A swimming pool is a great addition to the backyard, but it can also run up electricity bills very quickly. The good news is that there are many effective ways to make your swimming pool much more cost effective to operate. From energy efficient pumps to solar heaters, learn about how to enjoy your swimming pool to the fullest and be kind to the environment at the same time.

You may not live in hurricane alley, but any type of severe summer storm can damage your pool if you don't take proper precautions. Excess rain and high winds can create ground swells that may result in breakage of your pool interior. Flying debris can get into your pool and clog plumbing and filters. Screened patios can tear from the intensity of the wind and objects suspended in the jet stream. Electrical storms may result in damage to your pool equipment. If you are bracing for a major storm, take these steps to make sure your pool suffers minimal damage.

Water Levels

Picture this: It is the first warm, sunny day of the summer season and you decide to take a dip in your backyard pool. You don your favorite bathing suit (a little snugger than last year!) and grab a towel. As you open the gate to your swimming pool, you stop dead in your tracks. The pool is littered with leaves, debris and what is that green stuff floating in the corner? You toss down your towel and grab your skimmer. So much for swimming!

Just like an in ground pool, there are many advantages to covering your above ground pool when it is not in use. A cover keeps out the large debris like leaves that can clog your filter and cause problems with your equipment. The right cover helps the sun heat up your pool water so your heater doesn't have to work as hard. A cover is also important to protect your pool in the winter and prevent evaporation of your pool water. Most important, a pool cover adds an element of safety to your above ground pool by keeping small children and animals out of the water.

There are many reasons to cover your pool when it is not in use. First, a cover protects your pool from unwanted debris that can clog your filters and skimmer baskets. It also prevents water from evaporating and chemicals from being lost. Finally a pool cover is a safety device that keeps children and pets away from the water. There are many pool covers to choose from so you can find the one that will meet your specific needs the best. We've got the tips you need to choose the best cover for your swimming pool.

There are basically 3 reasons to get a pool cover, all of which are completely necessary if you are going to take on the responsibility of owning a swimming pool: 1) you need to protect your swimming pool water from dirt and particles that can clog your drain, 2) chemicals can evaporate if your pool is not properly covered, and 3) covers serve as a protection devise so that children and pets do not fall in. With that in mind, you now need to figure out which type of pool cover you need.