There has been substantial research linking UV exposure to the development of skin cancer. To eliminate or reduce one’s chances of contracting such devastating diseases in connection with pool use, it’s important to ready one’s pool area. In the summer, simply incorporate enough shading to protect your pool guests from the harsh skin-damaging UV. For the following, we bring up three kinds of shades.

Likewise, exposure to cold can weaken one’s immune system or worsen an existing infection. The corresponding way to reduce such risks connected to pool activities is to do winter preparation. During the winter, the pool should be heated artificially for it to be usable. Pool shades come in roughly two types, whereas pool heaters come in roughly three.

Turning to heating systems, the most common type by far is the gas-fired type. In an age where environmental and ecological awareness is highly prized, the consumer can be assured the gas-fired type is the most efficient. Requiring little lead time, it can be turned on only when the pool needs to be used. However, gas-fired heaters are pricey and have a short life-span.

The second type of heater is the electrical heat pump. A heat pump is basically a refrigerator in reverse. The electrical system compresses a refrigerant gas that causes the temperature to rise. This is then passed into the pool. The refrigerant is then moved to the exterior where its expansion causes cooling of the outside air. In this way heat is pumped from the air into the pool.

The third kind of pool heating relies on solar power. These are expensive due to the cost of solar cells that have yet to come down. The advantage of solar cells is that once they are installed, there are virtually no running costs or maintenance needed. Being solar-powered, the heating system doesn’t rely on the utility company for continual operation.

The first kind of outdoor swimming pool shade is the humble umbrella. The construction is basic consisting of shade fabric held up by ribs which are in turn supported by a central pole. The shade need not be fixed, and indeed in side-post umbrellas they can be reoriented on the adjustable arm. Finally the umbrella base keeps it in place even when its windy.

The second kind of shade appropriate for pool use is the cabana. The cabana is similar to a tent or canopy, consisting of a frame over which shade is stretched. The frame is set up near a pool when its needed but should be stored away during times of disuse. A cabana shades not only the top but also to the sides, making it useful for maintaining privacy.

The addition of shades and heaters means that one’s pool can be used in summer as well as winter. Shades have the additional benefit of protecting pool guests from skin-related health problems. Heaters make the pool usable in winter, but also more comfortable to use during the fall.

Some of these ideas were graciously supplied by a site on outdoor patio shades. The articles supplied for outdoor porch shades will be informative to many.