Now that pool time is here and we have to be safe because that mean old virus is still around, I am here to tell you a few important things.

First, do not just guess at putting chemicals in your pool. You need to bring a water sample to my mama’s store and they will tell you how to make sure your pool is safe to swim in. Make sure you keep your swimmers swimming at a safe distance. Now that it’s hot outside, make sure you run your pool equipment for 12 hours during the day.

So make sure you follow these rules and if you have anymore questions then just ask any of the water chemists and they will help you.

Houston… we have a problem! I noticed my Nana’s pool pump is not pulling a prime… it’s hot and I don’t want her to have to buy a new pump!

So, I turned off the pump, picked up the phone and called my friends at Aquarama and told them to come quick… Nana needs help.

So Uncle Ben’s main man showed up and saved the day! Nana was happy because her pump was repaired. Always make sure your pump has a full prime.

If you see that you need a repair just ask for Uncle Ben’s Main Man (aka his service department). You will be good as new!

How To Prime a Pool Pump::

Turn the Multiport Valve to Recirculate
This will direct the water into the filter head, and then right back out to the pool.

Remove Pool Plugs
You’ll need water to be able to flow into the pump, so remove any plugs you may have in the skimmer(s) or return jets before you turn any equipment on.

Fill The Pump With Water
Remove the pump’s lid and check the inside. If it’s dry, you’ll need to add some water before you turn it on. Make sure all the drain plugs are in place, then use a garden hose to pre-fill the pump housing.

Allow water to run into the pump housing for at least two minutes. This will allow some water to seep into the pipes that extend from the skimmer to the pump so there’ll be enough water to create suction in the pump.

Turn the Pump On
Put the lid back on the pump and turn the pump on. It may gurgle a little, and it may take a little time, but eventually, you should see water filling the pump housing.

Once the housing is full of water, the pump is primed, and you’re ready to go.

Liam’s World is back this week and He has some urgent news to tell you about. He says to listen up people… It’s almost Christmas! Now is not the time to have problems, but if you do… you got to get them fixed quick.

Liam heard that his Nana’s (Karen Shearer Frye) pool robot was not working (Liam named him Bingo). So, Liam brought Bingo into the “Robot Hospital”. Liam told Bingo- Don’t be scared, they will make you all better. 

After a short stay at Robot Hospital- AKA Aquarama Pools In-House Repair Center… Bingo was good as new. The repairman gave Liam the broken parts so he knew exactly what was causing Bingo to have so many problems. Liam was shocked and knew he had to show his Nana!

So, Liam thought Bingo needed some rest so he decided to buy Nana a new cleaner so Bingo could get some R&R. Liam’s Nana was so happy.

So, Liam’s Holiday Advice:

1. Solve any problems fast before Santa comes, nothing should interferre with the Big Guy!
2. Trust The Robot Hospital(AKA Aquarama) for your pool cleaner repairs.
3. Liam says Nana’s and Papa’s love gifts from the Pool Store! He encourages everyone to stop by the AquaRama Pools Store to stock up on Pool and Spa Needs, Big Green Egg Supplies, and Yeti Cooler needs. 

Liam’s back and he has a lot to tell you about his world today!

First, he gave the pool cleaning guys the day off, he told them he could handle things today. Liam would like to remind you that with colder weather and falling leaves this is one of the highest priority pool cleaning times.

Liam says it’s important and urgent to check your skimmer baskets, sometimes every day if you have a lot of leaves around your pool that drops in it. Liam likes to run through the leaves but not swim through the leaves. Liam says it is also very important to make sure your freeze guard is working correctly.

Liam says if all of this seems like too much or you are stressed about having time to do it, then call or text our pool cleaning guys at 770-422-6291 (Liam said they will be back to work tomorrow, he has a play date). Liam says you need to believe his warnings… he had a conference call with Glen Burns from WSBTV and Glen told him colder weather will be here in just a few weeks!

