Starting or opening up a swimming pool is pretty simple. But it does require a bit of work and a couple of extra hands. Honestly, it’s best to start a week or two before you want to open it for not only best results, but also to take some of the “last minute” stress away.

No matter whether you have an above ground pool or an inground pool, the basic work is the same or similar. Follow these simple steps with details & tips:

Remove all the leaves, dirt & debris from the winter cover before removing it. I can’t tell you how many times I’ve seen people let all of the winter mess just go right into the pool! Talk about extra work. I’ve seen really clean “winterized” water become black with the “tea” & debris from the winter cover. Spend a couple of half-hours scooping the excess & accumulated leaves from the top of the cover. Remember, it’s not just last fall’s leaves; it’s the spring pollen, tree “helicopters” & pine needles too.

Remove all winter & ice expansion plugs (Gizzmos). You can’t start the pump & filter system if water isn’t flowing from pool to filter & back! Be sure to replace the respective directional returns (eyeballs), suction grates (usually used on lower suction fittings), Circulator fittings, etc. If you are using standard, stationary eyeballs, remember to point the flow of water DOWN toward the bottom of the pool to optimize the circulation. For even better circulation, consider replacing standard directional returns with “the Circulator”.

Bring the Water Level up to normal operating level. If the water on top of the cover is relatively clean & algae free, use that water to fill the pool. It’s free! It may be a little dirty, but that’s okay, it will be treated with the rest of the pool. At this time it’s a really good idea to add either an algaecide to the water or a natural pool enzyme to start cleaning up the water and prepping it for the initial shock. If you are adding fresh tap water to top the pool off, add a good metal and mineral stain & scale control product to prevent sudden metal stains, especially iron or copper, when the pool is first shocked.

Carefully remove the winter cover. Clean it up, fold it up & store it away. When cleaning, use a good cleaner that is specifically made for cover material. A good chemical cleaning of the winter cover will lengthen the life of the cover by removing the dirt & soil from the fabric (you wouldn’t put dirty clothes away in the closet for the next season would you?)

Hook up the filter system. Properly attach the correct hoses or pipes to the proper valves or fittings on the pump and filter. Even I’ve made this mistake: the right hose goes on the wrong filter fitting & 2 weeks later, the pool is still not clear! Here’s the easiest way to remember: basket to basket (skimmer basket to pump basket) and hole to hole (exit – “to pool” – hole on filter valve or tank body to return opening on pool wall). Be sure to properly lubricate all multiport or shut-off valve “O” rings with a good silicone lubricant. Not only will you give the gasket added life, you’ll help it seal more easily too. Don’t over-tighten clamps on above ground hoses; over-tightening will often “crimp” the hose allowing air leaks. REMEMBER: replace ALL of the drain plugs to the pump, filter tank & heater (if equipped).

When starting the pump for the first time, be sure to “prime” the pump with water. Don’t start it dry, not only can harm be done to the pump, extra stress & strain is placed on the entire system. If your pump is below the water level, as on most above ground pools, priming probably isn’t necessary because the water is naturally “falling down” to the pump (gravity feed). If the pump & filter system is more than 3 ft above the water level, priming is an absolute must. Keep in mind that the system could take several minutes to “catch” and start.

SPECIAL NOTE: it is VERY normal for LOTS of bubbles to come out of the return fittings when first starting. Even for up to 24 – 36 hours, some bubbles will remain in the plumbing system while it returns to normal operation.

SPECIAL TIP: to make the filter start easier, open the “air bleeder” valve on the top of the filter tank when the filter starts. You will hear a big “whoosh” of air as it is pushed out of the filter. When water gushes out, replace or close that valve. If your filter does not have a manual air bleeder, temporarily remove the pressure gauge for the same results.

Clean & vacuum the pool of all dirt & debris. Get all of the excess stuff out of the pool before adding shock & start up algaecide, especially if the water is relatively clear & clean. The less stuff in the water, the more effective your initial shocking will be.

Clean the liner or tile line with a good quality pool surface cleaner like Off the Wall Surface Cleaner. DO NOT use household cleaners as they can affect the pH and add phosphates to the water which will contribute to algae growth later on. This is where most of the winter’s scum has left its mark. Clean it off now while it is still “soft” & easy to remove rather than when it bakes in the sun is more difficult to clean. Prevent this scum line (biofilm) from reforming with regular cleaning or by using AquaFinesse Pool Pucks.

