Gohlke Pools News Updates

One area that is often overlooked by designers is backyard and pool area lighting.  This is beginning to change as homeowners want to stay at home and enjoy their backyard environment.  When daylight savings ends, many people will be leaving for work when it is still dark and return after dark, only getting weekends to enjoy the beautiful landscaping and pool environment that they have spent thousands of dollars creating. In addition to the aesthetic benefits, safety (to avoid injury) and security (to avoid intrusion by a trespasser) are also benefits of lighting.

After determining what your motives are for your outdoor lighting, take a tour of your backyard and determine what you would like to illuminate.  Then stand inside at the back of your house and determine what you would like to see when viewing the backyard and pool area at night.  The next step is determining what type of lighting technique would best provide the desired look for the particular item that you are illuminating, followed by determining what type of fixtures would best serve your needs, and then selecting the proper method of controlling your lights.

Types of lighting

Uplighting—As the name implies, lights are aimed upward to illuminate.  This is a particularly good method of illuminating trees.

Downlighting—This method works very well to create a light over outdoor activity areas, such as patios.

Spotlighting—This method tends to work well when trying to light waterfalls, statues, and occasionally plants or small trees.

Pathlighting—This is often done for safety as well as aesthetics.

Moonlighting—This is an increasingly popular method of lighting .  It is most often done by mounting the lights in mature trees, with the fixture pointing downward.  It tends to create the same shadowing effect as a full moon, creating a natural effect.

Types of fixtures

Decorative fixtures—typically add to the landscaping during the day as décor.

Lanterns—This illumination is typically a soft light.

Path fixtures—This type of lighting creates lighting for pathways during the nighttime and decoration during the daytime.

Mounted or hanging fixtures—The main purpose of these types of fixtures is decoration, but they also provide some light benefit.  The mounted variety are usually mounted n a post or an exterior wall.  Hanging fixtures are less common, but are also used occasionally.

Functional  fixtures—typically hidden from view and provide lighting benefits only.

Ground mounted fixtures—These are very common and are used to highlight structures, objects, or plants.

Surface mounted fixtures—Typically mounted on a building or tree to provide general lighting or accent lighting.

Ground-recessed fixtures—These lights are mounted below grade (flush with the ground) and typically used for highlight trees, statues, etc.

Types of controls

There are several ways to operate backyard and pool area lighting.  They are as follows—an on/off switch, a dimmer switch, a photoelectric control (turns on at dark), and time switches.

There are many resources for outdoor lighting information, including the following books:

The Landscape Lighting Book by Janet Lennox Moyer

The Art of Outdoor Lighting by Randall Whitehead

How to Design & Install Outdoor Lighting by William H.W. Wilson

There are many different considerations when planning and implementing backyard and pool area lighting, therefore it might be helpful to consult a landscape architect or lighting expert to help determine the best solution for your backyard and pool area lighting needs.

Most every pool owner has experienced pool staining at one time or another.  Stains are usually either organic or metallic in nature.  Organic stains develop when leaves, pecans, or the like, sit on the pool floor for an extended period of time.  Metallic stains typically occur when the pH becomes too low, corroding the heater or other metal piece of pool equipment, causing the metal to be deposited on the pool surface.   Stains can be one of the most difficult problems that most pool professionals deal with.

In an initial attempt to rid a pool of stains, try Stain Remover by Bioguard.  It is a blend of three acids that are fairly effective in stain removal.  If Stain Remover does not remove your stain, following are some more drastic recommended solutions for your stain problem.

• Vinyl Pools – Stains on vinyl pools are difficult to treat, as anything strong enough to remove the stain can potentially damage the liner.  Try brushing the area while using Pool Magnet Plus.  Liner replacement is sometimes the only alternative.
• Fiberglass Pools – Ascorbic acid has been used for years to treat staining in fiberglass pools.  If you are unsuccessful with this approach, try contacting your fiberglass pool manufacturer to determine a solution.
• Gunite Pools – First try brushing.  If that is not effective, try applying chlorine or acid (but not both) to the affected area.  If you are still unsuccessful, use wet/dry sandpaper and sand the stain off.  Occasionally a gunite pool has to be drained and then acid washed or chlorine washed in order to remove the stain.

I’m sure after you read the solutions, it becomes obvious that the best solution is prevention.  Pool Magnet Plus is a great stain prevention product.  It is a liquid chelating agent that is very effective in preventing stains.

If you do get a stain in your pool, find out what caused the stain and correct the situation in order to prevent any future reoccurrence.

