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Getting your hands on commercial and domestic swimming pool accessories in Johannesburg is possible when you know what you need. There are many swimming pool accessories out there that you need to know about. You can make sure that you equip your pool with the necessary gear regardless of whether it is a commercial or domestic pool.

Having a pool may still be considered to be a luxury, but more and more people are getting them. Maintaining your pool once you have one is essential for its longevity, especially if you are in charge of a commercial pool. Your customers will expect the very best crystal blue water which has a regulated temperature. There are a number of ways in which you can make sure that your pool is always inviting. Firstly, you will need to get the temperature perfect. You can achieve this by getting a heat pump. A heat pump will make sure that your pool is warm all year round regardless of the weather. You can get electrical ones that are available for a number of different sized pools. If, however, you want to be more economically friendly, you can also look into getting solar panels to heat up the pool. This will save on money, but may not always be able to provide you with the temperature you want, depending on the weather.

Getting your pool crystal clear regardless of whether it is a domestic or commercial pool can be achieved with these swimming pool accessories:

• Kreepy Krauly: this is an essential item for any pool. Most domestic pools will have their Kreepy attached at all times. Whereas commercial pools will need to use it at specific times to make sure it doesn’t affect the swimmers using the pool. It helps to suck up all of the debris on the bottom of the pool and keeps algae to a minimum.

• Port O Vacs: this item is aimed towards the commercial market. If you want to give your pool a complete deep clean then you need to use a Port O Vac. Like a vacuum for in home use, this is used to suck up all of the debris from your pools floor in one swoop. Instead of having a Kreepy you can use this to get rid of the dirt.

• Pool socks: attaching a pool sock to the pumping system will also help to collect leaves as they fall into the pool. They will create a current that the debris will follow and collect the mess. Once the pool sock is full you can get rid of the mess, clean it out and reuse it.

You are truly spoiled for choice when it comes to the accessories you can use to maintain your pool.

Still not sure what accessories you need?

If you are still not sure what accessories you need, then you need to come to us at Pool Spa & Filtration. We will provide you with professional advice and expertise. Visit our website www.poolspa.co.za to discover more about our amazing products and services.

Are you struggling to keep your pool crystal clear throughout the varying seasons? Than you need to know all about swimming pool pump and filter maintenance. These two parts of your pool could be causing issues if they are not functioning properly.

It is extremely important to make sure that your swimming pool pump and filter are working properly. Both of them need to be maintained properly in order for you to avoid having a green pool. This is possible to achieve by knowing exactly what type of filter you have. Hopefully you do, but if you are not aware there are three different types of filters that can appear in pools:

• Sand filters: these are made from metal, concrete or fiberglass and contain a thick bed of special grade sand. Pipes lead into the filter that will transport the water from the pool to the filter. Any debris that is heavy will be pulled down by gravity and caught in the sand particles. Then the clean water will continue to flow through. This sand will need to be changed once every 5 years so it is a great investment.

• Cartridge filters: These filters have more surface area than that of the sand filter. There is a very fine filter surface that will capture any impurities that are passed through. They will remain here until you clean the filter cartridge or replace it. The cartridge will only need to be replaced every 3-5 years and is easy enough to maintain and clean by simply using a hose.

• DE filters: DE stands for Diatomaceous Earth Filters. DE is a fine powder that if created by crushing the fossilized exoskeletons of diatoms. This powder is then used to cover the filter grid. The DE will go directly into the skimmer and the pump will put it in place to capture any of the contaminants in the water. In order to maintain this properly you will need to replace the DE and conduct a backwash once or twice a year.

The filter is certainly an important aspect of your pool that needs to be maintained properly regardless of which one you choose to install. You also need to take into consideration the effects on your swimming pool pump over time. One of the biggest issues that can affect your pump is the water level. If your water level in your pool is too low, it can cause the pump to burn out, while it is trying to create the water flow in the pool. On the other hand if the water is too high, it can also be put under pressure. Simply keeping an eye on your water level will make a major difference, you can either fill up your pool with a hose or do a backwash to get rid of the excess water.

