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For many years, hot tubs and home spas were the exclusive luxuries of the wealthy. They were expensive to buy, expensive to operate and not very reliable. With the onset of better manufacturing and better materials, and lower prices, however, the popularity of hot tubs and home spas began to soar.

Spas Throughout History

History gives us many examples of spas being used as integral parts of life for many civilizations. The Romans are perhaps the most famous for their bathhouses, which became centers of social life and a common daily activity for the elite classes. Other cultures made use of spa-like hot baths as well, including the ancient peoples of China and Japan.

What did these civilizations know that others didn’t? Setting aside technological differences, some of the earliest spa enthusiasts appreciated the health benefits of using hot water to relax the body, open the pores of the skin, and generally promote better health. Cleanliness was considered healthful and a sign of prosperity – after all, you had to be pretty well off to afford the bath facilities themselves and to have the leisure time to partake of their benefits.

Hot Tub Hydrotherapy

As medical science has advanced, there has been an increased awareness of the benefits of hot tub hydrotherapy. Many medical conditions, injuries and other health problems can be eased or improved with regular hydrotherapy treatments.

For example, people with arthritis, multiple sclerosis, paralysis and other conditions that involve deteriorating range of motion benefit from time spent in a hot tub. The warm water helps ease aches and pains, while loosening joints and making them easier to move and keep mobile.

Joint problems, chronic back pain and other painful conditions resulting from injuries are also helped with regular hot tub hydrotherapy. Those seeking stress relief, general relaxation, and quiet opportunities for conversation commonly experience significant hot tub benefits as well.

Modern Spa and Hot Tub Hydrotherapy

Modern technology, materials and production processes make it possible to design and build home spas and hot tubs with highly specialized hydrotherapy features. These features are typically based on a combination of seating position, jet position and jet function. Let’s look at each of these aspects in turn.

Seating Position – Traditional hot tub seating was bench-style, typically in a round shape and at a uniform depth so that everyone sat at the same level in the tub. This made it challenging for people of different heights to fully benefit from hot tub therapy.

With the development of molded fiberglass spa shells came the development of different shapes and sizes of seats. Manufacturers began to include lounge seats, where the bather reclines in the water, as well as seats to accommodate bathers of different heights. Some also included deeper seats, designed to fully immerse the bather and allow placement of jets in specific positions for specific benefits.

Jet Position – Moldable shell manufacturing made it possible for the first time to place jets in nearly any position within the tub. Manufacturers began experimenting with placing jets in places where they would focus on specific areas of the body, such as the back, neck, shoulders, arms and legs.

The earliest jets were single-action nozzles with limited ability to adjust where they were aimed or the intensity of the jet action. This made it difficult to use them in positions where they would affect more tender areas of the body, such as wrists, forearms, ankles, feet and knees. As manufacturers developed more advanced jets with a wider variety of functionality, though, the technology of hydrotherapy advanced significantly.

Jet Function – Modern hot tubs and spas can be customized with a surprising variety of jets that range from multi-purpose to highly specialized. Buyers often are able to select exactly which jets to install in specific locations within their hot tub or home spa.

The most common types of jets available today include:

o Swirl jets – water swirls in a circular pattern, with a massaging action that covers a wide area

o Whirlpool jets – a large, round jet that concentrates pressure in a specific area

o Mini jets – smaller than standard jets, they are often grouped together in clusters, especially in massage and therapy seats

o Pillow jets – combines massaging action for the neck with a pillow designed to let the bather rest their head without going under water

o Shoulder jets – positioned above the water line to focus attention of specific parts of the shoulder

o Moving massage jets – this oval-shaped jet moves back and forth in a sweeping motion to provide pulsating therapy

The benefits of different jet types have grown substantially with the development of independent seating control. In older spas and hot tubs, one set of controls ran all of the therapy jets, but independent seating control allows each bather to control the strength and intensity of therapy in their own individual seat.

