Category: Pound Pool Plastering - page 2

Embracing the Chill for Your Wellbeing

As the mercury drops, the idea of taking a dip might seem reserved for the bravest of souls. However, winter swimming, whether in a heated outdoor pool or an indoor facility, offers a unique set of health benefits that are worth considering. From improved circulation to a boosted immune system, embracing the chill of winter swimming can be a game-changer for your physical and mental health.

Improved Circulation

One of the most significant benefits of cold-water swimming is improved circulation. When you immerse yourself in cold water, your body works harder to maintain its core temperature, causing your heart rate to increase and your blood to pump more efficiently. This natural cardiovascular exercise helps to strengthen your heart muscles and improve the elasticity of your arteries and veins, promoting better blood flow throughout your body. Over time, regular winter swimmers may find themselves with improved cardiovascular health, reducing the risk of heart-related diseases.

Boosted Immune System

Regular exposure to cold water has been linked to a strengthened immune system. The shock of cold water stimulates leukocytes and other immune system cells due to the body’s reaction to sudden cold exposure. This activation helps your body fight off infections and diseases better. Studies have shown that regular winter swimmers report fewer colds and flu-like illnesses than non-swimmers, indicating a direct link between cold water immersion and immune system fortification.

Enhanced Mood and Mental Health

The mental health benefits of winter swimming are as compelling as the physical ones. The cold water triggers the release of endorphins, the body’s natural painkillers, leading to a post-swim high that can alleviate symptoms of depression and anxiety. This endorphin release, combined with the meditative aspect of swimming, can create a sense of well-being and happiness. Additionally, the challenge of cold-water swimming can boost self-esteem and provide a sense of accomplishment, further enhancing mental health.

Improved Metabolism

Swimming in cold water also has a significant impact on your metabolism. Your body burns more calories when it needs to generate heat, so swimming in colder temperatures can help increase your metabolic rate. This can be particularly beneficial for those looking to manage their weight or increase their energy levels.

Better Sleep Quality

Physical exhaustion combined with the natural cooling of the body post-swim can contribute to better sleep quality. Many winter swimmers report falling asleep faster and experiencing deeper, more restful sleep. This improved sleep quality can positively impact overall health, including reduced stress levels and better cognitive function.

Tips for Winter Swimming

• Start Slowly: If you’re new to winter swimming, start gradually to acclimate your body to the colder temperatures.
• Safety First: Always swim with a buddy or in a supervised area.
• Warm Up Properly: Ensure you warm up your muscles before swimming to prevent cramps and injuries.
• Listen to Your Body: Pay attention to how your body feels during and after swimming, and don’t overdo it.

Winter swimming, whether in a heated pool outdoors or an indoor facility, offers a unique blend of health benefits that can enhance your physical and mental well-being. By embracing the cold, you can improve your circulation, boost your immune system, elevate your mood, speed up your metabolism, and enjoy better sleep. With the right approach and precautions, swimming during the colder months can be a refreshing and rewarding experience. So why not dive into the challenge and reap the health benefits this winter?

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Pound Pool Plastering services residential and commercial pools in applying a wide variety of pool plaster finishes and complete renovations. We offer Diamond Brite, Sunstone, Hydrazzo, and Marcite – and a great selection of tile choices and coping stones. Owner Dale Pound personally oversees each pool project to ensure the highest quality is delivered. Call or email us for a free estimate.

Written by the digital marketing team at Creative Programs & Systems: www.cpsmi.com

While sitting poolside, you’re likely not considering what the pool is made of but rather just soaking in the rays and enjoying a cool beverage. However, if you’re in the market for a pool or need an upgrade to your existing structure, then this article might pique your interest. Read on to learn more about gunite, the strongest, most durable material used for inground pools.

What is Gunite?

Inground pools can be made from three different materials: vinyl liners, fiberglass, or concrete (aka gunite or sprayed concrete.) Gunite is the process of applying dry cement, blowing through a hose, and mixing it with water as it’s sprayed. Reinforced with steel mesh, the material is sticky and holds place once applied. It can be sprayed onto any type or shape of surface, including vertical or overhead areas.

