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Paint, Swimming pool

How to apply swimming pool paint

Applying color to our Swimming pool produces a rejuvenated and revitalized ambiance that is very infectious to the users as well. Regular repainting of pools is necessary to maintain its pleasant and attractive look. Before starting to do the painting job, there are several things to consider. Is is similar to paint wood furniture.

First of all you have to start by preparing all the basic materials needed for painting such as the following:
• Muriatic Acid.
• Rubber gloves.
• Epoxy Paints.
• Paintbrushes.
• Safety goggles.
• Paint Rollers with Extension pole.
• Paint Roller Pans.
• Sandblasters.
• Utility knives.
• Respirator Mask.

1. Identify the type of paint that is presently applied in your pool. Remember last swimming pool maintenance. Chlorinated rubber paint and epoxy paint are the most common types because of their long life span of up to two to three years and five years respectively. However you have to make sure by taking a fragment of the paint to your dealer to have it examined. It is always recommended to use the same kind of paint that is already used by your pool.

2. Find out the number of coats of paint that are on the walls of your pool and clean your swimming pool. This is done by peeling off and counting the layers in a part that is shedding or coming off using a pocketknife. It is advisable that you apply more layers of new paint in relation to the old ones. Having thicker old paint causes problems with adhesion. If you have multiple layers of old paint, consider having the exterior sandblasted to uncover concrete. All previously used paint and sand should be removed before the application of new paint. If you decide to paint over the old paint used, first scrub thoroughly trisodium phosphate to cleanse the walls before repainting.

3. Rinse with water and then subsequently with a coat of muriatic acid. Let it soak according to the direction of the manufacturer. Do not forget to provide protection to your eyes, lungs and skin when using this harmful chemical.

4. To counterbalance any acid still present on the surface, rinse with more water and utilize another application of trisodium phosphate.

5. Rinse again then remove all water to allow your pool to entirely dry up.

6. Before painting, check the pool for cracks and repair any that can be found.

7. On the surface, apply the kind of paint that you need to use. Chlorinated rubber paints generally are self – priming. A coat primer is needed when using epoxy paints, especially sandblasted concretes.

8. Use a roller to spread out paint on large open areas evenly and quickly. Use a brush for corners and constricted spots surrounding drains and inlet and outlet valves.

9. Directions for drying and curing are indicated by the manufacturer. This should be carefully carried taking in important consideration on temperature especially when using epoxy paint. Discoloration and bad adhesion may result from low temperatures.

How to Install a Pool Liner?

The function of a pool liner that is above the ground level is to keep the water in the pool and to avoid leaking. It does not serve a support purpose that is why it is important to install the pool liner properly. Great care must be taken to maintain the chemical levels in order to get its maximum life expectancy. But what might happen if the time when the pool liner has to be replaced before it leaks and ruin your property? Reading this article will let you know how to install a pool liner properly.

Prepare the pool for installation. The process involves the draining of water out of the pool and removing the old liner. The drainage may depend on the pool’s situation. It may require you to rent a submersible pump and discharge the water to the nearest storm drain. For the said procedure, be sure to check all the local codes. To remove the old liner, disassemble the top cap of the pool wall which secures in place the liner. Inspect the pool wall if there are rusts or damages for it could also damage the new liner. If necessary, make repairs to ensure that the installation will be successful. Take note of the pool’s depth and diameter when buying a pool liner. Thicker pool liners will provide longer service compared to others but it will cost much.

Once you have prepared the pool for installation, the first thing for you to do is to place around the bottom of the pool an earth mound to ensure that the metal pool frame will not be touched by the pool liner. An earth mound is a smooth layer of sand at the base of the pool. Smooth the area as mush as possible by removing any pebbles or rocks. The next step is to lay out the pool liner touching the pool walls, the ground and the earth mound. Do not pull it too tightly to avoid creating air between the earth mound and the liner. You are most likely to have extra length and width of liner. Leave this draped over the sides of the pool’s edges.

