The Importance of CPR Training

Summer is officially in full swing, and for most people summer means swimming as often as possible. Unfortunately, summer also means that there will be an increase in water accidents and drownings. In fact, drowning is the fifth leading cause of unintentional death in the US, where about 10 people die from drowning every day.

Now, we aren’t trying to scare you or give you the summertime blues or anything, but rather point out the undeniable importance of CPR training. Whether you own a pool or not, it’s a good idea to be prepared for any water emergency by earning a first aid and CPR certification.

CPR and first aid classes are quick, easy and fairly inexpensive to take and will teach you how to:

• Perform CPR on adults and/or children
• Relief of choking in an adult, child or infant
• Use an AED (automated external defibrillator) in cardiac emergencies – class specific
• Treat minor injuries with basic first aid techniques

Where and How to Get Certified

Two of the most well-known organizations that offer CPR and first aid classes are the American Red Cross and the American Heart Association. Each of these associations offers classes in a variety of settings, including the workplace, in schools, at community centers and on an individual basis. Visit their websites to register for upcoming classes in your area.

American Red Cross

Average Completion Time: between 3 and 6 hours, depending on the type of class you take

Cost: $70 - $110, depending on the type of class you take

Certification Remains Valid For: 2 years

American Heart Association

Average Completion Time: between 3 and 9 hours, depending on the type of class you take

Cost: varies based on location and type of class selected

Certification Remains Valid For: 2 years

You can also get your CPR and first aid certification online through a variety of training organizations. One of the most popular and highly-credited training sites we found is CPRToday! They offer fully-accredited online courses that are recognized in all 50 states.

Average Completion Time: between 45 minutes and 2 hours

Cost: $25 - $50, depending on the type of class you take

Certification Remains Valid For: 2 years

Hayward AquaBug Automatic Pool Cleaner

Better than a weekly pool boy, the Hayward AquaBug Pool Cleaner is not only cuter eye candy but is also cheaper in the long run and never misses a spot! This cute little critter is an above ground pool cleaner that automatically maneuvers the bottom of the pool to quickly pick up grass, leaves, bugs, dirt and all kinds of litter to keep your pool crystal clear all summer long. The Hayward Aquabug operates off your pool’s current filtration system, which saves you the trouble of purchasing extraneous booster pumps that can get quite pricey. And installing in less than 10 minutes, it really does save you both time and money!

SmartDrive

Although all automatic pool cleaners require sophisticated technology of some sort, this Hayward pool cleaner – with its patented SmartDrive system - may be the most intelligent above ground cleaner in the market today. It is designed to automatically navigate and clean the bottom of nearly any shape (uneven, dished or flat) and size above-ground pool without any supervision or manual labor required from you. With the SmartDrive system’s pre-programmed steering capabilities, the entire floor of the pool is guaranteed to be cleaned quickly and efficiently in the most meticulous manner. Don’t be fooled by the AquaBug’s cute and friendly exterior, because it’s actually ruthless in its debris-fighting responsibilities! Even the most microscopic dirt particles cannot evade this cleaner’s combination of methodical steering patterns and powerful vacuum suction.

Water Circulation

While the Hayward AquaBug already circulates the perimeter of your pool, it also improves water circulation in the pool with its unique turbine/gearing system. By assuming the characteristics of a main drain, it directly draws water from the very bottom of your pool as it works and moves. This physical action provides constant balanced water flow, which decreases the amount of chemical cleaners and sanitizers needed to clean your pool. So, soak up some rays with a juicy novel, catch up on your favorite shows, run some errands or do whatever your heart desires as the AquaBug gently and quietly makes your pool bed absolutely spotless for your next dip!

Other Features

Along with the amazing features already mentioned, here are some other great elements of this above ground pool cleaner:

• Bumper ring that minimizes friction as it bumps and moves away from walls to resume its programmed steering pattern
• Slotted santropene shoes for quick turns
• A domed, contoured design to move underwater more efficiently for faster operation and to reduce cleaning time
• 1 year warranty

With the Hayward AquaBug automatic pool cleaner, simply take joy in knowing that you won’t have to lift a single finger as it does all the work for you. Scratch that cumbersome pool cleaning off your weekly to-do list by ordering one today!

Swimming Pools: Above Ground vs. In-Ground Swimming Pools

The key ingredient to surviving the summertime heat is access to crisp, cool water. If you’re thinking about buying a swimming pool, it’s important to consider the pros and cons of above ground and in-ground swimming pools before making your decision because let’s face it, it’s not a small purchase!

To help you decide what the best swimming pool for your space, needs and budget is, we have compiled a list of things you should consider when deciding what type of pool you should buy.

