A swimming pool is a significant investment, and it’s vital to ensure you do everything possible to protect that investment. One way to do that is by using a swimming pool cover.
A quality pool cover will help you save time, reduce stress, and save money. In addition, it will keep your pool elegantly clean and free of debris. In the long run, you may have to escape the regular pool repairs as compared to when you don’t have a pool cover over your swimming pool.
In this post, we’ll give you a few more reasons why you should invest in a swimming pool cover, as well as tips on choosing the right one for your needs.
Types of Pool Covers
There are all sorts of swimming pool covers; it can take time to know which is right for you. Here are some of the ones you may come across in your search.
Solid Cover
A solid cover is a solid piece of material that goes over your pool. It’s great for keeping debris and leaves out of your pool and can also help keep the water warm. However, with this type, you may have to keep removing dirt to avoid it sagging.
Mesh Cover
Mesh covers are lightweight materials that let water, snow, and air through. They’re perfect for in-ground pools because they keep the dirt and leaves out while allowing the water to circulate properly.
Automatic Covers
You may also come across automatic covers. These are motorized and open and close automatically, so you don’t have to worry about opening and to close them yourself. They’re perfect for pools that are used often because they keep the heat in and the cold out.
How Pool Covers Help in Pool Maintenance
First, the style and features of the various pool covers determine how they will help you maintain your pool. For instance, the purpose of the solar pool cover is to use the sun’s power to keep the warm temperature of your pool. Their ability to do this stems from their particular layout that features little air pockets and bubbles on the surface.
The little air pockets trap and preserve the pool’s warmth which helps the pool to keep warm. The pockets also ensure fewer temperature reductions at night and when the temperatures are low.
Most swimming pool covers, like solid ones, are made of rigid materials to minimize heat reduction. So, as you can see, most pool covers are made to reduce pool heat reduction. This, in turn, helps pool owners save energy and money because they do not have to heat the pool regularly.
Pool chemicals are effective in reducing algae growth, keeping a perfect PH balance in the pool, and improving water quality in your pool, among other benefits. As a pool owner, you may need to spend a lot of money on chemicals if you don’t have a pool cover because these chemicals can quickly evaporate. Pool covers reduce chemical loss through dissipation, reducing the regular replacement of pool chemicals.
One of the main functions of pool covers is to keep debris and leaves out of the pool, which makes it easy to maintain the pool. Without a pool cover, pool owners might need an extra hand to keep removing leaves and other debris from the water.
Most of the time, as a pool owner, you may have to hire someone for the job. And because cleaning the pool is a regular job, you might need to pay more. Pool covers help to keep the debris off the pool, and the only work left is to remove the debris from the cover, which might not be so regular. This, in turn, saves your wallet from the cost of hiring a regular pool cleaner.
What about the reels? Swimming pool reels also help you. Quality swimming pool cover reels are made from sturdy and non-corrosive material designed to keep your pool safe and durable. You can also find such reels within your budget. They help you, and other swimmers stay safe while swimming in the pool.
How to Choose the Right Pool Cover for Beginners
Now that you know all the benefits of having a pool cover, it’s time to choose the right one for your needs. Here is what to keep in mind:
The first thing to consider is your pool type. For example, vinyl and fiberglass pools can be covered with a solid or mesh cover, while concrete pools should use a mesh cover to avoid staining.
The next thing to think about is the size of your pool. If your pool has standard dimensions, it will be easy to find one and a cheap one, for that matter. However, if your pool is unique, you can get a custom-size one. Overall, you still want to ensure that the cover will fit snugly and that there’s no risk of slipping off in high winds.
And finally, you’ll need to decide on a material. Covers come in various materials, from heavy-duty vinyl to lightweight mesh. Mesh material is the most common material for pool covers and is available in three main types: durable mesh safety covers, solid pool safety covers, and mesh safety and security covers. The material you choose depends on your climate and how often you use the pool.