Add your initial doses of shock & algaecide. Now you can add the chemicals! When starting, don’t skimp. Do a good “heavy” shocking and proper dosing of algaecide at opening. In the long & short run, you’re going to save a lot more money by doing this the right way. Follow the doses below.

Allow the opening or start up chemicals to circulate for 24 – 36 hours before doing any testing or water balancing. Why wait? 2 reasons:

1. Additions of Shock & algaecide will change the water chemistry and water balance. That little bit of time will allow the levels to settle back down for a more accurate reading.

2. The chemicals already in the pool water may be settled toward the bottom. This is especially true of cyanuric acid typically known as pool conditioner or stabilizer. If the water is not allowed to circulate & stir up what’s on the bottom, you will end up adding stabilizer that, more than likely, doesn’t need any additions. This is a great way to save money. By the way, NEVER add conditioner or stabilizer unless the pool water needs it and only if the test shows a level of 20 ppm or less. Stabilizer or cyanuric acid levels should be no higher than 60 ppm. Higher levels are simply wasteful and provide nothing for the water balance.

Install ladders & deck equipment. Be sure to secure tighten anchor bolts, diving board & slide anchors (if equipped). Check to make sure bolts or hardware are in good condition. Replace worn or corroded nuts & bolts for your safety.

Filter 24 hours before bringing in Opening water sample for Testing & Analysis. Adjust pH, Total Alkalinity & Calcium Hardness as needed.

Chemically clean the filter with Kleen It or Strip Kwik Filter Cleaner after 2 weeks to remove the filtered winter stuff. Chemically cleaning the filter about every 8 weeks lengthens the life of the filter media and promotes longer filter runs.

NEVER DRAIN your pool. The liner will shrink, voiding the warranty and could cause damage to your pool. In gunite, plaster, or even fiberglass pools removal of the water from the pool could result in the pool structure “floating” and causing serious damage to the structure. Always check with local builder for specific instructions.

Start up chemical doses in chlorine, bromine, ionizer, salt-chlorine pools. Shocking must be thorough in order to break up residual chloramines (combined chlorines) from winterizing. If chloramines are not dealt with now, a lingering chlorine demand (an inability to maintain a solid chlorine or bromine level) problem will develop.

Chlorine shock: un-stabilized Cal-Hypo is the preferred product to use on an initial spring shock. It gets in, oxidizes, then gets out (gasses off). Use at a rate of 3 to 5 lbs per 5,000 gallons for best results. Do NOT use a non-chlorine shock with the initial start up. Liquid chlorine bleach is OK, but is very weak (about 11%) when compared to Cal-Hypo (about 60%).

Initial Algaecide: don’t skimp with the algaecide! Always use an algaecide that has at least 30% active ingredients. Be careful using algaecides with copper as an active ingredient; improper use may lead to staining of pool surfaces. Gallon jugs of algaecide typically contain less than 10% active ingredients and are a virtual waste of money. Follow the label directions for an INITIAL dose, typically 1 – 2 quarts per 10,000 gallon.

After adding the initial shock and algaecide, be sure to run the filter for 48 to 72 hours continually. DO NOT backwash the filter during this time. Let the filter and the chemicals do the work.

Final & continuing steps: balance the water (pH, total alkalinity, calcium hardness). Using additives such as borates and natural enzyme products will enhance any pool chemical care system you use. Be sure to shock the pool and add algaecide every 2 weeks to rid the pool of swimmer waste cannot be filtered out and to keep algae in check.

Follow the 5 keys to pool care. It’s that easy.

The most important thing you can do for your swimming pool is to keep your pH and alkalinity balanced by using pH and alkalinity increaser and decreaser. You can do this by checking your pool water yourself, everyday or every other day and bringing in a water sample for a free water test at your local pool store once a week. pH and alkalinity constantly changes due to many factors including: rain, people, birds, heat, chemicals and more. Almost everything can effect the balance of your water.

