http://swimmingpoolchemicals.featureblog.com/ If you are new to the swimming pool or spa chemical world, it may seem somewhat daunting to you. Don’t be put off! Get the complete treatment package so you can concentrate on what is most important to you – enjoying your pool or spa and having the reassurance that you are maintaining the safest environment for you, your family and friends in the simplest and most effective way. en-us Thu, 09 Feb 2012 11:40:10 EST pool water. Each degree rise in the temperature can cost you an additional 10%. The National Swimming Pool Foundation recommends 78º-80ºF for active swimming and 82º-84ºF for general use. * It's a myth that it takes more energy to heat a pool up when you turn the temperature down than you save by lowering the temperature or by turning off the heater. Turn the temperature down, or turn off the heater whenever the pool will not be used for several days. Experiment to determine how long it takes to heat the pool back up. Lowering the temperature and raising it back up again always saves more energy than keeping it at a constant temperature. * Keep all the intake grates clear of foreign debris. Clogged drains require the pump to work harder. * Don't backwash your filter more frequently than necessary. Backwashing too frequently wastes water, while not backwashing wastes energy by working the pump harder. * For residential pools, reduce filtration time to 6 hours/day. If the water doesn't appear clean, increase the time in half-hour increments until you get the desired results. You can automate this by installing a time clock for daily pump operation. * Tune up your pool heater annually. A properly maintained pool heater is more efficient. Also, keep ventilation system clean and tuned up. * Tighten the building envelope from the inside by sealing all air leakage locations in the exterior shell. This not only saves building heat loss, but keeps damaging moisture from getting to the building structure. * Improve the energy efficiency of the building envelope by properly installing adequate insulation to reduce heat loss. Upgrade single-pane windows to double or triple glazing. Or install tight-fitting plastic on the interior. * Installing a heat recovery ventilator on the exhaust air stream allows the ventilation system to exhaust the moisture while retaining the heat. Or as an alternative, you can install a dehumidification system that reduces the amount of ventilation needed while recovering part of the evaporated water. ]]> http://swimmingpoolchemicals.featureblog.com/ Tim Thu, 09 Feb 2012 11:40:10 EST