Fiberglass pools are a great option for your upcoming swimming pool design. Many homeowners consider these pools the finest options in the swimming pool market, as they have the capacity to be unique, innovative and groundbreaking in design. And that’s because of the brilliant creation of fiberglass. Fiberglass is glass fiber reinforced plastic and is known for being very lightweight and yet a very strong and robust substance. It is also cheap to build and very malleable during the molding process. Fiberglass is so popular it’s used to construct everything, from floors to tubs to even cars!

Why Does Everyone Prefer Fiberglass for Their Pools?

Of course, you’re probably wondering what the big deal is with fiberglass and swimming pools. Fiberglass material allows you to customize the color and style, and this in turn, is what makes the pool look so amazing. Most fiberglass pools are actually started well in advance of home delivery. The company designs fiberglass pool basics in a controlled environment with state-of-the-art equipment and new technology.

Fiberglass pools have a few advantages over traditional pools. Because of the advance design capability, fiberglass pools can be completed in fewer days than a traditional pool. In fact, all that is really necessary is the excavating and digging process, followed by the insertion of the pool. These one piece “shells” are coated with a very strong gel that makes them durable and able to withstand everything from blunt force to even drastic changes in temperature.

The Bulletproof Quality of Fiberglass Swimming Pools

You can look forward to spending less money on fiberglass, and also less money on maintenance, at least when compared to traditional pools. In fact, these pools hardly require any maintenance and rarely if ever require visits from professional repair services. They are built to last and withstand a variety of threats. For instance, a fiberglass pool does not have to be resurfaced. Even if a crack emerges, it’s usually not a “fatal” blow to the overall pool.

PH is Not a Problem with a Fiberglass Pool

How’s this for convenience? With a fiberglass pool, the pH level of the water is hardly ever affected, so you don’t have to apply very many chemicals to the water. (Maybe a little bit, nothing compared to what a plaster or concrete pool requires) Because the pool does not have all those extra chemicals, it requires less circulation and less power coming from the fuel pump.

Another advantage is that fiberglass pools do not absorb algae and other life forms like concrete. It is practically impenetrable and you can easily get rid of all invaders by simply sweeping them to the drain.

There is only one thing to know—you must leave water inside the pool at all times, or drain it in a manner as indicated by the manufacturing company. Incorrect drainage can cause the structure to crack. These pools are a great convenience and can definitely give your new pool an exotic and opulent appearance. For more information, contact a professional who can handle these installations for you.

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While your swimming pool will be an important area for your family, the pool deck is actually just as important. Without the right design and layout, your pool deck can fail to provide protection, privacy or the look and feel that you want. Within this article, you’ll find some of the best tips and ideas for creating the ideal pool deck layout for your home.
Privacy Matters
One of the most important roles your deck will serve is as a place to lounge and relax. That means you need to ensure that the area of your pool deck layout reserved for lounging is as far away from prying eyes as possible. Ideally, it will be screened from both your home and any of your neighbors, as well as from the road and your driveway.
You’ll find unique options for privacy screening that don’t necessarily require you to install a privacy fence. Bushes, trees and flowers can all work very well here. Because you won’t likely be swimming when the plants lose their leaves, you won’t have to worry about seasonal foliage.
Focal Point
All pool decks should have some sort of focal point, but it won’t be the same thing for everyone. For instance, you might choose to make the pool itself the focal point, while someone else would prefer to have their outdoor kitchen or grilling area be the deck’s focal point. Yet other people might choose to make the waterfall or wading pool the focal point, or a tropical shower, a hot tub or something else. Make sure that you design your deck so that the focal point is obvious and easily accessed.
Overall Dynamic
No matter what elements you want to add to your pool deck, make sure that everything flows together and is accessible for people using the deck. That means that those lounging in the sun should be nearby your covered cooking area to make conversation easier. Remember that using your pool and pool deck will usually be a group activity – design it for groups.
Design Tips
All too often, homeowners think that they’re limited to a boring, ordinary deck. That’s not the case. You can achieve an incredible range of styles and designs with the right options. Concrete overlays and stamped designs can transform cement into brick, tile, natural stone, pavers, cobbles or anything else you might like. It’s never been easier to create an amazing haven for your family right in your own back yard.
Consider using vegetation not only as a screening and privacy tool, but a way to enhance your experience around the pool. Vibrant, colorful flowers near your rock waterfall can add stunning beauty and perfume the air, and carefully chosen low-growing plants can help emphasize the feeling of having a footpath around the edge of the pool.
When it comes to pool deck layout and design, the only real limit is your own imagination. With the right steps, a bit of imagination and the right layout plan, you can build an amazing place to spend time.

