Convenient And Comfortable Pool Lounge Chairs And Accessories

Posted on July 23, 2011 by SwimmingBay.com

Any pool area just is not quite complete without the perfect pool lounge chairs. Whether for use inside or outside of the pool, the right lounge chairs can take those leisurely summer days spent by the pool to the next level. There are numerous providers of pool chairs offering products of all kinds of designs, materials, and styles. Accommodation preferences and any potential budgeting threshold will determine which chairs will best suit a particular household.

By The Pool

For sunning and taking a break from swimming, lounge chairs are an essential part of a pool area. We are all used to seeing chaise lounges surrounding public, neighborhood, or private pools, but any first time pool lounge shopper may be unaware of the differences between the various types of lounges. Pool lounge chairs are commonly made from polyethylene (an extremely sturdy plastic material), resin, or wood.

Plastic pool lounge chairs, like the Polywood® Adirondack Chaise Lounge, are rather expensive, but they are durable and exceptionally long-lasting. They are resistant to corrosion by fungi, insects, oils, and weather conditions. They require no water-proofing or maintenance. They are entirely water-resistant and will not crack, mold, rot, splinter, or warp. Being crafted from post-consumer plastic bottle waste, they are environmentally friendly as well.

Resin pool lounge chairs are perhaps the most common and are much more affordable than their plastic counterparts. They usually feature multi-position adjustable backs, recessed wheels for moving them around with ease, and a stackable design for convenient storage.

In The Pool

Floating pool lounge chairs are the ultimate relaxation devices. Ranging from very simple and inexpensive to elaborate and pricey, floating loungers are a great addition to summer pool fun for every age. Starting at the bottom rung of the price scale, the Intex Floating Recliner Lounge may be easy on the wallet, but it still has all the essentials with its laid-back chair design, handles, and two cup holders.

Next in line, the Kelsyus Floating Lounger has an attractive and unique ergonomic design that allows the floater’s middle section to descend slightly into the water for constant coolness and comfort. It features a back rest, an ottoman extension, and a carrying case for easy portability.

The Unsinkable Ensolite Chaise Swimming Pool Lounger represents a higher price range along with durability and impressive comfort. It is not inflatable, cutting out the risk of becoming punctured or deflation due to sun exposure. It is made of buoyant and comfortable foam and covered with a soft, tear-resistant vinyl outer covering.

Finishing Touches

For even more pool fun, consider adding matching ottomans and tables to your seating arrangements, or building a pool house construction. Simple pool house designs and kits are considerably affordable and easier to build than many may realize. Create an inspired pool area to enjoy for years to come with these exciting pool accessories.

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Pool House Designs: My Three Best Options

Posted on July 23, 2011 by SwimmingBay.com

Finding the right pool house can be a challenge, and, due to the cost of construction, most people only have one chance to get it right. This is a challenge I know all too well myself, as I have been considering adding an addition to my pool. Although I like to think I have an eye for design, I am not an architect, nor can I afford to hire one. I am not afraid of a hammer and a couple of nails, however, and a blueprint set or a pre-fabricated pool house kit seems like the best options for me. I have spent the last month poring over pool house designs, trying to figure out which is the best and I have narrowed it down to my top three contenders.

Summerwood Products Surfside

Summerwood Products offers a variety of pre-fabricated pool cabana kits, but my favorite by far is the Surfside model. The warm, cherry-colored wood paired with the turquoise roof and bar stools is what attracted me first to the picture. Should I choose to buy this one, I will probably try to match the color scheme. The idea that the kit comes with all of the building materials needed is also an enticing factor, since most pool house designs come with little more than blueprints and instructions. The built in outdoor bar area is another plus. While the small size makes this perfect for my small yard, I am cautious of committing to a pool house that is not large enough to hang out in. This is a great cabana, however, if you only need the interior for storage and changing clothes.

Coventry Pool and Garden

Coventry Pool and Garden House Plans also features a wide variety of pool house designs, although these are more of the blueprint-instructions variety. In some ways, I prefer this type of plan, since it allows me to choose my own color scheme and the types of wood and siding that I use. The pool house on the cover of the book has a beautiful, classical look and while it is not a simple construction job, it is open and airy inside, perfect for relaxing out of the sun on a hot day. This looks like the top in luxury pool house designs and I can imagine incorporating it into my total pool area design, with underwater swimming pool lights and white pool lounge chairs.

