Spores are nearly invisible.
Wash suits often.

You may be wearing algae and not even know it!

Even though the water in your pool may have been treated to get rid of algae, the algae can come back or contaminate someone else’s pool.  One reason is that spores continue to survive on your swimsuit.

After you treat your pool for algae, be sure to wash any clothing such as bathing suits, towels, shirts or shorts that have been in the contaminated water.  Wash all clothing items as you normally would in your washing machine using detergent.  Left unwashed, swim suits and clothing could not only recontaminate your pool, but also spread it to other pools where your family swims.

It’s also important to soak all pool toys, pool brushes, pool skimmers and all other pool-related tools in your pool with algae treatment or simply pour chlorine over them.  Otherwise, your pool is at risk of re-contamination.

Sometimes keeping your pool clean, safe and fun goes beyond what your pool service can do by themselves.  Taking a few simple precautions with clothing and tools and help a lot.

Breaded Ranch Chicken

BREADED RANCH CHICKEN – so easy to make and it tastes great every time.  Company coming to swim in an hour?  All you need is chicken breasts, cornflakes, grated Parmesan cheese, butter and ranch salad dressing mix.

8 boneless skinless chicken breasts (about 2 lbs)
3/4 cup crushed corn flakes
3/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 envelope ranch salad dressing mix
1/2 cup melted butter

In a shallow bowl combine the cornflakes, cheese and salad dressing mix.  Dip washed and dried chicken in butter.  Then roll chicken in cornflake mixture to coat thoroughly.  Place in greased 13 x 9 dish and bake, uncovered at 350 for about 45 minutes until chicken juices run clear.

http://www.swimtether.com

I took a clothes line (yep, sometimes I hang my sheets outside), and tied one end around the base of the diving board, and the other end around my waste.

Simple, yes.  Cheap, yes.  But there’s a problem.  If the rope is too low, your feet and legs get tangled up in it.  Definitely, not cool!

Then I discovered the right way to hook up a tether, and that’s to use a pole.  That keeps the line high enough so it doesn’t interfere with your feet.

To my pleasant surprise, ready-made tethers are not expensive, at least for the line and the belt that goes around your waste.  That part can be as low as $35.  The pole, however, could approach as much as $190 + installation, depending on whether it’s made out of flexible fiberglass or stainless steel.

Mounting Pole for Tether Line

http://www.swim-in-place.com

I do suggest buying a ground mount – a nice receptacle in which to insert the pole.  You’ll want to be able to remove the pole from time to time, so this is a good addition.











All in all, tethers are a lot cheaper than a continuous river pool, and can be very effective in a regular exercise program.

So, move over, Mike Phelps!

With a little training, I’ll be ready for the Olympics.  Well, maybe my kids will…  :-)

Built-in Firepit

The weather forecast for Fresno and Clovis this Valentine’s Day might not inspire outdoor activities, but what could be better than snuggling close to your significant other next to an outdoor fire.

Floating Candles

Let’s add some floating candles to the pool for atmosphere, and maybe pull that double sleeping bag out of the camper.  I don’t know what it is about candles, but there’s nothing more romantic in my opinion.

Our pool doesn’t have the built-in style fire pit, but frankly, I like the moveable kind even better.  I think they radiate a little more warmth.  Maybe because they’re open on the bottom.

Moveable Fire Pit

Tell me how you spent your Valentine’s Day!

Lisa