It’s amazing how the original, gooey, and messy application process transforms into a beautiful, functional swimming pool. Although concrete isn’t easy to work with, it’s a proven winner for durability. Ancient Roman architecture is a prime example of the superiority of this dense industrial material that quickly dries while retaining its shape. Concrete-like mixtures have been used as a building material since roughly 6,500 BC.

What is Gunite Made From?

Concrete is generally made from a combination of cement, sand, and some type of aggregate, such as small pieces of hard material like crushed stone or gravel, all mixed with water. Sometimes, it’s made of lime or silicate powder.

China is the largest producer of cement. Cement is the most widely used manufactured material globally and is second only to water as the most widely used substance worldwide. Gunite for pools has highly compressed strength, which makes it impermeable to water and frost resistance.

History of the Gunite Pool

Concrete pools, which date back to the era of Roman baths, were transformed in the 1940s with the introduction of gunite construction. With newly returning WWII veterans, families sought comfortable places of refuge in their suburban homes. Gunite is a technique that revolutionized pool construction, enabling builders to craft appealing, customized pools with greater ease.

Craftsmen and builders no longer depend on heavy, removable molds or forms to create shaped concrete. The invention of gunite prevents the need for extensive heavy machinery and intensive labor to create casts or templates that shape poured concrete until it sets. Gunite simplifies the creation of unique swimming pools.

Considering a new pool or replastering? Contact Pound Pool Plastering today for a free estimate and get booked in our spring schedule!

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Pound Pool Plastering services residential and commercial pools in applying a wide variety of pool plaster finishes and complete renovations. We offer Diamond Brite, Sunstone, Hydrazzo, and Marcite – and a great selection of tile choices and coping stones. Owner Dale Pound personally oversees each pool project to ensure the highest quality is delivered. Call or email us for a free estimate.

Written by the digital marketing team at Creative Programs & Systems: www.cpsmi.com

Or perhaps the same home, but you haven’t used the pool in quite some time for whatever reason. Starring at your inground swimming pool that’s in disrepair all season is no fun. Luckily, now is a good time to start researching and making plans for that old pool by either bringing it up to code, replacing it, or removing it.

We discuss these three options for your inground pool: renovate, renew, or remove.

First, determine what condition your pool is in.

The initial state of your inherited pool greatly influences your renovation choices. If your pool is mainly unkept but functional, a deep cleaning might suffice. Check the pool’s surface, pump, filter, and surrounding areas. If they’re in good shape, simple maintenance like pressure washing and pool shock might restore it. However, it’s best to consult with a professional for tasks like acid washing a concrete pool’s interior.

What if the pool works, but the parts don’t?

Pool equipment, like pumps and filters, can deteriorate, especially when exposed to water and freezing temperatures. If not winterized correctly by previous owners, the machinery might be damaged, including pipes and fittings. Be prepared; major equipment can be costly. If the damage is extensive, consider whether renovation or a complete replacement is more feasible. In such cases, contact a trusted pool maintenance company for help determining what is best for you.

When the pool’s plumbing thrives, but the surfaces dive?

Regardless of maintenance, gunite/concrete pools require resurfacing every 10 to 15 years, costing upwards of $10,000 based on size and intricacy. Improperly cared-for concrete pools might need earlier resurfacing. Vinyl liners have a lifespan of 5 to 10 years, and replacements by professionals typically start at $4,000. DIY replacements are risky and not advised. While fiberglass pools don’t usually need resurfacing, restoring a neglected finish can be expensive, with costs for smaller pools often exceeding $10,000.

Should I renovate or replace my pool?

Some old pools may be beyond effective restoration, especially if neglected for a long time. If faced with an irreparable pool, homeowners must fill it or replace it. For those uninterested in a pool, the decision is straightforward. But for others desiring a backyard oasis, replacement might be the wiser choice if the current pool doesn’t align with their preferences in terms of size, shape, depth, or features.

