Correctly Draining Pool Water

 

Swimming pools are typically enjoyed by families across the country during the summer season. Pool owners are fully aware of the maintenance required to upkeep these tiny bodies of water, such as adding chemicals, more water, or draining the pool. 

Most municipal cities do not allow pool water to be drained into the city’s stormwater system. This includes streets, curbs, catch basins, ditches, gutters, channels, and storm drains. The purpose of the storm drains is to protect against flooding by swiftly clearing torrential rainwater from the street. 

Pool water, on the other hand, is nothing like rainwater. It contains elevated levels of chemicals such as chlorine, salt, chloramines, and other pollutants that can potentially ruin the local water quality. If pool water gets into the stormwater system, it can pose an environmental and public safety threat.

When it is time to drain your pool, you have several options: 

·         Backyard: If you choose to drain your pool in your yard, be mindful of your neighbors’ property and proximity to storm drains. Do some research and learn which plants can’t survive pool water being released in their environment. To avoid flooding, drain your pool in small intervals.

·         Sewer: you can drain your pool water into your home’s main sanitary sewer.

·         Contractor: pool water that has notable contaminants such as algae or other issues should be pumped by a licensed contractor rather than released into the environment.

To find your sewer line cleanout, look for a small circular cap on a pipe with a raised square or mushroom-shaped cone. This line should be either sticking out of your house or from the ground, covering the cleanout. You can also scan the premises for a concrete or metal cover marked “SEWER,” “C.O.,” or “S.” The cleanouts are usually located under these covers.

If you live in a city or municipality, it is usually a good idea to contact them and see what their policy is on pool drainage. Some will require specific rules about when, how, and where to drain your pool. Sometimes, cities require pool water to be chlorine neutral before draining.

Once you properly dispose of your pool water, you can rest assured you have helped preserve the wildlife and water quality in the area.  

Pound Pool Plastering services residential and commercial pools in applying a wide variety of pool plaster finishes and complete renovations. We offer Diamond Brite, Sunstone, Hydrazzo, and Marcite – and a great selection of tile choices and coping stones. Owner Dale Pound personally oversees each pool project to ensure the highest quality is delivered. Call or e-mail us for a free estimate. 

 

Written by the digital marketing team at Creative Programs & Systems: https://www.cpsmi.com/ 

 

Best Inground Pool Heaters of 2022

As the weather cools and you want to extend the use of your pool, a heater to warm the water is a must. There are a few factors to consider when purchasing an inground pool heater: the size, the environment you live in, how quickly you expect it to heat, and your preference for energy use.

 

You can heat your pool in many ways, from electric, solar, and natural gas. Depending on where you live and how assessable your utilities may be will further determine which option is best for you. For example, if you live in a northern region with cold winters, you’ll likely want to bypass the solar heater and choose gas or electric, which will heat faster and works better in frigid weather. Those in warmer, sunnier climates would benefit by using solar heaters.

 

Whichever you decide, we list the pros and cons for each type of heater and name a couple of the best-selling products under each category.  

 

Gas Powered

Gas-powered pool heaters are powerful and can heat your water up to 20 to 30 degrees relatively quickly. The cost is usually lower compared to solar and electric heaters. Gas heaters require a bit more maintenance and cleaning, which can be costly in terms of time spent cleaning instead of enjoying the pool itself. Also, gas is the most expensive, so over time, any money you save up front will be long gone.

 

-Hayward W3H150FDN Universal H-Series 150,000 BTU Natural Gas Pool and Spa Heater

-Pentair MasterTemp 125 Low NOx Pool Heater

 

 

Solar Powered

Solar-powered pool heaters are often considered one of the best options because they do not require electricity and are cleaner to run. They tend to be more expensive upfront but will save in utilities cost down the line. A solar heater would be more sufficient in temperate regions, as they require more time to heat up.

 

-Smart Pool S601 Inground Pool Solar Heating System

-Fafco 10028 Universal 24ft x 3.75in Solar Panel Heating Kit

 

Electric Pool Heaters 

Electric heaters are versatile and the most affordable. They are cheaper than gas because it runs on electricity rather than fuel, which is less expensive. Electric heaters are easier to install because they don’t depend on gas lines. There are two types of electric pool heaters, immersion and circulation heaters. Immersion heaters are installed in the pool water and are typically used for smaller, more shallow pools. The circulation heater, best for larger pools, uses a fan to circulate water through the heating element, which is based outside of the pool.  

 

- FibroPool FH055 Swimming Pool Heater Pump

- Ecosmart US SMART POOL Tankless Pool Heater

- Hayward W3HP50HA2 HeatPro Heat Pump

 

 

Pound Pool Plastering is fully licensed and insured, call today for small or large pool renovations!

 

 

 

Pound Pool Plastering services residential and commercial pools in applying a wide variety of pool plaster finishes and complete renovations. We offer Diamond Brite, Sunstone, Hydrazzo, and Marcite – and a great selection of tile choices and coping stones. Owner Dale Pound personally oversees each pool project to ensure the highest quality is delivered. Call or email us for a free estimate.

 

Written by the digital marketing team at Creative Programs & Systems: https://www.cpsmi.com/

Swimmer’s Ear 101

 

Warmer weather means more fun outdoors, especially in pools, lakes, or oceans. Swimmer’s ear is a common side-effect of being in the water and is diagnosed by an infection in the outer ear canal, which runs from the eardrum to the outside of your head. When water is stagnant in your ear, it creates an environment that promotes excess bacterial growth. 

Swimmer’s ear can be treated with ear drops. Swift treatment will help prevent complications and more serious infections. While symptoms are initially mild, they can worsen if the condition is not addressed. To avoid swimmer’s ear, the easiest prevention is to avoid getting water in your ears.

Cotton swabs or Q-tips can force earwax deeper into the ear canal, so do not use these to get water out of your ear. Instead, use irrigation-based ear drops after swimming. These drops are specially formulated with alcohol and vinegar to sterilize and restore the ear canal’s normal pH and can be purchased over the counter.

Getting water in the ear canal is a risk for swimmers in any waterway. Still, it’s riskier when the water is not chlorinated, as there’s a higher chance of bacteria in rivers or lakes. Lake water can sometimes contain dangerous bacteria causing infectious diseases such as meningitis and hepatitis.

Swimmer’s ear can damage the insides of an ear, though temporary and mild. Most people with the condition swiftly recover with adequate treatment, though long-term effects from chronic infection can lead to hearing loss.

See a doctor immediately if you have severe ear pain, cannot hear well, or have a clogged sensation in your ear. The most common treatment is an antimicrobial application where the ear canal is cleaned of pus, earwax, oils, or dead skin cells.

 

Pound Pool Plastering services residential and commercial pools in applying a wide variety of pool plaster finishes and complete renovations. We offer Diamond Brite, Sunstone, Hydrazzo, and Marcite – and a great selection of tile choices and coping stones. Owner Dale Pound personally oversees each pool project to ensure the highest quality is delivered. Call or e-mail us for a free estimate. 

 

Written by the digital marketing team at Creative Programs & Systems: https://www.cpsmi.com/