So, Liam’s Skimmer Basket and Winter Advice:

1. Empty your skimmer basket frequently, some pools may need to have the basket emptied a few times a day if heavey debris falls. This prevents the skimmer baskets from getting packed full of debris, which can cause cracking in the basket. Also, an over packed skimmer basket can cause your pump to lose prime. 
2. Make sure your freeze protection is set correctly to turn your pool on when the temperature drops below 37 degrees, this will prevent freeze damage. 
3. Still maintain your pool chemicals because even in cold weather a pool can give you issues with clarity and chemical inbalancing. 

Liam would like everyone’s attention, because he has BIG NEWS coming from his world. Liam would like everyone to know it’s almost Turkey Day! He said that means the following:

1. He gets to eat Turkey and Mashed Potatoes 
2. Liam gets to play with his family
3. Most of all, Liam gets to watch his dad cook that BIG turkey on the BIG GREEN EGG

So, Liam decided that he wanted to learn more about this Egg thing. So, he invited the Big Guys from Big Green Egg our to his Uncle Ben’s store. Liam inspected the van, gave it a thumbs up and then learned all about these awesome grills. He said now he understands why everything tastes great that his Dad cooks on the Egg.

So, if you want your Thanksgiving Day turkey to taste great, be like Liam and his family and cook it on the Big Green Egg. He said if you need cooking advice or you need an Egg, visit his pals- Bill and Amy at the Aquarama Retail Store, tell them Liam sent you!

We would like to introduce you to Liam and His World. Liam is a pool professional and would like to stress to you that it is so important in the world of swimming pools to only deal with pool professionals. Liam will be leaving blog posts here from time to time sharing his professional advice on how to take care of your swimming pool.

Today, he has an urgent issue to tell you about concerning his world. Liam wants you to understand how important yearly equipment checks and filter cleanings are.

Liam said 1st, you only trust a professional, like him or Aquarama Pools Service Department. You can call or text them at 770-422-6291. 2nd, a yearly equipment check is just like a tuneup for your car, you need to make sure you do not have any problems and you do routine maintanance to prevent problems with your pool equipment. The professionals or Liam, will check all of your pool equipment, lubricate your valves, test your timer/freeze guard, check your pool automation, check your skimmer baskets and pump baskets for damage, and  all other equipment and will provide you a full tuneup report.

As well, Liam would like to remind you to clean your cartridge filter, DE Filter and sand filter. He said the professionals can tell you how to do that also and do it for you if you wish not to. We recommend changing the sand in the sand filter every 3-4 years. DE filters and Cartridge filters need cleaning based on the pressure on the pressure gauge. 

So don’t delay, cold weather is coming and you need to be prepared. Liam says if you need any help to please call today!

MIDWOOD STREET CORN

Chef Matt Berry shares his recipe for street corn.

Ingredients Print
4 ears of sweet summer corn
4 tbsp mayonnaise
4 tbsp queso fresco
2 tbsp preferred chili-based seasoning
1 lime cut into small wedges
Instructions
Set the EGG for direct cooking without a convEGGtor at 350°F.

Shuck corn down to last layer of the husk and soak in water for 1 hour to saturate and prevent burning.

Place corn on grates and cook for approximately 15 minutes (the fresher the corn, the less time this will take). Rotate ears to cook evenly on all sides. Retrieve corn and shuck final layer when cool enough to touch.

Slather kernels with mayo and roll corn in crumbled queso fresco. Shake seasoning of choice over all sides of each ear of corn. Squeeze fresh lime to taste. Serve immediately.

Many Homeowners believe they know everything about their pool skimmers. Then you have a few who believe they do not know enough. The inground pool skimmer is one of the most important parts of a swimming pool. 

When thinking about a pool skimmer, imagine being in the swimming pool with a small container catching floating debris and leaves. That is the essential part of the skimmer, which holds a small basket that collects the debris. This basket prevents the debris from going into your filter or pump, causing a blockage. 

Inground pool skimmers are a rectangular shape. Depending on the size of your pool will dictate how many skimmers the pool will have. They are located inside the pool, toward the top of the wall. Normal operation requires the skimmer to be filled to the middle of the skimmer with pool water. If the water level is not to the middle of the skimmer box, you will need to add water to your pool. If you pool water level drops below the skimmer, you will need to shut off your equipment and fill the water back up to the middle of the skimmer box and then turn on the equipment. If you have a main drain and the water drops below the skimmer, you can close the skimmer and run your pool equipment on the main drain. Once the water level is back to normal operational level, you can open the skimmers back up.  