Wise Home Design

Finally, Wise Home Design offers numerous advice tidbits and inspiring pictures on their website, as well as a number of pool house designs. Their designs are more general and practical, meaning that I am expected to do a lot of the designing myself. While I find this prospect terrifying, it is also somewhat exciting and I imagine that their expert design tips will help me make the tough decisions. Their website also offers numerous accessories, such as swimming pool solar lights, that can bring the whole pool area together.

All three pool house designs are great options and I have not yet decided which to go with. In the end, it will come down to how much work I feel like putting into it. If I want something easy, I will go with Summerwood Products. If I am willing to put in a little more effort, I will choose Coventry Pool and Garden. For the ultimate customization, I will design my own with the aid of Wise Home Designs. Whichever I choose, I am sure to love my new pool house.

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Review Of The Top Pool Vacuum Cleaners

Posted on July 21, 2011 by SwimmingBay.com

Proper pool maintenance requires good pool vacuum cleaners. There are two kinds of cleaners for pools, automatic pool vacuum cleaners and manual pool vacuum cleaners. I prefer using the automatic cleaners because they are easy to use and cuts vacuum cleaning in half. Choosing the best unit can be quite tricky, however. With the many options for vacuum cleaners designed for pool cleaning, choosing among the best models can be hard. Here are the top three models that outperform others in their criteria.

Dirt Devil Whisper Vac

Made by one of the top vacuum cleaner manufacturers in the country, this is an outdoor version that is designed for pool cleaning. I found this unit unique because of it simple features and durable materials, which facilitate easy control and no hassles such as clogged vents and jammed wheels. The Dirt Devil does not use bags, which makes it perfect for those who find emptying vacuum bags tedious work. The unit also comes with 39 feet of hose, which I attach to the filtration system that I already have at home.

Hayward Pool Vac Ultra Automatic Pool Cleaner

The Hayward Pool Vac Ultra runs a close second as one of the best pool vacuums for me. It is easy to use and it can clean pools in 3 hours due to its programmable aqua pilot system. It also comes with a vacuum gauge for the right suction levels. This model features durable components such as wings, flaps, and shoes to ensure years of quality pool cleaning service, as well wide side wings that help it cover more ground compared to other pool cleaners.

Polaris 165 Automatic Pool Cleaner

The Polaris 165 trumps other automatic pool vacuum cleaners for its great mix of functionality and affordability. It comes with pressure side cleaning and is suited for in-ground pools up to 8 feet deep, as well as for vinyl-lined and fiberglass pools. It is also designed to operate with pumps and above ground pool filters found in most in-ground pools and cleans pools in less than 3 hours with its patented jet assembly.

There are many models and units of the best pool vacuum cleaners so choosing the top models was hard for me at first. These three are only a select few of the best units out there. As long as it is made by a reputable manufacturer of vacuum cleaners and is composed of durable materials, any vacuum cleaner can render great pool cleaning services for any shape or size of pool.

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Reviews Of The Best Above Ground Pool Filters

Posted on July 21, 2011 by SwimmingBay.com

There are so many above ground pool filters on the market today that it becomes hard to choose the best one for your pool. Therefore, I researched the Internet to find some of the highest rated filters. Listed below are a few that have been highly recommended along with some of the product’s details.

Intex Sand Filter Pump with GFCI

The Intex is one of the highest rated above ground swimming pool sand filters, due to its awesome .95 hp motor that accommodates up to 5000 gallons of water. The reviewers all agreed that their pool water was crystal clear in less than a day after using this filter. Most of the comments explained how easy it was to set up and a DVD is included in the package for further help.

Hayward X-Stream Pool Cartridge Filter System

This product boasts a high-performance filtration system that will keep your pool clean and debris free. With the highly rated Hayward, you can swim more and reduce your maintenance time. Swimming pool filter cartridges can be easier to maintain and have a larger surface area than sand, which will provide you with fewer clogs. Pool filter cartridges only need to be cleaned once a season, by simply washing them off with a hose. This product received four and a half, out of five stars and 88% of the current users would recommend it to a friend.

Hayward Extended Cycle D.E. Pool Filter

The highest rated pool filter is the Hayward Extended Cycle D.E. filter system. This product received 100% satisfaction rating. The D. E. Filter can remove microscopic pollen, dust particles and trap algae, which will result in sparkling crystal clear water. It is not necessary to backwash this filter; it just needs to be “bumped” a couple of times a month to reduce its pressure. Bumping is easily done. Pushing down on the special pump handle will activate the flextubes and cause them to purge themselves of powder and dirt. Many reviewers stated that this filter saved them money on cleaning supplies and electric. When I am in the market for a pool filter this will be the one for me.

