Congrats to Pentair

Pentair was voted the 2nd place winner at the Pool Spa Patio Expo in the category of 'Best Green Product' for the IntelliFlo Variable-Speed Pumps.



Energy savings equals money savings.

Energy Conservation Tips From Pentair ®

Heating & Heat Loss

• Fencing, hedges, landscaping, and cabanas that shelter your pool from prevailing winds will further reduce heat loss.
• Reduce heat loss by using a pool cover. According to the U.S. Department of Energy, savings of 50%-70% are possible.
• If your pool heater is more than five years old, chances are a new high efficiency gas heater could quickly pay for itself in utility bill savings.
• A pool heat pump can save up to 80% in energy usage compared to a gas heater. Check with your pool professional to see if a heat pump is appropriate for your region.
• If you use your pool only on weekends, reduce your heater or heat pump thermostats settings by eight to ten degrees during the week.
• When leaving for vacation for more than a week, turn off the pool heater or heat pump, including the pilot light. Please use caution in freezing conditions.
• According to the National Swimming Pool Institute and the American Red Cross, the most healthful swimming temperature is 78 degrees. Reducing your heater or heat pump thermostat to maintain a 78 degree or lower temperature will also help conserve energy.
• Install a timer or a control system to automate the hours of operation.
• When reopening your pool, make sure your heater or heat pump is working properly.

Circulation

• Replace your pool pump with a more energy-efficient model.
• New variable speed pumps with permanent magnet motors and digital controls can save as much as 90% in utility costs compared to one- or two-speed pumps with induction motors.
• If using an energy-efficient one- or two-speed pump, make sure your pump is sized to your pool’s requirements.
• Reduce run time or speed to reduce energy use.
• If using a one-speed pump, reduce filtration run time. In general, water needs to be circulated through the filter once every 24 hours.
• If using a two-speed or variable speed pump, use the lowest speed to appropriately circulate the water. Reducing speed saves more energy than reducing run time.
• Run your pool's filtration system during off-peak hours when electricity demand is lower, generally between 8 p.m. and 10 a.m. Install a timer or a control system to automate the hours of operation.
• Keep intake grates clear of debris. Clogged drains require the pump to work harder.
• To obtain maximum filtration and energy efficiency, backwash or clean your filter regularly, as required.

Health Benefits of Water

Check the link for some great information on the power of water: http://www.health-benefit-of-water.com/

Have a Safe and Happy 4th of July

Phosphates, Water and Algae

Some interesting articles and research on the phosphates in our water:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Phosphate

http://aquamagazine.com/articles/article.aspx?articleid=1893&zoneid=17

http://www.water-research.net/Watershed/phosphates.htm

http://www.poolspanews.com/2004/061/061qmr_specialty.html

http://findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_m0NTB/is_24_42/ai_111981582/

http://bcn.boulder.co.us/basin/data/BACT/info/TP.html

http://www.proteampoolcare.com/tr_phosaway.htm

General Safety Tips from Pentair Pool and Spa®

* Know your swimming limits and stay within them. Don't try to keep up with a stronger skilled swimmer or encourage others to keep up with you. Keep an eye on weaker swimmers—if they appear tired, encourage them to get out of the water and rest.
* Watch out for the "dangerous too's"—too tired, too cold, too much sun, too much strenuous activity. Get out of the water immediately if any of these situations occur.
* Stay off the main drain. The suction from the pump could trap you underwater. Learn more about pump suction and safety.
* Use common sense regarding food and beverages while swimming.
* Do not chew gum or eat while you swim; you could easily choke.
* Never drink alcohol and swim.
* Use common sense about swimming after eating. If you have had a large meal, it is wise to let digestion get started before doing strenuous activity such as swimming.
* Use plastic instead of glassware in the pool area.
* Obey "No Diving" signs. A general rule is to enter feet first into water than head-first.
* Never dive into an aboveground pool. They are too shallow.
* Make sure the pool cover is completely lifted off the pool. Never walk on the pool cover.
* Watch the weather: Know local weather conditions and prepare for electrical storms. Because water conducts electricity, stop swimming as soon as you see or hear a storm.
* Keep rescue equipment (pole, rope and personal floatation devices) by the pool.
* Keep a phone poolside. Program the phone with emergency phone numbers and/or post emergency phone numbers in your pool area.
* Learn cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) and basic first aid. Post CPR instructions in your pool area.

Special Precautions for Children:

* ALWAYS supervise children when they are in or around your pool or any water environment (stream, bath tub, toilet, bucket of water), no matter what skills your child has acquired and no matter how shallow the water.
* Install physical barriers around your pool and spa to prevent access by young children.
* Fences should be at least four feet high with self-closing, self-latching gates, which are kept in good working order. Don’t leave any furniture near the fence so that a child could climb over into the pool area.
* If your house forms one side of the barrier to the pool, then doors leading from the house to the pool should be equipped with alarms that sound when the doors are unexpectedly opened.
* For additional protection, use a power safety cover (a motor-powered barrier placed over the water area).
* For aboveground pools, steps and ladders to the pool should be secured or removed when the pool is not in use.
 * Keep children off the main drain. The suction from the pump could trap them underwater. Learn more about pump suction and safety.
* Don't leave toys in the water. Toys can lure a child into the pool.
* Enroll your children in a water safety course and/or swimming classes.
* Never use flotation devices or inflatable toys to replace parental supervision.
* Do not use air-filled swimming aids as a substitute for approved life vests.
* Do not allow children to eat or chew gum while in the water to prevent choking.
 * Parents and anyone supervising children should know cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) and basic first aid. Post CPR instructions in your pool area.
* Don't assume young children will use good judgment and caution around the water. Children must be constantly reminded to walk slowly in the pool area and only to enter the water with you.
* Watch the weather: Know local weather conditions and prepare for electrical storms. Because water conducts electricity, stop swimming as soon as you see or hear a storm.
* After you are done swimming, secure the pool so children can’t enter.

IN CASE OF EMERGENCY, remember to CHECK—CALL—CARE.

CHECK the injured person
CALL 9-1-1 or your local emergency number
CARE for the person until help arrives

Award Winning Pool and Water Feature