Placing plants or foliage is a great way to enhance the look of our pools. The presence of plants and flowers has a soothing effect and significantly impacts our positive mindset. We usually use our swimming pool to relax—what better way to relax than swimming in a pool surrounded by flowers and plants.
Studies published in many articles have said that plants reduce stress, improve concentration, increase productivity, and boost your mood. Imagine yourself poolside and looking at your pool and lovely foliage in the background. It will genuinely take your breath away.
Your pool area will become a refuge from all the stress and grind of the outside world. It creates a living space in your pool area that is soothing; many studies also mention how plants can help reduce loneliness and depression.
A large backyard pool surrounded by plants and trees / Source: Cabarita Pools
We are also most likely to use our pools because of the lovely plants and foliage and maximise its usage. Imagine the health benefits of swimming and enjoying the landscape, it will energise you and your family. Remember, increasing exercise, like swimming, lessens the risk of illness and promotes health and well-being.
Autumn is a great time to add those plants and foliage because of the ideal weather condition. So for green thumbs out there, plan ahead and research on plants that are the best fit in your pool area. Try to think of plants that you can use as shade, especially when swimming on a hot day. Look for flowers and their colours to match the look of your pool.
Keep your poolside garden simple
Creating a garden or setting plants in your pool is a great way to enhance its look. It’s important to consider simplicity so that your plants do not overpower your pool. When we have visitors in our house, the focal point should still be our pool, and it should be the first thing they see.
Placing too many plants might shift their attention, and your poolside will just become a regular garden and not a pool area. Look for areas to plant them but retain some open space to have a good view of your pool. A natural look will be the best option, place the plants as if it’s really part of the landscape. Choose plants that are naturally available in your area, for it to have a natural look.
Keep a proper distance between your pool and plants
Placing plants is an excellent idea and will bring a lot of benefits. But it should be done correctly since plants can also cause some problems. It’s essential to place the plants a considerable distance from the pool so that it’s leaves will not go to the pool. These leaves are organic and can quickly decompose and affect the quality of the pool water. They can also clog the filters making it harder for the water pumps. Leaves, if left unchecked, will damage the filtration system of your pool.
Plants should be placed a distance so that it does not cover the entire pool; you still need to see the pool and make sure everyone is safe, especially children. The path going to your pool should also be clear of plants. So you have to make sure no plants are blocking the access to your pool.
A well maintained backyard with a large pool / Source: Cabarita Pools
Make sure your plants are taken care of and well maintained
Plants also need your time and attention, so aside from your regular pool cleaning service, you also have to take care of your plants. Make sure you water your plants regularly so that they don’t witter. You have to make sure that the lawn is well manicured and the bushes trimmed up. Remember that their leaves will fly and land in your pool if you do not trim them, causing water quality problems and the pool’s filtration system.
Contact local pool cleaning experts
You should also check your trees for overgrown branches and trim them, and remove excess leaves. Check your yards for fallen leaves and use a leaf blower and rake to move it away from your pool. Make sure you collect the leaves and dispose of them properly so that they will not go to your pool.
A well managed and maintained garden area is an excellent addition to your pool. It has to be maintained well to maximise its benefits. If you don’t have time for a DIY, you can call professional pool experts to do it. They will be willing to help you with all your pool-related needs.
Plunge pools are gaining in popularity and for good reason. They are ideal for rehabilitation and exercise, and they are perfect for homes with limited space. But, what exactly is a plunge pool? And how is it different from a traditional pool?
What is a plunge pool?
The pool industry adopted the term plunge pool to identify any pool between the size of a spa and swimming pool. Pool sizes can range anywhere from four to seven metres long and are generally about two or three metres wide. The deep end of the pool usually doesn’t exceed more than 1.2 metres. Thanks to their smaller size, plunge pools won’t completely overwhelm the area you’re going to install them in (unlike what happens with bigger swimming pools). In fact, you’ll be able to accentuate the plunge pool with things like a deck or a garden to make the area even better.
There are many plunge pool designs to choose from
Plunge pools come in a wide range of shapes and sizes and can be custom made to your specifications. They are typically made from fibreglass or concrete, and there are a plethora of designs available. Whether you want a round plunge pool, a rectangular one or some other fancy shape, you will have no problem finding the pool shape you want for your home.
What are hydrotherapy plunge pools?