Is it time to upgrade your filter and pump?

If you need to upgrade your filter and pump you can come to us at Pool Spa & Filtration. We have a number of different options for you to choose from and the expertise to assist you in picking the right one for your pool. Visit our website www.poolspa.co.za to find out more.

The pump plays a critical role in keeping your pool in good health. The role of swimming pool pumps is to pump water in a continual cycle, from the pool through the filter and chemical treatment system (if installed) and back to the pool again via return lines in the pool wall. Before calling any pool pump repair service, try these simple pre-checks for pool pumps that will save your pool pump and help you avoid shopping around for expensive pool pumps.

Does your pool pump just buzz and not start?

To test if your pump motor simply needs a new low cost starter capacitor, or if there is a blockage in your pump, carry out this easy test:

• If your pump doesn’t buzz and is completely quiet, use a 220 volt test lamp to check if power is going to the pump wires that connect into the electric motor.
• Remove the cover at the top of the pump electric motor to do this. There are only three wires; live, neutral and earth.
• You need to locate the live and neutral wires to test for 220 volts using the test lamp. The earth wire is normally green. Test the other two for 220 volts.
• Your timer could also be the problem, or your wires have come loose where they connect to the electric motor. If the wires are loose, tighten them up using an 8mm or 10mm spanner and see if that solves your problem.

How to test if your pool pump motor starting capacitor is your problem

• Place a medium sized screwdriver in the small hole at the back of the pump electric motor. With the pump turned off, engage the screwdriver in the motor shaft’s slot.
• Once you feel you have engaged the slot in the shaft using your screwdriver, try and turn the shaft. If the shaft turns freely there is a very good chance your pump can be saved by carrying out the following procedure.
• Switch on the pump and give the shaft a quick turn clockwise using your screwdriver. If your pump starts and runs fine, shop around for a capacitor replacement or replace it yourself.
• The capacitor is located under the screw off cover where the electrical wires enter your pump motor. It is a white cylindrical object. Remove the two wires and connect the new wires. It doesn’t matter which way around you connect the wires.
• Make sure the mf rating printed on the capacitor is the same.
• Don’t run the pump motor for extended periods until you replace the capacitor. Some capacitors are involved in the running of the pump.
• If the shaft won’t turn at all, there is a 99% chance your motor bearings have seized. You then need to shop around for a price on a service or new unit.

How to test if a blockage in your pool pump is your problem

• If you can turn the motor shaft, but you find it is stiff, turn the shaft backwards and forwards counter clockwise and clockwise simultaneously for a while. If something is jamming your impeller, this movement can release the object. If the shaft suddenly turns freely, the blockage has been released. Now try start your pump.
• If you have a blockage in your pump suction line underground, you’ll hear a distinct “revving” up and down of your pump.
• If your pump runs for a while then switches off, you either have a blockage, or your electric motor bearings are worn out and seizing up.

If you have tried all these DIY tips and still find that you are having problems with your pool pump, then you need to contact the experts in the business, Pool Spa & Filtration. Pool Spa & Filtration will be able to give you specialist advice and if needed, replace your pool pump at a very reasonable price. From water features to swimming pool pumps, Pool Spa & Filtration has it all! To find out more about the products and services on offer through Pool Spa & Filtration, visit their website www.poolspa.co.za

Keeping your pool sparkling clean doesn't have to be as cumbersome as you might think. All pools are different, and so are their pool maintenance needs. However, they all share one commonality: The secret to pristine pool health is regular, routine care. If you choose to handle common problems like murky water or broken pumps on your own, make sure to always consult manufacturers' manuals before fixing or using equipment. No matter if you rely on a service company to take care of your pool, you still need to do a few things on your own to ensure your pool stays in good condition for years.

