A beautiful swimming pool is a great feature for any home, but there are clearly some routine maintenance considerations to keep in mind if you want to keep the water clear and all related equipment running efficiently. If you maintain your pool yourself, you need to take on the role of janitor and chemist simultaneously. While removing debris like twigs and bugs is easy, balancing pool water chemicals can be a difficult job. Here’s what you need to know about maintaining consistent pool pH levels so you can safely enjoy your investment.
What happens when pool pH levels get too high?
A pool’s pH is a measure of the water’s balance between acidity and alkalinity, and maintaining a consistent balance is crucial for safe swimming. Water pH ranges from 1 to 14, and lower numbers indicate higher water acidity, while high numbers indicate increased alkalinity. The right pH for all pools lies right in the middle, between about 7.3 and 7.6 pH. At these levels, your equipment will run optimally, and you’ll enjoy the cleanest possible water in your pool.
When pH levels get too high, and the water becomes alkaline, the effectiveness of chlorine is significantly reduced, making it harder to kill harmful pathogens in the pool. Alkaline water can also cause skin rashes, cloudy water and a buildup of scale on pool equipment. Left for too long, the scaling can render your equipment completely ineffective and put a strain on the most important element of a pool: the water circulation system.
Remember that the higher the alkalinity in your pool water, the harder it is to bring it all back in balance. The moment your pool water tests for a high pH is the moment you need to take action—it can save you significant time, money and hassle in the long run.
How can you bring an alkaline pool back in balance?
If your pool water has tested for a high pH, you need to add a chemical additive called pH reducer, or pH minus, to the pool water. These chemicals contain either muriatic acid or sodium bisulfate, both of which work to reduce pH levels. They’re readily available at pool supply stores, home improvement stores and online. Refer to the manufacturer’s instructions regarding the correct amount of reducer to use for the volume of your pool and its current pH level.
If you choose a reducer that contains muriatic acid, be sure to handle with great care. This powerful chemical comes in a liquid form, so you need to follow the manufacturer’s directions for safe handling, applying and storing of the chemical.
Sodium bisulfate-based chemicals, on the other hand, come in dry form and are easier and safer to handle than muriatic acid. It should also be handled carefully, though, and you should wear protective eye and skin coverings and a mask to avoid inhalation of the granules.
It takes skill, patience and a watchful eye to keep pool pH levels balanced. Learn more about proper swimming pool care and maintenance by contacting Avanti Pools, Inc. today. We build self-cleaning pools that eliminate your worries about balancing chemicals, allowing you to get hassle-free enjoyment from your investment.
Want to get more use out of your pool? While cool pool water is always appreciated during the hot temperatures of summer, an unheated pool is an unpleasant experience on chillier days. Investing in swimming pool heaters is a wise decision, allowing you to enjoy your pool during cooler temperatures.
How can you heat up your pool as quickly as possible? Some pool heating solutions are more efficient than others. Get to know your options below.
Gas heaters
When it comes to swimming pool heaters, a gas heater is the best option in terms of performance. Think about the volume of water in your pool—there’s a lot of water that needs to be heated in order to raise the temperature even a single degree. Most pool heaters take an entire day to increase the water temperature by around 3 degrees, on average. In contrast, gas heaters only take an hour to raise the temperature of the entire pool by the same amount.
Overall, gas heaters get the job done quickly, but not necessarily efficiently. As you might expect, gas heaters burn through a lot of gas to heat a pool. In terms of coefficient of performance (COP), gas heaters have a low ranking, which means they’re not the most efficient of heaters. The bottom line is that gas heaters are expensive to operate, and you’ll be spending more for the convenience of faster heating.
Electric heaters
Electric resistance pool heaters also provide quick on-demand heating for a pool. They work like a typical electric stove, relying on a heating element instead of gas power to heat your pool water. While electric heaters heat up a pool very fast, they’re the least cost-effective option, and you’ll need to prepare for higher utility bills if you want the convenience these models offer.