Low pH balance feels like acid. So if you open your eyes underwater and it burns, chances are your pH is low. High pH is basic meaning it can feel dry. What? How can Water Feel Dry? Have you ever noticed that sometimes when you get out of a pool your skin dries really fast, that’s due to high pH. Sometimes it can even cause itching because it dries out your skin.

So the pH balance in your pool is important. Whether high or low it can also cause damage to your pool including any concrete, filter system, ladders and more. So as you can see it’s important for a number of reasons. Check the alkalinity first which is your pH buffer. It’s what keeps your pH from fluctuating a lot.

Arizona is the number one destination for summertime weddings, and it has held this position for the past several years.

Scottsdale, is the most popular knot-tying city in Arizona. With its resorts, spas, chick shopping centers, and world famous golf courses, have come together to help Scottsdale make the A-list of wedding destinations.

Sedona, is the second hottest city for couples to have their wedding. Sedona has become a popular wedding spot thanks to the majestic scenery of its red rocks. Sedona offers

couples a variety of beautiful scenery to use as a backdrop when they are exchanging their wedding vows.

Payson, coming in, in third place is a great place to get married. Payson is a quite, charming little city where the daytime tempture reaches a staggering high of 75 degrees during the month of June. With its specular views of the Rim, and the pine scented air, make Payson the perfect summer time wedding destination.

California is the second most popular state for summertime wedding destinations.

California offers couples that are getting married a wide variety of scenic views to choose from. Such as the vineyards of Northern California, the mountain of Lake Tahoe, and a wide variety of quaint sea side villages that can be found near any one of its beautiful beaches.

Beautiful Lake Tahoe has been the preferred wedding host for several brides and grooms for many years. Many wedding ceremonies have been conducted in some of Lake Tahoe’s most beautiful locations, such as the breathtakingly beautiful Emerald Bay, the historic Valhalla Estate, the majestic Tahoe Queen, and in the picturesque, wooded chapel at Fallen Leaf Lake. The beauty that Lake Tahoe has to offer will truly make your Wedding day special.

The scenic beauty of Northern California’s wine country and its vineyards offers couples something special that they won’t find anywhere else in the United States. Wedding ceremonies that are conducted in California’s Wine country tend to be a very intimate event for the couple that is getting married. In addition to the regions breathtaking scenery, couples have a variety of distinctive venues to choose from. Couple can exchange their vows of love for one another at a winery with a sweeping vineyard as a view, or they can host the ceremony in a fragrant garden at a Victorian inn. The vineyards of Northern California are truly the perfect place to make a fairy-tale wedding come true.

If its Pacific elegance your looking for on your wedding day, or just a casual seaside or beach front wedding, then anyone of California’s numerous sea side villages will be able to accommodate you. California’s coastal areas offer a number of unique wedding ceremony and reception sites, that range from elegant ocean bluffs, to White sand beaches. Imagine standing on the beach, staring into your lovers eyes, saying “I do” as the sun dips slowly down into the horizon. It will be a romantic memory that you that you and your spouse will treasure for the rest of your lives.

Europe is the third favorite summertime wedding destination.

Europe, is great for couples that don’t want their wedding to be exotic, outrageous, or outdoorsy. Getting married in Europe will give your marriage a fairy tale storybook quality that you won’t be able to find in the United States. Europe has royal palaces, medieval castles, and carriages that will transform you and your lover into a real life prince and princess on your wedding day.

When you are planing your dream wedding take sometime to think about what kind of summer time wedding destination is right for you. Do you see yourself getting married at some do not disturb destination that is as far as is possible from the civilized world, or is a week long reunion with your family, and close friends more what you had in mind? These are just a couple questions that your going to need to answer before the big day.

Ancient sycamores provide shade as you wander through the village. Oak Creek meanders by as it has for centuries, providing a spectacular backdrop for Tlaquepaque. While you may think of Tlaquepaque as an Arts & Crafts Village you will soon realize that it is so much more. This landmark of Sedona was opened in the 1970’s. The name was chosen for its meaning which is the “best of everything” – a definition that is as accurate as the beauty of the village. Every care was taken in the design and execution of this gem of a shopping village.

The grand archways invite you to come in, the cobblestones on the pathways reminiscent of Mexico. Stucco has been used to simulate the adobe buildings that dot the terrain of Mexico. When they decided to build this shopping icon everything was done to preserve the integrity of the landscape. That is why you will find the trees and foliage protected and lovingly tended. The architects respected the beauty of the surroundings and gave us elegant shops to complement the natural beauty of the area.

