Pools and Stuff

photo courtesy McStone via pixabay.com

We recently blogged about dry drowning--how to spot the symptoms and how to prevent it from happening. Thankfully, it's a rather uncommon phenomenon. Actual drowning, however, is not: drowning is the leading cause of accidental death for children aged 1-3 years old in 30 states.

A few weeks ago, we reposted this rather amazing video on our Facebook page:

It's a little shocking--watching a baby fall into a pool is a scary thing! But it brings to attention the importance of teaching very young children skills that may help them survive an accidental tumble into a swimming pool or other body of water.

Check out our selection of floating aids and toys.

Types of Infant Swim Classes

There are a lot of options for parents who are looking for infant swim classes:

• A well-known infant swim class is Waterbabies. This class and others like it include the parent and the infant in the lessons. The focus is primarily social (parent-infant bonding, parent-parent socializing, infant-infant socializing) and getting babies accustomed to being in the water. Basic floating skills are taught.
• Then there are classes like the one discussed in the video above. They are not advertised as swimming classes; rather, they are "self-rescue" classes, and the focus is not on fun or swimming, but rather on teaching infants survival skills that may help them survive falling into a pool. Parents sit on the sidelines while trained instructors teach the infant to roll onto their backs, float, breathe, and wait for assistance. Older babies are taught to swim for short intervals in order to reach safety.
• Parents can also teach their babies basic swimming skills on their own. There are many resources on the Internet that guide parents through teaching basic floating skills and swimming skills such as the doggy paddle.
• Many communities also offer courses through local swimming pools. Check the resources in your area to see if such classes are offered. Many of these types of classes will be geared towards children 4 years and up.

How Old Should My Baby Be to Learn to Swim?

It depends who you ask. The American Academy of Pediatrics states that children are not developmentally ready to learn to swim until they are 4 years old. However, they mean actually swimming. Programs like Waterbabies, in which children only float and are held in the water, start at 1 month. Self-rescue programs encourage parents to teach self-rescue skills between 6-12 months. The right time will also depend on the child and any special needs they may have.

The Benefits of Teaching Babies to Swim

Besides teaching skills that could save them from drowning, there are other benefits to teaching infants to swim:

• Babies that learn to swim have better balance and are better at grasping objects than their non-swimming peers. This difference in ability persists even up through five years of age.
• Teaching babies to swim can boost their confidence. They are also less likely to be afraid of being in water or having water on their face.
• Swimming builds strength. The buoyancy of the water and the resistance it provides exercises muscles more effectively than activity on land. Research shows that babies who swim crawl later than their peers but walk earlier, due to improved muscle control.
• One German study found that babies who swim display advanced social skills and intelligence, compare to their non-swimming peers.
• Swimming relaxes infants and the activity stimulates their appetite. This improves their sleeping and eating habits.

Will Teaching My Baby to Swim Prevent Drowning?

Teaching an infant to swim, or teaching an infant self-rescue techniques, will improve their chance of surviving should they fall into water. However, there is never any guarantee they will not drown--no one is drown-proof. Even highly skilled adult swimmers can drown. The best way to prevent drowning is to secure pool areas with gates and fences, and to supervise your child at all times when near a pool or other body of water.

This wristband alarm is designed specifically to warn you should your infant fall into the pool.

Even if your infant has taken swimming or self-rescue classes, it is crucial you do not rely on those skills to save your child.

View our pool alarm and safety systems here.

• http://www.babyswimming.com/FAQ.htm
• http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/187087.php
• https://www.waterbabies.co.uk/baby-swimming/benefits-of-learning-early

by neener-nina via DeviantArt

The risk of drowning increases in summer, as does the risk of "dry drowning" or "secondary drowning". Dry drowning is a rare event, but it does happen and knowing the signs could potentially save a life.

What is Dry Drowning?

This rare event accounts for 1%-2% of all drownings. Dry drowning occurs when a small amount of water is inhaled during a struggle or rough play. The muscles lining the airways become irritated and spasm. The lungs then produce fluid, which builds up and causes pulmonary edema. The person is then at risk for drowning in their own fluids.

