Month: January 2020

When you’re ready to take a swim, it can be disappointing to discover that your swimming pool water has developed a problem. Issues with water clarity can range from mild cloudiness to an intense green algae infestation.

Some people have higher standards for their water clarity than others, but everyone enjoys a swim in a sparkling clean pool.

Once problems begin with swimming pool water, it can take a lot of time and energy to get your water back in balance. Avoiding problems with your water is much easier than fixing them once they have developed. If you follow these maintenance tips, you’ll enjoy water that is perfectly clear and ready for a swim every day of the summer season.

Maintain the right chlorine levels

Chlorine is the sanitizer in your water and keeps bacteria and viruses from invading your pool and making it dangerous and unclear. Maintaining the right balance of chlorine in your swimming pool water can help you to prevent problems with clarity before they develop.

Be sure to regularly test and balance your chlorine levels to keep them between 1 and 3 parts per million (ppm). This is the ideal level to keep algae and clarity problems from developing. You’ll also be sure that your water is safe and clean for swimmers when your chlorine levels are in balance.

Keep your pH levels in balance

It can be easy to neglect the pH balance in your swimming pool. But, the right pH balance is very important in maintaining a clean and clear swimming pool. When the pH in your swimming pool water is out of balance, your sanitizers will not be able to work as effectively to protect your pool. When chlorine cannot work effectively, your pool is more likely to develop algae, bacteria and cloudiness.

Test and balance the pH in your water weekly to ensure your water is comfortable and that your chemicals can work as intended. A reading between 7.2 and 7.6 is ideal and will help to keep your water sparkling and clear.

Prevent algae growth in your pool water

Algae is a frustrating problem for swimming pool owners. Once algae has developed, it can be very hard to get rid of. Once you’ve had algae once, it is much more likely that it will reoccur in the future.

If you’ve had an algae infestation, it will take some time to completely treat and clean your swimming pool water to restore perfect clarity. Keeping your pH and chlorine levels in balance will help you to prevent algae outbreaks. But, if your swimming pool is prone to algae growth, you should also shock and treat your pool with algaecide weekly to keep your water clear.

Backwash your filter as needed

Your swimming pool filter plays a very important role in maintaining your water clarity. As water moves through the filter, it removes floating debris and small particles that can make your swimming pool cloudy. But, if your swimming pool filter is overloaded with dirt and debris, it will lose the ability to clean your pool water.

To make sure your swimming pool water is crystal clear, be sure to regularly maintain your swimming pool filter. For sand filters, this will involve regular backwashing when the reading on your pressure gauge rises. For anyone with a cartridge filter system, regular cleaning and cartridge replacement are important to ensure water clarity.

Skim your pool regularly

A lot of problems with water clarity actually begin on the surface of a swimming pool. Leaves, dirt and debris will blow into your water. Debris will usually float for some time before it becomes waterlogged and begins to sink. As this floating debris sinks, it can make your swimming pool water cloudy or cause discoloration.

By regularly skimming the top of your swimming pool, you can prevent this debris from entering your system and causing problems with your water. If your pool is located in a very leafy area, a swimming pool cover can also help to keep your water clear by keeping some debris out of the water.

Clear out your skimmer basket

Your skimmer basket traps floating debris and prevents it from entering your system. But, the leaves, dirt, and debris that sit in your skimmer can act as tea leaves do. Over time, they begin to break down and leak particles into the water, impacting clarity and colour.

Cleaning your skimmer basket prevents particles from clouding the water, and keeps old dirt and debris out of your pool system.

Keep your water at the right level

Your swimming pool system is designed to work ideally at a consistent water level. Be sure that your water isn’t too high or too low in your swimming pool. Too much water can make your sanitizers less effective, prevent your water from circulating correctly, and make your water more prone to clouding.

Too little water in your pool and your pump may not be able to run properly. This can prevent your water from being cleaned and circulated, and cause damage to your pump and system.

Run your pump correctly

Stagnant water is an attractive home to pests, wildlife, germs and algae. All of these things can cause problems with your water balance and swimming pool clarity. Your swimming pool pump keeps your water moving and allows you to avoid these issues.

It can be tempting to run your swimming pool pump infrequently to save on energy costs. But, it is essential that you run your pump for a minimum of 8 hours per day. This will allow your chemicals to function correctly, ensure your filter is able to clean your water and keep your swimming pool sparkling and clear.

Vacuum your pool weekly

Vacuuming the pool is very necessary for ensuring that you maintain water clarity. The sand, dirt and debris that build up on the bottom of your pool can be stirred up by swimmers and cause your pool to get cloudy.

