Going swimming is one of the most enjoyable activities out there. Everyone does not have quick access to the ocean or a lake, but luckily pools are a common option. However, people may wonder what types of pools are best to swim in. The most common pool types are chlorine pools or saltwater pools.
Saltwater Pools Vs. Chlorine Pools
Traditional chlorine pools use quite a few harsh chemicals. If you’re looking for a more chemical-free swimming experience, saltwater pools are a great alternative.
These pools use electrolysis to generate chlorine from salt and other natural ingredients, making them a much safer choice.
Chlorine pools are still the most popular type of pool, but more and more people are making the switch to saltwater.
Here’s a look at some of the key differences between these two types of pools:
Saltwater Pool Installation
When it comes to saltwater pools, installation tends to be a little more involved than for chlorine pools. This is because saltwater pools require specialized equipment, such as a generator and other components.
However, with proper installation and maintenance, saltwater pools can provide a great swimming experience with fewer chemicals.
Cost
Saltwater pools tend to be more expensive to install than chlorine pools. This is because you need to purchase a saltwater chlorination system, which can cost around $1,500. You also need to add salt to the pool, which can be an ongoing expense depending on how quickly your pool evaporates it.
However, once you have the initial investment of a saltwater chlorinator, you won’t spend as much on chemicals. This can make saltwater pools a more affordable option in the long run.
Maintenance
Saltwater pools are generally easier to maintain than chlorine pools. This is because you don’t have to add chemicals to the water, and it doesn’t take long for the salt to dissipate. Saltwater pools also don’t require you to shock them as often, so they are less likely to have an algae problem.
If you do choose a saltwater pool, make sure that the water chemistry is balanced regularly. Saltwater pools can be more corrosive than chlorine pools, so it’s important to test the water and add chemicals as needed.
Health
Saltwater pools are generally healthier for your skin and hair than chlorine pools. This is because saltwater is less likely to strip away natural oils and cause irritation. Additionally, saltwater pools are gentler on your eyes and lungs, so they are a good choice if you have sensitive skin or allergies.
Final Thoughts About Saltwater Vs. Chlorine Pools
If you are interested in chemical free pools, saltwater pools are the way to go. Though they require more maintenance and specialized equipment, they are well worth the investment for those looking to enjoy an all-natural swimming experience.
Overall, both chlorine pools and saltwater pools have their pros and cons. It’s important to weigh your options and decide what’s best for you and your family.
Adding a pool to your property can be an exciting time. You have likely already made big plans for the long summer days, family barbeques, and pool parties. But exactly when will you be able to go for that big splash? Pool installations are a big construction project, and your big question is, “How long does it take to build a pool?”
The Pool Construction Process
Without too many challenges presenting themselves, a pool installation should take about a month. However, there can be many issues that pop up which could slow down progress.
The steps required to build a pool are rather simple, and it can be a straightforward process — except when it’s not. The time it takes to get your pool completed depends on a lot of factors. The contractor you choose will have the most dramatic effect on this process. Before you settle on a contractor, be sure to talk with lots of past clients. These individuals will give you the most honest information about timing, cost, and how easy or difficult the company is to work with.
Another factor that can greatly influence the length of time it takes to build a pool will be the weather. If the weather does not cooperate with your plans, it could slow down the process. You could also run into challenges with local permits. Each city will have its own set of codes and permits which must be followed. If you hire a reputable contractor, they will be familiar with the local codes and will be able to move through this step of the process easily.
How To Speed Up The Process
There are steps you can take to speed up the installation process. The first thing is to hire a contractor that is reputable and is very familiar with pool installation in your area. Remember, obtaining permits can be a slow process, so you might want to start this part of the installation early. The next thing you can do is keep your pool design simple. The more complex the pool design is, the longer installation will take. You can also help the process by planning your installation for a time when your area usually experiences long stretches of good weather.
If your pool installation slows down, the best thing you can do is relax and wait. The pool will get finished, and you will get to enjoy this great new addition to your home.
Relaxing in the comfort of a private pool is the pinnacle of California homeownership. What better way to whisk away the heat and humidity than a dip in a cool and refreshing pool? Not only does swimming offer excellent exercise without the usual wear and tear on the joints, but your home is sure to be the epicenter of family gatherings, neighborhood block parties, and holidays if you have a beautifully designed pool. Keep reading to learn about the most popular pool features in 2022.
1. Swim Up Bar:
Just when you thought your pool couldn’t get any better, you realized that a bar could be installed so that you can sip, snack, and enjoy without having to leave your relaxing water oasis. Typically found at beachside resorts, bars are now becoming more commonplace in residential pools because of their intrinsic wow factor and the convenience offered.
2. Baja Shelf Installation
Also known as a tanning ledge or sun shelf, think of this feature as having a pool within a much larger pool. Typically, a Baja shelf is only 8 to 16 inches deep and allows you to perch chairs in your pool so that you can cool down while staying reclined and enjoying a beverage from your poolside bar.
3. Waterfalls
Not only do waterfalls add creativity to your pool area, but they can also create a cascading impact into the water below while making your pool reminiscent of a serene and tropical resort.
4. Outdoor Shower
Likely the most practical item on this list, an outdoor shower is on the must-have list for many aspiring pool owners because it allows you to wash off chlorine before entering your home and enjoy a poolside shower in your own backyard.
