DIY Tips

Summer means swimming in the pool, relaxing in the spa, and inviting friends over to enjoy the warmer weather. To please both the kids and grown-ups, we've found two delicious sweet treats – watermelon popsicles, and chocolate, brandy and star anise ice cream created by River Cottage chef, Hugh Fearnley-Whittingstall.

We're already halfway through spring and judging by the weather in many parts of the country, it looks like we're in for a long swimming season. The excitement is building for those of us who are keen to get back in the water at the first opportunity. But there are a few things that need to be done before the pool is ready for a dip. Now is a good time to get the pool ready so when that first hot spring day hits all you have to do is dig out your swimmers, find the pool toys and dive in!

Regardless of how automated your pool or spa is, sometimes you just need the advice and expertise of a professional to make sure everything is in working order. Servicing equipment, analysing water, organising spare parts, repairing damaged equipment – your local Swimart store delivers quality, convenient pool maintenance and services to your door.

Pool water, as we all know, needs to be properly filtered to remove fine particles and to produce the transparent water we associate with a healthy, hygienic swimming pool.

Selecting the right plants, shrubs and trees can significantly reduce maintenance and chemical costs.

Swimart professional Andrew Morton from Swimart Charmhaven has five steps to get your pool ready for summer

Picture an idyllic scene… Lying in calm shallow blue water warmed by the sun. It slopes gently away towards a depth that’s just right for swimming. That’s why so many of us head to tropical isles or exotic resorts for holidays. But with a little thought, it’s possible to enjoy this coastal luxury every day of the year. It’s as simple as building a beach entry pool.

Something that is sure to bring a smile to everyone who has ever owned a pool, Olympic organisers finally admitted after a week of public speculation (and humiliation), that they used the wrong chemicals in the diving and water polo pools. What they initially blamed on a “sudden change in alkalinity” was something that occasionally stumps even the most seasoned pool professional: water chemistry.