Simply follow this three-step program for sparkling pool water maintenance and peace of mind.

Step 1: 24-hour a day protection

The most important reason that we sanitise pool water is to prevent swimmers from getting sick. Unchlorinated pool water is the perfect environment for harmful bacteria to survive and proliferate.

Provide 24-hour-a-day protection by regularly testing water quality and adding chlorine, whether in salt, tablet, liquid or granular form. If you’re in the process of building a pool or upgrading equipment, your local Swimart technician can advise on the most simple and economic system for you.

Step 2: Maintain sparkling water

It is important to recognise that even when a pool is properly chlorinated and safe to swim in, it can, from time to time, take on a dull, flat look. This is typically caused by non-filtrable wastes such as body fats, suntan oils, urine, perspiration etc, some of which contribute significantly to the formation of chloramines. 

Chloramines give off a distinctive chlorine smell. When this occurs, it is important to bring the water back to its clean, safe, sparkling condition by “shocking” the pool water. You can achieve this by adding Aqua-Health Pool Shock or Aqua-Health Ultra Shock. Either product should be added to pool water approximately once a month during the winter period and every two weeks during the summer season.

Step 3: Effectively eliminate algae

Any pool owner who has had to suffer an algae infestation in their pool will know that the cost in both time and money to remove it can be substantial. Swimart recommends regularly adding a high-quality algaecide such as Aqua-Health Algatrol Concentrate. Only a very small amount is required approximately every two weeks to keep algae at bay and protect chlorine used in Step 1 more effective.

Note: It doesn’t matter how much shock you put in the pool if you have a poor filter. Your Swimart technician can check if you have a mechanical problem and how to rectify it.

Swimart’s autumn pool care checklist

Using your pool less in winter means reducing the amount of time your filter needs to be operated, meaning your next energy bill will be cheaper. Instead of the typical eight hours, your pool filter may only need to operate between three and four hours a day. (Read the manufacturer’s instructions or talk to your local Swimart pool professional to find out exactly how much.)

Your autumn pool care plan will depend on the type of pool you own, however these 10 tips will help maintain healthy water and ensure equipment is running smoothly.

1. Change the filter’s running mode from summer to winter
2. Reduce the filter’s running hours from eight to three to four hours a day (refer to manual if unsure)
3. Check sanitiser levels fortnightly
4. Check total alkalinity fortnightly
5. Check pH fortnightly and maintain between 7.2 and 7.8. Use Aqua-Health pH increaser or pH decreaser to adjust if necessary
6. Skim the pool surface of leaves, and regularly clean the pool and vacuum the walls and floor every few weeks
7. Regularly check pool equipment is working properly
8. Use a shock treatment throughout winter. Once appropriate levels have been added, run both the pump and filter for several hours to ensure it is evenly circulated throughout the pool
9. Use an algaecide that’s appropriate for your pool
10. Use a pool cover to prevent evaporation, protect chemicals and stop debris from dirtying water. Just remember to take it off regularly to visually check water clarity

If your pool isn’t looking its best, visit the new-look www.swimart.com.au or pop into your local Swimart store for a free comprehensive water check.

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1. PVC curtains:

According to new findings, PVC or vinyl shower curtains may give off toxic fumes, causing asthma and headaches.

2. Showerheads:

Showerheads accumulate biofilms if not cleaned regularly, covering you in bacteria every time you shower.

3. Taps:

Burns and scalds are a major cause of serious injury in children from newborn to 14 years old. Most hot tap water scalds occur in the bathroom.

4. Handrails:

Getting in and out of the tub without grips or railings can cause injuries; 80% of bathroom injuries are due to falls.

5. Towels:

Bath towels harbour dead skin cells, broken hair and body oils, which bacteria thrive on.

6. Sinks:

Because they are constantly damp, sinks actually carry more bacteria than toilets.

7. Toilet:

Your toilet splashes bacteria up to 20 feet away every time you flush with the lid up.

8. Corners:

Humidity and poor ventilation cause mould to grow in corners, leading to health problems like allergies and asthma.

YUCK! Find solutions to these icky problems with this advice from John Spiteri of Brindabella Bathrooms

Image by Iriana Shiyan/bigstock.com
From Bathroom Yearbook magazine 16

The post 8 shocking bathroom facts appeared first on Completehome.

1. PVC curtains:

According to new findings, PVC or vinyl shower curtains may give off toxic fumes, causing asthma and headaches.

SOLUTION: Use a frameless or semi-frameless glass shower screen instead. Glass is much more durable, and so much easier to clean than a plastic “curtain”. It enhances the look of your bathroom and allows light to flow, making the space appear larger. Glass is also much safer for children using the bathroom.

2. Showerheads:

Showerheads accumulate biofilms if not cleaned regularly, covering you in bacteria every time you shower.

SOLUTION: You’ll never be able to avoid build up on your showerhead but a simple dousing in warmed white vinegar (either remove the showerhead and submerge in vinegar or wrap a vinegar-filled bag around the showerhead overnight) will do the trick. Some manufacturers have released “self cleaning” showerheads but there are not that many around as yet so it’s best to speak to your designer to find out if there is a product in your budget that would suit your needs.

3. Taps:

Burns and scalds are a major cause of serious injury in children from newborn to 14 years old. Most hot tap water scalds occur in the bathroom.