Make sure you vacuum the bottom of your swimming pool thoroughly at least once a week to avoid any issues with water clarity. If you have a heavily-used pool, you may need to vacuum slightly more often to keep the pool sparkling. An automatic pool cleaner or robotic pool cleaner can help you to avoid vacuuming the pool without compromising on your water clarity.

Use clarifiers or flocculent as needed

If you have had a recent problem with algae or water clarity, it can be tough to get your pool back to the crystal clear sparkle you enjoy. Using a clarifier or flocculant can help you to sink any lingering debris and dirt in your swimming pool water to the bottom of the pool and allow you to vacuum it away.

Enjoy a crystal clear swimming pool every day

On the hottest days of the summer, having a perfectly maintained swimming pool is such a treat. Diving into cool, clear water can break up a summer day in the perfect way. Some people struggle to keep their swimming pool water clear. But, with the right maintenance, you can avoid algae, debris and cloudiness and keep your swimming pool looking its best.

It is always easier to maintain clean pool water than clear up water that has become dirty and cloudy. Be sure to follow these tips and you’ll be able to avoid issues with your swimming pool water before they develop

Canada is known for harsh winters and a short summer season. But despite this limitation, Canadians love to swim every chance they get. Even (and especially) if you have your own pool at home, any vacation destination you visit should offer a pool that is built to impress. 

If you’re looking for an amazing swimming experience this summer, these beautiful, innovative, and incredibly fun outdoor pools offer unique and thrilling swimming experiences.  If you’re an avid swimmer, you’ll need to add a dip in each of these Canadian swimming pools to your bucket list. You may even get some ideas on how to liven up your own swimming pool at home. 

Natural Hot Spring Swimming Pools in Fairmont Hot Springs, British Columbia 

For some people, a pool is a pool. But, the natural hot spring pools located in Fairmont, British Columbia offer a truly unique swimming experience that is totally different from any swim you’ve ever had before. These natural hot spring pools look like traditional vinyl pools, but are actually filled with hot, soothing hot spring water that bubbles up from underground. 

The water in the Fairmont Natural Hot Springs are heated by geothermal energy, and the water is warm every day of the year. This makes the Fairmont Hot Springs a beautiful destination to visit any time of the year. 

Beyond the incredibly heated springs you’ll get to swim in, Fairmont Hot Springs also offers some of the most amazing views you’ll ever be able to enjoy from a swimming pool. Whether you visit during the day or night, you’ll get to enjoy breathtaking views of the skies and local mountain ranges. 

The Lavelle Pool in Toronto, Ontario 

When you think of an exciting swimming pool experience, Toronto may not be the first location that comes to mind. But, the Lavelle Pool in Toronto, Ontario offers a swimming experience that is literally above and beyond any average pool. 

The elevated pool at Lavelle is part of a beautiful (and Instagram-worthy) summer lounge that is located 16 floors above the heart of Downtown. This truly unique pool offers a full 360-degree view of the surrounding city, and beautiful Lake Ontario, making it a beautiful place for tourists and locals to get to know more about the city skyline. 

The Kitsilano Swimming Pool in Vancouver, British Columbia 

The Kitsilano Pool is famous for being the longest pool in North America and is beloved by locals and tourists. The “Kits Pool” (as it is known to locals) is a wildly popular attraction that is over 137 meters in length, making it the perfect place to swim laps, or set up for a relaxing day with the family. 

The Kits Pool is located in the heart of busy Vancouver, making it the perfect place to stop in while touring the area. The Kits pool is built ocean-side, offering a beautiful view of the water and landscape, all from the comfort of Vancouver’s only saltwater pool. If you’re looking for a pool with a view, and a place to swim long and interrupted laps, the Kitsilano is the perfect swimming pool destination for your next vacation. 

The Borden Natural Swimming Pool in Edmonton, Alberta 

Natural swimming pools are usually a feature of some of the most elegant and exotic destinations around the world. But, engineers in Edmonton have created something truly special with The Borden Natural Swimming Pool. 

This amazing, all-natural pool provides swimmers with an experience that is more like swimming in a lake than in a pool. This natural pool is cleaned with granite filters, hydro botanical beds that act as “constructed wetlands” to clean water, and by using solar energy to clean and sanitize water. Swimmers are left with an incredible natural swimming experience that is truly unique. 

The Borden Natural Swimming Pool is one of over 300 public natural swimming pools in the world, but one of a kind in Canada. For any swimming pool enthusiast or budding environmentalist, the Borden Natural Pool is a must-visit. 

