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Why You Should Never Swap Swimming Pool Antifreeze With Automotive Antifreeze

When you're getting ready to close your fibreglass pool for the winter months, you may be considering using swimming antifreeze. It should, however, never be swapped out with automotive antifreeze. This is because both products are meant for separate things. Antifreeze meant for swimming pools has propylene glycol in it. Automotive antifreeze, on the other hand, has ethylene glycol.

swimming-pool-antifreeze-banner

This means that automotive antifreeze, when added to the pool water, can mix with the chlorine in the pool. It will also mix with other chemicals you may have added while closing your pool. As a result, the water in your pool can become toxic. If you do add automotive antifreeze to your pool, then you could be damaging your pool. Come spring, you'll have an expensive clean-up and repair job ahead of you.

What is swimming pool antifreeze?

If you own a fibreglass pool, then you should first understand what swimming pool antifreeze is, before you use it. Swimming pool antifreeze is essentially a liquid solvent that’s used in preventing water within the pool plumbing from freezing. If the water does freeze then it may expand, or cause other kinds of damage to the pool, over the course of the winter months.

When you use antifreeze meant for swimming pools, then your fibreglass pool will be protected through the cold of the winter. If it snows where you live, or if the temperatures fall dangerously low during the winter. Then you should consider using swimming pool antifreeze to protect your pool.

In many cases, you may not need to use antifreeze in your pool at all. This especially applies if you’ve already blown the pipes out, removing any of the water that might be remaining in them. Swimming pool antifreeze is more like an extra form of protection for your pool if you are not sure whether your pool pipes are properly cleaned or not.

swimming-pool-antifreeze-blogimage1

Ingredients used in swimming pool antifreeze

The most common ingredient that you can find in swimming pool antifreeze, is propylene glycol. This substance has the ability to absorb water, and it prevents drain leakage from forming in the first place. It also stops the pipes of the pool from becoming frozen, which could cause them to crack. If there are any cracks in your plumbing, then getting it repaired can be expensive.

Note that the ingredients used in swimming pool antifreeze are different from what’s used in automotive antifreeze. Automotive antifreeze uses ethylene glycol, which when mixed with the pool closing chemicals, can turn the pool water toxic. This toxic water can affect the shell of your pool, as well as other pool accessories.

Should you use swimming pool antifreeze in your pool?

Swimming pool antifreeze is not toxic, and it won’t hurt anyone using your swimming pool. However, you should still avoid spilling pool antifreeze directly into the water of your pool. Instead, pool antifreeze is used on the pipes of the pool.

The biggest benefit to using swimming pool antifreeze in your pool is that you will be able to ensure that the pipes will be damage free. During the winter, the pipes can get frozen, which can in turn cause them to get damaged. However, swimming pool antifreeze can end up reacting badly to either rubber or metal. So you’ll need to make sure that there isn’t any equipment nearby that might be exposed to the antifreeze as well. This is because such equipment can end up getting damaged.

How do you use swimming pool antifreeze?

When you want to add pool antifreeze to your fibreglass pool, you should never add it directly into the water of your pool. Instead, it should be poured into the pipe that connects to the skimmer basket.

You may also be wondering how much antifreeze you should add to your pool. In case the pipes of your pool have plenty of water, then you’ll need to use around a gallon of antifreeze. This can help you cover around ten feet of a pipeline that is 1.5 inches. You should also note that you should only add small amounts of antifreeze into pipes that are empty.

Before you can add the antifreeze, you’ll need to remove the pool’s skimmer basket first. Remove the plug as well, so that the pipe that you’ll be pouring the antifreeze into, can be exposed. You should also ensure that the level of the water is below the basket line of the skimmer. This helps prevent water from going near the pipe that’s being treated.

Once the water in your pool is at the perfect level, it’s time to add antifreeze to your skimmer. But this antifreeze will need to be diluted first. This provides an additional layer of protection to your skimmer line.

swimming-pool-antifreeze-blogimage2

What you should know about adding pool antifreeze to your fibreglass pool

Never use anything other than swimming pool antifreeze, on your pool. Some people wonder if they can use the antifreeze they add to their cars, but this is a bad idea. The core ingredient present in swimming pool antifreeze is different from what’s in automotive antifreeze. If you add automotive antifreeze to your fibreglass pool, then this can turn the water in your pool toxic.

You should also never pour the antifreeze directly into the water of your pool. This way, there are chances that the antifreeze can splash back and hit you. If some swimming pool antifreeze does get into the water of your fibreglass pool, then there’s nothing to worry about. This is because swimming pool antifreeze is non-toxic. However, the same can’t be said for automotive antifreeze. If automotive antifreeze enters the water of your pool, then the pool will need to be thoroughly cleaned before anyone can use it.

Conclusion

You should never use automotive antifreeze instead of swimming pool antifreeze, in your pool. This is as ethylene glycol, which is found in automotive antifreeze, can mix with the pool chemicals to create a toxic environment. Instead, only use swimming pool antifreeze, which uses propylene glycol, in your fibreglass pool.

Why You Should Never Swap Swimming Pool Antifreeze With Automotive Antifreeze

When you're getting ready to close your fibreglass pool for the winter months, you may be considering using swimming antifreeze. It should, however, never be swapped out with automotive antifreeze. This is because both products are meant for separate things. Antifreeze meant for swimming pools has propylene glycol in it. Automotive antifreeze, on the other hand, has ethylene glycol.

swimming-pool-antifreeze-banner-m

This means that automotive antifreeze, when added to the pool water, can mix with the chlorine in the pool. It will also mix with other chemicals you may have added while closing your pool. As a result, the water in your pool can become toxic. If you do add automotive antifreeze to your pool, then you could be damaging your pool. Come spring, you'll have an expensive clean-up and repair job ahead of you.

What is swimming pool antifreeze?

If you own a fibreglass pool, then you should first understand what swimming pool antifreeze is, before you use it. Swimming pool antifreeze is essentially a liquid solvent that’s used in preventing water within the pool plumbing from freezing. If the water does freeze then it may expand, or cause other kinds of damage to the pool, over the course of the winter months.

When you use antifreeze meant for swimming pools, then your fibreglass pool will be protected through the cold of the winter. If it snows where you live, or if the temperatures fall dangerously low during the winter. Then you should consider using swimming pool antifreeze to protect your pool.

In many cases, you may not need to use antifreeze in your pool at all. This especially applies if you’ve already blown the pipes out, removing any of the water that might be remaining in them. Swimming pool antifreeze is more like an extra form of protection for your pool if you are not sure whether your pool pipes are properly cleaned or not.

swimming-pool-antifreeze-blogimage1-m

Ingredients used in swimming pool antifreeze

The most common ingredient that you can find in swimming pool antifreeze, is propylene glycol. This substance has the ability to absorb water, and it prevents drain leakage from forming in the first place. It also stops the pipes of the pool from becoming frozen, which could cause them to crack. If there are any cracks in your plumbing, then getting it repaired can be expensive.

Note that the ingredients used in swimming pool antifreeze are different from what’s used in automotive antifreeze. Automotive antifreeze uses ethylene glycol, which when mixed with the pool closing chemicals, can turn the pool water toxic. This toxic water can affect the shell of your pool, as well as other pool accessories.

Should you use swimming pool antifreeze in your pool?

Swimming pool antifreeze is not toxic, and it won’t hurt anyone using your swimming pool. However, you should still avoid spilling pool antifreeze directly into the water of your pool. Instead, pool antifreeze is used on the pipes of the pool.

The biggest benefit to using swimming pool antifreeze in your pool is that you will be able to ensure that the pipes will be damage free. During the winter, the pipes can get frozen, which can in turn cause them to get damaged. However, swimming pool antifreeze can end up reacting badly to either rubber or metal. So you’ll need to make sure that there isn’t any equipment nearby that might be exposed to the antifreeze as well. This is because such equipment can end up getting damaged.

How do you use swimming pool antifreeze?

When you want to add pool antifreeze to your fibreglass pool, you should never add it directly into the water of your pool. Instead, it should be poured into the pipe that connects to the skimmer basket.

You may also be wondering how much antifreeze you should add to your pool. In case the pipes of your pool have plenty of water, then you’ll need to use around a gallon of antifreeze. This can help you cover around ten feet of a pipeline that is 1.5 inches. You should also note that you should only add small amounts of antifreeze into pipes that are empty.

Before you can add the antifreeze, you’ll need to remove the pool’s skimmer basket first. Remove the plug as well, so that the pipe that you’ll be pouring the antifreeze into, can be exposed. You should also ensure that the level of the water is below the basket line of the skimmer. This helps prevent water from going near the pipe that’s being treated.

Once the water in your pool is at the perfect level, it’s time to add antifreeze to your skimmer. But this antifreeze will need to be diluted first. This provides an additional layer of protection to your skimmer line.

swimming-pool-antifreeze-blogimage2-m

What you should know about adding pool antifreeze to your fibreglass pool

Never use anything other than swimming pool antifreeze, on your pool. Some people wonder if they can use the antifreeze they add to their cars, but this is a bad idea. The core ingredient present in swimming pool antifreeze is different from what’s in automotive antifreeze. If you add automotive antifreeze to your fibreglass pool, then this can turn the water in your pool toxic.

You should also never pour the antifreeze directly into the water of your pool. This way, there are chances that the antifreeze can splash back and hit you. If some swimming pool antifreeze does get into the water of your fibreglass pool, then there’s nothing to worry about. This is because swimming pool antifreeze is non-toxic. However, the same can’t be said for automotive antifreeze. If automotive antifreeze enters the water of your pool, then the pool will need to be thoroughly cleaned before anyone can use it.

Conclusion

You should never use automotive antifreeze instead of swimming pool antifreeze, in your pool. This is as ethylene glycol, which is found in automotive antifreeze, can mix with the pool chemicals to create a toxic environment. Instead, only use swimming pool antifreeze, which uses propylene glycol, in your fibreglass pool.

Why It's A Good Idea To Elevate Your Pool Equipment

If you live in an area that's prone to flooding, then elevating your pool equipment can be a great idea. More and more fibreglass pool owners are learning about the benefits of elevating their pool equipment. Not only are people becoming more aware of why pool equipment should be elevated, but also of how it can be elevated.

pool-equipment-elevation-banner

Should you experience flooding a lot, in the area you live in, then sudden floods can end up impacting and even damaging your pool equipment. You may also find yourself dealing with intense storms and even hurricanes. If this is the case, especially if you’re expecting flooding of any kind to affect your area, ensure that your pool equipment is elevated. This is because otherwise, your pool equipment could be damaged.

If this happens, then you may find yourself paying for an expensive repair job. Replacing your pool equipment also comes with a hefty price tag.

Elevating Your Pool Equipment: How High Should It Be?

Say your fibreglass pool is situated in an area that’s designated as a floodplain. You could also be living near a waterway along the coast.

If this is the case, then all your pool equipment needs to be at least above the base water level that’s expected, when the flood rolls in. You can try to anticipate how much the water level is likely to rise and keep your pool equipment at an elevation that’s higher.

You can also get in touch with your local office for managing floodplains. They can tell you what the base water level that you can expect in case of a flood is. Then, you can place your pool equipment at a level where the flood water is unlikely to affect it. If you have a pool pump that’s inground, then there’s a huge chance that this could be self-priming as well.

This means that your pool pump should have enough suction such that it can pull the water up in the vertical direction, through the pipes of the pump. In case the pool pump is located too high above the level of the water in the pool, then this can cause issues. You could find yourself dealing with air leaks. If this happens, then your pool equipment will end up drawing air over water.

You should also ensure that the check valves are properly in place. This help to keep water from the pool, within the pipes. This water won’t go back through your pipes and back to your pool. Instead, the check valves ensure that the flow can only go in one direction.

This helps to trap pool water within the pump. Your check valves should be placed in front of your pump. You can also place it at the ground level, on a system that’s raised.

pool-equipment-elevation-blogimage1

What Do You Need to Elevate Your Pool Equipment?

It’s easier to raise any pool equipment that you have, instead of shifting all your pool equipment to a separate place in your backyard. If you need to make your pool pipes longer, then you can do this with the help of PVC fittings as well as piping.

Every pool pump also comes with a wiring harness. This is often a conduit that’s flexible. It’s possible to retrofit this harness to your new height, without rewiring your pump.

For the incoming pipes, you’ll need to use your check valves. This will help to keep the water within the pool system, even when the pump has been shut off. With check valves, you’ll need to use pipes that are between 1.5″ and 2.5″.

How Can You Elevate Pool Equipment?

There are various ways for you to elevate the pool equipment that you have, in a safe manner. You can make use of a platform that’s raised, made of either plastic or wood. You can also use stacks of cinder blocks, to raise your pool equipment. Remember that the durability, as well as the structural integrity of what you’re doing, is essential.

In case you live in an area where it floods often, then the raised platform that you create will need to be sturdy enough to not collapse.

Here is what you can use to elevate pool equipment:

Wooden Box

You could think about creating a wooden box, to help you elevate the pool equipment that you have. First, ensure that you find ground that is stable and sturdy to keep the box on. Then, add extra inches to all the sides, to ensure that you have enough space to keep the actual pool equipment.

Finally, you’ll also need to reinforce your wooden box using either a steel mesh. You should also get a sealant that’s waterproof, to ensure that the wood doesn’t rot.

pool-equipment-elevation-blogimage2
Raising the Pump

You may not need to elevate all the pool equipment that you have. There are parts that can do just fine, even when exposed to flood water. You do need to raise your pool pump, as well as the pool heater. But the pool filter, the valves as well as the pipes, can be kept on ground level.

You can make use of a cinder block, to lift your pool pump. If your pool has any components that are electrical, then these should also be elevated.

To raise any of the electrical parts, you will need to call your electrician. They will then move the breaker box of your pool, as well as any electrical elements that it may have, to the elevated platform. Don’t try to do this yourself, as it can be a complicated process to revamp the electrical setup of your fibreglass pool.

Conclusion

If you live in an area where it floods a lot, then leaving your pool equipment on the ground level can be dangerous. In such cases, you’ll need to elevate your pool equipment. There are ways that you can go about doing this. You could get a wooden box, or build a wooden platform. You could also choose to only have certain pool equipment elevated, while others remain at the ground level.

Use this guide to learn more about why you should raise your fibreglass pool equipment, as well as how you can make that possible.

Why It's A Good Idea To Elevate Your Pool Equipment

If you live in an area that's prone to flooding, then elevating your pool equipment can be a great idea. More and more fibreglass pool owners are learning about the benefits of elevating their pool equipment. Not only are people becoming more aware of why pool equipment should be elevated, but also of how it can be elevated.

pool-equipment-elevation-banner-m

Should you experience flooding a lot, in the area you live in, then sudden floods can end up impacting and even damaging your pool equipment. You may also find yourself dealing with intense storms and even hurricanes. If this is the case, especially if you’re expecting flooding of any kind to affect your area, ensure that your pool equipment is elevated. This is because otherwise, your pool equipment could be damaged.

If this happens, then you may find yourself paying for an expensive repair job. Replacing your pool equipment also comes with a hefty price tag.

Elevating Your Pool Equipment: How High Should It Be?

Say your fibreglass pool is situated in an area that’s designated as a floodplain. You could also be living near a waterway along the coast.

If this is the case, then all your pool equipment needs to be at least above the base water level that’s expected, when the flood rolls in. You can try to anticipate how much the water level is likely to rise and keep your pool equipment at an elevation that’s higher.

You can also get in touch with your local office for managing floodplains. They can tell you what the base water level that you can expect in case of a flood is. Then, you can place your pool equipment at a level where the flood water is unlikely to affect it. If you have a pool pump that’s inground, then there’s a huge chance that this could be self-priming as well.

This means that your pool pump should have enough suction such that it can pull the water up in the vertical direction, through the pipes of the pump. In case the pool pump is located too high above the level of the water in the pool, then this can cause issues. You could find yourself dealing with air leaks. If this happens, then your pool equipment will end up drawing air over water.

You should also ensure that the check valves are properly in place. This help to keep water from the pool, within the pipes. This water won’t go back through your pipes and back to your pool. Instead, the check valves ensure that the flow can only go in one direction.

This helps to trap pool water within the pump. Your check valves should be placed in front of your pump. You can also place it at the ground level, on a system that’s raised.

pool-equipment-elevation-blogimage1-m

What Do You Need to Elevate Your Pool Equipment?

It’s easier to raise any pool equipment that you have, instead of shifting all your pool equipment to a separate place in your backyard. If you need to make your pool pipes longer, then you can do this with the help of PVC fittings as well as piping.

Every pool pump also comes with a wiring harness. This is often a conduit that’s flexible. It’s possible to retrofit this harness to your new height, without rewiring your pump.

For the incoming pipes, you’ll need to use your check valves. This will help to keep the water within the pool system, even when the pump has been shut off. With check valves, you’ll need to use pipes that are between 1.5″ and 2.5″.

How Can You Elevate Pool Equipment?

There are various ways for you to elevate the pool equipment that you have, in a safe manner. You can make use of a platform that’s raised, made of either plastic or wood. You can also use stacks of cinder blocks, to raise your pool equipment. Remember that the durability, as well as the structural integrity of what you’re doing, is essential.

In case you live in an area where it floods often, then the raised platform that you create will need to be sturdy enough to not collapse.

Here is what you can use to elevate pool equipment:

Wooden Box

You could think about creating a wooden box, to help you elevate the pool equipment that you have. First, ensure that you find ground that is stable and sturdy to keep the box on. Then, add extra inches to all the sides, to ensure that you have enough space to keep the actual pool equipment.

Finally, you’ll also need to reinforce your wooden box using either a steel mesh. You should also get a sealant that’s waterproof, to ensure that the wood doesn’t rot.

pool-equipment-elevation-blogimage2-m
Raising the Pump

You may not need to elevate all the pool equipment that you have. There are parts that can do just fine, even when exposed to flood water. You do need to raise your pool pump, as well as the pool heater. But the pool filter, the valves as well as the pipes, can be kept on ground level.

You can make use of a cinder block, to lift your pool pump. If your pool has any components that are electrical, then these should also be elevated.

To raise any of the electrical parts, you will need to call your electrician. They will then move the breaker box of your pool, as well as any electrical elements that it may have, to the elevated platform. Don’t try to do this yourself, as it can be a complicated process to revamp the electrical setup of your fibreglass pool.

Conclusion

If you live in an area where it floods a lot, then leaving your pool equipment on the ground level can be dangerous. In such cases, you’ll need to elevate your pool equipment. There are ways that you can go about doing this. You could get a wooden box, or build a wooden platform. You could also choose to only have certain pool equipment elevated, while others remain at the ground level.

Use this guide to learn more about why you should raise your fibreglass pool equipment, as well as how you can make that possible.

Why You Should Never Put Dry Ice In Your Fibreglass Swimming Pool

Chances are, that you've already seen dry ice in action in a movie or a television show. With the help of dry ice, you'll be able to create a white fog, that can give a spooky effect as it dissipated. This is especially perfect for Halloween. If you have a fibreglass pool, you may be thinking about adding dry ice to it next Halloween. Won't that allow you to make your event look even more creepy?

dry-ice-swimming-banner

Instead of adding dry ice to a bucket of water, why not just add it directly to the water in your fibreglass pool? Adding dry ice to the water in your fibreglass pool is a really bad idea. It would not only negatively interact with the water chemistry of your pool but could also damage your fibreglass pool. You'll also be putting your friends and family at risk, by exposing them to water that dry ice has been mixed into.

What Exactly Is Dry Ice?

Dry ice is essentially just carbon dioxide in a solid form. It’s what you get when you pressurize carbon dioxide gas at around-78°C. What you’ll get is a solid called dry ice. At room temperature, carbon dioxide acts like a gas. It won’t melt in the same way actual ice would. Instead, what it goes back into the gas form, skipping the liquid form altogether.

With dry ice, you don’t have to worry about puddles or any watery residue, which is why it’s called ‘dry’ ice. Dry ice is mainly used as a cooling agent, which is found in both shipping as well as preserving medicines and foods that are frozen. You’ll also find dry ice used in fog machines, which are in theatres.

dry-ice-swimming-blogimage1

How Does Dry Ice React With Warm Water?

When dry ice is put into water that is warm, you’ll get a white fog that forms on top of the water. It will then pour over the sides of the container. Water can also end up carbonating, or it could start to bubble.

With around one pound of dry ice, you’ll be able to get the fog-like effect for around two to three minutes. If the water the dry ice is dipped into is hotter, then the ice will dissipate more quickly. The quantity in question is for generating a very small amount of white fog. Say you want to use your fibreglass pool as a makeshift fog machine. Then you’ll need to invest in hundreds if not thousands of pounds of dry ice.

What Health Hazards Are Associated With Dry Ice?

Dry ice can be dangerous for people, both internally as well as externally. Since dry ice is very cold, it can burn your skin. What you’ll experience is close to frostbite this is why you always need to wear gloves if you want to handle dry ice. If you’re trying to cut dry ice, then you’ll need to wear goggles as well as a face shield.

You should also never add dry ice directly to drinks. This is because you could end up with cryogenic burns down your throat. This also means that people who use your people, with the dry ice in it, will be exposed to dangerous burns as well.

The dry ice comes from carbon dioxide. CO2 is toxic for humans, and breathing in carbon dioxide can lead to suffocation. When you add dry ice directly to the water in your pool, the white fog that’s generated will gather around the heads of the swimmers. This can lead to them falling unconscious or suffocating.

If you have an indoor pool, then you should especially avoid adding dry ice to it. This is because the carbon dioxide that’s released will fill up the enclosed space. This could be dangerous for anyone in the space.

dry-ice-swimming-blogimage2

What Happens When A Pool Has Too Much Carbon Dioxide?

If you want the water in your fibreglass swimming pool to be healthy, then you’ll need to maintain its pH level, as well as its alkalinity level. When your pool is filled using dry ice, the CO2 that’s added to the water ends up reacting with the chemicals that are present in the pool water.

What it does, is it raises how acidic the water in the pool is, and reduces its pH levels. This can lead to you experiencing various issues with your pool. These issues include:

  • The skin could feel drier as well as itchy.
  • The surface of the pool, as well as the liners, could end up damaged. This would cause wear and tear to appear on your pool faster than normal.
  • The acidic water can also end up corroding the filtration system of your pool. It can affect both metals as well as plastic. So this can lead to your filter, the screws, and various other components getting damaged. There could also be a buildup of rust or disintegration of the plastic components. If this happens, this can both contaminate as well as discolour the water in your pool.
  • If you want your pool to have a good water balance again, you’ll need to add more chemicals to it. If you end up damaging any of the parts of your pool, then this could negatively affect your wallet as well.

That’s why you shouldn’t add dry ice to the water in your swimming pool. Instead, consider renting out a fog machine for special occasions. Not only will it be safer and cheaper, but you can also ensure that the fog lasts for a longer period of time.

Conclusion

Dry ice should never be added to the water in your fibreglass pool. This is because when the dry ice melts, it will release a large amount of CO2 in the pool water. If anyone is in the pool when the dry ice is added to it, their health could be at risk. After adding the dry ice, you also won’t be able to use your fibreglass pool for the rest of the event.

Use this guide to learn all about dry ice, as well as why you should never add it to your pool.

Why You Should Never Put Dry Ice In Your Fibreglass Swimming Pool

Chances are, that you've already seen dry ice in action in a movie or a television show. With the help of dry ice, you'll be able to create a white fog, that can give a spooky effect as it dissipated. This is especially perfect for Halloween. If you have a fibreglass pool, you may be thinking about adding dry ice to it next Halloween. Won't that allow you to make your event look even more creepy?

dry-ice-swimming-banner-m

Instead of adding dry ice to a bucket of water, why not just add it directly to the water in your fibreglass pool? Adding dry ice to the water in your fibreglass pool is a really bad idea. It would not only negatively interact with the water chemistry of your pool but could also damage your fibreglass pool. You'll also be putting your friends and family at risk, by exposing them to water that dry ice has been mixed into.

What Exactly Is Dry Ice?

Dry ice is essentially just carbon dioxide in a solid form. It’s what you get when you pressurize carbon dioxide gas at around-78°C. What you’ll get is a solid called dry ice. At room temperature, carbon dioxide acts like a gas. It won’t melt in the same way actual ice would. Instead, what it goes back into the gas form, skipping the liquid form altogether.

With dry ice, you don’t have to worry about puddles or any watery residue, which is why it’s called ‘dry’ ice. Dry ice is mainly used as a cooling agent, which is found in both shipping as well as preserving medicines and foods that are frozen. You’ll also find dry ice used in fog machines, which are in theatres.

dry-ice-swimming-blogimage1-m

How Does Dry Ice React With Warm Water?

When dry ice is put into water that is warm, you’ll get a white fog that forms on top of the water. It will then pour over the sides of the container. Water can also end up carbonating, or it could start to bubble.

With around one pound of dry ice, you’ll be able to get the fog-like effect for around two to three minutes. If the water the dry ice is dipped into is hotter, then the ice will dissipate more quickly. The quantity in question is for generating a very small amount of white fog. Say you want to use your fibreglass pool as a makeshift fog machine. Then you’ll need to invest in hundreds if not thousands of pounds of dry ice.

What Health Hazards Are Associated With Dry Ice?

Dry ice can be dangerous for people, both internally as well as externally. Since dry ice is very cold, it can burn your skin. What you’ll experience is close to frostbite this is why you always need to wear gloves if you want to handle dry ice. If you’re trying to cut dry ice, then you’ll need to wear goggles as well as a face shield.

You should also never add dry ice directly to drinks. This is because you could end up with cryogenic burns down your throat. This also means that people who use your people, with the dry ice in it, will be exposed to dangerous burns as well.

The dry ice comes from carbon dioxide. CO2 is toxic for humans, and breathing in carbon dioxide can lead to suffocation. When you add dry ice directly to the water in your pool, the white fog that’s generated will gather around the heads of the swimmers. This can lead to them falling unconscious or suffocating.

If you have an indoor pool, then you should especially avoid adding dry ice to it. This is because the carbon dioxide that’s released will fill up the enclosed space. This could be dangerous for anyone in the space.

dry-ice-swimming-blogimage2-m

What Happens When A Pool Has Too Much Carbon Dioxide?

If you want the water in your fibreglass swimming pool to be healthy, then you’ll need to maintain its pH level, as well as its alkalinity level. When your pool is filled using dry ice, the CO2 that’s added to the water ends up reacting with the chemicals that are present in the pool water.

What it does, is it raises how acidic the water in the pool is, and reduces its pH levels. This can lead to you experiencing various issues with your pool. These issues include:

  • The skin could feel drier as well as itchy.
  • The surface of the pool, as well as the liners, could end up damaged. This would cause wear and tear to appear on your pool faster than normal.
  • The acidic water can also end up corroding the filtration system of your pool. It can affect both metals as well as plastic. So this can lead to your filter, the screws, and various other components getting damaged. There could also be a buildup of rust or disintegration of the plastic components. If this happens, this can both contaminate as well as discolour the water in your pool.
  • If you want your pool to have a good water balance again, you’ll need to add more chemicals to it. If you end up damaging any of the parts of your pool, then this could negatively affect your wallet as well.

That’s why you shouldn’t add dry ice to the water in your swimming pool. Instead, consider renting out a fog machine for special occasions. Not only will it be safer and cheaper, but you can also ensure that the fog lasts for a longer period of time.

Conclusion

Dry ice should never be added to the water in your fibreglass pool. This is because when the dry ice melts, it will release a large amount of CO2 in the pool water. If anyone is in the pool when the dry ice is added to it, their health could be at risk. After adding the dry ice, you also won’t be able to use your fibreglass pool for the rest of the event.

Use this guide to learn all about dry ice, as well as why you should never add it to your pool.

Why You Should Consider Palm Trees When It Comes To Pool Landscaping

If you want a tree that can give your pool area a beautiful look, then palms are the best choice. They are not only easy to maintain and grow, but they also have many benefits when it comes to landscaping around pools or other outdoor areas. In this article, we will discuss what makes palm trees so great for landscaping near pools.

Benefits of considering palm trees for pool landscaping

Palm trees are a bit low-maintenance

The most important thing you need to know about palm trees is that they are a bit low-maintenance (compared to maintaining a fibreglass pool!). They’re easy to care for and don’t require much maintenance at all. You don’t have to water them often or fertilise them as often as other plants would need. Even their growth is pretty slow compared with other types of plants. This means that there won’t be any huge changes in size over time.

Palm trees grow in many different soils—soils that may not be ideal for your other garden plants. Also, they don’t require pruning or maintenance on their own, either! If you want something that grows well but doesn’t take up too much space in your yard, then this could be an ideal choice for you!

Palm trees can be adapted to cater to different tastes and preferences

Palm trees are a great choice for landscaping around pools because they are low maintenance and can be adapted to different tastes and preferences. Palm trees will grow in any type of soil. But they tend to thrive in areas with sandy or gravelly soil as well as clay soils (which is why they are often found near rivers). Palm trees grow faster when planted on sandier soils than clay ones. So if you live near the coast or oceanside where there is sand or gravel underfoot then this might be what you need!

Palm trees are also very versatile

Palm trees are also very versatile in terms of the places where they can be planted. You can plant them in a pot, you can plant them in the ground, or even better yet—you could place your palm tree right next to your pool.

If you don’t have any experience with palms and would like to learn more about how to maintain them, there are many resources available online.

Palm trees don’t grow too high or spread out too wide

Another benefit of palm trees is that many of them don’t grow too high or spread out too wide. This means you can place your palm trees in the middle of your yard rather than having to make room for them to grow tall and wide. Palm trees are also great for small yards because they don’t take up much space, especially when compared with other types of landscaping options like weeping willows or large shrubs.

