Pool Problems?

Practically every day there are new innovations and developments in the world of swimming pools. Whether it is a new automated pool control system you can access from your smartphone or a popular new pool design innovation, pool owners are constantly having to decide which new idea is right for their needs. One of the more popular developments in swimming pool design happens to be a relatively new pool interior finishing material known simply as the pebble finish. You may have seen this type of aggregate stone finish installed on a driveway or walkway around your neighborhood, but this stylish design is also available for pool interiors. If you're looking to update an existing pool interior, or if you're installing a brand new pool on your property, you may want to consider some of the following facts about pebble pool interiors before you make your final choice. Natural Appearance While any pool makes a great addition to a backyard, some pool designs can look artific

One of the oldest and most popular interior pool finishes available today is a white plaster finish. This interior pool surface has remained popular since the 1920s for its inexpensive cost, prolonged durability and of course its bright white finish. Although there are many newer types of interior pool finishes available for all kinds of pools, white plaster has remained a popular choice among pool owners. If you are in the market for a new pool, or pool remodel, you might consider choosing white plaster. Below you'll find a few of the more common questions that pertain to white plaster finishes and what pool owners can expect when they choose a white plaster installation or remodel. What is White Plaster Made of? Although it is called plaster, white plaster has very little in common with its counterpart used for interior building projects. The white plaster used in pool interiors is made to be watertight and colored to reflect light for a bright interior finish that enh

Most pool owners are probably well aware of the possible dangers posed by electrical issues around the pool. Water is a conductor for electricity, which means the level of danger when dealing with electrical systems near or connected to your pool and pool equipment is significantly increased. In most cases, you're better off leaving repairs and troubleshooting of electrical issues to a trained professional. Even still, you should always be able to recognize possible electrical issues around your pool in order to keep yourself and everyone who happens to use your pool safe from potential danger. Electrical Connections Practically every pool system that helps keep your pool water clean, heated and properly circulated relies on an electrical connection to function. Like any wired connection found outdoors, the potential for problems is enhanced thanks to natural hazards like wind, storms or even falling branches and debris. If your pool pump, in particular, is kept in an are

Whether its ordering food online or organizing your busy schedule at the touch of a button, you've probably got an app for just about everything installed on your phone. Thanks to new technological innovations, you can now install an app on your iPhone or Android phone that lets you control your pool equipment and systems with ease. Ever been on vacation and can't remember if you left your pool pump running? With an automated pool control app, you can easily access information about your pool functions while controlling any vital pool equipment with your smartphone from anywhere! This innovative tool makes managing your pool's energy consumption and daily functions a lot easier for any pool owner. The only question is which app for the remote control of your pool equipment will work best for your needs. iAqualink One of the most popular pool control apps is the iAqualink app. This free app is available on both the Android and iPhone app stores, so no matter what

One of the most vital components of any type of swimming pool happens to be the skimmer. Practically all of the water in your pool passes through the skimmer on its way to being heated and/or filtered before it is discharged back into the pool. Because of this fact, it is important to always ensure your skimmer is able to function properly. Without a properly installed, connected or functioning skimmer, your pool water quality will rapidly decline, and you may end up stuck with some hefty repair costs that go towards correcting the issue. Fortunately, most major problems encountered with pool skimmers start out as relatively minor issues that can be easily corrected before they become too extensive. The trick is knowing how to spot these minor problems and solve them in a timely fashion. As your pool pump runs and circulates water through your pool plumbing system, a kind of suction is created at the skimmer intake. This is the starting point of your pool water circulation syste

Living in a warm climate makes having a swimming pool an absolute must. After a long day spent under the hot sun, there is nothing better than being able to hop in a backyard pool to cool right off. This can be so enjoyable, you may find yourself wanting to be able to swim in your pool as often as possible, even when it isn't all that hot out. For anyone living in a warm climate like Southern California, the idea of installing a pool heater may seem unnecessary, but even in a hot place like California, there are plenty of benefits that come with installing a pool heater. Extend Pool Season Adding a heater of any type can help you get the most out of your pool on a year-round basis. Whether you choose a gas heater, an electric heat pump, or a solar pool heating system, keeping your pool water temperature regulated can let you enjoy your pool no matter what time of day, or year, it happens to be. Increase Investment Value Installing a pool is a great way to increas

