Poolwerx Blog

Lifestyle 7 Benefits of Pools you Didn’t Know About Pools are popular. Fun fact: there are 10.4 million residential and 309,000 public swimming pools in the United States, according to the Association of Pool & Spa Professionals (APSP). That’s a lot of pools! Why do people love pools so much? What kind of perks do pools offer anyway? Here are some benefits of pools that you may not know about. 1. Swimming is the 4th most popular sport in America.   The number 1 spot is walking, while the 2nd and 3rd spots were weightlifting and exercise with cardio equipment, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. Swimming is also the most popular recreational activity for children and teens (ages 7-17). Which is not that surprising when you think about it, because it’s so fun!   2. The presence of blue water in your backyard creates a calming effect in your brain.   “Blue Mind” is a scientific term associated with water-related calm and peace. This science tells us that as humans, we’re naturally drawn to blue space. This natural phenomena leads to a feeling of wellness and peace when we are in or around bodies of water. Dr. Wallace J. Nichols, author of the best-selling book Blue Mind, says, “Research has shown that being near, in, on or under water can provide a long list of benefits for our mind and body, including lowering stress and anxiety, increasing an overall sense of well-being and happiness, a lower heart and breathing rate, and safe, better workouts. Aquatic therapists are increasingly looking to the water to help treat and manage PTSD, addiction, anxiety disorders, autism and more.” 3. It adds value to your home.   In addition to the benefit of aesthetic appeal that a pool adds to your home, a pool could boost your home’s value by as much as 7% in some areas! In the Sunbelt especially, where the Summer heat can be unbearable, it can be a deciding factor against competition when you sell your home. 4. Swimming is one of the best forms of exercise.   Swimming is an excellent cardiovascular workout, which strengthens both the heart and the lungs. It burns more calories than walking or biking and uses every major muscle group in the body! You can burn up to 850 calories per hour in the swimming pool by swimming vigorously, and can still burn a ton of calories with a low intensity swim session. Active water aerobics is another calorie burner that gets your heart moving faster. Plus, the low impact water workout a pool provides targets all major muscle groups without causing joint pain! Going swimming or doing water exercise in your pool will also lead to many other benefits besides keeping fit. It is an excellent way to improve or maintain cardiovascular health, as well as improve strength, balance, flexibility and posture. 5. Swimming relieves stress.   Swimming is also a superb stress reliever. In an article on this topic, Swimmer magazine interviewed Moby Coquillard, a psychotherapist and swimmer from San Mateo, CA., who prescribes exercise to depressed patients. He claims: “I absolutely believe swimming can serve as a kind of medicine. For me, it represents a potent adjunct to antidepressant medications and, for some patients, it’s something you can take in lieu of pills.” Aside from potential biochemical changes in the brain, swimming requires a type of muscular and breathing technique very similar to the relaxing techniques used in yoga and meditation. When you swim, you typically alternate between stretching and relaxing your muscles while at the same time, deeply inhaling and exhaling while sometimes also holding your breath. Combined with the cool water, tranquil appearance and sunshine, it all adds up to total relaxation! 6. More time outdoors!   Having a pool can also lead to spending more time outside, and being outside has health benefits of its own. Enjoying the sunshine more can potentially improve memory, increase focus and creativity, fight depression, and lower blood pressure. And let’s not forget about that added vitamin D! 7. It can lead to increased social activity and family bonding.   Think back through your past memories in search of fond experience with your family or friends at the pool. Most people can probably remember at least one! Pools are a wonderful way to bring your family together. Kids, teens, and adults alike all can enjoy a day of splashing, playing, or lounging together in some sparkling water on a sunny day. Plus, with a pool, everyone will want to come to your house, which will make you a popular host! You know all about the benefits of pools now… so what’s keeping you? Get out there and enjoy your pool! Read More