BE SURE TO READ ALL LABEL DIRECTIONS BEFORE ADDING ANY PRODUCT TO YOUR SWIMMIING POOL.

Many people think that if the water looks clear and blue, then it is free from bacteria and algae.  But to fully ensure that pool water is free from bacteria and other contaminants, it needs to be tested at least once a week during the peak swimming season.

Proper water testing will help detect any problems that might be developing, which—when detected early—can be resolved easily so you can avoid headaches down the road.  If you want to test your water yourself, here are some tips to help achieve accurate results:

• If using a conventional test kit, always start with a clean testing vial and fresh reagents.  Test chambers should be rinsed with clean water after each use.
• Liquid reagents should be replaced at the beginning of each swimming season.  If using test strips, they have an expiration date on the bottom of the bottle.
• Check the free chlorine level.  Generally, levels should be between 2.0 and 4.0ppm (parts per million).
• Check and adjust the total alkalinity (TA).  TA is a measurement of the “buffer” capacity of your pool water, which prevents big changes in pH and helps avoid corrosion and staining.  Total alkalinity at approximately 150ppm provides optimum performance.
• Test and adjust the pH.  The correct range is 7.4 to 7.6.  This is probably the most important test for your pool.
• If you have a salt pool—be sure that you maintain your salt levels.
• Be sure you know the pool capacity in gallons for your pool.  Chemically treating the improper gallonage can cause problems with your pool water.
• Every month (or more if you are having water problems), bring a sample of your pool water (approximately one pint) to Gohlke Pools for a free water analysis. We have pool owners that bring their water in on a weekly basis—so if that makes you feel better—do it!  Our water lab can test more and is more accurate than a conventional test kit.  It can truly take the look of your pool water to another level.

On residential pools, we suggest that the chlorine, pH, total alkalinity, and salt level be tested at least once per week. Calcium hardness, cyanuric acid, and total dissolved solids should be tested monthly.  Metals should be tested periodically or more often if the pool surface is showing signs of staining.

Following are the recommended ideal ranges:

Should be tested weekly (on residential pools)

chlorine –  2.0 to 4.0ppm
pH – 7.4 to 7.6
total alkalinity – 80 to 100 for calcium hypochlorite and salt pools
100 to 120 for dichlor and trichlor pools
salt level in a salt pool –2700 to 3500 ppm

Should be tested monthly (on residential pools)

calcium hardness – 200 to 400 ppm
cyanuric acid – 30 to 90ppm on chlorine pools
70 to 90ppm on salt pools
total dissolved solids – less than 1000 ppm on chlorine pools (considerably higher on salt pools)

Should be tested as needed (on residential pools)

metals (iron, copper, manganese) – 0

After chemically treating the pool, we suggest that you wait at least 2 hours before swimming unless the product label says otherwise.  In some cases (lowering the pH in order to make plaster surface adjustments; super chlorinating the pool, etc.) it is suggested to wait until the water tests to be in the ideal range.

These ideal ranges are dependent and integrated on each other to achieve properly balanced water.  For example, if you have your water analyzed at Gohlke Pools and your calcium hardness is 100, it will not have you raise it to the ideal range if other tests indicate that the water is not corrosive or scaling.

It is recommended that at least chlorine, pH, total alkalinity, and salt tests be mastered by the pool owner.  The other tests (cyanuric acid, calcium hardness, total dissolved solids, and metals) can be left up to Gohlke Pools.

Summer is definitely here and pool water is rapidly becoming more bath like.  So much so, I hear people say it is too hot to even swim.  There are ways to decrease that pool water temperature and make it more enjoyable.

#1 – Increase Water Evaporation

I know increasing evaporation is not something that you normally want to do, but you lose most of your heat through evaporation.  The more water you lose, the cooler the rest of the water stays.  The best way to do this is by running a waterfall or fountain at night.  If you don’t have a fountain there are ones that can be easily added to any pool.  These are relatively inexpensive and the operating cost is no more than just running the pump and the extra water you may have to add to the pool.  Most pools should see about a 5 degree temperature decrease.

#2 – Chillers

Chillers are like air conditioners for your pool.  They use a compressor remove heat from the pool water.  They are expensive (Usually between $1500 and $5000 depending on the size and functionality), but they can really cool off the water.  Most pools can easily see a 10-15 degree temperature decrease.  Do keep in mind they are about the size of an outdoor air conditioner compressor, so they do take up space.  They also can use a lot of electricity, so you also need to be aware of the installation and operating cost.  Some units are a combination chiller and heat pump.  That way you can cool your pool in the summer and warm the pool at the beginning and ending of the swim season.

