Create A Safe, Beautiful Deck For Your Pool

An adjoining pool deck can add beauty to your pool area, plus add value to your home. If you have been considering adding a pool deck, one of the best options is using concrete pavers in its construction. Concrete pavers are the ideal material for pool decks and patios, offering durability and safety, as well as a variety of aesthetically pleasing options for your pool area.

Why Choose A Concrete Paver Pool Deck?

There are several great reasons to use concrete pavers to build your new pool deck. When considering pool decking materials, you want to consider certain factors that are specific to your pool area. Will the material be durable in wet conditions? Will it be safe to walk on when wet? Is it is easy and affordable to maintain? The good news is that the answer is “yes” to all these questions if you choose concrete pavers.

Some of the many benefits of using concrete pavers for your pool deck include:

  • Slip resistance. Concrete does not become slippery when wet, making it a safe material for pool decks. Especially for families with small children, having a surface that grips little feet is important around a pool.
  • Durablility. Concrete pavers will last for decades, even in wet conditions like those around a pool.
  • Cost effectiveness. In any home improvement project, cost is usually a factor. Concrete pavers are not only an excellent choice for pool decks, they are one of the more affordable options.
  • Beauty. Concrete pavers come in a variety of colors and shapes that can beautifully accent your pool area.

Talk to your local concrete paver professional about all the options available to build your new, beautiful pool deck.

Posted on behalf of Somar Pools

Give Your Pool A Makeover

One of the most dramatic ways to improve the look of your backyard is to give your pool a makeover. While your pool may be functional, a pool remodel can make it the centerpiece of your outdoor entertaining area. Adding stone, tiles or fire features can transform your boring pool into a beautiful piece of outdoor art.

Pool Remodel Ideas

There are many ways to change the look of your pool in order to enhance your patio area and backyard. While some can cost thousands of dollars, there are also options that may only set you back a few hundred dollars, yet can still make a dramatic difference in your pool’s appearance. Here are a few pool remodeling ideas:

  • Add a fire pit. Fire pits have become a popular pool accessory, giving off fantastic effects against the water, especially at night. These can be incorporated with a small waterfall to blend the elements of fire and water effects.
  • Pool Resurfacing. One of the best ways to update the look of your pool is to resurface with beautiful colors and textures. Mosaic tiles, pebbles and even beads can be used to resurface your pool and make it the jewel of your backyard.
  • Pool decking. Changing the decking or waterline surface around your pool can add new life to your patio. Popular choices are travertine or natural stone, ceramic tiles or even glass tiles.
  • Baja step. Give your pool a resort-style look by adding a Baja step or shelf. These shallow pool areas contain only about six inches of water and make a perfect place to lounge in the sun, staying cool at the same time.

Just adding a few improvements to your pool can make a big difference to your backyard, making it more inviting and even increasing the value of your home.

Posted on behalf of Somar Pools

What Is The Best Filter For Your Pool?

There are three main types of pool filters available, sand, diatomaceous earth (DE) and cartridge, each one offering pros and cons. Determining which filter is best for your pool will depend on how much you use your pool, municipal codes in your area and your personal preferences. Knowing the differences can help you make the best choice for your pool.

Sand Filters

Sand filters clean your pool water by using a combination of pea gravel and sand to filter out contaminants.

  • Pros: Sand filters do not require annual maintenance, and only need the media replaced about every six years in most home pools. Media replacement in sand filters is generally affordable, they backwash easily and rarely require repairs.
  • Cons: The biggest drawback of sand filters is that they provide poor filtration in comparison to other options, and need to be cleaned every week.

DE Filters

DE filters use diatomaceous earth to coat the interior of the filter, cleaning the water as it flows through it.

  • Pros: DE filters provide excellent filtration. They only need to be cleaned about every 4-8 weeks, and do not require a water clarifier.
  • Cons: Not all municipalities allow DE filters. In addition, repairs can be expensive.

Cartridge Filters

Cartridge filters use a pleated filter, similar to filters used in air purifiers. These are typically used for smaller pools or spas.

  • Pros: Cartridge filters are easy to clean and maintain.
  • Cons: Replacing cartridge filters can be very expensive, and cleaning the filters can be more difficult than other types.

Talk with your pool professional to determine which filter is best for your pool, and build an oasis that’s as clean and clear as it is refreshing.