Franchising with Poolwerx Poolwerx Welcomes Campbell’s Pool & Spa Knoxville, Tenn.-based Campbell’s Pools and Spas has signed on as a franchisee with Poolwerx. Campbell’s also relocated its Lenoir City store and reopened as a Poolwerx-branded dealership. In addition to the stores, the company adds four service vehicles to the Poolwerx network. Tony Campbell will continue to own and operate the stores, which include hot-tub showrooms. It is expected to retain its current staff. He also will continue to operate his construction business as Campbell’s Pools. Click here to read more at Pool & Spa News Read More

Poolwerx News Poolwerx adds seasoned global industry professional to senior ranks Read More

Lifestyle 5 Workouts To Do In Your Swim Spa   Swim Spa Workouts Swim spas are a great alternative to a swimming pool. They are portable and much easier to maintain. But they are also wonderful for working out in the convenience of your own home! Swim spas offer much lower impact when it comes to working out. Swim Spas help with any pain you may have when you typically workout in the gym or on land. Check out 5 exercises you can try in your swim spa! Read More

Poolwerx Pointers Things to know before you tackle DIY pool care During these times, the DIY approach is looking more and more attractive for home maintenance efforts, and that applies for pools too. But there are some important things to consider when it comes to handling your pool equipment yourself. Here’s what you should be aware of before you tackle DIY pool care. Handling your pool filter may be unsafe. Your filter is a powerhouse. Proceed with caution! The pool filter is a vital part of keeping your pool clean. Your filter removes small debris from the pool water to keep it clear. In order to do this, your pool filter needs water pressure. Your pool filter operates under very high pressure generated by a mixture of water and air brought in through the pool pump, which keeps water flowing through the filter. Most filters have a tank, lid, and clamp that holds the system together. If too much pressure builds up, the clamp can fail, which can cause the lid to explode off the tank with immense force. This can even cause an explosion which can damage property, or worse—cause severe bodily harm. How does pressure build up? There are several potential causes. It could have happened due to improper reassembly while attempting DIY maintenance. It can also be due to having a dirty filter, or having a blockage in your system. If there is an issue that causes the pressure to be too high, handling the filter can be dangerous. You will need an expert to handle things properly in order to fix the issue or make a replacement. Another word of advice: don’t handle your filter while the pool pump is on. If the pump is running, the filter is a pressurized environment which puts you at risk of tangling your hair or clothes into the filter, causing entrapment, which can lead to drowning even with adults. Our recommendation to avoid these potential issues is to: Clean your Media and Diatomaceous Earth (DE) filters every six months, or cartridge filters at least three times per year. Have your filter regularly inspected by a professional to make sure it is running in optimal shape. To put your mind at ease, we have the perfect hands-free program called Filter Care Plus, where we will come out to inspect and service your filter throughout the year! Find out more about this program here. Take care when handling and storing pool chemicals. Pool chemicals can be dangerous if you don’t take the necessary precautions. If you attempt to do this on your own, you will have to do a lot of homework first. Aside from the actual handling of the chemicals, you need to learn how to properly store them. Want to clean your pool yourself? Be sure to review and follow all the rules and regulations on the CDC website. But there’s an easier way to ensure your safety, especially if you have kids and pets to think of at home… instead of going DIY with your pool cleaning, hire a professional! We can regularly test your pool and take care of adding the chemicals for you, so you don’t have to deal with all the guidelines and handle powerful chemicals. Regularly scheduled maintenance is crucial. Regularly scheduled maintenance is important to ensure your pool is running optimally and safely. If you let things go, you risk damage to your pool and equipment. For example, if your pool and filter is not being properly cleaned, algae can build up, resulting in an unsightly green pool. Not only is a green pool unsightly, but it is also a breeding ground for harmful bacteria that can get you and your family sick. Not only that, but it can also result in a cracked pool lining! Also, in addition to the hazards we mentioned earlier, clogged filters can lead to your pump going out and needing to be replaced, which can quickly lead to an unclean pool… and will be quite costly to deal with! That’s why the time and money spent on regular upkeep is well worth it in the long run. You don’t have to be in this alone! When you hire a pool service like Poolwerx, you know you are getting experienced help at the highest industry standards. Scheduling a regular pool service means you won’t make mistakes that you’ll regret.   Read More