#3 – Solar Systems

Typically solar systems are used to efficiently heat pool water but they can also decrease the temperature.  Solar systems work by passing your pool water through mats that collect radiant heat from the sun and increase the temperature.  If you use the solar system at night you can achieve the opposite effect.  The cooler night air can decrease the temperature of the pool.  However, don’t expect a big decrease.  You achieve a drop of about 5 degrees, but on the plus side you won’t increase your evaporation.  Solar systems can be expensive (usually starting around $2000), but they are extremely efficient at heating the pool.  If heating the pool during other parts of the year appeals to you, then solar may be a good option.

#4 – Evaporative Coolers

Evaporative Coolers are becoming more and more popular.  They are a very energy efficient way to cool your pool.  The cost for the unit is marginal (between $1000 and $2500 depending on the size of the pool) and they are very cost effective to operate.  For a small electricity and water cost you can expect a 5-10 degree water temperature drop.  However, they do take up a lot of room.  They are larger than most air conditioners.

#5 – On the Rocks

You can always use good ‘ol fashioned ice to offer some temporary relief.  Reddy Ice in Pilot Point sells 10 lbs. blocks of ice for $1.50 (delivery is additional).  A bunch of those can add some much needed relief on those 104 degree summer days.  However the temperature decrease is only short-term.

With the recent heat wave that we are experiencing and the extended length of time that pool filtration systems are operating, pool equipment breakdowns are more common.

Following are some basic tips for troubleshooting your swimming pool.  If you do not understand or have further problems, it is our suggestion to schedule one of our service technicians to come to your house to solve the problem.

Question:  My pump won’t prime (no water is going thru it) or won’t stay primed, what is going on?

The first thing to do it to check the water level in the pool.  In addition, be sure that the skimmer baskets and pump baskets are clear of debris.  f this does not do the trick, check the position of the skimmer weir doors—if they are stuck, the pump will not stay primed.

If you are still having problems, turn the pump off, remove the pump lid, fill the pump volute with water, replace the pump lid, and then turn the pump on.  If you are still unable to get the pump primed, it might indicate an air leak, and you will probably need a service technician.

Question:  Why is my pump noisy?

Pumps typically get noisy when the bearings are going out.  Motor replacement is usually the recommended solution.

Question:  It seems that I am getting DE back into the pool—what is wrong?

When DE returns to the pool, it usually indicates one or more of the filter grids are torn.   Disassemble the filter and check the grids very closely for tears.

If you have a sand filter and have sand returning to the pool, it usually indicates a broken lateral in the sand filter itself.

Question:  The pressure in my filter seems too high—what do I do?

When the pressure rises in a filter, it usually indicates that the filter is dirty and needs to be cleaned or backwashed.  If it is a cartridge filter, disassemble the filter and remove the cartridge to clean it.  If it is a sand or DE filter, it is time to backwash the filter.  After backwashing, you must put DE back into the filter by way of the skimmer.

Question:  My automatic cleaner is not working well—what can I check myself?

Be sure that the filter is clean and that a stick is not jammed into the throat of the cleaner.  If that does not solve the problem, bring your pool cleaner by the retail store and they will check it for you and make repairs if necessary.

Question:  My heater won’t come on—what can I check myself?

About the only thing that you can check yourself is to be sure that the pump is on and that the filter is clean.  Pool heaters are fairly complex to repair and heater repairs should only be made by a trained professional.

Remember that we have a fully-trained Service Department that can solve most any pool problem that you have.  If you need help, call (940)891-0500 and we will schedule an appointment for a service technician to come make repairs.

It should be no news to you that August has begun with a blaze!  Wow!  Over 100 degrees every day so far with no relief in sight.  Granted it is nothing like the summer of 1980, in which we had 69 days of 100 degree weather with 42 of them being consecutive.  In addition to that, we hit 113 degrees twice that summer –now that was a really hot summer!

Although swimming pool use is very popular during summers like this, hot weather can create problems for swimming pools even when a routine swimming pool maintenance program is followed.  Two of the most common pool problems that pool owners experience this time of year are cloudy water and algae.

Treating Cloudy Water in Pools

The cause of cloudy water is usually either a water chemistry imbalance or poor filtration.

