The final deadline has passed for aquatic facility operators and owners to make sure they are compliant with the new provisions to the American Disabilities Act (ADA) regarding access to public pools and spas. Public pools around the nation should be compliant with the new rules and regulations to upgrade to include options for those who need assistance.

As of January 31, 2013, most public pools and hot tubs must have the means for disabled access. Larger pools will need two means of access. Pool and Spa Lifts have been viewed as the most practical and least expensive option, so they have been the most popular solution throughout the nation.

The facilities that violate the ADA rules and regulations will not be cited unless a lawsuit or complaint is filed. Just several weeks after the deadline, 21 pool specific lawsuits have been filed against hotels in the Indianapolis-area. The class action lawsuits are nearly identical, all citing a lack of pool lift or access. There are concerns that lawyers will be seeking out infractions just to pursue a lawsuit.

Owners and facility operators should make sure to get their pools ADA compliant to avoid fines or closure. If you have multiple pools or bodies of water, the Patriot Portable Lift or Scout Lift might be the perfect option to serve different areas. We also have several other affordable options to help your facility become compliant if you are not already.

In order to confirm your current pool lift is ADA compliant, make sure it has a lifting capacity of at least 350 pounds, a footrest that accompanies the seat into the water, except for spas. A manually cranked or manually rotated lift is not ADA compliant. If you want more details on the complete ADA compliance regulations, please visit http://www.ada.gov/.

Pool lifts come in all different shapes, sizes and options depending on how large your pool is and if you have multiple bodies of water or just one. You can purchase a portable option like the Patriot Portable Lift or a stationary lift like the Pro Pool and Spa Lift. There are options for both in ground and above ground pools, while some lifts might be for one or the other.

Pools And Stuff has a variety of options for pool lifts, aquatic wheelchairs and accessories for all of your ADA compliance needs. Our qualified staff can help figure out the best option for your pool set up to help you meet regulations, as well as offer free shipping in the 48 states.

Brisk water walking in a pool can provide an excellent aerobic workout as water provides more resistance than air. It is a great option for those with an injury, if you are pregnant, or for elderly who want to increase their activity level without the stress on their joints. You are strengthening and building muscle while you walk in the water, helping you increase your endurance and giving you a workout that does not stress out your body.

In order to water walk, you should stand waist-deep in water with your abdominal muscles firm and flexed, shoulders back and chest lifted in a neutral position. Walking in chest deep water provides even more resistance and a more strenuous workout for those wanting to work a little harder.

You can then begin to walk as you would on land, placing your heel down first and following through with the ball of your foot. We advise you not to walk on your tiptoes, but normally as you would if you were walking on the street. Remember to keep your back straight and your stomach muscles tight. You can also walk backwards to work different muscle groups. Press your palms against the water to also work your arms.

This low impact workout is a great option for those who are active but nursing an injury. Pools And Stuff offers great accessories for water walking. The Underwater Walker is constructed of durable PVC tubing and stainless steel swivel casters with solid rubber wheels. It is perfect to assist those injured or the elderly who struggle walking with rehab or to help them get stronger. This adjustable, waterproof walker aids in independent mobility in the pool. The Underwater Walker also has armrest cradles to provide extra support and can be attached or removed.

We also have an aquatic floatation aid that was designed for adults who can support themselves in the water in an upright position but need to walk with assistance. These are great to help aid in water walking for those who are recovering and want to build up their strength. Visit Pools And Stuff's section of ADA Pool & Spa Lifts for these water-walking aids, as well as more for your pool.

Winter is still underway in many areas of the country but spring is right around the corner. Spring means pools and swimming for those across the country that have this entertainment feature in their backyard. The time to open your swimming pool and get it ready for summer is almost here, and you want to be prepared to prep the pool. Here is a step-by-step to getting your pool ready for those swimsuits, goggles and pool games.

Start by removing any leaves or debris from the pool cover. Then you can pump off any extra water from the top of the cover. You can do this with a small pool cover pump. Once you have cleaned off all the water and stuff from the top of the pool cover, you are ready to remove the pool cover.

