Archive for the 'Pools & Spas' Category

Jan 19 2010

Purchasing the Best Hot Tub

Published by ShreveportDesigner under Pools & Spas

There are many people who have dreams of adding a great hot tub to their home. While some people may think that having a hot tub is a sign of living in luxury, there are other people who feel they just can’t go through the day without spending some time in their hot tub. Purchasing a hot tub that perfectly meets all of your needs is quite a challenge and there are a variety of things to keep in mind when you are trying to find a great hot tub to purchase. The following are a few tips to keep in mind when buying a hot tub of your own.

Tip #1 – Consider the Purpose of the Tub – It is important to figure out if you are just purchasing the tub for some relaxation or if you want to have some family fun in the hot tub. If you just want to relax in the tub, then one that seats one person may be okay. However, if you plan on having family time in the hot tub, you’ll need to have one that can hold at least four people at once. Also, be sure that you take into consideration the space that you have for this tub.

Tip #2 – Consider the Comfort Level – When you are purchasing a hot tub, you want to be sure to get one that is nice and comfortable. There are some hot tubs that are made to contour to the form of a body. If you plan on spending quite a bit of time in the tub you’ll want to be sure that you are comfortable. If possible, make sure to try the tub out before you purchased it and make sure you feel comfortable and you have enough room.

Tip #3 – Take the Features into Consideration – There are a variety of different features that can come with hot tubs and you’ll need to be aware of them. Look into swivel seats, cooling seats, water capacity, and even insulation. Take into consideration all of the features that the tub has and compare the features with other tubs you are considering to be sure you pick the right one for you.

Tip #4 – Price Concerns – More than likely you will want to consider the price of the hot tub quite carefully. While you want to be sure that you get a great deal, you also want to be sure that you get a quality hot tub. If you are not sure about a price, consider comparing a few different places to make sure that you get the best possible price.

So, keep these simple tips in mind when you are looking for the perfect hot tub. You’ll be sure to get one that will be perfect for your individual needs.

Sam Spade writes articles for http://www.a1hottub.com
If you are in the market for a new hot tub stop in and check out A1 hot tubs for all the latest information on a corner hot tub and hot tub accessories for your home.

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Jan 18 2010

Shopping For a Great Pool Heating System

Published by ShreveportDesigner under Pools & Spas

Nothing can swell a person’s pride in their home more than the opening day of pool season. Swimming pools are becoming more desirable than ever. In fact, owning and maintaining a swimming pool is almost as popular as being a “lawn guy.” Pool season is short, but with the right pool heating system you can extend the season by a few months and get the most mileage out of your swimming pool.

When you’re in the market for a pool heater, you’ll find many options. You need to decide what type of fuel you’ll use, know what size heater you need, and determine what style of heater you want. Energy efficiency and maximum temperature rise are two other factors you must consider when shopping for a pool heater. Make sure you have a good idea of what you need before you make any purchases.

Many pool heating units use natural gas or propane. With fuel costs rising daily, it’s wise to invest in a high-efficiency heater so that heating a swimming pool is less costly. Spend a little more on the heater and you’ll likely get much greater energy efficiency. The advantages of a pool heating system fueled by natural gas or propane are rapid heating ability and a more regulated, constant temperature.

Electric pool heaters provide comfortable temperatures without the need for fuel. They are easy to use and don’t require much maintenance. Unfortunately, they don’t heat a pool as quickly as systems fueled by natural gas or propane.

Solar pool heaters also are a great option. Solar pool heaters work by moving the water through panels that are naturally heated by the sun. The existing pump works to move water through the panels and back into the pool. These panels are a highly efficient way to keep a pleasant temperature. Using the power of the sun as a heating source can nearly double the length of your pool season.

You may find that a combination of a gas-fueled pool heating system augmented by a solar system is the best option. The solar pool heater will help keep energy costs down, while the gas-fueled heater will provide the rapid heating and constant temperature that you desire. Shop around to see what works best for you and be sure to ask questions about various systems.

With such a wide variety of sizes available, be sure that you purchase a heating system that is the right size for your pool. You wouldn’t want to come home to hook up a heater that can’t handle your pool’s dimensions. Read every information label carefully so you avoid the hassle of returning the heater. Make sure that you get the right style of heater, as well. If you have an in-ground pool, then you’ll need that specific type of heater. The same goes for above ground pools and their heaters.

Whether the heating system you use is gas-fueled, electric or solar-powered, your family and guests will love the comfort your pool provides. By keeping a constant temperature during the peak season, your pool will be the hit of the neighborhood. You’ll be able to swim until it’s nearly winter in water temperatures that rival the greatest beach resorts in the world.

Learn more about pool heating and solar pool heaters from Sunshine Solar Technologies or contact Shane Hester at WebFirstCreations for unique blog marketing programs.

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Jan 17 2010

Alternative Swimming Pool Sanitizers

Published by ShreveportDesigner under Pools & Spas

A majority of pool owners use chlorine to sanitize their pools. And I lot of people hate chlorine when in fact it is the most effective and cost effective way to sanitize your pool water. However there are other ways to sanitize your pool, and can still be cost effective.

Installing A Mineral Sanitizer

An Mineral Sanitizer is a mineral dispenser that enriches your pool water with silver that will sanitize your pool water. I was told that in the old days in order to keep water sanitized, they would throw silver coins into the water because the silver would sanitize it. Now whether that’s true or not, what is true is that silver is absolutely a great sanitizer. Zodiac Pool Systems makes a Mineral Sanitizer call Nature 2. It comes in different sizes depending on the size of your pool. What this unit does is, like a chlorinator, pump silver particles into your pool (that you can’t see) to help sanitize your pool water. The reason I used the word “help” is because you still need to shock your pool once a week with any type of non-copper based shock. And you should also keep a low level of chlorine present. A normal chlorine pool should have a chlorine level at 3.0 ppm (parts per million) where a pool with a Nature 2 Mineral Sanitizer or any other kind of Mineral Sanitizer should have a chlorine reading of 0.5 ppm.

Salt Chlorine Generator

For one reason or another this method of sanitation has been re-popularized since its debut, maybe because it makes taking care of your pool extremely easy. This system works by turning salt into chlorine. All you have to do if fill your pool with the recommended amount of pool salt and install a PVC unit (much like a chlorinator) that is connected to a electrical box or is all-in-one. As the salt water in your pool passes through this pipe, inside two titanium plates give off an electric charge that instantly turns salt into chlorine (pretty cool huh?). That way if you wanted to shock your pool all you would have to do is push a button and your system will generate more chlorine. Most newer systems even regulate the amount of chlorine that is in your pool. If your pool falls below the normal chlorine reading, it will automatically boost it back up, like cruise control for your pool.

Biguanide (or Best Known As Baquacil)

This is a liquid based non-chlorine sanitizer. It is easy to use but cost more money that then traditional chlorine method. Just like a chlorine pool you will still have to maintain proper water balance and calcium levels but instead of adding chlorine and shock you add biguanide and biguanide shock once a month.

Swim University – The Ultimate Guide To Pool and Spa Care
http://www.swimuniversity.com

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