Maximize Your Pool to Stay in Shape: A Guide to Aquatic Fitness
Eric Zima
June 19, 2024
As the weather heats up, your backyard pool can become much more than just a place to cool off.
It can be a fantastic tool to help you stay in shape, offering a low-impact, high-reward workout environment. Whether you're an experienced swimmer or just looking to switch up your fitness routine, here are some tips on how to make the most of your pool to keep fit all summer long.
Before starting any new exercise regimen, be sure to consult your doctor, especially if you have any pre-existing health conditions or concerns.
- Swim Laps for Cardiovascular Health
Swimming laps is a classic pool workout that delivers a powerful cardiovascular punch. It’s an excellent way to burn calories, strengthen your heart, and improve lung capacity. Try different strokes like freestyle, breaststroke, and backstroke to engage various muscle groups and keep your routine interesting. Start with shorter sessions and gradually increase your time and intensity as your endurance builds. - Incorporate Water Aerobics
Water aerobics is perfect for those looking for a full-body workout with minimal joint strain. The water's resistance adds an extra challenge to movements, helping to tone muscles and improve flexibility. Consider incorporating activities like water jogging, leg lifts, arm curls, and flutter kicks. Many communities offer water aerobics classes, but you can also find numerous routines online to follow in your own pool. - Try Resistance Training
Invest in some aquatic dumbbells or resistance bands designed for underwater use. These tools can enhance your strength training routine by providing resistance as you push and pull against the water. Exercises like underwater bicep curls, tricep extensions, and chest presses can help you build muscle and improve overall strength. - Engage in High-Intensity Interval Training (HIIT)
HIIT workouts are known for their efficiency and effectiveness, and they can easily be adapted to a pool setting. Alternate between short bursts of intense activity (like sprinting across the pool) and periods of rest or low-intensity exercises (like walking in the shallow end). This type of workout can boost your metabolism and improve cardiovascular fitness in a shorter amount of time. - Incorporate Core Exercises
The pool is an excellent place to work on your core strength. Exercises like flutter kicks, scissor kicks, and treading water can all help to engage your abdominal muscles. You can also try more advanced moves like the "dolphin kick" or holding a floating device with your legs while you tread water with your arms. - Stretch and Cool Down
Don’t forget to stretch and cool down after your pool workout. The buoyancy of the water can help you achieve deeper stretches with less strain. Try stretching your legs, arms, and back while enjoying the soothing properties of the water. This can help to improve flexibility and reduce the risk of injury.
Why Aqua Guys is Your Go-To Team for Pool Maintenance
To ensure your pool is always in peak condition for your fitness routine, regular maintenance is crucial. This is where Aqua Guys come in. Here’s why they should be your first call:
- Expertise and Experience: Aqua Guys have years of experience in pool maintenance and repair, ensuring your pool is in expert hands.
- Comprehensive Services: From regular cleaning and chemical balancing to equipment repairs and upgrades, Aqua Guys offer a full range of services to keep your pool in top shape.
- Quality Products: They use only the best products and materials, ensuring longevity and safety for your pool.
- Customized Care: Understanding that every pool is unique, Aqua Guys tailor their services to meet your specific needs and preferences.
- Reliable and Trustworthy: Known for their reliability and professionalism, Aqua Guys ensure your pool is always ready when you are.
With Aqua Guys maintaining your pool, you can focus on enjoying your aquatic workouts and staying in shape all summer long. So dive in, get fit, and let Aqua Guys handle the rest! Contact Us Today.
