Decisions In Finishing Your Pools Interior

Are you dreaming of an in-ground pool for your backyard?  There are many details to consider when installing a pool.  A solid foundation, piping needed for the pools water system and electricity are crucial decisions and details that need to be considered and worked out before ground is broken for the installation of your new pool.  After working out the crucial details that affect the longevity of the pools structure it is time to consider the dramatic affects that will make your pool area aesthetic and not to mention protected.

Various materials can be used as the final layer over the gunite structure of your pool.  The interior material of the pool is what creates the unique visual aspect of your pool.  Not only can it offer color it enhances the reflections around the pool area and enhances the benefits derived from the interior.  Another detail that is provided by the interior material of your homes pool is texture.  You need to choose a material that adds a desirable amount of texture as well to help create a safe, slip free pool interior.

Various pool materials need special care as well. When considering the material to install within the interior of your pool take into consideration not only the appealing nature of the materials but also the maintenance, up keep, life span and cost of replacement.  Below you will find a detail of materials available to create the outdoor space you have been dreaming of.

Tile:  Using tile on the interior structure of your pool is a popular option that can add a lot of flair to your pool.  If the exterior landscape of your pool area is simple this is a great way to add some flair without adding a lot of maintenance to the area.  Tiles offer a longer lifespan than many gunite pool interiors but can be timely to install.  This is countered by the cost saving advantage that comes from using tile for the interior surface of your pool.

Pebble: If you are looking for a natural material feel to your pool are pebbles are the way to go.  Picture in your head the look of a lagoon, a waterfall with a picturesque waterfall.  This is the effect achieved when using a mixture of aggregates.  Using pebbles is a great option to avoid the use grout and the aggregate is highly durable and resistant to stains as well as to the chemicals used in treating your pool’s water.

Plaster:  Plaster is the most popular option in pool interiors.  It is the most economical way to achieve the luxury of owning an in-ground pool.  When the plaster needs to be replaced it is a simple manner in which experienced pool plasters can do without a lot of downtime.  If you choose to use plain white plaster in the pool the water is beautifully enhanced by the natural color of the sky, sun and surrounding landscape.

Vinyl:  Vinyl is a low maintenance option for an in-ground pool.  Vinyl can be used to design basically any shape or size pool you desire.  They do not crack easily and have a long life span due to the ability to flex and resist the affects of ground movement.

Fiberglass: Fiberglass is the priciest option in interior pool materials.  Fiberglass offers a smooth surface that feels great on your feet.  Because fiberglass is non-porous it is resistant to algae growth.  It is also said to be stronger than many other types of pool finishes.

There is a lot to think about when designing and installing an in-ground pool.  Every decision you make will come with pros and cons.  You need to weigh them, over the cost of the project to build a dream recreation area within your allotted budget and time frame.

Pound Pool Plastering repairs commercial and residential gunite swimming pools including coping, tile and plaster repairs. For more information or to request a quote, visit us at http://www.pound-pool-plastering.com/.

Ensure A Successful Pool Opening With These Tips

It is that time of year again where we begin to think about and plan for backyard adventures including opening backyard swimming pools.  If you are not familiar with opening a pool you may think it is as simple as pulling the cover off, adding water and jumping in but that is not the case.  Properly opening your swimming pool is important to the lifespan of your pool.  Below are tips and pieces of advice to ensure a successful opening of your pool.

One thing to remember when closing the pool to make opening it easier is not to empty the swimming pool completely.  This is true even in the coldest of climates unless of course you need to do structural repairs or plaster work.  Your swimming pools plaster and care is of utmost important when considering the integrity of your pool.  Other than those reasons it is best to leave water in your gunite swimming pool covered by a secure pool cover.

The nest step in the process of opening your pool for the summer is to thoroughly clean the pool.  Put together the pools filtration devices, clean out all baskets that may or may not have been prepared properly when closing and remove any plugs that were put in place at closing last year.

You will need to add water to the pool.  Before you turn on the filter to makes sure it is clean.  Different filters need to be cleaned differently so be sure to read the instructions that come along with your system.  Sand filters are cleaned differently than D.E. filtration systems.