Skimmers are typically made of white plastic and a have a door or flap known as a weir. The weir is located over the entrance into the skimmer box, it will flap open and close according to the water level and the movement of the water. While the water is moving and the equipment is on, the weir will flap open and close collecting debris. Once your equipment turns off, the weir will close so that all trapped material will not go back into the pool. Once debris is collected into the skimmer basket, it is important to remove the skimmer lid, located in your swimming pool deck. Once the cover is removed, you will simply lift the skimmer basket out of the skimmer well and empty the basket. Once the basket is empty, you simply place the basket back into the skimmer well. It is very important if the skimmer basket is broken or cracked you need to replace it immediately to prevent 

Another important role the skimmer plays is allowing you to place chlorine tablets straight into the basket. A benefit of placing sticks or tablets into the skimmer basket is the water from the pool will run over the sticks/tablets causing them to dissolve much quicker than using a floater in the pool. The chlorine sticks or tablets will provide higher concentration of chlorine into your swimming pool water. Furthermore, this means that your pool water is sanitized and preventing bacteria.  The important part is making sure you consult with your pool professional to use the correct sticks/tabs in the skimmer basket, so it does not cause damage to your pool pump or remove the sticks/tabs from the basket when the pump is off. 

The skimmer also serves as a point to manually vacuum your swimming pool. Even if you have an automatic or robotic pool cleaner, you will have times that your pool needs to be vacuumed manually. Once you have your manual vacuum put together, you insert the vacuum hose into the skimmers suction hole. It is important to use a skimmer vacuum plate when vacuuming through your skimmer, that prevents clogs of debris from being sucked through. Manual vacuuming will result in much cleaner water. 

The skimmer is a vital part of your pool and its circulating system. Make sure you protect and care for it. 

You might say to yourself… “I have had this pool since 1995 and I know everything about it, I Think?!”

We believe you can learn something new every day. A swimming pool and its equipment are much like a car, everything works together so the car can run. A pool operates the same way. As well, just like a car needs a tune-up, so does a pool (yearly equipment check).

Pool Equipment and Parts: The Basics

The Pump
A pump circulates the pool water through the filtration system where it will be cleaned and heated (if the pool is equipped with a heater). A pool pump is usually located on the intake side of the filter, which means that allows the pump to push pool water through the filter, heater, and other components.

There are a few options when choosing a pump: single speed, two speed and variable speed.

Single Speed Pump- Just as it sounds, this pump offers one speed to operate.

Two Speed- This pump operates at different speeds, usually low and high.

Variable Speed- This pump provides the highest energy savings by allowing the motor to automatically adjust to operate at lower, energy-efficient and cost-saving speeds, depending on the immediate needs of the filtration system.

The Filter
The filter (Sand, Cartridge or D.E.) traps debris, hair, dirt, sand and other fine particles that you can’t see. Pool water enters the filter, moves through the filter medium, and it comes out clean as it leaves the filter tank. Each filter works differently with different types of filter medium.

Three types of pool filters:

1. Diatomaceous Earth (DE) can trap the finest particles and provide the best filtration resulting in clear, glassy water. D.E. Filters need backwashing and require you to recharge the D.E. Filter with D.E. powder after backwashing.
2. High-rate sand filters are popular because they are easy to install and maintain, and don’t need frequent replacing. Sand filters require you to backwash as your pressure indicates that it is needed. The filter requires a sand change every 3-4 years.
3. Cartridge filters are a cost-effective and popular choice, cartridge filters require no backwashing. A cartridge filter does require cleaning the cartridge(s) as needed within the filter. You will need to buy the filter cleaning chemical and take the time to clean the filter correctly.

The Chlorinator
The job of the chlorinator is to add sanitizing agents to your water, killing bacteria. There are different options for chlorinators that either require you to replenish chlorine with chlorine tabs, sticks, or liquid chlorine. Another option is one that creates the chlorine through a natural process using salt (Salt Chlorinator).

