pool and spa outdoors

Annual Buyers’ Guide 2012EDITION

10PoolBuying Tips

Outdoor Furniturethat Rocks!

Choosing Your PerfectHot Tub

Michael Phelps Trains for the London Olympics

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14 Michael Phelps Trains for the London OlympicsAs the U.S. swimming Olympicgold medalist prepares for theSummer Games, he has alsoteamed up with Master Spas ona signature line of swim spas.

26 10 Pool Buying TipsThe best tips for planning your pool

50 Choosing Your Perfect Hot TubWondering how to decide?Don’t sweat it! We’ve got your options covered.

80 Outdoor Furniture that Rocks!Rocking chairs, gliders, andpatio swings for your backyard.

Cover photo courtesy ofCaviness Landscape Design;Photograph by K.O. Rinearson

Inset cover photo of Michael Phelps courtesy of Master Spas, Inc.

Departments & FeaturesOn the Cover

12 Revolutionizing Water FiltrationAdvanced filter cartridgeskeep pool and spa waterclearer than ever, while saving you money.

90 Fun FindsFabulous outdoor fans

92 Backyard GourmetFresh fruits and vegetablesgive these Thai recipes theirbright color and bold flavor.

95 Advertisers Index

96 Finishing TouchBreathtaking waterfalls fromtwo award-winning pools

C o n

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18 Inground Pools

32 Pool Covers

36 Pool Cleaners

40 Water Features

44 Waterslides

48 Safety

50 Hot Tubs & Spas

54 Swim Spas

58 Water Care & Technology

64 Enclosures & Gazebos

68 Pool Houses

72 Decks

74 Outdoor Kitchens & Grills

78 Outdoor Furniture

82 Weatherproof TVs & Speakers

84 Lighting

Buyers’ Guide: Where to Buy

Explore your options in theworld of pools, hot tubs,cleaners, covers, decks, andother backyard products.Learn everything you need toknow, plus, see over 200listings on where to buy

t e n t s Volume 16 Number 1


18 Pool & Spa Outdoor

Swimming PoolOptionsEssential information for homeowners ready to build a swimming pool By Patti Plummer

Inground Pools


www.PoolSpaOutdoor.com 19

Once you make the decision to build aswimming pool, you need to know thebasics of pool construction to know what

your options are. There are a number offactors, and quite a few questions, that must betaken into consideration before constructionbegins. Many elements—from what type of poolyou want to how you will maintain the finishedpoolscape—should be investigated before youhire a professional to manage your project. Asthe project progresses, you may have additionalrequests for custom design elements, but as theold saying goes, “You have to know the rules inorder to break them.”

Inground pools come in three basic types:concrete, fiberglass, and vinyl-lined. Decidingwhich material is best for you is determined byvariables like budget, location, the desired style,size, and shape, and how the pool will be used.

Concrete: CustomizationConcrete is the best option for a homeowner

seeking a completely custom pool. If you canenvision the pool of your dreams, a designerand builder can usually translate the idea intoreality. However, there is a caveat: a gooddesigner will advise that you harmonize yournew pool with your property’s architecture andnatural setting. For instance, if you have a viewof a beautiful vista, an elegant vanishing-edgepool may be suitable while a contemporary poolwould be more fitting in an urban setting.

Once the design is approved, it’s time forconstruction. After the hole is dug, the next stepis to install the plumbing and line the excavatedhole with a framework grid of steel reinforcingrods, or rebar. Secured together with wire, therebar is then covered with a thick layer ofconcrete that is sprayed onto the grid and

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From solar blankets to safety barriers, pool covers serve a variety of functions. Discover which type suits your needs. By Nicole Janda

Pool Covers

Aswimming pool cover is an

essential purchase that can

help keep your pool clean,

warm, and safe, as well as save you

money. There are many different types

of pool covers to choose from and each

is designed to serve different purposes.

Consider your needs in order to select

the best option for your pool.

Leaf nets, ideal for swimming pools sur-rounded by trees, are lightweight coversmade of a finely woven polyethylene. Usedalone or placed over a solar or vinyl/wintercover, leaf nets catch leaves, twigs, andother debris before they enter the pool oraccumulate on top of a cover. This facilitates

the removal of messy leaves and helps pro-long the life of a solar or vinyl cover by pre-venting sharp twigs and decaying leavesfrom causing damage.