Hydrotherapy for Fitness

The latest technology in hydrotherapy involves using jetted tubs for fitness purposes. This new generation of home spas is elongated in shape and allows the bather to choose traditional spas functions or switch over to functions that allow for a vigorous workout. They are commonly referred to as swim spas.

A swim spa has powerful jets that set up a strong resistance current that allows the user to swim as if in a full sized lap pool. The elongated shape allows even the tallest people to stretch out into a full-length stroke and the center depth is such that even a full arm extension will not bump into the bottom of the spa.

Adjustable current jets make it possible to adjust workout intensity depending on the user’s fitness level, and increase intensity over time as the level of fitness improves.

Summary

Spas and hot tubs have been around in one form or another for centuries, but only in the last few decades have technology, materials and manufacturing improved to the point where a home spa is affordable enough and reliable enough to be within reach of most people.

Hot tub hydrotherapy is one of the most popular and effective methods to treat a wide range of diseases, injuries, or simply promote relaxation and recreation. Once you have experienced the benefits of the spa or hot tub at home, you'll wonder how you lived without it!

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Recent news concerning the quality of the water in the public water supply system suggests that the water we’re all drinking from isn’t safe. Part of the recent interest in the ‘green’ movement is due to the fact people are very concerned about what is in their water supply. So who actually needs a water filtration system?

The Ralph Nader Research Group reported that there are over 2,100 different chemicals and toxins floating around in our tap water. This doesn’t include the extra microorganisms that live in the tap water that aren’t able to be filtered out in the central municipal water filtration system.

Although, there is a perception that the water treatment facilities that take care of making sure our water is safe is doing a great job, the truth is they could be doing a far better job. A recent report from the Washington Post states “More than 250 major cities have lead levels currently exceed the EPA’s standards, and many of them have been deceptive, or even fraudulent, in their reporting of the problems”. According to the US Council of Environmental Quality: Cancer risk among people drinking chlorinated water is as much as 93% higher than among those whose water does not contain chlorine.”

There are even drugs in our tap water as the drugs people take are not completely metabolized by the body are passed through the public water system through urine and then treated again at the municipal plants. The water treatment plants are not able to eliminate all traces of anti psychotics and other medication however the water is sent straight back to the consumer in the form of “clean” tap water..

The government standards for protecting us from the danger of these chemicals is so low that a vast array of pharmaceuticals: antibiotics, anti-convulsion medication, mood stabilizers and sex hormones have been found in the drinking water supplies of at least 41 million Americans. So who actually needs a water filtration system more than the millions of people currently exposed to unclean water?

As we see more and more disturbing stories like the one above think about the current foreclosure crisis and the municipal tax revenue that is being affected. As municipalities are receiving less residential tax revenue, the less they can afford to clean the city’s water supply. The end result is the average person is going to get even less cleaner water than before.

If you are like me you don’t want to write thousands of letters, as well as collection and thousands of petitions to send our politicians to clean up our water supply. My solution is a system for filtering water, which leads us and our children safe from the devastating effects of pesticides, hormones, etc. Therefore, people who want and need clean water, most people are commonplace, like you and me.

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Whether you have an in-ground pool or an above-ground pool, you can benefit from the advantages of a solar heating cover, without the additional cost of a large, expensive heating unit. Using the heat that can be harnessed from the Sun you can maintain a comfortable temperature in your pool water. The cost of purchasing a heater for any outdoor swimming pool can be a notion too expensive for a lot of people to even consider. Many people go without a pool heater when all they really have to do is find a solar-powered one that works perfectly into their budget – as well as being good for the environment.

A good solar cover can add as much as 15 degrees of heat to your pool water, and if you use a solar-powered heater, the solar cover also works to keep that heat in, instead of letting it evaporate with the water.

In addition to the cost of your gas or energy bill, maintenance for high-powered pool heating equipment, or anything else, the price of a solar cover is much, much less expensive than a pool heater and is definitely better for the environment. If you are concerned about using too much energy, sunlight is a great solution for all kinds of different needs you will have for your home both inside and outside.

