Is There a National Shortage on Chlorine?

Chlorine is a necessary chemical to keep your pool looking great and clean this summer. With the right concentration of chemicals and the right amount, you can keep your pool clean, clear and free of algae and bacteria that might be growing. Chlorine has been in short supply in the past few months, and it is leaving some asking if there is a chlorine shortage. 

Is There a National Chlorine Shortage?

In 2020, the plant that most of the supply of chlorine for the United States burned down. The plant was responsible for creating and providing most of the chlorine that is used in the United States, and the nationwide stockpile started to deplete. 

There was never a declared shortage, but the shutdown of the plant did make it hard for those that needed chlorine to get it for their pools and other various uses. The burned plant is slated to reopen in 2023 as it is being rebuilt and will begin operations again soon. 

It is important to note that some chlorine is available in the stores, but the prices may be higher than they were in recent years. This means that you may be able to find the chemicals you need, but that it might cost more to keep your pool as clean or as treated as you were able to when prices were lower. 

Can My Swimming Pool Contractor Get Chlorine?

For those with recent pool construction, your contractor is going to be more likely to be able to access the chemicals needed to upkeep your pool. Pool companies and pool stores are going to be far more likely to have the chemicals needed in stock and on the shelves than your grocery store or department store might be. 

It is essential to ensure that you have the right amount of chemicals and the right concentration to ensure that no bacteria or microbial growth can damage your pool and make the water unsafe. Your contractor is likely to be able to help you get the right amounts of chemicals and the right alternatives if they cannot get the chemicals you normally use. They may also be able to help suggest options like a salt water pool that does not require as much chlorine to keep it clean and to keep it so that you and your family can enjoy it.  

 

Energy Efficient Swimming Pool Lights for 2021

When adding new and high-quality lights to your pool, it is important to consider safety and efficiency. Old-fashioned lights not only use a lot of unnecessary power but may create a shock risk if you aren’t careful. Thankfully, LED pool lighting and fiber optic pool lighting options are available for you and can provide a fantastic level of protection and lighting for your pool’s needs.

Induction Lights Provide Safety and Efficiency

When choosing between various LED pool lighting or fiber optic pool lighting options, it is important to find safe and efficient lights. Induction lights are often considered the safest option for pools because they are stronger and more sealed than other lights. Unfortunately, leaking electricity from pool lights is responsible for one death in America every year, making induction lights important to buy.

These lights work by placing the power source in a sealed plastic exterior wall unit that sends electricity to the light cools using a magnetic field. These lights are not only safer to install but easier to maintain as well. Their safer design minimizes the risk of pool technician shocks while creating a superior light source that keeps your pool comfortable and attractive for visitors and yourself.

When properly installed and maintained, induction options like LED pool lighting and fiber optic pool lighting can save you a lot of money and make your electricity use far more efficient. By how much? Experts estimate that induction lights can save you between 35-55% on your energy and maintenance bills. Thankfully, many induction pool light options are available for you.

A Few LED Lights for Your Swimming Pool

If you’re interested in high-quality LED pool lighting or fiber optic pool lighting that is safe and efficient, there are many options. Let’s break down a few of the most popular available on the market right now to help you choose the option that makes the most sense for you:

Making the Right Choice

As you can see, LED pool lighting and fiber optic pool lighting may work well for your needs and ensure that your pool is attractive and safe. Just as importantly, these lights can minimize unnecessary electricity use and give you the lower electrical bill that you want. Even better, lower electrical bills help the environment by cutting back on unnecessary electricity production.

Are Saltwater Pools Easier to Maintain Than Chlorine Pools?

If you’re considering a swimming pool for your home, you may be wondering about the difference between saltwater and chlorine pools. Both have their pros and cons, but which one is right for you? Saltwater pools are becoming increasingly popular, but are they really easier to maintain than chlorine pools? Let’s take a closer look.

Saltwater Pools

Saltwater pools use salt to generate chlorine, which is then used to sanitize the water. This means you don’t have to add chlorine to the pool manually, which can be a big plus. However, it also means that if the salt level in the pool gets too low, chlorine won’t be generated, and your pool could become a breeding ground for bacteria.

Chlorine Pools

Chlorine pools, on the other hand, require you to add chlorine to the water manually. This can be a bit of a hassle, but it also means you have more control over the chlorine level in the pool. If the chlorine level gets too high, it can be a bit harsh on your skin and eyes, but you can turn down the chlorine generator to fix this.

Saltwater Pools vs. Chlorine Pools

So, which is better? Saltwater or chlorine pools? Let’s look at a few more factors to help you decide.

Saltwater pools typically cost more to install than chlorine pools. This is because you need to purchase a saltwater chlorinator, which can be a bit pricey. However, the long-term costs of saltwater pools are lower than chlorine pools since you don’t have to buy chlorine regularly.

Both saltwater and chlorine pools require regular maintenance, but saltwater pools are a bit easier to maintain since you don’t have to worry about adding chlorine to the water manually.

Chlorine is a strong chemical that can be harsh on your skin and eyes if the level is too high. Saltwater pools are less likely to cause these problems since the salt level is easy to control.

Advantages of Saltwater Pools

Saltwater pools have many advantages over chlorine pools. They’re easier to maintain, resulting in less work for the pool owner, and saltwater is also softer on the skin and eyes than chlorine, making it more comfortable to swim in. Moreover, saltwater chlorinators are cheaper to operate than traditional chlorine systems.