What are the Signs of Dry Drowning?

The entire process can occur 1 to 24 hours after the water first entered the lungs. A person can be out of the water for hours and functioning normally before the signs of dry drowning present themselves. A dry drowning victim can exhibit the following:

• Trouble breathing
• Chest pain
• Coughing
• Sudden behavioral changes
• Extreme fatigue or lethargy
• Fever
• Sweaty or pale blue/gray skin

It can be especially difficult to spot these signs in young children who may simply appear tired after a day in the pool. However, it is very important to keep an eye on any child who had trouble while in the water or who engaged in particularly rough play.

How is Dry Drowning Treated?

At the first sign of dry drowning, take the affected person to the hospital immediately. Doctors can administer oxygen or use diuretics and positive air pressure to remove fluid from the lungs.

Can Dry Drowning be Prevented?

To a certain extent, yes, dry drowning can be prevented. Keeping a close eye on children and preventing an event that causes them to inhale water is the surest way to avoid dry drowning. Be aware, however, that it only takes a second for the aspiration of liquid, and it doesn't even have to happen while in a swimming pool.

While you may not be able to control the conditions that cause dry drowning, you can certainly prevent death from dry drowning by monitoring the person's breathing and behavior. At the first sign of any of the symptoms listed above, go immediately to a hospital.

• http://www.webmd.com/parenting/news/20140602/dry-drowning-faq
• http://www.swimmersdaily.com/2011/07/03/how-to-spot-symptoms-of-dry-and-delayed-drowning/
• http://www.nydailynews.com/sports/more-sports/protecting-children-secondary-drowning-article-1.1857692

Summer is officially here! School is out, temperatures are starting to soar, and pools are open everywhere. Depending on where you live, water conservation might be a major issue. Regardless of your location, however, knowing how to conserve your swimming pool water is a great way to save money and help out old Mother Nature.

Here are some swimming pool water conservation tips to get you started on a great summer:

Avoid Backwashing Your Pool Filter

A clean filter reduces containments in your pools and helps maintain pristine water. However, when it gets dirty, you mush backwash the filter to clean it. This is a HUGE waste of water! Maintain your filter properly in order to avoid having to backwash it.

Refill Your Pool Properly

The best times of the year to refill your pool is in the spring and fall when it won't strain your local water system.

Top Off Intelligently

Use a hose timer to avoid overfilling the pool when topping off. Auto-fill devices can malfunction and can lead to wasted water.

Lower Pool Levels

When topping off, ask yourself how full the pool really needs to be. Keeping a lower water level helps reduce loss from splashing and diving.

Turn Down the Pool Heater

During the summer, turn down the pool heater. This will reduce water loss due to evaporation, especially when the pool isn't even in use.

Use a Pool Cover

Pools without cover can lose as much as half their water to evaporation in a year. Cover reduce evaporation by 90-95%. We have a great selection of pool covers for all pool sizes here.

Landscape Wisely!

Use shrubs and fences around the pool area to reduce water loss through wind evaporation.

Check For and Repair Leaks

When checking for leaks, look for damp spots downhill from the pool; check for water-soaked dirt or lawn areas near the pool or pumps; check pool pipes, valves, and joiners; look for loose tiles or cracks that might indicate leaks; and check for any cracks or gaps in the bond beam. If you find any at all, get it repaired immediately.

Drain Sparingly

It depends on where you are located, how well you maintain the pool, and how often it is used, but a pool can often go up to three years between drainings. In some cases, you may only need to partially drain it. If you aren't sure, contact a pool professional in your area to ask how often and how much you should be draining.

Did we miss any conservation tips? How do you conserve water in the summer?

