APSP Swim Ambassador Celebrates National Water Safety Month

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If you added a pool to your home in the past few years, or moved into a house with an existing pool, you may wonder what more you can do to enhance the value and enjoyment your pool brings to your home and family. You may even think there’s not much you can do beyond keeping it clean and well maintained.

“Pools are a great investment, and the vast majority of owners say their pool is a great place to entertain,” says Bill Weber, president and CEO of the Association of Pool & Spa Professionals (APSP). “Fortunately, some simple upgrades and renovations can help pool owners enjoy their investment even more.”

APSP points to five renovations that can offer homeowners the most satisfaction and value for their investment. The Association suggests homeowners consult with and hire an APSP-certified professional for the best possible results from any of these renovations:

1. Resurfacing – If your in-ground pool is made from concrete, time and use can cause the surface to deteriorate and become rough or even cracked. Resurfacing can restore the beauty and comfort of the pool and extend its functional life. Choose options that provide durability, and consider multiple manufacturers’ products to ensure the best selection. For pools with a vinyl interior, a host of new patterns, available for replacement liners, can transform the appearance of the pool overnight. Fiberglass pool owners also have several resurfacing options. Consult with an APSP-certified professional to determine the best product to make your fiberglass pool look like new.

2. New tile – Just as a kitchen backsplash can transform the overall look of the room, tile can set the tone for how your pool looks. Pool tile options are vast, and changing the tile is one of the most dramatic improvements you can make; it will give you the biggest bang for your buck in terms of appearance.

3. Change the look of the pool deck – The current design trend is to extend the look of interior flooring out into the pool area to create the effect of an outdoor family room. Deck choices range from man-made and natural materials to staining existing concrete. Know that old concrete does not necessarily need to be removed. Often you can fix unsightly cracks and dated concrete decks with a thick overlay and new finish.

4. Add a water feature – Installing a waterfall or fountain is a great way to bring the sound and beauty of moving water to your outdoor environment. Water features also create a strong focal point for the pool. A dramatic spillover or sheer water feature can be dynamic additions to an ordinary pool.

5. Lighting – While safety is a primary function of lights, today’s pool lighting also adds touches of beauty and pizzazz. Standard incandescent and halogen pool lights are functional staples, and fiber optic lighting can add striking color to a nighttime poolscape. Fiber optics are especially great around pools and landscaping because there’s no electrical current to worry about. Long-lasting LED replacement lights can typically be installed with little or no modification to the existing pool. The colored LED lights can create an entirely new mood around your pool while providing energy savings at the same time.

“Of course, there are many more renovations and improvements to consider,” Weber says. “Digital controls make operating pool equipment easier than ever, allowing you to control lighting, heating and cleaning with the touch of the button. And upgrades like adding a salt chlorinator system, solar cover and heater can improve the functionality and efficiency of a pool.”

Keep in mind, you don’t have to do everything at once. Pool renovations can be done over several seasons, allowing you to make the improvements and fund your investment at a pace that works for you. Of course, to ensure you get the most for your money, you’ll want to hire an experienced pool contractor. You can find an APSP certified building or service professional through the organization’s website, www.apsp.org. APSP-certified professionals are required to demonstrate proven knowledge of design, construction and service, follow a strict code of ethics, and must engage in continuing education to maintain their certification.

“Most renovations are quite affordable, and can dramatically change the look of your backyard,” Weber says. “It’s important to ensure your project is performed by a certified professional who can help you turn your vision into reality safely, efficiently and cost-effectively.”

Read more: http://www.thebostonchannel.com/realestate/30911021/detail.html

My family considers the pool more than just a pool. Our life-style during the season is structured around it. For us it begins with opening the pool on March 1 to start enjoying the sounds and the look and feel of sparkling clean and clear water. Our lives are enriched when we sit out back and enjoy a nice day with the water flowing and the sun shining down on the surface. As family and friends begin to come over to enjoy our backyard with us, new and lasting memories are created. It’s wholesome…good…clean…

As you’ve heard on my phone announcement – “How lucky am I to have such a great job.” I feel like Walt Disney. It’s my job to assist you in your enjoyment and safety of your backyard environment. I am looking forward to this season with you. We are growing because of loyal clients like you. Our employees are the heart of our company and they also find joy in servicing your needs. From all of us to you thank you for your business, your loyalty and most of all your friendship.

