If you own a swimming pool, you want to outfit it with the proper accessories, and you can’t find a better accessory item than a pool float. Available in a variety of shapes, sizes and colors for adults and children, pool floats are available in designs for each person in your family.

Floats for the Toddlers in your Family

For instance, if you want to include some floats for your toddler, you can find a good selection on the Internet. Not only are these inflatable floats colorful and available in a number of styles and designs, they are useful for teaching your toddler how to swim. Many come with sun shades to protect your child’s delicate skin from the burning rays of the sun.

Relaxing Pool Chairs and Floats

When it comes to taking a few Zs, you might like to consider the floating pool chair selections that are available online. You can choose from recliners that have holders for your favorite summertime beverages or floats that are designed like hammocks. The hammock chairs are popular as they keep part of your body immersed beneath the water to further cool you.

Total Comfort and Portability

If you want a float that is resistant to punctures, then you may want to think about buying a foam pool float. This durable float is ergonomically contoured to support your body. A raised pillow offers comfort to your neck and head. The float rolls up easily, so you can easily stow it away when you’re not relaxing in the pool.

Big on Comfort

If you want a great deal of room while you’re relaxing, then you might want to choose an oversize float from those available on the Internet. This large, pillow-type raft offers optimum comfort and includes a raised pillow to support your head and neck. It also comes with a holder to store your beverage and a pocket for accessories or snacks.

Whatever float you ultimately choose, you can be assured that it will add enjoyment to all your activities at the pool.

]]> http://betterpool.com/pool-floats-%e2%80%93-swimming-pool-accessories/feed/ 0 http://betterpool.com/ladders-for-above-ground-pools/ http://betterpool.com/ladders-for-above-ground-pools/#comments Sun, 11 Jul 2010 08:49:11 +0000 GuestPoster http://betterpool.com/?p=39 An above ground pool can provide a way for people to enjoy the pleasure of swimming without the high cost of an in-ground pool installation. One downside to these pools is that is can be difficult to enter and exit them without slipping. It is always a good idea to purchase an above ground pool ladder to go along with your new pool. These ladders make it safe and easy to get in and out of the pool. Choosing the right ladder largely depends on what kind of pool you have. Some pools have hard walls, while others are soft.

For pools with soft walls, such as ones with inflatable top rings, a double sided ladder is the best choice. These ladders have an A-shaped frame with steps on either side. One side of the frame sits in the water, and the other side sits on the outside. This “bridge” creates steps on both sides of the pool. Some people prefer their ladder to have extended support handles to increase safety. Others get along just fine by grabbing each side of the frame. A good double sided ladder will have a small platform at the top where users can get their bearings before they proceed down the other side.

Hard walled pools are a bit different being that their wall can support weight. One sided ladders can be used on these pools. These ladders only have one set of steps which can be placed on either side of the pool. One sided ladders work well with above ground pools that have a deck. The ladder can be placed inside the water leading out to the deck’s surface. To avoid damage to the pool’s liner, a special pad can be purchased and placed under the legs. Above ground pool ladders are made from aluminum and plastic that is waterproof and safe to use in pools.

Need to clean the bottom of your pool? The Polaris 360 pool cleaner is a popular and highly rated cleaner.

There are certain precautions to take in order to keep the pool water clean all summer long.  First it is always wise to add the appropriate amount of chemicals to kill unwanted bacteria and algae that can thrive in the much frequented water.  Make sure to keep up with the schedule of when to add more chemicals as every day the water is left untreated gives bacteria and algae the chance to rapidly reproduce.

Another wise decision is to purchase a pool cover that will keep debris such as branches, leaves, and pollen from falling into the pool.  Pool covers also keep unwanted critters such as frogs and flying insects from sneaking in.

Combining these actions with a filter can keep your water well-circulated and clear all summer long, and year long if desired.  Filters can trap any debris that might have accidentally been brought in as people enter and re-enter the water.  Lotions, suntanning oils, and sunscreens are also caught inside the filter to prevent slimy water.

One last quick tip is to always rinse off your body, especially your feet, before re-entering.  Dirt and other unwanted substances can quickly become the culprit behind cloudy or malodorous water. You can coordinate your bath accents to the pool decor, and it will all make a pool-spa look together.

By following these quick steps you can ensure you backyard pool will remain clean and inviting for as long as you wish.

The first and more popular type of swimming pool are inground swimming pools.  They are very convenient in that they are right in your backyard, but they usually cost a lot more money to install and maintain.  Usually these kinds of pools are nicer and larger which is always good, but they are harder to clean and close down in the winter and also open up in the spring.  To many, it is worth the expense of having an inground pool because it is a nicer looking pool, but to some it is not and they choose a different type of pool.

