As the sight of a pool on a hot day of summer quenches your spirit, the thought of maintaining one may dampen it. If you are a newbie in pool ownership and maintenance and cleaning the pool makes you super anxious, fret no more! Walk through this list of five key pool care steps and enjoy your dip to the fullest.
Before you delve into the maintenance process, make sure you buy a pool cover. The pool cover is a great help when the pool is not in use. It also helps shield the pool from foreign objects and prevents pets and small kids from accidentally falling into the pool.
Since above ground pools come in all shapes and forms it is important to understand the kind of care your pool needs. Commonly what helps any pool stay clear for long hours, is a five step process. This includes circulation, filtration, cleaning,testing and chemical care.
We all know moving water is cleaner than the one that stands still, well that’s the whole idea! Circulation helps spread or circulate water through a pump all across the pool. Circulating water allows motion that prevents algae and bacteria from settling in and growing. Make sure you circulate water regularly and make your pool pump run at least 12 hours each day.
The next step works very closely with the first. In a way circulation and filtration are interdependent. The pump enables the filter to clear all visible and microscopic debris from the pool. You must also wash the filter weekly and treat it with chemical seasonally. Filter is an integral part of the pool equipment and it makes maintenance super easy.
The next very critical and indispensable step is – cleaning. Yes, both filtration and circulation do help clean the pool, however, isolated and remote corners may still need some brushing off once a week. To keep the entire pool clean, you must also brush the floor to get rid of algae.
Step four is Testing. Every pool should be tested with a test kit for sanitizers, free chlorine, Ph and alkalinity. Make sure these levels are measured, monitored and tested at least once a week. You can refer to the recommended level of these elements online and adjust it according to the pool you own.
The last crucial step in the maintenance program is chemical care. This step is to be followed in the very end after all the cleaning is over. Application of chemicals to the pool water not only makes it crystal clear visually, it also makes swimming safe and hygienic. Chemicals also prevent damages to the floor surface.
Clean and hygienic water not only makes swimming a delight, it also adds life to your swimming pool. Regular and periodic maintenance helps increase pool life and prolongs the joy that swimming brings with it.
It is extremely tough to master the nuances of a complex sport like golf. Beginners, in particular, can find it to be exhausting and confusing because of the multiple rules and equipment involved. While one has to work hard on their skills, with the right clubs, golfing can turn into the most rewarding experience.
The following are some common types of golf clubs newbies should know of.
Woods
These types of golf clubs were initially made of wood; however, they are now created with materials like steel or titanium. Woods are useful for propelling the golf ball to the farthest distances. The heads of such clubs are large and rounded, whereas their base is flat, which allows the player to effortlessly swing the club over the ground. Driver and fairways are the two most popular kinds of woods used.
Irons
The irons are used once the player is closer to the green, i.e., when one is within 200 yards of the hole. The iron golf set covers clubs numbered from 3 to 9 and a pitching wedge. The lower numbered irons can be a little tricky to use. Therefore, several beginners adjust their golf set by picking a few wood clubs so that they could comfortably strike the ball and at the same time cover big distances.
Wedges
The pitching wedge is incorporated in the standard iron set; however, one will need to purchase other types of wedges too. These golf clubs have a high loft with a short shaft and come in handy for hitting the ball over the tree or removing the golf ball from the sand. The sand, gap, and lob are some popular sorts of wedges that can be bought separately. However, the beginners, usually only need the pitching edge. They can buy the additional variety as their level of play advances.
Putters
Every golfer needs putter in their set as it serves an essential purpose, i.e., pushing the ball in the hole when the player is on the green. The putter clubs are available in 3 different styles, including heel-toe, mallet, and traditional blade. Mallets are the recommended option for most beginners. Generally, standard putters are 32 to 36 inches long; however, one can get them customized based on their comfort.
Hybrids
Also called as utility clubs, hybrids are a comparatively a newer addition in professional and recreational golf. The hybrids combine the shaft of the irons and the head of the fairway wood. They are designed to replace the lower numbered irons that are difficult to play with. These clubs cover the same distances as irons but are easier to swing, making them ideal for beginners.
A seasoned player or rookie, it is important to know that the key to a good golf game is using the right club. At times, choosing a golf club can turn into a daunting task because of the extensive range of golf clubs that are available in the market. Several players, especially, beginners make the blunder of buying clubs that don’t agree with their swing mechanics or level of play. Therefore, before making a purchase, here are some essential factors one should scrutinize.
Golf club length
It is imperative for a player to get a golf club of the right length. Standard golf clubs are designed for men and women with an approximate height of 5 foot 10 inches. If players are taller or shorter than the stated height, then they will need to get their golf clubs customized. Likewise, physical strength also needs to be taken into consideration. So, individuals with short stature can opt for lighter golf clubs so that it doesn’t interfere with their swing power.
Grips
The grips are crucial for maintaining the player’s control over the golf club. Going for the wrong grips can impede one’s golf game. There are four types of grips to choose from, i.e., the standard grip, the under-sized grip, the mid-sized grip, and the over-sized grip. Moreover, they come in a variety of textures like smooth, coarse, and abrasive. To pick the best grips, one should consult a professional golf fitter.
Shaft material
The shaft of the golf club makes up for the majority of its weight. Typically, these shafts are created using graphite or steel. Graphite shafts are comparatively more expensive. However, they are lighter and render better distance with every swing. Moreover, their lightness makes it simpler for the player to swing. This feature could benefit people who significantly lack arm strength. Alternatively, steel is heavier and cheaper but makes a great option for individuals who have a good arm strength and need the additional weight to restrain their swings.
Accessories
While buying a golf club, one should ensure to buy some essential accessories like a golf bag, gloves, and shoes. Although it is optional to use gloves and golf shoes, these accessories can come in handy. The gloves can improve the grip on the golf club, and the shoes can prevent the player from slipping and falling on the course.