Floor return lines
A pool’s return lines carry water from a pool heater into the pool. While most return lines are located near the surface of the water, it’s more efficient to place return lines near the bottom of the pool, since heat naturally rises. The coldest part of a pool is always near the bottom, and installing floor return lines in this area can eliminate cold spots in the pool water and allow you to maintain a comfortable, consistent temperature throughout the pool.
A word about solar covers
Solar covers are an incredibly effective way to lock in heat and make your pool more energy efficient. They create a barrier that not only locks in heat, but also reduces water evaporation. By investing in a quality solar cover, you’ll be able to keep the water in your pool at a consistent warm temperature without needing to run your heater ragged.
There are many types of swimming pool heaters on the market that can make swimming an enjoyable experience every time. Need help determining which heating solution is right for your pool? Reach out to Avanti Pools, Inc. today and discover the best choice for your needs, your budget and your pool care habits.
Nobody wants to swim in a pool full of algae, but it’s not always easy to keep algae levels under control. There are all kinds of factors that can cause algae to grow out of control, leading to a pool that’s dirty, discolored and unpleasant to use. With that in mind, it’s a good idea to learn more about the most effective swimming pool algae remedies to help keep your pool water as clear as possible. Keep reading to find out how to get rid of algae and prevent it from developing in the future.
Swimming pool algae remedies
There are many different types of algae that might develop in a pool. To treat pool algae effectively, start by figuring out what kind of algae you’re dealing with, and then try out a method that is designed to combat that particular type of algae. Here are a few of the most common types of algae found in swimming pools, along with removal and prevention methods:
Green algae: The most common type of algae in swimming pools is green algae. Property owners often find green algae in their swimming pools after uncovering their pools while preparing for the summer. However, green algae can develop at any time, and can quickly accumulate on pool surfaces and in the water. The most common causes of green pool algae are pH imbalances and filtration problems. The first step to address green algae in a pool is to make sure your filter is working properly. Once you’ve ruled out filtration problems, test your water’s pH and treat it with chemicals as necessary to restore the proper balance.
Black algae: Another type of algae that might be present in pool water is black algae. Black algae shows up as small black dots on the sides of swimming pools, and it can be very stubborn and difficult to get rid of. The best way to get rid of black algae is to use shock treatments combined with a strong brush to scour the surfaces where the algae is growing.
Yellow algae: Yellow algae grows on the sides of swimming pools, and typically develops in areas that don’t get much exposure to sunlight. Yellow algae usually requires a super shock treatment consisting of a high dose of chlorine and acid to address. Using milder treatments, like normal shock treatments or anti-algae products, usually won’t get rid of yellow algae for good.
Get more remedies for algae in your swimming pool
Keep your pool looking great and get rid of algae and other contaminants by investing in quality pool filtration systems from the team at Avanti Pools, Inc. For over 20 years, we’ve been committed to providing our customers with high-quality pool construction services and filtration systems. No matter your vision for your pool, or what your particular needs may be, our team is here to help. Find out more about our services and get started with a consultation for pool design and construction by giving our team a call today.
Nothing beats taking a relaxing dip in the pool after a long day, but nobody wants to get into a pool that’s full of cloudy, discolored water. Unfortunately, many property owners with pools have a difficult time keeping their water clean, and that can lead to all sorts of problems. The good news is that there are lots of ways to improve water quality and keep your pool water clear through preventative swimming pool maintenance.
Maintenance tips for swimming pools
Keeping pool water clean might seem like a daunting and time-consuming task, but there are actually some relatively simple methods pool owners can use to optimize the quality of their water. Here are some of the best tips for swimming pool maintenance to keep your pool water clear:
Remove large debris: One of the most important things for pool owners to do to maintain the clarity of their water is to remove large debris from the surface of the pool. Use a skimmer or pool vacuum to remove leaves, bugs and any other debris. This will vastly improve the appearance of your pool water and prevent contaminants and bacteria from multiplying.