• http://www.austintexas.gov/department/conservation-tips-swimming-pools
• http://poolandpatio.about.com/od/maintainingyourpool/tp/DroughtPoolTips.htm
• http://www.swimmingpool.com/blog/swimming-pool-tips-water-conservation-month

Over time, your in-ground pool liner will wear out and you'll need to replace it. When that day comes, we heartily recommend finding a qualified professional to do it for you. However, if you are determined to save money by doing it yourself, and you don't mind the hard work, it can be done yourself.

Before proceeding, contact your pool supplier and get the template for the liner measurements. The contractor who built your pool should have them. Once the measurements are in hand, you can start!

• Select a liner color and pattern. 
• When your new liner arrives, drain your pool. Do not drain in advance unless you are certain dry weather is forecasted and you have a mortar-bottom pool. If you have a sand or vermiculite-bottom pool, wait until the last minute to drain.
• Remove all accessories (ladders, slides, etc.). Remove all hardware (return gaskets, skimmer gasket, face plates, etc.)
• Carefully inspect the walls of the pools for rust or damage. Where needed, grind and use galvanized steel to repair/limit rust.
• Carefully inspect the pool floor for cracks or damage. If you find damage, contact a contractor or pool repairman about repairs before you proceed.
• If all looks good, wash and sweep your pool from top to bottom. Vacuum the pool floor of any collected water.
• Hang the liner according the manufacturer's instructions. You'll likely need an assistant or two.
• Position a shop vac through the skimmer behind the liner. Turn on the vac and position the liner as the air is removed from behind it. Make sure the liner is wrinkle-free and smooth against the pool wall. If wrinkles form, shut off the vac and start again.
• Begin adding water to the pool while the vac is running. When there is 12" of water in the pool, use a sharp razor to cut out the main drains.
• Continue to fill the pool until there is 18" of water in the shallow end. Shut off the vac and remove.
• Fill the pool up to the returns. Re-install return gaskets, skimmer gasket, and face plates. Use a sharp razor to cut away liner where necessary.
• Fill the pool to the halfway point on the skimmer mouth. Start up your pool system.
• Add your chemicals. Your pool is ready!

TIPS

• A very dark liner/pattern can heat a pool up to 7 degrees more than a light color/pattern.
• Do not wear shoes or boots when walking on the new liner.

WARNINGS

• Always wear appropriate safety gear.
• Be careful when using the shop vac and filling the pool--water and electricity are a fatal combination!
• Take care not to make unnecessary cuts in the liner.

Do you have an above-ground pool? We have a guide for installing above-ground pool liners here.

Our Bermuda above ground pool is pretty great.

The lifespan of your pool depends on the condition of its liner. This is why it's important to inspect the liner every year. Eventually, you will need to replace it. Don't be daunted! It's really not so bad.

Our overall advice: hire a professional to replace the liner. It will cost you a little, but if you shop around you'll find that the cost isn't so bad. Just make sure you get someone who has the licenses and qualifications to perform the job. Always look for reviews and recommendations!

But if you really, really want to do it yourself ... it's not so bad. Set aside a big block of time, get together the materials, enlist someone to help you, and follow our guide:

Replacing an Above-Ground Pool Liner

Before proceeding, measure and then re-measure the pool, then order the new liner. Try to avoid buying cheaper liners--the short-term savings may be attractive, but they may end up costing you more down the road. The thicker the liner the more durable it tends to be. Also consider investing in a liner guard to protect the liner from punctures or tears.

