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A well-maintained HVAC system is essential for ensuring the comfort and safety of your home. Regular maintenance and duct cleaning in Melbourne can significantly extend the life of your system, saving you money on repairs and replacements in the long term and ensuring you’re doing everything possible to keep your duct system running optimally. This article will detail five tips for extending the longevity of your HVAC system so you can keep it running efficiently.

Carry Out Regular Maintenance

One of the most effective ways to extend the life of your HVAC system is to perform regular maintenance. This includes changing the filters, cleaning the coils and regularly checking for any leaks or damage. It’s essential to schedule professional maintenance at least once a year to ensure your system is running at peak efficiency. A professional technician can identify potential issues early, preventing costly repairs and prolonging the life of your system.

 Keep the Outdoor Unit Clean

The outdoor unit of your HVAC system is exposed to the elements and can collect debris such as leaves, dirt and grass clippings. Keeping the area around the unit clean and clear can help prevent damage and ensure proper airflow. Make sure to trim any vegetation near the unit, remove debris and clean the fins with a soft brush or vacuum to prevent clogs and maintain optimal performance.

 Invest in Duct Cleaning in Melbourne

Duct cleaning is an often overlooked yet crucial aspect of maintaining your HVAC system. Over time, dust, pollen and other contaminants can accumulate in your ducts, restricting airflow and reducing the efficiency of your system. Professional duct cleaning in Melbourne can remove these contaminants, helping to improve indoor air quality, reduce energy costs and extend the life of your HVAC system. It’s generally recommended to have your ducts cleaned every 3-5 years, depending on factors such as the presence of pets, smoking and your local climate.

 Use a Programmable Thermostat

A programmable thermostat can help you save energy and extend the life of your HVAC system by allowing you to set specific temperature preferences for different times of the day. By reducing the demand on your system during periods when you’re not at home or when you’re sleeping, you can prevent unnecessary wear and tear on your equipment. A programmable thermostat can also help you save on your energy bills by reducing unnecessary energy consumption.

 Insulate & Seal Your Home

Proper insulation and sealing of your home can significantly improve the efficiency of your HVAC system and extend its life. By ensuring that your home is well-insulated and free of drafts, you can reduce the workload on your system and prevent it from running constantly. Check for drafts around the seals of windows and doors, and consider adding insulation to open crevices or spaces in your house to help maintain a consistent temperature throughout your home.

 Conclusion

Extending the life of your HVAC system requires regular maintenance, keeping the outdoor unit clean, investing in duct cleaning in Melbourne, using a programmable thermostat and insulating and sealing your home where possible. By following even just a few of these tips, you can enjoy a more comfortable living environment and prolong the life of your HVAC system.

When you think of factors that can affect your swimming pool’s water quality, rainwater may not be at the top of your list, but it can wreak havoc on your pool’s chemistry balance in more ways than one. Here is everything you need to know about rainwater and how it affects your pool water.

What problems can rain cause in my swimming pool?

It’s not so much the rain itself that’s the problem, it’s the contaminants that it brings with it that’s the bigger issue. For rain alone to affect your pool, it needs to be a heavy downpour. This will dilute your chemicals and throw out the delicate balance. Pollution in the air often carries microbiological organisms, including bacteria, and this can make rainwater acidic. Clouds can contain heavy metals, and when there is heavy rain and wind, organic matter such as leaves, and other debris will end up in your pool. None of which are good for the water.

When there are more contaminants in the water than the chlorine can manage, the chlorine binds to them and this makes chloramines. Once your free chlorine turns into chloramine, it is unable to sanitise the water properly. The leaves and other organic matter that has fallen into your pool will start to decompose, this will affect your pH levels, and your pool may start to go green. Along with affecting your chlorine and pH levels, rainwater can disrupt your (TDS) total dissolved solids levels, calcium hardness and alkalinity, to name a few.

The extra water in your pool can prevent your circulation system from working to its full potential as it can stop the skimmer door from closing and as a result, debris cannot be contained in the skimmer. If the debris is left in the pool to float around, it will inevitably sink to the bottom and start breaking down.

How do I empty my pool if it’s too full?

Lowering the water in your pool is simple, here’s how:

1. Switch your pump off.
2. Turn the multiport lever on your pump to waste.
3. If you have valves on the waste line, open them.
4. If you have a skimmer plate attached to your skimmer box, remove it.
5. Disconnect your cleaner.
6. Switch the pump on again and wait until the water has receded halfway down the skimmer mouth. Don’t leave and come back as it empties rather quickly, and if you forget, you may come back to an empty pool.
7. Turn the pump off again and rotate the lever back to the filter setting.
8. Replace your skimmer plate and reconnect your cleaner.
9. Turn the pump back on.

Does it matter if I’ve emptied the pool too much?

Yes, a low water level is just as detrimental to your pool equipment as a high one. If you have emptied the pool a little too much, you’ll have to refill it with a garden hose until it’s back to where it should be.

Cleaning your pool after a heavy downpour or continuous bouts of rain

If you have had a lot of rain or a heavy downpour, you should follow the steps below to ensure your pool water isn’t significantly affected.

Clean the pool

The first step is cleaning out the pool. Remove any leaves and debris using your pool scoop. Run your automatic or manual pool cleaner to pick up smaller particles that were missed with the pool scoop and empty your skimmer basket.

Test the water

Once your pool is clean, you will need to test the water to check if any of your chemical levels are unbalanced. You can do this by taking a sample of your pool water to your local pool shop, or you can do it yourself with a water testing kit. If you are taking your sample to a pool shop, they will be able to tell you what your pool is missing or has too much of, and they can give you advice on what chemicals you need and how much to use. If you are testing the water yourself, the test strips will give you an instant indication of your chemical levels and whether any of them are off or not.

