Spring Safety Check for Your Pool

Spring is the beginning of swimming season and time to ensure your pool is ready for summer. One of the responsibilities of pool owners is ensuring their pool is safe for their family and guests. Here is a safety checklist to make sure your pool is meeting safety standards.

Inspect Handrails, Ladders and Diving Boards

Any equipment attached to your pool should be inspected for corrosion and stability. Many ladders and handrails are made from metal and can weaken over time when exposed to water. Inspect to ensure all the screws and components are still sturdy.

Inspect Drain Covers

It is vital that drain covers are tightly in place and are not damaged. A damaged drain cover can cause excessive suction that can be dangerous, even deadly, to small children swimming in your pool.

Gates and Fencing

You want to ensure you have a safe enclosure for your pool. A fence around the pool with a locking gate is the best way to ensure children and pets do not have access to your pool when no adults are present to ensure their safety. Make sure your enclosure is secure.

Thorough Pool Cleaning

Start the summer off right with a thorough cleaning and sanitizing of your swimming pool. Even if you normally perform your own pool maintenance, spring is a good time to hire a professional pool service for a thorough cleaning using commercial equipment. They can also inspect and perform maintenance all your pool equipment to ensure it is working properly.

Before you jump in the pool this spring, make sure it is safe and ready for summer. Do a spring safety check and cleaning to prepare your pool for many enjoyable summer days in your pool.

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

6 Popular Pool Decking Options

If you are considering remodeling your pool decking or planning a new pool, there are many choices for pool deck materials. The pool deck is an extension of your patio or outdoor living space and should reflect your style. However, there is more to consider than just appearance when it comes to pool decking. Here are six popular choices for pool decking and the benefits of each.

  1. Concrete. The standard for pool decking is concrete, a safe and affordable option. For the budget-conscious, this can be the best choice but it is more costly to repair and lacks aesthetic appeal.
  2. Pavers. A stylish option with easy maintenance and repairs, pavers can be an excellent choice. Pavers can be man-made concrete or stone, depending on your preference and budget.
  3. Tile. For bright colors and elegance, tile can be stunning around the pool. However, it can be slick when wet, which can be a safety issue.
  4. Flagstone. For a natural appearance, flagstone can create a lagoon-like style for your pool area. Stick to lighter colors to keep the stone from becoming too hot in the sun.
  5. Travertine or marble. Veined marble or travertine is a gorgeous option for your pool decking. It stays cool and is non-slip for a perfect surrounding to your pool but it is more expensive than some other options.
  6. Wood. The beauty of wood can brighten your pool area but it does have drawbacks. Wood is high-maintenance, especially when exposed to water on a regular basis.

Choosing the right pool decking is important for the style, safety and maintenance aspects you prefer. Talk to your pool remodeling contractor to determine which is best for your budget and needs.

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

How to Remove Pool Stains

Pool stains are bound to occur for a variety of reasons. Organic materials like leaves, algae and even living creatures like worms can decompose in your pool and leave stains on the surface. Metals in the water, from landscaping fertilizers or in the pool structure can also leave stains. Removing stains from your pool is not easy but it is possible. Here are a few tips on how to remove stains and ways to prevent them from occurring.

Scrubbing Away Stains

Like any hard surface with a stain, scrubbing is the best method to remove pool stains. However, this can be difficult when a stain is at the bottom of your pool. Using scrubbing pads with a stain removing substance like muriatic acid works on organic, copper and iron stains. To reach the bottom of the pool, you will need a scrubber with a long handle, preferably hollow, allowing you to apply muriatic acid directly to the stain while scrubbing.

Preventing Stains

While it is almost impossible to prevent all pool stains, you can minimize the chance of stains with maintenance. Keeping your pool clean and removing any debris quickly can prevent organic stains; use a pool cover whenever your pool is not in use. For metal stain prevention, the best protection is maintaining the correctly pH balance. Too much acid or alkaline is a common reason metal stains occur.

Removing stains is not easy and you may have to drain your pool to scrub away some stains on your own. It is simpler to call a pool cleaning service to have your stains removed by a professional that has the right equipment and knowledge to remove stubborn or difficult-to-reach stains in your pool.

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

Chlorine Alternatives for Your Swimming Pool

Chlorine is one of the most effective sanitizers for swimming pools, killing bacteria and organisms that can pose health risks to swimmers. But it is also a harsh chemical that can dry your skin and hair, bleach clothing and leave an unpleasant odor on your body. There are chlorine alternatives that can reduce the amount of chlorine needed for your pool for a more enjoyable, yet safe, swimming experience. Salt water generators and ozone systems are two popular choices for pool owners that want to reduce chlorine in their pools.

Salt Water Generators

Salt water or chlorine generators effectively sanitize by making pure chlorine from the salt that is added to the water. The generator is installed into the pool’s filtering system, converting salt into chlorine as it passes through. As the chlorine is used for sanitization, it converts back to salt. The water does not have the smell of chlorine and does not harm your skin or clothing.

Ozone Systems

Another alternative to chlorine for pools is a ozone system. These systems use ozone as the main sanitizer for killing harmful organisms in the pool. While some chlorine is still needed, it is a fraction of what is used in chlorine pools, reducing the odor and harsh effects. You can use up to 90% less chlorine with an ozone system for your pool, creating a more desirable swimming environment.

If you want to eliminate the need for using chlorine as your main pool sanitizer, talk to your local pool service company about chlorine alternatives. Both salt water pools and ozone systems have many benefits and can keep your pool safe and sanitized with minimal use of chlorine.

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