Tlaquepaque was created as a community where artists could thrive and sell their work. As you stroll along the walkways you will see many artists creating new pieces for their galleries. There are more than forty stores to explore. They hold some of the country’s most incredible offerings. Art found at Tlaquepaque galleries is one of a kind, inspired from the earth and the surrounding universe.

You can find every type of art displayed at Tlaquepaque – western influenced sculptures done in bronze, decorative art; paintings, weavings, and the most exquisite blown glass are part of the Tlaquepaque experience. If photography interests you many places carry unique photographs suitable for hanging.

Clothing is also represented at Tlaquepaque. Designer casuals in fabrics such as silk await you. Leather coats, jackets and other items are offered for your approval. Is jewelry one of your passions? Contemporary or Native American bracelets, earrings and necklaces will complement the fashions that you find appealing. If you are looking for the extraordinary, Tlaquepaque will have it.

One of the many pleasures that await the guest at Fiesta del Tlaquepaque is the cuisine. The myriad of choices will please any palette. Enjoy the ambience of a Mexican restaurant or the elegance of a distinguished French meal. Spirits are available at the brewery, with many opportunities for taste testing. The romance of a fragrant garden can awaken your appetite. When the occasion is special, dine within the walls of Tlaquepaque.

The many delights of exploring Tlaquepaque will not be complete unless you see the village Chapel. Wedding ceremonies are performed within the adobe walls. Marvel at the stained glass windows or sit quietly in a hand carved pew admiring the mural that envelopes the altar. The bells peal every time a couple is joined in marriage. Perhaps you will be part of this most joyous celebration on your visit.

Spend a few hours or linger into the night when you explore the marvelous aura of Fiesta del Tlaquepaque.

Located in the foothills of Australia’s beautiful Great Dividing Range, Daylesford is one of the few gold mining towns in Australia to survive into the 21th century. While gold might not have panned out how it was supposed to, the mineral springs began attracting visitors as early as the 1920s, with Australia’s rich and famous all trekking to Daylesford. Today, travelers still come for the healing power of the waters, but many of them stay for tarot card readings, shiatsu, aura cleansing, and other favorite new age pastimes. The new age movement has gotten so big in Daylesford that some have started to call it the Sedona of the southern hemisphere, due to the number of things it has in common with the sleepy Arizona town that hit it big in a huge way once spiritual people started pouring in from all over the world.

With just over three thousand inhabitants, Daylesford is still worlds apart from other spa towns around the world. Relaxed and unpretentious, it is still proud of the fact that its other big draws include a beautiful botanical garden and nearby yoga ashram. Those hoping to beat the heat often escape to Daylesford Lake for the afternoon, with Labour Day weekend bringing hundreds of GLBT travelers to celebrate the ChillOut festival each March, the largest gay and lesbian rural festival in all of Australia. A tolerant, adaptable, and very friendly town, it’s no wonder that Daylesford is quickly becoming one of the go-to spots in Victoria for Australians and foreigners alike. Just don’t forget to pack your swimsuit!

The downtown Phoenix business corridor is popularly known as the Camelback Corridor. But now there are a numerous housing units in this area, and even having some famous first-class resorts, like the Arizona Biltmore Resort.

The Metropolitan Phoenix appears to be quite appealing to visitors, investors and the residents of the phoenix because of various attractions. The housing units provide the best services, meet the requirements and provide the entertainment, all with an urban lifestyle.

Downtown Phoenix is attracting a lot of young metropolitans that are looking for a quick permute to work. Even the retirees who want luxury living with low maintenance prefer to shift to this place. A large number of people who are having big homes sell their homes along with large plots to move to condominiums for lots of convenience.

The housing units in downtown Phoenix offer the prominent views of the desert, easy access to businesses, and walking distance to nightclubs, spas, galleries, concerts and much more. Every month, popular even is hosted in the downtown named as “First Fridays”. In this event galleries and museums are open with free tours. This monthly event has draws more people. Camelback Corridor bustles with activity on Friday evening.

