Swimming Pools & Spas Review

Pools & Spas is a very solid introduction to not only backyard swimming pools, but spas/hot tubs, water gardens, and even in-home saunas. It discusses how to plan for and buy/build these items. You get 220 large 12 x 9 inch pages. It is a paperback book, but it has a sturdy, glossy cover. It is full of colorful pictures accompanied by information that is neither too simple nor too complicated for the average homeowner. At $19.95, you get your money's worth.

The book is divided into the following sections:

Planning Your Pool and Spa

The Planning your Pool and Spa chapter includes a basic introduction to types of spas, and merits of building indoors vs. outdoors. It also covers creating a swimming pool plan, ideas for financing your project, and information on hiring and working with contractors.

Pool and Spa Styles

This chapter covers different kinds of spas and hot tubs including a page on swim spas. It also discusses the types of in-ground pools (concrete pools, vinyl pools, and fiberglass pools) and briefly touches on aboveground pools. It finishes with a section on pool and spa plumbing.

Pool and Spa Equipment

Pool and Spa equipment introduces you to the different types of pumps, filters, heaters, drains, skimmers, and pool and spa covers. The pumps section informs you how to choose the appropriate size pump for your swimming pool. Filters and Heaters compare the types of filters and heaters available for backyard swimming pools.

Accessories and Fun Stuff

This section includes information on such things as timers and remote controls for your or hot tub or swimming pool, diving boards and slides, types of pool cleaners, and pool lighting.

Pool Chemistry Made Easy

In this chapter, you get the basics of pool and hot tub chemicals, the merits of chlorine and bromine, and alternate methods for disinfecting your swimming pool or spa. There are a few pages on water problems, pH levels, calcium hardiness, total alkalinity, and total dissolved solids. There's also a section on how to fight algae buildup in the pool.

The ABCs of Building Pools and Spas

This chapter is about the actual preparation and installation of a residential swimming pool or spa. It includes what to expect when it's time to build. It covers vinyl pools, concrete pools, aboveground pools, fiberglass pools, spas and related equipment.

Routine Maintenance and Care

Sections in this chapter are swimming pool repairs, routine pool maintenance (daily maintenance, water testing, adding chemicals, etc.), equipment maintenance, spa maintenance, opening your pool for the season, closing your pool at the end of the season.

Landscaping and Water Features

Information on pool decking, patios and decks, fences, adding a pond, waterfall, or fountain to your backyard. Also included are adding trees, plants, and paths. Landscape lighting is also covered. If you want to do some major landscaping, there are books devoted to the subject, but Pools & Spas offers a solid introduction.

Using Your Pool and Spa Safely

Basic pool and spa safety for your family, including information on how to reduce hazardous conditions. It also covers installing fencing and gates as safety precautions.

Soothing Saunas

The last chapter deals with installing a sauna in your home. It touches on construction, types of heaters and other accessories for your sauna.

Pools & Spas finishes with a through resource guide, glossary and index. Overall, it's a very helpful book and comes in under $20. If you are considering any sort of backyard project involving water, this is the book to start with.

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