Vermiculite is the preferred base for vinyl liner swimming pool bottoms as they require a smooth, level, & nonabrasive base.  Strong is the leader in vermiculite (pool krete) for the swimming pool market.  Strong premix pool krete is easily applied and gives a perfectly formed bottom so the liner will not slip or wrinkle.  All [...]

By Megan O’Neill, Rodale.com Public pools across the country are open for the summer season, but a recent survey could make you think twice about jumping in. According to the poll, almost half of swimmers admit to one or more behaviors that contribute to an unsanitary pool. And you’ve probably suspected as much, since the [...]

However, th e relation ship between pH and total alkalinity (TA) is the most instrumental one that resides in your body of water…If the total alkalinity is in the right range, pH won’t be so volatile.  If your pH is bouncing, chances are the TA is too low.  TA is the real driving force to [...]

Penguin Pools of Milwaukee, WI is now pleased to announce that we are offering and installing the full line of Harmony Outdoor Living Products.  Harmony Outdoor offers modulated outdoor living spaces made from Unilock Pavers.  By having your designs pre-built, we can install them quicker and for less money than if we built the whole [...]

The Dec. 19, 2008, deadline has passed and the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commision has granted enforcement discretion to seasonal pools giving them until opening day to comply, but many operators are still facing challenges meeting the federally mandated requirements of the Virginia Graeme Baker Pool and Spa Safety Act. Some operators are also getting [...]

Why do pool builders always skimp or rush through the plumbing?  If it is done wrong or looks like junk, no one will be happy. Straight lines and having everything symmetric is always more appealing to the eyes, but not always possible.  Excessive use of 90 degree elbows will hinder water movement and add a [...]

Automating your swimming pool does one primary thing, it simplifies everything. Depending on the severity of your swimming pool and how many water and light features you have, will determine the size and cost of your automation system.  The more water features (fountains, waterfalls, spas, cascades, wet decks …) you have the larger the system [...]

5 Years ago the Swim Spa market was small and custom.  No one wanted to spend $20,000 + on a spa when they could spend a little more and have a full inground swimming pool.  Times have changed! People are more exercise and health conscience (or they want to be), plus they are looking to [...]

Penguin Pools of Milwaukee & Minneapolis is opening a new retail location in Lacrosse, WI. The new store will handle above ground and inground pools along with spas and hot tubs. The Lacrosse, WI location will be the third location for Penguin Pools (parent company Penguin Systems Unlimited) creating one of the strongest companies in [...]

Swimming pool operators are now required to install new safety devices aimed at preventing entanglement and drowning. Despite having nearly a year to comply with the Virginia Graeme Baker Pool and Spa Safety Act , commonly referred to as the Pool and Spa Safety Act, a lot of operators failed to update their facilities. Many [...]