1. You “Maid” Me Love You
Tell Mom to drop the broom and mop for the weekend. Hire a maid service to give the house a spring cleaning from top to bottom. Preferably a maid that knows how to make a good daiquiri so Mom can practice her foot prop technique.

 
2. Girls Just Wanna Have Fun!
Every woman needs time with her friends, right? Splurge for an all-expenses paid weekend for Mom and her friends to get away and laugh, eat, and talk about how much grief you’ve caused them…and then how much they miss you.

 
3. Wax On, Wax Off
No, we’re not talking about mom’s upper lip…jeez. Grab the keys and take her car. Find a reputable car detailer in your community that will wash, wax and detail Mom’s ride inside and out. French fry crumbs, old receipts, sticky ice cream cups…yeah, she won’t miss any of that.

 
4. The Bucket List
Tap into Mom’s inner spontaneity. What’s something she’s always wanted to do, but never had the time, gumption or courage to do? Bungee jumping, parasailing, getting a tattoo, hot air balloon ride…Mama’s gonna live a little!

 
5. Changes in Latitude, Changes in Attitude
In case you didn’t know, all mothers have a reset button. A nice relaxing day by the pool or the beach can put her right back where she needs to be. Give her plenty of sunscreen, a hat and a reclining chair and let her mind drift away.

Happy Mother’s Day to all of our wonderful mothers out there!

Natural Chemistry’s No Odor
Natural Chemistry offers a great product that naturally helps break down pet odors. No Odor is made from a broad spectrum of organic enzymes that naturally breaks down unwanted odors. No Odor is non-toxic to pets. It can also be used on: carpets, furniture, sports equipment…the uses are endless!!

Kai Pool Pet Floats
These adorable water pillows allow one’s pets to enjoy water fun during those days when lounging in the backyard pool is a must.

Skamper-Ramp
The Skamper Dog Pool Ramp is made from blowmolded white polyethylene and is chemical and UV-resistant, with nylon rope, washers, and non-rusting D-ring-clips for attaching. It snaps together but needs to be mounted to the pool deck. While it was designed for emergency escape it will withstand frequent use, even the weights of very large pets and animals.
To purchase pool and pet products, please stop in one of our two retail stores in Panama City Beach and Destin. For more information on pet safety, visit www.petweek.org

As we continue the countdown to summer, (most people count the beginning of summer as Memorial Day), many pool owners have already opened their pool for swim season or are in the beginning stages of prepping the water for optimum swim time. As a pool owner, you’ve already made the best investment of a backyard pool and may enjoy it on average 3-5 months out of the year. But wouldn’t it be great to use your pool year-round? A cost-effective and energy efficient way to get the most swim time out of your pool is with a heat pump.
Some pool owners believe that a heating system is an unnecessary expense while living in a location with an extended warmer climate like Florida; however a pool’s temperature can be much different than your outside climate. Pool water temperatures typically range from 78-82 degrees. This can sometimes be too cool for the average swimmer. A comfortable and enjoyable swim temperature is between 84-89 degrees; therefore a pool heat pump is the best choice for year-round pool swimming.
A pool heat pump works as an efficient, low-energy and reliable method to heat water in swimming pools, utilizing the sun’s free heat by collecting and absorbing energy from the outside air. This energy is then compressed and transferred to the pool water. Your existing pool pump then circulates the water through the center and warms the pool. The heat pump is controlled by a temperature sensor so that it only runs when needed to heat the pool’s water, resulting in what can be up to an 82% savings in energy costs. A heat pump operates at 5-6 times the efficiency of a standard gas, oil or electric pool heater.

In addition to the efficiency of a heat pump, the environmental impact is low compared to gas or liquid propane pumps. A gas heater emits carbon monoxide or nitrous oxide in the air and requires underground piping to install, thus exposing itself to more maintenance and repairs than a heat pump. Liquid propane heaters contain flammable gases and must be refilled often.
While a pool owner may not see an immediate return on their investment in a heat pump, the savings overall are significant and long-lasting. And getting to enjoy your pool year-round is priceless!

Going green has become a necessary and innovative trend in the last five years…doing more with less. It just makes sense to reduce, reuse and recycle, not only for our environmental impact but for the impact on our wallets. But have you ever thought about ways to go green in your pool? Some remarkable technological innovations have been developed that allow for energy and chemical reduction and thousands of dollars in savings.

1. In-Ground Pool Cleaner
A healthy pool is a well circulated pool. Our brand of choice for optimum cleaning is the EcoPool in-floor circulation system. With 360-degree circulation nozzles placed in the pool floor, as the pump activates, the nozzles pop up and deliver a jet stream of freshly filtered water across the pool floor. This system is proven to reduce energy and chemical costs by up to 70%, not to mention is better for the environment and optimizes natural solar heat.