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For most pools, the visual appeal is often lacking. You can add landscaping and other niceties around the outside, but the pool itself can still look bare. To make it a truly visual treat you can add a life to your pool with mosaic inlays! Can you imagine the possibilities?

Mosaic inlays can be used in all different parts of the pool to create an endless number of designs. You can have them outside and around the pools edge, inside the pool along the walls, or even on the bottom of the pool creating beautiful images that can be seen through the clear waters. Imagine looking down into the pool and instead of seeing blank space you see the fun images of dolphins at play. You could also do an elaborate design featuring the sun, Aztec themed images, sea turtles, floral themes. Can you imagine a nautical theme of starfish and anchors playfully lined around your pools waterline? Or perhaps you are after a more artsy look that is not simple images but bold uses of color to make a visual masterpiece. Basically, if you can imagine it, it can be done with a mosaic inlay in your pool.

What is the theme you are going for in your pool area? Is it a Chinese garden, Tiki hut look, or a backyard theme park for the kids? If you know the look that you are going for, finding prefabricated or completely original designs will be much easier. If you are at a loss of where to start, then you may want to look at some of the professional websites online that can show you images of other pools that have mosaic inlays. Looking to see what has already been done can help you imagine just how beautiful your pool will look, and help give you some design ideas.

Add a life to your pool with mosaic inlays, and you will love heading out for a dip all the more. You don’t have to stop at simple glass inlays either; there are all sorts of materials being used today. Some inlays are even being done with tiles that absorb light, and then shine brightly at night, so that your pool is dazzling no matter what time of the day it is. Another advantage of doing mosaic inlays is that unlike many other materials that fade over time, most materials used in inlays are fade resistant and will look as beautiful 10 years from now as they do the day that they are installed.

Safety can also be enhanced when you use inlays. Do you have a lot of steps or added pool features that are the same exact color as the rest of the bottom of the pool? This can prove dangerous, especially for those jumping into the pool that had not seen this before making the leap. A little mosaic tile along all of the edges in the pool can not only make it look beautiful, but can also help to make it safer.

There are many reasons to add a life to your pool with mosaic inlays, so don’t wait, get started today!

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So, it looks like you’re ready to install a new pool.  Congratulations and aren’t we envious of your new patio party destination!  However, before you start passing out Appletinis and planning BBQ shindigs, let’s first discuss some of the fundamentals of pool design—namely in preparing your land and property for the pool construction.

Do You Want An Above Ground Pool?

First, make your selection as to whether you want an above ground pool or an in ground pool.  Obviously, budget and amenities are the primary issue here.  If you are installing an above ground pool, you don’t have to mess with much in the way of landscaping which makes it a great deal cheaper than the alternative.  Why, you could even install a pool yourself!  Nonetheless, even if you are planning an above ground pool there are some preparation requirements nonetheless.

You have to first find out if you have any buried utility lines in your backyard, and if so you need to have an inspector come out and mark the lines.  If you ignore this step, you could have to answer to the city for unknowingly damaging a line during the big dig ahead.  You will also have to obtain proper building permits, even though aboveground pools are not technically buildings.

