Shipping Container Pools to Inspire You

With temperatures already on the rise, it’s hard to picture braving the summer heat without a pool right outside in your backyard. Unfortunately, building an in-ground pool is a costly investment and cheaper above-ground pools are pretty unsightly when you’ve got them sitting in the middle of your yard year round.

But with all of the upcycling and re-purposing trends of recent years, shipping containers have emerged as a completely viable alternative to dumping over $20,000 into building a pool. While they are traditionally used to ship massive amounts of cargo to and from far-away lands, people have been re-purposing shipping containers to build their homes, restaurants, and even schools. And why not – the average shipping life of such a container is 10 to 14 years (even though they last for years beyond that), so there’s literally thousands of shipping containers out there that will never be used for cargo again and are ready to be salvaged into someone’s backyard oasis.

(nola.com)

While digging an in-ground pool requires building a pool shell for support, the steel frame of a shipping container already has strong mounting points and is structurally sound enough to act as the pool shell. As long as the shipping container has been water-sealed and painted with anti-corrosion paint, all you really have to worry about is how to make the inside of it have the appeal of a pool instead of a large metal dumpster. Building a pool shell also tends to be costly so purchasing a relatively inexpensive shipping container for about $1,500 is a great way to cut down on expenses. The long rectangular design of shipping containers also makes them an ideal option for backyards that are lengthy, but not very deep.

German experimental architect Stefan Beese is no stranger to working with shipping containers – he has designed several structures out of them for various events and music festivals throughout Los Angeles and New Orleans, including Voodoo Fest. Having had experience with them and knowing their structural advantages, Beese decided to build his very own shipping container pool in the backyard of his family home in New Orleans.

With a little bit of high-density foam insulation for padding and a custom fit flexible pool liner, Beese outfitted the inside of the structure and then, inspired by Japanese bath houses, added wooden planks to create the walls and the deck to make the shipping container virtually unrecognizable. He has stated that the project set him back about $5,000 to $7,000 – a much more affordable price tag for anyone looking to build a pool!

Below you’ll find some more photos of shipping container pools for inspiration and be sure to also check out this video that shows how the structure also conveniently houses all of the pool mechanics.

Stefan Beese’s Japanese inspired backyard oasis.(treehugger.com)

A modern lap pool created from a shipping container.(houzz.com)

Filling a shipping container pool already in the ground.(https://instagram.com/p/LimdUuJKqr/)

An industrial looking above-ground shipping container pool.(http://premiershippingcontainers.com.au/)

Would you ever consider setting up your own shipping container pool? Let us know in the comments below, and if you just got your brand new pool up and running or you need to replace some old parts, be sure to visit The Pool Guy Store for all of your necessary swimming pool supplies!

Pentair R151186 All-in-One 4 Way Pool Test Kit - Review

If you’ve moved into a home with a backyard pool or you’ve recently completed a new pool installation, you might find there’s more to keeping up with a pool than you originally thought. Not only do you have to regularly remove debris from your pool and maintain the water level, you also have to maintain a safe amount of chemicals (like chlorine) and a safe pH level.

While the manual labor may not be the most fun part of owning a pool, testing your swimming pool water for pH levels, chlorine, acid demand and total alkalinity is easy with Pentair’s All-in-One 4 Way Test Kit. This pool test kit is simple to use, yet gives you all the information you need to determine your pool’s health.

The All-in-One 4 Way Test Kit comes with:

• Detailed instructions (including Spanish instructions)
• Chlorine, pH, acid demand & total alkalinity tests
• Lucite test cell with wide standards
• No. 1, No. 2, No. 3, 1/2 oz, No. 4, No. 5, reagents
• Water test booklet
• Blue box for organized storage

Because this swimming pool test kit covers 4 areas, you no longer have to worry about purchasing separate chlorine test kits, pH testing kits, etc. This All-in-One pool test kit is easy enough for anyone to use – from teens working summer jobs, to seniors maintaining their home pool.

The 78HR All-in-One 4 Way Test Kit comes with detailed instructions, a measuring cup and liquid formulas to make testing as simple and quick as possible. Unlike most individual chlorine test kits, pH testing kits, and many other bundled pool test kits, this All-in-One swimming pool test kit is refillable, so you save money as well as time.

When you need to test the chemical levels in your pool and don’t want to buy new testing kits regularly, the Pentair 78HR All-in-One 4 Way Test Kit is the only way to go. The Pool Guy Store is proud to offer this efficient and accurate pool test kit at a competitive price. Visit us at www.thepoolguystore.com today for more information or to speak with one of our friendly and knowledgeable representatives.

How to Convert Your Hot Tub to a Saltwater Hot Tub

For thousands of years, humans have used hot tubs for both recreational and restorative purposes. While freshwater hot tubs have been the norm for centuries, today we know hot tubs that use salt water actually provide more impactful benefits than freshwater tubs, such as extended tension relief, reduced swelling and improved skin appearance. Additionally, salt water systems are easier to maintain, and the purification systems produce all the sanitizer you need - all from natural salt!