2. Cartridge Filter
A cartridge filter is a filter that uses a barrier/sift method in order to clean sediments, small micronic particles and harmful solids out of water. A cartridge filter utilizes smaller or low-speed pumps because of their efficient water flow, thereby minimizing energy use. And when you  rinse the cartridge rather than backwashing, you can reduce your water usage, as the average backwash uses between 250 to 1,000 gallons of water, without completely cleaning the filter.

3. Variable Speed Pump
Traditional pumps operate at set, unchangeable speeds. Those speeds are almost always higher than required. As a result, they overpower the jobs they’re assigned to do, which wastes energy. In the State of Florida, new energy code requirements, specifically the Florida Energy & Conservation Code, have mandated requirements for energy-efficient variable speed pumps (VSPs) , which have proven to reduce pool energy costs by up to 90%. In sharp contrast, a typical single-speed pump can consume as much energy as all your other home appliances combined.  For a limited time, Gulf Power customers can receive a $600 rebate for installing a VS pump on new and existing pools!

4. Water Purifying System
The costs of chemicals can add up quickly, especially over a hot summer season. If you could swim in bottled water and save money, would you? Now you can, with new technology in ozonation water purifying systems, whose only environmental by-product is oxygen. It kills bacteria 3,000 times faster than regular chlorine systems! Ozone systems reveal an overall reduction of 70% in chemical costs, making your swimming experience clean, clear and pure, with no eye or skin irritants like chlorine.

5. Pool Covers
Due to evaporation and splashing, you may wind up using an extra 7,000 gallons of water per year just refilling your pool to its proper water level. Most pool covers are made out of materials such as PVC-coated polyester, vinyl, polypropylene mesh, or polyethylene. An environmentally friendly and less expensive alternative is COVERfree by Natural Chemistry. COVERfree reduces water evaporation and heat loss using an invisible barrier that helps conserve hundreds of gallons of pool water and is pH neutral.

NOW THRU 4/27/2012
MENTION THIS BLOG AND GET 15% OFF THE GO GREEN PRODUCTS LISTED!

Our recommended websites for environmentally-friendly pool products:
www.1paramount.com
www.naturalchemistry.com
www.pentairpool.com

Photo courtesy of Aqua Magazine

Continuing Part Two of our Easy Steps to Beautiful Pool & Spa Water…

To take care of your pool or spa like a pro you need to use the chemicals the pros use. Here’s a list of what the service pros say they use:

1. Algaecides and Algae Preventers

Different products treat various algae types. Algaecides kill algae; algaestats proactively inhibit algae growth. Prevention is always the best method so we recommend a chelated copper algaecide.

2. Balancers

These help pool and spa water maintain its chemical equilibrium. By testing your water weekly you can determine how much calcium chloride, muriatic acid, sodium bicarbonate or soda ash you will need to add.

Remember, more is not better when adding balancers; always add a bit less than prescribed, retest in 24 hours or so and adjust as needed.

3. Clarifiers

Bind together tiny particles so they can be filtered or vacuumed out, remedying water cloudiness.

The best clarifier to use is a chitin-based clarifier and it is a product that does many things for your pool and spa water and filter. This product is a must for every pool and spa.

4. Stain Preventers and Metal Controllers/Removers

Neutralize the effect of metals that get in your pool and spa water from the make-up water and/or a heater. When filling the pool or spa for the first time or when refilling, be sure to put a water filter on the end of your garden hose or a couple of socks so you trap as much of the metals as possible before they get in your pool or spa.  With algaecides, prevention is the best method here. Removing stains from your pool or spa walls or floor is very difficult and costly.

5. Oxidizers

Another item where prevention is the best method. During the swimming season, it is important to shock your pool regularly. Of course with a spa that is used year-round you will shock weekly. The best shock to use for preventive oxidation is potassium monopersulphate. Ozone systems can also be installed for supplementary oxidation eliminating the need for manually adding a shock treatment.

6. Test Kit

Remember testing is king and use a combo of a Taylor K2005 test kit and AquaChek Test Strips.

#1 Use a serviceman-quality test kit. (We recommend Taylor K-2005 Test Kit).

#2 Superchlorinating (shocking) is a very important regular preventative step for maintaining healthy, beautiful pool and spa water.

• Oxidizing chemicals get rid of combined chlorine or chloramines (that nasty chlorine smell and eye irritation that everyone thinks is too much chlorine) as well as algae and germs.

#3 The recommend temperature for a swimming pool is 78-82 F; a spa is 104 F.

• At higher temperatures, calcium carbonate scale forms more readily, affecting your filters, heaters and surfaces.
• Also, carbon dioxide in the water tends to evaporate more quickly and, by leaving the water, causes the pH to rise.
• Spa water needs to be tested and adjusted more often than pool water. When your test kit indicates your spa needs chemicals, be careful to use very small amounts.
• For your pool, once your thermometer starts reading above 82 F start testing a couple of times a week as stated above.

• FREE IN-STORE LABOR ON ANY POLARIS BRAND POOL CLEANER!
• 20% OFF ALL POLARIS PARTS AND ACCESSORIES!
• EXTENDED HOURS—9 AM-6 PM, FRIDAY AND SATURDAY!

