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May
13

Swimming Pool Champions

Posted by Clint Borrill in Fun Facts - (0 Comments)

We admire heroes and champions because they inspire us to be the best that we can be. In the world of swimming, there are many men and women who have overcome great obstacles to become successful. Although our own swimming prowess may be limited to doing the doggy paddle in the backyard pool, we can still learn by example how dedication, courage, and discipline can help us succeed in our own lives. Read on and marvel at the awesome aquatic accomplishments of these extraordinary swimmers!

464px-Johny_Weissmuller-publicity

Johnny Weissmuller

In 1914, Romanian immigrant Weissmuller contracted polio at the age of nine. Upon his doctor’s advice, he took up swimming to help battle the disease. With his natural ability and perseverance, he won many national swimming events and broke several world records.

In the 1924 Paris Olympics, at the age of 20, he won three gold medals with his unique, powerful swimming style. Four years later, in the Amsterdam Olympics, he won another two gold medals. He retired from competitive swimming in 1929 with an unbeaten amateur record and 67 world records.

Weissmuller found even greater fame as a Hollywood actor with his quintessential portrayal of Tarzan in 12 motion pictures. Later on, he appeared in many movies and TV episodes as the jungle adventurer, Jungle Jim.

Mark_Spitz
Photo by Doha Stadium Plus Qatar via Wikimedia Commons. CC BY 2.0

Mark Spitz

Born in California in 1950, Mark Spitz started swimming competitively when he was six years old. By the age of 10, he held 17 national age-group records and one world record. Spitz began gaining world recognition by winning multiple gold medals in international swimming events. With 10 world records to his name, Spitz attended his first Olympic Games in 1968 expecting to bag 6 gold medals. He returned with two golds, one silver, and one bronze.

In the 1972 Munich Olympics, Spitz made history by winning the most gold medals during a single Olympic game. He surpassed his previous target of six golds by winning seven and breaking world records in each event. He was inducted into the International Swimming Hall of Fame in 1977 and into the U.S. Olympic Hall of Fame in 1983.

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Michael Phelps

Phelps was born in Maryland in 1985 and took to swimming at age seven as an outlet for his energy. At the age of 15, he was the youngest American male swimmer in 68 years to qualify for the Olympics. He failed to win a medal in the 200-meter butterfly in the 2000 Olympics. However, just 5 months later, he broke the world record in that same event, becoming the youngest man to ever set a swimming world record.

He performed well at the 2004 Olympics, winning six gold medals and two bronze ones. During the 2008 Olympics, Phelps won eight gold medals, breaking the 36-year-old record held by Mark Spitz. Upon achieving this record, Phelps remarked, “…anybody can do anything that they set their mind to.”

Certainly, tales of champions inspire us to work hard and overcome adversity to achieve our dreams.

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Apr
12

Home and Lifestyle Tips: Spring Cleaning Your Swimming Pool

Posted by Clint Borrill in Good Advice | How It Works - (0 Comments)

Preparing your pool in early April is a practical idea. It spares you from working under the hot summer sun, and prevents algae from growing in the warm water. With these simple do-it-yourself steps, you will save on professional cleaning expense and have a sparkling clean pool in no time.

Step 1

Inspect all your pool equipment and chemicals before starting the job. Replace any broken accessories and expired pool cleaning products.

graur codrin
by graur codrin / FreeDigitalPhotos.net

Step 2

Remove any water, leaves, and debris from the winter pool cover with a submersible pump, pool net, and pool brush.

Once cleared, you can remove the pool cover without getting any dirt into your pool.

Clean your pool cover according to the manufacturer’s direction and store in a clean, dry place.

Step 3

During winter, it is common for pool water levels to drop. Use a garden hose or water supply to fill your pool so the water reaches the middle of the skimmer opening.

Step 4

While waiting for your water level to increase, remove the winterizing plugs from the return jets and skimmers, and open all necessary valves. Put the drain plugs back into the pump, filter, chlorinator, and heater. Make sure to clean your filter before starting the pump.

Step 5

Turn on the pumping system and check for any leaks. Walk around the pool and look for any leaks in the filter, pump, or the lines themselves.

Salvatore Vuono
by Salvatore Vuono / FreeDigitalPhotos.net

Step 6

Skim the surface of the pool with a net to remove any floating dirt or leaves, and vacuum up any small debris from the pool floor. If you use your filter system to vacuum, switch the valve to “waste” so all debris is flushed out straight to the waste port.