Every pool, whether it's a small above ground, or a large in-ground model, relies on the pump more than any other piece of pool equipment to function properly. When a pool pump starts to act up, pool owners may notice their pool water quality start to decline. When it comes to filtration and even consistent water temperature, your pool pump can make all the difference. Knowing how to spot a minor pump issue before it becomes a major problem can help pool owners save a lot of time, money and hassle spent trying to get the problem solved. At Pool Problems? we encounter a number of different pool pump issues every day, most of which are preventable. To help you stay ahead of the game and keep your pool pump functioning properly at all times, take a look at the helpful tips about what you can do to fix common pool pump issues before they become a major problem. Leakage In any plumbing system, leaks are usually a sign that something has, or is about to go wrong. Your pool'

Any swimming enthusiast will tell you that having a pool deck that is comfortable to walk on with bare feet is about as important as having a clean swimming pool. Over the years, many materials have been used to construct all kinds of pool decks, such as concrete, brick, and stone. These materials in particular are highly resistant to sun damage and tend to last a long time. However, even the most well-built pool decks deteriorate over time, and will eventually need to be replaced or resurfaced. If you're looking to improve the look and the feel of your pool deck, you might want to consider installing a Kool Deck pool deck. Kool Decks are unlike any other pool deck material available on the market today. What makes this type of deck so unique is the fact that it offers top quality durability, and keeps your pool deck surface feeling cool to the touch of bare feet, even in direct sunlight! Kool Decks can be easily applied to brand new or existing concrete surfaces, and won&#

Every pool owner knows the importance of regular cleaning in and around the area of their pool. If you don't stay on top of the constant buildup of dirt and stains, your pool can quickly start to look dirty and unappealing. Since most pools are the focal point of a backyard space, it is important to keep them looking their best with regular cleanings. Sometimes even the most diligent pool owners run into messes they can't tackle on their own. To help you recognize some of the tougher pool stains and to give you guidance about the best way to get these messes properly cleaned, take a look at some of the tips below. Algae Stains Algae is one of the most common stains to occur in pools. Even pools that are regularly cleaned of dirt and debris can start to see a buildup of algae on the pool bottom. These stains usually occur during humid periods in the summer where algae can thrive underwater in the sunlight. Aside from manually scrubbing the algae by hand, which can

Ambient lighting in and around your pool and spa is always a nice addition to any outdoor space. Not only do pool and spa lights make things look great, they also allow pool owners to make the most of their swimming pool and spa after the sun goes down. Unfortunately, like any light fixture, pool and spa lighting can sometimes run into problems. While for the most part you should leave the repairs to the experts, there are some common issues to be aware of that can be quickly fixed. Loose Lens Gasket Any submerged light fixture in your pool or spa will feature a watertight seal designed to keep the light dry on the inside. If this seal is in any way compromised, water will soon end up leaking into the fixture. Not only will this cause the light to stop working, it can also lead to a potentially hazardous situation as the water comes into contact with any electrical component. Most submerged fixtures can be removed without getting wet while water is still in to pool. If you ar

Well maintained pools can add a significant amount of value to a property while providing a relaxing and fun space to spend time at home. Over time however, certain aspects of a pool's appearance may start to decline. Waterline tiles in particular are often prone to some type of deterioration over time. In many cases, proper pool care and regular cleaning can help maintain your pool surfaces, but there will come a time when you may need to replace your waterline tiles entirely. Chemical & Calcium Build Up Waterline tiles can be damaged by the pool water itself. It is important to always maintain balanced chemical levels in your pool water. This not only ensures ideal swimming conditions but also helps you avoid calcium buildups and keep the tile finish intact. You can monitor your pool's chemical levels using a standard water testing kit, but keeping your chemical levels perfectly balanced at all times can be difficult. If you notice a decline in the appearance o

Finding the right pool interior material is an important choice pool owners make about the design and installation of their swimming pool. When choosing between a white plaster or pebble finish, there are a few things you can think about in terms of the type of usage you plan to get out of your pool. Whatever finish you select for your pool, the experts at Pool Problems? are ready to help with any of your white plaster or pebble remodeling or installation needs. Plaster A durable and attractive option for any pool interior surface is white plaster. White plaster coating provides a smooth finish over the rough concrete shell of your swimming pool and is typically about 1/2” thick. Compared to a pebble interior, white plaster gives a more basic finish, but the material is durable and far less expensive to install compared to a pebble finish. It should be noted that white plaster typically requires more maintenance such as cleaning and patching over its lifetime. In addition, pl

Increased automation in pool equipment has made it a lot easier to maintain a clean and well-functioning swimming pool throughout the season. There have been a number of improvements in pool pumps, heaters, and filters that allow pool owners to keep their pool water looking and feeling great at all times. When it comes to pool system automation, one of the more underrated, yet simple and convenient pieces of pool equipment happens to be a pool time clock. With a pool time clock, pool owners may never have to worry about directly controlling their pool system again. A time clock specifically designed for pools will feature a number of functions that make managing a pool system easy. Features like multiple On/Off operations, waterproof casing and high electrical load capacity make a pool clock timer the ideal add-on for any pool system. Energy Savings Pool pumps and motors, along with heaters and filtration systems can take a lot of energy to keep running. Some pool owners may

