Matching Your Pool to Your Current Style

Styles change, from the clothes in your wardrobe to the interior and exterior décor in your home. While you may update your home furniture, landscaping and interior design every few years, there may be one area that may no longer match your style. Pools can become outdated, especially when you have changed the surrounding elements to a different style. If your pool no longer matches your home or outdoor space, it may be time to update the style.

Function Versus Features

Was your pool originally designed for function not fashion? Simple pools are fine for function, but if you have embellished other areas around your home, it may be time to add features to your pool. You can add some pizazz to your pool with features like a waterfall, elegant lighting or fire features. Maybe it is time to add a spa? There are many features that can help match your pool to your current style.

Shabby Surfaces

If you added a new patio or updated your landscaping, but your pool surface and deck looks shabby, it is time for a makeover. Stains, faded tiles or chipped surfaces on your pool surfaces can look out of place when everything around your pool is updated. Resurfacing your pool can have a dramatic impact on the appearance and help protect your pool. If your pool deck is also dull or worn, consider repaving with natural stone or other stylish options to update your pool.

Your pool area is an important asset and integral to your home’s value and appearance. Keep it updated to match your style to maintain that value. Contact your local pool renovator company to discuss options for updating your pool to match the style of your home and outdoor space.

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

Troubleshooting Pool Pump Priming Problems

Your pool pump is a vital component of your pool system, ensuring your pool water is circulated and filtered to keep it safe and clean. As part of routine pool maintenance, you may need to prime your pool pump. This process removes any air in the system to allow for proper flow of water. If your pool pump will not prime, it could be due to a few different issues. Here are some troubleshooting tips to identify and fix common pool pump priming problems.

Is There Enough Water in Your Pool?

The most common reason a pool pump won’t prime is due to not enough water in the pool. Check to make sure the water level in your in-ground pool is well above the skimmer opening. If too much air gets into this opening, it can cause priming problems for your pool pump. Add water to the pool until the level reaches about halfway over the skimmer opening.

Check Your Strainer Baskets

Strainer baskets need to be clean and well-sealed for your pool pump to prime. Check your pump strainer basket and skimmer basket for clogs or debris. Clean if needed. Also check the seal on your pump strainer basket – the gasket should fit tightly to create a seal for pump suction.

Check Your Pool Valves

For a pool pump to prime, it needs correct water flow in and out. Make sure your pool valves are open – at least one outlet and inlet valve need to be open for proper water flow.

If you troubleshoot all these areas and your pool pump still will not prime, contact your local pool service. You may need your pump and pool equipment inspected to find the issue. Leaks and other problems can impact the suction and pressure, causing pump priming problems.

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

How Quickly Can Algae Grow in Your Pool?

When you pool water has already turned green or there is algae slime on your pool walls, you know you have a chemical balance problem. Your pool needs a thorough cleaning and a balancing of the chemicals to get the algae growth under control. While it may seem like it could take a week or more for algae to take over your pool, it can happen quicker than you think.

Algae Grow Fast in Warm Water

It does not take weeks, or even days, for algae to begin multiplying in warm water. If the chlorine levels get too low in your pool, algae can begin flourishing in less than 24 hours. This means if you have not looked at your pool under the cover or checked the chemical balance in a few days, algae could already be multiplying at a high rate. While algae are not dangerous, they are unappealing and can allow bacteria growth that can be harmful to humans. It is best to keep algae growth under control to keep your pool clear, clean and healthy.

If you notice a green haze in your water from algae growth, you may need to shock your pool and run the pump for several hours afterward. This will help filter the water completely to remove all algae and ensure the chemicals are completely distributed through the pool.

For those with ongoing algae issues, it may be worth investing in a pool service to keep your chemical balance maintained. A professional pool service can evaluate your system and ensure your pool water is kept balanced to keep those nasty algae from growing in your pool.

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

Bucket Test for Leaking Pools

Do you think your pool is losing water? If you have a pool leak, you want to identify it as soon as possible to ensure it does not damage your property. However, pool water does evaporate and dissipate with use. To determine whether you may have a leak or are losing water from your pool, you can try the “bucket test” to see if you are losing water.

