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10 Most Common Pool Repairs

2/22/2016

 
Here's a quick rundown of some of the more common inground pool repairs that we see on a continual basis here in the pool community. I'll name some causes for each of these problems, and some possible solutions. 

Many of these problems involve leaking, water or air. The pump and filter system is supposed to be air and water tight. A small drip usually won't erupt into a geyser, but it can, and possibly drain the pool, although the pump will usually lose prime once the water level gets below the skimmers. Creating other problems...

1. Clogged Pump Impeller: Most often a spring time problem, when debris is small and plentiful. If the pump basket has holes in it, or is installed incorrectly, debris can get around the basket and get caught in the vanes of the impeller. Dog hair, grass clippings, pine needles and such - these can just pass through. Enough of it, and you will notice the pressure rate will drop as the flow reduces. The basket may not seem full, and the motor sounds different. To clear an impeller, shut off the power. If you have small hands, some pumps will let you reach into the impeller, and you can pick it out without disassembly. Other instances, you'll need to open up the pump at the seal plate and expose the impeller. A piece of curved wire can be used to ream out the vanes, for small seeds and rocks that get stuck. 

2. Filter Media Replacement: It may become evident that you need a new cartridge or new filter sand when you are backwashing twice as often as before. Or when the pool just won't seem to clear up, or isn't as clean as it used to be. Passing debris through to the pool is another sign that your filter media, including DE filter grids, aren't doing the job they should. DE grids last about 10 years, Sand lasts about 7 years, and a Cartridge lasts about 5 years - on a well sized pool filter. Undersized pool filters, or filters that often have poor water conditions to clean up, will need media replacement more often. The process is simplest for a cartridge filter. 

3. Leaking Skimmer: When there's a leak in the pool, the first thing to check is the skimmer. On concrete pools, it is a common area of separation, and on vinyl pools, the skimmer faceplate can leak if not gasketed well. Skimmers can leak through cracks in the sidewall also, if freeze damage has occurred. Fortunately, pool putty is available to seal up most skimmer leaks permanently and quickly. Cracks at the junction of a concrete pool wall may need a deeper repair by packing in white plaster mix. Future movement however, can cause the crack to open again. To locate a skimmer leak, look closely for any small bits of debris, sucked into a crack. 

4. Clogged Pool Cleaner: It happens - something gets stuck inside of the pool cleaner and gets dragged around the pool, or keeps the pool cleaner from moving at all. Small branches, large leaves or pool toys can get stuck inside of the throat, or the cleaner can get stuck on them. Not really a repair I suppose, just remove the stuck item. Clogs can also happen in the cleaner hose, either in an in-line strainer, of if the strainer is not used, deep inside of the cleaner, within the water management system. That's why using the strainer is so important, because small grains of plaster can prevent internal jets from shooting as powerfully as needed. 

5. Leaking Pool Filter: A pool filter is on the 'pressure side', and a leak can be dangerous. Filter tanks that are leaking through pinholes in the stainless steel body should be replaced. A tank that is leaking out of the belly band should be shut off, and another attempt made at cleaning and sealing the belly band o-ring. Small leaks around the air bleeder assembly are common, and is usually fixed with a replacement o-ring for the air bleeder, or new Teflon tape on the pressure gauge threads. The same is true for leaking drain plugs or drain caps. Check that they are not broken, or missing a gasket or o-ring.

6. Heater Not Heating: This can be nearly anything, but the most common cause is a dirty filter, or clogged impeller. Both conditions can reduce flow enough to cause the pressure switch to keep the heater from turning on. Modern heaters will give you some indication of what component or condition is preventing the heater from firing. With an owner's manual, you can check a few things that could be causing the problem. It could be any item in the circuit, like the transformer, fuse, pilot, gas valve, high limits, thermostat. Wiring or a circuit board can also be to blame. If you have a controller in the house, the heater must be in the 'auto' position to be operated remotely. 

