Monthly Archives

June 2021

Swimming Pool Maintenance: What You Need To Know

By | Pool Safety Inspections

Written by Nancy Whitman and published on http://www.articlesfactory.com/

Maintaining a swimming pool is a must. Oftentimes, the water in the pool gets dirty and needs to be cleaned up. Apart from this, the tiles within the pool and the surrounding area also need a good clean in order to keep it sparkling and inviting. Clean water with tidy surroundings will definitely invite everyone to prolong the fun in the sun. What maintenance can actually do is save money as the life of the pool is increased and there will be no worries of frequent repairs.

Effective Swimming Pool Maintenance – 3 Things You Must Know

As a swimming pool owner, one thing you must know is that maintaining a pool does not end with construction. Swimming pool maintenance requires consistent work. To maintain a pool, there are things you need to do other than just clearing dirt off the surface of the pool water.

In this article, you shall be looking at three major maintenance cultures that you must put in place to keep your swimming pool in good shape.As a swimming pool owner, one thing you must know is that maintaining a pool does not end with construction. Swimming pool maintenance requires consistent work. To maintain a pool, there are things you need to do other than just clearing dirt off the surface of the pool water.

  • Filtration:

Consistently filtering your swimming pool can help you fight pathogens and help you combat foreign pathogens that threaten your health from your swimming pool. Making your pool water sparkling clean and free from any form of dangerous bacteria.

Filters come in different forms, and each has its unique maintenance needs. The three types of filtration include Sand filters, DE filters, and Cartridge filters.

  • Sand filters

Adjust the backwashers’ valve towards the backwashing position, or adjust the multi-port valve. The next phase is to let the water run for at least 90 seconds till the water coming from the backwash becomes clean and fresh. Do this consistently every week regardless of the pressure reading.

  • DE filters

Though this process can be a bit time-consuming, all you have to do is access your filter dome where you have the filter grids. The next phase is to remove it and hosed it down a high-pressure water hose.

  • Cartridge filters

This process is a bit similar to the DE filter procedure. You are to take out the cartridge from the canister and ensure it is adequately hosed down. But if you have a high-pressure hose, you can also make a muriatic acid mix.

  • Water Circulation

Water circulation is essential for healthy pool maintenance. A perfect example is having a drum full of water content with no provisions for effective water movement or circulation. That drum would eventually be a breeding ground for algae and bacteria. The same thing is can apply to swimming pool maintenance. Your swimming pool should always have a channel where water in the pool can circulate and move.

  • Water chemistry

You must ensure that you balance your swimming pool chemistry level at all times. When it is not up to the expected ratio, it can lead to adverse side effects for your swimming pool. Correcting this will be capital intensive.

Water chemistry focus: Total alkalinity, Chlorine level, and pH

  • Total alkalinity

TA should always be within the range of 110 and 130 ppm. TA plays the role of buffer for pH, ensuring that the level of wild and extreme swings in the capacity of hydrogen in your swimming pool water.

  • Chlorine

There must be a standard for chlorine level in your swimming pool. During the summer months, chlorine levels must be within the range of 3ppm and the lower end of the spectrum during winter.

  • pH

pH level should be within the range of 7.4-7.8. If the figure drops higher or below this rate, it could lead to water irritation, corrode the swimming pool equipment and lead to an increase of calcium in the pipe along the waterline.

Conclusion

The swimming pool is designed for relaxation. But this can only be possible if you put in place a proper maintenance culture. This article has discussed some relevant tips that could help you.

Original post here http://www.articlesfactory.com/articles/other/effective-swimming-pool-maintenance-3-things-you-must-know.html/.

Great Ways To Use Your Swimming Pool Year-Round!

By | Pool Safety

Written by Nicholas Tan and published on http://www.articlesfactory.com/

People often think of swimming as a Summer activity and a way to cool off in the scorching hot months. However, we are so excited to tell you that when you build a beautiful backyard oasis, it can be used in numerous ways throughout the entire year! You heard that right! All four seasons and twelve months long full of activities and enjoyment! Let’s review the benefits and opportunities for owning a pool’s backyard!

Swimming Pools: Enjoying Your Pool Year Round

The beauty and relaxation provided by a swimming pool is nothing short of spectacular.  On a hot day, a pool can be a blessing.  On the other hand, a swimming pool can also be a headache if it isn’t cared for properly.  Swimming pools require a lot of maintenance, including time and money.  No matter what type of pool you have, you’ll need to perform regular maintenance on it.

The beauty and relaxation provided by a swimming pool is nothing short of spectacular.  On a hot day, a pool can be a blessing.  On the other hand, a swimming pool can also be a headache if it isn’t cared for properly.  Swimming pools require a lot of maintenance, including time and money.  No matter what type of pool you have, you’ll need to perform regular maintenance on it.

