Cool Features For Your New Pool

Adding a new pool to your home is an exciting project. Your pool isn’t just a great place to cool off on a hot day or to get exercise; it’s the focal point of your yard. Make the most of your new pool by researching different designs and additions to enhance the beauty of your yard and even add value to your home.

Pool Feature Options

Beyond the basic pool, you have many options you can discuss with your pool design company. There is really no limit to what many pool designers can do, the only exceptions being your imagination and your budget. Here are some cool features to consider for your new pool:

  • Infinity edge. Also called negative edges, infinity pools give the illusion of the water overflowing the edge of the pool. It’s perfect for yards with a great view, just beyond the pool edge.
  • Tanning shelves. Create cool places to relax in the sun with tanning shelves built into your pool. These areas give you a shallow shelf to stay in the cool water, without being submerged.
  • Grottoes or caves. Give your pool a private retreat with a cave or grotto, great for a romantic evening. You can even include a waterfall which covers the entrance for even more privacy.
  • Light or fire features. Make your pool shine at night with underwater lights or fire features around the edge of the pool.
  • Slides. Have your own mini-water park with the addition of one or more slides added to your pool. What fun for kids of all ages!

Make your new pool the centerpiece of your home with a great design. Talk to your pool builder about ideas to make your pool one-of-a-kind.

Posted on behalf of Somar Pools, LLC

Does Your Pool Have A Leak?

A small leak in your pool can quickly become a big problem. Not only does it waste water, it can lead to expensive damage to your home and property. Identifying a pool leak as soon as possible is your best defense when it comes to avoiding bigger and more expensive problems than just repairing your pool.

Dealing With A Pool Leak

A big pool leak is easy to detect, but a big leak usually starts small, making it harder to notice. Most leaks are in the pools shell, usually around drains, skimmers or fittings. They can also occur in the plumbing pipes or in the pool floor, which can be more difficult to find and fix. Regardless of where the leak is, the first step to fixing the problem is realizing your pool has a leak. Common signs of a pool leak include:

  • Loss of water. Although some water loss is normal due to splash and evaporation, if you notice larger losses you may have a leak.
  • Wet ground. If you have a leak in your pool plumbing, you may find wet areas in the ground around your pool.

Finding the leak can be more difficult. Unless you can see a crack or hole in your pool shell, it can be hard to pinpoint the exact source of the leak on your own. The best way to find where the leak is and get it fixed is to hire an experienced leak detection pool service. With new technology, many pool services can detect the leak using computerized equipment in a matter of minutes. After the leak is detected, they can work quickly to locate the exact leak area and offer solutions to get it fixed fast.

Posted on behalf of Somar Pools, LLC

Is It Time To Resurface Your Pool?

Most pools need to be resurfaced every five to ten years, depending on the type of pool and how well it has been maintained. Pool resurfacing involves taking off the old surface of the pool and replacing it with either the same material, or a new type of surface. This can fix cracks, blisters and discolorations, making your pool look like new again.

Types Of Pool Surfaces

There are a few different options when it comes to resurfacing your pool. You don’t necessarily have to choose the same type of surface you have currently. There are differences in material costs as well as labor for each type, as well as major differences in quality and longevity. Some of the popular pool resurfacing choices available include:

  • Pebble Tec. For an economical and effective new surface for cement pools, Pebble Tec is a popular pool surface product which offers value and beauty with many color options. Natural pebbles are used to give this surface a beautiful finish with low maintenance and durability.
  • Beadcrete. Want a smooth pool finish that will last, while giving you a non-slip surface? Beadcrete is a popular choice for those resurfacing older concrete pools. This pool product is stain resistant and durable, making it easy to maintain.
  • Diamond Brite. Just like the name suggests, Diamond Brite is a pool surface that will bring brilliance to your backyard pool. This product uses quartz to give pools an elegant and extremely durable finish unlike any other.

The type of pool surface you choose will depend on what type of pool you have and the size of your budget. Find out more about these and other popular pool surface products by calling your local pool resurfacing company.

Posted on behalf of Somar Pools, LLC

Leave The Pool Cleaning To The Experts

One of the few disadvantages to owning a pool is the constant cleaning and maintenance that they require. Many pool owners are bound and determined to do the maintenance themselves, spending hours every week checking chemicals and cleaning their pool instead of enjoying it. While it is admirable to try and save money, does cleaning your pool yourself really save you money?

Benefits Of Hiring A Pool Cleaning Service

Handling your own pool maintenance may not save you as much as you thought. The fact is, a professional pool service can do your pool maintenance faster and usually better than you can do it yourself. Consider these factors:

  • Time. Your time is worth something. Would you go to a job for free? Time you spend cleaning and maintaining your pool is time away from enjoying your hard-earned time off.
  • Chemicals. Maintaining a pool yourself means buying chemicals and cleaners. These cost money, which you pay more for at a retail outlet than professional pool services have to pay for theirs. In addition, you have to spend the time and gas to buy these chemicals, adding to the overall cost.
  • Expertise. One of the advantages of having a professional pool service is having an expert maintain your pool. They may notice problems with your pump or pool system that may be costing you money in extra electricity or water, which would go otherwise undetected on your own watch.

Many pool service companies offer very reasonable rates to service your pool on a weekly or bi-monthly basis. In the long run, having a pool service will definitely save you time and in some cases, may even save you money. So sit back and relax by your pool and let the experts do all the work!

Posted on behalf of Somar Pools, LLC

Troubleshooting Pool Pump Problems

Your pool’s pump is an essential component to the overall system, circulating the water in your pool through the filter. Not only does this purify and clean the water, it also ensures that your pool water chemicals are evenly distributed. Unfortunately, the pool pump is also one of the most common repair issues for pool owners. Knowing how to troubleshoot your pool pump can help you determine the problem, so you know if you need to call a pool professional to fix the issue. 

Common Pool Pump Problems

Like any mechanical device with a motor, your pool pump needs regular maintenance to perform optimally. In addition, there are parts which will eventually wear out and need replacement. Here are the most common signs of a pool pump problem.

  • Pump shuts off. Most pumps are designed to shut off automatically if they get too hot. It may be overheating due to debris getting stuck in the impeller.
  • Pump won’t start. If the pump will not turn on at all, check the breaker to the pump to make sure it has not been flipped off. If the breaker is fine, then it may be a loose wire or connection. It is also possible that the motor needs to be completely replaced.
  • Pump is leaking. If the pump is leaking water at the connections or plugs, the plugs may just need to be tightened. You may also need a new o-ring if the pump continues to leak at the plugs.

Keep in mind that preventive maintenance to inspect the pump and replace pool filters should be performed to the manufacturers standards. If simple troubleshooting does not fix the problem, call your local pool pump repair service to get the issue resolved.

Posted on behalf of Premiere Pool Enterprises, Inc.