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How to Fit the Swim Spa into Your Home Exercise Regime?

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Many people are now turning to setting up their own home exercise room and are doing so for several reasons. One of the main reasons is because they have discovered the many benefits of the swim spa.

In the past, a lot of people have used other alternatives for their exercise needs. Some have relied on outside resources like going to gyms. This is not always the ideal solution as gym memberships can be quite expensive. There are some that start out with a gym membership with great enthusiasm, then find out after a short period of time that they aren’t making full use of what they are paying for. It could be because of time constraints or the gym hours are not compatible with their lifestyle. For some, they prefer to enjoy their exercising with others and find that a gym is not the ideal solution.

The swim spa has the ability to replace a lot of the negatives that can come with the reliance on gyms. For many, they actually combine both activities. They keep their gym membership, so they can utilize the equipment that is available. Then, at the same time, they utilize their swim spa for the off days when they can’t get to the gym. For some, they include water exercise as part of their workout regime.

The beauty of a swim spa is that its benefits are not just restricted to those that are into heavy or regular exercise. There are many people that require this form of exercise because it helps them with their health problems.

Many seniors who really want to stay active and participate in exercise may be limited because of the ailments they suffer from. For example, those with arthritis no matter how much they want to participate in traditional exercise may find it difficult. The water exercise they can carry out in the swim spa is much easier on them.

To fit the swim spa into a home exercise regime can be done by developing a plan where the swim spa can be used on a consistent basis. It should include some goals and a strategy to meet those goals in regards to how the swim spa can help them accomplish them.

Why More People Are Choosing Swim Spas

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Most people really want to have some type of water venue that they can use in or outside of their home for enjoyment. There are lots of options such as standard pools, swim spas, and hot tubs. Many are now turning to swim spas as their first choice for several reasons.

Space may be the deciding factor:

It may be that there is simply not enough space available for a traditional swimming pool. For this reason the swim spa may be the best choice. There are lots of people that do have the available space for a good sized swimming pool but still decide on the swim spa as their best choice because of the extra benefits that come with it.

Flexibility:

One of the best features and greatest benefits of a swim spa is its flexibility in terms of what it offers. With its compact size, new owners can choose to have it installed above ground, half in-ground, or totally in ground. This usually means that the new swim spa owner will have a couple of options as to where on their property they want to have it installed. Also, with the compact size, it allows for a much more cost-effective option of having it installed indoors compared to a traditional pool. This means you can get full value for your investment as it can be used all year around.

The benefits and features:

While standard pools are also great for exercise, the swim spa can present more exercise options. By swimming against the pressure of the water current, it allows the individual to build up their stamina and endurance.

For those that prefer a water setting that just allows them to relax and let the water remove all their stress and help to soothe aches and pains, the swim spa is also a perfect choice.

Although these are two of the most important features of a swim spa, it doesn’t leave out the need for the young ones to have a body of water to play in that is going to bring them hours of fun.

It is cost effective:

When you consider the cost of buying and having a standard pool installed, it makes the cost of the swim spa all the more attractive. A good quality swim spa means it is much more cost efficient when it comes to energy, plus it’s self cleaning capabilities means far less work maintaining it, and a lot more time left for pure pleasure and fun.

How to Introduce Seniors to a Swim Spa

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Many seniors remain as active as possible and participate in many different types of activities. Others tend not to be so active and this can be for several reasons. A swim spa can really be of a big help in several different ways for both active and inactive seniors.

Many seniors that have become inactive are sedentary because of poor health. Some have arthritis and other types of muscle or joint pain. Getting them involved in water activities using a swim spa can really help to reduce their discomfort since inactivity can make their condition worse.

The best way to start is to introduce them to the swim spa by assisting them into the spa, then allowing them to sit and enjoy the many benefits of the water. They will most likely respond well both physically and mentally to the warmth and movement of the water. Once the senior has become comfortable and is enjoying their time spent in the swim spa, introduce some gentle exercises.

The introduction to the swim spa may take some time before your senior is fully comfortable with it, but you should soon see some very positive results both physically and mentally. It won’t be long before this individual begins to look forward to their swim spa sessions.

How to Plan the Perfect Swim Spa Party

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School is out and a lot of the kids want to have a personal celebration with their close friends in addition to their graduation and prom. For those that have a swim spa, there is no better way to do this than to have a swim spa party.

Like any party, it’s going to take some planning. Planning for the party is going to depend on the age group that will be attending. If you happen to have a mixed age group that will be attending with your kids, you may want to have two separate parties. For pre-teenagers, they are definitely going to spend more time playing around in the swim spa for longer periods than the older ones. Older teens are quite content to make use of the swim spa but also sit around it and listen to music, while talking about what’s important to them.

If it’s going to be a joint party with different age groups, you may want to plan the mid afternoon for the younger ones and let the older ones enjoy a party in the evening.