Here the most common chemicals that are affected by rainwater and the levels they should be:

Chlorine – Normal chlorine levels should be between 1-3ppm.

Ph – Ideal pH levels are between 7.4 to 7.6.

Total Alkalinity – A TA range of 80-120 ppm is optimal.

Calcium Hardness – CA levels should be from 100-300 ppm.

Total dissolved solids – Aim for TDS levels from 1500ppm to 3000ppm.

What do I do if my pool is brown?

It’s not uncommon for a pool to turn brown from excessive rainfall. The water has nowhere to go once the ground is completely drenched, and it will fill up garden beds and flow over retaining walls into the pool. This excessive water brings with it dirt, foliage, mud, and other unwanted nasties. If your swimming pool is brown, you can clear it up by using a floccing agent. A floccing agent works by bonding the floating dirt particles together. They will then sink to the bottom. This makes it far easier for your pool cleaner to pick them up.

What if my pool is green?

If contaminants haven’t been cleared from your pool quickly, it’s a high possibility that your swimming pool will turn green, if the weather is particularly warm, it may happen at an even faster rate. To fix a green pool, you’ll need to shock it. This is the process of adding a high dose of chlorine to your pool. Along with your shock, you’ll need to add an appropriate clarifier, oxidiser, algaecide and ensure your pH levels are balanced correctly. It’s best to do this late afternoon as the sun’s UV rays break down chlorine and prevent it from working to its full potential. Run your pump overnight to ensure the chemicals are moved throughout your pool water. You will notice a considerable difference in the water come morning.

Invest in a pool cover

Rain is good for many things, just not our pools, however, you can minimise the effects it has on your pool water by investing in a good quality pool cover. They are a good idea for many reasons, not just to prevent rain disruption. They can drastically reduce chemical, heat, and water loss by up to more than 70%. They come in many different price points, and there are options to suit every budget. Hardtop covers are the most effective, but they are also the most expensive.

As mentioned, infrequent rain showers are unlikely to place any burden on the quality of your water, it’s the heavier rains and impurities that rain introduces to your pool that can turn your water from crystal clear to murky and unpleasant. The colour change in your water can be noticeable within a few hours after heavy rain. If you are having troubles with your water after rain, or if you have any questions about pools in general, just ask our friendly team here at Barrier Reef Pools or visit the website. We are happy to answer any questions you have.

If you own a swimming pool, shocking or super chlorinating the pool falls under a regular maintenance routine. To understand when is the right time to shock your pool, you must first know the reasons why pool shocking is required.

 The main reasons for shocking a pool are –

1. To kill algae and make the pool clean
2. To make the pool bacteria-free (bacteria can come from various sources like bather waste)
3. To reduce chloramine and contaminant levels
4. To get water clarity or to clear cloudy water
5. While opening and closing down the pool for the season
6. To get the pool water chemistry right

There are various ways of shocking a pool. However, chlorine is the most widely used and the most effective ingredient that’s popularly used for the purpose. Chlorine has been used for centuries to purify drinking water and is perfectly safe to use in pools when used in the right concentration. It is extremely effective when it comes to killing germs, bacteria, and viruses. However, when it comes to shocking the pool with chlorine, you have two choices – granular chlorine and liquid chlorine.

Granular chlorine vs Liquid chlorine

When shopping for pool cleaning supplies, you may wonder which one to put in your basket, granular chlorine or liquid chlorine? Taking a deeper look into the difference between the two will help you choose the right one.

Granular chlorine

The most popular form of granular chlorine or powder chlorine is calcium hypochlorite. Other versions available are dichlor or sodium dichloro-s-triazinetrione and lithium hypochlorite. Calcium hypochlorite is an ingredient used in bleaching powder and for disinfecting pools. Solid forms of chlorine are stabilised and can be distributed in many ways when shocking a pool. It can be dissolved in a bucket of water and added to the pool or introduced through automatic chlorinators (available in the form of tablets).

Calcium hypochlorite is the most popular granular chlorine choice due to its high effectiveness in killing algae and the ability to dissolve quickly. It is also one of the cheapest options and is available in various granule sizes. Granular chlorine has lower pH, which means lesser spending on acid for maintaining a proper water pH balance.

Liquid chlorine

Although liquid chlorine is cheaper compared to granular chlorine, it is a form of unstabilised chlorine. It dissolves fast but has effectiveness for a shorter duration compared to granular chlorine. For larger pools, its effectiveness may not be as good as smaller pools. Liquid chlorine is highly corrosive. Using excess chlorine or not using it correctly may damage the pool walls or your fibreglass pool.

What is best for your pool?

What is the ideal pool shock agent for your pool depends on two basic factors.

1. The size of your pool
2. Your budget

No matter which version you choose for your pool, chlorine should be handled very carefully. For larger pools, chlorine granules are always a better choice.

Steps to follow when shocking a pool with granular chlorine

Following the right steps is important when shocking your swimming pool with chlorine granules.

Step 1

Chlorine is a harsh chemical, so take protective measures. When handling any form of chlorine, it is always better to wear goggles, a respirator, gloves, and clothing that will keep your hands and legs covered. While handling chlorine, be careful not to splash it on yourself and avoid inhaling the fumes.

Step 2

The next step is to dissolve granular chlorine before adding it to the pool water. Take a bucket of water and pour the chlorine granules into it. Carefully read the suggested chlorine-water ratio on the package to add the right amount into your pool. Smaller pools will need less and larger ones more to work effectively. Gently stir with a wooden stick or a PVC pipe to dissolve the granules.

Step 3

Now it’s time to add the liquid form of the shock to the pool. Make sure to keep the pump running while pouring the chlorine into the pool. Pour the dissolved chlorine gently from the bucket into the pool while moving around the edge. It will help better and quicker distribution of the chemical. Don’t splash the chemical.