The Byng Island Swimming Pool on Byng Island, Ontario 

Byng Island is an Ontario attraction that is perfect for the whole family. Known for camping, fishing, and hiking, this island is also famous for having Ontario’s largest swimming pool. This massive, 2-hectare pool is the perfect place to enjoy a day of swimming with family or friends. 

The Byng Island Swimming pool is built to make any swimmer happy, with a shallow area and splash pad that is safe and fun for kids, and a daring diving platform that is perfect for more daring swimmers. During the hottest days of the summer, the Byng Island pool is a hugely popular destination. But, this swimming oasis is so big that you’ll never feel too crowded. 

Calypso Waterpark in Limoges, Ontario 

If you’re planning the ultimate swimming destination for your family this summer, water slides are an important consideration. No waterpark in Canada offers more waterslides than Calypso Waterpark in Limoges, Ontario. This massive summer-fun waterpark offers a huge amount of thrilling water fun for people of all ages. 

The Calypso Waterpark features 35 waterslides, 100 water-themed games, 2 huge rivers, Canada’s largest wave pool, and even restaurants and activities for when it comes time to dry off. Adults can even enjoy specialized workout classes (like Zumba!) while kids enjoy the water. Any swimmer who loves water slides and water-activities should be sure to visit Calypso Waterpark this summer.

Visiting Canada’s greatest outdoor swimming pools 

Anyone who loves to swim knows that it just isn’t a vacation without a great swimming pool nearby. Luckily, Canada is home to some of the most unique and exciting swimming pools in the world. If you’re getting ready to plan a Canadian vacation for some avid swimmers, be sure to add these unique and exciting swimming destinations to your itinerary. 

During the daylight hours, a swimming pool is attractive to anyone looking for a great way to beat the heat. The sunshine makes a swimming pool perfectly inviting. But, during the evening hours, an unlit pool and backyard can make the pool a little scary and even unsafe for swimmers.

If you have been looking for a way to showcase your backyard and prepare your swimming pool for evening use, a well-planned lighting system may be the answer you are looking for.

Underwater lighting for inground swimming pools

Adding underwater lighting is one of the best ways to brighten your swimming pool during the evening hours. Underwater lighting is a safe and effective way to light every corner of your pool, and truly showcase the beauty of your backyard.

Underwater lighting is easier to install in your inground pool than you might imagine. Inground pool lights are designed to work flexibly and easily with your system to create the perfect ambient lighting. Depending on your budget, the type of pool you have, and how you envision the look of your lighted pool, there are many options to choose from. Some lighting kits will allow you to add lighting to your return fittings and other existing features. This system can allow you to place and angle your lighting to perfectly highlight your pool without doing major renovations. Many of these lighting systems go beyond offering clear, bright light for your pool, and can even change colours on demand.

In the past, installing underwater lighting for a swimming pool could be a very expensive project. But today, improved design and the availability of LED lighting makes underwater swimming pool lighting more affordable to install and operate. It is also easier than ever to set your lighting to a timer, or control lights from your smartphone or tablet.

Underwater lighting is the perfect option if your swimming pool is the focal point of your backyard. The warm glow cast through your yard will make your inground pool just as attractive as it is during the daylight hours.

Floating lights for inground swimming pools

Floating lights are an excellent lighting option if you are looking for a way to brighten your pool without worrying about installation or wiring. These affordable and easy to use lighting features can be bright and festive, and make for a fun water feature for parties. Floating lights work best in pools that do not need a lot of additional lighting, or for people who are just looking to add a light show to their water. Some floating lights even come with the ability to create a fountain feature in the middle of your pool.

You can easily pop a floating lighting feature into the water when needed, and remove during the daylight hours. But, it is important to remember that floating lights are not as effective as permanent lighting when it comes to effectively illuminating your pool water. If you’re looking for a permanent and effective way to light your pool, professionally installed lighting is a more reliable option for lighting your inground pool.

Ambient lighting for your swimming pool

If you are hoping to make your backyard more bright and inviting at night, you may have also considered ambient lighting for your inground swimming pool. Having a bright pool area is important for swimmers and guests who will need to navigate your yard in the dark. But, ambient lighting may not be enough to light up every part of your inground swimming pool. You may find yourself in need of more lighting as you struggle to keep an eye on swimmers in the dark.

If you have a large backyard or you are also hoping to highlight your home or garden in your backyard during the evening hours, a combination of underwater lighting and ambient lighting can create the perfect balance for your backyard.

The benefits of swimming pool lighting

During the brightest parts of the day, it can be hard to imagine even needing lighting for your pool. But, adding lighting to a swimming pool can bring new life to your backyard space. If you enjoy swimming for exercise, adequate lighting can make it easier to work up the energy to work out each day. Anyone who likes to host parties and invite guests to use their pool will appreciate how lighting creates a safer and warmer environment for guests when the sun goes down.

