Taken from Aquatics International. By Kendra Kozen April 2009
A new study substantiates what aquatics professionals have long believed, and it may change the stance of a key pediatrics group. Researchers say swim lessons for young children do not increase their risk of drowning; they apparently help prevent it.
“We found that fewer of the children who had drowned had participated in formal lessons,” said Dr. Ruth Brenner, lead author of the study from the Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, based in Bethesda, Md. “Exactly why swim lessons appear to offer a protective effect is unclear, but certainly they did not seem to do any harm.”
The study examined children ages 1 to 19. It’s one of the first in the nation to look at connections between swim lessons and drowning. Researchers evaluated coroner reports and interviewed surviving relatives of young drowning victims. They compared those cases with a control group of youngsters from the same communities.
“This is the scientifically derived data that we’ve been waiting for,” said Johnny Johnson, owner of Blue Buoy Swim School in Tustin, Calif.
Published in Archives of Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine (March 2009), the findings indicate that formal swim training could reduce drowning risk in children ages 1 to 4 by more than 85 percent. Lessons appear to have a similar protective effect in older children, but results weren’t statistically significant.
As a result, the American Academy of Pediatrics is considering revising its position on swim lessons for very young children. A draft of a new policy, written by Dr. Jeff Weiss, a pediatrician at Phoenix Children’s Hospital in Arizona, currently is under review.
“Basically, because of concern over parents dropping their guard when it comes to supervision, the AAP currently does not recommend swimming lessons before age 4,” said Dr. Weiss, a former member of the AAP’s Committee on Injury, Violence and Poison Prevention. “But Dr. Brenner has a significant background in this area. [She authored one of the earlier swim lesson policy statements], so the literature is being considered.”
Regardless of policy, experts agree, swim lessons are just one part of multilevel prevention.
“Being a skilled swimmer doesn’t make a child ‘drown proof,’” said Brenner, adding that among the 5- to 19-year-olds in the study, 48 percent of those who drown (11 of 23) were reported as able to swim 50 feet.
Tuesday, May 19, 2009
Wednesday, May 6, 2009
Crazy Times!
These just might be the craziest business times I will ever see in my lifetime! Some of the things that I am hearing just don't make any sense! Take for example the pool project that I was asked to quote last week. A couple had gotten a proposal for a design that they liked and wanted a second quote to compare it against. I priced the project for them and they told me that my price was $50k above the other proposal! The point here is that there is not even $50k in profit in the job! What we are seeing is that many pool companies are undercutting jobs BIG TIME in an effort to get cash through the door. The end result is going to be very bad for the client. In this particular case, the company that I am bidding against is owned by a guy that has had FIVE different pool companies in this area! He gets the job started, collects a big check, and closes the doors walking away with tens of thousands of dollars! Everyone in the industry knows about these guys (there are several in the Austin area) but the homeowner only sees dollar $igns so they never check them out!
We know that this downturn is going to end at some point, hopefully soon. In our case, we are still doing everything that we can to provide you with the best project for your money. The bottom line is that we are not the right company for everyone, and we have never tried to be for everyone. We build only custom, one off, projects and we have not changed in 9 years. If you are looking for the lowest priced pool, lets not waste each others time. If you are looking for a high quality custom pool, patio, fireplace, or anything else to do with your backyard, then lets talk and see if we are right for each other. We have built projects from $25k to $500k with the average being about $100k. We do not have a minimum price but we do have standards that we will not compromise on. We provide value for your dollar and have a long list of very satisfied clients that will attest to that.
Give us a call to set up an appointment at 512-335-7665 if you would like to discuss your project. Thanks, Bob
We know that this downturn is going to end at some point, hopefully soon. In our case, we are still doing everything that we can to provide you with the best project for your money. The bottom line is that we are not the right company for everyone, and we have never tried to be for everyone. We build only custom, one off, projects and we have not changed in 9 years. If you are looking for the lowest priced pool, lets not waste each others time. If you are looking for a high quality custom pool, patio, fireplace, or anything else to do with your backyard, then lets talk and see if we are right for each other. We have built projects from $25k to $500k with the average being about $100k. We do not have a minimum price but we do have standards that we will not compromise on. We provide value for your dollar and have a long list of very satisfied clients that will attest to that.
