Pool Sport Game Ideas, Maintenance Tips and More
The latest helpful articles and tips on pool maintenance, decorating ideas, and the latest pool sport equipment to enhance your outdoor water fun.
Pool Sport Game Ideas, Maintenance Tips and More
Dunn Wrong - Pets In The Pool!
January is "Dunn Wrong" month" at Dunn Rite and we are celebrating with some funny blog posts that show the humorous side of things in the swimming pool. Sometimes pets make for the best "fails" when it comes to the water!
Dunn Wrong: Funny Dogs in The Pool
Dunn Wrong: Swimming Pool Drinking Fountain?
Dunn Wrong: Not all Pools are Created Equal...
Dunn Wrong: Cat and Dog Chase
We love animals and swimming pools, when you put the two together it is almost inevitably going to by hysterical or adorable.
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Pool Basketball Dunks and Epic FAILS!
Sometimes the statement "don't try this at home" goes without saying! Dunn Rite's month of Dunn Wrong has another installment of hilarious videos for you to check out. Let's be honest, some of these would be fun to try at home!
Swimming Pool Basketball Trick Shots
Trick shots are awesome, when you make them! Here is the behind the scenes of those trick shots in the making.
Swimming Pool Basketball Dunks
If you want to try these at home, we suggest a good solid pool basketball hoop that you can have endless fun with. Check out our Regulation Clear Hoop swimming pool basketball hoop for a deck mounted hoop or the Splash and Slam Clear portable swimming pool basketball hoop.
If you do decide to try these at home, send us the video!
Dunn-Rite Pool Products & Pool Accessories
3rd Generation Family Owned Company with a long history of developing innovative products of the highest quality.
Pool Fountains - Combo Units - Pool Volleyball - Pool Basketball
EPIC Swimming Pool Fails
Dunn Rite is taking a moment to laugh our way through the gloomy cold days of winter and we've compiled what we would like to refer to as "Dunn Wrong".
Summer is a distant memory for many of us this time of year, but laughing at epic swimming pool fails is always a good idea. We have pulled together a collection of the funniest epic swimming pool fails to help you beat the winter doldrums.
Swimming headlong into 2020
Sometimes people take headlines too literally...
Best Swimming Pool Fails of 2019
This video will make you laugh and probably make you judge some people's choices in life.
Swimming Pool Fail Vines
Vines have been a popular way to take in all kinds of mindless nonsense this past year, why not some vines with swimming pool fails?
Swimming Pool Diving Board Fails
Swimming Pool Fails With Dogs
Check us out on social media and share your swimming pool fails with us!
Dunn-Rite Pool Products & Pool Accessories
3rd Generation Family Owned Company with a long history of developing innovative products of the highest quality.
Pool Fountains - Combo Units - Pool Volleyball - Pool Basketball
Stand Up Paddle Board Events 2020
Stand Up Paddleboarding has experienced a lot of growth in the past few years and people are continuing to take an interest in this intriguing water sport. With its growth, there are plenty of events being held around the globe for paddleboard enthusiasts. Whether you have an inflatable stand up paddleboard or a racing style SUP, there is an event for you!
1. Pacific Paddle Games
The Pacific Paddle Games take place in Dana Point, California, and even though it's not designed as a paddle race, it’s an event to celebrate everything that has to do with paddleboarding. Everyone can attend, including youth, amateurs, and professionals. The competition tests your surf skills, speed, and maneuverability. The longest races are about six miles. There is prize money offered in the competitions and the event has been known to offer the largest prize money.
2. Yukon River Quest
This is one of the most grueling races in the world as a marathon paddle. It stretches up to 444 miles and will require about 50 hours of paddling. Due to the grueling nature of the race and the wild nature of the Yukon River, there is a pre-race briefing that is one of the most comprehensive of all events. "Race to the midnight sun".
3. Paris SUP Open
The Paris SUP Open has been recognized as the largest SUP race in the world and it attracts hundreds of paddlers from across the globe. Entry requirements have now become quite competitive as the race becomes more popular. Paddlers participate in this 10km event on the River Seine as they pass some famous landmarks, such as the Eiffel Tower and the Notre Dame Cathedral.