Below are a few helpful pool maintenance tips:

• Skim debris and clean out baskets: Skimming the pool's surface by hand every few days is one of the fastest and easiest ways to keep your pool clean. Floating debris will eventually sink, becoming harder to remove. Use a long-handled net called a hand skimmer or leaf skimmer to remove leaves, bugs and other unwanted items. Skimming significantly increases the efficiency of the pool's circulation system and lowers the amount of chlorine you'll need to add to your pool. Cleaning out strainer baskets at least once a week also helps circulation and lowers chlorine demands. Locate strainer baskets attached to the side of aboveground pools and in the pool deck of in-ground pools. Simply remove the plastic basket and shake it out; spraying the inside with a hose can help dislodge stubborn objects.

• Clean the pool filter: There are three kinds of pool filters: cartridge, sand and diatomaceous earth. While there are different maintenance procedures for each type, all require periodic cleaning depending on the type of filter and how often a pool is used. Cleaning the filter more often than recommended can actually hinder the filtration process. A clean filter is less efficient than one with a mild amount of dirt in it because the dirt helps trap other particles, which removes debris from the water. However, you don't want to let the filter get too dirty. A sign that it's time to clean is an increase in flow between the pressure gauge and flow meter. Clean the filter when the difference reaches 10 to 15 pounds (4.5 to 6.8 kilograms) per square inch.

• Check and maintain the water level: A lot of water will be lost throughout the swimming season largely because of evaporation and normal wear and tear, such as swimming, splashing and exiting the pool. When you remove debris with your skimmer throughout the week, that's also a good time to check the water level. Ensure it doesn't fall below the level of the skimmer, otherwise the pump could be damaged. If the water is low, use a garden hose to bring it up to safe levels. If you drain your pool to perform maintenance or once the swimming season has passed, be careful to not let the pool sit empty too long. As a general rule, it's best to leave water in a pool throughout the winter because the weight of the water counteracts with forces from the ground pressing up against the pool from below.

With these basic steps to pool maintenance, you can rest assured that your pool will be looking sparkling clean the whole year round!

Swimming pool maintenance is made easy through Pool Spa & Filtration. As experts in the field of pool care, Pool Spa & Filtration will see to it that you have the necessary equipment and chemicals to keep your swimming pool clean and cared for. To find out more about the products and services on offer through Pool Spa & Filtration, visit their website www.poolspa.co.za

Summer is here and of course so is the swimming. Before jumping into the swimming pool, it is important to know how to swim. By knowing at the basics of swimming (especially breathing) you will feel more confident and safer in the water.

Freestyle swimming stroke

Freestyle is a fantastic stroke. When you are competent at the stroke it's easy, fluid, smooth and fast. If you only swim breast stroke at the moment you'll find it feels completely different - freestyle is much more flowing. You know how awkward it is if you try and walk really quickly? Freestyle is like breaking into a run – it's a great feeling!

Learning freestyle presents some challenges, the most obvious of which is how to adapt to breathing in a face down position. Many novice freestylers have some anxiety about putting their faces in the water whilst swimming. Don't worry, that's entirely normal - what you need to do is learn the freestyle stroke and meet these challenges.

• Get help from a buddy - if you know a competent swimmer you trust, it will help a lot to have them in the water with you. We call them a swimming ‘buddy'. Having a buddy in the water with you is reassuring. They can remind you of what you need to be doing and they can point out where you are making good progress with your stroke technique. They can also hold you in specific positions whilst you get a feel for them.

• Develop a feel for the water - water is an alien environment to us; something we're not used to. Start off by simply learning how your body moves and feels in the water – it's so important. At first you don't even need to try and float. Practise sculling in shallow water to develop a feel for the water. Stand in the shallow end with your hands in the water and start to move your hands and arms around gently. Think about using your hands like paddles. Push against the water and feel the pressure on your palms - this is the beginning of something called 'feel for the water' that is very important to swimming technique. As you get used to this, try crouching down in the water and let it take some of your weight, all the time continuing to move your hands and arms. Do this for about 5 minutes. You should start every swimming session with this exercise.