There are many options to choose from

There are many options, so you can choose the one that best suits your needs.

Some palm trees are more suitable for certain climates and locations. There are also different types of palms available depending on what kind of shape they take when young. This makes them suitable for small spaces or large ones.

Palm trees can create a beautiful atmosphere around your pool

When it comes to palm trees, there are many different types of palms to choose from. The best way to make sure you’re getting the right kind for your pool is by considering its size and height.

Palm trees can be found in many different sizes and shapes. Some are small enough that they can fit inside a small space like an alcove or niche. There are others that are tall enough to stand out against other landscape features, such as fences or walls. You’ll also want to consider what kind of shape you’d like your palm tree’s trunk, branches, leaves, and petals.

The most important thing when choosing which type of palm tree best suits your needs is finding one which matches your aesthetic appeal and environmental considerations. If possible, try not only looking at pictures but also talking directly with someone who owns one.

What are the best palm trees to plant near a pool?

If you’re looking for a palm tree that will grow well in your yard and provide the best appearance, then look no further than coconut palms. The coconut palm is one of the most popular choices for poolside landscaping. This is because it has large leaves that are perfect for shading the pool area from direct sunlight. In addition, this species is easily watered and will thrive on almost any soil type.

Other types of palms that are good options for poolside landscaping include:

  • Royal palms (Washingtonia robusta)
  • Parlor palms (Chamaedorea elegans)
  • Windmill palms (Chamaerops humilis)
  • California fans (Caryota mitis)and Mexican fans(Washingtonia filifera).

Dwarf date trees like “Pygmy Date Palm” are also suitable because they can be grown indoors as well as outside during winter months. Though growing your plants inside during this chilly season can further along its growth, you should also consider installing your pool in winter so both plant and pool can be ready for summer.

How far from a pool should you plant a palm tree?

When you’re choosing the right palm tree for your pool, it’s important to consider how far from the edge of your swimming area it should be planted. The best distance is between 3 and 5 meters, but you should aim for 4 meters if possible.

How much is a palm tree for landscaping?

The price of a palm tree is dependent on its size and type. The average cost of a palm tree is around $50-$200, with some trees costing more than others.

The price you pay for your palm tree will depend on where you buy it from. Some retailers have good deals on certain types of palms that aren’t available elsewhere. So if possible, try to search out those retailers before making your final decision about where you want to place your new addition.

Conclusion

If you want to create a beautiful, relaxing atmosphere around your poolside area, then palm trees are a perfect choice. They are low-maintenance trees that will look fantastic and provide shade during the hot summer months. But what are the best palms for landscaping? Well, there is no one right answer because each variety has its own unique characteristics that make it ideal for certain climates or regions of the world. So when deciding on which palm tree species would work best at your location, consider the above-mentioned factors.

Why You Should Consider Palm Trees When It Comes To Pool Landscaping

If you want a tree that can give your pool area a beautiful look, then palms are the best choice. They are not only easy to maintain and grow, but they also have many benefits when it comes to landscaping around pools or other outdoor areas. In this article, we will discuss what makes palm trees so great for landscaping near pools.

Benefits of considering palm trees for pool landscaping

Palm trees are a bit low-maintenance

The most important thing you need to know about palm trees is that they are a bit low-maintenance (compared to maintaining a fibreglass pool!). They’re easy to care for and don’t require much maintenance at all. You don’t have to water them often or fertilise them as often as other plants would need. Even their growth is pretty slow compared with other types of plants. This means that there won’t be any huge changes in size over time.

Palm trees grow in many different soils—soils that may not be ideal for your other garden plants. Also, they don’t require pruning or maintenance on their own, either! If you want something that grows well but doesn’t take up too much space in your yard, then this could be an ideal choice for you!

Palm trees can be adapted to cater to different tastes and preferences

Palm trees are a great choice for landscaping around pools because they are low maintenance and can be adapted to different tastes and preferences. Palm trees will grow in any type of soil. But they tend to thrive in areas with sandy or gravelly soil as well as clay soils (which is why they are often found near rivers). Palm trees grow faster when planted on sandier soils than clay ones. So if you live near the coast or oceanside where there is sand or gravel underfoot then this might be what you need!

Palm trees are also very versatile

Palm trees are also very versatile in terms of the places where they can be planted. You can plant them in a pot, you can plant them in the ground, or even better yet—you could place your palm tree right next to your pool.

If you don’t have any experience with palms and would like to learn more about how to maintain them, there are many resources available online.

Palm trees don’t grow too high or spread out too wide

Another benefit of palm trees is that many of them don’t grow too high or spread out too wide. This means you can place your palm trees in the middle of your yard rather than having to make room for them to grow tall and wide. Palm trees are also great for small yards because they don’t take up much space, especially when compared with other types of landscaping options like weeping willows or large shrubs.

There are many options to choose from

There are many options, so you can choose the one that best suits your needs.

Some palm trees are more suitable for certain climates and locations. There are also different types of palms available depending on what kind of shape they take when young. This makes them suitable for small spaces or large ones.

Palm trees can create a beautiful atmosphere around your pool

When it comes to palm trees, there are many different types of palms to choose from. The best way to make sure you’re getting the right kind for your pool is by considering its size and height.

Palm trees can be found in many different sizes and shapes. Some are small enough that they can fit inside a small space like an alcove or niche. There are others that are tall enough to stand out against other landscape features, such as fences or walls. You’ll also want to consider what kind of shape you’d like your palm tree’s trunk, branches, leaves, and petals.

The most important thing when choosing which type of palm tree best suits your needs is finding one which matches your aesthetic appeal and environmental considerations. If possible, try not only looking at pictures but also talking directly with someone who owns one.

What are the best palm trees to plant near a pool?

If you’re looking for a palm tree that will grow well in your yard and provide the best appearance, then look no further than coconut palms. The coconut palm is one of the most popular choices for poolside landscaping. This is because it has large leaves that are perfect for shading the pool area from direct sunlight. In addition, this species is easily watered and will thrive on almost any soil type.

Other types of palms that are good options for poolside landscaping include:

  • Royal palms (Washingtonia robusta)
  • Parlor palms (Chamaedorea elegans)
  • Windmill palms (Chamaerops humilis)
  • California fans (Caryota mitis)and Mexican fans(Washingtonia filifera).

Dwarf date trees like “Pygmy Date Palm” are also suitable because they can be grown indoors as well as outside during winter months. Though growing your plants inside during this chilly season can further along its growth, you should also consider installing your pool in winter so both plant and pool can be ready for summer.

How far from a pool should you plant a palm tree?

When you’re choosing the right palm tree for your pool, it’s important to consider how far from the edge of your swimming area it should be planted. The best distance is between 3 and 5 meters, but you should aim for 4 meters if possible.

How much is a palm tree for landscaping?

The price of a palm tree is dependent on its size and type. The average cost of a palm tree is around $50-$200, with some trees costing more than others.

The price you pay for your palm tree will depend on where you buy it from. Some retailers have good deals on certain types of palms that aren’t available elsewhere. So if possible, try to search out those retailers before making your final decision about where you want to place your new addition.

Conclusion

If you want to create a beautiful, relaxing atmosphere around your poolside area, then palm trees are a perfect choice. They are low-maintenance trees that will look fantastic and provide shade during the hot summer months. But what are the best palms for landscaping? Well, there is no one right answer because each variety has its own unique characteristics that make it ideal for certain climates or regions of the world. So when deciding on which palm tree species would work best at your location, consider the above-mentioned factors.

Why You Should Actively Check For Winter Leaks In Your Pool Regularly

A lot of people dread the possibility of pool leaks forming in their fibreglass pools. Often, pool leaks can be repaired simply, and are inexpensive to deal with. But if you leave your pool leak problem alone, then you may end up needing to get an expensive repair job later on. If you do think that your fibreglass pool is leaking, then this isn't a problem that you can fix by yourself. Usually, you'll need to hire a professional to fix the leak for you. But before you can call a professional, you'll need to determine that the pool is leaking first. How do you do this?

It's not uncommon for pools to lose water because of evaporation. Water can also splash out when people are using the pool, and backwash wastewater also takes away from the water level of your pool. You could also find that your pool has gained water after a spell of rain. Ideally, no more than two inches of water should be added to your pool, every week. If you find yourself needing to add more water to your fibreglass pool, then this could be due to a leak. Pools are designed to keep water in. But with time, certain parts can deteriorate, and water can start leaking out through plumbing equipment, fittings, and even through the shell.

When is the pool leaking?

During winter, you’re likely to not end up using your fibreglass pool, unless you have a pool heater. This eliminates certain forms of water loss, such as people splashing the water out of the pool. If you find during winter, that there’s less water in your pool than you expected, then this could be due to a leak.

Sealants used in pools will deteriorate with time. This is irrespective of the season, so dealing with winter leaks isn’t all that uncommon. Do you think your pool has a leak? Then the first thing you should do is determine whether the pool is leaking while the equipment is switched on or off.

When the equipment is on

You’ll still need to run your pool pump during the winter, to prevent your pool from turning into a body of stagnant water. If you spot a leak while the pool pump is running, it could be a return leak on the pressure side. If this is the case, then the plumbing that’s on the pressure side is experiencing pressure.

As a result, what were small drips before could be gushing water now. You’ll need to check both the waste as well as the backwash line to ensure that the water is indeed running. If you lose about an inch of water, then this can mean you lose around 3-4 litres from your pool. Look for the area going downhill from the pool. Keep an eye out for weepers, especially where the leakage is surfacing from under the ground.

See if there are any wet or soft spots in the backyard, or where the plumbing goes back to the pool.

When the equipment is off

If you find a leak in your pool while the pool equipment is off, then the leak could be on the suction side. This involves the pipes which bring the water to the pump. It’s possible that when the filter is on, the plumbing that’s located on your pool’s suction side could be in vacuum. Air can enter through these voids, which may already have been leaking. You can also find air in the pump basket, or air in the filter tank itself.

What if the pool keeps leaking consistently?

If this is the issue, then the shell of your fibreglass pool could be the problem. But note that it doesn’t eliminate the possibility of something being wrong with the plumbing. If this is the case, then look for where in the pool the water is leaking out from.

If there are underwater lights in your fibreglass pool, then note that these can sometimes leak.

These are the parts of your fibreglass pool that you should pay careful attention to while checking for winter leaks:

  • The skimmer assembly
  • The metal fittings as well as the ladders
  • The room floor of the pump
  • The decking that’s surrounding the pool

During the winter, these are the parts that are the easiest to check. Even if your pool is covered, fittings like the skimmer basket may still have come loose. If you see water on the deck when your pool is tightly covered, then this could indicate that there’s a crack on the surface of the wall. Even if there is just a pinhole leak, it should still be fixed.

If you leave small cracks unfixed, then these can turn into bigger problems going forward. You should also check:

What areas you should check if your pool loses water during winter

The hot tub

If you have a hot tub or spa, then you should be able to use it during the winter as well. Often, the hot tub is connected to the actual pool. If this is the case, then the fittings as well as the skimmer in the hot tub will also need to be checked for leaks.

Anytime the pool or the spa is not being used, it should be kept covered. You’ll also need to maintain the water balance of your pool.

The pump system

Your pump system should be used for at least eight hours a day, even during the winter. If you see water on the floor of the pool room, then this could indicate that pool could lose water when the motor is working.

Conclusion

Ignoring your fibreglass pool during the winter season is a bad idea. This is because leaks can form in your pool at any time. This guide helps you learn more about what kinds of leaks can form in your pool, irrespective of the season. From leaks in the plumbing to leaks in the shell of the pool itself, they’ll need to be fixed before they can get worse. Use this guide to learn all about why you should look for leaks during winter, and get them fixed.

Why You Should Actively Check For Winter Leaks In Your Pool Regularly

A lot of people dread the possibility of pool leaks forming in their fibreglass pools. Often, pool leaks can be repaired simply, and are inexpensive to deal with. But if you leave your pool leak problem alone, then you may end up needing to get an expensive repair job later on. If you do think that your fibreglass pool is leaking, then this isn't a problem that you can fix by yourself. Usually, you'll need to hire a professional to fix the leak for you. But before you can call a professional, you'll need to determine that the pool is leaking first. How do you do this?

It's not uncommon for pools to lose water because of evaporation. Water can also splash out when people are using the pool, and backwash wastewater also takes away from the water level of your pool. You could also find that your pool has gained water after a spell of rain. Ideally, no more than two inches of water should be added to your pool, every week. If you find yourself needing to add more water to your fibreglass pool, then this could be due to a leak. Pools are designed to keep water in. But with time, certain parts can deteriorate, and water can start leaking out through plumbing equipment, fittings, and even through the shell.

When is the pool leaking?

During winter, you’re likely to not end up using your fibreglass pool, unless you have a pool heater. This eliminates certain forms of water loss, such as people splashing the water out of the pool. If you find during winter, that there’s less water in your pool than you expected, then this could be due to a leak.

Sealants used in pools will deteriorate with time. This is irrespective of the season, so dealing with winter leaks isn’t all that uncommon. Do you think your pool has a leak? Then the first thing you should do is determine whether the pool is leaking while the equipment is switched on or off.

When the equipment is on

You’ll still need to run your pool pump during the winter, to prevent your pool from turning into a body of stagnant water. If you spot a leak while the pool pump is running, it could be a return leak on the pressure side. If this is the case, then the plumbing that’s on the pressure side is experiencing pressure.

As a result, what were small drips before could be gushing water now. You’ll need to check both the waste as well as the backwash line to ensure that the water is indeed running. If you lose about an inch of water, then this can mean you lose around 3-4 litres from your pool. Look for the area going downhill from the pool. Keep an eye out for weepers, especially where the leakage is surfacing from under the ground.

See if there are any wet or soft spots in the backyard, or where the plumbing goes back to the pool.

When the equipment is off

If you find a leak in your pool while the pool equipment is off, then the leak could be on the suction side. This involves the pipes which bring the water to the pump. It’s possible that when the filter is on, the plumbing that’s located on your pool’s suction side could be in vacuum. Air can enter through these voids, which may already have been leaking. You can also find air in the pump basket, or air in the filter tank itself.

What if the pool keeps leaking consistently?

If this is the issue, then the shell of your fibreglass pool could be the problem. But note that it doesn’t eliminate the possibility of something being wrong with the plumbing. If this is the case, then look for where in the pool the water is leaking out from.

If there are underwater lights in your fibreglass pool, then note that these can sometimes leak.

These are the parts of your fibreglass pool that you should pay careful attention to while checking for winter leaks:

  • The skimmer assembly
  • The metal fittings as well as the ladders
  • The room floor of the pump
  • The decking that’s surrounding the pool

During the winter, these are the parts that are the easiest to check. Even if your pool is covered, fittings like the skimmer basket may still have come loose. If you see water on the deck when your pool is tightly covered, then this could indicate that there’s a crack on the surface of the wall. Even if there is just a pinhole leak, it should still be fixed.

If you leave small cracks unfixed, then these can turn into bigger problems going forward. You should also check:

What areas you should check if your pool loses water during winter

The hot tub

If you have a hot tub or spa, then you should be able to use it during the winter as well. Often, the hot tub is connected to the actual pool. If this is the case, then the fittings as well as the skimmer in the hot tub will also need to be checked for leaks.

Anytime the pool or the spa is not being used, it should be kept covered. You’ll also need to maintain the water balance of your pool.

The pump system

Your pump system should be used for at least eight hours a day, even during the winter. If you see water on the floor of the pool room, then this could indicate that pool could lose water when the motor is working.

Conclusion

Ignoring your fibreglass pool during the winter season is a bad idea. This is because leaks can form in your pool at any time. This guide helps you learn more about what kinds of leaks can form in your pool, irrespective of the season. From leaks in the plumbing to leaks in the shell of the pool itself, they’ll need to be fixed before they can get worse. Use this guide to learn all about why you should look for leaks during winter, and get them fixed.

Why You Should Consider Building A Pool In Winter

Fibreglass pools are usually associated with the summertime. But when you picture a swimming pool in summer- what you're actually thinking about it is people in the pool, using it. Getting your new fibreglass pool installed could take a few weeks, and that's provided there aren't any delays. So why do people usually get their pool built in the summer months?

This is because people start thinking about fibreglass pools once the temperature becomes high enough to make people want to cool off. People also want to use their new pools as soon as possible and don't often take the installation period into account. This makes the summer season the peak time for people to get pool installers to install their pools. If you already know that you want a pool, and can wait a few months to get your pool installed, then this can work to your advantage. There are actually numerous benefits associated with getting your fibreglass pool installed in winter.

1. Have Your Pool Ready for the Pool Season

The biggest benefit, of course, is that you’ll have your pool ready for use by the time the next pool season rolls around. If you get your pool installed during winter, then you can rest assured that your pool will be ready for use by next summer. You don’t have to worry about rushing to get the pool installed so you can have just a few days to use your pool.

In most cases, even if you get your pool installed during summer, you’ll barely be able to use it for one or two months, before the pool needs to be closed for winter. By getting your pool installed in winter, you’re giving your pool builder ample time to do a good job with installing your fibreglass pool.

2. More Pool Builders are Available

Since summer is the time when pool builders are the busiest, you’ll have a hard time finding a pool builder who can install your pool in time. Even by spring, pool builders start to get busy. The winter season, on the other hand, is when the pool builders have free time. You’ll always be able to find a pool builder who can install your new fibreglass pool for you, in winter.

What’s even better is that pool builders charge lower rates for off-season installation. Not only will you be able to get your pool installed efficiently, but you’ll also be paying less to get it installed. What kind of materials are available can also be affected by when you choose to get your pool installed. During the summer season, it’s harder to find materials since demand is high. Materials cost more as well.

During winter, on the other hand, the same material can be bought at lower prices. Material is also more readily available, and you can get high-quality materials at cheaper rates as well.

3. The Weather is Perfect for Pool Building

Before your pool is installed, the area will need to be dug up. The entire process of getting a new fibreglass pool installed can take a few weeks. If the weather is good, then you’ll be able to get your new pool installed much faster. During the winter season, the weather generally stays pleasant. This means that it’s less likely that rain might get in the way of your pool installation.

Both in spring as well as summer, sudden bouts of rain aren’t unusual. This means that your entire pool installation process will be delayed. Consider also how you won’t just be getting your pool installed. You’re also likely to have your pool deck built and maybe create a lounging area as well. If you get a fire pit as well, you can start using your pool deck in winter itself. By the time it’s warm enough to enter the pool water, you’ll already be familiar with your pool area.

There’s also landscaping work, that goes hand in hand with pool building. When you start designing your landscape in winter itself, you have almost four more months to finish your landscape design, before the pool season rolls in.

4. Using a Hot Tub

A lot of fibreglass pool owners decide that they want to get hot tubs or a spa, at the same time that they decide they want to get a new pool. So the hot tub and the fibreglass pool are installed at the same time. This means that even if the weather is cold, you’ll still be able to get some use out of the pool area.

Even during winter, using the hot tub shouldn’t be a problem. Anytime you feel like you want to relax in your new fibreglass pool, simply head to the hot tub. You can choose to get privacy curtains installed as well, around your hot tub.

5. Add Features Gradually

If you get your pool installed during winter, then you’ll be able to slowly add all the features you want, over the next few months. This means you can stagger how you spend your money. In summer, you might have needed to install all the features at the same time as the pool installation.

Whether you want to get pool lights installed, a few water features or other features installed, you can take your time with it. You also won’t have to figure out how to balance your pool water in a rush, as you would have in the summer months. You can take your time learning how to maintain your pool. There are certain things you’ll need to do during winter in order to maintain your pool. You’ll need to test the pool water from time to time, and should also circulate the pool water every day. But it’s easier to maintain your pool in winter than it is during summer.

Conclusion

Winter is the ideal time to get your new fibreglass pool installed. From having more pool builders available to the weather being pleasant and perfect for pool building, winter is the perfect time to install your new pool. Use this guide to learn all about what makes winter the perfect time to install your pool.

Why You Should Consider Building A Pool In Winter

Fibreglass pools are usually associated with the summertime. But when you picture a swimming pool in summer- what you're actually thinking about it is people in the pool, using it. Getting your new fibreglass pool installed could take a few weeks, and that's provided there aren't any delays. So why do people usually get their pool built in the summer months?

This is because people start thinking about fibreglass pools once the temperature becomes high enough to make people want to cool off. People also want to use their new pools as soon as possible and don't often take the installation period into account. This makes the summer season the peak time for people to get pool installers to install their pools. If you already know that you want a pool, and can wait a few months to get your pool installed, then this can work to your advantage. There are actually numerous benefits associated with getting your fibreglass pool installed in winter.

1. Have Your Pool Ready for the Pool Season

The biggest benefit, of course, is that you’ll have your pool ready for use by the time the next pool season rolls around. If you get your pool installed during winter, then you can rest assured that your pool will be ready for use by next summer. You don’t have to worry about rushing to get the pool installed so you can have just a few days to use your pool.

In most cases, even if you get your pool installed during summer, you’ll barely be able to use it for one or two months, before the pool needs to be closed for winter. By getting your pool installed in winter, you’re giving your pool builder ample time to do a good job with installing your fibreglass pool.

2. More Pool Builders are Available

Since summer is the time when pool builders are the busiest, you’ll have a hard time finding a pool builder who can install your pool in time. Even by spring, pool builders start to get busy. The winter season, on the other hand, is when the pool builders have free time. You’ll always be able to find a pool builder who can install your new fibreglass pool for you, in winter.

What’s even better is that pool builders charge lower rates for off-season installation. Not only will you be able to get your pool installed efficiently, but you’ll also be paying less to get it installed. What kind of materials are available can also be affected by when you choose to get your pool installed. During the summer season, it’s harder to find materials since demand is high. Materials cost more as well.

During winter, on the other hand, the same material can be bought at lower prices. Material is also more readily available, and you can get high-quality materials at cheaper rates as well.

3. The Weather is Perfect for Pool Building

Before your pool is installed, the area will need to be dug up. The entire process of getting a new fibreglass pool installed can take a few weeks. If the weather is good, then you’ll be able to get your new pool installed much faster. During the winter season, the weather generally stays pleasant. This means that it’s less likely that rain might get in the way of your pool installation.

Both in spring as well as summer, sudden bouts of rain aren’t unusual. This means that your entire pool installation process will be delayed. Consider also how you won’t just be getting your pool installed. You’re also likely to have your pool deck built and maybe create a lounging area as well. If you get a fire pit as well, you can start using your pool deck in winter itself. By the time it’s warm enough to enter the pool water, you’ll already be familiar with your pool area.

There’s also landscaping work, that goes hand in hand with pool building. When you start designing your landscape in winter itself, you have almost four more months to finish your landscape design, before the pool season rolls in.

4. Using a Hot Tub

A lot of fibreglass pool owners decide that they want to get hot tubs or a spa, at the same time that they decide they want to get a new pool. So the hot tub and the fibreglass pool are installed at the same time. This means that even if the weather is cold, you’ll still be able to get some use out of the pool area.

Even during winter, using the hot tub shouldn’t be a problem. Anytime you feel like you want to relax in your new fibreglass pool, simply head to the hot tub. You can choose to get privacy curtains installed as well, around your hot tub.

5. Add Features Gradually

If you get your pool installed during winter, then you’ll be able to slowly add all the features you want, over the next few months. This means you can stagger how you spend your money. In summer, you might have needed to install all the features at the same time as the pool installation.

Whether you want to get pool lights installed, a few water features or other features installed, you can take your time with it. You also won’t have to figure out how to balance your pool water in a rush, as you would have in the summer months. You can take your time learning how to maintain your pool. There are certain things you’ll need to do during winter in order to maintain your pool. You’ll need to test the pool water from time to time, and should also circulate the pool water every day. But it’s easier to maintain your pool in winter than it is during summer.

Conclusion

Winter is the ideal time to get your new fibreglass pool installed. From having more pool builders available to the weather being pleasant and perfect for pool building, winter is the perfect time to install your new pool. Use this guide to learn all about what makes winter the perfect time to install your pool.

What Should You Do If You See A Reptile/An Animal Struggling To Get Out Of Your Pool?

Having your very own fibreglass swimming pools means that you can enjoy hours of fun in the water, through the spring and summer seasons. But depending on how much wildlife is present near where you live, you may have to contend with unwanted visitors from time to time. Seeing ducks in your pool, or even lizards isn't that unusual. Sometimes, you may even find snakes in your pool. While swimming pools can be a great place for humans to enjoy, the same can't be said for wild animals. Whether it's a snake that's entered your pool or a chipmunk, there's a good chance that they are stuck in your pool. This means that they can't get out on their own, and might need extra help.

What Happens When You See An Animal In Your Pool?

There are several reasons why you might find an animal or a reptile in your pool. They might have been chasing something, or being chased by something, when they found your pool and fell in. Snakes are also known for liking moist environments and might have mistaken your pool for a shallower body of water.

Pool drownings can be tragic, even if they are wild animals. It’s not just your pets that are in danger of drowning in the pool, but also mice, snakes, frogs, ducks and young birds can also find themselves stuck in your pool.

In particular, it’s the babies of wild animals that find themselves at the most risk, should they fall into the pool. Some smaller wild animals that get curious about the neighbourhood might end up accidentally falling into your pool.

What You Should Do When An Animal Or A Reptile Is Struggling In Your Pool

If you find an animal or a reptile in your fibreglass pool, the first thing you should do is assess the situation. If the animal is struggling and in need of immediate help, then quickly get your skimmer basket, and reach out to the animal. You can also use a net to try and help the animal get out of the water.

If you see a snake on the other hand, then wear gloves first. A snake that fell into your pool might be stuck because they don’t know how to get out. Use your pool skimmer to create a makeshift bridge for them, so that they can use it to climb up to your pool deck. Be very careful when handling dangerous animals that might have fallen into your pool.

An animal that’s fallen into your pool might be scared, and this can make them more likely to bite you out of fright. That’s why using a pool skimmer to help them get out is the best. If you can’t find your pool skimmer, then you can consider using the end of the broom that’s bristled, to lift the animal.

For Larger Animals

But what do you do if you find a larger animal struggling to get out of your pool? You can create a makeshift ramp using a float that’s partially deflated. You can use the pool steps as a place to anchor your makeshift ramp. Use a weight such as cinderblocks to keep your makeshift ramp in place.

You can also tie the ramp to the ladder rail, to ensure that the ramp is secure. That way, the animal should be able to grab a hold of the ramp and hoist itself above the water.

They also will have a surface that they can crawl across, to get to dry land. Whether it’s your family dog that’s fallen into the pool or another animal, you’ll be able to get them out of the pool safely.

What Precautions Could You Take To Keep Animals Out Of Your Pool?

If you want to reduce the amount of danger that animals or reptiles can face in your backyard, then there are some things that you can do.

  • Ensure that the pool deck is designed such that it’s just under the surface of the water. This creates a shallow space around the edges of the pool, which makes it easier for the animals to climb out if they fall in.
  • You should already have a pool fence installed around your pool, but ensure that the pool fence is tall enough to prevent large animals from climbing over it as well.
  • You can have water exit devices in place as well. These are buoyant devices that you can place along the edge of your fibreglass pool. This helps animals to easily get out of the pool.
  • You can also add nylon ropes that are knotted and secure them to the edge of the pool. This knot should be at the level of the surface of the water. This allows animals to climb out more easily.

Should You Call The Wildlife Authorities?

Depending on what condition the animal or the reptile is in, you may need to call the wildlife authorities to remove the animal for you. If you see a venomous snake, for example, then don’t go near the snake or try to get rid of it yourself. Instead, call the wildlife authorities to remove the snake for you.

If the animal or reptile has come out of your pool but appears to be injured, then you should call the wildlife authorities as well. Let them know that there’s an animal in need of medical attention. Until the professionals arrive to provide medical aid to the animal, ensure that all family members are inside the house.

Conclusion

If you find an animal or a reptile in your pool, then don’t panic. There are several things that you can do, to help the animal come out of your pool. You should also consider taking preventative measures to ensure that animals don’t accidentally end up in your pool in the first place. This guide details what you can do to help animals or reptiles that might be in your pool. Learn also how you can prevent them from falling into your pool in the first place.

What Should You Do If You See A Reptile/An Animal Struggling To Get Out Of Your Pool?

Having your very own fibreglass swimming pools means that you can enjoy hours of fun in the water, through the spring and summer seasons. But depending on how much wildlife is present near where you live, you may have to contend with unwanted visitors from time to time. Seeing ducks in your pool, or even lizards isn't that unusual. Sometimes, you may even find snakes in your pool. While swimming pools can be a great place for humans to enjoy, the same can't be said for wild animals. Whether it's a snake that's entered your pool or a chipmunk, there's a good chance that they are stuck in your pool. This means that they can't get out on their own, and might need extra help.

What Happens When You See An Animal In Your Pool?

There are several reasons why you might find an animal or a reptile in your pool. They might have been chasing something, or being chased by something, when they found your pool and fell in. Snakes are also known for liking moist environments and might have mistaken your pool for a shallower body of water.

Pool drownings can be tragic, even if they are wild animals. It’s not just your pets that are in danger of drowning in the pool, but also mice, snakes, frogs, ducks and young birds can also find themselves stuck in your pool.

In particular, it’s the babies of wild animals that find themselves at the most risk, should they fall into the pool. Some smaller wild animals that get curious about the neighbourhood might end up accidentally falling into your pool.