SOLUTION: Check out your tap options and discuss these with your designer. There is a range of sensor taps which use colour to indicate heat (red when hot, blue when cold) plus there are smart taps which allow you to set the flow and temperature to ensure the water never gets too hot.
The NSW Code of Practice, Plumbing and Drainage specifies that every new hot water installation to sanitary fixtures used mainly for personal hygiene purposes (ie. bathrooms and ensuites) must deliver hot water at a temperature not exceeding 50-degrees Celcius. Ensure your builder, plumber or designer adheres to the code.

4. Handrails

Getting in and out of the tub without grips or railings can cause injuries; 80% of bathroom injuries are due to falls.

SOLUTION: Grab rails (sometimes also called handrails) should be an integral part of your bathroom design. Speak to your designer about what to include and where, as this should be customised for your circumstances. Some clever manufacturers have designed these to be part of the shower fitting (for example, a shower rail) so as not to offend clients who may not yet have accepted the need for such safety features.

5. Towels

Bath towels harbour dead skin cells, broken hair and body oils, which bacteria thrive on.

SOLUTION: The rotation of dirty towels for clean towels should be a part of your weekly routine. One idea to discuss with your designer is the incorporation of a laundry shute or similar receptacle which can help make the process quick and easy.

6. Sinks

Because they are constantly damp, sinks actually carry more bacteria than toilets.

SOLUTION: Minimise areas in which bacteria can grow by considering an undermounted sink which is attached to the underside of the vanity top and doesn’t have a “lip” around which water can pool and remain damp. Alternatively, a moulded sink – which is incorporated as part of the vanity top – has no joins in which bacteria can gather. Always choose a high-quality ceramic sink as these have more water-repelling properties than a PVC product.

7. Toilet

Your toilet splashes bacteria up to 20 feet away every time you flush with the lid up.

SOLUTION: An automatic-close toilet lid will keep those pesky bacteria contained within the bowl. Versions are available which are touchless and some also come with soft-close options.

8. Corners

Humidity and poor ventilation cause mold to grow in corners, leading to health problems like allergies and asthma.

SOLUTION: Careful planning and design of the bathroom will maximise ventilation and allow for air-flow to reduce humidity. Choice of materials and particular attention paid to how corners are joined will go a long way to minimising the build-up of mould in your bathroom.

Australian Building Standards require 20 per cent of the floor area to be of light-emitting product (for example, glass) and 10 per cent of the floor area to be able to open to outside (for example, a window or skylight). Mechanical devices such as an exhaust fan, together with a well-designed heating solution, will reduce mould. Where possible, I always recommend underfloor heating.

Solutions provided by John Spiteri, Certified Bathroom Designer (Aus), from Brindabella Bathrooms. brindabellabathrooms.com.au

The post 8 shocking bathroom facts – solutions appeared first on Completehome.

Could your home be a health hazard to you and your family? Sustainably expert Eminè Mehmet shares her advice on avoiding volatile organic compounds, particulates and other pollutants.

By Eminè Mehmet, FDIA

Image: This home is far from toxic. It has been painted with Dulux Wash & Wear paints which are all eco-choice paints, meaning they contain less than 5g per litre of VOCs. dulux.com.au

Volatile Organic Compounds

Volatile organic compounds (VOCs) are organic chemicals emitted in a gas form when they reach a certain temperature. They include both man-made and naturally occurring chemical compounds, which may have adverse health effects when inhaled or cause harm to the environment during manufacture, use and disposal.

Surprisingly, VOCs are found in many everyday products, such as:

–        Building materials: carpets and adhesives, composite wood products used to make kitchens (eg MDF), paints, paint strippers, upholstery fabrics and vinyl floors.

–        Household and personal care products: cosmetics, pesticides, aerosol sprays, cleansers and disinfectants, moth repellents and air fresheners, stored fuels and automotive products, hobby supplies, and even dry-cleaned clothing.

–        Everyday living: gas heating, gas stoves and smoking.

According to the United States Environmental Protection Agency in 2011, studies have shown that levels of VOCs can average 2–5 times higher indoors than outdoors. During and for long periods after performing activities such as paint stripping, levels may be 1000 times higher than outdoor levels.

TIP: Carpet and paint make up the largest areas in your home. If you’re planning to repaint or recarpet, reduce your VOC exposure by choosing paints with low VOC content and natural fibre carpets installed with low VOC adhesives.

Health effects

The risk of your health being affected by inhaling VOCs is dependent on several factors:

–        The amount of VOCs in a product;

–        Rate at which the VOCs are released;

–        Volume of the air in the room;

–        Ventilation rate;

–        Outdoor concentrations of VOCs; and

–        Your personal sensitivity to VOCs.

Common symptoms of short-term VOC exposure can include: eye, nose, skin and throat irritation, headaches, nausea or vomiting, dizziness and worsening of asthma symptoms. Long-term exposure to concentrated amounts can lead to far more serious health risks such as cancer, liver and kidney damage, and damage to the central nervous system.

Common VOC chemicals found in everyday items include benzene, formaldehyde, acetone, ethanol, methanol, dichlorobenzene and toluene. All of these are considered to be carcinogenic to human beings.

When you’re building or renovating, consider the VOC content in the new materials and products you use, as they may contaminate your indoor air for up to seven years after installation. Contamination can increase during the winter months when we seal up our homes and turn up the heat, transforming VOCs into toxic gases.

TIP: Soft furnishings are a haven for dust mites, pollen and dander — both animal and human — as well as other particulates. To reduce build-up, regular maintenance is necessary through beating them on a regular basis, as well as vacuuming and airing them. 

Alternative materials

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