Tips for Pool Maintenance

If you are lucky enough to own a pool, you will need to make sure you keep your pool clean and ready for use! Sure you may feel like it takes a lot of work and maintenance, but once you hop in there on a hot sizzling day – it’s worth it! Let’s get going!

1.       To reduce buildup, be sure to wipe down the tile often.

2.       Keep an active eye on the level of the pool to guarantee water level.

3.       Cleaning your filters is a MUST! Your filters especially need cleaned after a heavy storm. This is something that doesn’t need to be done often, so it’s easy to forget! Try doing this ever 4-6 months. Make a memo on the calendar if it helps!

4.       Use a Pool Test Kit 2-3 times a week to ensure proper chemistry.

5.       Skimmer basket(s) and pumps should be cleaned out weekly or as needed.

6.       Be sure to check the Deck-Chlor/Inline Chlorinator once per week for any necessary adjustments.

7.       If you have an ozone unit, keep an eye on it and make sure the light is on. Be careful not to break any connections.

8.       Keep all chemicals in a safe, dry place with no direct sunlight.

Chemical Pool Ranges

·         Alkalinity: 80-150

·         Calcium Hardness: 150-300

·         Chlorine Residuals: Per Label

·         Combined Chlorine: 0-.5

·         Cyanuric Acid: 0-50 ppm

·         PH: 7.2-7.6

Now that you pool is sparkling clean, you can get new pool equipment! Who doesn’t love Fun Noodles! These come in a variety of colors including Red, Blue, Green, and Purple! We also offer other items like Surf and Turf Dive Rings, Turtle in Eggs Pool Game, Water Bombs, and much more!

Introducing Children to Swimming

There has been a lot of controversy around the correct time you should introduce swimming to your child. Some suggest beginning as early as 2 months, while others suggest waiting until they are older. There is so much discrepancy because there is not one time that is better than the next.

The most common and recommended time to introduce swimming to your child is around 6 months. By this age, your child will be able to have proper head control and can also regulate their body temperature. They will also be able to handle the harsh pool chemicals by this time.

Although your child was swimming in the womb for 9 months, the pool water will be a very different experience for them. When introducing them to the pool, be sure to slowly enter the water. This will be their first experience with swimming, so it’s important to make them feel comfortable. While holding your child heart-to-heart or face-to-face, enter the water slowly. By being with them and enjoying the water, hopefully they will too!

By holding your child at face level with your shoulders emerged into the water, they will be able to feel the buoyancy of the water. Remember not to cradle them – hold them under their armpits in front of you. As your child gets older and more familiar with the water, you can try other techniques. If you hold your children’s hands and walk backwards, their bodies will float along the surface. This is typically called ‘towing’.

Don’t try to do too much at one time. Children need to be introduced slowly, little by little. Be sure to watch for any signs that depict they need a break such as chattering of teeth or lips turning abnormal colors. The typical length of water exposure of children should be around 30 minutes.

If you are having some trouble with your child enjoying the water, try incorporating some songs or games. If your child has a favorite song, try singing it to calm them down. If they have a favorite toy during bath time, try incorporating that. If the toy floats, it could help them want to reach for it.

Introducing your child to the pool may not be an easy endeavor, but it will be worth the trouble. As they grow older, their summers will be filled with activities with friends including swimming and they’ll be glad to be taught by the best, their parents.  

How to Properly Clean your Whistle

No matter the type of whistle you choose to own, it probably benefits from a cleaning. Whistles that are metal and have peas even require cleaning. If you are unsure how to clean your whistle properly, let us help!

There are a couple ways to clean your metal whistle. One way we recommend is to boil it. First, fill a pot with enough water to cover the whistle. Place the pot on the stove and wait until the water comes to a boil. Insert the whistle into the boiling water for about 5-10 minutes, and then turn off the stove. Once the water cools, remove the whistle from the water and let it dry.

For plastic whistles, you need to be more careful because they are not as durable as the metal alternative. Try using mouthwash to clean your whistle. Simply place enough antiseptic mouthwash into a bowl deep enough so the whistle will be fully covered. Place the whistle into the bowl and soak for about 30 minutes to remove germs. Once you have done this, run water over the whistle for roughly a minute and let it dry overnight.

Be sure to try these methods out and let us know how they work!

Swimmer's Top 5 Summer Struggles

It's summer time and the weather is beautiful, but swimming can put a damper on your plans. You know your a swimmer if you deal with these struggles during the summer!

ONE

When your friends want to go to the pool, but you already spend enough time at the pool.

