Salt Water Pool Cue Analysis

I remember the first time I bought a pool cue. I had just started playing pool and was getting used to the warped house cues that would sometimes send the balls scrambling in undetermined directions. That is why I decided to buy my own cue and did this without knowing that there is actually a bit of basic knowledge needed to select the right one. Well, I figured that out real quick. First of all, I didn't realize that I would need to spend over $15.00 for a good cue. To get a good cue, you need to be prepared to pay over $100 and use that money to buy a wooden one. Wood does not react to temperature as bad as other kinds and does not bend so easily (although house cues would almost disprove this, but they are abused daily). I can say that
buying a wooden cue is something I did correctly when standing clueless in the sporting goods store. Another thing I did somewhat incorrectly was buy a three piece cue when a two piece is actually the best way to go. I say 'somewhat incorrectly' because there is nothing wrong with buying a three piece other than the fact you have more pieces to worry about when taking it from place to place and one piece may warp before the others. The same warping scenario can happen with a two piece as well, that's why it is better to have a one piece, but that is not feasible if you travel with your cue. If you're just playing in your home, then a one piece is the way to go. Also, in the case you need to transport your cue, a case can certainly help. A hard case is your best bet because it can prevent damage from happening. Say if your case gets smashed with something super heavy you won't risk your cue getting broken or bent. Now for something super important since it affects your accuracy in hitting the ball. It's about the tip, which needs to be leather and around 1/8 to 1/4 inches long. Also, make sure it is evenly rounded. Some tips can be too long or there may hardly be one on the cue at all. I've seen all kinds. I've even seen them with edges, which can cause a miss when hitting the cue ball. It can slip right off and cost you your game. What is also super important is that you choose a cue that fits you. You must pay attention to weight, length, and the size of the shaft. Cues are typically 57 inches long, but you may find the pros using a 58 inch. It is all about how it fits you personally. It is sort of like buying a pair of shoes. You want something you like, but it has to fit just right. Yet, sometimes you have to not pay so much attention to how the cue looks, but how it feels and the overall quality of the cue. And those are the basics to keep in mind when buying your pool cue. Pool is a geometric game of strategy that can be a lot of fun. It can be that much more fun when you have the right cue in hand. It gets a little less frustrating that way. So I wish to you, my fellow pool players, to keep on playing and have tons of fun doing it.
Here's a check list of things to do before closing your pool for the winter. By properly closing your pool for the winter, you spend less time and money opening your pool in the spring you will eliminate additional electrical costs, chemicals, cleaning and avoid possible freeze damage to equipment and plumbing. Close your pool properly in the fall and spring start up will be a snap. 1.Test the water for pH, total alkalinity, calcium hardness and chlorine. Adjust levels if necessary Use a water test kit to test for: PH 7.2 - 7.6 Alkalinity 80 - 120 ppm Calcium Hardness 175 - 250 ppm Chlorine 1 - 3 ppm 2.Clean your pool before winterizing. Brush and vacuum sides and bottom. Use a Clarifier to get water crystal clear. Lower water level while vacuuming (set filter to waste bypassing sand). Clean the tile line with Tile & Vinyl Cleaner to remove oil and scum line. This will be easier to get off now before it sets on during winter months. During the Winter 1.Protect water quality during the winter months. Use a Winterizing Kit. Follow instructions on product labels. Additional algaecide and shock can be purchased separately for larger size pools. 2.Clean the filter, skimmer, and pump basket. 3.Remove all unused chlorine product from Chlorinator. 4.Cartridge filter elements and D.E. grids should be sprayed with Filter Cleaner and rinsed clean with a garden hose. Sand Filters should be backwashed. 5.Lower the water level. It should be below the returns and skimmers. 6.Never completely drain a pool - Hydrostatic pressure can cause damage. Using an air compressor or shop vac (attached to the blower side of the vac), blow water out of system by forcing air down skimmer and through the plumbing. 7. Add Anti-Freeze to plumbing and install threaded winter plugs to return fittings to keep water out of lines. Anti-Freeze is a non-toxic formula. DO NOT USE AUTOMOBILE ANTIFREEZE. 8. Remove all drain plugs from pump, filter tank and any other pool equipment. Follow the manufacturers' instructions for your specific equipment. Place all drain plugs in pump basket for storage. 9.Use air pillows. Air pillows need to be inflated with a leaf blower or shop vac. Tie off air pillow in the center of pool, larger pools will require 2 or more air pillows. The air pillows will shed water toward the edge of pool for easier removal. They also allow forming ice to crack inward preventing damage to the shell or structure of the pool. 10.Place winter cover over pool surface, black side down. There are different covers for in ground and above ground pools. 11.If you follow these easy steps in the winter. Spring Start up will be a snap!
Salt water pools haven't been used as widely as chlorine based pools in the United States so it is not surprising that people have more problems with them.
Sometimes you will have a high level of salt or not enough chlorine. In order to maintain a safe swimming pool you need to be sure that everything is working as it should be. If you find that you are frequently running into problems one easy solution could be to monitor it more closely. If you spend an hour per week doing testing and maintenance maybe you should think about spending 2-3 hours per week. One of the common problems that saltwater pool owners run into is that the chemicals become imbalanced and this is usually because there is too much garbage or dirt in the pool. If you want to have a healthy pool you need to clean it regularly. Another important thing to do for your pool is to test it regularly to make sure that the levels of salt and chlorine are correct. Remember that if you have a salt water pool you will need to buy a salt water pool test kit because a regular test kit won't work the same. All salt water pools should have a chlorine generator and they can have problems of its own. Usually your generator will have gauges and other indicators to let you know if there is a problem so the unit itself is a good place to start. If there are no indicators or if there doesn't seem to be a problem with the generator itself, then there will usually be a dial to determine how much chlorine your generator is adding into your saltwater pool. Using your test kit determine whether you should increase or decrease the power and test your pool again after a few hours. Most chlorine generators for saltwater pools have a self cleaning setting so if you are encountering problems you may want to use the self cleaning option and if you don't then you can dissemble the generator and clean the metal plates in a solution of about 80 percent water to 20 percent hydrochloric acid. If none of these solutions work for
you then you might just need to go to a professional for help. Saltwater pools can develop any number of problems so be ready to look for the solution wherever you might need to. Always remember that it is never a good idea to swim in a pool with an imbalance of chemicals. http://www.poolplaza.com/pool-school/salt_troubleshooting.shtml http://www.saltlogic.com/troubleshooting_saltwater_pool_chlorinator.shtml http://www.ehow.com/way_5389728_saltwater-pool-maintenance.html