Tips For The Perfect Nighttime Swimming

Swimming is an exercise that is beneficial irrespective of the time you do it. It is a low-impact exercise that gets your whole body moving and keeps you fit. A lot of people prefer to swim rather than spend an hour or two sweating in a gym. But many may not find time to go for an early morning swim or even during the day owing to the fast-paced life in today's world. Some may even prefer swimming at night to enjoy the beautiful starry skies while swimming. Whatever the reason for the choice of swimming at night, it is important to follow some tips to make your nighttime swim sessions safe and enjoyable.

Ways to make your nighttime swimming a perfect experience

Nighttime swimming in itself is an enjoyable experience with the beautiful stars, gentle breeze, privacy, and serene quietness. It is an excellent way to unwind after a stressful day. But you can use some simple tricks to make your nighttime swimming a bit safer and more pleasurable for you and your family. This will also come in handy when you want to organise an evening poolside party.

Lighting

This is the most important thing, be it for nighttime swimming or for a pool party. Good and proper lighting enhances the visibility of swimmers and reduces the chances of untoward accidents. This is especially true if you have kids or pets who might want to join you during your nighttime swim sessions. Place an adequate amount of lighting around your swimming pool so that people can see the pool edges, the decorations you have placed on the pool deck, or even other swimmers.

See how to keep safe around the pool with these tips!

It is advisable to invest in underwater LED lighting so that you will be able to see the bottom of the pool at all times. This will help you in the case of accidents during nighttime swimming. Installing spotlights in the backyard and other locations close to the swimming pool is also a good idea. This will not only benefit the swimmers during nighttime swimming, but it will also help those sitting near the pool keep an eye on the swimmers. This is crucial to enjoying a stress-free swim session.

Keep the pool and pool area warm

Your pool may not feel chilly every night. But it is a good idea to invest in a water heater to help you during the cold nights. Keeping yourself immersed in chilly water at night for a long time can be harmful to your health. It can cause issues like muscle cramps, particularly during the winter. Install a good water heater to keep your pool water warm.

It is also advisable to keep your poolside warm along with your swimming pool. Install a fireplace or a fire pit where you can warm up after a swim on chilly nights. This can also serve as a place for guests to gather and warm up during nighttime pool parties. A fireplace will also increase the overall charm of your pool area.

Check out the five reasons why you need a small pool!

Install pool fence

A pool fence is necessary if you are a regular nighttime swimmer. It will keep both animals and intruders out so that you can peacefully swim at night. Additionally, fencing will keep children from going into the pool area without adult supervision during the night. Many pool owners fear that a fence will ruin the overall look or aesthetic of their pool area. But now, with a variety of pool fences available, you can choose the best one that matches the overall look of your pool. Along with the pool fence, you can also invest in a pool alarm that will alert you in case there is an intrusion in your pool area.

Here is our guide on weekly maintenance for your fibreglass pool!

Drive the bugs out

Bugs can spoil a perfect evening you might have planned by your pool. Luckily, there are numerous approaches to avoid them without using dangerous chemicals. For example, you can experiment with things like mosquito dunks, tiki torches, citronella candles, and pest control lights. There are also some other techniques you can use to keep the bugs at bay. Some of them include:

Use a ceiling fan or portable fans
Clean your gutters regularly
Plant marigolds
Keep mint teabags on and around the deck
Build a fire

Play some music

Playing some soothing music is a good way to make your nighttime swim a relaxing and meditative experience. Play some light pop or jazz to have a soothing effect on your mind. Remember to keep the volume low so that you do not disturb your neighbours who are sleeping.

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Do pool landscaping

During nighttime swimming, it is ideal to have a bit of privacy, so you should think carefully before choosing the landscaping elements and fencing. People are usually busy throughout the day. So they may not pay much attention to your swimming pool during the daytime. However, during the night, you most definitely do not want to annoy your neighbours or feel as though you are in their direct line of sight. In addition to your regular fencing, plants, trees, and shrubs can be used to make your pool area more private and tranquil. These bushes do a great job of reducing noise and obstructing the view of your swimming pool. Evergreen shrubs and trees are the best choices as they are robust and full. But it is better to keep away from fruit-bearing plants as they can make the pool area a mess.

