Pools require maintenance all year round. However, what do you do with your pool during the offseason? Many pool owners are unsure whether they should use a pool cover during the winter. You may even have other questions regarding pool winterization. When it comes to choosing the right cover for your pool, there are certain things you should consider and additional factors that should help give you some clarity about the process in general.
Pool Covers
If you reside in a climate where you have to keep your pool closed during the winter months, or for a long period of time, having a pool cover is a must. Some climates that are warmer can opt for lighter covers or various protection styles. However, regardless of your climate, you need to make sure that your pool is covered when it is not being used. This will protect your pool from debris. Additionally, the liner and other equipment will remain protected from various weather elements during the off-season.
You can also choose from a variety of pool covers for the winter depending on your needs. Be sure to weigh all of your options to find the most appropriate coverage.
Choosing a Pool Cover
How can you make your pool cover installation easy? You can do this by choosing the right cover for your needs. This is mostly a personal choice, but you must make sure your cover fits your entire pool and is created for your particular reason.
You can choose the right pool cover by checking out some reviews and various products to see which one you like the best. Ground pools and above-ground pools will have different cover options to choose from. You will have many options to choose from, such as mesh and solid covers, safety covers, winter covers and much more. Depending on your climate, the type of cover you need may vary.
Chemicals & Draining
When it comes to chemicals for your pool, you will have a variety of winterizing kits and products that you can choose from. Kits for non-chlorine pools and pools with chlorine are available. Kits also come with rust protection, algaecide and shock treatment to make sure that your pool remains protected throughout the season. Kits are also available in various sizes depending on the size of your pool. This will ensure your pool receives the appropriate amount of chemicals.
Also, you won’t have to drain your pool. When you are preparing to close your pool up for the winter, you may need to lower the level of the water, but you should avoid draining it completely.
Pools that are above ground are created to push inwards against the force of the water it holds. This means that these pools don’t have a way to keep the walls intact if there is no water in them.
Additionally, you should remember that above-ground pools need the same level of protection as in-ground pools. You will still drain only half of the water from your above-ground pool before covering it.
Before you know it, summer will be back in full swing, making now the perfect time to invest in new pool tiles. Over time, tiles can fade, crack and experience other damages. If you want to breathe some new life into your swimming pool, try out one of the latest pool tile trends, including mosaic tiles, black tiles, herringbone tiles and many more.
With so many tile options, finding the perfect design for your pool can be difficult. We’ve tried to make things easier by covering some of the best modern pool tile trends:
Glass mosaic tiles: When looking for pool tile ideas and inspiration, it’s good to look up unique designs. Using glass mosaic tiles, a pool contractor can easily create a unique and beautiful design for your pool. Glass mosaic tiles come in a variety of amazing finishes, including polished, matte and iridescent.
Black tiles: Black pool tiles offer a sleek, modern look that you just don’t get with any other tiles. Visitors are sure to be blown away when they see your pool covered in black tiles. Black tiles go with most outdoor aesthetics, so be sure to ask your local tile provider about polished glass or frosted glass black tiles.
Blue tiles: Blue tiles are never going out of style. When it comes to modern pool tile trends, many people go with different hues of blue for the same project. This provides an elegant and creative look that’s sure to remind you of the ocean. Popular blue hues for pool tiles include turquoise, cobalt and glacier laguna blue. Blue tiles also work well when mixed with black tiles.
Herringbone tiles: If you’re tired of looking at basic, square tiles, consider investing in herringbone tiles for your pool. These tiles feature a unique, weave-like style that looks great in a variety of colors. Popular color choices for herringbone tiles include black, white, blue and gra Many people go with multicolored herringbone tiles for their pools.
Stone tiles: Offering a natural look, stone tiles are perfect for those looking to create a backyard oasis. These tiles look great with other natural elements, including gardens. Since stone tiles are porous, moisture can seep inside and cause damage over time. If you decide on stone tiles, be sure to have them sealed every few years. Options for stone tiles include sandstone, slate, travertine and many more.
Find the perfect tiles
Once you’ve decided on the perfect pool tiles, seek out a reputable pool contractor in your area. It’s important to only invest in top-quality tiles, as these will last longer and look great. A reputable contractor may even be able to help you decide on the perfect tiles for your pool.
Need additional pool tile ideas or inspiration? It’s time to speak with the experts at Avanti Pools, Inc. We offer a variety of beautiful and durable tiles, great for almost any pool. If you’re looking to invest in a new pool, contact us for an estimate.
Most homeowners get a hot tub for their own personal enjoyment, but that doesn’t mean that there aren’t other things to consider when purchasing a hot tub. Your hot tub can also provide a good return on investment (ROI), depending on the specific tub, your location and how you choose to handle its surroundings.
Here are some things to consider when you’re purchasing a hot tub for maximum ROI:
Location: Living in Southern California means that it’s frequently hot tub weather. Even when the temperatures start dropping, it rarely gets too cold for a dip in hot water. This tends to make pools and hot tubs more appealing, since residents can enjoy outdoor recreation for longer than people living in colder climes; however, a hot tub might not be quite as appealing as a pool, since we get plenty of hot weather.
Neighborhood: Your neighborhood will also affect how much of an ROI you can get out of your hot tub. If you live in a neighborhood where your neighbors also have pools and hot tubs, adding a hot tub is a good way to boost your individual home’s value. If, however, few people in the neighborhood have pools or hot tubs, adding one might increase the value to the point where it’s hard to sell.
Type of hot tub: The type of hot tub you choose will also affect the ROI. If you purchase a custom, top-of-the-line hot tub with all the bells and whistles, the hot tub ROI might be lower compared to a mid-range model with a lower cost and good landscaping.
