Pros and Cons of Gunite Pools

Gunite pools, or concrete pools, are one of three major types of in-ground pools in the United States. The others are vinyl-lined and fiberglass pools. A gunite pool gets its name because the frame of the pool is sprayed with a sand and concrete mixture called gunite. Gunite pools offer both advantages and disadvantages to homeowners.

Advantages of Gunite Pools

Add more value to your home. Many experts agree that a substantial concrete pool is still a greater selling point for homes, even though fiberglass pools are sold in greater numbers in the country. The reason for this may be that gunite pools were more commonly seen in the 1970s through 1990s, and as a result, most recent home sales that included a value for swimming pools had gunite pools.

Design flexibility. Gunite pools are designed and built on site, and as a result, the design possibilities are nearly endless. Fiberglass pools, on the other hand, are prefabricated to a specific shape and then brought to the site in a single piece to be dropped into the hole for the pool. Additionally, gunite pools are very sturdy and because of the steel framework, retain their shape over a long period of time.

Disadvantages of Gunite Pools

Installation time. Because all the work is done on site and time must pass for the concrete to cure, it takes as much as 2 months or more to build gunite pools from scratch. With a fiberglass pool, the excavation can begin at the same time that fabrication of the shape is taking place. The pool arrives in a single piece and is lowered into the hole. The installation time for a fiberglass pool can be as short as 2 weeks.

Maintenance costs. While many fiberglass pools initially cost more than concrete pools, that’s not always the case. What is more certain is that maintenance costs are greater with gunite pools. There is additional maintenance needed because the pools surface interacts with the water and can be a breeding grounds for algae and require the use of other chemicals to clean and stabilize the quality of the water. Additionally, a plaster finish that is applied to concrete pools must be reapplied about every 10 to 12 years. Fiberglass pools never require resurfacing. Also, frost in colder climates can affect concrete pools, requiring acid washes that can eventually wear down the color of the pool.

Operational costs. Fiberglass pools win this battle as well. Concrete pools require maximum use of the pool’s filter because of metals and alkaloids that leech into the water through the plaster finish. Gunite pools also do not require as many chemicals over time because the surface of fiberglass is nonporous, which concrete pools can create chemical imbalances in the pool and promote the growth of algae.

10 Best Indoor Hotel Pools for Kids

By Colleen Lanin, The Travel Mama
 

Especially when the weather is frightful, an indoor hotel pool provides a fabulous retreat from rain, wind, snow and cold. It doesn’t have to be winter, however, to enjoy these spectacular indoor watery havens. Grab your bathing suit and dive in to this list of the best indoor hotel pools for kids.

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Best Indoor Lazy River

Coco Key Water Resort
Waterbury, Connecticut

Families who visit the Coco Key Water Resort can enjoy an indoor water park where it’s always a sunny 84 degree day. With over 50,000 square feet of indoor adventure, families can float along the Adventure River, play water basketball in the activity pool, or zip down three 40-foot body and raft slides.

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Best Indoor Pool with a View

The Peninsula Chicago
Chicago, Illinois
 

The Peninsula Chicago’s coveted indoor pool offers stunning views of Lake Michigan and the Chicago skyline through 20-foot floor-to-ceiling windows. Recently named by Fodor’s as one of the 10 great hotel pools for snow-day staycations, the Peninsula’s pool is a popular and luxurious attraction for all ages.
 

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Best Indoor Water Play Structure

Holiday Inn Express and Suites Coeur d' Alene
Coeur d’Alene, Idaho

The water play structure at Holiday Inn Express and Suites in Coeur d’Alene, Idaho will delight children for hours of play. Jessica Bowers of the Suitcases and Sippycups blog loves this hotel pool because, “Raptor Reef Indoor Waterpark is a 25,000-square-foot facility that features a wave pool and children’s lagoon with a two-story play structure complete with slides, water guns and a tipping bucket. Guests can lean back and relax in the indoor/outdoor hot tub or ride one of the three amazing slides.”
 

