Swimming Pools & Spas

When a contractor talks about building a gunite swimming pool, don't let the terminology throw you off. Gunite refers to the method in which the contractor mixes the concrete compound used to form...

Inflatable pools are a great addition to any back yard. They are inexpensive and easy to set up, and the only real work required is to level the ground. Once that chore is complete, simply fill...

Fiberglass pools can become dull and faded over time and need to be resurfaced. Fiberglass pools are painted with gel coat, which is a fiberglass resin that is pigmented to match any color. Gel...

Spas are a great way to relax and unwind after a long day of work, or if you want a romantic evening or a place to hang out with friends. Although chlorine is used in spas to help keep them clean,...

Over 21,000 known species of algae exist in the world. Fortunately, only a few are found in pools. The most common algae are black, green and blue-green algae. Algae is a simple plant that turns...

The most common way to surface a pool is by using paint. There are a variety of colors, and it is a cost-effective way to surface or coat a pool. There are three different types of paint that are...

Leveling the ground beneath an inflatable pool is important to the safety and life of your pool. A pool that is not level may collapse if it is overfilled due to rain, if there is a lot of...

Hot Spring Portable Spas provide the luxurious experience of a massaging jetted bath in sizes that hold between three and seven adults. Hot tubs assist relaxation by allowing the owner to sink...

Installing an in-ground spa is exactly like installing an in-ground pool, but on a smaller scale. Like an in-ground pool, determine what kind of material you want to use, fiberglass or concrete....

Instant-set above-ground pools are incredibly popular with homeowners. The set up is simple, requiring no involved excavation, expensive materials or building permits. And, they're affordable,...

Intex designs a variety of pools and pool accessories, from inflatable pools to the metal-frame style. Most pools require chemicals to reduce algae buildup during regular cleaning and just to keep...

Instant pools are one of the easiest ways to quickly and easily set up a pool for your family. The only preparation necessary is to level the ground, spread out the pool and inflate the ring. ...

Good swimming pool maintenance requires adding chlorine to kill harmful microorganisms, prevent algae growth and help maintain proper pH. Chlorine tablets are a convenient way to maintain chlorine...

There's nothing like taking a dip in a crystal-clear pool, especially on a hot day. Choosing the right pool filter can make the difference between a clear pool and a one that looks more like a...

Having chemically balanced water in your pool, whether it is an above ground or inground one, is essential to ensure that you have a pleasant swimming experience. The perfect pool water is neither...

Putting in a swimming pool at home is one of the best gifts you can give your family. With an above-ground or in-ground swimming pool you can vacation in your own backyard all summer long,...

Solar pool blankets offer an inexpensive way to avoid taking a cold dip in the pool. These special covers resemble bubble wrap with a lot more durability and functionality. The pool blanket...

Pool steps are made from a light plastic material. Unless they are anchored down, they will float towards the surface. Many of the newer stairs have a place to hold sand inside the bottom step,...

To building an in-ground concrete pool, you will need to operate earth-moving machinery, set up the pool's frame work and concrete siding, and install mechanical systems. If you are a...

Installing a swimming pool can be a great way to raise not just the fun quotient but also the value of your home. Swimming pools come in a vast array of shapes and sizes so you will want to think...

Pool care and maintenance can be expensive and when you need to replace parts, it can be a major purchase. The problems of fine dirt, algae or bacteria in your water can be solved with an...

Chlorine is a chemical used in most swimming pools to disinfect the water. Unfortunately, prolonged exposure to strong doses of the chemical can be detrimental to your health. Whether your...

Whether for an above-ground or in-ground pool, Hayward pumps can provide the power needed to effectively drive a filtration system of any size. The pumps provide dependable and durable service and...

Most pool owners know they need to periodically "shock" the pool to bring sterilization back to a base level. Shocking a pool means adding a large quantity of sanitizer, as such chlorine or...

To enjoy the benefits of a pool on your property without the lifetime commitment, consider installing an above-ground pool. Unlike in-ground pools, an above-ground pool can be dismantled and...