Clean energy is on the rise across North America as environmental awareness and conservation start to become a universal priority. Many people are turning to such things as high-efficiency household appliances and alternative fuel cars in an effort to save energy as well as the environment. One method of energy conservation that is less well known has to do with pool heaters. Traditional pool heaters are often powered by natural gas or even electricity. While these heaters usually do a good job of keeping water temperature regulated in a pool, they are more costly in the long run in terms of money and their environmental impact. A good alternative to traditional heaters that can help pool owners save money and energy happens to be a solar pool heating system. Low Maintenance A solar heater for any size pool rarely requires any type of maintenance, unless something actually breaks with the system itself. There are no complicated electrical or mechanical components involved in a

Pool deck drains can be a key feature when it comes to maintaining the integrity and cleanliness of an in-ground pool. When a pool deck drain is properly installed, pool owners benefit in a number of different ways. A pool deck drain is primarily designed to keep pool water from spilling out of the pool onto the deck itself where it can cause a number of different problems. To give you a general understanding of the benefits a pool deck drain system can bring to a new or existing in-ground pool, take a look at the brief descriptions written below. Deck Stain Prevention One of the major benefits that pool owners get when they have a new pool deck drain installed is stain prevention. While pool water is extremely clean, it does contain a number of chemicals that make it so clean. Beyond chlorine, metallic deposits can be dissolved in pool water as well such as copper, iron and even manganese. These metals can cause noticeable stains on a pool deck if the water that is splashed

Whether you have just installed a brand new pool in your yard, or you're ready to upgrade an existing pool area on your property, the type of pool deck you choose is very important. The pool deck has a lot of functions. Aesthetically speaking, it has a lot to do with the appearance and overall appeal of the pool. Beyond its design, a new pool deck should also be built with function in mind. You want to make sure you choose the right material for your needs that is suited to the space. For instance, there are some materials that will get hotter in the sun compared to others. If you have a particularly sunny yard it can be uncomfortable to walk on a hot stone or concrete surface with bare feet so you might want to steer clear of certain decking materials. To help you start thinking about which pool deck option is best suited for your needs, take a look at some of the brief descriptions listed below. Concrete There are a few different types of concrete finishes you can have

 Regardless of the type of material used to construct your pool deck, the coping that surrounds the entire pool is one of the most important aspects of your pool's construction. The pool coping serves as a top cap where the edge of the pool meets the edge of the deck. This coping serves a number of different purposes, but it is primarily designed to protect the edge of the pool from water leakage and deck damage. Unfortunately, due to its exposure to pool water, high foot traffic and the outdoor elements, pool coping can become damaged after a while, and will require repairs before the damaged coping leads to more serious issues with the pool or deck structure. There are some common causes of pool coping damage that pool owners should be aware of. The cause of the coping damage may determine the extent of the repairs, or whether or not the coping needs to be replaced entirely. An experienced professional like the ones at Pool Problems? can provide you with a solution for co

 A bright and clean pool can be a real asset to any property when it comes to enhancing the look and appeal of a space. Unfortunately, since most pools are located outside, they are susceptible to some type of staining in their lifespan. There are multiple types of possible causes for certain stains in and around pool deck surfaces, and not all of them can be safely cleaned using the same chemicals and techniques. To help pool owners get a better idea about exactly what type of stain they happen to be dealing with, we have prepared a brief guide below. Common Pool Stains For the most part, there are two types of stains you will encounter on your pool deck and/or liner from time to time. The first is known as an organic stain. These stains are usually caused by any organic material that happens to end up in and around the pool. Things like leaves and berries from trees that fall and land on the pool deck will leave a stain if they are left sitting for a few days. The other com

Pool owners may have started to hear more and more about the benefits of a salt water pool filter system over the years. This probably has them asking themselves whether it is worth it to make the switch from a traditional chlorine filter to a new saltwater filter. To help you learn more about the salt water filter before you decide whether or not to make the change, take a look at some of the general information comparing saltwater filters to traditional chlorine pool filters. Cost The first thing you may wonder about a new saltwater filter for your pool is how much it will cost compared to keeping your old filter. Since salt water filters are slightly more sophisticated than their traditional counterparts, they often do cost more to purchase and install. A new saltwater filter can cost anywhere from $1400 to $2000. The savings associated with a saltwater filter come in the low chemical costs. Compared to a chlorine filter, which costs about $300 annually in chemicals, a sal