By owning a swimming pool, you assume the task of keeping your pool clean and safe for yourself and anyone who swims in it.  Maintaining your pool doesn’t have to be a hard task or consume a lot of time, if you know what you are doing.  If you follow the advice of a professional and perform regular maintenance on your pool, you’ll keep it healthy year round.

To put it bluntly, you should check on your chemical balance from time to time, and make sure that the water is safe for swimming.  You’ll need to ensure that you keep debris out of your pool, and that the water remains healthy.  If you filter your water on a frequent basis, you can keep the chemicals moving about and keep the water safe for swimming.

The weather outside and how often you use your pool will greatly contribute to the condition of your water.  If you don’t have your chemicals balanced properly, the sun can quickly turn your water to a green, musty color.  If you live in an area that is known for hot weather, you’ll need to make sure that you keep your chemicals properly balanced at all times.

A swimming pool will naturally attract leaves, insects, dust, hair, and other forms of debris.  No matter what you do about it, you can never prevent things from getting in your water.  If you don’t clean your pool on a regular basis, the pollutants that get in the water can lead to bacteria and algae, which will quickly destroy your water.  If you sanitize and clean your pool on a regular basis, you’ll help to keep it clean and free from bacteria and algae buildup.

If you don’t have the time to clean your pool yourself, you can always leave it to a professional.  Professional pool cleaners don’t come cheap, although they will clean your water and your pool, and ensure that your chemicals are properly balanced.  You can schedule a time for a cleaner to do his job, normally once a week or so.  Once you have started using a professional, you may find his services great and never want to go back to cleaning your pool yourself.  With the help of a professional – you can rest assured that your pool will stay clean year round.

Original post here http://www.articlesfactory.com/articles/home-repair/swimming-pools-enjoying-your-pool-year-round.html/.

Best Upgrades to Consider for Your Swimming Pool Renovation

By | Pool Safety

Written by Nancy Whitman and published on http://www.articlesfactory.com/

Making a decision to renovate a swimming pool is not an easy task, but the recent advancement of swimming pool technology makes renovations well worth your while. Homeowners can now transform an old, troublesome pool into a luxury swimming pool, with every possible amenity, that runs smoother than it ever did. Unfortunately, many people settle for their existing pool because they do not receive adequate information regarding the possibilities of a pool renovation. Maybe they simply underestimate the transformative possibilities of renovating an existing pool. Don’t be intimidated by the task of renovating your pool with the latest industry trends.

Swimming Pool Renovation Ideas – Best Upgrades to Consider for Your Swimming Pool

You have a swimming pool that you and your family enjoy very much. But now it is time for an upgrade, a pool renovation, or just a change to your backyard and swimming pool. 

The problem is that you might not have any ideas about what to do with the swimming pool to renovate it and to make it look new and fresh again. But this isn’t something that you need to worry about. With this guide, you will be able to get some great upgrades and renovation ideas that you can consider for your swimming pool and deck area. You have a swimming pool that you and your family enjoy very much. But now it is time for an upgrade, a pool renovation, or just a change to your backyard and swimming pool.

Adding lights inside and around your pool

If you have a tight budget, but you are still looking for a couple of changes, this is something that you can consider. To add some lights inside and outside your pool. This is going to make the deck area so much better and it will be an invitation to go swimming during the hot summer nights as well.

You can basically add any color light you want. You can make it all one color, or you can change the colors to different colored lights. It depends on your budget and how much lighting you want to have around your pool area.

Putting a roof over the pool with a heating system

For those that have a little bit more money to spend on an upgrade or renovation project around the pool area. This is to put a roof over the pool with a heating system. This is to have a hot water pool. Giving you a great swimming experience throughout the year.

This is also a great option for those that are living in the areas where it isn’t as warm during the summer. This will let you still enjoy your pool, without freezing to death when you are exiting the water. And, you will be able to swim at night, without any problems of getting cold.

New paint of color to the surface of the pool

Another renovation project that isn’t too expensive is to paint the surface of the pool a new color. Who said that the inside of a pool always needs to be blue? Many people are considering painting their pool black as well.

It doesn’t really matter what color you consider for your pool’s surface. The more colorful your pool, the more inviting it will look. Especially if you are always having guests over for sleepovers.

A natural stone waterfall into the pool

When you built your pool, and there were huge stones removed from the ground, you might still have these lying around. Did you know that you can use these stones to create something beautiful?

You can use natural stones and create a waterfall into the pool. Making the pool more natural, and you will have the sound of water running into the pool. You can even design the stone waterfall in such a way, that you can use it to jump into the water. But then you just need to build the natural stone waterfall at the deep-end of the pool.

These are just a couple of ideas of how you can renovate or change your pool area and turn it into something new. These ideas are ideal for both those with a huge budget and for those that don’t have a huge budget at all. You should just look at your pool area and make sure that you see what is missing. What you would like to add to make your pool area even better. Then, you will have some great ideas that you can incorporate to upgrade your pool into the best outdoor space available.

