The Holiday season is here and so are all of those delicious treats and rich decadent celebratory foods we love to eat this time of year. Why not help burn off some of those extra calories and have fun doing it by getting out in your swimming pool?  ​

There are many reasons why using your pool is a great way to stay in shape. Here are just a few: 

• Swimming is a Low Impact Exercise 

Unlike other popular forms of exercise, such as running, swimming is very  easy on your joints. Swimming is an ideal form of exercise for anyone with joint issues like arthritis, inflammation, or recovering from an injury.  

• Swimming is a Great Whole-Body Workout 

It may not seem like it, but when you swim you are working the entire body both upper and lower as well as core. For a  nice whole-body challenge to help speed up getting into shape try starting with a warm up like a lap or two of easy slow paced swimming then work  up to a lap of faster swimming with a more difficult stroke, rest for 30 seconds then do another few laps of higher energy strokes like butterfly and  finish off with a few slower cool down laps.  

• Swimming Burns a lot of Calories 

The actual calories you burn in a workout is dependent upon your personal factors of weight, gender, body type, age, metabolism, and other things. The actual amount of calories burned during swimming will also change with the length of time you swim and how hard the stroke you do is, along with the speed you swim. All that being said you can burn a lot of calories by swimming. For example the average 155 pound person can burn 233 calories an hour at a normal pace, 372 calories an hour at a vigorous pace, and 409 calories an hour doing the breast stroke.  

• Swimming is Both Cardio and Strength Training 

Swimming is of course great cardio work that strengthens the heart and the rest of the cardiovascular system, but it is also great resistance work that strengthens a number of muscles. Though water doesn’t  seem super tough to move through, it is 780 times denser than air, so swimming is like running but with weight constantly pulling at you.   

• Water is a Mood Booster 

All types of exercise have the ability to boost our mood, but in addition to the mood boosting adrenaline swimming can boost mental health as well. Since the time of Hippocrates, hydrotherapy has been recommended to sooth stress and anxiety. You will be surprised at how rejuvenating even a quick swim in your own backyard pool can be. We can all use a little less stress during the holidays.  

• You can do More than Just Swim in the Pool to Burn Calories 

Maybe you are not in the mood to do laps today, that’s okay there are many other  water activities you can do that are fun and will have you forget you are even exercising. Some of these activities include sports like volleyball and water polo, you can work in some water aerobics, or even get out he paddleboard and do some pool yoga.  

If you plan to spend more time burning off those holiday calories and enjoying your pool, you will want to make sure the water is balanced and clean.  Spend more time enjoying your pool and less time cleaning it by hiring a pool maintenance professional. For pool care in Lake Havasu City contact the team at EverClear Pool.  

Generally, when we are around a pool and we smell chlorine thick in the air, we don’t think anything of it. We think that pools use large amounts of chlorine to keep the water clean and free of germs and that the stronger chlorine smell is a sure sign that the water is in fact clean.  

A strong chlorine smell is actually an indicator that there is something off with the chemical balance and/or cleanliness of the pool. A pool should actually not carry a chlorine smell at all. This odor is actually not caused by chlorine, but by chloramines.  

A chloramine is formed with an over-abundance of ammonia containing things in the pool including perspiration, body oils, and urine from swimmers. These chloramines are formed when ammonia from bodily fluids reacts with hypochlorous acid in the water and reduces the amount of free available chlorine in the water. This reduces the effectiveness of chlorine to kill germs in the pool.  

How to Reduce Chloramines in the Pool 
The best way to keep the pool water from getting out of balance and taking in that chlorine smell is to shower before entering the pool. A quick rinse in the locker room, at the showers next to a pool, or in your bathroom at home will do wonders to reduce the amount of body oils that enter the pool. Additionally, if you have little ones in the pool have them use the restroom frequently. ​

How to Determine if a Pool is Truly Clean for Swimming 
 
The easiest way to do a quick test of the cleanliness of pool water without a testing strip is to use the “SENSE-ABLE” Swimming Check List.  
 

• Sight: Is the pool water a bright blue and clear enough to see to the bottom? You should be able to see the drain in the deepest part of the pool with no problem when you are standing on the pool deck. If you can’t don’t go swimming.  
• Touch: Take a quick feel of the pool wall just below the water line. If the wall feels at all slimy at the water line the water is dirty, do not go in. 

• Smell: If there is a strong chemical smell of any kind, the pool water is in need of treatment and you do not want to swim in it.  
• Listen: If you can hear the pool filter working that is a good sign.  

 
Treating a Pool with a Strong Chlorine Smell 
A pool with a strong chlorine smell is lacking in free available chlorines and therefore needs to be super-chlorinated or given a shock treatment. This is the practice of adding extra chlorine to the water to destroy the ammonia and other organic compounds causing the odor. If you need help doing this in your pool it is a good idea to call in a pool care professional. 
 
For pool maintenance in Lake Havasu City contact the team at My Everclear Pool.  