To decide between renovating or replacing your old pool, consider the following:

1. Will the renovated pool meet your requirements?
2. Is renovating more cost-effective than replacing it?
3. How crucial is having the “ideal pool” to your vision of homeownership?

Many homeowners with old pools find that regardless of potential renovation savings, they’re not fond of the pool’s design or features. Whether it’s an outdated look or unappealing shape for today’s standards, if you feel this way, it might be time to consider a new pool project.

How much does replacing a pool cost?

Replacing an old pool is akin to installing a new one in terms of cost. Though both involve excavation, renovating a neglected pool can sometimes be pricier than a fresh installation. Since we solely work with gunite pools, we expand a bit on the various factors that affect cost: 

1. Size and Depth: Larger and deeper pools will naturally cost more to replace.
2. Location: Labor and material costs vary by region. Access to the backyard can also impact costs. If it’s hard for machinery to access the site, expenses can go up.
3. Features: Adding features like waterfalls, spa additions, or tanning ledges will increase the price.
4. Finish: Higher-end finishes, such as pebble or quartz, will cost more than standard plaster.
5. Demolition of the Old Pool: Before a new pool can be installed, the old one must be demolished and the debris removed. This can be a significant cost.
6. Additional Costs: This might include reconfiguring plumbing and electrical systems, landscaping, decking, fencing, and more.

If you’ve got an old pool in your backyard, and you’re not sure what your best course of action might be, please reach out to a local pool pro, like Pound Pool Plastering Inc. There are simply too many factors in play for us to recommend one method over another without seeing your pool in person. For extensive pool-building and plastering experience, contact us today!

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Pound Pool Plastering services residential and commercial pools in applying a wide variety of pool plaster finishes and complete renovations. We offer Diamond Brite, Sunstone, Hydrazzo, and Marcite – and a great selection of tile choices and coping stones. Owner Dale Pound personally oversees each pool project to ensure the highest quality is delivered. Call or email us for a free estimate.

Written by the digital marketing team at Creative Programs & Systems: https://www.cpsmi.com/

All good things, including weekends and vacations, come to an end. Even seemingly endless summers conclude. Unless you can swim year-round (lucky you!), closing your pool for the colder months is essential. This article guides you through on why, when, and how to do this properly. Doing so will set you up for an easier start next season, saving time and money.

Why We Need to Close and Winterize Inground Pools

Closing your pool correctly for winter prevents unsightly debris, algae, and potential damage to your skimmer. Proper closure means a more manageable and cheaper reopening in spring. Moreover, by closing your pool, you save current effort and expenses on cleaning, chemicals, and running the pump, even with cost-effective equipment.

When Should We Close Our Pools

Take notice when temperatures consistently hover around 65 degrees, and close your pool when temps drop below this threshold. This allows you to maintain your pool use for as long as possible until winter sets in while helping to prevent algae formation during the colder months.

Preparing to Close an Inground Pool

Be sure to have all the supplies needed to close your pool.

• Winterized pool/pump covers
• Pool brush/vacuum
• Plugs for return jets and skimmer plug
• Shop-Vac, ladder, etc.
• WinterPill
• Water test strips
• Pool chemicals: chlorine, shock, algaecide, metal sequestrant, enzymes, and pool antifreeze
• pH increaser/pH decreaser
• Alkalinity increaser/ calcium hardness increaser

Ten Steps to Close Your Pool

Mastering this ten-step process will become easier over time and will make your opening season much more relaxed. Remember, pool maintenance is a long-term commitment, but your efforts now will pay off in the spring.

Step 1: Thoroughly Clean Your Pool

Brush the pool’s bottom and sides, focusing on areas prone to algae. This removes potential algae spores and preps the pool for shock treatment. After brushing, vacuum the floor to collect any remaining sediment, ensuring it doesn’t reattach during winter.