Interested in converting your traditional hot tub to a saltwater hot tub? You can! Convert your freshwater hot tub to a saltwater hot tub in 6 easy steps!

1. Ensure Your Hot Tub Can Handle Saltwater – Not all hot tubs are made equally. Before you start the conversion process, you need to ensure you hot tub is salt water compatible. Check your manual or contact your supplier to ensure there are no metal or plastic parts that will corrode or be damaged by saltwater.
2. Get a Salt Chlorine Generator – The first real step in converting your hot tub to a salt water spa is obtaining a salt chlorine generator that is rated for the size of your hot tub. You should also search for generators that have a salt concentration readout, so you don’t have to test the salt concentration separately.
3. Drain Your Tub – In order to create a pure hot tub salt water system, you first need to drain all the chemically treated water from your hot tub. Most hot tubs can be drained via a bottom drain spout, however you can also use a simple garden hose as a syphoning hose. If you have trouble draining your hot tub, contact a professional for help before proceeding.
4. Add New Water & Salt – Once your tub has been drained and cleaned, add fresh new water and run the hot tub for a minute to dilute any remaining chemicals. Finally, you’re ready to add salt. Remember to purchase salt that is suitable for hot tubs (i.e. no table salt)! You should add about 2.5lbs for every 100 gallons of water your hot tub holds. Tip: Pour the salt away from water intakes, so granules don’t enter the circulation system.
5. Install the Salt Chlorine Generator – In many cases, installing a salt chlorine generator can easily be done. If your generator installation requires piping however, you may want to contact a professional who can install it correctly.
6. Enjoy Your Salt Water Hot Tub – And you’re done! Now you can run your hot tub as you normally would, while enjoying a more eco and health friendly at-home spa experience.

If you’re interested in a hot tub salt water system, know you don’t have to purchase a completely new hot tub. Most hot tubs can handle salt water, so most hot tubs can be converted. To find salt chlorine generators, high-quality salt cells that are suitable for hot tubs, and even more hot tub accessories, visit us at www.thepoolguystore.com today.

Aquatic Exercise – Why You Should Be Exercising In a Pool

There are many benefits of swimming including relaxation, pain relief and, of course, exercise. While it’s no secret that hitting the pool is an excellent way to get the heart pumping and burn some calories, there seems to be a misconception that aquatic exercise is primarily for the super-fit triathlete training for his or her next race or use as aquatic therapy for older populations suffering from arthritis.

But what if you fall somewhere in between? Will a water workout still be beneficial and a good use of the little training time you have?

The answer: Yes!

The benefits of exercising in water are numerous and offer something for everyone, no matter what age or level of fitness.

Reduction of Stress Placed on Joints

The natural buoyancy of water reduces the impact, or stress, placed on joints. Exercising in water allows you to get a great workout while reducing the amount of ware-and-tear placed on your body. Even though you may not suffer from sore joints or other degenerative symptoms now, our bodies are machines, and just like all machines, daily use and stresses accumulate over time, eventually tiring the system increasing the chances of future injuries, aches and pains, and loss of range of motion. We only get one body, so it’s important to protect it now!

Safe & Effective Way to Increase Resistance

Thanks to a wide variety of pool exercise equipment, running, cycling and other exercises aimed at increasing overall strength can be performed in water. The water provides an additional source of resistance without placing direct loads on delicate joints and is a safer way to overload muscles (which is how our bodies get stronger) compared to wearing weighted vests, etc. All-in-all, working out in water is a fun and effective way to make your workouts tougher and can make you faster out of the water without the risk of injury.

Stay Cool While Working Out on Hot Days

This is a perk that is especially beneficial for those living in places where summer temps can become unbearably hot. Taking your workout session to the pool will help your body stay cool and help prevent hyperthermia, a condition where the body can no longer regulate its temperature resulting in dangerous overheating. So the next time you want to workout during the hottest hours of the day, take it to pool!

And if you have sore muscles after a tough work out, be sure to hit the hot tub to relieve tired and achy muscles!

Check out some of these water exercises you can do in the pool that don’t require any additional equipment!

The AqquACTIVE Stationary Exercise Bike for Your Pool

The AqquACTIVE Bike is a stationary exercise bike designed for use in home, community and commercial swimming pools. One of three pieces of aquatic exercise equipment made by Aqquatix, the AqquACTIVE upright exercise bike is recommended for fitness training, rehabilitation exercises or just for fun.

The AqquACTIVE pool bike is popular among those suffering from arthritis, joint pain or any other number of musculoskeletal injuries because it allows for a low impact exercise that is effective, safe and fun. When doing aquatic exercise, the water buoyancy lowers the risk of stress-related injuries especially in the joints, as it allows the muscles to work their full range of motion.

