October 25, 2009 - Posted by marketing - 0 Comments
With today’s concerns about the economy and the environment, the use of solar power to heat in-ground swimming pools is becoming increasingly popular among pool owners. However, while many people may wish to use the sun to heat their pool, they may not want to expend the time and money required to replace their entire heating system. In such circumstances, solar pool covers and reels for in-ground swimming pools provide an excellent compromise. In-ground solar pool covers use heat from the sun to increase and maintain a pool’s temperature, allowing pool owners to enjoy significantly reduced heating costs as well as several other benefits.
In-ground solar pool covers appear similar to bubble wrap in that they feature thousands of tiny air pockets. However, these covers are constructed from far more durable and specialized material than bubble wrap. The tiny air pockets on solar pool covers magnify the effects of the sun’s heat on the water and also serve as insulators. Some in-ground solar pool covers feature a special silver bottom layer which reflects sunlight back into the swimming pool and works together with the clear top layer to maximize the cover’s heating effects. Certain brands of solar pool blankets also utilize a unique hexagon design of the air pockets which minimizes the space between the bubbles, thereby further enhancing the cover’s heat retention and transference capabilities.
The design of the best available solar pool covers for in-ground swimming pools not only incorporates advanced technology but remarkable durability as well. Constructed from tough resins with UV stabilization, these covers are built to last and to provide solar heating year after year. In addition, high-quality solar blankets feature reinforced, flat-lying seams that will resist wear and tear and withstand repeated folding for many years of use. Since these covers are available in a variety of different thicknesses, it’s also possible to have the benefit of further enhanced durability as thicker covers offer greater strength and toughness.
Since pool covers can be quite large and cumbersome, especially for just one person, the easiest way to deal with them is by attaching them to in-ground solar pool reels. There are several different types of in-ground solar pool reels available including manual reels, electronic reels and water-powered reels. Water-powered pool reels attach to a standard garden hose and feature water-driven pistons that will automatically reel your solar cover in or out. Many in-ground solar pool reels are on wheels and can easily be moved out of the way whenever necessary. All types of these pool reels allow pool owners to use and handle in-ground solar pool covers easily and conveniently.
Solar pool covers and reels for in-ground swimming pools provide a long list of benefits and advantages. Perhaps most notably, in-ground solar pool covers help to raise and maintain water temperatures. In fact, using a solar pool blanket can raise the temperature of your pool up to 10 to 15 degrees Fahrenheit. Also, by preventing heat from escaping your swimming pool at night or whenever it’s not in use, solar covers can keep your pool warm while reducing your heating costs by up to 70 per cent. At the same time, you will also be helping the environment by relying more on the sun’s energy and less on non-renewable energy sources.
Using solar pool covers and reels for in-ground swimming pools also makes it easy to prevent water and chemical evaporation. By significantly lowering the amount of chemicals lost through evaporation, you will be able to save money on chemical costs and will have to spend less time balancing your pool’s chemical levels. Another great advantage of using solar pool covers is the fact that they prevent leaves and other debris from getting into the swimming pool. When a pool cover keeps your water cleaner, you won’t need to spend nearly as much time and effort vacuuming and skimming your pool before you swim.
With so many great advantages to be enjoyed, pool owners will be happy to know that solar pool covers and reels for in-ground swimming pools can be used with pools of all different shapes and sizes. Solar pool covers are available in a wide variety of sizes and many can be easily cut to fit the shape of any pool. Whether you have a kidney shaped in-ground pool or an unusual, custom shaped pool, you can still take advantage of the many benefits of solar pool blankets. Best of all, in-ground solar pool reels and covers provide an excellent and very economical way for pool owners with many different budgets to invest in solar power.
October 19, 2009 - Posted by marketing - 0 Comments
Pool parties are a glam sham way of celebrating anything. Be it a birthday, wedding rehearsal, baby shower or the Oscars, pool parties are the way to go! Nonetheless, depending on the nature of the party there are certain types of pool party decorations, that you can have. Check out the article below for some really cool ideas for decoration of pool parties!
Remember the episode of Sex and The City where Samantha (played by Kim Cattrall) throws a gorgeous pool party at the Hampton’s? It was just amazing. One of my friends recently decided to throw a pool party herself (inspired by Samantha, of course), once her brand new swimming pool was ready to use. Hence, we started brainstorming about the decoration aspect. Here are our findings.balloon twisting instructions.party idea, the host needs to, at all points of time, be very conscious of the safety of the guests. Often in a party mood people do forget the importance of safety, but being the host, you need to be absolutely certain that you have a trained lifeguard around. He doesn’t really need to be guarding the pool at all times, nonetheless, in case of an emergency, he needs to be close by.
