A swimming pool is one place where we all want to be on a hot day. Swimming is such a relaxing exercise, and it is enjoyed by people of all ages. Kids love splashing, while adults love swimming in the water. Swimming is an excellent sport, and reduces fat as well. A perfect swimming pool adds a lot of class to a beautiful home. If you are in the process of getting a pool or redoing your old pool, read on!
Swimming Pool Basics:
Typically, a swimming pool has the following major components:
• Basin
• Motor pump
• Water filter
• Chemical feeder
• Drains
• Returns
• PVC plastic plumbing connecting all of these elements
A good pool will have all the following components, so that the water is moved continuously from the filter, cleaning it, sometimes through the heater also, so that regular temperature is maintained. The water is consistently cleaned using the chemical feeders, with the help of chlorine, as it keeps water free from any bacteria.
Doing up a great pool:
The drain system is best laid at the lower end of the pool with the surface slanting towards it, so that the water can flow easily through the drains. The drains should be covered with grates so that while swimming, people do not have their hair or swimsuits caught up in them. A strainer is attached at the mouth of drains so that any debris is caught. A good pool must have powerful pumps that can help water flow through the filter and chemical feeder; to and from the swimming pool.
High rate sand filters are the best kind of filters that will clean the water perfectly. They use sand to clean water of any debris present. Some pools may also use the diatomaceous earth filter, or a cartridge filter. This filter cleans very fine particles of debris. Ideally in any pool, the water should pass the filter every 30 minutes, and for the largest ones, every six hours.
The pump and filter should also be connected to a fresh water line. Calcium hypochlorite or sodium hypochlorite make great chemical cleaning agents. An automated chlorine feeder should be hooked to the filters for good chemical filtration.
Sodium carbonate and sodium bicarbonate should be used as per the requirement, to keep the pH under control right from 7.8 to 7.9. After filtration, the water should be sent back to the pool. A great pool requires the best of the filters, chemical filters, drains and pumps.
Most people look at the pool and think that that is the most important part of the set up, but in fact equally important is the pumps room, where pumps and filters are installed. A pump room is where the water quality is maintained. There are some other issues that one may face while getting a pool done. Some of these are:
When to dig a pool?
Contrary to popular thought, winter, not spring or summer is the right time to get a pool dug up, as the ground is not soggy. Soft ground is difficult to dig and is not easy on heavy equipment as well.
Sides caving in:
The sides of the hollow dug must be sloping so that the sides do not cave in. The ideal ratio should be a 1-foot vertical drop for every 3 horizontal feet. Steel enforcements may also be used to keep the pool in shape.
Algae in the pool:
Algae can be very harmful to a swimming pool, and requires chemical treatment and a lot of filtering, backwashing, scrubbing, and skimming. Whatever kind of algae it is, quick treatment is essential, as algae is quick to take over the pool.
Kids safety:
Kids are sometimes unpredictable, so a cover on the pool or a fence around it will help to keep the pool area safe.
Winter:
If the swimming pool is outdoors and the winters are harsh, it is a good idea to put antifreeze in the key areas after draining the water and putting a cover over the pool.
A swimming pool is an ideal feature for your home; just remember a good pool requires extensive preparations, and once these are done, maintenance is very important.
Maintain A Swimming Pool
First of all, budget is a huge factor, but not the only consideration. First, evaluate your reason for installing a pool. Is it purely for recreation? Do you have a family member who has a health condition that might benefit from daily swimming? What kind of space do you have for your pool? Do you plan on using the pool year round? What kind of building codes might apply in your city? Will your pool be for exercise only? Do you plan to include a hot tub or spa?
A good planning will help you a lot to minimize extra expenditures. Generally, we often end up spending much more than originally intended. Give some consideration to how you would like the area around the pool landscaped and plan on that expense. Have you given any thought to maintenance cost? Pumps, filters and chemicals are regular expenses that need to be budgeted. Filling your pool initially will cause your water bill to rise significantly the first month. You will also want to consider the expense of water loss through normal usage of the pool.
There are two choices for types of swimming pool; in-ground or above-ground. Each has their own pluses and minuses.
1. An above-ground pool can be dismantled if you move to a new residence. They are also less expensive. Esthetically speaking, above-ground pools can be set up with decking and landscaping that rival more expensive in-ground pools. Often, the dealer you purchased from will offer setup and in some cases even decking and landscaping services.
2. In-ground pools are definitely more expensive than the portable, above-ground alternative. However, they usually increase the value of the property. If you have decided that an in-ground pool is best suited for your purposes, here are some steps you need to take:
- Shop around for a contractor.
- Obtain at least three written bids.
- Make certain that ALL labor and materials are included as well as building permits.
- Ask for a list of previous customers.
- Don't make a hasty decision. Take your time and don't be pressured into signing a contract.
- Check with the Better Business Bureau to determine if the contractor has any outstanding complaints.
- Confirm that the contractor has the proper license.
- Never pay the contractor in cash. Always use a check, cashiers check, money order or credit card so you have proof of purchase.
You have to take a lot of consideration before investing in this big investment with a huge expenditure. However, if you plan well and do your homework, it is really worth it and you will definitely enjoy years of pleasure.
Both Stefan Rockhaus & Mary Williams are contributors for EditorialToday. The above articles have been edited for relevancy and timeliness. All write-ups, reviews, tips and guides published by EditorialToday.com and its partners or affiliates are for informational purposes only. They should not be used for any legal or any other type of advice. We do not endorse any author, contributor, writer or article posted by our team.
Stefan Rockhaus has sinced written about articles on various topics from Home Management, Ski Vacation and Seat Cover. Stefan Rockhaus is a contributing author for Your Online Guide For more info visit. Stefan Rockhaus's top article generates over 201000 views. Bookmark Stefan Rockhaus to your Favourites.
Mary Williams has sinced written about articles on various topics from Skin Care, Finances and Student Credit Cards. Mary Williams maintains a number of contractor websites, including Building Contractor,. Mary Williams's top article generates over 9900 views. Bookmark Mary Williams to your Favourites.