Balance pH: Imbalances in pH levels contribute to so many problems with pool water, including algae development. To keep your pool water clear and free of contaminants, it’s important to prioritize pH balance. Use a pH test kit to assess your water’s current pH balance, and use chemicals to adjust it as needed. In general, it’s recommended for pool water pH levels to be kept between 7.2 and 7.6. If your pool water is outside this range, use treatments to restore the proper pH balance.
Monitor chlorine: In addition to checking pH levels, it’s also important to be aware of chlorine levels in a swimming pool. Test the water regularly to check the levels of chlorine in the pool, and use chemical treatments to adjust the water when it’s necessary. Make sure to follow directions on pool chemicals to avoid causing any further imbalance in your water quality.
Get your filtration system up and running: If your pool water is dirty or contaminated, a malfunctioning filtration system might be to blame. Take the time to get your filtration system up and running by checking the connections, changing the filter and testing out the operation while monitoring it for any issues. If your filtration system is particularly old or runs into frequent problems, it might be time to invest in a new system that can more consistently and reliably keep your pool water clean.
Get more information about swimming pool design, construction and care
If you have any questions about swimming pool maintenance, or you’re interested in sophisticated filtration systems to improve the quality and clarity of your pool water, reach out to the team at Avanti Pools, Inc. We have been providing quality pool construction and design services since 1999, and we have developed a reputation for the quality of our services and the satisfaction of our customers. Call us today to find out more about everything our experienced team has to offer.
So, you’ve saved up enough money and are ready to invest in a pool for your Los Angeles home. While you’re likely excited to start construction, there are some swimming pool permit FAQs you’ll likely need to consider. What is the purpose of a pool permit? How long do you have to wait on one? Can you use your pool right after receiving your permit?
There are several requirements for obtaining this permit, including filling out a form with the Los Angeles Department of Building and Safety (LADBS). Read on to learn more about the pool permit process and the requirements for obtaining one.
Los Angeles swimming pool permit requirements
The first thing you’ll want to do is contact your local homeowners association and make sure it’s okay to build a pool on your property. After that, you can fill out your swimming pool permit application with the LADBS as mentioned above.
There are several pieces of information you should include in this application, like your name, address, the address where the pool will be built, the desired dimensions of the pool and more. It’s also important to include information on how far from your home the pool will be located. Basically, the point of this application, and the permit itself for that matter, is to ensure that your pool won’t mess with nearby utilities.
After submitting your application to the LADBS, it’s best to pay any fees associated with receiving a swimming pool permit. It usually takes anywhere between three and six days to receive approval. After receiving approval, you can start construction on your brand-new pool!
Getting your pool installed
When deciding to build a pool, it’s important to work with a good pool contractor. They will help you decide on the right dimensions for your future pool, as well as the best materials to use. It’s important to consider what type of pool you’d like before submitting a swimming pool permit application. While many people prefer in-ground pools, these can cost around $10,000 on average in Los Angeles. If you’d prefer something cheaper, consider an above-ground pool instead.
Receive an inspection
Before everything is said and done, it’s important to schedule a pool inspection with the LADBS. This inspection should take place after construction is complete, as it will ensure your pool was constructed in accordance with the information provided on your application. The process itself involves an initial inspection of the outside of your pool. They will also check all safety features and electrical installations.
The inspector will look at the inside of your pool, checking the liner for cracks, tears, etc. Lastly, they will check all the features of your pool, including handrails, lights, heaters, ladders, timers and electrical equipment. Your pool’s plumbing and filters will be checked as well.
If you don’t pass this inspection, you won’t be able to use your pool. That’s why it’s important to provide exact information on your application.
If you’re ready to invest in a beautiful new pool, or if you have more swimming pool permit FAQs, contact Avanti Pools, Inc. today.