Above Ground Swimming Pools

Pre-manufactured in kit form, these pools are simply large containers filled with water.

Advantages

• This is the best option for those working with a smaller budget. Approximately 1/10th to 1/5th of the total cost of in-ground swimming pools, they are the cheaper, more economical option.
• Because they are considered temporary structures, in most cases, your property taxes will be unaffected.
• Arriving in kit form, installation only takes a few days and is fairly easy.
• Generally, above ground swimming pools with walls that are at least 48” are not required to have a fence around the entire pool. At minimum, they are required to have a fence around the ladder area or have a ladder with a built in self-closing gate.
• Great for homes with small yards or for people who don’t want to lose the majority of their yard space to a pool.

Disadvantages

• Because they are considered temporary structures, they do not add any real value to your house and may even take away from the overall aesthetic quality of your backyard.
• They are not ideal for homes in the South or places with much warmer climates. For example, temperatures can rise to well over 100 degrees for days on end in Texas and a smaller body of water is going to heat up faster and hotter than a larger body of water. This extreme heat promotes much faster chlorine breakdown and algae growth, which in turn causes the owner to buy more chemicals and pay higher utility bills to run the pool pump for longer periods of time.
• They don’t have many customizable options; shapes are generally limited to round or oval. Still, you can add decking or railing around the pool to give it a more finished look.

In-Ground Swimming Pools

Made of either concrete, vinyl or fiberglass, these swimming pools are built by digging out and excavating a large site.

Advantages

• Because they are considered permanent structures, they add value to your home.
• Great for warmer climates.
• They have countless customizable options - with concrete/gunite pools offering the most, vinyl liner in ground pools with the second most, and fiberglass pools coming in third. Endless varieties of shapes, liners, walls, decking, paving and even entertainment add-ons – like diving boards, waterfalls and slides – are available to give your pool a unique personality and look to set it apart from the rest. They can be built according to almost anything you could possibly imagine or in any way your heart may desire.
• They can be made to be up to 10 feet deep or more, whereas above ground pools average around only 4 feet deep.

Disadvantages

• The cost may be the biggest, if not only, disadvantage when it comes to in-ground pools. Simply getting one built in the first place is a major investment on its own. The initial cost to build and install it is already high but add the yearly maintenance and upkeep on top of that, and you’ll see why it takes a lot of forethought before purchasing an in-ground pool.
• All in-ground pools are required by law to be completely enclosed by a fence to prevent small children from accidentally falling into the pool and to protect yourself from being held responsible for any injuries that occur in your pool – even if you are not present at the time.

Although purchasing a swimming pool may be a large commitment, it does not have to be a nerve wracking decision – it should be a fun and exciting time for you and your family. When it comes down to it, an above ground pool is going to be more economical initially and a more temporary structure overall, whereas an in-ground pool will require more of an initial investment but, when properly cared for, can be enjoyed for years to come and can add market value to your home.

About the Author: The Pool Guy Store provides discount pool supplies for above ground, in ground, and commercial swimming pools. For more information on products and services, please visit www.thepoolguystore.com.

6 Pool Party Must-Haves for the Best Pool Party - Ever

Now that warmer weather is finally here, you may be itching to get out of the house and into the pool. Whether you want to have a relaxing time lounging poolside or invite over a bunch of friends and family for a fun day by the pool, make sure you don’t forget the following 6 must-have items that will make any pool party experience one to remember!

1. Munchies

When you’re planning on having a pool party, you'll want to be prepared for practically anything. It’s likely you'll be outside for a few hours, so be sure to have enough munchies to tide you and your guests over. Pool party snacks like chips and salsa, cheese plates and fresh fruit are great party favorites. Need ideas? Check out these great summer party snack recipes that will be gobbled up in seconds!

If you're thinking about having a backyard barbeque, it’s a good idea to plan ahead to make sure you have all the needed supplies. Don't feel bad about asking your guests to pitch in; your friends and family will be quick to pick up a package of hamburgers or hotdogs when they know you're already supplying the charcoal and buns. Most important tip of all: keep it simple! Anything that requires more than your hands or a plastic fork should be left in the kitchen.

2. Tunes

Music is an absolute must for any great pool party as it sets the mood, gets guests excited and energized, and can lead to some fun(ny) sing-alongs. Public pools may provide some ambient music, but if you're in your own backyard or complex, you’ll have to step-in and play DJ. There are many different types of outdoor wireless speakers available on the market today, but the best ones to have around the pool are going to be water resistant. Water resistant portable speakers can play music from any device including iPods, computers, MP3 players and more.