Take a water sample to your local pool professionals for testing.  Do a complete work up of the mineral content, the alkalinity, ph and chlorine levels.  This test will help to tell you what needs to be added to adjust that water to make it perfect for the upcoming season swimming season.   Balance the chemicals to the ideal levels meant for your pool.

Your swimming pool water will not be ready to swim in until it is completely clear.  This process can take upwards of a week.  Chlorine may need to be added to keep the levels correct.  Make sure you clean the filters daily, if not twice daily to help the water get clear quicker.  If you live in an air of increased pollen, dander, cotton weed or other flying tree gunk leave a cover on the pool when it is not in use.  This will save you a great deal of skimming and vacuuming.

At this point your pool is ready to enjoy.  Keep up on the normal housekeeping and maintain the pools water to ensure a season of pool water ready to swim in everyday.

Pound Pool Plastering repairs commercial and residential gunite swimming pools including coping, tile and plaster repairs. For more information or to request a quote, visit us at http://www.pound-pool-plastering.com/.

Ensure A Successful Pool Opening With These Tips

When installing an in-ground pool you have a variety of different surfaces to consider including fiberglass, vinyl, plaster and pebble tec.  The most common type of surface material used when installing an in-ground pool is plaster.  Plaster is available in a variety of colors and textures; additives such as quartz can be added for extra durability. The chemical additions to the plaster help to hide stains and imperfections to the surface of the pool.  Below you will find tips to help ensure your freshly plastered pool surface is perfect.

Plaster During the Spring and Fall

Plastering a pool is best done in the spring and fall months because of the cooler temperatures.  Having plaster laid in the hot months can cause the plaster to dry out prematurely before the water is added to the pool.  It is less worrisome to plaster in the cooler months as a calcium additive can be added to the plaster to naturally speed up the curing of the plaster.

The prime time to have your pool plastered is when the temperature is consistently between fifty and seventy-five degrees with decent humidity.  Contact your local pool plasterer to schedule an appointment to have your pool plastered when the weather is perfect for your area. You can schedule an appointment for the fall even now.  If you know that after this season the pool will need to be re-plastered schedule a time to have it done during the cooler fall months.

Fill the Pool with Water Without Stopping

Having your in-ground pool filled with water all at once is the best situation for a freshly plastered pool.  The best way to accomplish this is to bring water from a hydrant or brought water in via a truck.  The new plaster cures better underwater and is best to be filled quickly.  Do not stop filling the pool with water at any point a dirt line or demarcation line will occur and is not the perfect addition to a newly plastered pool

Keep the Pool Clean

It is so important that your pool stay clean especially during the first few weeks after having it freshly plastered.  Dirt and leaves can stain new plaster so it is important that they are not allowed to find a home in your pool.  Instead of using a manual or automatic pool cleaner get out the pool brush.  Use the pool brush a few times a day, if possible, to keep the sides clean while also using a skimming net to filter out floating debris.

Balance the Chemicals in the Pool Water

Fresh plaster requires balanced pool chemicals.  The plaster will naturally have a high pH condition so it will be important add a pH reducer as necessary.  During the first year keep an eye on and adjust the total alkalinity regularly.  The calcium hardness needs to be maintained as well as if any of these things is off balance your plaster can etch or pit.  Not exactly the look you want for a newly plastered swimming pool.

Pound Pool Plastering repairs commercial and residential gunite swimming pools including coping, tile and plaster repairs. For more information or to request a quote, visit us at http://www.pound-pool-plastering.com/.

Choose Plaster For Your In-Ground Pool Surface

When installing an in-ground pool you have a variety of different surfaces to consider including fiberglass, vinyl, plaster and pebble tec.  The most common type of surface material used when installing an in-ground pool is plaster.  Plaster is available in a variety of colors and textures; additives such as quartz can be added for extra durability. The chemical additions to the plaster help to hide stains and imperfections to the surface of the pool.  Below you will find tips to help ensure your freshly plastered pool surface is perfect.

Plaster During the Spring and Fall

Plastering a pool is best done in the spring and fall months because of the cooler temperatures.  Having plaster laid in the hot months can cause the plaster to dry out prematurely before the water is added to the pool.  It is less worrisome to plaster in the cooler months as a calcium additive can be added to the plaster to naturally speed up the curing of the plaster.

