Easy Steps to Help You Find the Perfect Pool for Your Home

One of the most exciting and rewarding home improvements is installing a swimming pool. We will help you to finally move from the dream of owning a pool to the reality of actually having one. All you have to do is know your preference, work on a budget and find an ideal installation company. We’ve come up with a simple checklist that should help you to get started.

Start by planning early

Remember that pool installation can only be done when the weather is conducive. There are also local building codes that can affect the type of pool you are able to have in your home. When you plan early, you have time to check with the local building codes, safety and zoning restrictions as well as green ordinances. All these factors can limit the style and size of your pool.

Your goal for owning a swimming pool

Did your doctor recommend a swimming pool for therapeutic reasons? Do you want a pool where your younger kids can enjoy? Do you need one mainly for enjoying with a few guests? When you understand your key reasons for wanting to own a pool, it’s easy to select one that suits your needs best. The shape, size and style of pool will be determined by how you intend to use it.

In-ground vs above ground pools

Designing an in-ground pool is usually an ideal option for anyone who is not planning on moving out soon and has a good budget that allows it. In-ground pools come with lots of styles and options so you can have it personalized however you want. Above-ground pools are easier to install and costs much less. They are ideal if you want a backyard pool in a home where you don’t intend to live for a long time.

How much should you spend on installing a pool?

The amount of money you spend on installation will depend on the materials used, levelness of the site and other factors like the warranty provided by the manufacturer. Some in-ground pools can be pretty expensive to construct in locations where the soil conditions are not favorable. The presence of water or rock in the area will also impact on the cost. If you are looking for a customized pool with automated features, expect to pay a lot more. Pools also require electrical work, permits and dirt removal services which are likely to hike the total price of installation.

Consider the cost of pool maintenance

Prior to installing a pool, it’s worth noting the amount of time and money that will be required to keep it safe and clean for your entire family. You need to be prepared to prevent problems by issuing regular pool maintenance. Issues like cracked or corroded pools can have a lot more negative effects when ignored. Some pools are easier to maintain than others so make sure you ask about this before getting one installed.

Posted by: Pool Tech Tallahassee   http://tallahassee-pool-service.com/

Simple Ways to Take Care of Your Pool All Year Round

For many homeowners, getting a pool is a dream come true. The fun lessens when it’s time for pool maintenance. Pool maintenance can be done by an expert at a reasonable fee. But there are also some key steps you can take to keep your pool in perfect state throughout the year. We’ll go through some simple things you can do yourself to maintain your pool.

1.      Regular pool water testing

It’s important to test your pool water on a regular basis and make sure it’s safe for swimming. Ask your pool technician to show you how to monitor chlorine levels and pH balance so that you can do it on a regular basis.

2.      Proper treatment of the pool water

Treating your pool water helps to get rid of bacteria, viruses and algae that may be present in the water. Untreated pool water is not only a health risk but is also not aesthetically pleasing. Water can become cloudy when it’s contaminated and even affect the skin and eyes of swimmers.

3.      Cleaning the filter basket

Your pool’s filter basket is what gets rid of impurities like dirt and leaves in the water. You need to remove the filter cap at least once every week and make sure you’ve removed any debris underneath before replacing it. The filter system can be cleaned by a professional once a month. Mishandling the filter can cause mechanical issues so be extra careful when turning it on and off.

4.      Check the water level

The water level in your pool tends to fluctuate because of the weather or frequent usage. You want to make sure the water level is not too low or too high. If it’s too low, you can add more water using a garden hose. Whenever the water is in excess, you can drain it out using a submersible pump. Recheck the chemical composition whenever you add or reduce the pool water to ensure it’s not been thrown off balance.

5.      Power washing your pool deck

Keep the pool deck clean and shiny by pressure washing on a regular basis. The area that surrounds your pool needs to be kept clean and shiny. If you can’t handle power washing on your own, call in an expert to do it for you. Mishandling the equipment can cause gouging and create streaks on your pool deck.

6.      Winterize your pool to prevent damage

Pool care is just as important during the winter. Cover the cool completely and try to check the chlorine and pH levels at least every two weeks. Make sure you empty the skimmer basket when it’s full. Taking the right steps to winterize your pool can save you a lot of time and money.

7.      Find and repair leaks

Low water levels can be as a result of leaks in your pool. If you suspect that there are leaks in your pool, have a professional check it out and perform the necessary repairs. 

Posted By: Pool Tech  http://tallahassee-pool-service.com/

Simple Do It Yourself Swimming Pool Maintenance

Having your own private pool is a great idea. You get to swim whenever you want and keep fit with water exercises. However, in order to keep your pool clean and healthy for your family, you need to know what it takes to maintain a pool. It is quite simple but you have to develop a strict routine in order to avoid any problems. This is also because pool repair is quite expensive and you do not want to be without a pool when the warm weather comes round. Here are a some elementary pool maintenance tips that you should stick to:

Sanitizing the pool

Sanitizing the pool is important for the health of pool users. The number of times you sanitize your pool depends on how often it is used. Ideally pools should be cleaned using chlorine every week. The chlorine helps to kill bacteria and contaminants in the water. You can find the chlorine at your local supplies store, which comes in granular form. Remember to wear protective gloves, goggles and a facemask when working with chlorine. Mix the powder with some water and apply it to the water a little at a time. The amount you use depends on the size of your pool so check the instructions.

For people with very sensitive skin, bromine is a great alternative to chlorine for cleaning your pool. It also doesn't have the strong pungent smell that chlorine has but its only disadvantage is that it is more expensive.

Shocking the pool

As the chlorine interacts with the contaminants in the pool it becomes less effective. If you use your pool frequently, you need to "shock" the pool after sanitization every two weeks. The shocker cleans out the left over debris from the chlorine interaction and swimming water such as skin cells, cosmetics, urine, suntan lotions and the old chlorine. If your pool is cloudy or has a strong chlorine smell, it is probably because of poor maintenance and shocking the pool can cure it. The shocker uses an oxidizing process to do this.

Testing the pool water

You should take a sample of your pool water to the local pool dealership for testing regularly, at least once a month to ensure that the water is balanced correctly. This professional testing can also help to identify any problems with your pool. Circulate the water in the pool continuously for 8 hours before collecting the testing sample.

Vacuuming and skimming

Sanitizing your pool with chlorine cannot get rid of the dead bugs, leaves and twigs in your pool. You have to vacuum and skim it to get rid of such debris. Vacuuming and skimming also discourages algae growth on the pool.

Pool filters

You should change your pool filters regularly. You can use old pantyhose around your pool filters as they can capture much finer debris than the filters themselves. Wrap the old pantyhose around the filter baskets to trap debris. This also makes it much easier to clean out the filters and you will not have to change them as often.

Pool Tech is a Tallahassee Pool Service that provides pool maintenence, pool cleaning and much more. http://tallahassee-pool-service.com/