Q: Tell me a little bit about yourself, your background and GLI Pool Products.

GC Responds: I grew up in the swimming pool business. My father worked in a steel mill and installed swimming pools as a sideline during the summer. I followed him around on job sites since I was ten years old. After college I decided to make it my profession. I eventually became president of a public company in the swimming pool business for 18 years before buying a division of the company with a partner and taking it private. That is how GLI Pool Products was born.

Q: Fall is pool cover time. Please tell about the origins of the swimming pool safety cover for GLI Pool Products?

GC Responds: In 1988 I saw the growing trend toward ensuring the safety of ones family, friends and pets. At the time we were the largest manufacturer of non-secured winter pool covers in the world. It felt good to introduce a product (safety pool covers) that not only protected loved ones, but also aesthetically enhanced the backyard environment.

Q: What are the benefits to the homeowner using a safety cover vs. a traditional winter pool cover for an in ground pool?

GC Responds: Aside from the visual advantage of a custom tailored safety cover stretched tautly across the swimming pool, safety covers owners also enjoy the peace of mind that comes with knowing the swimming pool is protected from accidental intrusion when the safety cover is on. The safety covers are more cost effective over time as well. Their long life expectancy enables them to outlive several rounds of traditional winter pool covers.

Q: I have had people ask if they could use a "stock" cover on non-stock size pool. Is this an acceptable practice?

GC Responds: I wouldn't recommend this. The safety covers are manufactured to exacting dimensions in order to comply with safety standards. Attempting to put a stock safety cover on a custom shaped or sized pool brings several factors into play. The safety cover overlap may not be sufficient in certain areas to maintain the standards, and in other areas, an improperly sized safety cover may overlap too much into grassy areas or flower beds where it cannot be properly anchored.

Q: Please discuss 5' x 5' strapping vs. 3' x 3' strapping and the proper uses of each?

GC Responds: The question you ask refers to the width in the cross grids of strapping. 5' x 5' strapping is used on symmetrically even safety covers with reasonably smaller square footages which do not entail too many custom dimensions. This helps keep the cost of safety cover material lower. Once an application grows in square footage and takes on more complicated design, it is necessary to produce the safety cover in a tighter grid, 3' x 3' sections, to ensure a proper fit.

Q: Please discuss your custom safety cover operations? GC Responds: GLI Pool Products is located in a shinny new complex in sunny, romantic Youngstown, OH. We have 125 dedicated employees, many of whom have tenure dating back to our first safety cover operation in 1988. Once you visit Youngstown, you never want to leave....

Q: In the last couple of years your company has introduced a couple of safety cover innovations. Would you discuss why and how you developed the , Hyperlite solid safety cover and the , Sur-Flow solid safety cover?

GC Responds: Algae and bacteria always find their way into any body of water, including a swimming pool, and they become dormant in the Frost Belt during the winter. However, once it warms up in the spring, before the kids recess for the summer and before the pool cover comes off, photosynthesis takes place on an uncovered swimming pool or one with a conventional mesh safety cover. We all know what that means! Solid safety covers have grown in popularity because they completely block sunlight from entering the swimming pool. The Hyperlite solid safety cover is not only solid, it is made from a lightweight, high performance fabric that is easier to handle and lasts longer. We put a Sur-Flow drain down the center of the safety cover to keep water off the top.

Q: What are the benefits to the consumer purchasing a GLI Pool Products safety cover vs. other manufacturers?

GC Responds: Craftsmanship and stability. It is hard for a company in a small segment of the economy to gain consumer recognition. What I want to know when I buy an expensive product that is supposed to last a decade or more is that it is going to fit the first time I put it on the swimming pool, and that they company that built it is going to be there for the duration of the products life in the event I need them. I have just described our company.

Q: Do GLI safety covers meet all current coast guard/government codes?

GC Responds: Yes. Swimming pool safety covers are covered under ASTM standard F1346-91. Each brand of our safety covers are tested for compliance.

Q: Which safety cover do you have on your pool and why?

GC Responds: Please understand that no GLI employees swimming pool is spared from constant testing. We make a variety of products beside pool safety covers , so one will witness different Dirt Devil pool vacuums scurrying about our pools, different liner patterns being tested and photographed, you name it. My swimming pool had a Pro-Mesh safety cover on it last season, and I liked it. Drained nicely, carried the snow load well, and the water was clear this spring. This year, who knows what I'll find out there. I wonder if Ferrari dealers have this issue, never knowing what is going to be in the garage?

Q: Any 'inside' installation tips?