The next step is to choose the site, and to ensure that there are no wires in the way.  You should also try to choose a site that can easily drain away from the pool.  And unless you have nothing better to do all day, maybe situate the pool away from that huge tree with the falling leaves?  Finally, you can decide whether to dig a hole yourself or let a contractor do it.  Keep in mind that even above ground pools often require a certain level of digging.

Do You Want an In Ground Pool?

An in ground pool is definitely more expensive but this is the type of jaw-dropping feature that will get your guests talking!  The introductory steps of this pool are the same as an aboveground pool—at least at first.  You have to check the zoning laws and codes to make sure you’re legal.  The next step involves choose a site and then deciding upon the material you want to use in construction.  For instance, concrete, vinyl-lined or fiberglass.  Other options include aluminum and steel.

The next step is to choose a circulation system, which is the mechanism that will keep your pool clean and clear.  (In case you haven’t noticed, no one wants to swim in a green pool!)  This system uses both filtering and sanitizing technology to make sure the water stays swimmable, and the pump device draws the water from the drains to the skimmer and through a filter, before returning it to the pool.

If you are interested in learning more about swimming pool options then talk to a contractor in your region that can help you install a new pool either above ground or underground.  You can finish on time, on budget and not a moment too soon so you can enjoy your summer!

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Pool Cover Types

There are basically two types of pool covers, mesh and solid covers.  They are designed to keep your pool from accumulating debris through the winter and prevent algae from forming, requiring you to drain your pool and scrub it with disinfectants in the spring.  Mesh covers allow rain and snow to seep in, keeping the surface of the cover smooth, but because of this, there is often some silt and dirt in the pool in the spring.  Solid covers seep out the rain and snow, but because there is no seepage, shallow water can form on the cover, making it hazardous for pets or small children.

The Difference Between Safety Pool Covers and Winter Covers

Winter pool covers, along with solar covers are not safety pool covers.  They are meant only to keep your pool clean or the water temperature relatively warm.  A safety pool cover is designed to keep small children safe when your pool is not in use.  The second leading cause of accidental death for small children is drowning.  When you buy a safety pool cover, you will want one that is strong enough to withstand children or animals crawling over its surface.  The American Society for Testing and Materials standard requires that a pool cover be able to hold a minimum of 485 pounds per five square feet in order to qualify as a safety pool cover.

Arctic Armor and Rayner

Arctic Armor and Rayner meet the requirements for safety pool cover testing and materials.  Their covers are designed with straps that pull tautly over the pool to anchor to the deck.  When the mesh cover is removed, the deck brackets that are not already flush with the deck can be screwed down to prevent toe stubbing or tripping.  This safety pool cover is designed for long term use.

Loop-Loc

The Loop-Loc safety pool cover is crafted from polypropylene mesh and fits tautly over the pool.  It is recommended that you lower the water level by twelve to eighteen inches to allow for the seepage that accumulates from snow and rain.  The polypropylene mesh is designed to filter out silt for less spring clean-up.  The fabric is extremely durable with stainless steel springs and solid brass anchors that screw down flush to deck level when the cover is not in use.

All -Safe

All-Safe engineers their supplies to complete child safety.  As well as safety pool covers, they also offer safety fences and safety nets.  Their safety fences are a removable pool barrier, while their nets can be placed over the pool whenever it is not in use.  Their winter pool covers are ideal for when the pool is to be shut down for the winter, but not for when the pool is in frequent use.  Their winter pool covers are very strong but take several minutes to take down and two people to handle the job.  All-Safe also carries an automatic safety pool cover that can be rolled back or used to cover your pool by just turning a key.

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If you have ever seen a very creatively designed and superior pool up close, then chances are you have already seen a gunite pool.  They are among the most popular pool designs on the market today.  What is involved in building a gunite pool?  A gunite pool refers to the substance used to make the pool, namely a mixture of cement and sand.  This mixture is pumped onto the surface to create the pool layer, and when water is added, it begins to form.

