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Properly closing your swimming pool for the winter saves a lot of time and money when you reopen it in the summer. Close the swimming pool a few weeks before the weather turns cold to ensure it's well protected from possible freeze damage (depends on your weather zone; you might ask knowledgeable neighbours with similar pools and pump/filter systems, or at a pool supply in your area). You might wait to close until the water temperature is well below 20 degrees so algae is less likely to grow and if it does, it grows slowly.

Steps you need to take to winterise your pool

Adjust the pH, alkalinity and calcium hardness. Making sure these are all in balance protects the pool from corrosion or scale buildup that can occur over the winter while the pool is shut down. These adjustments should be made about five days before you completely close down the pool.

• Adjust the pH to a level between 7.2 and 7.6.
• Adjust the alkalinity to 80 to 120 ppm (parts per million).
• Adjust the calcium hardness to 180 to 220 ppm or higher according to product instructions for protecting a plaster pool to lessen minerals dissolving and leeching out.

Shock the water. Use an extra strong chlorine or a non-chlorine substitute to kill bacteria, some of the fungi and algae that may be living in the pool. Buy a shock product with at least 65 percent sodium hypochlorite or a non-chlorine substitute of equivalent strength. Fill a five-gallon bucket with pool water, add the instructed amount of shock granules for the size of pool, and pour it into the pool away from the pool skimmer water outlets while the filtration system is running. If you typically use a shock product/mix that is safe for people to swim in right away, it's probably not strong enough to kill all the bacteria in your pool. Since you're closing the pool down, use the instructed stronger shock treatment.

Stay out of the pool until the chlorine level returns to between 1 and 3 ppm over the course of a few days before proceeding to the next step.

Add a winterizing algaecide. Algaecide kills existing algae and prevents more from blooming. Algae can cause the pool to become discolored, give it a bad smell and clog the filter; so, it's important to treat your pool with algaecide before shutting it down.

1. • Make sure the chlorine level has returned to 1 to 3 ppm before adding algaecide. Otherwise, the chlorine will render the algaecide ineffective.
   • Buy an extra-strength algaecide. Use one meant to be used to overwinter a pool, rather than one you add to your pool on an ongoing basis while it's in use. The stronger algaecide is meant to prevent algae from blooming all winter long.

Start getting your swimming pool into shape for next summer by following these easy steps!

If you require assistance with “winterising” your pool, then you need to contact Pool Spa & Filtration. Pool Spa & Filtration will be able to advise you on what is needed to get your pool ready for “sleep mode” in winter. From pool pumps to pool accessories, Pool Spa & Filtration will be able to assist you. To find out more about the products and services on offer through Pool Spa & Filtration, visit their website www.poolspa.co.za

We all love summertime especially because we get to spend most of our leisure time in the swimming pool. What is important is that your pool is maintained at all times which includes keeping the pool clean, making sure that the pool receives the correct treatments and the most important, making sure that your pool is not losing water unnecessarily. If you suspect your pool has a leak than you need to detect the leak. Once that has been done, you can then fix the leak yourself and if it is more difficult than anticipated you will have to call in for the help of a pro. You need not get into debt to fix it!

How to fix the leaks that you have detected in your swimming pool

• Fix leaks you've identified: Your treatment of the leak will depend on its location and nature. Skimmer leaks: The most common leak is a separation between the plastic skimmer and the concrete pool. This is easily fixed with pool putty.Light leaks: Often the conduit pipe will come apart, break or separate from the niche. This is difficult to patch. There are various methods to patch a bad conduit connection. A two part epoxy that dries hard, with putty, silicone or caulk are ways to fix this problem.Liner leaks: Simply patch it with a vinyl liner patch kit. If underwater, use a wet patch kit.

• Note that many leaks are not detectable using the suggestions above: Now it's time to call a professional! Thanks to state-of-the-art technology, most pool or spa leaks can be found and repaired without major disruption. Compressed air is often used to pressurize a pipe. The air displaces the water in the pipe until it reaches the leak, at which point bubbles escape from the hole to reveal the problem area. Or, where a pipe fails to maintain a constant air pressure, a leak exists.Other times, a special television camera is snaked through plumbing pipes to spot leaks. Pool techs inject air into a pipe, then listen electronically for sounds of air escaping with a super-sensitive microphone.