1. Super chlorinate the water
2. Lower water level to bottom of skimmers
3. Turn off all power to the filter system

After the hurricane passes:

1. Test the water and balance the chemistry
2. Turn the filter system back on
3. Test all GFCI’s
4. Lower the water to the normal operating level

A. If your cover is solid, water will accumulate on top. It is a good idea to keep up to 1 inch of water on the cover at all times. However, more than 1 inch will cause the middle of the cover to sag and may stretch the material. If your cover is a mesh material, water will drain into the pool, causing the pool water level to rise. Keep a submersible pump under the cover approximately on the top step. By keeping the water level at that point you can avoid a water puddle in the middle of the cover. For more information read today’s article on Winter Cover Pumps. BONUS – With a pool and spa combination water can collect over the pool and over the spa. To avoid a puddle over the spa, place something under the cover to create a dome effect on top of the cover, usually called a ‘spa ball’ or ‘spa pillow’. This will force the water to run off and prevent water accumulation over the spa.

2. Should I cover my equipment for the winter?

A. It is recommended that only the heater be covered. If you plan on covering the heater, use only a recommended custom heater cover that will allow the air to breath and prevent condensation. WARNING: Do not use a standard tarp. This will create condensation which has an extremely low pH and will cause rust, corrosion, and damage to equipment.

3. When is the best time to schedule my pool opening?

A. We schedule openings on a first come first serve basis. You can call our office now or anytime to schedule a date. Generally, our spring / opening brochures and agreements are mailed around Valentine’s Day. By the end of February the most desirable days are booked solid.

For answers to your questions… send your questions to: info@gorlinpools.com

Pool heaters are the fastest method, and they are generally best used for either intermittent or maintenance heating. Heaters are also frequently the method of choice for those who like to swim regardless of the weather. Pool heaters burn fuel, usually either natural gas or propane, in a combustion chamber and transfer the resulting heat into the pool water, raising its temperature. Gas heaters typically last for eight years or more. They do require annual cleaning maintenance due to the extreme temperatures inside the unit and the changes from summer to winter.

Pool heat pumps are electrically powered. They extract heat from the air, provided it is at least 45 degrees Fahrenheit, and transfer the heat to the pool water. Heat pumps can maintain pool water temperatures up to 90 degrees Fahrenheit by making use of hot air energy. Heat pumps are extremely efficient (600%) and have a very low cost of operation because they require very little electricity to function. Head pumps typically last for eight years or more and also require annual cleaning maintenance.

As both types of heating systems come with their own benefits and drawbacks, the option that will be best for you will be a personal decision that depends on all of the above factors. No matter which type of system you ultimately choose, however, a high quality heating unit will always provide you with effective swimming pool heating and an extended swimming season. When selecting a gas swimming pool heater, you need to consider the following:

Surface area of the pool
Coldest ambient air temperature
Maximum wind – MPH
Months of operation Availability of natural or propane gas
Location of installation and proximity to the gas supply

For more information on Gorlin Pools please visit us online at http://www.gorlinpools.com.

To ensure a good relationship with your pool service company, it is important that you are clear about your needs and expectations, and that you communicate those to your pool service professional. Both parties want the relationship to be successful and to last for the long-term. You can start the relationship off right with clear communication that establishes your needs and expectations. Take the time to get to know one another and ask questions. After all, your technician will be working in and around your home. Let your technician tell you about themselves and their services, so that you know which options are the best match for your circumstances. Become familiar with the office staff and never hesitate to ask questions or make requests concerning your water environment.

For more information visit Gorlin Pools online at http://www.gorlinpools.com.