Give us a call to set up an appointment at 512-335-7665 if you would like to discuss your project. Thanks, Bob
Friday, January 16, 2009
Troubleshoot Common Spa Problems
TROUBLESHOOTINGING COMMON SPA PROBLEMS
pH - Total Alkalinity Out of Balance
CAUSE or RESULT: Corrosive Water Scale Deposits- SOLUTION: Test water
CAUSE or RESULT: Scale Deposits-SOLUTION: Adjust with pH & Alkalinity Increase or
pH & Alkalinity Decrease
CAUSE or RESULT: Eye and Skin Irritation - SOLUTION: Drain spa and refill, if water is older than 30 days
CAUSE OR RESULT: Stained Spa - SOLUTION: Drain spa and refill, if water is older than 30 days
CAUSE OR RESULT: Cloudy Water- SOLUTION: Drain spa and refill, if water is older than 30 days
Calcium Deposits on Spa Surface - Heater, Fittings or Plumbing
CAUSE or RESULT: Hard Water - SOLUTION: Test water - if necessary add 1 ounce of pH & Alkalinity, re-test
CAUSE or RESULT: -pH Total Alkalinity Adjustment - SOLUTION: For preventive maintenance add Metal & Stain Control each week (1 oz. up to 400 gallons)
Cloudy or Murky Water
CAUSE or RESULT: pH - Total Alkalinity out of balance- SOLUTION: Test water - Increase or Decrease pH & Alkalinity as needed
CAUSE or RESULT: Plugged Filter - SOLUTION: Use Filter Revive (minimum 1 time per month)
CAUSE or RESULT: No Sanitizer Residual -SOLUTION: Add Chlorine or Bromine
CAUSE or RESULT: Oils, Soap, Foreign Matter - SOLUTION: Treat water with Crystal Clear Clarifier twice each week(1 oz. up to 400 gallons)
CAUSE or RESULT: Too Many Conflicting Chemicals- SOLUTION: Drain and refill if water is older than 30 days
Eye and Skin Irritation • Rashes and Allergies
CAUSE or RESULT Chloramines -SOLUTION: Shock treat with a non-chlorine shock
CAUSE or RESULT Water balance needs to becorrected (pH and alkalinity)- SOLUTION: Test water, Increase or Decrease pH & Alkalinity as needed
CAUSE or RESULT: Excessive Chlorine or Bromine -SOLUTION: Add fresh water and/or wait a day and retest sanitizer level
Excessive Foam
CAUSE or RESULT Build up of body oils, cosmetics, and contaminants- SOLUTION:
CAUSE or RESULT pH - Total alkalinity not in balance orcalcium level too low (soft water)-
SOLUTION: Test and correct water balance.Add Crystal Clear Clarifier or Spa Perfect to help remove oils and contaminants. Drain and refill
Blue Water
CAUSE or RESULT Copper metals in spa being eroded - SOLUTION: Drain and refill
CAUSE or RESULT Total alkalinity - pH below recommended level - SOLUTION Test and restore alkalinity and pH to proper levels
NOTE: Most water chemistry problems can be resolved by the recommended solutions above. Extreme chemical conditions may warrant draining and refilling the spa. Stains or calcium deposits on the spa may require attention prior to refilling.
