I had always dreamed of owning a swimming pool, and after I married a Spaniard last year, my dream became a step closer. After we were hitched, we left the UK to settle into an urbanization just outside of the town of Alicante. In this level of heat, it is quite uncomfortable to be without a swimming pool.

When a heatwave comes along people need to cool down. Installing in the back garden an affordable above ground pool is one of the most popular.

But a new study, published by the American Centre for Disease Control, has highlighted the dangers of swimming pool chemicals.

Here comes the warm weather in 2010, so I thought I will give you some normal tips on maintaining your swimming pools. I am just joking by the way about the warm weather..

I know it is freezing cold but it never hurts to start early so any of those expected surprises cannot delay planned pool opening.