pool

Maybe you're trying to decide whether or not to build a pool in the backyard. Or, maybe you're trying to decide between renting a house with a pool or renting an apartment with a shared pool. Whatever the reason, you might want to know why a private pool is better than a public pool.

1. Public Pools are Gross

This is the first reason why private pools are better because it is the biggest reason and contributes heavily to some of the following reasons. To put it bluntly, public pools are disgusting: according the the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), the average swimmer deposits 0.14 grams of fecal matter in pool water, usually within minutes of first entering. Multiply that by how many people are going through your local community pool and, well, that's a lot of poop.

It doesn't just stop there. One in five Americans admit to peeing while in a swimming pool. How many people were at the public pool last time you were there? Yeah. That's a lot of pee.

Another gross number: about 35% of swimmers don't shower before getting in the pool. This means that they dive right in and within minutes contaminate the water with fecal matter, dead skin, loose hair, lotion, sweat ... you get the picture. The gross, disgusting picture.

In a private pool, you know exactly who and what is in the water. You can insist on clean bodies only in the pool, and by limiting the number of people diving in you control the grossness they contribute to the water.

2. Public Pools Will Get You Sick

All that poop and dead skin in the water inevitably leads to bacteria. Yes, chlorine is there to kill off germs and sanitize the water, but there's only so much it can do. Every time you mix organic contaminants into the water, they consume chlorine, leaving less chlorine to battle off the stuff deposited by the next swimmer. Get enough swimmers, like in a public setting, and there's not enough chlorine to get it all before you accidentally swallow it.

Next thing you know, you've got a recreational water illness (RWI). The CDC states that there has been an increase in RWIs in the past two decades. The most common is diarrhea, followed by gastrointestinal complaints, skin problems, ear infections, respiratory problems, eye infections,
and neurological problems.

With your own private pool, you control the cleanliness and therefore considerably decrease your chances of becoming ill from bacteria.

3. You Can't Control the Chlorine

Chlorine is good in that it disinfects, but it's bad because ... well, chlorine is just really bad for you. It was first used as a weapon during World War I, and it continues to contribute to a host of health issues, such as eczema, respiratory illnesses, and even certain cancers. Once you mix organic matter with chlorine, you get some potentially toxic chlorine by-products that have been linked to lung and skin irritation, liver and bladder cancer, allergies, and asthma.

In a private pool, you can carefully monitor and control the chlorine levels for maximum safety and hygiene. Or, you can opt for a chlorine-free system rarely seen in public pools, such as ultra filtration, ozone, or salt water.

4. Indoor Pools May Cause Lung Problems

photo by Dave Dugdale via Flickr

Studies have been done that indicate that frequent swimming in indoor pools contributes to upper and lower respiratory problems such as lung congestion, sneezing, asthma, lung irritation, and other breathing difficulties. The problem is chloramine, the toxic by-product of chlorine and organic matter. The more chlorine and the more organic matter involved, the more chloramine you have. You can see the problem this can create in a public setting. Chloramines settle just above the water's surface where swimmers primarily breathe. Continued exposure affects bronchial health. There is evidence to suggest that symptoms can be worse for younger swimmers, to the point that many experts discourage parents from taking infants and toddlers to indoor swimming pools.

Among private pool owners, only the most posh tend to have their own indoor pools, so this issue tends to be isolated to indoor community pools and school pools.

5. There are Other People at Public Pools

By calling them "public" pools we're pretty much accepting that other people will be using them. All sorts of people. We would never advocate an anti-social attitude toward your fellow human, but let's face it: other people can be trying at times. Using a public pool means sharing your swim time with people who may not be as clean and well behaved as you might like. With your own private pool, you have more privacy and more control over the company you swim with.

6. Public Pools are Inconvenient

First off, they have operating hours. Feel like a night time swim? Good luck finding an open public pool. Having a pool party at Christmas? Not a chance if you plan on using a public pool. A private pool lets you swim at any time, on any day. Do a few laps before dinner. Use the pool area for 12 hours straight or for just 15 minutes. And if you have a heated pool, you can swim most or all of the year during times when public pools shut down.

Public pools often also have fees for their use. This might dissuade you from using them for just a quick swim, which means you lose out on the benefits of regular swimming.

You also have to actually leave the house to use a public pool. With your own pool, it's just out the door. This means you'll probably use it more, and that means you'll be healthier from all that aerobic exercise in poop-free water.