pH - Total Alkalinity Out of Balance
CAUSE or RESULT: Corrosive Water Scale Deposits- SOLUTION: Test water
CAUSE or RESULT: Scale Deposits-SOLUTION: Adjust with pH & Alkalinity Increase or
pH & Alkalinity Decrease
CAUSE or RESULT: Eye and Skin Irritation - SOLUTION: Drain spa and refill, if water is older than 30 days
CAUSE OR RESULT: Stained Spa - SOLUTION: Drain spa and refill, if water is older than 30 days
CAUSE OR RESULT: Cloudy Water- SOLUTION: Drain spa and refill, if water is older than 30 days
Calcium Deposits on Spa Surface - Heater, Fittings or Plumbing
CAUSE or RESULT: Hard Water - SOLUTION: Test water - if necessary add 1 ounce of pH & Alkalinity, re-test
CAUSE or RESULT: -pH Total Alkalinity Adjustment - SOLUTION: For preventive maintenance add Metal & Stain Control each week (1 oz. up to 400 gallons)
Cloudy or Murky Water
CAUSE or RESULT: pH - Total Alkalinity out of balance- SOLUTION: Test water - Increase or Decrease pH & Alkalinity as needed
CAUSE or RESULT: Plugged Filter - SOLUTION: Use Filter Revive (minimum 1 time per month)
CAUSE or RESULT: No Sanitizer Residual -SOLUTION: Add Chlorine or Bromine
CAUSE or RESULT: Oils, Soap, Foreign Matter - SOLUTION: Treat water with Crystal Clear Clarifier twice each week(1 oz. up to 400 gallons)
CAUSE or RESULT: Too Many Conflicting Chemicals- SOLUTION: Drain and refill if water is older than 30 days
Eye and Skin Irritation • Rashes and Allergies
CAUSE or RESULT Chloramines -SOLUTION: Shock treat with a non-chlorine shock
CAUSE or RESULT Water balance needs to becorrected (pH and alkalinity)- SOLUTION: Test water, Increase or Decrease pH & Alkalinity as needed
CAUSE or RESULT: Excessive Chlorine or Bromine -SOLUTION: Add fresh water and/or wait a day and retest sanitizer level
Excessive Foam
CAUSE or RESULT Build up of body oils, cosmetics, and contaminants- SOLUTION:
CAUSE or RESULT pH - Total alkalinity not in balance orcalcium level too low (soft water)-
SOLUTION: Test and correct water balance.Add Crystal Clear Clarifier or Spa Perfect to help remove oils and contaminants. Drain and refill
Blue Water
CAUSE or RESULT Copper metals in spa being eroded - SOLUTION: Drain and refill
CAUSE or RESULT Total alkalinity - pH below recommended level - SOLUTION Test and restore alkalinity and pH to proper levels
NOTE: Most water chemistry problems can be resolved by the recommended solutions above. Extreme chemical conditions may warrant draining and refilling the spa. Stains or calcium deposits on the spa may require attention prior to refilling.
Spa Maintenance
SPA MAINTENANCE
Start Up
1. Fill spa with cold water to correct water level indicated.
2. Turn power on. Verify water flow before proceeding.
3. Test water and adjust total alkalinity and pH if necessary.
4. Turn pumps on high while adding chemicals.
5. Add 8 oz. of METAL & STAIN CONTROL.
6. Add two tablespoons of CHLORINE.
7. Set temperature as desired.
Each Use
• Add 1 teaspoon of CHLORINE per person.
• Spas with OZONE should maintain a chlorine level of 1.0 ppm.
• Set Frog - Yellow to 3 - Lasts 3 to 4 weeks.
• Set Frog - Blue to 6 - Lasts 3 to 4 months.
Monday
• Test water and adjust total alkalinity and pH if necessary.
• Add 2 oz. of SPA PERFECT.
Wednesday
• Test water and adjust total alkalinity and pH if necessary.
• Add 2 oz. of CRYSTAL CLEAR CLARIFIER.
Friday
• Test water and adjust total alkalinity and pH if necessary.• Add 2 oz. of SHOCK TREATMENT. • Rinse filter off with high pressure garden hose.
Monthly
• Soak filters in FILTER REVIVE for a period of six hours to overnight.
• Clean spa cover with COVER CARE CLEANER and apply 303 PROTECTANT.
• Inspect equipment area.
• Test GFCI Breaker, reset filter cycle and heat mode.
Draining
• Every 4 months drain and refill.
• Replace the Frog Blue Mineral Purifier .
WARNING: Cloudy water may be unsafe, refer to the trouble shooting section.
Start Up
1. Fill spa with cold water to correct water level indicated.
2. Turn power on. Verify water flow before proceeding.
3. Test water and adjust total alkalinity and pH if necessary.
4. Turn pumps on high while adding chemicals.
5. Add 8 oz. of METAL & STAIN CONTROL.
6. Add two tablespoons of CHLORINE.
7. Set temperature as desired.
Each Use
• Add 1 teaspoon of CHLORINE per person.
• Spas with OZONE should maintain a chlorine level of 1.0 ppm.
• Set Frog - Yellow to 3 - Lasts 3 to 4 weeks.
