Swim Your Way to Good Health

There is certainly no shortage of outdoor activities to keep active and fit here in Austin, however, with the hottest month of the year approaching, it is getting difficult to enjoy many of those activities. There is one outdoor workout that will keep you physically fit and can be enjoyable in this heat – swimming!

Here are four reasons why swimming is the perfect workout:

NO WEIGHT LIMIT
Swimming is a perfect workout for people of all sizes as it is easy on the joints and an effective way to burn fat. A 300-pound person will burn about 470 calories in 30 minutes of moderate lap swimming. Doing this five days a week, even with no dietary changes, will burn about half a pound of fat.

INEXPENSIVE
Forget the expensive gym memberships. While not everyone has an inground pool in their backyard, finding one to use doesn’t have to break the bank. There are many public pools available with low entrance fee, as well as local organizations such as the YMCA for little to no cost.

NO AGE LIMIT
Swimming is a wonderful activity for both kids and adults. By making it a family affair, the kids can have a great time while you get in a workout. Additionally, you will set a great example of health and fitness for your children. Encourage them to swim laps, have races, dive for rings, or toss around a ball.

IT CAN SAVE LIVES
Regular exercise has been shown to prolong one’s life. Aerobic exercise promotes oxygen delivery to the muscles, which prevents inflammation, reduces the risk of heart disease, blood pressure, and diabetes. Additionally, knowing how to swim will reduce your own risk of drowning and allow you to maybe save someone else’s life one day.

If you are interested in having your own backyard in ground pool, let Crystal Clear Pools & Spas give you a free quote and you will be swimming your way to good health in no time!

Why You Should Own a Backyard Pool

People often ask us the benefits of owning an inground pool. There are of course plenty of things to consider when deciding to purchase a pool, for example, safety, cost of installation, and ongoing maintenance. Most people consider a swimming pool to be a luxury – much like a boat, ATV, or a motorhome. However, for those Pool owners who use their pools consistently, they will tell you that the non-financial benefits most certainly outweigh the overall cost. Here are some benefits you will enjoy when owning a backyard pool:

Convenience: Forget about packing three bags full of towels, snacks, sunscreen, and drinks, only to drive ten minutes to go swimming. Instead, conveniently walk out to your backyard and be swimming in a matter of minutes.

Family Time: You can’t put a price on spending quality time with family. A backyard swimming pool allows conversations, laughs, and making memories. It will force your kids to put down their electronic devices and hang out with Mom and Dad for a while.

Relaxation: While the kids are at school, take some time to relax poolside. Read a book, listen to music, or meditate. Lounge in the pool with a floating bed and take in some Vitamin D (just don’t forget the sunscreen).

Health: As we mentioned in a previous post, swimming is a perfect way to get exercise outdoors. Swimming is low-impact and works many different muscle groups at the same time. Why spend time driving to a gym or money on a membership, when you can get a full-body workout in your own backyard?

Entertaining: Neighborhood BBQ’s, birthday parties, Dive In Movies – the options are as endless as your imagination. With a backyard pool, your house will most definitely be the fun place to hang out.

Yard Work: With less grass to trim and weeds to pull, you can spend a lot less time doing yard work and more time playing in your pool!

Preparing Your Pool For a Storm

Austin is nothing short of unpredictable. One minute we are complaining of the record heat, and the next minute we are in the middle of an unexpected flash-flood. Did you know that Texas ranks near the top of the nation in weather-related property damage each year? At Crystal Clear Pools & Spas, we want to make sure your pool and spa is prepared for the next big storm.

Should I Drain My Pool Before a Big Storm?

It’s understandable to be concerned of overflow and potential flooding of your pool when expecting a huge rainstorm. However, a properly installed pool will come equipped with an overflow system that will drain excess water. If you want to slightly empty the water level, be certain to lower it no more than two feet, otherwise, the hydrostatic pressure can be too strong, possibly causing the pool to ‘pop’ out of the ground.

Should I Turn off the Power to the Pool Equipment?

In short – Yes. More specifically, storms most often damage pool pumps and motors, so it’s important to turn off the circuit breaker to the pump, motor, lights, etc. In fact, it’s often best to completely remove the motor and ensure it’s securely placed away from the storm.

Should I Bring In My Pool Equipment?

Not only will severe weather damage your pool equipment, but more importantly, your pool equipment can damage your property. Objects that can get swept up in the wind, such as toys, gardening equipment, and pool equipment and cause damage to your windows or even your neighbors home.

The Storm Has Passed – Now What?

After the storm it is important to do some cleanup before getting back into your pool. Check out our blog post When it Rains Cats & Dogs for a complete comprehensive list of storm clean up procedures. Most importantly, call Crystal Clean Pools & Spas and we will come out and clean your pool, balance the chemicals, and assess the electrical system.