There are different types of pool sanitation systems available today. They keep your pool clean and safe from harmful residue. Each one has pros, cons, and price variations. Here are some options to consider.
What Are the Different Types of Pool Sanitization Systems?
Traditional Pool Sanitation
The first type of pool sanitation system is a chlorine-based system. These are the most common types of pool sanitation systems that you will find in homes today. Chlorine is a chemical that is added to the pool water, and it kills harmful bacteria, algae, and other contaminants.
One potential downside of chlorine-based systems is that they can be harsh on your skin and eyes. They may also produce unwanted chemical odors or leave behind a residue at the end of each swim session. However, many prefer chlorine-based systems due to their effectiveness and ease of use.
Saltwater Pool Sanitation
Another option for pool sanitation is a saltwater system. This type of system uses dissolved salt in the water, which creates a natural solution that is gentle on your skin and eyes. Also, saltwater systems do not produce harsh chemical odors, and they typically do not leave any residue after each swim session.
While saltwater systems may be more expensive upfront than chlorine-based options, they can offer some benefits that make them an excellent option for many pool owners. If you are looking for a gentler alternative to traditional pool sanitation options, then a saltwater system may be the right choice.
Natural Pool Sanitation
Another option for pool sanitation is a natural system. This system uses non-chemical and non-salt solutions to keep your pool clean and safe from harmful bacteria, algae, and other contaminants. Some natural solutions include UV filters and bacterial colonies that help break down organic matter in the water.
These options can tend to be less effective than other options. Additionally, these systems may not be a good choice for homes with sensitivities to certain chemicals or allergies to other solutions. However, a natural approach is a way to go if you are looking for an alternative to harsher chemical-based solutions.
There are several choices to keep your pool sanitary and healthy. Whether you opt for a traditional chlorine-based, saltwater, or natural system, the most important thing is to find a solution that works best for you and your pool. So choose wisely and enjoy your clean and safe swimming experience!
As much as Southern California has a reputation for year-round sunshine, the temperatures can still drop dramatically during the winter. Do you have to winterize your pool when you live in the Los Angeles area?
Most West Coast pool builders will tell you to keep an eye on the temperatures, as that will determine whether you need to take any action. Even if you do winterize your pool, the process will be a lot simpler than it is for homeowners who live in colder areas.
Here are some winterization tips and answers to top pool professionals FAQs.
Is winterization necessary?
Generally, Southern California has a temperate climate. It’s rare to see snow, unless you head up into the mountains or the Grapevine. If the forecast shows a run of freezing weather, then you will definitely want to take precautions to protect your pool. Otherwise, you can simply keep up with your normal pool maintenance schedule.
When the temperature drops below 32°F, your main concern should be running the pump 24 hours a day until the weather warms up again. The water in your in-ground pool will be slightly warmer than the air, so circulating the warmer water constantly can keep the pipes and equipment from freezing. Since water expands when it freezes, it can crack pipes and cause major damage.
You might want to keep your pool heater on low during the freezing weather, just to keep things moving. If your pool equipment has automatic freeze sensors, consider turning those on to protect your pool.
Steps to winterize your pool
West Coast pool builders recommend the following steps:
Clean your pool: First, clean your pool thoroughly to remove dirt and debris. It can affect your pool’s chemistry if left unresolved for long.
Balance the chemistry: To reduce the possibility of etching or scaling, balance your pool water’s chemistry.
Superchlorinate: Superchlorinate your pool to prevent algae formation and staining when it’s not in use. Follow the directions on the package for best results.
Shut down the equipment: Shut down all your pool equipment, clean the filter and empty the pump and skimmer baskets. Turn off the breakers to the pool.
Drain 2 inches of water: Next drain 2 to 2.5 inches of water from the pool, so the water line is well below the skimmer basket and tiles. (Tiles may crack if the water freezes.)
Use a winter pool cover: Finally, invest in a good winter pool cover. This will provide some thermal insulation and keep debris out during the winter.
Following these tips will help prevent freezing in temperate climates. It will also ensure that your pool is practically ready to use as soon as spring weather rolls around. Investing the time in winterizing your pool now will save you a lot of effort later on when you’re ready to dive in once more.
Avanti Pools, Inc. is a West Coast pool builder, creating custom-designed pools and spas. When you’re ready to install or remodel your pool, give us a call right away.
Proper pool maintenance is important, but when you’re new to DIY pool care, you might make a few missteps. One of the most common issues pool owners experience is when their pool turns green. Sometimes even chlorine won’t fix the problem. It’s not safe to swim in a pool filled with algae, as it can cause skin irritation and bacterial infections.
Algae growth can occur when your pool water chemistry is out of balance or if there are issues with the filtration system. When you notice green pool water, address it immediately—or at least before anyone swims in the pool again.
Here are some pool care tips to help you solve the issue:
Prepare the pool: Algae can form when the pool water chemistry is off and there are too many metal elements in the water. Remove everything from the pool, and skim the surface with a skimmer to get rid of leaves and debris. Let any dirt settle to the bottom.
Test the water: Next test your pool water. This will tell you what (if anything) to add to the water. For example, if your pool water is cloudy, the pH is on the alkaline side. You’ll need to add hydrochloric acid to the water to neutralize it. You want the pH levels to be around 7, even in a saltwater pool.
Shock the pool: Next shock the pool by adding liquid chlorine, according to package directions. Distribute the chlorine around the pool as evenly as possible; then turn on the filter. Let it circulate several hours before you start cleaning the pool. You may want to use an algaecide for best results. Then you can brush the pool to get rid of the algae and other debris.