What You Should Do When An Animal Or A Reptile Is Struggling In Your Pool

If you find an animal or a reptile in your fibreglass pool, the first thing you should do is assess the situation. If the animal is struggling and in need of immediate help, then quickly get your skimmer basket, and reach out to the animal. You can also use a net to try and help the animal get out of the water.

If you see a snake on the other hand, then wear gloves first. A snake that fell into your pool might be stuck because they don’t know how to get out. Use your pool skimmer to create a makeshift bridge for them, so that they can use it to climb up to your pool deck. Be very careful when handling dangerous animals that might have fallen into your pool.

An animal that’s fallen into your pool might be scared, and this can make them more likely to bite you out of fright. That’s why using a pool skimmer to help them get out is the best. If you can’t find your pool skimmer, then you can consider using the end of the broom that’s bristled, to lift the animal.

For Larger Animals

But what do you do if you find a larger animal struggling to get out of your pool? You can create a makeshift ramp using a float that’s partially deflated. You can use the pool steps as a place to anchor your makeshift ramp. Use a weight such as cinderblocks to keep your makeshift ramp in place.

You can also tie the ramp to the ladder rail, to ensure that the ramp is secure. That way, the animal should be able to grab a hold of the ramp and hoist itself above the water.

They also will have a surface that they can crawl across, to get to dry land. Whether it’s your family dog that’s fallen into the pool or another animal, you’ll be able to get them out of the pool safely.

What Precautions Could You Take To Keep Animals Out Of Your Pool?

If you want to reduce the amount of danger that animals or reptiles can face in your backyard, then there are some things that you can do.

  • Ensure that the pool deck is designed such that it’s just under the surface of the water. This creates a shallow space around the edges of the pool, which makes it easier for the animals to climb out if they fall in.
  • You should already have a pool fence installed around your pool, but ensure that the pool fence is tall enough to prevent large animals from climbing over it as well.
  • You can have water exit devices in place as well. These are buoyant devices that you can place along the edge of your fibreglass pool. This helps animals to easily get out of the pool.
  • You can also add nylon ropes that are knotted and secure them to the edge of the pool. This knot should be at the level of the surface of the water. This allows animals to climb out more easily.

Should You Call The Wildlife Authorities?

Depending on what condition the animal or the reptile is in, you may need to call the wildlife authorities to remove the animal for you. If you see a venomous snake, for example, then don’t go near the snake or try to get rid of it yourself. Instead, call the wildlife authorities to remove the snake for you.

If the animal or reptile has come out of your pool but appears to be injured, then you should call the wildlife authorities as well. Let them know that there’s an animal in need of medical attention. Until the professionals arrive to provide medical aid to the animal, ensure that all family members are inside the house.

Conclusion

If you find an animal or a reptile in your pool, then don’t panic. There are several things that you can do, to help the animal come out of your pool. You should also consider taking preventative measures to ensure that animals don’t accidentally end up in your pool in the first place. This guide details what you can do to help animals or reptiles that might be in your pool. Learn also how you can prevent them from falling into your pool in the first place.

What To Do If You Find Dangerous Reptiles In Your Pool: A Guide

Reptiles are fascinating creatures that you might enjoy viewing in a zoo, or in their natural habitat. However, you may not want to find them in your fibreglass pool. Snakes are some of the most common kinds of reptiles that you're likely to find in your pool. The good news is that there are snake repellents available, to keep these reptiles at bay. There are also some plants that you can add to your landscape, to deter reptiles from entering your backyard. But what do you do if you find a dangerous reptile in your pool one day?

Why would a reptile enter your pool?

Some pool owners need to deal with snakes frequently entering their pools. If this is a problem that you face, then you might want to know why snakes enjoy the water in pools in the first place. Here are three reasons why reptiles, specifically snakes, might enter your pool:

Snakes enjoy shedding their skin in water

When a snake soaks in water, this helps to loosen its skin. During their shedding period, they might enter your pool to make their shedding process easier.

Some snakes might think that your fibreglass pool is much shallower than it is, causing them to get stuck there.

Reptiles like environments that are moist

A lot of reptiles love being in the water. A reptile that gets lost, might end up in your pool. This can happen more commonly after heavy rain when reptiles usually wander far from their home.

The reptile might have found your pool while searching for water in an unfamiliar environment. Snakes, in particular, travel far from their home when it rains heavily.

They accidentally wandered in

Reptiles can also wander into your swimming pool completely by accident. They could have been running from predators, or even chasing after food when they found your fibreglass pool.

Sometimes, snakes can get stuck in your pool since they don’t know how to get out of it. Snakes aren’t known for being strong swimmers, and they like to avoid bodies of water that are deep.

What should you do if a reptile enters your pool?

Anytime you find a reptile in your pool, immediately call your local wildlife authorities to get the reptile safely transported away. Do not allow anyone to go near your pool, and do not try to check whether the reptile is indeed dangerous or not.

You’re more likely to find snakes in your pool than other types of reptiles. If you do find a snake in your pool, don’t worry, it’s not uncommon to find snakes in pools. Many varieties of snakes aren’t that poisonous either. However, this doesn’t mean that you should try to get rid of the snake yourself.

Some people recommend using pool skimmers to get reptiles out of pools. If you’re sure that the reptile isn’t dangerous, then you can try this. But often, people aren’t sure whether the reptile in their pool is indeed dangerous or not. Instead of testing your luck, get in touch with your local wildlife authority.

Safety precautions to take if you find a reptile in your pool

During the rainy season, finding reptiles -especially snakes, in pools isn’t uncommon. Local wildlife authorities should already be aware of the issue, and can send help should you get in touch with them. But until help arrives, what should you do?

  • Ensure that your children and pets are safe inside the home
  • Ask all adults to not go anywhere near the pool, until the reptile is removed
  • There might be other reptiles in your backyard, so ask people to stay inside your home
  • Keep your doors and windows locked if there are reptiles in your backyard
  • Do not startle the reptile by using automated pool features, like starting your automatic pool cleaner

Once the authorities have safely transported the reptile away, you should first test the water chemistry of the pool, before you use it. If there was a snake inside your pool, then it might have shed its skin in the pool water. If this is the case, then you should remove the shedded skin, drain and replace the water in your pool, before you start using it again.

How to keep reptiles away from your pool?

There are a few things that you can do to keep reptiles from entering your pool. These include:

Keep your backyard tidy

Snakes like to burrow and hide under things. This keeps them safe from the natural elements and helps them to cool down as well. They also like hiding under plants, as well as yard debris. They lie in wait for their prey which include lizards, insects, rats and more. This is because their prey is also attracted to such environments.

When your yard and poolside area is tidy, snakes won’t find comfortable places to hide and are less likely to wander in your pool as well. Don’t leave things like piles of leaves or sticks, out in your yard.

Get rid of vermin

If there are vermin in your yard, like rats and mice, then this might attract reptiles that see them as prey. If you often find reptiles attracted to your yard, then this could be because they can easily find prey there. If you can keep your yard free of vermin, then you’re less likely to encounter reptiles there.

Add plants that repel reptiles to your yard

These plants are known for deterring reptiles, specifically snakes, from entering your yard:

  • Onions
  • Cinnamon
  • Garlic
  • Marigold
  • Lemongrass

Cinnamon is especially effective at keeping reptiles like snakes, out of your yard. Add these plants to your backyard to naturally deter reptiles from entering.

Conclusion

Finding a dangerous reptile in your pool can be scary, but there’s nothing to worry about. Exercise caution and ensure that no one goes into your backyard until the reptile has been removed. Don’t wait for the reptile to leave by itself, as it could be stuck in your pool. Instead, get in touch with the wildlife authorities and have the reptile removed.

What To Do If You Find Dangerous Reptiles In Your Pool: A Guide

Reptiles are fascinating creatures that you might enjoy viewing in a zoo, or in their natural habitat. However, you may not want to find them in your fibreglass pool. Snakes are some of the most common kinds of reptiles that you're likely to find in your pool. The good news is that there are snake repellents available, to keep these reptiles at bay. There are also some plants that you can add to your landscape, to deter reptiles from entering your backyard. But what do you do if you find a dangerous reptile in your pool one day?

Why would a reptile enter your pool?

Some pool owners need to deal with snakes frequently entering their pools. If this is a problem that you face, then you might want to know why snakes enjoy the water in pools in the first place. Here are three reasons why reptiles, specifically snakes, might enter your pool:

Snakes enjoy shedding their skin in water

When a snake soaks in water, this helps to loosen its skin. During their shedding period, they might enter your pool to make their shedding process easier.

Some snakes might think that your fibreglass pool is much shallower than it is, causing them to get stuck there.

Reptiles like environments that are moist

A lot of reptiles love being in the water. A reptile that gets lost, might end up in your pool. This can happen more commonly after heavy rain when reptiles usually wander far from their home.

The reptile might have found your pool while searching for water in an unfamiliar environment. Snakes, in particular, travel far from their home when it rains heavily.

They accidentally wandered in

Reptiles can also wander into your swimming pool completely by accident. They could have been running from predators, or even chasing after food when they found your fibreglass pool.

Sometimes, snakes can get stuck in your pool since they don’t know how to get out of it. Snakes aren’t known for being strong swimmers, and they like to avoid bodies of water that are deep.

What should you do if a reptile enters your pool?

Anytime you find a reptile in your pool, immediately call your local wildlife authorities to get the reptile safely transported away. Do not allow anyone to go near your pool, and do not try to check whether the reptile is indeed dangerous or not.

You’re more likely to find snakes in your pool than other types of reptiles. If you do find a snake in your pool, don’t worry, it’s not uncommon to find snakes in pools. Many varieties of snakes aren’t that poisonous either. However, this doesn’t mean that you should try to get rid of the snake yourself.

Some people recommend using pool skimmers to get reptiles out of pools. If you’re sure that the reptile isn’t dangerous, then you can try this. But often, people aren’t sure whether the reptile in their pool is indeed dangerous or not. Instead of testing your luck, get in touch with your local wildlife authority.

Safety precautions to take if you find a reptile in your pool

During the rainy season, finding reptiles -especially snakes, in pools isn’t uncommon. Local wildlife authorities should already be aware of the issue, and can send help should you get in touch with them. But until help arrives, what should you do?

  • Ensure that your children and pets are safe inside the home
  • Ask all adults to not go anywhere near the pool, until the reptile is removed
  • There might be other reptiles in your backyard, so ask people to stay inside your home
  • Keep your doors and windows locked if there are reptiles in your backyard
  • Do not startle the reptile by using automated pool features, like starting your automatic pool cleaner

Once the authorities have safely transported the reptile away, you should first test the water chemistry of the pool, before you use it. If there was a snake inside your pool, then it might have shed its skin in the pool water. If this is the case, then you should remove the shedded skin, drain and replace the water in your pool, before you start using it again.

How to keep reptiles away from your pool?

There are a few things that you can do to keep reptiles from entering your pool. These include:

Keep your backyard tidy

Snakes like to burrow and hide under things. This keeps them safe from the natural elements and helps them to cool down as well. They also like hiding under plants, as well as yard debris. They lie in wait for their prey which include lizards, insects, rats and more. This is because their prey is also attracted to such environments.

When your yard and poolside area is tidy, snakes won’t find comfortable places to hide and are less likely to wander in your pool as well. Don’t leave things like piles of leaves or sticks, out in your yard.

Get rid of vermin

If there are vermin in your yard, like rats and mice, then this might attract reptiles that see them as prey. If you often find reptiles attracted to your yard, then this could be because they can easily find prey there. If you can keep your yard free of vermin, then you’re less likely to encounter reptiles there.

Add plants that repel reptiles to your yard

These plants are known for deterring reptiles, specifically snakes, from entering your yard:

  • Onions
  • Cinnamon
  • Garlic
  • Marigold
  • Lemongrass

Cinnamon is especially effective at keeping reptiles like snakes, out of your yard. Add these plants to your backyard to naturally deter reptiles from entering.

Conclusion

Finding a dangerous reptile in your pool can be scary, but there’s nothing to worry about. Exercise caution and ensure that no one goes into your backyard until the reptile has been removed. Don’t wait for the reptile to leave by itself, as it could be stuck in your pool. Instead, get in touch with the wildlife authorities and have the reptile removed.

What The Term 'Alternative Pool Sanitisers' Entails - A Brief Study

If you own a fibreglass pool, then you should know that you'll need to keep it sanitised, in order to safely use the pool. Usually, chlorine is used to sanitise the pool, but alternatives to chlorine can be used as well. This helps keep the water in the pool free from harmful pathogens, prevents algae from forming, and also controls organic debris that is released when people go swimming in the pool. Examples of organic debris include sweat, body oils, and more.

There are certain disadvantages to using chlorine to sanitise your pool. It has a strong smell, it can cause some people irritation in their eyes and skin, and some people also develop allergic reactions to it. But are there any alternatives to chlorine? The answer is yes – there are. Here are some alternatives to chlorine that you can consider that can keep your pool water sanitised just as effectively.

Saltwater

Perhaps the most well-known alternative to chlorine pools is saltwater pools. In a saltwater pool, the salt is turned into chlorine, with the help of a salt chlorinator. This way, while the pool can still be sanitised, you won’t have to worry about experiencing any kind of irritation in your skin and eyes.

In a saltwater pool, salt is passed through a salt cell. This salt then breaks down into chlorine upon getting electrically charged. This helps check the level of chloramines. The level of free chlorine will also be high. This free chlorine is what keeps the water in your fibreglass pool clean.

Salt is also a lot cheaper than many of the pool chemicals that are used to sanitise pools. What you do need to keep in mind, however, is that you’ll need to clean your salt chlorinator and salt cells on a regular basis. You may also find yourself needing to replace them after five years.

Bromine

Another alternative that you can consider, is bromine. This is a compound that is halogenic and has properties that are similar to that of chlorine. Bromine can be more expensive than chlorine, however. At the same time, it’s also more stable than chlorine. You also won’t need to test your pool water often, should you use bromine to sanitise it.

You will get a strong smell when you use bromine. But it won’t irritate your skin or your eyes. Note that you’ll need to add various additives and pool chemicals to your pool water, in addition to bromine. This is as the effectiveness of bromine is reduced when it’s exposed to UV rays from the Sun. As a result, more pool chemicals need to be added to compensate for this reduced effectiveness.

If you have an indoor pool or spa, where the sun’s rays can’t reach your pool, then using bromine might be a better option for you.

Ozone

If you get an ozone generator, then you’re likely to find it attached to your pool’s filtration system. This filtration system will be introducing ozone into your pool water. Ozone is one of the active forms of oxygen. It will react with any organic contaminants present in your pool water and end up breaking them down.

This process of ozonation can help you reduce how much chlorine you’re using in your pool. You can choose between two types of Ozonator for your fibreglass pool. The first option is a corona discharge. The second option is UV light. If you opt for the corona discharge option, then it will use an electric arc to create ozone. This helps in killing bacteria and other pathogens that could be present in the water of your pool.

The UV light Ozonator, on the other hand, utilises vapour lamps that have low pressure, which will be installed within the pool’s return line. Here, ozone is created, which ends up killing pathogens present in the water.

Note that ozone needs to be used alongside other sanitisers, which could be chlorine as well. Ozone is also rather expensive.

Mineral system

Mineral systems have become more popular recently. This is because they are easy to maintain, but they also reduce how much chlorine you’ll need to sanitise your pool by up to 50%. A mineral system will be attached to the pool system’s pipes. It contains minerals and alloys which can kill algae and other microorganisms that flow through the pool pipes.

There are also models when you can get minerals together with salt. This gives you pool water that isn’t just cleaner, but softer as well. You will still need to use chlorine in this system. The cartridges that you need to buy can be expensive as well, especially if you have a larger pool. These cartridges will also need to be replaced from time to time. This makes this option one of the more expensive alternatives to sanitising your pool.

Non-chlorine shock

If you want to oxidise the organic compounds present in your pool water, then this option can be perfect for you. You will need to use chlorine alongside non-chlorine shock to fully sanitise your pool. Once the contaminants within the pool are oxidised, this can keep the chloramine levels of the pool low. As a result, the chlorine that you add to the fibreglass pool will be more effective as well. Along with shocking your pool, maintaining the pool itself can be equally as important to ensure that your swimmers stay safe in the pool.

If you have an outdoor pool, then the rays from the sun will naturally oxidise organic contaminants in your pool water. Non-chlorine shock then, becomes a better option for indoor pools, especially if the indoor pool is used often. You’ll also need to be careful to ensure that people don’t use your pool immediately after you shock it. Non-chlorine shock is often used in hot tubs as well as spas, in order to oxidise any organic matter that might be present in it.

Conclusion

If you don’t want to use chlorine to sanitise your pool, then there are several alternatives that you can consider. Some of these alternatives, like ozone, are more expensive than chlorine. You also have cheaper options, like a salt chlorinator which uses just salt to keep the water in your pool clean. This guide lists five alternatives to chlorine that you can consider.

What The Term 'Alternative Pool Sanitisers' Entails - A Brief Study

If you own a fibreglass pool, then you should know that you'll need to keep it sanitised, in order to safely use the pool. Usually, chlorine is used to sanitise the pool, but alternatives to chlorine can be used as well. This helps keep the water in the pool free from harmful pathogens, prevents algae from forming, and also controls organic debris that is released when people go swimming in the pool. Examples of organic debris include sweat, body oils, and more.

There are certain disadvantages to using chlorine to sanitise your pool. It has a strong smell, it can cause some people irritation in their eyes and skin, and some people also develop allergic reactions to it. But are there any alternatives to chlorine? The answer is yes – there are. Here are some alternatives to chlorine that you can consider that can keep your pool water sanitised just as effectively.

Saltwater

Perhaps the most well-known alternative to chlorine pools is saltwater pools. In a saltwater pool, the salt is turned into chlorine, with the help of a salt chlorinator. This way, while the pool can still be sanitised, you won’t have to worry about experiencing any kind of irritation in your skin and eyes.

In a saltwater pool, salt is passed through a salt cell. This salt then breaks down into chlorine upon getting electrically charged. This helps check the level of chloramines. The level of free chlorine will also be high. This free chlorine is what keeps the water in your fibreglass pool clean.

Salt is also a lot cheaper than many of the pool chemicals that are used to sanitise pools. What you do need to keep in mind, however, is that you’ll need to clean your salt chlorinator and salt cells on a regular basis. You may also find yourself needing to replace them after five years.

Bromine

Another alternative that you can consider, is bromine. This is a compound that is halogenic and has properties that are similar to that of chlorine. Bromine can be more expensive than chlorine, however. At the same time, it’s also more stable than chlorine. You also won’t need to test your pool water often, should you use bromine to sanitise it.

You will get a strong smell when you use bromine. But it won’t irritate your skin or your eyes. Note that you’ll need to add various additives and pool chemicals to your pool water, in addition to bromine. This is as the effectiveness of bromine is reduced when it’s exposed to UV rays from the Sun. As a result, more pool chemicals need to be added to compensate for this reduced effectiveness.

If you have an indoor pool or spa, where the sun’s rays can’t reach your pool, then using bromine might be a better option for you.

Ozone

If you get an ozone generator, then you’re likely to find it attached to your pool’s filtration system. This filtration system will be introducing ozone into your pool water. Ozone is one of the active forms of oxygen. It will react with any organic contaminants present in your pool water and end up breaking them down.

This process of ozonation can help you reduce how much chlorine you’re using in your pool. You can choose between two types of Ozonator for your fibreglass pool. The first option is a corona discharge. The second option is UV light. If you opt for the corona discharge option, then it will use an electric arc to create ozone. This helps in killing bacteria and other pathogens that could be present in the water of your pool.

The UV light Ozonator, on the other hand, utilises vapour lamps that have low pressure, which will be installed within the pool’s return line. Here, ozone is created, which ends up killing pathogens present in the water.

Note that ozone needs to be used alongside other sanitisers, which could be chlorine as well. Ozone is also rather expensive.

Mineral system

Mineral systems have become more popular recently. This is because they are easy to maintain, but they also reduce how much chlorine you’ll need to sanitise your pool by up to 50%. A mineral system will be attached to the pool system’s pipes. It contains minerals and alloys which can kill algae and other microorganisms that flow through the pool pipes.

There are also models when you can get minerals together with salt. This gives you pool water that isn’t just cleaner, but softer as well. You will still need to use chlorine in this system. The cartridges that you need to buy can be expensive as well, especially if you have a larger pool. These cartridges will also need to be replaced from time to time. This makes this option one of the more expensive alternatives to sanitising your pool.

Non-chlorine shock

If you want to oxidise the organic compounds present in your pool water, then this option can be perfect for you. You will need to use chlorine alongside non-chlorine shock to fully sanitise your pool. Once the contaminants within the pool are oxidised, this can keep the chloramine levels of the pool low. As a result, the chlorine that you add to the fibreglass pool will be more effective as well. Along with shocking your pool, maintaining the pool itself can be equally as important to ensure that your swimmers stay safe in the pool.

If you have an outdoor pool, then the rays from the sun will naturally oxidise organic contaminants in your pool water. Non-chlorine shock then, becomes a better option for indoor pools, especially if the indoor pool is used often. You’ll also need to be careful to ensure that people don’t use your pool immediately after you shock it. Non-chlorine shock is often used in hot tubs as well as spas, in order to oxidise any organic matter that might be present in it.

Conclusion

If you don’t want to use chlorine to sanitise your pool, then there are several alternatives that you can consider. Some of these alternatives, like ozone, are more expensive than chlorine. You also have cheaper options, like a salt chlorinator which uses just salt to keep the water in your pool clean. This guide lists five alternatives to chlorine that you can consider.

The Must-Needed Chemicals To Keep Your Pool Clean And Healthy

A swimming pool in the backyard of your home is a good investment to increase the charm and value of your home and to get the praise of your neighbours. But to keep it as a point of pride in your home, it is necessary to keep it clean, sparkling, and healthy. A dirty pool not only makes guests wrinkle their noses but can also cause serious health problems for your family.

Cleaning the swimming pool does not mean just clearing out the debris and other solid waste in it. Maintaining the pool's water chemistry and adding the required chemicals at regular intervals is one of the most crucial parts of keeping the pool clean. There are some basic chemicals that are indispensable for any swimming pool.

Chemicals for your swimming pool

The important chemicals needed to keep your pool clean and healthy can be broadly classified into four types. These include:

  • Water balancers
  • Sanitisers
  • Oxidisers
  • Specialty chemicals

Water balancers

They can be used to change the amount of chemicals in the pool water. These balancers help keep your pool’s water chemistry balanced and optimal. You should also test your pool water weekly to decide how often you should add the balancers to your swimming pool. The different balancers include:

  • Chlorine neutraliser

This is used to decrease the concentration of chlorine in the swimming pool when it becomes higher than the recommended amount. The most common compound used is Thiosulfate. In 10,000 gallons of pool water, one pound of thiosulfate will reduce the free chlorine concentration by around 10 ppm.

  • pH reducer or increaser

You should always balance the pH of the water in your swimming pool. When the pH becomes low, it can lead to corrosion of the pool equipment and the pool surface. Using pH Up can help raise the pH when it is lower than 7.2. If the pH rises above 7.6 ppm, it can cause issues like cloudy water, scaling, and deposits. You can utilise pH Down to reduce it.

  • Calcium hardness

This indicates the calcium concentration in the swimming pool. If calcium levels are low, it can cause corrosion and damage to metal parts coming into contact with the water. This can be avoided by using a calcium hardness increaser. High levels of calcium are also undesirable as they can lead to cloudy water. You can try using muriatic acid or pool flocculant to bring the calcium levels to the optimal value.

  • Alkalinity balancers

You should keep your swimming pool’s total alkalinity between 120 and 150 ppm to make sure that the pH stays steady. Low alkalinity can promote staining and corrosion. High alkalinity can also contribute to scaling and cloudy water. It is advisable to use an alkalinity increaser to boost the overall alkalinity.

Sanitisers

These are compounds that keep your pool water clean and disinfect it. Your swimming pool water must always have a minimum quantity of sanitiser. If this requirement is not properly taken care of, your pool can become susceptible to numerous issues.

  • Chlorine

The true powerhouse of pool upkeep is chlorine, which is responsible for eliminating bacteria and sanitising the pool water. The optimal level of free chlorine in the swimming pool is between 1 and 3 ppm. If you are worried about degradation due to exposure to sunlight, you can use products with stabilised chlorine. The majority of stabilised chlorine products come in a range of shapes and sizes, including sticks, tablets, and granules. Trichlor, which is available as both sticks and tablets, is a common product available on the market.

  • Bromine

Bromine also has antibacterial properties comparable to those of chlorine, and it works especially well in warm water. It also has excellent stability when used in warm water, so you need not worry about degradation. If you have a spa, hot tub, or like to keep your pool water warm, then bromine is a good sanitiser for you. You can also install an automatic brominator to use bromine efficiently.

Oxidisers

Oxidisers, also called pool shocks, are one of the most effective pool water cleansers. They are employed for intensive and focused sanitising procedures. They are frequently used prior to and after periods of intense pool use and following periods of extreme weather for pool maintenance. They are also used after any situation in which the pool water has been exposed to pollutants. It is advisable to use an oxidiser every two weeks if you regularly use the pool to keep it clean.

You can also use chlorine-free oxidisers for your pools and spas. They are a group of potassium salts that are highly effective as oxidisers. They do not leave any residue and dissolve in the pool water easily. This means there is no wait time before you can use the pool again. It is also important to remember that you should use a chlorine-free oxidiser if your sanitiser is bromine. This is because chlorine and bromine do not go well together.

Specialty Chemicals

These are chemicals that are not used frequently but are still required to avoid pool safety issues.

  • Algaecide

The secret to a good pool is to keep algae from growing in it. Algaecides serve as a support to your regular sanitisation routine by stopping the onset and growth of algae in your pool. It is also important to add algaecide after each shock treatment.

  • Pool enzymes

These chemicals are needed to break down non-living natural contaminants in the pool water, like oils.

  • Filter cleaners

These chemicals can be used to clean all three kinds of filters, including sand, cartridge, and diatomaceous earth filters. They clean the debris clogging your filters, like oils, metals, and minerals.

Wrapping Up

Installing a swimming pool in the backyard is one of the best ways to make your home charming and beautiful. But to maintain the beauty of the pool and avoid health issues, it is crucial to follow the right steps to maintain it. Along with cleaning the pool, it is also important to maintain the pool water chemistry to keep the pool sparkling and healthy.

The Must-Needed Chemicals To Keep Your Pool Clean And Healthy

A swimming pool in the backyard of your home is a good investment to increase the charm and value of your home and to get the praise of your neighbours. But to keep it as a point of pride in your home, it is necessary to keep it clean, sparkling, and healthy. A dirty pool not only makes guests wrinkle their noses but can also cause serious health problems for your family.

Cleaning the swimming pool does not mean just clearing out the debris and other solid waste in it. Maintaining the pool's water chemistry and adding the required chemicals at regular intervals is one of the most crucial parts of keeping the pool clean. There are some basic chemicals that are indispensable for any swimming pool.

Chemicals for your swimming pool

The important chemicals needed to keep your pool clean and healthy can be broadly classified into four types. These include:

  • Water balancers
  • Sanitisers
  • Oxidisers
  • Specialty chemicals

Water balancers

They can be used to change the amount of chemicals in the pool water. These balancers help keep your pool’s water chemistry balanced and optimal. You should also test your pool water weekly to decide how often you should add the balancers to your swimming pool. The different balancers include:

  • Chlorine neutraliser

This is used to decrease the concentration of chlorine in the swimming pool when it becomes higher than the recommended amount. The most common compound used is Thiosulfate. In 10,000 gallons of pool water, one pound of thiosulfate will reduce the free chlorine concentration by around 10 ppm.

  • pH reducer or increaser

You should always balance the pH of the water in your swimming pool. When the pH becomes low, it can lead to corrosion of the pool equipment and the pool surface. Using pH Up can help raise the pH when it is lower than 7.2. If the pH rises above 7.6 ppm, it can cause issues like cloudy water, scaling, and deposits. You can utilise pH Down to reduce it.

  • Calcium hardness

This indicates the calcium concentration in the swimming pool. If calcium levels are low, it can cause corrosion and damage to metal parts coming into contact with the water. This can be avoided by using a calcium hardness increaser. High levels of calcium are also undesirable as they can lead to cloudy water. You can try using muriatic acid or pool flocculant to bring the calcium levels to the optimal value.

  • Alkalinity balancers

You should keep your swimming pool’s total alkalinity between 120 and 150 ppm to make sure that the pH stays steady. Low alkalinity can promote staining and corrosion. High alkalinity can also contribute to scaling and cloudy water. It is advisable to use an alkalinity increaser to boost the overall alkalinity.

Sanitisers

These are compounds that keep your pool water clean and disinfect it. Your swimming pool water must always have a minimum quantity of sanitiser. If this requirement is not properly taken care of, your pool can become susceptible to numerous issues.

  • Chlorine

The true powerhouse of pool upkeep is chlorine, which is responsible for eliminating bacteria and sanitising the pool water. The optimal level of free chlorine in the swimming pool is between 1 and 3 ppm. If you are worried about degradation due to exposure to sunlight, you can use products with stabilised chlorine. The majority of stabilised chlorine products come in a range of shapes and sizes, including sticks, tablets, and granules. Trichlor, which is available as both sticks and tablets, is a common product available on the market.

  • Bromine

Bromine also has antibacterial properties comparable to those of chlorine, and it works especially well in warm water. It also has excellent stability when used in warm water, so you need not worry about degradation. If you have a spa, hot tub, or like to keep your pool water warm, then bromine is a good sanitiser for you. You can also install an automatic brominator to use bromine efficiently.