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Best Indoor-Outdoor Hotel Pool
 

Hotel Mont Cervin Palace
Zermatt, Switzerland

The best indoor-outdoor hotel pool is located at the Hotel Mont Cervin Palace in Zermatt, Switzerland, according to Ciao Bambino’s Amie O’Shaughnessy. She said, “Many indoor pools are small, claustrophobic, and humid, but Mont Cervin’s pool is glorious in a massive light-filled room with an extensive lounge zone and a dedicated toddler pool filled with toys. The main pool is part indoor and part outdoor; swimming in a snow storm is something we’ll never forgot!”
 

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Best Atrium-style Pool

Royal Sonesta Boston
Cambridge, Massachusetts

This gorgeous atrium-style swimming pool at Royal Sonesta Boston, with a retractable roof and sliding glass walls, is one of the largest pools in the Boston and Cambridge area. The pool offers three swimming lanes and a larger area for less strenuous pursuits, and overlooks the seasonal sun-deck. This pool is “chemical chlorine free” and is sanitized using an Electrolytic System and salt—offering a higher level of cleanliness without the harsh effects of chemical chlorine, which is great for kids’ sensitive skin.

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Best Hotel Pool for Indoor Surfing

Wilderness at the Smokies Water Park Resort
Sevierville, Tennessee
 

The indoor Wild Waterdome Wilderness at the Smokies Water Park Resort is kept at a comfy 86 degrees year-round. It features a wave pool, waterslides, and splash areas for children. The best part? Indoor surfing! You can grab a boogie board and catch a wave at this resort in Sevierville, Tennessee.
 

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Best Indoor Tropical Oasis

Grand Cascades Lodge
Hamburg, New Jersey

When you think of New Jersey, you’re probably not thinking of a year-round tropical oasis. Think again. Located at the Grand Cascades Lodge, the Tropical Biosphere Pool is the first structure of its kind in the U.S. to incorporate advanced German Foiltec roofing material, allowing nearly 100% light transmission for year-round tanning. The Biosphere’s freeform pools are surrounded by lush tropical landscaping. The Biosphere Pool Complex features a heated indoor freeform pool, incredible views of the surrounding mountains, a 140-foot water slide, a grotto-like Jacuzzi, cave-themed steam room and sauna, and even an underground aquarium.
 

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Best Indoor Pool for Swimming Laps

InterContinental Chicago Magnificent Mile
Chicago, Illinois

While many of these pools are fun for splashing and playing, the junior Olympic pool at Chicago’s historic InterContinental Hotel is a true swimmer’s pool. Located directly above the Grand Ballroom, the pool was considered an engineering feat when it was built-in 1929 because it was above ground. It has had many famous visitors, including Olympic gold medalist and Tarzan star Johnny Weissmuller. If this pool’s ornate architecture doesn’t inspire you to swim off those extra vacation calories, I don’t know what will!
 

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Most Fun Indoor Hotel Pool

Great Wolf Lodge
Wisconsin Dells, Wisconsin

Dr. Jessie Voigts of Wandering Educators recommends the Great Wolf Lodge indoor water park in Wisconsin Dells, Wisconsin. She said, “There’s an enormous wave pool, a plethora of slides, a lazy river, a hot tub, small kids’ play areas, bigger kids’ play areas, and always a dumping water bucket. Great Wolf Lodge is very concerned with safety, and has plenty of life jackets and attentive life guards on duty. It’s a very friendly place, and very welcoming to families.”
 

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Highest Indoor Hotel Pool for Families

Ritz-Carlton Hong Kong
Hong Kong, China

Located on the 118th floor of the Ritz-Carlton Hong Kong, this indoor pool allows you to float on water way above the city below. According to Katie Dillon in her review on LaJollaMom.com, “With LCD screens playing scenes of swaying palm trees and swimming fish on the wall as well as moving clouds on the ceiling, this pool is cool. Really cool. Hang out toward the window for panoramic views of Victoria Harbour and then some.”

