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Scroll
down to browse through some archived SWIMMING POOL
questions and answers. Please click the Pool
Problems Link, on top of every page, to access a complete
listing of Pool Problem subjects, an alphabetized
Website Table of Contents, Pool Equipment Information,
About Alan Biographic Material and a Pool Glossary. Use
the other links to access additional subject
information. More information about some new and unique
products, for pools and spas, can be found by visiting
The Website Store.
You'll never know what you'll find and that's always
fun. Be better prepared and avoid costly problems!
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the Continental U.S.
A $9.99
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under $75.00. Orders
outside of the Continental
U.S. may require some
additional charge, based on
quantity and destination.
Most products can be
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On-line
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Optimizing the water chemistry and
improving pool safety and sanitation!!! |
A
ColorQ, All-Digital Tester can
perform all of the common pool and spa
water tests and eliminates the
color-matching and guesswork.
There's a model, for every testing need.
A
PockeTester Kit
is a convenient way to monitor the salt
level, to help assure proper performance
of salt chlorine generators.
The
Precision UV model is an
Ultraviolet Sterilizer,
for all types of pools, up to
40,000 gallons. Kills
microbes that normal levels of chlorine
may not. Even better when used
together. |
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If you have a pool or spa water testing
need, we should have the product.
►
Scroll down to read through some
Question & Answer information.
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Salt
Chlorine Generators and Time for Family
Fun!!! |
Most pools use some sort of chlorine. A
salt
chlorine generator is definitely a
better way to do chlorine, in any type
of pool. Salt chlorine generators are
highly automated and give you better
control of sanitation, helping you avoid
problems such as: algae, swimmer's
ear and pink eye. No more chlorine
to handle, measure or store. The salt level is about
that found in human tears. The
model
Saltron AG Salt Chlorine Generator
is designed for above-ground pools. No
installation
salt chlorine generators are
available, for pools, spas and swim spas, that are plug and play
ready.
Pools are
a source of family fun, especially when
kids are involved.
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If you have a pool or spa water testing
need, we should have the product.
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Scroll down to read through some
Question & Answer information.
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How to help
make your pool kid friendlier? |
Swimming pool
safety can take many forms, apart from safe
guarding the quality of the water. Keeping
children, swimmers and pets out of harm's way is
always a top priority. Towards this end,
equipment and devices are available to provide
both safety and piece of mind. It is unsafe to
swimming pool, when the pool floor is not
visible. New safety devices may be needed to
comply with current anti-entrapment safety
regulations. Electrical Shock Hazards can
present a real threat. Scroll down the page and click on the linked
keywords,
catch phrases
or images, in the archived answers below, to access additional information, on that topic or product.
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Helpful,
Problem-Solving Information, in a question and
answer format.
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► Pool Safety
Concerns?
We have an inground pool and are
concerned about our toddler son. Are there safety devices
that could put our mind at easy? Or should we use a cover or
a fence? Thank you.
Jennifer S., 5/23/2020
There are several choices:
pool alarms, portable safety
fences, safety nets,
safety covers and enclosures. From the
point of view of safety, perhaps the best are pool safety
covers. These covers seal off the surface -- you can
actually stand on the cover -- and can be operated manually
or automatically. As a bonus, they will reduce water loss
through evaporation and keep the water warmer. While it may
not reduce the local code requirements for a fence, it can
be a real life saver. A Pool Alarm System is an easy,
relatively inexpensive and do-it-yourself way to effectively
improve pool and backyard safety. In addition to all the
electronic safety measures, you should make sure the pool is
equipped with an anti-entrapment safety drain cover, that
meets the latest regulations. It prevents the suction, from
the main drain, from entrapping the long hair of a swimmer
or buttocks, arms, legs, etc. Good luck with your decision.
Sincerely. Alan Schuster, 5/23/2020
►
Anti-Entrapment Drain Covers?
We have an older inground pool and I
am concerned about my daughter's long hair being snagged, by
the suction created by the main drain. Can my pool be fitted
with a safety cover, that I have read about, in a recent
magazine article? Thank you for your help.
Debra S., Bonita Springs, FL, 3/12/2018
Your pool should be able to be fitted with an
automatic
pool safety cover.
There have been lots of federal and local legislation,
covering this aspect of pool safety. Make sure that your
pool will comply, with the latest regulations. I hope that
this information will be helpful and provide some piece of
mind.
