Even private pools suffer contamination. The only way to prevent it is to clean regularly, as scooping debris and filtering the water is often not enough to keep out harmful bacteria. Failure to do so results in Los Angeles, CA swimmers developing gastrointestinal symptoms, skin, ear and eye infections, diarrhea and even respiratory disease and neurological failure. Many ask, “How often should I clean my pool?” and the answer is generally once a week. But there are specific cleaning tasks that should be performed on a schedule. Here are five of them:
Spot cleaning: Do this as you see the need, which may be every day or once a week. If trees drop leaves in your pool or you see big balls of dog hair, scoop them up with a net before they enter your filtration system. Algae causes structural damage and slips and falls, so dig it up as you see. These tasks only take a minute when completed on a regular basis, and they will make pool maintenance much easier.
Shock treatments: Pool use and frequency determine the need for shock treatments. If pets use your pool often or you have large parties every weekend, add an extra shock treatment. This will turn your pool into a sanitary oasis rather than a disease vector.
Cleaning skimmer basket: Think of skimmers like you do your cat’s litter box—the longer you wait to clean it, the nastier it becomes. Your skimmer basket is the same way. You can likely skip a day if you do not have a lot of vegetation in your yard, but you still get the best results by cleaning it every day. Letting it sit too long results in a breakdown and an unsafe pool.
Vacuuming: Pool vacuums are one of the best items in your maintenance repertoire. If you cannot reach debris to hand skim it or dirt drifts to the bottom, the vacuum makes it easy to clean it out. Consider vacuuming at least once a week, or more often if your pool needs it. You will remove the dirt but also bring the water back to a good pH balance.
Cleaning pumps: You should clean pumps twice a season and after heavy use, add backwashing to that routine, too. Check pump specifications to be sure you do it correctly. Generally, if pressure rises into the 40s, it is time to backwash. This is often an involved job, and you must set aside time to open up the pumps and check pipes and clean out debris.
If this sounds overwhelming, you have another option: self-cleaning equipment. You can install a self-cleaning pool or contact a pool construction company about adding self-cleaning features. Another option is to reduce your cleaning demands by installing an automatic cover so you can cover the pool when it is not being used. This helps keep it clean and maintains your pool’s chemical balance better.
The answer to “How often should I clean my pool?” could be “Almost never!” if you hire Avanti Pools, Inc. in Los Angeles, CA. We are pool contractors who specialize in self-cleaning pools, but we also install automatic covers and sanitation systems for existing pools. Contact us today to learn more.
Dog hair can wreak havoc on your pool’s filtration system. The best way to prevent this is to keep dogs out of the pool altogether, but that is often too extreme for most dog owners. Fortunately, this issue is easily resolved with proper pool maintenance. Here are five cleaning tips for removing dog hair from the pool in Los Angeles, CA:
Groom regularly: Regular grooming and de-shedding reduces the amount of hair that ends up in your pool. Find a de-shedder blade that works for the coat type of your dog and use it at least twice a week. If you do not have a regular grooming schedule for your dog, and they need one, set it up now. While you will likely spend more for services and grooming tools, it will cost less than replacing your pool’s filtration system.
Use a pool sweep: When your dog steps out of the pool, hand skim the water to remove any visible hair balls. In addition, install a pool sweep. This device uses suction generated by the pool pump to bring in water and filter out the debris. There are also robotic options that run on electricity and scrub hard surfaces. To allow for additional filtration, place a skimmer sock over the collection basket. You can buy one or make one using a hair net or old nylons. Once the sweep runs its cycle, empty the basket immediately.
Acquire a pool vacuum: A pool vacuum is great for spot cleaning when you see hair at the bottom of the pool or find it floating just out of reach. Find a model with an internal filter. Pool vacuums operate independently from the filtration system, so you can use them anytime you see the need.
Upgrade your filtration system: If your dog swims often, or multiple dogs use the pool, you likely need a stronger filtration system. Every time someone uses the pool, it affects the chemical balance, and that includes both two-legged and four-legged swimmers. Better filtration allows you to worry less about this delicate balance, and if you miss dog hair during spot cleaning or running the pool sweep, it is less disastrous if your filtration system can handle these instances. Just be sure to continue checking your pool’s chlorine levels, and consider tracking them in an app.
Look into self-cleaning options: There are self-cleaning pools available. If you are looking to install a new pool and you have a dog, this could be an excellent option. It is also possible to install self-cleaning equipment in most pools so dirt and hair becomes less of a problem. This is a good idea for any pool owner who would rather spend time enjoying their pool than performing maintenance.
If you require cleaning tips for dealing with dog hair in the pool or need help with general maintenance, Avanti Pools, Inc. is here to help. Located in Los Angeles, CA, we offer pool construction services and features that turn your pool into a self-cleaning one. Call us today to learn more.