Poolwerx Pointers How to Prep your Pool for a Hurricane or Rainstorm     Storms are serious business, and can definitely cause a great deal of damage. Having a storm preparedness plan is very important, so you will be ready to keep your family and property safe during hurricane and tornado season. And preparing your pool is an important part of hurricane prep, which shouldn’t be overlooked! During a storm or hurricane, dust and debris gets washed or blown into your pool, phosphates get deposited into your water and your chlorine, salt and minerals get diluted. Your pool can also potentially flood, damaging surrounding structures. If you fail to prepare, you prepare to fail. Before rain hits: Balance your pool properly. Get a free water test at your local Poolwerx for the best advice on what your pool needs to be balanced. Consider adding some algaecide. This will help fight off many of the organic contaminants the rainwater introduces, making your pool easier to clean after the storm dissipates. Algaecide adds an extra layer of protection for your pool, preventing black, green and yellow algae growth, giving your pool a fighting chance. Don’t drain your pool. Keeping enough water levels in your pool provides the weight necessary to hold the sides and bottom in place during the storm or hurricane. This is especially important as the heavy rains begin to fall, which could cause damage. If you have surrounding structures that can be damaged by water, you can lower your water levels by 1-2 feet. Turn off your power! All electrical power to your pool should be turned off at the circuit breakers before the hurricane hits. Any and all exposed electrical equipment, such as motors for the pumps, should be tightly covered. If you have a gas heater, turn off the gas. Remove all loose objects such as chairs, tables, toys, and pool equipment. Store all items in a secure indoor place. If applicable, you should also trim your trees. Any of these objects can become dangerous flying projectiles during a powerful storm. Now your pool has weathered the hurricane. What should you do after the storm? We have an after-storm pool care guide for you! Click here to read more.   Read More