These are the types of pool covers to consider for your pool!

Avoid swimming sleepy

It is important to remember that you should avoid going for a swim during the night if you are feeling sleepy and tired. When your body is worn out, some muscles might not function properly. Additionally, being drowsy makes it harder for you to think critically, which increases your chances of drowning. You should always let someone know when you are going for a nighttime swim. This will ensure that you will get timely help when needed.

If you’re wondering how long it will take for your fibreglass pool to be installed, see our article on it here!

Wrapping Up

When done right, swimming during the night can be a remarkable and relaxing experience. Many people shy away from swimming at night due to safety concerns. By following proper precautions and using some simple tips, nighttime swimming can be made enjoyable and safe too.

Will Your Infant Really Benefit from Swimming?

When it comes to babies and swimming, the internet is divided. While there are some who love the idea, there are others who think it’s just not right to have infants start swimming when they’re a year old or younger.

But what is the reality? Is there something like “swimming too early”? Do kids stand to get hurt when they’re made to swim too young? Or does swimming help infants? In this article, we explore the world of infant swimming.

Looking for more tips and tricks for your swimming pool? Check out our blog!

At what age can a baby start to swim?

Contrary to popular belief, newborns aren’t born with the natural ability to swim, “because they spent 9 months in amniotic fluid”. A foetus floating in amniotic fluid is in no way similar to a person floating in a swimming pool.

When you see videos titled “Newborn swimming” on YouTube, what looks like a baby swimming, is just the newborn’s primal fight or flight survival instinct kicking in. While the newborn can stay afloat for a few seconds, he/she won’t be able to really swim.

Just as with any movement (such as walking), a baby human needs to be taught how to swim. It’s just that the way an infant is taught is different from how a school-aged child would be taught.

But, in saying this, experts say that it’s perfectly safe to have your baby in the pool anytime between 3 months and 1 year.

How are kids that young made to swim?

Parental/guardian support and supervision are imperative for children this young. Your infant will not be able to raise his/her head out of the water until they’re 12 months or older. Even when they are able to, this may last only a few seconds or minutes. You’ll need to give their necks and heads support as you help them float on the water.

Hiring a baby/infant swim instructor can be very helpful, as they can help your infant gain mobility and flexibility by moving their limbs in a swimming motion. They can also play simple and safe games with your infant in the water. This helps them strengthen their tiny bodies and also become more alert and responsive.

How does swimming benefit infants in the first place?

Swimming helps the infant’s muscular and bone development

The motion of swimming that you or an instructor make the baby do, can strengthen the infant’s muscles and bones. This can be incredibly helpful as the infant grows.

Swimming makes your baby’s brain more plastic and ready for higher-order cognitive development

Swimming requires the body to learn how to navigate a new environment that is completely different from what humans are normally used to. As a growing baby, your infant’s plastic brain will have an easier time coping with the changing environments and learning new ways to subconsciously deal with being in the water. As his/her neurons fire and build new connections, your infant’s brain becomes more powerful. His/her hand-eye coordination and mind-body connection will improve significantly. The infant’s ability to learn will also be significantly better. This makes your baby ready for more cognitively challenging tasks in the future.

Swimming improves the infant’s sleep patterns

Swimming relaxes the muscles and reduces any muscular stress your infant feels. You’ll notice your baby sleeping better and having longer periods of sleep after he/she swims. This is great, because when your baby sleeps, so can you.

Swimming reduces your infant’s risk of drowning

When you get your baby used to the water and start helping them mimic the strokes of swimming, you get them ready for active training when they’re older. This familiarity with the water will mean your child is less likely to panic in the pool when older. Plus, they’ll be equipped with the foundational training necessary to stay afloat, which is imperative to prevent drowning. In fact, baby/infant swimming instructors actually teach techniques to infants, where the babies subconsciously know how to save themselves from drowning. They roll onto their back, so they start to safely float until the parent/guardian gets to them.

Swimming improves the baby’s lung capacity

Since the infant is exposed to very short periods underwater (usually just 1-2 seconds), their lungs start to adapt to the new breathing technique. The infant’s lungs, heart and entire cardiovascular system will become stronger and more effective in circulating clean air throughout his/her body.

Swimming helps parent/guardian and infant bond closely

Swimming with your infant means you spend more hours than usual with your baby. As you hold your infant, the skin-to-skin contact between the infant and parent/guardian (specifically the mother), releases oxytocin in the body. This is called the “love hormone” by doctors because it increases feelings of love and companionship. Oxytocin increases the bonding between the parent/guardian and the baby. By swimming with your infant, you can set the foundation for a beautiful relationship.

Swimming improves the baby’s appetite

Since swimming engages all of your infant’s muscles, joints and bones, it can be tiring and hunger-inducing. You’ll see that after the swim your infant is ready for the breast or bottle and they won’t be too fussy when drinking either.

Swimming can be a great confidence booster and a personality developer

When your infant is able to swim from a very young age, it builds their confidence and makes them develop a healthy self-image. Additionally, if your baby swims around other children or adults, their socialization skills will also improve. Plus, they will want to be active and involved in family experiences. Overall, you’ll notice that your little one is shaping into a wonderful human being partially thanks to swimming.

There are so many more reasons why a swimming pool is a good investment. Check it out here!

Have your own fibreglass pool installed at home and keep your baby safe and happy

Taking your baby to the public pool can be dangerous, because they may get exposed to numerous viruses, bacteria and fungi, which can cause infection and diseases. Keep your baby healthy, happy and safe, by having a brand new fibreglass pool built and installed at home. This pool will be yours to use anytime you want. You can make sure your infant is protected from germs, while also ensuring that he/she receives water time every day. You can also find great opportunities to bond with your little one and have wonderful family time as well.

Doesn’t that sound lovely? So, get in touch with our team at Barrier Reef Pools New Zealand. We are experienced fibreglass pool installers. We can design a bespoke pool just for you, with proper safety tools and installations that will be ideal for your infant. Contact us for more information.

Can Fibreglass Pools Be Heated?

The best way to beat the summer heat is to take a dip in your swimming pool but what about the colder winter months?

Winter hibernation is natural for bears and bumblebees, not for your pool! Why neglect your pool in winter when you can use it with a heating system in place. Are you thinking if your fibreglass pool can be heated? Yes, it can be!

It may sound unconventional but isn’t the thought of swimming in warm water on cold days exciting? Maximize your pool use when you have invested so much in its installation and maintenance.

Check out our blog for more tips and tricks for Fibreglass Pools!

Are fibreglass pools suitable for heating?

Fibreglass pools are the easiest and quickest to heat, and they also retain heat better compared to vinyl-lined and concrete pools. That simply means you save on your energy bills. A pool heating system can be a blessing on cold winter days. You can continue your swimming workout, relax those sore muscles, and enjoy some fun time with your family in the pool.

You have various heating options available for your fibreglass pool. The most effective are solar heating, heat pumps, and gas pumps. The heating system that is best for your pool depends on the size, frequency of use, purpose, climate, and availability of the sun.

Understanding different options for heating a fibreglass pool

To make an informed decision it is important to know all the pool heating options and their pros and cons.

Solar Heating

Solar power is one of the cleanest and most effective sources of pool heating. It is a cost-effective solution and extremely popular among pool owners all around the world. As the name suggests, it uses energy from the sun without releasing any harmful gases that cause air pollution. This environment-friendly option may have higher instalment expenses but in the long run, it will save you electricity and fuel bills compared to the other pool heating solutions.

As solar heaters harness the sun’s energy to warm your pool water, the system works best in sunny regions. Placing the solar panels in the sunniest spot in your home, like the roof or backyard can maximise the benefits. Solar heaters are low-maintenance equipment and do not involve much cleaning. Solar heaters can increase your pool’s temperature by up to 2 degrees within a couple of hours on clear, sunny days. On days with a cloud cover, it may take longer than usual to warm your pool, but a solar heater will not fail to work on most days.

If you are looking at pro-environment, solar energy, you have several options to consider.

Solar Panels

Solar panels can be installed on sunny spots like the roof or lawn. They are easy to install and usually come with a warranty. Solar panels are suitable for small and large fibreglass pools. The working system is simple. It involves a solar collector, a pump, a valve, and a filter for removing debris. The water moves through the filter and is lifted by a low energy consuming pump to the solar collectors. These collectors are heated by the sun’s thermal energy and pass the heat to the water. The warm water is then sent back to the pool. A flow control valve diverts water through the collectors.

Solar panels occupy a large area for installation. Their heating efficiency depends on how many panels have been installed. With more panels, the heating can be quick and efficient.

Solar Mats

Solar mats are blanket-like units suitable for heating small pools. These solar mats are heated up by absorbing sun rays. When the pool water is pumped through these warm solar mats, they successfully raise the temperature of the pool water. Solar mats come in different shapes and sizes to suit different pool requirements. You need enough area to accommodate solar mats. The process of heating is rather slow through this method.

Dome-Shaped Solar Collectors

Solar dome pool heaters are compact in design as compared to solar panels and solar mats. This heating equipment looks cool and is ideal for heating inground and above-ground pools. The piping used for heating and circulating water is placed in the domes. Ideal for use in small pools, dome solar heaters may require some extra energy to pump water. These domes require less investment compared to solar mats.

Solar heaters can also be used in combination with other heating systems on days when the skies are overcast. This will reduce energy bills and keep your pool comfortably heated.

Solar Blanket

Solar blankets look like sheets of bubble wrap that float on the surface of your pool to keep the water warm. These are effective in heating the pool water during the y and trapping the heat at night. You can keep the solar blanket floating when the pool is not in use and roll it up when you want to swim. These solar blankets can be cut to fit the size of your pool making them ideal for any pool.

Pros Of Solar Heating

Energy efficiency
Environment-friendly
Cost-effective
Makes no noise

Cons Of Solar Heating

Reliant on the sun
Takes longer to heat water
Initial expenses are high

Gas Heating

Heating your pool with a gas heater or a gas pump is the most expensive method of warming your pool. However, you can use gas heating equipment any time of the year to maintain a consistent water temperature.

Gas heating systems are reliable and heat water quickly and effectively. The running cost is expensive. Many homeowners use gas pool heating equipment in combination with solar heating to save valuable dollars.

Pros Of Gas Heating

Lower installation cost
Quick heating
Not reliable on weather
Ideal for small pools and spas

Cons Of Gas Heating

Not an environment-friendly option
Running cost is high
Best used as a backup in combination with cheaper and eco-friendly heating alternatives

Electric Heaters

As the name suggests, electric heat pumps run on electricity. They are popular among homeowners as a pool heating choice. Electric heaters collect heat from the surrounding air. The air is then passed over a heat exchanger and an evaporator coil. The pump sends water into a heating tank where it gets warm and is sent back to the pool. The continuous exchange of hot and cold water keeps the pool temperature at a comfortable level.

Electric pool heaters can make your energy bills jump high. These are good for places with weak sunlight. Ideally, running electric heaters as a backup in combination with solar-powered pool heaters can be a money-saving option for you.

Pros Of Electric Heat Pump

Costs less than its gas counterpart
Helps maintain a consistent temperature
Ideal for pools that are frequently used
Effective in warmer climates

Cons Of Electric Heat Pump

Takes considerable time to heat water
Not so efficient in cooler climates

Which pool heating option is right for me?

As mentioned, every pool heating option has its pros and cons. You can choose any method to heat your fibreglass pool. However, before taking a decision you must consider these important things.

Budget
Size of your pool
How often do you need to heat your pool
Will you benefit from heating your pool?

If you are confused and cannot decide, the ideal option is to discuss it with pool professionals. They have the experience and the knowledge to guide you select what suits your fibreglass pool and requirements best.