Last
summer, we had a pool installed. For weeks, we watched and waited while the
pool men did their thing. They brought the machinery in to dig the hole and the
other machinery to take away the soil. The crane then closed off the street for
about 10 minutes while a huge crane, lifted the pool over the garage and into
the back yard. It was a sight to behold and I admit, I did hold my breath until
it was safely over. The weather heated up, but we had to wait until they gave
us the final go-ahead to have our first dip. It takes a while after the pool is
in the ground and filled, before actually swimming.
Not long after the pool was installed, my
husband and father enjoyed some male bonding time by building the deck around
the pool. Power tools seemed to be whirring and buzzing for days, but finally,
they were done. The kids could finally go and swim and I wouldn't have to chase
after them if they walked through the freshly turned earth with wet feet and
into the house.
Earlier
this year, we had a solar heating system installed to prolong our swimming time
(hopefully into May/June - wouldn't that be nice?)
When
it comes to pool cleaning and
maintenance, I leave it up to the man. He vacuums and scoops and fusses
around the pool (and honestly, seems to enjoy this - I know, weirdo). Every
week during the hot months, he fills a little bottle with pool water and checks
the chemical levels. It's usually within the desired range, though with this
amount of crazy rain we've had lately, the pool is filled up to the brim and
he'll probably need to do a little extra work to get the chemical level
balanced.
On
our wish list this summer is a new pool vacuum. One which is durable and just
lives in the pool and is programmed to clean up when we're not in there and get
rid of all of the leaves, bugs and spiders. Yes, spiders! We had a massive wolf
spider floating around in the pool the other week and it was no fun. I can tell
you, a system which sucks up spiders (without me having to see them) will certainly
provide peace of mind.
We've
looked at a number of pool cleaner options - and there are a lot of different
brands (which I'd not heard of) and different cleaning systems. A pool cleaner
is quite a big investment. Being unfamiliar with these brands, not knowing
where they're manufactured and for what sorts of conditions, is a little
daunting.
But
then, there's Kreepy Krauly - Kreepy Krauly is an Australian company offering
a range of different cleaners to suit any pool. You may not know this, but
Kreepy Krauly are still 100% made in Australia and the Facebook page is looked
after by Kreepy Krauly staff at head office that produce and design these cleaners,
in Western Australia. Starting at around $500, they're fantastic cleaning
systems, made and designed for the tough Australian conditions.
The Kreepy Krauly site is easy to explore and
offers a guide on choosing the correct pool cleaning system for your style of
swimming pool. Kreepy Krauly also offer an obligation free, in home
demonstration which will eliminate purchasing or choosing the wrong system for
your needs.
Last
week, Gene came out to our home to give us a Kreepy Krauly demonstration. Our
initial phone conversation about pool type (fibre glass or concrete), pool
size, do we get a lot of leaves or dust in the pool etc, gave him an idea on
what type of vacuum system which would best suit our needs and environment.
He
arrived right on time with a VTX-7 and proceeded to put it together, explaining
all of the key features as he went along.
The
VTX-7 is one of those systems which you can be set and then forgotten. With its
flexible hose and adjustable steering system, it thoroughly cleans the pool
from top to bottom and all of the sides and even scrubs so my husband doesn’t
have to. It even comes with an automatic vacuum control, no fiddly valve, which
helps with removing floating debris and even maybe spiders….
Kreepy Krauly are running some fantastic
competitions right now including the opportunity to win a $10,000 backyard
wish. Just purchase a Kreepy Krauly pool cleaner from an authorised dealer or
Clark Rubber store and complete the official entry form. Visit the website for all of the terms and
conditions: Kreepy Krauly Competitions
It
makes you stop and wonder, doesn't it? If you had $10,000 to update/upgrade
something in your backyard, what would you choose to do?
I
think I'd like some funky outdoor furniture or perhaps some new veggie planter
tubs. I asked the family what they think would be nice for the backyard. Hubby
thinks an outdoor shower would be handy but the kids think that we really,
REALLY need a water slide for the pool. Ahem...
I never thought I'd say
this, but the pool has been a fantastic investment. The kids spend the hot
summer days in or around the pool. If they're not in the pool, they're asking
when can they go in the pool. They're both terrific swimmers and admittedly
swim way better than I do. Amelia spends most of her time under water
collecting things from the bottom. She is a girl who loves to dive down and
retrieve... a little bit like golden retriever mermaid... if such a thing
existed. She's recently discovered synchronised swimming and tried to convince
her brother to participate. He's not keen to do what she says and lacks her
grace under water, though what he lacks in grace, he makes up in height and can
do handstands like a professional.
 |
| Handstands!! |
 |
| Mid Forward Roll |
We
recently got a cool little camera which can take photos under water. This is
our new favourite thing to do. They go under and pose, while I take pictures
(without getting my hair wet). It's a win, win.
Now,
we just need this rain to clear so we can resume normal summer time activities
in and around the pool... like running out of the water and heading straight to
the trampoline to jump and dry off... and then straight back into the water...
and back to the trampoline... and back to the pool... it's dizzying!
Do
you have a backyard pool?
What
is your pool maintenance routine? Daily? Weekly?
We'd
love to hear any tips on how you keep your pool maintained and 'swim ready'.
Visit
the KreepyKrauly Facebook page for their latest news and to
ask any questions about maintaining your swimming pool. Have a question, but
not on Facebook? No problem! Visit the Kreepy Kraulycontact page.
Are
you looking to buy a pool cleaning system? Now could be the perfect time with
$10K up for grabs.
Hi Anorina,wow your pool looks fantastic and this gadget looks like something you need to make your work a lot easier,enjoy your swimming time my friend xx
ReplyDeleteThanks Shez. It's meant to be another hot weekend, so we'll probably spend most of the weekend in there :)
DeleteHi there, love the pool! I know the kids are having a blast. I had one years ago and those pool sweepers are a God send.
ReplyDeleteYes absolutely. So much better that scooping out leaves (and bugs) manually.
DeleteWe have had our pool for nearly 20 yrs.I love spending time cleaning pool . Very relaxing( strange I know) Love the idea of having an automatic vacuum.
ReplyDeleteLOL yes, strange... but you know, my husband says that he doesn’t mind doing it either.
DeleteWow, you seem to be very knowledgeable about pool safety inspection and Pool Cleanings... Thanks for the information you posted in your blog...
ReplyDelete