Do you love the idea of swimming year round but live in the Midwest where cold and snow inhibit dreams of swimming outdoors half the year?
Take heart, there is an answer for backyard swimming all year long … even in the Chicago area. Swim spas, also known as all season pools, provide a heated pool environment right in your own backyard!
In this article, we answer the question, “Is a swim spa right for you?”
Why Consider a Swim Spa Instead of a Swimming Pool or Hot Tub?
Full-sized swimming pools are great for large families and entertaining large groups of family and friends.
The swimming pool lifestyle is great during the summer months. You have frequent opportunities to enjoy a dip in a cool pool during the warm weather. Keep in mind, though, that unless it’s indoors, you won’t be using it during the harsh winter months.
Is a hot tub an answer for water lovers in winter? Sure! They are relatively compact and provide the opportunity for outdoor soaking in warm water all winter long. However, if you’re more interested in swimming than soaking, a hot tub is not the answer for you!
Swim spas are the perfect solution for all-year swimming enthusiasts who love the outdoors.
How Do Swim Spas Work?
A swim spa gives you the best parts of a swimming pool and a hot tub.
Swim spas generate a current that allows you to swim against it and stay in place. It’s similar to how a treadmill works for a jogger. Because you’re kept in place while swimming, you never reach the end of the pool or need to turn around and swim back to the other side.
This treadmill-like function allows the swim spa to be much smaller than a lap pool or full-sized swimming pool.
Another swim spa benefit … because of this smaller size, it’s easier to keep the water heated. As a matter of fact, you can turn up the heat to a point that it mimics the effects of a hot tub. So, when you simply want to soak and relax, it’s as simple as changing the setting on the thermostat.
Some swim spas have two separate tanks – one made for swimming and the other made for soaking. This allows you to have two different water temperatures at the same time. You can also simultaneously swim and soak.
What Do You Need to Know About Winter Use?
If you’re planning on using your swim spa year-round, you need to take a few precautions. You want to make sure to buy a quality model with the most insulation possible, like the leading energy-efficient insulation that Hydropool offers.
This insulation keeps the water heated during the cold months without exorbitant energy bills.
The Finishing Touch – A Quality Cover
Once your new swim spa is placed on your patio, deck, or backyard don’t forget the importance of a well-insulated, tight-fitting cover. The cover helps trap heat, deep out debris such as snow, sleet, dust, and dirt providing warmer, cleaner water every time you use your swim spa.
Keep the Heater On
If you do plan to run your swim spa over the winter, plan on keeping the heater going throughout the season to prevent the water from freezing and causing damage to the plumbing and swim spa.
You can adjust the temperature if you know you won’t be using it for a while, but don’t want to completely shut it down. If there is a reason you would not be using it over the winter months, plan on winterizing it to protect against damages.
Ready for a Swim Spa?
When you are ready to select a swim spa for your backyard, Arvidson Pools & Spas has a great selection of top-quality Hydropool Swim Spas to choose from. Whether you are training for a triathlon or are a recreational swimmer, we can help you find the model and size that is perfect for your space and interests.
Contact us today, and we’ll be in touch to answer any questions and help you make the Midwestern winters more bearable.
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How to Successfully Open Your Pool During the Coronavirus Season
/in Swimming Pool CareNormal isn’t normal this spring because of Coronavirus. There are a few things that are different for pool owners who are opening their pools in the next few weeks. One thing is for sure, though. When the weather breaks, you’ll be glad you have a relaxing retreat in the safety and comfort of your own backyard.
Wondering what might be different this year? We have the information, products, and services to help address all your questions and pool opening needs! Here’s how to successfully open your pool during the coronavirus season.
Keeping Pool Water Sanitized is Essential
Putting COVID-19 aside, unsanitized water presents completely different challenges and health issues for pool owners. Because of this Arvidson Pools & Spas is an essential business and we remain open and committed to providing water testing and products for the opening and maintenance of your pool.
Organic Materials Build Up Over the Winter Months
If you haven’t done so already, pull back your cover and add Natural Result to your pool (1 bottle treats pools up to 12,000 gals). This product works great in cold, stagnant water and will help to rid your pool of pesky organics that have accumulated over the last few months.
Get Your Water Tested AFTER 24 HOURS OF CIRCULATION
Make sure to circulate your pool water for 24 hours before drawing a water sample for testing. Water that has been sitting for months needs to be recirculated in order to get an accurate read from the testing equipment. Once that’s done, simply draw 12 ounces of water and bring it to any of our store locations for free, computerized testing. We are currently accepting water samples at the entrance of our retail stores and can call or email the results to you.
Stock Up on Pool Chemicals
April is the last month of our annual Early Buy program so now is a good time to stock up on the sanitizers, balancers, and conditioners you will need for the summer season. You can order online using Coupon Code APRIL20 and save 15% on your minimum purchase of $350. Curbside pick-up or delivery is available. Certain shipping restrictions may apply. Offer ends April 30.
The Right Time to Open Depends on the Weather
Midwest weather is always unpredictable. Snow one day, sunny skies the next. This can make the decision about when to open your pool a bit more confusing. Nadine Nuzzo, Retail Division Manager and Water Care Guru says, “If the grass is growing, algae can grow too. The winter pool often depletes chemicals by the time spring arrives so even if you don’t turn the heater on, now is the time to get the water circulating and sanitized to avoid problems.”