A hydrotherapy plunge pool is a small swimming pool or plunge pool that also has hydrotherapy jets, meaning it doubles as a hydrotherapy spa. The jets can be used for different kinds of massages, or they can be used for swimming. When turned on, they create a current that you have to swim against. You can adjust the force of the current, depending on your swimming abilities. The plunge pool also has seats that are situated in front of the jets, so that you can get different massage effects from them.
Shallow plunge pools can be put on balconies / Source: Serenity Pool Co
Great for rehabilitation
Water offers a tremendously helpful atmosphere for all rehabilitation efforts. Exercising in water allows for plenty of resistance, but plenty of flexibility too. The water allows for an easy, low-impact exercise that helps strengthen muscles and work out joints. It’s particularly helpful for the muscles in the abdominal and lower back regions, so water workouts can provide an incredible boost to anyone with lower back pain. Don’t forget to consult a professional before you embark on any workout regimen though. Additionally, plunge pools are great for treating osteoarthritis ailments. The pool’s water helps soothe pain and increase range of movement, providing a huge amount of relief for those suffering from inflammation and stiffness.
Above ground plunge pools
If the expense of an inground plunge pool doesn’t mesh with your budget, then maybe consider an above-ground model. Made from manufactured resin that’s moulded, shaped, and prefinished, a modern above ground plunge pool is extremely safe and strong compared to older versions. Whether braced to give the walls additional strength or made from materials strong enough to do away with bracing, above ground plunge pools come in just as many varieties and shapes as inground plunge pools.
Many homeowners also opt to instal coping at the top of their above ground pools or build a new deck to provide an entertainment area at the poolside. Installing a desk will also help you conceal the sides of the pool, integrating it more smoothly into the look of your yard. One particularly appealing advantage of above ground plunge pools is that you can conceivably take it with you whenever your next move comes around, something that’s nowhere near possible with an in-ground plunge pool.
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Plunge pool heating options
One of the more popular solutions is turning to solar heating. With solar power, heat panels are attached to the home’s roof, and water is pumped through a network of tubes right underneath the panels and back into the pool. It’s very energy-efficient, and you’ll also have plenty of bells and whistles to choose from. You can use digital temperature control methods to set the temperature just where you want it and also install the panels in any one of a number of nice-looking colours. Don’t be afraid of leaks with the solar panels, either – they’re very safe for the house.
Another option for heating is using heat pumps. These types of pumps use electricity to work, but it’s a very efficient type of procedure – the heat energy is taken right out of the air. It’s very innovative and very cost-effective. The warm air is taken right out of the atmosphere and injected right into the pool water to heat everything up. Cool, right?
If you’re only going to use your pool or spa on certain, special occasions, you might want to opt for gas heating. It’s the fastest method (it’ll heat up a spa in around half an hour) and modern gas heaters are much more energy-efficient than their prior incarnations. You can even opt for a pool blanket in order to cut down on your energy consumption. They’re easy to put on and easy to remove and won’t involve the same type of maintenance these other methods do.
How to customise your plunge pool
Your stock plunge pool will already look great, but you can make it look even more beautiful with a few customisations. Here are a few ideas you can use:
An above ground plunge pool with jets / Source: Billabong Spas
Tiles and interior coating
Change the look of your plunge pool by installing new porcelain, ceramic or cement tiles of any pattern and colour of your choosing. Or, as another option, you can change the interior coating. Interior plunge-pool coatings are available in a variety of colours and textures. Choose a smooth or sand-like texture and then choose your colour. Common colour choices include sparkly blue, charcoal and black.
Water features
You can really add to the allure of your plunge pool by adding water features such as water jets, waterfalls and water walls.
Pool heater
You can comfortably enjoy your plunge pool year-round if you instal a heater. Hook up a standard pool heater, or cover your plunge pool with a solar pool cover.
Add more seating
Chances are that your friends and family are going to want to come and visit when they see your plunge pool. So, why not add some extra seating for them. Your plunge pool probably already has a step that will seat one or two, but you can add an extra step or even a ledge that goes around the entire pool to fit many more people.
A spa – also known as a hot tub or a jacuzzi – is essentially bathtub that recirculates water through pressurised jets and an optional in-line heater. This offers a direct massage when you’re sitting in front of a water jet. The water pressure can be directed to massaging sore muscles in your back and neck. Additionally, you get an all over massage from the swirling water. If you’re thinking of buying a spa, or are looking for the best way to clean and maintain one, read our guide to avoid getting yourself into hot water.
Types of hot tubs
Much like pools, there are two types of spas: in ground, and above ground. In-ground spas can be placed either at surface level or on a specially constructed deck. On the other hand, above-ground spas are like bathtubs and are placed above ground. Both come in a variety of shapes and sizes. Some can seat up to six, while others are 4-metre long swimming spas.