High-rise luxury buildings are being built at a fulgurant speed. It seems as if the skyline of phoenix changes everyday. These buildings possess the entire feature that sophisticated travelers crave for: custom designed homes, doormen, valet parking and lots more.

There are desert vistas, various resorts, and thus attracting a large number of people for making their homes in such a beautiful place. The retired people come to this place to spend their life in peace, and people who work here wish to stay here. Phoenix is now becoming the new metropolitan destination for sophisticated home buyers. And with each passing day the number of people who wish to make home here are increasing.

Why These Products Are Important In Spas

Hygiene is an extremely important factor for the success of any business in fitness and hospitality industries. As such, the exterior and interior of the business should be clean and welcoming. Spas are no exception to this. In fact, spas require better hygiene and cleaner ambiance than most other businesses in the hospitality or healthcare industry.

People come to spas not just to spend quality time and relax, but also to rejuvenate their body and mind. A dirty spa location can ruin the ambience of the whole experience.

Maintaining Spas with Grout Sealers

Spas usually feature Jacuzzis, pools, massage tables and chairs, and saunas. The floor and walls of the building in which spas function, often comprised of tile, must be clean. For large businesses with heavy foot traffic, it can be difficult to maintain a clean area.

This task is much easier with the help of grout sealers. This product, as mentioned earlier, provides a defensive shield on grout joints to eliminate future invasion of dirt and stains. It can protect against hydrocarbon residues such as calcium deposits, rust, sugars, and proteins.

How to Select Good Grout Sealers

Grout sealing products are found in abundance all over the internet. Many chemical traders have set up their own websites. However, selection of a cleaning solution should be done after careful study of the market. For a start, it is always better to select a green cleaning solution from reputable chemical traders. Green products are organically derived cleaning solutions that do not leave any toxic residues on the surface.

Artificial cleaning chemicals may leave harmful, toxic residues on the surface. In the long run, such residues affect the health of both the staff and customers of the spa. Therefore, it is important that one should select a green cleaning solution for cleaning spas, to ensure the health and safety of spa customers and employees.

Unfortunately, it is not always easy to find a genuinely green product. Although companies label their products green, they often still contain harmful ingredients. For example, aluminum cleaners simply become green aluminum cleaners.

Finding Genuine Green Products

Careful research and analysis will certainly lead you to a genuine green cleaning solution. For a start, green grout sealers are sourced entirely from plants and vegetables. No synthetic chemicals are added at any stage of their production.

Second, genuine products bio-degrade almost completely within a month. As a result, they do not leave any residue on the surface. Customers may also check for the hazard ratings chart given by the National Fire Protection Association. All zeros on the chart indicate absolute genuineness of the product.

It is clear that in order to maintain a clean, healthy, and professional ambiance in your spa, green grout sealing formulas are essential. Consult top green suppliers today to find your ideal solution.

Description:

Grout sealers, as their name indicates, are formulas that can be applied on the grout lines of tiles and concrete surfaces to keep them clean and safe. Spas require better hygiene and cleaner ambiance than most other businesses in the hospitality or health care industry.

This means that now is the time to begin planning your family’s summer vacation – and there are plenty of great destinations to choose from all over the country. There’s no reason to limit your family to the same old Disneyland trip or a trip to any amusement park, for that matter. This year, try something a little different that will be a good time for the entire family – even parents will get their fair share of rest and relaxation when you choose to go on a family resort vacation this summer.

The key to great summer family getaways is to start planning as early as possible so that your family has their pick of the destinations which can give you and yours the best family resort vacation ever. There is no shortage of family friendly resorts to choose from out there. These resorts range from the modest to resorts which offer you a true luxury family vacation. When you start looking early, you avoid the nightmarish scenario of having all of your top choices already booked – this is the last thing you need when your family is all geared up for summertime fun. Plan early and you’ll be assured of an enjoyable family getaway this summer.

If you’re looking for a place with family friendly resorts which offers a wide range of activities for kids and parents alike, then Sedona, Arizona is the place you want to be this summer. Sedona has some of the most beautiful scenery in the country; perhaps even in the world, such as its famed red rock formations. There are plenty of outdoor activities the entire family will have fun doing, including hiking the many trails, canoeing on the Verde River, and photographing the breathtaking scenery. Most resorts offer golf and tennis, and there are also plenty of “just for kids” recreational opportunities to keep the children amused while Mom and Dad take in the sights and the cultural attractions which Sedona has to offer. The town boasts a large number of art galleries and other cultural amenities which adults are sure to enjoy, as well as some excellent dining and shopping.