5. Spillover Spa
A spillover spa is a hot tub or Jacuzzi built on a platform directly above and adjacent to your swimming pool and includes a cutout for excess water to flow from the spa to the pool. A spillover adds a waterfall-like sound to your pool and can be designed to your specification with a variety of tile and stone options.
6. Jump Rock
Picture an existing diving board and elevate it to a piece of art by using beautifully designed natural stones to create a jump rock with a waterfall. Once installed, this jump rock is sure to provide hours of fun for families of all ages.
When you are ready for your pool fantasy to become a reality, let the professional team at Avanti Pools, Inc. in Los Angeles, CA assist. Pools are our passion, and we’ll allow your dreams to become a reality while working within your budget to design and construct a spectacular pool in your backyard.
Having your own pool at home is fun. You can swim and play anytime in it, use it for exercise, have a party, or simply lounge and relax. The downside, however, is that all of these activities for enjoyment are seasonal.
Unless you have an indoor or heated pool, you can only really enjoy it for about half the year, maybe even less. Even though you may not use it all year round, it would still need to be properly maintained, especially during the colder months.
Pool owners have two options: to close the pool or to winterize, and each has pros and cons. Let’s take a look at the difference between the two.
Closing a Pool
To close a pool simply means to use pool covers on it to literally close the surface. This is, in fact, something that you can do at any point in time, regardless of the season. For example, if you’re going away for a while, you could put the pool cover on to keep it relatively clean from outdoor dust and debris.
Closing a pool also means turning off the power. Flipping the switch saves on electricity too, so this is something you can definitely consider. Closing a pool, therefore, is something more of a temporary fix that you can do as often as needed, without any major obstacle to your enjoyment of the pool should you want to start using it again.
Winterizing a Pool
On the other hand, pool winterization involves preparing the pool for a complete shutdown throughout the cooler seasons. This means that all equipment is turned off, water is drained from the lines and vessels, and the accessories are removed.
Basically, a winterized pool is completely out of commission for the next few months. Especially in places where it gets really cold, it’s crucial to winterize a pool because some real damage could occur otherwise.
For example, if the water lines or vessels are not drained, the water left inside could freeze and expand, leading to vessel damage in the long run. To prevent this from happening, your pool professional will use an air blower to make sure that the insides of the pipes are all dried up once it’s shut down.
Winterizing a pool could also make use of pool covers. However, it’s going to be a bit different from the regular pool covers that you simply roll over on the surface when you want to temporarily close it. A winterizing pool cover comprises either a solid material or a mesh type that you attach over the entire pool surface.
These materials are specifically made to withstand the cold and the weight of the snow, so it’s definitely a great idea to invest in these for your pool, particularly for those who experience heavy winters.
A pool filter is a filtration component that removes contaminants and bacteria from the pool water. A pool filter is vital for the overall function of a swimming pool since it eliminates the hazy glow and debris from the pool water.
Using a pool filter for your pool water ensures that the water is crystal clear and free from bacteria that might potentially cause some health hazards. There are certainly quite a few types of pool filters that differ in functionality. However, 2022 has presented some of the best pool filters for your pool.
Best Pool Filters 2022
The best type of pool filter depends on its capability to filter out the tiniest bits of contaminants, bacteria and debris. Three types of pool filters have gained popularity in 2022. They include sand pool filters, cartridge pool filters and diatomaceous earth (D.E.) pool filters.
Each of the types mentioned above has its pros and cons in functionality. Also, they all vary in price, size, style and filtration replacement frequency. For instance, the sand pool filter works efficiently in a larger pool and does not clog easily compared to the other types of filters.
Also, sand pool filters are easily affordable and require minimal maintenance. They usually grab and filter larger particles that are 20 microns or more. So, if you are looking to eliminate more significant bacteria or debris from your pool, the sand pool filter is the best. On the other hand, the cartridge pool filter is quite expensive compared to the sand pool filter.
Its efficiency also increases on a smaller pool. The cartridge pool filter captures and filters debris as small as 10 microns. After cleaning out the pool, the cartridge filter will require cleaning by removing it from the tank and spraying it with a hose to remove build-up and dirt.
The diatomaceous earth (D.E.) pool filter is the most expensive type of pool filter, which also requires intensive maintenance. This pool filter captures the tiniest bits of particles as small as 5 microns. It works similarly to a sand pool filter but uses fine powder to capture particles instead of water.
How to Choose the Right Pool Filter
Choosing the right pool filter is incredibly important for the proper functionality of your pool. A pool filter should also go hand in hand with the size of the pool pump. A pump and filter should be compatible, and neither should be more potent than the other.
Also, a filter should have a higher flow rate than the pump’s flow rate to avoid damage to the filter. The right pool filter should also be selected based on the pool’s capacity. The right pool filter should be able to clean up all the dirt and debris within a maximum of 8 hours.
Are You a Pool Owner? Would You Love to Get Your Pool Cleaned by Professionals?
Welcome to Avanti Pools, Inc, a popularly known company based in Los Angeles with over 20 years of experience cleaning pools, designing and constructing swimming pools and spas, etc. We have a professional team of experts with more than 60 years of experience in engineering, pool design and construction. Call us today to get your pool looking sparkling clean and free of debris.
(818) 501-3759