The 10 Most Awesome Pools in the World

1. Shaw House, Vancouver
 

Shaw House is a private 285-square-meter residence for a single person, with a bedroom, study, music room, and a lap pool located on the roof, along the west side of the house. In fact, the pool acts as the ceiling, filtering the sun light into the central area of the house. I want to live here. Photo by Patkau Architects
 

2. Ubud Hanging Gardens Resort, Bali
 

These are the Ubud Hanging Gardens, a luxury resort set in the middle of a land of volcanoes, forests, and rice terraces, in the heart of Bali. The resort and its hanging pool are perched on a gorge, gazing out at a temple on the opposite cliff.
 

3. Tangga House, Singapore
 

The Tangga House is built around a central courtyard, with the borderless pool surrounding two sides of the house and a garden growing on its roof. I don't know how expensive this is to maintain, but I wish I had the money to pay for it.
 

4. Nemo 33, Belgium
 

This is the deepest pool in the world, the Nemo 33. It goes all the way down to 115 feet at the bottom of its central water hole. It's used for scuba diving courses. I want to use it for an afternoon splash. Photo by Eric Burgers
 

5. Marina Bay Sands Skypark, Singapore
 

This infinity pool is located 55 stories up the Marina Bay Sands Skypark, right on the top of this insane hotel that cost $6 billion to build. Photo by Daryl Chia.
 

6. Joule Hotel, Dallas
 

This used to be the Dallas National Bank Building, in Dallas, Texas, until someone bought it and turned it into the Joule Hotel. The people who did the conversion thought it would be cool to extrude a pool out of one of its balconies. I agree. Photo by Diorama Sky.
 

7. Main Pool at Seagaia Ocean Dome, Japan
 

Located in Miyazaki, Japan, the Seagaia Ocean Dome measures 984 feet (300 meters) by 328 feet (100 meters). The dome has the largest retractable roof in the world, which also provides a simulated blue sky even when it's raining cats and dogs outside. Photo by Max Smith.
 

8. 232 West 15th Street, New York
 

Here's an 18 feet pool that is 8 feet deep. It has a bar, fountains, and big chairs. Nothing extraordinary until you find out it's inside a historic townhouse on the border between Chelsea and the Meatpacking District, in Manhattan. In fact, the full-size swimming pool takes over the entire living room. Check out the videos here. The whole house is beautiful, in a crazy kind of way.
 

9. Aquarium Pool at the Golden Nugget, Las Vegas
 

I would rather be diving than in Las Vegas, but if I had to go there, I would spend some time at the aquarium pool at the Golden Nugget hotel, in which you can swim side by side with fish and sharks. Photo by LinksmanJD.

10. San Alfonso del Mar Seawater Pool, Chile
 

his is the largest pool in the world, full of seawater. It's a monstrosity, and it's amazing that they ever completed it. It's 3,323 feet long—that's more than a kilometer! It covers 20 acres and, at its deepest point, it goes down 11.5 feet (3.5 meters). At this point, why don't you just get your ass into the sea?
 

The ABC's of Swimming Pool Safety

The 7 Wonders of the Swimming Pool World

Though all but one of the original Wonders of the World no longer stand, we are still fortunate enough to have all of the Wonders of the Swimming World. While some of these locations may not be the newest, the largest or the prettiest, they all have something in common: culture. Be it surviving a World War, or complementing a beach town, these locations have greatly influenced the shape of swimming as we see it now.

1. Stadio Olimpico del Nuoto

Stadio Olimpico del Nuoto in Rome, Italy makes the list due to its unique architecture. Built during the rule of Mussolini, the entire complex looks like something out of ancient Rome. The location was host to the 1960 Olympics, and after reconstruction, was also host to the World Championships in both 1994 and 2009. Colorful images line the indoor pool, providing swimmers something pleasant to look at as they warm down.

2. Water Cube
 

A wonder more recently constructed, the Water Cube (Beijing National Aquatics Center), is an incredibly unique cuboid covered in bubbles. Home of the 2008 Olympics, the Cube saw over 25 world records, with many iconic swims that won’t soon be forgotten. Remodeled in 2010, the Cube now serves as a water park for the public, and stands as a shrine to one of the most remarkable Summer Olympics of all time.

