Running An Efficient Pool - Saving You Money

In today's economy, tips on how to save a few dollars here and there are always valued. Even though it's winter in Cleveland and most pools/spas are closed, we can always plan for the future.

Times are tough and everyone is feeling the effects one way or another. We have to be optimistic and hope for the economy to turn around, slowly. If you already have a pool/spa, it can be considered your "staycation." Sprucing up the backyard, having pool parties and enjoying the backyard you've worked hard for can turn into a rewarding vacation. You're saving money by not traveling, so why not save more money by making your pool/spa more energy efficient?

Maria Slaby from HubPages has some very good tips on saving you money whether your pool/spa is still up and running or when you open in the Spring. First, your pump: make sure it's on a timer, reduce your run time in the winter to save on your power bill and look into a variable speed pump. This pump runs at a lower speed to circulate, sanitize and filter your water. The pump can be ‘kicked up' to a higher speed to run your water features. Spend a little bit now to save for years to come.

Second, Slaby talks about pool heating. Gas can be used to heat a spa quickly but it is not recommended for a pool - it would be too expensive in many parts of the country. Electric heat pumps are very efficient for heating your pool. Of course, there needs to be heat in the air for the heat pump to 'steal' to heat the pool. If you are in a cold climate, the heat pump might not make sense. Solar heating is the virtually free cost of warming up your pool.

Finally, for a gunite pool, a chlorine generator is a must. They take salt and through electrolysis, make sodium and chloride which is what sanitizes the water. Because of the great demand for chlorine in a gunite pool, this investment will pay off in several years. As a side note to this, the price of chemicals is on the rise!

Make sure the pool and spa stay clean. Cleaning out the skimmers and baskets from debris can avoid putting pressure on the pump and filter to work harder. Saving a little money now can make it more affordable to have a service technician from High-Tech Pools, Inc. service your pool/spa, leaving more time for family, parties and fun! High-Tech Pools, Inc. offers full service, everything from routine cleanings to making your backyard look spectacular for your next outdoor event! Call us today!


Slaby, M. Make your Pool Go GREEN - In a good way! Retrieved November 19, 2009, from HubPages http://hubpages.com/hub/Energy-Efficient-Swimming-Pools.

Did you know spas can help fight sickness?

The swine flu has become everyday vocabulary for people everywhere. With all the hype about flu season and the swine flu, people are taking every precaution possible; washing hands, getting vaccinations, not going to work/school if feeling sick, etc. But did you know relaxing in a spa could help as well?

Spa therapy is also known as hydrotherapy and works by stimulation. According to Holistic Online, spa therapy relieves the body's natural pressure from gravity, then stimulates the nerves and circulatory system. By adding jets and bubblers to the hot water, the nerve impulses work to enhance the body's immune system, increase circulation and digestion and even lessen sensitivities.

Holistic Online also says for an effective hydrotherapy it's important to:
1. Use water temperature between 102 to 106 degree F for loosening tight, tense muscles and reducing the pain of stress-related conditions such as backache.

2. Take a cold shower after you step out of the bath because this brings an immediate rush of blood through your system, as well as a rush of energy.

3. Stay in the bath no more than 15 to 20 minutes. If you have high blood pressure or cardiovascular problems, don't stay long enough to raise your body temperature.

4. Evening is the best time to soak in water. A study conducted in England found that people who took a soaking bath before going to bed slept more readily and deeply.

Imagine a cold, winter day spent relaxing in your own hot tub. High-Tech Pools, Inc. can design and construct the perfect indoor or outdoor hot tub. The picture above is just one design we have done. Please visit our website at www.hightechpools.com and take a look at our photo gallery of award winning spas!


Source: Holistic Online (1998-2009). Hydrotherapy. Retrieved November 12, 2009 from http://www.holistic-online.com/hydrotherapy.htm.

Swimming Laps

A deer in Gastonia, North Carolina swims laps after falling into an indoor pool. The deer apparently fell through the ceiling and and decided to make a splash in the indoor swimming pool. According to The Huffington Post, the deer swam around, and at one point, appeared to actually be swimming laps, within the lap lanes. The whole scene was caught on security camera. The video can be viewed by visiting: http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2009/10/31/deer-swims-laps-in-north_n_341061.html.

This is a great reminder of how important it is to have a pool cover. Even though this incident occurred in an indoor pool, this could easily happen with an outdoor pool. Covers can help this from happening to animals and humans! Covers also help with debris. Winter covers a especially important on pools for the long winter. When leaves fall in the pool, they tend to stain the plaster. This makes for a more extensive clean-up in the Spring. If you are in need of a winter cover for your pool/spa or maybe need a new winter cover, we can help! Just give us a call 440-979-5070 or visit our website, www.hightechpools.com!




Source: The Huffington Post (October 31, 2009). Deer Swims Laps In North Carolina Pool. Retrieved November 2, 2009 from http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2009/10/31/deer-swims-laps-in-north_n_341061.html.