Monthly Archives: January 2015

Whether you spent the morning shoveling snow, have just come to the realization that you need to get yourself in better physical shape, or want more opportunities for family fun, adding an above ground pool to your backyard makes for the ideal solution.

Unfortunately, many of us spend the cold weather months hibernating – and eating fattening foods. Unless you are consistently committed to a workout schedule, the opportunity to wear bulkier clothes and the tendency to remain indoors can add up to some winter weight gain.

Swimming for a healthy life is one of the easiest ways to tone and shape your body. 

• Going to the gym does not suit everyone’s style or schedule
• Running in your own neighborhood is a tremendous way to get in shape, but asphalt is harsh on your knees
• Personal trainers are expensive

A backyard swimming pool is an investment that will far outlast your gym membership.

While we certainly recommend consulting with your physician before beginning any kind of exercise program, you can simply and steadily swim your way to a healthier you.

• You are naturally buoyant in the water so you are not stressing your body unnecessarily
• Swimming works all the muscles in unison so you maximize your workout time with a more comprehensive training session
• Swimming is one of the finest types of cardiovascular exercises
• When you are finished doing your laps, you can slip onto a float and relax while you rehydrate with plenty of water
• You can enjoy a private workout session because you are not contending with someone else swimming by, nor are you waiting to use one of the gym’s weight resistance machines

Getting Started

The biggest misstep people make with any type of workout regimen (including pool exercise) is they set unrealistic goals.

• Every person has different capabilities and strengths; so start small, but be consistent
• Participating in cardiovascular exercise 3-5 times per week for 20 minutes at a time is a great beginner’s target
• Try starting with 15 minutes twice weekly and then build by adding another day or by increasing your minutes

The longer you exercise, the more you are going to want to as you will find you are looking better, feeling better, and de-stressing. A pool is not just for relaxation; it is your way to physical fitness.

If you’re a pool owner, then you’re already sold on the health and exercise benefits having a sparkling pool in your backyard provides you and your family. Pools are also the perfect excuse to get your children away from their video games and out into the sunshine!

Can you make your pool experience a different one? Perhaps a chlorine-free one?

What kinds of considerations need you make if you are debating the transition from a traditional chorine pool to a saltwater one? What are the pluses?

The Benefits of Salt Water Pools:

• The operating cost is generally lower when compared to a traditional pool
• For those with more sensitive skin, saltwater is easier to tolerate
• You can transform your chorine pool into a salt water pool at a reasonable price

The one misconception those interested in transitioning must understand, is that salt water swimming pools are maintenance-free.

•  The chemistry of the pool water needs to be tested weekly to keep the pH and salt levels in check.

• Monitor the salt level so your automatic chlorine generator can consistently generate the necessary chlorine level.

• Test the pH regularly as the pH in salt water pools is consistently higher than that of conventional chlorine pools. Testing twice weekly is a good rule of thumb with an eye toward keeping the pH between 7.4 and 7.8.

•  Don’t cut back on filtration time, because with most systems, chlorine is only being introduced when the filter is running. One of the biggest mistakes pool owners make with salt water swimming pools is when they try to save money by reducing the filter run time. This reduction can often result in an algae problem.

• Maintain the salt chlorinator cell to confirm there are no calcium deposits visible. This maintenance will ensure that the chlorinator produces the necessary level of chlorine.

To make the transition to your saltwater pool, there is now fortunately a variety of saltwater generators on the market. MegaChlorMaker DO is a drape over Saltwater System that can be used for spas and pools up to 10,000 gallons. It offers a self-cleaning technology with a plug and play installation and produces up to 100 grams per day of chlorine.

The cell simply hangs over the side of the pool into the water. The pool doesn’t even have to be on when the MegaChlor DO is making chlorine.

Whether you opt for a salt water pool or a chlorine pool, proper care will certify the integrity of the structure, providing years of enjoyment.  Routine cleaning, chemical testing, and equipment checks help to keep every pool in top condition.