Winterizing Your Swimming Pool

If you do not use your pool during the winter months, it is best to winterize and cover it to keep it in good condition. Taking the time to clean and close it up will make it easier to get it started up again in the spring. Here are a few basics to close-up your pool and get it ready for winter.

  • Clean pool and lower water level. Clean the pool, skimmers and filters thoroughly. Drain pool below the skimmer level. Use an air compressor to blow out all the water from the pool equipment and lines through the skimmer. Remove all drain plugs and add antifreeze if appropriate for your area.
  • Remove all pool toys and safety equipment. Before you start preparing your pool for winter, pull out all the toys, floats, ladders and other equipment and put it away in your storage area. You don’t want anything that will make it difficult to seal and cover the pool.
  • Treat your pool water. Shocking your pool and adding winterizing chemicals can prevent algae growth and make it easier to clean your pool in the spring.
  • Install your winter cover. Covering your pool with a winter cover will keep out debris and help keep it sealed to prevent algae growth. You may want to add a leaf net if not all the leaves have fallen so you can remove them easily off your cover.

Winterizing your pool can keep it safe and prevent damage during the winter. You can save time and make sure your pool is ready for winter by calling your local pool company for a winterizing service.

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

3 Signs Your Pool Has Issues

Your pool needs regular maintenance and with it, you can enjoy the benefits of your pool with few problems or breakdowns. However, there is always a chance of your pool needing repairs when equipment wears out or other problems occur. Here are three signs to watch out for that could be a warning that your pool has issues and may need a professional repair or service.

  1. Losing water. Is the water level of your pool going down quicker than it should? Losing water beyond evaporation and splash can be a sign of a leak. Plumbing, equipment and the pool lining itself can form leaks – it is important to hire a pool leak detection expert to find and fix your leak before it causes severe damage to your property.
  2. Dirty water. If chemicals and your filtration system are not preventing algae or dirty pool water, there is a problem. You may need your pool backwashed or the filter changed, or there may be a problem with your circulation or pump system. Call your pool repair company to determine the problem that is affecting the safety and cleanliness of your pool water.
  3. Loud or odd noises. If your pool pump and other equipment is making strange or loud noises, it is time to have it inspected by a pool repair company. It may need components repair or replaced. Don’t wait for it to stop working altogether; proactively have it serviced and repaired if needed.

Often, your pool service company can find pool issues before they become problems. Make sure to have your pool equipment serviced a few times a year to keep it running properly and to prevent many common pool problems.

Posted on behalf of:
Somar Pools, LLC
6538 Collins Ave, #42
Miami Beach, FL 33141
(305) 767-7755

How Long Does It Take to Resurface a Pool?

For in-ground, concrete pools, the surface is important for aesthetics and maintenance. A quality surface can reduce the cost of maintenance and makes it easier to maintain the right chemical balance, as well as protect the pool. While most quality surfaces can last several years, eventually they do need replacement. So, how much time should you plan to be without your pool during a pool resurfacing?

First, it will depend on the type of resurfacing and the size of your pool. If your old surface needs to be removed, that can take a day, then adding the new surface and often it is acid washed as a final step. Once in place, it does need to cure. You should plan the process will take a few days to complete, depending on the company you hire to install, the product and the size of your pool.

Although it may not take long to resurface the pool, it can take a few days to fill and get the chemical balance correct. You want to ensure the water is safe and the surface is completely cured before you begin using your pool again. Your pool renovation company can give you exact expectations on how long it will take, start to finish, to get your pool resurfaced and ready to use again.

While you will lose use of your pool for a short period, resurfacing is worth the trouble. It can give your pool a new look and protect it for many years to come. To learn more about the process, talk to your local pool resurfacing company to get specifics on getting your pool resurfaced.

Posted on behalf of:
Somar Pool Service & Repairs
401 East Las Olas Boulevard #130
Fort Lauderdale, FL 33301
954-800-0780

5 Health Reasons to Install a New Pool

There are many reasons to add a pool to your home, including relaxation, entertainment and improving the value. But one of the best reasons to install a pool in your backyard is to keep you and your family healthy. A pool can be much more than just a luxury; it can be a great way to improve your health. Here are five health reasons to consider building a pool for your home.

  1. Weight loss. Swimming is a great way to burn calories and help you lose weight. Plus, it is cool and refreshing while you exercise to lose those extra pounds.
  2. Inflammation. If you have inflamed joints, aqua therapy can help reduce inflammation and pain. Pools are wonderful for those with arthritis or other forms of inflammation.
  3. Cardio health. Staying active is good for your heart. Swimming is great exercise and with a pool at your home, you can get your exercise in the privacy of your backyard.
  4. Stress release. Anything that helps you relax and releases stress is good for your health. If laying by the pool helps you unwind, this is a benefit to your physical and mental health.
  5. Tones muscles. Water offers resistance that can help you build and tone muscles while you swim. Not only do you work out your heart, but you can increase your muscle mass for improved strength and endurance.

If you have always wanted a swimming pool, but couldn’t justify it as only a luxury, think of the health benefits for you and your family. It may be worth the investment to finally get that relaxing, beautiful pool for your home.