Pool Party Decorations Type 1 – Kids Pool Party Decorations
This one is first in the list, as the pool party that we were planning was for her (my friend’s) 5 year old. Pool parties for kids can be a messy affair. At such parties the decoration has to be of a simple and protective nature. For example, knowing that seldom do kids stay out of the pool, keep a lot of colorful floaters in the pool. You could keep two floaters per child. The lounge chairs on the pool deck can also be colorful. Select bright colors like blue, red, green, yellow and purple. They add a cheerful and childlike ambience to the party. You can have a lot of balloons around. You can also have cute balloon animals all around, using some
Pool Party Decorations Type 2 – Game Time Decorations
Pool Volley Ball is a popular game. So why not add it to the party. You can add a net, mid way in your pool and throw a few balls in there. Let the people enjoy. You can have other games like, table tennis and ice hockey on the deck as well. You could have colorful posters around the pool. This kind of a decoration will be appropriate for young adults and adults. Children attending such a party can have fun splashing water around in the kiddy pool!
Pool Party Decorations Type 3 – Hampton Style Decorations
Since I have already mentioned Samantha’s Party in the beginning of the article, it would be cruel to ignore it here. You could have a Hampton style pool party with the white chic deck and lounge chairs. You could have floral decoration and a champagne fountain. At such a pool party, I doubt anyone would be entering the pool, but just in case someone does, you could have white linen towels set on each lounge chair, easy access, right? Such a party is a very upscale affair, so, your hired help also add to the general décor of the party, make sure that they are dressed appropriately, as well.
Pool Party Decorations Type 4 – Hawaiian Style Decorations
This is my personal favorite type. You can keep a Hawaiian dress code and serve the drinks in coconut shells. Make a hay – shed type roof for the pool and keep a lot of palms around it. Linens can have leafy or floral prints. The lounge chairs can be brown or green in color. Most importantly, you need to have Hawaiian music playing in the background. ‘You could also have Hawaiian Dancers and garlands for the guests. Sounds good to you?
Most important of all, no matter what the occasion or
So this is where I sign off! Have a blast, I mean, ‘splash’ at your super cool pool party!!
October 19, 2009 - Posted by marketing - 0 Comments
With today’s concerns about the economy and the environment, the use of solar power to heat in-ground swimming pools is becoming increasingly popular among pool owners. However, while many people may wish to use the sun to heat their pool, they may not want to expend the time and money required to replace their entire heating system. In such circumstances, solar pool covers and reels for in-ground swimming pools provide an excellent compromise. In-ground solar pool covers use heat from the sun to increase and maintain a pool’s temperature, allowing pool owners to enjoy significantly reduced heating costs as well as several other benefits.
In-ground solar pool covers appear similar to bubble wrap in that they feature thousands of tiny air pockets. However, these covers are constructed from far more durable and specialized material than bubble wrap. The tiny air pockets on solar pool covers magnify the effects of the sun’s heat on the water and also serve as insulators. Some in-ground solar pool covers feature a special silver bottom layer which reflects sunlight back into the swimming pool and works together with the clear top layer to maximize the cover’s heating effects. Certain brands of solar pool blankets also utilize a unique hexagon design of the air pockets which minimizes the space between the bubbles, thereby further enhancing the cover’s heat retention and transference capabilities.
The design of the best available solar pool covers for in-ground swimming pools not only incorporates advanced technology but remarkable durability as well. Constructed from tough resins with UV stabilization, these covers are built to last and to provide solar heating year after year. In addition, high-quality solar blankets feature reinforced, flat-lying seams that will resist wear and tear and withstand repeated folding for many years of use. Since these covers are available in a variety of different thicknesses, it’s also possible to have the benefit of further enhanced durability as thicker covers offer greater strength and toughness.
Since pool covers can be quite large and cumbersome, especially for just one person, the easiest way to deal with them is by attaching them to in-ground solar pool reels. There are several different types of in-ground solar pool reels available including manual reels, electronic reels and water-powered reels. Water-powered pool reels attach to a standard garden hose and feature water-driven pistons that will automatically reel your solar cover in or out. Many in-ground solar pool reels are on wheels and can easily be moved out of the way whenever necessary. All types of these pool reels allow pool owners to use and handle in-ground solar pool covers easily and conveniently.