3. Olympia Schwimmhalle (Munich, Germany)
 

This pool makes the list for its tremendous history. From Mark Spitz’ seven individual gold medals to every Olympic swimming event record falling at the 1972 Summer Olympics, Olympia Schwimmhalle has seen it all. The pool was part of West Germany’s attempt at showing the world its new, cheerful democracy (the Games’ motto was the “the Happy Games”). Despite the tragedy of the “Munich massacre” that occurred during the games, Olympia Schwimmhalle still stands as an important piece of history for the sport of swimming.

4. ISHOF

I’ve never been to the Pyramids, but I think the ISHOF is a suitable replacement. The International Swimming Hall of Fame, located in Fort Lauderdale, is an incredible complex, paramount amongst all other hall of fames. Complete with a museum, a 50-meter pool and a diving well, ISHOF was home to the (then) YMCA Short Course Nationals, beginning in 1971. The meet was the largest swimming championship in the world for a brief time in 1975. The amount of history at this location is incalculable, as thousands of swimmers have come through this venue to view both live competition as well as the trophies, old swimwear and medals that line the inside of the museum. Though the facility has not aged well, and a new pool is in the works, with construction beginning later this fall.

5. Piscine Georges-Vallerey

The Piscine Georges-Vallerey sits in Paris, France, near the Porte de Lilas, a historical landmark that once served as a gate in the Thiers Wall. Named after the French swimmer Georges Vallerey, a hero during World War Two, the pool has undergone significant changes since it’s construction, including the installation of a retractable roof. The pool hosted the 1924 Olympics, which also saw the first appearance of lane lines in competitive swimming, a major upgrade from the 1900 Olympics, in which swimmers raced in the Seine River.

6. Omaha (Centurylink Center)

This wonder probably needs to have an asterisk next to its name, as it is only a pool every once in a blue moon. Nonetheless, it is an impressive arena capable of seating 17,000 spectators, and will host the Olympic Trials in 2016.

7. Montreal Olympic Pool

Built for the 1976 Summer Olympics, this pool was a place of firsts. It was the first pool to utilize a 10-lane system, in order to decrease the impact of waves during races. Coinciding with that system, the gutters were designed to prevent waves from bouncing back from the wall. Famous for its yellow catwalks that weave across the ceiling, the pool is still the location for Canada’s Olympic Trials.

Healthy Swimming Pool Hygiene Tips for Families

For many families, the return of summer means spending quality time enjoying an afternoon at the pool.

Before you dive into summer swimming, it’s important to remember that a dip in the pool should be sharing fun – not cooties.

To help you out, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has produced a free brochure that offers an honest and scientific look at how germs in the water can spread from sick swimmers – and why good hygiene matters. Here are some of the highlights:

The Importance of Good Hygiene

Most swimming-related outbreaks of disease are caused by germs like Cryptosporidium, norovirus and E. coli. These germs can spread when someone who has diarrhea swims in the pool. Other swimmers can get sick if they swallow contaminated water, even if it’s just a mouthful.

Don’t Chemicals Keep the Water Germ-Free?

Chemicals like chlorine are added to swimming pools to kill germs. But when pee, poop and sweat get into pool water, the chemicals expend all their energy on breaking down these contaminants instead of doing their real job – killing germs.

Four Tips for Healthy Swimming:

1. Stay out of the water if you have diarrhea.
2. Shower before you get in the water.
3. Don’t pee or poop in the water.
4. Don’t swallow the water.

Did you know? Showering for just one minute helps remove dirt and grime that deplete the effectiveness of pool chemicals.

Taking your toddler to the pool? Remember that swim diapers are not leak-proof and don’t stop germs from contaminating pool water.

Use Your Senses

The brochure also notes that healthy pools don’t smell. When people think they smell chlorine, they are really smelling the chemicals that form when pee, poop and sweat mix with chlorine.

To be safe, if you’re at the pool for the day, the CDC recommends that you and your family take breaks every hour or so to use the restroom, get a drink or reapply sunscreen.