The Heater
Pools can be heated by gas, electricity, or the sun in some areas. Gas Heaters and Electric Heat Pumps are the most common types of heaters, and each has its own advantages based on your specific needs. Your Pool pro (us) will help you determine the appropriate heater type and size for your pool. A heater can extend the swim season in Georgia into the late fall, sometimes winter depending on if we have a mild winter. A heater will also allow you to swim early in the morning or at night without the water being too cool.

The Skimmer
Another important part of the pool support system is the skimmer. The skimmer is built into the pool when you build your pool. The skimmer is designed with a basket to catch debris, preventing it from going into your skimmer line and causing a clog.

We suggest that you maintain your equipment and have a yearly checkup performed on your pool equipment once a year. Much like your car, if you take care of your pool, you will prevent costly repairs and damage.

In the south, a winter cover protects your pool from the cold months but also preventing your pool from filling up with the Georgia pine needles and leaves. Many people question when’s the right time to close their pool. Below we have outlined the type of covers for swimming pool closing and important information about closing your pool.

Safety Covers

Safety covers are custom covers, meaning they are designed based on your pool’s measurements, fitted only for your swimming pool. Safety covers are a bit more costly than a standard winter pool cover. As well, installation is more labor-intensive as the custom cover is anchored into the deck. Homeowners tend to like custom covers more because of the protection they offer for their swimming pool. Safety covers typically last longer (if properly maintained and stored) and they’re strong enough to keep children and small animals from falling into the water.

In the safety cover family, you can select from two styles of covers, the Solid or Mesh Safety Cover.

Solid safety covers

The strongest safety cover available is the solid safety cover. It is recognized as a durable and long-lasting pool safety cover that is designed to stand up to heavy fall and winter debris and snow. The cover also blocks out sunlight, which prevents algae growth. This is important in Georgia. Our leaves tend to start falling in September, but we still have very warm and sunny weather in place. With a solid cover, it protects the pool from filling with debris, so you do not develop green algae.
The only issue that will cause some maintenance on a solid cover is the fact that you have a solid cover. Once rain, leaves, and snow accumulate on the cover in fall and winter, the cover has no place for rain or melted snow to pass through. At this point you will need to need a pump to keep your pool cover free of excess water. As well, you will need to use a leaf blower to keep heavy leaf debris off the cover.

Mesh safety covers

Many homeowners find the Mesh Cover to be a great winter cover selection. Mesh covers protect your pool and keep out debris, like leaves and tree branches. As well, they are surprisingly strong. Mesh covers are held in place by a network of heavy-duty straps and anchors placed in your pool deck. This system allows your Mesh Cover to stay anchored in place all winter long. Furthermore, they add a safety feature of being able to support thousands of pounds, providing a peace of mind with families who have small children and pets. Mesh Safety Covers will not block out all sunlight. You will need to add winter algaecide to your pool on a routine schedule to help prevent algae growth.

Standard Winter Cover

A “standard” winter pool cover is made of a tarp-like material and is designed to keep out dead leaves, debris, and sunlight during the months you’re not using your pool. This style cover is your most economical pool cover.

This type of cover is stocked and ready for purchase. You will need to know the measurements of your pool for the correct size. This type of cover often described as a water-bag cover is usually easy to install.

The downside to the standard pool cover is that the cover deteriorates quickly, and most will need to be replaced within two or three years. They’re also not the sturdiest option. Although they are designed to stay firmly in place, in-ground standard pool covers are held in place with specially designed water bags. It is not recommended to hold the cover with anything other than the water-bags. Placing bricks, stones, or flowers pots on a standard cover for anchoring can cause the cover to rip when rainwater or debris accumulates on the cover.

The other important item to go with your pool closing and cover is a Winter Pool Chemical Kit. Chemical kits can prevent staining, inhibit algae growth, and keep your pool water fresh until the next swimming season. Make sure your winter chemical kit offers winter shock and algaecide. Remember, before closing the pool you will need to clean the pool and make sure the water is chemically balanced. You will need to store any pool cleaner outside of the closed pool, do not leave in your pool over the fall and winter.