GC Responds: Invite your father-in-law over for Sunday dinner and ask him if he is interested in a little "project" you are considering! Seriously, it is all well detailed in the instructions. Read them through once before starting the operation, and you will be fine. Once the safety cover is measured properly for manufacture, the hard part is done.

Gas and Solar Pool Heaters & Heat Pumps

Now that you have a backyard swimming pool, you'll want to use it as much as possible. Make the most of your investment by adding a Solar Pool Heater, Gas Pool Heater, or Heat Pump to your in ground or above ground swimming pool. You can extend your swimming season and spend more time in your pool because a Pool Heater or Heat Pump maintains a consistently inviting and comfortable water temperature. When other swimming pool owners are waiting for the weather to warm up in order to open their pool, you can be enjoying the luxury of a pleasant Spring time swim. And, even after Summer has come and gone, you will be able to take a relaxing dip in deliciously mild waters thanks to your choice of Pool Heaters or Heat Pumps.

Solar Pool Heaters allow you to take advantage of the sun's free energy. Solar Heaters are extremely efficient, inexpensive to operate, and are the ultimate in environmental friendliness. When combined with a solar pool cover, also known as a solar blanket, your Solar Pool Heater will maintain a comfortable water temperature well into the cooler months.

A Heat Pump is another good choice for efficiently heating your swimming pool. Heat Pumps take heat from the air and transfer it to the pool water. This makes the heating process ecologically safe, clean, and cost effective. In addition, Heat Pumps are easy to operate and can be used even in frigid conditions.

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March 18, 2008

Realpooldeals.com announces the addition of In Ground Swimming Pool Kits to there product offering mix. A motivated do-it-yourselfer can install these in ground swimming pool kits and save thousands, while enjoying your beautiful new swimming pool in the privacy of your backyard.

Careful consideration was given to the swimming pool kit manufacturer selection process at realpooldeals.com. In general there are 3 types of do-it-yourself in ground swimming pool kits. There are resin/plastic pool wall construction, steel swimming pool wall construction and finally aluminum pool wall construction. Plastic pool walls are lightweight and easier to install and somewhat less expensive but lack the strength of a steel or aluminum pool wall. Steel pool walls are strong but very heavy to install and will rust over time. Due to those, less then perfect, factors we selected a swimming pool kit constructed of extruded aluminum. Aluminum swimming pools are pound for pound stronger than steel pools or plastic wall pools and will not corrode over time like steel pools do.

For 2008 we have introduced four swimming pool kit models; the Emerald Rectangle, The ELL, The Grecian, TheDesert Oasis. There is a choice of four swimming pool liner patterns; The Treasure Coast (20 mil), The Capri (20 Mil), The Lanai (20 Mil) and The Laguna (28 mil) . We offer a basic equipment package which includes a 24" sand pool filter with 1hp pool pump system. There are many from combinations and upgrades available; from pool slides to winter safety covers the sky and your budget are the limit.

Because aluminum's unique combination of lightweight strength and corrosion resistance our pools are backed by a Lifetime Warranty. A Blue Wave swimming pool made with durable extruded aluminum will provide a lifetime of fun and relaxing enjoyment for your entire family.

For an in ground swimming pool kit specialst please contact us at 800.768.0356.

I recently ran across this article about saline and chlorine swimming pools. I think you will appreciate the thought that was put into this article.

Saline versus Chlorine – Which is Best For Your Hot Tub or Pool?

These days, though, more and more pools owners are switching from chlorine to saline. If you are new to the idea of disinfecting your pool with plain old "salt," then here is some information to get you up-to-date:

· A salt water system in your pool or hot tub works by creating its own chlorine. How does this happen? An electric current is passed through salt water in a chlorinator cell. Basically, a chlorinator cell splits the salt into sodium and chloride. It then releases a chlorine gas that dissolves in the water. It is through this process that the water in a saline pool is sterilized.

· Saline not only sterilizes the water, it prevents the growth of algae.

· People who have reactions to chlorinated pools are generally reacting not to the chlorine but to other chemicals and by-products. They generally do not have a problem swimming in a saline pool -- it is much less irritating on your skin.

· Saline is much easier on your eyes than chlorine. You might have assumed that saline would sting your eyes like the salty ocean does. In truth, though, the ocean has a much higher percentage of salt. Saline has very little salt in comparison.

· Swimming suits worn solely in saline pools last longer than those worn in chlorinated pools.

· Saline feels softer on the skin and does not dry you out as much as chlorine.

· The cost of installing a saline system into your pool is high, but in the long run it can be less expensive.

