We’ve all heard at one point or another that some swimming pools feature a dye that will change colors when someone urinates. This has kept many children and even adults from relieving themselves inside of community pools for fear of embarrassment. While it’s never a good idea to urinate inside a pool, the myth of pool urine-detecting dye is just that: a myth.
There are several other myths you’ve likely heard when it comes to swimming in a pool, including that chlorine can turn your hair green. Read on to learn about these myths and find out if there’s any truth to them.
Too much chlorine causes red eyes
After a prolonged period of swimming, some people experience, red, itchy eyes, which many assume is due to a pool’s chlorine content. However, the chlorine isn’t working on its own. The irritants that cause red eyes actually appear when chlorine combines with nitrogen. There are several potential causes for nitrogen in pools, including urine and sweat. These irritants are called chloramines, and appear in many pools. They not only affect the eyes, but also the skin and respiratory systems. The best way to get rid of chloramines is, in fact, adding a bit more chlorine to the water.
Clear = clean
When most people see a clear pool, they assume it’s perfectly clean. However, that pool could still be full of microorganisms not visible to the naked eye. That’s why it’s important to test your water at least once a week and add chlorine when necessary. It’s important to note that while chlorine destroys most unhealthy microorganisms in a few seconds, some may live on much longer.
Saltwater pools don’t have any chlorine
While saltwater pools don’t have nearly as much chlorine as regular pools, they still feature some chlorine. This is because the process used to sanitize a saltwater pool, called electrolysis, forms chlorine. Saltwater pools also require a shock treatment to destroy bacteria, just like with any other pool.
Clean pools have a strong odor
Some people wrongly assume that a strong chemical smell indicates a very clean pool. In actuality, a clean pool should have little to no smell at all. A strong chemical smell might actually mean that the pool is unsafe to swim in. Strong smells are often formed when chloramines mix with urine, body oils or any other pool contaminants.
Too much chlorine makes hair turn green
As mentioned above, this is a fairly common myth. It’s actually the copper found in some pools that can turn hair green. Most of the time, copper ends up in pools because of metal pipes or algaecides. If your hair has turned a little green after spending some time in the pool, just wash your hair with a good shampoo. This should remove the green color with no problem.
Hopefully, you’ve found this information useful. There are a lot of myths surrounding swimming pools, from the urine-detecting dye to the hair-greening chlorine, and it never hurts to have the correct information. If you’re ready to have the perfect pool built at your home, contact Avanti Pools, Inc. today!
Pool fences are critical safety elements for pools to which small children will have access. In many cases, fences are required by building codes to ensure the safety of people around the pool area, especially those young children.
So, how do you know what pool fence is best for your needs? You’ll want to invest in a pool fence of high quality, and you may have a hard time deciding whether you want something permanent or temporary.
Here’s a quick overview of some of the most common fencing options for pools and what you should consider as you make your decision:
Mesh: Removable mesh pool fencing is designed to be safe for pools, which is why it’s so popular among owners of residential pools. These fences are versatile, durable and not permanent, and have a much lower associated cost than other types of fencing. They’re a great option for owners who do not want to commit to the permanence of other types of fencing and who want a type of fencing designed to improve pool safety for young children.
Aluminum: If young children aren’t a concern, aluminum fences are also highly popular for use around pools. Aluminum resists rust and is quite durable, yet is also less expensive than other types of materials used for fencing. It’s a simple option that does exactly what you need it to.
Wrought iron: Wrought iron is extremely durable and commonly used for handrails and fencing. However, it’s not necessarily the best choice for pool fencing if you’re worried about security or safety, as children may be able to get between the iron bars, or even use them to climb a fence depending on how it’s designed. It also becomes extremely difficult to remove the fence once it’s installed if you ever need to open up more space around the pool for any reason. Finally, wrought iron is much more expensive than other options. While it’s very aesthetically pleasing, it’s best reserved for boundary fences and gardens.
Chain link: Chain link is an inexpensive option, and commonly used for boundary fencing. However, it’s not the best choice for pool fencing, because it’s prone to rust. It’s also easily climbed by children who might want to sneak into the pool.
Glass: If you care primarily about aesthetics, glass can be a great option because it allows you to keep your view around the pool area. However, the transparency does run the risk of children, guests or animals running into it if they’re not careful. Keep in mind that glass is significantly more expensive than other options (up to 20 times the cost of a mesh fence).
Wood: Wood doesn’t give you much in the way of visibility, as the slats make it difficult to watch the children from outside the pool area. It also requires a lot more maintenance, and can easily be climbed.
Ultimately, removable mesh pool fencing is probably your best bet for cost, visibility and safety. For more information, contact us at Avanti Pools, Inc.
Aeration naturally occurs in a pool when it’s been used by swimmers, or when it rains. So, is it really necessary to use a swimming pool aerator to artificially achieve the same effect?
Here’s an overview of what you should know about pool aeration to help you determine if investing in an aerator is likely to be worthwhile to you.
The process of pool aeration
Pool aeration refers to the process of letting oxygen into the pool water. This is a beneficial process to all pools, especially if you live in a dry climate or have been experiencing particularly warm weather. During the cooler months, when you’re likely to be opening or closing the pool, you’re not as likely to require it.
Here are the primary benefits of using a swimming pool aerator:
It raises the pH: Raising the pH level of your pool is important if you need to quickly lower the pool’s alkalinity. This might be necessary if calcium scaling is occurring, for example. In such a situation, you would add muriatic acid to the pool to reduce the pH to between 7.0 and 7.2, then turn on the aerator and infuse the pool with water that has been aerated. This will result in the pH rising, ideally to between 7.2 and 7.6. You may need to repeat this process several times until you get the proper alkalinity (80 to 120 ppm).
