Swimming Pools

A pool's backflush valve is responsible for pushing water through the pool filter so debris gets removed from the water supply. The valve helps clean the filter by running water in reverse through it…

Accidentally dropping detergent or a bar of soap in your pool can be disastrous as soap bubbles form and the pH of your pool gets thrown off balance. Before your pool can return to normal operating…

Adding a swimming pool to your home creates a new way to enjoy your outdoor space and cool off in summer. But even the most basic permanent pools have special installation requirements. In particular,…

Without sophisticated draining devices and circulation systems, swimming pools would be unable to clean and maintain healthy water. Likewise, the primary reasons for installing a drainage system is to…

False rock facades applied to the edges of a swimming pool help create an environment of retreat and relaxation in your backyard pool. Using stone veneer makes the process a straightforward one that…

Pool valves are vital to the filtering systems that make the pools safe to swim in. If you ever do your own swimming-pool maintenance, be familiar with the types of valves you're working with -- so…

Aluminum ladders are made for both in-ground and above-ground swimming pools and can be purchased from retailers that supply pool ladders. With other materials becoming available, pool owners may be…

Salt water pool systems offer conveniences for homeowners. They eliminate the discomfort associated with normal chlorination systems and they are easy to maintain. But one of the biggest grievances of…

When installing a pool it's necessary not only to calculate how much space is necessary for the structure itself, but also how much space to leave around it. The swimming and lounging experience is…

Adding a swimming pool or pond to your property contributes aesthetic and practical value to your outdoor space. However, maintaining a swimming pool or pond requires a good deal of work and knowledge…

A concrete swimming pool deck may eventually develop cracks due to seasonal freezing and thawing, repeated impact and other influences. When a deck develops too many cracks, it’s time to…

A home with a swimming pool is a luxury for those homeowners who can afford it. In states with hotter climates, a pool in the backyard can be a relaxing place to enjoy the summer sun. If installed…

Rather than filling up your old swimming pool entirely with cement or leaving it as an eyesore in your backyard, transform the space into a sunken patio for relaxation and entertainment purposes.…

The swimming pool return outlet is where the clean filtered water is released back into your swimming pool. The hardest part of installing a pool return outlet is cutting the hole for the outlet…

Gunite swimming pools are available in a wide variety of shapes and sizes. Because the pool is lined with concrete rather than fiberglass or vinyl, gunite pools are not subject to the tears or leaks…

There is no one-size-fits-all answer to the dilemma of how much patio space to leave around your swimming pool. The average pool deck incorporates 600 to 900 square feet of space, according to Jason…

Pools add a sumptuous, tranquil element to any wedding and act as an additional decorative space. Floating candles and floral garlands can give a Great Gatsby-era decadent feel, not to mention, deter…

Whether the wet border around your swimming pool consists of concrete, pavers, stone, gardens or sod, electrical wiring should include ground fault circuit interrupters (GFCIs) for safety. If there…

Some pool pumps are set up to activate and deactivate by way of a pool timer. The pool timer may be located near the pool in a storage area. If the power cables from the power source to the pool timer…

Whether you swim for exercise or in competition, nothing displays your competence like a smoothly executed kick turn. When you master the kick turn, (also called the flip turn), you will reduce the…

Heavy rains can cause a pool to overflow and water to pool in the yard. Many homeowners opt to have an overflow drain installed in their pool when the pool is dug, especially in regions subject to…

Artificial rocks are a quick and affordable alternative to the real deal when used in landscaping and beautification. Among the many uses for artificial rocks – such as lining flower beds or…

It’s simple to detect air in your swimming pool’s plumbing. Air bubbles enter the pool through the pipes that circulate the water. This is not normal and is a sign of a larger problem with…

A swimming pool edge is referred to as coping. Coping surrounds the perimeter of a pool and is both functional and design-oriented, working as a cantilevered (angled) non-slip barrier cap that keeps…

Swimming pools have a reputation as being expensive to install, maintain and run. Taking a close look at the energy costs associated with maintaining a swimming pool might be surprising, but even more…

Swimming pool tiles add a splash of color -- typically as a band around the top perimeter – but in some situations encase the entire spa area and pool-spa water features. High-end homes feature…