Leave any small wrinkles in the liner that will allow for extra space whenever the liner shrinks. After that, fill the pool with water. Check the liner ensuring that it isn’t moved or being stretched during the filling. Last thing to do is to clamp the liner to the pool’s edges. It is done after the pool has been completely filled with water to secure the liner to the sides of the pool. With all these information at hand, no wonder you already know how to install a pool liner.

Swimming pool

Tips on swimming pool equipment and maintenance

Swimming pool equipment runs the ploy from the most expensive machines to the accessories such as the colored lights that helps make the pool unique from the others. While having a pool can be a lot of fun and creates for a natural assemblage extent during parties and functions, it can also be very expensive. Maintaining a pool with the proper equipment takes a lot of patience and bucks. The most popular place to find this equipment is at a swimming pool supply store. These stores have everything down from the chemicals used to make pool water safe and non toxic to the latest toys and games that make the swimming pool fun. The stores also have a wide variety of pool pumps and filters or at the smallest have a supplier where they can be obtained moderately quickly. Some even offer pool cleaning and maintenance services.

The types of pool equipment can be discussed into three major areas: the large components, the components necessary for everyday use, like the heating pumps for swimming pools, and the accessories, like pool safety fence. Each has its own role, although the first two may be well though to be more essential than the third. While it may seem that some prices are low and some are high, that can be somewhat deceiving.

The large components composing up the primary area of equipment includes the pool pump, pool filter systems and the pool safety cover. The pump is utilized to power the pool’s circulation system as well as bring water to the filter for cleaning. Primarily, these two pieces are going to be the greatest expense you have to pay, other than the pool construction itself. Both are capable of running into thousands of pesos.

However, the components of swimming pool equipment that are essential for daily use are usually expenses that are in progress. These involve chemicals that must be replaced at least once a week, if not more frequently. Chlorine is one of the most prominent chemicals for most swimming pools. Others include acid and chemicals designed especially to kill sturdy algae that usually builds up on the swimming pool floor.

Accessories are, probably, the most optional type of swimming pool equipment. One does not really require a light to illuminate the pool during night swimming. Deck furniture is also not necessary, though it may be desirable to some. Toys, usually a hit among kids, are another accessory that many can do without. However, probably due to their optional nature, these accessories often end up being some of the cheapest pieces of equipment available in swimming pool supplies shop.

Swimming pool cleaners and options

Before we want to take a dive on our swimming pools we always want to make sure it’s clean and maintain it chemical water balance. Whether it is a public pool or just your own you have to clean it everyday because it is exposed to a lot of bacteria, or any dirt from people who get in the pool or just from anywhere like falling leaves or debris especially because most swimming pools are not covered. There are a lot of swimming pool cleaners that are best for your swimming pools depending on where it is located or what it is like. There are two types of swimming pool which are in ground pools and the above ground pools which is actually based on where the swimming pool is built whether in the ground or above it. Each type has different kinds of pool cleaners but they also have common cleaners. These are the basic swimming pool cleaners no matter what the type is:

• Leaf rake – this is used to remove the falling leaves or dried leaves, or any dirt like plastic wrappers of candies or any debris on the pool.
• Pool/ Tile brush – this is used to clean the tile floor of the pool or the tiles above the ground of the pool.
• Vacuum hose – this is used to connect your manual vacuum head to your skimmer to keep your pool sparkling clean.
• Vacuum head- This is used as an air pump that creates a vacuum to suck up dirt and sediments on the pool or on the ground. The debris and other sediments that are collected by the filtering system found in the vacuum. This is usually used for your in ground plaster or fiberglass pool.

• Automated pool cleaner – this has been a best friend of swimming pools. It is a vacuum cleaner which collects debris and sediment from swimming pools with out the aid of any human or manual cleaner. Swimming pools that use this cleaner regularly make the pool not only visually cleaner but it also means that fewer chemicals are used which lessens the operating or maintenance costs.