The most common types of spas are:
Portable Spa – Relatively inexpensive and, as the name suggests, these spas are portable.
Swim Spa – These spas are designed for swimming in place, similar to the way you would run on a treadmill. They tend to be longer and narrower with high-pressure jests at one end of the pool.
Therapeutic Spa – These are designed for hydrotherapy.
Spa Baths – The smaller design of these spas makes them great for indoor use by a single user.
In-ground spas
In-ground spas, as the name suggests, is installed into the ground usually next to an in-ground pool. This style is more customisable, and can fit more easily into your space’s aesthetic.
An in-ground pool can fit seamlessly into your outdoor space and take up less room than a portable spa / Source: Silhouette Pool Designer
Portable & semi-portable spas
Another option to consider, particularly if you don’t have a pool is an above-ground portable or semi-portable hot tub. Semi-portable hot tubs aren’t exactly portable – they usually weigh between 180 and 450 kilograms, but they are easier to move and to install. The largest regular hot tubs can take a crane to install, so a semi-portable definitely has advantages.
Actual portable hot tubs are inflatable and can weigh as little as 42 kilograms and fold up pretty compactly. And they can be pretty well featured; a higher-end model may have 136 bubble jets, heat up to 42 degrees Celsius, and seat up to six people. Some even have built-in filtration systems! Inflatable hot tubs cost around $1000.
Spa maintenance
An ordinary bathtub needs to be drained after every use, but a spa has a filtration system and chemicals to keep it clean. However, you will need to periodically drain the spa for cleaning and maintenance. These procedures vary slightly between brands and models, so it’s a good idea to ask about the particular maintenance requirements before purchasing a new spa.
Keep the water chemically balanced
Micro-organisms grow quickly in warm water, so it’s crucial to check the water every day and use additives when necessary. Check the pH level. It should read 7.4 ppm (or parts per million), allowing for a variation of minus or plus .2 ppm. A too-low pH level can corrode the filter and the pipes while a too-high level can cause algae and bacteria to grow.
Add chemicals as and when required to maintain the desired pH and alkaline levels. Most spa owners use chlorine or bromine in their water. Another beneficial technique that can help keep your spa water from turning cloudy and unattractive is to shock the spa water frequently. • Water clarifiers are a valuable additive because they solidify oils, which can then be removed through the filtration system.
Check the filter
A clean filter is essential to prevent debris building up and the water from turning cloudy. The spa’s filtration system needs to be kept in good shape, with proper use and regular maintenance. Check your filter at least once a week, cleaning it whenever necessary – usually monthly – and replacing it once a year. If you use the spa very frequently, you may have to clean or replace the filter more often.
At least every two weeks, pressure clean the filter with a garden hose or power washer set at a low or medium level; don’t use high pressure, as it may cause damage. When the filter is dry, brush it to remove loose particles of debris. Keep your filtration system running for three or four hours daily, whether you’re using the spa or not.
Cleaning and maintaining your spa is essential to keep your water safe / Source: Senator Pools
Avoid oil & soap
If you use the spa wisely and carefully, you can keep it clean for longer. Do not enter the water with oil, soap, sunscreen, deodorants or other products on your body or hair, since these make the water cloudy and dirty. In this case, you will need to overwork the spa filter to get rid of these impurities. It is a good idea to tie up your hair or use a plastic cap while in the spa. Avoid using soap or an ammonia-based agent to clean the spa, since these products can affect the chemical balance of the water in your spa. A much better alternative is to use special spa cleaning solutions or a mixture of bleach and water.
Using an Ozone Generator
An ozone generator is a worthy investment for your spa. It breaks down the oils and other organic matter that contaminate the spa water, thus making it clean and hygienic. As the ozone generator runs, it boosts the functioning of your spa filter and the other chemicals used to clean the spa.
Since different portable spa models require different types of maintenance, it’s a good idea to talk to a portable spa dealer to find out about maintenance dos and don’ts. By keeping your spa and filtration system clean, you’ll be able to enjoy all the relaxing health benefits of your spa without having to worry about possible risks lurking in those soothing warm waters.
Contact local pool and spa experts
Why are micro-organisms a problem?
Micro-organisms are even more of a risk in spas than in swimming pools because of the warm temperatures involved. The recommended temperature for a portable spa is 36 to 38 degrees Celsius, which is also the perfect temperature for micro-organisms to grow and spread. In addition, a spa contains less water than a swimming pool, which can mean a significantly greater concentration of these troublemakers if they’re left unchecked.