Those kind of people who do not think an inground pool is worth the time and money usually decide on building above ground swimming pools.  Above ground pools are cheaper to build and maintain because they are not dug into the ground and piping is not needed.  Also these pools do not take up as much space, but that can also mean that they are not as big.  These pools are not as attractive looking because they are just a structure built up off of the ground and just stick out.  Also, many townships require that a person has a permit for an above ground pool and some don’t allow them at all, so you would need to check first.

Both of these kinds of pools can be great for summer fun, but there are pros and cons to both and you must choose which is better for you.

While the first thing you may want to do is start picking out plants or trees to spruce up your swimming pool area, you should actually consider safety first and install a fence if you don’t already have one. This will keep pets, strays and children from wandering too close to the edge and falling into the water. Even if you’ve taught your children or pets to keep back, you can’t be certain that will always be the case nor can you control the neighbor’s children or pets. Not to mention that many counties and states have already passed ordinances requiring pool safety fences.

Having a concrete patio or paving blocks around your swimming pool will eliminate having to mow grass up close and the mess that could create in the water. Patios cost a little extra, but add a great space to the pool area. There are new types of landscaping paving stones and blocks that are non-skid, so that will help with wet, slippery feet. There are also some types of interlocking landscaping blocks that are made from recycled plastics but look like stone. Those would create a softer area around your swimming pool.

The next thing you may want to consider is whether or not you want to plant trees nearby. Since most swimming pool owners want to swim in the sun, you don’t want to plant any type of tree that will create too much shade. You also don’t want to put a deciduous tree that drops its leaves near your pool or you’ll be cleaning out leaves every autumn. You also need to consider that many evergreen trees will drop needles or pine cones and you probably don’t want any type of fruit tree either. Hearty palm tree species are a great idea if your climate will support it as palms won’t drop many fronds. Tree roots are another thing to consider when you’re thinking about swimming pool landscaping. Consider adding swimming pool lights or up-lights to create extra atmosphere with the trees.

Container plants may be your best bet as you can move them easily. Even a large pot can be moved if it is placed on a portable plant stand with wheels. Plants that tolerate a good deal of sun would probably be best. Marigolds, petunias, rose moss, flowering kale and even types of mint would do well. But remember that any type of flower could attract bees, so keep that in mind.

One of the greatest things about these slides in the range of products that are available. There are little slides that are appropriate for small children. They are very inexpensive. They may not last a very long time, but the price is appropriate for the quality of product you get. On the other end of the spectrum there are very large slides that cost thousands of dollars. They can reach 17 ft in height. Pumps, tarps, and repair kits often come with these larger, more expensive slides. The smallest slides may not even come with a hose attachment to keep the slide wet while other larger slides will have this type of attachment or “misters” to keep the slide wet while in use.

There are some slides that include a small pool located at the base of the pool to land in to. These slides can be used both by pool owners and those that don’t own pools. There are slides that float in the middle of the pool, and others that are designed to be placed at the edge of a pool’s perimeter. Slides that float in the middle are smaller than most pools designed for the side.

Most of these pool are made of PVC. Safety nets, slides, handles, and ladders are elements that may come on the slide you choose. One feature that makes these inflatable slides for pools so appealing is their ease of use. Most just require inflation and possibly some simple assembly. They are quickly inflated, and ready for use a just a few minutes. They are just as easily deflated, and can be folded and stored for your next use.

Solar path lights use the sun’s energy to provide the illumination. This type of lighting is thus reusable, since it is designed to harness the sun’s energy during the day and emit it at night, and then repeat the process day after day. Given that pathway lighting that uses solar energy does not use electricity, it tends to be ecologically friendly. Solar path lights are designed so that the solar panel component of the lighting fixture capture the sun’s energy during the day and use it at night. However, in order for this type of lighting to function as designed, the solar panel component must be placed in the direct sun. Otherwise, these lights will not work well, if at all, with the current technology used.

Another eco-friendly type of path light is the type that uses low voltage. Given that low voltage path lights use less voltage and thus less energy than the types of lights that use the standard voltage, they tend to be eco-friendly. These lights usually use a transformer to reduce the amount of voltage used in the lighting system. However, given that they do use some electricity in their design, placement of the lights do not depend on being installed in sunny locations to function.

Options are plentiful when it comes to consumers shopping for exterior home lighting, including path lights. However, consumers may want to keep in mind the options that are eco-friendly, when they are considering installing exterior path lights on the premises of their property.

Floaters

Floaters also come in different types and sizes. Some are shaped as a bed or a comfy chair, best for when you just want to lay back and relax. Some are huge enough to accommodate at least two people. Others have fun additions like umbrellas to keep you from getting roasted alive by the sun. A yummy addition for some are those cup holders that allow you to enjoy your favorite drink while you lounge around floating in the middle of the swimming pool.

Inflatable toys however have the tendency to lose air or get punctured, which would be a bit costly or ugly when you choose to repair them. The alternative would be what is popularly known as noodles. These are long pieces of flexible foam which are used to keep the user afloat but it does not offer the same relaxation as the inflatable ones do.