• Set Frog - Blue to 6 - Lasts 3 to 4 months.
Monday
• Test water and adjust total alkalinity and pH if necessary.
• Add 2 oz. of SPA PERFECT.
Wednesday
• Test water and adjust total alkalinity and pH if necessary.
• Add 2 oz. of CRYSTAL CLEAR CLARIFIER.
Friday
• Test water and adjust total alkalinity and pH if necessary.• Add 2 oz. of SHOCK TREATMENT. • Rinse filter off with high pressure garden hose.
Monthly
• Soak filters in FILTER REVIVE for a period of six hours to overnight.
• Clean spa cover with COVER CARE CLEANER and apply 303 PROTECTANT.
• Inspect equipment area.
• Test GFCI Breaker, reset filter cycle and heat mode.
Draining
• Every 4 months drain and refill.
• Replace the Frog Blue Mineral Purifier .
WARNING: Cloudy water may be unsafe, refer to the trouble shooting section.
Thursday, January 15, 2009
Customer Rewards Program
COOL WATER POOLS AND SPAS
CUSTOMER REWARDS PROGRAM
AT COOL WATER WE’VE WORKED HARD TO EARN YOUR BUSINESS AND WE FEEL GOOD ABOUT THAT. WE’D LIKE TO SHOW OUR APPRECIATION TO YOU BY EXTENDING THE COOL WATER POOLS AND SPAS EXPERIENCE TO YOUR FRIENDS AND FAMILY.
VIP DISCOUNT MEMERSHIP
Every new Marquis spa owner receives a membership to our exclusive VIP Discount Membership Club. Your membership entitles you to 15% off our everyday price on all spa merchandise – in stock or catalog order! Just show your membership card when you place your order. This special membership never expires and may not be combined with other offers.
$100.00 GIFT CERTIFICATE
Enjoy a $100.00 gift certificate to spend on any Spa merchandise for every referral you provide that becomes a new Marquis Spa owner through Cool Water.
EARN A NEW SPA
Refer five customers who become new Marquis Spa owners through Cool Water within three years of the date of your initial delivery and earn a new Marquis Spa – Free! Simply trade-in your old spa for a brand new, comparably equipped spa of similar size and value, based on original purchase price.
The hot tub and delivery to your home are free, however, any electrical work, additional site preparation or special delivery needs (crane fees, decking, etc.) are the responsibility of the VIP member.
· Just ask your friends and family to present your referral cards (or at least your name) to the salesperson at the time of purchase.
· Only one reference may apply for each referral purchase.
· The referral period begins on the date your replacement spa is delivered. Hint: you could earn a new hot tub every three years!
Cool Water reserves the right to amend, change, or discontinue this program at any time without notice.
CUSTOMER REWARDS PROGRAM
AT COOL WATER WE’VE WORKED HARD TO EARN YOUR BUSINESS AND WE FEEL GOOD ABOUT THAT. WE’D LIKE TO SHOW OUR APPRECIATION TO YOU BY EXTENDING THE COOL WATER POOLS AND SPAS EXPERIENCE TO YOUR FRIENDS AND FAMILY.
VIP DISCOUNT MEMERSHIP
Every new Marquis spa owner receives a membership to our exclusive VIP Discount Membership Club. Your membership entitles you to 15% off our everyday price on all spa merchandise – in stock or catalog order! Just show your membership card when you place your order. This special membership never expires and may not be combined with other offers.
$100.00 GIFT CERTIFICATE
Enjoy a $100.00 gift certificate to spend on any Spa merchandise for every referral you provide that becomes a new Marquis Spa owner through Cool Water.
EARN A NEW SPA
Refer five customers who become new Marquis Spa owners through Cool Water within three years of the date of your initial delivery and earn a new Marquis Spa – Free! Simply trade-in your old spa for a brand new, comparably equipped spa of similar size and value, based on original purchase price.
The hot tub and delivery to your home are free, however, any electrical work, additional site preparation or special delivery needs (crane fees, decking, etc.) are the responsibility of the VIP member.
· Just ask your friends and family to present your referral cards (or at least your name) to the salesperson at the time of purchase.
· Only one reference may apply for each referral purchase.