Pump and filter the water: If your pool water is still green after following the steps above, there may be a problem with the filter. Check the filter to make sure there are no clogs; then let it run for several days until the water turns clear once more. If you want to filter the water in a hurry, backwash the filter four times.
Make sure you have the right filter: Finally, if all else fails, check your filter to see if it needs to be replaced. If you have a sand filter, check and backwash the filter each day until the water is clean. For cartridge filters, see if the cartridge needs to be replaced; then run the filter twice per day until the pool is completely clean.
Sometimes pool chemistry can present a challenge. If you’re having trouble balancing its chemistry, call a pool maintenance contractor for help. DIY pool care can save money, but sometimes it’s best to call in the experts. Proper pool maintenance is the key to preserving and enjoying your pool for years to come.
A beautiful swimming pool is a great feature for any home, but there are clearly some routine maintenance considerations to keep in mind if you want to keep the water clear and all related equipment running efficiently. If you maintain your pool yourself, you need to take on the role of janitor and chemist simultaneously. While removing debris like twigs and bugs is easy, balancing pool water chemicals can be a difficult job. Here’s what you need to know about maintaining consistent pool pH levels so you can safely enjoy your investment.
What happens when pool pH levels get too high?
A pool’s pH is a measure of the water’s balance between acidity and alkalinity, and maintaining a consistent balance is crucial for safe swimming. Water pH ranges from 1 to 14, and lower numbers indicate higher water acidity, while high numbers indicate increased alkalinity. The right pH for all pools lies right in the middle, between about 7.3 and 7.6 pH. At these levels, your equipment will run optimally, and you’ll enjoy the cleanest possible water in your pool.
When pH levels get too high, and the water becomes alkaline, the effectiveness of chlorine is significantly reduced, making it harder to kill harmful pathogens in the pool. Alkaline water can also cause skin rashes, cloudy water and a buildup of scale on pool equipment. Left for too long, the scaling can render your equipment completely ineffective and put a strain on the most important element of a pool: the water circulation system.
Remember that the higher the alkalinity in your pool water, the harder it is to bring it all back in balance. The moment your pool water tests for a high pH is the moment you need to take action—it can save you significant time, money and hassle in the long run.
How can you bring an alkaline pool back in balance?
If your pool water has tested for a high pH, you need to add a chemical additive called pH reducer, or pH minus, to the pool water. These chemicals contain either muriatic acid or sodium bisulfate, both of which work to reduce pH levels. They’re readily available at pool supply stores, home improvement stores and online. Refer to the manufacturer’s instructions regarding the correct amount of reducer to use for the volume of your pool and its current pH level.
If you choose a reducer that contains muriatic acid, be sure to handle with great care. This powerful chemical comes in a liquid form, so you need to follow the manufacturer’s directions for safe handling, applying and storing of the chemical.
Sodium bisulfate-based chemicals, on the other hand, come in dry form and are easier and safer to handle than muriatic acid. It should also be handled carefully, though, and you should wear protective eye and skin coverings and a mask to avoid inhalation of the granules.
It takes skill, patience and a watchful eye to keep pool pH levels balanced. Learn more about proper swimming pool care and maintenance by contacting Avanti Pools, Inc. today. We build self-cleaning pools that eliminate your worries about balancing chemicals, allowing you to get hassle-free enjoyment from your investment.
Homeowners with a cracked or failing pool often try quick fixes to resolve the problem. One of the more common routes for repairs is simply painting over the cracks. When customers ask us, “Is painting my pool a good idea in Los Angeles, CA?” we always tell them, “No!” This post will cover the reasons you should never paint your pool.
Problems caused by painting
We wouldn’t advise against painting pools for no reason. Here are a few of the issues caused by pool paint:
Ineffective fix: Painting the pool to “fix” cracks or other defects is like putting a Band-Aid on a broken leg—it’s not very helpful! On top of being an ineffective repair option, painting the pool drives down its overall appearance and makes it look shoddy.
Cloudy water: The paint used to make cosmetic repairs will eventually rub off the walls, especially if you have children playing in the pool and agitating the water. As you can imagine, the excess paint makes the water a nasty, cloudy color that will require additional cleaning to remove.
Clogs: If it’s not removed swiftly, that floating paint could cause clogs in your pool’s filtration system. This is a vicious cycle, as a clogged filter isn’t able to properly clean the water, leading to even dirtier pool water. On top of that, cleaning out a clogged filter isn’t exactly how you’d want to spend your afternoon.
Ruined swimsuits: Swimming in cloudy water for long periods can actually damage your swimwear. You may notice small spots on your bathing suit that won’t come out after a run through the washing machine.
Hire our team to construct your pool!
Avoid the need to ask, “Is painting my pool a good idea in Los Angeles, CA?” by hiring Avanti Pools, Inc. to install your new pool. These are the top reasons to choose us for installation:
Qualified experts: You won’t find a more experienced or capable crew for your pool construction project than our team! Every contractor who works with us is fully certified through the Association of Pool and Spa Professionals to ensure high-quality results. Regardless of the pool’s size or location, you can trust us to execute the job.
Three-year warranty: We’re so confident that you’ll love your pool that we offer a three-year warranty for everything from the masonry and tile to the plumbing and electrical components. You won’t find a deal like that anywhere else in the area.
Full-service company: There’s no need to hire multiple crews when you call our team—we handle everything from the initial design all the way through construction. We work closely with each of our customers to ensure they’re getting the pool of their dreams at an affordable price.
The answer to the question, “Is painting my pool a good idea in Los Angeles, CA?” is “no.” The answer to the question, “Who should install my new pool?” is Avanti Pools, Inc. Give us a call today to get a consultation for your new pool or to learn more about our services!