Original post here http://www.articlesfactory.com/articles/home-business/swimming-pool-renovation-ideas-best-upgrades-to-consider-for-your-swimming-pool.html/.

Choosing the Best Type of Cover for Your Swimming Pool

By | Pool Safety Inspections

Written by Nicholas Tan and published on http://www.articlesfactory.com/

Swimming pool covers are important for your pool in every season. In the summer, they help to keep leaves and debris out of the water and prevent evaporation. If you live in a temperate climate, pool covers can also protect your pool during the winter season when it’s not in use. But which type of pool cover is best for your pool? Let’s look at the differences between the various types of covers.

Depending on your reasons for getting a pool cover, certain options may suit you better than others. While some covers are made for providing a simple barrier between the surface and your water, other covers offer impenetrable shielding against unwanted contaminants and a seal so strong that you can walk across it.

Swimming Pools: Types Of Swimming Pool Covers

All across the United States, thousand and thousands of people own swimming pools.  A swimming pool can provide a lot of fun and excitement, although it can also be dangerous.  As many of us already know, it only takes a few seconds for a child to drown.  To stop this from happening, you should use a pool cover to cover your swimming pool.

All across the United States, thousand and thousands of people own swimming pools.  A swimming pool can provide a lot of fun and excitement, although it can also be dangerous.  As many of us already know, it only takes a few seconds for a child to drown.  To stop this from happening, you should use a pool cover to cover your swimming pool.

Along with protecting your swimming pool, covers have other uses as well.  You can get solar powered pool covers, which will help to keep your water warm from the heat of the sun and protect your pool at the same time.  For those looking for the best in protection, there are hard top swimming pool covers out there that are very sturdy and can keep just about anything out of your pool.

If you live in a warm climate area, you may want to get a basic plastic cover for your pool, which will keep it clean and protected. These covers will keep dust, dirt, and leaves out of your pool when you aren’t using it.  Depending on where you live and what needs you have, the cover you need will vary.

Covers for your swimming pool come in several different choices as well, such as net, mesh, vinyl, and so on.  Mesh pool covers are very popular, as they offer a tight fitting barrier which helps to keep your pool clean and free of debris, reduce maintenance, reduce evaporation, and keep your pool from unauthorized access.

Vinyl pool covers on the other hand, provide an amazing source of security.  These pool covers operate via key, and help to keep debris out of your pool.  They are also great for insulating and retaining heat, along with reducing any loss of chemicals.  Vinyl is a very popular type of pool cover, being used by hundreds of thousands of pool owners.

No matter what type of pool cover you select, you can rest assured that it will do a lot in protecting your swimming pool.  They don’t cost you a lot of money, yet they can go a long way in helping to prevent a child from accidental drowning.  Depending on the type of swimming pool you have, the type of covers you have to choose from will vary.

From above ground pools to in ground pools, a swimming pool cover is something that you absolutely must have.  There are many different types available, designed to fit all swimming pools.  Before you buy a swimming pool cover you should first look at the package and make sure that it will work with your swimming pool.  Some types of swimming pool covers may not work with your swimming pool – which makes it all the more important to double check.

Original post here http://www.articlesfactory.com/articles/home-repair/swimming-pools-types-of-swimming-pool-covers.html/.

Sure Ways To Make Your Home Swimming Pool Safe

By | Pool Safety

Written by Carl Formby and published on http://www.articlesfactory.com/

The greatest way of providing water safety assurance in swimming pools usually comes from practicing and adopting as many water safety measures as realistically possible; this is because you don’t really know which of your safety measures will make a life-saving difference until it does. It is worth mentioning that since no single safety measure is foolproof, it is usually recommended that these safety systems be used in conjunction with each other.

Making Sure Your Pool Is Safe

The various types of various pool safety equipment explained. Find information on swimming pool safety, swimming pool covers, swimming pool fencing, swimming pool alarms and much more.

One of the most basic ways of making your swimming pool safe is to fit a pool fence, which, as the name implies, is simply a fence around the swimming pool which stops any unauthorized person from getting in. Although this is a simple measure to take, it can be very effective, especially in stopping children getting into the pool, since the fence does not need to be that high in order to stop a child from gaining access to the water. There are many different types of swimming pool fence on the market, and they can be fairly inexpensive to fit, especially if a vinyl model is chosen.Many people install a swimming pool, and never really think about how dangerous a place a swimming pool can be, especially to a young child or toddler. However, this is a mistake, and it is a good idea to know exactly how you can make your pool as safe as possible, through the use of pool fences, covers, and pool alarms. This article will look at the various means of making your swimming pool a safe place and look at some of the considerations that need to be borne in mind when you fit a pool safety system.

If a child does manage to get over a pool fence, then there is another barrier of safety that can be employed, and that is a pool cover. A pool cover is simply a sheet, usually made of vinyl, which fits over the surface of the water and can stop any young child from getting into the water. Make sure that any cover is actually a pool safety cover, which means that the pool cover itself can stand a certain amount of weight to be placed on it. If the pool cover is simply to protect the water itself then it may well not be a safety model, and should not be used as a method of stopping a child from falling into the water.