Kreepy Krauly

Since I have covered the best above ground pool filters, another way to keep your pool sparkling clean is to use pool vacuum cleaners, which can remove dirt that the pool filter may have missed The Kreepy Krauly vacuum is rated among the best and can be used in various types of pools including gunite, fiberglass and vinyl. The newest model features an extra-large intake for large debris and requires no electrical cords. This product boasts a 92% customer satisfaction rating.

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Finding The Perfect Swimwear For Big Busts Can Be A Big Challenge

Posted on July 19, 2011 by SwimmingBay.com

It is that dreaded time of the year again. It is time to find a swimsuit that actually fits and looks nice. Every year when I go into my regular stores I get frustrated. It seems that whoever buys the summer merchandise is blind. The average woman is now a size 14. I look at those cute little bikinis and swimsuits and wonder why they “forgot” to buy swimwear for women with big busts again. Swimwear for big busts is very hard to find particularly if you are looking for something nice, colorful, and with some support. It seems like the swimwear stops at a size 34C and I believe that I do not have to settle for a swimsuit making me look old and unattractive. Therefore, I started my search for the perfect and stylish swimwear for big busts. At first, it seems like everything that promises good support and is attractive to look at comes at a hefty price. This makes me realize that it will be even harder to find cheap swimwear for big busts.

Finding the right swimsuit is a big challenge.

First, look at swimsuits for big busts. After trying on several swimsuits, I find one that actually fits. This swimsuit has extra firm control and the material slims my entire midsection. It has a built in underwire, which offers nice support. The straps are very comfortable, and it is available in several sizes from 10 DD all the way to 18 DD. Unfortunately, it is only available in black. Even though the color slims my entire body, I keep looking for something a little more affordable.

The cut of a swimsuit can make a big difference.

The next swimsuit I try has extra firm control and comes in several colors like black, blue, eggplant, and red. The fabric, which it is called Miratex, feels soft and offers enough control without being uncomfortable. The gathering of the fabric takes attention away from my upper torso. The halter top gives me support and feels good around my neck. This suit even looks good when I turn around to look at my back. It slims my waste and has enough coverage.

It is easier to find a bikini that fits than a swimsuit.

I finally decide to give a bikini a try and take several bikinis with me into the fitting room. I decide to concentrate on the tops first before worrying about the bottoms. My favorite bikini top is a underwire bra top with narrow straps. The underwire gives enough support so that the straps do not have to support my big bust. The band of the top fits snug and does not shift or move. I am really pleased with the way this bikini top fits. It gives enough coverage without looking like a bra. The bottom has a high cut fit and a wide elastic band. It is hard for me to decide which color or print to choose. Finding a plus size bikini was not as hard as I thought it would be.

I think it is harder to find swimsuits for big busts than it is to find a bikini. The reason for this may be the fact that a swimsuit has to fit in length as well. It seems it is easier to find two pieces that fit than a one-piece suit.

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Finding The Right Plus Size Bikini For Your Figure

Posted on July 19, 2011 by SwimmingBay.com

Summer is in full swing and hoards of sun-lovers are flocking to the beach for surf and sand. Show of your great bikini and beat the heat this summer on the beach. Finding a plus size bikini that flatters your figure can be difficult. Many manufacturers sell bikinis that do not take into account the needs of plus sized women. When shopping for your plus size bikinis, find one that looks great while accentuating your curves. By selecting the swim suit that is best for your individual size and shape, you will be able to choose the swim suit that looks best on you.

Heavy on Top

Women who are heavier on top should look for swimwear for big busts. These suits provide reinforced straps for better support and they have built in bras for control. Plus size bikini tops often buckle in the back, making it less likely that you will lose your top while frolicking in the ocean. If you are trying to appear smaller on top, avoid triangle-shaped bikini tops. These will make you appear larger in proportion to the rest of your body. Go for a rounder bikini top, similar to a bra shape. This will make you appear curvy without adding size to your top.

Heavy on Bottom

Women who have larger bottoms can find plus size bikini panties that provide ample bottom coverage. A plus size swimdress might be just the ticket, covering the bottom while giving you a flirty and fun look. The boyshort style of swimsuit is also an excellent choice for women who want to minimize the size of their bottoms. Boy shorts can also make your legs appear longer, which makes you appear slimmer overall.

Large Middles

Women with large stomachs and abdominal areas will find that wrap suits can instantly slim the body and give you a sleek look. Go for a suit with ruching, a gathered fabric style that draws attention away from trouble spots. A plus size swimdress is also a good choice for women who want to hide their tummies. Swim dresses come in a large array of colors and styles and they can be worn in a pool or on the beach.