• Drain all the water from the pool.
• Remove all hung ladders and any other equipment that obstructs the liner area. Also remove all face plates, gaskets, lights, and etc. from the interior of the pool. Use this opportunity to inspect this hardware for cracks or wear that may indicate it needs replacement.
• Remove hardware on the top end of the pool: seat clamps, ledges, top plates, the top rail, and etc.
• Now for the fun stuff: remove the old liner. You may need to use a razor knife to cut the liner into smaller pieces.
• Inspect the pool base and cove. Repair any unevenness or wash outs with masonry sand.
• Remove duct tape from the wall bolt seam and re-tape it with fresh tape.
• Sweep the inside of the pool thoroughly to ensure there are no pebbles or debris. Check for any sharp edges that might tear the new liner and either remove, file down, or tape over them.
• Unroll the new liner in a clear, sunny area. The warmth helps the liner stretch during installation. Be sure to follow any instructions that came with the liner.
• Seal the skimmer area with cardboard using duct tape on the outside of the pool wall. Also seal the water return and lighting holes with duct tape on the outside of the pool wall. Then insert 2 feet of a shop vacuum hose through the cardboard that covering the skimmer area. Duct tape it on until well sealed. Reinspect all the duct tape seals--they need to be really good seals!
• Re-inspect the pool bottom and remove all debris--even the tiniest pebble can cause damage to your new liner!
• Clip two wooden clothes pins to each upright.
• Get some help with this next part to ensure you don't damage the new liner: Fold the new liner in half and place it in the pool. Unfold it carefully--you should be able to do this from outside the pool.
• Pull the liner up over the wall about 6 inches and attach to the pool wall with the clothes pins. Now you want to evenly and carefully pull the liner further over the wall, removing and reclipping the pins as needed, until about 15 inches of the liner folds over the pool wall.
• With a light touch, brush and tap the liner toward the walls. Inspect and adjust the liner as needed. Double check that the bottom seam is even all around the perimeter of the pool.
• Attach a shop vac to the hose you previously attached to the cardboard in the skimmer area. Turn it on. It will suck the air out of the liner area. You want to release the liner as evenly as possible as it tightens by releasing and re-attaching the clothes pins as needed. Continue to gently brush and tap the liner toward the wall around the entire pool to remove wrinkles. Proceed in this fashion until the liner is seated and even with no wrinkles. If there are persistent wrinkles, shut off the vacuum and start over by reclipping the liner to the wall. Don't cheat!
• Once the liner is set and wrinkle-free, begin filling the pool with water WITHOUT shutting off the vacuum. Fill until there is about 1 foot of water in the pool. Now you can shut off the vac.
• Re-install all face plates and gaskets. Use your fingers to find the holes they used to go into and use a sharp awl to carefully puncture that area. With a sharp razor knife, carefully cut out the liner from the skimmer and light areas and remove all of your duct tape seals.
• Finish filling the pool with water. Hook up the filtration system and pool accessories. Add your pool chemicals and you're done!

PRO TIPS:

It is super important that there be no wrinkles because wrinkles trap debris, make vacuuming the pool difficult, and they will eventually cause tears in the lining, greatly diminishing the lifespan of the liner and the pool itself.

To clean the liner, you don't need to empty the pool. In fact, doing so can cause the liner to shrink or crack.

WARNINGS:

This guide is for above ground overlap vinyl liners without deep ends. If your pool has a variation in depth, please seek a professional's help in replacing your liner.

Above Ground Pool Installation Videos

Have an in-ground pool? Check out our guide on in-ground pool liners here.

The most important thing to know about your pool is how many gallons it holds. Don't guess! Having the right number is crucial to knowing how much it's going to cost you to fill the pool, what size pump/filter/chemical feeder/heater you need, and the amount of chemicals needed to maintain pool hygiene. Calculate this number incorrectly and it could cost you a pretty penny in equipment repairs/replacements, and could be a real health hazard if you incorrectly add chemicals.

Pool Volume Calculators

There are lots of calculators available to help you determine how many gallons your pool holds. Pick one that you like best:

Pentair Pool Volume Calculator -- Allows for four different pool shapes: rectangular, oblong, circular, and triangular. You will need to know the pool depth at the shallowest end and the deepest end, and the length/width or radius (depending on pool shape).

Pool1 Pool Gallon Calculator -- Has one calculator for above-ground pools, one for in-ground rectangular pools, and one for in-ground oval pools. For above-ground pools, you will need to know the pool's depth, width, and length. For the in-ground pools, you'll need to know the shallow and deep end depths, the length, and the width.

Kurtz Water Volume Calculator -- Has two calculators: one for square/rectangular pools and one for round pools. For square/rectangular pools, you will need to know the pool's length, width, and shallow/deep depths. For round pools, you will need to know the deep/shallow depths and the diameter.

