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5 tips to keep your children safe in the pool

Enjoying a sunny day by the pool is a great family plan, but first we must ensure the safety of our children buy pool plans. Here are five recommendations for children to be safe in the pool.

The arrival of summer includes, among other options, taking a walk to a swimming pool. Swimming and playing in the water is an activity to share with the family and enjoy free time. However, it is important to take some key measures to keep your children safe in the pool.

It is not that difficult to avoid accidents in these facilities. Carelessness or lack of prudence can have very serious consequences. With a little prevention it is possible to guarantee the safety of our children, without diminishing the enjoyment and fun.

Fearless caution

Children under the age of 5 are the most likely to have accidents, as they generally do not know how to swim and do not understand the risks of being reckless.

For older children, even if they know how to swim, it is important to spend a few minutes so that they understand the rules and preventive measures that they must follow to be safe in the pool. It also makes no sense to forbid children access to the pool due to parental fear or trauma.

Exercise and play in the water offer great benefits for their development. If as parents we have any fear that prevents us from relating in a healthy way with the pool, it must be addressed and treated. In this way, we will not transmit fears to our children.

How to keep your children safe in the pool

According to a study by the World Health Organization, 16.8% of deaths in children under the age of 18 are caused by drowning. Most drownings occur in children under 5 years of age. The most frequent reasons are carelessness and not knowing how to swim.

In three minutes and with barely 20 centimeters of water, if the parents are not aware, an accident can occur that puts a family in mourning and leaves indelible consequences. Meeting the following preventive rules is essential to keep our children safe in the pool.

Permanent surveillance

Small children cannot bathe themselves. Even if they know how to swim, there must be an adult accompanying them. This is also necessary with children older than 5 years. The watchful eye of their parents while bathing or playing in the pool will never be excessive.

The fact that they know how to swim and function in the pool is no reason for us to neglect them. The use of floats or life jackets helps, but does not guarantee keeping our children safe in the pool; on the other hand, the attention of the parents does guarantee it.

It is also important to take into account if there are security or lifeguard personnel. In pools in public spaces or in private associations there is usually, but in residential pools there is not. Likewise, the lifeguard is not the one who has to ensure the good behavior of the children in the pool, but the parents or responsible adults.

Use of life preservers or floats

Floats, boards or similar life preservers are devices that promote the safety of children while they enjoy the pool. It is important to select the right ones according to the age and abilities of the child. Children are not always comfortable wearing them. If they see other children free of these, they will feel that they can also be the same.

It is up to the parents to be firm with the use of these devices, if they do not know how to swim. However, we reiterate, do not trust yourself. Floats can be very useful if a child has them on and falls into the pool. But if they are not of good quality or suffer a puncture, they are no longer effective in protecting the health of our children.

Safe toys and games

Children do not need so many toys to have fun in the pool. If they are going to take them, it is important that they do not remain floating in the pool. In this way, another child is prevented from being tempted to go looking for him.

It is necessary to avoid that the games around the pool include running or pushing. You don’t have to play “drown” either. Children must understand that the use of stairs, trampoline or slide has to be done with great care.

Educate to prevent

The behavior of children in the pool is the responsibility of the parents. Take the time to explain to children what safe pool behaviors are and what are not. We cannot expect them to know what security measures they must follow if we have not taught them.

Children must learn that they cannot jump into the water without first knowing how deep the pool is. In the same way, it is necessary to explain to them that they cannot jump on top of other children that they cannot hold on to another child that is in the water and that they should not jump into the water near the steps.

Also, they need to learn that if they see a child drowning, what they should do is notify adults quickly. They should not attempt to help a drowning child, as even though they can swim, they do not have the physical strength or dexterity to rescue a child in distress.

Learn to swim

Swimming is a very complete exercise with great benefits for the overall health of children, and adults as well. It is never too late to learn. Parents who don’t know how to swim can overcome their fears and attend classes together with their children. There are even swimming classes for babies.

However, we must insist: in order to have children safe in the pool, even if they know how to swim, we must be attentive to what happens while they bathe or while they play in the surroundings.

TIPS BEFORE BUYING A REMOVABLE POOL

When buying a removable pool, it is necessary to be aware of some precautions that must be taken in order to avoid possible inconveniences buy pool plans. For this reason, we have prepared this brief guide so that when you purchase your removable pool you are very well informed.

The ground chosen to install the removable pool must be FIRM and RESISTANT, we must not install the pool on balconies/terraces, soft or filled ground. The ground must be strictly LEVEL and SMOOTH (it must not have holes, weeds, roots or stones that could pierce the liner).

For the installation it is advisable to have two or three adults, choose a day without wind and that the heat is not excessive (first thing in the morning or mid-afternoon). The duration of the installation will depend on the size of the pool.

Remember that a pool with 1,000 liters = 1 cubic meter = 1,000 Kg.

Choice of Place of Location.