Finding the right plus size swimsuit that accentuates your plus size figure does not have to be hard. By selecting the best style that perfectly complements your body, you will be beach ready in no time.

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A Brief Comparison Of Womens Board Shorts: Features And Pricing

Posted on July 16, 2011 by SwimmingBay.com

Women’s board shorts are made of material that are meant to be more flexible and comfortable than some other women’s wear. These also come available in womens plus size board shorts. There are several brands offering shorts. People might even be able to find bargains.

Feature and Price Comparison for Popular Brands

1. Billabong

Billabong is a very well-known name in the board shorts industry. They also have a mission to provide earth-friendly clothing. Their shorts are primarily made of recycled materials like plastic bottles and cans, as well as textiles. They also help out with ocean clean-ups. The price for swim shorts appropriate for women from this company ranges between $40 and $50 for each pair.

2. Caged Steel

Caged steel markets primarily to the MMA (Mixed Martial Arts) community. These shorts are designed with the athlete in mind. The coloring is a mixture of womens black board shorts and a colorful violet camouflage. Features of this product are a cut down the side of the leg. The cut or slit is intended to increase range of motion. The shorts also offer durability and the company follows exceptional quality control measures. These are currently being sold at ₤15 or approximately $24. The normal price is about ₤30 or approximately $48.

3. Volcom Foster

The company, Volcom Foster, produces shorts made of 100 percent Polyester Mega Suede. Unlike many board shorts, this pair, the Volcom Foster 2 11 in., has a zip fly. Also, they have an entire line for women called Volcom Foster Gals. Volcom Foster pricing has a suggested retail price of $43.95, but can be found at prices as low as $30.95.

4. Woman Within

Woman within is a brand of clothing that places its focus on giving plus-size women an option to wear this type of swimwear. This includes board shorts. Features of these shorts are an elastic band and a mock drawstring. The cost of board shorts at Woman Within is usually between approximately $25 and approximately $30. However, these can now be bought in prices more appropriate to cheap womens board shorts. The current sale has prices ranging from about $10 to about $11.50.

Board shorts are no longer just for men. There are a variety of women’s board shorts available. They are made of durable material and come ready for women in any shape or size. There are even special board shorts for athletes like Mixed Martial Artists and surfers.

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Swim Shorts Offer Women Comfort And Coverage

Posted on July 14, 2011 by SwimmingBay.com

Swim shorts can offer women an attractive, sporty option to traditional skirted bathing suits. There are many choices available to those looking for a little bit of extra coverage without sacrificing comfort and style.

Swim shorts for women offer a bit more coverage in the leg area. These offer the coverage you are looking for along with ease of movement and comfort. They allow you to bend down, turn and frolic in the water while feeling confident.

Land’s End Offers Wide Variety

There are several choices when it comes to where to purchase swim shorts. One of the largest selections is offered by Land’s End. They offer boy shorts, shorts with three, four and even nine-inch inseams.

Land’s End offers these shorts in both misses and women’s sizes. Most offer a built-in panty, are made of quick-drying nylon and come in a wide variety of colors. Regular prices range from $29.50 to $64.50 but midway through the season, they are offered at discounted prices.

A wide variety of board shorts, ranging in length from 1.5 inches to 11 inches are offered for women and girls online. Prices for swimming shorts range from $23.95 to $59.95 but there are some shorts available in the clearance area of the website. Just about every style and color of womens board shorts are offered at prices ranging from $20.95 to $59.95 but there are also board shorts available in the clearance area.

Speedo and Tuffy Make Swim Shorts

Speedo piped swim shorts sell for $23.95. They are made of polyester and are quick drying, offering pockets that add a practical and stylish flair. Tuffy offers plus size womens swim shorts in black, royal or navy with white piping at the bottom seam for $26.95. They are also made of polyester.

O’Neill, BodyGlove, RipCurl, and Roxy Board Shorts

O’Neill board shorts range in price from the high $20s to $41. They offer a wide variety of younger-looking and sporty styles. Roxy offers everything from hot pants to shorts in bright, geometric patterns or stripes with prices in the $30 to $50 range. BodyGlove offers shorts that often feature a drawstring, coming in bright colors, bold prints or classic black. They range in price from $20 to $40. RipCurl board shorts are priced around $30 or more.

Choices Abound

There are many types of swim shorts available, from womens board shorts for surfers and athletes to shorts that provide desired coverage for older women.