Posted on behalf of Premier Pool Enterprises

Do You Have A Leak In Your Pool?

It’s an unfortunate fact of life: if you own a pool, eventually your pool will develop a leak. It could be from a tiny crack in your pool’s shell, a leak around the drain or skimmer, or in the underground plumbing. Once a pool leak is detected, it is important to determine the source as quickly as possible and have it repaired before it causes damage to your property.

Detecting A Leak

The most common way to determine if you have a leak in your pool is to watch your water level. Although you will always lose some water to evaporation or splash, if the level is dropping faster than usual, you may have a leak. Look for areas around your pool where the ground is wet, or for water dripping or spraying from the pump or filter.

If you think your pool has a leak, the next step will be to find the source and have it fixed. Finding the source is not always easy, as there are many possible places where your pool may eventually lose some structural integrity. Some of the most common areas are within your pool shell, especially anywhere there is an opening or fixture, such as the drain or skimmer. In most cases, you will need a professional pool service company to analyze your pool in order to find the leak and then proceed with repairs.

A professional pool service company with experience in leak detection can usually find the source of the leak and get it fixed before there’s any further damage to your property. As soon as you realize you may have a leak, call a pool service company specializing in leak repair to get the problem resolved immediately.

Posted on behalf of Somar Pools

Create Your Own Oasis With An Infinity Pool

One of the most luxurious and beautiful pools available is the infinity pool. With edges that seem to drop off into nowhere, these pools give an illusion of an endless horizon and are a dramatic addition to any outdoor pool area. Also known as zero-edge, vanishing edge and negative edge pools, there is a high demand for these incredible designs which can transform any backyard into a sublime oasis. 

Types Of Infinity Pool Designs

There are several types of infinity pool designs that can work with almost any home’s landscape. Whether you have a fantastic water view and want to have your pool drop off right where your view begins or just want your pool to seem like it’s magically overflowing off the edge of your patio, there is a design out there to enhance your home and impress your guests. Consider these options:

  • Deck or patio drop off. These infinity pools seem to go to the edge of a deck or patio, then flow over, yet still maintain their full balance. It is a great illusion that can add a touch of luxury to any backyard pool.
  • Stone waterfalls. Stone and water can create the ultimate in pool design, especially when using an infinity edge to create the illusion of a natural waterfall.
  • Horizon. Whether you have a forest or a body of water as your backyard view, an infinity pool that drops off right at that horizon perfectly frames the area in the viewer’s visual field, making a spectacular sight even more impressive.

There are few pool renovations that can be as incredible as adding an infinity pool. They can turn almost any backyard into an inviting oasis, so contact a professional pool contactor in your area to learn more about this hot new trend in outdoor design.

Posted on behalf of Premier Pool Enterprises

Avoid Pool Repairs With Weekly Maintenance

If you own a pool, there’s a certain amount of maintenance necessary to keep it clean and functional. Although many pool owners may get away with doing the bare minimum in pool maintenance for a while, eventually it can lead to the necessity for expensive repairs. Getting your pool on a weekly maintenance schedule can keep the pump and filter running smoothly, ensuring your pool is ready to use when you want to take a refreshing dip.

Weekly Pool Maintenance

Keeping your pool maintained requires a little time or money, but in the long run, it’s less expensive and time consuming than overhauls and repairs. One of the best ways to ensure that your pool stays clean, safe and in good working order is to hire a professional pool maintenance company to perform weekly pool cleaning and maintenance. Some of the services they can perform include:

  • Checking and maintaining the pool’s chemical balance
  • Cleaning the skimmer baskets
  • Inspecting all pool equipment, such as the pump and filters
  • Skimming the pool and brush walls
  • Checking valves and adjusting as necessary
  • Emptying pump baskets and unclogging impellers
  • Maintaining the auto-cleaning system

While you may be able to do some of these tasks yourself, a professional pool service will be able to handle basic upkeep while spotting potential problems before they become expensive issues. This allows you to relax and enjoy your pool during your free time, knowing that it will be ready to use when you want to dive in for a swim. It’s worth the investment to work with a professional pool service, as they can help to stave off future problems while removing weekly maintenance chores from your packed to-do list.

Posted on behalf of Somar Pools