The prime time to have your pool plastered is when the temperature is consistently between fifty and seventy-five degrees with decent humidity.  Contact your local pool plasterer to schedule an appointment to have your pool plastered when the weather is perfect for your area. You can schedule an appointment for the fall even now.  If you know that after this season the pool will need to be re-plastered schedule a time to have it done during the cooler fall months.

Fill the Pool with Water Without Stopping

Having your in-ground pool filled with water all at once is the best situation for a freshly plastered pool.  The best way to accomplish this is to bring water from a hydrant or brought water in via a truck.  The new plaster cures better underwater and is best to be filled quickly.  Do not stop filling the pool with water at any point a dirt line or demarcation line will occur and is not the perfect addition to a newly plastered pool

Keep the Pool Clean

It is so important that your pool stay clean especially during the first few weeks after having it freshly plastered.  Dirt and leaves can stain new plaster so it is important that they are not allowed to find a home in your pool.  Instead of using a manual or automatic pool cleaner get out the pool brush.  Use the pool brush a few times a day, if possible, to keep the sides clean while also using a skimming net to filter out floating debris.

Balance the Chemicals in the Pool Water

Fresh plaster requires balanced pool chemicals.  The plaster will naturally have a high pH condition so it will be important add a pH reducer as necessary.  During the first year keep an eye on and adjust the total alkalinity regularly.  The calcium hardness needs to be maintained as well as if any of these things is off balance your plaster can etch or pit.  Not exactly the look you want for a newly plastered swimming pool.

Pound Pool Plastering repairs commercial and residential gunite swimming pools including coping, tile and plaster repairs. For more information or to request a quote, visit us at http://www.pound-pool-plastering.com/.

Spring Cleaning For Your Gunite Swimming Pool

It is finally the time of year that we can start discussing swimming pool spring cleaning.  It may seem early but it isn’t!  The sooner you start the better the outcome when you are ready to open the pool for the summer.  Spring cleaning your pool will help prevent algae from taking hold.  As soon as the temperature hits sixty degrees algae blooms and we all know it is not a friendly beast.  Test the water and add shock to avoid algae from sprouting at the very least.

Now let’s get started on where you should begin.  The first thing to do as a pool owner is to prep the area around the pool for what is to come.  Trim all of the shrubs, trees, grass and flowers that surround the pool area.  This step should never be overlooked as spring blooms can cause major issues when it comes time to open the pool.  If the bushes harbor old leaves it is time to pull them out.  Remove all of the extra debris left over from the fall and winter, paying especially good attention around the pump, filter and other pool equipment. 

Once the area around the pool is clean it is time to move on to the cover of the pool.  If there is water on the cover it is best to use a pump to remove it.  Be careful to avoid taking water from beneath the cover out of the pool.  Once the water is removed off the cover the debris will be easily removed by gently sweeping the surface.  Clean the cover well and allow it to dry well; only a clean, dry cover should be stored.

Next check the pool water.  In this step it is also time to look at the pools plaster.  If the pools plaster is in need of repair now is the time to empty the pool and schedule the pool to be resurfaced.  Pool plastering should be done only by professionals as it is the one of the key structural elements to your pools integrity. If the plaster is fine it is time to get the pool water in to shape.  Get the pool equipment running, filters and skimming baskets in place and start adding water to the pool.  Fill the pool on the higher side because you will waste water as you go.  Vacuum out the pool waste and get the equipment running.  The filter is the pools best friend when it comes to spring cleaning. 

Use a pool opening kit.  Follow all of the directions on the chemicals when using a pool opening kit.  Before testing the water allow the chemicals to circulate for at least a day before testing.  This ensures that you are not wasting money adding chemicals that are unnecessary.  Spring clean all pool toys while you’re at it and get ready to enjoy.  Using a pool heater you may even begin to use your pool during the spring season this year!

Pound Pool Plastering repairs commercial and residential gunite swimming pools including coping, tile and plaster repairs. For more information or to request a quote, visit us at http://www.pound-pool-plastering.com/.