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A Look At Swimming Pool Covers

Posted on July 12, 2011 by SwimmingBay.com

Swimming pools make wonderful additions to any home, especially if you live in an area where hot temperatures abound during the summer. As seasons change, however, most homeowners opt to cover their pools with specially designed swimming pool covers for safety and protection. Swimming pool covers come in a variety of types, sizes, shapes and materials to accommodate all kinds of pools. Whether you have a conventional pool or above ground pool design, you can find a cover that will meet your need.

Types of Pool Safety Covers and Costs

By perusing the internet, you will discover many companies offering swimming pool covers for sale. Some companies offer high quality, state of the art products geared toward an upper class market, while others gear their products to the average consumer.

The Meyco Pool Covers Company has over 50 years experience in manufacturing swimming pool covers. Their lineup includes three different types of covers to meet customer need.

The MecoLite cover is the original mesh design developed in 1957; it offers a lightweight construction and easy maintenance.

The Rugged Mesh design maintains the pool water cleaner as it is denser than the MecoLite. However, it also retains water more easily due to the slower drainage and requires more maintenance to keep clean.

The Permaguard safety pool cover provides the best protection from sunlight, dirt and debris. The drawback is that it is much more difficult to manage due to its density and weight.

The costs of these winter pool covers vary depending on the size and shape of your pool. However, for a pool sized 16 feet by 32 feet, a quality cover may cost you around $650.00 with prices rising as the pool size increases.

BackYard City Pools.com offers an assortment of cheap swimming pool covers for both above and below ground units. Their Arctic Armor pool cover design, for example, for an in-ground rectangular pool sized 16 feet by 32 feet costs approximately $75.00 when not on sale. The cover features an 8 year warranty, navy blue color on top, rugged polyethylene construction, UV protection and anti-algae protection on the black underside.

Advantages of Pool Covers

Pool covers serve two main purposes: as safety devices against accidents and to protect your pool when it is not in use. When pools are not in use, parents can protect their younger children from accidents by having their pool covered. An unattended, uncovered pool can be very enticing for a young child. With the pool completely covered, a child generally loses interest. At the same time, covers protect the pool from dirt and debris, keep water temperatures warmer and protect the chemical makeup of the water so you utilize less pool chemicals.

Manufacturers of swimming pool covers often carry other pool accessories and equipment such as swimming pool pumps, pool chemicals, etc. You can visit these companies locally or shop online for all your swimming pool needs.

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Swimming Pool Pumps For Every Pool Style

Posted on July 12, 2011 by SwimmingBay.com

Swimming pool pumps come in different styles and price ranges depending upon the size and style of the swimming pool. Above-ground pool pump motors can be very affordable with prices as low as $30 or $40. In-ground pumps can be very expensive pricing over $500 for high-power models.

Above-Ground Units

One of the least expensive products found on Amazon.com at $29.95 is the Krystal Klear 500 Gallon Swimming Pool Filter Pump. The swimming pool pump is designed for use on 8-10 foot diameter Easy Set pools and 12 foot frame pools. The installation is easy, as you simply hook up the hoses and plug it in. Pumping 530 gallons per hour, the unit is by no means the most powerful pump on the market. You may find that this small pump cannot keep up with algae development in your pool. If this is the case, you will need to upgrade.

A more powerful pump like the Intex 1500 GPH Above Ground Pool Filter Pump may be useful if you find that a smaller pump is not working adequately, or if you want a spotless pool. Set up is also simple on this unit, but the price is a heftier $66. If you want a more efficient pump that keeps your pool crystal clear, than this is one of the best swimming pool pumps for you.

In-Ground Pool Pumps

In-ground pool pumps obviously need to be much more powerful than their above-ground counterparts. The Hayward Super II 2.5 HP Pool Pump boasts full-flow hydraulics that reduces operating costs. All components are corrosion resistant, and the heavy-duty motor provides for quiet and reliable performance. At $566, this certainly is a pricey pump. For your in-ground pool investment, however, it may be just right for your needs.

Above-Ground Pool Covers

Swimming pool covers are a wise investment for your above-ground pool as they help to keep the water clean and protect the lining of your pool from damaging ultraviolet rays from the sun. Thankfully, these covers are typically quite affordable. The Intex Easy Set 12-Foot Round Pool Cover is only $14.99. If you have a larger pool, you will need a large cover, such as the Intex Deluxe 18-Foot Round Pool Cover, priced at $59.99.

Proper pool maintenance is important for the longevity of your pool. Your above-ground pool is a large investment that you want to protect. Keep your pool healthy with one of these swimming pool pumps and a well-fitting cover.

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