Monday, July 29, 2013

Refurbish or demolish? Learn the value of old swimming pools first

Refurbish or demolish? That’s the dilemma of homeowners with old swimming pools wasting away on their yards. While some of them want to keep these amenities but have apprehensions about maintenance cost, others see the added real estate value of in-ground pools.

Image source: thenational.ae

Richard Montgomery, a real estate veteran, says that homeowners’ decisions should depend on their “personal preference, lifestyle changes and finances.” Those planning to reuse old pools could renovate them according to designs that cut maintenance prices. Repairs may also be worth the cost if the property is located in a neighborhood where roughly half of the homeowners have swimming pools.

If an old pool becomes an eyesore to a modernized property, it would be best to demolish it. Homeowners can reallocate the money intended for the pool’s renovation and maintenance to other home improvements that add greater value.

Image source: drdanslandscaping.blogspot.com

Meanwhile, homeowners who are planning to sell their property in top condition should survey comparable sold homes with and without swimming pools. If recently sold homes with the same size, style, and amenities command a higher sale price even without a swimming pool, refurbishing the old pool is unnecessary.

Because of the difficult choice between revamping and demolishing in-ground swimming pools, many homeowners are now installing above-ground pools. Homeowners could consult with established installers such as Blue World Pools for removable above-ground pools. This would keep away the refurbish or demolish dilemma in the long run.

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Visit this website by Blue World Pools to check out different models of above-ground swimming pools.

Friday, July 19, 2013

REPOST: Unique and Amazing Pools from Around the World

Hundreds of swimming pools worldwide were designed in unique styles. Click here to see some of them.


Image source: imwx.com

When the weather warms up, finding fun ways to cool down can become a real adventure. For many, this means making a splash in the crystal clear waters of an in-ground pool. However, not all pools are created equally.

Several resorts around the world are known for their amazing pools, bringing in tourists from all over to swim in the waters of their awesome aqua amenities. Beachside infinity pools, unique water features, spectacular views, or built-in extras make these destinations totally dip-worthy.

Paradise Island, Bahamas

Themed after the lost city of Atlantis, one of the main attractions at this massive resort is the Aquaventure Waterpark. This one-of-a-kind 141-acre waterscape features more than 20 swimming areas and 11 different pools for adults, children, and families. From the Mayan Temple Pool that sits at the foot of a Mayan Temple replica to the Grotto Pool with two cascading waterfalls to the Harborside Pool with view of Nassau Harbour and the Marina at Atlantis, Atlantis is a mecca for poolside aficionados.

Located just off the shore of the city of Nassau, Atlantis Paradise Island is accessible by two bridges that cross the Nassau Harbor. Overnight guests of Atlantis receive complimentary admission the Aquaventure Waterpark including its pools. Day visitors can purchase passes on a limited basis

Beverly Hills, California

Steeped in Hollywood history, The Beverly Hilton's Aqua Star Pool is a major attraction for the 57-year-old hotel. Home to the Annual Golden Globe Awards, the Aqua Star Pool is a top spot to see and be seen in Beverly Hills. With dimensions of 93 by 36 feet, the hotel pool is the largest in Beverly Hills. Heated year-round to a temperature of 82 degrees, the outdoor oasis has played host to numerous fashion shoots and events. A large projection screen along the side of the pool often features retro surfing scenes, further recreating the atmosphere of the golden age of Hollywood.

Fun fact: After her 1999 Golden Globe win, Angelina Jolie jumped into the hotel's Aqua Star Pool in her awards ceremony gown.

Las Vegas, Nevada

Located on Fremont Street away from the new Las Vegas strip, Golden Nugget is the largest hotel and casino in downtown Las Vegas, also known as "Old Vegas". One of the main attractions at Golden Nugget is a $30 million dollar complex called The Tank. Offering a year-round escape from the desert heat, this swimming pool features a 200,000-gallon live shark tank, a three-story waterslide called The Shark Chute that goes directly through the shark tank and empties into the pool, and private cabanas. For a more adult-friendly poolside experience, Golden Nugget's Hideout boasts a two-level infinity edge pool surrounded by plush cabanas and lounging areas for guests age 16 and older.


Blue World Pools offers a wide range of custom-designed swimming pools, from ecoline units to deluxe models. For the complete catalog, visit the company’s website.

Monday, July 1, 2013

E. coli bacteria thrive in public swimming pools

Image Source: barfblog.com

Here’s a good reason why it’s better to take a shower at home than wade in public swimming pools.

According to the U.S. Center for Disease Control and Prevention, more than half of public swimming pools in Atlanta are inhabited by E. coli bacteria, the same bacteria found in feces.

Although the federal agency cannot pinpoint the exact reason for the occurrence of fecal bacteria, they surmise that feces may either be washed off a swimmer’s body or somebody had a bowel movement in the pools. The presence of fecal matter in the pools could also be a result of unhygienic habits of most swimmers—swimming with diapered babies who are not toilet trained and neglecting to take a shower (with soap!) before diving in the waters. Furthermore, people who suffer from diarrhea increase the risk of water contamination. While regular poop in the waters may seem gross, it is the disease-carrying diarrhea that poses threat for swimmers. The skinny-dippers’ urine and sweat inhibit the chlorine’s ability to clean the water.

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Michele Hlavsa, chief of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s Healthy Swimming Program, has called for people to practice good hygiene when using public swimming pools. “It is time to stop treating the swimming pool as a toilet,” she says. She also stresses out the importance of taking a shower, considering that average people carry .14 grams of feces on their rear end. As more and more swimmers introduce this amount of feces in the waters, E. coli may soon thrive.

As a rule of thumb for those who plan to dip in public swimming pools despite the “shitty” factor, never swallow the water. “Basically, these pools are big bathtubs we all share together,” says the public health official.

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Above ground swimming pools is a fun, safe, and clean alternative to public swimming pools. Blue World Pools offers high quality above ground pools and professional installation at an affordable price. Visit this website to know more about above ground swimming pools.