Oxidisers

Oxidisers, also called pool shocks, are one of the most effective pool water cleansers. They are employed for intensive and focused sanitising procedures. They are frequently used prior to and after periods of intense pool use and following periods of extreme weather for pool maintenance. They are also used after any situation in which the pool water has been exposed to pollutants. It is advisable to use an oxidiser every two weeks if you regularly use the pool to keep it clean.

You can also use chlorine-free oxidisers for your pools and spas. They are a group of potassium salts that are highly effective as oxidisers. They do not leave any residue and dissolve in the pool water easily. This means there is no wait time before you can use the pool again. It is also important to remember that you should use a chlorine-free oxidiser if your sanitiser is bromine. This is because chlorine and bromine do not go well together.

Specialty Chemicals

These are chemicals that are not used frequently but are still required to avoid pool safety issues.

  • Algaecide

The secret to a good pool is to keep algae from growing in it. Algaecides serve as a support to your regular sanitisation routine by stopping the onset and growth of algae in your pool. It is also important to add algaecide after each shock treatment.

  • Pool enzymes

These chemicals are needed to break down non-living natural contaminants in the pool water, like oils.

  • Filter cleaners

These chemicals can be used to clean all three kinds of filters, including sand, cartridge, and diatomaceous earth filters. They clean the debris clogging your filters, like oils, metals, and minerals.

Wrapping Up

Installing a swimming pool in the backyard is one of the best ways to make your home charming and beautiful. But to maintain the beauty of the pool and avoid health issues, it is crucial to follow the right steps to maintain it. Along with cleaning the pool, it is also important to maintain the pool water chemistry to keep the pool sparkling and healthy.

4 Ways To Keep Birds Away From Your Pool

The pool season is right around the corner, and you could be looking forward to using your fibreglass pool through the season. Say you're heading out for a swim at around 10 AM on a nice Sunday morning. You walk out into your backyard and find that you aren't the first person to use your pool today.

A swallow could be sitting perched on the ladders leading into your pool, trying to wash its feathers. Maybe a few ducks have entered your fibreglass pool and are swimming around in it.

Having birds in your pool can be a problem. This is because they often leave behind feathers and droppings. If birds regularly visit your pool, then there’s a lot of cleaning up that you’ll need to keep doing. At the same time, your pool can also be a dangerous place for birds. This especially applies to birds who are still young and have just started learning how to fly.

But is there anything you can do to prevent birds from entering your pool? Actually, there is.

Keep the pool covered

A sturdy pool cover can be your best friend in preventing birds from entering your pool. You can even use pool netting to keep your pool covered when you’re not using it. Solar pool covers are another good option. They prevent not just birds, but even people and pets from falling into your pool.

Some birds might still want to drift on the top of your pool. If your pool is covered, then such birds will find the surface of the pool unsteady. The birds that want to go swimming in your pool also won’t be able to do that. When they find that they can’t reach the water under your pool cover, they’ll give up.

Make use of pool toys

Pool toys can be extremely useful for keeping birds out of your fibreglass pool. A floaty can be fun to lounge on, but they also deter birds from entering your pool. You can also make use of other pool equipment to prevent birds from entering your pool.

A floaty that’s shaped like a predator can make the birds fearful of coming near your pool. Consider getting floaties that are shaped like alligators, dolphins, and even sharks. The birds won’t be able to tell that these floaties are fake and not real predators. This will make them wary of coming anywhere near your fibreglass pool.

If you use pool equipment like an automatic pool cleaner, then this could also help in keeping the birds away. When your pool cleaner is doing its job, birds will see it as a threat. They see something moving around in the water, and it makes them hesitant to enter your pool.

Birds don’t need to be able to exactly see what’s moving around under the water, but simply seeing movement can scare them off. You can make use of toys that are inflatable to keep birds as well as other critters from falling into your pool. Should a bird or a critter accidentally fall into your pool, then the inflatable toy can give them something to hold on to, as they try to escape.

Use deterrents that are outside the water

You can make use of scarecrows as well as reflective elements, to keep birds out of your fibreglass pool. Let’s see how each of these works:

Scarecrows

Your scarecrow doesn’t have to be a strawman mounted on top of a pole. When it comes to deterring birds, you can even make use of a predator that’s fake, to ward them off. Get a fake owl, falcon or hawk. When the birds see potential predators in your yard, they’ll think twice before coming anywhere near your yard.

Remember to move the scarecrow around from time to time. This is in order to prevent the birds from getting used to the fake predators staying in the same place. Note that the birds won’t know whether your fake predators are real or not. But seeing them in the same place every day without reacting to the birds may make them think they can approach your pool.

Reflective elements

Based on what kind of layout your backyard has, you may be able to attach some fishing line leading from the roof of your home, to the fence. Do this in a pattern that is criss-cross, or you could also buy netting that’s already been strung.

This can prevent birds from flying too close to your pool. It’s especially important to note that the netting you hang has to be so high that it doesn’t get in the way of humans using your pool. You can even add reflective banners or even add tape to the fence posts that are around your pool.

Pets like dogs and cats can also help to keep birds away. Simply let them play in your yard from time to time, and the birds will know to leave your yard alone.

Give them an alternative

Although many homeowners see birds around their fibreglass pool as a menace, there are also several benefits to having them in your yard. They help with:

  • Mosquitoes love bodies of water, making them attracted to pools in people’s homes. Birds are great at keeping mosquitoes away from your yard. They can also help in controlling other pests like spiders and aphids.
  • Some birds, like hummingbirds, are very good at pollinating. So, if you have a garden in your backyard, then birds that love nectar can help you grow your garden.
  • Not all birds eat insects. Some, like finches and sparrows, actually eat weeds. So, if you have plants in your yard that are unwanted, then birds can help you get rid of those weeds.

You can install a bird bath if you want to give the birds a special place where they can prune themselves. When the birds are sharing your backyard in a way where they don’t disturb you, you can enjoy watching them as well as listening to them sing. You can enjoy several other benefits associated with allowing birds in your yard as well.

Conclusion

Birds can be a menace for fibreglass pool owners, but there are several things you can do to keep them away from your yard. You can build structures, especially for birds, like birdhouses and bird baths, so that the birds leave your pool alone. From keeping your pool cover on when you’re not using your pool, to installing netting above your pool, there’s a lot you can do. This guide can help you learn about the steps you can take to keep birds away from your pool.

4 Ways To Keep Birds Away From Your Pool

The pool season is right around the corner, and you could be looking forward to using your fibreglass pool through the season. Say you're heading out for a swim at around 10 AM on a nice Sunday morning. You walk out into your backyard and find that you aren't the first person to use your pool today.

A swallow could be sitting perched on the ladders leading into your pool, trying to wash its feathers. Maybe a few ducks have entered your fibreglass pool and are swimming around in it.

Having birds in your pool can be a problem. This is because they often leave behind feathers and droppings. If birds regularly visit your pool, then there’s a lot of cleaning up that you’ll need to keep doing. At the same time, your pool can also be a dangerous place for birds. This especially applies to birds who are still young and have just started learning how to fly.

But is there anything you can do to prevent birds from entering your pool? Actually, there is.

Keep the pool covered

A sturdy pool cover can be your best friend in preventing birds from entering your pool. You can even use pool netting to keep your pool covered when you’re not using it. Solar pool covers are another good option. They prevent not just birds, but even people and pets from falling into your pool.

Some birds might still want to drift on the top of your pool. If your pool is covered, then such birds will find the surface of the pool unsteady. The birds that want to go swimming in your pool also won’t be able to do that. When they find that they can’t reach the water under your pool cover, they’ll give up.

Make use of pool toys

Pool toys can be extremely useful for keeping birds out of your fibreglass pool. A floaty can be fun to lounge on, but they also deter birds from entering your pool. You can also make use of other pool equipment to prevent birds from entering your pool.

A floaty that’s shaped like a predator can make the birds fearful of coming near your pool. Consider getting floaties that are shaped like alligators, dolphins, and even sharks. The birds won’t be able to tell that these floaties are fake and not real predators. This will make them wary of coming anywhere near your fibreglass pool.

If you use pool equipment like an automatic pool cleaner, then this could also help in keeping the birds away. When your pool cleaner is doing its job, birds will see it as a threat. They see something moving around in the water, and it makes them hesitant to enter your pool.

Birds don’t need to be able to exactly see what’s moving around under the water, but simply seeing movement can scare them off. You can make use of toys that are inflatable to keep birds as well as other critters from falling into your pool. Should a bird or a critter accidentally fall into your pool, then the inflatable toy can give them something to hold on to, as they try to escape.

Use deterrents that are outside the water

You can make use of scarecrows as well as reflective elements, to keep birds out of your fibreglass pool. Let’s see how each of these works:

Scarecrows

Your scarecrow doesn’t have to be a strawman mounted on top of a pole. When it comes to deterring birds, you can even make use of a predator that’s fake, to ward them off. Get a fake owl, falcon or hawk. When the birds see potential predators in your yard, they’ll think twice before coming anywhere near your yard.

Remember to move the scarecrow around from time to time. This is in order to prevent the birds from getting used to the fake predators staying in the same place. Note that the birds won’t know whether your fake predators are real or not. But seeing them in the same place every day without reacting to the birds may make them think they can approach your pool.

Reflective elements

Based on what kind of layout your backyard has, you may be able to attach some fishing line leading from the roof of your home, to the fence. Do this in a pattern that is criss-cross, or you could also buy netting that’s already been strung.

This can prevent birds from flying too close to your pool. It’s especially important to note that the netting you hang has to be so high that it doesn’t get in the way of humans using your pool. You can even add reflective banners or even add tape to the fence posts that are around your pool.

Pets like dogs and cats can also help to keep birds away. Simply let them play in your yard from time to time, and the birds will know to leave your yard alone.

Give them an alternative

Although many homeowners see birds around their fibreglass pool as a menace, there are also several benefits to having them in your yard. They help with:

  • Mosquitoes love bodies of water, making them attracted to pools in people’s homes. Birds are great at keeping mosquitoes away from your yard. They can also help in controlling other pests like spiders and aphids.
  • Some birds, like hummingbirds, are very good at pollinating. So, if you have a garden in your backyard, then birds that love nectar can help you grow your garden.
  • Not all birds eat insects. Some, like finches and sparrows, actually eat weeds. So, if you have plants in your yard that are unwanted, then birds can help you get rid of those weeds.

You can install a bird bath if you want to give the birds a special place where they can prune themselves. When the birds are sharing your backyard in a way where they don’t disturb you, you can enjoy watching them as well as listening to them sing. You can enjoy several other benefits associated with allowing birds in your yard as well.

Conclusion

Birds can be a menace for fibreglass pool owners, but there are several things you can do to keep them away from your yard. You can build structures, especially for birds, like birdhouses and bird baths, so that the birds leave your pool alone. From keeping your pool cover on when you’re not using your pool, to installing netting above your pool, there’s a lot you can do. This guide can help you learn about the steps you can take to keep birds away from your pool.

Prevent Drowning: A Guide For Pool Owners

Owning a pool is a boon for several users. It is a great addition to your residence, especially if you own a pool from the variety of advanced fibreglass pools on offer today. These are pools that withstand all conditions and don't cost you much in terms of their maintenance. Initially, they may be expensive to put in, but once you have a fibreglass pool, you get features that translate to a plethora of benefits. If you have children at home, fibreglass pools can add to your quality of life in a big way.

Reasons for which some individuals prefer not to own a pool in backyards, besides the maintenance part, include safety concerns. Among major safety concerns is the issue of drowning. Drowning can, and does, occur in just a few inches of water. The misconception that pool accidents related to drowning occur in deep water is unfounded. What's more, a child or an adult may know how to swim, but still can be a victim of drowning accidents. Some of the most crucial home pool tips include those to prevent drowning and create a safe pool atmosphere.

Drowning prevention

The prevention of drowning should be on the agenda of all individuals who own home swimming pools today. As you may well know, accidents around the home are all too common, but drowning incidents if you have a pool is quite frequent too. Significantly, drowning has been recorded as the fourth top cause of death around a home. Since there are various people of different age groups using the pool at any single time, there are different ways to prevent drowning for particular age groups. Nevertheless, there are general tips to be safe around pools and everyone should be aware of these.

Pool education

Whether you own a pool from the variety of fibreglass pools out there or any other type, drowning incidents are just as likely if you don’t take safety protocols seriously. Teaching swimming to children does not ensure that drowning is prevented. Swimming and pool education must extend to safety rules first, even before you venture into teaching children the actual activity of swimming. If children know what the rules pertaining to safety are, they can inculcate them early, and this helps them when they are adults too.

Children and water safety

Among the first home pool tips on safety is educating children about water safety. This doesn’t just hold true if you own a pool, but also if you live in the vicinity of a pond or a lake. For children, especially if they are quite young, a swim jacket is a necessity before getting into the water, or in an area with water. This must be inculcated so that it becomes a habit for children. Typically, swimming lessons start when a child is very young, only a year or two at times, so having a swim jacket is crucial. The good side of starting swimming lessons at an early age is that children learn about water and safety issues very soon. Additionally, they learn to swim early, and this helps to prevent drowning incidents as well.

Safety training

If children are into or close to being teenagers, you may consider lifeguard training for children. This is a comprehensive way to learn about swimming safety rules. These training sessions and workshops can help adults and young children too. Another rule of thumb while children are swimming in home swimming pools, is to supervise them. It takes mere seconds for a child to be left unattended and for drowning to occur. Adults should care never to turn their backs on children. A good idea is to put a fence around the pool. Nonetheless, this acts as a safety measure provided children are not already in the pool.

Dangers less obvious

Fibreglass pools are among the safest pools you can own today, with features like anti-slip surfaces. They are also safe in the way that they do not accumulate dirt and grime quickly, which may cause the pool water to become unsafe to swim in. Still, however safe the actual pools may be, associated pool aspects may prove to be hazardous if you are not cautious around pools. Certain pool add-ons like hot tubs and jacuzzies, water add-ons like fountains and jets, slides, slippery ditches or the ground around your backyard due to rain, could all be hazardous factors.

Use sensors

Sensors are advanced ways to tell you, much like alarms, that children or anyone else may be near or in a pool. While adults may be busy with chores in parts of the home, children have sneaky ways to get to pools and the areas surrounding them. Drowning incidents relating to home swimming pools often occur this way, and parents need to be certain of where their children are at all times. Alarms with motion sensors are a good solution. These can be installed on doors leading to your backyard, or in the pool area so you know someone is at the pool. When alarms repeatedly go off, children may also learn to be less sneaky and stay indoors, by habit.

Safety for adults

When you select your dream pool from the many fibreglass pools on offer, you may feel a sense of pride that you own it. Nonetheless, safety for adults around the pool should cross your mind. While some child safety tips can apply to adult safety as well, there are certain things adults must be wary of near a pool. Firstly, adults should never consume alcohol while near pools. This is a variable that causes around seventy per cent of most pool deaths in teenagers and adults. Be aware that alcohol and water do not mix. Alcohol impairs the sense of balance and control over your mind and body.

Conclusion

Adults must be responsible for children and themselves while they are in a pool’s vicinity. Besides alcohol use, adults should also never consume certain drugs, prescription or otherwise, while being near or in a pool. Furthermore, in case there are pets at home, they should be prevented from entering the pool area, either with the use of barricades or fencing. Pool safety is as important as any other aspect of owning a pool, if not the most important factor.

Pool safety is paramount to ensure that risk is heavily minimised while swimming or while supervising swimmers. Making sure you are not distracted and that you have basic first aid skills, CPR knowledge and situational awareness can be the difference between life and death. Swimming can be extremely fun, but staying safe is better.

Life can be busy. Anybody can get distracted and kids will be kids. There are many helpful additions that can be your eyes if you are not physically there. Pool sensors and video cameras are both ways to achieve peace of mind if you cannot be physically present. Contact us today for more information!

Prevent Drowning: A Guide For Pool Owners

Owning a pool is a boon for several users. It is a great addition to your residence, especially if you own a pool from the variety of advanced fibreglass pools on offer today. These are pools that withstand all conditions and don't cost you much in terms of their maintenance. Initially, they may be expensive to put in, but once you have a fibreglass pool, you get features that translate to a plethora of benefits. If you have children at home, fibreglass pools can add to your quality of life in a big way.

Reasons for which some individuals prefer not to own a pool in backyards, besides the maintenance part, include safety concerns. Among major safety concerns is the issue of drowning. Drowning can, and does, occur in just a few inches of water. The misconception that pool accidents related to drowning occur in deep water is unfounded. What's more, a child or an adult may know how to swim, but still can be a victim of drowning accidents. Some of the most crucial home pool tips include those to prevent drowning and create a safe pool atmosphere.

Drowning prevention

The prevention of drowning should be on the agenda of all individuals who own home swimming pools today. As you may well know, accidents around the home are all too common, but drowning incidents if you have a pool is quite frequent too. Significantly, drowning has been recorded as the fourth top cause of death around a home. Since there are various people of different age groups using the pool at any single time, there are different ways to prevent drowning for particular age groups. Nevertheless, there are general tips to be safe around pools and everyone should be aware of these.

Pool education

Whether you own a pool from the variety of fibreglass pools out there or any other type, drowning incidents are just as likely if you don’t take safety protocols seriously. Teaching swimming to children does not ensure that drowning is prevented. Swimming and pool education must extend to safety rules first, even before you venture into teaching children the actual activity of swimming. If children know what the rules pertaining to safety are, they can inculcate them early, and this helps them when they are adults too.

Children and water safety

Among the first home pool tips on safety is educating children about water safety. This doesn’t just hold true if you own a pool, but also if you live in the vicinity of a pond or a lake. For children, especially if they are quite young, a swim jacket is a necessity before getting into the water, or in an area with water. This must be inculcated so that it becomes a habit for children. Typically, swimming lessons start when a child is very young, only a year or two at times, so having a swim jacket is crucial. The good side of starting swimming lessons at an early age is that children learn about water and safety issues very soon. Additionally, they learn to swim early, and this helps to prevent drowning incidents as well.

Safety training

If children are into or close to being teenagers, you may consider lifeguard training for children. This is a comprehensive way to learn about swimming safety rules. These training sessions and workshops can help adults and young children too. Another rule of thumb while children are swimming in home swimming pools, is to supervise them. It takes mere seconds for a child to be left unattended and for drowning to occur. Adults should care never to turn their backs on children. A good idea is to put a fence around the pool. Nonetheless, this acts as a safety measure provided children are not already in the pool.

Dangers less obvious

Fibreglass pools are among the safest pools you can own today, with features like anti-slip surfaces. They are also safe in the way that they do not accumulate dirt and grime quickly, which may cause the pool water to become unsafe to swim in. Still, however safe the actual pools may be, associated pool aspects may prove to be hazardous if you are not cautious around pools. Certain pool add-ons like hot tubs and jacuzzies, water add-ons like fountains and jets, slides, slippery ditches or the ground around your backyard due to rain, could all be hazardous factors.

Use sensors

Sensors are advanced ways to tell you, much like alarms, that children or anyone else may be near or in a pool. While adults may be busy with chores in parts of the home, children have sneaky ways to get to pools and the areas surrounding them. Drowning incidents relating to home swimming pools often occur this way, and parents need to be certain of where their children are at all times. Alarms with motion sensors are a good solution. These can be installed on doors leading to your backyard, or in the pool area so you know someone is at the pool. When alarms repeatedly go off, children may also learn to be less sneaky and stay indoors, by habit.

Safety for adults

When you select your dream pool from the many fibreglass pools on offer, you may feel a sense of pride that you own it. Nonetheless, safety for adults around the pool should cross your mind. While some child safety tips can apply to adult safety as well, there are certain things adults must be wary of near a pool. Firstly, adults should never consume alcohol while near pools. This is a variable that causes around seventy per cent of most pool deaths in teenagers and adults. Be aware that alcohol and water do not mix. Alcohol impairs the sense of balance and control over your mind and body.

Conclusion

Adults must be responsible for children and themselves while they are in a pool’s vicinity. Besides alcohol use, adults should also never consume certain drugs, prescription or otherwise, while being near or in a pool. Furthermore, in case there are pets at home, they should be prevented from entering the pool area, either with the use of barricades or fencing. Pool safety is as important as any other aspect of owning a pool, if not the most important factor.

Pool safety is paramount to ensure that risk is heavily minimised while swimming or while supervising swimmers. Making sure you are not distracted and that you have basic first aid skills, CPR knowledge and situational awareness can be the difference between life and death. Swimming can be extremely fun, but staying safe is better.

Life can be busy. Anybody can get distracted and kids will be kids. There are many helpful additions that can be your eyes if you are not physically there. Pool sensors and video cameras are both ways to achieve peace of mind if you cannot be physically present. Contact us today for more information!

Things To Keep In Mind While Buying A Pool Safety Fence

When you have a fibreglass pool at your home, then you and your family can enjoy hours together, having fun. But in order to have a fibreglass pool installed in your home, you'll also need to get a pool safety fence. This is because the safety of your kids and even your pets can otherwise be affected.

When you have a pool fence, both your kids and your pets are less likely to fall into the water in your fibreglass pool. But with so many pool fence options available to you, how do you know what you should get? There are several factors that you should look at when you select a pool fence. These include:

The material

The pool fence that you get should be strong as well as durable. There are various materials that pool fences can be made out of. There are people who get pool fences made of wood because they like the way that it looks. There are others who get a vinyl pool fence because they feel that maintaining it is easier.

There are also people who get iron pool fences, as they are more durable. When it comes to what kind of pool fence is the safest for you, then consider mesh fencing that is removable. This kind of pool fence is widely considered to be the safest, especially as it is made keeping pool safety in mind.

Permanent or removable

If you get a pool fence that is permanent, then you won’t be able to remove it when you like. It can actually be pretty expensive to move a pool fence that is permanent. If you’re worried about this, then opt for a pool fence that is removable. When you get a pool fence that is removable, you’ll be able to remove it any time you need more space around your pool.

It takes very little effort to attach your pool fence around your pool and then remove it. When you want people to enjoy more space around your pool, all you have to do is remove the pool fence. Any time people aren’t using your pool, especially should there be pets or kids in the yard, then ensure that your pool fence is in place.

The cost

What your pool fence costs may or may not include the price of installation as well. Always ensure that you confirm whether the installation price is included in the cost of the fence. Depending on how high you want the pool fence to be, its cost could vary. Another factor affecting how much your pool fence will cost is how much total footage you want to be covered.

If there are more gates that you want with your fence, then this could also affect the price of your fence. First, decide on what safety features you want your pool fence to have. Should it be high? Do you want more than one gate in your pool fence? Do you want it to be a permanent fence? All these factors will affect how much it costs, so ensure that you consider all these first.

The design

Say you’ve already decided what material you want your pool fence to be made of. Maybe you’ve decided to get a pool fence made of mesh. Or you may want your pool fence to be made of glass. Now that you know what the material your pool fence is made of is, you’ll need to think of how your pool area will be enclosed.

Your pool fence needs to be high enough to prevent both children as well as legs from climbing over your fence and jumping into your pool. The pool fence gate should also open outwards. It’s also a good idea for your pool fence to have a latch that is self-closing.

The colour of your pool fence

Another factor you should consider is what the colour of your pool fence should be. If your pool fence is made of a material such as iron or wood, then you’ll be able to paint it. You could also be looking for a fence that comes already coloured. If your pool fence is already coloured, then consider how it will blend into your backyard. Will it go well with the colour of your house and your pool?

A good pool fence should be able to blend well into the surroundings of your home. Pool fencing made of fine mesh can come in various colours. It’s also see-through, so you can ensure that the beautiful view of your fibreglass pool isn’t tarnished. This is of course a safety precaution as well. It’s also harder to lose sight of your kids and pets around your pool area. If anyone is in the water, you’ll be able to see it immediately.

The installation

There are people who choose to install their pool fences themselves, in order to save costs related to pool installation. However, you need both expertise as well as experience to install a pool fence properly. You’ll need to know what the right measurements are for the fence holes. You should also know what the position of your pool fence gate is.

This is why approaching a professional to install your fibreglass pool is often a better option. A professional should be able to provide you with a free quote regarding how much it will cost to install your pool fence. They’ll also let you know what options you have when it comes to a pool fence. They will review your options with you, so you know exactly what you’re getting. To install a pool fence, approaching a professional is often the best idea.

Conclusion

Getting a pool fence installed is essential, to meet the safety requirements in place to have a pool. But the pool fence you get can be of different material types, and you can even colour it to match the aesthetic of your home. Use this guide to learn more about what you should consider when choosing a pool fence for your fibreglass pool.

Things To Keep In Mind While Buying A Pool Safety Fence

When you have a fibreglass pool at your home, then you and your family can enjoy hours together, having fun. But in order to have a fibreglass pool installed in your home, you'll also need to get a pool safety fence. This is because the safety of your kids and even your pets can otherwise be affected.

When you have a pool fence, both your kids and your pets are less likely to fall into the water in your fibreglass pool. But with so many pool fence options available to you, how do you know what you should get? There are several factors that you should look at when you select a pool fence. These include:

The material

The pool fence that you get should be strong as well as durable. There are various materials that pool fences can be made out of. There are people who get pool fences made of wood because they like the way that it looks. There are others who get a vinyl pool fence because they feel that maintaining it is easier.

There are also people who get iron pool fences, as they are more durable. When it comes to what kind of pool fence is the safest for you, then consider mesh fencing that is removable. This kind of pool fence is widely considered to be the safest, especially as it is made keeping pool safety in mind.

Permanent or removable

If you get a pool fence that is permanent, then you won’t be able to remove it when you like. It can actually be pretty expensive to move a pool fence that is permanent. If you’re worried about this, then opt for a pool fence that is removable. When you get a pool fence that is removable, you’ll be able to remove it any time you need more space around your pool.

It takes very little effort to attach your pool fence around your pool and then remove it. When you want people to enjoy more space around your pool, all you have to do is remove the pool fence. Any time people aren’t using your pool, especially should there be pets or kids in the yard, then ensure that your pool fence is in place.

The cost

What your pool fence costs may or may not include the price of installation as well. Always ensure that you confirm whether the installation price is included in the cost of the fence. Depending on how high you want the pool fence to be, its cost could vary. Another factor affecting how much your pool fence will cost is how much total footage you want to be covered.

If there are more gates that you want with your fence, then this could also affect the price of your fence. First, decide on what safety features you want your pool fence to have. Should it be high? Do you want more than one gate in your pool fence? Do you want it to be a permanent fence? All these factors will affect how much it costs, so ensure that you consider all these first.

The design

Say you’ve already decided what material you want your pool fence to be made of. Maybe you’ve decided to get a pool fence made of mesh. Or you may want your pool fence to be made of glass. Now that you know what the material your pool fence is made of is, you’ll need to think of how your pool area will be enclosed.

Your pool fence needs to be high enough to prevent both children as well as legs from climbing over your fence and jumping into your pool. The pool fence gate should also open outwards. It’s also a good idea for your pool fence to have a latch that is self-closing.

The colour of your pool fence

Another factor you should consider is what the colour of your pool fence should be. If your pool fence is made of a material such as iron or wood, then you’ll be able to paint it. You could also be looking for a fence that comes already coloured. If your pool fence is already coloured, then consider how it will blend into your backyard. Will it go well with the colour of your house and your pool?

A good pool fence should be able to blend well into the surroundings of your home. Pool fencing made of fine mesh can come in various colours. It’s also see-through, so you can ensure that the beautiful view of your fibreglass pool isn’t tarnished. This is of course a safety precaution as well. It’s also harder to lose sight of your kids and pets around your pool area. If anyone is in the water, you’ll be able to see it immediately.

The installation

There are people who choose to install their pool fences themselves, in order to save costs related to pool installation. However, you need both expertise as well as experience to install a pool fence properly. You’ll need to know what the right measurements are for the fence holes. You should also know what the position of your pool fence gate is.

This is why approaching a professional to install your fibreglass pool is often a better option. A professional should be able to provide you with a free quote regarding how much it will cost to install your pool fence. They’ll also let you know what options you have when it comes to a pool fence. They will review your options with you, so you know exactly what you’re getting. To install a pool fence, approaching a professional is often the best idea.

Conclusion

Getting a pool fence installed is essential, to meet the safety requirements in place to have a pool. But the pool fence you get can be of different material types, and you can even colour it to match the aesthetic of your home. Use this guide to learn more about what you should consider when choosing a pool fence for your fibreglass pool.

Why You Should Always Keep An Eye On The Pool Filter Pressure Gauge

The pressure gauge of the pool filter of your fibreglass pool is a relatively inexpensive piece of equipment. However, despite its price, it plays the role of a pool technician as well. In order to communicate with this pool technician, however, you'll have to rely on numbers. The pressure gauge is also not good at helping you with manual labour, but it can let you know important information about your pool.

Should anything be wrong with your fibreglass pool, the first indication that you'll get is through the pool filter gauge. But what exactly is a pool filter pressure gauge?

Pool Pressure Gauge: What Is It?

The pressure gauge lets you know what the PSI of the pool filter is. The pool filter requires pressure within the tank, in order to function. Any time the filter pressure appears normal, this means that water is moving through in a seamless manner. It also means that your other pool equipment is also operating efficiently.

If this pressure ends up rising too much or falling too low, then this can affect how the water flows through the system. When this happens, the circulation system of your fibreglass pool won’t be working well. If repairs and replacements are needed, then they can be expensive.

Essentially, the pool pressure gauge is the small dial that you can find on top of the pool filter. It looks very similar to what thermometers used to look like before. It also looks similar to cooking thermometers, like the kind used to test the internal temperature of turkeys and steaks. When you check this small dial, you’ll be able to monitor the pressure in the filter.

What Kind Of Operating Pressure Is Normal?

There are a few factors that go into determining what operating pressure is ideal for your pool. These include the size of your pool pump, the horsepower of that pump, as well as the size of your pool filter. It also depends on how clean your pool filter currently is.

Although the operating pressure that’s normal for your fibreglass pool is unique, you can still find out what it is. What you’ll need to do is check what the operating pressure is when the filter media is first installed.

When you turn the pool pump on, the number you see on the gauge is what the baseline pressure is. You’ll also need to write the PSI number down after you clean the pool filter for the first time. For DE and sand filters, this is when you first backwash your pool filter. Note these two numbers down carefully, as they’ll let you know what your ideal operating range is.

What Happens When The PSI Is Too High?

Say you notice that the PSI is above what should be your normal pressure for operating. It’s often good to have the pressure be slightly high. This is because it indicates that any foreign contaminants caught by your pool filter are helping to trap more contaminants. But how do you know that the PSI is too high?

When you see that the pressure gauge is 10 PSI above the ideal range, it’s time for you to intervene. At this time, you should clean the pool filter, a vital part of a pool operating system. If you have a cartridge filter, then you’ll need to hose it down. Sand and DE filters will need to be backwashed. When backwashing your pool filter, ensure that it’s being backwashed to the right area. You don’t want to end up getting fined by the local government for environmental contamination.

If you’ve cleaned your pool filter, but this didn’t lower your PSI, it’s time for a replacement. If you didn’t know what the normal range for operating was before, you can use this opportunity to find out.

What If The PSI Is Still High?

There’s a relief valve for air in the pool pressure gauge, which is responsible for keeping the level of the pressure in check. Should the PSI be high even after replacing the filter media, the issue could be a relief valve for air. If air has gotten into your filter, then this is a problem. You’ll need to check the water level of your pool.

If the water level isn’t halfway submerging the skimmer, then this could be where the air is entering from. To fix this issue, open your air relief valve while running the pool filter. You should allow the filter to run until you notice water leaking from the valve. Consider priming your pump as well, as there could be air in other parts of your pool system as well.

What Happens When The PSI Is Too Low?

If the PSI number on the pool pressure gauge is too low, then this means that the water is not flowing how it should. If you see that the PSI figure is 5 PSI under what it should be, then you’ll need to do some unclogging. This is because it’s likely that there is some kind of blockage.

This blockage could be located near the filter. You’ll need to inspect the pool skimmers as well as the drain covers. Your pump basket as well as pump impeller will also need to be checked. You might find dirt, leaves, twigs, and other foreign contaminants, causing a blockage.

If this doesn’t solve the problem, then you’re most likely dealing with a leak. Should this be the case, then you’ll most likely need to hire a pool professional to get the issue resolved.

Conclusion

Sometimes, it could be the pressure gauge itself that’s the problem. Turn your pool pump off, and then check the reading on the pressure gauge. It should show a zero. If this isn’t the case, then the gauge could be the issue. A pool professional should be able to help you deal with the issue.

Keeping an eye on the pool pressure gauge is important, as you can monitor how well your pool system is performing. Use this guide to learn what a pool pressure gauge is, as well as why you should monitor it.

Why You Should Always Keep An Eye On The Pool Filter Pressure Gauge

The pressure gauge of the pool filter of your fibreglass pool is a relatively inexpensive piece of equipment. However, despite its price, it plays the role of a pool technician as well. In order to communicate with this pool technician, however, you'll have to rely on numbers. The pressure gauge is also not good at helping you with manual labour, but it can let you know important information about your pool.

Should anything be wrong with your fibreglass pool, the first indication that you'll get is through the pool filter gauge. But what exactly is a pool filter pressure gauge?

Pool Pressure Gauge: What Is It?

The pressure gauge lets you know what the PSI of the pool filter is. The pool filter requires pressure within the tank, in order to function. Any time the filter pressure appears normal, this means that water is moving through in a seamless manner. It also means that your other pool equipment is also operating efficiently.

If this pressure ends up rising too much or falling too low, then this can affect how the water flows through the system. When this happens, the circulation system of your fibreglass pool won’t be working well. If repairs and replacements are needed, then they can be expensive.

Essentially, the pool pressure gauge is the small dial that you can find on top of the pool filter. It looks very similar to what thermometers used to look like before. It also looks similar to cooking thermometers, like the kind used to test the internal temperature of turkeys and steaks. When you check this small dial, you’ll be able to monitor the pressure in the filter.

What Kind Of Operating Pressure Is Normal?

There are a few factors that go into determining what operating pressure is ideal for your pool. These include the size of your pool pump, the horsepower of that pump, as well as the size of your pool filter. It also depends on how clean your pool filter currently is.

Although the operating pressure that’s normal for your fibreglass pool is unique, you can still find out what it is. What you’ll need to do is check what the operating pressure is when the filter media is first installed.

When you turn the pool pump on, the number you see on the gauge is what the baseline pressure is. You’ll also need to write the PSI number down after you clean the pool filter for the first time. For DE and sand filters, this is when you first backwash your pool filter. Note these two numbers down carefully, as they’ll let you know what your ideal operating range is.

What Happens When The PSI Is Too High?

Say you notice that the PSI is above what should be your normal pressure for operating. It’s often good to have the pressure be slightly high. This is because it indicates that any foreign contaminants caught by your pool filter are helping to trap more contaminants. But how do you know that the PSI is too high?

When you see that the pressure gauge is 10 PSI above the ideal range, it’s time for you to intervene. At this time, you should clean the pool filter, a vital part of a pool operating system. If you have a cartridge filter, then you’ll need to hose it down. Sand and DE filters will need to be backwashed. When backwashing your pool filter, ensure that it’s being backwashed to the right area. You don’t want to end up getting fined by the local government for environmental contamination.

If you’ve cleaned your pool filter, but this didn’t lower your PSI, it’s time for a replacement. If you didn’t know what the normal range for operating was before, you can use this opportunity to find out.

What If The PSI Is Still High?

There’s a relief valve for air in the pool pressure gauge, which is responsible for keeping the level of the pressure in check. Should the PSI be high even after replacing the filter media, the issue could be a relief valve for air. If air has gotten into your filter, then this is a problem. You’ll need to check the water level of your pool.

If the water level isn’t halfway submerging the skimmer, then this could be where the air is entering from. To fix this issue, open your air relief valve while running the pool filter. You should allow the filter to run until you notice water leaking from the valve. Consider priming your pump as well, as there could be air in other parts of your pool system as well.

What Happens When The PSI Is Too Low?

If the PSI number on the pool pressure gauge is too low, then this means that the water is not flowing how it should. If you see that the PSI figure is 5 PSI under what it should be, then you’ll need to do some unclogging. This is because it’s likely that there is some kind of blockage.

This blockage could be located near the filter. You’ll need to inspect the pool skimmers as well as the drain covers. Your pump basket as well as pump impeller will also need to be checked. You might find dirt, leaves, twigs, and other foreign contaminants, causing a blockage.

If this doesn’t solve the problem, then you’re most likely dealing with a leak. Should this be the case, then you’ll most likely need to hire a pool professional to get the issue resolved.

Conclusion

Sometimes, it could be the pressure gauge itself that’s the problem. Turn your pool pump off, and then check the reading on the pressure gauge. It should show a zero. If this isn’t the case, then the gauge could be the issue. A pool professional should be able to help you deal with the issue.

Keeping an eye on the pool pressure gauge is important, as you can monitor how well your pool system is performing. Use this guide to learn what a pool pressure gauge is, as well as why you should monitor it.

Understanding How A Solar Pool Heater Works

One way you can keep the water in your fibreglass pool heated is with a solar pool heater. In solar pool heaters, the water from the pool is passed through several tubes. These tubes are also known as solar absorbers and collectors. They are usually mounted either on the ground or on the roof of the building.

The heat from the Sun is used to circulate the water in your pool. Once it’s heated, it’s then returned to the pool. A solar pool heater is completely automated and can work seamlessly with the pool equipment that you have. You can use the control panel on your solar water heater, to set what temperature you want your pool to be heated to.

In your solar pool heater, there’s a motorised valve that’s automated, that is responsible for directing water towards solar panels. Then, it directs heat from the solar panels back towards the pool. This process will continue until either you’ve turned your pool filter off, or your pool has reached the desired temperature.

How Solar Pool Heaters Work

Solar pool heaters collect heat from the Sun and make use of that heat to raise the temperature of the water in your swimming pool. It pumps the water from the pool through the pool filter, and then back to the pool. On its journey back to the pool, the water has to pass through several solar collectors. These solar collectors heat the water as it’s passing through.

A solar pool collector can be made of different kinds of materials. What material your solar pool heater should be made of will depend on what kind of climate you have in your area. It will also depend on how you want to use your solar collectors. You could be someone who wants to use the pool when the temperature has gone above freezing temperatures. If this is the case then you’ll need to get a collector system that is glassless.

Unglazed And Glazed Solar Collectors

You can also find unglazed solar collectors. These are made using rubber that is heavy-duty, or sometimes plastic. Where plastic is used, this is first treated with UV light blocking. This helps to increase the longevity of solar panels.

An unglazed solar collector can be less expensive, and that also works great when used to heat indoor pools. Even in the winter months, if your pool is indoors, your solar heater will be able to keep it warm for you. Should you find yourself needing to close down your pool over the winter months, opting for an unglazed solar collector can be more cost-effective for you.

But there are several advantages to opting for glazed systems as well. A glazed collector system is actually more efficient at exchanging heat, and also capturing heat from the Sun, than an unglazed collector system. This means, no matter what the climate in your area is like, your glazed collector system will help keep your pool water warm.

What You Need To Know About The Workings Of Solar Pool Heaters

First, water from the pool is pumped through till it reaches the solar collector. Before reaching the collector, the water needs to go through filters, which remove any foreign debris from the water. When this water reaches the solar collector, it gets warmed by the heat energy from the Sun. Then, the water is returned to your fibreglass pool.

In case you live in an area with warmer weather, you can even use your collector to cool down the water in your pool, during summer. This happens if you allow the water in your pool to circulate at night, through your solar collectors.

Flow control valves are used to divert water towards the solar collector when the temperature of the solar collector is higher than that of the water in the pool. Should the temperature of the solar collector be the same as that of the water in the pool, however, the water will only pass through the solar collector. It won’t get heated and will return to your pool at the same temperature as when it left.

How Can You Select A Solar Water Heater?

It can be expensive to buy a solar water heater. But once you get a good quality solar water heater installed, it can last for many years. Good solar water heaters can efficiently heat the water in your pool for seven years at least.

But before you buy a solar water heater, there are several things that you need to evaluate. These include:

  • Determine how much access to solar energy your home has. How effective your solar pool heater will be will depend on how much sunlight it can catch.
  • What size you want your solar pool heater to be, is the next point to consider. If your pool is larger, and if your swimming seasons are longer, then you may need a bigger solar pool heater. The temperature of the place where you live, as well as your desired pool water temperature, should also be considered.
  • Consider whether your solar collectors will be mounted near your pool, on the roof of your home, or elsewhere. It should have decent exposure to sunlight.
  • Before you buy a solar pool heater, first estimate how much using it will cost compared to other pool heating systems.
  • Look also at the total installation cost as well as maintenance and how many solar panels you’ll be needing, and what thermal performance rating your solar collectors have.
  • There are building code requirements that need to be met before a solar pool heater can be installed. You’ll also need to maintain your solar pool heater properly, to ensure that it works efficiently for at least five to ten years.

Conclusion

Solar pool heaters can help you effectively heat the water in your swimming pool. However, there are several factors you should consider before you get a solar pool heater for your home. From how solar pool heaters work, to whether you should get one or not, this guide can help you learn everything you need to know about solar pool heaters.

Understanding How A Solar Pool Heater Works

One way you can keep the water in your fibreglass pool heated is with a solar pool heater. In solar pool heaters, the water from the pool is passed through several tubes. These tubes are also known as solar absorbers and collectors. They are usually mounted either on the ground or on the roof of the building.

The heat from the Sun is used to circulate the water in your pool. Once it’s heated, it’s then returned to the pool. A solar pool heater is completely automated and can work seamlessly with the pool equipment that you have. You can use the control panel on your solar water heater, to set what temperature you want your pool to be heated to.

In your solar pool heater, there’s a motorised valve that’s automated, that is responsible for directing water towards solar panels. Then, it directs heat from the solar panels back towards the pool. This process will continue until either you’ve turned your pool filter off, or your pool has reached the desired temperature.

How Solar Pool Heaters Work

Solar pool heaters collect heat from the Sun and make use of that heat to raise the temperature of the water in your swimming pool. It pumps the water from the pool through the pool filter, and then back to the pool. On its journey back to the pool, the water has to pass through several solar collectors. These solar collectors heat the water as it’s passing through.

A solar pool collector can be made of different kinds of materials. What material your solar pool heater should be made of will depend on what kind of climate you have in your area. It will also depend on how you want to use your solar collectors. You could be someone who wants to use the pool when the temperature has gone above freezing temperatures. If this is the case then you’ll need to get a collector system that is glassless.

Unglazed And Glazed Solar Collectors

You can also find unglazed solar collectors. These are made using rubber that is heavy-duty, or sometimes plastic. Where plastic is used, this is first treated with UV light blocking. This helps to increase the longevity of solar panels.

An unglazed solar collector can be less expensive, and that also works great when used to heat indoor pools. Even in the winter months, if your pool is indoors, your solar heater will be able to keep it warm for you. Should you find yourself needing to close down your pool over the winter months, opting for an unglazed solar collector can be more cost-effective for you.

But there are several advantages to opting for glazed systems as well. A glazed collector system is actually more efficient at exchanging heat, and also capturing heat from the Sun, than an unglazed collector system. This means, no matter what the climate in your area is like, your glazed collector system will help keep your pool water warm.

What You Need To Know About The Workings Of Solar Pool Heaters

First, water from the pool is pumped through till it reaches the solar collector. Before reaching the collector, the water needs to go through filters, which remove any foreign debris from the water. When this water reaches the solar collector, it gets warmed by the heat energy from the Sun. Then, the water is returned to your fibreglass pool.

In case you live in an area with warmer weather, you can even use your collector to cool down the water in your pool, during summer. This happens if you allow the water in your pool to circulate at night, through your solar collectors.

Flow control valves are used to divert water towards the solar collector when the temperature of the solar collector is higher than that of the water in the pool. Should the temperature of the solar collector be the same as that of the water in the pool, however, the water will only pass through the solar collector. It won’t get heated and will return to your pool at the same temperature as when it left.

How Can You Select A Solar Water Heater?

It can be expensive to buy a solar water heater. But once you get a good quality solar water heater installed, it can last for many years. Good solar water heaters can efficiently heat the water in your pool for seven years at least.

But before you buy a solar water heater, there are several things that you need to evaluate. These include:

  • Determine how much access to solar energy your home has. How effective your solar pool heater will be will depend on how much sunlight it can catch.
  • What size you want your solar pool heater to be, is the next point to consider. If your pool is larger, and if your swimming seasons are longer, then you may need a bigger solar pool heater. The temperature of the place where you live, as well as your desired pool water temperature, should also be considered.
  • Consider whether your solar collectors will be mounted near your pool, on the roof of your home, or elsewhere. It should have decent exposure to sunlight.
  • Before you buy a solar pool heater, first estimate how much using it will cost compared to other pool heating systems.
  • Look also at the total installation cost as well as maintenance and how many solar panels you’ll be needing, and what thermal performance rating your solar collectors have.
  • There are building code requirements that need to be met before a solar pool heater can be installed. You’ll also need to maintain your solar pool heater properly, to ensure that it works efficiently for at least five to ten years.

Conclusion

Solar pool heaters can help you effectively heat the water in your swimming pool. However, there are several factors you should consider before you get a solar pool heater for your home. From how solar pool heaters work, to whether you should get one or not, this guide can help you learn everything you need to know about solar pool heaters.

What Do You Mean by Brushing Your Pool

Pool brushing is the activity of scrubbing the inner walls of your pool and ensuring that it remains safe for you and your loved ones. Brushing is one of the most important parts of cleaning your pool. It keeps the dirt, debris, and algae at bay and your pool’s walls and floors spotless. Regular brushing is important to keep your pool in top-notch condition.

If you do not clean and brush your pool regularly, it can become a breeding ground for several disease-causing microorganisms. Not to forget, excessive algae build-up ruins the pool’s walls, and you will have to shell out hundreds of dollars in repair and maintenance later on.

Tips and tricks for brushing your pool like a pro

Let’s face it: brushing your pool is a time-consuming task. However, with the right tips and tricks, it can become a lot simpler and more effective. While several people brush their swimming pools, not all of them do it in the right way.

Most people make the common mistake of using the wrong or a very old brush or brushing in the wrong direction. If you want the best results, it is important to know the right way to brush your pool.

Here are the tips to help you get started.

1. Go for brushes with stiff bristles

Choosing the right brush is the key to effective pool brushing. You need to ensure that your pool brush has strong bristles that are capable of removing the toughest of stains. For this, a nylon brush is the best option.

The reason for this is that nylon bristles are pretty stiff, and they can deal with all kinds of dirt and debris easily.

While nylon brushes are stiff enough to remove dirt and stains, they do not cause scratches or damage to your pool’s surface. So, you can use them without any worries.

2. Brush your pool at least twice a week

It is recommended to brush your pool three or four times a week if you use it regularly. However, if that is not possible for you, then make sure to at least brush your pool twice a week.

Doing so will prevent the growth of algae and other microorganisms on your pool’s surfaces. In addition, when you brush your pool more frequently, the build-up of dirt and debris will be significantly less. So, it will make your task simpler and quicker.

3. Using an old brush is a strict no-no!

Many people keep on using their old pool brush for several years without thinking about its effectiveness. If you have a brush that is more than four years old, it is basically useless.

Make sure to check that the bristles are not broken or damaged. Most brushes don’t last for more than three to four years. If you have a brush older than that, it’s time to say goodbye to it. Buy a new one for yourself. It is a small investment that will give you amazing results.

4. Deal with all the debris and waste elements before you start brushing

This sort of pool maintenance should go without saying. You need to take care of all the organic debris and waste materials before beginning scrubbing and brushing your pool’s surfaces. Common organic debris included leaves, twigs, flowers, bugs, and more.

Get a long pool net or skimmer and slowly skim it on the surface of the water. It will help you scoop out all the leaves, twigs, and other elements and clean up the water. You can then drain the water and start brushing.

5. Always brush towards the pool’s main drain

Another excellent pool brushing tip is to always brush in the direction of the main drain. When you scrub your pool’s walls, a lot of dirt and debris will loosen up. If you do not brush in the direction of the main drain, all that dirt will keep on shifting inside the pool and will not be completely removed.

6. Use smooth motions

The most effective way to scrub the pool’s walls and the floor is by using smooth, fast, and uniform strokes. Avoid using slow and short strokes as they aren’t that effective. You will just end up being tired quickly. Long and swift motions ensure that you do not miss any part of the pool and the dirt is removed quickly too.

7. Keep the pump on while you brush your pool

Another common mistake many people make while brushing their pool is that they do it while keeping the pump off. If you do so, the dirt and debris collected at the bottom will not be removed.

In order to remove all the dirt from the pool, you need to keep the pump running. It will ensure that all the waste particles are carried to the main drain and eventually gets out of the pool.

Summing up

There you go! That was all about brushing your fibreglass pool and why it is so important. While pool brushing is a tedious and time-consuming task, not doing it can result in severe consequences that, trust us, you do not want to face.

A dirty pool causes serious health hazards and is prone to frequent damage. When you do not brush your pool, algae and biofilm can develop on its floor and walls in the form of scum lines.

If you let the problem stay for longer, biofilm and algae can cover the entirety of your pool, and getting rid of them will be next to impossible. Thus, instead of spending a huge amount of money on dealing with the problem, it is better to avoid the problem in the first place – and regular pool brushing is the best way to do that.

So, make sure to follow all the above-mentioned tips, gather your brushes and pool cleaning supplies, and get down to work. The result will be worth it!

What Do You Mean by Brushing Your Pool

Pool brushing is the activity of scrubbing the inner walls of your pool and ensuring that it remains safe for you and your loved ones. Brushing is one of the most important parts of cleaning your pool. It keeps the dirt, debris, and algae at bay and your pool’s walls and floors spotless. Regular brushing is important to keep your pool in top-notch condition.

If you do not clean and brush your pool regularly, it can become a breeding ground for several disease-causing microorganisms. Not to forget, excessive algae build-up ruins the pool’s walls, and you will have to shell out hundreds of dollars in repair and maintenance later on.

Tips and tricks for brushing your pool like a pro

Let’s face it: brushing your pool is a time-consuming task. However, with the right tips and tricks, it can become a lot simpler and more effective. While several people brush their swimming pools, not all of them do it in the right way.

Most people make the common mistake of using the wrong or a very old brush or brushing in the wrong direction. If you want the best results, it is important to know the right way to brush your pool.

Here are the tips to help you get started.

1. Go for brushes with stiff bristles

Choosing the right brush is the key to effective pool brushing. You need to ensure that your pool brush has strong bristles that are capable of removing the toughest of stains. For this, a nylon brush is the best option.

The reason for this is that nylon bristles are pretty stiff, and they can deal with all kinds of dirt and debris easily.

While nylon brushes are stiff enough to remove dirt and stains, they do not cause scratches or damage to your pool’s surface. So, you can use them without any worries.

2. Brush your pool at least twice a week

It is recommended to brush your pool three or four times a week if you use it regularly. However, if that is not possible for you, then make sure to at least brush your pool twice a week.

Doing so will prevent the growth of algae and other microorganisms on your pool’s surfaces. In addition, when you brush your pool more frequently, the build-up of dirt and debris will be significantly less. So, it will make your task simpler and quicker.

3. Using an old brush is a strict no-no!

Many people keep on using their old pool brush for several years without thinking about its effectiveness. If you have a brush that is more than four years old, it is basically useless.

Make sure to check that the bristles are not broken or damaged. Most brushes don’t last for more than three to four years. If you have a brush older than that, it’s time to say goodbye to it. Buy a new one for yourself. It is a small investment that will give you amazing results.

4. Deal with all the debris and waste elements before you start brushing

This sort of pool maintenance should go without saying. You need to take care of all the organic debris and waste materials before beginning scrubbing and brushing your pool’s surfaces. Common organic debris included leaves, twigs, flowers, bugs, and more.

Get a long pool net or skimmer and slowly skim it on the surface of the water. It will help you scoop out all the leaves, twigs, and other elements and clean up the water. You can then drain the water and start brushing.

5. Always brush towards the pool’s main drain

Another excellent pool brushing tip is to always brush in the direction of the main drain. When you scrub your pool’s walls, a lot of dirt and debris will loosen up. If you do not brush in the direction of the main drain, all that dirt will keep on shifting inside the pool and will not be completely removed.

6. Use smooth motions

The most effective way to scrub the pool’s walls and the floor is by using smooth, fast, and uniform strokes. Avoid using slow and short strokes as they aren’t that effective. You will just end up being tired quickly. Long and swift motions ensure that you do not miss any part of the pool and the dirt is removed quickly too.

7. Keep the pump on while you brush your pool

Another common mistake many people make while brushing their pool is that they do it while keeping the pump off. If you do so, the dirt and debris collected at the bottom will not be removed.

In order to remove all the dirt from the pool, you need to keep the pump running. It will ensure that all the waste particles are carried to the main drain and eventually gets out of the pool.

Summing up

There you go! That was all about brushing your fibreglass pool and why it is so important. While pool brushing is a tedious and time-consuming task, not doing it can result in severe consequences that, trust us, you do not want to face.

A dirty pool causes serious health hazards and is prone to frequent damage. When you do not brush your pool, algae and biofilm can develop on its floor and walls in the form of scum lines.

If you let the problem stay for longer, biofilm and algae can cover the entirety of your pool, and getting rid of them will be next to impossible. Thus, instead of spending a huge amount of money on dealing with the problem, it is better to avoid the problem in the first place – and regular pool brushing is the best way to do that.

So, make sure to follow all the above-mentioned tips, gather your brushes and pool cleaning supplies, and get down to work. The result will be worth it!

Would A Pool, Spa Or Both Be Ideal For Your Backyard?

What do you think about, when considering how you can relax at home? Do you imagine yourself sinking into a spa that is bubbling, or do you see yourself in your pool, floating on a pool lounge? Maybe what you want is both. Whether you want a pool, a spa, or both, you can have it all.

When you talk to your pool installer, they can help you choose which option would be best suited to your backyard. Maybe you live alone, or maybe you have a large family. There are several factors that should go into determining whether you should get a pool, a spa, or both.

What Are The Benefits Of Having A Pool vs A Spa?

Both fibreglass pools, as well as spas, come with benefits of their own. There are several ways they can complement each other as well. Let’s look at the pros and cons of each separately, so you can better decide which would suit your needs.

Pools

There are several pros associated with owning a pool, they include:

  • You’ll have more room to swim in.
  • You can enjoy various activities, such as exercising, in your pool.
  • You’ll be able to cool off on a hot day. And for the colder days, you can always consider a pool heater.

But there are some disadvantages that you should be aware of as well. This includes:

  • A pool will need more space, so it may not be suitable for smaller backyards.
  • Depending on the area you live in, you may not be able to use your pool for a few months each year.

Now let's learn about spas.

Spas

Let’s look at what the advantages of owning a spa are first. They include:

  • A spa can be a cozy and warm space where you can relax.
  • You can enjoy therapeutic benefits as well.
  • You’ll be able to use your spa all around the year, even during the colder months.
  • A spa can fit into yards of all sizes, even smaller yards.

Now, what are the disadvantages you should be aware of if you choose to get a spa? They include:

  • You’ll need to use more chemicals to maintain the water that will be at temperatures that are higher.
  • You’ll have less room overall. A spa can be a great place to relax, but you won’t be able to swim in it.

Depending on what you are looking for, you could view some of the disadvantages as advantages and vice versa. What you want out of your pool should be factored in, when considering what pool design would suit your backyard. Do you want to get lounge chairs installed? Maybe you want a pool that comes with a tanning ledge.

Are you looking forward to testing out your diving skills? In this case, you would need a different kind of New Zealand fibreglass pool – one that comes with a diving board. If you want to get a diving board, then the pool design should adhere to the safety requirements.

When it comes to spas, you’ll often find that they are either round or square in shape. Both can make excellent additions to any backyard, so consider what you’re looking for when choosing what spa design to get.

What Are The Options Available To You When It Comes To Pools And Spas?

Fibreglass pools come pre-manufactured. They are crafted using moulds. The manufacturer is the one that decides what these moulds should look like. But manufacturers today offer many variations when it comes to fibreglass pools. You can also get interesting pool features, like sun shelves or tanning beds, dedicated swim lanes, deep-end benches, and more.

Spas also give you the option to choose from a few add-ons. You could, for example, get a spillover spa. This is a kind of spa where the effect of a waterfall, that is, water pouring into the spa, is emulated. Should you choose to get a spillover spa, then note that you’ll need a pool. A separate setup will be required that pulls water from your pool, which can then flow into the spa.

In a normal spa, on the other hand, water is pulled from the spa itself. This then passes through the heater before it returns again to the spa. You can also consider getting extra jets added, to give yourself the feeling like you’re in a resort. Note also that jets can even be added to inground fibreglass pools.

Should You Get A Pool-Spa Combo?

Pool-spa combos can be perfect for anyone who can’t decide between a pool and a spa. These are pools that already have a spa or a hot tub built into them. When it comes to fibreglass pools, the spa is designed to be inside the pool.

When you get a pool-spa combo, they will be connected to the filtration system together. This means that maintaining both will be easier, than if you got them separately. However, your costs of maintenance will be more than should you have gotten just the fibreglass pool. This is as you’ll need more chemicals to maintain your pool water, and you’ll need more electricity in order to heat it up.

However, having a pool-spa combo is a dream come true for many people. There could be several reasons why you could want a pool-spa combo. Maybe the space in your backyard is limited, and you want to have both a pool and a spa. Maybe you want to be able to enter your spa without leaving your pool. No matter what your reason may be, a pool-spa combo can be a great addition to any home.

Conclusion

Getting just a fibreglass pool could be a great idea, or you could choose to get just a spa as well. Several factors, such as what you’re looking for from your pool or spa, what your budget is and how much space you have in your backyard, will go into deciding whether a pool, a spa or both would be best suited to your backyard.

Would A Pool, Spa Or Both Be Ideal For Your Backyard?

What do you think about, when considering how you can relax at home? Do you imagine yourself sinking into a spa that is bubbling, or do you see yourself in your pool, floating on a pool lounge? Maybe what you want is both. Whether you want a pool, a spa, or both, you can have it all.

When you talk to your pool installer, they can help you choose which option would be best suited to your backyard. Maybe you live alone, or maybe you have a large family. There are several factors that should go into determining whether you should get a pool, a spa, or both.

What Are The Benefits Of Having A Pool vs A Spa?

Both fibreglass pools, as well as spas, come with benefits of their own. There are several ways they can complement each other as well. Let’s look at the pros and cons of each separately, so you can better decide which would suit your needs.

Pools

There are several pros associated with owning a pool, they include:

  • You’ll have more room to swim in.
  • You can enjoy various activities, such as exercising, in your pool.
  • You’ll be able to cool off on a hot day. And for the colder days, you can always consider a pool heater.

But there are some disadvantages that you should be aware of as well. This includes:

  • A pool will need more space, so it may not be suitable for smaller backyards.
  • Depending on the area you live in, you may not be able to use your pool for a few months each year.

Now let's learn about spas.

Spas

Let’s look at what the advantages of owning a spa are first. They include:

  • A spa can be a cozy and warm space where you can relax.
  • You can enjoy therapeutic benefits as well.
  • You’ll be able to use your spa all around the year, even during the colder months.
  • A spa can fit into yards of all sizes, even smaller yards.

Now, what are the disadvantages you should be aware of if you choose to get a spa? They include:

  • You’ll need to use more chemicals to maintain the water that will be at temperatures that are higher.
  • You’ll have less room overall. A spa can be a great place to relax, but you won’t be able to swim in it.

Depending on what you are looking for, you could view some of the disadvantages as advantages and vice versa. What you want out of your pool should be factored in, when considering what pool design would suit your backyard. Do you want to get lounge chairs installed? Maybe you want a pool that comes with a tanning ledge.

Are you looking forward to testing out your diving skills? In this case, you would need a different kind of New Zealand fibreglass pool – one that comes with a diving board. If you want to get a diving board, then the pool design should adhere to the safety requirements.

When it comes to spas, you’ll often find that they are either round or square in shape. Both can make excellent additions to any backyard, so consider what you’re looking for when choosing what spa design to get.

What Are The Options Available To You When It Comes To Pools And Spas?

Fibreglass pools come pre-manufactured. They are crafted using moulds. The manufacturer is the one that decides what these moulds should look like. But manufacturers today offer many variations when it comes to fibreglass pools. You can also get interesting pool features, like sun shelves or tanning beds, dedicated swim lanes, deep-end benches, and more.

Spas also give you the option to choose from a few add-ons. You could, for example, get a spillover spa. This is a kind of spa where the effect of a waterfall, that is, water pouring into the spa, is emulated. Should you choose to get a spillover spa, then note that you’ll need a pool. A separate setup will be required that pulls water from your pool, which can then flow into the spa.

In a normal spa, on the other hand, water is pulled from the spa itself. This then passes through the heater before it returns again to the spa. You can also consider getting extra jets added, to give yourself the feeling like you’re in a resort. Note also that jets can even be added to inground fibreglass pools.

Should You Get A Pool-Spa Combo?

Pool-spa combos can be perfect for anyone who can’t decide between a pool and a spa. These are pools that already have a spa or a hot tub built into them. When it comes to fibreglass pools, the spa is designed to be inside the pool.

When you get a pool-spa combo, they will be connected to the filtration system together. This means that maintaining both will be easier, than if you got them separately. However, your costs of maintenance will be more than should you have gotten just the fibreglass pool. This is as you’ll need more chemicals to maintain your pool water, and you’ll need more electricity in order to heat it up.

However, having a pool-spa combo is a dream come true for many people. There could be several reasons why you could want a pool-spa combo. Maybe the space in your backyard is limited, and you want to have both a pool and a spa. Maybe you want to be able to enter your spa without leaving your pool. No matter what your reason may be, a pool-spa combo can be a great addition to any home.

Conclusion

Getting just a fibreglass pool could be a great idea, or you could choose to get just a spa as well. Several factors, such as what you’re looking for from your pool or spa, what your budget is and how much space you have in your backyard, will go into deciding whether a pool, a spa or both would be best suited to your backyard.

Understanding The Different Parts Of A Swimming Pool

Essential parts of a pool are vital to know about, not just for the maintenance of pools, but also for pool safety considerations. If you are a proud pool owner, you must know what the different parts of a pool are, be able to identify them, and know their function. In case of any troubleshooting, knowing and grasping how pool components work can help you when you call in pool maintenance services. You may not know how to repair pool parts yourself, but you should be aware of their functioning to check the working of your pool generally.

There are different kinds of home swimming pools on the market today, but the crucial parts of any pool remain common to most pools. When you decide to have a swimming pool installed in your backyard, you may also want additional features to complement your pool experience. These are features that you can customise your pool with. The main pool components are those which are necessary for a pool's proper functioning and operation.

The side of the suction

In any pool, there is a side that allows for the water to be sucked in. This is the side that performs the function of the suction of water. The water is sucked into the system and sent directly into the filtration device. Here, the circulation of water occurs.

The skimmers

Home pool tips to maintain your pool will always talk about skimmers. These are on the side where suction occurs, and you may consider them as a part of the filtration mechanism. Built at the side, they consist of buckets that have skimmer baskets inside. They catch large debris like bugs, twigs, leaves, and any other debris too big to fit through your filtration device. The water of the pool travels into the skimmer and begins its path to the filter. While speaking about skimmers, it is important to know about suction lines – these are pipes, made from PVC, that take the water of the pool from the skimmers to the pool pump.

The primary drain

The main or primary drain of your pool is typically located in the lowest surface area of the interior of your pool. Whether you go in for the advanced fibreglass pools or any other, the drains will always be there. You will find the drain at the deep end of your pool. Nonetheless, although this part is known as a drain, it can mislead you as to its actual function. Yes, it is used as a device to drain your pool, but it isn’t often used this way. Normally, the main drain acts like a skimmer does. The water circulation is controlled by the main drain and the skimmers as water is sucked at the top via the skimmers, and at the lower end of the pool by the drain.

Home fibreglass pool tips suggest that you should never try to use the drain as its name suggests and drain a pool by yourself. If you wish to drain your pool at any point in time, you should call in an expert to help you. Advanced pools built in-ground today have two drains. This is purely a protective measure in the event one of the main drains experiences a blockage.

The pool's filtration

In the system of filtration of any fibreglass pools of today (and other pools too), you will find the system composed of the filter of the pool and the pump of the pool. Although these are within the same system, they are entirely individual in their make-up and operation:

The Filter of the Pool – Pools often make use of sanitisers such as chlorine to get rid of bacteria and viruses. Nonetheless, this is only a small part of the job completed. The rest is conducted by the filter of the pool. Tiny particles, debris, and in particular cases, bacteria also, is removed by filters. These may be particles that sanitisers may have failed to remove properly.

The Pump of the Pool – In case you are thinking that the water of the pool simply drops into skimmers, you are wrong. The “impeller”, a part of the pump of any pool, is a spinning device that forces a vacuum, sucking water into the filter of the pool. In all pools, including home swimming pools, the device is operated by a motor. Consequently, any pump of a pool is classified according to its horsepower. The horsepower you need is dependent on your pool’s size. The larger the pool, the bigger your pump will be. This means that the pump has to move higher water volume.

The side of the pressure

The side of your pool that pushes water away from the filter and sends it back inside the pool is called the “pressure side” of the pool. This function makes the circulation of water complete. On this side of fibreglass pools, you will find the following parts:

Return Lines – These perform operations contrary to the lines of suction. They are pipes of PVC that take pool water back from the filter to the jets.

Return Jets – Once the water which has gone through filtration has travelled via return lines, it reaches the return jets, and enters the pool again.

Plainly put, the jets of home swimming pools have dual purposes. They are not only portals from which water is carried back and forth into the pool, these jets also tend to propel water all around the pool. This is a good way for water to reach skimmers, and also to force any debris into the baskets of skimmers.

Kinds of pools

Whatever pool you have chosen to own, whether fibreglass pools or concrete, all vary in shape and size, depending on the pool you have selected to meet your requirements. Basically, all pools have common components, and all serve specific purposes. These are fundamental pool parts that every pool requires for its adequate functioning and maintenance. Other components can be added to pools, whether in-ground or above.

Conclusion

Whatever you own, from a New Zealand fibreglass swimming pool to any device, you should know the ins and outs of working with any equipment. This goes for pools and their parts. Being aware of the parts of a pool gives you an edge and you can be savvy when it comes to pool maintenance and repair. Once you know about the parts of a pool, you are prepared for mishaps as you can easily decipher any pool problems.

Understanding The Different Parts Of A Swimming Pool

Essential parts of a pool are vital to know about, not just for the maintenance of pools, but also for pool safety considerations. If you are a proud pool owner, you must know what the different parts of a pool are, be able to identify them, and know their function. In case of any troubleshooting, knowing and grasping how pool components work can help you when you call in pool maintenance services. You may not know how to repair pool parts yourself, but you should be aware of their functioning to check the working of your pool generally.

There are different kinds of home swimming pools on the market today, but the crucial parts of any pool remain common to most pools. When you decide to have a swimming pool installed in your backyard, you may also want additional features to complement your pool experience. These are features that you can customise your pool with. The main pool components are those which are necessary for a pool's proper functioning and operation.

The side of the suction

In any pool, there is a side that allows for the water to be sucked in. This is the side that performs the function of the suction of water. The water is sucked into the system and sent directly into the filtration device. Here, the circulation of water occurs.

The skimmers

Home pool tips to maintain your pool will always talk about skimmers. These are on the side where suction occurs, and you may consider them as a part of the filtration mechanism. Built at the side, they consist of buckets that have skimmer baskets inside. They catch large debris like bugs, twigs, leaves, and any other debris too big to fit through your filtration device. The water of the pool travels into the skimmer and begins its path to the filter. While speaking about skimmers, it is important to know about suction lines – these are pipes, made from PVC, that take the water of the pool from the skimmers to the pool pump.

The primary drain

The main or primary drain of your pool is typically located in the lowest surface area of the interior of your pool. Whether you go in for the advanced fibreglass pools or any other, the drains will always be there. You will find the drain at the deep end of your pool. Nonetheless, although this part is known as a drain, it can mislead you as to its actual function. Yes, it is used as a device to drain your pool, but it isn’t often used this way. Normally, the main drain acts like a skimmer does. The water circulation is controlled by the main drain and the skimmers as water is sucked at the top via the skimmers, and at the lower end of the pool by the drain.

Home fibreglass pool tips suggest that you should never try to use the drain as its name suggests and drain a pool by yourself. If you wish to drain your pool at any point in time, you should call in an expert to help you. Advanced pools built in-ground today have two drains. This is purely a protective measure in the event one of the main drains experiences a blockage.

The pool's filtration

In the system of filtration of any fibreglass pools of today (and other pools too), you will find the system composed of the filter of the pool and the pump of the pool. Although these are within the same system, they are entirely individual in their make-up and operation:

The Filter of the Pool – Pools often make use of sanitisers such as chlorine to get rid of bacteria and viruses. Nonetheless, this is only a small part of the job completed. The rest is conducted by the filter of the pool. Tiny particles, debris, and in particular cases, bacteria also, is removed by filters. These may be particles that sanitisers may have failed to remove properly.

The Pump of the Pool – In case you are thinking that the water of the pool simply drops into skimmers, you are wrong. The “impeller”, a part of the pump of any pool, is a spinning device that forces a vacuum, sucking water into the filter of the pool. In all pools, including home swimming pools, the device is operated by a motor. Consequently, any pump of a pool is classified according to its horsepower. The horsepower you need is dependent on your pool’s size. The larger the pool, the bigger your pump will be. This means that the pump has to move higher water volume.

The side of the pressure

The side of your pool that pushes water away from the filter and sends it back inside the pool is called the “pressure side” of the pool. This function makes the circulation of water complete. On this side of fibreglass pools, you will find the following parts:

Return Lines – These perform operations contrary to the lines of suction. They are pipes of PVC that take pool water back from the filter to the jets.

Return Jets – Once the water which has gone through filtration has travelled via return lines, it reaches the return jets, and enters the pool again.

Plainly put, the jets of home swimming pools have dual purposes. They are not only portals from which water is carried back and forth into the pool, these jets also tend to propel water all around the pool. This is a good way for water to reach skimmers, and also to force any debris into the baskets of skimmers.

Kinds of pools

Whatever pool you have chosen to own, whether fibreglass pools or concrete, all vary in shape and size, depending on the pool you have selected to meet your requirements. Basically, all pools have common components, and all serve specific purposes. These are fundamental pool parts that every pool requires for its adequate functioning and maintenance. Other components can be added to pools, whether in-ground or above.

Conclusion

Whatever you own, from a New Zealand fibreglass swimming pool to any device, you should know the ins and outs of working with any equipment. This goes for pools and their parts. Being aware of the parts of a pool gives you an edge and you can be savvy when it comes to pool maintenance and repair. Once you know about the parts of a pool, you are prepared for mishaps as you can easily decipher any pool problems.

Everything You Need To Know About Infinity Edge Pools

A Barrier Reef Pools New Zealand Article

Pool fans all over the globe cannot stop raving about fibreglass pools and the joy they bring. If you have installed a fibreglass pool in your backyard, you are a lucky person who knows all the advantages these pools can offer you, from low maintenance to subtle beauty. Fibreglass pools come in various sizes, shapes, styles and even colours now, so you get what you want. In fact, you can match your unique backyard aura to fit any fibreglass pool.

Since you don't become the owner of a swimming pool every day, it is crucial that you decide on the best-suited pool when you consider a pool at all. This is not a challenge anymore, as the perfect home swimming pool you get today caters to every distinct customer. A popular choice these days is the infinity edge pool. Look no further to find out all about these gems of water holes that can add flair and elegance to any residence.

A vanishing pool

Aptly called “vanishing pools”, infinity edge pools are those that appear not to have a border. This means that, while you can see where a pool normally ends, an infinity pool has an overflow of water, giving the viewer the illusion of a never-ending water flow. The pool effectively creates a kind of oneness between your backyard and the water. This is also called “a pool with no edge”, or one with a “wet edge”. Fibreglass pools which are infinity pools seem to have no wall at the end of the pool, and the water seamlessly appears to cascade. What you get is a view that is largely unrestricted while you are swimming.

You typically see these pools on hotel rooftops, and they spell luxury by this kind of association. Among the best home pool tips, experts will tell you to buy an infinity pool that adds class to any backyard and increases your residential value by leaps and bounds. If you think that these pools are only for the famous and the wealthy, you couldn’t be further from the truth. Innovations in pool designs with fibreglass pools let you have the infinity pool of your dreams!

Here are some tips to correctly install a diving board!

How the Vanishing Pool functions

The latest technology that drives infinity pools is not a challenge to understand. In a regular pool, the walls of the pool tend to be higher than the level of the water inside the pool. In the case of fibreglass pools with edges of the infinity style, there is always one wall of the pool (or two) that is built at the identical height as the level of water. The magic of the pool is mainly because these pool walls are built in such a way that they slope in a direction that is away with regard to the pool. Consequently, the water at the edge of these pools is prone to fall in a downward way, much like a waterfall does.

In-home swimming pools of this kind, the water doesn’t just fall to the ground by the side of the pool. It is deftly collected in a tank. This is located below the edge of the infinity point and is totally invisible when attempting to view it from inside the pool. In a kind of recycling process, the water is then pushed back from the tank into the main area of the pool. The pool remains full as a result. This is probably a pool that makes the most efficient use of water, without any wastage to speak of.

Keep safe around the pool with these tips!

Where to build an Infinity Pool

Pools with a “negative edge” can be built in a limited space. Limited in the sense of area and location, as these pools have to be constructed completely in the ground with a gentle and natural slope. In case there is no slope present as a natural formation, fibreglass pools of this kind will have to be built on slopes that are man-made. As a result of this, pools with a negative edge are perfect for construction on sloping surfaces where straight construction will not suffice. The primary reason for the existence of the slope is to facilitate the mechanism of the tank that collects the water falling over the pool’s edge.

See the weekly maintenance guide for your home pool!

The sloping surface

A swimming pool is considerably heavy. You may wonder why this is even an issue as it rests on the ground or in it. Nonetheless, home pool tips include certain aspects of pool construction when you have to construct a heavy pool on a sloping surface area. When an artificial slope must be built, it has to be solid enough to take the weight of a swimming pool. Until very late in the day, only concrete pools could be built on a slope. Still, with the advent of the advanced fibreglass pools on the market, people questioned whether these could be constructed on a slope as infinity pools.

With all the pros that fibreglass pools have to offer, a solution to create fibreglass pools as infinity pools had to emerge. The solution? New technology in which the pool shell has a “ribbed” surface below its shell has come about. This makes the pool robust enough to be partially above the ground and partly below it. The strength of such a fibreglass pool is comparable to that of a concrete pool. Fibreglass is also more durable than concrete, so this is a good option all around.

View our article on the types of pool covers to keep your pool clean and safe!

Other aspects of Infinity Pools

In case you are already the proud owner of a fibreglass pool, you may think of turning it into an infinity pool. Nonetheless, this would pose a huge challenge due to construction aspects and technical structural problems. So, if you wish to own an infinity pool, think twice before you put in any pool in your backyard. Nonetheless, if you like the design of an already-existing fibreglass pool, it’s possible to transform it into an infinity pool. Fibreglass pools can undergo some structural modifications to their edges and infinity pools can be fabricated out of these.

Conclusion

Infinity pools may be costly as they are unique, and the cost largely depends on the pool’s unique installation. As a result of this, pools have varied costs and each pool has to be distinctly accounted for. In case there is a lot of structural work involved, your infinity pool may be expensive to fit in. Nonetheless, this is an investment that will serve you well for years to come.

Tips To Safely And Correctly Install A Diving Board

Diving boards, now, are not an accessory you can see only in public pools. Anyone can add it to their existing or new backyard swimming pool, provided all safety factors are thoroughly considered. Both kids and adults can have unlimited fun with diving boards. The important thing to remember is that they need to be placed properly. Safely and correctly installing diving boards will ensure that people can enjoy the diving experience without any worries.

Considerations for the installation of diving boards

The safety considerations for installing diving boards typically depend on the local authorities. So, before you decide to install one, it is necessary to contact them to know the specifications in your locality. You should also apply for a permit and make sure that your municipality has not placed any bans on domestic diving boards. Do thorough research on building laws and enlist the help of a building inspector before you make a huge monetary investment.

Check out our tips for perfect nighttime swimming!

Depth considerations for the installation of diving boards

Typically, your swimming pool should have a depth of between 7.5 and 9 feet to have a comfortable diving experience. Several municipalities have regulations specifying the minimum depth the pools should have before you can consider installing diving boards. Manufacturers also give recommendations to pool owners on the minimum depth requirements. It is also not necessary to have this recommended depth throughout the entire swimming pool. The hard and fast rule concerning the depth involves the region situated directly below your diving board. This region is generally referred to as the deep end or the hopper.

View how a retaining wall  can be protective barrier for your pool!

Size considerations for the installation of diving boards

Along with depth consideration, the size of the pool is also considered before installing diving boards. Generally speaking, the diving board can only be installed in a swimming pool that has specifications of 16′ x 32′ or larger. If your pool is smaller than the required specification, you may not be able to install a board. If you have more space in your backyard and want a diving board, consider expanding the pool.

Expanding the pool is also where the space at the shallow end is considerably less than at the deep end. This is an important consideration, especially if you have weak swimmers or young kids in your family. You should take all these things into account when choosing the size of your pool.

You can also add pool stairs with a sun ledge or tanning ledge. Kids can use this as the pool’s entrance and exit. An appropriate length of the shallow region is also necessary to fulfil the slope criteria required for pools with diving boards.

Here’s why you should take care of fibreglass pool stains quickly!

Other requirements

There are some other aspects you have to consider before installing diving boards.

  • Above-ground pools are not suitable for diving boards since they cannot be constructed deep enough.
  • The shape of the pool does not play an important role in whether you can install diving boards or not. It is enough if the pool has enough depth and a proper slope.
  • Never move diving boards from your old pool to the new one without proper consideration.

Check out the five reasons why you need a small pool!

Installing a diving board

After you have decided that you want to install a diving board and have obtained a permit for it, the next step is the installation process. Installing the board is a complicated process during which you should adhere to all the safety regulations recommended by authorities and manufacturers. These regulations are recommended to avoid serious accidents or worse, even death. There are specifications related to minimum depths and distances that should be followed at all costs.

You can purchase a diving board that suits your needs from the numerous choices available on the market. After you have purchased the board, carefully read the installation instructions that come with the board. Attempting to install a diving board all by yourself is a dangerous affair, especially for inexperienced people. This is because any minute mistake can give rise to dangerous accidents. It is advisable to take the help of a skilled and experienced professional to install the board to have a safe diving experience.

Keep safe around the pool with these tips!

Base installation

Place the diving board’s base at the midsection of your deck. You should make sure that this is the deeper side of your pool. Before deciding on the position, make sure that all minimum distance requirements are fulfilled. After deciding on the mounting site, make sure you will be installing it straight onto the concrete. If your deck has tiles near the region you are planning on installing the board, remove them with a chisel. Pour new solid concrete that has a minimum compressive strength of 3500 PSI. This point should be as sturdy as possible. It bears the majority of the weight and stress when you use the board.

Here are some tips for buying a winter cover for your pool!

Set the bolts

Use a 606/608 bolt jig for setting bolts on the board. The bolt caps generally come in yellow and red. The typical “RED” tipped bolts are placed on the board in the position nearest to the swimming pool. Before pouring in the concrete, make sure the jig is properly aligned because it could have moved during transportation. The cement thickness should be around eight inches. 1.5 inches of the bolt should be exposed when you are pouring the concrete. Let the concrete cure in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions. After it has dried, remove any extra concrete and flatten the surface with a chisel. This will bring the base level with the surface. Once this is finished, you can take off the coloured bolt caps.

After the diving board is placed and fastened, check the level or slope of the board with the deck. The height gap between the end of the deck and the board’s tip should not be more than 6 inches.

Check out our weekly maintenance guide!

To Conclude

Installing a diving board in your home pool is exciting. But it is also necessary to make the installation perfect to avoid accidents and fatalities in the future. It is advisable to take the help of a professional agency if you have decided to install a board in your home pool. This will ensure that the divers are safe and everyone can enjoy themselves stress-free.

Tips For The Perfect Nighttime Swimming

Swimming is an exercise that is beneficial irrespective of the time you do it. It is a low-impact exercise that gets your whole body moving and keeps you fit. A lot of people prefer to swim rather than spend an hour or two sweating in a gym. But many may not find time to go for an early morning swim or even during the day owing to the fast-paced life in today's world. Some may even prefer swimming at night to enjoy the beautiful starry skies while swimming. Whatever the reason for the choice of swimming at night, it is important to follow some tips to make your nighttime swim sessions safe and enjoyable.

Ways to make your nighttime swimming a perfect experience

Nighttime swimming in itself is an enjoyable experience with the beautiful stars, gentle breeze, privacy, and serene quietness. It is an excellent way to unwind after a stressful day. But you can use some simple tricks to make your nighttime swimming a bit safer and more pleasurable for you and your family. This will also come in handy when you want to organise an evening poolside party.

Lighting

This is the most important thing, be it for nighttime swimming or for a pool party. Good and proper lighting enhances the visibility of swimmers and reduces the chances of untoward accidents. This is especially true if you have kids or pets who might want to join you during your nighttime swim sessions. Place an adequate amount of lighting around your swimming pool so that people can see the pool edges, the decorations you have placed on the pool deck, or even other swimmers.

See how to keep safe around the pool with these tips!

It is advisable to invest in underwater LED lighting so that you will be able to see the bottom of the pool at all times. This will help you in the case of accidents during nighttime swimming. Installing spotlights in the backyard and other locations close to the swimming pool is also a good idea. This will not only benefit the swimmers during nighttime swimming, but it will also help those sitting near the pool keep an eye on the swimmers. This is crucial to enjoying a stress-free swim session.

Keep the pool and pool area warm

Your pool may not feel chilly every night. But it is a good idea to invest in a water heater to help you during the cold nights. Keeping yourself immersed in chilly water at night for a long time can be harmful to your health. It can cause issues like muscle cramps, particularly during the winter. Install a good water heater to keep your pool water warm.

It is also advisable to keep your poolside warm along with your swimming pool. Install a fireplace or a fire pit where you can warm up after a swim on chilly nights. This can also serve as a place for guests to gather and warm up during nighttime pool parties. A fireplace will also increase the overall charm of your pool area.

Check out the five reasons why you need a small pool!

Install pool fence

A pool fence is necessary if you are a regular nighttime swimmer. It will keep both animals and intruders out so that you can peacefully swim at night. Additionally, fencing will keep children from going into the pool area without adult supervision during the night. Many pool owners fear that a fence will ruin the overall look or aesthetic of their pool area. But now, with a variety of pool fences available, you can choose the best one that matches the overall look of your pool. Along with the pool fence, you can also invest in a pool alarm that will alert you in case there is an intrusion in your pool area.

Here is our guide on weekly maintenance for your fibreglass pool!

Drive the bugs out

Bugs can spoil a perfect evening you might have planned by your pool. Luckily, there are numerous approaches to avoid them without using dangerous chemicals. For example, you can experiment with things like mosquito dunks, tiki torches, citronella candles, and pest control lights. There are also some other techniques you can use to keep the bugs at bay. Some of them include:

  • Use a ceiling fan or portable fans
  • Clean your gutters regularly
  • Plant marigolds
  • Keep mint teabags on and around the deck
  • Build a fire

Play some music

Playing some soothing music is a good way to make your nighttime swim a relaxing and meditative experience. Play some light pop or jazz to have a soothing effect on your mind. Remember to keep the volume low so that you do not disturb your neighbours who are sleeping.

Here’s what you need to know about pool renovation!

Do pool landscaping

During nighttime swimming, it is ideal to have a bit of privacy, so you should think carefully before choosing the landscaping elements and fencing. People are usually busy throughout the day. So they may not pay much attention to your swimming pool during the daytime. However, during the night, you most definitely do not want to annoy your neighbours or feel as though you are in their direct line of sight. In addition to your regular fencing, plants, trees, and shrubs can be used to make your pool area more private and tranquil. These bushes do a great job of reducing noise and obstructing the view of your swimming pool. Evergreen shrubs and trees are the best choices as they are robust and full. But it is better to keep away from fruit-bearing plants as they can make the pool area a mess.

These are the types of pool covers to consider for your pool!

Avoid swimming sleepy

It is important to remember that you should avoid going for a swim during the night if you are feeling sleepy and tired. When your body is worn out, some muscles might not function properly. Additionally, being drowsy makes it harder for you to think critically, which increases your chances of drowning. You should always let someone know when you are going for a nighttime swim. This will ensure that you will get timely help when needed.

If you’re wondering how long it will take for your fibreglass pool to be installed, see our article on it here!

Wrapping Up

When done right, swimming during the night can be a remarkable and relaxing experience. Many people shy away from swimming at night due to safety concerns. By following proper precautions and using some simple tips, nighttime swimming can be made enjoyable and safe too.

How A Retaining Wall Can Be A Protective Barrier For Your Pool

Are you wondering if your fibreglass pool needs a retaining wall? A big challenge that pool installers face when they come to install pools in people's homes is the inaccurate grade of their yard. It's rare to walk into a backyard and find that the ground is level.

When the ground isn’t level, the pool installer may have to add gravel or other kinds of backfilling in order to get by without needing to add expensive walls. But if you do get a retaining wall, that is, the kind of wall that surrounds your pool, your backyard will look more aesthetic. A retaining wall can really add to the beauty of your backyard.

When Do You Need a Retaining Wall for Your Pool?

Before you add a retaining wall to your backyard, you’ll need to determine whether you really need one first. There are pool owners who don’t even know what retaining walls are, much less if they need them. This can, however, spell a disaster for a homeowner should they want to add a retaining wall later. There will be no space to divert water that needs to be diverted.

As a result, rainwater could come down the slope of the retaining wall when it rains. All the dirt and debris present in the rainwater will also be carried down into your fibreglass pool.

If your backyard has a slope that rainwater can use to get down to a spot that is level, where you’re most likely to install your pool, you can get a French drain. This drain will catch the rainwater before it reaches your patio. But should you find yourself cutting into the grade of your backyard in order to install your pool, then this solution may not work for you.

Here’s how to keep safe around the pool!

What You Should Know About Retaining Walls for Swimming Pools?

If you want to add a retaining wall around your fibreglass pool, then consider integrating it into your home’s general aesthetic. You can have a patio built that’s elevated, which always looks appealing. You could either surround your patio with the retaining wall, or the fibreglass pool itself. You can even add cascades into it as well.

Consider ensuring that your wall can be between 20 and 24 inches. This allows you to use the wall as a sitting wall. Note that all retaining walls aren’t designed to keep the water from entering your pool deck. There are times when retaining walls are constructed in order to keep the pool in the proper place. In such cases, if you make use of the right backfill as wellness compaction, you may not need to add a retaining wall at all.

Should gravel be required at the time you’re having the retaining wall installed, then the cost of that gravel may be more expensive than the cost of building the wall. There should be space in your backyard that lends itself to grading, where the area isn’t too steep. In order to determine what the slope is, this depends on the amount of dirt that is left behind from excavating the pool. Some homeowners may need extra dirt in order for the slope to be feathered out.

Check out why you should take care of fibreglass pool stains quickly!

Why Does Your Pool Need a Retaining Wall?

People whose backyards are graded and levelled will not usually need to add a retaining wall around their pool. However, even if you don’t need it, you could still choose to have one built. You don’t always need to add a retaining wall in order to endure your pool can pass the building codes of your area.

Should your yard be on a slope, on the other hand, a retaining wall may be necessary. A retaining wall for a pool can prevent dirt, debris, soil, and other contaminants from running down a slope and into your fibreglass pool or the patio. Should your backyard have a high slope, then it’s at risk of faster erosion with time. A retaining wall can act as a durable and protective barrier that keeps soil as well as rocks from entering your patio or the pool. This helps prevent serious damage.

In homes where the soil is loose or sandy, a retaining wall will be needed to ensure the pool stays in place. In places where the humidity levels are high and there’s also a lot of rainfall, the soil could become vulnerable to erosion.

Before you decide whether you should get a retaining wall or not, first talk to your pool installer. They’ll be able to inspect your backyard’s grading in order to determine whether the soil is stable or not. After they’ve done a thorough inspection, they can let you know whether you need a retaining wall or not.

Designing and Building a Retaining Wall

When you know that your fibreglass pool needs a retaining wall, it’s time to think about its design and construction. Contractors don’t always build retaining was exactly the same. But most will use a concrete slab or a footer in order to start the project.

After the concrete has been poured, steel rebar will be run through its length, in order to add reinforcement. Bricks and even cinder blocks can be stacked, in order to form the wall. Then, they’ll be filled with mortar as well as rebar which will tie them back to the footer.

Paver boards can be added to the top of the retaining wall. It will need to be secured with mortar. You can even add unique features to your pool wall, which make the area look interesting and also add to the property value of your home.

Here is a weekly maintenance guide for home pools!

Conclusion

A retaining wall can be essential for some pools, but not essential for others. Even if your fibreglass pool doesn’t need a retaining wall, you can still choose to add one for aesthetic reasons. Use this guide to learn what a retaining wall is, and determine whether you should get one or not. Retaining walls can help you protect your pool while also increasing the property value of your home.

Why You Should Take Care Of Fibreglass Pool Stains Promptly

If you own a fibreglass pool, then you'll eventually notice stains forming. It could be as little as a month before you notice a stain starting to form around the water line. If you leave it alone, you'll find that this stain doesn't go away by itself.

At this point, you could be wondering if your pool maintenance was off in any way. This isn't your fault in any way, but something that naturally happens with fibreglass pools. If you own a fibreglass pool, it will stain eventually. And when this happens, you should get rid of the stain immediately.

Here's What You Should Know About Fibreglass Pool Stains:

Fibreglass Pool Stains Aren't Unusual

One of the advantages of getting a fibreglass pool, especially one that is gel-coated, is that it isn’t porous in the same way plaster pools are. This means that your pool won’t become rough or etched. Fibreglass feels smooth but is susceptible to the growth of algae.

As the surface is super slick, stains can firm as well. Even a fibreglass pool with a gel coat will stain easily.

Here are some tips on buying a winter pool cover!

Stains Aren't Random

There are several things that could cause stains on the surface of your fibreglass pool. The chemicals in your pool could be imbalanced or there could be high levels of metal in it. Sometimes, foreign objects can also stain fibreglass pools. Sunblock and swimmers who use a lot of body oil can also cause stains to form in your fibreglass pool.

The Importance Of Water Balance

You’ll need to test your water balance regularly if you want the optimal standards related to water balance to be maintained. The pH balance of your fibreglass pool should be between 7.2 and 7.4.

The total alkalinity of your pool water needs to be between 80 and 100 parts per million. The chlorine in your pool should either be at or above 1 part per million. And the calcium hardness of your pool needs to be between 200 and 400 parts per million.

Should any of these numbers fall out of the optimal range, then stains can develop in your pool. If you want to prevent pool stains from forming, then you’ll need to check the water balance of your pool regularly and add chemicals as needed.

Check out our guide on what you need to know about pool renovation!

What Causes Stains In Fibreglass Pools?

Your pool can either be stained by organic stains or inorganic stains. Let’s first look at what the organic stains are.

Organic Stains In Fibreglass Pools

There are two kinds of organic contaminants that can cause your fibreglass pool to stain. These include:

Leaves And Pollen

Usually, organic stains are caused by leaves as well as pollen. Organic stains aren’t difficult to clean. You can just use your regular pool brush to clean these stains. Sometimes, however, organic stains can be slightly sticky and difficult to just brush off. In such cases, you may think this is an inorganic stain.

But organic stains like these disappear eventually within a few weeks or a month. If it doesn’t come out in an easy way, don’t just assume that the stain is organic.

To prevent organic stains from forming in your fibreglass pool, ensure that you keep your pool clean. Clean out any leave or pollen that falls in your pool, especially during Autumn.

Prep your fibreglass pool for a fantastic summer with these tips and guidelines here!

Algae

Algae can also cause organic stains to form in your pool. This is the result of low levels of free chlorine. The colour of algae can be yellow, green, as well as black. Getting rid of algae requires you to shock your pool.

In order to determine that you’re dealing with stains caused by algae, conduct an OCLT. Also known as an Overnight Chlorine Loss Test, you’ll need to add chlorine to your fibreglass pool water in the evening. Then, compare the reading of free chlorine in the morning to what it was the night before. If the amount of free chlorine falls by at least 2 ppm or more, then it’s an algae infestation.

You can spot green algae floating on the water sometimes. If you see yellow or even mustard algae, then you’ll need a lot of chlorine to get rid of it. You can spot black algae as well, in the form of black spots on the walls and the bottom of the pool.

Inorganic Stains In Fibreglass Pools

What causes inorganic stains include heavy metals such as iron, copper and magnesium. Stains can be formed after chlorine is added to the water. If the pH level increases sharply, then the metals in the pool will be oxidized, causing stains to form.

If you notice a stain that is light green, then this means that copper could be the culprit. Copper has a tendency of turning the colour of the water into a shade of green. Should the stain be yellow or brown, then this indicates that iron is causing the stain. In the case of magnesium, you’ll see a black stain developing.

Stains caused by iron look yellow when they appear on the steps and the walls of a fibreglass pool. Heavy metals could have found their way into your pool if you used water from a well or a borehole to fill your pool.

Minerals can also be deposited as a result of using pool chemicals that come with added metals. An example of this is an algaecide that is copper based. If the metal fittings in the pool are corroding, then this could leave behind stains as well.

You’ll need to use a stain remover with the right chemical formula, in order to get rid of inorganic stains from your fibreglass pool. Usually, however, it’s well water that causes inorganic stains to form.

Here are the types of pool covers to consider to keep your home pool clean and safe!

Conclusion

If your fibreglass pool starts to develop a stain, and it eventually will, then you’ll need to get rid of the stain immediately. If you don’t, then the stain can look more pronounced and will be more difficult to clean eventually. Use this guide to learn what causes fibreglass pools to stain, as well as what you can do to prevent stains from forming.

How To Keep Safe Around The Pool

In this blog post, we’ll explore some of the ways you can keep your family members safe around the pool so everyone has a fun time.

Getting a brand new swimming pool can be very exciting. You and your family can now join the envy that are pool owners. Everyone will be itching to get into the pool and enjoy the water and have some fun, however it is imperative that the pool is safe for the family. If the pool is not safe, the pool may not be deemed safe to use and until the problem is fixed, the pool will not be able to be used.

Fencing

All pools in Australia must have the right kind of fencing for the swimming pool to be deemed safe to use. If there are children in the family, the fence needs to be at least double their height so they can’t access the pool without adult supervision. There are plenty of beautiful fencing options available to choose from. While most people will go for looks over practicality, it is good to note that there are different fencing laws and regulations that vary by state. Doing adequate research on these regulations is important to avoid costly mistakes and also to avoid breaking the law and deeming your pool unsafe to use.

Check out how long it takes to install a fibreglass pool!

Having a fence can also keep unwanted visitors out of the family pool. If the family goes on holiday, wild animals may take to swimming in the pool or even the next door neighbour’s kids. This is when having an appropriate fence can be extremely useful.

Pool Toys

A lot of pool toys are built to float in the pool. Aside from their obvious purpose – to splash around and have fun with – they can be excellent flotation devices in the event of an emergency. Keeping the pool toys locked away outside of pool usage is also a good practice. This is to prevent children from potentially tripping over the pool toys and to avoid them from getting injured or worse.

There are many pool toys available to purchase. An even better option would be to purchase a safety ring like the ones that lifesavers use, and keep it strapped to the pool fence or close by so it can be thrown out if there is an emergency.

Pool covers are also an excellent way to let unwanted guests or your children know that the pool is not open. Here are the types of pool covers to consider to keep your pool clean and safe!

Pool Rules

Unlike beaches or at supervised pools, there aren’t a specific set of rules for the swimmers to follow. Most of it comes down to personal choice and parental supervision. Having a set of rules that everyone follows ensures that everyone stays safe. Some rules can include:

– No running around the pool

– Do not swim without adult supervision

– No food or drinks

– No roughhousing

– Do not dive into the shallow end

– Do not push others into the pool

Store Chemicals Out Of Reach

Many pools require chemicals to function properly, and also so they are safe to swim in. A lot of these chemicals, like chlorine, are poisonous to ingest and can harm young swimmers. Through storing chemicals out of reach and even in locked cupboards that only the adults can access, this drastically brings the chances of that happening down.

While dangerous to ingest, do not be fooled, as many of these chemicals keep your pool safe to swim in. Making sure you maintain your pool chemicals is vital, as too much chlorine can cause stinging eyes a number of other health problems.

(If you aren’t sure whether your backyard is suited to a backyard pool, check out our handy guide here!)

Keep your pool chemicals out of reach, and you will ensure that no accidents happen.

Invest In A Pool Alarm

Pool alarms allow you to be notified whenever someone enters the pool, or when large movement has been detected in the water. This means that you can be alerted to whenever someone has fallen in or if someone is using your pool without permission.

There are a range of pool alarms that you can invest in. Many affordable ones are available on the market and with the right research, you will be able to find a reputable one. Pool alarms mean that you can sleep extra easy at night and rest assured during the day that no one is using your pool.

With summer coming, it’s vital to make sure your pool is summer ready! View our guide here!

Security Cameras

A tried and true option. Installing security cameras around the pool area can deter unwanted visitors, and means that you can keep an eye on your children while they swim. It is important to note that direct adult supervision is safer and better, compared to using just security cameras.

Sometimes its not feasible for an adult to be home, especially if they work full time. Your child may want to cool off after school or take a quick dip. Knowing that you are aware of what’s happening can ease your mind about them using the pool without an adult there to watch. With the leaps and bounds in technology these days, security cameras can be connected to your phone so you are always in the loop of what’s happening in your backyard pool.

Make sure you maintain your pool well with our weekly maintenance guide! See the article here!

Conclusion

Swimming pools can be sources of joy and fun for the whole family. You can finally enjoy having a BBQ by a pool or inviting your friends and family over to catch up on the weekend. After all, you’ve just invested a lot of money into the pool.

However, investing in safety options early can prevent accidents in your pool. Some kids will find the rules to be overbearing and annoying but if you explain what the consequences are if the rules are not followed, they may understand them better. If in doubt about creating these rules, making sure that nobody goes into the pool unless an adult is there is a simple and easy solution.

For final thoughts, just remember that you can’t put a price tag on safety and sometimes it’s better to invest money into it than have something unexpected happen and not be able to undo it.

Here at Barrier Reef Pools NZ, we have experts who can advise you on the best options for safety as well as help you in getting a start on installing a swimming pool into your backyard. Get in contact with us today! Our team would be more than happy to help.

Five Reasons Why You Need A Small Pool

In this blog post, we’ll discuss the five reasons why you should consider purchasing a small pool. Not just because of size constraints in your backyard, but because of other reasons as well.

In pictures of gorgeous houses and in the backyards of your neighbours, you may be used to seeing a large family pool. So many TV shows and movies stylise having huge swimming pools and it can cause dreaming pool owners to give up on their vision of one day owning a pool if their backyard is small. However, that is not always the case and generally, a lot of pool companies enjoy advertising their small pool range because they want everyone to have the best chance at being able to own a pool.

Reason 1: Less Maintenance

In your research for potentially purchasing a pool, you would have come across many articles about how pools can be a lot of maintenance. And if you want the maintenance to be lessened, automating your pool is the best option (but it can be expensive).

A small pool means that the maintenance for the pool will be a lot less than a typically sized pool. You can rest assured that all you have to do is make sure the water pH level is stable and the water is safe to swim in and you can hop in and have a dip.
A small pool means that the maintenance for the pool will be a lot less than a typically sized pool. You can rest assured that all you have to do is make sure the water pH level is stable and the water is safe to swim in and you can hop in and have a dip.

Here is our weekly maintenance guide for home pools!

Reason 2: Cost

It’s no secret that larger pools require more money to be invested into installing and purchasing it. Bigger pools obviously need more water and filling it up can knock a hole in your water bill for a while. Smaller pools are cheaper to purchase and install as less work needs to go into it. When pools are installed, the ground needs to be dug out and that can take time and the work of an excavator (which costs money). Smaller pools can save you the heartache of spending a lot of money on your first pool, especially if the backyard space isn’t there.
It’s no secret that larger pools require more money to be invested into installing and purchasing it. Bigger pools obviously need more water and filling it up can knock a hole in your water bill for a while. Smaller pools are cheaper to purchase and install as less work needs to go into it. When pools are installed, the ground needs to be dug out and that can take time and the work of an excavator (which costs money). Smaller pools can save you the heartache of spending a lot of money on your first pool, especially if the backyard space isn’t there.

Here’s how to prep your pool for summer!

Reason 3: Backyard Space

Property size has downsized in recent years, meaning that the dream of owning a pool may have diminished long with it. However, like we stated above, many pool companies now stock smaller pools to cater to this new territory. Small pools mean that you can own a pool, even though your backyard space doesn’t have the space needed for a larger one.
Property size has downsized in recent years, meaning that the dream of owning a pool may have diminished long with it. However, like we stated above, many pool companies now stock smaller pools to cater to this new territory. Small pools mean that you can own a pool, even though your backyard space doesn’t have the space needed for a larger one.

Small backyards can snugly fit a small pool, without taking away from the overall space. Some pool owners even prefer purchasing a smaller pool even though they have space for a larger pool because they still want heaps of backyard space.

Reason 4: Increased Property Value

You may think that just because you want to purchase a small pool that the value of the house won’t increase as much. You would be right in assuming that. Smaller pools don’t hold as much value as larger pools do when it comes to increasing property value. However, this doesn’t mean that they don’t hold any value at all. A pool is still a pool and regardless of its size, it does increase the value of your property. Some people don’t feel the need for a large pool and would much prefer a smaller pool to fit their needs better.
You may think that just because you want to purchase a small pool that the value of the house won’t increase as much. You would be right in assuming that. Smaller pools don’t hold as much value as larger pools do when it comes to increasing property value. However, this doesn’t mean that they don’t hold any value at all. A pool is still a pool and regardless of its size, it does increase the value of your property. Some people don’t feel the need for a large pool and would much prefer a smaller pool to fit their needs better.

With the property market rising, now is the time to invest in installing a small pool to future proof your property if you ever want to sell it. A small pool allows potential house buyers to have the best of both worlds, compared to the ones who have to choose between a large family pool or no pool at all.

Check out the different types of pool covers to consider to keep your home pool clean and safe!

Reason 5: It’s Fun!

Swimming pools can be heaps of fun for you and the family. Smaller pools also mean that you can enjoy sitting in your pool for a cooldown. You can utilise the space for entertaining or for a focal point to build your backyard features around (though we personally think that your pool will be the main feature!).

Imagine coming home after a long day at work and you know you have a relaxing pool waiting for you to sink into and let the day’s stress wash away. Plus, there are plenty of pool toys and accessories out in the market that allow you to personalise your pool area.

A small swimming pool allows you to achieve the dream of being a pool owner, while cutting costs on maintenance and installation costs. Plus, if you choose the right kind of pool, you can still swim in it like one of the larger pools.

To Conclude:

We think that owning a small pool has many advantages. These reasons only scratch the surface of why you should consider a small pool and we encourage you to do as much research as you can before making a decision. Just like larger pools, you are still investing a large amount of money into installing the pool and purchasing it and once the hole is dug, there’s no going back. Unless you want to turn your hole in the ground into a skateboard bowl.

Small pools have all the fun of a big pool, with probably less than half the costs needed to run it. It is the perfect addition to your backyard space, even if its a small one. Pools are incredibly good investments and they can add value to your property, and small pools are no exception.

Knowing all the facts before purchasing a pool can save you pricey mistakes, plus it can make the process all the more smoother. Here at Barrier Reef Pools New Zealand, we have a qualified team of pool experts who can help you decide between our range of pool sizes to best get your fit for your backyard. Contact us today so we can help you make the right decision on what pool to purchase!

Why is Your Pool Warranty So Important?

There can be a lot of unforeseen and costly pitfalls in life. In order to protect yourself from these, you have insurance policies. A warranty works in a similar way, except it agrees to provide coverage for a product against unexpected losses or problems. Fibreglass pool warranties work the same way. Regardless of what type of pool you have or what elements you avail of, you can use warranties to protect your investment.

It is important to note that fibreglass pools are of high quality. Even though they are relatively new to the market, their reputation has been stellar. If you get one from a reputable contractor, the chances of problems will reduce significantly. However, this doesn’t mean that something unforeseeable might not pop up. Fibreglass pools are a big investment and you must make sure that you get coverage for any defects, wear, or damage. If not, you might have to pay a lot for pool replacements and repairs.

For more pool tips and tricks, check out our blog!

Fibreglass Pool Warranties

In the case of a fibreglass pool warranty, you sign a contract with the licensed builder. If you want, you can get a structural warranty as well, which comes from the company that manufactured the mould. Depending on the manufacturer, this can vary. You have to ask the manufacturer and builder about what the warranty entails and what will be covered. 

A lot of builders will offer you structural warranties for more than a decade. Your pool will be microchipped to ensure that they can know the source of their problems and rectify it as soon as possible. With the microchip, they can pinpoint the exact issue that occurred on the exact day.

A pool shell warranty is different from your equipment and installation warranty as it comes from the manufacturer. It covers the internal shell of your fibreglass pool. Depending on the manufacturer, the warranty period might differ. Discuss your options with the pool builder and learn more about the warranty.

There will be some differences in the terms and conditions as well. You can decide what repair costs you want to include and those which you want to exclude. Your manufacturer will let you know the dos and don’ts of your pool. If not, you can usually find them on their websites. If you want to make sure that your warranty doesn’t get void, you have to stick to these guidelines. If possible, journal all the maintenance schedules.

What does a fibreglass pool warranty cover?

Most pool companies provide long warranties with the fibreglass pool. This is because they know that their construction method is of high standard and the materials used in the installation are of high quality. These warranties also cover several areas of the fibreglass pool. Here are some of the options you might have:

Osmosis warranty

Osmosis occurs when there are bubbles or blisters on the surface of your pool. When this happens, water penetrates the fibreglass. The warranty covers weakened pool structure, blistering, and peeling caused by osmosis or chemicals. It is usually offered for a period of 10 years.

Equipment warranty

There are a lot of equipment and moving parts in a fibreglass pool that are required for it to function properly. These components ensure that your pool water is clean and safe. Every part will have a different warranty from the manufacturer. Depending on each piece of equipment, the warranties will vary between 1 to 3 years. However, if you want to make sure that your equipment remains in top shape, you must follow every single guideline written in the user manual. In case your equipment gets faulty because you didn’t abide by these guidelines, the repair or replacement won’t be covered.

Structural warranty

In this form of warranty, you will get coverage for manufacturing defects. It basically guarantees your fibreglass pool’s structural integrity. Make sure that the warranty offers coverage for 10 years.

Internal warranty

The internal pool warranty is for when the fibreglass pool’s internal gel coat colour finish gets affected by weather conditions or fades away. It usually offers a coverage of 10 years.

Installation warranty

You need a pool installation warranty to ensure that you are protected from any installation defects. You usually get coverage of 2 years for non-structural defects and 6-7 years for structural defects. Read your contract thoroughly to make sure that you get the right coverage for the right period of time.

There are some other warranties that you might get such as plumbing warranty, pencil compaction warranty, and paving warranty. These warranties are usually for 5 to 10 years.

What to do when there is a problem?

The first person to contact after experiencing an issue with the fibreglass pool is the builder. They have years of experience dealing with the issues and will be able to help you. If you are unhappy with their service, you can seek information from the Fair Trading authority, and they can recommend a third-party company.

However, it is recommended that you get your fibreglass pool installation done by a reputable builder as they will be able to help you during a problem as well. With their help, the whole process, including the excavation, installation, and making sure that the pool functions optimally, will be easy-going and smooth. Their work will be of top quality, which will reduce the number of problems you face in the future.

In Conclusion

After the pool has been installed, you have to take care of it properly. With regular maintenance, your fibreglass pool’s longevity will increase and there won’t be as many malfunctions. For fibreglass pools, a comprehensive pool handover must be done. How well your pool works in the future will depend on the water balance and pH of your pool. You have to maintain the chemical balance or else you will be facing a lot of issues in the future. Also, buy a pool cover as it will significantly reduce the operation costs. Since the water won’t be exposed to sunlight or air, it won’t evaporate easily. 

So, we hope that this article helped you understand what pool warranties are and why they are important. Investing in them today will save you a lot of money and hassles in the future.

How Long Does It Take To Install A Fibreglass Pool?

One of the most common questions we get asked here at Barrier Reef Pools New Zealand is "how long does it take to install a fibreglass pool?" Unlike some other pool types, fibreglass pools are premade and extremely straightforward to install. If all goes to plan, you could have a fibreglass pool installed in as little as a week however, sometimes unexpected delays occur and this can extend the timeframe slightly. Here are some things that potentially delay your fibreglass pool installation.

Contributing factors that may delay your pool installation:

The season you choose to have your pool installed

Some times of the year are busier than others. For example, summertime is always the busiest season to install a pool. The weather warms up and everyone wants a pool for swimming in during the silly season. This time of year is when we receive the largest influx of enquiries, and it’s the busiest time of year for pool installations as well. Unless you have booked reasonably early, it’s unlikely that you will get your pool installed at the exact time you may have hoped. If you would like your pool installed in the summertime or in the lead-up to the hotter months, we recommend contacting your preferred pool builder a year in advance at the minimum.

In the lead-up to Christmas, there is usually a surge in construction-related projects, everyone wants to get their building work done before they finish up for the year. If you want to wait the least time possible, it’s a good idea to look at a winter installation. This is when people least likely want a pool installation as they typically won’t be using it as much during this time. Installing a pool at this time does have its advantages. The main one is that it will be entirely finished as soon as the warmer weather starts.

Check out what customers have to say about us!

Local council approval delays

Almost all new pools in New Zealand require a building consent. In most instances, an application will need to be lodged and approved before any work can commence. Your pool builder will typically take care of the permit approvals for you or at the very least, provide you with detailed information on how to navigate through the process, including what you’ll need and what is involved.

The time it takes to receive approval back can vary. Again, in summer, council authorities are likely to receive a high volume of applications so it may take longer than normal. While your pool builder should submit your application early, delays are uncontrollable and sometimes they do occur regardless of how early the paperwork has been sent off ahead of time. If this does happen, unfortunately, your pool builder cannot legally start your pool installation until they have received this back.

Curious to see our pool production process? Check it out here!

How easily your backyard can be accessed and the condition or terrain of the ground that the pool is to be installed on

The simplest and quickest fibreglass pool installations are usually ones with easy access and a flat block. When there is good access to the pool site, the machinery can get straight into the location where the pool is to go. When there is not a lot of room to access the backyard, machinery may need to be lifted into the backyard. When the block is flat, this can minimise the amount of groundwork that is needed to even out the site to make way for the pool. If your ground has a lot of rock in it, this can consume more time and a more robust type of machinery may be needed to dig it up.

Other contractors working on your installation

Contrary to popular belief, there are several other contractors involved when installing a swimming pool. Some of these include fencers, electricians, and concreters. In an ideal world, the contractors would be on-site at the exact time when required however, this doesn’t always go to plan. If a contractor is needed and they are unavailable, this can push back the completion date. The good news is that our team here at Barrier Reef Pools New Zealand work closely with all our contractors, and we try our best to ensure that we align everything so there are no delays.

Rain

There’s not a great deal you can do when rain has set in for a prolonged period of time, and this can disrupt the pool finishing timeline.

Here are some common questions about fibreglass pool installations

How secure is a fibreglass pool once installed?

Fibreglass pools are structurally very strong and hard-wearing. Once installed by a reputable and licenced pool builder, the chances of your pool moving or slipping even millimetres is very rare. You should know that quality pool builders will have no hesitation in offering an extended warranty with their pools. All Barrier Reef Pools New Zealand fibreglass pools have a lifetime structural guarantee.

What's involved when installing a fibreglass pool?

Our fibreglass pools are constructed in a state-of-the-art manufacturing plant, and when you choose to get a pool installed with us, you simply pick one from our extensive collection, and it gets delivered to site rather than built on site. The best location will be chosen for your pool, and then the ground will be inspected and measured. The ground will be excavated to make way for the pool shell.

A strong foundation is laid as the base for the pool to sit on. The shell will be lifted into position using a crane, and it will be meticulously measured and levelled to ensure it is exactly where it needs to be. Backfill is placed around the pool and then compacted. Timber boxing will be built around the pool and concrete will be poured. The boxing is typically lower than the pool so that when your pavers are laid they are flush to the pool. Plumbing and electrical will be fitted, and then your pool can be filled with water.

The process of installing a fibreglass pool is simple, and you could be swimming much sooner than you think. If you have any questions about our pool installations that we did not cover in this post, feel free to reach out to our friendly team at Barrier Reef Pools New Zealand.

Is A Swimming Pool A Good Investment?

Swimming pools can be expensive, and if you are weighing up whether to get one, you may be curious to know if they are a good investment or not. In this post, we'll share our perspective on swimming pools and the reasons why we think they are a smart choice for every home.

When the climate is warm here in New Zealand, spending time outside enjoying the weather is a favourite pastime for many. A swimming pool makes the perfect addition to any backyard and complements our cruisy, outdoor-loving way of life.

Swimming pools can not only overhaul the appeal of your home but your lifestyle in more ways than one. Some people consider a pool a good investment because they add value to a property and typically much more than the pool costs, others consider a pool a good investment as it enhances their free time and the enjoyability that they get out of being at their home. Either way, a swimming pool offers undeniable benefits.

Let’s dive a little deeper into the reasons why a pool is a good investment

Adding value to your home

It is no secret that properties with pools are more expensive than ones without, although the same cannot be said if the home features an old and outdated pool that requires significant work or looks less than appealing. Kiwis love their pools so if you ever decide to sell your home down the track and you’ve made the decision to put in a pool, you can have peace of mind knowing that it will make your home more attractive to potential buyers and add value to the sale price. Fibreglass pools are a great choice for several reasons, they are more straightforward to install, they are easier to clean and maintain, they don’t rip clothing or cause scratches, and they are sleek and contemporary in design.

Know all the facts with our post on fibreglass vs concrete pools!

Can help you to keep healthy and active

One of the great things about swimming is you don’t have to do an intense set of laps to burn calories. Even paddling in the pool can help you to move your body and keep active. If you do want to turn up the intensity, you can do so at your own pace whenever you choose. Regular exercise can boost cardiovascular health and overall muscle growth. With a growing number of people leading sedentary lifestyles and more and more children resorting to online apps and video games, having a pool in the backyard is an investment for your and your family’s health and wellbeing.

Worried about not being able to use your pool in the cooler months? Check out our post on heated pools!

Takes your hosting to the next level

There’s no denying that attending get-togethers or events with a pool are more fun than those without. Having a pool enables you to centre your hosting around it, and it gives your guests something interactive to do while socialising rather than just sitting around. Whether you like to host Christmas, birthdays, or parties at your place, a swimming pool can take them to the next level when it comes to fun!

Can save you time

Have you sat in traffic painfully trying to go to the beach for the day? You’re not alone. Sometimes the hassle of having to pack half your house and sit in traffic makes going for a swim a major effort and not worth it. With a swimming pool, weekend wasting becomes a thing of the past. You can swim whenever your heart desires, night, day and 365 days a year without even having to leave your home. Additionally, you won’t have to share your swimming space with others and you can swim in complete privacy.

Draws the entire family outside

The benefits of being outside are almost endless. Some of these include boosting mood and lowering blood pressure. A swimming pool draws the whole family outside for some fresh air and quality time together. Rather than sitting inside watching TV or on devices, you spend the afternoon bonding, laughing, and getting in some exercise. If you’re like most, you’ll have fond memories of swimming in a pool and having your own pool enables you to make new lifelong memories with those you care about most.

Check out out post on whether or not your backyard is suited for a swimming pool!

Unwind on demand

Life gets crazy at times, and having an outlet to unwind is essential for maintaining good health and mental wellbeing. A swimming pool can be used for more than just swimming and having fun. You can use your pool to sit in and relax after a big day. Being submerged in water has many advantages, such as lowering stress and reducing inflammation. Even if you don’t want to swim in the pool, sitting by it can offer therapeutic benefits and it makes a great place to sit and relax with a cup of coffee or a book. Being able to do this from your home ensures that you have an accessible way to relax on demand, and the more time you are making for yourself, the better you are likely to feel in general.

Makes your home look better

A swimming pool, when done well, will dramatically enhance the aesthetics of your backyard. It can give your backyard the wow factor and creates a point of interest. With some clever paving, landscaping and perhaps some pool lighting, you’ve got yourself a showstopping feature in the backyard. You can design your pool to tie in with your home to create cohesion between the spaces as well as ensure it suits your lifestyle to a tee.

The verdict

Whether you want to add a pool to your home for financial gain or to improve your lifestyle, they are a fantastic investment! Having a pool of your own can transform the appeal and function of your home and enhance how you spend your free time. What better way to spend the weekend than with those you care about, with a BBQ or meal and a dip in the pool. Does it get much better? We think not! If you are looking for a stunning fibreglass pool for your home, look no further than the team here at Barrier Reef Pools New Zealand. We fit and install world-class fibreglass pools and spas and we are confident we have something that you will find a worthwhile investment for your home. Contact us today to find out more.

Advantages And Disadvantages Of Pool Heaters

Winter can be one of the main reasons why people choose not to install a swimming pool. After all, why buy one when you can only use it for two and a half seasons? Nobody enjoys getting into a cold swimming pool for the first time. Imagine it during the coldest season of the year. There are a few ways to continue using your pool during winter, and here at Barrier Reef Pools NZ, we’ve got you covered. Pool heaters are a sure fire way to make sure that your pool stays in use, year round. Swimming in warm water sounds a lot better than in its icy counterpart, doesn’t it?

Looking for pool tips and tricks to take your fibreglass pool to the next level? Check out our blog for everything you need to know!

Benefits Of Using A Pool Heater

Continued Usage: In the colder months, it can be difficult to motivate yourself or other members of the family to continue using the pool. With pool maintenance taking a decent sized chunk out of your bill, it can often make you question installing a swimming pool in the first place. A pool heater takes that out of the equation, allowing year round usage. You can keep the pool cold in the warmer months and warm in the cooler months.

Recreational: Through using a pool heater, you and the family can still have a splashing good time. Without the added displeasure of freezing cold temperatures, you can still have fun playing pool games and float on a bed of warm water.

Fitness: Without a pool heater, especially in cooler temperatures, the pool has difficulty regulating the temperature. This can add pointless stress onto your body, potentially causing health problems. For the more serious swimmers out there, having a pool that has a regulated temperature means that you can continue your training year round, without worrying about the aforementioned issues.

There are different types of pool heaters. Solar, Electric, and Gas. Each of these has their pros and cons, as well as various price tags in accordance to their assemblies.

SOLAR HEATING

Solar Heating works by utilising the sun to power up the heater for free, repeating the process of filtering the pool water through using the solar panels.

This method of heating means that for it to work at its most efficiently, you would need to be positioned in a place where it is often sunny. This is because the sun must hit the solar panels in order for them to transfer that heat into the pool water through a unique filtration system.

Even if the house isn’t in the best area for the sun to reach the pool, the solar panels could still be positioned to maximise where the sun does shine over.

Pros

Free energy from the sun

Environmentally friendly

Low running costs

Cons

Needs the sun to heat up the pool

Weather dependent

Sometimes shade affected

ELECTRIC HEATING

Electric Heating works through pumping the pool water through a heating tank and pumping it back out at a higher temperature. Because the water is constantly being rotated through the different hot and cold channels, the pool remains warm.

Electric heaters are commonly known for being more eco-friendly and more efficient, however unlike the gas heating, it doesn’t heat up as quickly due to the heat being available at that exact moment, compared to electric heaters where it needs time to heat up.

Pros

Reusing energy from atmosphere

Very eco-friendly

Cons

Not very economical to run

Slow to heat up entire pool

GAS HEATING

Gas Heating is a relatively cheaper expense, in comparison to the previous two heating options. This method also heats up a lot faster than the previous two options, eliminating the long wait time for the pool to warm. This method uses natural gas or propane as fuel.

In colder temperatures, choosing this option may be a better investment. Though the carbon emissions for gas is relatively high, it is more efficient to heat up your pool.

Pros

Heats up pool very quickly

No shortage of natural gases

Cheap to purchase and install

Cons

Not as energy efficient compared to the other heating options

Very durable but tend to wear out faster than other heating choices

SOLAR COVERS

Another way to keep your pool warm in the winter season is to invest in a solar cover. Solar covers are placed over the pool and as the sun heats the water through the cover, the heat becomes trapped underneath, warming the water.

Solar pool covers are a lot cheaper than the other heating options as all it needs is to be in a location where the sun shines regularly. However, this is not a primary factor in why choosing solar covers is a positive thing.

Aside from heating up the pool, it can also save you money on your electricity bill. As the sun is not yet owned by any major corporations, it remains a free expense. 

Pros

You save water as there is less water evaporation due to the cover stretching out the entirety of the pool

Fewer chemicals used

Eco friendly as the pool heater will be used less (or not at all)

Cons

Initial costs may outweigh the usefulness in comparison to a pool heater

The solar cover does not last forever and will have to be replaced in order for it to retain its effectiveness.

Heat Pump

Heat pumps are another great option for a pool heating system. They are energy efficient (perhaps more so than the electric heating option) and have fairly low running costs in comparison to the previous options. 

Think of them as a fridge that works in reverse. Instead of pumping cold air into a closed space, they suck in warm air from the surrounding atmosphere and filter it out to the pool through the use of a piping system.

They are easy to install, as opposed to the other heating options. The only cons of this are its expensive price and how the heating isn’t as fast as the gas heaters.

Pros

Very energy efficient to use

Environmentally friendly

Low installation costs

Cons

Initial purchase price is costly

Not as fast as gas heaters

Final Thoughts

Each pool is different and it really depends on the size of the pool and the location of the pool and house. All factors that contribute to choosing the best possible choice for a pool heater. See our full pool range here!

Your budget will also be a factor in choosing a pool heater, and its important to note that choosing a low priced heating system may contribute to the overall quality. In this case, it may be better to choose quality over a low cost heating system.

The bottom line is that heating your pool is a great option, so you can use your pool year round. There are many positives to investing in a pool heater, and through some extensive research into those options, it can be a worthwhile investment.

Barrier Reef Pools New Zealand is all about bringing your dream fibreglass pool to life. While we don’t sell pool heaters, we are experienced in the pool industry and would love to help you find a suitable pool heater with our partners. Give us a call today so our friendly team can help out! 

Is my backyard suited for a swimming pool?

There are many things you will need to consider regarding whether your backyard is suitable for a swimming pool. All backyards can be varying in terms of the layout, size, access, and the quality of the soil. Regardless of whether you have a challenging block or not, you should be consulting with an experienced pool builder.

Go to our blog for more pool tips!

It is even more important if you have a sloped block or restricted access, to work with a pool builder who is confident and has the experience in installing pools in similar yards. This is for your assurance that they can provide your space with the most suitable design. 

Not only are the rock and slope in your background things to consider when planning your outdoor area and dream swimming pool. The team at Barrier Reef Pools New Zealand can give you some more information and the options you can choose, based on your backyard. If there are any questions regarding the suitability of a fibreglass pool for your home, feel free to call our friendly team at Barrier Reef Pools New Zealand today! 

Installing A Fibreglass Pool On A Sloping Block: 

Our state-of-the-art technology allows our team to be able to design fibreglass pools that will fit into practically any backyard. A lot of new and existing homes are built on some sort of sloping land. When installing on a slope, you can build a deck or patio around the pool, to allow the entertaining area and pool to come together into an attractive feature for your home. In cases where the slope can be flattened with some extra construction work, the best option might be adding a retaining wall to separate higher areas of your yard to the lower ones. The most important issue to address when putting in a swimming pool, or any landscaping on a sloping block is the drainage. Drainage must be installed and directed away from the home, to avoid the water flowing towards it. While drainage is very important for all pools, it is even more important for a pool built on a sloping block, because if it rains excessively or there’s a leak in your pool, it can erode the slope and damage the foundations, or even worse- your home. 

The costs associated with installing a fibreglass pool on a sloping block is varied. Total costs will depend on the machinery access and the steepness of the block, plus the quality of the soil and if there is rock present. To save money and time on the excavation and earthworks, when installing a fibreglass pool, it is best to avoid the steepest part of the yard. 

Considerations For How Much Space You Need For Your Pool In Your Yard: 

  • Will you landscape around your pool? 

  • Do you need space around the pool for daybeds and other furniture?

  • Will you require privacy from your neighbours? 

  • Will you add features like a pool shower, slides or water features in the future?

  • Will you need a grass area for kids to play and pets to use? 

  • Is outdoor entertaining a priority to you?

Generally, a pool and its surrounds will occupy about 25% of the total area of your backyard. This allows you the additional space to be able to create an entertaining area or room for the kids. If you are worried you don’t have the space to accommodate a swimming pool, keep in mind that we have a variety of pools to suit all backyards. The smallest pool is our Plunge Slimline pool (4.2m x 1.6m).

A good tip if you have limited space, is to install the pool close to the house or fence, as this will make the area that you have look bigger.

Council Regulations & Utilities: 

In the early stages of the process to install a pool, check with your local council regarding any zoning, safety or building regulations that you will need to comply with, and apply for a permit. Each state’s rules are slightly different. The important thing you need to avoid is installing the pool over storm drains, power, sewers, and gas pipes, as this will be quite costly if any repairs need to be made. Your local council will give you information of the utilities locations, and your pool expert can make sure not to install the pool on them.

Also, the other regulations to keep in mind are fencing laws. Australian law states that every swimming pool and spa must have a fence around it. You will find it easier to organise the pool fence in your yard, even before choosing your swimming pool, because the fence you legally need might impact the size of pool you are able to choose. Also, keep in mind if your property is in a flood zone, as there will generally be a lot more engineering work that will need to go into installing your new fibreglass pool. Barrier Reef Pools New Zealand have many years of experience in the pool building industry and we assist you to ensure all legal requirements are made throughout the process. 

We understand that the decision to invest in a swimming pool is lengthy and costly, so we pride ourselves on being honest and open with communication throughout the whole process from beginning to the end. Hopefully, you have found value in this article, and maybe have even found some hope if you had previously felt that your yard was too small or too steep! If you are in the market of purchasing a top-quality fibreglass swimming pool and would likesome advice around the suitability of your backyard, then please feel free to give the team at Barrier Reef Pools New Zealand a call today so our friendly team can help you!

Why It's Important to Keep Your Pool Area Clean During the Winter Months 

The swimming pool can be your family's favourite place to hang out during the summer months. You're likely to find people splashing water, enjoying themselves, and having fun during the sunny days of summer. But this can change drastically as soon as the winter months appear. 

If winter has set in, there’s nothing to worry about since summer will arrive soon enough. But before summer comes back, you need to ensure that the fibreglass pool is clean, healthy, and ready for your family members to use. This is why it’s necessary to clean your pool from time to time, even when it’s offseason. Your pool will still need attention from you. 

Check out our blog for more tips and tricks!

Why Maintaining Your Pool Is Important 

If you neglect your swimming pool during the winter months, then you’ll find that this is a mistake that turns out to be costly later on. When you keep your fibreglass pool water clean, you ensure that: 

  • The water health of the pool is maintained 

  • Health-related issues from swimming in the water can be avoided 

  • Expensive repairs can be avoided 

  • Pool toys can be safely stored 

  • The pool can be protected from damage 

Pool cleaning is both necessary and can help you protect your fibreglass pool. That way, as soon as summer arrives, using the pool is no problem. When your fibreglass pool is clean, you’ll find minimal growth of algae, as well as low debris accumulation. There are many other benefits to maintaining your pool as well. 

Cleaning your pool isn’t important just for the pool itself but also for the garden adjacent to it. You also ensure that the pool toys are maintained, as well as the trees that are close to the pool. 

Here is how you can keep your fibreglass pool clean during the winter months. 

Safely Storing Pool Accessories and Toys 

The first thing you should do is gather all the pool accessories and toys that won’t be used during the winter months. Children love their pool toys, and can spend hours entertained with them by the pool. You don’t want to have to buy new pool toys every summer, so safely storing the old pool toys is a good idea. 

You can also reduce incidents related to tripping over the toys and protect the toys from sun damage by safely storing them. Keep in mind that there are proper ways of storing these toys. If a toy is wet or has moisture, then it may develop mould and mildew. These are unhealthy for kids and bad for the toys as well. This is why pool toys should be stored in covered areas, such as a garage or a basement. This can also protect them from gathering dust or exposure to the snow. 

You can also consider using talcum powder as a way to protect inflatables from sticking together. This prevents damage as well. Store them in airtight containers. You can also think about cleaning the fences next to the pool. All pool accessories like umbrellas, chairs etc should be safely stored away as well. 

Maintaining the Garden 

If you want to keep your fibreglass pool clean during the winter months, then you’ll also need to care for the garden area adjacent to it. The trees will need to be trimmed. Falling leaves can also lead to a mess forming in a pool that is uncovered. If you cover your pool, then these leaves can gather on top of the pool cover and gather moisture. If you now your lawn and prime your trees, then you can prevent this from happening. 

Note that wet, rotting or soggy leaves have a tendency of being perfect for algae. You wouldn’t want an algae bloom in your pool, so keep the area around your pool clean. 

Taking Stock of Pool Chemicals 

Pool chemicals are needed to maintain the water health of your fibreglass pool. Any containers of pool chemicals you have can become useless upon the onset of the new season for swimming. This is why you should take stock to note what is useful and what isn’t. If any chemicals have become redundant, then you’ll need to discard them. Useful chemicals should be locked carefully so that kids and pets cannot access them. 

If you clean your pool area before the winter season starts, then this can save you a lot of work later on. 

Maintaining the Water Chemistry 

Chemicals used for pool closing are essential for keeping the water in the pool clean during the winter season. You’ll need to analyse the level of pool chemicals to determine the pH, the alkalinity, as well as the water hardness. You’ll also need to know how much free chlorine is in your pool before you can add chemicals to it. 

There are also winter algaecides that you can consider, as well as pool enzymes. These help maintain the water in the pool during the winter months. You can also visit a nearby pool store to learn what the best chemical options for balancing the pool water are. 

Cleaning the Pool Water 

Even if you and your family don’t use the pool during the winter months, algae have no such preferences. This is why you’ll need to maintain the water health of your fibreglass pool in the winter months as well. You can drain out some of the water and keep the pool covered during the winter. If you clean your pool thoroughly, then you can save effort when opening the pool during summer again. 

Consider giving your fibreglass pool a good scrub before you close it. Scrub the walls as well as the floor to remove any trace of algae. You can also think about making use of a leaf net so that debris can be removed before making your pool ready for winter. You’ll need to run filters as well so that tiny particles that could lead to the growth of algae can be cleaned out. 

Covering Your Pool 

If you cover your fibreglass pool, then you can ensure that the water is clean and that a lot of effort isn’t required when reopening your pool. You can also prevent problems like debris accumulating in the pool, algae, and even accidental falls. Having a pool cover also ensures that the rate of evaporation of the pool water is reduced and pool chemicals aren’t diluted. 

Conclusion 

Taking care of your fibreglass swimming pool during the winter months is important, and it can help ensure that the water health of your pool is maintained. Use this guide to properly take care of your fibreglass pool during winter. 

Feel free to reach out to our friendly team for support!

Can Fibreglass Pools Be Heated?

The best way to beat the summer heat is to take a dip in your swimming pool but what about the colder winter months?

Winter hibernation is natural for bears and bumblebees, not for your pool! Why neglect your pool in winter when you can use it with a heating system in place. Are you thinking if your fibreglass pool can be heated? Yes, it can be! 

It may sound unconventional but isn’t the thought of swimming in warm water on cold days exciting? Maximize your pool use when you have invested so much in its installation and maintenance. 

Check out our blog for more tips and tricks for Fibreglass Pools!

Are fibreglass pools suitable for heating?

Fibreglass pools are the easiest and quickest to heat, and they also retain heat better compared to vinyl-lined and concrete pools. That simply means you save on your energy bills. A pool heating system can be a blessing on cold winter days. You can continue your swimming workout, relax those sore muscles, and enjoy some fun time with your family in the pool.

You have various heating options available for your fibreglass pool. The most effective are solar heating, heat pumps, and gas pumps. The heating system that is best for your pool depends on the size, frequency of use, purpose, climate, and availability of the sun.

Understanding different options for heating a fibreglass pool

To make an informed decision it is important to know all the pool heating options and their pros and cons. 

Solar Heating

Solar power is one of the cleanest and most effective sources of pool heating. It is a cost-effective solution and extremely popular among pool owners all around the world. As the name suggests, it uses energy from the sun without releasing any harmful gases that cause air pollution. This environment-friendly option may have higher instalment expenses but in the long run, it will save you electricity and fuel bills compared to the other pool heating solutions.

As solar heaters harness the sun’s energy to warm your pool water, the system works best in sunny regions. Placing the solar panels in the sunniest spot in your home, like the roof or backyard can maximise the benefits. Solar heaters are low-maintenance equipment and do not involve much cleaning. Solar heaters can increase your pool’s temperature by up to 2 degrees within a couple of hours on clear, sunny days. On days with a cloud cover, it may take longer than usual to warm your pool, but a solar heater will not fail to work on most days. 

If you are looking at pro-environment, solar energy, you have several options to consider. 

Solar panels can be installed on sunny spots like the roof or lawn. They are easy to install and usually come with a warranty. Solar panels are suitable for small and large fibreglass pools. The working system is simple. It involves a solar collector, a pump, a valve, and a filter for removing debris. The water moves through the filter and is lifted by a low energy consuming pump to the solar collectors. These collectors are heated by the sun’s thermal energy and pass the heat to the water. The warm water is then sent back to the pool. A flow control valve diverts water through the collectors.

Solar panels occupy a large area for installation. Their heating efficiency depends on how many panels have been installed. With more panels, the heating can be quick and efficient. 

Solar mats are blanket-like units suitable for heating small pools. These solar mats are heated up by absorbing sun rays. When the pool water is pumped through these warm solar mats, they successfully raise the temperature of the pool water. Solar mats come in different shapes and sizes to suit different pool requirements. You need enough area to accommodate solar mats. The process of heating is rather slow through this method.

Solar dome pool heaters are compact in design as compared to solar panels and solar mats. This heating equipment looks cool and is ideal for heating inground and above-ground pools. The piping used for heating and circulating water is placed in the domes. Ideal for use in small pools, dome solar heaters may require some extra energy to pump water. These domes require less investment compared to solar mats.

Solar heaters can also be used in combination with other heating systems on days when the skies are overcast. This will reduce energy bills and keep your pool comfortably heated.

Solar blankets look like sheets of bubble wrap that float on the surface of your pool to keep the water warm. These are effective in heating the pool water during the y and trapping the heat at night. You can keep the solar blanket floating when the pool is not in use and roll it up when you want to swim. These solar blankets can be cut to fit the size of your pool making them ideal for any pool. 

Pros Of Solar Heating

  • Energy efficiency
  • Environment-friendly
  • Cost-effective
  • Makes no noise

Cons Of Solar Heating

  • Reliant on the sun 
  • Takes longer to heat water
  • Initial expenses are high
  •  

Gas Heating

Heating your pool with a gas heater or a gas pump is the most expensive method of warming your pool. However, you can use gas heating equipment any time of the year to maintain a consistent water temperature. 

Gas heating systems are reliable and heat water quickly and effectively. The running cost is expensive. Many homeowners use gas pool heating equipment in combination with solar heating to save valuable dollars. 

Pros Of Gas Heating

  • Lower installation cost
  • Quick heating
  • Not reliable on weather
  • Ideal for small pools and spas

Cons Of Gas Heating

  • Not an environment-friendly option
  • Running cost is high
  • Best used as a backup in combination with cheaper and eco-friendly heating alternatives

Electric Heaters

As the name suggests, electric heat pumps run on electricity. They are popular among homeowners as a pool heating choice. Electric heaters collect heat from the surrounding air. The air is then passed over a heat exchanger and an evaporator coil. The pump sends water into a heating tank where it gets warm and is sent back to the pool. The continuous exchange of hot and cold water keeps the pool temperature at a comfortable level.

Electric pool heaters can make your energy bills jump high. These are good for places with weak sunlight. Ideally, running electric heaters as a backup in combination with solar-powered pool heaters can be a money-saving option for you. 

Pros Of Electric Heat Pump

  • Costs less than its gas counterpart
  • Helps maintain a consistent temperature
  • Ideal for pools that are frequently used
  • Effective in warmer climates

Cons Of Electric Heat Pump

  • Takes considerable time to heat water
  • Not so efficient in cooler climates

Which pool heating option is right for me?

As mentioned, every pool heating option has its pros and cons. You can choose any method to heat your fibreglass pool. However, before taking a decision you must consider these important things.

  1. Budget

  2. Size of your pool

  3. How often do you need to heat your pool

  4. Will you benefit from heating your pool?

If you are confused and cannot decide, the ideal option is to discuss it with pool professionals. They have the experience and the knowledge to guide you select what suits your fibreglass pool and requirements best.

Can Fibreglass Pools Be Installed Above Ground?

Always dreamt of having a pool in your home? Worried about your backyard being unsuitable for an in-ground pool? Don’t get stressed, there’s always a solution!

Fibreglass pools are the easiest and quickest to install because they are pre-constructed in factories. Apart from that, fibreglass pools offer several other benefits. They are available in a wide range of designs that can fit into almost any backyard. For properties that do not have a suitable layout for an in-ground pool, the next best option is an above ground pool. Yes, it’s possible!

Fibreglass pools can be installed above the ground. Placing your pool above ground can also be highly beneficial. Fibreglass pools offer great flexibility when it comes to installations. It is possible to install fibreglass pools either inground, partially inground, or above ground. Above ground fibreglass pool shells are thicker and fortified for extensive support. With the right kind of installation, an above ground pool can be one of the best great assets in your home.

We have lots of information that will answer your questions about fibreglass pools! Check out our blogs here!

Before looking at how fibreglass pools can be installed above ground, it is important to know all your options.

Inground Pool

Inground pools are the most conventional, classic pools that come to mind whenever you first think of installing a pool in your home. As the name suggests, an inground pool is completely submerged in the ground. To install or construct an inground pool in your backyard, it needs to be flat and spacious. An inground pool requires digging to create a cavity on the ground for housing the pool. Inground pools are the most popular but also the most expensive option. In an inground pool, the edges are levelled with the ground around the pool and are covered with tiles, stones, or other finishes. 

Partially Above-Ground

Not so common, partially above-ground pools or semi-inground pools can be an ideal option for properties with an uneven backyard that has slopes, and ridges. These pools are partially-submerged into the ground and a major part of the pool remains above the ground. These pools are not as aesthetically pleasing as inground pools as a part of the pool wall is visible. However, with modern design concepts, the wall can be hidden with decking or stonework. Some amount of excavation is required for installing partially inground pools. However, they cost less than inground pools but more than above ground pools. 

Fully Above-Ground Pool

The name says it all! An above-ground pool is defined by its name and stands completely above the ground. The shell of an above ground fibreglass pool is not sunk into the ground and that saves tons of excavation expense. However, an above ground fibreglass pool in your home does not mean compromising on the aesthetics. There are several ways to customise the pool surroundings to give it a stylish and luxurious look with disappearing edges. 

The best part about considering installing an above ground fibreglass pool is the cost factor. As there is no extensive digging involved, you can save thousands of dollars and get the same pool comfort in your backyard. 

Advantages of Above Ground Fibreglass Pools

The advantages that above ground pools offer make them extremely desirable. 

Cost

Above ground pools are much cheaper compared to inground and partially above-ground pools. If you opt for an above ground fibreglass pool, you can avoid a lot of expenses that go into excavation and installation. The pool quality remains the same, you do not have to compromise on safety or convenience if you choose to go with an above ground fibreglass pool. You can have unlimited hours of fun with friends and family and host poolside parties as you would do with any other pool.

If your budget cannot accommodate an inground pool but you desire to have one in your home an above ground pool can be your best option.

Durability

High-quality fibreglass pools are strong and durable. Even when installed above ground, fibreglass pool shells offer great durability due to their high tactile strength. Above ground fibreglass pools are constructed to be slightly flexible so that they do not crack easily and can accommodate minor earth movements. Long-lasting, and reliable, fibreglass pools offer structural integrity. 

Convenience

Installation of above ground pools is the quickest as you do not require to wait for any excavation work. Your backyard will not be teeming with workers and machinery for months. Above ground fibreglass pools are convenient to install and will allow you to use your pool within just a few days. You don’t have to dream about hosting pool parties and relaxing in your pool for months. You can enjoy them sooner than you think! 

Aesthetics

Many homeowners are not open to the idea of installing an above ground pool because they are worried about how a pool sitting above the ground will look. Most property owners are used to looking at inground pools and a new idea always does not appeal to them. You will be surprised to see how beautifully above ground pools can be customised and incorporated with the surrounding using various landscape features and finishes. A well planned above ground pool can be a statement piece in your backyard 

If your backyard cannot accommodate an inground pool, don’t get disheartened. Explore the possibilities of an above ground pool and the stunning options available will surprise you. What you may think will look out of place will turn into a beauty with professional help from your bool builder. 

Above ground fibreglass pools may not last as long as inground pools but you can enjoy them for ten to fifteen years or more depending on how well maintained your pool is. Above ground pools are great for homeowners who do not want to invest more and are not able to install an inground pool. Chat to our friendly team today about getting an above ground fibreglass pool!

Can Fibreglass pools be saltwater? 

Saltwater is becoming a very popular choice amongst pool owners, and a question which is often asked is “Can fibreglass pools be saltwater?”

Fibreglass pools are highly compatible with saltwater and is just another consideration you need to take into account when planning your new swimming pool. Alongside the shape and design, you need to consider which sanitising agent that you will choose to sanitise your pool. The traditional method of chlorinated pools will typically require more maintenance and is actually more expensive to buy than salt, although the initial costs of installing a saltwater chlorinator is more expensive than a chlorine system. When buying a new pool, more and more people are opting for salt water, and even people who are already pool owners are converting their chlorine system into a saltwater one. One of the main reasons for this is they are more economical and are not as harsh on the body. 

Wonder whether you should by a fibreglass pool or a concrete pool? Get the answers here!

What is the Difference Between Saltwater and Chlorine? 

Essentially both systems will sanitise your water using chlorine. However the salt chlorine generator converts the salt into chlorine using a process called electrolysis to remove the algae and bacteria and keep your pool clean. Salt is added at a high level to the water using a salt chlorine generator. The generator will directly convert it into chlorine to sanitise the pool. So you won’t have to worry about actually tasting a lot of salt. Swimming pools have salinity levels that are 1/10th the salinity level of the ocean. A chlorine system cleans your pool with concentrated doses of chlorine, whereas a saltwater system still maintains the quality of the water to the same standard that traditional chlorine systems do, it just uses less chlorine. 

Benefits of Salt Water: 

Safe: 

The chlorine levels are much lower than the concentration of chlorine, this eliminates exposure and contact to harsh chemicals. Unlike chlorine, with salt you can keep your eyes open underwater without having to worry about damage or have any pain. 

No Chlorine Smell: 

You will not have to be worried about leaving the pool smelling like chlorine. Salt water pools have very low concentrations of chlorine which aren’t harsh on the body. 

More Economical: 

Saltwater pools are more economical to run than chlorine. Salt is cheaper than traditional chlorine. Chlorine is around $150 a year whereas salt is around $20. 

Clean: 

The process of electrolysis in the saltwater system releases hypochlorous acid to help maintain a clean pool. 

Good for Skin: 

Saltwater is also known to feel softer and increases the ability of the skin to lock in moisture to help to nourish your skin. People with allergies or sensitive skin can use the pool risk free. Saltwater has no damaging effects on the skin, hair, or body like chlorine does.

Less Maintenance:

The chlorinator units make the chlorine automatically when the pool pumps switch on, maintaining a consistent level of chlorine. This means there is no risk of overdosing the pool with harsh chemicals and making it unsafe to swim in. 

Challenges of Salt Water: 

Corrosive: 

Saltwater won’t damage the interior of a fibreglass pool, however it can corrode components around your pool. Natural stone, plaster or other objects with metal parts can get damaged by the saltwater if they are near the pool. Also, if your saltwater chlorinator system is not looked after regularly, the salt can erode and damage your equipment as well. 

Need to Run the Pump More Often: 

The pool pump will need to run for a minimum of 8 hours per day, maybe even longer for larger pools. 

More Challenging to Balance the Water: 

Saltwater pools will typically require more effort to balance the water levels. Hiring a professional is a good idea, and checking your water chemistry levels on a regular basis, because mineral deposits can build up in the salt cell and inhibit the system from working to its full potential. 

Upfront Cost:

The initial cost of a saltwater system to install is more expensive than the traditional chlorine system. When comparing the two long term, there is not a significant saving either way. However, the chlorine system can last longer than a saltwater system as the salt places additional wear on the equipment. 

Salt Water is the Preferred Choice for Fibreglass Pools: 

More and more families are opting for salt water systems, as they also don’t want to experience the smell or the eye-burning that comes with traditional chlorine. Salt water will keep your fibreglass pool clean, and can even feel silky when you’re in the water. When choosing saltwater, you need to look after the area around your fibreglass pool. If you have concrete, equipment, or a timber deck around your pool, they will be subjected to splashing from the pool. Whilst these surfaces will dry over time, the concentration of the salt is quite high and can be corrosive to objects which have metal or aluminium fittings. Using fresh water to wash down these surfaces after you use the pool, will prevent this from occurring. Also make sure that the handrails that you are installing are compatible with the salt water system. 

While swimming pools can either use a salt water system or a chlorine system, it’s important for you to understand the benefits and challenges of both chlorine and salt water, so that you can keep your pool in top condition. Most people are familiar with the traditional chlorine pools, and now that salt water pools have emerged, it is fast becoming a popular choice for families. There are a lot of things to take into account when deciding on which sanitising system to choose for your pool, and making the decision ultimately comes down to the individual and which type they prefer best. If you want further information or advice, please reach out to our friendly team at Barrier Reef Pools New Zealand, and we will be happy to help.

4 Quick and Easy Steps To Install Your Swimming Pool

Owning your dream swimming pool has never been faster, easier or more affordable with Barrier Reef Pools New Zealand.

1. Request Your Free Quote

Our Friendly Barrier Reef Pools New Zealand Dealer will contact you to organize an onsite quotation.

2. Approve Your Quote

Our experienced dealer will then organize all council approvals prior to commencement of your job.

3. We'll Install Your Pool

The pool excavation and construction process will begin & can be completed in as little as seven hassle free days.

4. You Enjoy Your Pool

Swim, relax and have fun with your family and friends for years to come with one New Zealands' favourite swimming pools.

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