Understand pool plumbing basics to visualize what a pool tech might do to fix the leak.

The basic configuration of a swimming pool plumbing and filtration system is simple. Water is pulled through the skimmer and main drains in the swimming pool by the pool pump. The water travels underground to the mechanical room where it passes through the pump strainer basket and is then pushed through the filter and heater as well as any other peripherals such as chlorinators. It is eventually piped back to the pool through the return lines. Plumbing systems are a constant source for water loss for a host of different reasons ranging from pipe material, installation quality, age, configuration and soil conditions. Before you begin to tear apart your plumbing system you need to first isolate the leak to determine if it is located in the plumbing system, or in the structure of the pool itself.

If you swimming pool needs to be repaired by a professional, then you need to contact the professionals in the business – Pool Spa & Filtration. From fixing leaks in swimming pools to supplying pool pumps, Pool Spa & Filtration will be able to assist you. To find out more about the products and services on offer through Pool Spa & Filtration, visit their website www.poolspa.co.za

It's natural for your pool to lose some water due to evaporation, some to splash out and some to backwashing your filter. But if you routinely need to add more than two inches of water to your pool per week, you may have a leak. Before spending thousands of rands on a pool technician, rather give your pool a once-over and determine whether you can't fix it yourself – how to check for leaks is as easy as pie!

How to check for leaks in your swimming pool

• Check the obvious first: Are there any leaks at the equipment pad? Look closely at the filter, pump, heater and the pipe valves.Are there any wet areas around the pool? Check the ground for moisture. Walk around the pool and by the pool and the equipment. Check for wet soil and sunken or eroding areas.Do you have a vinyl liner pool? Look for tears or separations around all the fittings, skimmers, returns, cleaner line, lights, steps and the corners.

• If you want to confirm a leak, try one of these techniques to double-check: If you suspect your pool is leaking, there are several ways to check. Mark the water level of the pool at the skimmer. Use a piece of tape or grease pencil to mark the water level. Check the mark 24 hours later. Your pool should lose no more than 0.6 cm per day. Otherwise, a leak is indicated. Place a bucket filled with pool water on a pool step (weight it with a rock or brick). Mark the water level on both the inside and the outside of the bucket. Make sure the water levels are the same inside the bucket as the pool water level outside the bucket. Check the mark 24 hours later. If there's a greater drop in the line on the outside of the bucket, a leak in the pool is indicated. This test needs to be conducted with the pump on, then again with the pump off.

• Determine the location of the leak: If you determine that your pool is losing water, turn off the filtration system and note where the water stops dropping. Vinyl Liner pools need to have water in them at all times! Stop this test if you have a liner pool and the water level is dropping rapidly. Start adding water and call a pool professional. If the water stops at the bottom of skimmer opening, the leak is probably in the skimmer or filtration system (including the pipes). If you suspect you have a leak in the filtration system check first to see if you see air bubbles in the water in the return line when the pool's pump is running. If so, there is a leak in the suction side of the filtration system.Ensure the pump basket lid is on tight and that the lid o-ring is lubed and in good condition.If the water stops at the light, the leak is probably at the light housing.If the water drops below the light, then there may be a leak in the drain at the bottom the pool.If the pool is losing more water while the pump is running, the leak is on the return line side of the system. In this case, check the waste or backwash line for running water. If you suspect you have a leak in the skimmer, light, liner, look closely for something that looks like a crack, gap or tear.

These easy to follow steps will help you check if you have a leak and of course, the next step is learning how to fix the leak yourself – if you can indeed do that.