· You do not need to deal with expensive and dangerous chemicals when you have a salt-water pool. You only need to add common salt (and you do not even need to add it often, since the pool system recycles the salt). Sometimes you need to add pool acid as well, to balance out the pH levels. · Saline pools are environmentally friendly – no chemicals.

In sum, a salt-water pool is safer, less expensive (in the long run), healthier, and better for the environment.

I recently ran across this article about saline and chlorine swimming pools. I think you will appreciate the thought that was put into this article.

Saline versus Chlorine – Which is Best For Your Hot Tub or Pool?

These days, though, more and more pools owners are switching from chlorine to saline. If you are new to the idea of disinfecting your pool with plain old "salt," then here is some information to get you up-to-date:

· A salt water system in your pool or hot tub works by creating its own chlorine. How does this happen? An electric current is passed through salt water in a chlorinator cell. Basically, a chlorinator cell splits the salt into sodium and chloride. It then releases a chlorine gas that dissolves in the water. It is through this process that the water in a saline pool is sterilized.

· Saline not only sterilizes the water, it prevents the growth of algae.

· People who have reactions to chlorinated pools are generally reacting not to the chlorine but to other chemicals and by-products. They generally do not have a problem swimming in a saline pool -- it is much less irritating on your skin.

· Saline is much easier on your eyes than chlorine. You might have assumed that saline would sting your eyes like the salty ocean does. In truth, though, the ocean has a much higher percentage of salt. Saline has very little salt in comparison.

· Swimming suits worn solely in saline pools last longer than those worn in chlorinated pools.

· Saline feels softer on the skin and does not dry you out as much as chlorine.

· The cost of installing a saline system into your pool is high, but in the long run it can be less expensive.

· You do not need to deal with expensive and dangerous chemicals when you have a salt-water pool. You only need to add common salt (and you do not even need to add it often, since the pool system recycles the salt). Sometimes you need to add pool acid as well, to balance out the pH levels. · Saline pools are environmentally friendly – no chemicals.

In sum, a salt-water pool is safer, less expensive (in the long run), healthier, and better for the environment.

Soon spring will be here and it will be time to undergo the task of opening your above ground swimming pool. Planning will make your job a whole lot easier. There is nothing worse than realizing you're short one bag of pool shock when you are in the middle of prepping the above ground swimming pool. So first, you need to make a list of pool chemicals that are needed.

The needs will vary depending upon the type of above ground pool you own. Therefore, this article will talk about it in general. You should always refer to your pool and pump instructions for additional information. Things you will likely need are liquid or powder shock, bromine, chlorine powder or tablets, sanitizing cartridge for the cartridge filters, pH increase or decrease and a test kit to test the pool water chemical levels.

Do not take off just yet and order your above ground pool chemicals. Stop and take a few minutes to check out all of your hoses, skimmer baskets, clamps, gaskets and o-rings.

Now that you have the easy part finished, it is time to begin the fun. The first thing required taking the cover off. You will want to enlist help for this, because you want to avoid getting any top water into the pool water. In an above ground pool, you should siphon the water off with a hose.

To get a good siphon started, hook up the hose to the spigot and put the other end of the hose into the top water. Turn the hose on for a minute to fill it. Next crimp the hose a foot or two away from the faucet, and with your other hand, disconnect the hose from the spigot. Position the hose at a downspout drain to discharge then let go of the crimp. The water will reverse and start to drain.

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Saltwater Swimming pools are becoming more and more of an option for todays swimming pool user. Why are salt water pools growing in popularity? Below is a list step by step guide to help inform you about the benefits of our saltwater swimming pool systems.

Step 1: Understand the salt water component. When considering a salt water swimming pool it's important for you to understand the level and function of salt. Most people conjure up images of a salty ocean or sea when they hear the term "salt water." However, a salt water pool is less than 10 times as salty as the sea. The salt level in the pool water is around the salt level in the human body and so it is unlikely that the pool water will bother you to the extent that sea water might.

Step 2: Think about pool water treatment benefits. Salt water pool systems are designed to lessen the need for pool treatment chemicals such as chlorine. Because the salt naturally produces chlorine, you save time and money and some of the chemicals that go into a freshwater swimming pool.

Step 3: Think about cost. The installation of a salt water pool requires some initial upfront costs. However, the savings over time on pool chemicals and weekly water treatments and cleaning will amortize. So consider how long you will keep the swimming pool or stay in your present house to make the right decision as to whether a salt water swimming pool system is right for you.