Get your friends involved in making the playlist by taking song requests. If you prefer not to make a playlist, you can stream your favorite radio station or choose a pre-make playlist from programs like Spotify.

3. The Essentials

Bathing suit, towel, flip flops, sunscreen, hat – these are the basic ‘essentials’ you and your guests will need to bring to the party. Having backups of the essentials is not necessarily a must but can mean the difference between being a good host or a perfect host – because we all have that one friend who will always forget theirs!

4. Entertainment

Depending on how you and your crew enjoy your weekends, you might prefer a party barge or paperback. If you’re in the latter, don't forget that All-American classic you've been putting off reading if you're planning on a relaxing day poolside. Now is a great time to catch up on a bestseller while you're sunning by the pool.

If you're planning for a bit more of a livelier time, be sure to have some games on hand. Classic pool games like Marco Polo, chicken and splash competitions are great go-tos that don’t require any extra equipment. If your pool party is geared more toward adults, a floating beer pong table is a definite must! An inflatable beer pong table takes a fan-favorite and brings it to the pool with 11 built-in cup holders on each side and is available is either blue or pink.

5. Hydration

Plan ahead for your poolside beverages and pick up plenty beforehand. One of the worst things that can happen is having to take a trip back to the store to restock, so make sure you pick up a few extras the first time around. If you're planning on having adult beverages, err towards bringing cans, rather than bottles, so broken glass doesn’t find its way into the pool.

And of course, don't forget to keep plenty of water on hand. Being out in the sun for hours plus drinking alcohol can dehydrate you in no time so be sure to drink water frequently throughout the day.

6. Wind Down

After the sun has set, there is no better way to slowly bring the party to an end than sitting around a fire. Depending on where you live and the certain fire-burning rules of your town, you may be required to use a firebowl or have an inspected and approved fire pit. Firebowls are not only safer, they are also beautiful to look at. Sit around the fire, warm up and laugh about all the silly things that happened during the best pool party ever! Also: Marshmallows. Enough said. Find some beautiful firebowls that ship right to your front door for free here.

Save Big with Hayward Salt & Swim 3C Pool Salt Chlorinator

Comfort, convenience, and a low cost. Is there anything else you need in a salt water pool chlorinator? Hayward, a pool equipment company, offers a salt water chlorinator that makes salt chlorination easy. Install the Hayward Salt and Swim 3C in under 20 minutes and get ready to save time and money! If you’ve ever dreamed about owning a salt water pool, take the next step with the Hayward Salt and Swim 3C.

This super-star Hayward chlorine generator will make your pool more comfortable for you and your family to relax in. Say goodbye to traditional chlorination by converting salt into chlorine. This natural approach to pool sanitization won’t bleach clothing or turn your eyes red. Not only will this Hayward chlorinator allow you to swim and relax in silky-smooth pool water, it will also help you avoid the strong chlorine odors and constant dried-out skin. Sound good to you? Don’t worry, it gets better.

Not only does the Hayward Salt and Swim 3C provide the maximum amount of comfort, it also saves you time. Throw the heavy chlorine buckets and jugs away and start automatically converting salt into 100% pure available chlorine. No more mixing or measuring or heavy lifting! Cross off going to the store to get chlorine from your to-do list and find your extra time adding up. Let a single Salt & Swim 3C cell do all of the work for you and save yourself the time and the money.

Speaking of money, the Hayward chlorinator is surprisingly affordable. Not only is the upfront price competitive with other salt water chlorinators, it also saves you money in the long run. The Salt & Swim 3C produces over 200 pounds of 100% pure available chlorine at a 50% less cost than the other traditional jugs of chlorine. If you favor numbers over words, even the comparisons are impressive: 1 Salt & Swim 3C Cell equals 225 lbs of Trichlor, 208 gallons of liquid chlorine and 333 lbs of Dichlor. If you take into account the amount of chlorine you buy and the price you pay per gallon or per pound, you will find that you’re wasting an enormous amount of money.

This salt water pool chlorinator is best when used in in-ground pools that have up to 30,000 gallons. It has a compact design, easy-to-read LED lights and a weatherproof controller. If you still aren’t sold, the Hayward Salt and Swim 3C comes complete with a cutting template, wall mount template and easy-to-plumb cell with compression unions for a quick and easy disconnect. A 10 inch salt water chlorinator has never done more to sanitize your pool. Start your summer off right by saving your time and money with Hayward Salt and Swim 3C. For this product and more, visit The Pool Guy Store.

