Backyards become a paradise with a swimming pool
Making the decision to get a swimming pool is an easy one, especially once you consider the many benefits of pool ownership. Swimming in your swimming pool is also a great stress reliever. There are pool types for every budget and swimming enthusiast. From small molded plastic baby pools you can set up and take down with ease all the way up to full fledged in-ground professionally installed pools, you’re sure to enjoy basking in the pleasure and comfort of a relaxing swim at home.
New Pool Owner? For an excellent Maint. Guide Click here.
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Setting up a small kiddy swimming pool is certainly a lot less expensive & time consuming than having an in-ground pool installed. Regardless of the type of pool you may be considering – always make safety a prime consideration, particularly with small children. Never leave them without the supervision of a genuinely concerned adult. Of equal concern is keeping your pool sanitary. Small pools should be refilled with fresh water periodically to keep bacterial contamination to a minimum. Likewise, in-ground pools, and many large above ground pools require regular filtration and water treatment to remain bacteria free.
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Beyond the do-it-yourself size pool, having an in-ground pool installed is a significant undertaking - and equally rewarding. There's nothing quite like having an in-ground pool in your backyard. It involves hiring a contractor, ensuring your backyard is adequately sized, and that there are no utility easements that have to be rerouted. In most cities/counties a building permit will be required (responsibility of your contractor typically). If you’ve never owned an in-ground pool you should realize that the care and feeding of a typical pool is a significant commitment you must take seriously. I’m referring to ensuring the chemicals are added periodically and correctly as well as ensuring all the start-up and shut-down steps are followed meticulously. None of that is particularly difficult – just an absolute requirement to keep your pool is tip top shape, year after year. Built-in pools are a significant home improvement, which you must attend to in order to retain your homes value overall.
Above Ground versus In-Ground
Above-ground pools are usually cheaper to build/set up. They are also more likely to be of the do-it-yourself variety. In-ground pools are typically made of concrete, vinyl liner, and/or fiberglass. If you live geographically in an area that experiences freezing temperatures seasonally, an in-ground swimming pool's pipes must be emptied. An above-ground pool should also be closed, so that ice does not drag down the pool wall, collapsing its structure. The location of an in-ground pool is not regulated by the zoning code unless there is an overlay zone or it’s placement puts it close to any utility lines (i.e. gas, electric). An electrical permit is usually required for the installation of in-ground swimming pools and may be required for an aboveground swimming pool. The most common type of in-ground manufactured swimming pool on the market today is the concrete pool. Large above ground swimming pools have an exterior wall of machined sheet metal construction formed into a continuous circular or oval shape. Above ground pools consist of a sidewall, a water-impermeable liner, and a frame or superstructure for supporting and reinforcing the sidewall. Fiberglass, unlike concrete, is not prone to splitting or cracking, so these pools are ideal for earthquake-prone areas.
Children
All infants, toddlers or small children who are not "potty trained" should wear an elasticized swim diaper before entering the pool area. To prevent children from entering a pool area unsupervised, the USLA says, a pool should be fenced at least 4 feet high with self-locking gates.
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Covers
There are three main materials used for pool covers: vinyl, thermal bubble and debris. Vinyl covers consist of a heavier material and have a longer life expectancy than bubble covers. Insulated vinyl covers are also available with a thin layer of flexible insulation sandwiched between two layers of vinyl. Thermal bubble covers are lightweight UV stabilized floating covers designed to minimize heat loss on heated swimming pools and can equally help warm a pool in the early season. All bubble covers should be removed during super chlorination. Manual covers can be folded and stored in a convenient location when not in use.
A private swimming pool is any swimming pool built on the grounds of a single family residence and used solely by the owner, immediate family, or guests. Whether it's a backyard oasis or a feature of the community park, a swimming pool is a great place for summer fun. If you’re serious about have a pool installed in your backyard – always check the references of any contractor you may be considering. |
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Last updated 7/3/2009
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