As the crisp air settles in and the first signs of frost appear, pool owners in Connecticut know it’s time to prepare their pools for the long, cold winter ahead. Proper winterization is essential for protecting your investment and ensuring an easier, cleaner pool opening come spring. Without it, freezing temperatures and harsh weather can cause costly damage to your pool’s structure and equipment. Here’s a guide to help you get your pool winter-ready in Connecticut’s unique climate. Lower the Water Level One of the first steps in winterizing is lowering your pool’s water level. Connecticut winters are known to bring freezing conditions, leaving water too high can cause expansion damage as ice forms. Lower the level just below the skimmer and returns to help protect these vulnerable areas. For vinyl and fiberglass pools, be sure to follow manufacturer guidelines to avoid structural stress. Winterize Plumbing and Equipment Frozen water in pipes can cause cracks and breakages. To prevent this, blow out the water from your pool’s plumbing lines and add pool-safe antifreeze where needed. Your pump, filter, and heater should also be drained, cleaned, and disconnected if appropriate. This ensures that your equipment stays in good shape and is ready to run efficiently when you reopen in the spring. Add Winterizing Chemicals Balancing your pool’s water chemistry is just as important in the off-season as it is during summer. Shock the water and add algaecide to help prevent algae blooms, which can thrive even under the cover of ice and snow. Using the right mix of winterizing chemicals keeps your water cleaner, reduces staining, and makes spring startup much simpler. Cover and Secure Your Pool A durable, properly fitted winter cover is your best defense against Connecticut’s snowy, windy winters. It helps keep out debris, minimizes light exposure (which encourages algae growth), and protects your water from excess contamination. Be sure to tightly secure the cover to withstand strong gusts and heavy snow loads. For extra safety, consider a safety cover if you have children or pets. Do a Final Pool Area Check Before the season fully shifts, tidy up the area around your pool. Store away accessories, ladders, and diving boards. Trim back any overhanging branches that could break under the weight of snow and damage your pool or cover. A little extra preparation now can prevent headaches later. Why Winterization Matters in Connecticut With New England’s unpredictable mix of snow, ice, and freezing rain, winterizing isn’t just a good practice, it’s a necessity. Taking these steps now will protect your pool from costly damage, extend the life of your equipment, and set you up for a smooth and stress-free opening when warmer weather returns. By giving your pool the care it needs before winter sets in, you’ll save time, money, and frustration in the spring and get back to enjoying your backyard oasis that much faster.
The summer is concluding shortly, and with that comes many changes. The children are back in school, football is starting, and the leaves are turning from green to their vibrant earth tones. While the beginning of fall signifies many things, protecting your pool from the elements is our number one priority. Connecticut has had some tame autumns, while also having extreme weather (remember the October snowstorm?) At Aqua Guys, our goal is to protect your pool so you can continue to enjoy it summer after summer. Use A Pool Cover A pool cover is your first line of defense when it comes to protecting your pool from the autumn leaves and falling sticks and acorns. The cover itself will shield the water from becoming a leaf haven, and it is recommended that you remove any debris periodically from the cover. Sharp sticks are known to poke holes in pool covers, causing even more bits of tree and leaf to fall into the pool. Clean Debris Regularly Not only does the pool cover need to be cleared regularly, but the pool deck as well. If you are waiting a little longer to cover your pool, clearing the water every day or every other day is key to making sure all other parts run smoothly. Check the filter baskets to ensure no debris has snuck its way into the pool or potentially ruining equipment. The filter is one of the most vital components of your pool, and it is imperative to keep it in great shape. Adjust Water Levels With the cooler fall temperatures in Connecticut there is not a lot of water evaporation. An unexpected rainstorm might affect your pool’s water level. Keeping your pool’s water at the correct level is important to ensure that your filtration system works efficiently. Our technicians are skilled in lowering the water levels to an acceptable level, so your pump and filter can continue to function properly. Professionally Close Your Pool Aqua Guys has been a leader in pool service for 20 years. Pool service professionals have the knowledge and equipment to handle all aspects of pool closing. Our technicians can handle all issues that may arise during the pool closing process. From winterizing your pool to assessing the water level, they know exactly what needs to be done to get your pool ready for its seasonal hibernation. Their expertise ensures that no crucial steps are overlooked, reducing the risk of problems down the line.