Product Spotlight: Hayward Super Pump

With the summer season fast approaching, you may be considering installing a new pool or making some improvements to your current one. Either way, one of the most important components of owning a clear blue swimming pool is the pool pump. By pulling water through a filter, it recirculates the water to sustain a clean and hygienic environment for your family and friends - day in and day out. The Hayward Super Pump is a great all-around pool pump that delivers dependable, hassle-free results.

With energy costs at an all-time high during the summer months, the Hayward Super Pump has the ability to keep your pool clean and your wallet happy. This heavy-duty pool pump comes in a variety of speeds including single- and dual-speeds. A dual-speed pump can alternate between two speeds to help reduce energy usage, compared to a single-speed pump that constantly runs at a high speed, even when cleaning at full power is unnecessary. It’s similar to leaving your air condition on full blast while everyone is out of the house; this waste of energy will eat away at your electric bill. A dual-speed pool pump will cost more up front compared to a single-speed pump but will help you save more money in the long run. However, just like your A/C, the act of being conscious and aware of when your pump is on and off can help reduce energy costs and save you money. In this case, the Hayward single-speed super pump is a more affordable option that will deliver equally impressive results.

The single-speed and dual-speed Hayward Super Pump comes with ½, ¾, 1, 1 ½, 2 and 2 ½ horsepower for maximum efficiency.

Another advantage the Hayward Super Pump offers is that it’s a self-priming pump - meaning it can use an air-water mixture to reach a fully-primed pumping state, compared to standard centrifugal pumps that will stop working if it becomes air-bound.

Other features include:

• A high-performance motor for cooler and quieter operation
• A 110-cubic-inch lint basket to catch leaves and environmental litter
• See-through strainer cover with swing-aside hand knobs
• Made of corrosion proof thermoplastic for durability and longevity of life
• Service-ease design for easy access to internal parts

Buy the Hayward pool pumps at The Pool Guy Store and cut costs when it comes to keeping your pool clean and running at its best! Every Hayward swimming pool pump ships for free!

Green Your Pool: 5 Eco-Friendly Pool Tips

There are many benefits environmentally friendly pools offer including lower electricity bills, reduced water and energy waste and reduced chemical usage. Going “green” with your pool doesn’t require an expensive overhaul, but rather a few simple changes. The following five eco-friendly pool tips can help save you money, reduce your pool’s environmental impact and make your pool a healthier one for your friends and family to enjoy all summer long.

Energy Efficient Pool Pumps

When it comes to pool pumps, there are more options available today than ever before. Newer model pumps are available in dual-, four- and variable-speeds that increase energy efficiency by reducing the day-time flow rate while increasing the total amount of run time. A lower flow rate for a longer period of time uses less energy and makes less noise. Longer circulation periods also help to decrease algae growth, reducing the amount of cleaning time and chemicals needed. A more efficient pool pump means your filter has to work less, leading to even more savings.

Pool Covers

Pool covers are the easiest way to cut back on water usage and heating costs. Pool covers reduce water evaporation so you have to refill your pool less often, saving you money and making the planet smile. If you have a heated pool, solar pool covers harness the power of the Sun to heat your pool naturally, greatly reducing your overall energy usage and costs. Pool covers are also useful in keeping unwanted debris from being blown into the pool.

Natural Pool Cleaners

There are many benefits to switching to natural pool cleaners and chemicals. Pool cleaners and chemicals made of naturally-occurring, sustainable materials are less harsh compared to man-made pool chemicals and are better for both your family’s and the environment’s health. A popular line of natural pool cleaners is Natural Chemistry. Natural Chemistry pool chemicals are made from naturally-created enzymes and use a mixture of malt, molasses and citrus-based botanicals to keep your pool clean and sparkling.

Salt Water Chlorinators

While having a salt water pool doesn’t completely take the place of other pool chemicals like chlorine, it does mean that you’re going to be using a lot of them, reducing pool maintenance costs and dry and itchy skin that results from swimming in a chlorine-filled pool. When salt water is added to swimming pools, chlorine generators use a low voltage electrical charge to convert salt ions into chlorine. While the initial cost of a pool salt chlorinator is not cheap, it’s a worthy investment because it can end up saving you thousands of dollars in pool maintenance and cleaning costs.

Automatic Pool Cleaners

Automatic pool cleaners make cleaning the pool practically effortless, more efficient and ensures the task is not overlooked. Skipping regular pool cleanings allows algae growth to flourish and more debris to build up in the pool filter, making your expensive pool filter and pump work harder. Robotic pool cleaners keep your pool clean and running efficiently.

There are several easy ways to “green” your pool that will help reduce environmental impact, lower maintenance costs and create a healthier swim experience for your family and friends. For more information about optimizing your pool system visit The Pool Guy Store and we’ll be more than happy to help!