There are few things more beautiful than a crystal clear pool on a very hot day, and according to pool industry standards, your pool should be just that, crystal clear. If your water does not carry the same clarity as drinking water, there is probably something wrong.  ​

Why is Cloudy Pool Water an Issue?  
Not only is cloudy water in the pool unsightly, it is a safety issue, and sign of dirty water. If you cannot see clearly through to the bottom of the pool you will not be able to notice if all swimmers are safe at all times in your water.  The CDC ( Center for Disease Control and Prevention) recommends that you are able to see the drain at the bottom of the deep end of the pool when you are standing on the pool deck.  

Why is the Pool Water Cloudy?  
Though it seems like cloudy water may be the result of unbalanced chemicals in the water, it is actually a physical problem not a chemical one. Cloudiness can be caused by a few different things including particles in the water that entered from the air such as dust and pollen. It can also be caused by things that bathers bring in with them for example, deodorant or even hair, skin can even be a culprit.  

To Fix Cloudiness, First Check the Filter 

There are three main types of pool filters: sand, cartridge, and Diatomaceous Earth (DE). Sand filters can become clogged and trapped with debris or may need additional sand to continue working at the capacity in which it needs. Periodically, a sand filter will need to be backwashed to remove a buildup of trapped particles. This is done by reversing the flow of the water through the filter. DE filters can become overly dirty by, or slow down with, scale. Additionally the holding grid could be torn or broken. A cartridge filter can get dirty, worn, calcified, or scaled. A cartridge filter can be fixed by pulling the cartridge and cleaning it according to the manufacturers recommended instructions.  

It is also good to check on the pump after checking the filter. Make sure that the pump has proper flow rate sizing and check the pump impellers to make sure they are in good working condition.  

What if Checking the Filter Doesn’t Fix the Cloudiness?  
If your cloudiness is possibly the result of a large party or influx of use, you may need to use a chemical remedy.  Swimmers contribute a number of different contaminants to a pool such as sweat, deodorant, makeup, hair, shampoos, soaps, and other things. Animals can also contribute; one swimming dog is the equivalent of 50 human swimmers.  

In the case of a large amount of particle contaminants where a filter cleaning does not do the trick to clear up the cloudiness, a super chlorination or non-chlorine shock oxidation can help to break down excess particles. This process is called super chlorination, it not only kills germs and breaks down particles it also destroys combined chlorine. This is a clump of chlorine compounds, or disinfectant, and nitrogen from swimmers. Combined chlorine forms in the water and gives off a harsh odor that smells like the pool has too much chlorine.  

To super chlorinate the pool, 10 times the amount of the combined chlorine that has been measured should be added to the water. No swimmers should be allowed in the water after super chlorinating until the free chlorine level drops between 1 and 4 parts per million.  

What if the Water is STILL Cloudy?  
Cloudy pool water that is still around after filter cleaning and super chlorination is probably due to particles in the water that are too small to be held in the filter. To fix this a clarifier can be added to the water. A clarifier will attract the tiny particles and stick to them creating larger ones that will then get trapped inside the filter.  

If you need help getting your pool water crystal clear again it is a good idea to call in a pool care specialist. For professional pool care in Lake Havasu City contact Everclear Pool Service today.

More Great Tips for Pool Owners:

• How do you know if your pool filter is working?
  Why you need a cover on your pool or hot tub
  The best way to care for your pool in hot weather
  
  

​If you've had your swimming pool for a while and you're considering an upgrade, there are some things you might want to add to it that will not only extend the life and health of your swimming pool but be a benefit to you and your family as well. Here are five great upgrades to consider with your swimming pool.

1. Automation

Timers are in the digital age and whether you're simply activating your security system or turning on the heater in your pool, timing and automation can be a great upgrade to your swimming pool. Older units can be converted to incorporate digital timers so the pool equipment can operate when you wanted to saving you both time and money.

2. Automatic robotic cleaners.

Robotic cleaners are now available as stand-alone units so if you have an older one or maybe not want it all, these are a great upgrade and there's no need to run the pool pump is often. Many of these robotic cleaners have scheduled cleanings, are enabled with Bluetooth, and can be remote-controlled. You can simply plug it into a GFCI 110 outlet and to save on your electrical bill as well.

3. Chemical monitoring.

Did you know that you can remotely monitor your pool water's chemicals? By connecting the system to your home network you can drop the chemical monitoring system into the pool, download the app, and it will send you notifications when your water chemistry needs attention.

4. LED lights.

LED lights will brighten up the pool and save you money over the long run when it comes to your electrical costs. You can swap out any haulage and or incandescent lights to LED bulbs, which will make a significant upgrade to your swimming pool.

5. Chlorinator.

Tired of waiting for that tablet of chlorine to dissolve? An off-line chlorinator could be a great addition. By installing a chlorinator to the equipment pad, you can efficiently dose your pool with chlorine when it needs it without having to wait for that tablet to dissolve.

