Swimming lessons are an activity that all children should be engaged in, and there are many options for those with their own swimming pool. For instance, by hosting your own swimming lessons, you can save money and cut your travel time because the instructor will simply come to you. You may be able to find an individual instructor who will come to your home to give swim lessons, or it may be a backyard swimming lesson service that sends someone.

You can also choose to host swimming lessons for the entire neighbourhood, giving you an opportunity to get to know your neighbours while the children learn life-saving skills in the pool.

Many of the individuals or businesses that provide at-home swimming lessons also provide lifeguarding services that can be booked for pool parties, providing a bit of extra safety for your next backyard event.

Learning to swim can save lives while providing your children with fun and exercise during the summer months when they’re out of school. CPR training and general pool safety is a part of most swimming lesson curriculums, and strong swimming skills can come in handy in a number of situations.

It’s also never too late to learn how to swim.  Both adult swimming and CPR courses can be taken in the privacy of your own backyard swimming pool.

Legal stuff

In some cases, swimming lesson companies may require that your home insurance is fully up to date. Participants may also be required to sign waivers, but this can differ from business to business and is dependent on whether children that are not your own will be receiving lessons.

Typically, the person giving the lesson has their own insurance but you are fully within your right to ask them about their certification and qualifications.

This summer, make your backyard swimming pool a safe haven and a great way to meet neighbours while also providing your kids with a valuable gift – swimming skills.

Contact Bremner Pool & Spa today for swimming pool safety, maintenance, products and services.  Free Quotes Available.

About Bremner Pool & Spa:  Established since 1981, Bremner Pool & Spa is one of the premiere swimming pool safety,  maintenance and service companies in the Greater Toronto Area (GTA).  We operate 10 state-of-the art service vehicles and offer a variety of high quality and eco friendly products & services including pool openings, partial pool openings, pool closings, weekly pool service, pool leak detection & repair, heaters, liners and pumps.  As well, Bremner Pool & Spa complies with all City of Toronto By Laws for Pools, Hot Tubs and Spas.

We provide swimming pool safety devices and maintenance throughout the GTA including Ajax, Durham, East York, Forest Hill, Markham, North York, Oshawa, Pickering, Richmond Hill, Scarborough, Thornhill, Unionville, Vaughan and Whitby, Ontario.

Regular maintenance is a primary component in keeping a swimming pool in top shape for the season, at your beck and call whenever you need it. 

Your swimming pool is at the mercy of your environment (rain, leaves, bugs, frogs) and just about anything else that can end up in the water, throwing off the chemical balance or leading to algae, dirt and grime.  

Controlling some of these elements is easy while others call for a professional helping hand.  

The easy stuff 

Skimming the top of the pool on a regular basis not only keeps anything debris off of the surface of the water, but it can also help to prevent larger things like leaves from getting stuck in the skimmer basket and pump basket, slowing down the filtration system.  

When the water level drops due to evaporation, remember to top it off again using a garden hose. Otherwise, if you wait too long and the water level is too low it can affect the efficiency of the filter as well as take seemingly forever to fill back up again. 

Emptying the skimmer and pump baskets should be done on a frequent basis – almost daily, if your situation calls for it.  Those living in more rural areas may have many trees and therefore leaves falling into their pools, as well as frogs and other critters that can be saved from drowning if found in time.  

When performing these checks, it’s also a good idea to ensure that all of the pool components, like pumps and heaters, are debris free. These components can get quite hot and clutter can lead to a fire. 

Equipment checks, chemicals and vacuuming 

Professional swimming pool maintenance can help you take care of the more complicated aspects of properly maintaining your pool. This includes monitoring the pool system and checking all piping and components for any leaks or obstructions, adding chemicals and performing water testing to check the pool’s chemistry.  

Pool vacuuming is something else that can be done on a weekly basis, or somewhat less frequently if you don’t experience a lot of rainfall. This vacuuming can help remove any debris or dirt that ends up on the bottom of the pool, and regularly brushing the sides of the pool can also help keep it clean and ready for swimming any time.  

Contact Bremner Pool & Spa today for swimming pool maintenance, products and services.  Free Quotes Available.

About Bremner Pool & Spa:  Established since 1981, Bremner Pool & Spa is one of the premiere swimming pool maintenance, safety and service companies in the Greater Toronto Area (GTA).  We operate 10 state-of-the art service vehicles and offer a variety of high quality and eco friendly products & services including pool openings, partial pool openings, pool closings, weekly pool service, pool leak detection & repair, heaters, liners and pumps.  As well, Bremner Pool & Spa complies with all City of Toronto By Laws for Pools, Hot Tubs and Spas.

We provide swimming pool maintenance throughout the GTA including Ajax, Durham, East York, Forest Hill, Markham, North York, Oshawa, Pickering, Richmond Hill, Scarborough, Thornhill, Unionville, Vaughan and Whitby, Ontario.

Swimming Pools and Chemicals
Swimming pools require chemical maintenance to keep them clean and fit for swimming. These chemicals combat bacteria and algae while sanitizing and balancing the water. Specifically designed for swimming pools, these chemicals are meant to be diluted by thousands of liters of water and should be safely handled before adding them to the swimming pool.  

It is important to note to always keep swimming pool chemical containers closed and stored in a dry, cool place at least 6 inches above the ground.  Do not store pool chemicals in the same air space as a pool heater . The fumes are flammable and will cause corrosion of your heater.

Safely Adding Chemicals to Your Swimming Pool
When adding chemicals to your swimming pool, always add the chemical to the water and never water directly to the chemical. All pool chemicals should be added separately, never combined beforehand and then added to a pool.

Wash your hands after handling swimming pool chemicals and keep them out of children’s reach. 

Always read the labels on any pool chemical. This includes following the measurement guidelines and not swimming before the label says it’s okay.  

Some pool chemicals are oxidizers, and some are acids.  An example of an oxidizer is chlorine and an example of an acid is a pH-lowering solution. These pool chemicals should always be kept away from each other and never used together. Similar to  bleach and vinegar, these two types of chemicals can create deadly chlorine gas if mixed.  Stored properly and used safely, pool chemicals can be a safe component of swimming pool health and safety.

Contact Bremner Pool & Spa today for swimming pool safety tips, products and services.  Free Quotes Available.

About Bremner Pool & Spa:  Established since 1981, Bremner Pool & Spa is one of the premiere swimming pool safety and service companies in the Greater Toronto Area (GTA).  We operate 10 state-of-the art service vehicles and offer a variety of high quality and eco friendly products & services including pool openings, partial pool openings, pool closings, weekly pool service,  pool leak detection & repair, heaters, liners and pumps.  As well, Bremner Pool & Spa complies with all City of Toronto By Laws for Pools, Hot Tubs and Spas.

To ensure a fun and safe summer, especially for your kids, consider kiddy-proofing your pool.  To find out how, read on…

Proper Pool Fencing 
According to Health Canada, the majority of swimming pool accidents that involve children occur because the pool is not fenced all the way around, the gate to the fence may not close properly or be locked at all times, or a child can access the pool through a door from the house, such as a patio door.  

The City of Toronto’s swimming pool fence bylaw states that swimming pools must be completely surrounded by a fence. The fence should have a properly locking door or gate, as also recommended by Health Canada. 

Adult Supervision
Children should always swim with adult supervision and have a buddy, who can alert the adult if there is trouble.

Swimming Lessons
Swimming lessons are also a very good idea to quickly turn your kids into able-bodied and attentive swimmers.  

Pools Safety Covers
Pool safety covers are also available for extra protection. These covers differ from solar blankets (which can entrap children if they fall in) because they are a thicker cover that is secured around the pool, pulled taught to prevent any entanglement or sinking. These safety covers are similar to the covers put on pools in the winter, but are more temporary and can be removed before swimming. Some of these covers are even mechanical, and can be operated using a key with little effort.  

Pool Safety Alarms
New technologies are also emerging to better protect your children around the swimming pool. For instance, there are automatic warning systems that detect motion around the pool.

There is also a device called a Safety Turtle, which is a cute, turtle-shaped wristband that resembles a wristwatch. They can be left on the child all day, and will alert parents with an alarm when the device is immersed in fresh water. It’s portable, can travel with you to the cottage or friend’s pools and can even be worn by pets.  

More permanent alarms for home swimming pools are also available. These alarms are triggered by loud noises (such as a splash) or by motion around the pool, but keep in mind each device is meant to supplement parental supervision, not replace it.

Ropes and Flotation Devices
Pool safety can also be as simple as using ropes to let swimmers know where the shallow end slopes into the deep end, as well as keeping life rings and other flotation devices around the pool in case someone falls in.   Making pool safety a priority will result in a much more memorable and enjoyable summer. 

Contact Bremner Pool & Spa today for pool safety tips, products and  services.  Free Quotes Available.

About Bremner Pool & Spa:  Established since 1981, Bremner Pool & Spa is one of the premiere swimming pool safety and service companies in the Greater Toronto Area (GTA).  We operate 10 state-of-the art service vehicles and offer a variety of high quality and eco friendly products & services including pool openings, partial pool openings, pool closings, weekly pool service,  pool leak detection & repair, heaters, liners and pumps.  As well, Bremner Pool & Spa complies with all City of Toronto By Laws for Pools, Hot Tubs and Spas.

Existing swimming pools 

If an existing in-ground swimming pool is purchased along with a home or property, it is considered real property (items permanently attached to land) and is not taxable. Other examples of real property include driveways, patios and fences.   An above-ground swimming pool is considered a fixture, meaning it’s attached to the property somewhat permanently. These too, are not taxable under the HST. Other examples of fixtures include water heaters and built-in appliances.  

New swimming pools 

Installing a new swimming pool after July 1, 2010 will be subject to the HST, as will landscaping services and any home renovation labour related to new swimming pools. Most goods and services provided by registered businesses are taxable under the new HST.  

Swimming Pool Maintenance
Swimming pool maintenance services are taxable under the HST because they’re a service supplied during the course of a commercial activity, and any goods and services once taxable under the GST are now going to be taxable under the higher HST.  The HST is also added to your utility costs, including electricity, natural gas or hydro.

Find out more about what products and services will be subject to the HST.

To find out how you can save money on your pool energy bills, read our blog posting on energy-efficient pool equipment. 

Contact Bremner Pool & Spa today for pool maintenance services.  Free Quotes Available.

About Bremner Pool & Spa:  Established since 1981, Bremner Pool & Spa is one of the premiere swimming pool maintenance companies in the Greater Toronto Area (GTA).  We operate 10 state-of-the art service vehicles and offer a variety of high quality and eco friendly products & services including pool openings, partial pool openings, pool closings, weekly pool service,  pool leak detection & repair, heaters, liners and pumps.  As well, Bremner Pool & Spa complies with all City of Toronto By Laws for Pools, Hot Tubs and Spas.

What Causes Pool Leaks?

Pool leaks can be simple or complex and can result from cracks in the pool shell, holes in the vinyl liner or as an issue with the plumbing. Pool leaks may not be only caused by improper installation – they could also be due to aging or wear and tear of certain pool components.  Determining where a leak may be coming from can be difficult and even impossible to detect on your own.

Professional pool service companies that offer leak detection services have a variety of methods at their disposal, from electronic and sonic pool leak detection devices to plumbing leak detection scopes.   A professional pool service company will be able to determine the cause of the leak and  take measures to fix the problem.

To simplify this process, pool owners can run two simple tests to help identify in advance where the leak may be coming from.  First, mark where the pool water level is. Run the pump for 24 hours, and then mark any change in water level. This simple test should then be completed again with the pump turned off for 24 hours.  This will tell the pool service company where the leak may be originating.  

Bremner Pool and Spa is an innovator in pool leak detection.  Using specialized equipment, we’re able to detect and repair pool leaks quickly and efficiently.

Contact Bremner Pool & Spa today for pool leak detection services.  Free Quotes Available.

About Bremner Pool & Spa:  Established since 1981, Bremner Pool & Spa is one of the premiere swimming pool service companies in the Greater Toronto Area (GTA).  We operate 10 state-of-the art service vehicles and offer a variety of high quality and eco friendly products & services including pool openings, partial pool openings, pool closings, weekly pool service,  pool leak detection & repair, heaters, liners and pumps.  As well, Bremner Pool & Spa complies with all City of Toronto By Laws for Pools, Hot Tubs and Spas.

Saltwater sanitization

For this method, small amounts of salt are introduced to the swimming pool which eventually breaks down into chlorine, killing bacteria. These systems are essentially “self-cleaning” and the amount of salt used is not noticeable to the swimmers. Saltwater systems also offer an easy-to-use digital readout, which eliminates continuous chemical water testing and monitoring.

The use of salt sanitizing systems also keep pH levels stabilized at a neutral level longer, which eliminates the swimming pool owner having to constantly adjust the pH levels chemically. These systems allow for a lower level of chlorine, are easy to maintain and make the water feel softer.  Further, the more neutral pH and salt content of the water are far easier on the eyes and skin.

UV sanitization

Using ultra-violet light rays, this pool sanitizing system kills bacteria and organisms like algae by using UV light to destroy bacteria and tiny organisms through a device that works with the pool’s pump system. This method still uses chlorine, but far less than in standard pool systems. Using less chlorine helps  reduce red eyes and the potential for skin irritation. The UV system will also continue to sanitize the water if the chlorine levels in the swimming pool become low.

Ozone generators

Similar to a UV system, an ozone generator works as an oxidizer, yet requires much lower levels of chlorine than a standard swimming pool system. An ozone generator produces ozone gas, which is dispersed through the filtration system, killing bacteria and other microorganisms as it works.

These eco-friendly pool cleaning methods are better for the environment and healthier for your family. They also do not tend to damage liners, pool blankets or surrounding materials like increased levels of chlorine and other chemicals can.

Contact Bremner Pool & Spa today for eco-friendly pool cleaning services.  Free Quotes Available.

About Bremner Pool & Spa:  Established since 1981, Bremner Pool & Spa is one of the premiere swimming pool service companies in the Greater Toronto Area (GTA).  We operate 10 state-of-the art service vehicles and offer a variety of high quality and eco friendly products & services including pool openings, partial pool openings, pool closings, weekly pool service, leak detection & repair, heaters, liners and pumps.  Please know that Bremner Pool & Spa complies with all City of Toronto By Laws for Pools, Hot Tubs and Spas.

It pays to go green

For many homeowners, going green isn’t just about being environmentally-friendly, it’s also about lowering energy consumption and reducing energy costs. As a result, pool owners are looking for a wider variety of options to help them keep their pool environmentally-friendly and energy-efficient. Fortunately, there are an increasing number of options for those looking to do both.  To find out how, read on.

Specialized equipment

The proper sizing of your pool’s filtration equipment is an important aspect of “going green”. Using smaller pumps and larger pipes will lower overall energy costs, and this allows you to maximize pool circulation and pumping while lowering overall energy consumption. It also reduces the wear and tear on the equipment itself, because it’s under less stress when in use.

Solar heaters are also available as an alternative to electric or gas powered heaters.  In fact, solar pool heaters can keep your pool warmer and opened longer via free energy from the sun; in some cases, a solar pool heater can add up to 2 – 4 weeks to your swimming season. The idea is catching on with over 10% of the Canada pool heating market presently making use of solar pool heaters.

Cartridge filtration is another option, as these devices filter fine particles from the water – particles much finer than even sand – reducing the need for weekly backwashing. The elimination of the need for weekly backwashing lessens the loss of water, chemicals and heat from your swimming pool. Most systems are sized to require cleaning as little as once or twice a season.

Using standard pool features wisely

Solar Blankets can provide a lot more “green” to your pool than you might realize. On one hand, they can reduce the amount of  pool water that evaporates  and needs to be replaced. On the other, they can help heat your pool and can eliminate the need for a heater in some cases.

Take advantage of your Smart Meter and save money

Most homes in Ontario are now required to have Smart Meters. Smart Meters are electricity meters that record the time (hours) during the day when electricity is used, unlike older meters that measure the total amount of energy used per billing period.

Once an area in the province switches over to “time-of-use” pricing, different prices will be in effect for different times of the day. By taking advantage of the Smart Meter, you can set your swimming pool heater and pump to work during off-peak hours, when energy costs are lower.

A pool timer can ensure your pool equipment is only operating during off-peak hours, but keep in mind that a two-stage timer is required for heater pump applications to turn the heater off 20 minutes before the pump, so that the pipes do not become overheated and begin to melt.

Contact Bremner Pool & Spa today for eco-friendly pool cleaning services.  Free Quotes Available.

About Bremner Pool & Spa:  Established since 1981, Bremner Pool & Spa is one of the premiere swimming pool service companies in the Greater Toronto Area (GTA).  We operate 10 state-of-the art service vehicles and offer a variety of high quality and eco friendly products & services including pool openings, partial pool openings, pool closings, weekly pool service, leak detection & repair, heaters, liners and pumps.  Please know that Bremner Pool & Spa complies with all City of Toronto By Laws for Pools, Hot Tubs and Spas.