Pool lighting is an essential feature for safety and comfort for anyone who loves to use their pool at night, or is hoping to use their pool more this summer.

Making the most of your inground swimming pool with new swimming pool lighting

A swimming pool that is beautifully lit can become the centrepiece of the home. If you love to use your inground swimming pools to host parties, exercise, or simply enjoy relaxation, adding lighting to your pool can help you to make more of your pool every summer season.

Lighting an inground swimming pool can be easier and more affordable than you might have imagined. With a little research, you can find the lighting option that will perfectly showcase your pool, and make it more inviting every hour of the day.

Above-ground pools are very popular in Canada. These affordable and sturdy swimming pools are a great way to make the most of each summer season. If you’re thinking of purchasing a new swimming pool to add to your home, you’ve probably considered an above-ground pool.

Above-ground pools are fun, affordable, and relatively easy to install. If you’re looking to get a pool installed in a hurry, an above-ground pool is the best option. But, above-ground pools do have some limits in size, depth, and setup. Before you make an investment into an above-ground pool, be sure to do a little research to be sure an above-ground swimming pool will be the right pool for your home.

What is an aboveground pool?

An above-ground pool is a freestanding swimming pool that sits on top of the ground. A steel or resin structure is made to contain water and coated in vinyl or waterproofing to create a safe swimming experience. A traditional above-ground pool is very different from a temporary inflatable swimming pool. Above-ground pools are designed for years of quality and reliable summer swimming, while many temporary inflatable pools will only last a season or two.

Are above-ground pools expensive to install?

Relative to an inground pool, an above-ground pool is incredibly affordable to install. If you decide on an above-ground pool, you can save thousands of dollars relative to an inground pool. But, an above-ground swimming pool is still a very expensive investment and one that should be made with care.

Are above-ground pools expensive to maintain?

Above-ground pools are less expensive to install and maintain than inground pools. Above-ground pools tend to be smaller, and require less water to keep filled each season. This smaller water capacity also ensures that chemical, heating and circulation expenses tend to be much lower.

Can I add accessories to an above-ground pool?

Above-ground pools are a wonderful place to play an enjoy pool toys. But, because of the size and depth restrictions of above-ground pools, it is not possible to add certain features to your pool. If you imagine installing a slide or a diving board in your backyard pool eventually, an above-ground pool may not be the right choice for you.

Do I need a big backyard to install an above-ground pool?

Above-ground swimming pools are an excellent option for anyone who has limited space in their backyard. Above-ground pools come in a variety of sizes – and a small pool can be the perfect complement to a cozy yard.

If you have just enough space in your yard to fit an above-ground pool, be sure to speak to a pool professional. The space needed for pool equipment, local by-laws, and the noise of your pump very close to your home (and other homes) can pose a problem.

Are there different kinds of above-ground pools?

If you are choosing to construct an above-ground pool, you’ll have the choice between a resin pool or a steel pool. Resin pools are easy to install and affordable, and a recommended choice for above-ground pools that are treated with saltwater. Steel-framed above-ground pools are tough and durable and will resist deforming over time.

Can you use saltwater with an above-ground pool?

You can easily treat an above-ground pool with a saltwater chlorinator. Many reputable pool supply companies have created saltwater chlorinators specifically for above-ground pools, and saltwater can actually be more effective with an above-ground pool.

If you’re planning to use a saltwater chlorinator with an above-ground pool, many people recommend that you choose a resin pool, rather than steel walls.

Do you need to prepare your yard for an aboveground pool?

Before you install an above-ground swimming pool, you’ll need to be sure to level the ground perfectly. Uneven and unprepared ground will cause an above-ground pool to shift and sustain damage over time. It can take some time and expense to level your backyard, but this process is much less expensive than digging for an inground pool.

How large can above-ground swimming pools be?

Above-ground swimming pools are usually circular or oval-shaped. Above-ground pools can come sized up to 32 feet around, and up to 18 X 33 in an oval shape. While above-ground pools tend to be on the smaller size, these pools can actually be impressively large.

Choosing the right swimming pool for your home

If you’ve been dreaming of installing a new pool in your home, an above-ground pool is an affordable and practical choice. With quick installation and minimum of construction required, you can have a pool installed and ready to enjoy quickly. But, with limitations on size and depth, it is important to do your research to see if an above-ground will be right for your family.

Knowing the size of your swimming pool can save you a lot of frustration each year. Understanding the size of your pool will help you to dose your water when it needs to be balanced or treated, and help you to use all of your pool equipment correctly.