Step 4

If you notice any undissolved chlorine granules while pouring the liquid into the pool, use a pool brush to move them around and assist in dissolving. If granular chlorine sits undissolved on the floor, it could lead to discolouration of your fibreglass, granite, or vinyl pool. Undissolved chlorine resting on vinyl pool floors can also corrode the soft vinyl.

Step 5

Wait for at least 24 hours before using the pool.

Some important pool shock tips to remember

1. Evenings are the best time to shock your pool. The presence of sunlight can interfere with the effectiveness of chlorine. The chlorine may dissolve too quickly without being able to get rid of the pool of contaminants.
2. Do not use the pool for at least 24 hours after shocking the pool. The high chlorine level may harm your skin if you enter the pool too soon.
3. Chlorine is very reactive. Never mix pool shock with any other substance but water. If mixed with certain substances, pool shock may catch fire, explode, or give out toxic gases.
4. Balance the pool water pH to 7.2 – 7.4 before shocking. It will have the most powerful effect on cleaning the water.
5. Do not use pool shock with any other water treatment. It may harm more than helping your pool.
6. Do not place granular chlorine into a chlorinator or a floater. Chlorine tablets are the right choice for adding to floaters, skimmer baskets, or your automatic chlorinator.
7. Always use the entire bag of granular chlorine once you open the pack. Never store opened packets of pool shock that can spill and may get exposed to moisture.
8. Store your granular chlorine pool shock away from fire. This chemical is combustible. To maintain its effectiveness for a longer time, store granular chlorine packs in a cool, dry, and well-ventilated area. If exposed to moisture, it may release toxic fumes.
9. Use a water testing kit to take a reading of free chlorine before a pool shock. It should always be between 2 – 3 ppm for a healthy pool.
10. Check the pH levels of your pool every two to three days. The pH level can affect the effectiveness of chlorine’s capability to sanitise the pool.
11. For heavily used pools, pool shock is recommended once a week to maintain proper water chemistry.
12. If your pool is extremely dirty, for example, when you first open it for the season, you should double shock it to thoroughly clean the water.

In conclusion, shocking your pool is an essential maintenance practice that helps ensure a safe and clean swimming environment. Granular chlorine is a highly effective and widely used method for pool shocking, thanks to its convenience and affordability. By following the simple steps outlined in this article, you can confidently and safely shock your pool using granular chlorine. Remember to always adhere to the recommended dosage and safety guidelines provided by the manufacturer. With regular shocking using granular chlorine, you can enjoy crystal-clear and healthy pool water all season long. If you want more handy tips and tricks, visit the blog for more information. Now go ahead, give your pool the shock it needs and dive into a refreshing swim!

Looking for pool options that can fit into your small backyard? Thanks to slimline pools, you have compact yet lap practice-worthy choices available. Choosing the right pool for your family can be tricky and the task becomes more difficult if you don’t have enough space to accommodate a big pool in your home.

A slimline pool is an ideal choice when you want a pool that will not take up the entire space in your small backyard and will also serve the purpose of a family swimming pool. Fibreglass slimline pools are like any other fibreglass pool, just narrow and longish. A slimline pool installed on your property can be the statement piece that you are looking for in your narrow backyard.

What is a slimline pool?

The name says it all! Slimline pools can be called space-efficient pools. They are narrow pools that are great for swimming as well as spending some family time enjoying some splish-splash on hot days.

Slimline pools are larger than lap pools, dipping pools, or plunge pools but smaller than a regular swimming pool. These pools offer all the facilities of a swimming pool but occupy much lesser space compared to regular size pools. Slimline pools are also the right choice for those who are serious swimmers and want a pool for swimming practice in their homes. Slimline pools are rectangular with a shorter width.

Slimline pools are not just good for maintaining your fitness regime. These pools can be just like any other pool when it comes to entertaining your guests and hosting parties by the poolside. A slimline pool can accommodate several people at the same time. Being slimmer in size does not make slimline pools any less attractive in looks or features.

For quick installation, fibreglass slimline pools are an excellent choice. Quality fibreglass slimline pools are designed in many sizes and depths, equipped with all the regular safety features. Non-slip surface, safety steps into the shallow end, seamless paving all around the pool, smooth edges, you can find all these in fibreglass slimline pools. Additionally, fibreglass pools are known for their ease of cleaning, maintenance, and heating.

Are slimline pools available in different sizes?

Fibreglass slimline pools come in a range of sizes to suit all kinds of spaces. You can select one that fits well into your backyard. Fibreglass slimline pools are available in sizes that start around 4.2 metres in width and go up to 10.5 metres in length. Even the smallest size, which may be close to 2.8m x 6.2m, has enough space to allow you to swim comfortably.

All the sizes have one similarity: they are narrow and rectangular. Most pools have wide safety ledges all around the proximity of the pool. They are designed thoughtfully to allow comfortable swimming laps, safety, and relaxation.

How fast can a slimline pool be installed?

All fibreglass pools can be installed way quicker than constructing concrete pools. As slimline pools are narrower and more compact compared to regular pools, they can be installed within a week or so. If you have all the required permissions in place, an ideally flat backyard, all you need to do is choose the size and contact a reliable fibreglass pool company to do the job. In good weather, the installation is quick and easy after the factory-made fibreglass pool shell is delivered to your home.

Is it possible to customise a slimline pool?

The shape of fibreglass slimline pools cannot be changed as they come pre-made from the factory. But that gives fibreglass pools many advantages. They are quick to install, are virtually non-porous, have a gel-coated smooth surface, are highly durable, and are easy to clean and maintain.

However, you can enhance your slimline pool with several innovative luxury features for a better pool experience. Some of the possibilities are –

Heating: If you want to enjoy a year-round pool experience, heating a fibreglass slimline pool can be an economical option. Owing to the slimmer design, these pools heat up fast, saving your energy bills.

