Category Archives: Pool and Spa Maintenance

Pool and Spa Maintenance

Time and Money Savers-Let Robotic Pool Cleaners Do the Dirty Work

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Robotic Pool Cleaners

Swimming Pool Cleaning Made Easy with Robotic Pool Cleaners

It is shocking how technology is constantly changing our lives. We hope for the better and for ways of making our lives unquestionably more efficient. From computers to cell phones, to programmable thermostats to even robotic pool cleaners, people have saved precious time and money. Most people would like have a swimming pool in their backyard, but sometimes the maintenance that goes along with a swimming pool is extravagant. In the past, cleaning our pools has been a very time consuming activity on our part, or, if we could afford the luxury, a service we would pay a “pool man” to provide for us. These days, a pool owner can benefit from the automation technology that is now available. Cleaning your pool has not ever been this simple if you chose to invest in a robotic pool cleaner. It is amazing what these robotic pool cleaners are capable of doing. With the variety of quality robotic pool cleaners now on the market, you can finally spend more time swimming in your pool than cleaning it. Although these cleaners have proven to be very productive and efficient, many people have not been comfortable enough to actually purchase one. The main reason for the hesitation being that they are typically higher priced than other types of pool cleaners. As the technology of these units has improved, the costs have gone down significantly. That is great news for pool owners. The time you save is definitely worth the expense. These cleaners have so many advantages over other types of pool cleaners that make them the envy of pool owners everywhere. A robotic pool cleaner, once you put it in you pool and turn it on, will independently vacuum up all the debris, dirt, and green algae it comes in contact with on the bottom, walls, and the steps of your pool. It will even work around drains and ladders. The most current models are even designed to  detect the size and the shape of your swimming pool. Some even have internal memories, and after the first cleaning will be able to recall your pool’s shapes and curves rendering later cleanings even more efficient. Finally, many robotic cleaners have self-programming software that scans and calculates automatically the most effective pattern of cleaning that is required. To summarize, a Robotic Pool Cleaner is an effective and simple way to keep your pool crystal clean so that you have more time to enjoy your swimming pool. As a result, you will have time to spend afternoons by the pool with friends and family. Isn’t that the primary purpose we want to have a pool in our backyard anyway?

Pool and Spa Maintenance, Pool Closing and Winterizing

Why Do You Leave Water in Your Pool for Winter?

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A lot of people who have pools are now starting to search for insight on how to close their pools correctly. Any pool closing checklist or resource will tell you to only lower the water below the skimmer level and the jets so that all of the plumbing lines are clear and don’t face the risk of freezing and bursting. Each of these different resources also tells you not to drain the pool completely unless you are taking it down for storage if it is a small pool that is easy to set up and tear down. What about larger pools, though?   Why leave water in them at all?  It will just be bad next spring, after all.

Actually, that’s not really the case. If you drain a pool entirely, you are putting the whole liner at risk for rips, tears, and other damage from debris throughout the winter months, not to mention that the liner will dry out, shrinks and crack.  With some water left behind, you at least have something to stop the pool from getting torn up regardless of the winter weather that you are experiencing.  The pool cover that you choose will impact how much water you leave in your pool beyond lowering it to the skimmer lines, of course, so that’s something that you have to think about, as well.

Clean Water Protects Your Pool

The main benefit of leaving water in your pool is that it will be protected from a variety of situations and elements. People who live in deep freeze areas feel like draining the pool completely is the best option so that it doesn’t freeze all the way, but the right winterizing chemicals added to the water will actually help keep your pool safe during the long winter months. That way, when you go to open it up in spring, it’s easier to reopen and the chemicals are easier to balance because you made sure they were balanced before you closed up shop.

You’ll add things like chlorine shock, stain prevention, and algaecide to your pool before closing it for the winter. This will ensure that the water is as clean and safe as possible so that you can have an easier time reopening it next spring. This clean water is going to keep the liner intact and protect it from rips and tears, as well.

How Much to Drain

The standard is to drain your pool below skimmer levels so that you can clean out the plumbing system to avoid frozen, burst lines during the winter. If you have an in-ground pool, that might mean more draining. If your above-ground pool has a removable pump and skimmer system, just take it out and drain a little water so that there is room for expansion and contracting throughout the winter and then place the cover on.

Some people use air pillows to create an area in middle of pool to minimize ice damage to liner walls and skimmer.  If you do this, you will need to leave more water in your pool than others. Additionally, if you have drained a lot of water, you might want to choose a tight pool cover so that it is less likely to collect water and debris. Having a lot of standing water on your pool cover can lead to stress, rips, and damage to the cover as well as debris and dirty rain or snow getting into the pool that you worked so hard to clean.

Owning a Pool is Work

So many people think it’s fun to have a pool. It most definitely is. It’s also a lot of work, however, and you have to know what you are doing so that you can protect your investment. This isn’t a cheap toy to have around and you will likely spend thousands on maintenance and operations in the summer months. If you take the time to do the work correctly when it comes to closing your pool, you will be able to protect your investment and make the money that you have been spending worthwhile.

Another benefit of properly draining and closing a pool is that you will have an easier time reopening it when summer rolls around again. There is nothing worse than closing up a pool poorly only to spend weeks cleaning it and getting it ready for summer. If you do a little of the work now and make sure that you do it properly, everything will work out better for you in the end. Take the time to learn about pool ownership, including closing the pool and proper draining so that you can get the best results from your winterizing.