These are only a few of the swimming pool cleaners in the market today. These are just actually the most basic tools that you need to clean your swimming pools. Public pools or huge pools also need bigger cleaners like vacuums. We also have some trusted brands of swimming pool cleaners like Hayward Pool Cleaners, Pentair Pool Cleaners, Polaris Pool Cleaners, Sta-Rite Pool Cleaners, and Zodiac Baracuda Pool Cleaners. These manufacturers doesn’t just offer swimming pool cleaners but other pool products as well like pool covers, different pool cleaner parts and accessories and everything you need for your swimming pools.

Swimming pool

5 Fast Fix It Solutions for Heat Pumps for Swimming Pools

Swimming pool heat pump is a great efficient means of heating a swimming pool. Heat pumps makes total make use of the highly developed refrigeration technology to catch the heat present in the outer air and transport it to the swimming pool water.

An ecological refrigerant gas soaks up and transports the heat energy all throughout a refrigerant transmission system. The refrigerant in the pool heat pump transmission system consists of a coil packed with a refrigerant fluid that soaks in heat and changes it into a gas, the overload is released off as a cool air. This refrigerant gas is followed by forced all throughout a compressor in the heat pump which, when condensed, heap on the heat.

[one_half_first]This heated gas subsequently forced all throughout a heat exchanger wherein the heat from the gas is carried to the water in the pool. The refrigerant in the swimming pool pump then turns back to a state of being liquid and passes it back by the system. [/one_half_first][one_half_last][/one_half_last]

Heat pumps are astonishingly efficient by means of the running costs which are approximately 20 percent to 25 percent less expensive than the most substitute choice like the electric heater, the gas heater or even like the oil heater. A heat pump will really help you save thousands!

Heat pumps can importantly develop the ecological worth of any heating system compared with systems motivated through primary sources like the fuel as gas and oil and the power like the electrical energy. Heat pumps are effectively working on a coefficient of performance of a one unit in then in providing 5 units out. Further systems are just about able to obtain a coefficient of performance of a one unit in and a one unit out. As a result heat pumps for the swimming pool are up to 5 times or 500 percent more efficient than other structures of swimming pool heating. A heat pump used for a swimming pool has the lowly running cost of each and every “on demand” pool heating techniques and are measured making use of coefficient of performance. So making use of this heat pump for the swimming pool is very useful and helpful for each and every one of us.

Feeling Warm though Cold in swimming pools

Crisis strikes the nation and almost all goods and services are increasingly raising cost. Since practicability is the wisest thing to do in order to survive this present crisis, why not start making your move! If you are running a swimming pool maintenance, then for sure this is eating a big chunk of your overall heating bill. They even cost much of the costs of your laundry, dishwasher and the shower. So what to do to eliminate the high costs of your heating bill? The solution is as simple as investing on a swimming pool solar cover.

Evaporation tends to cause bigger energy loss especially in swimming pools heaters. To reduce this energy loss that caused you a lot, it would be a good idea to provide your swimming pools with swimming pool solar cover or it is also called as solar blankets. Locking of the heat in your swimming pool is not the only feature solar covers and safety fences can do for you; it can also increase the warmth of your swimming pools without increasing your heating bills. Swimming pool solar cover works by collecting heat from the sun and transferring it to your pool, thus increasing the warmth in your swimming pool. This is also a good investment if you do not have any swimming pool heater or if you have one then solar covers will reduce the cost of your swimming pool heaters pumps.

This covers should be in use when the swimming pool is not in use. During summer days or if there is a lot of sunlight then you don’t need to put on you swimming pool covers. It works best during daytime and in warmer climates. The use of swimming pool solar cover is an environment-friendly approach because it uses solar power from the sun. Even though the sky is cloudy, the solar cover is still able to supply enough heat to warm up your pools. Solar covers are built to convert light into heat so it is not a problem if the skies are filled with clouds. If there is sunlight, the pool will quickly reach the desired warm you need but if it’s cloudy it will take a little while for the pool to reach the desired warmth.