We must choose a sunny area near a water intake (to fill the pool) and near a drain (to empty the pool) and near an electrical outlet (to connect the treatment plant). On the ground there should be no underground connections for water, gas or electricity. An area without flood irrigation in case of rain. It should not be installed under power lines and an area sheltered from the wind and without trees is advisable (leaves and pollen dirty the water).

Preparation of the installation site.

Once the place of installation has been chosen, we have two options.

A) Carry out the installation on a concrete or cement platform that is perfectly level and smooth (RECOMMENDED).
B) We can install it on the ground taking the precautions detailed below:

– Mark the space that we will use for the installation of the removable pool. We have to bear in mind that it is advisable to leave at least 50 cm around the pool, and in the case of oval/rectangular pools this distance can reach up to 1 meter due to the reinforcements.

To do this you will need as tools: Screwdriver, rope, funnel and flour.

– Level the land that we are going to use, we must not add land where it is lacking, but remove it where it is left over. We will clean of stones, roots, etc, and we will compact the earth until it is solid and level.

The necessary tools are: Hoe, shovel, level.

– Finishing: Once the surface is prepared, we will spread a layer of fine sifted sand (maximum 1 cm thick) and we will water it to compact it. We will check again that the ground is level.

The necessary tools will be, water, garden roller, level, shovel, sifted sand.

Necessary tools for the assembly of a removable pool.

Aside from the tools already mentioned, you will need gloves (to prevent cuts), a Phillips screwdriver, a tape measure, a box cutter, a set of open-end wrenches, and clothespins.

Maintenance of a Removable Pool

It is important to regularly check several points of the pool:

– That the liner is clean.

– That the hoses remain well connected without leaks.

– That the ladder is well mounted.

– Tight screws.

– That the filtration system works correctly.

– Weekly analyze the amount of PH and chlorine in the water and adjust it to optimal levels.

End of the swimming pool season

Once the bathing season is over we have two options:

A) Leave the pool assembled: Filled with water, with a special winterize for swimming pools, covered with a winter cover and disconnecting the treatment plant that we will store in a dry and clean place. Reduce the water level 5 cm below the skimmer and close the return valve with the screw cap that comes with the filter. Check that neither rainwater nor leaves accumulate on the cover.
B) Disassemble the pool: Carry out the reverse process of the assembly instructions for the pool. Clean all the components, dry them and store them neatly in a clean place protected from moisture.

10 Tips for buying a removable pool

Choice of material / structure. If we want a pool that can be disassembled and stored at the end of the summer commercial pool plans, we will opt for an inflatable or tubular pool (flexible plastic structure). If, on the other hand, our intention is to keep the pool in one location, the most recommended option is pools with a rigid structure, with steel sheet panels.

Location and terrain. The ground where to install the pool must be firm, resistant, level and smooth. We will choose a sunny area near an electrical outlet (connection to the treatment plant), a water outlet (filling) and drainage (emptying), where there are no underground connections (water, gas, electricity,…) and there is no risk flooding in case of rain.

Water filtration system. Sand treatment plants or cartridge filters? Sand treatment plants offer better performance by filtering impurities from the water, and require less maintenance. They will also allow us to connect a suction pool cleaner thanks to the additional power of the motor with which they work.

Technical service and spare parts. It is important for the pool manufacturer to have an efficient technical service with responsiveness and availability of spare parts, factors that will allow us to enjoy our pool for much longer. Brands such as Gre (specialist in sheet steel pools) or Intex (specialist in inflatable and tubular pools) are, in this sense, a guarantee.

Water maintenance. We will choose to treat the water with chlorine tablets (suitable for liners) using a floating dispenser, or with the installation of a salt chlorinator. This second option is more expensive to start with, but it is much safer (it avoids the handling of chemical products), comfortable (fully automatic system) and healthy (it does not irritate the skin or the eyes).

Bury the pool. If we want to bury the pool, we must bear in mind that the manufacturers will not be held responsible for damage caused by faulty assembly, so it is advisable to go to a professional. We will also have to apply for a building permit.

Budget. The prices of removable pools vary mainly depending on the dimensions, material, type of filtration and accessories. If we have a limited budget, it may be interesting to invest in size and material, since both the filter and the accessories can always be replaced and improved in the future.

Winter. Once the bathing season is over, it is advisable to leave the pool filled with water, with a special chemical product for winter, covered with a pool cover and connecting the purifier between 1 and 2 hours a day.

Pool cleaners for removable pools. If the pool has a motor with sufficient power, we can opt for a suction pool cleaner (manual or automatic). We can also purchase an electric pool cleaner compatible with removable pools, which will offer us better performance (independent of the filtration system).

Buy online or in a physical store. Nowadays, buying removable pools online offers numerous advantages compared to doing it in a store or in a large area, without having to give up anything: better prices, a variety of offers, home delivery, specialized advice, etc.