Some Pools Need Put Away

If you’ve got a small enough pool, such as the ones that they sell at superstores for just a few hundred bucks, you’re probably going to be tearing down and putting away the entire thing for the winter. These pools are great because they’re affordable, but they’re also not made to be permanent fixtures. You’ll have to check the manufacturer’s instructions to figure out how to close the pool properly and whether it can be left for the winter or not. The last thing that you want to do is leave it out without knowing better and wind up ruining it or having to spend a fortune when it comes time to reopen your pool.

Pool maintenance in the winter is really easy if you close your pool right. Whether that means draining some of the water before you cover it or completely tearing it down and putting it away depends on the pool that you have. Either way, you will protect your investment and get more from your pool ownership if you spend a weekend doing things the right way. When you make the decision to own a pool, you’re making a commitment to take care of it properly. That means spending a day or two every fall getting things ready for winter, and the sooner the better. Now that you understand more about draining and closing pools, it should be easy to get the process taken care of.

 

 

Pool Accessories, Pool and Spa Equipment, Pool and Spa Maintenance, Uncategorized

Three Reasons to Reconsider Above Ground Swimming Pools

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More Homeowners Take a Second Look at Today’s Above Ground Swimming Pools

The popularity of above ground swimming pools has grown in recent years, and many homeowners who may have never before considered owning one are now taking a second look. The reasons for this turn around are numerous, but three major contributors to the rise in popularity of above ground pools include cost, selection, and appearance.

Cost

Even before the onset of current economic problems, in ground pools were cost prohibitive for many homeowners. In fact, “sales of new [in ground] pools have fallen nearly 75% from their 2004 peak,” according to research conducted by P.K. Data, Inc. Comparing the cost of purchasing and installing an in ground pool with the cost of purchasing and installing an above ground pool reveals a significant difference.  Above ground pools, in nearly every caseBermuda Above Ground Pool, cost thousands of dollars less, making them a much more affordable option for homeowners, even in today’s tough economic climate.

Selection

More than ever, today’s above ground pools are available in a wide variety of shapes and sizes. Round, rectangular, and oval pools give homeowners the freedom and flexibility to choose the most suitable pool for their specific situation. Smaller sizes can accommodate smaller yards, while much larger pools are available for homes where backyard space is not an issue.

Appearance

The most common critique of above ground pools has always focused on their traditionally unattractive appearance. These pools have come a long way, though, in terms of how they look. The state-of-the-art materials and protective coatings used in the construction of above ground pools prevent the appearance of unsightly rust and other damage caused by harsh weather. Additionally, decorative elements on contemporary pools give homeowners the ability to customize the look of their pool. Design choices can include colors that complement a home’s decor and finishes that resemble weathered stone or other decorative effects. Also, vertical supports are made to either blend into the pool’s design or to add a sophisticated touch to the pool’s appearance. Some pools, for example, feature vertical supports that are reminiscent of the simple and elegant style found in roman Doric columns.

Other ways that homeowners choose to enhance the appearance of above ground pools include adding attractive landscaping features, wooden pool decks, or decorative stone patios.  Some above ground pools, like the Bermuda Above Ground Pool,  are specifically engineered so that they can be installed partially or mostly in the ground, giving them the feel of in ground pools.

Enjoying the luxury of a backyard swimming pool can be a reality for many homeowners who are willing to take another look at above ground pools. Thanks to advanced materials, expanded selections, and attractive designs, above ground pools can finally move beyond the negative images that have plagued them in the past. More homeowners than ever before are finding these pools to be an appealing and affordable alternative to in ground pools.

Pool and Spa Maintenance

New Pool Liners: For Repair or Rejuvenation

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Vinyl Pool LIner
Many people wait until there is a problem to replace their swimming pool liner. When they start to notice tearing or leaking, homeowners know its time for a new liner. Why not beat problems to the punch and replace your liner before a major issue arises? Now is the perfect time to purchase a new liner. They are affordable and there is a wide variety of colors and styles available. Give your pool a “facelift” with a new, similar liner or change it completely for whole new look and feel. We have many patterns: from simple blue vinyl to playful and exotic, like the beach pattern above. Give us a call today, and we will help you pick out the liner that is perfect for your pool.

Pool and Spa Chemicals, Pool and Spa Maintenance, Pool Opening

Balance Your Pool With Our Chemicals Chart

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Make sure that you maintain the ideal chemical levels for your pool. Swimming in a clean, balanced pool will ensure that you have the most enjoyable time. Follow the chart below to make sure that you have the right pH, alkalinity, calcium hardness, and stabilizer levels or the right pool chemicals to get them there!

 

CHEMICAL IDEAL LEVEL TO RAISE TO LOWER
Chlorine

 

 2.0 Shock the pool Turn chlorinator down
pH

 

 7.4   Summer

7.8   Winter

 Add soda ash *Add muriatic acid (diluted)
Total Alkalinity

 

 80-100 ppm Add baking soda

(Sodium Bicarbonate)

 **Add muriatic acid
Calcium hardness

 

 250-500 ppm Add calcium chloride Drain pool and refill
Stabilizer

 

 20-50 ppm Add Cyanuric Acid Drain pool and refill

* Add acid by spreading around pool or pour into pool in front of return jet. Pool should be running when doing this so the acid spreads throughout the pool as rapidly as possible.

** Pour acid into a three to five foot circle in the deepest part of the pool while the pump is off.  Allow to set for at least 20 minutes before turning pump on.