At AquaRama Pools, we offer free quotes on pool covers and can assist you in figuring out what works well with your pool, family and budget. In addition, we can offer a professional pool closing service or we can walk you through the process in our Retail Store. Finally, it is very important to start the planning process of purchasing a new safety cover in July, to allow time for the custom cover to be made and installed before the leaves begin to fall.

Many pool owners question the effect of rain on their pool water, with the large amounts of rain falling over Metro Atlanta. We are going to explore how your pool reacts to rainwater.

Rain which is formed from evaporated water, leaves behind minerals, carbonates and dissolved solids on earth, as it evaporates into the air. And just before it condenses into rain droplets it is the purest water on the planet. As rain falls through the air, it picks up small amounts of pollutants, spores, dust and other contaminants. Sounds much like phosphates in your pool water, right?

When heavy rains move over your home, the rainwater can raise the water level in the pool. If the water gets high enough, the skimmer can stop functioning, meaning it no longer circulates and skims the surface of your pool. This allows leaves, bugs, flower buds, and other debris to accumulate on the water surface and eventually settle to the bottom of your pool. It is very important as rainwater falls into the pool, that you backwash your pool down or use a pump to pump the water down if it gets to high.

What About Your pH?

Rain is initially neutral in pH, a perfect 7.0 – but very quickly absorbs low pH contaminants as it falls through the sky. The effect of low pH rain on your pool pH level is usually small, except for heavy rains over a period of days, which can require a need to raise your pH. Acid rain is rainwater that has absorbed carbonic acid and sulfuric acid from atmospheric gases. Such rain is not usually extremely acidic, but may fall in the 5.5-6.5 pH range, low enough to affect your pool pH levels, again causing a need to raise your pH.

Will Rain Change My Alkalinity?

It is a fact that rain will decrease your Total Alkalinity level in the pool over time, requiring a pool owner to raise the alkalinity. Rainwater has a Total Alkalinity near zero. Heavy rains will dilute your pool alkalinity level, causing it to fall by 5-10 ppm a day.

Low Alkalinity and low pH levels in pools can create a corrosive water environment. Corrosive pool water can result in the damage of underwater metal surfaces, such as pool lights, ladders and rails. As well, corrosive water can damage pool equipment that water flows through, such as heaters, pumps and filters. As well, etching of masonry pool surfaces, wrinkles can form in vinyl liners, and the corrosion of metal parts can release into the water that may lead to staining and/or discoloration. Corrosive conditions can be controlled by the adjustment of the pH, total alkalinity and calcium hardness.

What Will Heavy Rains Do To My Pool Calcium Reading?

Rainwater is soft water, having near zero hardness, as measured by the amount of calcium salts in the water. If your pool water is soft to begin with (less than 200 ppm), the addition of hundreds of gallons of 0.0 ppm rainwater can decrease your pool water calcium hardness, requiring the addition of Calcium Hardness to the pool. If your pool water is hard to begin with (over 400 ppm CH), rainwater could be beneficial to lower hardness levels, and being the only known method, the solution is dilution.

Heavy Rains and Chlorine- Should I add more Chlorine?

You may see a trend developing here. Rainfall dilutes pool chemistry levels and lowers the readings for pH, alkalinity, hardness, stabilizer, and chlorine.

Rainfall does not contain chlorine. As well, rainfall brings with it small amounts of contaminants that are washed into the pool. Leaves, dust and debris also creates a higher chlorine demand and uses up your chlorine. It is smart, as a pool owner, to raise your chlorine levels if you know a storm or heavy rain is forecasted for your area.

What About Salt?

Salt pools may be diluted in the event of heavy rains, requiring additional salt to the pool water. Storms can also add environmental debris, requiring additional chlorination.

Can Heavy Rains Cause Algae?

Rainwater itself does not cause algae, but it can provide the right environment for algae. Rain will bring phosphates, nitrates and other organic contaminants into the pool. As we discussed earlier, rain also reduces chlorine levels. If large amounts of rain are forecasted for your area, make sure you are running your pool around the clock for twenty-four hours while the rain is present and after it ends.