4. Tribal Clash UK
Tribal Clash is one of the biggest multi-person SUP races in the world and is held at different locations throughout the UK. The competition draws thousands of racers that are hoping to win the Tribal Clash title. The event requires teamwork and a group of six paddlers all on one board.
5. Air France Paddle Festival
It's one of the most anticipated paddle events in the French Polynesian Islands. It's part of the Paddle League World Tour, which makes it an attractive event for high profile racers. There are five different races, ranging from an 8km lagoon race to a 23km elite race. It allows both pro and amateur racers the chance to compete in one of the most beautiful places in the world.
6. Carolina Cup
Held at Wrightsville Beach, paddlers come to compete against the worlds fastest SUP racers. It's a 13.2-mile ocean and flat-water course with surface and downwind elements. While it originally started as a regional event, participation numbers have continued to increase and now its is an international event.
7. Hannohano Huki Ocean Challenge
This is held in San Diego, California, in January so it sets the tone of the upcoming season. It's one of the longest running paddleboard races in California and it offers access to different paddle crafts, including traditional paddleboard, SUP, kayak, and more. There is a mix of beginners and top-level athletes.
8. Chattajack31
The Chattacjack31 takes place in the Tennessee River Gorge and it is one of the most awe-inspiring and grueling races in the country. It's fueled by the desire to test your personal limits so it puts paddlers on the lines to compete against themselves, Mother Nature, and other racers. It attracts kayak and paddleboard athletes from around the world who want to challenge themselves. The race usually fills up within a 24-hour period when registration opens.
9. Corinth Canal SUP Crossing
This race gives paddlers an opportunity to paddle through the Corinth Canal, a man-made beauty. The canal is usually off limits for paddlers throughout the year so this single-day event allows paddlers to experience this unique setting. It started in 2010 and is now one of the largest water sports events in Greece.
10. GlaGla Race
For those who love adventure, the GlaGla Race could be the right choice. It’s located high in the French Alps and it has grown rapidly. It has attracted nearly 500 paddlers from all over the world and those paddlers have to brave frozen temperatures. The race is located on Lake Annecy, which gives paddlers a beautiful view as they are braving those temps. There is both a long distance and a short distance and there is also team racing.
Dunn-Rite Pool Products & Pool Accessories
3rd Generation Family Owned Company with a long history of developing innovative products of the highest quality.
Pool Fountains - Combo Units - Pool Volleyball - Pool Basketball
How Do You Store an Inflatable SUP for Winter?
When winter is coming and the temperatures start to get cold, you may be wondering about the best way to store an inflatable SUP. The options for off-season storage are pretty straightforward but there are some best practices. An inflatable SUP is much easier to store than a traditional one since it comes with its own carrying case and can be deflated to fit in smaller storage spaces.
Storing an Inflatable SUP for Winter
It's important to store your inflatable SUP correctly or else it could result in a damaged paddleboard when you pull it out for summertime again. If you want to learn more about how to store SUPs correctly keep reading.
Clean the SUP
You want to make sure that you rinse it with freshwater to remove any dirt, sand, grime, or salt. Be sure to avoid any strong chemicals and solvents. You will also want to have the board dry before you fully put it away.
Where to Store
As you consider your options for storage, there are a few things you want to keep in mind when storing your stand up paddleboard for winter.
Sunlight: The ultraviolet rays that come with sunlight can be damaging to the stand up paddleboard and can cause discoloration.
Moisture: An environment that is wet can encourage mildew and mold growth and even damage part of the material on the SUP.
Extreme Heat: Extreme temperatures caused by a heat source or the sun can do damage to the materials of the stand up paddleboard.
There are generally two options for storing your stand up paddleboard: you can do it indoors or outdoors. The easiest storage solution is to keep it indoors. If you have an inflatable SUP then indoors can be much easier since you can deflate it and keep it away in a smaller space. If you are keeping it outside then you need to take some extra precautions to protect your stand up paddleboard from the elements. Be sure it's in a shady spot away from the heat and UV rays and protect it from any rain or snow.