Green algae can appear in your swimming pool very quickly. The longer the algae has a chance to develop, the more difficult it will be to clean. As algae grows it makes the pool water green.…

As much as you may want to enjoy a cool dip in your pool on a hot summer day, sometimes it may not be feasible. As a result, if you're unable to maintain the pool because of costs or time, or if you…

An inground swimming pool can be a great entertainment area for family and friends. Building an inground swimming pool requires excavating the soil to prepare for the pool installation. Digging out…

A swimming pool is a major investment, and it needs to be carefully planned to provide the best fit for your home and lifestyle. There are several factors to consider when deciding on the best…

Swimming pools were once high-maintenance and drains on a home's energy and water usage. Technology has come a long way in the past few decades, however, and new developments make owning either an…

Having your own swimming pool can provide hours of entertainment for the entire family. However, owning a swimming pool entails routine, daily maintenance to keep the water clean and to maintain a…

Refilling a swimming pool is necessary when water evaporates, leaks out or the pool is emptied for maintenance or cleaning. If the person refilling the swimming pool is not paying attention to the…

Pool inflatables float because the air inside makes them less dense than water. Similarly, rocks and other weightier substances sink since they are more dense than water. Most people think of a…

Once the summer and pool season is over, pool owners need to winterize their pools in preparation for the colder weather. If you have an in-ground pool, you must also winterize the bottom drain so…

Swimming pools and accessories come in a variety of sizes, shapes, designs and materials. Coping is an accessory that acts as a decorative element. It is added to the edge of a pool to give it a…

Swimming pools offer welcome relaxation on a hot summer day, but guests are less likely to take a dip if the pool is full of foam. There are many reasons why a pool may develop foam, and several…

Water purification is a key aspect of swimming pool maintenance and safety. Chlorine is the most common and often the most convenient and affordable means of sanitation. However, chlorine can be…

Most modern swimming pools are gunited or spray plastered with a specialized mortar. In time, the plaster inside pools begins to flake and chip and the problem has to be addressed. Most of the damage…

California has laws regarding the safety standards and inspection requirements that all public swimming pool operators within the state must follow. The laws help ensure that operators properly…

Algae is the most visible pool-water issue you're going to face as a pool owner. While it doesn't pose a danger itself, it converts sunlight into food, which results in waste being released into the…

Nothing can ruin a summer faster than a child who can't go swimming because of an injury. Burn blisters are one such injury. They are blisters that form on burned skin so the body can protect and heal…

Swimming pools are great places to spend hot summers. Celebrate your swimming pool with arts and crafts. These arts and crafts can be designed simply to express how much you enjoy your pool. They can…

Some pool finish options add great visual appeal but come with a steep price tag. Other swimming pool finishes are both durable and affordable. No matter what type of pool finish you select, it is…

The appearance of yellow spots around the stairs of your swimming pool can indicate that something is happening with the chemistry of the pool water. To keep the pool water as clean and healthy as…

The state of Texas has designed several laws for pool owners to ensure the safety of those swimming in a private pool. It's important for those home owners with a pool, or preparing to build one, that…

Some swimming pools are warmed in chilly months by an electrical gas-powered heater, while others' temperatures are left to the seasonal climate changes. The ideal temperature for swimmers to remain…

You may notice tiny, fuzzy worms at the bottom of your pool during the warmer months of the year. They are most often deep red in color but may also be green or yellow. There's a good chance that…

As you close your swimming pool for the winter, it is a good idea to clear the lines. Leaving water in the pipes is dangerous because winter temperatures will cause the water to freeze and the pipes…

Creating a swimming pool that is extraordinary requires more than just a waterfall, a fountain or a sunshelf. Draw inspiration from the authorities in swimming pool sanctuaries. Boutique hotels and…

The Florida Department of Health oversees public swimming pools in the state. Public swimming pools are required by law to meet strict standards for safe operation. For instance, public swimming pools…

Understanding the basics of swimming pool chemistry can be daunting for beginners. At first you might be overwhelmed by the variety of chemicals. But over time, as you become more familiar with pool…

Swimming pools are a common summertime getaway for many people. Having a personal pool in the home is becoming more common. There are a few calculations that many pool owners are concerned with when…