It is very important that you add a maintenance dose of algaecide weekly to your pool. This product will help prevent algae development. If your pool turns green from algae, use a copper containing algaecide to rid the pool of the algae.

It is important to maintain your pool water chemistry on a weekly routine. If we have daily rainfall, you need to be checking your chemicals after the rain. Remember, routine maintenance is your best prevention plan for problems with your water chemistry.

So many times, people question when they should shock their pool? The simplest answer is do not wait for a problem to arise like itchy eyes, bad smells, or cloudy water. Pool shock should be used as part of your routine maintenance plan.

In addition to your weekly routine maintenance, you may want to perform an extra pool shock under certain circumstances, such as after:

• heavy pool use (like a pool party with a large bather load or children using the pool)
• a severe rainstorm or damaging winds (especially if your pool collected debris)
• a major water level change, if you had to lower a large amount of water
• a fecal-related pool accident (this should receive a double shock and the pool needs to be without swimmers for 24 hours and leave pool running for 24 complete hours).

Think of extra shock as insurance against algae developing, bacteria, or other contaminants. It’s better to take out bacteria before it has a chance to affect the quality of your water or safety of the swimmers.

When shocking your pool, you need to follow safety guidelines:

Pool Shock is a necessary part of good pool maintenance, but please remember the chemicals you use to shock your pool can be extremely dangerous if they’re mishandled or you do not follow directions. It is very important to understand that improperly stored chlorine can literally explode.

As a homeowner, we suggest you wear safety goggles, safety breathing mask and gloves when adding chemicals to your pool, especially shock. Pool shock, especially calcium hypochlorite, can sometimes release small amounts of chlorine gas. Wearing safety gear can help prevent breathing, eye and skin irritation. Do your best to avoid directly breathing from the containers. Exposure to chlorine gas can cause throat and lung irritation.

One of the most important safety rules is to never mix pool shocks. Mixing different chlorine types can explode when moisture is added. Never mix pool chemicals or allow them to contact each other, even a drop of algaecide, clarifier, antifreeze, or other liquids mixed with chlorine, can erupt into a raging fire. Mixing chlorine and acid (pH down) will create a deadly gas. Chemical residue from a bucket or scoop mixing with another chemical can react. Dirt, dust, leaves and any liquid can cause a volatile reaction when mixed with pool chlorine. Make sure you are using clean buckets, scoops, or sticks to mix with.

Do not add shock directly to your water unless instructed to do so by a pool professional or the product instructions advise to. If the package says dissolve before adding, make sure to pre-dissolve, as it is important. Only open one container at a time. If you need to use more than one container of shock, make sure you completely empty out each container before moving on to the next one. Finally, make sure all empty containers have the lids placed back on them and dispose of as recommended on the package or directed by your pool professional.

It’s like a home renovation, you don’t realize that its been a while since you have updated things and before long, you realize you need a complete remodel. AquaRama Pools & Spas decided that 2019 is the year to do just that. We hope you like what you see on our new website and with our blogs. Change is good and we look forward to offering you much more with our new home.

In 1965, our Dad and grand-father Robert Shearer, decided that he would launch a reptuable pool company that specialized in building pools and supporting those pools with services. Fast forward to 2019 and you have a company that is still under the same family ownership and just awarded Cobb’s Best of 2019. Starting here with our new home, we felt like it was a great time to remind you of what we offer in Cobb County and Metro Atlanta.

• Gunite & Vinyl Liner Professional Pool Installs
• Amazing Renovations That Transform Your Backyard Living Space
• Full Services that include Pool Repair, Leak Detection & Repair, Pool Cleaning, and Spa Services.
• Full Retail Store With Professional & Expert Water Testing and Advice
• In-House Motor & Pool Cleaning Repair
• Full Warranty Center for Pool Manaufactures

Check out our new site and if you have questions, complete a form fill and we will be happy to assist you.

If you’re a homeowner living in Atlanta, chances are, you have a pool in your backyard. Likewise, you’re probably aware of the basic pool maintenance tips, such as maintaining the water and pH levels. However, it doesn’t end with that. One of the important aspects of maintaining your Atlanta property is to ensure that your pool won’t be succumbing to less-than-luxurious conditions, and here’s how.