Poolwerx Pointers Safety Tips for Pool Owners How can I keep my pool safe for my children? What happens if I don’t clean my pool? And how important is showering really? Find out the answers and more pool safety tips below! 1. Prevent potential drownings   According to the CDC, drowning is the number one cause of unintentional death for American children between the ages of 1 and 4. An average of 10 people drown each day, and about one in five people who die from drowning are children age 14 and under. For every child who dies from drowning, another five receive emergency department care for nonfatal submersion injuries. Backyard drownings increase during the summer months, so keeping a safe and secure pool area is crucial, whether you have children or not. If you do not already have one, a pool fence would be a good addition to your backyard. A four-sided isolation fence (separating the pool area from the house and yard) reduces a child’s risk of drowning 83% compared to having just your property-line fencing. Some safety questions to ask yourself: Is my pool gate latch at least 4 feet above the ground? Are the vertical gaps between the fence panels less than 4 inches apart? Have you securely stored pool toys and accessories out of view? Have climbable objects near the pool fence been removed? 2. Never leave a child unattended near water.   Leaving your child unattended at the pool–even for a minute–can lead to devastating consequences. You not only have the potential of drowning to worry about, but them slipping, falling and seriously injuring their head as well. Kids like to run and play with caution to the wind–that’s why you have to be there just in case to protect them. 3. Routinely test your pool.   To avoid developing a recreational water illness, make sure to regularly check your chlorine and pH levels. Chlorine kills most bacteria such as E. coli in about a minute if it is kept at proper disinfection levels and under ideal water conditions throughout the pool. Need any assistance with testing? Bring a sample of your pool water to your nearest Poolwerx, and we’ll test it for free! 4. A strong chlorine smell means something’s wrong. Have you ever gone to a public pool and been overcome by the strong smell of chlorine? You may have felt better, thinking that the pool was completely decontaminated. However, If the pool is properly cleaned and maintained, you shouldn’t smell much chlorine, if at all. The heavy chemical odor is not from chlorine, but from chloramines instead–a mix of chlorine and contaminants. The presence of chloramines means your pool is not performing at its best. If your pool is starting to smell like this, you might need a shock treatment to clear up those chloramines and reset your pool. Give us a call and we will be happy to answer any questions or perform this service for you! 5. A shower is recommended before jumping into your pool. A study by the Water Quality Health Council found that although 93% of American adults would never reuse someone else’s bath water, 44% percent skip the shower before entering the swimming pool. When it’s your own pool, it’s your choice whether or not to shower before jumping in, and you may only be surrounded by your family’s germs. But showering can play a big role in keeping your pool clean and helping your chlorine not work so hard in killing off nasty bacteria. When swimmers shower first, they help reduce the risk of waterborne illnesses such as diarrhea, swimmer’s ear and skin infections. 6. Consider a barrier, pool cover or safety net when not using your pool.   Pool covers help solve multiple issues. They help reduce water erosion, keep debris from falling into your pool, which allows for easier cleaning, and they prevent your kids and pets from falling into the pool accidentally. Not sure what type of pool cover to get? Find out here.  7. Ensure all pools and spas, both in your backyard and any pool you visit, have compliant drain covers. Powerful suction from a pool or spa drain can even trap an adult underwater! All public pools and spas are required to have drain grates or covers that meet pool safety standards, but it’s good to check anyway. 8. Learn CPR and teach your children how to swim.   Swimming is not just fun, it’s a lifesaving skill! Teaching your child how to swim is essential if you have a pool to not only help keep them safe from potential drowning, but so they can enjoy their pool to the fullest. Also, learning CPR can help put your mind at ease just in case an emergency happens at your pool. You never know when you might need the skills necessary to save someone’s life. 9. Inspect your pool regularly and conduct maintenance when needed. Maintenance is an important part of pool safety too! Regularly perform routine checks to make sure everything is running optimally. It’s a key part of keeping your pool in top shape! It’s also important to have a pool maintenance expert check in on your pool equipment periodically too. A properly trained and accredited technician will be able to thoroughly inspect your equipment to ensure the safety and efficiency of your equipment. They may be able to pick up on smaller faults or damage you haven’t noticed before it becomes a bigger issue. At Poolwerx, our local knowledgeable technicians are ready to help put your mind at ease. Read More

Poolwerx Pointers How to Clean your Infinity Pool An infinity pool, or as some may call it, a vanishing edge pool, is a beautiful pool design addition to homes near waterfronts. The lack of pool coping on the rear edge of this pool creates a fabulous effect where the water’s edge in the foreground blends into water in the background. As a result, you get an uninterrupted view of your beautiful backyard and allows you to feel more connected with your surroundings. Read More

Poolwerx Pointers Why you should avoid the hot tub expo shows   Beware of large hot tub and swim spa expos! They sound great but here are some reasons you should avoid them! Read More

Poolwerx Pointers Coronavirus & Pools FAQ During these uncertain times, it’s important to understand what you can do to ensure the safety and well-being of your family. Below are our most frequently asked questions about pool use and the Coronavirus. Read More

Poolwerx Pointers 4 Pool Workout Tips With gyms closed due to unforeseen circumstances, we need to get creative on getting a workout in and having fun while doing it. Getting outdoors and in our pools are great ways to soak up some Vitamin D and fresh air. Exercising in the pool provides more buoyancy which creates greater resistance and a more challenging workout. Working at a higher resistance, we burn calories at a greater rate so the workouts can be shorter. Plus, working out in water is easier on joints on muscles. So let’s jump in our pools and start exercising! Here are some great tips to grab a quick workout in your pool. Read More

Poolwerx News Coronavirus Update The safety and well-being of Poolwerx clients is always top of mind, therefore, we have been actively monitoring the coronavirus (COVID-19).  As a company that prides itself on maintaining healthy swimming pools and hot tubs, we wanted to share with you some actions that we are taking as a company to keep our communities safe. Read More