Choosing a Solar Pool Cover

January 20, 2015 pgtech

A solar pool cover will keep water warm and prevent water from evaporating.

The essential job of a solar pool cover is to warm the water by harnessing sunlight and preventing the evaporation of water when the pool is not in use and at night.

Selecting a solar cover depends on factors that include pool size, preferences and price range. Once you understand the different factors of a solar pool cover, you can decide the best option for your own pool.

1. Measure the size of the pool to get the properly sized cover. If a cover is too small, it will not be as effective in warming the pool.

2. Select a light color for the pool cover. Darker colors and blues may look nicer over the water, but a clear cover is the most effective because it allows the sun’s rays to penetrate. A black cover will quickly heat up, but the long-lasting effects will not be as effective as a clear cover.

3. Choose a solar cover with air bubbles in it. The bubbles help separate the material from the water, and sunlight can go in easier.

4. Look for pool covers with reinforced UV-stabilized polyethylene. This type of plastic is more durable and lasts longer. Solar pool covers without this will deteriorate quicker when in the sun for long durations.

5. Select the solar pool cover mechanism that suits your needs and budget. A manual pool cover is simply pulled on and off. An automatic pool cover uses a small motor and a roll to pull the cover out and back in. A semi-automatic cover uses a small motor, but the cover has to be guided by one or more people.
Look for package deals that include the cover, reel and motor mechanism. Wait until the end of summer to find close-out prices on solar covers for the next season.

Winterizing a Swimming Pool

December 29, 2014 pgtech

In warmer climates, seasonal pool maintenance is virtually nonexistent. Except perhaps for boosting the temperature during cooler months, you can use your pool or spa year-round with no difficulty. In colder climates where water freezes, though, or even in temperate climates where a pool or spa will remain dormant for long periods, you need to take proper care of your investment and make sure it’s ready for use when warm weather returns.

If you live in an area that experiences freezing temperatures, you’ll need to clear the water out of your pool’s plumbing at the end of the swimming season. Frozen water won’t harm the pool structure itself, but it can damage the pipes. Use an air compressor to blow water out of the lines, following the manufacturer’s instructions.

Also drain as much water as possible from the heater and filter. If any water remains, add non-toxic antifreeze–which differs from automotive antifreeze and is available from pool-supply stores. Disconnect the pump and heater. Then disconnect, clean, and store any chemical feeders.

Thoroughly vacuum and clean the pool and empty the skimmer baskets. Close the valve on the skimmer line and lower the water level to about 18 inches below the coping. Superchlorinate to remove chloramines. Finally–and most important of all–tightly cover the pool or spa. This will keep debris from accumulating in the water, making it vastly easier to open the pool in the spring.

If you’ll continue using your spa during the cold weather, just continue your regular maintenance. On days that are too cold for outdoor soaking, lower the thermostat but keep the circulation system running to prevent the pipes from freezing. In the event of a severe freeze, drain all the plumbing but leave the spa full.

Swimming Pool Lighting

November 30, 2014 pgtech

Whether you are designing a new pool, or remodeling your existing one, a major part of any project is the lighting. When the sun goes down, and the outdoor lighting comes on, the pool can be a truly magical part of your home.

First things first; you’ll need to decide on what type of lights to use. There are three types of pool lights – Halogen, LED, or Fiber Optics. Let’s look at each.

Halogen Pool Lights
Halogen lights were formerly the most popular pool lights, but as technologies evolved, so have available pool lights. Halogen lights can be installed in all types of pools. Halogen lights are affordable and can easily light up your entire pool, or any part of it. The biggest drawback of halogen lights is that they are not very energy efficient. Also, there are a limited number of colors to choosed from.
LED Pool Lights

LED lights are the most popular lighting option today. They shine bright, have plenty of colors, are durable and perhaps most importantly, they are energy efficient. LED lights use about 80% less energy than halogen lights. LED lights can be added to any type of pool. They are popular with floating pool lights for above ground pools. They are very bright and depending on your pool size, you may only need one LED light. The same can’t be said for halogen or fiber optic lights. Compared to fiber optic lights, LED pool lights are much cheaper. Finally, they can last anywhere from seven to 15 years, according to swimming pool suppliers. The only problem is when you have to change bulbs. You have to remove the sealed housing unit and take it above water. The entire process for changing the bulb could take up to 30 minutes. Some homeowners may have an issue holding lights within a pool and if so, you should contact a pool contractor in your area.
Fiber Optic Pool Lights