· The referral period begins on the date your replacement spa is delivered. Hint: you could earn a new hot tub every three years!
Cool Water reserves the right to amend, change, or discontinue this program at any time without notice.
Customer Satisfaction Guarantee
COOL WATER POOLS AND SPAS
CUSTOMER SATISFACTION GUARANTEE
COOL WATER POOLS AND SPAS WANTS TO ENSURE YOUR SATISFACTION IN ALL ASPECTS OF YOUR HOT TUB PURCHASE. FROM THE FIRST CONTACT, TO SET UP AND ORIENTATION, OUR STAFF STRIVES TO MEET THIS GOAL AND MAKE SURE THAT EVERY HOT TUB EXPERIENCE YOU HAVE IS A PLEASURABLE ONE.
SATISFACTION GUARANTEED
If you become dissatisfied with your hot tub purchase for any reason within the first 30 days of delivery, Cool Water Pools and Spas will exchange it for a new model of equal value or refund your purchase price. Additional costs for delivery, financing, construction, electrical, water, or any other costs are the responsibility of the customer.
TRADE-UP PROGRAM
If you wish to trade-up to a higher-priced model within the first 30 days of delivery, Cool Water Pools and Spas will exchange your spa and apply 100% of the purchase price toward the new model. The difference in purchase price, applicable sales tax, construction, electrical, water or any other related costs are the responsibility of the customer.
PRICE PROTECTION
If you see Cool Water Pools and Spas advertise the same hot tub at a lower price within 90 days of the date of purchase, Cool Water Pools and Spas will provide you with an in-store credit for the difference. Advertising of discounted year-end closeouts, final sale models, used and refurbished, blemished, display models, or a model with features or pricing revised by the manufacturer are excluded from this policy.
FREE SPA MOVE
If you need your Marquis Spa moved, Cool Water Pools and Spas will move it free of charge within a 20 mile radius of the original site. This offer is valid for one move within one year of delivery of your hot tub. Additional costs for electrical, site preparation, water, crane fees, or any other site situations that may incur additional costs are the responsibility of the customer.
ACCESSORIES INSTALLATION
Cool Water Pools and Spas will install accessories such as a cover lift, towel rack, handrail or any other item attached to your spa, at no charge when purchased with your spa, at time of initial delivery of your new Marquis Spa.
IN-HOME ORIENTATION
Cool Water Pools and Spas will provide an in-home orientation to help you become familiar with the operation and chemical maintenance of your Marquis Spa.
QUALIFICATIONS AND LIMITATIONS
Purchase of a hot tub other than those manufactured by Marquis Spas or closeouts, final sales, used, blemished, or display models are excluded from this policy.
WELCOME TO THE COOL WATER POOLS AND SPAS FAMILY!
Cool Water Pools and Spas reserves the right to amend, change, or discontinue this program at any time without notice.
CUSTOMER SATISFACTION GUARANTEE
COOL WATER POOLS AND SPAS WANTS TO ENSURE YOUR SATISFACTION IN ALL ASPECTS OF YOUR HOT TUB PURCHASE. FROM THE FIRST CONTACT, TO SET UP AND ORIENTATION, OUR STAFF STRIVES TO MEET THIS GOAL AND MAKE SURE THAT EVERY HOT TUB EXPERIENCE YOU HAVE IS A PLEASURABLE ONE.
SATISFACTION GUARANTEED
If you become dissatisfied with your hot tub purchase for any reason within the first 30 days of delivery, Cool Water Pools and Spas will exchange it for a new model of equal value or refund your purchase price. Additional costs for delivery, financing, construction, electrical, water, or any other costs are the responsibility of the customer.
TRADE-UP PROGRAM
If you wish to trade-up to a higher-priced model within the first 30 days of delivery, Cool Water Pools and Spas will exchange your spa and apply 100% of the purchase price toward the new model. The difference in purchase price, applicable sales tax, construction, electrical, water or any other related costs are the responsibility of the customer.
PRICE PROTECTION
If you see Cool Water Pools and Spas advertise the same hot tub at a lower price within 90 days of the date of purchase, Cool Water Pools and Spas will provide you with an in-store credit for the difference. Advertising of discounted year-end closeouts, final sale models, used and refurbished, blemished, display models, or a model with features or pricing revised by the manufacturer are excluded from this policy.
