Swimming Is A Natural Exercise For Dogs As Well

There are three questions that come to mind to most pool owners when they are considering offering a swim to the family dog.

1. What is the best type of pool for my dog?

If you are inviting the family dog into the pool, you want to ensure that the pool does not have a vinyl liner, as it could easily tear creating leak issues, which could end up racking up repair costs. However, pools made with fiberglass or concrete would be an excellent choice for a dog that loves to take a dip in the family pool. Keep in mind, the size of the steps will help make that experience positive or more challenging, depending on the size of the dog.

2. Are the chemicals harmful for my dog?
Although there are not many studies, it has been reported that salt chlorine generators seem to be easy on the dog's skin, because they produce a low level of natural chlorine. The chemicals used are not harsh and are the most consistent because of the its time-release system.

3. Will my swimming dog damage my filter system?
Although the dog hair is harder on a filter system compared to human hair, there is no proof that damage is caused dogs swimming. However, if you do decide to let your Fido swim in the family pool, you will need to clean your filter and backwash more often.

If your dog loves to swim as much as you do, preventative maintenance and planning will help keep your pool clear and blue for everyone to enjoy.

Horizon Pool and Patio are the pool care experts. They can help you determine the best solution for your pool and help you finance your project. They are family owned and operated. Since 1985, they have been serving Wellington, Royal Palm Beach, Lake Worth, Acreage, Loxahatchee and many of the other communities in Palm Beach County.

Horizon Pool and Patio provide both residential and commercial pool and spa service, equipment repairs, retail supplies and equipment, along with full pool renovations and remodeling. For more information on Horizon Pool & Patio, visit them at www.horizonpool.com or call (561) 790-0665. You can always visit their Wellington store located in the Wellington Plaza next to Ultima Fitness at 12785A W. Forest Hill Boulevard.

The Benefits of a Heated Pool

Doctors and physical therapists regard swimming as a very beneficial form of exercise because it works the entire body without impact stresses on the joints.

Poor circulation causes muscle pain for many people, especially if blood flow is restricted in the arms and legs.  Swimming works the entire upper and lower body and improves oxygen flow to the heart and lungs.  This will generally cause decline in the resting heart rate and breathing rate, which ultimately allows more oxygen to reach your body's muscles and tissues.

Cardiovascular health is achieved when the heart muscle gets good exercise and the blood circulation throughout the body is improved.

Many feel as though they need to purchase a membership to a gym in order to exercise, when in reality those that have pools have a huge machine in their own backyard. Making full use of your machine is dependent on how many months of the year you can use it.  Adding a heater or a solar heater will extend the use of your pool, providing the opportunity to benefit from this form of exercise all-year-round.

Children love to swim and can often tolerate lower temperatures, however, pediatricians caution that repeated chilling can make young children more susceptible to respiratory infections. This can also be true for elderly swimmers. So, adding a heater to your existing pool can help prevent chilling and problems associated with excessive body heat loss.

Horizon Pool and Patio are heating and solar heating experts. They can help you determine the best solution for your pool and help you finance your project. They are family owned and operated. Since 1985, they have been serving Wellington, Royal Palm Beach, Lake Worth, Acreage, Loxahatchee and many of the other communities in Palm Beach County.

Horizon Pool and Patio provide both residential and commercial pool and spa service, equipment repairs, retail supplies and equipment, along with full pool renovations and remodeling. For more information on Horizon Pool & Patio, visit them at www.horizonpool.com or call (561) 790-0665. You can always visit their Wellington store located in the Wellington Plaza next to Ultima Fitness at 12785A W. Forest Hill Boulevard.

Regular Equipment Checks Can Extend Equipment Life

Checking your equipment and maintaining your support system is the best way to solve the small correctable problems before they become large, expensive ones.

Start with your circulation system by following the path of the water. Clean out the pool's skimmer basket and empty all of its contents.
 
Next, open the pump strainer basket and clean it. Check the pressure of the filter. Be sure to clean the basket before checking the pressure as debris in the basket could actually lower the pressure of the filter. If the pressure is high, the filter may need cleaning as well. A properly working pressure gauge is a must!
 
Don't forget to check the heater for leaves or debris. Turn the heater on and off a few times to make sure it is operating properly. While the heater is running, turn the pump off. The heater should shut off by itself when the pressure from the pump drops. This is an important safety check. Most heaters have a delay of up to five minutes, so they may not fire up as soon as the pump is turned on.
 
Last, check the time clock is set properly. Checking the clocks is always recommended as power surges can affect the setting.
 
After you complete your equipment check, look for leaks or other early signs of equipment failure. Clean up the equipment area by removing leaves from around the motor vents and heater to prevent fires, and clear drains of debris that could prevent water from draining away from the equipment during rain.
 
Horizon Pool and Patio is family owned and operated. Since 1985, they have been serving Wellington, Royal Palm Beach, Lake Worth, Acreage, Loxahatchee and many of the other communities in Palm Beach County.
 
Horizon Pool and Patio provide both residential and commercial pool and spa service, equipment repairs, retail supplies and equipment, along with full pool renovations and remodeling. For more information on Horizon Pool & Patio, visit them at www.horizonpool.com or call (561) 790-0665. You can always visit their Wellington store located in the Wellington Plaza next to Ultima Fitness at 12785A W. Forest Hill Boulevard.