Posted by Elizabeth Morcom on Thu, Feb 09, 2012 @ 12:30 PM
(Photo courtesy Untapped Cities/Thermal Baths of Budapest)
Check out this description of Budapest's Széchenyi Bath, one of more than a thousand thermal springs in Hungary.
We don't personally know of any thermal springs around Atlanta ... and certainly none with such beautiful surroundings. However, a spa might do in a pinch!
Whether in a spa, a thermal spring, or even your bathtub, one thing is for sure: a relaxing warm soak is just the thing to power you through the remaining weeks of nippy winter weather!
Posted by Elizabeth Morcom on Wed, Dec 14, 2011 @ 08:37 AM
While your pool might be closed for the winter, that doesn't mean you shouldn't be making plans for any changes you might want to make come spring and summer! In fact, now is the best time to start thinking about and even making some of those changes.
Changing up your pool cleaning method can potentially cut down on the time it takes to balance chemicals on a regular basis, giving you more time to enjoy your pool! It can also mean getting rid of harsh chemicals around your backyard.
In the past, pool chemicals pretty much consisted of the industry standard – chlorine. The chemical doesn’t smell wonderful, sometimes burns the eyes and skin, and it isn’t great for the environment but it does kill the bacteria in your spas and pools. However, today there are plenty of alternatives for keeping your swimming pool clean and bacteria-free.
Here are a few options to keep your pool clean:
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Electronic water purification: This system cleans your pool by ionizing the water. There are water systems that generate copper and silver ions that purify the water. The method was perfected and used by NASA as a way to purify the water for the astronauts. Electronic water purification eliminates the need to use pool chemicals. Though there may be a bigger upfront cost to install an ionization system, in the long run, it is usually less expensive than buying chemicals. Also with the automated system, it can eliminate the need to test the water daily.
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Ozonators: Ozone generators are another popular choice for pool and spa owners. While an ozone generator doesn’t completely eliminate the need for pool chemicals, they reduce the amount of chemicals needed to keep the water free of bacteria.
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Salt: Using salt to keep a pool clean isn’t a new technology, but it is gaining popularity with many pool owners. With a salt-based pool cleaning system, table salt, a power pack, and cell are used to keep the pool clean. Using a salt-based purification system gets rid of viruses, algae and bacteria in the water, and it’s environmentally friendly.
When you’re installing your pool, be sure to contact your swimming pool builder to see what type of pool cleaning system they recommend. Shop around and ask friends and family what kind of systems they use and how they perform for them.
Posted by Elizabeth Morcom on Wed, Nov 30, 2011 @ 01:10 PM
The holiday season is officially upon us!
Are you already done with your shopping, or have you not even started? Maybe there are just a few more things to pick up?
No matter where you stand, choosing just the right gift for the important people in your life can be a daunting task.
Perhaps this year you should forego the usual gifts and instead treat yourself, your family, and your backyard to a pool, spa or deck upgrade!
Remodeling your pool and spa area certainly can be pricey, but it’s an investment that will give you years of enjoyment. What sweater or gadget can do that?
Whether your pool and spa need replastering, new tile, or a complete overhaul, we can help you create your ideal backyard oasis.
Of course, as temperatures outside continue to drop, it can be easy to forget about the backyard pool and any nagging problems it has. Indeed, the cold weather even means it can be difficult for us to work on a pool (the harsh temperatures make the ground particularly hard).
However, calling us today means even if the weather slows down work, everything will be done before it’s time to open up the pool next summer. You’ll be put at the front of the line for spring work, a particularly busy time in the pool business.
So contact us today! Even if you’re not sure about repairs to your pool, our swimming pool specialists can help you decide if the work can wait, and what the most affordable repair and remodel methods are!
Posted by Elizabeth Morcom on Mon, Oct 31, 2011 @ 02:08 PM
Happy Halloween, everyone!
The temperatures here in Metro Atlanta have taken a definite dip in the days leading up to this spooky holiday. Hopefully most of you have already prepared your pool for the winter!
Just because the weather is too chilly to take a dip in the water doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy spending a little more time in the backyard.