Be sure to set the ground rules for both age groups, such as no jumping allowed. To keep the swim spa clean, ensure that all food and drinks are kept well away from the area.

The day before, try to have maintenance performed on your swim spa, so there are no delays in preparing the water while the guests wait.

You may also want to consider planning some water activities for the younger ones, so they don’t get bored.

There are several attachments that can be used with a swim spa, so it can be used in different ways. Be creative and use the swim spa in different ways to keep everyone entertained.

What You Can Do About Pool Water that Turned Green

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There is nothing more frustrating or discouraging than when the family heads out to your swim spa or pool only to discover that the water has turned green. While this may mean that your swim is going to be delayed for a bit, it doesn’t mean that there is no solution to the problem.

Of course the best solution is prevention. This is mostly taken care of with the right maintenance, but there are times when proper maintenance is not performed, resulting in green water. This doesn’t mean that you have to drain your pool, but you do have some work ahead of you.

First, you want to start with some manual labour, which involves skimming the pool to get rid of any large debris that has gotten into your pool. If there is a lot of debris that has accumulated at the bottom, you will want to use a large leaf net skimmer. It may begin to get difficult to see what is on the bottom as you disturb the water. If necessary, give the water a chance to settle periodically, so you can see what you are doing.

It might be tempting to run for the pool vacuum, but don’t do this as these large items could end up clogging your filter. For the smaller debris, you can use your hand skimmer following the removal of the big debris. You also want to ensure that your filter system is clean and working properly as it has a big task ahead of it to help restore your water.

You are now going to have to rely on some pool chemicals to assist you. You want to be sure that the PH and alkaline levels are where they should be. Then, you want to shock your pool. There are several pool chemicals on the market designed just for this. Most of them are chlorine based. This is what is going to kill off the algae and the bacteria. How much you will need depends on how green the water has become, as well as what the manufacturer of the pool-shocking product suggests. When it begins to do its job, you will see the water turn to a light green to a cloudy white colour, then back to a clear state.

You will need to run your filter consistently until you reach this stage, as well as back wash a couple of times during this restoration process.

If these procedures aren’t giving you results, there may be problems with your filter, which you will have to investigate further.

Once the water has become clear, you may need to skim the bottom once again for any left over debris.

Setting the Right Rules for Your Swim Spa

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No matter what type of swim spa or pool you have at your home, it’ important to put some rules in place for the safety of everyone. Although swim spas are small and compact, they still have to be treated with respect in regards to safety.

The first thing you need to determine before you have your swim spa installed is whether there are any rules and regulations regarding these spas in your area. Make sure that you have your swim spa installed by reputable installers. This is not a do it yourself project.

Once your swim spa has been installed, you want to ensure that it is protected with some type of fencing. It is no different than what you would do for a regular swimming pool. What you may want to do is have a self closing gate installed. You also want to have the lock high enough so that little toddlers cannot reach them.

The entire family needs to know what the swim spa rules are and take their fair share of responsibility.

There are going to be various chemicals that you will need to use to keep your swim spa in pristine condition. Make sure you have designated a safe storage space for these preferably in a cabinet that can be locked. Always be sure to read the labels of your spa chemicals carefully.

When you have added chemicals to the water, do not let anyone use the spa until you have tested the water to make sure it is properly balanced. Always wash your hands after handling the chemicals and do a visual inspection of the water prior to use. That way if you see anything wrong, you can tend to it immediately before use.

The swim spa comes with many benefits that each family member will enjoy. Some will focus on its relaxing capabilities while others will enjoy it more as an exercise venue. The smaller kids will love the water play that can take place within. Just as you would set rules for a regular pool, such as no running around it or jumping in, you want to set the same rules for your swim spa.

If the kids are bringing guests over to use the spa, your kids should make sure that their guests are made aware of the rules and that they follow them.

Many of the rules that are put in place for the swim spa is for personal safety reasons. Other rules are made in order to keep your swim spa in good condition, so it will last you for many years to come.

Tips to Buy the Right Swim Spa or Hot Tub

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One of the greatest things about buying a swim spa is that you have the option of buying one that is also a hot tub. Having this amazing two in one water feature has the capability of meeting all of the needs of the entire family when it comes to enjoying the many benefits of spas.

Naturally, you are going to have a budget that you want to stick to. Don’t make price the main priority when deciding which type of swim spa to select. You definitely want quality otherwise you could be compromising the functionality and life of your spa.

Comfort is going to be a big item on your list of must haves for your swim spa. Comfort can be built into these spas through their seating if they have been ergonomically designed. Having built in pillows is an added bonus and additional consideration.

When it comes to the jet pressure, everyone has their own likes and dislikes. You want a swim spa that allows you to adjust the jets according to what brings you the most comfort.

One of the important factors about a swim spa is insulation. A high quality spa will maximize energy efficiency and reduce the cost of heating. Most swim spas are insulated with foam, but a better choice is a swim spa that has the double thermal shield insulation system.

