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Improve pool safety with digital technology

The swimming pool may be the last area of your home that you think of when you’re considering using digital technology to enhance your standard of living. Historically, electronics and water go together like, well, oil and water! But there are plenty of technological solutions out there that can fit your needs and make your pool care easier.

Pool apps to help manage your life 
No matter if you’re in Dallas, Phoenix or San Diego, ​there are a number of apps that can help you take care of your pool better, ensuring that it has a longer life and that the water is clean enough for swimming. Science Quick Picks listed a number of apps, including the free “HowsMyWater” app, which allows pool owners to take photos of the results of water quality tests on test strips used in the water and analyzes the results in order to provide the pool owner with a detailed treatment plan. Of course, computers are no replacement for people, so while this app can give you an idea of where your pool’s health stands, you always want to consult a Poolman professional about the proper course of action.

Pool Doctor costs $9.99, and performs many of the same functions as the aforementioned app, but with a little extra. Simply enter the data pulled from your water testing strips and the app will tell you exactly which chemicals need to be added to your pool. The app can let you know the status of your pool’s chemical balance, including information about chlorine, hardness, pH and salt. Once again, the app doesn’t make a pool owner a pool professional, so call Poolman with any concerns and to add chemicals to your pool.

Keeping your pool secure
Pool security is important for both residential and commercial pool owners, and Good Housekeeping has reviewed a few security systems that can give you peace of mind when you’re away from the pool. The MG International Espio was cited as an effective system. It has an average response time of 10.2 seconds and was not set off by the wind during a wind test. Out of all the security systems tested, it tied with Swim Alert as being the loudest. The system can be programmed into “swim mode” and will automatically rearm itself after the water has calmed down following a swim. It can be controlled remotely, but the remote control only has a reach of approximately 10 feet.

The Swim Alert system had the fastest average response time, clocking in at 8.76 seconds. Just like the previously mentioned security system, it was not set off by the wind during a test. This system also comes equipped with a “swim mode,” but it’s a little more high maintenance as it does not come with a remote control – so pool owners must physically deactivate the alarm whenever it’s set off.