The advancements in solar technology have skyrocketed and are only becoming more and more profound. There are about five different types of solar covers for pools, depending on what color and style you like best. As always, you will want to buy pool equipment such as this in the right size to best suit your pool. It is easy to select from specific sizes and/or styles when you are looking for the solar outdoor pool cover or heater which is the best and highest quality cover to best satisfy your needs.

Open your pool earlier in the spring and keep your pool open longer into the fall when you have the ability to keep the water warmer with a solar pool cover! Your water will be cleaner because a solar pool cover naturally functions not only to warm the water, but to keep it clear of falling debris. Cut down on the time you spend skimming and increase the amount of time you spend swimming by covering your pool any time it is not being used. Most solar covers for outdoor swimming pools are designed to fit a standard, rectangular-shaped pool.

Often, the most typical solar covers can be set up to roll out to cover your pool and roll away to uncover the pool very easily. Like a paper towel roller that can be unrolled as well as manually cranked back with ease, these setups are simple, effective, and incredibly inexpensive compared to their clunky, gas-powered counterparts. Solar sun rings, however, are slightly different. They are perfectly shaped for a round pool, especially most circular, above-ground pools. In addition to their shape, which is especially suited to fit certain outdoor pools, ring-shaped solar pool covers are easy to place across your pool, as well as to remove when it is time to swim.

I believe that everyone should do their part hen it comes to helping save our planet – this is just one of the many simple, beneficial as well as money-saving solar energy technology solutions available on the market today. Solar panels are now replacing gas heaters more and more effectively in the home. The type of technology involved in the use of solar panels is similar to that used in solar swimming pool covers.The basic concept is drawn from is the greenhouse effect. If you were to look at a solar pool cover, you would be able to see exactly how the theory applies to harness sunlight and to warm pool water. Don’t waste money trying to warm your pool – get a solar outdoor swimming pool cover and you will very glad you did.

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Pool accessories are the one thing that every water tank owner must have in order to ensure that their family has a great time in the sun. Ever since pools have been in use, people have needed accessories and supplies to enhance their experience.

No matter if it was pool slides or floats, accessories are a great thing to own if one has a swimming pool. One of the best places to locate the things that you may need for your pool is on the internet. However, knowing which website to visit can be crucial in order to find the perfect equipment and water toys.

One of the best places in the world to locate its accessories is Leslie’s Swimming Pool Supplies. Since 1963, Leslie’s supplies has been growing into a world wide retail shop that specializes in various supplies for pools. One can find solar blankets, water tank slides, its ladders, water tank filter cartridges, swimming pool lighting, its alarms, to name a few, as well as many types of play items.

No matter what one is looking for, it can definitely be found on Leslie’s website, LesliesPool, or at one of their five hundred retail locations. The retail locations can also be found on the website.

Another great website that one can visit in order to locate wonderful accessories for their water tank is CheapPoolProducts. This site offers a wonderful array of various water tank supplies and spa equipment that can be purchased all year long.

Cheap water tank products are a terrific option for those who are trying to find unique products, such as a floating cooler that can keep mom and dad playing in the swimming tank with the kids instead of constantly getting cold drinks or snacks. Almost any new product can be found at a reasonable price on this site for either above or in ground swimming pools.

Pool accessories can be anything from the vital pieces of equipment, to the not so needed things like the perfect float for that special someone. Any retail store can provide an array of accessories, but only the best can allow one to have unique gifts and items that one can use for their water tank.

No matter if one is looking for a ladybug filter or the ultimate radio controlled leaf collector in the shape of a jet boat, the above mentioned websites can provide it. Even commercial pool accessories can be found on the internet for use in public swimming Pools.

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Today, many people have preferred to use a Paloma water heater instead of standard water heaters available in the market. Here are some reasons why you should get one:

• These heaters are a sure money saver as these are relatively cheaper compared to regular water radiators. With this saved money, you can allocate your budget for more important things for your household.

