Attention Vivo clients! If you would like an eco-friendly tote bag, we’d be delighted to drop one off for you! Just drop us a comment on our Facebook page, our Twitter, or email us at service@vivopools.com with your request. Don’t forget to include your name and address. Thanks! (This offer is good for new or current Vivo customers only.)
There are many pros and cons to salt water pools. First off, many people may mistakenly think that there is no chlorine in salt water pools; however, the salt generator actually converts salt into chlorine, which is what sanitizes the pool.
With that said, salt water pools tend to be much more comfortable for swimmers, much like a mild saline solution, making them a popular choice. The salt content in salt water pools is proportionately the same as that in human tears. So you can safely open your eyes even while underwater. The small amount of salt in the water can also make the skin feel softer and smoother.
Also, salt chlorination systems can produce an adjustable amount of chlorine each day, though they can only produce chlorine when the swimming pool pump is on. This constant supply of chlorine keeps the pool well chlorinated all throughout the week, rather than adding chlorine once per week and depending on slowly dissolving tablets to replace any chlorine that might have been used up.
Lastly, the latest salt water systems are capable of monitoring cleanliness and automatically cleaning the pool water. This is handy if you were to leave town for an extended period of time.
Now, for the cons to a salt water pool. In general, they are more expensive systems, both to install and maintain over time. Since salt is naturally corrosive to metals, a salt system should never been installed to a swimming pool that has a metal filter or copper plumbing. The chlorine created from a salt chlorination system also has a very high pH balance, which means more acid will be required to add to the swimming pool water to keep the pH properly balanced. The water chemistry still has to be properly balanced every week to make sure that the chlorine produced is doing its job properly.
Salt chlorination cells have to be inspected once every 90 days and cleaned as needed to keep them functioning properly. The cell itself typically lasts about 2-3 years and can be expensive to replace.
Lastly, the backwash or wastewater that comes from a salt water swimming pool is known to kill plants and dissolve beneficial soil nutrients. As a result, this type of pool has been linked to crop damage in some areas in Australia and even in the US. It is not surprising that there are American towns and localities that prohibit the use of salt water swimming pools. So, you need to first check with local authorities before you invest in this type of swimming pool.
Overall, with all the pros and cons in mind, salt chlorination systems can be a good choice for those that think the increased comfort of swimming in salt water is worth the additional costs of installation and maintenance over time. Another factor to consider is the cost savings of not having to purchase buckets of chlorine over time.
We hope this gave you a comprehensive overview, and should you decide to switch to a salt water system, please do not hesitate to give VivoPools a call!
It’s the first day of summer, officially! You and your family are undoubtedly excited to go swimming and take in some sun. But here is a sobering statistic: Every day, 10 people die from unintentional drowning. Of these, two are children under the age of 14. (Source: CDC)
Keep you and your loved ones safe this summer. Please remember these important pool safety tips:
Keep toys away from the pool when the pool is not in use.
Deflate blow-up pools after each use.
Pool fences should be at least 4 ft. high and have nothing around it that could help a child climb it.
Pool fences must open outward from the pool, and must be self-latching and self-closing.
Do not put moving toys, like tricycles, near the pool.
Do not put electrical appliances near the pool.
No diving in a shallow pool.
No running on the pool deck.
For more detailed information on eliminating child drowning, please visit SafeKids.org.
The Baracuda MX 8 has had great reviews from our clients. It is cleans faster than others we have seen, and also maneuvers well across tight corners. The manufacturer is offering a $100 rebate through July 30, so you can have a new MX8 installed for a final cost of $400+tax. Feel free to give our office a call to have one installed!
It is common knowledge to set your air conditioning thermostat at a higher temperature to save energy. However, few pool owners know that pool pumps can also be set in a similar way as to save on energy costs. Many of the older pools are equipped with single-speed pimps that have higher horsepower motors, but with the higher horsepower comes higher bills.
Now, there are several new products available on the market for variable speed pumps which can be set to run at different speeds depending on usage and needs. According to the laws of energy, the slower the water moves through the system, the more efficient the energy use. The idea behind this can be compared to that of a car’s gas mileage, where you get better mileage traveling at 40 mph than at 90 mph. In fact, reducing your pump speeds by half can reduce energy consumption to 1/8th of what was previously used.
Also, many cities and counties offer energy rebates for installing a “greener” pool pump. Check with your city to see what rebates are available for you.
Having the right water level for your pool is very important. Oftentimes issues that arise with the pool’s pump or filter system are caused by an insufficient water level. So maintaining the right water level may help you avoid many unnecessary repairs and problems. The optimal water level is about halfway up the skimmer box opening.
