Swimmer's Daily

  • Another way for the manufacturers to state that their products are waterproof, splash-proof or dust resistant is through the so-called IP rating. In the following paragraphs will try to make the IP rating more understandable.

    waterproof photo
    Photo by popofatticus

    When we are looking at some products we may be confused by all the claims from the manufactures. Yes, they can state that their product is water-resistant, but is it really the truth? All these terms remain just plain words if the IP rating is not clearly pointed out.  When you understand the digits in the IP rating you will know whether your new device is protected from rain and whether you can take it to a pool party or at the beach without having to worry about whether it will survive that event?

    Let’s take a look at the digits in the IP rating scale and what each of them means.

    What does IP rating stand for?

    The IP rating generally looks like this, for example, IP67. The two digits show at what level the device is protected from solid objects (the first digit) and liquids (the second digit). The protection is better if the digit is higher. The IP is basically an abbreviation for “ingress protection”.

    The good thing about IP rating and why you should look for it on the package is that because the manufacturer can’t just write anything as he wants. The IP rating is given after a thorough testing by a certified company.

    Here is a brief explanation of all the digits and their meaning.

    What does the first digit mean?

    This digit represents the protection from solid objects and ranges from 0 to 6.

    • 0 – Not protected.
    • 1 – Protected from objects > 50 mm.
    • 2 – Protected from objects > 12.5 mm. Your fingers are in this category.
    • 3 – Protected from objects > 2.5 mm such as wires and tools.
    • 4 – Protected from objects larger than 1 mm.
    • 5 – Dust resistant. This is the one we normally need to see. Although it is possible for some dust to get inside, it wouldn’t be enough to damage the product.
    • 6 – Completely dust-tight.

    What does the second digit mean?

    This digit represents the protection from liquids and ranges from 0 to 9.

    • 0 – Not protected
    • 1 – Protected from vertical dripping on the device.
    • 2 – Protected from liquids hitting the device at ≤15° angle.
    • 3 – Protected from water sprays up to 60°.
    • 4 – Protected from water splashes coming from various directions.
    • 5 – Protected from continuous low-pressure water spray.
    • 6 – Protected from high-pressure heavy water sprays.
    • 6K – Protected from high-pressure water jets. This one is not used quite often.
    • 7 – The device can handle being submerged for half an hour at a 1m depth of water.
    • 8 – The device can handle being submerged deeper than 1m of water. The manufacturer should specify the exact depth.
    • 9K – Protected from high-temperature, high-pressure spray at a small distance. It’s very rarely used.

    It is good to know that if your device is at level 7 or 8, it doesn’t necessarily mean it provides protection of lower rating. Because of this, some products carry a dual rating. For example, IPX5/IPX7 waterproof rating which means they can resist low-pressure water sprays and be submerged at 1m.

    My product doesn’t have an IP rating. What now?

    Well, in case your product isn’t labeled with an appropriate IP rating it doesn’t mean you are buying a low-quality product. It simply means that the device hasn’t been tested based on this standard. It is also very common to test a product for just water resistance. In that case the protection from solid objects is marked with X.

    On the other hand, maybe the company decided to test the product by a different rating standard. In that case you should look for some other labels and markings telling the device is water-resistant or dustproof.

    And finally, avoid products that are labeled as completely waterproof but have no certification to prove it. There are great chances you will buy a faulty and low-quality product.

    Guest post by Chris Howard

  • If you are a swimming enthusiast, then you must have come across all sorts of swimming pools. Swimming pools come in various types. They include adult swimming pools, kid’s swimming pools, and infinity swimming pools. Typically most of these pools are built in-ground.

    Image by Michelle Maria from Pixabay

    Then there are also above ground swimming pools. If you are dreaming of having a swimming pool in your backyard, but your budget is low, then you should consider getting the best way above the ground swimming pool. It is way cheaper compared to the standard swimming pool.

    Besides, an above ground swimming pool comes with all the benefits of an expensive in-ground pool. You will get that refreshing swim to beat a hot summer day. It also offers your kids a platform to engage in all the fun water activities.