FREE SPA MOVE
If you need your Marquis Spa moved, Cool Water Pools and Spas will move it free of charge within a 20 mile radius of the original site. This offer is valid for one move within one year of delivery of your hot tub. Additional costs for electrical, site preparation, water, crane fees, or any other site situations that may incur additional costs are the responsibility of the customer.
ACCESSORIES INSTALLATION
Cool Water Pools and Spas will install accessories such as a cover lift, towel rack, handrail or any other item attached to your spa, at no charge when purchased with your spa, at time of initial delivery of your new Marquis Spa.
IN-HOME ORIENTATION
Cool Water Pools and Spas will provide an in-home orientation to help you become familiar with the operation and chemical maintenance of your Marquis Spa.
QUALIFICATIONS AND LIMITATIONS
Purchase of a hot tub other than those manufactured by Marquis Spas or closeouts, final sales, used, blemished, or display models are excluded from this policy.
WELCOME TO THE COOL WATER POOLS AND SPAS FAMILY!
Cool Water Pools and Spas reserves the right to amend, change, or discontinue this program at any time without notice.
Tuesday, January 13, 2009
2009 Spa Pre-Delivery Instructions
Delivery Access
Our delivery team needs a minimum of 42" wide and 9' high from the delivery vehicle to the spa destination.
Our delivery team needs a minimum of 42" wide and 9' high from the delivery vehicle to the spa destination.
Surface Requirements
Your portable spa must set on a flat, solid surface. A concrete slab three to four inches thick, or a deck that can support 150lbs. per sq. ft. Hot Tubs and BBQ's can provide a concrete slab or a brick or paver pad for an additional charge. Installing the spa on any other surface may void the manufacturers warranty.
Your portable spa must set on a flat, solid surface. A concrete slab three to four inches thick, or a deck that can support 150lbs. per sq. ft. Hot Tubs and BBQ's can provide a concrete slab or a brick or paver pad for an additional charge. Installing the spa on any other surface may void the manufacturers warranty.
Leveling the Spa
A flat surface is required. A level surface is not required. Your spa should set flat without any high or low spots under the spa. A spa that is setting on a surface that slopes for drainage is perfectly acceptable. The leveling can be done for an additional charge and must be done prior to delivery.
A flat surface is required. A level surface is not required. Your spa should set flat without any high or low spots under the spa. A spa that is setting on a surface that slopes for drainage is perfectly acceptable. The leveling can be done for an additional charge and must be done prior to delivery.
Outdoor Ground Delivery
Unless otherwise specified, a standard delivery includes two men. If a delivery requires multiple delivery personnel or equipment, an additional charge may apply (see store for more information).
Unless otherwise specified, a standard delivery includes two men. If a delivery requires multiple delivery personnel or equipment, an additional charge may apply (see store for more information).
Deck Delivery
The deck must be able to support 150 lbs. per sq. ft. If your deck is higher than 3 ft. off the ground, we will need to use the staircase or a crane. If the stairs to your deck have a landing, the landing must be large enough to rotate the spa 90- degrees (the spa does not bend). Cool Water Pools and Spas delivery department are not qualified deck installers. If any part off the deck needs to be removed or altered to accommodate the delivery, it should be done by a licensed installer. Cool Water Pools and Spas is not responsible for any damage to decks, fences, or gates.
Basement Delivery
All basement deliveries require a site survey.
Electrical Requirements
110 volts - Included with your 110v spa is a 6' cord. You will need a 15 amp dedicated circuit. Do not use an extension cord or you could void the manufactures warranty.
220 volt - This System requires a 50 amp GFCI dedicated 220 volt breaker, using #6 copper wire, three wires plus a ground (total of 4 wires). your electrician will hard wire directly to the spa equipment. Therefore, a 220-voltcord is not provided.
Avoid this costly mistake! Electricians that aren't familiar with hooking up our spas will improperly wire the connections on the terminal block and short out the circuit board, rendering the spa inoperable and requiring a service call not covered under warranty. Cool Water Pools and Spas cannot absorb this costly mistake and will charge for replacement and labor of this part (Do not pay your electrician until spa is fully operational).
*All electrical must be performed by a licensed electrician.
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