All eyes were on the pool recently for swimming's 2009 World Championships in Rome. As a former competitive swimmer (though I was a dog-paddler compared to the likes of Michael Phelps and Ariana Kukors), these events hold a special place in my heart, and I managed to catch a few exciting moments in the competition. I'm no longer involved in the world of swimming, but I can only imagine that interest in the sport has skyrocketed since last year's thrilling Olympics in Beijing. Maybe you or your children were inspired to get serious about swimming; maybe you've even decided to install a pool at your home. While most home pools aren't as large as competitive swimming pools, they can still provide a great way to exercise, have fun, and cool off in the hot weather. Home pools do require maintenance, however, and most require heating to keep them comfortable. Heating a pool can use a lot of energy and be an expensive prospect, but you can take some steps to improve your pool's energy efficie... [More]