The mesh material, however, may let in snow and water into your pool, but the debris may be left out. It also allows 5% sunlight into the pool, lasting 10-15 years.
Bottom Line
One of the best pool maintenance strategies is installing a good swimming pool cover. By installing a cover, you will reduce frequent chemical replacements, regular pool cleaning, and frequent heating up.
A swimming pool cover will keep your pool clean, reducing the time you have to spend cleaning it. It will also keep your electricity bills low since you won’t have to use the heater as often. Investing in a swimming pool cover is one of the best decisions you can make for your pool to help it serve you for a longer time. For more information, contact us today.
Spending prolonged moments in the bathtub is something many people embrace. The relaxation and calming effect after the pressure of life have won bathtubs a people’s favorite sweet spot. But are hot tubs good for you? This question may run through your mind after spending too much time on it. Luckily, the answer is yes; many health and relaxation hot tub benefits exist. In this article, we will look into some of the benefits of soaking in a hot tub.
Relieve Stress
One of the obvious benefits of a hot tub is the ability to ease tension in the body. If you have a busy lifestyle, it can be hard to find time to relax. Soaking in a hot tub for even a few minutes can help to reduce your stress levels and leave you feeling more relaxed.
Hot water has a soothing effect on the body and helps reduce muscle tension. A study of 30 elderly patients found that hot water foot baths reduced fatigue. Also, moving helps stimulate touch receptors in the skin, further contributing to relaxation. You can make the hot bath soaking more effective with low lighting, aromatherapy, and some soothing music.
Reduce Pain
Soaking in a hot tub helps reduce pain by relaxing the tendons, muscles, and joints. The heat of the water can also help to loosen tight muscles, leading to pain relief. Research shows that thermal therapy helps manage chronic pain.
If you suffer from muscle aches and pains, arthritis, or other chronic pain conditions, soaking in a hot tub can help to alleviate your symptoms. The water’s heat and buoyancy can help reduce inflammation and ease muscle tension. For more effectiveness, you can add Epsom salts, which have been shown to have anti-inflammatory benefits.
Improve Cardiovascular Health
Soaking in a hot tub can also help to improve your cardiovascular health. Research shows that frequent hot water bathing improves cardiovascular functioning. The heat can help dilate blood vessels, improving circulation and blood flow. The increased circulation can also help increase heart rate and lower blood pressure.
The heat in the water stimulates the heat shock protein, stabilizing the proteins that regulate the cardiovascular system. If you have heart disease or high blood pressure, soaking in a hot tub can help to improve your condition.
Burn Calories
Soaking in a hot tub can also help you to burn calories. As your body temperature rises, your metabolism will also increase. This means you will burn more calories even when you are not exercising. Soaking in a hot tub for 30 minutes can help you burn up to 200 calories.
If you are looking for a way to burn some extra calories, soaking in a hot tub can be a great option. Research on men showed they lost 140 calories in a hot bathtub, which is equivalent to the calories lost in a 30-minute walk.
Improve Sleep
If you have trouble sleeping, soaking in a hot tub can help. Research shows that passive body heating treats insomnia in older adults. The water’s heat can help relax your muscles and ease tension. It can help you to fall asleep more quickly and sleep more soundly.
Soaking in a hot tub can also help to regulate your body temperature, which is vital for a good night’s sleep. Adding some lavender oil can also help to promote sleep through its calming effect.
Muscle Relaxation
Muscle relaxation is among the immediately felt benefits of a hot tub. Once you get into the hot bathing tub, you can feel the relaxation that increases as time goes by. The heat helps to loosen tight muscles and ease tension.
Research shows that hot water stimulates the heat shock proteins that help in skeletal muscle regeneration after regular exercises. You can have an intimate relaxation experience with bathtubs that accommodate more than one person, such as American whirlpool hot tubs.
Improve Skin
Soaking in a hot tub can also help to improve your skin health. The water’s heat can help open pores and remove impurities from the skin. Soaking in a hot tub can also help to improve blood circulation and collagen production, which can help to keep the skin looking young and healthy.
Soaking in a hot tub can be a great option if you are looking for ways to improve your skin health. Always ensure your hot tub is clean so it doesn’t contaminate the water. For effective cleaning, use a spa surface cleaner.
Improve Mood
Soaking in a hot tub can also help to improve your mood. The heat of the water can help to increase endorphins, hormones that can improve mood and feelings of well-being. A 2008 study suggests bathing using hot water improves mood more than showering. The hot water bath affected tension, anger, depression, confusion, fatigue, and vigor, leading to improvement in overall mood.
Boost Insulin Sensitivity
Soaking in a hot tub can also help to improve insulin sensitivity. Research shows that exposure to regular thermal therapy in hot baths can improve impaired insulin sensitivity. Also, several studies have shown that heat therapy using bath tabs and saunas helps treat type 2 diabetes mellitus. The studies recommend the water be at 40 degrees for 15 minutes for three months.
Relieve Cold and Flu symptoms
Soaking in a hot tub can also help to relieve cold and flu symptoms. The water’s heat can help open up the sinuses and ease congestion. Soaking in a hot tub can also help to reduce fever and muscle aches. The hot bath also enhances the functioning of immune cells, which would help heal colds or flu faster.
Get a Luxurious Hot Tub and Installation Services
Hot tubs benefit you beyond the feel-good experience. It can help heal some conditions while keeping you refreshed mentally and physically. We’re your ultimate solution if you want to install it in your home or you’ve got a new project. At Ajax Pool and Spa, we are the best bathtub dealers, offering exceptional installation services to ensure maximum relaxation. Contact us to learn more about our bathtubs and Jacuzzis.
One of the best ways friends and family can get together during the summer is through pool parties. They offer the flexibility of chilling out while beating the heat. However, it’s very important to make the party interesting and fun so everyone can enjoy it, from the host to the guests.
One way to do this is to make sure that you have all the necessary accessories you need before you finalize your pool party invitations. It’s important to choose products that you know will work best for you and your friends:
Some of these products include floats, pool decorations, speakers for music, coolers, all kinds of towels, snacks and drinks, insulated cups, and lawn games, as well as umbrellas and canopies. Oh, and don’t forget the sunscreen, of which there is a wide variety nowadays.
Now, let’s take a look at these products in detail below to give you an idea of how they’ll make your pool party awesome.
Pool Floats
Pool floats are a must-have when planning an outdoor pool party. From cactus floats to flamingos, pizza, and donut floats, you definitely have a lot to choose from, or you can mix and match the styles you like most. All these floats are comfortable and photo-friendly, so you’ll have the best photos to show off on social media.
For kids and inexperienced swimmers, you should consider having personal floatation devices ready as well. These can include water winds, kickboards, etc. They help avoid any accidents in the water, so you can enjoy safe fun.
Pool Decorations
Your pool party needs to look great, and, to this end, decorations are a must. Not only will they elevate your pool party, but they’re fun and excellent for when you want to take photos. If you have a theme, let it shine. As part of your décor, you can include colored straws, paper products, lanterns, garlands, etc.
Another factor to consider is whether the pool party will take place in the morning or afternoon. If it’s a night pool party, some bright decorative lights might be a good idea. You could as well have some glow sticks at the bottom of the pool as well.
Decorations are very important for any type of party, but make sure you have the pool prepped and check the chemicals in advance. Also, skim the pool before your guests arrive and use the right pool water products to clean it and make sure that it’s safe to swim in.
Speakers for Music
Every pool party needs music. A quiet party is no fun and people tend to leave early, but when there’s a playlist, they can dance, drink, and talk the whole night. Luckily, you can get waterproof floating speakers nowadays, which allow you to take your music to the pool and light up the mood with some nice tunes.