7. Leaking Pump: Pool pumps are under a lot of pressure, and will leak water if there is any chance of doing so. When a pump is leaking water, look closely at where it is leaking. It's usually not going to leak water around the pump lid, or the drain plug, because these are under a vacuum, on the suction side. For this reason, it also won't leak water from the pipe coming into the pump, but it can leak from the pipe coming out of the pump. Pumps that leak down the back bottom of the seal plate have usually blown a shaft seal. 

8. Melted Pump Fitting: If the threads on this PVC fitting have heated up and shrunken, no amount of Teflon tape will seal it up, it will need to be cut out and replaced. This usually happens if the pump has run without water for a few hours. It gets so hot that it can deform the threads to where it begins to leak. Since this is a pressure leak, pool putty won't help, the fitting will need to be cut out and replaced. Use a heat resistant fitting, which is a thicker, gray plastic, made of CPVC, if you want to avoid the problem again in the future. 

9. Air in Pump Basket: On the suction side of the pump that is, before the impeller, a void will leak air, or draw air into the pump. Air can be pulled in around the pump lid, if not seated correctly, or from a loose or dirty o-ring, or from a band that is not tight enough. Try cleaning the o-ring, and flipping it over, with a coat of Teflon lube. Then tighten down on the lid assembly very snugly. Just as common, the air could be coming from the fitting threaded into the front of the pump. If overheated, the threads shrink, and the tight fit is lost. Pool putty will work in a pinch, but the best repair is to replace the fitting. Use CPVC or Sch 80, if you want a heat resistant seal, in and out of the pump.

10. Clogged Salt Cell: Salt cell made the list! Not so much of a repair actually, cleaning your salt cell is more of a maintenance item. If not done regularly, however, it leads to an expensive repair, a new salt cell. If you have a newer salt system, you may have a self-cleaning cell, a nice feature. For older generation salt chlorinators, it's a manual inspection and cleaning at set intervals. On some pools, especially in hard water areas, cleaning the salt cell is a frequent task. The salt cell is dipped into a weak solution of muriatic acid, for several minutes, then carefully hosed clean. In addition to cleaning your salt cell regularly, maintaining proper salt and pH levels, and using chlorine stabilizer also help extend the life of your salt cell. 

So we have mostly leaks and clogs, or not filtering, not heating, or overheating. Something not doing what it's supposed to do for you. If you have a swimming pool repair you need help with, feel free to contact us and we can help you!

Original blog from PoolCenter

7 Reasons Investing In A Swimming Pool Is Good For Your Health

2/22/2016

 
When it comes to exercise, swimming is one of the most beneficial for a wide variety of reasons. It can be an enjoyable sport for your children as well as help keep everyone in the household healthier. After all, what good is a proper diet if you don’t have the benefit of physical activity to strengthen the body? What kinds of health benefits can you expect from owning, and using, your swimming pool?

1. Low Impact - Swimming provides an activity that doesn’t jar your skeleton system or otherwise impact your body like other regimens. As the water compensates by supporting your weight, you can provide a greater workout while sacrificing less of your stamina while supporting your own body. This allows you do to more activity while consuming less energy.

2. Muscle Tone - Not everyone wants to look like a body builder in order to call themselves fit. Swimming allows your body to strengthen and tone the muscles instead of adding bulk. The resistance of the water itself is key when comparing activities. It takes more effort to move a body through water than it does by simply jogging around the block.

3. Ageless - Even the activity of treading water can strengthen the muscles while burning calories. This is an excellent way for older individuals to receive a workout without putting stress on joints such as those suffering from arthritis. On the other side of the bracket, children can quickly burn away excess energy and calories in the same fashion.

4. Cardiovascular Improvements - Aerobic exercise proves to strengthen the heart as it pumps blood and oxygen throughout your body. As swimming is one of the most active aerobic exercises you can commit to, this is greatly beneficial to improve your cardiovascular system. According to the American Heart Association, three and a half hours of swimming each week can decrease coronary heart disease within women by up to 40-percent.

5. Calorie Burning - The sheer nature of swimming allows individuals to burn more calories than many other workouts. This is partly due to the fact that you’re using a wider range of muscles in order to push yourself through a resistant medium. An average 30 minutes in the pool can burn approximately 300 calories – depending on your activity while in the water.