Next, you should clean the cover thoroughly before storing so nothing eats through the cover while it is being stored. It is best to fold the cover up so you can easily put it back on whenever needed. I can personally attest to this problem. As a young boy, I remember putting the family pool cover away without cleaning it. The rotting dirt and leaves managed to actually eat holes into the cover. When we unfolded it in the fall, it was destroyed and we had to urgently get a new one.

Begin filling up the pool to the normal level and clean any leaves or dirt with your pool vacuum. Once the water is at level, it is time for you to check your pool’s chemistry and add any needed chemicals including algae control, some sanitizer such as chlorine or bromine, and of course balance your pH.

When the swimming pool water is 3/4 the way up the skimmer opening, start the pool pump. The multi-port position on your pool filter should be on rinse for about 30 seconds before being switched to the filter position. This is a good point to take care of your pool chemicals. Add shock to the pool and make sure it is swimming ready by using the dosage on the bottle. You can use test strips to test the pH and adjust the levels as needed. This is also the point you can add stabilizer to keep the chlorine from being used too quickly. Once you complete all of the above steps, keep the water circulating for 24 to 48 hours before using. This helps run all the water through the filter to circulate and remove any remaining bacteria, making it safe to swim and ready for all the summer fun! You can also enjoy the money you saved by opening your pool and getting it ready for summer on your own.

Pools And Stuff has many of options of above ground pools for sale, accessories, pool chemicals and more. All pool items include free shipping in the 48 states.

The final deadline is looming for aquatic facility operators and owners to make sure they are compliant with the new provisions to the American Disabilities Act (ADA) regarding access for public pools and spas. Many commercial pools around the country have already upgraded to include options for those who need assistance. Public pools around the nation will need to make sure they are compliant with the new rules and regulations.

Based on the new regulations, all public accommodations including hotels, resorts, timeshares, and more must bring certain elements of their facilities into compliance with the 2010 ADA standards as of March 31, 2013, extended originally from March 15, 2012. Elements of these new compliances include that any commercial pool under 300 feet must have a sloped entry or a pool lift. Commercial pools larger than 300 linear feet need two forms of access, one of which must be a sloped entry or pool lift.

Spas, wave action pools and leisure rivers, wading pools and sand bottom pools all need one-access point. Wading pools must have a sloped entry. If you have multiple pools or bodies of water, the Patriot Portable Lift or Revolution Lift might be the perfect option to serve different areas.

Estimates have placed the number of pools that need to be brought into compliance at approximately 100,000 pools. The provision has been nicknamed "poolmageddon” since there are such a large number of pools that need to meet the requirements across the nation. The deadline has been extended on several occasions due to a backlog of orders at lift-manufacturing facilities. It looks as if the new January 31, 2013 should hold true and become a solid deadline. Owners and facility operators should make sure to get their pools compliant to avoid fines or closure.

In order to confirm your current pool lift is ADA compliant, make sure it has a lifting capacity of at least 300 pounds, a footrest that accompanies the seat into the water, except for spas. A manually cranked or manually rotated lift is not ADA compliant.

If you want more details on the complete ADA compliance regulations, please visit http://www.ada.gov/.

Pool lifts come in all different shapes, sizes and options depending on how large your pool is and if you have multiple bodies of water or just one. You can purchase a portable option like the Patriot Portable Lift or a stationary lift like the Pro Pool and Spa Lift. There are options for both in ground and above ground pools, while some lifts might be for one or the other.

Pools And Stuff has a variety of options for pool lifts, aquatic wheelchairs and accessories for all of your ADA compliance needs. Our qualified staff can help figure out the best option for your pool set up to help you meet regulations, as well as offer free shipping in the 48 states.

Even though there is snow on the ground in many parts of the country, now might be the perfect time to start thinking about your new above ground pool. By the time the weather begins getting hot and spring is breaking, it might be too late as you want to have your pool started by then so you can enjoy it all summer long.

For some folks, the available space for installing a new swimming pool is limited. There are several important things to consider before you buy an above ground pool. If you buy one before the spring, you'll be ready to assemble and enjoy the moment the weather changes.

Water and Electric – Both of these are nice to have close to where you would like to assemble the pool. For most pools, it works the best if you run an underground conduit from your house outlet to where the pump and filter will be located. This also makes sense if you want to add a pool light or cleaner, as you do not want to have cords running across the yard. You may also want to extend an underground water pipe if your pool will be more than 50 feet from the water source. That will give you a cleaner look than having a garden hose stretched out over your lawn.