WikiHow Volume in Gallons -- This is not a calculator, but rather walks you through the math you need to do to determine the number of gallons in your pool. For folks who like to do their own math!

What Other Info Does a Pool Owner Need to Know?

Glad you asked! Owning a pool requires a fair amount of knowledge in order to maintain it properly and safely. Here's a pretty good list of the things you should know to keep things in good working order (note: it's a PDF).

It's coming--the time for getting back into the pool is just around the corner! But humans aren't the only ones that end up in the water when the pool covers come off. Wildlife often end up in the pool as well. From ducks to alligators to the neighbor's dog, your pool can easily become a local watering hole for critters in your area. Unless your dream is to discover a new species of frog, you probably want to keep animals out of the pool.

The Dangers of Animals in Swimming Pools

The primary reason why wildlife and pools are a bad combo is simply because the animals could drown. Squirrels and possums are famous for falling into the water and perishing when they can't escape. Not only is this a sad loss of life, the organic matter introduced into the chlorinated water can produce a toxic gas, introduce nasty bacteria into the water, and pollute the pool's filtration system.

And if the animal doesn't perish, then you have a really angry possum in the water. Not really great for swimming with the kids.

Also remember that if these animals can get into the pool, there's a very good chance small children can get in as well. A pool secured from wildlife is safer for children, too.

Keep Wildlife Out of Your Pool

Luckily, there are steps you can take to keep critters out. In general, it's easier to keep them out of above-ground pools, but you'll still want to take measures to secure the pool.

Build a Fence -- In many places, there are regulations requiring pools to be fenced and gated, but even if you aren't required to have them they are a good idea. They'll keep bigger animals and kids from falling in.

Have an Access Ladder/Gate -- For above-ground pools, install a ladder with a lockable gate to prevent little furry things from using the steps to access the pool. We carry an attractive one here.

Invest in an Escape Ramp -- Sometimes all these wayward critters need is a little help out of the pool. Providing an escape ramp could be a lifesaver. There are lots of models available out there, and they are quite affordable. We like this one, perfect for smaller animals like lizards and squirrels:

And Now Some Cute Animal Videos

We certainly don't recommend having animals in your pool, but sometimes it can be funny to watch wildlife enjoy the luxury of a dip in the pool. Here are some cute videos of animals enjoying human swimming pools. Enjoy!

How to Enter

It's easy to enter! Simply go to our Poolssandstuff.ca Facebook page. There are four ways to enter, four chances to win! Be sure to read the complete rules, as some restrictions apply. What will you do with a $300 gift card?

Enter THREE Other Amazing Giveaways!

While you're on Facebook, check out the contests sponsored by our sister sites. We're giving away lots of great prizes:

• Spasandstuff.com -- Win an Elegance Hot Tub
• Saunasandstuff.ca -- Win a $300 Gift Card
• Saunasandstuff.com -- Win a 1 Person Carbon Fiber Sauna

Our sister site Spasandstuff.com is giving away an Elegance Inflatable Portable Hot Tub to one lucky winner!

There are 4 ways to enter, 4 ways to win:

1. Click on the Contest button on the top of the Facebook page
2. “Like” the Promotion post pinned to the top of the Timeline
3. Leave a comment on the post or on the Facebook page telling us why you want to win
4. Send us a private message (through Facebook or email) with your name and email address

Contest runs through May 20! Some restrictions apply. Please read Contest page for Official Rules.

Poolsandstuff.com now has a Shop Now feature on our Facebook page! Click on it to view great pools and pool products. You can Like products, create a Wishlist, and Share your favorites on your timeline, a friend's timeline, on a page you manage, or in a private message. Use this new Facebook feature to coordinate purchases with friends and family, or to show everyone where they can go to get you the perfect gift.

View the new Facebook Shop Now feature by visiting our Facebook page here: https://www.facebook.com/PoolsAndStuff