Most swimming pool owners would agree that their pool is a great addition to their home. Pools add value to a home, they are great for entertaining, and they provide homeowners with a place to relax and enjoy those hot summer months. However, the cost of running a swimming pool can be high.

The average swimming pool pump can use as much energy as all other home appliances combined. They can cost $1,000 per year or more to run! A new type of pump, though, solves this problem. Variable speed pumps can cut energy costs by up to 90%, operating on just pennies per day. Installing a variable speed pump can save a swimming pool owner up to $1,500 in utility costs every year.

Our favorite variable speed pump is the Pentair IntelliFlo. These pumps use a unique, advanced motor technology that provides a base savings of 30%. IntelliFlo uses a permanent magnet motor, like the ones used in hybrid cars, instead of a traditional induction motor. These types of motors are more energy efficient and will save you money right off the bat.

IntelliFlo is a smart pump. It comes equipped with variable speed capability, digital controls, and proprietary software that allow custom programming of ideal pump speeds for the specific tasks of your swimming pool. The speed of the pump will automatically adjust for filtering, heating, cleaning—even spa jets, waterfalls, and more. Older, one-speed pumps come with an unchangeable preset speed. This speed is almost never the optimal speed for any of the tasks of a swimming pool. We all know from driving a car: slower speeds are more efficient. When pump speeds are reduced by half, energy consumption is just one-eighth of what was previously used. Even “high efficiency” single-speed, two-speed, and multi-speed pumps that cannot be adjusted are substantially less efficient than a variable speed pump.

Another benefit of the IntelliFlo pump? It is unbelievably quiet. The permanent magnet motor that gives you outstanding energy savings is also a totally enclosed fan cooled (TEFC) design. Because of this, and the slower operating speeds, IntelliFlo is the quietest pump you can install. When running at a typical speed, you can barely hear the pump.

IntelliFlo also has a longer trouble-free service life than conventional pumps. The advanced motor produces less heat and vibration, and the TEFC design protects against the threats of an outdoor environment. The pump features built-in diagnostics that detect and correct conditions that cause premature failure. This protects against overheating, freezing, and voltage irregularities.

Whether you’re building a new swimming pool, need a new pump, or looking for a way to cut costs, a Pentair IntelliFlo variable speed pump is a great idea. While a variable speed pump does cost a bit more up front, the pump will pay for itself in the first year of operation. It is a great way to save money on utilities and do your part to go green.

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The first thing Curtis does when he begins a swimming pool project is to truly get in touch with his customer. He makes a sincere effort to find out what the customer is looking for, what their wildest dreams are. “The question I ask my clients all the time is, ‘If you were to go to your favorite place in the world, what would it look like? What would it feel like? What would it smell like? What would you have there? What would you see there?’ And I try to replicate some of that,” says Curtis.

Ultimately, Curtis finds great joy in the opportunity to make people happy, to make their dreams come true. “Because this is all about us trying to be happy in life. I think that, most importantly, all of us just want to feel good…and that’s what I want a pool to do, is make me and others feel good when I’m there,” he says. Curtis knows that swimming pools create memories for families. “…There’s no better memories in a kids mind than the pool they used to swim in.” He knows how much of an impact a swimming pool can have on a child, on a family, on friends: they are not just a place to enjoy the sun and stay cool; they can create an atmosphere and play a pivotal role in lifetime memories.

Curtis is currently building a new dream for a new client, and it is his biggest project to date. This hybrid design continues in Curtis’ trend and passion of creating 3-dimensional art in backyards. His education background in art and physics, along with his creativity and extensive experience in the swimming pool industry, makes Curtis a truly incredible pool designer. The project he is working on now has some unique features and speaks to the individual personality of the family for whom he is designing.

One of the main features of this project is a built-in rock waterslide that leads into a lower pool. This provides an opportunity for kids to splash around and have fun without disrupting people who are looking for a calmer pool experience. The lower pool has steps that lead straight to the main pool, so kids can rejoin the party quickly and easily.  There is also a sun shelf, an addition to the pool that is only a few inches deep, which is a perfect area to place chairs and soak up some sun.  An in-floor automatic cleaning system makes maintenance a breeze, and allows the homeowner more time to enjoy the pool. This is truly a dream come true for Curtis’ clients, and Curtis sincerely enjoys the work he has the opportunity to do for them.

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Allan Curtis is the builder and designer for Legendary Escapes Pools and Ask the Pool Guy. He has been in the swimming pool industry for more than 25 years and is committed to continually find new ways to bring happiness to his customers. He is committed to providing quality service and building incredible swimming pools. If you are interested in building a new pool or are having problems with an existing pool, you can reach him or a capable member of his team at 248-478-4978, www.askthepoolguy.net, or pools@legendaryescapes.com.

