One channel we have recently added is SwimmingPool.com’s Lending Club. The program also extends to landscaping, so you can even think about finishing off that backyard oasis that you have been dreaming about – from new pool construction, pool repairs, spas and pool equipment upgrades to landscaping, irrigation, and outdoor kitchens.

Benefits of Lending Club

Here are some key advantages for this program that offers unsecured personal installment loans up to $35,000:

• Lower fixed interest rates that range from 6.78% to 27.99% APR based on credit qualifications
• Flexible terms with no down payment
• No prepayment penalty
• Simplified experience
• Fast, easy, online process that can return an instant quote in minutes
• Fast funding with
• Secure and confidential, including your identity and personal information that is not sold to other companies
• Consumers that are approved are funded directly in just five to seven days
• You may be able to apply for a second loan after 6 months of current payments in an existing Lending Club loan
• There is an opportunity to get 1% cash back from the program as an automatic rebate built into the loan program

How does Lending Club Work?
Unlike a traditional bank loan, your loan is backed by dozens or even hundreds of investors from across the United States. Here’s how it works:

• Step 1: Complete the brief, online application and after approval your loan is automatically listed on the Lending Club platform. 
• Step 2: Investors commit to investing in your loan. 
• Step 3: Once your loan is fully committed to by investors, the proceeds from your loan will be automatically placed in your verified bank account.

If you are not a member, you can fill out a simple form and be ready to apply in minutes!

Let’s Get Started!

The last few months have been full of swimming pool construction projects at Aqueous and the summer is destined only to be busier. Contact us today to get a free quote on a new swimming pool or remodel. With financing that you can tap from Lending Club, you’ll be well on your way to a staycation resort in your backyard for many years to come!

 While there is no one right way to start up a swimming pool, there are some important steps to take:

• Keep children and pets away from the pool area and do not let them swim.
• Do not use any external sources of water as this could create streaking on the plaster.
• Test the water each day for PH, calcium hardness, alkalinity and metals. If there is high alkalinity, it is important to add Muriatic Acid. This is often found at stores like Home Depot and Lowe’s or your pool supply store. If alkalinity is too low, it can be adjusted to 80ppm1 by using baking soda (sodium bicarbonate). The pH should be between 7.2 and 7.6.
• The swimming pool surface should be brushed at least twice each day to get the plaster dust out of the pool. It is best to use a nylon wall brush. Be sure to include steps, ledges, and swim-out areas that are also plastered.
• Some experts recommend adding a pre-diluted quality sequestering agent to help keep the pool water clean.
• Make sure the filtration system is operational and running for a minimum of 72 hours during this initial start-up session.
• Do not add chlorine at all during this process at least during the first 48 hours.
• Keep the pool heater off until the start-up is completed.

The process of testing the water, adding Muriatic Acid or sodium bicarbonate soda, and brushing is recommended as a daily task anywhere from two to four weeks. This is something that you can do yourself or have your swimming pool contractor take care of for you at an additional fee. Either way, it is well worth all the effort that will keep your major investment in good shape for years to come.  

However, there is help that can make your pool sparkle. There various types of pool cleaners run the gamut from manual to robotic and cover every budget in-between.

Manual Pool Cleaners

The manual pool cleaner would be you! That’s right. You’ll need a net and pool to scoop out leaves and debris. You can also use a brush to push dirt toward any drains in the pool that carry water to the filter. While this is cheap, it does suck up a lot of your time and doesn’t always mean you’ll get all the dirt and debris out.

 Suction Pool Cleaners

A suction pool cleaner is attached via a hose to the skimmer or a side port inside the pool Suction helps to remove debris and dirt as the cleaner move around the pool in a random way trying to collect as much as possible. An advantage is that installation takes just a minute or two and it’s reliable. However, a disadvantage is that it does not do well with leaves and relies on a clean filter to work.

 Pressure Pool Cleaners

These pool cleaners are more effective (and also more expensive!).  It attaches to the pool return where water flows from the filter and into the pool. It must run off an additional pump (also known as a booster pump) to create the necessary pressure for a vacuum force that propels the cleaner and picks up the dirt and debris into a bag attached to the cleaner. The advantage of this is that these items will not clog the filter. However, these are more challenging to install and work with.