Spa Jets: Swim spas are in-demand features in slimline pools. These jets offer ultimate relaxation by massaging your body. They are great for soothing the body and relieving aches and pains and work as aquatic therapy. Spa jets can be used as resistance swim current by serious swimming enthusiasts who include swimming in their workout routine. Spa jets can make your slimline pool multifunctional, taking your pool experience to the next level.

Mood lighting: If you like dramatic effects, a mysterious touch, and vibrancy, mood lighting in your pool can make your slimline pool look magical at night. Mood lighting also improves visibility in darkness when you want to enjoy swimming after the sun has gone down. Lighting also allows you to enjoy the effect of spa jets, bubblers, and other special features in your pool. Mood enhancing lighting allows you to extend pool use even at night and allows you to enjoy a resort-like experience at home. Mood lighting has practical and aesthetic benefits that you cannot ignore.

Spa design: You can incorporate spa designs with your slimline pool. Isn’t that exciting? Introducing spa designs to enhance your pool means adding more features to improve the experience. Don’t forget that spa designs placed on the edges of your slimline pool can also add value to your property. These innovative inclusions to the pools can create a stream, bubble effect, water cascade, and whirlpool effect in your fibreglass slimline pool.

Why should you invest in a slimline pool?

Slimline pools have many benefits. Before investing in one, it is practical to weigh the pros and cons. Apart from the smaller size, slimline pools have no major disadvantages. Here are some of the biggest advantages of including a fibreglass slimline swimming pool in your backyard.

1. Space-saving – As already discussed, slimline pools take up lease space and are the most compact pool choice for homes with a space crunch. With designs available fit to suit various dimensions, you can fit one even in the tightest spot.
2. Safe – With a slimline pool in your home, you can enjoy all the benefits of a pool. Fibreglass slimline pools are designed with the safety of the users in mind. The non-slip surface, seamless design, smooth edges, and convenient stairs at the pool entrance make them safe for children as well as the elderly. A slimline pool can be a perfect family pool where you can relax and enjoy.
3. Multifunctional – Slimline pools offer the advantages of relaxation as well as exercise. They are comfortable for swimming laps and dipping to beat the heat.
4. Appealing design – If you choose to go with a slimline pool, you do not have to compromise on the aesthetics in any way. Fibreglass slimline pools are available in attractive designs that will enhance the beauty and elegance of your backyard.

How much do slimline pools cost?

Slimline fibreglass pools are quite cost-effective. The cost varies according to the size and finish of the pool. It will also depend on the special features that you may want to include to enrich your pool experience. Contact factory pools perth in your area to get a precise idea about how much it will cost to install a slimline pool in your home.

Fibreglass swimming pools will add a beautiful element of luxury to your backyard and home. A swimming pool is a fantastic way to spend quality time with your family and friends. It’s a great place for you to relax by yourself as well. We all know that swimming is also an excellent way to keep fit and healthy. For you to be able to maintain your fibreglass pool’s luxurious looks, you must also ensure that you keep it clean.

Besides being extremely long-lasting, fibreglass pools are also easy to maintain. If you are thinking about investing in a fibreglass pool, one of the things you might want to know is how to clean it. You can always outsource a pool cleaner, however, the great thing about fibreglass swimming pools is that they require very little upkeep. Fibreglass pools are much easier to clean compared to other types of pools such as concrete and vinyl.

Make sure you remove debris from your pool regularly:

To keep your swimming pool clean, it’s essential to have a regular cleaning plan. A dirty pool is unattractive, plus not very hygienic to swim in! Your pool might be located in a position with no trees or plants surrounding it- however you still might notice you are finding leaves, insects and

other debris floating in your pool. The chances increase of finding this debris in your pool if there are lots of trees and plants nearby. There are a few variations with pool cleaning options. The good news is that pool leaf scoops (which have a long telescope handle) are relatively cost effective to purchase. This tool will allow you to scoop the debris from anywhere in your pool. Further to a basic leaf scoop there are some other options to help clean your pool:

Manual pool cleaning

If you plan to clean your pool manually, you can just use equipment like the telescopic pole -long enough to reach your pool’s walls and floor. Just make sure you have a skimmer net attachment for the telescopic pole so that it can trap any floating leaves or debris. You will also need a pool brush attachment. So you can scrub away dirt from the walls and floor of your swimming pool. Make sure you always use a nylon-bristle soft brush to clean fibreglass pools. Manual cleaning will require some time and labour on your part. Cleaning a fibreglass pool is a relatively gentle activity which does not involve harsh brushing or strong chemicals, because fibreglass pools are not prone to attracting dirt and algae. There is also the option to also have a manual pool vacuum with a hose and sufficient length to cover all areas of a pool. This is required to clean dirt from the bottom of the pool. The vacuum head of your pool vacuum cleaner should be capable of being attached to the telescopic pole too.

Automatic pool cleaning

If you are not keen on the idea of manually cleaning your swimming pool, you can invest in automatic cleaning equipment. While automatic pool cleaning equipment is slightly expensive, the investment will save you time and effort in the future. Some of the automatic pool cleaning equipment options are listed below:

Pressure side cleaners:

• Cost more than the suction side cleaners
• More effective at picking up debris and cleaning the pool.
• Hooked to the opposite end of the pool filtration system.
• Propelled by the force of the water from the return jets.
• Contains a filter bag to collect dirt and debris.
• This equipment is available in different types, so you will need to select a model suitable for your pool.

Suction side cleaner:

• Hooked to your skimmer.
• Move around the pool floor collecting dirt and debris.
• Some types of cleaners can also clean the walls of your pool.
• Economical and easy to run.
• Easily cleaned and maintained.
• Be mindful that their working depends on the pool pump, so they can increase the load on your pool filter.