Aqua Guys is proud to be a pool care provider in Connecticut; we take the time to care for our customers making sure they are happy with the work that we do. Over the years we have become a trusted provider for many in Connecticut. Focused Expertise and Longevity Aqua Guys has been serving the region for over 20 years, originally building a strong reputation in sprinkler and irrigation systems before expanding into pool care. This background gives us deep knowledge in pumps, valves, and water flow systems, now paired with water chemistry expertise for pools. Licensed and Insured with State Credentials We hold a comprehensive list of Connecticut licenses (e.g., CT PLM, CT DWBT, CT HIC) and even licenses in neighboring states like MA, RI, NJ & PA. This emphasizes our legitimacy and regulatory compliance. Comprehensive and High-Quality Standards Our offerings cover the full lifecycle of pool care: weekly cleaning & chemistry balancing, opening & closing services, repairs & replacements, and saltwater conversions. Our approach is meticulous, especially in winterizing pools: lowering water, treating plumbing, applying chemicals, and securing the cover for optimal protection. Responsive and Professional Customer Service We appreciate our customers, especially because they have chosen us. We also are grateful to those who leave us glowing reviews. Our dedication to our customers is unmatched, we are available to come out to our customers if something goes wrong. Being in business for over 20 years has given us the ability to create relationships with our customers that only strengthens over time. For the past 2 decades, we have cultivated a reputation for ourselves that has our customers coming back year after year for their pool openings and closings. We are proud to offer excellent service, high-quality standards, and technicians that are experts in the field.
Right now, it’s August and the sun is shining, and you are enjoying your lovely oasis of a pool. Suddenly, it’s September and the leaves are starting to change! How can this be? It’s already time to start thinking about covering your pool. You could do it yourself, but you are not a professional. That’s where Aqua Guys come in, we have the expertise to close your pool for the winter and ensure it stays closed. A professional pool service has the skillset to close your pool, a seemingly straightforward task. Our technicians at Aqua Guys have years of experience in pool maintenance and understand the intricacies of properly winterizing pools of all types. They offer a unique perspective on closing your pool and will be able to dedicate their time to ensuring your pool makes it through the cold winter months. Our team will winterize your pool, safeguarding it against freezing temperatures and harsh weather conditions. No two Connecticut winters are alike so we take a proactive approach to validate that your pool will make it to springtime opening. From lowering water levels to adding winterizing chemicals, we take the necessary steps to protect your pool investment during the off-season. Winterizing chemicals are added to protect against algae and bacteria. By hiring a professional like Aqua Guys, you are giving yourself the peace of mind that your pool will be secure and waiting for you to come back in the springtime. By the time fall rolls around, life can start to get hectic again. Who has the time to dedicate to properly closing your pool? Closing your pool for winter is a critical part of its maintenance, and it's not something to be taken lightly. The knowledge, meticulousness, and commitment to quality ensure that your pool will be ready to enjoy next year when you re-open. Don't leave your pool's winter care to chance, trust the professionals at Aqua Guys to get the job done right.
Summer is heating up, and that means longer days spent by the pool! While your pool is meant to be an oasis for your family and friends to enjoy, it can also pose some serious dangers for families. Pool safety is important, especially for families with young children or any inexperienced swimmers. Here are pool safety rules and tips every family should know when heading into the summer months. Secure the Pool Area When Not in Use Pools and pool areas that are surrounded by child-proof locking mechanisms decrease the risk of injury or accidental drowning. There are locks and gates that also come with an alarm to heighten security while the pool is not being used. Pool covers that can be removed before each use are another way to keep the area secure from young children or inexperienced swimmers. Be Prepared for Emergencies No one likes to think that an emergency will happen to them, but it is unfortunately more common than you would think. Having rescue hooks, life jackets, and first aid kits in the pool area is imperative in a potential emergency. Being trained in adult and child CPR as well will offer you a sense of calm, knowing you can help in an emergency. Lastly, having a phone nearby in case you need to call for help. Establish Pool Rules By having basic rules for everyone to follow, you are creating a safe space around the pool area. Swimming with a buddy or with a supervisor is a great way to keep swimmers safe, also making sure children are supervised constantly and wearing the appropriate flotation devices. Be Mindful of Pool Drains Pool drains have powerful suction, meaning hair, jewelry, swimwear, and limbs can get pulled in quickly. Ensure your pool equipment is complying with current standards to bring yourself and your guests peace of mind. The pool in summer can be a fun space, by keeping in mind all these safety precautions, you are setting yourself and your loved ones up for success. Preventing danger or harm is a great way to keep the fun going all summer long.