Still not too sure if you can sort the leak out? Don’t worry, you can contact Pool Spa & Filtration. Pool Spa & Filtration will be able to assist you in detecting your leak and giving you the advice that you need to sort it out. From pool accessories to fixing leaks, Pool Spa & Filtration will be able to assist you. To find out more about the products and services on offer through Pool Spa & Filtration, visit their website www.poolspa.co.za

Swimming pool heating costs can be significantly reduced by using swimming pool covers. Use of a pool cover also can help reduce the amount of chemicals (chlorine, etc.) required by the pool. Outdoor pools gain heat from the sun, absorbing 75–85% of the solar energy striking the pool surface. Though a cover decreases the total amount of solar heat absorbed by the pool, the cover eliminates heat loss due to evaporation and reduces heat loss at night through its insulating properties. Most swimming pool heat loss is through evaporation.

The heating effectiveness of a cover depends on type. A transparent bubble cover is the most effective, as it allows the largest amount of solar flux into the pool itself. Thermal bubble covers are lightweight UV-stabilized floating covers designed to minimize heat loss on heated swimming pools. Bubble covers are typically applied and removed by being rolled up on a device fitted to one side of the pool. Covers fall apart after four or five years due to sun exposure, overheating in the sun while off the pool and chlorine attacking the plastic. Bubble covers should be removed during super chlorination.

A vinyl cover absorbs more sunlight directly, allowing temperature to rise faster, but ultimately prevents the pool from reaching as high a temperature as a clear cover. Vinyl covers consist of a heavier material and have a longer life expectancy than bubble covers. Insulated vinyl covers are also available with a thin layer of flexible insulation sandwiched between two layers of vinyl.

Safety swimming pool covers

These covers are typically attached all year round, by hooked bungee cords or hooked springs connected to the pool deck and are usually made in a variety of materials including coated or laminated vinyl or polypropylene mesh. They are custom designed to stop leaf debris from entering the pool but more importantly they also provide safety for animals and small children when designed and installed properly.

Pool cover automation

Swimming pool covers can be either manually, semi-automatically, or automatically operated. Manual covers can be folded and stored in an off-site location. Pool cover reels can also be used to help manually roll up the pool cover. The reel, usually on wheels, can be rolled in or out of place.Semi-automatic covers use a motor driven reel system. They use electrical power to roll and unroll the cover, but usually require someone to pull on the cover when unrolling, or guide the cover onto the reel when rolling up the cover. Semi-automatic covers can be built into the pool deck surrounding the pool, or can use reels on carts.

Automatic covers have permanently mounted reels that automatically cover and uncover the pool at the push of a button. They are the most expensive option, but are also the most convenient. These reels can be run from either an external motor requiring a pit to be dug beside the pool or using an internal motor that spins the reel.Some pool covers fit into tracks along the sides of the pool. This prevents anything or anybody from getting into the pool. They even support the weight of several people. They can be run manually, semi-automatically, or automatically. Safety covers may be required by inspectors for public pools.

Brrrrr – winter ….

In areas where the temperature drops drastically in winter, it is important to close a pool properly. This varies greatly between in-ground and above-ground pools. By taking steps to properly secure the pool, it lessens the likelihood that the superstructure will be damaged or compromised by freezing water.

Let Pool Spa & Filtration provide you with just the right cover for your pool. The pool experts at Pool Spa & Filtration will be able to help you find the pool cover best suited for your pool area. From pool accessories to pool pumps, Pool Spa & Filtration will have just what you need! To find out more about how Pool Spa & Filtration can assist you, visit their website www.poolspa.co.za

The challenge in teaching adults is that they can say no when asked to do something they are uncomfortable performing. Many instructors teach adults the same way they teach children. However, adults have advantages over children because they understand abstract concepts and have well developed motor skills. Remove the hesitation and they will learn faster. Swimming is similar to dancing. It is all about knowing the correct moves. You need attitude and moves to enjoy what you are doing. Learn the swimming moves and develop a positive attitude before attending class. Below are helpful steps for learning how to swim with the right moves and building a positive attitude. Best of all, most can be done out of the water or in a bath or hot tub.

