The sun always seems to be shining in Southern California. This makes solar heating for pools in Los Angeles, CA a feasible option for pool owners. Is this solution right for you? Perhaps you’ve never considered this option.
Use the following FAQ to familiarize yourself with solar heating for pools in Los Angeles, CA. Then, consult with your local pool professionals to determine the possibilities for your pool.
How does solar heating for pools work?
Solar pool heating systems typically contain four basic design elements. A solar collector is the device through which the water flows and is heated by the sun. The filter clears away debris from the water before it enters the collector. A pump pushes the water through the filter and recirculates it back into the pool. A flow control valve, which can be automatic or manual, diverts the pool water to the collector.
These components work together to circulate the water into the collector for heating. The system can also be used to cool water by moving the water through the collector at night.
Is my setting suitable for solar pool heating?
If you’re considering a solar pool heating system, you should first determine if your site offers sufficient sun energy. Fortunately, these systems use both direct and diffuse solar radiation. This means settings that don’t receive constant sun may still be suitable for solar pool heating.
The main things to consider are the amount of shade your site has and what direction it faces. If your site has unshaded areas and faces south, it’s probably a good setting for solar heating for pools in Los Angeles, CA. To confirm, consult with a local pool expert, who can perform a site analysis for you.
Does solar heating for pools require a lot of maintenance?
The key to minimizing maintenance is to ensure the system is installed properly at the outset. After quality installation, your system should run smoothly for 10 to 20 years with little maintenance required.
If you keep the pool’s chemical balance and filtering system operating optimally, the solar heating system should not add significant maintenance tasks to your pool upkeep. Systems that feature glazed collectors may require occasional cleaning of the collector if rain showers are too infrequent to keep it rinsed. Your local pool professionals can also provide tips and services to help keep your pool well maintained.
Who should I contact to install solar heating for pools?
If you decide that solar heating for pools in Los Angeles, CA could be a good option for your setting, it’s important to partner with the right professionals for installation. Look for experts who are certified and have experience with this type of project.
Contact Your Local Solar Experts
Since 1999, Avanti Pools, Inc. has proudly been your locally owned and operated source for premier custom designed pools and spas, serving Los Angeles and the surrounding areas with unparalleled quality and service. We are certified professional pool builders who hold over 60 years of combined experience, specializing in solar heating. Reach out to our experts today!
Modern pool designs offer sleek, contemporary options. Two popular designs are the perimeter overflow pool and the infinity pool. Which is better? That depends on whom you ask. Both can be great options for those looking to add ambience and appeal to their property. If you’re weighing perimeter overflow pools vs. infinity pools in Los Angeles, CA, use the following guide.
This basic overview of each pool’s features and maintenance concerns can help you decide which style would be best for your setting and use. For additional insight, consult with your local pool professionals.
Perimeter Overflow Pools vs. Infinity Pools in Los Angeles, CA – Design
Perimeter overflow: A perimeter overflow pool features hidden slots or catch basins on all four sides into which the water flows. This steady stream is recycled back into the pool. The constant and consistent flow gives a glass-like appearance to the water. It looks as if it is contained without walls. Typically, dark interiors are used in the design of a perimeter overflow pool to enhance the mirror-like surface effect. Additional water features are not added to the design, since this would interfere with the water flow and break up the smooth surface of the pool.
Infinity: Infinity pools are similar to perimeter overflow pools, but the water does not flow over all edges. Typical designs feature one side of the pool where water flows over the edge. The goal of the design is to create a visual effect of boundless waters on that side of the pool. This technique is often used when a pool faces a larger body of water or an open skyline. The infinity design causes the edge of the pool to merge with the backdrop for a dramatic, seamless look.
Perimeter Overflow Pools vs. Infinity Pools in Los Angeles, CA – Maintenance
Perimeter overflow: The water in a perimeter overflow pool is constantly sucked into the perimeter and recirculated. As the water gets pulled into the tank, the edges act as constant skimmers. Due to this circulation, the pool does not require skimming. Instead, the tank must be cleaned periodically to remove debris.