How to Store Inflatable SUPs
There are three basic ways to store your SUP, including:
Burrito
This method involves rolling the deflated board up just like a burrito. In order to do this, you need to make sure that all the air has been squeezed out. You can use the same technique you would use when trying to store an air mattress: roll and smooth it section by section. Once the board is in a tight roll then you can store it.
Bag it Up
Your Dunn-Rite stand up paddleboard comes with a carrying case. You can use the same roll and smooth technique in order to ensure the board is deflated. You want to be as thorough as you can since the smaller you make the board, the easier it is to zip it in the bag. Your bag should be able to fit your SUP, as well as all the accessories.
Semi-Inflated
If you have the space then you can store your stand up paddleboard inflated. However, it's recommended that you do let out some air to lower the PSI slightly. There isn't a gain from leaving the SUP inflated with full pressure when you aren't using it. Giving the seams a break from full inflation from time to time will keep your inflatable SUP in better shape. When you store your SUP this way, as you go to use it the next time you will only need to top off the air instead of inflate it from scratch.
Leave SUPs Inflated in Storage
If you are storing your inflatable stand up paddleboard inside, out of direct sunlight, and away from any extreme temperature changes then you can leave the SUP inflated. You can do this indefinitely but if you want to preserve the lifespan of your board then deflating it periodically is your best bet.
More Tips on Storing SUPs
You want to make sure that you store your SUP where there is ease of access. You don't want it to be so difficult to get that you aren't able to use it come springtime. A quality stand up paddleboard is an investment so you also want to take steps to protect the paddleboard from being stolen. Keep it hidden from view as much as possible. When you take great care of your SUP, you can increase its longevity.
Dunn-Rite Pool Products & Pool Accessories
3rd Generation Family Owned Company with a long history of developing innovative products of the highest quality.
Pool Fountains - Combo Units - Pool Volleyball - Pool Basketball
How to Throw a Fall/Winter Backyard Pool Party
Just because the temperature is starting to drop, the trees are turning bare, and snow is falling, doesn't mean that the time to throw Hawaiian Luau is up. Thanks to modern technology, you can keep the pool open year-round while enjoying the perks that come with summer pool parties as well. In this guide, we'll go over some winter Luau necessities to spark up a dreary winter night and turn it into a bustling Hawaiian-themed party.
Bring The Heat To The Party
If you are committed to having a Luau in the wintertime, there is one part you'll definitely want to bring the heat to and that is the pool. Thanks to air and water pumps, gas pumps and electrical heating, there are many different ways to heat up your pool during the wintertime. While some are more costly yet more efficient than others, finding the heating solution appropriate for the climate you live in is paramount. If you are in places that range colder than the average during the winter, you'll want to rely on the expediency and efficiency of gas and electrical pumps. On the other hand, warmer climates like those in the south can save a lot of money on heating costs by using air pumps (that are also much more eco-friendly). During these colder months, you'll want to keep the temperature between 78°F and 82°F. Why is this the golden range? According to the Red Cross, a safe competitive swimming temperature is 78°F while younger children and the elderly are better off with temperatures that are 80°F to 82°F.
Fall and Winter Pool Party Decorations
Before you even begin to invite anyone over, you'll want to set up the decorations for your party. You can start to brainstorm ideas by coming up with a theme for your party. In this case, we'll go with Christmas in Hawaii, but you can think up many many more for your own unique party spin. So going along with this theme, we'll want to decorate the backyard with a host of different Hawaiian themed objects. One thing that springs to mind is Tiki Torches. These thin wooden or bamboo torches can be easily bought at your local craft store and are easy to prepare. Just plant them around your backyard, light the inside and by night, your party will have the dim lighting needed for a festive night time experience. Plus the heat from the torches will keep your guests warm as they mill about and socialize. Since we are doing Christmas in Hawaii as our party theme, we can get a little creative with our Christmas. You can use a traditional tree or for people that really want that island feel, they can use a palm tree to hang decorations on. The combination of tiki torches and Christmas trees are a unique and fun spin on the traditional indoor Christmas look.