Cost of installation: Finally, consider the cost of installation—not just the tub itself. Make sure you have a good idea of how much value your hot tub will add to the home, so you can decide if the installation costs are worth it.
How to increase your hot tub’s ROI
If you want to enhance your hot tub’s ROI, there are a few things you can do. First, consider how much privacy your hot tub will have. No one wants to sit out in the hot tub while prying neighbors are watching. Either install the hot tub in a secluded area, or create privacy with a gazebo, privacy fence or strategic landscaping.
Second, consider making the hot tub the focal point of a lounge area. Adding chaise lounges and other comforts can make your backyard feel like an oasis, especially if you’ve got plenty of privacy.
Finally, think about how you can improve the aesthetics. Do you need new landscaping? Would fairy lights help set the mood? Does your deck or patio need to be refinished? Addressing these issues will create more value in your home and attract potential buyers.
Now that you know what to consider before buying a hot tub, reach out to Avanti Pools, Inc. to get started. We can design and install the perfect hot tub for your needs when you call today to arrange a consultation.
As much as Southern California has a reputation for year-round sunshine, the temperatures can still drop dramatically during the winter. Do you have to winterize your pool when you live in the Los Angeles area?
Most West Coast pool builders will tell you to keep an eye on the temperatures, as that will determine whether you need to take any action. Even if you do winterize your pool, the process will be a lot simpler than it is for homeowners who live in colder areas.
Here are some winterization tips and answers to top pool professionals FAQs.
Is winterization necessary?
Generally, Southern California has a temperate climate. It’s rare to see snow, unless you head up into the mountains or the Grapevine. If the forecast shows a run of freezing weather, then you will definitely want to take precautions to protect your pool. Otherwise, you can simply keep up with your normal pool maintenance schedule.
When the temperature drops below 32°F, your main concern should be running the pump 24 hours a day until the weather warms up again. The water in your in-ground pool will be slightly warmer than the air, so circulating the warmer water constantly can keep the pipes and equipment from freezing. Since water expands when it freezes, it can crack pipes and cause major damage.
You might want to keep your pool heater on low during the freezing weather, just to keep things moving. If your pool equipment has automatic freeze sensors, consider turning those on to protect your pool.
Steps to winterize your pool
West Coast pool builders recommend the following steps:
Clean your pool: First, clean your pool thoroughly to remove dirt and debris. It can affect your pool’s chemistry if left unresolved for long.
Balance the chemistry: To reduce the possibility of etching or scaling, balance your pool water’s chemistry.
Superchlorinate: Superchlorinate your pool to prevent algae formation and staining when it’s not in use. Follow the directions on the package for best results.
Shut down the equipment: Shut down all your pool equipment, clean the filter and empty the pump and skimmer baskets. Turn off the breakers to the pool.
Drain 2 inches of water: Next drain 2 to 2.5 inches of water from the pool, so the water line is well below the skimmer basket and tiles. (Tiles may crack if the water freezes.)
Use a winter pool cover: Finally, invest in a good winter pool cover. This will provide some thermal insulation and keep debris out during the winter.
Following these tips will help prevent freezing in temperate climates. It will also ensure that your pool is practically ready to use as soon as spring weather rolls around. Investing the time in winterizing your pool now will save you a lot of effort later on when you’re ready to dive in once more.
Avanti Pools, Inc. is a West Coast pool builder, creating custom-designed pools and spas. When you’re ready to install or remodel your pool, give us a call right away.
Proper pool maintenance is important, but when you’re new to DIY pool care, you might make a few missteps. One of the most common issues pool owners experience is when their pool turns green. Sometimes even chlorine won’t fix the problem. It’s not safe to swim in a pool filled with algae, as it can cause skin irritation and bacterial infections.
Algae growth can occur when your pool water chemistry is out of balance or if there are issues with the filtration system. When you notice green pool water, address it immediately—or at least before anyone swims in the pool again.
Here are some pool care tips to help you solve the issue:
Prepare the pool: Algae can form when the pool water chemistry is off and there are too many metal elements in the water. Remove everything from the pool, and skim the surface with a skimmer to get rid of leaves and debris. Let any dirt settle to the bottom.
Test the water: Next test your pool water. This will tell you what (if anything) to add to the water. For example, if your pool water is cloudy, the pH is on the alkaline side. You’ll need to add hydrochloric acid to the water to neutralize it. You want the pH levels to be around 7, even in a saltwater pool.
Shock the pool: Next shock the pool by adding liquid chlorine, according to package directions. Distribute the chlorine around the pool as evenly as possible; then turn on the filter. Let it circulate several hours before you start cleaning the pool. You may want to use an algaecide for best results. Then you can brush the pool to get rid of the algae and other debris.
Pump and filter the water: If your pool water is still green after following the steps above, there may be a problem with the filter. Check the filter to make sure there are no clogs; then let it run for several days until the water turns clear once more. If you want to filter the water in a hurry, backwash the filter four times.
Make sure you have the right filter: Finally, if all else fails, check your filter to see if it needs to be replaced. If you have a sand filter, check and backwash the filter each day until the water is clean. For cartridge filters, see if the cartridge needs to be replaced; then run the filter twice per day until the pool is completely clean.
Sometimes pool chemistry can present a challenge. If you’re having trouble balancing its chemistry, call a pool maintenance contractor for help. DIY pool care can save money, but sometimes it’s best to call in the experts. Proper pool maintenance is the key to preserving and enjoying your pool for years to come.
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