If you’re going to be able to continue enjoying your pool year after year, you need to stay on top of your pool maintenance tasks, which includes regular cleaning. Most people don’t look forward to cleaning their pools, but the good news is that there are some steps you can take to automate the task, at least to an extent.
There are many pool owners that have invested in robotic pool cleaners, which work sort of like the round robotic vacuums you’d use on the floors of your home. While these robotic cleaners certainly have their benefits, they also have some limitations, as they’re not fully automatic. In-floor pool cleaning systems have become an increasingly popular option for pool owners who want to automate their cleaning as much as possible.
Here’s a quick overview of what you should know about in-floor pool cleaning systems in Los Angeles, CA.
How in-floor systems work
In-floor cleaning systems use a series of pop-up cleaners that get rid of dirt and debris in the pool. They’re referred to as pop-ups because they pop out of the floor when the cleaning process begins, and then, once they’re done, they retract back down into the pool floor. They are installed during pool construction and placed around the pool surface as well, including benches, walls and steps. An average pool is likely to have at least 15 pop-up heads placed in strategic locations around the pool. When not in use, they’re fully flush with the pool’s surface, so you don’t have to worry about them getting in the way of your activities.
Every pop-up is tasked with spraying pressurized, filtered water in a particular direction to push dirt and debris toward the main drain in the pool. That drain then sucks in all the debris and dirt, making it easy to remove later.
The pop-ups work in groups rather than individually, which makes them much more effective at cleaning. Each group will typically be composed of anywhere from two to 10 pop-ups, and every group is tasked with cleaning a particular section of the pool. The groups also don’t all operate at once—instead, they run in a sequence that allows them to more effectively push the debris to the drain, just like how you use a broom to sweep dirt into a single pile before disposing of it.
The pop-ups can push the debris in a straight line toward the deep end, or you can have them push it in a different route depending on the kind of system you have in place and the layout of your pool. You can also have the pop-up heads rotate so they can send water in different directions. Finally, you’re capable of adjusting the speed at which each group of pop-ups activates and begins cleaning the pool.
For more information about how in-floor pool cleaning systems work, we encourage you to contact a pool contractor in Los Angeles, CA at Avanti Pools, Inc. today. We’d be glad to answer your questions!
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.
Both in-ground and above-ground swimming pools require owner maintenance. For health and safety reasons, you must keep both the pool structure and the water clean using the right maintenance system. At Avanti Pools, Inc., we’ve started using the Septor 7 system. Here’s what you need to know about this new pool sanitization system in Los Angeles, CA: what it is, how it works and the benefits it offers.
The new Septor 7 option
If you have ever considered a water sanitization system for your swimming pool or spa, then you’ll want to take a closer look at the new Septor 7 pool system!
Septor 7 is currently the only alternative pool purification system that does not use chlorine. That’s right! It doesn’t require you to dump chemical additives into your pool water—no chlorine, no acid, no copper and no stabilizer. In addition to Septor 7 being 100 percent chemical free, it can manage pH with precision, does not alter alkalinity and maintains perfect water chemistry in your backyard swimming pool. The fact that it is without chemicals means the water is safer and healthier for you, your family, friends and the environment.
Everyone wants a trouble-free pool, so why not choose the best automated pool water management system on the market? Even though Septor 7 is chemical free, your pool will still be algae free. It’s automated, which means no weekly testing to find out what chemicals and how much you need to add. Plus, this specific pool sanitization system offers a lifetime warranty.
Top benefits
What are the benefits of Septor 7? First and foremost, thanks to its lack of chemicals and it’s safety, health and environmental guarantees, you’ll be sure you’re swimming in pure, chemical-free pool water for years to come. Here are some other benefits:
Reduce energy consumption: The typical swimming pool maintenance system is designed to run eight to nine hours per day to properly distribute chemicals in the water. The Septor 7 system helps you reduce your pump run time by half, down to only four to five hours a day. In turn, you’re able to reduce your carbon footprint.
Conserve water: Water conservation is increasingly important these days. Since Septor 7 allows you to have a chemical-free pool, you are not required to drain it, thus reducing your water footprint. Why would a pool need to be drained? The most common reasons include the fact that chemical saturation has made sanitization ineffective, and chemical erosion of swimming pool surfaces has resulted in dull finishes, pitted surfaces and residue buildup. Avoid all this with Septor 7!
Less damage to ecosystems: Remember, the Septor 7 pool water sanitation system does not use chemicals. As such, there’s reduced damage to ecosystems from chemical discharge. In many counties, water companies regulate the discharge of saltwater pools because the chemicals in the water can harm the natural ecosystem.
If you are looking for information to replace an old pool sanitization system in Los Angeles, CA or are building a brand-new pool as we speak, contact Avanti Pools, Inc. to discuss the benefits of Septor 7.
(818) 501-3759