Step 7

Let the pool water circulate for about 8 to 12 hours to remove any undetected contaminants before adding any chemicals in the water.

Step 8

Use a water analysis kit to check the pH level of the water. Select the right chemicals to bring your pool to a pH level between 7.2 and 7.6. Add chlorine shock and algaecide to eliminate harmful bacteria and organic matter that may have built up during winter. Backyard Ocean has a range of pool chemical kits that are specially formulated to treat your water safely and effectively.

Once your pool is clean and ready for swimming, dive in the refreshing water and reward yourself for a job well done.

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Mar
21

Popular Spring Break Vacations for the Family

Posted by Backyard Ocean in Good Advice | The Great Outdoors & Sports - (0 Comments)

A great way to beat stress is to take a vacation with your loved ones. Not only will you get to unwind and relax, you’ll also have the chance to bond with your family and create new memories, which is always good for the soul. This spring break, invite your family on a once-in-a-lifetime trip. Here are four destinations that will surely make your vacation memorable:

Club Med in the Dominican Republic

Club Med Photo (Beach-Pixabay)

If your family is looking for an exotic destination far from the hustle and bustle of the city, then Club Med is for you. Located on the gorgeous white sand beaches of Punta Cana, this rustic beach resort promises relaxation and enjoyment.

Grownups can try spa treatments to soothe the mind and body, while kids can take part in the many fun activities the establishment offers, from tennis lessons to swimming courses and even introductory sessions on water sports.

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Jul
28

Backyard Ocean Best of Summer Sale!

Posted by Backyard Ocean in Top Deals - (0 Comments)

This hot, hot, HOT summer won’t be ending anytime soon! To help beat the summer heat, Backyard Ocean is holding their Best of Summer Sale to help you cool off during this sizzling season! With the Best of Summer Sale, customers can save up to 50% off select Backyard Ocean swimming pools, kiddie pools and pool equipment, now until August 2nd.

Backyard Ocean has a wide range of swimming pools, swimming pool equipment and pool accessories on sale that will make your summer better than it already is:

Kids 6+ love our Safari Animal Kiddie Pool. Big kids can teach the little ones all the names of the safari animals and a kiddie pool is a great way to begin to teach tykes about pool safety.

If you have young kids, try our  Swan Activity Pool for children 2+ years of age. Little ducklings are sure to have an enchanted time in the inflatable pool with ring toss and basketball hoop.

For those of us with more sophisticated tastes, lounge in the summer sun with poolside furniture and accessories, or go off the deep end and grab a 22′x52″ ProSeries Round Frame Pool Set at $200 off!

Check out Backyard Ocean’s Best of Summer Sale today to score HUGE discounts on top-quality swimming pools and accessories.

Happy Summer!

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Jul
21

How to Clean Kiddie Pools

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

The crew at Backyard Ocean knows that kids love to splash around in their own little pools. Pint-sized versions of adult swimming pools (a.k.a. kiddie pools) are fun to have around the house, whether you live in the city or the suburbs. However much fun, these little pools require regular cleaning, too.

Here are some ways you can maintain your tyke’s pool this summer:

Use a cover that fits your pool. This will keep leaves and insects out of the kiddie pool, helping to keep it clean for longer.

Remove dried leaves, bugs and other debris. If you do end up getting debris in the water, ask your kid(s) to join you in skimming the pool. Use a leaf skimmer or leaf rake.

  • Add a chlorine solution to the water. Kiddie pools may be small, but you should still add a little chlorine specifically made for children’s pools to keep bacteria at bay. There is also a special algaecide for kiddie pools to prevent algae from taking over.
  • Drain the pool as necessary. Given how expensive utility bills can be, it’s important to save water more than ever. Even still, make it a point to drain kiddie pools and replace it with clean water, especially if there have been ‘accidents’.
  • Scrub the insides of the pool clean. Using a pool brush and soap, gently scrub the interiors of the kiddie pool once every 2 weeks. This will remove algae and other buildup along the bottom and sides of the pool.

Most people don’t really think about maintaining their kiddie pool until the algae has built up to a point it’s no longer usable, no matter how much you scrub. By maintaining your kiddie pool you ensure that your kids have it next summer…and the summer after that…and the summer after that…

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