5 Tips for Your Atlanta Home’s Pool

CLIMATE IS VERY IMPORTANT IN POOL CARE
In order to keep your pool properly balanced and the water sparkling clean, it’s crucial to add chemicals carefully. Don’t forget to test it as often as possible, especially when the summer starts to heat up, as more and more people will be using your pool. You also have to familiarize yourself with the weather and climate conditions in your Atlanta home, as this would affect your pool in one way or another. If you’re having your pool serviced by a professional, don’t hesitate to ask about how you can maintain your pool depending on the weather.

SKIMMING AND SCRUBBING SHOULD BE PART OF YOUR LIFE
Skimming the leaves and removing the debris is something you must do on a regular basis, especially if you want to achieve a pristine pool. Likewise, if you have some money to spare, then you should invest in a vacuum that’s capable of cleaning the bottom of the pool. Aside from skimming, scrubbing is equally important. You have to scrub the sides of the pool to avoid algae build-up. Don’t worry, unlike skimming, you don’t have to do this as often as possible, especially if you’re living in Atlanta. In fact, you can get away with scrubbing every other week.

THE POOL HEATER SHOULD BE PROFESSIONALLY SERVICED
Out of all the pool equipment, the pool heaters require the least maintenance. A lot of homeowners prefer gas heaters as they work fine, even without being serviced for several years. However, the electric ones are known for lasting longer.

It’s always ideal to consult the manufacturer’s manual and pay attention to the specific care and instructions. There will be instances where calcium scales could accumulate inside the tube of the heater. This can affect the flow of water, and prevent it from getting heated. If this happens, the best thing you can do is call a professional. Don’t try to disassemble the heater yourself as you might end up causing more damage.

THE FILTERS ARE YOUR POOL’S KIDNEYS
Our kidneys are very important. They are what eliminate the impurities from our body. The pool’s filter has a similar role. It removes the impurities, such as leaves, dirt, and other items from the water. Cleaning the filter isn’t that complicated at all. You just have to turn it off, remove the cap located on the pool deck, and remove the dirt and debris you can see. Cleaning the filter basket should be done at least once a week.

KEEP IT COOL
Pools use a lot of energy. In fact, a pool that’s above 82 degrees would lead to a higher electric bill. As a wise homeowner, you should invest in a solar cover on the water. This would keep your pool warm, without using electricity at all.

Responsible property owners maintain their properties on a consistent basis. This keeps everything functioning well and decreases the chance of big unforeseen repairs. This holds true for your pool as well as your property.

Growing up with a pool, I knew how to swim at an early age. My brother and I learned to swim because of the strong desire to imitate my oldest brother, who was diving and jumping and having a great time, we wanted to do that.

As it happens, my sisters were the complete opposite. Their push to swim did not come from a desire of imitation; but, a necessity to survive in a family of swimmers. Even then, one succeeded and the other did not. To this day, my oldest sister still cannot swim.

Last week, ISR Swim School started here at Aquarama Pools. This program is designed to teach infants how to survive, if they fell into a pool or any body of water.

The parents began to arrive and quickly outfitted their children in the needed gear to start swimming.  Now, it’s easy to imagine a toddler learning to swim as their mind has developed enough to make visible responses to our instructions. However, many of these young swimmers are infants, who are still adapting to this new world.

Children grow up and learn to fear water, as they know they cannot breathe while under it. Infants on the other hand, are wild and bold. Fears that have yet to become developed, do not hold them back as any parent will tell you. This is one key factor in teaching them to swim early on.

Although many are quick learners, these amateur swimmers did not quickly take to the water. Screams split the normally calm air here, causing fellow employees to quickly come and check out the commotion.  With strong hands, the expert instructor takes on each child as if they were her own. Carefully molding these young swimmers to make sure they will be safe after they leave her care.

Looking back, I can only imagine the change my sister would have experienced if she was given the same instructions at such an early age. Considering the positive impact these classes have on each of the infants and their parents, our employees quickly relate to a sense of accomplishment. To share in this amazing achievement and know that through their support here at Aquarama, these little ones will learn to love the water.