Are You Swimming in a Healthy Pool?

Moms can monitor the pH and chlorine level of pools, too. The Water Quality & Health Council is offering free pool test kits (one per household). The kit includes color-coded test strips and instructions on how to interpret the results.

If the readings indicate improper pool chemistry, you can check with the pool manager and stay out of the pool until it is corrected. If the levels continue to be a problem, contact your local public health department, which should regulate public pools.

Even properly treated pool water can spread germs. That’s why it’s so critical to maintain good hygiene while swimming, and encourage others to do the same. We all want good hygiene for healthy pools – and healthy families.

- See more at: http://momsagainstcooties.com/healthy-swimming-pool-hygiene-tips-for-families/#sthash.xhlrnGLq.dpuf
 

10 Most Effective Tips for Pool Cleaning

Would You Swim in the World’s First Glass-Bottom Sky Pool?

London is about to get what’s described as the world’s very first sky pool, a 90-foot long glass-bottom sky pool that floats in the air, offering the feel as if you’re swimming in the sky.

The stunning glass-encased outdoor swimming pool, will be suspended 10 stories up, providing a “bridge” between two apartment blocks with communal rooftop sun terraces.

Entirely transparent, it measures 90 feet long by 19 feet wide and is nearly 10 feet deep, with a water depth of about four feet.

Onsite construction begins this year, and in 2018 buyers can begin moving in.

Sean Mulryan, chairman and CEO of Ballymore Group, who is working on the design with Eco World, said, “My vision for the Sky Pool stemmed from a desire to push the boundaries in the capability of construction and engineering. I wanted to do something that had never been done before. The Sky Pool’s transparent structure is the result of significant advancements in technologies over the last decade. The experience of the pool will be truly unique; it will feel like floating through the air in central London.”

A “Sky Deck” at the top of the two buildings will also feature a spa, summer bar and Orangery for residents to relax.

Swimming in the sky – an amazing, or terrifying experience, depending on your perspective.

18 Of The Coolest Water Slides From Around The World

1. AquaLoop in South Korea

2. Summit Plummit, Florida

3. Wildebeest, Indiana

4. Tantrum Alley, Dubai

5. Bulletbowl, Beijing

6. Scorpion’s Tail, Wisconsin

7. Atlantis, Paradise Island

8. King Cobra, New Jersey

9. Città del Mare, Italy

10. Insano, Brazil

11. Head-first Racer, China

12. Jumeirah Sceirah, Dubai

13. Epic Plunge, Norwegian Cruise Line

14. L2, Austria

15. Giant Slide, China

16. Big Thunder, Florida

17. Master Blaster Water Coasters, Dubai

18. Boeing 747, Oregon

10 Best Hotel Swimming Pools

Written by Lissa Poirot

If your children are anything like ours, there's nothing better than the hotel swimming pool, no matter the destination. In fact, our kids actually said they liked the hotel pool more than the theme parks we took them to one year! It's not surprising though, considering more and more hotels are offering lazy rivers, waterslides, spraygrounds and in some cases, full-on water parks. These are 10 of our favorite hotel swimming pools across the country.

Close to Chicago, yet inspired by the Florida Keys, KeyLime Cove Indoor Waterpark Resort features Lost Paradise Waterpark, a 65,000-square-foot space. Attractions include Hurricane Vortex, a whirlpool ride; Wahoo and Screaming Banshee, two tube slides; Splash Down and Slip Slidin' Away, two body slides; and Play Pond, a special area just for babies. Visitors also enjoy two lazy rivers, a wave pool and an interactive play area with dump buckets, sprayers and mini-waterslides. Bonus: The hotel's nightly rates are extremely affordable, and day passes are available.

Glenwood Hot Springs Lodge
The allure of Colorado's Glenwood Hot Springs Lodge is in the name. The hotel features a mineral pool so large, it expands two city blocks! The hot springs maintain an average temperature of 104 degrees Fahrenheit, and feature a kiddie section, diving pool, and even a few waterslides. Kids are welcome to use rafts, floats, and snorkel gear, too (while parents soak in the therapeutic waters).