Visibility from the House – You might want to be able to enjoy the view of the pool from your house as much as possible, especially if you have younger kids and want to keep a close, watchful eye on them. Please make sure all of your kids are taught pool safety lessons and know how to swim. Be prepared and safe with pool alarms and safety equipment.

Level is Key – The earth beneath your pool will need to be absolutely level before you begin to assemble your above ground pool. This is so important to ensure the structural integrity of your pool and to have a nice even water line when the pool is full. A badly lopsided pool could fall over and flood the backyard.

Access to the Pool – You want to be able to jump into the pool quickly on a really hot, sweltering day, or run back into the house at rapid speed on a cold night. You also want to make sure there is quick access for emergency personnel, in case there is an emergency. You should also verify local government regulations for how far away a pool must be from the house. Keep a buffer zone around the pool so it is easier to walk around and clean once assembled.

Let there be Sun – Finally, you really want to consider where in the backyard the sun and shade exists during different times of the day. You might prefer partial shade, or want to make sure your pool is in the sunny portion. If you live in a really hot location, the sun might make the pool too warm in the middle of summer. We also suggest not placing your pool under a large tree, as the leaves might make cleaning the pool a major challenge. These are all great things to consider when planning out where to put your above ground pool.

Pools And Stuff has a great selection of the top brand above ground pools. Check out our selection and contact us to help you determine the best option and style for you and your family.

The American Disabilities Act (ADA) regulations are well underway and many commercial pools around the country have upgraded to include options for those who need assistance. Since there are such a wide variety of pool lifts, you should have no trouble finding something to fit your pool and style.

Based on the new regulations, all public accommodations including hotels, resorts, timeshares, and more must bring certain elements of their facilities into compliance with the 2010 ADA standards as of March 15, 2012. Elements of these new compliances include that any commercial pool under 300 feet must have a sloped entry or a pool lift. Commercial pools larger than 300 linear feet need two forms of access, one of which must be a sloped entry or pool lift.

Pool lifts come in all different shapes, sizes and options depending on how large your pool is and if you have multiple bodies of water or just one. You can purchase a portable option like the Patriot Portable Lift or a stationary lift like the Pro Pool and Spa Lift. There are options for both in ground and above ground pools, while some lifts might be for one or the other.

You can also look into purchasing pool access wheelchairs or beach access wheelchairs to cater to those that need assistance. These are many styles, but we love the Beach Access Chair with large balloon tires. We also have flotation and training aides available.

If you want more details on the complete ADA compliance regulations, please visit http://www.ada.gov/. 

PoolsAndStuff.com has a variety of options for ADA pool lifts and aquatic wheelchairs for all of your ADA compliance needs. Our qualified staff can help figure out the best option for your pool set up, as well as offer free shipping in the 48 states.

Have you ever entered the basement of someone’s home and saw it? You know what I am talking about…the air hockey table! Or have you ever walked into a bar and gotten stoked about the pool table in the corner? Many people never consider owning their own indoor game system, which is a travesty. What better way to throw more entertaining parties having some high quality game tables around? How about spending some quality family time together versus spending evenings in front of the television?

The popularity of indoor games is coming back, especially in cold weather regions where the winters are long and people are looking for new ways to entertain themselves.

We have the perfect way to channel your inner Forest Gump. Table Tennis tables are an excellent way to hold Olympic-like championships in your basement with the family and close friends during the holidays. Grab your paddle and invite over your cousins for a fun-filled, action packed game night. Our foosball tables will bring in some great competition.

We also have several options for the young athlete. Rolbak basketball return nets are the best option to practice your shot while having the hoop pass the ball back to you.

PoolsAndStuff.com has a great selection of quality indoor games for every person and space. From multi-game tables, to table top pool tables to table tennis systems, we are the place to get your winter games. Most of these games can be easily moved to another room or house if you are relocating. You can add several to make the perfect place for your kids and family to spend time together and have a multi-game championship. Buy indoor games for winter fun today and get free shipping from www.poolsandstuff.com.