• Blow bubbles - not many people know this, but the most important skill in freestyle is to be able to exhale freely into the water. Most people instinctively hold their breath when their face is in the water. This will make the stroke much tougher. When you are swimming freestyle all exhalation should be into the water, so when you turn your head to breathe you only need to inhale. This is the secret of breathing in freestyle. Holding your breath adds to feelings of anxiety and makes you more stressed. Instead, develop a new habit of exhaling into the water – this will relax you, just like breathing techniques in yoga. Start in the shallow end and practise putting your face in the water and simply hum through your mouth or nose to create a long steady stream of bubbles. Feel like you are sighing. As you get used to this you can develop things by crouching or sitting down to sink lower into the water. A buddy can be useful here to give you some support. If you become so relaxed that you start to feel yourself sinking this is great thing – it shows that you are building a good degree of confidence in the water.

These few easy steps will put you onto the track to becoming a confident swimmer and allow you to feel more at ease in the water.

So now you are confident about swimming – are you confident about the condition of your pool? Let the experts in pool care, Pool Spa & Filtration, help you take care of your pool. From the correct chemicals to use to pumps and water filtration systems, Pool Spa & Filtration will have what you need. To find out more about the products and services on offer through Pool Spa & Filtration, visit their website www.poolspa.co.za

In landscape architecture and garden design, a water feature is one or more items from a range of fountains, pools, ponds, cascades, waterfalls, and streams. Before the 18th century they were usually powered by gravity, though the famous Hanging Gardens of Babylon are described by Strabo as supplied by an Archimedean screw. Other examples were supplied with water using hydraulic rams.

Since the 18th century, the majority of water features have been powered by pumps. In the past, the power source was sometimes a steam engine, but in modern features it is almost always powered by electricity. There is an increasing range of innovative designs as the market becomes more established and people become more aware of alternate installation methods, such as solar power. The advantages of using solar power include environmental benefits, no electrical lines in the garden, and free energy.

Modern water features are typically self-contained, meaning that they do not require water to be plumbed in; rather water is recycled from either a pond or a hidden reservoir, also known as a sump. The sump can either be contained within the water feature, or buried underground (in the case of an outdoor water feature).

A water feature may be indoor or outdoor and can be any size, from a desk top water fountain to a large indoor waterfall that covers an entire wall in a large commercial building, and can be made from any number of materials, including stone, granite, stainless steel, resin, and glass. Most water features are electronically controlled, ranging from simple timer actuators to sophisticated computerized controls for synchronizing music to water and light animation.

Water features often offer additional benefits to homeowners, such as increased curb appeal, home value, reduced noise pollution (due to the sound of water overpowering outside noise), and improved air quality.

In early modern Europe, fountains were found in the elaborate gardens of the mansions of the wealthy, and in modern times can be an element in urban design provided by the municipal authorities or public subscription.

What are water gardens?

Water gardens, also known as aquatic gardens, are a type of man-made water feature. They can be defined as any interior or exterior landscape or architectural element whose primary purpose is to house, display, or propagate a particular species or variety of aquatic plant. The primary focus is on plants, but they will sometimes also house ornamental fish, in which case the feature will be a fish pond.

Water gardening is gardening that is concerned with growing plants adapted to pools and ponds. Although water gardens can be almost any size or depth, they are typically small and relatively shallow, generally less than twenty inches in depth. This is because most aquatic plants are depth sensitive and require a specific water depth in order to thrive. The particular species inhabiting each water garden will ultimately determine the actual surface area and depth required.

Whilst deciding on whether you want an indoor or outdoor feature why not consult the specialists in the field, Pool Spa & Filtration. The qualified staff at Pool Spa & Filtration will not only be able to provide you with the necessary guidance, but they will be able to provide you with your water feature. To find out more about the products and services on offer through Pool Spa & Filtration, visit their website www.poolspa.co.za