• You can reduce space with these heaters as it is less bulky and more portable. Now you can get rid of all the clutter and wasted space because of these tankless water radiator. You wouldn’t need to store gallons of hot water anymore. With this tankless water radiator, you can produce hot water as needed.

• You wouldn’t need big storage rooms or closets for your Paloma water radiator. It can just be mounted on the wall with its nifty and space-saver design. Now, there would be less to look at and you can do away with bulky heaters that gets on the way.

• Paloma water radiators are definitely cost efficient. Unlike normal heaters that automatically heats gallons of waters in your reservoir, these heaters only produces heat as it is needed. It minimizes the chances for heat loss that can occur due to the time the it is stored and the time when the water is used.

• Lastly, your electrical consumption will definitely be lessened with a tankless water heater such as this. Now, saving your budget for other purposes will be very easy.

It is available in any local hardware device or a shop. So if you want to receive these benefits, go to the radiator Paloma and maximize the benefits today.

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With construction of a new swimming pool, everyone doesn’t think about the options of constructing it to be unique. You can have a pool that doesn’t have to look like the standard of the status quo. Most of the regular pools that you see are either circular or rectangular shaped without any imagination in regard to design.

There are pool builders that can construct that unique style and design that speaks volumes. As your builder works to start the swimming pool construction, you should think about what kind of features and designs you would like that inspire you.

If you’re not sure, the pool builder can offer suggestions and ideas to make your pool a one-in-a-million project. You can get plenty of ideas from pictures and different landscaping designs that pool builder has available.

An inground swimming pool would be a good choice for the construction of a swimming pool. Depending on what type you get, some of them are easy to install and require little maintenance.

Before the swimming pool construction begins, the inground swimming pool builder should go over with you how the pool will be built. You need to find out as much as you can in regard every aspect of the building of your new inground pool. You are the one that is paying for this, so you should get your money’s worth. The inground pool costs are not cheap, by any means.

You can also choose special features to complement your pool as well as your property. Some of them include:

• Fiber optic lighting – This type of lighting works to showcase the pool using different colors.

• Dining area – With your swimming pool construction plans, a place where you can eat and relax can be built along the pool area.

• Water – Not just any water, but sparkling water to add emphasis to your swimming pool.

• Slide – If you have children, there’s no doubt that they will use the slide and have so much fun. Of course, the adults would not let the children outdo them.

• Spa – You can add a spa to your inground swimming pool. When you really need to you can use the water massage to calm your nerves.

If you’re the kind of person that likes to entertain, the builder can work with you to set up an area where you could do your grilling. Don’t forget about the Swimming at night with underwater lights. He can not remove people then!

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As it stands today, prefabricated above ground pools are fast becoming the most popular choice for people looking to convert their backyards into aquatic playgrounds. The choices and options in so many pool accessories also continues to expand, as does the choices in the pools themselves.

The Physics of Pool Shapes

Through it all though, due to the physics thats involved with keeping the water contained in above ground pools, their actual shapes is far more limited than say, standard built in cement pools. Those pools you see, can be built in pretty much any shape a person desires.

Round & Oval – Take Your Pick

So your choices in above ground prefabricated pools is limited to round and oval. It’s just the way that things are because it’s the actual pressure of the water contained in them that keeps them standing. Try installing a prefab unit of this type in any other shape and it would simply collapse.

24 Foot Round – Most Popular Choice

By far the most popular choice in shapes, is the simple basic round pool. Coincidentally, they also tend to be the most affordable and the easiest to install. The the most popular choice in size happens to be the twenty-four foot round pool. It’s a good sized unit that’s easy to set up and can easily accommodate a crowd.

Smaller and Larger Round Above Ground Pools

Round above ground pools are also available in smaller sized 12 foot and larger sized 33 foot models as well. Bear in mind though that a 12 foot model is more aptly suited for small children and a 33 foot pool will take up a good piece of ground in a backyard.