Fall and Winter Pool Party Food and Drink
Now for, some might call, the modus operandi of your party. That might be a bit dramatic but it is definitely the part many people will be the most excited about. For any Hawaiian-themed Luau party, you want to have a great roast. And what better way to have a roast than to have a giant suckling pig? In order to do this, you'll need a large bonfire pit where you have enough space to thoroughly cook the pork. Before setting the flame, make sure to rub in whatever tropical seasonings into the meat and garnish with fresh fruits like pineapples, passion fruit, and mangoes. This will add that special zest to your meat that guests won't be expecting. You can also add these fruits into alcoholic (or nonalcoholic) punches that will only add to the festive experience. Keep the blaze going well after the meal for a place people can gather around and stay warm together underneath the night sky.
Your evening that could have been just another drab night spent looking out at the snow beyond the window, has transformed into a festive Hawaiian Luau-themed Christmas party. Like we said before, just because the weather has only gotten a bit chillier, doesn't mean you have to forego your summer plans to stay indoors. Heat things up this winter with a festive Christmas party that will have your friends, family, and neighbors forgetting all about the cold for just one night.
Dunn-Rite Pool Products & Pool Accessories
3rd Generation Family Owned Company with a long history of developing innovative products of the highest quality.
Pool Fountains - Combo Units - Pool Volleyball - Pool Basketball
Stand Up Paddleboard Fishing
You're a fishing addict who's eyeing up that shiny new SUP. Almost involuntarily a question emerges in your brain: "
Can you fish from an inflatable stand up paddleboard?"
You wonder if you're crazy for asking such a question. After all, technically you can fish from anything that floats like an iceberg or a bathtub. That doesn't necessarily mean you
should. The more pertinent question would be, Can you fish from an iSUP without losing your gear, falling in the water or wishing the idea had never crossed your mind?
Truth be told, you're not crazy for having thoughts of stand up paddleboard fishing adventures. Yes, you can successfully fish from a paddleboard. No, you shouldn't do so without reading this first.
Throwing every fishing item you own onto your inflatable stand up paddleboard with no forethought could be, at best, mildly unpleasant. With a little preparation, however, you could be the envy of the water. Here are some quick tips for blissfully combining stand up paddleboarding and fishing.
What Do You Need to Bring When Fishing from an Inflatable Stand Up Paddleboard?
It's best to be a minimalist when fishing from a stand up paddleboard. You won't have as much storage as you would when fishing from a kayak or especially a boat. But if you stop and think about it, many times you bring more than you need when fishing from a boat anyway.
Being minimalistic helps you simplify the process and take only what you know will be effective which can make the trip less complicated and more enjoyable. Bring anything you would on a normal fishing trip such as gear, food and water, just with much less bulk.
Where Can You Go When Fishing from an iSUP?
In theory, you could go anywhere there is fish although it's wise to use a bit more discretion than that. Fishing from an iSUP can be done in both saltwater and freshwater.
Having said that, choosing optimal settings and conditions will increase your enjoyment as well as your safety. Deep, lazy rivers are ideal for iSUP fishing. However, fast-moving rivers with gravelly or rocky shallows should be avoided. Not only can they damage your inflatable stand up paddleboard, they also can pose a safety risk.
Lakes and bays make a great option, however you'll want to avoid windy days when the waves churn up. You will also have to judge how far to safely go out on a larger body of water. It's best to stay within a reasonable distance from the shoreline in case of an emergency or rapidly changing weather patterns.
What Type of Fishing Work Best from an iSUP?
Whether you hope to cast spinners, flies or live bait, an inflatable stand up paddleboard can be an excellent choice. One of the greatest advantages of paddleboard fishing is that you can quietly get into very shallow water (as shallow as 5 inches). That would be impossible in most anything else that floats.