Micro-organisms can cause infections of the ear, eye, nose and throat. They can also cause gastric ailments and severe respiratory disease. That’s why spa makers always include filters and accessories to help you keep your spa water clean and bacteria-free.
Many pool owners fall into the trap of only paying attention to their pool during summer – when they’re about to go swimming. If you find yourself falling into this category then you’re on a collision course with excessive service and repair bills should you let things go too far.
Pool maintenance is a year-round obligation and doesn’t stop during the off-season. There is plenty to do; from scooping out leaves and debris to balancing your chemicals. So, to help you keep your costs as low as possible, we’ve put together this annual pool maintenance guide that will guide you through every season. Let’s dive into it.
Spring
The secret to a crisp, clean summer-ready swimming pool is opening it up the right way at the end of spring. Start by removing your pool cover and storing it away. If you took proper care of your pool during winter, then there shouldn’t be any nasty surprises lurking underneath such as a green pool.
From here, you get your pool ready for the swimming season in 5 easy steps. We’ve detailed them below.
Home swimming pools require careful maintenance all year round / Source: JLN Designs
Connect your hoses and other equipment
This first step won’t apply to the majority of pool owners in Australia, though it’s worth covering for those that live in colder regions. If your neighbourhood often experiences freezing temperatures, then you would have disconnected your filters, pumps and skimmer. If that’s the case, it’s time to hook them back up to your pool.
Top up your pool water
Simple enough, make sure your pool water is about halfway up your skimmer. Topping up your pool water is a great opportunity, however, to check for any leaks. To do this, you can perform a simple test for which all you need is a bucket.
To perform this test, place the bucket on the top step of your pool and fill it most of the way up with water. Then, mark the water levels on the inside and outside of your pool and then leave it for 24 hours.
When you come back, measure the water levels both inside and outside of your bucket. If the water level has dropped only inside your bucket, then there is no cause for concern. Your pool is losing water due to evaporation, and this is normal.
If the water level drops below the marking on the outside of your bucket, this is an indication of a leak. At this stage, you might want to call in a pool servicing professional to have a look.
Break out the vacuum
If you properly closed your pool during winter, then there won’t be much need for this step either. Then again, many pool owners don’t have a cover, making this step another necessity. Grab your leaf skimmer and remove any debris from the surface of your pool. Then, scrub the pool walls and floor before vacuuming away all particles. If you’d rather skip this step, then you should consider investing in a robotic pool cleaner. Then this step will become as simple as pushing a button.
Circulate your pool water
Circulation is among the most important factors when it comes to keeping your pool water sanitary. During the off-season, you typically turn down your pumps to save on electricity bills. During your summer startup though, run your pool pumps for a full 24 hours to ensure it’s properly circulated. This conveniently brings us to the final step.
Test and balance your water
You can test your pool water by breaking out some test strips or scooping out a sample of your pool water and taking it to your local pool shop. For the latter option, measure your pool dimensions so that your local professional will be able to properly advise you on the number of chemicals that you need to use.
Finally, balance your pool based on the advice you receive. Then, test your water one more time to make sure that everything is in order. If everything is in order, your pH levels will be between 7.2 and 7.6.
Summer
Your summer pool maintenance efforts will be an extension of the work you performed during spring. In fact, everything should be pretty routine provided you haven’t bumped into any nasty surprises. All you need to pay attention to is circulating your water, cleaning your pool and balancing your chemicals.
Water circulation
Your pool naturally experiences more use during summer. Therefore, it is only normal that your water should be circulating at a higher rate compared to the offseason. By circulating your water, you will ensure that all dirt and particles make their way to your pool filter where they are collected and kept out of your pool water. As a result, algae build-up and cloudy water will be prevented, both of which can lead to expensive pool cleaning bills.
Replacing a worn-out spider gasket on a multiport valve of a swimming pool filter system is crucial for maintaining a clean and healthy pool. The spider gasket creates a seal between the different ports in the filter system, preventing leaks and maintaining pressure. To replace a spider gasket, first, turn off the pump and drain the filter. Remove the screws that secure the multiport valve and gently remove the valve from the tank. Remove the old spider gasket and clean the area with a cloth. Install the new gasket and carefully reassemble the system, ensuring all connections are tight and secure. It’s recommended to replace the spider gasket every 5 years. Seek professional help if needed.