Sincerely. Alan Schuster, 3/12/2018
► Virginia
Graeme Baker Pool and Spa Safety Act
I am in North Carolina and about to
install a new liner in my in-ground pool. It is 16 x 32 and
the depths are from 3' to 8'. My installer believes that he
must install a 2nd drain in the bottom ( 3' from the
existing drain) at the time he replaces my liner to comply
with new safety laws. I have read the articles on the
Virginia Graeme Baker Pool and Spa Safety Act, but other
than the newly required safety cover, it sounds like
everything else (the 2 drain requirement) only pertains to
public pools. I have searched the internet for a couple days
now (and also your site) and cannot find who I would need to
contact to get verification of the new laws. Can you either
lead me in the right direction of who to contact or can you
verify the information for me? Thank you VERY much,
Bev S, NC, 1/25/2009
The mandates of the Virginia Graeme Baker Pool and Spa
Safety Act (VGB Act) do apply to public and residential
pools. However, only public pools and spas are obligated to
replace the drain covers with a design, that is in
compliance, and must have a drain system that meets the new
requirements. New residential pools, built after 12/19/2008,
should be using a compliant drain cover, as all
non-compliant ones should have been removed from commerce.
No mention is made of adding a second drain to a new or
existing residential pool or spa. Retrofitting a compliant
drain does make sense, when a liner is replaced or the
draining of any type of pool, makes access easy.
There are a host of new cover designs, that meets or exceed
all existing standards, for use in residential or public
pools and spas. Local laws will vary and may change. Always
make sure all devices are in compliance with all applicable
laws.
The Virginia Graeme Baker Pool and Spa Safety Act (VGB Act)
was signed into federal law on December 19, 2007, with the
support of the Association of Pool & Spa Professionals
(APSP). Please visit
WWW.APSP.ORG for the latest
VGB-related information. Public pools and spas that are not in
compliance by December 19, 2008, may not open for use until
compliant. The VGB Act contains three federally enforced
mandates—each effective December 19, 2008:
1. All drain covers (public and residential) manufactured,
imported, distributed, or offered into commerce must comply
with the new ASME/ANSI A112.19.8 2007 standard. Proof of
compliance requires testing and certification by a
Nationally Recognized Testing Laboratory, except for “Field
Fabricated Outlets” defined under Section 2.3.1 of the ASME
standard. These specialized suction outlets may qualify for
site-specific certification by a Registered Design
Professional, as defined in Section 1.5 of the ASME
standard.
2. All public pools and spas (new and existing) must be
retrofitted with covers that meet the new ASME/ANSI
A112.19.8 2007 standard, or qualified Field Fabricated
Outlets may be certified by a Registered Design
Professional, as stipulated in the ASME standard.
3. All public pools and spas that have a single drain, other
than an unblockable drain, must employ one or more
additional options.
While I have made an effort to correctly state the facts, I
suggest that you check with the local building or zoning
department, to see if their local laws or ordinances require
anything more or different, than what is required by the
current Federal law. I hope that I have been helpful.
Sincerely. Alan Schuster, 1/25/2009
Editors Note: It has dragged on into 2013, as to
what must be done to fully comply. It still does not
seem to be fully resolved, at the Federal level and who
knows what exists at the state level. You need to do
some homework, to know what your state requires, at the
current time.
Sincerely. Alan
Schuster, 1/17/2013
► Safety
Requirements?
I've written you before with great
info in return, but this time please recommend some one.
We've purchased a pool and construction has begun. We now
being forced with all kinds of pool barrier codes making an
already expensive purchase more so, with having to change
doors to the house and gates to the yard. I don't really
have a problem with exterior gates to the yard opening
outward self closing and latching to keep out the "riff
raff", but they want our two existing sliding glass doors
and windows self-closing and latching too! My wife and I are
40ish and good swimmers. I've even been lifesaver certified
and spent time in the navy, don't have children and can't.
But still they want all this extra barrier stuff. No one
seems to sell these sliding glass door closers because of
liabilities, do you know of any? These requirements are
crazy. They're all worried about pool owners, but there are
countless lakes in parks, home communities everywhere with
kids all around and lots of the time, even in them, with
only as much as a no swimming sign by them. Please let your
people know to watch their kids around water, even if the
worst doesn't happen, they'll be captive in their own home
without being able to even open a window or door to their
own yard!
Disgusted in Chandler AZ, 4/16/2016
I'm glad that I was helpful before, but this time, I seem to
have run into an obstacle. Drowning and pool safety are
things to be aware about, so far as children as concerned. A
pool is an "inviting hazard" and needs to be separated by
some means. I agree that lakes and ponds are not similarly
protected, but that would be deemed unattractive. The lake
behind my house has a resident alligator and is not fenced.
I'm the one that is fenced in. These safety requirements are
locally regulated and vary considerably. I have seen pools
without fencing! The point is that your state is acting in
the greater good, in requiring some degree of protection,
regardless of your qualifications as a swimmer, the presence
of children or your training. And that's the way it should
be! Safety pool covers, pool safety nets, safety barriers,
safety fencing, pool safety alarms and self closing devices
are all in use. You can't stand guard 24/7 and these devices
can make a critical difference. Now onto the problem. I
looked in the industry trade buyer's guide and could find
nothing on self closing devices. They exist, but I'm at a
loss, as to why it should prove so difficult, given the code
requirements. I suggest that you pay the library a visit or
go on-line and
look it up in the Thomas register. Good luck.
