Prevent “swimming-pool” hair. the greenish tint in the hair is not caused by chlorine in pools but by cooper oxide and copper sulfate in the water. The copper comes from old brass fittings, gas-heater coils, algaecide and the water supply itself. To Make it hard for copper to penetrate hair, use a conditioner or leave-in treatment containing silicone polymets such as dimethicone or cyclemethicone…or apply sesame or olive oil before swimming. After you get out of the pool, rinse hair with plain water. you can wash your hair with one-half cup of vinegar to remove copper oxide. One-half cup of tomato juice or lemon juice also will work.

Nicole Rogers, MD, Dermatologist, Tulane Medical School, New Orleans, quoted in The Wall Street Journal.

For many homeowners, a swimming pool can be a symbol of both pleasure and work. While it undoubtedly provides hours of entertainment, maintaining a pool can be tedious and time-consuming.

Depending upon how frequently they are used, swimming pools can require maintenance as often as one or two times a week. It is important to take extra measures to prepare your pool for various seasons, especially in areas with harsh winters.

If you would rather spend your time enjoying the benefits of owning a swimming pool, look for a reputable pool service to take on the job of keeping it properly maintained and checked for needed repairs or replacement of parts.
Before hiring, make sure you understand what a professional pool service should provide.

•     Maintenance
•     Check your pool’s chemistry
•     Maintain adequate chemical levels
•     Skim debris (leaves, grass, etc.)
•     Monitor water levels
•     Vacuum floor
•     Brush walls, steps and other areas of the pool
•     Empty skimmer baskets
•     Inspect equipment
•     Clean and change filters
•     Shock the pool
•     Repair/replacements
•     Check for potential repairs and replacements, including tile, water filters and pumps, grids, heaters, light fixtures, timer, motors and electrical systems
•     Check for plumbing leaks