As a final safety measure, it can be a good idea to fit a pool alarm system. Pool alarms can simply mean an alarm on the gate of a pool fence, which will sound if anyone opens the gate. However there are certain types of pool safety alarm which will sound if someone happens to fall in the water, by employing underwater sensors to sound an alarm if the water is disturbed.

One of the easiest ways of making your pool secure is to use a pool fence, but by fitting a pool cover and a pool alarm system you can make your pool as safe as it is possible to be. Take time to look at the various suppliers of pool safety equipment to see the full range of safety equipment that is now available, and then take time to choose carefully in order to make sure that any child who comes close to your swimming pool is kept in safety.

Original post here http://www.articlesfactory.com/articles/home-repair/making-sure-your-pool-is-safe.html/.

Factors That Can Affect the Colour of the Water

By | Pool Safety

Written by Admin and published on https://www.pittsburghbettertimes.com/Whichever type of finish you decide to go with, one of the first things to think about is what colour you want your pool water to be. There are two primary watercolours for your swimming pool, blue and green, and the shades of blue or green are determined by numerous factors. The main determiner for watercolour is the background dye in the finish. If you want green water, the finish should be green, brown or tan. For blue water, the finish should be white, blue, black or grey. Begin making your watercolour selection by coming up with the colour palette you want to achieve. Do you want to see a deep blue, a dark aqua green, or a bright aqua or blue shade?

Factors That Affect Pool Water Colour

When getting a pool for your backyard, there is an endless list of decisions you need to make, and the primary decision you need to make is the pool finish. Did you know the type of finish will affect the colour of the pool? Thus, this is a big decision to the overall look of your dream swimming pool. Predicting the exact colour for the pool might be challenging as many factors affect it, this is from the shape, size, lighting, but you can try to get it as close as possible to the colour you want.

Read on to understand better the factors that affect the pool water colour.

The depth and size of your pool

If you go for a deeper pool, the darker the colour. So if you go for a blue pool, it will become bluer, or if green, you will notice it is greener. But for a small pool, the pool’s colour will be much closer to the finish you had desired.

The background surroundings of the pool and the landscape

The component that you have surrounding the pool will alter the overall colour of the pool. If you have trees and shrubs, this creates an earthy tone background; thus, your pool’s finish might lean more towards green or teal colour.

The amount of sunlight your pool gets

Pools are meant to be in the spotlight of the sun, to offer you that cooling effect as you soak up the sun. Did you know this also alters the colour of the pool? The sun rays bring out the richness of the colours used in the finish; this is due to water refraction, which is responsible for changing the pool colour. As the sun is slowly setting, you will notice the pool colour also has a drastic change, so this means each time you dive into your pool, you will notice the colour changes according to the time of day.

Some artificial coloured water

Now that you know how water colour can change during the day, but how about at night? You probably like taking a deep at night or having pool parties once in a while, so how can you illuminate the beautiful colour finish in your pool? Since sunlight is not a factor, you need to make use of coloured lights in your pool. It gives you the freedom, and a level of control over the pool water colour; these lights are designed underwater to create this beautiful illusion of colour display in your pool.

The chemistry level also affects the pool colour.

We have covered factors that affect the pool colour, assuming that the water is clear, but as you know, pool water is not always clear. If you find your pool is looking greenish or scummy, the ph. Levels are not well balanced. When water gets murky, this is due to algae or some organic material that slowly grows if your pool is not cleaned correctly. To get that sparkling blue colour or green, properly clean your pool.

Original post here https://www.pittsburghbettertimes.com/factors-that-affect-pool-water-colour/.

How To Choose The Perfect Depth For Your Swimming Pool

By | Pool Safety Inspections

Written by Admin and published on https://www.pittsburghbettertimes.com/There are a lot of decisions that go into designing and building the pool of your dreams. Having an expert pool builder in by your side is key to ensure you have the help and support you need in designing and constructing your pool.

On top of the colors, textures, and other various materials to be decided, dimensions must also be considered. If you are struggling with deciding what the right pool depth is for you and your family, ask yourself these questions to learn a bit and help narrow down your decision.

Choosing the Right Depth for Your Pool

A pool is a great addition to a living space. It serves as a spot for leisure, fun, and exercise. Moreover, swimming pools add value to a property. Installing a pool is probably the best decision you can make as a homeowner. Nonetheless, there is a lot to consider before commencing with the project. The pool depth must be determined from the onset. Here are a few factors to consider to choosing the right depth for your pool.