For more information on upgrading your pool, pool repair, service, automation, or integration of any of these items please give us a call.

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Things to Consider Before Putting in a Pool Slide

Do you need a cover on your hot tub?

How to know if your pool filter is working

A slide can up the fun factor of your pool, who doesn’t get excited when they see a pool slide? From the youngest adventure seekers to the youngest at heart.  ​

Before you get too excited and start dreaming about a new pool slide, there are some things to consider before adding a slide to your home pool. If you are considering a slide for your pool you may want to consider the follow things before you pick one out.  

Size of Your Pool 
To start your slide addition process you want to first consider the size and type of pool you have. A slide in a long and narrow lap pool for example would defeat the main purpose of the pool and may not pass building regulations. This is where the help of an experienced pool contractor can help immensely to determine if your pool is the right size/depth/style for the slide you wish to get.  

Good Questions to Ask About Your Pool’s Size 

• Is the pool deck large enough to accommodate the size of slide you want? 
  
• Is the type of slide within building restrictions/recommendations for you pool?  
  

• Will the slide look monstrous next to the pool even if it does work?  
  

Where is the Slide Going to Go 
Most slides take up an area about 8 feet by 15 feet and vary with the type. You want to put the slide in an area that has plenty of room so that you and anyone else using the slide has ample room to get around the slide and up the ladder. You also want to consider where the ladder is going to end up. You don’t want to stick it in the center of a patio that is typically used for seating and hanging out or next to a fence so people have to walk under it to get around.  

Safety Requirements for Pool Slides 
Safety codes can and do vary from area to area. These are the basic safety requirements for pool slides. Make sure to look up the local codes specific to your area.  

• The higher the slide, the deeper the pool needs to be.  
  
• Ladders, steps, ramps, or stairs need to have treads instead of rungs if they are at an angle of incline 15 degrees or larger.  
  
• A slider’s center of gravity must be fully balanced on each step or ladder rung during use. The angle of the steps or ladder must allow for this. 
  

• Slide steps need to meet dimension, tread, curvature, slip resistance, and performance requirements. This is a great one to check local regulations for.  
  
• Fasteners must be sturdy and not susceptible to cracking, coming loose, or breakage. 
  
• Minimum dimensions apply to ladder platforms with a slip-resistant surface at the top of the slide including the handrails. 
  
• Must have a load capacity of at least 300 pounds without sustaining damage.  
  
• Hand rails need to meet positioning, extension, height, design, and length requirements. 
  

• Bolts should be rust free. 
  
• Slides should be kept wet for safe sliding. 
  

Maintenance 
Periodically the slide should be tested by shaking to determine if there are any loose bolts or fasteners. With time a slide can discolor in the sun, use a glaze or polish kit to bring your slide back to life.  

The best way to enjoy your pool is to ensure it is safe and the water is properly balanced. For routine pool care in Lake Havasu City contact EverClear Pool Service.  

It's important to know if your swimming pool or hot tub filter is working because without knowing you could spend several tries clearing your pool water only to realize that the dirt is recirculating back into the pool. Not only could you waste a lot of time but you could spend endless amounts of money on chemicals and clarifiers to get the water back on track. So, how do you know if your pool filter is working correctly?

There are two main methods to figure this out. You could try adding some diatomaceous earth or a sand filter to test it. Just a scoop or two will do it into the skimmer. Immediately after adding it look at the pool jets and returns to see if you can physically detect cloudy water coming back in. If you can, then you probably have a filter issue and will need to address it in a different way. Make sure you don't add diatomaceous earth to a cartridge filter. A little bit of cellulose fiber-based filtration powder can work if you want to see if anything comes through but diatomaceous earth can pack into the cartridge fold and cause excessive strain on fabric elements so you want to use that with caution.

Another method is to test the filter by connecting a vacuum hose and skimmer suction port. You could see if the Jets or returns show any cloudy water coming back through. Of course, you actually have to have dirt on the floor of your pool to see if this method works.

The first method assumes you have a pressure base sweep that uses unfiltered water and if you have a backwash valve it's possible that the valve seal or diverter could be failing, which will allow dirty water to bypass the filter and recirculated back into the pool. However, it's more common for the filter to have an internal problem then a failed valve.

If the pool filter shows dirt coming back through it's important to clean the filter and backwash valve thoroughly. The filter cleaning should be a full disassembly and inspection of each internal part, which is something a professional pool service company can do for you. If you have a sand filter blowing dirt back into the pool, check to see if the sand is more than 3 to 4 inches old. If so, it could be ready for a sand change. Over time, water going through these particles tends to round them out and lose their sharp edges making the sand like small marbles.

Replacing the sand typically cost several hundred dollars and can put you at about 50% of the cost of a new filter. If your residential pool owner you may not need your filter running 24 hours a day and a cartridge filler can do the same job in half the time. There are different filters for different needs so it's important to talk to your pool specialist about the needs of your pool and the filter requirements.