Robotic pool cleaners:

• Sophisticated pool cleaners run on electricity
• Long cords and they run on low voltage.
• Brush and vacuum attached, and do their scrubbing and cleaning independently without depending on your filtration system.
• However, they do require regular cleaning and maintenance to function effectively.

Always look out for stains:

Murky rings or dark marks can be the start of a stain. Stains in your pool are not just unappealing visually, but they are an indication that there is an imbalance in your pool water. Unbalanced levels can often occur when there are high concentrations of metal. It is important to know which kind of metal is staining your pool before you try to treat it. Different types of metals will leave different coloured stains. For example, high levels of iron causes a maroon coloured stain, copper leaves a blue-green stain, and magnesium will result in grey stains. Your swimming pool is also susceptible to organic stains caused by things such as leaves, dirt and algae. These stains are generally just green and brown in colour.To prevent stains in your fibreglass pool, it is important to remove debris and use a metal chelating agent. Our experienced team at Barrier reef pools Perth can provide you with further information on this.

Consider investing in a pool cover:

A great way to help prevent debris from tainting your pool water is by using pool cover. Having a pool cover will minimise the risk of your swimming pool being littered with leaves and other debris. By reducing the need to manually remove the leaves and debris, it automatically decreases the maintenance you need to do, when you are not using your pool.

Maintaining the water quality and filter system:

Ensuring that you have a good quality filter pump will also maintain the water quality in your pool. Did you know a pool pump generally runs for 6-8 hours a day for saltwater and slightly longer for chlorine? By running your pump during the day, you will avoid any imbalances in your water, and it will stay nice and clean, ready to use at your leisure. An important factor to keeping your swimming pool’s water clear is maintaining the pH level. Your pool should ideally be between 7.2 and 7.6 pH. The alkaline levels should be around 80 to 120 parts per million (PPM) and the chlorine is just under 3.0 PPM. Keeping these chemicals in a dry storage place at home is a good idea, so you can add them when necessary to adjust the levels of your pool water.

Swimming pools newcastle are a smart choice and easier option when it comes to maintenance, compared to concrete or vinyl liner pools. The smooth gel coat of a fibreglass pool is nonporous and virtually algae resistant.To find out more about the upkeep of your fibreglass pool, and the best maintenance plan, please reach out to our friendly team at Newcastle Swimming Pools, we are happy to help.

If you want to enjoy your fibreglass pool to the maximum, you can’t ignore pool safety. After all, the poolside area is full of wet, slippery things, and people may get hurt if they don’t tread cautiously. But how do you ensure the safety of your poolside area? To know the answer read on.

In this post, we’ll take you through the most essential pool safety tips that will keep you and your family from getting hurt in and around the poolside. So, without any further delay, let’s get started!

1. Establish safety rules and enforce them

Children are almost always likely to run around the poolside area and dive into the pool in the absence of adults. So, if you have kids at home, establish certain safety rules and educate them about why it’s important to follow those rules. Some rules you should establish and enforce include the following:

1. No forcing and holding people underwater
2. No pushing and shoving near the pool
3. Keeping slippery pool toys safely tucked away after they’re used
4. No diving into the pool when the water level is low
5. No swimming in the absence of adults
6. No running on the pool premises

You should be strict with your kids if they don’t follow these rules and punish them by stopping them from using the pool for some time. Of course, kids are kids and they’ll look for every opportunity to break the rules. However, through proper education and enforcement, you can ensure that these rules are followed. Also, as parents, you need to be good role models and set the right examples. For instance, you can’t push and shove near the pool when the kids are watching.

2. Have a pool alarm installed

We mentioned in the previous point how kids will look for opportunities to bend and break the rules. A great way of preventing this is to get a pool alarm installed. Pool alarms are ideal for alerting pool owners through the detection of unauthorised pool access. Once any form of unauthorized access is detected, the alarm will be set off, allowing you to take corrective measures before it’s too late.

Apart from keeping your kids safe, pool alarms can also detect burglary attempts if any miscreant tries to enter your property through the poolside area. If your home already has burglar and/or smoke alarms in place, ensure that the sound of your pool alarm is unique. All the alarms sounding the same will make it difficult for you to gauge what’s going on.

3. Secure all pathways leading to the pool

Kids are natural escape artists, and if they’re desperate to use the pool, they’ll try every method in the book to get past the obstacles blocking them from the pool. That’s why you should have all the pathways leading to your fibreglass pool secured through sliding door locks, childproof doorknobs, and lever locks.

These products are quite inexpensive, and you can set them up yourself. Sure, this might end up disappointing the kids, but disappointing them, in this case, is better than them sustaining a serious injury in or around the fibreglass pools toowoomba.

4. Get pool fencing installed

Pool fencing is a popular solution for blocking kids’ access to the poolside. However, the installation needs to be spot on if you want it to effectively serve its purpose. For starters, the fencing should be tall (4 feet minimum), as a short fence may be quite easily climbed over.

Also, the fences shouldn’t have excessive spacing, as this will make it easy for thin, slender kids to simply walk through them. Last but not least, steer clear of cut-outs or protuberances as they may be used as hand and foot holds for easy climbing.

5. Don’t leave chemicals and pool cleaning products lying around in the open

Pool chemicals and cleaning products are essential for removing contaminants from your fibreglass pool. They’re also vital in terms of maintaining the pool water’s pH balance. However, despite the benefits they have to offer for swimming pools, the fact is that they can be dangerous if consumed or if the skin gets into contact with them.

That’s why it’s critical for you to ensure that all pool cleaning chemicals and products aren’t lying out in the open. Once you’ve cleaned your pool and restored its optimal pH balance, keep them locked away inside the house so your kids have absolutely no access to them.