In addition to the gunite substance, plaster is also applied.  So you never actually see the gunite cement in the final product.  A gunite pool seems synonymous with the idea of a spray applied or “gun” concrete system.  However, a more accurate definition would be a “dry gun” system, since the cement and sand are first injected into an air stream and then come into contact with water at the nozzle point.  Gunite pools are very popular for their durability as well as their innovative and naturalistic designs.  Indeed, a gunite pool can last for well over the ten year average—often for two decades.

Tips on Constructing the Gunite Pool

The gunite pool construction process is fairly elaborate, and particularly in the beginning when the homeowner (assisted by a pool contractor) must choose a site that is legally permissible (meaning it won’t conflict with plumbing or power lines) and aesthetically pleasing.  Gunite pool installations require steel frames that will allow the pool to take a strong and fixed shape.  However, a durable layer of concrete must be created to solidify and reinforce the steel frame.

In fact, the entire concrete base of the pool is merely the foundation for the liner you are going to install.  Besides this layer, some homeowners actually add yet another layer such as decorative tile.  The entire point of gunite pools is durability and customizability.  They are among the toughest pools available, and yet are not as rigid or difficult to manage as premade fiberglass pools.

How Much Does a Gunite Pool Cost on Average?

It really depends on the site and shape of the pool, the extra amenities, and your specific regional location.  Some homeowners can expect to pay $40,000 or more for a new installation.  Steep, right?  However, it’s STILL half the cost of a vinyl swimming pool made in similar proportions.  As you can see gunite is not only easy to customize—it’s also cheaper material to build with.  You can look forward to custom water features, affordable pricing and luxury the way you want it.

And hey, even if you’re out there going “I wish I could afford something that great!” then take heart.  Many swimming pool gunite installation companies are now offering financing programs for consumers who can’t afford full price upfront, but who have good credit.  You can contact a swimming pool contractor in your area to find out more details.  Yes, the gunite pool of your dreams may be even closer than you think!

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If you have a fiberglass swimming pool then no doubt you are very interested to know how this affects the pH of your pool.  As you may already know, swimming pools have to be adjusted for pH levels in order to keep the water safe and properly colored.  Otherwise, it is easily threatened by volatile water chemistry.

A Fiberglass Pool is Not pH Proof!

The truth is fiberglass is far more effective than traditional cement when it comes to effective swimming pool design, and one of the reasons for this is because of its chemical properties which make it more resistant to water chemistry changes.

Unfortunately, some people misunderstand that little maintenance doesn’t mean no maintenance at all.  Even if you have a fiberglass pool, you will still have to maintain it from time to time.  Another deceptive idea is that of the salt water chlorine generating system.  This device does not entirely balance pH.  So while fiberglass pools are easier to maintain than concrete or even vinyl, they still do require some balance work.

What Are Appropriate pH Levels for Fiberglass Swimming Pools?

Appropriate pH levels are around 7.2 or slightly higher.  This means that your pool is fairly safe as far as acid or base content.  However, at any given time your pool can read anywhere from 0 to 14 on the scale.  If the pH falls below the 7 mark, you are exposing yourself to corrosive water, which can actually damage metal devices under water.  This uneven balance could even affect the chlorine, which is the only thing keeping your pool clean.  Anything higher than a seven, and your water will turn cloudy.  This too could affect chlorine.  If the pH levels are too high or low you can use either sodium carbonate to raise the levels or sodium bisulfate to decrease them.

Fiberglass Pools and pH Ready Design

Now fiberglass pools do make the process of maintaining chemistry easier, while also making algae control and debris management much easier.  On average, fiberglass pools use 50% less chemicals than other types of pools and also tend to last longer.  The interesting thing about fiberglass is that the pool’s chemical levels do not actually change and thus are much easier to keep balanced.  Of course, that doesn’t mean the pH levels are unaffected by any exterior threat!  It is good practice to check the pH levels of your pool on a daily basis.  However, those levels can be changed by contaminants in the water as well as people entering and exiting the pool.