TWO

When you want to wear shorts or dresses, but don’t want to mess up your drag for taper.

THREE

When you want to better yourself for your future, but you are exhausted and choose to nap instead.

FOUR

When you want to stay out with your friends during the summer, but that 5AM morning practice comes early!

FIVE

When you love the sound of storms, but you know you’ll just have to make up practice later if lightning strikes.

Diving Safety Tips

The nice weather has finally arrived and the pools will be open soon! You will be keeping cool and staying active in no time. Swimming and diving are favorite summer activities for both adults and children; however, there is also the risk of injury.

According to the ThinkFirst National Injury Prevention Foundation:

• As many as 1,000 spinal cord injuries occur each year due to shallow water diving
• Ninety percent of all diving injuries cause a spinal cord injury which results in paralysis
• Most injuries occur to males aged 15-25 years
• Most injuries occur while diving into six feet of water or less
• Three out of four injuries occur in lakes, rivers, oceans and other natural bodies of water

 

Tips:

First and foremost, before you dive into any depth of water - be sure to jump feet first the first time. This allows you to familiarize yourself with the waters. The recommended depth to dive from the side of a pool is 11 feet, while the recommended depth for diving from a diving board is 12 feet. If you are diving from a diving board, dive straight from the board and not from the sides. It is not advised to dive from various structures, such as ladders, slides, fences, etc. As always, follow posted water safety rules and always supervise children while diving and swimming.

A majority of pool-related spinal cord injuries result in paralysis of all four limbs.

 

Suspected Injury

If there is a suspected injury in water, call 911 immediately. Because the victim could be in pain and/or shock, approach the victim carefully. If they are not on their back, carefully hold the victim's head in alignment with his or her back and gently turn him or her onto his back. It's imperative to keep their head and back stabilized. Do not remove the victim from the water until EMS arrives.

The Lifeguard Store has all of your spinal equipment needs.

Pool Equipment Necessities

Did you just purchase a pool, but are looking to know what else you need? As you know pools can require a lot of maintenance. Since pools are a pretty costly item to begin with, you need to be sure to care for so it doesn’t get ruined!

1.       Pump & Filter

Chances are you already know you will be needing a pump and filter for your new pool. You’ll find that the typical pump ranges between .75 and 1.5 HP. This pump forces water into the filter, which grabs and collects all the dirt and debris. You will need to clean the filter on a regular basis for it to continue cleaning.

2.       Vacuum

I know what you’re probably thinking, “A vacuum for my pool!?” Similar to the one you use in your house, this vacuum cleans the floor as well. Pool vacuums come in both manual and automatic, and consist of a vacuum head, telescoping pole and a hose attachment.  Automatic vacuums are preferred because it does the work for you and they are more efficient. Unfortunately, they tend to be more expensive but it’s worth it!

3.       Skimmer

A lot of dirt and debris can easily blow into your pool and get stuck, including those pesky leaves. If you use a skimmer regularly, your pool will be keep clean and ready for a dip! If you don’t use a skimmer as often as you should, these bigger items can get stuck in your pump and filter.

4.       PoolBrush

Some grime may get stuck on your pool floor and your pool walls, so a pool brush is a great tool! There are many different types of brushes, depending on your need. Be sure to get a long enough pole to attach to your brush.

Once you have your pool and these items, you will be swimming in your clean pool in no time!  Be sure to store these times in a cool, dark place out of direct sunlight with your chemicals if you so choose. Make sure you stock up on PoolTest Kits and a thermometer or two!

5 Ways to Conserve Water

We all know you LOVE the water so in honor of Earth Day, we have complied a list of tips to help you conserve water. Whether you are a facility owner, lifeguard, swimmer, or just like to swim for recreation- do your best to do your part!

An 18' x 36' pool loses about 1 inch of water per week which adds up to 7,000 gallons each year!

1. Avoid games that involve splashing water. This is quite the task as kids love to play games and splash one another, but just do your best!
2. Be sure to keep the water level low. This not only reduces water use in general, but it also refrains from excess water loss from excessive splashing. It's recommended to keep the water level at about 1 inch above the bottom of the pool tile.
3. Use a pool heater. Once it hits the warmer summer months, be sure to reduce the temperature. This will significantly reduce water loss due to evaporation.
4. Use shrubbery. To really cut down on evaporation, place shrubs and other plants around the pool area. These not only add privacy, but also block the wind which reduces wind evaporation.
5. Cover your pool. Covering your pool when it’s not in use can also diminish evaporation especially during the nighttime hours.