That said, there are a few things to keep in mind when considering a saltwater pool. First, saltwater pools require more initial investment than chlorine pools. Second, saltwater can corrode metal fixtures and pool equipment. This makes it vital to consult with a swimming pool contractor before making the switch to saltwater.

Advantages of Chlorine Pools

Chlorine pools have been the standard for many years, and for good reason. Chlorine is a powerful disinfectant that is effective at keeping swimming pools clean. Chlorine pools are also less expensive to set up than saltwater pools.

The main downside of chlorine pools is that they can be harsh on the skin and eyes. Chlorine can also fade swimsuits and pool liners over time. For these reasons, many pool owners are now choosing saltwater pools instead.

Conclusion

Saltwater pools and chlorine pools both have their advantages and disadvantages. If you are considering a new swimming pool, consult with a swimming pool installation company to discuss your options. Contact Avanti Pools, Inc., to learn more and decide whether a saltwater pool is the best option for you.

Most Popular Pool Features for 2022

Everyone loves a pool and a great backyard pool that is tailored to your likes is a must. There are so many great pool trends that are really popular this year and that can help make your pool not only fun but also something special.

Glass Tile Pools

One of the biggest trends is glass tile pools. This means pools that are designed with glass tiles, beautiful designs, and even full glass tile features. This is something that you can use to help make your pool updated and very upscale, but that is also attainable. If you have an inground pool, using glass tiles on the bottom and sides can elevate the overall look of your pool and also allow you the chance to add some personal elements as well.

Fire Pits and Patio Furniture

Another great pool trend that you might want to look at is fire pits and patio furniture. Fire pits are an absolutely fantastic way to feature the pool and deck area and to make a space where you can hang out when you are both using and not using the pool. This also makes a great space for people that might want to hang out near the pool while others swim, but that might not want to swim themselves.

Glow in the Dark Pool Elements

If you have kids or you just want to have some fun, adding glow-in-the-dark add-ons, mosaics, and other elements is an outstanding way to make a pool even more fun. Using glow-in-the-dark items can also help make the pool something of a feature in the dark and at night as well. These can be large pieces that are beautiful during the day as well as at night.

The swimming pool construction phase is the best time to talk to your contractor about what swimming pool features you might want to add, and what might work for your pool.

In the Water Furniture

The last trend we want to look at are pieces of furniture that can be used in the pool. This can include floats, chairs that are meant to be added to the shallow or wading area, or even other pieces of furniture that can be used to help make your time in the pool that much more exciting. These are a wonderful way to make the pool even more fun and to help make your time in the pool more relaxing as well.

If you have a pool, you can do just about anything that you want with it. Any extra that you do or any accessories that you use are meant to help make your time in the pool more fun and can help you genuinely love and enjoy your pool.  

How to Keep Your Pool Cool During the Summer

A cool swim in your pool is among the most relaxing ways to spend your long hot summer days. However, the pool water is likely to heat under the hot sun, especially with the rising heatwave. Instead, of a cool swim, it will turn into a hot tub bath when you fail to take adequate care of your pool during the summer. Fortunately, several core strategies will keep your pool cool during the scorching hot summertime. These strategies include:

Using a Swimming Pool Aerator

Swimming pool aerators are simple add-ons that are fastened to the current return lines and, by using the pool’s pump, spritze jets of water into the pool. This has a cooling effect on the water because the landing droplets of the sprayed jets of water collect oxygen in midair. Though this only reduces the water’s heat by a few degrees, the difference is significant on a hot summer day. 

Keeping the Water in Motion

You can achieve this by installing an aesthetic fountain in the pool. The fountain will serve the function of cooling down the pool water. It would be best to operate the fountain in the nighttime and disconnect during the day to ensure that the fountain effectively serves this purpose. Operating the fountain during the hot daytime will have the counter-productive effect of heating the water.

Operating the Pool Filter in the Evening

At night, the air tepidity is lower. Running the filter of your in-ground swimming pool during the nighttime will cool the water slightly since the pipes are located in the cool ground underneath.

Covering the Pool When Not in Use

Maintain the desired water temperature in your pool by keeping it covered when not in use. Covering the pool helps by stopping the water from overheating. Avanti Pools Inc. provides top-notch pool cover installation services, including the modern automatic covers, at your convenience. Pool covers are also essential for your pool as they make your home safe for small children and pets by keeping them from tripping and drowning in the pool.

Running Solar Panels Through the Night

There is a contrary cooling effect when the pool water flows through the solar panels at night because as it draws back to the pool, it will have cooled. 

Using Evaporative Coolers or a Pool Mister

As the mist forms, the pool water evaporates, hence cooling down. It is an uncomplicated, affordable and fun way of cooling your swimming pool. It uses the pool as its water source, making up for the lost evaporated water by generating an evaporative cooling sheath. 

Installing Sun Shades or Pool Canopies Around Your Swimming

They hinder the hot sun’s rays from reaching the pool’s water surface, reducing the heating up of the pool water. The strategy is also beneficial in preventing bugs and flying debris from reaching the pool, thus enhancing security and hygiene.

These strategies will help to keep your pool cool during the summer. Adopting these different strategies together will maximize the cooling effect. Avanti Pools Inc. will help you with professional pool cover installation and all pool solutions in Los Angeles, CA, and its surrounding areas.