Remember, adjusting pH is important as it can affect not only the chlorine in the pool, but could also cause eye problems with your swimmers.  It is suggested that you wear protective gear to protect yourself from the unstable water chemistry.  After delivering the inclusions into the pool, wait at least eight hours for the pool to stabilize before using.

For more information on swimming pools and proper pH, not to mention the advantages of fiberglass pools, contact a trusted pool dealer in your area right away!

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Pool and spa coping refers to the top layer of a wall which acts like a sort of “cap” for the wall.  The edge of the unit is covered for protective and aesthetic reasons, and this is what is meant by the coping.  This process also involves identifying the material used to cap the shell top.  All sorts of options are available from tile to stone to even precast concrete.  This cap feature is mounted on the bond beam, and may also be referred to as edging.  Naturally, most homeowners want a powerfully aesthetic pool and thus will opt for a decorative finish.

Coping is found above the tile line and it covers the top completely.  Basically, the bond beam part of the pool separates the rest of the structure from the decking.  You might think of it as the “frame” around the pool, just as with a picture frame, a different pattern surrounds the photo.  An advantage of this feature is that the deck can be easily moved without affecting the pool or the tile around the pool.

Types of Coping to Choose From for Your Swimming Pool

What are some of the most common types of coping solutions?  Poured concrete is one choice, as this option allows the coping system to be one with the deck.   This prevents “breaking” and can also help make a smaller pool area look bigger.  Natural stone is another selection, and this gives the natural advantage of stone as a smooth texture, a sturdy material and a good conductor of temperature.  Stone can be anything from granite, to limestone to other stone types.  In this type of coping system, you must consider coping thickness as it is highly visible.   Precast concrete is another option, and this involves a wider range of colors and patterns, not to mention a lower initial investment.  It is easier to install which explains the lower price.

Styles of Coping to Consider

When it comes to style, much of your own personal taste is needed to figure out the setup.  However, many homeowners like using bull nose coping, which refers to a style in which the coping is flat on top but keeps rounded edges upon hitting the pool top.  This style can be made from anything, as it is attempting to match the surrounding landscape.  Rough cut coping involves creating rough edges for the pool, usually made from stone, and familiar to a rustic environment.  Cantilever coping involves a cap over the pool, and while natural looking, is a major project.  Rolled edge coping involves a smooth and upturned edge that stands above the deck point.  It is popular because of its convenience to swimmers who need a hand upon emerging from the water.

If you are thinking about creating a new pool then contact a trusted pool dealer in your area with the experience and knowledge needed to undertake such a project.  The coping is just one detail among many that you want to ensure so that your pool will look stellar and be the talk of the neighborhood!

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When you live in a climate that is hot most of the year, you don’t really consider heating the water for your pool, yet that water you fill it with comes deep from underground and is icy cold.  The sun will heat the surface of it, giving it some warmth, but on cooler days, the water temperature of your pool is also chilly.  In order to have maximum comfort in your pool, even when the weather is a bit nippy, the most practical aspect is a swimming pool heater.  A swimming pool heater will allow you to use your pool even on chilly mornings, and in some cases, all year round.

Propane and Natural Gas Heaters

Natural gas and propane heaters are self-regulating and can be installed in a variety of sizes and choice of colors.  Made of durable construction and high quality materials, the latest technology in natural gas and propane heaters make them environmentally friendly and with emissions lower than air pollution industrial standards.  Natural gas heaters will keep your pool an even temperature with maximum swimming pleasure even on cold days.

