Is Cement or Fiberglass a Better Option for Your Pool?

If you are building a pool, one of the most important questions you will need to answer is whether you want a fiberglass or cement shell for your pool. There is a variety of information you can read on the merits of both, usually geared toward one or the other for sales purposes.  It comes down to choosing the best option for your needs and budget. Here are the basic differences.

Cement Pools

The main reason to choose a cement pool is the design factor. Cement, both gunite and shotcrete, can be designed in almost any shape, size and depth you want. Unlike most fiberglass shells, you don’t have to stick with the preformed design. You can make your pool truly unique and custom built for your home.

However, there are drawbacks to owning cement pool when it comes to maintenance and long term costs. Most cement pools need resurfacing every 10 or more years, plus require more maintenance to keep algae at bay. But there are newer surfacing options that can last longer and offer easier maintenance – talk to your pool contractor.

Fiberglass Pools

For the budget conscience and those looking for low maintenance pools, fiberglass pools are a good choice. Although the design options are limited, as are the sizes, they are cost efficient to build and maintain. Fiberglass shells are nonporous, helping them deter algae, requiring fewer chemicals and less cleaning. Fiberglass also does not need resurfacing like a cement pools need.

So which is right for you? If you want a customized or large pool, you will want to investigate the cement options. For an easy to maintain pool, fiberglass is the way to go. Talk to your local pool contractor to make your final decision.

Posted on behalf of:
Premier Pool Enterprises
Canton, GA
(494) 496-5579

Options for Resurfacing Your Cement Pool

Has it been close to a decade since your pool was built or resurfaced? Most cement pools require resurfacing in increments of close to ten years to keep the pool looking great while protecting the shell underneath. If it is time to resurface your pool, consider some of the most popular and durable options available from quality pool contractors.

  • Smooth, non-slip surface. If you are looking for a smooth pool finish that will last with non-slip elements for safety, Beadcrete is a popular choice.  This surface is stain resistant, making it easy to maintain a beautiful pool for years.
  • Cost-effective beauty.  For those looking for a durable, beautiful product that is cost effective, PebbleTec offers value and beauty with many color options. The surface is created using natural pebbles are used to give your pool a lovely finish that will last.
  • Smooth durability. For a smooth and incredibly durable finish, Wet Edge pool surfaces offer a perfect balance. The science behind this product to create a superior blend of polymers with smooth quartz or pebbles is what sets it apart from other pool surfaces.
  • Brilliant aesthetics. One of the most beautiful and brilliant options in pool surfacing products is the Diamond Brite line of quartz surfaces. This is a fade-resistant, foot-friendly pool surface that sparkles and shines for maximum aesthetic value.

It can be confusing to determine which pool surface is best for your needs with so many to choose from, so you need an expert to show you the differences. Choose a pool contractor that offers all these choices as options and discuss which will be right for your personal style, preferences and budget.

Posted on behalf of Somar Pool Service & Repairs
401 East Las Olas Boulevard #130
Fort Lauderdale, FL 33301

Designing Your New Pool: Contemporary vs Natural

Whether you are replacing an old pool or adding a brand new pool to your home, the process begins with the design. Before you decide between cement and fiberglass, size and the multitude of other options, you first need to decide on the basic design or theme. When it comes to pools, there are two basic options: contemporary or natural. Once you choose between these two options, then you can start working on all the other details.

Contemporary Design

For those that like dramatic lines or maybe a simplistic approach, contemporary will likely be the style you will want for your pool. Contemporary pools and spas are not ‘lagoon-like’ or pretend to be a natural body of water; they may be a simple rectangle. They are cleanly designed with straight edges and artful additions. Infinity pools or zero-edge options are popular for contemporary designs.  If your home is modern in design, a contemporary pool area makes perfect sense.

Natural Pools and Spas

If you want to create an oasis in your backyard that is reminiscent of a tropical island, a natural look is more your style. Curved lines for your pool and spa surrounded with natural stone and rocks with plenty of vegetation will be needed to transform your outdoor pool space. Adding features like waterfalls flowing over natural boulders can add the final touch.

Once you decide what direction you are going in for your pool design, your pool contractor can give you a plethora of options to make your vision come true. Regardless of the overall theme, in the end you will have a beautiful new pool to enjoy for many years to come.

Posted on behalf of Somar Pools, LLC
Miami Beach, FL
(305) 767-7755

Signs Your Pool Pump Needs Repair

Your pool pump works day in and day out to move water through your pool to provide a safe, clean pool for your enjoyment. It should be expected that eventually the pump will wear out and need service or replacement. More often than not, a simple repair is all that is required. Here are some common pump issues which alert you to when you need a repair.

  • Your pump is loud or making strange noises. When your pool pump starts increasing in volume or screaming when pumping, the most likely reason is that the bearings are going out. Your pool service can replace the bearings to fix this issue.
  • You notice your pump is leaking water. Is your pump is leaking or spraying water, you may need to consider replacing the threaded fittings that can be damaged from constant use. Worn out seals are also often a cause of leaking pumps. Both of these repairs only take about an hour in labor costs and the components are inexpensive to replace.
  • Reduce pumping. If you notice your pool pump is not pumping as much water as before, there may be debris clogging the basket or the basket may need to be replaced. These are usually repairs you can do on your own.

Since your pool pump is necessary to maintain your pool, at the first sign of a problem, call your local pool service. If your pool pump is fairly new, it may be under warranty, so you will want to call a pool service that can provide warranty work at no cost to you if it is covered.

Posted on behalf of Somar Pool Service & Repairs
4581 Weston Road
Weston, FL 33331
(954) 840-8544