POOL FILTERS: HOW TO CHOOSE AND TIPS FOR USE

One of the most important components of the pool filter is the filter. It is the main mechanism for cleaning and purifying water, and plays a crucial role in keeping water crystal clear and suitable for bathing pool plans. The filter is responsible for removing impurities that, sometimes, we only realize they exist when the pool has already lost all its beauty and healthy appearance.

Although there are different types of filters for swimming pools, they all work in the same way: the pool water is sucked into the skimmer and sump thanks to the power supplied by the pump, and passes into a tank or reservoir that contains a special filter material filtered out. He then returns to the pool, completing a cycle. Depending on the use, a complete cycle of the pool water per day is recommended.

What we mean by “cycle” is the passage of all the water in the pool through the filter, a process whose duration depends on several factors: the size of the pool (in other words, the amount of water), the power of the pump / motor, and also the capacity of the filter used. When choosing these components, all these factors must be taken into account, so that the duration of the cycle is not excessive (about 8 hours is recommended for a residential pool).

FILTER TYPES

There are three different types of filters:

Sand filters. Sand filters are by far the most popular and, at the same time, they are also the ones that require the least maintenance. Sand is a natural filtration agent used by nature, and this principle applies to this filtration system. The water is cleaned by passing through a sand tank. The great advantage of this purification mechanism is the durability of the filter, which could last even ten years, although it is advisable to change it after seven. By allowing backwashing, it is also extremely easy to clean.

Cartridge filters. Cartridge filters base cleaning on replaceable cartridges, which last about a year and need to be cleaned every week. Its operation is similar to diatom filters, except that the filtration is carried out on the basis of manufactured materials. The great advantage is the ease of cleaning and installation.

Diatom filters. Finally, the diatom filters, the top of the range. Diatoms are fossilized microscopic beings that act as filtering agents, with unprecedented efficiency: they work like micro-sponges, allowing water to pass through and containing dirt that is not even visible to the human eye. Unfortunately, this efficiency comes at a cost, and the price of the equipment is higher than previous filtration alternatives. On the other hand, they also allow backwashing, so cleaning is also simple.

WHICH TO CHOOSE?

Quality differences aren’t as important as other factors, like budget, willingness to do regular maintenance, or even what’s available in your area.

The capacity of the pool and the power of the pump must be taken into account. These elements will then need to be reconciled with the size of the filter to obtain a cycle of reasonable duration. An always important suggestion is to oversize to avoid problems: if you come to the conclusion that a filter with a capacity of 15 m3 / h is necessary, it will be a good idea to choose a model with a higher capacity (the same with the pump, which has which always compensated with the filter).

In terms of efficiency, and all other things being equal, diatomaceous earth filters are the most effective, with a filtration capacity of around 7 microns. Next we would have the cartridge filters, with about 20 and, finally, the sand filters, with 60. A micron is one millionth of a meter. For reference, the human eye is only capable of identifying objects up to 35 microns (a grain of salt is approximately 100 microns).

CLEANING AND WASHING

In order for the filter to perform its function correctly, periodic maintenance must be carried out, which in most cases is reduced to washing it. The frequency of this procedure varies depending on the use of the pool, although the best indicator will be if you consider that the water does not seem as clean as before (a sign that the filter needs to be cleaned).

In the case of sand filters, a good indicator that the filter needs to go through the cleaning process is the increase in its pressure (see pressure gauge). Following the manufacturer’s instructions, the filters must be washed when the pressure gauges indicate this sealing pressure.

As for the cartridge filters, cleaning is simple: just remove the cartridges and use water jets to remove the dirt that has accumulated.

Sand and diatomaceous earth filters generally offer backwashing (or backwashing). With backwashing, the direction of water circulation in the filter is reversed and, with this, the filtered materials are expelled to the drain. Backwashing is the most effective way to clean pool filters. The frequency will be given by the conditions of the pool, pools surrounded by grass, sand or earth will need more filter cleaning than pools surrounded by concrete or cement.

Backwashing is a simple process:

– Deactivate the pump.

– Move the selector valve to the backwash position.

– Restart the pump.

– Let the water run for a while until it comes out cleaner (see selector valve viewfinder).

After washing and before putting the filter into operation, it is mandatory to perform a rinse to resettle the sand and evacuate the water that still contains impurities through the drain. After the washing operations, it is necessary to purge the air contained in the filters. To facilitate this operation, the filters can be equipped with automatic purges.

In the case of automatic selector valves, the process is even simpler, since they automatically detect that the filter requires washing (monitoring the filter pressure) and activate the process when necessary.

A very good advice that contributes to respecting the environment is to take advantage of the water that is lost during the washing process. The soil acts as an excellent natural fertilizer (as long as the chlorine level is not higher than 3 ppm), so it can even be used to water your garden or lawn.

SOME ADDITIONAL TIPS

– Stop the pump beforehand for any operation carried out with the valves or filters.

– Clean the filters once a week, even in winter.

– Replace the filter material a little earlier than indicated by the manufacturer.

– Always clean the pre-filter, the basket and the rest of the components.