Pool Surface Options

 

Concrete is often used to build swimming pools despite the fact that the material is extremely porous. Pools made solely from concrete would leak. To seal the concrete, a non-porous material is applied to make the surface of the pool resistant to moisture.

Whether the pool is new or refurbished, the surface finish makes all the difference. The main options for pool finishes include plaster, aggregate, and tile. Cost is generally the deciding factor when it comes to surfaces. The main contributors to price include the pool size, the region you’re located in, and the material you use. Read on to learn more about the four main pool finishes.

Aggregate
This type of finish has been gaining popularity in the past few decades and is considered by many to be the most desirable pool surface. Aggregate typically consists of river pebbles, stones, ceramic-coated crystals, or glass. All surfaces can be either exposed or polished, resulting in a texture that is smooth or bumpy. Pools with aggregate finishes are typically more durable and chemical-resistant than plaster. Exposed aggregate can last between 15 and 20 years with few issues besides potential fading or discoloration.

Plaster
A three-quarter-inch layer of dense mortar applied to the interior pool surface makes up plaster finishes. Roughly 200 proprietary blends exist, but they are all cement and sand mixed and troweled. One of the most popular - and oldest - pool finishes, plaster has been in use since the 1960s. While the surface is hard, it feels smooth and looks white. The light color makes the pool water appear more bright, clean, and blue. Plaster does require some maintenance, as it stains and collects algae more than aggregate or tile. Plaster is the cheapest option but has the shortest lifespan at approximately ten years.

Tile
Tile is the newest pool surface material that can show off elaborate designs and shiny colors and offers a variety of possibilities for pool owners. Glass pool tiles are silicate and smaller than ceramic or stone. They come in various colors, textures, and shades. Glass tile is the most durable finish option, as it is resistant to chemical corrosion, fading, staining, and discoloration. Moreover, the surface integrity of the tile is maintained indefinitely. Tile is a modern option and look; reflecting the sunlight, it provides a bright alternative.

Paint
Lastly, painting the concrete is an option for pool finishes. Though it sounds inexpensive, it can be costly, and the paint can bubble or chip. Also, the paint generally takes about two weeks to cure. However, with pool paint, you can create fabulous underwater murals that are shiny and reflective!

Looking to update the surface of your pool? Contact Pound Pool Plastering for an estimate today!

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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/

Risks of Swimming in Natural Waters

Swimming is a great way to stay fit, as it can alleviate stress and enhance the production of endorphins, resulting in a feeling of well-being. Furthermore, swimming is an effective way to burn calories and work out muscles. Although swimming in a pool can be a hygienic experience, the same cannot be said for outdoor swimming. Continue reading to discover some of the dangers linked with open-water swimming.

Bacteria and Viruses
Open-water swimming is associated with many illnesses due to contamination. Bacteria or viruses can enter a human’s body through the eyes, mouth, or a cut on the skin. Viruses such as E. coli and Norovirus can lurk in natural waters, and rivers or canals might contain leptospira, which causes leptospirosis. If left untreated, leptospirosis can cause liver and kidney damage or eventually be fatal. Flu-like or jaundice symptoms can materialize up to two weeks after swimming in open water. Seawater is known to cause ear, nose, or throat infections and gastrointestinal upset. 

Chemicals
While swimming pools are extremely regulated, natural waters are not. Toxins from nearby farms or industrial areas can contaminate water, and many animals defecate in water. In specific situations, human sewage can be legally dumped into the water through pipes. There might not be signs warning of the potential dangers, but toxic agents can still be lurking in the water. When in doubt, choose to stay on land. 

Algae
Blue-green algae can be found in lakes, especially in warm summers. Once the algae start to multiply, a powdery green scum (bloom) forms on the lake’s surface. The scum is known to release toxins that are dangerous to humans and can be lethal to pets. Swimming in algal blooms can result in skin rashes, eye infections, acute gastrointestinal disruption, fever, muscle, and joint pain. 

Nearly all open-water swimming comes with risks, and swimmers should exercise caution when swimming in natural waterways. Always wash your hands before eating food after swimming in natural water, at minimum, and rinse off your entire body if possible. Open-water swimming in lakes, rivers, streams, ponds, and oceans can pose some risks beyond the hidden aspects of bacteria, bugs, parasites, algae, etc. Tides, currents, swells, and waves can be dangerous aspects of swimming in outdoor areas as well. 

Swimming pools are not perfect ecosystems; however, they properly disinfect the water with chlorine and maintain the correct pH to ensure it is safe. Injuries are less likely in pools, as lifeguards and safety equipment are virtually within reach. 

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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

Minimizing Frozen Pool Damage

Pools are not meant to freeze; if they do, substantial damage can result. As water freezes, it expands, putting pressure on various pool components such as pipes, filters, tubes, and pumps. These delicate aspects of a pool are not made to withstand heavy pressure, so they will inevitably crack or break. Repairing broken pool parts can be costly, depending on the damage. 

When a pool freezes, the pipes that transfer water to and from the pump and filter system are especially vulnerable since they can crack or burst under pressure due to ice. Another issue when frost or a heavy freeze hits a pool is that the filter system can become clogged and damaged. 

Moreover, the pool pump can get ruined in freezing temperatures. The pump is what circulates water throughout the pool. If the pump gets damaged, the pool will not adequately circulate, causing blockages. 

Lastly, freezing temperatures can be responsible for ripping, cracking, or rupturing the pool liner. This is a particularly expensive aspect of the pool, as it is a crucial component that holds the water in place. 

Power outages can also be detrimental to a pool during a freeze. If pool owners are unable to utilize electricity to keep their pools running/warm, severe freeze damage can result. 

To reduce the risk of freeze damage to pool equipment, take notice of the following: 

Run the Pump
Ensure all pumps are running while temperatures drop below freezing. If a controller is equipped, it should automatically take over, turn on the pumps, and rotate between pool/spa mode. If there is no controller on your pool, you will need to shift through this process on your own manually.  

No Power
If you lose power to the pool and temperatures are below freezing: 

• Turn off all pool equipment breakers 
• Open the filter air relief, removing the drain plug
• Open and drain the inline chlorinator
• Turn off auto-fill, making sure the feed line is wrapped 
• Open the salt cell and remove water inside the pipe
• Remove check valve lids
• Unplug and remove salt chlorine generator cells

Always call your local pool professional for assistance if needed. To avoid damaging the equipment or pool itself, it is imperative to meticulously handle a pool freeze situation.

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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/