Your pool is likely to get invaded by a number of bugs and insects during the warmer months of the year. One of the more common sights may be a tiny black bug with apparent wings swimming around your…

A clear and sparkling pool is every homeowner's dream, but getting water clarity is not always easy -- especially if you haven't been able to check or service the pool recently. Certain conditions can…

Swimming pools are great sources of recreational fun for kids and adults. These water facilities are also part of school's physical education courses and sites for water competitions. State and…

Above ground pools require dismantling at the end of each swimming season if you live in a cooler climate. While you can keep your pool up all year long if you live in a warmer climate, storing the…

Disabled people face a range of barriers in everyday life. The Americans with Disabilities Act lays down guidelines for public areas to enable disabled people to have access to and use of the…

Saltwater swimming pools utilize salt applied to the water to generate a sanitizer in the form of chlorine. This chlorine eliminates bacteria and keeps the pool sanitized. Converting an existing…

The Virginia Graeme Baker Act (VGBA) is a federal law governing safety standards for pool drain covers. Provisions of the VGBA address deaths caused by pool drain covers that entrap swimmers. These…

Public swimming pools are required to be accessible to the handicapped in Arizona, which follows the guidelines laid down by the federal Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). Means of access need to…

Whether a swimming pool is used for recreation or exercise, it is important that its water is safe. When a swimming pool is not maintained properly, the resulting biological pollutants can cause…

Because precise times are so crucial to competitive swimming, it's also vital that Olympic swimming pools are of uniform dimensions, so that times raced in all pools can be compared fairly. The…

Swimming pools provide a form of fun and relaxation along with a positive health benefit. Those looking for a pool have several choices, depending on the intended use, cost and space available within…

Just as it's refreshing to jump into a sparkling and clear-blue swimming pool on a hot summer's day, it can be disturbing and worrisome to jump into a swimming pool that has foggy or murky water with…

Sodium hydroxide's main effect is to raise the pH of pool water. The pH is a measure of how many hydrogen ions are in the water. The lower the number, down to zero, the more acidic. The higher the…

Swimming pools should be places to beat the summer heat and partake in physical exercise. Sadly, swimming pool accidents occur when proper safety precautions are ignored. Pool drain covers can help…

Why should humans have all the fun? Take your dog swimming. The Cleveland Metrobark is a doggie day care featuring pools, misting fans and sprinklers in warm weather, and the Cleveland Metroparks'…

A farm is made up of some very complicated machinery and buildings. A silo is a big piece of that puzzle, both literally and figuratively. Silos hold food for animals and grain for planting. When you…

A swimming pool is a large container filled with water that can be either above or in-ground. Millions of Americans use swimming pools for recreational use, exercise and as a sport. The location,…

Swimming has many beneficial uses, including exercise, survival and locomotion. For athletes, swimming is also used as a competitive sport requiring training. Swimming comes in various forms and…

Swimming is a competitive sport that uses a variety of strokes that vary in difficulty and technique. These different strokes are often separated into different competitive categories in both amateur…

Backstroke flags are used by swimmers performing the backstroke. The swimmer cannot see the wall, and therefore counts how many strokes it takes to get to the wall after passing under the flags. This…

Converting a backyard swimming pool into an ice rink is a great way to encourage winter fun and exercise. An ice rink can be used for fun, practice and winter sports like hockey. It is best done in…

The Thermospa Swim Spa and the Endless Pool Swim Spa are small above-ground swimming pools with pumps that mimic the current in rivers or oceans. The pools build strength and stamina when the jets…

Before practicing backstroke arm movements in the pool, do it on the deck to get familiar with the moves. Get the arm movements right with advice from a professional swimming instructor in this free…

Building a swimming pool involves either excavating a hole for an in-ground pool or a foundation for an above ground model. No matter the type of swimming pool, however, there are expenses and charges…

It is necessary to compare swimming pool ladders before making a purchase. Some ladders may look fun and cost less money but will not be right for your pool. When comparing swimming pool ladders, keep…

Training to build a swim stroke is a long process that involves daily workouts and lots of physical work. But if you want a quicker way to build upper body strength and perfect your swim stroke, try…