Purpose

Swimming pools have a lot to offer but the design depends on what you want. If you desire a fun pool for water games and beach balls, you can get away with a shallow design. Anywhere between 3-5 feet is sufficient to host fun games for both children and adults. The pool maximizes on safety and allows users to wade across the pool effortlessly. However, avid swimmers looking to practise from home and keep fit will benefit from a deeper pool. A depth of more than 5-6 feet is ideal for anyone looking to improve their swimming techniques and fitness. Pools that serve such swimmers also need some length for making laps.

Personal Height 

Keep your height and the height of all adults in the house in mind when choosing the depth of your pool. Since occupants in the house will be the most frequent pool users, their comfort and safety takes priority. The limiting factor for your pool depth is the height of the shortest adult in the house. Children’s safety should also be considered but their height is modifiable since they possess great potential for growth. Multi-depth pools are a good compromise if you want to accommodate everyone. They have a shallow end and a deep end for advanced swimmers. However, the design works better for larger pools than small installations

Safety of Children.

Swimming pool related injuries and deaths are common. More often than not, they involve children. Although you should always supervise your children as they swim, designing a pool that is safe for them is important. If they are small, a shallow pool would be ideal. However, if they are about to reach the peak of their growth curve you can go for slightly deeper pools. Since permanent in-ground pools do not provide adjustment options to accommodate your growing child, you may have to either keenly supervise them as they swim or settle for a multi-depth design. However, you can opt for an above-ground, semi-permanent pool while your children are young and switch to a deep, permanent pool when they come of age. Regardless of depth, all children should only swim under close supervision.

Budget 

Your budget should support your ideas when it comes to swimming pool construction. Compared to a shallow pool, a deeper pool is more expensive. Deep pools occupy a larger surface area and have higher material costs. Moreover, the pool holds more weight and the design requires reinforcements to maintain the integrity of the installation. The maintenance costs of a deep pool are also higher. A deeper pool may be a tempting option but remember it comes at a steep price. Nonetheless, if your budget allows, go for it. Deep pools add more value to a property and you can’t put a price on the experience they offer.

You can seek professional advice on pool design if you can’t come to a decision on the depth. Swimming pool experts will guide you through the process of choosing the right depth by providing all the necessary information. This includes legal, engineering and product information. There is no need to make the decision on your own especially if you are confused.

Original post here https://www.pittsburghbettertimes.com/choosing-the-right-depth-for-your-pool/.

The Advantages: Installing In-Ground Concrete Swimming Pools

By | Pool Safety

Written by Admin and published on https://www.pittsburghbettertimes.com/A swimming pool is an investment that reaps great rewards, both in the value of your home and property, but also in the health and happiness of your family. But what sort of swimming pool should you build? There are three types of inground pools: concrete, fiberglass, and vinyl. Here’s a look at the advantages of a concrete swimming pool.

Everyone dreams of having a beautiful swimming pool in the backyard where one can relax in the evenings or party with friends and family occasionally. There are different types of materials used by pool builders in Toronto for building swimming pools – vinyl, fibreglass and concrete. For those who want to get a permanent pool installed at home, concrete is the best option.

Concrete pools are regaining their popularity among house owners and swimming pool builders because of the several benefits they offer. Here are some of the advantages of installing a concrete pool at home.

Advantages Of In-Ground Concrete Swimming Pools

In-ground concrete swimming pools are one of the oldest designs dating back to ancient civilizations. The pool has stood the test of time and remains the top choice for highly ranked hotels and lavish residential properties. In-ground pools come at a hefty price that is enough to ward off many interested buyers. However, a closer look at the benefits you enjoy from the pool reveals the true value of the installation. Here are some of the advantages that make in-ground swimming pools the go to choice for homes and residential spaces

Size

There is no limit to how big your can build your concrete pool. The design can accommodate deep and extensive pools without compromise to the integrity. In-ground concrete pools are heavily reinforced to ensure they can sustain the weight of the water they hold. Moreover, the pool handles a lot of pressure exerted by soil on the walls. The structural integrity of the swimming pool allows construction to go deep and cover a large area. The only limitations to how big your in-ground concrete pool can be is space and money.

Design Versatility 

In-ground concrete swimming pools offer a wide range of design options. You can customize the pool to any shape. Regular shapes are easier to build but with the right team of professionals, you can customize unique shapes without compromise to the structural integrity. Aside from shape, you can also modify the depth to suit your preference. The pool also accommodates multilevel floor designs creating shallow and deep sections.

For the finishing, concrete swimming pools have three main options; plaster, aggregate and tile.

Plaster is made from white cement, sand, marble aggregate and water. The plaster is applied to the concrete pool structure and levelled. Plaster is inexpensive and has a minimalistic appeal. The material can also be coloured. However, plaster is rough to touch and needs a lot of surface maintenance. The plaster can also stain, crack and etch if the chemistry of the pool water is incorrect.

Aggregate combines cement with pebbles, glass beads or quartz. The finish can either be polished or exposed. Compared to plaster, aggregate finishes last longer and have a softer feel. The only downside is the glass beads fade and discolour over time.