Solar pool covers and reels for in-ground swimming pools provide a long list of benefits and advantages. Perhaps most notably, in-ground solar pool covers help to raise and maintain water temperatures. In fact, using a solar pool blanket can raise the temperature of your pool up to 10 to 15 degrees Fahrenheit. Also, by preventing heat from escaping your swimming pool at night or whenever it’s not in use, solar covers can keep your pool warm while reducing your heating costs by up to 70 per cent. At the same time, you will also be helping the environment by relying more on the sun’s energy and less on non-renewable energy sources.
Using solar pool covers and reels for in-ground swimming pools also makes it easy to prevent water and chemical evaporation. By significantly lowering the amount of chemicals lost through evaporation, you will be able to save money on chemical costs and will have to spend less time balancing your pool’s chemical levels. Another great advantage of using solar pool covers is the fact that they prevent leaves and other debris from getting into the swimming pool. When a pool cover keeps your water cleaner, you won’t need to spend nearly as much time and effort vacuuming and skimming your pool before you swim.
With so many great advantages to be enjoyed, pool owners will be happy to know that solar pool covers and reels for in-ground swimming pools can be used with pools of all different shapes and sizes. Solar pool covers are available in a wide variety of sizes and many can be easily cut to fit the shape of any pool. Whether you have a kidney shaped in-ground pool or an unusual, custom shaped pool, you can still take advantage of the many benefits of solar pool blankets. Best of all, in-ground solar pool reels and covers provide an excellent and very economical way for pool owners with many different budgets to invest in solar power.
October 19, 2009 - Posted by marketing - 0 Comments
Nothing feels better than a cool dip on a hot summer day in the city. New York City has plenty of clean, well-maintained swimming pools that are perfect for sweltering dog-day afternoons. Most of Manhattan’s outdoor swimming pools open at the beginning of the summer and close after Labor Day. Find the best New York City swimming pools in your area and dig your bathing suit out of storage.
Downtown Manhattan Swimming Pools
Asser Levy Rec Center
· Address: East 23rd Street and FDR Drive
· Phone: 212-447-2020
· Getting There: 6 train to 23rd St. and walk east
· Pool Type: Indoor and outdoor pools available
· Cost: The outdoor pool is free. Membership for the indoor pool is $75/year (not open during the summer).
· Hours: Mon-Fri 6:30 a.m. to 9:30 p.m.; Sat. and Sun. 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.
· Overview: The indoor pool is beautiful, featuring a fountain and skylights. The outdoor pool, open July through Labor Day, is clean and serviceable. Asser Levy also has basketball courts, a playground and an Arts and Crafts room. And it’s fun to say “Asser Levy.”
Chelsea Piers Sports Center
· Address: Sports Center, Pier 60, 23rd St & the Hudson River
· Phone: 212.336.6000
· Getting There: E to 23rd St. and walk west, M23 bus to the Chelsea Piers
· Pool Type: Six-lane indoor pool with floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking the Hudson River
· Cost: $50 day passes available. Call for the latest membership fees.
· Hours: Weekdays from 6 a.m. to 11 p.m. Weekends from 8 a.m. to 9 p.m.
· Overview: Great pool for serious swimmers and millionaires. Membership is pricey, but the pool and the sports center are deluxe.
Dry Dock
· Address: E. 10th St (bet Ave C & D)
· Phone: 212-677-4481
· Getting There: 6 to Astor Place
· Pool Type: Outdoor pool
· Cost: Absolutely free.
· Hours: Daily from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
· Overview: Clean public pool.
Hamilton Fish Recreation Center
· Address: 128 Pitt St. between Stanton and Houston
· Phone: 212-242-5228
· Getting There: F to Delancey St.
· Pool Type: Two outdoor pools (one is for kiddies)
· Cost: Absolutely free.
· Hours: Daily from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.
· Overview: The pools are very clean with attentive lifeguards. Free swimming lessons are offered in the summer — call 718-699-4219 for more information.
Stuyvesant High School
· Address: 345 Chambers St. between the West Side Highway and the Hudson River.
· Phone: 646-210-4292
· Getting There: 1,2,3 to Chambers St.
· Pool Type: Indoor lap pool
· Cost: Annual membership is $300 for the pool only and $425 for all facilities
· Hours: Open to the public on evenings and weekends
· Overview: Nice indoor pool with a view. No crowds on most weekdays.
Tompkins Square Mini Pool
· Address: 500 E. 9th St.
· Phone: 212-260-1316
· Getting There: F to 2nd Ave. or 6 to Astor Place
· Pool Type: Outdoor mini pool (3 feet deep)
· Cost: Absolutely free.
· Hours: Daily from 11:30 a.m. to 6:30 p.m.
· Overview: Small, shallow pool is great for smaller kids. A lifeguard is on duty, but kids must be at least 3’8″ and 6 years old. The pool is in Tompkins Square Park, which also features playgrounds, basketball and handball courts, and game tables.