Sports-oriented devices

When fun is more of your liking because lounging around bores you, playing the pool-version of your favorite sport is made possible by toy makers. A great enhancement to the simple but great in itself beach ball is to have a sport-related toy installed. Have a round of pool basketball, volleyball, hockey, tennis or even archery. Ordinary sport activities are transformed into more challenging but loads more fun events when you play with your friends and family inside the swimming pool. The goals are either installed in the ends of the pool or are meant to float around with the players. Play sports without getting sweaty and stinky.

Dive toys

Hone your swimming skills alone or challenge others to a diving race with dive toys. These toys do not float, as opposed to the types earlier mentioned, but instead sink down to the bottom of the pool. These toys are meant to be retrieved by diving into the water; the first one to get the toy is declared the winner. These also come in different shapes and sizes but offer the same amount of enjoyment. One kind has numbers printed on them representing the score garnered by the one who gets them, several are thrown into the pool and the one with the highest number in total wins the game.

Enjoy the water without getting wet

If you prefer not to jump in to the pool, there are toys available for your needs too. The most common type is the remote controlled boats. There are submersibles too, play rounds of battleship wars with the addition of toy submarines. Or put in colorful toy fishes that mimic real fishes swimming in your swimming pool.

Enjoy your swimming pool to the fullest with any type of pool toys; because a pool is also meant to be enjoyed and not exclusively for athletes or those who work out by swimming when they do their lap routines.

1. The most important thing is to make sure whenever your children are in or around the pool that they’re supervised at all times. Having someone responsible who is also a good swimmer keeping an eye on the children is the only real way of making sure that they’re safe while using the pool.
2. Having a pool fence that’s big enough to stop children getting in when you don’t want them to while at the same time not being climbable is also extremely important. Your local government will provide rules and regulations for pool fencing and you need to make sure that you follow these. The gate is a pool fences weak point so it’s important to regularly check that there is nothing wrong with it and that the latch is working correctly.
3. If you have a diving board in your pool then these can often be dangerous for children. You should inspect them regularly to make sure there is no sign of weakness and that they follow the rules and regulations set by your local government.
4. Make sure that all extra fittings such as drain covers inside the pool are correctly fitted and don’t show any sign of damage. Any safety features inside the pool should also be regularly checked just in case something goes wrong.
5. It’s important to make sure that you have ladders in several different places around the pool so that anyone who needs to get out of the pool quickly and easily can.
6. Don’t allow your children to run around the edges of a pool because it can often be slippery when wet.

If you follow these guidelines then your pool will be a lot safer for you and your children to use. However, there is no substitute for making sure that there is someone supervising your children at all times. No matter how many safety features you put in place there could still be an accident or problem that can only be sorted out by responsible adults being present.

The three basic types of automatic cleaners

The most popular type of automatic cleaners is the pressure pool cleaner. It uses a water pump to move along the bottom of the swimming pool to clean out debris. It is very efficient in removing large debris like leaves, twigs and even dead insects. The two disadvantages though are that it cannot filter small debris like sand and similar sized or smaller objects and it does not have the capability to scrub your walls. You will have to do that on your own.

Another popular type of pool cleaner is the suction cleaners. It uses suctioning to be able to move around and at the same time sucking in water to filter it from the smaller sized debris. It also has the capability to scrub the walls of your swimming pool. And is among the most inexpensive types of automatic cleaners. The downside though is that the debris bag is made specifically for smaller debris and although it works for the larger ones, it gets full and clogged up pretty easily.

The last of the three are robotic cleaners. It is the most expensive but the most effective. It uses electricity as the cleaner is powered through a waterproof cord. It efficiently cleans the water from almost all sizes of debris and can and will clean even the walls. Some models can even be controlled via a remote controller while most are just really fully-automated, able to navigate through the contours of the water hole.

Some tips to help keep your pool clean

Whether you have someone to take care of the cleaning for you or not, it helps minimize the cleaning costs if you keep your pool as clean as you can while you are using it. Aside from the more obvious manual picking of the debris like leaves and twigs with the use of a scoop or net, there are other things you need to take care of. What makes a pool dirty is not only confined with the debris, but with microorganisms as well such as bacteria and algae.

To keep the water in its cleanest possible state, make sure that you have the right pH balance, this not only leads to a more crystal clear water but this actually makes your disinfectant, like chlorine or bromine, work more efficiently. Make sure that you use the adequate amount of disinfectant and algaecide, to prevent swimmers from getting sick with bacterial and fungal infections. These microorganisms also contribute to the clouding of pool water and may even build up along the tile grout. Both are unpleasant to look at and really unhealthy.

Until you can afford to employ the services of a cleaning crew to do the cleaning for you or until you have purchased a pool cleaner, there is nothing left to do but to keep your swimming pool as clean as you can by not using it at all and keeping it covered.