• Buy good goggles that will not leak. Nothing ruins a swim faster than water in the eyes. Get goggles that fit over your eyes. Never get ones that cover the nose and mouth. Stand in the shower or sit in shallow water and try them out. It usually takes a few strap and placement adjustments to stop leaks.

• Practice putting your face in the water with goggles on. Blow bubbles out of your mouth and nose. Most of the exhale and all of the inhale will be through the mouth. Learn how to inhale with your mouth close to the water surface. This takes time and faith. Exhale through your nose just enough to keep water from going up. Water up the nose is like inhaling horseradish. Buy a nose clip if you have trouble. Over time learn to count to ten with face under water and slowly blow bubbles out of the mouth. The exhale must be while your mouth is underwater.

• Relax while lifting your mouth out of the water to breathe and having the face in the water. It is not a near death experience. You may even discover you will not die if you get some water in your mouth. Just spit it out. We, along with dolphins have a device in our throats to keep water from getting into our lungs.

• Learn to stay on the water surface. It is important to relax when swimming. Proper breathing, body position and stroke mechanics make relaxing easy.

• Learn to spread body weight over the maximum surface area so the water lets you float like a boat. Start on a bed and pretend to be in the water. Think of your body as a seesaw. You can do this because your centre of buoyancy, the point in your body that wants to float and the centre of gravity, the point in your body that wants to sink are close together. Centre of buoyancy is near the chest because of the air in the lungs. The centre of gravity is at the hips which makes the feet the point when trying to float.To balance the swimming seesaw look down at the bottom, stretch arms out in front like Superman flying and kick. All but two swimming strokes always have at least one arm extended in front of the face to keep proper body position. To sink like a rock lift your head, stop kicking and exhale. Gravity wins.

These simple and easy tips will help you on your way to learning how to swim without any of the first class “jitters”.

Making summer fun is what Pool Spa & Filtration do. From the purchase and installation of pool pumps to swimming pool accessories, Pool Spa & Filtration will make sure that your pool and pool fun time are well equipped. To find out more about the products and services on offer through Pool Spa & Filtration, visit their website www.poolspa.co.za

There are many ways in which you can improve your garden. One of the best ways is to install a fountain or pond. If you already have taken the plunge and are getting one of these installed then you will need accessories to go along with it. Buying fountain and pond accessories can be hassle-free when you know what to look out for.

A fountain or pond is a fantastic addition to any garden. However, fountain and pond accessories are a necessity if you want to have one that functions properly. The installation of the pond or fountain will take some time and in order to maintain it properly you will need to have the correct accessories. One of the most important accessories is in fact the pump. The pumps have been designed to make sure that the water flow throughout the fountain or pond is constant. This helps to keep the debris to a minimum and also keeps the water healthy. Many pumps have now been designed with the environment in mind, and offer energy saving technology to help keep the costs down. Unfortunately, the pump does tend to need to be on all day, which does use a lot of energy which is why it is a good idea to buy a pump that is eco-friendly.

Keeping your pond or fountain clean is important if you want to keep the PH balance normal and your fish alive. One of the best accessories on the market to help you achieve this is the pond vacuum. The vacuum can remover string algae, silt deposit and decaying leaves easily. It is not a permanent fixture in the pond, like a Kreepy would be in the pool. Instead, it is similar to a normal vacuum you would use in your home. All you have to do is plug it in and clean the pond or fountain. If you do have fish in your pond you will need to remove them before vacuuming. You will need to find out the best way to remove the fish that you have safely before going ahead. If you do not do your research you could end up killing your fish by mistake.

One of the other accessories that is a must have in your water feature is lighting. If you have gone to the extent of putting in a water feature of any description it is best to show if off to its full potential. This can be achieved with using beautiful lighting. There are a number of different styles and colours to choose from. Most of the lights also use LED light bulbs which helps to decrease the amount of energy your water feature will use.

Getting the most out of your water feature

Getting the most out of your water feature is simple when you have all of the best equipment by your side. This is where we come in, here at Pool Spa & Filtration we can provide you with everything you could possibly need. For more information visit our website www.poolspa.co.za.