Having a swimming pool in the back yard is the perfect way to relax with the kids on a hot summer day. But most in-ground swimming pools cost over $10,000, and above ground pools often have to be…

While swimming is an excellent way to stay in shape or just to cool off on a hot day, if the temperature of the water is too cold, it can turn swimming into a non-enjoyable activity. The obvious…

Measuring the pH in a pool regularly is an integral part of pool maintenance. If the pH balance of your swimming pool is off, it can create an unsafe environment for swimmers. When the pH level is…

The Midwest is comprised of 12 states, from Ohio in the east to Kansas in the West. The geography is predominantly prairie land with rolling hills, though there are exceptions like the foothills of…

Swimming pools are catchment areas of water and most pools are also fitted with lights for night-time swimming. Aquatic animals are naturally attracted to water. Many insects are also attracted to…

The first American public swimming pool was the Cabot Street Bath, opened in Boston in 1868. Since then, people have been swimming and diving every summer in public pools all over the country. Many…

Learning to swim is one of the many milestones in a young child's life, and good swimming pool training can help ease the transition into water. California is home to hundreds of licensed pool…

Intex is the world's largest manufacturer of above ground pools. They offer a variety of pools for use in any size backyard. Intex manufactures five types of pools: the Easy Set, Round Metal Frame…

Children and adults alike enjoy being able to relax in a swimming pool without having to worry about keeping themselves afloat. Although parents should always keep an eye on children while they are in…

The Lake District in northern England has stunning scenery of high fells and majestic lakes, the highest hills in England including the country's highest point, Scafell Pike, and historical monuments…

With summer approaching, kids, adults and the occasional canine will be running to open water. For some, that run is only a couple of feet out the back door. Backyard swimming pools offer conveniently…

Swimming is one of mankind's most ancient sports and recreation activities. Swimming pools have been in use in various guises for thousands of years. In modern times, personal swimming pools are…

Floating is one of the most important moves any swimmer can learn. Floating is necessary for not only the back stroke but also can help you rest if you get stuck in deep water. Humans are naturally…

Pools are a common source of recreation, whether at the local municipal swimming hole, a hotel or a friend's house. However, it is important to heed health and hygiene guidelines while swimming with…

With the current popularity of aqua aerobics, it was only a matter of time before manufacturers introduced a full line of fitness products designed for the water sports enthusiast in all of us. From…

Williamsburg, Virginia is home to the R.F. Wilkinson Family YMCA, a branch of the Peninsula Metropolitan YMCA. The organization places a large emphasis on wellness, and offers exercise facilities,…

The community swimming pool can be the focus of summer entertainment for many families. People want to go to the pool, swim with their children, relax on some lounge chairs, have activities for their…

Swimming pool liners sometimes develop liners. While they may not affect the life of the pool, these wrinkles can be unsightly. There are several methods for removing the wrinkles without replacing…

Side stroke is one of the less commonly used strokes in the sport of swimming. Side stroke is not a swimming stroke that's used for competitive races. However, side stroke is a stroke that lifeguards…

If you love the water, and prefer exercising regularly in the swimming pool, you will be relieved that you can purchase most supplemental equipment at a neighborhood sporting goods store.

An excellent source of fun and adventure, pool tubes serve a variety of purposes. From safety to wave-making to lounging, swimming with pool tubes never gets old. Pool tubes come in several…

Pool noodles are a common sight in many public and backyard swimming pools. They will keep you afloat; however, they can be easily submerged. They are not recommended as a PFD (personal flotation…

Saltwater swimming pools are economical and use little or no chemicals. A saltwater pool system provides the benefits of traditional chlorinated water without the negative side effects that are often…

Sports-style swimming pools often possess the same attractive elegance as recreational in-ground pools; however, unlike recreational pools, which have one shallow end that gradually becomes deeper as…

Shocking a swimming pool requires no special skills, other than the ability to read the instructions on the chemical you have purchased for shocking the pool. Often, over the winter, the water in…

In this eHow you will learn how to open your swimming pool for the summer. This article will help to make opening as painless as possible so you can work less and enjoy your swimming pool more.