You can also have the speakers placed in different areas around the pool so that everyone at the party can enjoy the music to the fullest. What’s more, the right playlist has the power to change the mood, so you need to make sure you choose the right songs that everyone can enjoy.
Coolers
Pool parties take place during summer when it’s hot outside, which means you’ll need ice-cold beverages to keep everyone cool. But what’ll keep your drinks cold? Why, a cooler, of course!
Consider having two coolers, one for the kids, and the other for adults. You can as well go for coolers that float in the water so you can enjoy your drinks in the water. Coolers are not just for drinks; you can also use them to keep your fruit fresh and chilled. No one wants warm watermelons, mangos, and pineapples. Oh, and make sure to keep the coolers in the shade to keep the ice from melting faster.
All Kinds of Towels
When attending pool parties, most people will bring their own towels. However, others might forget or just feel too lazy to do so. That’s why you need to make sure you have plenty of extras just in case. This will help keep your guests comfortable.
Make sure to place the towels near the pool so everyone can have access to them. You can as well layer up your towels for maximum comfort. If the pool party takes place when the weather is extremely hot, consider having cooling towels. Again, make sure to provide towel racks so that your guests can hand in their wet towels.
Snacks and Drinks
It’s very important to have snacks that everyone can enjoy at the pool party. Consider having frozen fruit pops, veggie sticks, chips and dip, mini crescent dogs, and any type of snacks that don’t require eating with a fork and knife. Consider different dietary requirements and cater to as many as possible.
Umbrellas and Canopies
Umbrellas are important at a pool party, especially for those who like to chill out. Pool umbrellas offer shade but are great for smaller spaces. On the other hand, canopies offer more shade but require more space. Therefore, you need to go for the one that’s right for your particular area and which can accommodate all your guests.
Don’t Forget the Sunscreen
Sunscreen is very important when having a pool party in the sun, so make sure it’s readily available for all your guests. Also, make sure to place it where everyone can see and have access to it. Water-resistant sunscreens are best for pool parties, so if you go for those, it could be awesome.
The key to a successful pool party is to set a vibe and for this, you’ll need the items listed on this list. They’ll help to keep your guests comfortable and happy. Most importantly, plan and pay attention to the small details if you want your party to stand out.
For more information or any questions you may have about pools, contact the professional pool people at Ajax Pool & Spa.
You might be surprised to find out that it’s not that hard to get a hot tub installed. While you need to have a hot tub installed by a professional — it requires a foundation and electrical work — it’s likely that you have everything you structurally need to get started.
Let’s take a look at what’s required to install a hot tub, after you’ve found the hot tub of your dreams. While most of this will be handled by the hot tub company, it’s still good to keep it all in mind.
The right location
Make sure you have enough space to accommodate the hot tub, as well as any additional features or accessories. If the ground isn’t leveled, you will have to level that ground before you pour a foundation. People frequently place hot tubs on patios and in other established outdoor spaces.
A concrete pad
This will provide a level, stable surface for your hot tub. Once the concrete pad has cured, you can assemble the hot tub’s frame and foundation. The concrete pad will support the weight of the hot tub and provide a stable surface. Generally, it will be positioned over a concrete base after the area has been excavated.
Pour the concrete pad at least 3 to 4 inches thick. The pad should be level, so use a laser level to ensure it’s perfectly flat. If you don’t have a laser level, you can use a long level or a string line stretched across the pad’s surface.
If you live in an area with a high water table, consider pouring a thicker pad (6 to 8 inches) to prevent the tub from shifting as the ground beneath it settles.
An electrical hookup
Your hot tub will need to be connected to a 220-volt circuit by a licensed electrician. It’s not wise to attempt this yourself. Hot tubs heat and move a large volume of water; without a special hookup, they can’t generate the power necessary to function.
Today, some people are installing solar generators to keep their hot tubs warm, but this can be a costly solution — the solar generator has to come with a battery (not a lot of sun at night).
A regular garden hose
Spas are filled with a regular garden hose. When the water needs to be replaced, a portable pump may be used to change the water every four to six months.