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Fiberglass swimming pools are the newest type of pool to hit the market. They are also the least expensive, making them very popular. They are prefabricated and come in specific shapes and sizes. While they are relatively inexpensive, quick, and convenient to install, they do not come with much artistic freedom or opportunity for customization. Aesthetically, they have a smooth finish that many find attractive, but the limited options in terms of shape, size, and color are not ideal. Fiberglass pool manufacturers boast that fiberglass pools only use half the chemicals that it takes to maintain a vinyl liner swimming pool. While this is an alluring cost option up front, it is important to note that they require half the chemicals because the average fiberglass swimming pool is half the size of the average vinyl liner pool. Fiberglass pools cannot be as big as vinyl liner or gunite pools because they are prefabricated, and cannot be transported if they are too large. The main reason we do not recommend fiberglass swimming pools to our customers is the climate here in Michigan. If you are looking for a basic, inexpensive swimming pool for your home and live in an appropriate climate, a fiberglass swimming pool may be a solution for you.

Vinyl liner swimming pools are a mid-range option. They can be built in many different shapes and sizes, with a much greater variety than fiberglass pools. They are much more customizable than fiberglass pools in size, shape, color, and design. There are many different liner styles to choose from, leaving plenty of options for making your swimming pool unique. Vinyl liner pools require regular maintenance, but they are not particularly difficult to maintain. It is important, though, that you perform regular maintenance; especially being sure to keep your water’s pH in check. Improper pH in your vinyl liner pool can create pH wrinkles, which are fine wrinkles in your liner. Vinyl liners do need to be replaced eventually; the average liner will last about 15 years if cared for properly.  Vinyl liner pools are a good option for a swimming pool no matter what your climate, and they are a great mid-range choice for many homeowners.

Gunite swimming pools are more expensive, and the most customizable option. They are made of cement and can be made in any size or shape. There are virtually no restrictions on the size or shape of the pool except what your backyard can support. Because they are so customizable, they are a great choice aesthetically. Gunite pools are perfect for a homeowner who wants a completely personalized pool that reflects exactly what he or she wants.  Gunite pools require a bit more maintenance than fiberglass and vinyl liner pools, but they are more durable overall. Gunite pools need to be acid washed every few years, which is a process in which the pool is drained and cleaned with acid. This is required because the surface of the pool is rougher than vinyl and fiberglass, giving a greater opportunity for algae and other buildup. Gunite pools are good for any climate, and can be a great option for homeowners looking for a swimming pool.

There is one more type of pool that Al Curtis, of Ask the Pool Guy and Legendary Escapes, is pioneering. This is a hybrid pool—a combination of vinyl and gunite. It combines the best of both worlds, allowing homeowners to enjoy the benefits of both types of pools. The pool itself is built with a vinyl liner, and accessories and additions are added in gunite. This includes additions like a sun shelf, seat, water slide, water features, and many other accessories. Homeowners get to enjoy the lower maintenance of a vinyl liner pool while taking advantage of the customization options of a gunite pool. Curtis uses hybrid pools to help customers’ dreams come true.  Hybrid swimming pools are a perfect option for any climate and are great for homeowners looking for a truly unique pool experience.

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Dolphin swimming pool cleaners are the original automatic cleaners, and they are still the only ones we recommend. Dolphin cleaners are the smartest in the world. They sweep, scrub, filter, and vacuum your entire pool. And the best part? They are completely independent. All you need to do is place the Dolphin in your swimming pool and turn it on.

Your Dolphin automatic swimming pool cleaner will learn the dimensions of your pool and programs itself to scan the pool efficiently. Dolphins feature a state-of-the-art microprocessor control. This gives the Dolphin the most advanced cleaning technology, enabling it to automatically calculate the most effective cleaning patterns according to your specific pool’s dimensions. All debris and dirt is brushed and vacuumed into the Dolphin’s self-contained filter bag. The only thing you’ll have to do is empty the bag when you take the Dolphin out of your pool.

A Dolphin swimming pool cleaner will help you to save water and energy. It helps to prevent germination of algae and bacteria, keeping your swimming pool cleaner longer. It even reduces the number of times you’ll have to backwash, helping your filter to last longer. A Dolphin automatic swimming pool cleaner is an excellent addition to any pool and an asset for any swimming pool owner.

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Spring and summer hail the arrival of seasonal allergies for those who spend time outdoors or around a pool. Allergies such as these are an overreaction by the immune system to airborne particles seen by your body as a threat. Many body chemicals come into play here, but a big player is histamine.

Histamine is an organic nitrogen compound involved in local immune responses, among other functions, and it also triggers the immune response. It’s job is to produce changes in tissue that allow white blood cells better access to invading pathogens to seek and destroy them. In some folks, however, the histamine response is much more sensitive and causes an overblown allergic action. There is some evidence to suggest that the foreign substances in childhood vaccinations may play some role in over-sensitizing the immune system.

Chiropractic care has been successful in many allergy cases, most likely due to the fact that it removes spinal pressure from nerve structures, thereby allowing the nervous system and immune system to function optimally. This has the effect of mitigating some of the hyperactive effects that allergy sufferers are plagued with.

Allergy symptoms

If you have seasonal allergies, or allergies to other substances, you might consider giving chiropractic care a try. You’ll be doing your body and maybe even your sniffly nose and watery eyes a favor!

