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May
14

Draining Your Swimming Pool

Posted by Backyard Ocean in How It Works - (0 Comments)

Since there are many types of swimming pools, there are also many ways to maintain them. The most frequently drained pools are those that are filled up with water and drained after use, such as kiddie and inflatable pools. In-ground and above ground swimming pools, on the other hand, needs a different type of draining method.

It’s important to be aware of the type of pool you own, so that you know the right kind of pool pump you need for maintenance.

Main Drain Pools

Main drains, found at the bottom of the pool, are common in commercial swimming pools, above ground swimming pools, and most in-ground residential pools. If your pool has a main drain, then you can make use of that to pump down the water.

Non-Main Drain Pools

If the pool doesn’t have a main drain, use a submersible, trash, or pool pump instead. If you have an above ground pool, use a hose to drain off the water. Take note that siphoning only works with above ground pools.

If you want a faster draining method, use a trash pump. This is a heavy-duty pump that can pump out several gallons of water at a time, making it one of the fastest ways to drain a swimming pool. If a trash pump is out of the budget, ask around if you can rent one.

There’s more to swimming pool draining than what it seems. Before you decide to drain your pool and replace it with cleaner and safer water, ask your friendly swimming pool supplier for advice or seek the help of a professional.

May
11

Choosing a Swimming Cap

Posted by Backyard Ocean in Good Advice - (0 Comments)

People who use swimming caps for the purpose of keeping their hair dry when swimming could only get frustrated because no swimming cap can entirely do this. But swimming caps are very useful for many other reasons such as the following:

– To keep your long hair out of your face.

– To protect your hair from swimming pool chemicals.

– To swim faster in swimming competitions.

– To keep the head warm in the cold pool water.

– To make you more visible when swimming in open water especially where there are boats and surfers.

Here are the different types of swimming caps:

Latex Swim Caps

Latex swimming caps are accessible and reasonably priced, which is why they’re very popular among swimmers. However, although they provide good protection, they can irritate those who are allergic to latex, giving them ear rashes and swelling. When this happens, a swimmer should opt for swim caps made from other materials.

Silicone Swim Caps

Silicone is created for swimmers with latex allergies and ideal for those with medium to small heads who sport short hair. They’re also quite popular because of their attractive designs and colors.

Silicone caps are more resilient and can last a year of usage, consequently making it quite more expensive than a latex swim caps. Their durability, however, is a value that most are willing to pay for.

Polyester and Lycra Swim Caps

Polyester and Lycra swimming caps are not watertight, making it really impossible for the hair not to get wet. These are perfect for swimmers who simply need lightweight caps that prevents the hair from getting on their face or getting tangled in their goggles.

Polyester and Lycra swim caps can also be used as a base under another cap, like latex. This way, the swimmer can avoid getting allergies and their hair can stay in place without being pulled by the latex cap.

Swimming pool facilities require swimmers to wear caps to keep the filters from being clogged with hair. No matter what the purpose is for wearing one, it’s important to know the different types of swim caps to know which one to purchase.

May
7

Swimming for Babies

Posted by Backyard Ocean in Good Advice - (0 Comments)

Enthralled by the infants you see swimming in TV shows and documentaries? Well, the sight of swimming babies is not unusual especially now when moms are provided with so much opportunities for their children’s early development.

Benefits of Swimming for Babies

Here are just some of the many reasons why babies should be taught how to swim at a very young age.

– Learning how to swim will keep children safe from drowning in rivers, pools, and ponds. If you have a swimming pool at home, better teach the children how to use it instead of barricading the pool to keep them from falling into it.

– Swimming is a good way to let your baby exercise.

– It’s a fun activity that helps infants develop their gross motor skills.

– Swim classes help strengthen the bond between infants and their mothers.

– Swimming skills can prevent babies from being afraid of water especially when they have someone in the pool with them that they trust.

When can babies start to learn how to swim?

Private swimming classes take in babies as young as four weeks old but most swimming instructors recommend that infants start at six weeks. It’s recommended that the pool be heated up to 32 degrees Celsius. Fortunately, baby swim classes make sure to use special warm pools.

Baby swimming classes are usually held in small pools where teachers make sure that their students are relaxed and having fun. In these classes, teachers take advantage of the baby’s natural reflexes—it’s said that they are born with the primitive ability to swim. It’s natural for infants to hold their breath underwater instinctively because of their gag reflex, which is strongest at six months.