The Goliath 21′ x 41′ Oval

Now a 12 foot wide oval pool does have more to offer because it will be 20-24 foot long, which is plenty big for adults and adolescents. However, if it is not big enough for you there are no standard Off conservation models, which are huge oval 21 feet 41 feet to damn a lot of water to swim in

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Getting the right above the ground portable swimming pool is a pretty confusing task. A whole lot of portable swimming pools are available to you and as a beginner it may become complex to know about and decide on so many choices and such odd terminology. However, a little bit of research into portable above the ground swimming pools will make this task much simple. The first thing to know is that above ground pools come in two shapes; round and oval. These shapes are available in a number of sizes. Popular sizes are the 24 feet round pool and 21 ft oval. These are conventional sizes fit for backyards. However, if you desire to shed that extra cash you can opt for up t0 41 ft. Deciding an ideal location for an above-the-ground pool is important.

Any swimming pool should get at least 6-8 hours of sun during the summer. The location should, moreover, be flat, unobstructed, and devoid of nearby trees. Trees are hazards because dropping leaves can contaminate water. Most above the ground swimming pools are made of steel or plastic. Steel is traditional but prone to rust. Resins are corrosion free, however, are costly. The choice is, however, yours on how much you would want to spend.

A vinyl liner is another important aspect. A large selection of patterns is available, ranging from simple blue to elaborate tiled motifs and tropical reefs. Liners typically wrap over the top of a pool wall and cling to the outside of the pool. Beaded liners are also available that can be folded into a thin receiving strip just under the top rail on the inside of the pool and eliminate the overlap. You should also check out the water filtration system. Any filtration system comes with a pump matched to the size of the pool to give dependable service. Standard above the

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Key 1 – Circulation

Good circulation in your pool means much more than filtering water – it’s getting all of the water in the pool moving & through the filter.

Circulation is more than filter or pump turnover; its removing dead spots – you know those areas where algae always seems to grow or where dirt & debris always seems to accumulate. The better the water is circulating, the better the filtration, the cleaner the pool. In fact it typically takes more than FOUR turnovers to get all of the water completely filtered. The following chart shows how much of your pool water is typically filtered in a normal filter turnover. Turnovers are normally determined by “how much” water can go through the filter system – not what is actually filtered. One turnover can take anywhere from 3 hours to 8 hours depending on the pool’s size and the filter size & pump horsepower.

After 1 turnover – 42% is filtered, 52% is UN-filtered

After 2 turnovers – 84% is filtered, 16% in UN-filtered

After 3 turnovers – 95% is filtered, 5% is UN-filtered

After 4 turnovers – 98% is filtered, 2% is UN-filtered

Why does it take so much time & effort? Mainly, it’s due to dead spots. Dead spots are those areas of the pool where the water may not completely move or circulate. Dead spots are the “birthing grounds” for algae & bio-films resulting in green or cloudy water. These are the most common areas of would be dead spots:

* the bottom half of the pool especially in pools without main or bottom drains

* corners of rectangular pools

* the “exact” center of almost all round & most oval pools – especially aboveground pools

* behind ladders and / or stairs

* areas directly adjacent to pool skimmers & return fittings

* a combination of all of the above

Let’s briefly look at each of these areas & provide a cure to the dead spot.

The entire bottom half of the pool really is a neglected spot. Many pool-owners unfortunately like to see the water rippling across the top of the pool as the filter runs. They point the return jets or eyeballs “up” rather than down toward the bottom. When pointed up, only the top 1/3 or so of the pool is circulated. The bottom 2/3 remains relatively stagnant, especially the further down you go. The cure: readjust the returns down toward the bottom of the pool. This will help create better top to bottom flow of water. Another way is to hook up your vacuum & simply let it sit in the bottom of the pool for a full day, once each week.

Corners of rectangular pools are notorious for being dead spots. You can see where leaves & airborne debris are trapped. Go down along the pool walls from the corners & you’ll see that’s where algae gets its head start. The cure: be sure to thoroughly brush down the corner areas on a regular basis. Once or twice each week should be a minimum.