A patio heater is a great investment for keeping warm outside when the weather gets a little chilly. They come in a number of varieties and prices to fit your budget.
Propane-powered heaters are a popular option. They’re powered by a propane tank stored in the heater, which makes them completely self-sufficient. They also usually come with a safety shut-off switch in case the unit is ever tipped over. Models are made to sit on the floor or on a table.
If you’d rather not deal with buying propane to power your heater, a halogen heater is another good option. These plug into an outlet and use halogen bulbs to keep your backyard area nice and toasty. Models are available for mounting or sitting on the floor or a table.
Infrared heaters are also a good option for anyone looking for an electric heater to keep warm on winter nights. They’re affordable to run and don’t take long to warm up. Infrared heat is also unique in that it heats objects rather than the air. Most models are wall-mounted or made to sit under a patio umbrella.
If you’re looking for a more classic heat source, a fire pit is a good option. They come in a variety of styles to match your backyard, and they’re powered by either gas or wood. Stand-alone varieties are available at most home goods retailers.
Whatever your choice, the addition of an outdoor heater can help extend your backyard enjoyment through the fall and winter!
Posted by Elizabeth Morcom on Thu, Oct 20, 2011 @ 12:03 PM
It’s getting pretty chilly here in Metro Atlanta! Temperatures today are set to stay in the 50s or 60s, a big drop from the warmth of this past weekend (and if the weather reports are right, this coming weekend).
While the temperature will continue to fluctuate, there’s no denying fall and winter temperatures are on their way, which means it’s time for most pools to close up shop (if they haven’t already). So, if you’re looking to prepare your pool for the winter ahead, here are some useful tips:
-First and foremost, clean your pool thoroughly. That means clearing out debris, cleaning filters and baskets, brushing, and vacuuming. Even if it looks clean, be sure to go over everything one last time. You’ll also need to remove any pool toys or anything else that floats in the pool.
-Adjust the pool’s chemicals, adding in some extra sanitizing chemical (like chlorine) to shock it. In addition, winter chemicals designed to prevent algae growth should be added.
-Drain and clean out the pump, filter, and if you have one, the heater. That will keep water in those elements from freezing and expanding, thereby damaging or even destroying the equipment. You can also add anti-freeze to the lines to prevent damage there.
-Once the pool and equipment have been properly cleaned and winterized, it’s time to put a cover over your swimming pool for the winter so you can enjoy it this coming spring!
Posted by Elizabeth Morcom on Mon, Oct 10, 2011 @ 04:20 PM
Happy Columbus Day, everyone!
It’s a gray and rainy day here in Metro Atlanta, and looking at the forecast, it looks like tomorrow is going to be more of the same chilly, dreary weather:
Obviously, summer really is coming to an end. And while we love fall (and winter and spring!), there’s nothing quite like the summertime!
That’s why we were so happy to find this article on Aqua Magazine’s site about Houston-based underwater photographer Danny Clark.
The bright and cheerful photographs on his website really remind us of summer fun and playing in the pool:
(photo courtesy AzulAquatic.com)
Luckily, it looks like this rainy weather will break on Wednesday. Until then, we think these pictures of pool playtime will help get us through the cloudy days!
Posted by Elizabeth Morcom on Thu, Oct 06, 2011 @ 11:06 AM
When imagining your dream pool and spa, it’s pretty easy to picture the setting: a balmy summer day with clear blue skies and just a slight breeze.
However, it’s important to remember the pool and spa will be available year-round, day and night! And when you go for a dip after dark, one of the most important safety features you can have is proper pool lighting.
Not only can well-placed lights amp up the beauty of a pool, they're also a crucial part of keeping swimmers safe.
The lights allow swimmers to see where they’re going, how deep the pool is, where walls are, and more. If someone gets hurt, the lights can be even more important, lighting the way to the swimmer in distress.
Of course, pool owners have a number of other concerns when choosing lighting for the pool, like cost and energy efficiency. While potentially more expensive at first, the efficiency of newer LED lights can recoup that initial investment and save you money over the life of your pool.