The ultimate in pool lights can set the mood or enhance your swimming experience. Fiber optic lights come a wide array of colors and can be easily installed under water, around your pool or within a waterfall. The major advantage of fiber optic lights is the simplicity in replacing them. They are usually placed above the pool in a dry box. All you have to do is open the box and change the bulb. It’s much faster than changing LED bulbs. The fiber carries the light from a bulb to wherever you like it.

Summary

When it comes to cost and durability, LED is your best choice. Fiber optic lights need a large fan to cool the bulb down, which costs extra. Also, compared to the 15-year lifespan of an LED light, fiber optic lights usually last under seven years.

Pool lights represent a considerable investment initially, but they also have a major effect on your swimming experience. Whether you want to take a dip at night or set a romantic evening with your significant other, pool lights are a decision you should consider carefully.

For a free consultation about pool lighting, give us a call at;
813-855-4040 or 727-466-9300.

Giant Swimming Pools for Tampa

October 16, 2014 pgtech

Hey pool-lovers – Check this out!

Last month the Tampa Bay Times reported, “Gigantic swimming pools called ‘Crystal Lagoons’ coming to Tampa Bay area”.

The Metro Development Group and Crystal Lagoons Corp. will be building four pools in the Tampa area, ranging in size from 5 to 10 acres each. The pools themselves will be similar in size as 4 to 7 football fields each. An Olympic-size swimming pool is only about 1/3 acre.

The four lagoons in the Metro communities will be accessible to about 10,000 homes each. People will be able to swim kayak, and paddleboard in the pools.

“There will be something for everybody in the family,” said Metro president Greg Singleton. “Beach cabanas for the adults, 6- to 8-foot-deep water for teens to do water sports, a zero-entry for the kids so they can walk out into water — all in the same lagoon.”

The pools will use high-tech methods of maintenance to insure they are always clean and healthy. Thousands of sensors will monitor water quality and levels day and night.

The first project will begin late this year on the old Epperson Ranch property in Pasco county.

For full article see: Tampabay.com

Great Ideas for Outdoor Kitchens

September 14, 2014 pgtech

The best way to get great ideas for your future outdoor kitchen is with pictures. Check out some of these beauties.

(Click on picture for enlarged view.)

Backyard Kitchen

California Style

Covered Patio Kitchen

Covered-Outdoor-Fireplace

Modest Outdoor Kitchen

Oceanside Kitchen

Poolside Kitchen

Pro-Kitchen Outdoors

Resort-like Beauty

Rooftop-Deck-Kitchen

Rustic Charm BBQ

Shaded Backyard Kitchen

Stone Arches

Sunny Outdoor Kitchen

Water Exercises for Seniors

August 21, 2014 pgtech

The benefits of regular exercise far outweigh the excuses for not adding it to your life.

Older adults should start slowly. Try starting with five minutes of exercise a day, and gradually increase the time to 30 minutes a day. It’s also important to add strengthening exercises twice a week to reduce muscle and bone loss and increase your flexibility and strength.

Exercising in the water puts less stress on joints and allows people with arthritis a reprieve from pain. With many types of water exercise, you don’t even need to know how to swim to take part in them. Here are some basic exercises most seniors can do and enjoy.
Relaxation.
Relaxation is an important part of well-rounded health. Practicing relaxation techniques in a pool of warm water can help to loosen tight muscles and ease joint pain, whether from aging, chronic illness or injury. It may also help to reduce your blood pressure, reduce your heart rate and reduce the amount of stress hormone your body produces while boosting your energy and your immune system.
Aerobics.
Most of us are familiar with aerobic exercises, also called endurance exercises. These include activities like walking, dancing, ect. This type of exercise increases our heart rates and offers substantial heart and lung health benefits in addition to weight loss or weight management. Aerobic exercise also helps to improve our moods.