Size does matter when it comes to pools earning the official title of "Olympic Size." Records are made to be broken, but it must be in a pool that conforms to standards set by the Fédération…

Daily testing and monitoring are always necessary to keep your swimming pool in tip-top shape, but even if you are diligent with water care and testing, you may see murky water unexpectedly. Although…

Untrained or improperly supervised staff can add too much chlorine to pools. There is a misconception that the more chlorine you add to a pool, the cleaner and more sanitary the pool be. Sometimes, a…

Swimming pool enclosures can help keep kids and pets safely out of your swimming pool when you're not there to supervise. But what kinds of swimming pool enclosures best meet your needs? It's…

If you own a vinyl swimming pool, there will probably come a time when the vinyl develops a tear or causes a leak. Through age and use, vinyl pools can develop cracks or simply dry out and break…

Spending time at the pool with friends or family is always a good time. Create some excitement (especially among kids) by making waves in the pool for people to float on in intertubes and boogie…

Swimming underwater is a great way to move quickly in the swimming pool and expand lung capacity. Swim underwater with tips from a swimming instructor in this free video swim lesson.

Swimming is one of the best exercises anyone can do. Even if you aren't swimming laps, doing aerobics or other exercises, the water lessens the stress on your joints. However, swimming requires water,…

Water aerobic exercise has evolved from just swimming to participating in group exercises such as jumping jacks, jogging and cross country skiing in shallow water. Often, in order for you to partake…

If you live in a climate where you cannot swim all year 'round, you will have to close your pool every fall and reopen it every spring. Reopening simply means getting it ready for use so you can swim…

Baquacil is a sanitizing system that is a chlorine alternative! Here's how to use it.

Save the green for your grass, your pool should be free of algae - here's how!

Everyone enjoys a refreshing swim on a hot summer afternoon, and it's even more enjoyable when you know there is someone looking after you and your family while you are enjoying yourselves. A…

Swimming is a low-impact activity that gives you the benefits of other types of exercise in a way that won't cause the same amount of wear and tear on your joints. It's also a great way to keep your…

For the water lovers among us, swimming pools are some of the most valuable commodities on the market. For their ability to offer escape from the summer heat, a place of recreation and an all-around…

Automatic vacuums will skip or hop inside the pool randomly cleaning the floor of debris. Get more expert tips on pools in this free pool maintenance video clip.

Learn how to use pool vacuums to pick up unwanted debris, when cleaning and maintaining your swimming pool with expert tips on pools in this free pool maintenance video clip.

Learn how to clean pump baskets and check that there are no leaks, when cleaning and maintaining your swimming pool with expert tips on pools in this free pool maintenance video clip.

Skimmer baskets help keep your pool clean from debris; learn how to clean skimmer baskets when cleaning and maintaining your swimming pool with expert tips on pools in this free pool maintenance video…

Learn how to brush pool walls, floor and steps, by using a nylon brittle brush, when cleaning and maintaining your swimming pool with expert tips on pools in this free pool maintenance video clip.

Learn how to brush pool tile, by using a sponge on a pole, when cleaning and maintaining your swimming pool with expert tips on pools in this free pool maintenance video clip.

Practicing swimming strokes becomes a fun game when the end result is a whirlpool to float in. Moving water steadily around the outside edge of a pool eventually causes a depression in the center,…

Swimming is one of the best exercises for the whole body. Some people love to swim in the ocean, but they sometimes forget about the joys of swimming in the pool. You can do a variety of water…

Swimming is a whole body workout using all the major muscle groups. Athletes swim to improve their strength and flexibility. If they incur injuries, swimming is often a part of their rehabilitation…

Threshold pace, in the world of sports, is a pace that is "comfortably hard." That means you're approaching the border between an effort that can be maintained for long period of times and one that…

Life Buoy is made of Buoyant Cork, Kapok or from Rubber, in ring shape attached with lightweight lines. Life Buoy is also known as Personal Floating Device and helps the swimmer stay afloat in case of…

Perhaps you are bored of your normal ab routine. Perhaps you are looking to start a new routine. The swimming pool can be a great way to work out your abs. Read this article for ways to work out…

Battle it out riding on someone else's shoulders in a pool. The proper way to chicken fight: