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Without argument, some of the most beautiful gardens in the world comprise a water feature – notably a freshwater pond.

The gentle trickle of water over rock, the rich earthy smell of fertile earth, and the soft rustle of lush plant life hugging the edge of the pond creates a special kind of serenity. As humans, we are drawn to this sparkling oasis, with all its beauty and life.

If you have been toying with the idea of incorporating a pond in your garden, then we would encourage you to go with it. The benefits of a freshwater pond are numerous, and we can guarantee that it will give back to you in bucket loads.

What are the benefits of a freshwater pond?

On a purely practical level, a pond will save you money. How so? Many homeowners default to vast tracts of lawn in their garden, which looks great, but can be very thirsty. In the dry months we spend thousands of litres of water trying to keep our grass green, and in the wet months we spend a small fortune mowing, weeding, and edging. However, a freshwater pond requires very little maintenance and actually conserves water. Rainwater and roof runoff can be used to top up the pond when necessary, but besides that it requires no mowing, weeding, or edging.

A pond creates its own incredible ecosystem which benefits the whole garden in ways you may not consider. For example, the sludge collected from the pond filter (which is full of nutrients from degrading plant matter and fish droppings) can be used as a natural and highly efficient fertilizer in your garden. Those involved in growing their own veggies and herbs at home will love the fertile boost that this adds to your soil.

A fresh and clean water source will also attract local wildlife, such as frogs, birds, and insects. Tadpoles are excellent for controlling algae, which can be the bane of a pond-owner’s life. And they take care of undesirable insects (such as mosquitoes), which are invariably attracted to a water source.

A well-constructed freshwater pond will provide a breeding sanctuary for these indigenous creatures. For example, it would include a shallow section for amphibians and perhaps wading birds if the size allows. The pond edge would include fully and partially submerged plants which provide shade, food, and shelter. Adding rocks, branches, and bark provides additional food and cover for small animals.

A freshwater pond provides drinking water during the dry months, as well as plant-based food for our terrestrial wildlife too. When you consider how urban growth has impacted our wildlife here in South Africa, adding a small oasis for these displaced animals is a kind and environmentally friendly road to take.

Setting up a pond – even a small one – requires a little knowhow and some time and effort. Pool Spa have enjoyed creating the magic that freshwater ponds bring to a home, and we’d love to help you with yours. Give us a call on +27 11 793 1381 or take a look at our beautiful ponds at www.poolspa.co.za.

So you have made the decision to install a swimming pool. You have the space in your garden, you have an idea on price … and your kids are thrilled.

The next step on this very exciting journey is to determine which swimming pool design will suit your family. What options are available to you?

Likely the first consideration will be how much usable space you have. This will determine, to a large extent, the pool size, shape and position.

You will also want to think about how you will be using your swimming pool. For example, if you are avid entertainers then you will want something close to your braai area, (perhaps with a cocktail step) which can accommodate those fun floating sofas. If you are planning on using it for exercise, then it can be in a more private part of the garden, and in a shape conducive to lap training. A family with young children will love gently sloped sides and perhaps a fountain with plenty of shallow space to splash around in.

A Lap Pool

These are usually cleverly integrated into the design of a home and can be nestled away if space is at a premium. They most often take a rectangular shape to allow for lap swimming. But of course, our incredibly hot South African summers mean that we can dip into our lap pool at any time. They are generally compact, stylish, and easy to maintain.

Traditional Pool

A large, geometrically-shaped pool is the first choice for families. They are simple to install, easy to finish - and they look incredible. Precast forms are the most cost-effective pool option, and these make up the majority of traditional pool designs. Great for the family and wonderful when entertaining, and a good choice for a large, flat piece of ground.

Infinity Pool

If your home enjoys stunning sea or gorge views, then this is an excellent option for you. These spectacular and stylish options add a whole new dimension of glamour to a home. Also called horizon pools, they are most often edged with clear glass or thin balustrades for safety.

Resort Pool

These are usually custom-built to suit your taste and space, and are an exciting way to shape your garden. A well-designed resort pool will often make use of water features, well-positioned rocks, as well as lighting, and clever planting. These make a beautiful backdrop when you’re entertaining, but are also thrilling for children to let their imaginations run free.

Splash Pool

If you simply don’t have the space for a good-sized swimming pool, then there is always the option of a splash pool. These dinky little pools are perfect for a quick dunk on a hot day, great for small kiddies to play in, and an excellent option for a lazy soak with a cocktail at the end of the day. They can also double as a truly relaxing spa if for a little bit extra.

So if you are in the enviable position of choosing your own unique swimming pool, it would be wise to research the various exciting options available to you.

Pool Spa have installed swimming pools and spas across South Africa and we would be thrilled to assist you. Give us a call on +27 11 793 1381 or take a look at our previous work at www.poolspa.co.za.

Having a beautifully maintained garden and outdoor swimming or entertainment area makes a difference to any home. During the summer months a lot of time is spent outdoors, especially by the pool and braai areas, so why not add a little bit more to your outdoor area by adding a water feature? Water features can be stand alone, or form part of the design of your pool – it all depends on what you feel will look best. If you have a reasonably sized garden, why not consider having a garden pond? Garden ponds add an extra feel of tranquillity and relaxation in any garden and you can fill them with aquatic plants and fish.

Water features

A water feature can change the outer appearance of your pool quite dramatically. If you have a pool that has been built close to the side of a wall, and if you have a more rustic garden between the paving of the pool and the wall, then maybe you should consider having a small rock water feature. The water features next to or built as part of the pool adds a calming waterfall effect. Most water features are built as part of the swimming pool and are almost fountain like in appearance – the materials used to build them are usually from the same material using for the paving around the pool so that it blends in. If you prefer your water feature as a stand-alone feature, you can have one that can form the focal point of your garden. What you need to make sure of is that whatever type of water feature you choose as a stand-alone, does not take up too much of your garden space.

Whichever type of water feature you decide to go for, know that you are not only making your property aesthetically pleasing to the eye, but you are adding value to your property.

Garden ponds

Having a garden pond can be a delight. You can fill it (but not too much) with aquatic plants and fish. Koi fish are suitable to have in a garden pond as well as water lilies. Garden ponds need to be in a place in the garden where there won’t be a lot of “foot traffic” as the last thing you need is to have someone falling in! Garden ponds are available in a lot of shapes and sizes, as with water features just make sure that the one you choose is not too big as you don’t want your whole lawn taken up with a garden feature! What is very popular at the moment is incorporating garden ponds with water features over swimming pools. This makes you feel like you are more than one with nature!

Let your outdoor area be a reflection of your personality – enjoy making the most of your garden and swimming pool areas.

For the best pool and pond care, you need to speak to the experts – Pool Spa & Filtration. Pool Spa & Filtration will not only help you with any water features that you are interested in, but they will ensure that you are informed of the proper maintenance as well! From pool accessories to water features, Pool Spa & Filtration will have what you need. To find out more about the services on offer through Pool Spa & Filtration, visit their website www.poolspa.co.za

Redoing your swimming pool can be a very costly exercise so make sure that this is definitely needed before taking the plunge! Unfortunately pools do not have an extended lifetime on the flooring which can get damaged due to a number of reasons. One of the main ones being poor workmanship from the get go. As a swimming pool is considered as the focal point of any outdoor area, proper maintenance and care must be done on your pool regularly.

Before going ahead with any repairs to your swimming pool, consult with experts in the field. If you feel that you are quite the DIY kind of person then you can go ahead and do the repairs yourself – just remember that it is time consuming and hard labour!

First off you need to minimise inconveniences that your repairs can cause:

• Move all items around the pool that can get in the way like plants and furniture
• Keep your windows closed to reduce dust in the home and noise
• If possible, keep your pets inside or in the front garden – the noise as well as the dust is not good for them

The next steps

• Drain the water from your pool. If possible allow the water to go into your garden and into the closest street drain
• Once the pool has been drained the interior surface of the pool needs to be prepared. If you are resurfacing the interior, then power tools are needed to chip out all the old plaster. The goal of preparation is so that there can be proper bonding with the new surface
• Now comes the fun part – plastering your swimming pool. Plaster is mixed and fed into the pool by a high pressure hose and sprayed on the interior. With hand trowels the plaster is smoothed on the interior so that the plaster can set
• Once the plaster has set, you can start filling up your pool with a garden hose

Do not, under any circumstances, turn off the water until your pool is completely full ie it has reached the required water line.

You will find that there will be plaster dust at the bottom of your pool, but do not worry about it. As your pool pump works it will start getting rid of the dust. Just a word of caution though - if your four-legged children enjoy taking a dip in your swimming pool, make sure that they do not until such time as the plaster has sufficiently settled. This can take up to a week.

Redoing your swimming pool seems like easy work, but there is a lot to it and as stated before, will require a lot of your time and it is very labour intensive!

If you want to get an expert opinion when it comes to repairing your pool, then you need to contact Pool Spa & Filtration. From pool repairs to swimming pool accessories, Pool Spa & Filtration will have just what your swimming pool needs! To find out more about the products and services on offer through Pool Spa & Filtration, visit their website www.poolspa.co.za

Water has been known to have healing properties, whether you have a swimming pool, jacuzzi or just a water feature you will always feel more at ease and relaxed around water. Swimming pools are enjoyed for a number of reasons – to cool down in summer, to swim lengths, for water aerobics and for therapy. Hot tubs, or jacuzzis (as we know them), have been around for centuries but it has only recently been brought to light that there are many health benefits associated with a jacuzzi.

What are the general health benefits of a jacuzzi?

• If you suffer from insomnia or just generally battle to sleep, having a good relaxing soak in a jacuzzi has been proven to improve your nightly sleeping habits.
• Stressed out? Then the best medicine is a therapeutic soak in a jacuzzi. The heat from the water increases blood flow and the massage from the jets works out any muscle tension and fatigue.
• According to tennis coaches, the best form of physio therapy for tennis players is a jacuzzi. It will soak away your aching muscles and due to the increased blood circulation, your joints will ease up. Can you think of a better way to improve your tennis game?
• Arthritis can be a killer, especially in winter. The best cure? Soaking in a jacuzzi. The warmth of the water together with the constant circulation caused by the jets has a soothing and pain relieving effect on arthritic joints.

Swimming pools are not only used for cooling off and swimming in, but more often than not, are being used for therapy sessions for patients that suffer from niggling injuries or for patients that have undergone major surgery. A swimming pool is also fantastic as a form of stress release. Swimming laps has a tendency to relax the body and focus the mind and biggest benefit of all, is that you are getting your bit of exercise at the same time!

Swimming pools and jacuzzis used for hydrotherapy

Hydrotherapy is a form of therapy that uses water to treat an injury or illness. The basic theory behind this is that water has many properties that give it the ability to heal. The reason why water is mainly used as a healing tool is because water cannot hurt you. Water basically forms a protective shell around you enabling your body (specifically joints) more movement and flexibility. It is due to this that physio therapists are choosing hydrotherapy above normal therapy for their patients.

Taking care of your swimming pool or jacuzzi is made easier with the expert advice from Pool Spa & Filtration. From accessories for swimming pools to water and garden features, Pool Spa & Filtration have just the right type of “water therapy” that you need. To find out more about the aquatic products on offer through Pool Spa & Filtration, visit their website www.poolspa.co.za

Winter is a time to button down the hatches and hibernate! Unfortunately if you have a swimming pool you can’t just ignore it or assume that it will take care of itself during winter. Even though you won’t be making use of your swimming pool you still need to make sure that it is cared for so that come summer your pool will be ready for swimming and loads of water fun.

Some tips on how to keep your pool clean during winter

• Algaecide – come mid-winter it is advisable to use a good algaecide in your pool. By doing this you will prevent algae from growing on the sides of your pool and prevent any algae build-up in your pump or pool filter system. Once the algaecide has been applied, shut down your pool circulation system for the rest of winter. Only start the circulation again once summer has returned.

• Prevent freezing – check the pump and motorized parts of your swimming pool. It is advisable to drain the water from the pool pump, heater and filter. The reason for this is as the temperature drops so does the water temperature and it could cause the water to freeze and crack the pipes.

• Keep your pool cover clean all year – all it requires from you is regularly hosing down your pool cover to keep debris off of it. Make sure that you keep your pool covered at all times during winter.

• Chlorine – add a heavier dose than normal into the pool before covering it again. Chlorine, together with algaecide, will ensure that your swimming pool does not turn pea green over winter.

• Enzymes – using an enzyme product in the pool over winter will help towards breaking down non-organic contamination which automatically makes its way into the pool in winter. Contamination would include bird droppings, pollen or even contaminants left over from summer swimming season. These contaminants are what causes the “ring” around your pool which is difficult to get rid of. The enzymes you put into your pool will get rid of all contamination and the “ring” will not appear.

Don’t wait until summer – take action now towards a clean swimming pool!

As per the above pearls of wisdom, don’t wait until the first week of summer to start getting your swimming pool ready. Prevention is better than cure so treat your swimming pool with the right chemicals in winter so that when summer comes your pool will be sparkling clean.

For expert advice on which chemicals to use in your pool during winter, you need to contact Pool Spa & Filtration. From pool accessories to the correct care of your pool, Pool Spa & Filtration will be able to assist you. Visit www.poolspa.co.za to see how Pool Spa & Filtration can help you get your swimming pool summer ready!