Category Archives: Swim Spa

When closing down your outdoor swimming pool for winter you need to create a sterile environment where microorganisms such as algae spores, fungi and bacteria cannot flourish. You also need to help prevent the formation of scale and staining from dissolved minerals so the water and pool surfaces are in good order when the pool is re-opened in spring.

If you can do this, you should hit the ground running at the start of next season as far as water quality is concerned, and avoid those expensive and time consuming clean-downs which are needed before the water begins to look acceptable again.

For Pools Run on Chlorine

First, shock dose the pool with an unstabilised granular chlorine. The high dose of chlorine will kill off any algae spores and bacteria that might be lurking in liner creases or in the surface of tile grouting. This will give you as near sterile water as possible. Now you need to keep it like this through the winter, as the chlorine will soon die away. You need to use a product that is specially formulated for overwintering and contains long life algicides and additives, which prevent the formation of scale and staining from dissolved minerals.

For Pools run on Bromine or Baquail

The above procedure and instructions opposite are aimed at pools run on chlorine, as it is by far the most commonly used outdoor pool sanitiser. There are parallel procedures for other disinfectants as follows.

Bromine is very similar to chlorine and can be shocked with shock dose. This should then be followed by the prescribed dose of winteriser product.

THE 14 STEPS YOU SHOULD FOLLOW IN ORDER TO WINTERISE YOUR POOL CORRECTLY

1. Thoroughly backwash the filter. Remove any debris from the pump strainer, skimmers and pool water surface.
2. Check the pH and adjust to 7.2 – 7.4.
3. Shock dose with a stabiliser-free chlorine to kill any algae and harmful organisms that may be present. Allow the water to circulate for 3 – 4 hours to ensure thorough mixing.
4. Close the valve/s from the skimmer/s and lower the water to 10cm – 15cm below the skimmer level. (It is important to heed any recommendations made by the pool installer and not lower the water level too much. This is especially important if there is a naturally high water table as this could present structural hazards to the pool shell).
5. With the water still circulating through the bottom drain, add the winteriser product, pouring it evenly around the pool at the prescribed dose.
6. Leave the circulation running for long enough to ensure thorough mixing.
7. Remove ladders, diving boards and summer covers etc, and store them away from extremes of temperature.
8. Switch off and isolate electricity supply. (If in doubt consult an electrician).
9. Drain the water from the pump, heater and filter taking care to retain any ‘O’ rings from unions.
10. Disconnect the pump and store in a frost-free, dry place away from extremes of temperature.
11. Leave valves above water level open; those below should be closed and protected from frost damage.
12. Some weighted and sealed polythene bottles can be used to absorb ice expansion. These should be floated along the length of the pool and secured with strong cord.
13. Cover the pool with a heavy duty winter pool cover.
14. Check the appearance of the water occasionally, along with the pH and free chlorine while the pool is shut down. If the winter is mild, add another dose of Winteriser in February and ensure thorough mixing and distribution throughout the pool.

Getting your pool up and running for the new season is not too difficult, and the following guidelines should make life even easier for you. However, if you’ve got doubts that this particular line in DIY is not for you, give your local pool centre or service engineer a call.

For pools run on chlorine:

First, shock dose the pool with an unstabilised granular chlorine that gets to work the moment it is dissolved. The high dose of chlorine will kill off any algae spores and bacteria that might be lurking in liner creases or in the surface of tile grouting. This will give you as near sterile water as possible. Your pool water needs to be kept in good condition throughout the spring and summer, as the chlorine will soon dissipate.

You now need to add a chemical which special formulation contains a Long Life Algicide, Water Clarifier, and Anti Stain & Scale additives, which prevent the formation of scale and staining from dissolved minerals.

For pools run on bromine:

The above procedure and instructions opposite are aimed at pools run on chlorine, as it is by far the most commonly used outdoor pool sanitiser. There are parallel procedures for other disinfectants as follows. Bromine is very similar to chlorine and can be shock dosed with the same product. This should then be followed by a non-chlorine sanitiser, which is totally incompatible with chlorine and bromine.

The 13 Steps you should follow to open up your pool correctly:

1. Remove surface water and debris from the winter cover before taking it off, then clean and dry it ready for storage.
2. Using a leaf net, remove as much debris from the pool as possible and clean any tide marks at the water line using a cleaner chemical.
3. Reconnect the pump if you removed it over winter making sure all electrical connections are free from dampness. Call in an electrician if you are in any doubt about what your are doing.
4. Open any valves beneath the water line which may have been closed or plugged.
5. Check there are no obstructions to the drains, the outlets and the pump strainer basket.
6. If necessary, top up the water level so that it can be drawn in through the skimmer/s.
7. Prime the pump, turn it on and check that the filter, skimmers and drains are all working. Do not be too concerned if the water from the circulation is discoloured initially. If the water level was too high because of rain over the winter, pump to waste.
8. Run the filter for several hours, vacuuming out any remaining debris.
9. Backwash the filter and top up with fresh water.
10. Prepare the heat retention cover for use, cleaning off any patches of algae or mould.
11. Check the pH and adjust to 7.2-7.4. Ask your dealer for pH reducer to lower the pH or pH increaser to raise the pH.
12. Dose with shock product to kill any algae and harmful organisms that may be present. Allow the water to circulate for 3 to 4 hours to ensure thorough mixing.
13. Then with the water still circulating, add algicide chemical, pouring it near the swimming pool inlet at the prescribed dose.

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.

Our products are recognized in the world over for their excellence in design and comfort. Here are some of the key features that distinguish our hot tubs and swim spas from the rest:

Comfort and Design

We have incorporated many unique design features in our products, including: ergonomically designed seats and pillows, deep bucket seats, large foot wells, adjustable jets that focus on specific areas of the body; and customizable massage jets that allow you to tailor the massage experience to your exact needs.

Reputation and Quality

We are a family-based company located in the prestigious Ruxley Manor Garden Centre, in Sidcup, Kent. The Directors have been in the industry since 1998, and we’ve loved the lifestyle that comes with owning a pool and spa. Our company ethos promotes complete customer care at all stages of the sale, and also, most importantly, the service process. We are unusual and ahead of the game, in that we now boast a team of highly experienced and qualified service engineers, and installation staff.

We have won a variety of United Kingdom Awards in recent years, from both the hot tub and pool sectors. Back- up service and recommendations are hugely important to us. Interestingly enough, much of our business is through referrals and recommendations from numerous existing happy customers.

Insulation and Energy Efficiency

 Unlike our competitors who use full or partial foam for insulation, we use our own Double Thermal Shield Insulation system. Better insulation means better energy efficiency, and our system is the only one on the market to be certified carbon neutral and to meet the rigorous standards of the California Energy Commission.

Ease of Maintenance

We are provided by the only manufacturer that offers self cleaning models of hot tubs and swim spas that change 100% of the water every 15 minutes. For service, all four sides of the cabinet can be removed, a feature that is rare among our competition.

Massage and Hydrotherapy

There is no question that water-based therapies work. For centuries people have used water to improve their health, believing that water could not only relieve pain, but could also heal various illnesses. Today, hydrotherapy focuses on relaxation and releasing tension as a way to achieve better mental and physical health. With the customizable massage jets in hot tubs, you will enjoy the many benefits of full-body massage, right in your own home.

Exercise. An added benefit of the Swim Spa is the element of exercise. Water-based exercise is ideal for anyone, but especially for those who may need a gentler workout than traditional aerobic or weight training. The Swim Spa can deliver you a healthier physique while also offering you the relaxing properties of a hot tub.

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.