Author Archives: Christina Mantoura-Gough

The total alkalinity (TA) is a measure of how much of the alkaline substances there are in the water. In the swimming pool water, we are concerned with bicarbonate alkalinity, which should be between 80 ppm and 120 ppm.

When the total alkalinity (TA) is within this range, it prevents rapid pH changes and “stabilises” the pH level.

If the TA is too low, Marbelite and plaster walls will become etched, metals corrode, the pool’s walls and floor can stain, the water can turn green, eyes burn and we can have pH bounce (pH rapidly going up and down, seemingly at random).

If the TA is too high, the pH is difficult to adjust, the water becomes cloudy, the pool constantly needs acid (according to your test kit) and the chlorine loses its efficiency as a disinfectant.

It is recommended that you test the TA regularly, but in practice it changes very little in a well-maintained pool.

To raise the level of TA, you should use our Hot Tub and Swim Spa Company Alkalinity Increaser. To increase your TA of 10ppm, use 1,5kg per 100m3. Raise alkalinity gradually continuing treatment daily until correct levels are reached.

Lowering the total alkalinity is also a slow process. To reduce pH readings add 10g per 1000lts of Spa pH and Alkalinity reducer, sprinkling product directly to the water with circulation on. This application will lower the pH by approximately 0.2.Only make one addition of pH and Alkalinity Reducer at a time and always re-test the water, should a further addition be required, test your water again.To reduce Total Alkalinity add 15g per 1000lts of Spa and Hot Tub water with circulation on. Add product to the deepest point of the Spa / Hot Tub in one application. This application will lower the Total Alkalinity by approximately 10 – 20 ppm (mg/l). Always re-test the water after each application.

Choosing a swim spa, exercise pool, fitness pool or swimming pool is a big decision, as it’s a choice you’ll be living with for a long time. Choose the wrong type of pool, and you will drastically reduce the use you get from your new investment, choose the right swimming pool, however, and you will be delighted with it for years to come.

Indeed, a swim spa offers a few added benefits that your traditional pool may not offer. Individuals who are considering the investment in this type of pool will find that the advantages are not just exercise related. In fact, this can be the perfect place to relax and unwind with friends or to let the kids splash around in the summer months. Unlike other pools, the swim spa is a complete system that is easy to use and maintain.

One of the key advantages of an exercise pool is that it provides you with one of the best types of exercise methods available. Swimming is good for several reasons.

• It provides an effective workout plan that gets the heart going.
• It works to provide exercise without impact. Unlike running or walking, there is no impact on the joints.
• This system is fun. Unlike other types of exercise, like treadmills and workout gyms, people tend to enjoy swimming. When you enjoy doing something, you are more likely to do it.

For all of these reasons, an exercise pool is an ideal choice for those who need to get moving. Keep in mind that you will find a variety of other advantages to swim spas too. 

Swim spas provide other uses as well. Individuals will find a range of ways to use these that do not always have to provide for health improvement. For example, some split models offer a side that is perfect for relaxing with a few friends, in a hot tub style experience. This makes for one of the best overall experiences because the water’s warm and the current is just enough to be relaxing.

They are safe for children who will enjoy spending time in the swim spa. A very dynamic and easy to use product. The children will love playing with the jets and will learn swimming very fast. Moreover, a swim spa is easy to use. You can keep it heated 12 months a year at the cheapest price with covers and its great isolation. It only demands a few products to keep the water clean. 

Whereas in a swimming pool, you will only have space to make a couple breaststrokes and once you have done that, you will sit on the side of the pool and not enjoy it as you should.

Therefore, a swim spa is the way to make the most of your investment, by spending less time worrying about the money spent in maintenance, and spending more time enjoying your pool, the relaxation and comfort it offers.

Your pool represents a real investment in your family’s health, leisure and lifestyle and, like all investments; it’s a good idea to make sure that you are getting the most out of it.

If your pool is even just a couple of years old, you might be surprised at how many new products there are available that can improve your experience of running and enjoying your swimming pool. There are innovations that can reduce running costs and make your pool more environmentally friendly, there are products to make maintenance easier and there are retrofit products that can add to the fun and improve your leisure time.

There is a host of ideas splashed over these pages. Which of them most appeals to you?

Pool Covers

A pool cover can keep your pool safe and secure as well as helping to cut running costs. If you have a cover already, perhaps you should upgrade? Solar covers simply retain heat in the pool and cut down water loss through evaporation. Heat retention covers go that bit further to reduce heat loss. Winter debris covers will keep debris out during the winter months. Safety covers are designed to keep your pool safe and secure. Automatic slatted covers are a “push- button” cover that will retain heat and make your pool safer, plus, they can be solar powered.

Heat Pumps

A heat pump is one of the most efficient options available for heating your pool water. Some of them actually multiply the amount of heat that can be produced from each kWh of electricity by drawing warmth from the air to put into your pool.

LED Lighting

LED lighting is the most energy efficient lighting option available. Spectravision lights can also be digitally controlled to produce an amazing range of mood-lighting effects that will transform the look and atmosphere of your pool at night.

Automatic Pool Cleaners

Would you believe that cleaning your pool could be easy? In fact, it can even be fun. Suction cleaners are easy and efficient to use, electric powered cleaners will almost do the job for you and we have a Zodiac 4 wheel drive model that will climb the pool wall to your feet when the work is done.

Solar Heating

Incredibly eco-friendly, once installed a Sunburst solar heating system for your pool has little or no running costs. The panels have a long life expectancy and a system should payback the installation costs in somewhere between 2 and 5 years. A solar heating system really comes into its own in the UK when it is used in conjunction with a traditional heating system, topping up your pool’s heat just at the time you are most likely to want to use your pool.

Automatic Chemical Dosing

Make testing and dosing your pool water easier with an Etatron automatic chemical dosing system. A complete package of equipment provides simple and reliable dosing and control for chlorine or pH.