These solar covers actually have variety of colors. You can have blue, lighter blue and the clear or transparent pool cover. The blue color of the solar pool cover can make your pools enticing and inviting to look. In purchasing this swimming pool solar cover, make sure that the products you bought are of good quality and lasts longer. Avoid buying those dark colored, opaque blankets since them brittle easily. So hurry and save as much as you can!

How to clean a whirlpool bathtub

Whirlpool bathtubs are great for relaxing your frayed nerves and muscles, but if you know what kind of bacteria lurks in your jetted tub, you would have a hard time relaxing. Because it is hard to drain all of the water in the jets and pipes, your tub can be a prime environment for the growth of bacteria and fungi. Be wary of using whirlpools outside of your home and sanitize your home whirlpool on a regular basis.

Knowing how to clean a whirlpool bathtub can extend the useful life of your jets. It insures that residue that is caught within the jets is not circulated within the whirlpool bathtub. It is advisable to conduct thorough cleaning at least once a month, with a superficial cleaning occurring. Anyone may think that cleaning a whirlpool bathtub is no different than cleaning a regular bathtub but this thought is completely wrong. If Whirlpool bathtubs are not cleaned properly they will not last as long and will not perform at their best. Cleaning a whirlpool bathtub is not hard, though it contains jets. However, cleaning does require a little extra attention once per month.

1. Clean your whirlpool bathtub at least once a week as you would your normal bathtub with store-bought bathroom cleaners. This may keep your bathtub clean until you get to the big cleaning.
2. Fill your bathtub up with water that reaches at least 140 degrees F. Use a food thermometer in order to make sure the temperature is high enough.
3. Pour at least 1 cup of bleach and 1/8 cup of dish soap into the hot water.
4. Turn whirlpool tub’s jets on after the tub has been filled all the way. Let is sit for at least 15 minutes and then drain the tub.
5. Fill the bathtub again but with cold water. Turn your jets on again for another 15 minutes. This process will rinse out any of the leftover cleaner.
6. Drain again your tub and then clean as you normally would with your favorite store-bought bathroom cleaner.

In order to maintain the functionality of your tub jets, study the steps on how to clean a whirlpool bathtub many manufacturers recommend using bath salts and bath bubble baths that are not oil based. Using these bath oils should also be strictly avoided because the whirlpool tub can increase the foam of these oils, also increasing the chance that it will cling to the plumbing. In addition, using nonabrasive bathtub cleanser is possible. Apply this cleanser according to the manufacturer’s directions once a week to remove surface grime. A low foam detergent like dishwasher detergent can also be used for deep cleaning. This detergent is less expensive than commercial cleanser and you may already have some in your house.

Swimming pool

Tips to keep your swimming pool pump pumping

Do you have a swimming pool at home? Do you painted de swimming pool? Well, that’s great! You can feel the pool water anytime you want and no much effort is needed for you to enjoy swimming. But how do you maintain the clean water of your pool? Have you ever thought of powering your pump and heating the pool using only the energy coming from the sun? That is actually good for carbon footprint. This heating system saves money and truly reduces greenhouse gas emissions. Pool heating is a very good application of the energy coming from the sun. Doing it will not make you spend much and the system is really simple. The swimming pool, itself is the thermal storage of the system and the pump you are actually using for filtering the water will also circulate through the solar collectors. A hundred dollar or a few more pennies will make you enjoy the heating system of the pool.

There are types swimming pool pump that can be checked over the internet. A lot of websites offer better selection of pool pumps with affordable rates. A good pool is the one that seemingly enhances your swimming experience every time you go underwater. An effective pool pump will circulate the warm water around it quickly. This will make you feel relaxed and calm while enjoying the water experience. Pump and filter are the equipments that support the life of a swimming pool. Others also include heater, automatic cleaner and automatic chlorinator but these are not too necessary. However, proper maintenance will keep your pool performing for number of years.