Each summer, most people enjoy the summer sun and their pools, making countless memories while staying cool during the heat waves. Once the summer ends and Labor Day is over, pools are closed for the winter. To ensure that your pool makes it through the cold months and is ready for the spring, you must cover it up. At Aqua Guys, we offer pool closing services that include covering the pool with a cover that provides safety and peace of mind. Our pool closing services include winterizing your pool, adding chemicals to the water to keep the water stable while covered. Our team will make sure the water levels are lower, to prevent flooding, inspect equipment to ensure its survival, and finally install the cover. Aside from covering the pool to prevent falling leaves, debris, and snow; a pool cover can save a life! Unfortunately, one of the leading causes of childhood mortality is accidental drowning. To combat this, following safety rules when the pool is in use is key. Using a child-lock gate, swimming with a buddy, always having an adult in the pool area, being aware of surroundings, and more. No one likes to think about the bad or sad things that could happen, but being prepared can help prevent them. Aqua Guys recommends Loop-Loc pool covers, they are strong, can hold up the weight of an elephant (really!) and anchor into the pool deck. Loop-Loc is also made with a mesh material that keeps debris and leaves out, while allowing rain and snow to melt through. Another product that we recommend is Merlin Industries pool covers; these covers are just as lightweight while being able to hold up a human or animal, should they fall onto the cover. While we are still in the middle of the summer, it’s almost time to start thinking about covering your pool. Aqua Guys is a professional in the industry, offering pool closings to keep your pool safe for the season. You can learn more about our pool opening and closing services here.
Picking out the perfect pool toy has gotten to be frustrating for some people. Most toys don’t make it to pool closing, let alone halfway through the summer. We’ve done the research to compile a list of 8 toys you can add to your pool, ensuring hours and months of fun! Pool Noodles Pool noodles are the classic toy; they’ve been a pool staple for years. Their versatility alone has helped make them one of the most common items you see or think of when you hear, “Come over to swim this weekend!” Children and adults can both appreciate and use the pool noodle. Squirt/Water guns Water guns have come a long way and there are now guns that provide long-range reach. This allows for hours of fun, especially when the kids are tired of swimming and want to play a new game. Using the pool as an unlimited water supply, the fun will never end! Pool Floaties There are a lot of floating devices out there, but only some are approved by the US Coast Guard. By doing your research and following guidelines, you can find a floatie that will assist your child in swimming. This alone is not a substitute for a lifeguard or parental supervision, always watch children in the pool area. Goggles Chlorine is not meant to get into the eyes, it can cause itchiness, redness, and more. Goggles are the perfect solution for swimming in the pool and searching for items as part of a game. Diving Toys Together with goggles, diving toys provide hours of fun. Diving toys have a small weight inside of them, meaning they will submerge to the bottom of a pool, but are light enough to be grabbed and swum back up to the surface! Giant Floats Flamingos, avocados, unicorns, oh my! A recent trend in the last few years has been giant floats, large enough for children and adults in many different shapes. Some of the most popular over the years have been of fruit and animals. Basketball Hoop Who doesn’t love a game of basketball while in the pool? Keeping cool by scoring points is another great way to pass the time while keeping active. Using athletic balls meant for the pool, will ensure that you keep equipment in the proper shape for the area of use, meaning keep the real basketball in the driveway! Waterproof Football Similar to basketballs, there are specific footballs meant to be used in the pool area. When shopping for a pool football, you want to look for one that is made of foam and can float.