Setting Up Your Bucket Test

The idea of the bucket test is to check if water is evaporating or if there is water leaking from the pool. To do this test, you need to fill a bucket with pool water, about an inch from the top. Also fill your pool to its “full” level. Mark the water level in the bucket and put the bucket on the first or second step into your pool. Also mark the level of the pool water on the side pool or outside of the bucket.

Once your bucket and pool are set, run your pool as normal for at least 24 hours. The bucket and pool water should be similar temperatures, evaporating at the same rate. If after a day the level of your pool has went down farther than the level of water in the bucket, this can indicate a leak. While it does not tell you where the leak is, it does show that water is escaping from the pool beyond just evaporation.

If you suspect you have a leak, call your local pool service that offers leak detection and repairs. The pool service pros can quickly find where your pool is losing water and fix the problem before it causes serious damage to your property or home from erosion and water intrusion.

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

When is a Good Time for Installing a New Pool?

If you are envisioning yourself relaxing in a cool, refreshing pool during the hot summer months, you do not want to wait until summer. Planning, designing and installing a new pool takes time and summer is the worst time to schedule an installation. For new pools, start your project many months before summer to ensure you have the pool you want for the next swimming season.

Fall Planning

If possible, start your planning for your new pool in the fall, even if you are hoping for a spring or late winter installation. This gives you time to explore different design options and properly prepare for the project. After the summer months, pool services begin to slow down and have the time to discuss a new project, especially when you have months before you need installation.

Winter Preparation

Winter is a great time to begin getting ready for your installation. You can map out your yard and begin planning other aspects of your new pool area. You will want to consider landscaping that will match your pool style and have a design in mind to install with your new pool.

Early Spring Installation

The prime time for new pool construction is early spring or late winter. This gives you plenty of time for the installation and incorporating stylish touches before summer. By the time Memorial Day weekend arrives, you should be ready to throw your first pool party.

In warm regions of the country, pool installations can be done in any season, but avoiding the busy summer is always a good idea. If you have the time, plan ahead and work with an experienced pool contractor to ensure your installation goes smoothly.

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

3 Ways to Rejuvenate Your Pool Area

The good news is that most pools can last for decades; the bad news is they will look outdated or worse for wear much quicker. When your pool is first installed, everything is new and sparkling. After a few years of use, styles change and constant use takes its toll. If your pool is showing signs of wear or just needs a new look, here are three ways to rejuvenate your pool area without replacing your pool.

  1. Install a new pool deck. The surrounding paving around your pool can make a big impact on its appearance. If you have an old pool deck that is cracking, unlevel or just plain, consider a natural stone or paver pool deck to upgrade your pool area.
  2. Resurface your pool. The surface of your pool needs to be replaced to protect your pool from leaks and damage. It also can transform the look of your pool. A new surface can give it an updated sparkle and color – in many cases, a resurfaced pool can look brand-new again.
  3. Add some interesting features. If you want to upgrade your pool area, consider adding some features. Fire and pool lighting can add color and brightness to your pool area at night; waterfalls, water walls and other water features can create movement and sound for an intriguing pool experience.

You can reinvent your pool area without replacing your pool. A few renovations or upgrades can make a big difference in the style of your pool area for your enjoyment and to add value to your home. Contact your local pool remodel specialists to discuss the best options to improve and rejuvenate your pool area.

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

Do You Need Pool Service During the Winter?

In warm-winter climates, your pool may be closed for swimming during the cooler season. Many people shutdown their pool during the coolest months, but few people drain their pools in mild regions. Since there is still water in the pool, you need to consider the best way to reduce contamination. While you may not need regular weekly pool cleanings, it is still beneficial to keep pool service active during the winter.

Benefits of Winter Pool Service

The water in your pool during the winter will be the water you want to swim in come spring. It is easier to keep this water clean and sanitized than to decontaminate the water in a few months. Algae, bacteria and debris can create unhealthy conditions in your pool if the chemical balance is not maintained. Here are some benefits of scheduling pool service during the winter months:

  • Reduce stains and damage to pool from algae growth
  • Stay on top of pool maintenance with routine service
  • Easier and quicker to reopen pool in the spring

Winter pool service is not needed as often as during the swimming season. Schedule your pool service to come once a month to clean out any debris and balance the water chemistry. This will prevent damage to your pool and keep the water sanitary, making it a wise investment.

