surface to the water.
Bumping the D.E preserves the life of the filter and associated D.E because it recycles the D.E in the tank, extending the filter cycles before backwash becomes necessary. Bumping can regenerate the D.E to near original flow rates. The filters can be bumped multiple times prior to back washing. By using regenerative filters, backwashing is not necessary nearly as often, which obviously saves a lot of time, water and D.E.
While regenerative D.E filters automatically bump, other types of D.E filters can be manually bumped. Here, we comply close the valves to and from the pool, and turn off the pump for 3 minutes or so. Gravity will cause the D.E  to fall away from the septa, but when the pump is turned back on, it will recoat the elements with new surface, thus maximizing the use of the same D.E

In a vacuum D.E filterm the filter is in an open tank that uses gravity to feed water to the filter. The tank will contain at least one spetum with an element to hold the D.E. Because the pump is located after the filter, suction pull the water through the D.E- coated septa.
Unlike pressure  D.E filters, these are no influent and effluent gauges. Instead, a vacuum gauge is installed between the pump and the filter and as the media collects pollutants from the water, there is an increase in vacuum on the pump side. The reading on the vacuum gauge, in inches of mercury, gets higher as the filter gets dirty. Eventually, when the suction becomes too great (around 17 inches of mercury), alarms and switches are used for safe shutdown.

Gravity vacuum D.E filtration has become common in the design of exceptionally large pools. Here, the pool has a below deck, gravity-fed surge pit, with a very large D.E element suspended inside. Maintenance of these systems is facilitated by walkways inside the surge pit so that service technicians can observe the entire operation of the filter.
While the excavation required is costly, a configuration such as this is easy to inspect, and requires infrequent cleaning. Incases where the filter is higher than the pool, a lift pump is used to pull water to the filter. This configuration has the obvious disadvantage that the two pumps are now required to maintain the pool: both a lift pump as well as a circulation pump, doubling the electrical costs, and adding to future maintenance concerns. This would be an installation option when excavation of a surge pit is impossible.

One of the main differences between vacuum filter, and pressure filters is in maintenance. Technicians do not backwash a vacuum filter, as the water flow is not reversed to clean the septa. Instead, the tank must be drained, and the dirty D.E washed  away. This can be done with a hose and some systems are equipped with water jets to a completed this.

And as with all D.E filters the drained water associated D.E must be disposed of according to local regulations.



Why do your eyes turn red after swimming?

 Chlorine gets a bad rap sometimes.  Chorine works hard at keeping your water clean and safe. More often than not people only remember it for their red burning eyes. Remember that chlorine it not the only offender when it comes to burning in your eyes.





ALL ABOUT CHLORINE

There are a few different forms of chlorine, free and combines chlorine (or often referred to as total). Free chlorine is know as the "good" chlorine. Free chlorine kills bacteria and viruses in your water. When you add chlorine to your water, you're adding free chlorine. When free chlorine is combined with organics or contaminants such as bacteria, body oils, sun lotions, and any thing else you can think of it becomes combined chlorine. Combined chlorine is also know as chloramines. Combined chlorine is not very effective at sanitizing your water, but it's really good at turing your eyes red. It also is know for drying out your skin and also gives off that oh so wonderful chlorine smell.


KEEPING CONTROL OF YOUR CHLORINE

Make sure you are testing your water regularly. Make sure you are using methods that allow you to differentiate between fee and combined (total) chlorine. When combined chlorine is present, shock your water with chlorine or non-chlorine shock. This will help keep the chlorine odor away.

PH BALANCE

Another factor is red eyes is the pH levels.   Always make sure your pH test between 7.2 and 7.6. Ths pH of a human is between 7.2 and 7.4. So, by keeping your pH level close to that of your body then you are less likely to have red burning eyes.

Monday, August 5, 2013

Guide to Sizing your Filters

Beyond the decision as to which filter to choose,the most important consideration is that the filter be appropriately sized.
The size of your filter is based on the desired flow rate. This is defined as the as the amount of time that is required to move the pool or spa's water volume once through the system.
Obviously, this does not man that every drop of water will reach the filter; but rather, if we have 20,000-gallon pool, 20,000 gallons will experience the filter in a given amount of time.
Different areas of the country have different recommendations and/or regulations as to what the standard  quantity of time should be : Hourly intervals 12,8,and 6 are common.
Once the turnover rate is decided, the desired flow rate can be calculates. This calculation is done in gallons per minute (gmp) in relation to the volume of water that is in the pool Specifically the formula is



VOLUME (GAL) / TURNOVER RATE(HRS) X 60 (MIN) = DESIRED FLOW RATE (GPM)


For example, if we have 30,000 gallon pool and we want to be filtered once every 8 hours, then our desired flow rate would be 63 gallons per minute, or:

                               30,000 (GAL) / 8 (HRS) x 60 (MIN)= 63 (GPM)

From this information, we can now determine the appropriate-size filter to accomplish the goal of 63 gallons passing the filter per minute. One more piece of information will be necessary, and that is the rate at which water can be filtered through on- square foot of the filer medium. This is called the filter rate and varies from filter medium because of the intrinsic properties of the composition of the filter. Filter rates for common filters media are shown in the table below.
To determine the appropriate-sized filer, measured as the filter area, in square feet (ft2) we use the following formula:

   DESIRED FLOW RATE (GPM)/ FILTER RATE(GPM)FT2=  FILTER AREA

So for the given examples of a 30,000 gallon pool with a flow rate of 63 gallons per minute, if we choose a D.E filter with a filter rate of 2 fpm, we will need 32 square feet.