The weather report is forecasting a beautiful day, so why not celebrate accordingly? With summer days quickly approaching, it’s time for pool parties! Here’s a checklist you can refer to when planning your event. Planning and Invitations In 2025, sending out invitations is a simpler task than it used to be. Sending out a simple text message or placing a phone call to your intended invitees can be a great way to spread the word about your upcoming event. There are even services that will send out electronic invites, or e-vites, with designs that adhere to your intended event or theme. Preparing the Pool Area When preparing for guests it’s important to clean and maintain the pool, ensure it's clean, clear, and well-maintained. No one wants to swim in cloudy or discolored water! Around the pool itself, set up comfortable seating; provide lounge chairs, umbrellas, and shade options. The refreshing pool water is no match for the sun’s powerful rays, having shady seating is paramount to pool safety. Aqua Guys has the expert knowledge to keep your pool looking sparkling just in time for your expected event. Safety and Hydration Safety first! Ensure proper safety measures are in place, including life jackets for those who want them and having a trusted adult is always watching children in the pool. Unfortunately, accidents in the pool area are some of the most prevalent causes for injury during the summer months. It is important to keep your pool area as safe as possible. Pool fences with child-proof locks are another way to keep even your youngest party-goers safe. Previously, we mentioned having a shaded seating area for guests to shield themselves from the sun. Even though you might be swimming all day, exerting energy and having fun, it’s important to stay hydrated by drinking water. Conclusion Summer is a wonderful time to be with friends and family, when you have a pool it’s an even better way to beat the heat. By preparing your pool area with a service provider like Aqua Guys, you can create and maintain a party space that will keep your guests coming back for more!
Owning and maintaining a pool can be a fun and wonderful experience, spending your time soaking up the sun and making memories each season. However, pool maintenance is not always a walk in the park. There are many ways your pool can cause potential issues. We will discuss the 5 most common problems that can arise. By relying on a company such as Aqua Guys to service your pool, you can prevent these issues before they even have a chance to come up. Algae growth Algae are plant-like organisms that have the potential to cause many health and environmental issues for your pool. The algae can cause discoloration in your pool's water, making it unsafe for swimming. Recommended solutions to prevent algae are to maintain chlorine levels, run the pools filter, and regularly cleaning pool surfaces. Leaks We’ve written about how leaks in your pool can cause issues, especially following heavy rain. Leaks are some of the most common occurrences when it comes to pool ownership. By checking your pools plumbing regularly, you are paying special attention to equipment and can notice a problem that may not have been around for long. This puts you in a great position to have your issue solved quickly, so you can go back to sitting poolside. Pool pump problems Is your pool pump noisy or malfunctioning? This could be an indication of a clogged filter, a loose pump base, or simply old age. Aqua Guys has the knowledge and expertise to fix or replace your pool pump equipment that could be malfunctioning. We will provide advice and solutions to make sure your pool is back to being your personal oasis. Liner problems If your pool is lined with vinyl, there is potential for issues to arise. Vinyl pool liners can experience bumps, rips, or wrinkles, indicating that replacement may be your only option. Wrinkles in your pool liner can be a breeding ground for potentially harmful bacteria, that can even lead to an algae bloom. Water loss can happen as well, with water leaking through the holes or rips of the liner. Water chemistry issues Water chemistry is a topic we have written about before, explaining how testing pH, chlorine/bromine levels can keep your pool in tip-top shape. Aqua Guys can provide a more in-depth version of testing water chemistry. We also can adjust your pH, adding chlorine or shock depending on what is needed. Aqua Guys is your premier partner for your pool cleaning needs. By partnering with a company such as Aqua Guys, you will have the peace of mind to know that your space will be well taken care of, so you can get back to enjoying your pool and making summer memories to last a lifetime.
Summer is swiftly approaching. Pools are being opened across the state in preparation of the warmest months of the year. As the temperatures are on the rise, it is imperative to balance your pool chemicals to prevent algae, bacteria, and even equipment becoming damaged. Chlorine is the chemical that is responsible for keeping your pool water sanitized, warding off any potentially harmful bacteria and algae. If your pool has the sun shining on it for more than a couple of hours a day, there is an increased risk of reducing chlorine’s effectiveness. Aqua Guys can use different chemicals to restore the balance of our pool, keeping it in pristine shape so you and your family can enjoy it all summer long. Proper pH balance is tantamount to making sure your pool is comfortable for all swimmers and staying sanitized. Besides keeping swimmers safe, proper chemical balancing can also increase the longevity of pool equipment. Our crew members are well-educated in the dangers that bacteria and algae pose to your pool water and do everything they can to maintain a clean and safe environment. This includes water chemistry testing, chemical additions, and checking equipment to ensure it is in working order. We are taking on new customers who are looking to start a pool maintenance plan that ensures the health and safety of your pool, so it stays a sparking oasis. Please call us or click here to learn more about our plans.