There are a few different ways to understand the size of your pool. Knowing how to make these measurements and keeping them on hand will make it much easier for you to maintain your pool.

Measuring your swimming pool length, width, and depth

Most swimming pools come in fairly standard shapes and sizes. Knowing the length, width, and depth of your pool is the most important information. From the length, width, and depth, you can calculate other very important metrics of your pool.

If you’ve forgotten the measurement of your swimming pool, or have purchased a home with a swimming pool installed, you can easily measure the length, width, and depth of your pool with a measuring tape. If your pool has a deep end, be sure to take note of the varying depths in your pool.
For round swimming pools, the essential calculation you’ll need is the diameter of your pool. If you have a very unusually sized pool, you’ll want to keep more detailed measurements if your pool handy so you can be very detailed when making other pool calculations.

How to calculate the volume of your swimming pool

The volume of your swimming pool is expressed in gallons. Calculating the volume of your swimming pool will give you the information you need to effectively balance and treat your swimming pool water.
If your swimming pool has a deep end and varies in depth, you’ll need to calculate the average depth of your pool to determine volume. This can be done very easily:

Minimum Depth of your pool + Maximum Depth of your pool / 2 = Average Swimming Pool Depth

If your swimming pool is a uniform depth, calculating the volume is simple. You’ll simply measure the depth of your pool and use it as part of your calculation.

You’ll also need to factor in the size of a gallon to get a measurement you can use. Because there are 7.5 gallons in every cubic foot, factoring this in will tell you exactly how many gallons are in your pool. Once you know the length, width and average depth of your pool, you can calculate your swimming pool volume with a simple calculation:

Length X Width X Average Depth X 7.5 = Volume of your pool (in gallons)

How to calculate the volume of a circular swimming pool

Round swimming pools do not have a standard length or width. If you have a round swimming pool at home, you’ll need to use a different formula to calculate the volume. To make the correct calculation, you’ll need to determine the radius of your pool (half the measurement of your diameter). From there, the calculation is simple:

3.14 X radius squared X average depth X 7.5 = Round Swimming Pool Volume in Gallons

Calculating your swimming pool surface area

Understanding the surface area of your swimming pool can be very helpful if you’re hoping to learn more about evaporation rates, or thinking about purchasing a new swimming pool heater. You can easily calculate the surface area of you have measured the length and width of your pool:

Swimming Pool Length X Swimming Pool Width = Swimming Pool Surface Area

If you have a very unusually shaped swimming pool, this simple calculation may not give you an exact measurement of your pool surface area. You may need to divide your pool into separate sections to make the correct calculation

Common aboveground swimming pool sizes

If you have a commonly shaped aboveground pool, you may be able to avoid taking measurements of your pool. This chart lays out the common shapes, sizes, and depths of aboveground swimming pools.

 

Swimming Pool Size (in feet)	Volume in gallons – 4.5 ft average depth	Volume in gallons – 5 ft average depth	Surface Area
12 X 24	9,700	10,800	288
14 X 28	13,200	14,700	392
15 X 30	15,200	16,900	450
16 X 32	17,300	19,200	512
18 X 36	21,900	24,300	648

Common inground swimming pool measurements

If you have a commonly-shaped and sized inground swimming pool, this chart can help you quickly determine some of the different measurements of your pool.

Swimming Pool Size (in feet)	Volume in gallons – 4 ft average depth	Volume in gallons – 4.5 ft average depth	Volume in gallons – 5 ft average depth	Surface Area
12 X 24	8,600	9,700	10,800	288
14 X 28	11,800	13,200	14,700	392
15 X 30	13,500	15,200	16,900	450
16 X 32	15,400	17,300	19,200	512
18 X 36	19,400	21,900	24,300	648

Other measurements you should know about your swimming pool

Swimming pool equipment and plumbing are not universal. It is very important that you know some other measurements about your swimming pool, particularly if you’re making repairs.

Knowing the measurement of your swimming pool plumbing is essential if you need to replace any sections of pipe or essential fittings. Measuring to ensure you pick up the right replacement parts can save you time, money and frustration over time.

It is also important that you get to know your pool equipment, and what sizes you have installed for your pool. Pool equipment comes in varying sizes and strengths, and knowing what is in use in your pool can be very helpful in diagnosing and repairing problems.

Understanding how your swimming pool measures up

Understanding the size of your swimming pool can be very helpful in treating your water, caring for your equipment, and making intelligent purchasing decisions for your pool. Once you have calculated these essential measurements for your swimming pool, it can be helpful to keep them in your wallet or on your phone to be sure you can access this essential information whenever you need it.