It cools down the water: When oxygen enters the pool water, it also helps to lower the temperature. If the weather is particularly hot, this can be beneficial, especially if you prefer a cooler pool. In addition, keeping the water on the cooler side will help you extend the life of the chlorine you put in the pool, allowing you to use less chlorine over the pool’s lifetime. This can save you a significant amount of money in the long run.
It helps circulation: Aerators shoot streams of water and oxygen into the pool, which helps to freshen the water. If the pool water stays stagnant for a long period of time without influxes of oxygen, you’re more likely to experience problems like algae, which will require you to take more drastic pool cleaning steps.
There are a few ways you can aerate your pool. One is to simply install a dedicated aerator. Usually, this feature will be built into the pool’s deck or coping and be attached to the pump. It will have its own valve, allowing you to adjust the flow coming from the aerator.
If you have a pool water feature, you can also use that as your aerator. Most water features will essentially aerate the pool water.
Deck jets are almost identical to pool aerators, and shoot arches of water into the pool. Misters also work as aerators and can be installed at the water line.
For more information about swimming pool aerators and whether you need to install one for your pool, contact the team at Avanti Pools, Inc. with your questions.
When you’re having a pool installed, there’s more than just the deep end to consider. In addition to thinking about what goes into the hole you’ll be excavating for the pool—not to mention dreaming of all those summer days you’re about to spend poolside—you need to consider what goes around the pool. There are many pool decking options in Los Angeles, CA that may fit your design, but what about functionality?
From concrete to natural stone to hand-painted tile, there are many different materials to consider for pool decking options in Los Angeles, CA. Here are some of the things to consider when deciding on your pool decking—and which materials may be the best option for a given concern.
Cost
One of the first considerations for many pool installation jobs is cost. Concrete is often the best choice for this concern, as it is an economical and effective pool decking option in Los Angeles, CA. It can be less expensive to pour concrete than to haul in paving units and place them individually by hand. Concrete doesn’t have to be plain looking, either. A pool contractor can apply a design or pattern in the concrete to give a pop of personality and still keep your project on budget.
Safety
Another important thing to consider for your pool decking is safety. Slip resistance is a big factor, especially if there will be kids around the pool. Tile is the least effective material at providing slip resistance, while concrete is the best option here.
There are options available with concrete to improve surface traction as well. Broomed or exposed aggregate finishes can be a safe and attractive option to enhance traction, as can a textured overlay. You can also have a clear, plastic grit mixed into the sealer before it is applied for extra protection against slips and falls.
Design
A pool will naturally look inviting on a hot day, but it should also be aesthetically pleasing when you’re not swimming. As mentioned, there are many design options available with concrete that may fit your budget. It may also be possible to combine materials to take advantage of the aesthetic qualities of another material while still maintaining the safety and cost effectiveness of concrete.
Even a small area with a tile mosaic or natural stone pavers can make a big impact on the look of your pool area. If you have a spa area in your pool design, this might be a good area to splurge on the design budget.
With so many pool decking options out there in Los Angeles, CA, it pays to have an experienced pool contractor who’s available to answer your questions and offer helpful suggestions. With more than 20 years of experience designing and installing pools—including over 60 years of combined experience on staff—Avanti Pools, Inc. is your best bet to get a pool installed as efficiently and professionally as possible. Contact us to get started on building the pool of your dreams today. We look forward to working with you!
Getting a pool installed is a great way to turn your home into a fun place to take a “staycation.” But you should be aware that it will not be an overnight process. It may take weeks or even months before you’re able to take a dip in your new pool. But don’t blame the swimming pool contractor in Los Angeles, CA—there are many reasons why it may take longer than you think to get a pool installed.
The reasons for the delays in getting a pool installed vary greatly. Installing a pool is a major construction project to begin with, and it takes a good amount of time even under the best circumstances. From the permit process to safety regulations to equipment issues, here are some reasons why it may take longer than you think.
Permit process
Getting a permit for any kind of construction in a big city can take a long time, and there is no magic wand a swimming pool contractor in Los Angeles, CA can wave to make things go any faster. Add to this the stresses and delays caused by the pandemic, and it may take longer than normal to even begin construction of any kind. Currently, depending on the city you live in, the permitting process can take two to four months to wade through, thanks to COVID-19.
Planning and design
The planning and design phase of the pool installation process can be exciting for a homeowner, but it also takes time. There are many things to consider in this step of the process, including budget, size, features and custom details. While much of this may be discussed while you wait for permit approval, there may be some aspects that need to be finalized with approval from the city before moving forward with further planning.
Pool construction
Once the permit process and design phase of your dream pool are complete, the actual construction can begin. This also takes a fair amount of time because of the many steps involved.
First, the swimming pool contractor in Los Angeles, CA must dig the hole for your pool; then it must be filled either with cement or a fiberglass shell. All of this also requires heavy machinery, as well as access to the construction area, which requires a lot of prep work. The good news is, once it begins, the actual construction process will seem like it takes no time at all compared to the wait of the permit process.
If you’re looking to get a pool installed in your home, an experienced swimming pool contractor in Los Angeles, CA will know how to avoid some common delays to get the job done as fast as possible. With more than 20 years of experience designing and installing pools—including over 60 years of combined experience on staff—Avanti Pools, Inc. is your best bet to get a pool installed as quickly as possible. Contact us to get started on building the staycation pool lounge of your dreams today.