Cloudy water due to water chemistry imbalance

If it is a water chemistry issue, it is usually low sanitizer (chlorine) levels or high pH levels.   If you have cloudy water and suspect that it is a water chemistry problem, simply test the water and treat as recommended or better yet, bring in a pint of your pool water to our retail store here at Gohlke Pools. We will be glad to analyze your pool water and recommend treatment.

Cloudy water due to a poor filtration

Poor filtration can also cause cloudy water.  This could be as simple as excessive debris in a pump basket or skimmer basket, poor water circulation due to a dirty filter, or it could possibly be a problem with your filter.  There are three common filters used on swimming pools—sand, D.E. (diatomaceous earth), and cartridge. Depending on the type of filter that you have, the following filter problems can occur:

Sand filter – Your sand should be replaced every 3-5 years.  If you are unable to clear up cloudy water and have not changed the sand in several years, it is suggested that you change it.

D.E. filter – You could have a torn D.E. filter grid, which allows D.E. to enter the pool, causing cloudy water.  Disassemble your filter and check the filter grids for holes or the filter manifold for cracks.

Cartridge filter – You could have a torn or old cartridge—either situation calls for filter replacement.

Treating Algae in Pools

Most algae can be prevented and can usually be blamed on low sanitizer (chlorine) levels.  It is much easier and less expensive to prevent algae than it is to treat it.  Many pool owners in the Denton area use an algaecide weekly as a preventive measure.  This, along with brushing the pool regularly, is very effective in preventing algae.

There are several types of algae that are common in this area.  They are as follows:

1. Green algae—is either free-floating or attaches itself to the pool surface.
2. Yellow (or mustard) algae—usually found in low flow areas of the pool.
3. Black (or blue-green) algae—forms a root system which makes it difficult to remove.

Treatment varies with each one of these types of algae, but it usually consists of increasing the sanitizer level, using an algaecide, and brushing the pool.

The best long term solution to cloudy water is to find out what is causing it and take care of the problem.  In the short term, however, there are water clarifiers available that remove particulate matter, which could clear the pool.  Clarifiers coagulate particles so that they become large enough to fall out of solution and be trapped by the filter.  There are many pool owners who use a clarifier on a regular basis to prevent cloudy water.  This is especially recommended during this time of year, when cloudy water might keep you from enjoying your pool safely.

Although most of the area lake levels have been in good shape this summer, the continued influx of new residents to the north Texas area when combined with a drought can potentially put a heavy burden on our resources.    Although swimming pools use a very small percentage of the water that is consumed, it is important that pool owners do their part to conserve water.

Swimming Pool Water Saving Tips

Following are some tips to help assure that swimming pools do not use an excessive amount of water:

• Maintain proper chemical levels and adequate circulation time.  This will help keep from having to drain the pool to correct any problems.
• Turn off unnecessary fountains and waterfalls.  These can cause a significant amount of water loss to evaporation.
• If the pool is equipped with an overflow line, consider plugging it whenever swimming or when it is raining.  This prevents water loss through the overflow line.
• When filling the pool, be sure to keep from overflowing the pool.  Forgetting to turn off the water can make for a costly waste of water.
• Repair any swimming pool leaks.  Even a small leak in either the pool equipment or the pool’s structure represents a substantial waste.   Following is some information on swimming pool leaks to help you determine if your pool is leaking.

How to Determine if a Pool is Leaking

One of the most common questions swimming pool companies hear this time of year has to do with water loss.  Depending on the atmospheric conditions, swimming pools will lose up to ½” of water per 24 hour period through evaporation.  Most of the time it will be less than this but it should never be more (assuming there is no splash out or backwashing of the filter).  If unsure if a pool is leaking, the bucket test is an effective method of determining whether the pool is leaking:

The Bucket Test

1. Fill the pool to the normal level.
2. Fill a bucket with pool water and place it on the top step of the pool.
3. Mark the level in the pool and the bucket.
4. Measure the water levels in the bucket and the pool after 24 hours.
5. If the pool loss is greater than the bucket loss, there is a leak.

How To Find a Pool Leak

If it is determined that the pool is leaking, it is typically very difficult for a pool owner to find a leak in a swimming pool, due to the vast amount of plumbing and other potential areas of water loss.  Unless there is a soggy area in the yard, it is best to have a leak detection service locate the leak.  Most leak detection services, including Gohlke Pools, usually charge $400-$600 for locating the leak, which typically does not include repair of the leak.  The key once the leak is found is having it repaired.  Prolonged pool leaks can cause damage to the pool structure or deck over time if they are ignored.

Let’s all do our part so that future generations can continue to enjoy the wonderful resources that the North Texas area has.