Once you have your swim spa installed and it is ready to go, you want to spend your time enjoying it, while minimizing the amount of time maintaining and cleaning it. This won’t be a problem if you purchase one of the self-cleaning models that are available. With these hot tubs and swim spas, the water is changed every fifteen minutes.

You also want a swim spa that is easy to service if the need arises. However, when you purchase a top quality swim spa, there rarely is a need for this.

The decision you are about to make with the purchase of your swim spa is a big and important one. It is exciting and you should be able to enjoy a pleasant buying experience from beginning to end. You want to deal with a swim spa provider that is experienced not only with spas but other related pools and spas as well. This way they can help you make comparisons between the swim spa and pools or strictly hot tubs, for example.

You also want to do business with a pool and spa company that has experience and are willing to take the time needed to help you with your decision-making.

You want to take the time to learn about the various features of the swim spa you are considering. You want it to meet the needs of your entire family. Some members of the family may want a spa for water exercise. Others are interested in its hot tub capabilities. Your decision to purchase a swim spa is one that you won’t regret and one that will bring you a lot of great benefits for many years to come.

It may seem like a lot of work the first time you open your pool in the spring, but after you have done it once, you will see that it really isn’t that difficult. You will soon be ready to enjoy another season of swimming and fun in the water.

Tips for the Spring Opening of Your Pool

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If this is your first year of owning your pool, perhaps this may be your first experience opening the pool in spring. As soon as there is a hint of warm weather, the kids want to be able to use the pool.

If you are not comfortable with the task of opening your pool, you can always hire the pool and spa professionals in your area to do this for you.

The first thing to determine is if the pool uses chlorine or bromine. If it’s chlorine that you use for the maintenance of the water, you are going to want to shock the pool. This means adding a large amount of the chlorine to the water, so it can kill any bacteria or algae that is present. Read the instructions on the brand of chlorine that you are using to see how much is needed to shock the pool and how long it takes to dissipate.

If you are using bromine, you will want to follow the specific instructions on the label. Pools vary in their size, so it’s important to follow the instructions for any chemicals that are being added to the water.

You will also need other chemicals such as algaecide, water clarifier, and stain and scale inhibitors.

All of these chemicals are the same as what you used in the previous season to keep the pool water fully optimized.

Be sure to remove any water that is sitting on your pool cover before removing it. You don’t want this water running into the pool.

You can use a net to remove any large debris from the water.

You probably disconnected your pump in the fall and stored it away, so now you will want to hook it back up. You will need to prime your pump.

Check that the valves below the water line are flowing properly. You will also want to top up the water.

Be sure that the filters, skimmers and drains are all in good condition and working correctly as well.

Depending on the condition of the water, you may want to run the filter for a few hours to make sure the water is clear.

Don’t forget to check the levels of the various chemicals that were added to the water prior to using the pool.

It may seem like a lot of work the first time you open your pool in the spring, but after you have done it once, you will see that it really isn’t that difficult. You will soon be ready to enjoy another season of swimming and fun in the water.

Simple Tips to Keep Your Swim Spa Clean

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All of the pleasure and benefits that your swim spa is going to bring you will far out weigh any of the maintenance and upkeep that you will need to do. One thing is for sure and that is you want to be able to enjoy the pristine and crystal clear water that your swim spa should possess at any time you wish. There are a few things that you will need to do to make sure this is the case.

In the warmer weather, you want to check the pool chemistry a few times a week. In the cooler months you can probably reduce this to once a week.

On a weekly basis it is important that you clean out the skimmer baskets. If the swim spa is used a great deal, you may even need to do this more often.

You should do a weekly inspection to ensure the filters are clean. They can become laden with hair and lint, and need to be cleaned as necessary. Even if your swim spa is not used constantly or by a lot of people, a storm can cause debris to land in the spa and clog up your filters.

You will be able to see when your water level is dropping and, if so, you need to top it up. When you do, be sure to check the chemistry of the water.

Make sure you have the proper chemicals on hand, so you can use them as needed. The water can turn quickly, so when chemicals are low, you don’t want to be waiting a few days to top them up.

Your swim spa should have come with a complete set of instructions that include the care and maintenance required. If you follow these, you should have no difficulty keeping your spa in perfect condition.

If maintenance is not something that you feel comfortable doing yourself, you can discuss having this service done by your swim spa dealer. There will most likely be a maintenance program available to meet your specific needs.

Always do a daily visual check to make sure your swim spa is fully optimized for use. If you see any debris in the water, immediately remove them. If the water looks cloudy or murky, check the chemicals.

Swim spas are actually much easier to keep in good condition when compared to pools because they are far more compact. They are the perfect alternative to a pool for people who don’t have a lot of space. They are also great for all age groups as they are perfect for relaxing in, enjoying some great water fun, or for exercise.