Trolling lures, live bait or a combination of the two also works well. Regardless of the type of fishing you do, you'll want a rod holder for when you are navigating (especially when trolling). Trolling allows you to fish while you're moving, saving precious time that otherwise couldn't be used fishing.
How do You Land a Fish Without Falling in the Water?
Imagine hooking the fish of a lifetime only to fall overboard as you try to land it. Definitely not cool. One of the best ways to avoid this is to bring a long-handled net along (one you can use from the standing position).
If you are new to paddleboard fishing, consider using a wider paddleboard. This will give you more stability during casting, hooking and landing of fish. A bit of extra stability will go a long way when you are trying to reel in a big one.
What Do You Wear When Paddle Board Fishing?
In the summer of northern regions or year-around in warmer regions, wear whatever you're comfortable with. Of course, as with any water sport activity, you will want to protect yourself from the sun.
If you live in a location with colder weather, that doesn't necessarily mean you have to give up SUP fishing. You could wear a wetsuit and go out on days when it would otherwise be too chilly to do so. You also may enjoy the lack of summer crowds, making for a more peaceful setting.
Do you get excited at the thought of paddleboard fishing? You should! Feel free to browse Dunn Rite's wide selection of inflatable stand up paddleboards to bring a new level of adventure to your next fishing excursion!
Dunn-Rite Pool Products & Pool Accessories
3rd Generation Family Owned Company with a long history of developing innovative products of the highest quality.
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Can I Leave My Stand Up Paddleboard Inflated?
Can I Leave My Stand Up Paddleboard Inflated?
Although high-quality inflatable paddleboards are remarkably durable, proper storage is critical to protect your investment. It’s all too easy to come home exhausted from a day on the water and just plop your iSUP anywhere it happens to land without thinking about increasing its longevity.
Your life is likely busy, but taking a few minutes to properly store your iSUP will pay off in the long run. So, how do you store your inflatable paddleboard and is keeping it inflated OK? What follows should help.Can You Keep an Inflatable Paddleboard Inflated While Storing It?
Keeping your
inflatable paddleboard inflated during storage is fine. Just be sure to keep your SUP out of the elements when storing it. Leaving it fully inflated in direct sunlight and out of the water could cause your paddleboard to burst. Also, leaving your paddleboard outside will diminish the lifespan you could have enjoyed from your watercraft.
Rinse your SUP with water after each use and let it dry outside. This is especially important if you typically paddleboard in salt water. Because of the corrosive properties of salt water, cleaning your SUP after each use will significantly prolong its life. Freshwater use will allow for more flexibility if you don't clean your SUP after every use.
If you need a little extra cleaning power, using natural soap with water will work fine. There also are a variety of products you can use to protect your SUP from UV rays. Products are on the market to use for removing stains from your paddleboard too.
Once your SUP is properly cleaned, promptly bring it indoors. So long as you store the paddleboard indoors away from extreme temperatures, your SUP will stay in top working shape. You want cool indoor temps so your paddleboard doesn't expand (if kept inflated). You also want dry conditions to prevent mildew or mold.
Consider Occasionally Deflating Your Inflatable Paddleboard.
Having said that, it’s smart to periodically deflate your inflatable paddleboard. That's a lot of pressure in your watercraft over time if you don't. By occasionally relieving that pressure, it should be fine.
One way to do this is to keep your iSUP inflated when stored during high-use times of the year for the sake of convenience. Although you want to be sure there are no leaks in your inflatable paddleboard before going on the water, minor loss of air while in storage is pretty normal. If you plan to leave your inflatable paddleboard inflated for extended days, be sure to check it each time before use to be sure it’s at optimal pressure levels.
If you expect a stretch of weeks or months when you won't be using your SUP, consider letting some of the air out of it. During those lesser used times of the year, you can also remove the
leash and fins from your inflatable paddleboard, roll it up and place it in your storage bag. You'll want to make sure the paddleboard was rinsed clean with fresh water and is completely dry. Doing these 2 quick things before storing will help to avoid issues with mold or damage from contaminants.Some Wear and Tear is Normal with an Inflatable Paddleboard
Lets face it, your iSUP isn't a museum artifact. It will eventually develop some "battle scars" such as scratches or discoloring. You can wear those imperfections proudly knowing the memories and adventures you created on your paddleboard were well worth those dings.