If your water levels seem to be dropping quickly, you could have a leak. Next time, try marking where your water level is at in the morning with a waterproof pen or pencil and at the end of the day check the water again. If the level has dropped by more than 1/2 inch (and there was no swimming done that day) there is a high chance you have a leak. Generally, a pool loses an average of 1/4 inch – 1/2 inch of water each day due to evaporation, and more if there is a lot of splashing going on that day.
Avoid simple issues by being observant and adding water as needed.
Need help measuring the volume of your pool? Use this easy calculator from Pentair: Pool Volume Calculator
Father’s Day is a great time to relax by the pool with your family and friends. This year, try grilling outdoors for a fun and delicious family event! Here are some ideas and tips to help you throw an amazing event to celebrate dad.
Great Gifts: Get Dad something useful and cool this year. A great gift idea is a set of outdoor rock speakers, speakers disguised as rocks that you can place around the backyard. This way you and your family can enjoy music outdoors without worrying about the hassle of wires and bringing bulky stereos in and out.
Get the Grill Ready: Set up your propane or charcoal grill a safe distance from the pool and where children or pets may be running around. Make sure you understand how to operate your grill and get it the fire started before you begin cooking so the grill will be ready when you are!
Decorations: For a nice ambience try staking some tiki torches or hanging lanterns out by the pool. They offer a nice backdrop during the day and can be lit up at night to provide light that adds to the relaxed atmosphere.
Plan Ahead: Plan the menu a few days before so you can get all the ingredients beforehand. Also, marinating the day or night before will not only add flavor but also save you time! Another tip is to keep a cooler outside by the grill for easy access to ingredients instead of running in and out of the house. Here are some recipe ideas:
Sliders with Chipotle Mayonnaise (by Bobby Flay)
Directions
Also, try grilling fruit such as peaches or pineapple. Sprinkle fruit slices with some sugar then grill until they have a nice caramelized crust. Try pairing it with ice cream, chocolate sauce or even cubed pound cake.
We hope these tips help you throw a great Father’s Day bash. Happy Father’s Day!
The decision to build a pool is a big one. A pool is a great source of entertainment and enjoyment for your family and friends, but can often be an expensive experience. You can consider installing an above ground pool, which is a great alternative to an inground unit. They are far cheaper, less permanent and can be installed in a significantly shorter amount of time. Compared to spending tens of thousands of dollars on constructing a permanent in ground pool, above ground pools on average, will cost you about $2000 and can last 15-20 years depending on the usage. Still, before making a final decision, several things should be considered.
First off, check with your city’s regulation on pools and what the rules are. Although above ground pools don’t require big-time construction, they are still considered as a considerable change in a backyard. Be sure to follow regulation so you and your family will be able to actually enjoy it!
Secondly, remember to measure. Oftentimes, people will go ahead and order an above ground unit without properly planning where it will actually go. Then, when it arrives it doesn’t fit in their backyard! A common misconception is that there is absolutely no digging or excavation involved in setting up an above ground pool, but sometimes there is! Builders recommend digging out a little bit of land (about 2 ft deep) so that the pool gets even more support. The average unit is about 18 feet in diameter and can come in oval or round shapes.
Lastly, get the right equipment. Another misconception is that above ground pools do not require as much maintenance, but that is wrong! Whether it be above ground or inground, a pool is still a vast body of water and requires intricate chemical balances to keep it safe for people to swim in. Remember to get the right equipment and to clean the unit on a regular basis.
Overall though, just remember to enjoy it!
Water aerobics is a great alternative to running or working out at the gym during the hot summer months. Water workouts are becoming more and more popular because it allows for a low impact but vigorous workout that is beneficial for endurance, muscle strength and flexibililty. Have you ever noticed how tiring it is to tread water or try to walk through pool? That is because the water is creating constant resistance, making all movement underwater a fitness activity. Also, since your body weight is significantly reduced due to the density in the water, aquatic excercise greatly helps to relieve the amount of stress on your joints and bones compared to excercises on land.
This summer, cool off and work out while enjoying all the benefits of your pool. Some good excercises to try include:
Water Walking: Stand upright in waist- to chest-deep water, with your shoulder blades down and back and chest lifted. Start by striding forward 8 steps, then back 4 steps, then forward and so forth. Move your arms in a motion opposite to your legs while you walk, but keep them relatively straight. Walk for 5 to 7 minutes.
Weighted Leg Lifts: Stand upright in waist-to chest-deep water, holding on the pool ledge for support if needed. Using water weights tied to your calves, lift your legs up one at a time while keeping them straight. Repeat 8 times for each leg. Do 4 repititions.
Tread Water: Move to an area of the pool where the water is deep enough to bring your feet up off the floor. Tread afloat moving your arms and legs in a jogging motion for as long as you can. Remember to maintain your breathing and stop before you run out of breath or tire too much.
Also, try enrolling in a class to learn to basics!
*Before attempting water aerobics, please consult your physician to see if such excercise is suitable for your present state of health.
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