 Automatic/Robotic Pool Cleaners

Considered the elite pool cleaner, these get their power from electricity from the home or through a transformer. They run on a timer and are efficient cleaners. These pool cleaners also come with their own filtration system, which means that they do not have to be attached to a pool filter or pool pump. It only goes in the swimming pool when it needs to be cleaned rather than stays in as the pressure and suction pool cleaners do. The bag collects the dirt and debris, offering a simple installation and management process to boot. They even can scrub the bottom of your swimming pool! Some even have remote controls, but, of course, that means they are the most expensive as well.

 Ask Us

We can recommend the type of pool cleaner that is right for your pool, outdoor environment, lifestyle and budget. Plus, we will work hard to get you a great deal! You’ll be pleased how great your pool looks the year round as well as how much time and effort you’ll save in clogged pipes!

Declining Drowning Incidents

The figures were published in Pediatrics, the Official Journal of the American Academy of Pediatrics. The statistics show that drowning numbers have been declining over the last sixteen years. Compared to 1993 figures (3,700), only about half the number of children (1,800), ages 19 and under, were hospitalized in 2008 due to drowning incidents. These decreases were primarily found in the southern and western states.

The article noted, “Researchers estimated that the number of kids who died after being hospitalized dropped from approximately 359 in 1993 to 207 in 2008.” However, this does not take into account those that were declared dead prior to arriving at the hospital. Also not covered in the statistics was any information about long-term brain damage or cognitive problems in those that had drowned but were rescued and hospitalized.

Positive Change and Growing Awareness

Along with education and public awareness, other positive changes are tied to improved technology and safety standards. For example, the article also stated that “parents are more likely to find full life vests for their children in their local supermarket, than they might have been ten, twenty years ago. It’s also becoming less common to find children that never learned to swim and parents that are ignorant of drowning risks, which could in part be attributed to the Internet and the information age that we now live in.”

No Time for Complacency
What often happens when good news is released like this is that people begin to let their guard down. However, a doctor quoted in the article stated that this was no time to become complacent and let children play on their own next to or in a swimming pool. He said, “While this study shows that we’re making really good progress, especially in the western and southern regions of our country, we have some sobering data still that drowning remains one of the leading causes of death among children … We have still a lot of work to do.”

Every day, I see both residences and commercial properties with swimming pools and spas where the dangers of drowning still lurk. There are many things that parents need to keep doing or make sure they do to not have their children become a drowning statistic. These are rules I apply in my own home with my own pool so as to protect my sons:

• Never leave children alone around a river, lake, ocean, swimming pool, spa, bathtub or anywhere with a significant amount of water.
• Install pool fencing around the perimeter of a swimming pool and spa.
• Use other security devices, such as window or door alarms.
• Have life-saving devices near the pool like a hook and safety ring.
• Post signage and get trained in CPR.
• Teach your children to swim properly.
• Hire a licensed lifeguard if having a swim party.

Be sure to have both proactive and reactive strategies in place.

Typically, the commercial accounts in apartment buildings and hotels close their pools for the winter time from use, but homeowners may still want to take a dip with the heaters on blast or sit in the spa. Here are some tips for “winterizing” your swimming pool the California way (which is much less work than if you were living back East!).

Why Winterize?

There are some specific reasons why swimming pools undergo a winterization process:

• Prevents damage from freezing temperatures. You don’t want to spend money on burst pipes or other damage.
• Saves money on supplies, utility expenses, and maintenance expense.
• Leaves swimming pool in good condition when spring arrives.

Winterization Steps

The basic steps for winterization include:

• Thoroughly clean the swimming pool and spa, including removing dirt and all debris from skimmer baskets.
• Put away all pool equipment.
• Balance the water by checking pH and adding appropriate chemicals. At this point, the pool can go without regular chemicals each week until the weather warms up again.
• Check all equipment. This is a good time to look over all your equipment or make sure your pool servicer scans to make sure everything is in good working order.
• Clean the filter. This will help the filter do its job through the winter season and have the water clean and ready to go in the spring time.
• Place a cover across the service of the pool and spa. This will help keep much of the debris out of the pool.
• Consider adding a freeze protector to your pool system. This will sense when temperature drops and get the equipment to start up so water can circulate. As long as the water is moving through the system, it does not have time to freeze in the pipes.