Leaf nets come in a range of shapes andsizes for both aboveground and ingroundpools and cost $50 – $300.

If you want… To keep leaves and twigs out of the poolThen buy… A leaf net

Take Cover



For pool owners looking for a way to saveon their energy bill, a solar cover (also calleda solar blanket) is a good choice. This type ofpool cover resembles a large sheet of bubblewrap and floats on top of the water to preventheat, water, and chemicals from escaping. Inaddition, the translucent air bubbles absorbheat from the sun and transfer it to the waterin the pool. A solar cover can increase thepool’s water temperature as much as 10 degrees, which can eliminate the need—andcost—to run a heater.

Solar covers are available for aboveground

and inground pools and are great for daily useduring the season (they can easily be movedon and off in seconds); however, they are notdesigned for winter protection, safety, or keep-ing debris out of the water. Depending on thetype and size of your pool, a solar blanket cancost $25 – $300 for aboveground pools and$40 – $500 for inground pools.

If the thought of removing and replacing asolar cover every time you use the poolsounds tedious, there is an alternative. Liquidpool covers, made of a mixture of Isopropylalcohol and a proprietary ingredient, float on

top of the water’s surface and create a thin invisible barrier that traps heat and prevents evaporation. The liquid chemical isbiodegradable, safe to swim in, and evenworks while swimmers are in the pool.

Liquid covers cost around $200 for a fewgallons and many come with an automatic injector that continually adds the proper amountof liquid cover to your pool (generally fourounces per 1,500 square feet of pool surfaceper day). Though not as effective as traditionalsolar covers, liquid pool covers take up lessstorage space and require less manual labor.

If you want… Warm water and lower operating costs Then buy… A solar cover

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I f you’re unfamiliar with the term “swimspa,” but think it sounds like a spa youcan swim in or a pool you can soak in, you

are correct! These hybrid products combinethe relaxing massage jets of a hot tub with the ability to swim laps in a pool. A swim spa features an adjustable-speedswim current at one end so users can swim in place. That’s why these units aresometimes called “swim-in-place pools” or“exercise/fitness pools.”

Beyond lap swimming and hydrotherapy,

swim spas also have plenty of room foraquatic exercise. With so many benefits andfunctions, swim spas are gaining popularityamong homeowners. Learn more about thetypes of swim spas and available options soyou can choose the best one to fit your needsand lifestyle.

Types of CurrentsOne of the biggest differences among swim

spa units is the system creating the current.It’s always good to test out one of the models

at your local dealer so you can make sure youare happy with the motion of the current. Thethree different types of currents are jetpropulsion, paddlewheel, and propeller.Jet propulsion systems, or pressure-drivensystems, force water through one or more jetsto create a current. They are typicallypowered with a 4-HP motor and can beadjusted to speeds up to 8 mph. Some jetspermit users to adjust the direction of thecurrent for a more customized water flow.

Paddlewheel systems are powered by a

Swim Spas: The Perfect ComboLearn the benefits of a swim spa and how to find the best model to fit your needs. By Rachel Harper

Swim Spas



rotating paddlewheel at one end of the swimspa. The wheel produces a smooth currentacross the entire width of the spa, moving ina layered, sheet-like flow that can reach asdeep as 2 feet. The water is then circulatedunder the swim current and returned back tothe paddlewheel.

Propeller-powered systems create a wide,deep, smooth current. A propeller forceswater through a grate in the spa wall; thewater continues toward a second grate on therear wall, which keeps the water circulating.

The water typically travels back to thepropeller through recessed channels, whichare sometimes concealed in bench seats orbeyond the walls on either side

How/Where to InstallLike hot tubs, swim spas are pre-

manufactured self-contained units that can beinstalled indoors or outdoors. You maychoose to place them on a deck, in aparticular section of your yard, in a sunroom,or an exercise room. Some owners choose to

install them inground and build a stone,wood, or brick deck around it. This creates afinished look and an attractive area to spendtime relaxing when using its therapy jets.