The City of Toronto has outlined maximum chemical readings for water that is illegally dumped on city streets or in storm sewers and will fine both pool companies and homeowners that do not comply.  The new policy affects 2 groups of pool owners:

1.  Regular Pool Covers Using Chlorine: For most customers with chlorine or bromine pools, pool openings and pool closings will proceed as usual.  For pool openings, the water on your winter cover can be pumped to the streets, as it is chemical free.  For pool closings, and in our effort to comply with the City of Toronto’s Bylaws, Bremner Pool & Spa has installed de-chlorination equipment on our pumps in order to neutralize residual chlorine.  However, when it comes to weekly backwash you must comply with the same guidelines.  If you are running backwash into the storm sewer, you will need both a small cartridge filter and a de-chlorinator installed to clean the backwash water and neutralize the chlorine.  It is acceptable to backwash into a sanitary sewer or onto your lawn without running onto a neighbour’s property. 

Note: Safety Covers – These are treated the same except at pool openings: if there is still a chlorine reading in the water, we will need to use de-chlorinating tablets.

2.  Salt Pools with Regular Pool Covers:  For pool openings, we can pump the water on the cover to the street.  However, a problem does exist for pool closings and weekly backwash, as the city will not allow this water in their storm sewers. There are no exceptions – it is impossible to de-salinate the water. That said, a few exceptions do exist:

(a) You can hook up your backwash line to your sanitary sewer.  This is an expensive option and you would have to ensure that any excess water flow will not backup into your basement.

(b) The second option is for salt customers to lower their water level with a small submersible pump and garden hose, running it off into a laundry sink or any access to a sanitary line.  The process is slow and will require planning.  Several pool service companies used this method last fall with some success.  Both pool openings and pool closings can be handled this way, however, regular backwash of sand filters cannot.  Unfortunately, if a larger volume sanitary drain line cannot be accessed, the only solution would be to change your sand filter to a cartridge system.

Read more about pool opening and closing best practices.

Contact Bremner Pool & Spa today for professional indoor and outdoor pool opening services.  Free Quotes Available.

About Bremner Pool & Spa:  Established since 1981, Bremner Pool & Spa is one of the premiere swimming pool service companies in the Greater Toronto Area (GTA).  We operate 8 state-of-the art pool service vehicles and offer a variety of high quality and eco-friendly pool products & services including pool openings, partial pool openings, pool closings, weekly pool service, leak detection & repair, heaters, liners and pumps.  Please know that Bremner Pool & Spa complies with all City of Toronto By Laws for Pools, Hot Tubs and Spas.

Areas of Service: We provide pool services throughout the GTA including Ajax, Durham, East York, Forest Hill, Markham, North York, Oshawa, Pickering, Richmond Hill, Scarborough, Thornhill, Unionville, Vaughan and Whitby, Ontario.

Many people think that the end of May is the best time to open a swimming pool, but the reality is that as soon as the snow and ice are gone from the area it can be open for business. Once the pool no longer faces the threat of freezing, it’s completely fine to go ahead and open it up for summer. If you have a pool heater, you’ll even be able to swim in it much earlier. 

Earlier openings can also help fight algae growth and ensure that you have clear, clean water for when your family is ready to start swimming.  Keep in mind that it may take around two to three days to get the pool swim-ready, but opening your pool sooner can also give you a better chance of catching any problems or making necessary repairs on issues that might have occurred over the winter months. 

The date you choose for a pool opening also affects the amount of work you’ll need to put into the pool to keep it swimmable, as most pools require between four and eight hours per week of maintenance.

Maintaining a pool does not have to be a hassle, and if you don’t want to take on the responsibility of maintaining it yourself, a reputable pool services company will gladly do this for you.

Whether your pool is for exercise, family use, entertainment or simply to cool off in, getting started earlier will ensure that you’ll maximize your fun in the summer sun.

Contact Bremner Pool & Spa today for professional indoor and outdoor pool opening services.  Free Quotes Available.

About Bremner Pool & Spa:  Established since 1981, Bremner Pool & Spa is one of the premiere swimming pool service companies in the Greater Toronto Area (GTA).  We operate 10 state-of-the art pool service vehicles and offer a variety of high quality and eco-friendly pool products & services including pool openings, partial pool openings, pool closings, weekly pool service, leak detection & repair, heaters, liners and pumps.  Please know that Bremner Pool & Spa complies with all City of Toronto Bylaws for Pools, Hot Tubs and Spas.

Areas Serviced: We provide pool services throughout the GTA including Ajax, Durham, East York, Forest Hill, Markham, North York, Oshawa, Pickering, Richmond Hill, Scarborough, Thornhill, Unionville, Vaughan and Whitby, Ontario.