What you might not be familiar with is the idea of doing aerobic exercise while immersed in water. Some are tailored toward one specific type of exercise such as water dancing, walking or running, while others combine various aerobic activities; everything from jumping jacks to dancing. A typical exercise session should last about an hour, including time to warm-up and cool-down, during which you’ll be immersed in water that’s roughly chest-deep.
Strength Training.
Consider the benefits of strength training, also called resistance training. Forty-five percent of women age 65 and older can’t lift 10 pounds. And that jumps to 65 percent of women who are 75 or older. Practicing strength training at least two days every week can help to reduce your risk of straining to pick up a jug of milk, for example. It’s a slow form of exercise that forces your muscles to work against resistance, in turn making those muscles stronger.

Traditional, out-of-water strength training may use free weights, an elastic resistance band or a cable machine. When practiced in water, though, there are added benefits. While the resistance could still be from weights, bands or other equipment, the water itself also provides resistance when you move. Additionally, the added buoyancy helps reduce the stress that exercise can place on joints, knees and hips, reducing chronic pain and increasing your range of motion.
Swimming.
A classic type of good-for-you, heart-rate-raising exercise is swimming. No matter your experience level or how many strokes you may or may not know, understand this: Swimming is one of the best overall workouts you can do. It affects your whole body. It benefits your heart, your lung function, your flexibility, your muscle tone and strength — it’s also low-impact and burns as many as 500 to 650 calories in an hour.

If you don’t already know how to swim, or you’re just feeling out of practice, check out your local gym, fitness center or YMCA to learn the strokes or brush up on your technique before diving in.

Health benefits of having a pool or spa

July 28, 2014 pgtech

Some cultures, such as the Japanese, have long realized the physical and psychological benefits of soaking in hot water. Now Americans are also discovering the pleasures and benefits of the hot tub and spa. Soaking in a hot tub can be soothing and relaxing. Its warmth relaxes muscles and promotes blood flow to the skin and in the limbs. Many people find that this comfortable experience helps them to rest and manage stress. Some find this to be energizing.

Some employers appreciate the benefits due to better quality of sleep that lead to fewer sick days. Pools or spas offers cardiovascular and health benefits to many members of the family, at different times in their lives. There is also another way to ease the pain and even accelerate the natural healing process; the warm massaging action of a well-designed spa. As muscles relax, pressure releases on the surrounding nerves and blood vessels, aiding in pain relief, working out in water will burn tons of calories – but feels like play.

When you exercise, your muscles develop, so your muscles will become stronger than prior to exercising. Just simply treading water vigorously can reduce 3 calories a mile per pound of the body weight. A 100lb person can swim leisurely for 30 minutes and burn 141 calories. In addition, water’s continuous resistance forces you to engage more muscles through a larger range of motion, so you are firm from every angle. Water exercise is the most widely recommended, low impact exercise that will not put too much stress on your bones or joints, which makes swimming the perfect exercise for all ages.

In conclusion, owning a pool can help you exercise more and exercise has many benefits. It can lower blood pressure, help strengthen muscles and help lose or maintain weight by burning excess calories. It contributes to good mental health by keeping you socially active and helps improves digestion. So, don’t hesitate, call Freestyle Pool and Spa to get your custom design – with their state-of-the-art computer drawings an advanced 3D modeling software.

Transform Your Pool

June 28, 2014 pgtech

We all been to that house where the swimming pool was not increasing its value; it was more like an eyesore. Don’t despair, there are companies out there that can come to your home and by couple of remodeling ideas, can turn that blah to hah. Most importantly, they use state-of- the-art computer drawings and advanced 3D remodeling software. So you will be able to see what it will look like before they start. Amazing, right? You will also have the opportunity to discuss and decide on further options, details, and features.

Sometimes just changing the marble on the deck made a whole new look, but why stop there? You can change the interior of the pool and give your pool a whole new look with matching tile deck. I also saw landscaping being added to cover a boring fence or to give more of a natural dramatic feel to the space. Replacing the original coping edge with a modern material such as bullnose brick or tumbled marble , are some of the small things that can be done to improve the space. What do you think that would do to your home’s value?