6. Safe for Asthmatics - Swimming is a much easier exercise for those that suffer from asthma. As the moist air is gentler on the lungs of those afflicted with the condition, the event of an asthma attack is greatly reduced while in the pool, especially chlorine free pools. As many children are affected by this condition, swimming is a much safe alternative to other activities such as jogging around the block.

7. Endorphins and Stress Relief - Swimming helps the body produce endorphins that naturally make an individual feel good. This is true with any physical activity, but can provide a profound difference while in the pool. This can help relieve stress allowing the body to function normally.

When purchasing a pool, view the expense as more of a method to help keep your family fit. The cost of the pool is less than you would spend on gym memberships and diet programs for everyone in the household. In an age where digital diversions such as console gaming and smartphones are abundant, investing in the pool could provide your family with the physical activity he or she may be neglecting.

5 Ways to Enhance Your Swimming Pool Area

2/17/2016

 
Having a swimming pool in your backyard or somewhere outdoor is a great way to spend some quality time with your family. The pool will act as a good companion and leisure activity for all the members of the family. 

Swimming pools are great for your own little holiday, whenever you need to get away, or spend more time with your family. Perhaps your pool ambiance has slipped a bit over the years? Simply put, all you need is a bit of redecoration, adding things to enhance it's visual appeal.

Although there are many ways through which you can enhance the swimming pool area, given below are 5 tips to point you in the right direction. 

Add Color
Swimming pool areascan be more than simply blue and white. Adding color around the pool area will give a very different and unique look which will make it all the more inviting. Planting areas if you have them, or potted plants can be staged for continual blooming. Pool decks can be flat grey, or you can liven up the area with colored or stained concrete, stampcrete, stone or tile surfaces. Colorful pool floats, or patio furniture and umbrellas in unexpected hues.

Add lights
Lights are an extremely important part of swimming pools. This is simply because pools aren’t just used during the day but also at night time when there is no natural light available. In such cases, it is important to place the right kind of lights in good locations to decrease the likelihood of accidents. Lighting can also help give the pool a nice calming and peaceful look, helping you relax long into the night. 

Add Sun Loungers
Sun Loungers are an absolute necessity for the swimming pool area. Without a good old sun lounger, something like a Rattan lounger by Bridgman, you won’t be able to take in the full effect of the swimming pool before or after your swim session. 
 Synthetic Rattan is a great choice of material because it is comfortable, stylish and available in a large choice of colors. Rattan loungers are also extremely durable and virtually maintenance free.

Add perennial borders
Borders are a very good idea if you have an inbuilt swimming pool as it will help to improve the entire look and will also provide you with good protection. A colorful planted border will really pop - especially if in a contrasting color to the pool itself. Planting perennial beds with a mind to their blooming season, will allow you to create different colors for 3 seasons. 

Add plants and bushes
Ask any experienced landscaper and they will tell you that adding plants and bushes around the pool will immeasurably increase the attractiveness of your outdoor pool area. Try to design with colors in mind, and a spatial balance of plants and planter areas, both horizontally and vertically.
We would, however, recommend that you place these plants a considerable distance from the pool to prevent the leaves from constantly falling in. Evergreen bushes are preferential as they protect your privacy all year round. Large trees, with expansive root systems, could cause a problem for vinyl lined pools, and should be placed a minimum of 20 feet away from the pool edge.

So there it is, 5 techniques or ways through which you can enhance your swimming pool area without going to great lengths and spending a lot of money on unnecessary details.

Repost from Bridgman Furniture

WHY POOL FINISHES ARE THE SECRET INGREDIENT

2/15/2016

 
Pool Options
Designing a swimming pool can be a very exciting process that showcases your creativity, style, and home accents. Remember your backyard is an extension of you and your home. Your pool finish can add a unique factor or shine in its simplicity. With a multitude of options, you can truly make a splash in your backyard by choosing a pool finish that’s right for you.

Pool Tile.
Swimming pool tile is a great option for someone interested in durability and simple maintenance. These tiles come in an assortment of colors, patterns, sizes, and textures – perfect for someone looking to make their pool a unique addition to their backyard. Combine these options together to create a mosaic, a border for a pop of color, or a distinctive pattern.