Word of Warning about Draining Your Pool in Winter-time

In California, it is not advisable to drain your swimming pool each winter. Here’s why. What happens is that water can build up in the ground during rainy seasons around the swimming pool. This may not seem like a big deal, but if the swimming pool is empty, the science of physics kicks in.

The water beneath the shell of the swimming pull increases buoyancy that then leads to an upward hydrostatic force. The result is that the entire pool shell is actually lifted out of the ground. And, this is not something you want to have happen! Instead, follow the process above to keep your swimming pool in shape during the winter and protect from the dangers – and expense – of freezing.

Call in Professionals

With all my swimming pools, I continue to service and check on them throughout the winter to ensure that all are in good working order. If you are unsure of how to winterize your pool, it is best to call on a professional who can prepare your swimming pool and spa for the cold season.

Looking at the positives and negatives can give you a balanced view on which to base your decision. Before taking the plunge on your next move into a house with a pool, consider these benefits:

• Built-In Entertaining:  Having your own pool and spa at your disposal gives you an instant party connection and arena to host your next soiree. Many years of memories can be built around a swimming pool and fun swim parties.
• Good Looks: A well-designed pool provides you with a beautiful backyard that is a joy to be in. You can simply spend your time relaxing on a chaise lounge enjoying the view.
• Exercise: Swimming pools are easy on the joints and provide a ready-to-use exercise arena. Both the young and the old can enjoy the benefits of a daily swim to increase their endurance and cardiovascular health.
• Recreation: Marco Polo, underwater somersaults and floating on a lounger are a great way to spend a hot, summer day. Moving into a home with a swimming pool can give your family hours of relaxation and fun.

There are other issues, however, which must be considered:

• Cost:  Before you buy a new house and move in, you have to investigate costs associated with pool ownership. If you are serious about a particular house, ask the homeowner to show you their past utility bills to get an idea of how the pool affects their bills. Discuss with them how they maintain their pool’s cleanliness. Do they clean and service their pool themselves? Have they hired a pool professional to maintain their pool? If so, what are the monthly fees? Also, look into whether they are leaving the pool accessories, such as telescoping poles, skimmers and nets as well as safety equipment.
• Insurance: Call a local insurance agent and get an estimate on the cost of insuring a home with a pool. Be sure to know all the safety features associated with the particular house you have in mind. Items, such as a locking pool cover, locking gates, and other safety devices, may potentially reduce your overall insurance costs.
• Safety: Another possible negative impact a swimming pool can have is the fear of safety. Many people, especially ones with small children are apprehensive about buying and moving into a home with a pool. Take into consideration safety features that are present or ones that can be installed before you move in to make a pool safe for little ones.

Inspection

Before putting a deposit down and moving into a new house with a swimming pool, have a qualified inspector do a through inspection to ensure your pool has been properly maintained and that there are no issues lurking they may cost you big money next month or next year.

Pros and Cons

By weighing the pros and cons of pool ownership, you can make an informed decision about what is best for you and your family.  

 Decide on what type of pool you want

There are three types of in-ground swimming pools available for installation. You can choose from concrete pools, fiberglass pools and vinyl-lined pools.

Here is some information on each type:

• Concrete pools provide the greatest flexibility when it comes to design. They can be formed to virtually any shape or size and can be easily configured to your yard’s shape constrictions. Concrete pools are typically referred to as gunite pools. There are a variety of wall textures available from smooth textured to aggregate textured. Concrete pools can be built in anywhere from 3 to 12 weeks and are considered the strongest and most durable types of pool.
• Fiberglass pools are manufactured in the factory and are pre-molded to a predetermined shape. This can restrict your ability to design a specific shape, but it leads to a quicker installation time, typically around three days.
• Vinyl pool liners are available in a variety of colors and patterns. They are often rectangular in shape, but they can be ordered in freeform and L-shaped designs. A word of caution about vinyl pool — the vinyl material makes them valuable to damage from toys and sharp objects. Construction time lines run from 1 week to 3 weeks.