Let’s say you want to reshape your pool, believe it or not that can be done as well. The most incredible change I seen was adding a spa and waterfall. You can choose from a welcoming look, relaxing look, a refreshing look, an indulgence look, but the most fun is the entertainment look. The entertainment look can include a swim up bar just like you enjoyed at your favorite vacation get away. Or install an outdoor kitchen or tiki bar to compliment your poolside lifestyle. Bring a piece of nature in your backyard with a flowing waterfall cascading into your pool.

If you need to just change the tile or remove an unsightly ladder and install a swim-out, or you want a whole new Wow look and add a spa and a waterfall. With all the palm trees and gardens, natural rocks look. Freestyle is the company for you. Don’t take our word for it read all the good reviews Tampa Bay and Angie’s list has to say about it.

The benefits of adding a spa to your existing pool or including a spa in your new pool design

May 23, 2014 pgtech

Everyone is unique and your reasons for purchasing a spa could vary widely. That being said, customers frequently express benefits they didn’t expect to receive at the time they purchased the unit.

This month’s blog is about just that – the many benefits you can receive by owning a hot tub. From stress relaxation to social benefits – hot tubs can leave a positive impact on a wide range of activities and experiences in your life. Let’s jump right in!

Stress relief – This one isn’t so hidden! Nothing on earth that’s more relaxing than being able to slide into a hot tub at the end of the day. From the swirling waters to the jets that work over your muscles, hot tubs can help take the edge off day to day life and leave you feeling more relaxed and focused.

Family – Look, owning a hot tub is supposed to be – above all else – FUN. In a time where everything we do seems like it’s designed to pull families apart and create distance, hot tubs can bring you together. Not only can you spend time as a family in your spa, but your kids – especially if they’re teenagers – will love it even more. That’s more conversation, better communication and the shared experience of a family relaxing together – all in a place where everyone wants to be.

Social – Hot tubs can do wonders for your social life. Whether it’s finding some special alone time with a significant other or using the hot tub as a central staple of a fun after-hours bbq, hot tubs generally serve as a place everyone wants to be.

Home design – Hot Tubs, in addition to being a place where you can relax – also have practical applications as well. They can serve as centerpieces of your outdoor living spaces and add a dynamic feel to your back yard.

Hydrotherapy – While doctors and health professionals have come up with endless ways to help treat aches, illness and other ailments – the one constant through the years has been hydrotherapy. Warm water has been known to help humans for years and can greatly enhance your overall quality of life. In addition, hot tubs and the world of science have joined forces to help provide experiences that are not only great relaxation spaces, but can also help you treat any one of a variety of natural ailments.

Four quick tips for keeping your pool clean

April 28, 2014 pgtech

Keeping your pool clean not only makes the experience of owning one more enjoyable, but helps you get more out of your investment as well. Here are some tips you can use to keep your pool clean that aren’t time consuming and can have a significant impact on the overall health of your pool as well.

Keep your chemicals stored out of the way of direct sunlight – believe it or not, keeping your chemicals out in the sunlight can have a negative effect that makes them less effective. Make sure you store them in a dark/shaded, cool place. That way – regardless of what you’re using them for – you can get more out of them.

Use your net before every usage – You’d be surprised at just how much stress you can take off a filter simply by running a quick skim of your net across the bottom and surface of your pool before you use it. Even if it’s just a few extra leaves, it’s a few extra leaves that could get stuck in a drain, filter or other apparatus. Add that debris up over the course of a summer and you’re looking at a significant difference.

Regularly empty out your skimmer basket – Skimmer baskets get gross fast. That’s why checking them weekly for debris is important. Simply empty them out and clean them with a garden hose if you want. That way, your pool’s water will flow better and the filter will run more efficiently. Also don’t forget the hair trap in the pump. It’s another place that can get grubby quick!

Always be mindful when cleaning the surrounding area – You’d be surprised at how fast a pool can get dirty because of not taking care of the area around it. Make sure that when you rake your leaves in the fall, that you make sure you get as many as possible in the vicinity of the pool. When you trim the weeds, be sure to be mindful of where they’re being distributed. You put a lot of work into balancing the levels in your pool, so be sure to take care of the area around it so you can keep it that way!

Freestyle Pools & Spas Inc