Although most of the area lake levels have been in fairly good shape this summer, the continued influx of new residents to the north Texas area when combined with a drought can potentially put a heavy burden on our resources. Although swimming pools use a very small percentage of the water that is consumed, it is important that pool owners do their part to conserve water.

Swimming Pool Water Saving Tips
Following are some tips to help assure that swimming pools do not use an excessive amount of water:

• Maintain proper chemical levels and adequate circulation time. This will help keep from having to drain the pool to correct any problems.
• Turn off unnecessary fountains and waterfalls. These can cause a significant amount of water loss to evaporation.
• If the pool is equipped with an overflow line, consider plugging it whenever swimming or when it is raining. This prevents water loss through the overflow line.
• When filling the pool, be sure to keep from overflowing the pool. Forgetting to turn off the water can make for a costly waste of water.
• Repair any swimming pool leaks. Even a small leak in either the pool equipment or the pool’s structure represents a substantial waste. Following is some information on swimming pool leaks to help you determine if your pool is leaking.

How to Determine if a Pool is Leaking

One of the most common questions swimming pool companies hear this time of year has to do with water loss. Depending on the atmospheric conditions, swimming pools will lose up to ½” of water per 24 hour period through evaporation. Most of the time it will be less than this but it should never be more (assuming there is no splash out or backwashing of the filter). If unsure if a pool is leaking, the bucket test is an effective method of determining whether the pool is leaking:

The Bucket Test

1. Fill the pool to the normal level.
2. Fill a bucket with pool water and place it on the top step of the pool.
3. Mark the level in the pool and the bucket.
4. Measure the water levels in the bucket and the pool after 24 hours.
5. If the pool loss is greater than the bucket loss, there is a leak.

How To Find a Pool Leak

If it is determined that the pool is leaking, it is typically very difficult for a pool owner to find a leak in a swimming pool, due to the vast amount of plumbing and other potential areas of water loss. Unless there is a soggy area in the yard, it is best to have a leak detection service locate the leak. Leak detection services, such as Gohlke Pools, usually charge $400-$600 for locating the leak, which typically does not include repair of the leak. The key once the leak is found is having it repaired. Prolonged pool leaks can cause damage to the pool structure or deck over time if they are ignored.

Let’s all do our part so that future generations can continue to enjoy the wonderful resources that the North Texas area has.

We are often faced with the question—“Is purchasing a house with an existing swimming pool a good idea?”

First you should determine if a swimming pool would be a good fit for your situation.   If you have decided that it is, following is some information to help you determine whether to purchase a house with an existing pool.

What type of swimming pool is it?

There are three different of in-ground swimming pools in the Denton area:

Vinyl-Lined Pools—Vinyl-lined pools are typically a less expensive, yet attractive alternative to the
concrete pool.  Although vinyl-lined pools are durable, the vinyl liner will not last forever and will
need to be replaced every 5-10 years, depending on wear.  Vinyl-lined pools are typically the
least expensive type of in-ground pool and they were a very common type of pool in the Denton
area in the 1970’s and 1980’s with Blue Dolphin Pools and Pools Plus installing the majority of
them.
Fiberglass Pools—Fiberglass pools tend to fall between vinyl-lined and concrete pools in terms of price.
These pools are typically prefabricated and then delivered to the site.  Fiberglass pools are
somewhat limited in size and shape.  They have historically not been very popular in the Denton
area but some do exist.
Concrete Pools—This is by far the most popular type of swimming pool in the Denton area. The
advantages of a concrete (pneumatically applied called gunite) pool are permanence, durability,

and flexibility in terms of design.  In addition, this is typically the most expensive of all pools.

Is the pool the right pool for you?

Swimming pool designs have changed dramatically over the past the last 20 years and your perception of what you want your swimming pool to be might not fit what the existing pool is.  Does the size and depth of the pool fit your needs?  Is the style what you had in mind? For example, you might want a very natural, lagoon type pool and the pool is a Grecian-style pool with straight lines.   There are many things that can be done to an existing pool and to a backyard environment to make changes that you desire—such as landscaping, concrete or wood decking, cooking area, furniture, lighting, sound system, putting green, children’s play area, etc.

What condition is the pool in?