Step 2: Balance Your Pool Water

Maintaining balanced water is crucial, even while you’re closing the pool for the season. With the pool covered and the pump inactive, your efforts now will keep the water in better condition through winter. Ensuring the correct balance of sanitizer and chemicals protects against corrosion, excessive cloudiness, and potentially expensive repairs. Balanced water sets the stage for the upcoming steps.

Step 3: Add Winterizing Chemicals

While balancing chemicals prevent swampy waters, winterizing goes beyond regular maintenance. For pools prone to algae, apply one or two doses of algaecide. If there’s a risk of metal stains due to high metal levels or excessive algaecide, introduce a dose of metal sequestrant. Enhance algaecide efficiency with pool enzymes, which combat organic contaminants. Consider using the WinterPill, a chlorine and clarifier combo that releases over months. If freezing is a concern, add pool-grade antifreeze — avoid automotive antifreeze as it’s toxic.

Step 4: Give Your Pool a Shock Treatment

For outdoor pools, it’s crucial to shock the pool, but do this at dusk or nighttime to prevent the sun from negating the effect. After shocking at sunset, run the pump for eight hours, and prepare for the subsequent steps the next day. If you’ve recently removed algae, adjust the shock amount based on its intensity. Always ensure you use the correct shock amount for your pool’s size.

Step 5: Adjust Your Pool’s Water Level

For those in colder climates, you will need to lower the pool’s water level to prevent damage from freezing. When draining, ensure the chemically treated water is disposed of appropriately per local guidelines.

Regarding how much water to lower:

• For vinyl liners, reduce by an inch.
• For plaster or non-vinyl liners:
• Decrease by six inches for solid covers.
• Eighteen to twenty-four inches for mesh covers.
• For automatic covers, drain to the bottom of the skimmer.

Always consult with your liner’s manufacturer for specific recommendations.

Step 6: Refresh Your Filter Pump

Ensure your filter is clean so it doesn’t contaminate your pool next season with lingering debris.

• For cartridge filters: Remove the cartridge, soak it in a pool filter cleaner, rinse, dry, and replace.
• For sand and DE filters: Backwash is needed. After backwashing, switch the valve back to “filter” and drain all water from the pump, filter, and heater (if you have one).

Step 7: Empty Your System to Prevent Freezing

For those in freezing climates, removing all water from your plumbing is essential to avoid pipe damage. While antifreeze helps, it’s not a complete solution. Use an air compressor or a ShopVac to blow out and ensure the lines are completely dry.

Step 8: Remove and Store Pool Accessories

Remove pool ladders, rails, and other accessories to protect your pool and prevent corrosion. Clean, dry, and store them safely. Store all electronics indoors. In warmer climates, even if lines aren’t blown out, remove return fittings from jets and the line for automatic cleaners. Clean and remove skimmer baskets. For saltwater pools, remove, drain, and store the chlorine generator and turn off all power and gas.

Step 9: Secure Your Pool with a Winter Cover

A winterized cover protects the pool from debris and ensure chemicals stay balanced. The cover will prevent contaminants and rain, snow, etc. from affecting the pool. Ensure there are no gaps. While covers typically rest on the pool’s water and may accumulate rainwater, regularly check and avoid letting it sink. You can prevent this by using a reliable cover pump to remove accumulated water and keep the cover in place.

Step 10: Anticipate the Next Season!

As summer wraps up and our swimsuits retreat and floaties deflate, remember there’s excitement ahead. By responsibly closing your pool, next season’s start will be hassle-free. Meanwhile, savor the fall and winter seasons and minimal pool upkeep.

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Pound Pool Plastering services residential and commercial pools in applying a wide variety of pool plaster finishes and complete renovations. We offer Diamond Brite, Sunstone, Hydrazzo, and Marcite – and a great selection of tile choices and coping stones. Owner Dale Pound personally oversees each pool project to ensure the highest quality is delivered. Call or email us for a free estimate.

Written by the digital marketing team at Creative Programs & Systems: https://www.cpsmi.com/