In a pool, water pressure comes from the water's weight. The pressure is a function of the water depth, not the pool shape. If you start out with the density of water, you can easily calculate...

After several years of use, pool owners are often faced with the decision of how to restore the appearance of the finish of the pool surface. With fiberglass pools, the choice is limited to...

Having a swimming pool is a great way to stay cool in the summer, but there's some work that goes into making sure that pool is a safe place. Chlorine is a chemical added to pool water to keep it...

Installing an in-ground pool on your property can be a costly but worthwhile investment. To preserve the fun and relaxation you and your family experience with your pool, you must properly protect...

A jacuzzi spa provides a relaxing haven at the end of the day for soaking tired muscles. Jacuzzi spas, also called whirlpools or hot tubs, are available in a range of sizes to meet special space...

If you are constantly adding water to your spa, there is a good possibility the shell has a crack. Over time, cracks can occur from temperature changes or even movements in the ground. There is...

Most problems with your pool can be traced back to the pump. The pump is an important piece of mechanical equipment because it keeps water circulating and helps to keep the water clean. Whether...

There are several different kinds of in-ground pools, from concrete and tiled to vinyl-lined. The process for installing an in-ground pool will depend on the look and shape you choose. However,...

A pool can be a wonderful luxury during the hot summer months. And keeping your pool as clean as possible can be an easy task, especially when you're armed with the knowledge to run your filter...

Pool maintenance is more than just cleaning the pool. There are mechanical systems that need to be looked after to ensure that the pool is running for years to come. If you notice a problem with...

Having a hot tub or spa tub is perfect for relaxing or entertaining friends. However, these tubs can be a breeding ground for bacteria, and over-chlorinating will not eliminate it. Most people are...

Having a swimming pool is a rewarding experience filled with opportunities for family fun, recreation and entertainment, as well as the additional tasks associated with maintenance. However, only...

Swimming pool skimmers help to collect leaves in the pool, filter debris, and helps keep the pool healthy and clear. The swimming pool skimmer is designed to discharge water from a pressure...

Sweat bees are bees that are attracted to human sweat. Sweat bees are relatively small and often make their homes in wood. All bees, including sweat bees need to search and collect water. They...

People should obviously be curious about the chemicals they put in their pool. Bromine, in pellets or liquid, is cheap and widely available as a pool sanitation chemical. But is it safe to use?

Tired of chlorine stinging your eyes and wreaking havoc on your hair? Then it's time for you to get rid of your chlorine-based pool for a saltwater pool. Saline based pools are environmentally...

Algae--small plants that have no roots and turn crystal clear water into a green, brown, yellow or black slimy mess--can be a hassle for pool-owners. Algae can be found floating in the water or...

Swimming pools are found in the backyards of many homes around the country, and they exist in various designs and are surrounded by many types of landscaping. It is not uncommon to find pools...

One of the most critical parts of installing any swimming pool is properly installing a pool liner to prevent water from seeping out of the pool. Pool liners are manufactured in several standard...

When it comes to pools, one thing is certain -- at some point, the water is going to turn green. Sparkling blue water can turn green overnight when pools are not properly maintained. Pools can...

Swimming pools develop calcium scale buildup if the water's calcium hardness is high (above 250 parts per million). Calcium deposits have a white, caked-on look and appear on tile work and stone...

One of the most common methods of decorating a pool deck surface is with paint. A painted pool deck can brighten up your pool area, relieving the look of dull, grey concrete. Painting your pool...

Algae is common in swimming pools in the hot summer months. There are three varieties: green algae, mustard algae and black algae. Black algae is the most difficult to remove because it grows a...

Fiberglass is a durable material that is used in many marine applications, such as pools, hot tubs, showers, boats and many more. Even though fiberglass is strong, it's still susceptible to crack...

One of the attractive features in purchasing a foam-filled spa is its portability. At the expense of this feature, however, comes a few disadvantages, notably the easiness with which the...