6. Invest in a pool safety net or cover

Pool safety nets or covers provide various benefits. On the safety front, they can prevent your kids or pets from accidentally falling into the pool. They can also keep contaminants out of the pool and facilitate heat retention, which is important if you want to use the swimming pool during winters.

If you want your pool cover to retain heat, keep contaminants out, and also prevent falls, you should check the material before purchase. Not all pool cover materials serve all these purposes. So, reach out to a reputed pool product dealership and ask for guidance.

7. Keep an eye out on your swimming pool premises with a security camera

There might be times during which you have to be away from home. At such times, pool alarms won’t be of any use, but security cameras will. So, get a few security cameras installed in and around the poolside area. The cameras should cover all the pool access points along with the swimming pool itself.

Modern-day security camera systems allow pool owners to sync the cameras with smartphones. So, even if you’re away, you can monitor what’s happening in and around your swimming pool. If you detect something potentially dangerous, you can get in touch with one of your neighbours to intervene.

8. Have a first-aid kit at the poolside

Despite all protective and preventive measures, the unfortunate truth is that accidents can happen at any time. However, you can prepare for them by having a first-aid kit near the pool. So, even if something does go wrong, you don’t have to undertake a frantic search for first-aid supplies.

Apart from topical medications and painkillers, the first-aid kit should also be inclusive of rescue tubes, life hooks, and life rings. Keep checking the kit from time to time to ensure that all the supplies are in good condition.

In conclusion, prioritising safety in your pool area is crucial to ensure a worry-free and enjoyable experience for everyone. By implementing these important tips, such as maintaining proper supervision, installing safety features, and promoting responsible behaviour, you can create a secure environment that protects the well-being of your loved ones and guests. Remember, safety should always be at the forefront when it comes to pool ownership, allowing you to fully relish the pleasures of a refreshing and safe poolside haven.

Constructing a swimming pool is a long-term decision. Once constructed, a swimming pool will become an inseparable part of your house. It can add fun moments to your life. It can increase or decrease the value of your property during resale. But how do you get it right? How do you build a swimming pool which makes you proud and adds to the value of your home? We offer you some points which will guide you in making an informed decision regarding the construction of the swimming pool.

1. Purpose

All our life decisions should have a clear purpose, and building a swimming pool is no different. You should carefully think about the uses of your pool. Is it going to be used for exercises? Do you plan to use the pool as an entertaining space? Are your family members interested in playing games in the pool? Or is your pool meant to add aesthetics to your house with not much practical use? Answers to all these questions will determine the size, shape and design of your pool.

If you intend to play games in the pool, then you will have to build a deep pool. If your pool’s primary function is to add to the house’s aesthetics, then you will want to spend more on landscaping and lighting features.

2. Budget

Building a pool is an expensive activity. Maintaining a pool involves recurring expenditure. You must set aside a specific amount for the initial construction of the swimming pool. Concrete pools can sometimes overshoot the budget due to the period involved.

If you want extensive landscaping and lighting features, they will further drain your budget. Arrange for the required funds before starting pool construction. Concrete pools may involve tiling expenditure for making the surface smooth. Fibreglass pools have a smooth surface due to the material used.

Your budget will determine the material used for the construction of your pool. Fibreglass is less expensive and easier to maintain as compared to concrete pools. Vinyl pools are vulnerable to punctures. You will have to set aside funds for their repairs every 5-10 years.

You must budget for additional expenses such as heating system, pool cover etc. If you are living in an urban area, then you would have to undertake shading from other buildings for privacy.

3. Quality

As mentioned earlier, a swimming pool is a long term addition to your house. Insist on good quality construction material while building the pool. Repairs and renovation can be a messy affair and are best avoided.

With improvements in technology, there are plenty of manufacturers offering superior quality fibreglass pools. Many reputed dealers also offer an extended warranty on their fibreglass pools. Do proper research on the various manufacturers and products sold by them. Take your time and find a well-known builder or manufacturer. Spending a little more initially to ensure high-quality construction is better than undertaking repairs at a later stage.

4. Soil terrain and climate

The location of your house and the quality of soil in your backyard affects the time and expenditure of your pool construction. If your house is located in a low-lying area which is prone to flooding, then you will have to actively consider an above ground pool.

It is easier to construct a pool on an even site. If your house is on a steep slope, it can increase construction costs. If the soil in your backyard is extremely loose, powdery or stony, then the construction will require more time and expenditure. You will need an expert pool builder to navigate such difficult terrain. It would be better to conduct a soil test to assess the suitability of the soil.

If your house is located in a windy area, then you will have to look for pool covers. Wind will speed up water evaporation. If your pool has access to sunlight, then it will keep the water warm. If you live in icy climates, then do proper research about the available heating system. Fibreglass pools are easier to heat, and they retain heat for a longer time. Concrete pools require more energy to heat.

5. Safety

It is especially important to concentrate on the safety aspects of your pool. If children are supposed to use the pool, then you would want shallow ends in the pool. You may also want to consider fencing and automatic pool covers. Concrete pools tend to have rough surfaces which can cause abrasions. Fibreglass pools have smooth interiors, so you don’t have to worry about scratches and cuts.

You would also want to install fencing or handrails as additional safety features. Most of the fibreglass pools are fitted with anti-skid steps which makes them very safe.

6. Zonal laws

Do some research regarding the rules and regulations of your zone. Some areas may have limitations regarding water use and fencing. Gather information regarding any underground utilities like gas, electricity and water that may be passing below your yard. You don’t want to end up paying fines for damaging public utilities.

7. Maintenance

Maintenance of a pool is inevitable. Absence of regular maintenance makes your pool useless. The effort and expenses required for maintenance of the pool will vary greatly according to the material used for construction. Generally, concrete pools are difficult to maintain. Maintaining fibreglass pools is easier in terms of effort and expenditure involved. The maintenance costs will also depend upon the size of your pool.