The following are the basic types of swimming pool pump:
Self – Priming Pumps
This pump serves as the reservoir of the pump and is installed near the pool safety fence. This type of pump is often used for in-ground pools but is sometimes used in above-ground pools as well.

Flooded Suction Pump
This type of pump can be used with pools above the ground. It is due to the reason that this should be located beneath the water level of the pool. This is slightly smaller compared to the other types of pool pumps. It doesn’t have a diffuser inside of it that is needed to allow the pump to prime itself.

Booster Pumps
This type is used with the help of the self-priming pumps when flow is needed. This type can not prime itself so it definitely needs water supplied by primary pumps.

Tips to Keep your Swimming Pool Pump Pumping
Swimming pool pumps should be kept properly maintained to let it perform well for the coming years or so. Make sure that the strainer baskets are always clean and securely in place. Regularly check the water leaks between the pump housing and motor. When bad shaft seal is observed, have it replaced by an expert. If you are asking on how long you can run your pump, there are actually several factors that will determine it. Among the factors are the size of the pool, conditions of the weather, amount of the pool activity or how often do you use your pool, the time of year and of course, the kind of equipments that you have. Generally, you can start running your pump from 9 in the morning until the end of the day. During the winter days, your pump will run less. This is also the result of the less swimming activity in colder months but having a heating system is a different thing. If you are trying to correct a certain algae or circulation problem, run your equipment in the evening to let the water keep on circulating.

Swimming pool

Maintaining chemical balance in your swimming pool

There are two important things to maintain the condition of your swimming pool: sanitation and chemical balance. Sanitation and balance should be preserved in your pool. Here are the reasons why:

1. Disease causing pathogens, such as bacterium, may dwell and multiply in untreated water.
2. Various parts of the pool can react negatively to the presence of disproportioned chemicals in water. Too much acid in water will oxidize metal equipment and will cause skin irritation.
3. Chemically imbalanced water can also cause irritation to the eyes.
4. Chemical imbalance will also cause the water to appear cloudy.

Chlorine is the most popular disinfecting agent used in the swimming pools and is a excellent swimming pool fence. It is used in the form of a chemical compound which is either in solid state (calcium hypochlorite) or liquid state (sodium hypochlorite).

The swimming pool also has the following components:

1. Ph level
Ph level refers to the relative proportion of acid and alkalis present in the water. A pool pH of 7.2 and 7.8 is recommended by experts. Low pH levels will make your chlorine disperse faster while high pH levels will make it idle. Too much acid in water will also cause metal equipments to rust.

2. Total alkalinity
The ideal alkalinity reading is 100 ppm. Too much alkalinity of the water will result undesirable affects to both water and plumbing equipment. Additionally, just like too much acidity, it can also affect the effectiveness of chlorine.

3. Calcium hardness
The ideal range of calcium in the pool is 300 ppm. It is essential to maintain this range to keep the condition of your plaster. The presence of too much calcium may also cause the water to appear cloudy.

4. Total dissolved solids
There are other dissolved elements in pool water just like calcium. These minerals may affect the efficiency of your chemical additives.
The appropriate amount of total dissolves solids in water should not exceed 3000 ppm.

5. Stabilizer
Hypochlorous acid which is the result of the reaction of chlorine to water kills harmful pathogens through a biological reaction it normally undergoes. Hypochlorous acid is not a stable kind of acid. It reacts with various factors including the ultraviolet rays exhibited by the sun. Pool chlorinators need to add a stabilizing agent to react with chlorine and produce a compound that will not disintegrate as easily even with the presence of ultraviolet rays. The ideal range of stabilizers is 40 to 100 ppm. However, with hypochlorous acid unstable as it is, may react to the other chemicals present in water even with the use of a stabilizing agent.

It is due to the combination of hypocholorous acid and ammonia, which is present in urine, that chloramines are produced. Chloramine is a chemical compound which has poor disinfecting effect and also causes irritation to the skin and eyes. A shock treatment is usually used to free the pool from chloramines and other unnecessary chemical compounds that are present.

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