Round or oval pools, doesn’t mean you won’t have dead spots. Over the years we’ve seen round & oval pools having cloudy centers! Really, we have. The reason, the “circulating” water goes round & round and the center remains stagnant. Overtime, especially in pools that don’t get regular or minimal swimming, a column of water sets itself up – something very similar to a hurricane’s eye. Lot’s of activity around the eye, but the eye is peaceful & calm! The cure: be sure to direct the pool return fittings down toward the bottom & straight across. You’ll get better overall circulation.

The areas behind ladders & especially drop-in style stairs get little or no circulation. No bodies brushing against the pool surface. Algae & bacteria are allowed to grow without hindrance. The cure: Be sure to properly & thoroughly brush & vacuum those areas. Movable or removable stairs should be taken out of the pool periodically & the pool surfaces cleaned. This is where the weekly addition of a good algicide is important – more about that under the water chemistry heading. If you use a protective mat, remove & clean that as well. Perform this cleaning at least once in the middle of each swimming season.

The several inches around your pool’s skimmer & return fittings are great big dead spots. There may be lots of water activity around or near them, but directly adjacent…no. The cure: pay special attention to brush & vacuum these areas. Even brush, vacuum & clean the faceplates of these fittings.

All of the above! Dead spots are always in combination. Here are the best cures to poor pool circulation & dead spots. And most of the ideas won’t even cost you a penny!

* Use the pool. Swim, splash, play. Do laps. Invite some friends over to have some fun. Regular use of your pool is the single best thing you can do to give it better circulation.

* Brush & vacuum. It’s like brushing & flossing your teeth. You know you have to do it. Brushing the pool walls at least once a week (preferably twice) prevents algae & bio-films from setting roots and becoming a real headache in very little time. For some “uber-brushing” consider a Wall Whale brush. You’ll get up to 10 times the brushing force with the effort of one hand.

* Be sure to point those eyeballs & return jets DOWN. You don’t want to see ripples on top of the water. You want circulation throughout the pool. Consider installing a Circulator instead of the standard eyeball – can provide up to 1500% better circulation in your pool. Awesome new product.

* Run the filter a minimum of 8 hours daily. Every day. To save money & electricity, use a timer to turn the pump on & off and use multiple settings to spread out the time to catch some of those “off-peak” electrical hours.

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Although it is not that easy to prevent pollen allergy, which causes people to sneeze, there are still possible ways on how to avoid having hay fever. First, you need to find out what really caused you this allergy because you might not be aware that exposing to places with a lot of trees, grasses or weeds can make you affected with it. At home you need to closed the windows and avoid using fans because pollens can easily enter inside the house. If possible use air condition and make sure to replace the filter frequently to prevent pollens or other dust components.

If you have pets always wash them properly especially if they are always staying outside because pollens tangle in their furs and make sure to keep them out of the rooms and fixtures if this happen. Dusting and vacuuming 2-3 times a week is also another way in pollen allergy preventions it will reduce the possibility of pollen build ups. When cleaning the house make use of a mask so you will not be able to inhale pollens floating in the air as well as the dust because they can really caused allergy.

A lot of people now are using the (HEPA) or High-Efficiency Particulate Air cleaner because it can really stop pollens in entering the house and this is also a good option for you especially in cleaning bedrooms where you stay all night. Remember, while you are sleeping it is much better if you breathe clean air so that you will have a comfortable feeling when you wake up in the morning.

Another idea about pollen allergy preventions is always wear a protective mask when doing your garden works in order to avoid pollens from the air penetrates your nose and throat. As much as possible you should also consider lessening the time you spend outside when pollen numbers are at high level especially during windy or wet day. This is the time where pollens are really active. In case they were able to attach in your clothes better Go to change everything, and do not forget to wash your clothes immediately. Finally, taking a bath, so that the presence of pollen will be removed from your body.

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