Your swimming pool contractor will be your best source for determining what type of pool is right for your area. They are skilled in what materials work best for your climate and topography.

Determine a Price

Estimating the cost of an in-ground is difficult. There are many factors to consider:

• The first is determining what type of pool will be built.
• You also have to take into account soil conditions, pool shape, accessories, additional hard-scaping, regional permit fees and more.
• Your best bet is to contact three reputable pool builders to receive comprehensive estimates to get started. You can discuss your design ideas and they can put together an estimate that will get you an idea of your base point. 
  

Investigate the Permit Process

Building a swimming pool will subject you to building and zoning requirements. Each city and county has different code requirements. It is imperative you apply for a building permit and receive approval before you begin digging.

Each area has specific requirements in regards to depth requirements, property setback lines, pool barrier, and gate hardware requirements. Knowing how your code reads for swimming pool construction will lessen any surprises and will give you a set of guidelines in which to work.

Select the Pool Location

Once you know how your city or county building code reads, you will be in a position to determine a good location for your new pool. Working in concert with an experienced pool contractor can offer some valuable insight, but to cover all your bases, remember to follow these guidelines:

• Wind: Chose a pool location away from strong winds. This will lessen water evaporation and keep you warmer while enjoying your pool.
• Sunshine: Placing your pool in a sunny location will take advantage of the sun’s warmth to heat your pool.
• Trees: Pick a location far away from trees to avoid root damage to your pool and to help keep it free from leaf debris.
• Sightline: When at all possible, chose a location where you have a direct line of vision from inside the house. This will allow you to watch pool users from inside.
•  Pool Accessories: When finalizing your pool location think about your pool accessories. Be sure there is room in your plans to include items such as a diving board, slide, or spa. Also, don’t forget a utility shed or accessories bay to keep your pool equipment up and out of the way.

Plan Your Budget  

When finalizing your pool moving budget, don’t forget to include the finishing touches you want. Outdoor lighting, decks, patios, privacy fencing, patio furniture, pathways and more are just a sampling of the extras you might want to your budget. Don’t get caught off-guard when establishing a budget for your dream backyard and allow for the extras that will make your dream a reality.

Skimmer Nets and Leaf Rake

The skimmer net and leaf rake are two of your most valuable pieces of equipment to own. The leaf rake is used to scoop up debris from the bottom of your pool while the skimmer net is used daily to skim over the top of the pool to clean floating debris. Both tools are made of mesh netting and can be easily rinsed after each use.

Vacuum Hose

The best way to remove debris from the pool wall and floor is to use a vacuum hose. A vacuum hose uses a vacuum head and telescoping pole to clean the floor and walls of your pool. You will fill the vacuum hose with water and then attach it to a skimmer hole or vacuum line to suck debris into the filter pump basket. After you are finished vacuuming, simply clean out the basket and filter with water.

Automatic Pool Cleaner and Leaf Canisters

An automatic pool cleaner works for you every day of the week, clearing as much debris from your swimming pool as possible. When it comes to weekly maintenance, this is sure to lighten your load and make regular cleaning much easier.

During the periods of the year where you have more leaves or debris falling into the pool, you can attach a leaf canister to the hoses of the automatic pool cleaner to collect larger debris and help ensure that there are fewer clogs in the lines that flow to the equipment.

Pool Brushes

An important tool in pool maintenance is the pool brush. Algae and other dirt will stick to your pool walls and form slimy walls that are slick to the touch. A through weekly brush will eliminate dirt and debris that accumulates on the pool walls.

Tile Brushes

Nothing shows a pool’s age like discolored and dirty tile. A weekly scrubbing with a tile brush will keep your pool’s tile looking brand new.

Telescoping Pole

A telescoping pole can be used in conjunction with a variety of attachments. Typically, telescoping poles are made from aluminum or fiberglass. The better quality ones are made from fiberglass.

Storage and Cleaning
Maintaining your tools in tip-top shape will have them performing their very best each time. Thoroughly wash your nets and filters to clean out any remaining debris. Inspect your nets and brushes for holes and damage that might affect their effectiveness.
You can install hooks near your pool to hang your telescoping poles and nets. They can also be stored on the walls of your skid shed or garage. Just allow them to thoroughly dry and secure them where you will not step on them.