Pool School Canceled – Here’s a Virtual Version
Unfortunately, we are not able to host our annual Pool School with the Shelter at Home order in place. We understand many of you prefer to open your pools on your own. We know you appreciate the extra guidance pool school provides. BioGuard provided us with this one-hour video presentation so that you can get the important information you need to open your pool.
Our Service Department is Open
As an essential business as identified by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, our technicians are now opening area pools.
If you have any questions about the service, call us at (877) 772-3209. Our pool opening services are customizable to your needs and can easily be ordered with our new online agreement.
Now more than ever, having your pool or hot tub available to de-stress, exercise, and make family connections is an important and necessary part of the at-home experience. We have been helping homeowners make their backyards a place to retreat, relax, and unwind for over 60 years. We’re still here to help you get through the coronavirus season.
Our website is a great resource for answering many questions you may have about balancing your water or maintaining your pool. If you don’t find answers there, we are just a phone call away at (877) 772-3209. We look forward to helping you enjoy your pool during this coronavirus season. Until we meet again in our stores – stay safe, stay healthy, and stay positive. We will see you again soon!
11 Ideas to Make Staying at Home More Enjoyable
/in Health and WellnessBy Jami Switzer, Arvidson Marketing Manager
We are all spending a lot more time at home. All those extra hours at home can lead to increased screen time, boredom, and real cabin fever. So how can you make the best of it? Here are 11 ideas to make staying at home more enjoyable. Read more
Don’t Be Afraid to Sweat – It’s Great for Your Health!
/in Health and WellnessMaybe you thought “sweating it out” at the gym was the only way to reap the benefits of a good old-fashioned sweat. Think again.
Take advice from the centuries old wisdom of the Finnish and consider heat bathing in a sauna. You won’t believe the many health benefits you derive from the healing power of deep heat.
Don’t be afraid to sweat – it’s great for your health, and here are six reasons why: Read more
5 Reasons Why Spring is the Perfect Season for a New Hot Tub
/in Health and WellnessEvery Midwesterner knows that when the calendar says, “First Day of Spring”, it doesn’t always correspond to the thermometer.
March and April can be two of the longest months of the year. The weather teases us with a seasonable warm day here and there and then follows it up with a harsh punch of cold temperatures the next. Read more
Is a Swim Spa Right for You?
/in Swim SpasDo you love the idea of swimming year round but live in the Midwest where cold and snow inhibit dreams of swimming outdoors half the year?
Take heart, there is an answer for backyard swimming all year long … even in the Chicago area. Swim spas, also known as all season pools, provide a heated pool environment right in your own backyard!
In this article, we answer the question, “Is a swim spa right for you?”
Why Consider a Swim Spa Instead of a Swimming Pool or Hot Tub?
Full-sized swimming pools are great for large families and entertaining large groups of family and friends.
The swimming pool lifestyle is great during the summer months. You have frequent opportunities to enjoy a dip in a cool pool during the warm weather. Keep in mind, though, that unless it’s indoors, you won’t be using it during the harsh winter months.
Is a hot tub an answer for water lovers in winter? Sure! They are relatively compact and provide the opportunity for outdoor soaking in warm water all winter long. However, if you’re more interested in swimming than soaking, a hot tub is not the answer for you!
Swim spas are the perfect solution for all-year swimming enthusiasts who love the outdoors.
How Do Swim Spas Work?
A swim spa gives you the best parts of a swimming pool and a hot tub.
Swim spas generate a current that allows you to swim against it and stay in place. It’s similar to how a treadmill works for a jogger. Because you’re kept in place while swimming, you never reach the end of the pool or need to turn around and swim back to the other side.
This treadmill-like function allows the swim spa to be much smaller than a lap pool or full-sized swimming pool.
Another swim spa benefit … because of this smaller size, it’s easier to keep the water heated. As a matter of fact, you can turn up the heat to a point that it mimics the effects of a hot tub. So, when you simply want to soak and relax, it’s as simple as changing the setting on the thermostat.
Some swim spas have two separate tanks – one made for swimming and the other made for soaking. This allows you to have two different water temperatures at the same time. You can also simultaneously swim and soak.
What Do You Need to Know About Winter Use?
If you’re planning on using your swim spa year-round, you need to take a few precautions. You want to make sure to buy a quality model with the most insulation possible, like the leading energy-efficient insulation that Hydropool offers.
This insulation keeps the water heated during the cold months without exorbitant energy bills.
The Finishing Touch – A Quality Cover
Once your new swim spa is placed on your patio, deck, or backyard don’t forget the importance of a well-insulated, tight-fitting cover. The cover helps trap heat, deep out debris such as snow, sleet, dust, and dirt providing warmer, cleaner water every time you use your swim spa.
Keep the Heater On
If you do plan to run your swim spa over the winter, plan on keeping the heater going throughout the season to prevent the water from freezing and causing damage to the plumbing and swim spa.
You can adjust the temperature if you know you won’t be using it for a while, but don’t want to completely shut it down. If there is a reason you would not be using it over the winter months, plan on winterizing it to protect against damages.
Ready for a Swim Spa?
When you are ready to select a swim spa for your backyard, Arvidson Pools & Spas has a great selection of top-quality Hydropool Swim Spas to choose from. Whether you are training for a triathlon or are a recreational swimmer, we can help you find the model and size that is perfect for your space and interests.
Contact us today, and we’ll be in touch to answer any questions and help you make the Midwestern winters more bearable.