Infinity: With an infinity pool design, the water only spills over the edge on one side. While this helps keep the water skimmed, it is not sufficient to keep the entire pool clean. Portions of the pool may not circulate toward the edge. These areas can accumulate leaves and other debris on the surface. As a result, skimming must be used as a supplemental cleaning mechanism for infinity pools. There may also be times when the pool owner doesn’t use the infinity edge. During these off seasons, a skimmer should be used to clean the entire surface of the pool.
Ready to Dive In?
If you’re considering a perimeter overflow pool or an infinity pool, contact your local experts at Avanti Pools, Inc. We are certified professional pool builders specializing in swimming pool and spa design and construction. Our area of expertise lies in special engineering on difficult sites, so we are fully equipped to handle even the most challenging projects. Contact us today to get started.
If you’re looking at the best options for a new pool cleaner, you’ll have plenty of choices to consider, among them pressure side and suction side cleaners.
A pressure cleaner uses the return water from a booster pump dedicated for this purpose to push the cleaner all around the pool. It features a bag on its top, inside of which the debris from the pool gets collected during the cleaning process.
A suction cleaner, meanwhile, uses the pool’s primary filtration pump to suck up debris in the area, which then gets returned to the pump basket.
Which of these two options is better for your needs with your pool? Let’s take a more in-depth look at each option so you can determine the pros and cons for yourself as you weigh your options of pressure side vs. suction cleaners in Los Angeles, CA.
Pressure side cleaners
First, it’s important to know that not every pool is going to be equipped with a dedicated booster pump or have the space to be able to add one. This means a pressure cleaner might not necessarily be an option for you in your search, as most pressure cleaners are going to require you to have a dedicated booster pump capable of operating the cleaner. If your system does not have the plumbing for a pressure side cleaner, you can eliminate this option right off the bat.
A pressure cleaner does not power blast the surface of the pool—that’s not what the “pressure” in the name applies (you’re probably thinking of pressure washers). Instead, it uses the return water of the pool, which creates a suction vortex that pulls debris up and out from the pool into the cleaner’s attached bag. The jet stream and suction are created in part by that booster pump.
This type of cleaner is ideal for larger, heavier debris, because it has a wider throat design. This allows for larger clumps of debris, such as twigs, acorns and leaves, to be sucked into the bag without you having to worry about the potential for clogging.
Suction cleaners
A suction cleaner is going to be an option for a wider variety of pool owners, because it uses the main filtration pump to suck up debris rather than a dedicated booster pump. After sucking up the debris, it gets returned to the pump basket for disposal.
Suction cleaners can be susceptible to low flow issues, so if you have a smaller horsepower filter (below three quarters) you may need to contact your manufacturer to determine if using a suction cleaner is a possibility.
Suction cleaners essentially work like vacuum cleaners that run off the main pool pump’s suction ability. The hose for the cleaner gets connected to a dedicated suction line, or directly to the pool skimmer. The cleaner is powered by a turbine spun by the suction force from the pump. This is an ideal cleaner for a screened-in pool or a pool that gets a lot of sand and dirt in it.
If you’re trying to choose between pressure side vs. suction cleaners in Los Angeles, CA or would like more information about these types of cleaners, contact Avanti Pools, Inc. today.
Are you trying to decide whether you’ll purchase a robotic cleaner or an in-floor cleaner for your pool? Let’s take a closer look at some of the factors you’ll want to consider and the ways these two types of systems differ in those regards.
Cost
One of the first factors you’re most likely to look for when looking at robotic cleaners vs. in-floor cleaners in Los Angeles, CA is how much you can expect to pay for the system. Obviously, this isn’t the only factor you’re going to want to consider, but it’s important to at least keep this in mind if you’re working with a tight budget.
In most cases, randomized, robotic pool cleaners are going to cost you less than an in-floor cleaner, at least in terms of the initial investment, because they require significantly less labor in the construction phase of the pool. However, the longer you have your pool, the more the numbers will even out, because you’ll need to replace your robotic pool cleaners much more frequently than you would an in-floor cleaning system.
Performance
More important than the cost you pay for the machine is the performance you can expect to get from it. Specifically, which of these types of cleaners is going to be better at clearing large debris?