Tile finish is the most versatile and durable option. There are three main types of tiles; glass, porcelain and stone. The tiles are easy to clean and have a unique lustre that looks good in water. However, all these qualities come at a hefty price. Tile is the most expensive finish among the three options.

Additional Fittings

In-ground concrete pools can accommodate different fittings. It’s only an in-ground concrete pool that can have a fountain in its design without any structural compromise. A waterfall can also be fitted in the pool to enhance its aesthetic appeal. Moreover, the ingrouind design makes it easy to install light fixtures in and around the pool.  Another unique fittings that goes well with ingound concrete pools is a jacuzzi. A jacuzzi offers a great relaxation spot and other fittings like a TV screen and fireplace can be installed adjacent to it.

Durability 

There is no question that an in-ground, concrete pool is the most durable swimming pool option. There are archeological sites with concrete pools that date back thousands of years. This is evidence of the strength of the design. Moreover, concrete pools handle repairs well. Any damage can be fixed and the pool will be restored to its original integrity. Maintenance costs for the pool are high, but no other swimming option matches the durability of an in-ground concrete pool.

Despite some of the drawbacks presented by in-ground concrete pools there is no debating that the advantages make it a worthwhile investment.

Original post here https://www.pittsburghbettertimes.com/advantages-of-in-ground-concrete-swimming-pools/.

The Cause And How To Prevent It: Swimming Pool Chlorine Loss

By | Pool Safety Inspections

Written by Admin and published on https://www.pittsburghbettertimes.com/All pool owners know that sanitizers, like chlorine, are essential to a healthy swimming pool. They keep your water germ-free, clean, and ultimately, safe for swimming. So having to add chlorine to your pool is nothing unusual. But it’s important to keep track of how often you do.

Normally, you shouldn’t have to add chlorine more than once or twice a week to maintain proper chlorine levels around 3 ppm. But, if you find yourself adding chlorine several times a week just to keep up, then you’re dealing with excessive chlorine loss. Especially if your pool’s chlorine levels are dropping fast.

Chlorine loss happens for a variety of reasons. Reasons include everything from what’s in your pool to the temperature outside.

If you’re trying to solve your chlorine loss problems keep reading. In this post, we go over common causes of chlorine loss and how to troubleshoot each one. By the end of this post, you’ll know how to prevent chlorine loss for good.

Causes Of Swimming Pool Chlorine Loss & The Best Ways To Prevent It

One of the greatest achievements a pool owner probably has is mastering the water pool chemistry. Balancing the water with the correct amount of chlorine to keep it safe and clean requires the right knowledge, skills, and a bunch of patience. At this point, many pool owners get frustrated as the more they try to keep the water clean, the more the chlorine level decreases. While others have already attempted to drain and refill the water, some pool owners seek for an explanation of how the pool’s chlorine demand works.

If the water test results indicate a low level of chlorine when you just recently sanitized it, then you are losing them. If that is not corrected immediately, then more money and effort will go to waste. Chlorine sanitization should not take more than 2x per week. The causes of swimming pool chlorine loss and the effective ways to prevent it are two of the most talk-about pool concerns, which this article will discuss.

Understanding the Root Cause

Learning the reasons why and how a swimming pool loses its chlorine is the first step to prevent it. Adding chlorine to the water for about 1-2x a week is rational and could only mean it is fulfilling its part in sanitizing the water, but needing to add more than that requires attention. The reasons why the chlorine level drops faster vary from things that are in and the situation around it. Here are some of the common causes:

1. Water Contamination – Highly contaminated water affects the level of chlorine. If humans have antibodies that protect them from various diseases, the pool water must have chlorine to act like neutralizers. These neutralizers will combat unwanted contaminants, whether it is organic or inorganic. As a result, the chlorine level drops, but it should gradually decrease.

If you notice that the chlorine drops faster, you need to test the status of the water. Analyze the level of water contamination, making the chlorine to dissipate. Some of the things that can pollute the water are:

  • Fallen leaves and twigs
  • Insects
  • Droppings from birds
  • Algae and microorganism build-up
  • Chemicals contaminants from lotion, shampoos, and soaps
  • Skin tissue and body oils, as well as makeups
  • Liquids excreted by users like sweat
  • Contamination from swimwear

The chemical reaction of chlorine with water is to break into several properties. They can either become hypochlorite ion or hypochlorous acid. When any of these pollutants contaminate the water, the chlorine will attack them, and soon they will oxidize in the process.

2. The Effects of Sun’s UV Rays – Although the presence of the sun can make water a little warmer, it has adverse effects on chlorine. As soon as the sunlight touches the water, the hypochlorite ion on chlorine splits apart and oxidizes without the chance of performing its purpose. It is the exact reason why some pool owners use cyanuric acid as a chlorine neutralizer. It acts like a protective shield that makes the chlorine more active and UV rays resistant, for a limited time until the CYA or cyanuric acid evaporates. Without this stabilizer, the water that gets direct sunlight can lose up to 90% of the chlorine in less than 3 hours.