7. You Can Be the Host With the Most With a Private Pool

photo by 1950sUnlimited via Flickr

Some public pools have space available for parties, some don't. If they do, you still have to contend with other pool users, your guests may have to pay entrance fees to the pool, you'll have to make do with the facilities available, and you may have limitations on decorations, activities, and refreshments that are permitted.

Instead, picture yourself hosting a party beside your private pool. Only your guests are present. You can decorate any way you like, serve what you like. You can plan activities in and around the pool without worrying about any facility policies or other swimmers getting in the way. Even better: you can party into the night without worry the pool will close down and kick you and your guests out.

8. You Know Where Your Kids Are

Got kids old enough to go to the pool on their own? With a private pool, you can keep an eye on your teen and her friends as they swim safely at your home. You know exactly where they are, who they are with, and what they are doing. Better yet, you don't have to drive a van full of kids back and forth to the public swimming hole--you can just kick them out the back door.

Many public pools are terrific places--they can be a great place to get to know your neighbors, they provide a place for people to exercise and play, and they can be an oasis in the summer for people who don't have access to a pool of their own. However, if you have the means or opportunity, it's definitely worth it to choose the private pool every time.

• https://www.medicaldaily.com/7-disgusting-facts-about-dirty-public-swimming-pools-246965
• https://swimming.about.com/od/safetyinthewater/qt/Unhygienic_Swim_Pool_Behavior.htm
• https://technorati.com/women/article/public-pools-are-microbial-baths/
• https://well.blogs.nytimes.com/2009/07/22/are-indoor-pools-bad-for-your-lungs/?_php=true&_type=blogs&_r=0
• https://voices.yahoo.com/is-swimming-pool-bad-health-1793395.html

On November 12, 2013, the Association of Pool & Spa Professionals (APSP) honored the best in swimming pool designs at the 43rd annual International Awards of Excellence at the Mandalay Bay Resort and Casino's LIGHT Nightclub in Las Vegas, Nevada. Eighty-eight awards were presented in forty categories, five of which spotlighted international installations. There were over a hundred entries from six countries.

"This year's winning installations showcase our members' superior ability to transform backyards into magnificent environments that cultivate lifelong memories of fun and family. Consumers seeking ideas as they consider building their own aquatic oasis will be able to view the 2013 winners, and even past recipients’ installations, via APSP.org's new Inspiration Gallery coming this winter." -- APSP President and CEO Rich Gottwald.

Some of the highlights we liked most here at Poolsandstuff.com include Caribbean Blue Pools & Spas' amazing multi-tiered pool with slide; Cipriano Custom Swimming Pools & Landscaping's cello-shaped pool; Claffey Pools' cliff terrace pool; and Silver Fox Contracting's stunning pool and hot tub in Dubai.

See the award winners here in this video:

Getting any ideas for your own home pool or hot tub design?

*www.APSP.org

* http://www.newsday.com/business/press-releases/apsp-celebrates-the-finest-in-pool-spa-hot-tub-design-1.6540506

The Association of Pool & Spa Professionals (APSP) announced on October 30, 2013, the reaffirmation of American National Standards Institute (ANSI)/APSP/International Code Council (ICC)-8 2005 (Revised 2013) Standard for Model Barrier Code for Residential Swimming Pools, Spas and Hot Tubs. The Standard protects children from accidental drowning by limiting or delaying unintended access to swimming pools and hot tubs through layers of protection.

The first and most important layer of protection to keep everyone safe around a pool, spa or hot tub is constant, adult supervision. This Standard provides the layer of protection options in easy to understand language and illustrations for the builder, the code official, and the consumer to ensure safe and responsible swimming and soaking. -- APSP Senior Director Technical & Standards Carvin DiGiovanni

ANSI/APSP/ICC-8 2013 provides the most up-to-date layers of protection for incorporation into national or regional building codes and for adoption by state and local jurisdictions. The Standard contains a complete description of the layers of protection with annotated pictures of their application. The Standard can be purchased and downloaded in the APSP store. For more information about APSP’s standards, parties may contact DiGiovanni at 703-838-0083 Ext. 149.

At Poolsandstuff.com, we are dedicated to keeping you and your family safe while you enjoy your pool. That's why we stock so many products that will help keep your pool environment safe, including the following:

• Easy-to-install steps for safe pool access and exit, including designs with lockable gates to prevent small children and pets from accessing the pool.
• Easy-to-install ladders for safe pool access and exit, including designs with guards to prevent children from becoming trapped between the ladder and the pool wall.
• Solar-powered, submersible lights for maximum visibility in the pool area.
• Miscellaneous products such as anti-entrapment drain systems, pool alarms, USCG-approved children's life vests, ring buoys, and ADA-approved lifts and chairs make your family's pool time safer and worry-free.

Please let us know if you have any questions about the reaffirmed Standard or about pool safety. Happy Swimming!

Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) stipulated that 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 standards 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 and sizes, and the options available to you depend 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. 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.

*http://www.dol.gov/dol/topic/disability/ada.htm

Fall is here! Except in Montana, where it's already winter. : ) Everyone is throwing on their jackets and putting away their flip-flops. It's time to think about winterizing your pool and getting it ready for the cold winter months.

The first step is to balance the water chemistry of your pool. We suggest a pH of between 7.2 and 7.6, an alkalinity of between 80 and 120 ppm, and a calcium hardness of 180 to 220 ppm. You should also shock the pool with a chlorine or non-chlorine shock. You want to make sure the chlorine levels return to 1.0 to 3.0 ppm before adding any winter algaecide and putting on your winter pool cover, since the chlorine tends to break down both of these.

For the winter months, you also need to remove any skimmer baskets, cleaners, ladders and solar covers. You should store these in a safe and stable location during the winter. You should also lower the water level in the pool with a submersible pump to 12 inches to 18 inches below the skimmer for mesh covers, and 3 inches to 6 inches below the tile for solid, floating covers. You should also drain or blow out all pumping, filtering, heating, and chlorinating equipment so it doesn’t freeze and crack.

We also suggest lubricating the pump lid and push-pull valve’s o-rings. You should skim, vacuum, and brush the pool as well. The pool should be as clean and clear as possible before covering for the winter. You also need to winterize the pumping to and from the pool. For above ground pools, this means disconnecting the hoses to and from the pump and filter and plugging the wall outlets.

After you finish all of the above, you should add winterizing algaecide to the pool. You should never add algaecide and shock at the same time since the chlorine will just break down the algaecide and make it useless. Last but not least, you should cover the pool. A tight fit of the pool cover is essential to keep the pool clean and in good working condition. Mesh safety covers provide the highest protection and safety. Above ground pools use a cable device to secure the cover around the pool to prevent movement. Air pillows can also be used in above ground pools to absorb the expansion of ice inside the pool.

Don't have any of the supplies mentioned above? No worries! We have them all here at www.poolsandstuff.com. Prepping your pool for winter takes some work, but it's worth it in the end when your pool is in great shape next spring.

Above-ground soft-sided pools have become increasingly popular recently due to the combination of easy installation and low cost. With improved strength and durability, they make a great economical option for families seeking an instant improvement to their backyard entertainment space. The average family can assemble a soft-side pool in just an hour and move it as often as needed without damage to any of the parts.

Soft-sided pools come in different shapes, including round and rectangular. These pools can also vary in depth and size, making it easy for homeowners to find one that fits their needs. The pools can be placed on any surface--including grass, dirt, concrete, sand, or gravel--and have liners that are extremely durable and puncture resistant. They can, in some instances, even be placed on uneven ground without issue, although level ground is always the best choice.

Soft-sided pools usually come with a pump, pool cleaning kit, and ladder. They can last several years or more with proper care and cleaning. In cold climates, these pools may degrade slightly faster due to exposure to ice and snow, but they are still a very durable and affordable option for a backyard pool. Pro-Series makes a great selection of soft-sided above ground pools that are a great quality and built to last. Check out the many styles and options at PoolsAndStuff.com. Compared to Intex® brand pools, Pro-Series soft-side pools offer great value and features.

Pro-Series offers a powerful surface skimmer that helps remove leaves and has a removable built-in skimmer basket for easy cleaning. It also includes a pump and filter system that attaches to the side wall, keeping it out of the way and safe.

If you a looking for great quality, check out our Premier Soft-Side Pool models, made in the USA.

With all the benefits of above ground pools including low cost, portability, ease of installation, many features and options, as well as easy maintenance, soft-sided pools might be the perfect option for your family. Visit our website for more details and an amazing selection of soft-sided pools to fit your needs and style. We also offer free shipping in the 48 states.