Guest post by Dr. Stephan J. Smith. Dr. Smith is a wellness expert and Chiropractor in Brighton, Michigan. Along with Dr. Vladimir J. Brajak, he co-owns Advantage Family Chiropractic and is available to speak to your group, organization or company on several popular wellness topics. For more information or to schedule a talk local to Brighton, contact us at 810-288-5823.

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If you swim in a pool outdoors, it can be generally stated that it’s usually bright and sunny. Even if it isn’t bright and sunny, certain precautions should be taken since UV waves are not stopped by clouds. Sunscreen is a given, and we’ve discussed that on this blog before, but what is often overlooked is eye protection. Your eyes are as vulnerable to UV damage as your skin is…maybe even more. Wearing sunglasses to look cool is great, but whether or not they protect you from UV rays is another matter. Dark fashion sunglasses that have no UV filtering capacity is even worse for your eyes that going without sunglasses since wearing a dark lenses causes your pupils to open wider and let more UV radiation into the eye. Also, UV intensity is highest in summer months, at higher altitudes, and closest to the equator, and if you’re in a pool or other body of water, the reflected light only increases the potential for damage.

Cost is not a good measure of the effectiveness of sunglasses. It’s better to look at individual qualities, such as high-impact lenses that are neutrally tinted and are rated to block 99-100 percent of both UV-A and UV-B rays, or simply state, “provides 100% UV protection” or “UV400 protection.” Whether or not the lenses are polarized doesn’t matter since polarization only cuts reflected glare, not UV waves. Choose styles that have a wrap-around shape to protect peripheral vision and fit properly.

Kids need sunglasses too!

Remember that children need protection too, so make sure they have good sunglasses. As stated above, clouds do not stop UV rays, so wearing sunglasses even on bright cloudy days is important. Protect your eyes and enjoy your summer!

Guest post by Dr. Stephan J. Smith. Dr. Smith is a wellness expert and Chiropractor in Brighton, Michigan. Along with Dr. Vladimir J. Brajak, he co-owns Advantage Family Chiropractic and is available to speak to your group, organization or company on several popular wellness topics. For more information or to schedule a talk local to Brighton, contact us at 810-288-5823.

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Playing games in a pool is a great way to get some healthy exercise while you’re having fun, and if done as a family, it creates some bonding time as well. As always, make sure to follow typical poolside safety rules to help prevent injuries. Don’t dive in water that is too shallow. Don’t run on the pool deck. Don’t jump at or onto anyone in the water.

The following is a list of swimming pool games and their respective descriptions as found on Wikipedia.org:

Water games are games played in a body of water, such as a swimming pool, pond, lake, or river.

• Chicken fight – Two person teams: one team member sitting on the shoulders of his or her teammate or riding piggy-back. The object of the game is to knock-down or separate an opposing team through a team effort.
• Fish out of Water – One swimmer must be picked as the game’s searcher. This swimmer must close his or her eyes when surfacing from under the water, but, at the same time, he or she is allowed to open the eyes when under the water. The purpose of the game is to catch another swimmer when the other swimmer is out of the pool. When a player suspects another of being out of the pool, they exclaim: “Fish out of water!” Then, the swimmer who got caught must become the next searcher.
• Gator – One person is chosen to be the first Gator, and treads water on one side of the playing area. The remaining players stand on the pool deck on the side opposite the Gator. These players are prohibited to enter the water until the Gator says the word “gator”. Once the word has been said, the players are free to enter the water whenever they wish. Once they enter the water, they must swim to the other side. If the Gator touches (more commonly “tags”) any part of the player’s body before he touches the other side, he is caught. After all players have crossed to the other side safely or have been caught by the Gator, the round is over. The free players get out of the water and the Gator and whomever he caught swim to the opposite side of the playing area.
• Marco Polo – One player is chosen as “It”. This player closes their eyes so they can’t see and tries to tag the other players. The player who is “It” shouts out “Marco” and the other players must respond by shouting “Polo”, which “It” uses to try to acoustically locate them. If a player is tagged then that player becomes “It”.^[1]
• Sharks and Minnows – One person selected as the shark and the rest as the minnows. The shark starts in the water on one side of the pool and typically shouts: “Who wants to get eaten by a shark?”, at which point the minnows may begin to dive in to swim to the opposing wall. If the shark manages to grab a minnow up to the surface, the minnow becomes a shark in the next round. After all the minnows have either reached the wall or been brought up to the surface, the shark(s) swim to the middle and the cycle starts again.

My only caveat is to be careful when attempting Chicken Fight. Trying to carry someone that is too heavy for you while they are being pulled or pushed can cause back injuries!

Be careful and have fun as you burn calories…

Guest post by Dr. Stephan J. Smith. Dr. Smith is a wellness expert and Chiropractor in Brighton, Michigan. Along with Dr. Vladimir J. Brajak, he co-owns Advantage Family Chiropractic and is available to speak to your group, organization or company on several popular wellness topics. For more information or to schedule a talk local to Brighton, contact us at 810-288-5823.

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