Its innovative and functional 316L stainless steel frame design provides stability and durability without making the bike too heavy to safely move in and out of the pool.

The amount of resistance provided during the workout comes from the water as well as the built-in adjustable resistance that you can tailor to your personal fitness and comfort levels.

The AqquACTIVE Bike Features:

• Perfectly balanced, well-designed bases with four PVC suction cups to ensure maximum stability
• Rubber wheels attached to the base allows the bike to be lowered into or removed from the pool easily

• Adjustable resistance which allows aqua cycling at different levels of effort
• Multi-position handle bars
• Fully customizable handle bar and seat positions
• Slide-in foot pedals

Product Specifications:

• Material: Stainless Steel
• Size: 26 x 48 Inches
• Water Depth: 40 to 55 Inches
• Weight: 43 Pounds

It is recommended that you remove the bike from the pool when not in use, and if used in a salt water or thermal pool, be sure to rinse thoroughly with fresh water to avoid build-up of chemical deposits and residues.

Check out this video to see the AqquACTIVE in action!

For more information or to order the AqquACTIVE Bike, visit www.thepoolguystore.com.

Solar Breeze Automatic Swimming Pool Surface Skimmer

The Solar Breeze is a one-of-a-kind, technologically intelligent automatic pool skimmer that harnesses the power of the sun to keep your pool free of leaves, bugs and other surface debris. With the Solar Breeze pool skimmer, you can say goodbye to hand skimming and effortlessly ensure that your pool is always swim ready.

This powerful pool surface skimmer easily moves along the surface of your pool removing leaves and other debris that has made their way into your pool. Use the Solar Breeze on a regular basis to minimize required cleaning and lessen the demand placed on your pool filtration system by stopping debris from sinking to the bottom of the pool. Reducing the burden placed on your pool filter means you save on energy costs and reduce the amount of wear-and-tear placed on your expensive system.

It is able to operate on solar power alone, and is also equipped with internal storage batteries, completely eliminating any required electrical connections and operates on hundreds, if not thousands times less energy compared to competing pool cleaners.

The Solar Breeze doubles as a pool chemical dispenser; it can hold two 3” tablets.

Check out the full features of the Solar Breeze:

• Robotic, solar powered pool skimmer
• Easy on-off switch
• Powered by two solar panels
• Evenly dispenses pool cleaning and sanitizing chemicals as it removes surface debris
• Able to reverse its way out of corners and move seamlessly along pool walls
• Capacity: can hold about 2x what a traditional skimmer basket can hold
• Easy slide out tray for easy debris disposal

To use the Solar Breeze, once it is fully charged, simply switch it ‘on’ and drop it into your pool. And the best part is, you will not need to remove the cleaner from your pool to be re-charged. It will charge each day while in the pool.

If you already have or are working towards having a “green”, environmentally- friendly pool, the Solar Breeze is a no brainer.

Check out this video for a full product review and to see the Solar Breeze in action:

Read what real-life customers have to say about the Solar Breeze by clicking here.

If you have any questions about the Solar Breeze or would like more information, please visit us at www.thepoolguystore.com.

The Solar Breeze ships for FREE from The Pool Guy Store.

Jandy AquaLink® RS OneTouch™ Pool Controller Review

Advanced pool and spa controls like the Jandy AquaLink RS OneTouch allow you to customize your pool and spa equipment with the touch of a single button. The AquaLink RS OneTouch pool control system houses its advanced technology within a compact, sleek, and fully customizable control panel that will easily blend into any home decor.

The AquaLink RS OneTouch system has the ability to command 31 auxiliaries, filtration systems, chemical automation, precision temperature settings, pump speeds, diagnostics, and multiple mood settings for maximum user control.

Other features include:

• OneTouch feature allows for a “set it and forget it” experience
• Manage water temperature, jets, cleaner, lights and heater from anywhere
• Sensors ensure automatic freeze protection
• Heater cool down and system lockout modes protect expensive equipment
• Scheduled activation of cleaning equipment functions helps maximize energy savings
• Automatic and efficient filtration cycles allows for more play and relax time
• Switch from pool to spa with a touch of a button or schedule a set time
• Control various water features with the touch of a button

Other optional control features allow for further customization. You can choose to control your pool and spa settings from inside your home or from any Internet device. The AquaLink RS OneTouch works with web-enabled mobile devices to monitor, adjust, and program your pool’s equipment.

The AquaLink RS One Touch pool and spa control system utilizes recent software enhancements that allow for even further customization. Now you can increase your energy savings by activating seasonal adjustments which automatically optimize your filtration and purification based on your specific seasonal needs.

The Pool Guy Store offers the AquaLink RS OneTouch system in a wide range of sizes with various optional features so it’s easy to find the one that fits your needs. If you have any questions about the AquaLink RS or need help deciding which configuration model is right for you, please visit us at www.thepoolguystore.com for additional information or to speak with one of our experienced representatives.

Free Shipping.