D.E. FILTER (RATE OF 2 GPM) 63 (GPM) / 2 (GPM) FT2 = 32 FT2

A cartridge filter of 1 fpm will require 63 square feet.

CARTRIDGE FILTER (RATE OF 1 GPM) 63 (GPM) / 1 (GPM) FT2 = 63 FT2

A sand filter 0f 20 fpm will need 3- square feet

SAND FILTER (RATE OF 20 GPM) 63(GPM)/ 20 (GPM) FT2 =3 FT2

Service professionals are always  advised to choose a filter somewhat larger than is needed as this tens to give longer filer cycles. Larger filters will also mean less manual labor in servicing the filter. With proper chemical balance, following- the simple formulas provided here could very well earn you a crystal clear pool.




Take from July issue of Service Industry News





Friday, August 2, 2013

How to throw a GREAT Labor Day event!


It's so close... Labor Day is right around the corner. For many of us, Labor Day weekend signals the last official weekend of summer. For others, Labor Day weekend is a time to celebrate the arrival of fall and football.

If you decided to throw the ultimate Labor Day party in your backyard, you have to invite your guests, choose a them, and create a menu that will keep them talking for years to come!


The difference between a typical pool party and a memorial Labor Day celebration might be the theme of your party. There are thousands of themes out there that can be chosen, and you are only limited by your imagination. A hawaiian Luau is one of the most popular ideas. This theme is easy to pull off and is very inexpensive. take your guests on an evening getaway to Paradise! By having an hawaiian theme your guests can wear their most colorful hawaiian print shirts. Not wanting a tropical party? Go to your local party store and check to see what themes they have available. Keep in mind that the right theme might be what keeps your guests talking for years after.


Your party's theme can influence other details as well, one of the biggest factors it influences in your food and beverages choices. Most parties stick strictly with appetizers. One of the best recipes for a Labor Day pool party is grilled JalapeƱo poppers, burger sliders, hot dogs, chip and more. Depending on the age of your party guests, alcoholic beverages are a refreshing selection to your menu. Coolers, Margaritas, and beers are a very refreshing drinks that will keep your guests in the party mood.


Dont' forget the most important thing.... your guests safety! If it's a hot sunny day make sure to provide your guests with plenty of umbrellas, for those who perfer to relax in the shade. Make sure you also have plenty of sunscreen for guests as it's all too easy to get burned while sunbathing without realizing it. Remember to use plastic cups for drinks, instead of glass so there will be no broken glass around when people are in bare feet. Make sure you have your furniture around the edge of the pool with tables in between. As dusk approaches candles will become more useful as the sun sets and looks very pretty. Citronella candles on your tables are useful for keeping the bugs away, but you might want to keep some bug spray handy too.

Make sure you take full advantage of this holiday event since for many it might be the last time you will get to enjoy your pool!!!





Thursday, August 1, 2013

How to deal with Algae

HOW TO DEFEAT ALGAE IN THE POOL.....

Planning an end of the summer party and suddenly discover your pol water is green? Are you the kind of person who constantly has green pool water no matter what you do? Does it seem like there is no way to get rid of algae in your pool?

KNOW YOUR ENEMY
                Pool algae is a small plant organism that likes to grow in warm, dark, sanitized water. The most common pool algae is green in color and spreads very fast. You'll need to act quickly and always be on the lookout for an algae outbreak. The strength of algae is determined by color. If your pool is a teal color, it means you've caught the algae at an early stage of growth. It has not taken over your pool yet, and should be easy to overcome with a few simple steps.

             If your pool is dark green or black, you have a stronger type of algae to defeat. This algae is more powerful and has taken over your pool.


ALGAE SELF-DEFENSE
       You can easily defend yourself against an algae attack by using the right sanitizer. This is your weapon. Algae cannot grow in water with a proper level of free chlorine. Algae is also likely to cling to the surfaces of your pool and work its roots in dep. Dark places, small cracks and crevices is where you'll find them beginning to bloom. Here are some tips to help keep your pool clean.

  • Keep the walls and floor clean by brushing the pool.
  • Vacuum your pool once a week
  • Skim the surface daily
  • Run your filter and pump for 8-12 hrs a day
  • Ph should be between 7.2-7.6
  • Alkalinity should be between 100ppm-150ppm
  • Free chlorine level should be at 3 ppm
  • Use a weekly dose of algaecide


Water Chemistry Problems?


Keeping your water in balance and properly filtered is very important, for swimmer safety and to protect your investment.Pool and spa water chemistry doesn't have to be difficult and time consuming. The key is to stay on top of it! TEST often to ensure you're ahead of any levels that are out of range. It doesn't matter the size of the pool or any body of water, the same balance levels and chemicals are required to keep it clean. What affects the water? EVERYTHING that enters your pool's water affects its balance such as: swimmers, rain, pollution, pets, UV rays from the sun, fertilizers from your yard, suntan lotions, anything you can think of will affect the water's chemistry. 

Believe it or not every pool each season will behave differently and creates it's own demand for different chemicals. YES, that's right your pool will not need the same chemicals this year as it did last year. Also your neighbor's pool will need something completely different than what your pool needs, even though they are in the same environment. 


Now you must be asking yourself what are the levels I should be keeping my pool at? Well here is what we recommend.
Chlorine
Total:                 1.0ppm-3.0ppm
Free:                  1.0ppm-3.0ppm
Ph                      7.2-7.8
Total Alkalinity     100ppm-150ppm
Cyanuric Acid       30-80ppm

Always make sure that you don't have any calcium, Copper, and Iron.