    The Benefits Of Above Ground Swimming Pools

    When compared to in-ground swimming pools, above ground pools comes with more advantages which include:

    1. Budget-Friendly cost

    Installing an above-ground water pool is way less expensive than its counterpart. The size of the pool is smaller; thus, you will not need a few materials and labor. Besides, you won’t need to hire workers or expensive equipment to dig a hole in your backyard. You will also be saved a lot of money that you would spend buying materials such as cement bricks and machinery.

    2. Easy to install

    The above-ground pool is easy to install, owing to its flexible and portable features. The time it takes to install one is relatively shorter than the time it takes to build an in-ground pool from the ground. Note, to come up with a standard above -ground pool takes only a few hours. However, if you want to add a decking around, then you will spend an extra day or two.

    3. They are safer

    Because of its design, you won’t worry about your kid or pets falling into the pool whenever they are alone. Compared to an in-ground pool, the Bestway above-ground pools require more effort to jump into. To enhance the safety further, you can add a fence on the edge of the deck. A fence will not only make the pool beautiful but will also improve its safety features.

    Less maintenance

    Pool maintenance is all about the maintenance of the water. Because an above- ground swimming pool holds less water, your maintenance will be less too. You will use less power to pump out the water. Besides, you will need fewer amounts of chemicals to treat the water.

    How to Select one of the Best Above Ground Pool

    Before you buy an above-ground swimming pool, there are a few things to consider. They include:

    1. Leveling

    You should determine the size of your level space. If your yard is significant, then you can level a big or small space depending on your preferences. Before you purchase the above ground pool, ensure you take accurate measurements of your yard space to determine a suitable size.

    2. Obstacles

    You should also take into consideration your backyard obstacles. For example, the trees within your backyard will regularly drop leaves into your pool. Other obstacles include flowers and items in your kid’s playing area. Decide how to create enough space for your above ground pool without destroying the preexisting barriers such as trees. If you install your above ground swimming pool under ranches of trees, then you will have a rough time cleaning off the fallen leaves often.

    Conclusion

    An above-ground pool is one ultimate choice for your g backyard if you need something simple, cheap and easy to install. Remember, this above the ground swimming pools are not only affordable but also instrumental. It would be best if you went for one today to start enjoying its immense benefits.

    Links

    https://www.familypoolfun.com/blog/how-to-choose-an-above-ground-pool

    https://www.crystalpoolsinc.com/blog/6-benefits-of-an-above-ground-swimming-pool/

    Guest post by Emila Bell

  • Three-time Olympic Gold Medalist and World Record holder Ryan Murphy stopped by San Antonio as he prepares to defend his backstroke titles in Tokyo, and he’s excited to compete against a stacked international field.

  • Thinking about learning to swim as an adult? Follow Naga Munchetty’s learning to swim journey as a nervous non-swimmer…

  • All aboard the ‘Swim Train’ with The Big Bala Swim and The Big Welsh Swim! Two great multi-distance open water swim events in Snowdonia, North Wales, with a choice of distances from 1.3km to 9km. You will catch the narrow gauge trains down the side of the lakes with spectacular views of the mountains, and then swim back to the finish line for a truly unique experience. We have entries for junior swimmers and for non-wetsuit swimmers too! Go on, dive in!

    https://youtu.be/Ii2dLshO0bA

  • NSW DPI Shark Scientist Dr Vic Peddemors explains the use of helicopters for aerial surveillance in the effort to keep surfers and swimmers safe at NSW beaches.

  • Team OTB are undertaking the Swim For A Mile challenge, supporting Temple Street Children’s University Hospital Foundation, keep an eye on our social channels over the coming weeks as we (hopefully) become pros! 😂

  • Michael Phelps opened up on his Olympic triumphs and his battle with depression at the HT Leadership Studio. Phelps said that he always set goals for himself and his coach always came up with a plan to achieve it. The legendary swimmer said that he had a hunger to do something that had never been done. Phelps also spoke about his battle with depression and said that it should not be looked upon as a weakness.