Concrete pools require regular maintenance in the form of surface scrubbing, resurfacing and water cleaning. Maintaining water quality is difficult in a concrete pool. Fibreglass pools are immune to such problems.

A well-maintained pool increases the resale value of your house.

8. Pool filtration and cleaning system

Every pool needs an efficient filtration system. The quality of water will depend on the efficiency of the filtration system. There are plenty of options available for energy-efficient filtration and cleaning techniques. There are natural cleaning and filtering options available for those who dislike the use of chemicals.

9. Location

A pool cannot be shifted after construction so you will have to carefully select the location of your pool. If there are children in your family, then it is better to locate the pool where it can be seen from other parts of the house.

The location should provide easy access to heavy equipment during the construction stage. You would need to allow space for easy entry and exit from the pool. There should also be space for storing cleaning equipment, filtration system, changing area and seating. If you intend to use your pool for entertaining purposes, then you must consider plenty of seating area inside and outside the pool for your guests to hang out.

10. Pool builder

A simple internet search will throw up the names of plenty of pool builders. But you must do your research to find a reputed pool builder. A good pool builder will give you proper information regarding the available materials, the latest technology and proper building process. They will also be conversant about the laws and permissions required for the building process. An experienced builder will be able to guide you properly through the complex process of swimming pool construction. If you need more inspiration or tips, you can always see the blog and get inspired from there.

As fun as it is to have a swimming pool in your backyard, you need to be prepared to carry out pool maintenance. Unlike free flowing water bodies, pool water is stagnant, and this provides ample opportunity for dirt, bacteria, and algae to collect.

The water in your swimming pool needs to be circulated to ensure that it is clean, and a healthy pool environment is maintained. Swimming pool circulation is important for this reason.

How is water circulated in a swimming pool?

Every swimming pool has something called pool jets in its walls. These are plastic openings present in the wall through which filtered pool water is put back into the pool. Your swimming pool’s water level must be above the skimmer level if you want it to pass through the filter.

A swimming pool pump is responsible for sucking in water through the pool skimmer and this water enters the pool’s filtration system. Here, purification of the water takes place and debris, as well as other contaminants, are removed. Once the water has been purified, it re-enters the swimming pool through pool jets. This process is necessary to ensure your swimming pool has clean water at all times.

Apart from allowing filtered water to re-enter the pool, pool jets also help distribute chlorine and other chemicals throughout the water. In the absence of these pool jets, chlorine and other chemicals put in one place in the swimming pool would continue to remain there, meaning that the water in other pool areas doesn’t get cleaned. With proper distribution of chemicals, you’ll be able to ensure that water in your entire pool is cleaned and not just the region where you put the chemical.

Why is swimming pool circulation important?

You need a healthy pool to swim in

You want to make sure you’re swimming in healthy waters and stagnant waters are anything but healthy. Swimming pool circulation will ensure that your water is circulated and cleaned by the filtration system which means you’ll have a pool with clean water that’s safe to swim in.

Nobody wants bacteria and other micro-organisms in the pool

Many people use swimming pools and as much as you love your family, each person can possibly bring in bacteria and other micro-organisms into the pool. This isn’t good news because it means that your water safety will be compromised. More contaminants in the pool can also lead to the accumulation of algae. Making use of disinfectants like a UV lamp, chlorine, or an electrolysis base system will keep your water safe for swimming.

These disinfectants can’t just remain in one spot in your pool because that’s not going to effectively clean the water. A pool circulation system will help spread the disinfectants throughout the water volume and make sure germs are killed.

Your water gets filtered the right way

There’s a lot that can accumulate in a swimming pool that’s being used. Leaves, dirt, dust, and debris can accumulate in the water and trying to get rid of them manually is a time consuming and ineffective method to rely on.

With a pool circulation system, pool pumps will be able to suck in the pool water and ensure that it’s filtered through the pool’s filtration system before releasing it back into the pool through pool jets. Skimmers will help to create movement on the surface of the pool. You can even use a pool vacuum to get rid of debris that have settled at the pool’s bottom.

You can protect your loved ones

Your health as well as the health of your family should be a priority when you go out to take a dip in the pool. Dirty pool water that hasn’t been subjected to any kind of disinfecting can result in severe illness and pose a major health risk for your loved ones. You don’t want to have to worry about your loved ones’ health every time they go out for a swim. You can be at peace with a pool circulation system, knowing that they’re in safe waters.

You can make more money from it

If you want to sell your home and your swimming pool doesn’t have proper circulation, maintaining it will become a bigger issue for the next owner which could significantly impact the value of your property. Everyone loves a pool in the backyard but they also want something that’s easy to maintain. Ensuring that your pool has proper circulation will elevate your property’s aesthetic value and fetch you a higher price for it.

Say goodbye to expensive maintenance costs

Without proper pool circulation, you’ll increase the build-up of contaminants in your pool and maintenance will become a lot more difficult. You’ll have to spend more on repairs and maintenance checks and this could lead to a reduction in your pool’s lifespan. Pool circulation allows for ongoing cleaning and will save you lots of money on maintenance checks.

You’ll have more peace of mind 

All of the above benefits will ultimately give you greater peace of mind knowing that your backyard pool’s waters are clean and safe to swim in. You can even host parties and call people over without worrying about the condition of your pool.

What can you do to improve pool circulation?

