Water is a precious resource, especially here in the desert climate of Phoenix, AZ. It’s important that we all do our part in conserving water the best we can. Every year water is wasted from swimming pools that could be saved with a little bit of effort. Here are a few suggestions that can help you reduce water waste from your swimming pool.
Much of the water that is lost in swimming pools is due the splashing, especially when there are large groups of people swimming. By plugging the overflow pipe you can help prevent water loss from the pool. Having splash troughs is also a good idea but be sure the splash troughs drain back in the pool.
It only takes a 7mph wind to increase evaporation loss by 300 percent. To avoid this, build windbreaks like fences, walls, trees and shrubs around your pool. If using plants to create windbreaks, make sure they are low-water use plants and native to the climate if possible.
It’s hard to imagine using a pool cover in Arizona as most pool covers retain heat. However, some manufacturers make pool covers with reflective coating to help repeal sunlight and heat to actually keep your pool cooler. This will also help conserve your chlorine use as well as conserve water from evaporation. Pool covers can also add an extra measure of safety for kids and pets.
If your pool filter requires frequent backwashing, it might be time to invest in some better equipment. For example, cartridge filters can be taken apart and cleaned without the need for backwashing. If you are committed to a filter that requires backwashing, make sure you only backwash when necessary as indicated by a pressure gauge. Make sure you pump is energy-efficient and the proper size for circulating the water in your pool as well.
Platinum Pools highly encourages everyone to do their part in conserving water for the state of Arizona to make sure we have lasting water supplies for years to come. For more information about water conservation, please visit http://www.azwater.gov/azdwr/
Most pool owners know that maintaining a balanced chemistry is the key to keeping your pool fresh and clean. But it’s not always an easy task, especially in hot states like Arizona. There are many factors to keeping the chemicals balanced but here are a few keys areas to pay attention to.
Test your pools chemicals at least twice a week during the summer. There are many home testing kits available and most pool stores offer free water testing service. Pay special attention to you PH balance and alkalinity as this determines how effective the chlorine you add to your pool will be.
Your pool filter is tasked with cleaning all of the water in your pool so it’s important you are running your pool pump long enough to turn over the entire contents of your pool. The length of time required will vary from pool to pool. Your pool flow rate will determine how long you should run your filter. Check your pool pumps gallon per minute rating to determine the correct length of time or consult a pool professional.
Many people think they need to backwash their pool every time they vacuum or clean the pool. This is actually just wasting water and chemicals. Most filters have a pressure gauge. The pressure gauge will tell you when it is necessary to backwash the pool, generally when the gauge rises above 8-10 PSI from it’s normal reading.
Regardless of how good your pool circulation is, there are going to be certain spots of your pool where the water is somewhat stagnant. These are the areas where algae generally first appears when your pool is not maintained properly and often found around stairs and on filter ports. Brushing those areas frequently can help prevent the build up of algae.
Not all chlorine available to purchase is the same. Some have other chemicals included and a smaller percentage of chlorine. You also have the choice of liquid chlorine, tablets, or shock granules. Liquid chlorine tends to lose its effectiveness quicker in the sun so may not be the best choice during summer in Arizona. Talk to you pool professional about your pool situation for advice on what the best chlorine option is for you.
By remaining vigilant and monitoring your pool’s chemical levels frequently, you should have no problems keeping your pool clean and swimmable all year. If you feel you don’t have the time, you may want to consider hiring a professional pool cleaning service company to maintain your pool’s chemical balance.
For help with Hole Saw, 1-1/2" from Lenox, call Platt at 800-257-5288 from 4a - midnight (pst) 7 days.
A member of the music faculty since 2001, Dionne is the instructor of the group keyboard classes in the piano technology classroom: Piano Class I (Beginner) and Piano Class II (Intermediate). These courses are part of the curriculum for the three music program options — the B.A. in music, the music minor, and the music concentration for childhood education majors.
In addition to teaching, Dionne is an active performer both here and abroad. Her annual faculty solo piano recital is part of the department’s calendar of events. Her programs include major piano works, such as Franz Liszt’s Piano Sonata, and feature some of her own compositions. Her repertory is vast and varied.
In 2011 Dionne released a CD recorded in “The Hit Factory Criteria Miami” formerly known as Atlantic Records. The compact disc bears the name of the featured Dionne piano composition, “Floating on Lake Champlain,” composed in 2007. The CD is available at the college bookstore, in local Plattsburgh stores, as well as online from her webpage: dionnepianostudio.com.
Dionne has been a reputable applied piano instructor in the Plattsburgh area for over 25 years, teaching all levels and ages. Her private piano studio is first rate, with a grand piano, very spacious listening area for parents, and a work station for kids. Many of her former private piano students have gone on to music careers and formal study in music. Dionne holds a B.A. with a major in music, and two minors in French and Spanish from Plattsburgh State, and a M.M. in Piano Performance with a Suzuki emphasis from Ithaca College. She did post graduate work in the Montréal area.
Since 2005, Dionne has participated in Partners in Cross Cultural Learning (PICL). You might find her with her PICL partner at the Fieldhouse where she enjoys figure skating. In 2007, she passed her US Figure Skating Gold Adult Moves.
When you lose the one person that was your whole life, you'll understand. For me, it was my best friend, Alice. We spent every second of every day together. We planned a life. I was actually living. I was happy.
Getting inside of my head won't be pretty. I'm warning you now that you won't like me. I hate people besides my family. I hate everything around me. I just want to be alone. And I HATE how Logan Mercer doesn't understand that. He's everywhere; getting inside of my head, kissing me when he shouldn't be, messing everything up, and trying to get me to open up. He's making me crazier than I already am. Why do I need to talk about my life? Why does he even care?
Briana Pacheco hates referring to herself in third person so let’sstart off with I’m the author of the Enough Trilogy, Don’t Let Me Fall, and many more books to come in the future. I’m from Boston and a wannabe explorer so one day I’ll travel the world. So far, that’s only happening when I write but I’m not giving up just yet. I love coffee, music and books, and I have an obsession with tattoos and accents. Sadly, I have neither so I make my characters have them instead. I’m an avid reader and if I’m not writing, you’ll find me with a book (or Kindle) in my hands. I love hearing from readers about anything so please don’t be shy and stalk me.