How Much Does It Cost?Swim spas range in price based on

size/depth, style, current type, number of jets,and optional features. Compact models startat $18,000. They may include therapy jetsand bench seat at the non-current end of theswim spa. These basic models are ideal for

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Water Care & Technology

Keeping It BalancedDiscover your options in pool and spa water care. By Rachel Harper



To get the most enjoyment out of yourpool or spa, you must keep the waterclear and balanced. Sanitizers, testing

kits/monitoring systems, filters, and pumpsare all necessary for maintaining healthywater and proper filtration. There are manydifferent types of each so it’s best to exploreall of your options, then select the best watercare system to fit your needs.

ChlorineChlorine is both a sanitizer that kills algae

and bacteria, and an oxidizer that removesunwanted organic matter, such as oil andsweat. It is the most popular and affordablesanitizer used in pools, where its levelsshould be kept at 1 – 4 ppm. (Though notcommonly used in hot tubs, the ideal chlorinelevel in hot tubs is 3 – 5 ppm.) When used inlarge doses of 10 ppm, chlorine functions asa shock; shocking or superchlorinating isnecessary when the stabilizer level dropsconsiderably or if algae begin to appear.

To prevent chlorine from burning off insunlight, cyanuric acid (a stabilizer) must beadded to the water. Stabilized chlorinealready contains cyanuric acid. It comes ingranular forms, as well as sticks or tabletsused for floating chemical feeders or filterbaskets. When using unstabilized chlorine,cyanuric acid must be added separately andshould be kept at 25 – 50 ppm in pools.

Saltwater Chlorinators Saltwater chlorinators are another

option; they still use chlorine—just in adifferent form. Instead of adding chlorinetablets or granules, you will add several 50-pound bags of salt a few times a year. Thewater is sanitized via a saltwater chlorinator(chlorine generator) that produces chlorine assalt passes over the electrolytic cell. Since saltis a natural conditioner, saltwater pools leaveyour skin feeling smoother and do not irritateswimmers’ eyes. The green or eco-friendlyaspect of saltwater pools is that you don’thave to handle or store the chlorine; it isproduced automatically by the generator.

Because the chlorine produced insaltwater pools is unstabilized, you must addcyanuric acid to maintain a chlorine residual(unless the pool is indoors where it won’t beaffected by sunlight). While you still need tocheck sanitizer, total alkalinity, and pH levelsabout once a week, the ideal chlorine level of1 – 4 ppm is easier to maintain in saltwaterPh

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A pool enclosure enhances theamount of time you can spendenjoying your pool, often

expanding your swim season year-round. It also helps keep debris out of the pool and minimizes water evaporation and heatloss, reducing the amount of time andmoney you spend on pool maintenance.Some pool enclosures can even increaseyour indoor living space and raise the valueof your home.

Take a look at the different types of

enclosures to find the best fit for your pool,lifestyle, and location.

Pool DomesInflatable pool domes are made of vinyl

and are anchored to the ground with steelcables. They are kept up by a small airblower system (often included) that createsa small pressure difference between theinside and outside air to maintain inflation.Framed pool domes consist of clear vinyl ormesh screens attached to aluminum frames

that are mounted at intervals around theperimeter of the pool.

Pool domes can be used year-round inwarm regions to help keep leaves and otherdebris out of the pool and protect swimmersfrom insects and rain. In cold-climateregions, these enclosures can be used toextend the pool season from early spring tolate fall. They must be dismantled andstored during the winter because theycannot withstand high winds or heavy snow.

Both inflatable and portable pool domes

Outdoor Pool,Indoor ComfortExplore the benefits of pool enclosures and discover the best option for your pool.By Kimberlee Courtney

Enclosures & Gazebos



can be custom designed to fit any size orshape aboveground or inground pool. Theycost around $800 for aboveground versionsand $2,500 for inground models.