To improve pool circulation, you need to:

1. Invest in a high quality pool circulation system as well as other equipment.
2. Optimise the speed of the pool pump speed so that you can maintain correct flow rate in the pool.
3. Run your pool pump for at least 8 to 10 hours a day so that your swimming pool’s entire volume is passed through the pool’s filtration system. This is referred to as the turnover rate and depends on your pump’s horsepower, motor, pipe size, and plumbing factors.
4. Regularly brush your pool’s dead zones (cracks, behind ladders, under skimmers, crevices, near pool steps) to release contaminants which can then pass through the pool filter.
5. Clean your filter regularly so that there are no clogs. You must also rinse the cartridges and thoroughly clean your filter tanks.
6. Ensure you have multi-directional return jets so that the water is optimally circulated. If you have just one, turn it downwards and towards the opposite direction of the skimmer to ensure that water from the bottom is circulated with surface water.

Joining the smart home revolution begins with investing in that very first smart device. For many people, the first device is a wireless video camera. But making the decision to buy a camera is the easy part. The harder part is actually deciding on which one to get.

Buying that first wireless camera can seem like a daunting task inasmuch as there are so many choices. Not only that, but many manufacturers claim to make the best cameras on the market. How does one distinguish between brands? How does one decide on the type of camera to start with?

There are no easy answers. It all boils down to research. For homeowners looking to invest in that first camera, doing as much research as possible goes a long way toward answering questions and providing guidance. But at the end of the day, sometimes homeowners just need to make a best guess and then jump in.

Wireless Doorbell Cameras

For many homeowners new to the smart home environment, that first device is a wireless doorbell camera. Doorbell cameras are so popular that millions have been sold around the world. The devices are easy to install and equally easy to use. They enhance home security and deter certain types of property crimes.

In terms of home security providers, Vivint was one of the early adopters of the video doorbell. Their smart home systems fully integrate with video doorbells from the Ring brand. If you wanted to purchase a doorbell camera separate from an integrated home automation system, there are tons of brands available off-the-shelf.

The most convenient feature wireless doorbell cameras offer is onboard audio that lets homeowners communicate with visitors in real time. With a smartphone and companion mobile app, the homeowner can see and talk with visitors even if they are not home themselves.

Other Exterior Cameras

If the wireless doorbell camera has a weakness, it is its limited scope and view. The architectural design of a home can limit the scope of a view even more. So for some homeowners, the first wireless camera is an exterior camera they gets mounted high up on a wall, tree, or pole.

A mounted exterior camera offers a much wider view. More advanced models tend to offer zoom control and the ability modify the view angle. These extra features give homeowners the opportunity to fine-tune camera views to show exactly what they want.

Interior Wireless Cameras

When it comes to interior wireless cameras, homeowners have even more options. First off is the mounted camera that is placed high on an interior wall. It gives a wide view of large areas within the home, be it the front entryway, the family room, the kitchen, etc.

Portable interior cameras are placed on tables, counters, bookshelves, and other such surfaces. Though they can offer fairly wide views, they tend to be utilized for smaller areas where a more detailed view is desired.

For more covert surveillance, some homeowners invest in hidden cameras. A hidden camera can give parents of small children some extra peace of mind through the ability to keep an eye on the sitter. Likewise, a hidden camera can keep track of contractors working in a home when the homeowner is at work.

Though this post has introduced you to variety of wireless video cameras, it barely scratches the surface in terms of all the possibilities. Wireless cameras come in a variety of shapes and sizes with tons of features that make them incredibly useful. Suffice it to say that there are plenty of choices.

Getting a mortgage on a house is one of the most important financial decisions that you can make. You will be living in your house for years and it is important to get the best mortgage possible.

There are many different types of mortgages available, all with their own pros and cons. It is important to do your research before making any final decisions so that you can avoid getting into debt or paying too much for your home loan.

Here is some helpful information on how to go about obtaining a mortgage. Keep in mind that you can use a house payment calculator as you go to plug in your specific numbers and learn more about what you can be expected to owe.

Down payment

The down payment is the amount of money you pay upfront when you buy a house. It is typically a percentage of the purchase price, and the amount you need to save for a down payment can vary based on several factors, including the type of mortgage you choose, the lender you work with, and the price of the house you’re buying.

Some mortgage programs, such as those backed by the Federal Housing Administration (FHA), allow you to put as little as 3.5% down, while others may require a down payment of 10% or more.

Mortgage terms

The mortgage term is the length of time you have to pay back the loan. You can choose from a variety of mortgage terms, including 15-year and 30-year loans. A 15-year mortgage will generally have a lower interest rate and a higher monthly payment than a 30-year mortgage, but you’ll pay off the loan faster and save money on interest in the long run.

Interest rate

The interest rate is the percentage of the loan amount that you pay in interest. Interest rates can vary based on your credit score, the type of mortgage you choose, and market conditions. A higher interest rate means you’ll pay more in interest over the life of the loan, while a lower interest rate means you’ll pay less.

Closing costs

Closing costs are fees associated with buying a house, and they can include things like appraisal fees, title insurance, and attorney’s fees. These costs can vary, but you can expect to pay 2% to 5% of the purchase price in closing costs.

You may be able to negotiate with the seller to have them pay some or all of the closing costs, or you may be able to get the lender to cover some of the fees as part of your mortgage agreement.

Private mortgage insurance (PMI)

If you put less than 20% down on your house, you may be required to pay private mortgage insurance (PMI). This insurance protects the lender in case you default on your loan. PMI premiums are typically added to your monthly mortgage payment, and they can be expensive, so it’s a good idea to try to save up for a larger down payment if you can.

Pre-approval

Before you start looking for a house, it’s a good idea to get pre-approved for a mortgage. This means that a lender has reviewed your financial situation and has given you an idea of how much you can borrow.

Pre-approval can make it easier to find a house that you can afford and can give you an advantage when making an offer on a house. To get pre-approved, you’ll need to provide the lender with information about your income, debts, and credit history. The lender will then review this information and give you a pre-approval letter that specifies the maximum loan amount you’re eligible for. You can visit more about magazine valley.