Hyatt Regency Hill Country Resort & Spa
On a hot day in Texas, there's nothing better than an old-fashioned swimming hole. And at the Hyatt Regency Hill Country Resort & Spa, guests find that and more -- they can float on Ramblin' River (and take in gorgeous views) before relaxing on a man-made beach! The resort also features FlowRider, a surfing simulator, plus four pools, including an activity pool for games and a zero-entry wading pool for youngsters. Hyatt Regency Hill Country Resort & Spa is located less than 2 miles from SeaWorld San Antonio.

Kalahari Resort - Sandusky, Ohio
What's not to love about the largest indoor water park in America? Kalahari Resort - Sandusky, Ohio has it all -- a wave pool, lazy river, interactive sprayground, activity pools, waterslides, raft rides, tube rides, a surfing simulator, and even an uphill water coaster! In the summertime, there's even more fun to be had at the outdoor water park.

Nickelodeon Suites Resort
The name is enough to get you there, but the water park will make the kids want to stay at Nickelodeon Suites Resort forever. The zero-entry, lagoon-style pool features seven waterslides, plus flumes and a splash playground with water jets, climbing nets and, of course, the famous green slime dispensed from a 400-gallon dump tank. Not enough? Head over to the Oasis Pool for more waterslides, flumes and a splash zone for tiny tikes.

Six Flags Great Escape Lodge
Part of Six Flags Great Escape in Queensbury, New York, Six Flags Great Escape Lodge (across the street) offers the thrills of a theme park within the grounds of a resort. The hotel has a 38,000-square-foot indoor water park that includes Avalanche, a family raft ride; Tak-it-Eesi-Creek, a lazy river; and Tall Timbers Treehouse, a play structure with waterslides. For an additional fee, kids can test their skills on the "waves" at Boogie Bear Surf. You don't have to be a hotel guest to enjoy the water park either -- day passes are available.

Atlantis, Paradise Island Resort in the Bahamas
You didn't think we'd forget Atlantis, did you? The sprawling resort features Aquaventure, a 141-acre water park with everything from slow-moving river rides to fast-paced waterslides -- including the popular Leap of Faith, an almost-vertical drop that leads riders into an enclosed tunnel surrounded by sharks! Added in 2013, the Cartoon Network Obstacle Course (which is on the water) beckons teens to test their skills, while little ones can play in three pools created just for them. Visitors also have the chance to snorkel amongst man-made ruins, and get up close with stingrays (not to mention there's a beach at the resort, too).

Disney's Grand Californian Hotel
Both Disney World and Disneyland deliver awesome pools, but Disney's Grand Californian Hotel might just be our favorite. The Redwood Pool, inspired, of course, by the Redwood Forest and complete with a waterslide that resembles a tree, is almost good enough to make the kids say "Mickey, who?" It's just one part of the resort's sprawling water complex, which also features the Fountain Pool, with an artisan turtle fountain, and the Mariposa Pool, which offers private cabanas and a hot tub.

Grand Wailea, A Waldorf Astoria Resort
Sure, you can enjoy the expansive surf along Wailea Beach, but you'll hardly want to when you see the water features at Grand Wailea, A Waldorf Astoria Resort. The hotel's 25,700-square-foot pool complex is made up of nine pools (including one with a rope swing -- channel your inner Tarzan!), all connected by a river that varies from calm waves to full-on rapids. Six waterfalls, five waterslides, three hot tubs and the world's only water elevator -- a giant inner tube that spins as it rises -- round out the fun.

Great Wolf Lodge Wisconsin Dells
In the self-proclaimed "Water Park Capital of the World," Great Wolf Lodge Wisconsin Dells reigns supreme. The resort features Fort Mackenzie, a four-story, treehouse-themed indoor water park with rope bridges, soaker buckets and water slides. In Coyote Canyon, ride the enclosed 436-foot waterslide before landing in a splash pool, or hit Crooked Creek for a lazy river ride. During the summer months, families can play at the outdoor Thunder Bay water park.