Tag: Pool Renovations

When it comes to owning a pool, maintenance is key to the pool’s longevity.  One are that will require maintenance with your pool is the surface.  There are four main types of inground pool surfaces.  Before you install an inground pool it is best to know the advantages and disadvantages of the materials available.   Making an educated decision will prevent guesswork when it comes to the care of the pools surface.

Gunite Plaster Pools

A concrete, or gunite pool, is sprayed in concrete over a hole created for the pool.  After this initial process is complete plaster is applied using a trowel over the concrete to smooth out the pools final surface.  A deck surrounding a gunite plaster pool can vary along with the flow of the backyard.  A gunite pool can be placed virtually anywhere.

Advantages

• Can Be Any Shape or Size
• Custom Designed
• Designed to Fit Landscape
• Steps and Benches are Easily Added
• Permanently Installed

Disadvantages

• Labor Intensive to Build Initially
• Can Crack
• Regular Upkeep Needed on Plaster

Vinyl Lined Pools

Vinyl lined pools are created from steel walls that are lined with a vinyl liner that is the pools surface.  A hole is dug into the ground and the liner is fitted within the space. Decking can be installed around the pool and usually is a less permanent option than poured concrete.

Advantages

• Least Expensive Pool Option To Install
• Construct In Any Size and Shape

Disadvantages

• Expensive Upkeep Overtime
• Gets Wrinkled
• Color Fades
• Liner Pulls Away from The Steel Walls
• Tears Easily

Fiberglass Pools

A fiberglass pool is made from reinforced plastic and fiberglass.  It is molded into a particular shape, including a deep basin.  The pool is installed in a hole that is approximately the same shape and size of the mold.  Plumbing is installed and sand and filler is added around the structure to create backfill under the preformed base.  The pool is leveled out, hooked up and ready to be filled with water.  Most fiberglass pools will be surrounded by a concrete deck platform.

Advantages

• Ease of Installation
• Versatile and Flexible
• Strong and Virtually Maintenance Free

Disadvantages

• Depth of the Pool is Limited
• All One Piece

Each type of inground pool material has advantages and disadvantages ranging from initial design, maintenance, expense and upkeep.  The decision on the type of pool you are looking to install will come from the time you are willing to wait for it to be installed as well.  Fiberglass pools can usually be built and ready to go within a few weeks where as vinyl lined pools take as long as six to eight weeks and gunite anywhere from ten to twelve weeks.  The most common type of inground pools in the north is gunite plaster pools and fiberglass.  Fiberglass tends to be easier to maintain but is limited in size and shape to what is manufactured.  Concrete pools with a plaster overlay are the most versatile but will require more upkeep in the long run.

Pound Pool Plastering repairs commercial and residential gunite swimming pools including coping, tile and plaster repairs. For more information or to request a quote visit http://www.pound-pool-plastering.com/.

There is so much that you will need to learn as a new pool owner.  Whether you purchase a home with an inground pool installed or are having a pool installed you will need a crash course on pools.  In this article we will cover a wide range of topics from opening the pool, maintenance and closing.

Most homeowners in the North use Memorial Day weekend as their pools opening date.  This is at about the same time the kids are getting out of school for the summer and will need something to occupy their time.  Opening the pool starts with gathering all the supplies needed.  Most pool owners will find having a storage shed is the best way to store pool chemicals and supplies together.

When opening the pool for the first time you may find stagnate water has created a puddle on the pools cover.   You will want to remove the water before removing the pools cover.  Once this has been done you will start to replenish the water, add chemicals to the water and connect the pools plumbing and filtration.  While you are doing this you should remove any large debris with a vacuum or skimmer so that the filter remains unclogged.

When it comes to maintaining your pool the chemical balance is incredibly important.  Without proper chemical balance the compound levels in the water will be unbalances and could create damage to the pools plaster surface.  It is also important when considering looking after your pool to check out the pools surface for cracks and signs of wear as well as the plumbing fixtures used to run the pool.  If wear is seen and replacement is inevitable it is simpler and more cost effective to do this prior to opening the pool for the season.

Daily upkeep, bug removal and chemical maintenance are needed throughout the season to ensure your pools longevity.  It is important that even when you are gone on vacation that your pool is being looked after.  Daily upkeep is essential to avoid any downtime enjoying the pool from improper chemical balance, algae growth and a nightmare with the pools vacuum upon your return.

Closing your pool for the season is as equally important as opening the pool.  If done properly opening the pool in the spring will be a piece of cake.  When closing the pool the first item to take care of is the chemical balance in the pool.  Adjust the pools ph balance, alkalinity and calcium hardness.  This should be done about five days prior to the actual shut down of the pool.

The pool also needs to be shocked using a strong chlorine solution that will kill all the bacteria living in the pool.  From here you should add algaecide to prevent algae from forming and to kill any that is already in existence.  Thoroughly clean the pool.  Remove and drain all pool equipment and store it in a dry place that is not exposed to winter elements. Drain the water in the pool to about a foot below the skimmer and cover the pool.

For new pool owners it is best to hire a pool crew to open, maintain and close your pool for at least the first summer that you have the pool.  They can help you come up with a detailed plan of maintenance and walk you through the process in order to prevent damage.

Pound Pool Plastering repairs commercial and residential gunite swimming pools including coping, tile and plaster repairs. For more information or to request a quote visit http://www.pound-pool-plastering.com/.