Swimming Pools Spas
Winterizing a Swimming Pool
August 26, 2011 | 
Author When most people think of winter, their pool is not the first thing that comes to mind. However, knowing how to winterize your swimming pool is one of the most important things that you can do – although you won’t be using it as much during the colder weather, failing to winterize it properly can result in costly repairs when it is time to reopen the for swimming in the spring.
So how do I winterize a swimming pool? Although there are some differences in the winterizing process for an inground as compared to an above ground model, the process is basically the same:
Posted in Swimming Pools Spas | 
Tags: algaecide, Auto, calcium levels, Draft, drain, filtration system, ground model, Pool, pool chemistry, professional, sensitive components, Swimming, water, way | 
No Comments »
Pool Renovation – What Are Your Options?
There are many options available when it comes to pool renovation and you will definitely be spoilt for choice. Generally you can choose do-it-yourself projects that are simple and quick or you can go for more complex projects. The former may not drastically transform the appearance of your pool but it will definitely make a small difference to the overall ambience. Complex projects require more expertise and you are better off hiring a reputed contractor to do the job. If you really want to turn your pool into the ultimate relaxing get-away then you should definitely focus on pool renovation projects that are detailed and effective. It is a smart idea to hire an experienced contractor as he will be able to provide you with a lot of ideas.
Pool Renovation on your Own
Pool renovation can be a daunting task if you don’t have enough experience and this is why hiring a contractor is your best bet. While there are indeed certain small changes that you can make on your own they certainly won’t create a large impact on the overall atmosphere in your backyard. One simple project that you can undertake on your own involves the building of a small stone wall around the pool area. You can easily find a variety of stones to use in most supply shops. Then all you have to do is glue the structure together in the style that you desire.
Posted in Swimming Pools Spas | Tags: ambience, appearance, Auto, best bet, choice, contractor, Draft, hiring a contractor, idea, look, pool area, pool renovation, renovation plan, renovation projects | No Comments »
Essential Supplies for Swimming Pool Maintenance
The swimming pool area of any house is the most fun place for both kids and adults. Regular swimming pool maintenance is a must to keep the pool waters sparkling clean, hygienic and safe for all.
For periodic upkeep and excellent pool maintenance, some essential supplies are required and such supplies are discussed below. If you have the time and inclination to maintain your own pool, you can save on a lot of money and it is not such a hard job after all.
Test kits:
Swimming pools are basically to do with water and water activities, so the single most element of pool maintenance has to do with maintaining the proper water quality to prevent water borne infections, rashes and disease. The water chemistry and Ph of the water has to be in balance to ensure a germ and bacteria free water quality which is also skin and people friendly. A water testing kit is one of the most essential supplies to periodically check on the water quality of the pool and take remedial measures after test results if required. At least test water quality every week and also soon after a downpour or heavy traffic in the pool.
Chemicals:
Chlorine is the most single most and widely used chemical in all swimming pools, be they commercial or for personal use. Chlorine level in the water should ideally be between 0.5 to 3 parts per million and you should take action if this range is breached either way. Proper chlorination prevents algae to develop and kills bacteria effectively. Overdose of chlorine is also very harmful, so be careful about the doses. Chlorine tablets on a floating chlorinator or hand fed manually ensures constant chlorination. Stabilizers for alkaline and Ph level are also necessary to maintain alkaline levels of eighty to one hundred twenty parts per million.
Also check for calcium hardness in the water, which should be somewhere in the range of two hundred fifty to five hundred parts per million. Stabilize the water with Cyanuric acid for chlorine presence.
Filters & pumps:
Everyday swimming pools attract dust, debris and other foreign objects like fallen leaves. Another essential gear for pool maintenance is the filtration and pump system which can constantly free the water of all such stuff. There are several types of filters like the most common sand filter, cartridge and DE filters. Sand filters use sand as trapping agent for debris floating in the water and prevents then from recirculation again. Cartridge type filters consist of fine mesh to trap the debris and can be easily cleaned by removing the filter mesh to clean with water hose and reattach the same again. By far the most efficient filters are the DE filters which have a fine fabric mesh coated with special powder to catch and retain even the tiniest debris.
Scrubbers and brushes:
To clean ugly spots and stains on the swimming pool floor and walls you need several tools like telescopic poles, brushes for corners, walls and floor for cleaning, skimmers for dust, bugs and leaves, tiles brush for scrubbing the concrete and walls of the pool.
Once you have all the essential pool maintenance supplies in place, you can do the job as well as any professional pool maintenance service company.
Posted in Swimming Pools Spas | Tags: Auto, calcium hardness, cartridge, Chlorine, chlorine tablets, Draft, floating chlorinator, Pool, pool chemicals, range, Swimming, swimming pool maintenance, water, water chemistry | No Comments »
Surface Options to Consider on Pool Renovation
Swimming pool resurfacing is necessary to have the pool in good condition without holes, cracks, discoloration etc. The deterioration happens over a period of time because of several reasons including the type of ground water you have around the pool, usage of chemicals, algae damage.
The commonly known surface options are mar cite (plaster), fiberglass, sprayed liquid vinyl, exposed aggregate, tile and coatings paint.
Pool paint is today considered to be not a practical solution as it doesn’t last long. With the unavailability of the lead based paints for environmental reasons, any type of paint for resurfacing is liable to run not long enough. This also necessitates frequent chemical cleaning.
Mar cite or plaster is also not a practical solution for resurfacing. Even if replastering is done after removing the old plaster by sandblasting and applying plaster coat, it is not free from the impact of ground water attacking it from behind if it is near the wall. The three options available are Fibre glass resurfacing Aggregate and Tile.
Tile
Tile is a very expensive option; however, if you take a long term perspective, it is not so expensive considering the fact that it lasts at least twice as long as any other resurface option. There are instances of indoor tile pools which are more than 30 years old remaining maintenance free.
However, as for outdoor pools, this may not apply and some experts warn against the lasting benefit of tile and possibility of the finish getting dull on account of improper water balance.
Fibreglass
Fibreglass coats over any existing pool surface. Fibreglass resurfacing is longer lasting than plaster. The option is less expensive. Cleaning is easier. The fibre glass shell is comparatively less susceptible to discoloration on account of staining, algae growth etc. If you look at the other pool resurfacing techniques from the point of view of pools shifting, you will notice that fibreglass is resistant to the same.
The tensile strength protects it from cracking by accommodating earth movement. What happens over longer periods of time is as yet unknown. The negatives include the delamination which may happen on account of severe and frequent changes in weather. It is also likely that the color goes off over a period of time and easily even when impregnated in the resin.
Aggregate
Aggregate refers to quartz aggregates or marble pebbles blended with white Portland cement. The finish which is gently rough give you the look of a composite piece where lots many very tiny stones are knitted together. There are many colour options with stones of varying shines, size and quality.
In terms of durability, the Aggregates have a longer life than plaster. The maintenance in terms of cleaning is easier. There is better algae prevention when the aggregates are very well polished and woven tight.
As for aesthetics, the aggregates offer more options not only in terms of color but also in the choice of appearances which you may like to create as the background under water as also on the sides in some cases. These give better depth perception for the users. These can be fade resistant
The major disadvantage is that this option is critically dependant upon the process of installation or application. There can be severe impact on the quality of the created surface because of the way the process of application is handled and the surrounding weather prevalent at the time. You may end up with stones which are shaky or those which are escaping out of the finish.
Posted in Swimming Pools Spas | Tags: algae growth, Auto, Draft, ground, outdoor pools, Paint, period, Pool, pool paint, pool renovation, pool surface, swimming pool resurfacing, type, water | No Comments »