Insuring Your Pool Plasters Longevity

There are a variety of surfaces available when it comes to in-ground pools: fiberglass, vinyl, plaster or pebble tec.  The most common material for in-ground pools is plaster and with that commons many choices in color and texture. To make the most of your in-ground swimming pools plaster you will want to ensure your pool plaster is applied properly, cured properly and cared for.  Different additives can help hide imperfections and conceal staining when added to your pools plaster.  Below you will find tips on how to ensure your pools plaster is properly installed and cared for.

The best time to plaster your pool is during the later part of the summer into the fall.  If you plaster during the hottest months you can cause premature cracking.  The plaster needs time to dry and the pool needs time to fill with water.  After your pools plaster has been applied it is important to be on the lookout for small cracks in the surface.  Plaster is more susceptible to drying out too quickly when applied during the heat of the summer months.  This is one of the most important reasons to apply plaster to your pool in colder temperatures.  You can add special preservatives to help the plaster cure.  For the best results it is important that the temperature range between fifty and seventy degrees with excess humidity in the air.

The best way in which to fill the pool is using a truck or fire hydrant.  Pool water cures faster under water and the quicker this is done the better.  By filling the pool at a faster rate you are better able to secure your pools plaster and curing.  If the pool stops filling by any chance, even if only for a few hours, you risk the plasters appearance.  Your plaster may show a dirt line where the filling was paused.

The pool and the new plaster should be kept clean throughout the filling process and for several weeks after it has been installed.  Use only a pool brush to clean the pools plaster daily.  If time allows make sure you use the pool skimmer as well.  The cleaner you are able to keep your pool after the plaster is installed the longer your pool plaster will look brand new.

The last thing you need to take into account when having your pool newly plastered is balancing the chemical balance.  Remember that the chemicals in the pools plaster will add a different balance to the pools water.  Be ready to add chemicals to ensure that the pools ph and alkalinity levels keep your pools plaster in brand new condition. 

Pound Pool Plastering repairs commercial and residential gunite swimming pools including coping, tile and plaster repairs. For more information or to request a quote, visit us at http://www.pound-pool-plastering.com/.

Common Mistakes To Avoid As A Pool Owner

Winter is bound to come to an end at some point soon.  When the weather starts to heat up there will be no better place to cool off, relax and take in some sun other than your own swimming pool.  Owning a pool is a lot like owning a boat in that it is a lot of fun but requires regular maintenance to keep the pool running properly.  In order for a pool to function properly you will want to create a maintenance schedule.  Don’t be tempted to skip regular maintenance as this is what will keep your summer free of major pool repairs.

1)      It is crucial to your pools longevity that you allow the pools pump to run frequently.  Not running the pump enough will through off every other element of that helps the pool function properly.  If the pump is not working efficiently your pool cleaner, filter, heater and chlorinator will not be efficient.  Purchase a solid pool pump with at least two speeds.  It is recommended to allow the pump to run twenty four hours a day, seven days a week.

2)      Another element that is important is maintaining the proper water level.  If the water falls below the tile line of the pool the pump will start to draw air.  This will cause your pump to lose its prime.  If this occurs and the water is no longer circulating through the system none of the pools equipment will work properly.  If the prime is lost you also run the risk of overheating the pump.

3)      As a pool owner you must take the time to adjust and account for changes in the chemicals in the pool water.  If the pools pH balance is off you run the risk of damage to the pools plaster.  Troublesome stains can occur on the pool plaster and leave the shell aesthetically unappealing.

4)      Your pool and pool equipment must be kept clean.  Not doing so will create issues and may void the warranty on your equipment.  Often times if there is a build up on your pools equipment and this is the cause of the malfunction it will void the warranty and you will have to cover the repair costs out of pocket.  Keep the pump basket and filters clean.  Also re-insert the equipment properly so that it always functions properly.

5)      No matter what the color of the pool water is it is important to test it.  You can’t determine the condition of the pool by the color of the water.  Hazards to the pool water don’t only happen when the water is green and cloudy.   Check the water even when it is crisp and clear.

Pound Pool Plastering repairs commercial and residential gunite swimming pools including coping, tile and pool plaster repairs. For more information or to request a quote, visit us at http://www.pound-pool-plastering.com/.