My family and I love swimming. Swimming is a great way to get an all over body work out and relax at the same time.

Although we like to visit our local, open air pool, we can only do so in th summer months when it is open. During the winter months we need to travel into the city to take a dip in the busy municipal pool. Some lucky friends, who live nearby, recently invested in a pool of their own and we’ve been inspired to do the same.

They chose an elliptical Doughboy pool for their back garden. I’d never heard of Doughboy before (except the Pillsbury Doughboy) but I have to say I’m mightily impressed by their swimming pools. Doughboy have been in the pool business since 1945 and they have really perfected the quality of their versatile and affordable swimming pools.

Doughboy pools are the most popular form of steel and resin swimming pool available in the UK today. They are tough, durable and affordable. Our neighbours told us that it had taken them less than a weekend to get their pool erected.  They included a heat pump pool heating system which makes the water so comfortable that the children never want to get out.

The Doughboy pools have a number of really neat feature like the facility to expand the depth so that, as the children grow, you can increase the depth of the water up to a maximum of 7 feet. They come with a top quality pool liner, a sand filter, power pump and even a skimmer. All you really need to add is a heater, if you don’t like swimming in cool water.

It’s easy to see why the Doughboy pool is the UKs most popular form of above ground pool. That’s it, I’ve convinced myself. I think I shall contact the suppliers and order one for our back garden then brace myself for the hoard of children who will, no doubt, descend on our house.

Technorati Tags: above ground pools, swimming, swimming pools

Due to being laid off, we need to cut costs to the bone. The hot tub costs a lot to heat and we want to drain it and turn it off. My concern is that this will ruin the hot tub (freezing pipes, etc.) What is the best way to save energy costs while not ruining the hot tub? Is it safe to just dry-store it or would it be better to run water in it at a very low temperature.

Thanks!

Why don't you look up the manufacturer and call them? They would know. Srsly.

My hunch is that you also drain the pipes, but I don't know how that would work. But it certainly can be done — most people with hot tubs around here shut them down for the winter.

Once you decide to own a swimming pool, you have to think seriously about safety and security, especially if you have children that would love to use it. If you own a below ground pool, you must remember that it can be a center of attraction to many visitors. Therefore it is only appropriate that you have an adult watching on the pool, particularly one who is an expert swimming. Otherwise, you have to see to it that there is a fence around the pool and a gate that can be locked to prevent people from getting near your pool, especially if you are not around.
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If you have been lucky in life and been able to buy your own swimming pool, spa or hot tub. You will know the importance of having a filtration system within your pool.

Due to the importance of having a filter in your pool. You should always ensure that it is working, if your filtration system stops working without you knowing, your pool could soon become dangerous to use and maybe even deadly.

The first sign that your filter system has stopped working is that dirt will begin to collect at the bottom of the pool, this is simply because the pool is not being cleaned by the filter system, maybe not dangerous or life threatening, but certainly not pleasant to swim in.

The biggest reason why your filter system should always stay active is to circulate the swimming pool chemicals, such as chlorine. If your filtration system stops working, the chlorine, used to kill bacteria, within your pool can stop circulating, this means that chlorine can collect in the pool, making it cloudy to view. However, cloudy water wouldn't be your only worry, because the amount of chlorine has risen, it becomes very dangerous and potentially deadly.

Because chlorine is designed to kill bacteria, if it's in high concentration, it can become poisonous and can damage your skin.

So, as you have seen, keeping your pool filter working can be life saving, however, if you have a pool filter or are going to get one, make sure that you have a drain cover on the filter. If you don't then this too can become a hazard. If a person gets sucked into the filter, it can seriously injure or even tear someone apart due to the force of the filter.

These are just a few tips that you should follow for maintaining your swimming pool and keeping it safe to use.

Technorati Tags: above ground pools, hot tub chemicals, hot tubs, pool chemicals, pool filters, spa chemicals, spas, swimming pool chemicals, swimming pool filters, swimming pools

I want to have a hot tub installed in our not-yet-built deck. I want the hot tub edge flush with the deck surface - ie sunken. I want enough space for 7 - 8 adults and I don't want a noisy system. I can't enjoy the outdoors when I hear motors whirring!
What should I know to choose a good hot tub and to have it installed flush with the deck surface? Thanks in advance for your tips/experiences.

try looking in magazines oh yea a bit of advice………you might just want to FINISH BUILDING YOUR DECK FIRST!!!

A swimming pool is a fantastic source of enjoyment, has many health benefits and is aesthetically pleasing, however can consume an excessively high amount of energy. New technologies and thinking can help reduce these running costs by over 75%, while significantly reducing future demands for power generation.
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