3. High Temperature – The hot temperature is another cause of chlorine loss. Meaning, even though the sunlight does not hit the water directly, for as long as it is up and its rays are reflecting everywhere, producing heat temperature to the atmosphere, it will still make the water evaporate.

Additionally, bacteria are commonly known to adapt well to a warm environment. When the water gets warmed by the sun or by the steamy temperature, it will be more comfortable not only for humans but also for microorganisms. The result, they will multiply faster.

4. Adverse Effect of Cyanuric Acid – In case you are not familiar, there are two types of chlorine, unstabilized and stabilized. The unstabilized chlorine is commonly used in indoor pools since there is no need for sun protection. The stabilized chlorine has CYA or Cyanuric Acid. The CYA has its pros and cons. They may work effectively like a sunscreen to chlorine, but they also make it less capable of sanitizing the water, causing chlorine lock. It the term used when the level of CYA gets too high, and the chlorine can no longer do its task, leaving you with unsanitized water.

You may quickly identify if the pool has a high amount of CYA. It produces a strong smell of bleach, and that is not because the chlorine has exceeded the limit amount, but it is otherwise. The odor comes from a chemical substance called chloramines, a product of poor water treatment.

5. Badly Treated Water –  Chemically unstable water is another reason why chlorine loses its ability to disinfect.  If the water is imbalanced, either too high on alkaline or acid, the chlorine will not work, and most likely, it will just sit at the bottom of the pool. A common sign that your pool is out of balance is when the water still appears to be cloudy after chlorine sanitation.

Every chemical that the pool requires has a recommended amount based on the volume of water and other chemicals that you need to add. Maintaining chemically balanced water can be challenging, but it can save you from future troubles and expenses.

6. Rainwater Vs. Pool Water– The rainwater, either falling directly or through run-offs, can make the pool acid level shoot up. In short, a messed-up water pool chemistry. Aside from that, the rainwater may contain dirt and bacteria that will pollute the pool.

Imagine how complex these will be for chlorine – unbalanced, contaminated water. The chlorine will become very active on water with a low level of pH, causing them to get consumed up immediately.

7. Uses and Users – Regular use of pool and users can also be significant factors why a pool loses chlorine. As mentioned earlier, when a human discharges liquid, they add up as water pollutants. It triggers the chlorine to sanitize sweat, pee, and body oils. Furthermore, the human skin tissue, hair, along with many other things that a person could bring into the water will serve as an enemy to the chlorine.

If the swimming pool is under regular usage, then there is a need to increase the amount of chlorine, which should be about 1-3 parts per million. Moreover, advising the users to wear proper swimming attire and taking showers before hitting the pool will help a lot.

All these and more contribute to the cause of pool chlorine loss, and explaining them can help better understand how to avoid them. There may be no way to stop rainfall and high temperatures, but there are ways to minimize their effect on chlorine. The next part of this article will guide you on how to limit or have control over chlorine loss.

Proper Pool Sanitation to Avoid Chlorine Loss

As you may remember, the top cause of pool chlorine loss is highly-contaminated water. As soon as the chlorine dive into the water, it will start to disinfect. When there’s too much to clean, the chlorine will get used up instantly.

According to roboticpoolcleanerscompared.com, weekly pool maintenance and water sanitation can help to slow down the chlorine consumption.

  1. Help the chlorine to clean the water by skimming out the dried leaves, twigs, and insects. Let the chlorine handle the microorganism and bacteria, while you deal with those that are visible to human eyes.
  2. Regularly scrub the pool surface, wall, and stairs can prevent algae and bacteria build-up. To reach the bottom and far sides, attach the brush to a telescopic pole. Focus on areas that have no to little water circulation.
  3. Collect the dirt and visible debris using a pool vacuum. Allow the debris to settle and slowly move the vacuum head. Try not to make any rough movement as it may cause the particles to float again.
  4. Check if the filters are clean. Backwash it if you notice residues. Also, inspect if the pump is functioning well.
  5. Test the water by using chlorine level test kits. To get the most accurate result, try to dip the tester at least 20 inches deep. Make sure that the level of water reached the “fill line” level. Add the required amount of solution, mix, wait for a few seconds, then compare the color with the equivalent level.
  6. Oxidize or Shock the Pool. Never forget to put on your protective gear whenever you apply chemicals to your pool. Pool shock is another form of water treatment to use. To apply, add the substance in a bucket of water and then mix it. Next, distribute it evenly by pouring the mixture to different sides of the pool.
  7. Leave the pool pump running for 8 hours. Note that the chemical can be too strong, so you need to make everyone aware, especially kids, to stay out of the pool for the meantime. It is a long wait, which is why most pool owners suggest doing the pool shock at night.
  8. Re-testing the water after the pool shock treatment is necessary. It will allow you to get the actual chlorine level reading. Adjust the level by adding more then wait for 2-4 hours to take another test. Remember that adjusting the chlorine by adding more is better than exceeding the recommended level.