Telescopic EnclosuresTelescopic pool enclosures are semi-

permanent structures made of safety glassor polycarbonate glazed panels that slide ona track or use a rolling mechanism to openand close. One by one the panels glide neatlyinside each other—like a telescope—and

can be opened all the way or just partially. Low-profile (or low-height) telescopic

enclosures lie low to the ground andtypically need to be retracted whenswimmers are present in the pool. Theyfunction more like a pool cover, helpingblock dirt and debris from entering the pooland preventing heat from escaping whenthe pool is not in use. Medium-heighttelescopic pool enclosures allow forswimming inside the pool when theenclosure is fully closed. Their taller height

and wider frame also permit free movementaround the perimeter of the enclosed pool,so you can walk around, dry off after a swimor comfortably throw on a cover-up orjacket before heading back in the house—especially on chilly or rainy days. Hightelescopic enclosures can encompass boththe pool and surrounding patio—includingthe furniture, waterslide, and Tiki hut—permitting use of the entire outdoor livingspace when inclement weather strikes.

Telescopic enclosures can be installed

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Outdoor furniture allows you to extendyour living space to your backyard, creating a comfortable and attractive

place to entertain, relax, or dine with familyand friends. Today there is an array of outdoor furniture types, styles, materials,and colors to choose from, which can make buying outdoor furniture an overwhelmingtask. Assess the following factors to help youchoose the best outdoor furniture for yourlifestyle, space, and personal taste.

Consider Your Climate & Maintenance

Outdoor furniture comes in many differ-ent types of materials. Certain materials require more care than others and may

be better suited for the weather conditionsin your region.

Metal is durable, low-maintenance, andcan withstand various environmental factors. Wrought-iron is a heavy type ofmetal, which makes it a good choice forareas that experience strong winds.Wrought-iron furniture can easily rust andrequires a powder-coat finish to protect itfrom exposure to rain and air. Covering thefurniture during periods of rain and repainting any worn or chipped areas willhelp maintain its appearance.

Aluminum offers the look and feel of wrought-iron but is lighter in weight (making it easier to move around) and generally less expensive. Aluminum will not

rust and can be exposed to rain and easilydried off; however, it is subject to stainingand pitting, which can dull the surface. Regular maintenance may involve applyinga coat of liquid wax at the start of every season. Both wrought-iron and aluminumfurniture will absorb heat and cold, so youmay want to purchase cushions or keep it ina shady area.

Wicker is admired for its comfort, dura-bility, and low cost. Natural wicker (madeof rattan) requires regular upkeep as the material’s fibers fade in direct sunlight andare not resistant to moisture. It can also dryout and split in areas with low humidity.Synthetic wicker (made of resin) is a betterchoice for humid climates or areas with

Guide to Buying Outdoor Furniture

Furniture

What to consider when choosingoutdoor furniture for your backyard

By Kimberlee Courtney



direct exposure to sunlight because it canwithstand water and heat. A periodic spraywith a hose or brushing with mild detergentis necessary to remove any dirt that accu-mulated in the crevices of the weave andhelp keep the furniture in good shape.

Wood is durable, doesn’t absorb heat,and is resistant to insects and decay. Woodscommonly used for outdoor furniture include cedar, cypress, redwood, and teak.Regular maintenance varies with each type,though most require an annual applicationof an oil-based stain with water sealer andpreservative to protect against moisture andmaintain the wood’s natural color. Teak isthe most durable option—and the most expensive. It is the only type of wooden

outdoor furniture that can endure allweather conditions without the need of aprotective varnish. It is also the best optionto place around pools.

Plastic is waterproof, easy to care for,and can be left out during inclementweather (though it may blow over in windy conditions). Plastic furniture can also be moved around easily and is usually stackable. It is not as long-lasting as other outdoor furniture and the color can fade over time, but it is the leastexpensive option.

Define Your SpaceIdentifying the amount of open space in

your backyard and how you intend to use it

will help determine the size, type, andamount of outdoor furniture you’ll need. Forinstance, maybe you would like to use yourbackyard for dining and entertainment. Orperhaps you envision it being a relaxingplace to unwind at the end of the day.Adding the right pieces will ensure your aspirations for the space become a reality.

Outdoor dining sets are a mainstay forany backyard affair and come in a range ofsizes and shapes. Tables can be round, oval,square, or rectangular and accommodateanywhere from four to 12 people. Most outdoor dining sets include an umbrella tokeep diners cool and comfortable.

Bistro sets consists of a small round tablewith two to four chairs. Some sets include

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pool and spa outdoors

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