If you want to give your family resort vacation a grand finale, then look no further than the nearby Grand Canyon – it’s only two hours by car from Sedona. You really can’t end with a bigger bang than that! The Grand Canyon needs no introduction – suffice it to say that it’s a place everyone should visit once and it’s sure to be one of many highlights of your family resort vacation to Sedona.

Sedona is unlike any place you’ve ever been and it’s sure to draw you back again and again. With its family friendly resorts offering all of the amenities that make for a luxury vacation and the unique atmosphere and attractions available nowhere else in the world, this is the spot for your next family getaway. In fact, you may love it so much that you make Sedona your regular summer vacation spot! You’d be in good company; once you visit Sedona, it’s hard to see going anywhere else.

Shower Before Entering Your Spa

To begin with, you should always shower before you enter your hot tub. It is the loose dead skin cells that are continually sloughing of of your body that bacteria can process for food. The little time that to takes to shower prior to entering your spa will make a huge difference.

Remember to Change Your Pump Filter

Another thing that you can do is to change your filter often. How often you change your pumps filter should be contingent on how often the spa is used. Make sure to keep a good supply of spare filters handy, so you never run out.

Watch for Phosphates

Phosphates are one type of spa chemical that you don’t want in your spa. It gets in by way of swim suits that have been washed with laundry detergent. It turns out that phosphates are a type of plant food and algae thrive when that are in their presence.

Get a Good Spa Chemical Test Kit

Make sure to get a good spa water test kit that you are comfortable using. Some of the most convenient and easy to use are the test kits that use litmus paper or what many people refer to as test strips. To use them you simply dip them in the spa water and check the color change to determine what spa chemicals are needed.

Keep a Good Supply Ready to Use

Also make sure to keep all of your spa chemicals handy and ready to use. The most common spa chemicals contain chlorine but many people don’t like the odor of these. If this is your case then you might want to try bromine based spa chemicals that are just as powerful but don’t have the odor of chlorine.

Igloo-Type Enclosures

These types are similar to tent type structures. The have flexible fiberglass poles that create the structure and support the covering material. They generally can be assembled and dismantled in 30 minutes. The material is made out of a lightweight rip-stop nylon similar to the stuff used on camping tents. They are easily transportable if needed.

Vinyl Domes and Bubbles

These are a step up from the tent-type enclosures and are still very cost effective. Most are made out of a U.V. stabilized PVC material. They work on the principle of positive displacement. This is accomplished with a blower on one end of the enclosure. It draws air from outside and blows it in creating a higher-pressure than the outside. There is strategically placed vents around the bubble to sustain this effect. They are generally clear on the sidewalls with some type of solar barrier on the top (roof). Also the owner, saving greatly on installation costs, can install many of the vinyl domes. These types are tried and true and have been on the market for more than 20 years.

Low Profile Telescopic Enclosures

These types are generally semi-sphere in shape. They are usually constructed with aluminum frames with polycarbonate wall sections for lightweight. They come in 4-8 sections depending on your inground pool size. With this enclosure you keep it on you pool all year long. The sections fold up and slide into each other and when it is warm out you can slide it to one end, completely exposing your pool to the sun. The have hinged doors at one end and they come either in track or trackless designs. These enclosures can be self assembled and installed in about a day or so with 2 people.

Full Height Pool Enclosures

These types of pool surrounds are generally at the high-end of the scale. They generally come in 6-sided hemispherical design. The frames are constructed of aluminum, and the panels can be polycarbonate or glass. The sections can slide into one another like the low profile units and can either be manually slid or they can be motorized. These types actually look more like glass buildings that just a pool enclosure. Because of the full height of these designs, there are many more design possibilities. You can even get these type of enclosures with fixed glass walls and siding roofs only. Actually with full height enclosures with enough imagination and funds, the sky is limit.So in summary, you can enjoy your pool all year around. The designers and manufactures of swimming pool enclosures have everyone covered in style, price, and design for those of us considering one.