At the same time, taking some minor steps can help you get the most out of your inflatable paddleboard. Do your best to avoid dropping it on the ground, putting pressure on the board when your fin is on land and refrain from dragging it over rough surfaces such as gravel or asphalt. Also, be careful not to lay your inflatable paddleboard on hot surfaces such as parking lots or sand.If You Love the Water, Check Out Dunn Rite
Are you a paddleboarding enthusiast or do you hope to be one in the near future? If so, feel free to check out our selection of
inflatable paddleboards. Finding the right one will transform your outdoor water adventures into something truly unique!Dunn-Rite Pool Products & Pool Accessories
3rd Generation Family Owned Company with a long history of developing innovative products of the highest quality.
Pool Fountains - Combo Units - Pool Volleyball - Pool Basketball
Can you sit on a SUP?
One of the reasons people love standup paddleboarding is that its a great way to get a
whole-body workout while enjoying the great outdoors. But lets be honest. Sometimes, rather than exercising, we just want to bask in nature, and the extra dose of relaxation that comes with floating on water while doing it.
The great news is
SUPs aren't just for standing anymore. With an accessory or two, you can transform your SUP into a fishing boat, a place to bond with your partner, child or dog, or even a kayak (though kayaking will also give you a bit of a workout). Converting your SUP in this way maximizes its versatility, and expands the range of ways you can use it to have fun.
You can
sit on your paddleboard without accessories too. Paddling while kneeling, you can give your legs a rest. And if you're not in a hurry to go anywhere, you can simply sit or lie on your board while its stationary, soaking up the sun, reading a book, or enjoying a cool beverage.
Here's just a sampling of what you can do while sitting on your SUP for a change:
Can you use a paddle board as a kayak?
For a whole different kind of adventure using your SUP, try adding a
temporary seat and a different paddle to ride ocean waves or light white water river rapids. Convertible paddles are available that allow you to switch between stand up paddleboarding and kayaking using the same paddle handle.
Fishing From a SUP
By adding a removable seat to your paddleboard, you can transform it into a fishing boat. The SUPs weight-bearing ability and stability make it especially well-suited to dropping your line and leisurely waiting for nibbles. Some folks prefer to fish from a folding beach-type chair rather than the lower profile seat, and there are chairs like this specifically designed to attach to
SUPs via special straps or other attachments. These chairs allow you to bend your knees while sitting. Be careful when selecting this type of chair, though, as not all are ideal for inflatable SUPs, which generally have more flex than hard boards.
Paddleboarding for Two
Adding a seat gives you the option of bringing a passenger along on your SUP ride. Parents of children who don’t yet know how to stand up and paddle – or who simply aren’t strong enough to do it for long periods of time – find this is a great way to bring your little one along, spend time with them, and slowly introduce them to the sport. Other accessories, like an umbrella that attaches to the board, can make your SUP even more comfortable for you and your passenger.
Photography while on a SUP
Standup paddleboarding takes us to some beautiful settings. How many times have we looked around while paddling and thought, What an awesome photo this would make! Taking great pictures while paddling is awkward at best. When you want to take a picture, it's handy that you absolutely can sit on a SUP.
Resting on a SUP
Adding a seat to your paddleboard doesn't stop you from standing up on it. SUPs have plenty of room for both. What it does offer is a way to give your legs a break that is more comfortable than kneeling.
Standup paddleboarding is one of the most enjoyable whole-body workouts there is. But SUPs are so much more than exercise equipment. To take advantage of everything else the SUP has to offer, try sitting on it!
Dunn-Rite Pool Products & Pool Accessories
3rd Generation Family Owned Company with a long history of developing innovative products of the highest quality.
Pool Fountains - Combo Units - Pool Volleyball - Pool Basketball