Mark your calendars

I don't often post random things but when some forwarded me a email I had to share it. If you have not heard this yet you will now. Thursday September 1st is being called "stick it to um" day for all citizens of the United States and Canada. What does this mean? Well all people of these two great countries are suppose to not purchase any gasoline. This will cost the oil companies over 4.6 billion dollars which would affect their bottom lines. So I have to say like everyone else should that Enough is Enough so "stick it to um" and enjoy a nice day by the pool. It worked fairly well last year so lets do it again like we did last summer!

Poolman is filling up today

Winter Safety Covers/Wear Guards

We’ve been getting some questions lately from you our customers about safety covers. Yesterday we had a gentleman ask if he could use a standard, in stock cover size on a non-standard size pool. Of course you could do this but please consider these issues prior to making the decision to use a standard safety cover size on a non-standard pool size.
All safety covers are made with wear guards sewn into the underside of each connecting strap. This wear guard is positioned to protect the strap where it comes in contact with deck. This is an area that without the wear guard would fail in two to three years.
Here is a common scenario. Let’s say I have a 12’ x 25’ in ground pool and want to purchase a safety cover. I know safety covers are expensive. I see that the next standard size safety cover is a 12’ x 27’. I know standard sizes will be less expensive than a custom size safety cover and I want to save a little money. I purchase and install the standard 12’ x 27’ safety cover and everything seems to be in order. Rolling the hands of time forward its 3 years later and I close the pool and install the now, two year old safety cover. While installing I notice pattern has developed the mesh fabric in the long ends of the cover. I don’t pay this too much attention. Then here comes a heavy fall rain storm with lots of wind. I awake the following morning and see my failed safety cover lying in my pool. I know it has a 12 year warranty so I gather up the cover and send it back to the manufacturer and wait and see what they will do for me. A few weeks go by and it’s beginning to get cold so I call the manufacturer. After several minutes on hold I explain my situation, thinking I’ll get some sort of satisfaction. First thing they tell me is that the warranty is void. I ask why? They say that the wear pattern that caused this cover to fail was due to improper installation which voids the warranty. Did you read the warranty they ask? How do you know it was installed improperly I say? They explain they were born at night but not last night. Like Colombo they proceed to tell me my pool is 12’ x 25’ and the cover is a 12’ x 27’ and my pool is 2 feet to short for this cover and they know this all by the nature of the wear pattern in the fabric where the cover failed. However, they concede the sides were just fine and for $400.00 they would be happy to fix it so this could happen in another 2 years. I sigh defeated and hang up the phone.
So here’s the point; if you are just looking for a short term solution and are not worried about safety cover longevity or whether the warranty is voided we are happy sell you a standard safety cover for a non standard pool. But if you do care about longevity and your warranty not being voided it’s worth the extra time and additional expense to complete the measuring form so your cover fits, the wear guards are in the right position with respect to your deck and you and your safety cover enjoy years of peace of mind together.
As always be safe and think twice

Xstream II pool slide

This time of year is all about diving boards and pool slides. I have recently have had a lot of customers inquiring about the Xstream II pool slide and the G-force pool slide. One thing I know is that its been like pulling teeth to get the G-forces in stock, its almost like they are just teasing us with them but if someone actually received one please let us know about installation and the ride. As for the Xstream II I have seen one and we have sold a plethora of them this year but really have not had much feedback, so please let your fellow pool owners and us know how it is working out for you.
As always slide safe
Poolman out

Swimming for the busy mom?

Here is a great article that I was reading knowing many busy moms in my life I thought some people might be interested. Thanks Amber

Moms & Fitness - Tips for the Busy Mom by Amber Jonas

Some moms have a busy lifestyle. They cook, they clean, and they drive their children to classes. They teach, they referee, and the list goes on.
If you're a mom, you know how to get things done for everyone else, but chances are, you don't take time to take care of your self. While busy schedules keep moms on the go, moms find themselves without much time for fitness.
School schedules and car pools combined with household tasks and a full-time job don't leave mom much time for moms to get the full benefits of exercise.
Moms manage to squeeze in dentist appointments for their children and can make time to show up, without a moment to spare, at a class play, mentioned at the last minute. Super mom can somehow manage to find time to do the things she needs to do to successfully manage her schedule, keeping everyone happy.
The "I don't have time to exercise" isn't a good excuse. If you really want to find time for fitness and exercise, there are many things you can do.
Finding time to take care of your self, with plenty of rest and exercise, should be one of those things you do for yourself without hesitation. Schedule the time in your day planner or make a note on the dry-erase board your "me-time." Procrastination is a word that has no meaning for moms when it comes to taking care of your children. The same should apply for making time for fitness.
Diversify your fitness schedule to include solo walks, a quick round of tennis, or horseback riding with the one you love. Be creative in planning your schedule.
If you know on Monday you have to pick up one child at 2:00, but you have to pick the other one up thirty minutes later, make good use of the time between pickups. You could toss your walking shoes in the car, having them ready to slip on when you pick up the child at 2:00. Both of you could take a short walk while you wait for the second child. If your daughter has a practice 25 minutes across town at the high school, you could take your swimsuit and use the school's swimming pool to swim a few laps. Most schools don't mind you using the pool if you call ahead. Some offer free swims on certain days of the week. If your son's football practice is held over 45 minutes, continue walking around the track until you hear him tell you, "Mom, I'm ready to go now."
The important thing to remember is, because you are a mom, you may have to jump in and take advantage of a thirty-minute window to have time for fitness. Be prepared for those opportunities and learn to expect the unexpected, taking care to use those extra few minutes wisely. The results will amaze you.
About the Author
Thanks for reading. If you found this article helpful you can read more of my tips, information, and more articles on my website: http://www.thishealthylife.com