Sincerely. Alan Schuster, 4/17/2016
► Slippery
Steps?
I have a spa that is made of
fiberglass and "gel". The gel surface is very slippery and I
swim dogs in this pool, so I need to add something that will
have more traction. I have some of the stick on strips, but
they are starting to come up, are very expensive, especially
because they will have to be replaced occasionally, and I
can't afford to cover the entire surface area with them.
[about 40sf on 4 steps] Do you know what I could paint on to
the gelcoat surface that would have traction, or I could add
sand to, in order to provide a non slip surface for dogs and
people stepping into the spa? Thanks so much. Love your
site, help, resources of good places to buy on line. Best
regards.
Joyce B., Vancouver, WA, 10/11/2008
Yes, you can apply a paint. The right paint helps!
Ultra
Poly One Coat is a tough, industrial-strength finish and
comes with a supply of grit that can be added to get the
right amount of traction. You need use the grit only where
better traction is needed. Ultra Poly One Coat is a high
performance, hybrid -epoxy formula that only requires a
single coat. It is very durable and long lasting. Surface
preparation consists of a cleaning with a citrate solution
and then a power washing. Humidity is not an issue and no
primers or top coats are required. Undecided? Read the
first letter on this website page:
Pool Coatings and Paints.
I hope that this information will be helpful.
Sincerely. Alan Schuster, 10/11/2008
► Worried
About The Dog?
We have a small dog that cannot get
out of the pool herself. She manages to jump or fall in all
by herself. There are no kid's using the pool and it is
fenced in. Any suggestions about safety precautions will be
appreciated. The pool is 16' x 32' inground. Thanks.
Yorkie Owner, 3/12/2007
There are several products to consider. A
safety pool cover
will seal off the pool at the press of a button and has
other advantages as well: acts as a solar cover and as a
winter or vacation cover. A
pool alarm can be used to sound
a warning that someone or something has entered to pool. It
was designed to protect kids, but it will work for dogs.
Removable safety fencing can be placed around the pool, when
you are not using it. Although designed to keep toddlers out
of the pool, it should do well for small dogs. Adding an
escape ramp, which should be available, can give
your dog and frogs, mice and other uninvited critters, an
easy way out. And lastly, there are safety nets that can be
used to keep kids and pets out of the pool. So as you can
see, there are several ways to provide safety. Good luck
with your choice.
Sincerely. Alan Schuster, 3/13/2007
► Toddler
Safety Concerns?
We have two toddlers and are very,
very concerned about pool safety, as they are wily climbers.
I have read your high recommendation of the automatic pool
cover as an answer to another question sent to you about a
toddler. My question is, how do you think it stacks up as
compared to the net cover? We are concerned about water
collecting in the center of the vinyl cover. Also, do you
recommend fences too? What about sensors? We are looking for
as much safety as we can get, for our young kids and also
for when they're older and for older kids who may try to
swim in our pool when we're not home. Thanks for any advice.
Amy, 1/23/2008
An automatic pool safety cover
provides the highest level of safety. Water will not collect
on top, as the covers come with an automatic pump that
prevents accumulations of water. This prevents dirty,
unfiltered water from entering the pool. It is strong enough
to hold the weight of several adults, quite easily. As a
bonus, it acts as a solar blanket, making the pool heater
more effective and less costly. If you are in an area, that
requires winter covers, it can be used, as part of that
procedure. Net covers provide some protection, but are not
the same. It is work to put on or take off and will that
always be done? The spaces between the cords allows for some
things to pass through or entangle? Automatic covers open
and close at a press of a button. An alarm can be added to
signal the opening of the cover or it can be locked open or
closed, with a key. Fencing or gates help, but are not
foolproof. However, you can add
perimeter alarms,
for additional safety. You should, also, make sure the
pool is equipped with an anti-entrapment drain cover, that
meets the latest regulations. It precludes the suction, from
the main drain, from entrapping the long hair of a swimmer
or buttocks, arms, legs and other body parts. I hope that
this information will provide a peace of mind solution.
Sincerely. Alan Schuster, 1/28/2008
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better informed shopping!!! |
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Shipping is FREE* . . . within
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A $9.99
handling charge will apply
to Continental U.S. Orders,
under $75.00. Orders
outside of the Continental
U.S. may require some
additional charge, based on
quantity and destination.
Most products can be
shipped World-Wide. International
and orders outside of
Continental U.S. - see
comments on the ordering
pages. |
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Credit Cards and PayPal are accepted. |
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