This, in our opinion, is the most important part of the process of determining if purchasing an existing house with a swimming pool is right for you.  The most important determination to make is whether or not the pool is leaking.  Pools will typically lose no more than ½” of water in 24 hours due to evaporation, so I would suggest checking this initially.  Pool leaks can be repaired, but it is important to they be repaired.  A few other things that you can visually check prior to purchasing the house are the following:

• • Tile & coping—Do they appear to be in good shape?  Is any grout missing?
  • Interior finish—Are there any spots where the gunite shows thru the interior finish?  Any cracking?
  • Caulking around the pool (between coping & pool deck)—Does it appear to be in good shape?
  • Concrete decking around pool—Does it have large cracks in it?  Does it show signs of stress or movement?
  • Deck equipment—Is the diving board, slide, ladder, etc. in good shape?
  • Mechanical equipment—Are there any leaks at the pool equipment area (pump, filter, heater, timer).  Does it operate?   How about the pool light?
  • Fence—Is the fence in good shape?  Most municipalities (as well as insurance companies) require fences and operating gates be in working order.

Most real estate inspectors do a fairly good job of checking the pool, but in most cases it might be beneficial to hire a pool professional to inspect the pool.  Please note that all pools have some type of flaw or repair that needs to be made, so do not get discouraged if the pool is not perfect.

There is little doubt that in most situations you can save money by purchasing a house with a pool versus have a pool installed in your backyard, and as long as you do your homework and understand what you are getting, you should have a pool that can provide enjoyment for many years.

Once you do purchase that house with a swimming pool, call the Gohlke Pools Service Department at (940)891-0500 and we will be glad to come to your house for a free onsite pool school.

As swimming pools are being enjoyed this summer, it is important to try to prevent irritants such as eye & skin irritation, sunburn, and hair discoloration.  Following is some information to help prevent some of these problems from occurring.

Eye & Skin Irritation

What causes this eye & skin irritation?  We have been raised hearing the phrase “too much chlorine”.  This is not usually the cause of eye or skin irritation in swimming pools.  Most often eye and skin irritation is caused by one of the following:

• Insufficient sanitizer levels – Although swimmers often complain that the chlorine is burning their eyes or irritating their skin, it is, in fact, usually a sign that there is not enough chlorine in the pool.  When nitrogen and hypochlorous acid combine, chloramines (spent chlorine) are formed.  The chloramines no longer kill bacteria and the water smells bad, giving off a chlorine-like smell.  These chloramines also tend to irritate the eyes.  When this occurs, the chloramines must be oxidized by the use of chlorine or a non-chlorine oxidizer.  So actually when swimmers think that a pool has too much chlorine because it is burning their eyes or because of the odor, it is most likely that it needs more chlorine or a non-chlorine oxidizer.
• Incorrect pH – The recommended pH level for a swimming pool is 7.4 to 7.6.  This level is fairly easy on the eyes and skin.  However, if the pH gets outside of this recommended range, it can cause eye or skin irritation.  Low pH tends to irritate the eyes and skin more than high pH.

Now what to do about the irritated eyes & skin—Eye drops will usually provide relief for irritated eyes.  To treat irritated skin, taking a shower and then using a moisturizing lotion will usually do the trick

Sun Protection

Sunscreen is rated by SPF, which stands for Sun Protective Factor.  The higher the SPF, the longer the sun protection.  Applying the sunscreen thoroughly and liberally is the key.  Many times we overlook the fact that we need a waterproof sunscreen for use in pools or if we are perspiring.  This is a very important consideration and must be taken into account when selecting the correct sunscreen.  Men with thinning hair should be extremely careful and apply sunscreen liberally to the top of the head or wear a hat.  Sunscreen should also be applied to the top of the ears even when wearing a hat.  Lips are another very sensitive area that should not be overlooked.  Many people tend to develop dry skin with repeated exposure to the sun and water.  In the past few years pool chemicals have been developed that actually help maintain your skin’s moisture.  If you prefer not to go this route, moisturizers are available that can help relieve your dry skin.

Hair Discoloration

There are shampoos and other hair care products that help remove the chlorine and other pool chemicals from your hair.  If you have hair that turns green, it is not, as many believe, from the chlorine.  For many years chlorine has been blamed for turning blonde hair green, but, as it turns out, the real problem is the copper in the water.  If you are experiencing this problem, you should have your water tested.  There are chemicals available at pool supply stores that you can apply to the pool water that help prevent green hair problems.  Some everyday swimmers wet their hair with tap water before swimming believing the pool chemicals won’t penetrate hair that is already saturated.  To help remove much of the chemicals, it is a good idea to rinse your hair immediately after swimming.

If after trying these tips you continue having problems with the condition eye, skin, or hair, consult your physician