What to Know About Non-Chemical Pool Water Treatment

If you’d prefer to stay away from relying on chemicals for treating the water in your swimming pool, there are some non-chemical alternatives available to you. One example is a system that relies on titanium oxidation with copper ionization.

In this type of system in Los Angeles, CA, as the water flows from the pump into the pool, it goes through an ionization and oxidation chamber, where the water either receives copper ions or becomes oxygenated, depending on the controls you’ve set. Either setting will result in the pool water being sanitized, which will kill off viruses, bacteria and algae. This is widely considered the most effective non-chemical strategy for sanitizing pool water. Read on to learn more about the process.

Copper ionization

The process of copper ionization was initially developed for the Apollo Space Program in 1967 as a means of ensuring drinking water was safe and that scale wouldn’t form in cooling systems during space missions. The ionization systems used in pools today are quite similar to that initial technology.

A major benefit of this process is that the copper ions generated by the system are completely safe for humans, plants and animals, unlike many of the chemicals used in other types of pools. You can still get excellent results in terms of killing off bacteria, viruses and algae without worrying about the effects it’ll have on your family, pets or landscaping.

The copper ions get added into the water for a few hours each week (or just a few minutes each week for hot tubs and spas). Because the processes of titanium oxidation with copper ionization are natural, you don’t have to worry about any chemical backwash issues, meaning it’s perfectly safe for you to drain out and backwash your pool.

Non-chemical oxidation

The non-chemical oxidation that can be performed on today’s pools is a high-tech form of sanitization and purification. The water passes through a chamber while a low voltage electrical current gets passed through the coated titanium plates in the chamber. While the pool is in oxidation mode, the electrolysis process results in a separation of the water into hydrogen and oxygen. This separation process results in a combination of hydroxyl radicals and free oxygen atoms, making for some of the most powerful oxidizers you’ll find for disinfecting water.

The oxygen atoms and hydroxyl ions are then responsible for taking out body oils, dead organic matter (killed first by copper ions), sun tan lotions and any other substances that might be found in the pool water.

Using a combination of copper ionization and non-chemical titanium oxidation will result in much clearer, cleaner and purer water than you’d get in other types of systems, including chemical-based treatment methods. If you have any further questions about titanium oxidation with copper ionization, feel free to reach out to the team at Avanti Pools, Inc. to speak with a professional pool contractor in Los Angeles, CA. We look forward to discussing the benefits of this treatment system for your pool!

Sanitation Systems Keep Pools Clean Without Chlorine

There are times when owning a pool can feel more like a chore than a convenience. But it’s important not to get wrapped up in the chores or you’ll forget to enjoy this luxury amenity! The best way to reduce the amount of time you spend caring for your pool and increase the time you spend enjoying it is to explore the benefits of sanitation systems.

Many Los Angeles, CA pool owners have already discovered the great benefits of a pool sanitation system over traditional chlorine pool treatments and other chemical cleaning methods. And while some sanitation systems do use chlorine—like saline/salt systems that make chlorine—there are more that don’t. The result is not only less time spent maintaining your pool, but enhanced enjoyment of it!

Ozone cleaning systems

One of the true chlorine-free solutions to pool sanitation, these systems are a bit more costly than traditional pool cleaning systems—but they’re well worth the investment. Ozone cleaning utilizes ozone gas (O3) to oxidize microbes that accumulate in the pool, destroying them in a way similar to chlorine. The difference? No burning eyes or lingering chlorine smell! This type of sanitation system can even make your pool water feel softer.

The downside of ozone systems—aside from their heavier upfront cost—is the need for de-gas vessels or ozone destruct chambers, which break down the toxic gases formed by the ozone treatment process. Having them installed or retrofitted means adding more to the cost.

Titanium oxidation with copper ionization

These chemical-free systems also don’t require any chlorine, instead using an ionization and oxidation process to destroy pool microbes. NASA actually developed this process to purify drinking water for astronauts!

As water cycles through the pool’s sanitation system, it’s fed through an ionization chamber before being sent back into the pool. In this chamber, copper ions are added to the water, which serve to kill any bacteria, algae and viruses present. Titanium-coated plates within the chamber initiate oxidation during electrolysis, which further separates water into oxygen and hydrogen molecules. Everything else is targeted via ionization, including natural body oils, microbes, bacteria and more. Clean H2O is released back into the pool, completing the sanitation process.

Say goodbye to burning eyes!

The chief reason why so many pool cleaning approaches use chlorine is because it’s highly effective at neutralizing contaminants in water. The problem is, chlorine also has an adverse impact on the human body. It dries the skin, irritates the eyes and can leave you smelling stale for hours after your shower.

More Los Angeles, CA pool owners are turning to sanitation systems because they achieve the same cleansing results as chlorine, without the frustrating side effects. And, because they’re antibacterial and biocompatible, these systems are generally safer for the environment and our bodies! They’re also a lot easier to maintain and more effective than scheduled treatments.

If you’re looking for a way to keep your pool cleaner and more enjoyable, without adding more chores to your list or taking time away from your enjoyment of the pool itself, it’s time to consider a sanitation system. Contact Avanti Pools Inc. to learn more.

The Safety Benefits of Automatic Covers for Pools

Any pool owner knows that safety is a major concern. All too often you hear about tragic deaths of toddlers who accidentally fall in or individuals who slip and hit their heads while walking across the pool deck. These tragedies can be avoided, and it’s why there’s an entire industry dedicated to preventing them.