Even when your pool is closed for the winter, it needs maintenance to keep it healthy and ready to go in the spring. Talk to your local pool service about scheduling winter service to ensure that your pool is maintained December through March, ready to open when April arrives.

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

5 Health Benefits of Owning a Pool

Owning a swimming pool is a luxury, but it can also have benefits for your health. When used regularly, a pool can help you maintain a healthy lifestyle. If you are trying to justify investing into a pool for your home, adding the health benefits to your list of “pros” can help make a good argument for pool ownership. Here are five health benefits that you may enjoy if you become a pool owner.

  1. Relaxation. Just relaxing by the pool can help your health. Taking the time to unwind can reduce stress and that alone can help improve your wellness.
  2. Great exercise. Swimming is excellent exercise, offering cardio and muscle toning at the same time. The water creates natural resistance for every move you make, giving you a full body workout.
  3. Reduce joint stress. The buoyancy of water helps reduce weight and stress on joints. Swimming and water aerobics are great ways for those with joint problems to get exercise without pain or joint stress.
  4. Reduce inflammation. If you suffer from arthritis or other types of inflammatory conditions, spending time in the pool can help. Warm water can create a balance pressure and help reduce inflammation.
  5. Cooling during hot weather. Overheating is not healthy. Pools give you a place to cool down during the hot summer months and enjoy exercise with less risk of heat stroke or dehydration.

If you enjoy swimming and want to have access to the water in your backyard, adding a pool is a great idea. It can add value to your home and you can gain many health benefits through pool ownership. Talk to your local pool contractor to get started on planning your new pool.

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

6 Reasons to Hire a Professional Pool Service

Are your weekends spent cleaning your pool instead of enjoying the view poolside? Maybe it is time to hang up your pool net and let a professional pool service take over your maintenance. Many pool owners handle their own cleanings and maintenance in an effort to save money. Here are six reasons why hiring a professional pool service is a smart investment and worth every penny.

  1. Stop buying chemicals. You may save money by maintaining your own pool, but you still spend money on maintenance. Stop buying chemicals and making trips to the pool supply store – your pool service will take care of it for you.
  2. Never miss a cleaning. Life gets busy and you may miss cleaning your pool once in a while. Keep your pool safe and healthy with scheduled pool service that ensures your pool is ready and safe for use.
  3. Catch pool equipment issues early. Pro pool service technicians are experts on pool equipment. Regular inspections can catch a pool issue early to prevent expensive and inconvenient problems down the road.
  4. Extend the life of your pool equipment. Well-maintained equipment lasts longer, saving you money on replacement. Professional pool service can ensure your equipment is kept clean and running efficiently for a longer lifespan.
  5. Enjoy your free time. You deserve to spend time in your pool instead of cleaning it. Your time is valuable – enjoy more of it with ongoing pool maintenance.
  6. Better maintenance. Most pool owners are not experts on pool maintenance. Your pool will be better maintained when you trust a pro to do the job.

This is the year to invest in hiring a professional pool service. Contact a local provider and begin reaping the benefits of having a pool professional maintain your pool.

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

Enjoy the Benefits of Adding a Spa to Your Pool Area

Have you considered adding a hot tub or spa to your pool area? Pools and hot tubs provide two different water experiences, complimenting each other in function and aesthetics. If you are missing the massaging warmth of a spa in your back yard, keep in mind the benefits a hot tub can bring to your life and home.

Warm Up on Cool Nights

The pool may be wonderful for cooling off on a hot day, but when the pool is closed in January, you can still enjoy your spa. A hot tub can be used year-round – outdoor spas offer the combination of cool air and steaming water, an invigorating and relaxing options any time of year.

Ease Those Aches

If a tough day at work or at the gym leaves you sore, a spa is the answer to ease the ache of strained muscles. The heat and massaging effect of the water can loosen tight muscles and relieve stress, improving your health and mobility. Hot tubs are also wonderful for inflammation – those with arthritis and other inflammation issues can benefit from routine soaks in a heated spa.

Adult Area

When the kids take over the pool, adults can still enjoy the refreshing effects of the water in the spa. Make your hot tub a “adult-only” area and let the kids play in the pool. You can supervise the kids while still enjoying a soak outside.

A beautiful spa can complete your pool area. Contact your local pool contractor to discuss adding a relaxing hot tub to your pool area and enjoying the benefits of owning a spa.

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