Solar Pool Heaters

Sadly enough,  the costs of natural gas or propane can be prohibitive if you use your pool on a frequent basis, and want to keep your pool at a warm temperature at all times, as this uses a lot of energy. If you are living in an area where it is generally sunny, you might wish to think about using a solar pool heater.  All you need is a sizable surface area, such as your roof or other exposed area, and a onetime installation to keep your pool balmy even in the late afternoons and evenings.  Solar panels or mats are designed to concentrate the sun’s rays, providing a high temperature baffle throughout the day.  The circulating water will remain warm long after the sun goes down.  Solar pool heaters provide very low energy costs, are ecologically friendly and require virtually no maintenance.

Electric Heat Pumps

For those who enjoy swimming, regardless of the weather, an electric heat pump is the most recommended option.  Heat pumps are also the preferred choice for athletic trainers and therapists.  Heat pumps are ideal for areas that do not receive a lot of sunlight for effective solar heating or that do not have a large enough surface for installing solar panels.  Electric heat pumps use less energy than gas or propane pool heaters and can keep the pool warm in temperatures as low as 45 degrees.  When properly used, a heat pump will maintain any desired pool temperature between eighty and ninety degrees, for maximum comfort and swimming pleasure.

How do They Work?

Gas pump heaters use propane or natural gas.  The gas is burned in a combustible chamber where the heat is transferred to the pool.  Operation requires a storage tank for propane or a hook up for natural gas where available.  Solar Pool Heaters use the existing sun’s heat and do not have any operating cost.  The heater uses the pool’s existing pool pump to circulate the water, warming the pool.  The pump timer is set to operate during sunlit hours, usually between 5 AM and 8 PM.

A heat pump uses electricity to operate and in a minor way is a solar heater as the sun warmed air contributes to the efficiency of these heaters.  The heat is extracted from the air, compressed, and transferred through valves.

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Have you read about how cool fiberglass swimming pools are?  Have you seen them on TV and on YouTube, and are you totally stoked about building your own pool and deck?  Great!  However, there are a few installation tips you should be aware of before you start the great pool experiment.

First let’s get a few things straight about fiberglass.  Fiberglass is indeed a superior material and is more resistant to damage than most other materials on the market.  That said; they are not maintenance free.  These pools will require some attention.  That said, be prepared to be dazzled with performance, as fiberglass is known to be stronger as time passes and can actually stretch to conform to changes in the ground.  It is truly a malleable and yet durable building substance.

The Preparation of Building a Fiberglass Pool

In preparation of your new pool, you will need to level the site where the pool can be installed.  Ideally, you want to keep it near the accessible parts of the house.  Be precise on this and get exact measurements.  Remember, unlike concrete and other materials, fiberglass cannot be built “around” your landscape.  The pool structure itself is premade and must fit the pool boundary perfectly.  Dig a hole to precise specifications.  (You can actually dig the hole yourself to save money)  When digging however, be sure to dig about three inches deeper than the original measurements require.  You will fill this area with sand in order to acquire a more precise base.

Installing a fiberglass pool will require a truck to lift it, though a crane might not be necessary.  The pool could be lifted simply by using rope or reinforced boards.  Now is also the time to drill holes for an automatic pool cleaner, lights and sump pump.  The pump attachment process involves connecting one end of the device to a PVC pipe.  This will all take place underneath the pool and then lead away, for the best drainage possible.  When the building process has been finished, you must fill the pool with water up to the “marked” level and then let the pool “settle” in against the soil.

Maintaining the Fiberglass Pool

Do not swim for at least two days after installation.  You will have to keep up with pH levels on a regular basis, particularly during the first month.  You can buy a kit that lets you easily apply powder or liquid to change the pH level with ease.  Once you create your pool you CANNOT drain the water—unless you ask a professional contractor to do this for you.  The fiberglass pool cannot stand the pressure of having all the water drained out and it will crack.

Once you finish the installation, you will sigh with relief and sit back in your customized pool and relax like a king!  This fantasy is a fantasy no longer.  Come talk to a pool contractor and get a price quote on the pool and deck you’ve always wanted!

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