Posted on behalf of:
Premier Pool Enterprises
3502 Sixes Road, #108
Canton, GA 30114
(494) 496-5579

Simple Ways to Reduce Water Loss in Your Pool

Water loss is inevitable in your swimming pool. Warm weather causes evaporation and water is lost whenever you and your family go in and out of the pool. However, you can cut down on water loss and reduce your water bill by implementing a few conversation methods. Here are some simple ways to prevent water loss and conserve water in your pool.

  • Use a pool cover. Covering your pool when it is not in use helps reduce evaporation. It also improves safety and keeps debris out of the pool. Talk to your pool service about installing a quality pool cover.
  • Turn down the temperature. Warmer water evaporates quicker. Keep the heater turned down to the lowest level in cooler times of the year and turn it off altogether turning the summer to reduce water waste.
  • Minimize the use of water features. Waterfalls and other water features cause more water loss. Consider turning these features off when you are not at home, at night and other times when they are not being appreciated to conserve water.
  • Check for leaks. Are your conservation tips not reducing water loss? You could have a small leak. Do the bucket test to check to make sure you do not have a leak. If you do, call your pool service immediately for a leak repair.
  • Keep up with pool maintenance. A well-maintained pool uses less water for backwashing and to regulate the PH balance. Hire a pool professional to keep your pool maintained.

These few simple steps can help reduce the amount of water you use in your pool, helping lower water bills and conserve on water.

Posted on behalf of:
Premier Pool Enterprises
3502 Sixes Road, #108
Canton, GA 30114
(494) 496-5579

Top 3 Pool Safety Tips for Kids

Owning a swimming pool is wonderful for relaxing and getting exercise at your home. However, it can have risks. Drowning, especially for small children, is a serious threat when you have a pool. The Center for Disease Control (CDC) estimates that two children under the age of 14 die every day from accidental drowning. You want to keep your pool a source of fun and fitness, not a hazard. Here are some pool safety tips to protect the young ones in your family.

  1. No unsupervised swims. There should always be an adult present when kids are swimming. Small children should wear life vests as a precaution. It only takes a few minutes for an accident to happen. Make sure the supervising adult is paying attention.
  2. Add a pool fence and cover. The pool should not be easily accessible for kids. A pool fence can keep kids out – both your own and kids from the neighborhood. A pool cover is another way to add safety and keep your pool clean. Talk to your pool service about adding a cover to your pool.
  3. Teach kids to swim. Knowing how to swim from an early age is one of the best deterrents for drowning. This does not negate the other safety precautions, especially for visiting kids, but will help give your children the tools they need to stay safe in the water.

On top of prevention of accidental drowning for kids, you want to keep your pool safe for everyone. Make sure you stay on top of pool maintenance to prevent waterborne illnesses. Your local pool service can help you ensure your pool is clean and safe for a healthy, happy swimming season.

Posted on behalf of:
Somar Pools, LLC
6538 Collins Ave, #42
Miami Beach, FL 33141
(305) 767-7755

4 Ways to Give Your Old Pool New Life

Is your old pool looking drab after many years of use? While it may be functional, sometime old pools need some rejuvenation to keep them looking beautiful. There are ways to spruce up your pool area without remodeling the entire pool. Here are four suggestions to give your old pool new life for an improved pool setting at your home.

  1. Add a water feature. Sometimes all you need is a few bells and whistles to update your pool. Adding a waterfall or other water features can add some movement and beauty to your pool area. Pool lighting can bring these water features to life, especially at night.
  2. Resurfacing. It is incredible how big of a difference resurfacing your pool can make. Like painting an old house, it can make your pool look new again. If you have faded or stained areas on your pool surface, give it a makeover with a sparkling new pool surface.
  3. Add a spa. Even just adding a spa can change the look of your pool area. Talk to your local pool renovation company about beautiful options for spa additions to your pool.
  4. Pool decks and tanning shelves. If your pool is in good shape but just needs updating, consider remodeling the pool deck. Paving stones or tile can give your pool a lovely new border. You can also add features like tanning shelves to add dimension.

Your pool is the centerpiece of your outdoor living space. Make sure it looks its best to add beauty and value to your home. Call your local pool renovation specialists to discuss ideas to give your old pool a new look that you will love.

Posted on behalf of:
Somar Pool Service & Repairs
401 East Las Olas Boulevard #130
Fort Lauderdale, FL 33301
954-800-0780

How to Check for Plumbing Leaks in Your Pool

Pool leaks can occur without you even knowing they are there. It can take weeks, even months, to realize there is something wrong. Many times, the leaks are inside the pool or in plumbing that is under ground, making it difficult to find the source. You may not realize there is a leak until you get a large water bill or begin noticing your pool water is disappearing quicker than normal. Here are a few ways to proactively check for leaks to protect your pool and property.

The first test is to make sure you have a leak. Water does evaporate and you lose more water when the pool is used more often. The bucket test is a quick way to check for a leak. Fill a bucket with water and set it by the pool. Mark the level of the pool water and the level of water in the bucket. Leave them undisturbed for at least 24 hours. If the pool level drops more than in the bucket, you have a leak.

If you know you have a leak in your pool, you can start checking for any signs near your pool equipment. Look for drips or leaks around any visible plumbing when the pump is running. Check for wet spots or green spots on your lawn that may indicate a leak underground. If your pump keeps needing to be manually primed or air bubbles are emitted from the return jets, you could have a leak in your plumbing.

It can difficult to find the source of a pool leak on your own. Call in your local pool service to help find the source of your leak and get the repair you need.

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