As the baby becomes more confident in the water, he starts developing skills that allows him to move around and swim happily in the pool.

Baby and Pool Safety

– Keeping the swimming pool warm enough is very important. When you notice him shaking, get him out of the pool right away and cover him up to keep him warm.

– Don’t go swimming if your baby is feverish or has a tummy bug. Let him be clear until at least after 2 days.

– Gradually increase the time the child spends in the pool. Start with 10 minutes then increase up to 20 minutes. The maximum time a child should spend in the pool is 30 minutes, especially if he hasn’t reached his first year yet.

Baby and Chlorine

Parents often ask about the effects of swimming pool chemicals on babies. Studies show that heavily chlorinated pools are believed to cause allergies and asthma among children. However, baby swim classes are usually held in small swimming pools that don’t need to be heavily treated. Children can eventually move to bigger pools when they become less at risk with chlorine. They may even ask you to get a kiddie pool!

May
4

Healthy and Refreshing Beverages for Summer

Posted by Backyard Ocean in Summer Fun! - (0 Comments)

A cold drink in the heat of summer is one of the most refreshing experiences you could ever have. While cold soft drinks and beer are great thirst quenchers, they could be bad for you especially if consumed in large amounts. Here’s a list of beverages to keep you cool and healthy this summer:

Water—Ice-cold water is probably the best beverage to beat the heat! Water keeps us hydrated while regulating body fluids. Water, which makes up 60% of our body, is used for digestion, circulation, transportation of nutrients, absorption, saliva creation and body temperature control.

Smoothie—Smoothies are usually made with yogurt and berries, and as such, offer a considerable amount of fiber, calcium, and other vitamins. They also contain antioxidant properties, which can prevent cancer, heart ailments, and diseases caused by damaged cells. Keep it healthy and natural by preparing fruits of your choice and mixing them in a blender.

Iced Tea—Don’t underestimate the benefits that iced tea gives your health. An iced green tea can lower the risk for heart disease and cut down bad cholesterol. Not to mention, iced tea is a really enjoyable thirst quencher!

Whole Fruit Juice—Oranges, apples, grapes, cranberries—these are just some of the fruits you can use. Whole fruit juices without the extra sugar and additives can help lower high cholesterol levels, reduce the risk for heart disease, and lessen the number of urinary tract infections. They’re also rich in fiber, vitamin C, and antioxidants that fight free radicals.

When submerged in a swimming pool, you may not feel thirsty because of the cold water. It’s important to be conscious of your health and hydration all the time, so remember to drink fluids frequently especially during the hot months.

Apr
30

How to Shock Your Pool

Posted by Backyard Ocean in Good Advice - (0 Comments)

Shocking, also known as “oxidization” or “super chlorinating,” is a chemical process that makes pool water clean and safe by breaking down wastes such as dead skin cells, cosmetics, body oil, sweat, and urine. In this process, the chlorine level is drastically raised for a short period to eliminate the bacteria and organic matter that could inhabit your pool.

Shocking is one of the most important routines that pool owners should know in maintaining their swimming pools. Here are some tips to keep in mind:

  1. The pool shock should match your pool’s filter system. If you have a non-chlorinated pool, choose non-chlorinated shockers and if you have a chlorinated pool, go for chlorinated ones. Check out Backyard Ocean for a list of pool shock products you can try.
  2.  Read the specifications and instructions from the manufacturer. The amount of shocker you need depends on the size of the pool. When you have determined the amount you need to shock your swimming pool, pre-dissolve the grains of the chemical in a bucket of water. Remember to put the chemical into the water and not vice versa.
  3.  After mixing and agitating the water and shocker for one minute, pour the solution directly in front of a return line fitting while your filtration system is turned on. Pour slowly so that all the shock pool chemicals are distributed to the pool waters by the jet of water from the return line. This keeps the chemicals from reaching the pool floor. Keep your vinyl pool liner away from any un-dissolved pool shock because it may stain or bleach it.

The recommended frequency for shocking your pool is at least once a week. The heavier you use the pool and the more frequently it is exposed to rain and sunny weather, the more often you should shock it to keep your family protected from unsafe water.

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