Your next steps
Are you interested installing a hot tub? The first step is to find the right hot tub for you. There are a lot of hot tubs out there and they may have different installation needs, such as a larger concrete pad or lower-powered energy hookup.
And there’s a lot more to it than installation. You may find that you want a specific type of hot tub, such as one for large groups of people, or one that has massaging functions. You could want to treat your hot tub with salt or need a hot tub that’s particularly impervious to cold weather.
Installing a hot tub is work, but it’s also a great investment. A lot of people find that a hot tub is both relaxing and therapeutic and it improves their property values. Find out what it will take to install a hot tub in your house by contacting Ajax Pool & Spa today.
Your swimming pool filter is important because it removes debris and leaves clean water. That’s why it’s important that the pool filter is operating correctly. When it is functioning at peak performance, the water is cleaner and safer. That leads to the question of when is it time to replace a pool filter system? Normally, you have the same filter for life. However, if it gets damaged, there are several things to look for.
Indications When to Replace Pool Filter System
While we would like you to spend more time enjoying your pool than caring for it, there are several things to look for that are signals that your pool filter system may need to be replaced. The easiest is visually looking for changes in water quality and color. If the water contains debris or becomes murky or changes color, this is a strong sign that the pool filter needs to be changed. Other signs are that your pool needs more frequent cleaning, and the pool filter system is running longer than normal.
Another sign that there may be a problem is when it becomes more difficult to maintain the pH balance of the water. Also, be alert if the pool skimmer suction doesn’t seem to be operating at capacity. If the pool filter starts clogging frequently during vacuuming, it’s another signal to get it checked out.
Lastly, pool filter cartridges are not meant to last forever. It varies with style and type of filter so understand the approximate date to expect to change the pool filter system. For filter cartridges, it’s also good to check for any tears. This can mean that it will need to be replaced.
Checking the Pool Filter System
When to replace the pool filter system will depend on its condition. You can visually check to see if there is any damage or clogging. How to check the filter depends on its type: sand, D.E. filter grids, or cartridge.
Sand Filters
These are actually the most difficult to inspect. Sand filters should be inspected annually and require special tools and knowledge. Sand should also be changed every three years minimum. The best thing to do is call us at Ajax Pool & Spa. Our professionals can quickly assess the filter condition and let you know if it is the filter that is causing the water quality issues.
D.E. Filter Grids
In order to check the condition of filter grids, the system must be off. When you pull out the grid, look for any damage or wear on the fabric. These are known to be the longest-lasting filters, so the grid simply may need to be cleaned.
Cartridge Filters
For pool owners, these are the easiest to check. With the cartridge out, check for any signs of damage or wear. This can include fraying fabric or cracked end caps. Next check the filter pleats. They should not be flattening or have any tears. If they do, the filter needs to be changed.
The Lifespan of Pool Filters
Every eight hours, a pool filter pumps 60-70,000 gallons of water. Due to this level of active function, over time, the pool filter system becomes dirty and less effective. Each filter type has a different expected time of effectiveness. Maintaining the pool consistently can lengthen the lifespan of the filter system. So, when to replace pool filter system? These are approximate time lengths based on filter type.
Glass filter media can last about 7-15 years.
Sand filters remain effective for three to seven years.
Filter cartridges are good for about two to four years.
We’re Here to Help!
At Ajax Pool & Spa, our team is ready to help you when you suspect that your pool filter system may need to be changed. If you are unsure when to replace pool filter system, our team can check it out for you and make the best recommendations to improve your pool’s condition. Located in Aspen, Colorado area for the past 20 years, Ajax Pool & Spa provides the services to repair and maintenance your pool whether in a residential or commercial location.
We understand that sometimes your pool conditions are not optimal. That’s no problem. At Ajax Pool & Spa, our team is committed to maintaining your pool or spa. If you think that your pool filter may need changing, give us a call!