Keeping Trouble at Bay

Having the proper tools will ensure your pool is maintained to the highest standards. A weekly cleaning and inspection will check your pool looking great and provide you with years of enjoyment.

Contacting a Professional

All of these tools can be ordered online or at your local swimming pool supply company. If you have additional questions or concerns, contact your local swimming pool supply store or professional to guide you in the proper tools to use after you have moved in and are ready to manage your new swimming pool.

Saving money on your swimming pool energy costs are important. Keeping an eye on efficiency will save you money each month. This is especially true for the novice swimming pool owner who is still navigating and learning about swimming pool ownership. Moving into a property where a swimming pool is located can present a few challenges, but with a little effort and knowledge you can begin saving money today.

Ways to Save

Electricity usage is one of the biggest costs associated with maintaining a swimming pool. After all, the equipment must be circulating the water so as to make the pool look as inviting as possible. You could simply skimp on running your pool pump, but you will probably run into problems. A pool that is not adequately pumped will become dirty and require additional energy use to keep it clean. Here are some ideas:

• One way to increase your savings is by investing in a quality filter. Good filters save on energy and will decrease your overall electricity costs.
• After investing in a good quality pool filter, consider reviewing your running times to see if you are over-circulating your pool.

Guidelines from the California Energy Commission recommend the following:

• During the summer months, run your pump for an average of 4 to 5 hours a day.
• During winter months, decrease your time to 2 to 3 hours daily.
• These times can decrease your electrical use by 40 to 50 percent.
• Heavier use may require you to increase these times for better water clarity.
• Purchase a timer to automatically set and control your electrical usage. It is easy to start your pump and then forget to turn it off. An automatic timer can be one of your smartest investments.

Keeping your Pool Clean and Warm  

Here are some more energy efficiency ideas to consider:

• Regular maintenance and cleaning will ensure your pump does not have to work as hard to maintain your pool.
• Investing in a pool cover will help you save electricity costs and keep your pool clean. You can save 70 percent of water evaporation simply by using a cover. In addition, a cover can warm your pool by 10 degrees, which will cut into your heating costs.
• The average solar heating system for your pool costs $2,000 to $4,000 to install. Your local swimming pool contractor can set you up with a solar system that typically pays for itself with 1½ to 7 years, depending on where you live.
• If you are still in the planning stages of building your pool, now is a great time to speak to your contractor about a solar pool heating system.

Finding ways to reduce the cost associated with swimming pool ownership will pay large dividends in the short term and long run. You will have the satisfaction of a cheaper bill plus your contribution to lessen the stress on the environment.

If you are still not sure about how you can reduce your swimming pool energy costs, consult a professional. They will be able to assist you further on ways you might save additional energy and money—two things anyone who has just moved will appreciate!

Before panicking, it is best to ask your swimming pool contractor some key questions before getting started to give you peace of mind and help you understand what is involved in the process. This will also help you to get to know your contractor better so you can feel at ease with them.

• What is your background and professional experience?
• Can I have references of other clients and suppliers?
• Can I see examples of your other projects?
• What subcontracting companies will be working on this job and what is their background and experience?
• Do you have liability insurance should something go wrong?
• What does the construction process include and not include in the price?

• Can you provide me with a design of what would work well in my backyard? Can I give you my ideas and you show me how and why they will or will not work?
• How does the plumbing work so I know how to operate the swimming pool?
• What types of decorative features can I have in terms of tiles, stones, water features, etc.?
• What other services do you offer in terms of decks, patios, landscaping? Do you have a company to recommend if you don’t handle these services?
• What permits are needed and how do I know if everything conforms to code?
• What is the actual and final price of this project?
• What is the schedule from start to finish so I know how long it takes? What might slow the project down?
• How can I help or prepare anything to make your job easier?
• What do I need to do once the pool is finished? Do you include any start-up or maintenance in the swimming pool project?

A swimming pool contractor should be happy and willing to answer all the above questions and provide the necessary documentation. This will make the construction process go smoothly and create a positive experience for all involved.