SAFETY AND LAYERS OF PROTECTION

The number of pools, spas and hot tubs continues to grow each year, while the number of child drowning is in decline. However, any body of water represents a risk, particularly for children under five years of age. For that reason, the Association of Pool & Spa Professionals (APSP) recommends “Layers of Protection” for pools, spas and hot tubs.

The concept of Layers of Protection is simple: In addition to employing adult supervision, pool, spa and hot tub owners should use several devices to warn of a child’s presence or delay his or her unsupervised access. These layers of protection act as a backup to but should not replace vigilant adult supervision, and may include:

A barrier, e.g., a fence, that is at least four feet high and completely surrounds the pool
Infrared detectors, which sound when the area around the pool perimeter is entered
Door exit alarms to warn of entry into the pool area
Fence gate alarms, which sound when the fence gate is open/opened
Automatic power safety covers
Manual safety covers
Pool alarms, which sound upon detection of accidental or unauthorized entrance into the water by detecting wave motion or acoustic changes

Additional information is available from the professionals at Gorlin Pools & Spas, or online at www.apsp.org.

1. Answer – Testing the water chemistry at the closing and closing the pool with the water properly balanced will go a long way to keeping the water clear for the opening. If your pool is closed more than 5 months a chemical boost in mid winter is a good idea. Pull the cover back in the deep end, test the water and add the necessary portions. Remember to circulate the water with a submersible pump for proper disbursements of the chemicals. A small amount of chemicals applied one time in mid winter could save you money and time at the pool opening. Often, these “winter watch” services can be provided for you. Check with your service company.

2. Do I have to balance the water before I close it?

2. Answer – It is always important to keep the pool water balanced. However, the most important time to balance the water chemistry is before the pool is closed. When you think about it, during the season the filter is running 8-12 hours per day, you add chemicals weekly, and you vacuum often. During the winter, the cover is on, the water is stagnant and not being filtered plus no chemicals are being added. When the cover is on the pool you forget about it. No one pays attention to their pool during the winter. However, this is when the most amount of damage can and does occur. The northeast, freeze/thaw cycle and un balanced water chemistry are your worst enemies.

3. Is it OK to let water accumulate on top of the winter cover?

3. Answer – If you have a “water bag” cover a little bit of water is good. You should try to maintain 1” of water on top of the cover all the time. Caution and attention should be placed at the center of the pool where the weight of the water will sink the cover and to much water can accumulate there, causing the cover to pull and fall into the pool. This 1” of water will help to keep the cover in place and prevent it from blowing in the breeze. Caution and attention to safety however is vital. Drowning can occur in 1” of water on top of a “water bag” cover.
If you have a “safety cover” with mesh material the cover should remain dry all winter. If snow accumulates, leave it alone until it thaws and drains through the mesh cover and into the pool. If you have a “safety cover” with solid material a submersible pump “MUST” be used to prevent water from accumulating on top of the cover. These covers are not designed to carry the weight of the water. The extra water weight could cause to cover to tear.

4. When should I open my pool? When should I schedule the opening?

4. Answer – I never tell anyone when to open their pool. That is up to you and your family. The tradition in my family is to open the pool on March 1st every year. Then, we close the pool in the morning and that after noon we have Thanksgiving dinner. 9 months with the cover off. No I’m not crazy. I don’t actually swim in the pool that early, or that late. However, my pool adds to the quality of my life and my life style. With the cover off and the pool open, the sound of the water and the vision of that clear, crisp, shinny blue makes me feel good. So, while my neighbors are inside in March and April or October and November, I’m on my deck, sipping coffee, reading the paper and enjoying the sights and sounds of my pool. To conserve energy and save money I run the filter on an abbreviated schedule and I won’t run the heater unless I know I’m going in that day or the next day. If that sounds good to you…try it. I have photos of my pool opened in March with snow falling on the floating rafts and toys. We love that photo!

Now, most service companies offer the opening schedule on a first come first serve basis. You should call in February or March after looking at a calendar and determining what day you would like to be swimming. Schedule the pool to be open two weeks before that day but schedule it in February or March.

For more information visit our website at http://www.gorlinpools.com.