For more tips on how to best light your pool for looks and for safety, check out this excellent article from Pool & Spa News that does a good job of thoroughly explaining the subject!
Posted by Elizabeth Morcom on Wed, Sep 28, 2011 @ 03:48 PM
(image courtesy ksl.com)
An update to this bit of news we told you about yesterday: the Consumer Product Safety Commission voted today to change the definition of unblockable drains in the Virginia Graeme Baker Act.
The new definition requires not only that the drain cover be at least 18 by 23 inches, but the sump (the area underneath the cover) must be 18 by 23 inches as well.
When the VGB Act took effect, a number of pool owners used VGB-compliant covers over sumps that were small enough to block. Now, those pools will have a to-be-decided amount of time to come into compliance with the new requirements.
A public comment period of 60 days will decide that deadline.
Pool operators that placed the unblockable-sized cover over a single blockable-sized drain will now have to install secondary safety measures -- like a vent pipe -- or change the draining schematics of the pool.
If your pool will need to come into compliance with the new regulations of the VGB Act, remember that the Southeast’s swimming pool specialists at WaterColors LLC can help you figure everything out and update your pool so it’s within the new regulations before the deadline and next year’s swimming pool season!
Source: CPSC Ruling Upends Drain Requirements
Posted by Elizabeth Morcom on Tue, Sep 27, 2011 @ 01:26 PM
(image courtesy Stephen Jones, flickr.com)
Even more changes could be on the way for pools and spas across the country.
Tomorrow, the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) will meet to decide whether more safety measures need to be required under the Virginia Graeme Baker Act, which was instituted a few years ago to help prevent injuries and deaths from drain entrapment. Specifically, tomorrow’s meeting will be to discuss whether to alter the definition of an “unblockable drain.”
Currently, the act defines an “unblockable drain” as one of “any size and shape that a human body cannot sufficiently block to create a suction entrapment hazard.”
However, according to Stephen Getzhoff in Aqua Magazine, some pool operators have “slapp[ed] on a new drain cover” to comply with the specifics of the act rather than the intentions – ensuring the safety of all swimmers. Getzhoff is senior litigation partner at the New York City law firm of Lester, Schwab, Katz & Dwyer, and for the last nine years, has served as outside national counsel for Association of Pool and Spa Professionals.
Still others, like the National Swimming Pool Foundation, say there have been no serious injuries or deaths caused by entrapment since the VGB Act was instituted, so there's no reason to require more from pool operators at a time when money is tight.
If the changes are passed tomorrow, public pools who have installed larger drain covers over smaller openings will likely need to install secondary entrapment protection – like a vent pipe or a safety vacuum release system – to ensure compliance.
While the VGB Act is aimed at all pools, its only direct effect is on public pools. Compliance in private pools is mostly up to the owner.
Posted by Elizabeth Morcom on Thu, Sep 15, 2011 @ 02:48 PM
(image courtesy poollifts.com)
Come next summer, you might see some major changes at your local swimming pool.
About a year ago, the U.S. government approved a regulation that will affect public pools – and some neighborhood pools – across the country.
Part of the Americans with Disabilities Act, the law requires any public pool to be equipped with assisted entry equipment, and if the pool is more than 300 linear feet, two assisted entries will be required.
Aimed primarily at public pools – those run by the county/city or pools in hotels and campgrounds – the law could also affect neighborhood pools that sometimes host swim meets. Because the pools are considered public during the meets, they may be required to install the equipment.
According to this AJC article from last week, many neighborhood groups are still trying to figure out if the law applies to them. A Spring 2012 deadline has been set for compliance with the new law.
It is not certain whether HOAs and neighborhood pools will truly face enforcement or punishment from the government for non-compliance.
If your commercial or public pool needs to be upgraded to meet the new ADA standards, or if your neighborhood pool elects to meet the standards to avoid government action, remember that your swimming pool specialists at WaterColors LLC can help you ensure compliance with the new law at a reasonable price!
Contact us today for more information on making your pool and/or spa ADA-approved!
More info on the ADA regulation (courtesy United States Access Board)