Step 4: Think about PH levels of the pool water. One of the things you need to consider with a salt water pool is the relative levels of acidity, or the PH level. The PH level of a salt water pool can fluctuate quickly and drastically, requiring that you treat the pool water correctly in this event. While not a regular occurrence, changes in PH levels of salt water swimming pools are something you need to be vigilant about.

Step 5: Take the salt water into account. While there's not enough salt in a salt water pool system to be destructive or harmful, the salt water can be unsightly or annoying. Dark walkways or concrete surrounding the pool often get stained with salt rings. Similarly, many people report a sticky feeling on their skin after a swim. However, others say that the soft water soften the skin. Test out a salt water swimming pool to consider the effects of the salty pool water.

As president of Real Pool Deals, I'm often asked about my own personal swimming pool setup. I'll give you the skinny on what I've got -- and why I made that particular pool choice:

Our Pool: A 27' round swimming pool
We evaluated our site, took measurements, checked local laws and eventually decided on a round swimming pool for our square backyard. Because we have two kids and tons of family and friends, the 27' round pool made the most sense – it fit into our backyard and our lifestyle.

Steel Or Plastic? We Chose a Steel Pool
Plastic "resin" swimming pools may seem to be the logical choice, but the jury is still out on how well they hold up to the sun over the years. We chose the "Jamaica" North American steel swimming pool because like many other steel pools, it has an excellent rust-proof coating and it's proven to hold up well over time. We'll wait and see how well resin swimming pools survive.

Ian's Pool Liner of Choice
I really prefer the "J Hook" or unibead pool liner. It can work with a bead receiver kit or simply by itself.

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It is very difficult to make one definite diagnosis when faced with symptoms of swimming pool water problems. You should use other evidence when considering what to do (e.g. test results) and go with the one you think is most likely.
Symptom : Black Spots
Diagnosis

These are caused by black algae.
Cure

Unfortunately, black algae is very tenacious and will require quite a bit of effort to remove. For minor problems, try persistent brushing combined with a good black algaecide. You will also need to clean the filter thoroughly. If the problem is more major, you may need to drain the pool water and chlorine wash.
Symptom : Cloudy / Milky Discoloration
Diagnosis (1)

Dirt or bather pollution in water suggesting inadequate filtration
Cure (1)

Backwash the filter and raise free chlorine levels to around 10 parts per million using un-stabilized chlorine. Polish water by adding a clarifier.
Diagnosis (2)

You are using stabilized chlorine's and there is too much stabilizer in the water. This causes the chlorine to take longer to kill micro-organisms and so they build up and give a haziness to the water.
Cure (2)

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The most common cause of problems with pool water originates from pool water pH being incorrect. Often the pool pH is incorrect because total water alkalinity is too low. Maintain total alkalinity and pH will be easy to manage, if the water pH is right then the Chlorine is effective and your pool water will not turn green with the first rains of summer or during electric storms.

Green pool Water
1 Correct the pH first, if the pH of the pool water is too high (alkaline) then acid such as Hydrochloric acid should be added. If the pool pH is too low (acidic) then Soda Ash in the case of marbelite pools or Bicarbonate of Soda for Fibreglass and Vinyl pools should be added. When adding acid or alkaline always predilute it in a bucket of water.
2 Add an algaecide, there are a number of products on the market, some work in conjunction with chlorine and some do not, so read the label as to whether there should be no chlorine present in the water or not. Superchlorinating is not always the answer and can often be an expensive way of destroying an algae infestation.
3 Backwash the filter frequently as per the instructions of the algaecide, remember that an algaecide is essentially a herbicide and if you backwash onto the lawn or flowerbeds it may damage your garden.
4 Once the water is clear, correct your total alkalinity first and then stabiliser. These additives take a few days to dissolve properly and therefore no backwashing should take place for 5 days after addition. Adjust one thing at a time
5 Through this whole process constantly monitor and adjust pH as per point 1

High chlorine demand
No matter how much chlorine is added to your pool water, there is never a reading of free chlorine
1 Pool Water Test Equipment is old and giving incorrect readings both pH and chlorine. have the water tested at a pool shop or at use a friends water test equipment to check the readings of your pool test equipment.
2 PH is wrong - if the pH is erratic then check total alkalinity.
3 Little or no stabiliser in the water, have the pool water tested for stabiliser before adding.
4 Filter sand is contaminated and/or backwashing is not cleaning the sand properly. Open the filter tank and check if the sand is clean and not lumpy and change the sand if necessary.
5 If using a chlorinator or chlorine generator, check if the right size is being used and that it is functioning correctly.

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