Vinyl Pool LinerVinyl pool liners are a budget-friendly option that will require proper maintenance, pool chemistry, and the occasional liner replacement. The better maintained your pool, the longer the life of your pool liner. Therefore, it is imperative to regularly maintain your pool chemistry and liner with this option. A great benefit of pool liners is the variety of design options in color and patterns. Ready for a new look? Simply change out your liner to create a new environment for you pool. This option is great for variety in above ground pools where other pool finishes are not available.

PlasterPool plaster is the classic swimming pool look that will add simplicity to your home. When I picture a classic pool, immediately a pale blue, white plaster pool comes to mind. But maybe you’re looking for something a little different. Plaster options range in color and texture to customize that classic look. Choosing this finish allows for lasting color, durability, and overall quality with proper pool maintenance. 

Aggregate Finish.
Aggregate finishes are one of the top pool trends of 2015. A mix of pebbles or ceramic-coated sand is worked into your plaster finish to create a one-of-a-kind look. Over time, the finish becomes richer in color creating a sturdy, durable, and stunning pool. Add that to the slip-proof surface from the pebble texture, and it’s no wonder why this is the next big trend! 

Repost from SwimmingPool.com

THE BEGINNER'S GUIDE TO GUNITE POOLS

2/12/2016

 
Spring is quickly approaching which means pool season is right around the corner! Designing your backyard escape can be a fun and exciting process that showcases your style and creativity, but it’s also important to know the facts. Gunite pools are widely known for their versatility in shape and accessories as well as their durability. Because of this, gunite is the most common pool type seen at many resorts, and now, homes. Before deciding on your material, learn a little more about this unique pool process and the future maintenance involved in protecting your investment.

DesignThe first step to any pool is a vision. Maybe watching HGTV gave you this incredible idea for your new pool, scrolling through Pinterest gave you your color scheme, and this great magazine just came in with this incredible hot tub that you MUST have! Your inspiration can come from anywhere – media, the environment, a restaurant, your favorite store. Whatever it may be, jot it down!

When it’s time to design your backyard, you want to remember everything that influenced you to create this retreat. Once your inspiration is collected, start creating a design. Map out all the details to guide your pool builder when he/she is creating the layout.

 Size
 Shape
 Material
 Pool finish
 Coping
 Add-ons

Your builder will be able to create the measurements and an official blueprint for your pool, bringing your vision to life.

Installation.
Installation of your new pool will begin with the digging of your pool shape and installation of the iron rebar. This is where all your planning and designing will pay off. The rebar framework creates a grid around the perimeter of your pool and/or spa to reinforce the structure. You’ll begin to see your vision come to life as your pool builder sprays a heavy coating of gunite around the rebar. Gunite is a mixture of cement and sand that is mixed with water in the sprayer right before applying it to your pool. The gunite is then smoothed and left to set.

Once set, your pool finish will be applied to your custom designed backyard. Plaster is the most common finish due to its wide-range of color options to match your poolscape. If you’re interested in a more high end and unique look, having a pebbled or tiled finish may be more your style. These also come in a wide-range of options differing in size, pattern, and color. Deciding on just one option can be difficult, so don’t be afraid to mix and match! Adding tile accents to your plaster finish can create interest and add a pop of color.

MaintenanceYour swimming pool is everything you imagined and was the perfect addition to your otherwise bland backyard. You’ve created the perfect place to daydream, staycation, and the best background for all your backyard barbeques. Now what?

As the proud owner of a gunite pool, there are a few things you need to remember when maintaining this addition. Because of its porous surface, your pool will be more prone to algae growth. To counter this, you will find yourself using more chemicals and filtration as well as brushing your pool more often to remove any algae. Make sure to take the added cost of chemicals and time (if cleaning the pool yourself) into consideration when deciding on a type of pool. With that exception, maintenance is simple. Standard swimming pool upkeep will keep your pool running smoothly, and draining your pool for a total scrub down will be a breeze. The sturdy structure of a gunite pool will maintain its original shape whereas vinyl pools run the risk of the structure collapsing.

Repost from SwimmingPool.com
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