Solar Cover as an Alternative Pool Protection

Other than regular maintenance and cleaning, there are other methods to prevent chlorine loss. Since chlorine dissipates in the presence of the UV rays, many pool experts suggest the use of a pool cover. It offers a lot of benefits to a swimming pool, although it also has some drawbacks. To give a few:

Pros:

  • It covers the pool from direct sunlight, allowing you to save 30%-50% of the water from evaporation and chemical usage by up to 40%
  • It absorbs and keeps the heat to make the water warmer, thus, allowing you to save on power or gas consumption from a water heater.
  • It shields the water from debris and other pollutants.
  • It protects the water from both high and cold temperatures during the night.

Cons:

  • Putting the cover on and off the pool requires effort
  • The collected leaves and debris on top fall may tend to fall into the water when removing the cover.
  • It decreases the pool’s aesthetic appeal.

Timeframes to Remember

Maintaining a pool is an endless cycle, yet the result is rewarding. There’s a lot of things to remember and do. Pool sanitation, water testing, equipment inspection, and such can help improve the quality of water if, and only if, you do it frequently. To further help, list down this timeframe, so you won’t forget:

  • Test the pH level at least 2x a week.
  • Do the alkalinity test every 1st and 3rd week.
  • Test the chlorine level every 2nd and 4th week.
  • Perform a CYA and calcium hardness test 2x in each season.
  • Complete a total dissolved solids test at least 1-2x a month.

Conclusion and Recommendation

It takes a lot to get a full grasp of what pool needs. Uncovering its demand for chlorine may include learning the proper ways to maintain it, as well as understanding the language of pool chemistry. There is no need to memorize every chemical’s function and purpose to manage a pool. As long as you do the basic requirement of sanitizing and follow the guidelines, it is possible to achieve chemically balanced yet safe water.

Pool owners have these feeling of satisfaction whenever they achieve well-balanced water. To further confirm the consistency and safety of your water, have it checked by the experts who can use a more advanced method of chlorine level testing or bring a water sample to a reputable pool service provider for professional screening. That way, you will know whether you are doing it right or if you need to learn more.

Original post here https://www.pittsburghbettertimes.com/causes-of-swimming-pool-chlorine-loss-the-best-ways-to-prevent-it/.

Use This Tips To Enhance Your Swimming Pool

By | Pool Safety

Written by Admin and published on https://www.pittsburghbettertimes.com/You’ve been clicking site after site trying to find information on how to make your dream backyard a reality. What you soon realize is that enhancing your swimming pool would take you a million steps in the right direction. Your pool is an essential part of a bigger picture. It is essentially the centerpiece of your outdoor landscape. When it’s in tip-top shape, the rest of your backyard shines.

Therefore, it would help to understand what all you can do to beautify the area and make every day feel like a vacation.

To create a full experience that you can enjoy, add the final touches through landscaping. It can be minimal or maximal and everything in between. Though you may be restricted by the lay of the land, you can still do so much to spruce up the area. For example, add plants that work great near pools, such as vines ornamental grasses, or aromatic flowers that brighten the area.

How To Enhance Your Swimming Pool

Do you ever look at your pool and wonder how to elevate its looks? Maybe your pool has a simple design, or maybe you don’t take care of it as you should. Whatever the reason is, you can improve the way your pool looks. Regardless of your budget, there are things you can do it enhance its appearance. If you’re wondering how to enhance your swimming pool, keep on reading.

Clean Regularly

When you think about how to enhance your swimming pool, you probably think about spending money to do it. If you want to enhance your pool, it starts with maintenance. It’s hard to enhance a pool that isn’t properly maintained. Make sure to clean your pool regularly if you want it to look good. A clean and well-maintained pool looks nice on its own, so adding to it will only enhance it further. If you want to enhance your pool without spending a bunch of money, clean it regularly.

Add Structures

If your pool is all clean but still looks rather drab, consider adding some structures to your pool. You can add a water feature, such as a waterfall or fountain, for example. If you have kids or grandkids, you could add a slide to your pool. If you want to totally transform the look of your pool, consider adding a grotto. There are many reasons to add a grotto to your swimming pool, including its ability to enhance your pool. Adding structures can instantly elevate the look of your pool. Plus, they give your pool a luxurious, resort-like feel.

Use Fun Lighting

If you aren’t interested in making major changes to your pool, try adding some fun lighting. One way to do this is by installing lights inside the pool. This’ll light up the water and allows you to enjoy night swimming. There are many different light options for your pool, including multicolor or color-changing lights. If you don’t want to add lights into the pool, you can still light up the pool area. Consider adding lights along the outside of the pool, for example. You could also hang string lights from the trees. Try to get creative with the lighting by working with your unique backyard setup.

Original post here https://www.pittsburghbettertimes.com/how-to-enhance-your-swimming-pool/.

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