Tony Dapolito Recreation Center (formerly known as Carmine Street Rec Center)
· Address: 1 Clarkson St. between 7th Ave. South and Hudson St.
· Phone: 212-242-5228
· Getting There: 1,2,3 to Houston St. or A,C,E,F to W. 4th St.
· Pool Type: Indoor and outdoor pools available
· Cost: The outdoor pool is free. Membership for the indoor pool is $75/year for adults, $10 for seniors, and free for kids under 18 (not open during the summer).
· Hours: Mon. through Fri. 7 a.m.to 10 p.m.; Sat. amd Sun. 9 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.
· Overview: The outdoor pool can get very crowded on hot days. The Tony DaPolito Center also has very affordable after-school programs summer camps, and sports leagues.
Uptown Manhattan Swimming Pools
Asphalt Green
· Address: 555 E. 90th St. at York Ave.
· Phone: 212-369-8890
· Getting There: 4,5,6 to 86th St.
· Pool Type: Manhattan’s only 50-meter Olympic standard swimming pool
· Cost: Drop -in day rates are $35 for adults and $10 for kids (drop-in not available weekedays between 3 p.m. and 8 p.m.).
· Hours: Weekdays from 5:30 a.m. to 10 p.m. Weekends from 8 a.m.to 8 p.m.
· Overview: Beautiful pool with great kids’ programs. Explore Asphalt Green.
The Hotel Grace
· Address: 125 W. 45th St. between 6th Ave. and Broadway
· Phone: 212-354-2323
· Getting There: B,D,F,V,7 to 42nd Street
· Pool Type: Indoor pool with swim-up bar and DJs spinning poolside in the evenings
· Cost: $10 plus two-drink minimum
· Overview: The Hotel Grace is a perfect spot for a pool party and hosts monthly Brazilian Night events.
Gravity Fitness Center at Le Parker Meridien
· Address: 119 W. 56th St. near 6th Ave.
· Phone: 212-708-7340
· Getting There: N,R,W Q,F to 57th St.
· Pool Type: Rooftop pool with spectacular views of Central Park and the Manhattan skyline
· Cost: $50 day pass is available for pool only. Call for current membership rates.
· Hours: Weekdays from 6 a.m. to 11 p.m. Weekends from 8 a.m. to 9 p.m.
· Overview: The glass-roofed pool has an outdoor sun deck and food and beverage service. Visit Gravity Fitness Center to purchase a day pass.
Jackie Robinson Recreation Center
· Address: 85 Bradhurst Avenue at 146th St.
· Phone: 212-234-9607
· Getting There: A,B,C,D to 145th St.
· Pool Type: Outdoor pool.
· Cost: Absolutely free.
· Hours: Daily from 11:30 a.m. to 6:30 p.m.
· Overview: Jackie Robinson also has an Arts and Crafts room, a computer resource room, two playgrounds, a baseball field, and a basketball court.
John Jay Pool and Recreation
· Address: 77th Street and Cherokee Place (east of York Ave.)
· Phone: 212-794-6566
· Getting There: 6 to 77th Street or 4,5 to 86th Street
· Pool Type: Outdoor pool with diving
· Cost: Suggested annual donation of $25 for adults and $10 for teens.
· Hours: Daily from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.
· Overview: John Jay is one of the best public pools in Manhattan. A snack bar and playground are nearby.
Lasker Skating Rink/Pool
· Address: In the middle of Central Park near 110th St. and Lenox Ave.
· Phone: 212.534.7639
· Getting There: 6 to 110th Street, enter park and walk westward. By bus, take the M1,M2,M3,M4 to 110th Street.
· Pool Type: Outdoor pool.
· Cost: Absolutely free.
· Hours: From July 1 through Labor day, it’s open 7 days a week from 11 a.m. to 2:45 p.m., and from 4 p.m. to 6:45 p.m.
· Overview: This is one of the city’s most popular pools and gets very crowded.
Manhattan Plaza Health Club
· Address: 482 West 43rd Street at 10th Ave.
· Phone: 212-563-7001.
· Getting There: A,C,E to 42nd St.
· Pool Type: Rooftop pool with retractable glass roof.
· Cost:$25 day passes are available (includes use of gym and whirlpool).
· Hours: Weekdays from 6 a.m. to 11 p.m. Weekends from 8 a.m. to 9 p.m.
· Overview: Four-lane lap pool has a separate alcove for kids. Day pass is half the price of the rooftop pool at the Parker Meridien. The MPHC web site offers a coupon for a $10 day pass (workout and pool).