Non-slip covers, safety netting and automatic covers are just a few of the many convenient products Los Angeles, CA pool owners can rely on to enhance the safety of their pool. Among these many products, automatic covers are perhaps the most valuable. Not only do they offer tremendous convenience, but their safety benefits are second to none. It’s impossible to estimate how many potential tragedies have been prevented by a sturdy, secure pool cover. If you’re testing the case for having one installed on your pool, let the safety benefits speak for themselves!

Accessible only by adults

Automatic pool covers are more secure than simple tarps or pullover covers, making them much more difficult for a child to access. Kids can’t simply peel back the tarp and fall into the water—the cover remains taut while engaged and won’t move on the deployment system until someone turns a key or presses a button. Second only to pool fencing, an automatic pool cover system is the most effective feature in preventing drowning.

Keeps pets and wildlife out

Children aren’t the only group in danger of falling victim to an untended, unprotected swimming pool. Pets and wildlife can also fall victim. Generally, it’s because they fall in and become trapped under the cover, unable to get back out. Here again, the rigidity and security of automatic pool covers prevents this, while also shielding the pool.

Many automatic pool covers are taut enough and made of such a durable material that they can support upwards of 400 pounds of static weight! That means your dog or cat is in no danger of accidently falling through… and neither is the fox, rabbit, raccoon, opossum or any other critter that might skitter across your pool cover.

Durable protection against accidents

The issue with manual pool covers is that they’re prone to human error. Did you double-knot the tie downs? Is the cover pulled taut enough? These types of small issues can quickly compromise a generic cover, invalidating the protection it provides. All it takes is for someone to fall on top of the cover and the situation quickly grows dire.

Most vinyl automatic pool covers are completely self-directing. The only human intervention required is the quick press of a button or turn of a key. The cover extends and retracts automatically and uniformly, ensuring nothing is overlooked or under-performed. Moreover, the ability of an automatic covering system to properly roll and unroll the cover ensures it’s not being stored in a way that allows weak areas to compromise the material.

When it comes to safety, there’s no room for compromise. If you own pets or have kids, or care about your own safety when it comes to your pool, the investment in an automatic cover is one you need to make. Call Avanti Pools Inc. in Los Angeles, CA to learn more about your options.

Heat Pumps vs. Gas Heaters: Which Is Better for Your Pool?

Pools are fantastic places for relaxation, exercise and entertaining, but they also require a considerable amount of work and upkeep. One of the most important things pool owners have to keep in mind is pool heating, and that means deciding between heat pumps and gas heaters. These options both have their own advantages and drawbacks, and considering the differences between heat pumps vs. gas heaters in Los Angeles, CA can make the decision a lot easier.

Gas heaters

Gas heaters are fueled with natural gas or propane. These heaters are the most popular option for heating pools, and there are lots of different heater models out there to choose from. One of the reasons why gas heaters are so popular is because they cost less to purchase than heat pumps. While prices vary, many pool owners can get gas heaters for half as much as heat pumps. Unfortunately, gas heaters also cost more to operate than heat pumps, and those costs can add up over time. Another benefit of gas heaters is that they heat up pool water rapidly, cutting down on wait time. However, these systems also have a shorter lifespan than heat pumps, and they will likely require more frequent repairs.

Heat pumps

Heat pumps are electrically-powered heating units that extract outside air and generate heat through compression. These heating units are not as common as gas heaters, and they haven’t been used for as long, but they do offer a few significant advantages. For one thing, heat pumps use less energy over time than gas heaters. Heat pumps cost less to operate, and they aren’t as likely to have issues as gas heaters. These heating units also last longer than gas heaters, giving pool owners even more cost savings over time. In addition, heat pumps don’t produce any carbon dioxide and are more environmentally friendly than gas heaters.

Choosing an option

When you’re choosing between heat pumps vs. gas heaters in Los Angeles, CA, it’s important to keep your unique preferences and needs in mind. While there are lots of benefits of gas heaters, including lower installation costs and more rapid heating, heat pumps are the best option if your goal is to maintain efficiency and keep costs down over the long run. Because heat pumps last longer, tend to have fewer repair needs and use less energy, they can save pool owners a lot of money over the years. In most cases, the long-term cost savings far outweigh the greater upfront cost associated with heat pumps.

Heat pumps vs. gas heaters in Los Angeles, CA

If you’re still on the fence about whether to go with a gas heater or a heat pump for your pool, you can get professional advice from the team at Avanti Pools, Inc. No matter your vision for your new pool, you can feel confident that our team will provide you with design services that are tailored with your needs in mind. We will walk you through the whole process, from design through construction, so you’ll be able to get the most out of your pool installation. Contact us today to find out more.

Using Smart Phones to Control Your Pool

Over the last decade, smart phone technology has advanced rapidly. Smart phones have been even further integrated into everyday life thanks to an increasing range of other smart home capabilities. Many people know about the use of smart phones for managing HVAC and lighting systems, for example, but fewer people are familiar with their role in pool and spa automation in Los Angeles, CA.

An automated pool system is designed to give homeowners the freedom and convenience to remotely adjust and control various pool settings and functions. These systems typically feature a main hub that collects information and interacts with settings and controls. This main hub is controlled using a smart phone app that can be fully integrated with other smart home technology. Smart phone pool control interfaces give you the ability to control many different things with the touch of a button, no matter where you are. Read on to find out more about the ways in which smart phones can be used to streamline pool management:

Pool and spa automation in Los Angeles, CA

For more information about pool and spa automation in Los Angeles, CA, reach out to Avanti Pools, Inc. For decades, we have been proud to provide services and products on the cutting edge of pool design and management. We can consult with you to design a pool that features all of the advanced technologies you’re looking for. Get started with a consultation and a quote for our pool design and construction services by giving us a call today.