Come meet with our qualified staff and a Polaris representative at our locations in Panama City Beach and Destin.

Did you know…Polaris cleaners are the #1 recognized brand of pool cleaners worldwide and have enjoyed 40 years as the top selling pressure pool cleaner.

Prepare Pool Perfection

Before you start accessorizing in and around your pool, make sure the pool itself is in tip-top shape. If you have broken or missing tiles, cracked or chipped plaster, or need to update your filtration system, you’ll want to repair these things first. Your pool consultant can show you the latest trends in tiling, plastering and the most advanced technology in filters and energy-efficient pumps that may actually save you money in the long run!

Bark Up the Right Tree

Trees provide privacy and create a little shade in some areas where you may want to escape the sun–especially in the really hot months–or maybe you want an area of shade for your patio furniture. Be wary of trees that shed frequently, produce pollen or need frequent maintenance. Your pool cleaner and skimmer will thank you. Our suggestions: palm trees, banana trees or junipers.

Play with Plants

Select plants that go with the theme of your backyard and pool—modern, traditional, Mediterranean-style, etc. Choose plants that can take intense sunlight, don’t shed or are flower bearing, unless you are prepared for extra work for the pool cleaner. Also steer away from plants with invasive root systems, which may cause cracking in your deck. Consult with a landscaper or your local nursery for options. Our suggestions: agave plants, porcupine grass, crotons or succulents.

Decorative Decking

We could write a whole other blog about the pros and cons of pavers vs. concrete, but the concept is the same. Both are safe and can provide a non-slip surface for your patio, a must for a pool. Both come in a variety of colors, textures and patterns and can provide a cool surface on a hot summer day. Again, choose decking that matches the theme of your pool, but also adds beauty and practicality.

Light Up the Night

Illuminate your backyard when the sun goes down! Did you know lighting was rated the #1 outdoor living trend in 2011? And for good reason…placing lights in your backyard area create drama and beauty, increase security and allow you to maximize the use of your outdoor space. Choose low-voltage lighting for your pool, and create a nightscape in water with fiber-optic water features. For the patio, place lights around step paths and walkways for safety.

The Ins and Outs of Fences

Besides the obvious privacy aspect, installing fencing provides a safety feature for your pool, and a noise barrier from your street and neighborhood bustling. Fences come in an array of sizes, materials and colors. Whatever you choose, make sure all fences have a locking gate. Pool fences are a great safety measure, especially for homes with small children.

Ozone is the second most powerful sterilant in the world, and is used in many other industries to purify and sterilize including—air purification (to remove fire and flood odors and smoky smells) food sanitation to wash fruits and veggies, and also to sterilize surgical rooms. Even some municipal drinking water systems have begun to use ozone technology to purify drinking water.

In a chlorinated pool, chlorine-based chemicals added to the water react with urine and sweat, and this by-product contained in the pool has been linked to irritation of the skin, eyes and upper airways. Ozone kills bacteria, viruses and other water-borne contaminants 3000 times faster than chlorine—and no chlorine smell! With ozone pools, chemical costs are reduced up to 70% and increases the life of your pool filters and equipment.

Many of those who have ozone pools have described it as a natural and fresh bottled water swimming experience. In fact, only a few hours after installing your ozone system, you will notice a change in the appearance of your pool water, making it brighter and sparkling clear. If you currently own a pool, this system can easily be added, or can be a feature in your new pool.

For more information, visit our partners at Paramount for a FAQ sheet on ozone pools: http://www.1paramount.com/products/aapdf/ClearO3QA.pdf

Use our tips to look great on your float…not look like the float. Get fit and fabulous with smart and simple ideas from Cox Pools!

Water, Baby!

Whittle down your waistline in your own backyard! There is nothing like a swimming pool to get a low-impact, cardiovascular workout. Swimming uses practically every muscle in your body without the added stress on your joints. An easy swim can burn about 500 calories in one hour!

Tummy Tug-O-War

Throughout the day, picture your belly playing tug-o-war with your spine. Practice the tuck until it feels comfortable, and your co-workers will have no idea your exercising while they’re talking away!

H20 Hustle

Want to have a fighting chance at flushing fat? Drink more water. The benefits are endless—healthy skin, reduces bloating, flushes toxins, reduced risk of heart attack, keeps you energized and alert…need we say more?

Fridge Envy

Some of us are lucky enough to be model skinny (not this writer!), but it’s always a nice deterrent from grabbing that last piece of cheesecake in the fridge to see someone else’s flawless figure staring back at you. Find photos online that inspire your willpower to look great in your bikini and post them right by the fridge handle. And don’t look away!

Get a Grip on the Green

While we at Cox Pools are partial to swimming as the ultimate past time, there are tons more leisure activities in conjunction with swimming that are fun AND keep you in shape. Golf, for example, stretches and strengthens those obliques. Not to mention, wouldn’t it be great to have a putting green in your backyard? We install those too, and by spending an afternoon putting you can burn around 350 calories!