Cleaning your water
The biggest thing you can do to ensure your pool is looking good is to skim it. You should do this on a daily basis or whenever debris collects. The more you remove through a leaf skimmer, the less bacteria and debris will get into the filtration system. It is also just as important to remove all strainer baskets from the filter area and clean these. You may not need to do these every day, but any time there is material in this area, remove it.
You will also need to vacuum the floor of the pool on a regular basis. There are some devices that are automatic and others that work manually. Automatic devices are ideal because they do the work for you. Be sure to clean out the filter in the vacuum as well.
Perhaps the most challenging part of the process is to manage the pH level in the pool. It is ideal for it to be between 7.2 and 7.8. Test regularly with a kit from your local pool store. If the pH is not right, you likely need to add chemicals to balance it. For complete peace of mind, it’s also worth hiring someone qualified for fortnightly or monthly pool maintenance.
Keep the pool covered
To reduce the amount of maintenance you need to do on a regular basis, keep the pool covered when not in use. This helps reduce the amount of evaporation that is taking place as well. It can help to keep your chemicals in the pool and balanced, rather than being removed through exposure to sunlight. Covers also keep debris out.
Maintain the Filter
The filter needs to be cleaned following the manufacturer’s specific instructions. In most cases, you will need to remove it and clean it about once a month or less frequently. If you notice it is not working as efficiently as it was, this is a good indication that you need to clean the filter.
Super chlorinating may be necessary
In many cases, ammonia and nitrogen will build up in your pool. You need to remove these so that they do not interfere with the chlorine you are using in the pool to manage the cleanliness. When you can smell chlorine, this is a good indication that the balance is off. By using a super chlorinating product, you can shock the pool and bring it back to the level it needs to be.
Autumn
Once you’ve had your fun and the swimming season is over, then the next step is to close your pool for winter. Getting your pool winter-ready isn’t tricky at all. In fact, this part of your pool maintenance follows many of the same steps that you performed during your startup.
Clean your pool
Much the same as you would during summer and spring. Remove leaves and debris and then get scrubbing. Brush the walls and the floor of the pool, vacuum the pool, clean the skimmer basket and the pump’s lint basket.
Check your equipment
You want to make sure that your filters and pumps are in working order. Make sure all the oil, grease and scale deposits are out of the pool’s filter. At this stage, you can also wind down your pumps and run them for only 4 hours per day during the whole offseason.
Note: On the off chance that you do live in an area that regularly experiences freezing temperatures then you want to think about disconnecting your equipment as winter approaches.
Balance your pool water
There’s no need for too much detail here – but you’ll want to aim for a PH level between 7.4 and 7.6, . Simply take a sample of your pool water to your local pool shop, and you’ll get all the advice you need. Visiting your local pool shop is also a good opportunity to ask for phosphate remover, though. You might also want to mix in an algaecide to stop algae from coming in.
Put on your pool cover
If you don’t own a pool cover already then get one ASAP. They’re the perfect way to keep debris out during winter, minimize water loss and will also help trap some of the heat in your water.
The most important part of owning a pool during winter is that you don’t forget to keep an eye on it. There’s not much work involved, and you will only need to peel your pool cover back occasionally to make sure everything is in perfect order.
Clean regularly
Pools that are dormant are an open invitation to all sorts of debris and grime. Cleaning a pool is an activity that takes just a few hours, and it is absolutely crucial to make sure that all the pool equipment such as the skimmers and filters are thoroughly cleaned every fortnight. Frequently cleaning your pool also ensures that algae do not form on the surface of the tiles, which can be hard to get out after a long period of growth.
Cover when not in use
Make use of a pool cover or a pool blanket once you have cleaned the pool. This will prevent leaves, twigs and other debris from accumulating over the surface of the water, making your next pool clean a lot quicker. Remember to remove the pool blanket regularly so that algae does not begin to grow inside the pool.
Check your chemical balance
The chemicals in pool water should be regulated during the winter months when the pool is not in use. Using a water testing kit from your local pool shop, check to see whether the alkalinity and pH of the water are at the appropriate levels around every 6 weeks. Add the needed chemicals to return the water to a state of balance if that is not the case. Another crucial step that must not be forgotten in rebalancing pool chemicals is to run the filter for a period of eight hours so that all the added chemicals are properly mixed through.
Don’t forget the filtration
Running the pool filter in winter helps maintain the balance of pool chemicals and is also essential in ensuring that the water is cleaned and filtered from debris. You can do this by running the filter for three to four hours a day.