This one really depends on the pool. Many robotic pool cleaners work as sort of randomized vacuum cleaners that suck up large debris if they happen to run over it—otherwise, they won’t necessarily pick it up. In-floor cleaners are much more like large broom systems, which will sweep every inch of the pool, but might have a hard time getting the larger pieces of debris unless they also have add-on features, such as debris removal drains.
Cleaning coverage
Which of these two types of cleaning systems is going to cover more of your pool? We already sort of covered this above, but you’ll generally get better coverage out of in-floor cleaners, because they’re not randomized in the same way as robotic cleaners, which use a randomized cleaning pattern to roam your pool and pick up debris.
In-floor cleaners will be customized for every pool in which they’re installed, so they cover every square inch of the pool with great efficiency. Robotic cleaners will get the whole pool if you let them run long enough, but remember that they’re cleaning in a random pattern, so it’s not going to be as efficient if total coverage is your primary goal.
These are just a few of the primary considerations to keep in mind when you’re looking at robotic cleaners vs. in-floor cleaners in Los Angeles, CA for your pool. If you’re interested in learning more about these technologies and the various advantages and disadvantages associated with them, we encourage you to contact the team at Avanti Pools, Inc. and we will be happy to provide you with more information and answer any questions you have for our pool professionals. We look forward to working with you and delivering you high-quality pool maintenance solutions!
With nearly perfect weather year-round, Los Angeles is a hot spot for swimming. Pools are prevalent. But which is better: salt or chlorine? The debate over salt vs. chlorine pools in Los Angeles, CA rages on.
There are valid arguments on both sides. Here’s an overview of the common myths and facts. Review these to decide which might be better for your needs. For additional insight on this topic, contact your local pool experts.
Myth: Swimming in a saltwater pool feels just like swimming in the ocean.
Fact: The salt concentration of a saltwater pool is around 3,000 parts per million. In the ocean, this concentration is about 35,000 parts per million. If the pool is properly balanced, you won’t be able to smell or taste the salt in the water. Both experiences can be quite refreshing and enjoyable, but they are definitely different.
Myth: Chlorine pools require less maintenance that saltwater pools.
Fact: When it comes to maintenance, saltwater pools are actually easier to maintain because the water remains more easily balanced. Pool owners typically have to test the water less often and spend less on chemicals to maintain desired levels.
Myth: Saltwater pools will make my skin sticky and stinky.
Fact: Saltwater leaves skin feeling soft and silky. Unlike chlorine pools, there is very little odor to the water.
Myth: The salt in the water will corrode my pool.
Fact: Due to the low concentration of salt, the water is still considered fresh water. The levels are so low that there is very little chance of damage due to corrosion of hardware or decking.
Myth: You still need to use chlorine to keep a saltwater pool clean and balanced.
Fact: The pool salt in a saltwater pool converts to natural chlorine. This keeps the chlorine level optimal, so you don’t need to mess with adding chlorine to the water.
Myth: Saltwater pools will make my eyes burn.
Fact: When it comes to salt vs. chlorine pools in Los Angeles, CA, salt wins in the category of gentleness. Chlorine is typically harsher on eyes, hair, skin and clothing than salt water. Most swimmers are more likely to get red, burning eyes from swimming in a chlorine pool than in a saltwater pool.
Myth: A saltwater pool will damage my landscaping.
Fact: Splashes and backwashing from a saltwater pool are not harder on your lawn and garden than a chlorine pool. In fact, the low concentration of salt makes it gentler on your landscaping than a chlorine pool would be.
Myth: A saltwater pool will make my allergies flare up.
Fact: Typically, swimmers are more likely to have a chlorine sensitivity that flares up in a chlorine pool. Many report that a saltwater pool is a better experience, with no adverse allergic reactions to chlorine.
Get the Facts
Would you like to learn more about salt vs. chlorine pools in Los Angeles, CA? Contact the experienced team at Avanti Pools, Inc. The experts at Avanti Pools, Inc. are APSP certified professional pool builders who hold over 60 years of combined experience specializing in swimming pool and spa design and construction, automatic pool and spa covers, solar heating, self-cleaning pools and much more. Reach out to us today!
(818) 501-3759