Water Falls

Most people would love to have a swimming pool in their backyard in the summer, but few want to deal with the maintenance that comes with having one. It doesn't have to be that hard, though. Maintaining your pool is easiest when your chemical treatment program and filtration system work together. Here are the basics.

Maintaining Your Pool



Sanitize your pool with a stabilized chlorine product to provide protection against bacteria. These generally come in stick or tablet form and are fed into a distribution container (or Chlorinator) near the pump and filter system.



Use an algae preventive or inhibitor to help keep the more than 15,000 kinds of algae from ever getting started. This liquid (or Granular) product is simply poured into the water near the skimmer intake so that the pump system can distribute it to all areas of the pool.



Shock your pool on a regular basis - about every two weeks - to get rid of water-soluble bather waste

Find a pool professional or supply dealership that has a water test facility (or access to one) and that offers computer analysis of samples you bring in. Many of the larger companies offer this service free of charge if you bought your pool from them.

Troubleshooting Your Pool


Listen for excessive pump noise as a warning of possible problems in that area. Today's newer pumps are sealed units that don't require any maintenance, but rubber or composition pump seals can go bad and result in bearing failure or electrical shorts.

Replace any pump that's more than 7 or 8 years old and is in need of repair. The newer models are more efficient at moving larger volumes of water with less energy, saving you money on many fronts: You'll need a smaller, less expensive pump; you'll have lower monthly utility bills; and better circulation means better filtration and fewer chemical requirements.

Keep a close eye on the pressure gauge. An inoperative pressure gauge means you can't tell when water pressure begins to build from the normal levels indicated by a clean, efficient filter and the higher pressure of a filter in need of cleaning. High pressure means unnecessary strain on the pool pump and a less efficient filtering system.

Know what kind of filter you have and keep it clean. Well Detail some filters and best cleaning practices in the weeks to come.

Most people would love to have a swimming pool in their backyard in the summer, but few want to deal with the maintenance that comes with having one. It doesn't have to be that hard, though. Maintaining your pool is easiest when your chemical treatment program and filtration system work together. Here are the basics.

Maintaining Your Pool

Sanitize your pool with a stabilized chlorine product to provide protection against bacteria. These generally come in stick or tablet form and are fed into a distribution container (or Chlorinator) near the pump and filter system.

Use an algae preventive or inhibitor to help keep the more than 15,000 kinds of algae from ever getting started. This liquid (or Granular) product is simply poured into the water near the skimmer intake so that the pump system can distribute it to all areas of the pool.

Shock your pool on a regular basis - about every two weeks - to get rid of water-soluble bather waste

Find a pool professional or supply dealership that has a water test facility (or access to one) and that offers computer analysis of samples you bring in. Many of the larger companies offer this service free of charge if you bought your pool from them.

Troubleshooting Your Pool

Listen for excessive pump noise as a warning of possible problems in that area. Today's newer pumps are sealed units that don't require any maintenance, but rubber or composition pump seals can go bad and result in bearing failure or electrical shorts.

Replace any pump that's more than 7 or 8 years old and is in need of repair. The newer models are more efficient at moving larger volumes of water with less energy, saving you money on many fronts: You'll need a smaller, less expensive pump; you'll have lower monthly utility bills; and better circulation means better filtration and fewer chemical requirements.

Keep a close eye on the pressure gauge. An inoperative pressure gauge means you can't tell when water pressure begins to build from the normal levels indicated by a clean, efficient filter and the higher pressure of a filter in need of cleaning. High pressure means unnecessary strain on the pool pump and a less efficient filtering system.

Know what kind of filter you have and keep it clean. Well Detail some filters and best cleaning practices in the weeks to come.

Waterfalls

Waterfalls are a way to add style and design to a pool, adding a focal point as well as a functional part to the pool. The flow of water can act as a pool pump, keeping water clean and flowing, and can also offer swimmers a place to interact physically with the fall of water. Pool waterfalls come in a variety of shapes, sizes and designs, and can be custom-made according to the pool owner's specifications.

Function
Pool waterfalls are used in pools for as an additional scenic water feature to provide a flow of water that drops onto the pool from above. Some waterfalls have LED lighting that shines through the waterfall at night. Pool waterfalls can be used throughout the summer season as well as in warmer climates in which pools are used year-round. Typically built on one side of a pool, the waterfall becomes the main focal point of the pool area. Most rock or fiberglass foundations conceal the water pump and other plumbing behind or underneath the rock, making the waterfall appear natural.

Types
Pool waterfalls generally come in three types: modular, structural and custom. Modular units are made out of fiberglass or foam, making them lightweight and easy to implement into designs. Although they are secured by concrete foundations, they are less expensive than custom concrete designs and come in a variety of affordable design options. Structural pool waterfalls are made into working parts of the pool such as grottos, bars and caves, and combine both modular units with custom units. Custom pool waterfalls can consist of elaborate designs such as slides combined with the waterfall or custom-layered walls created from real concrete and stone.

Features
Some of the features of pool waterfalls are the color variations in the rock structure. Shades of gray, white, blue, black or natural stone are popular in many custom built designs. Tiered rock formations teamed up with pump speed make for a variety of water flow amongst the falls, with everything from a strong, steady flow to a minimal, tranquil trickle effect. Lighting can also appear in different locations behind or nearby the falls so the pool and the waterfall can be enjoyed at night. Some waterfalls have small nooks for plants in order to create a tropical atmosphere. Artificial Plants tend to work best as they won't be affected by Pool Chemicals

Size
Pool waterfalls can vary in size from 3 feet across all the way to 24 or more feet. The height is typically1 to 3 feet. Some pool waterfalls are tiered on different-sized platforms that gradually decrease in size as they get taller. Pool waterfalls generally pump around 200 to 250 gallons per hour and also have adjustable settings to increase or decrease the water flow, making them very energy efficient. Most Sizes and Features are limited only by budget.

Considerations
Consider the type of pool that you have before you decide to purchase or build a waterfall. Above-ground pools as well as some smaller fiberglass pools are not suitable for waterfalls due to their size and shape. In-ground gunite or concrete pools are the perfect foundation for waterfalls, since the waterfalls can be strategically placed to blend into the sides of the pool for a more conforming and natural look.

Some folks will baulk at the cost of their dream Waterfall when all they are really looking for is a water fountain to add ascetics to their pool.

Revised: How to Host a Pool Party

Recently we posted this How to Host a Pool Party on Facebook and had some respondents letting us know we missed a few pointers. Leisure Time Pools is proud to present a Revised by Friends Edition of How to Host a Pool Party.

Things you'll need:

• Beach Towels



• Non-Alcoholic Beverages (Soda, Teas, Juices)



• Christmas Tree Lights



• Waterproof Sunscreen (SPF 30 & up)



• Gas Lanterns / Citronella Torches



• Floating Candles



• Trash Cans or Bags



• Pool Toys (Basketball, Water Guns, etc.)

Step 1: Remind guests to bring along their bathing suits, & towels, if you won't have enough.

Step 2: Plan a menu & purchase the food and beverages (or have everyone bring a dish - Pot Luck). Keep the food light: Salads, Fruits, Veggies & Dip since most of your guest will be swimming. Avoid alcohol for swimmers: Sodas, Flavored Teas, and Juices are best.

Step 3: Clean the pool. You don't want green walls! See our blog for help. Additionally, citronella Tiki-Torches will provide great atmosphere and keep unwanted guests (bugs) at bay.

Step 4: Provide a room for people to change into or out of bathing suits, if they need to. Have some extra Sunscreen on hand and tell people to Use it! We feel it's best to have the highest blocking power you can get (SPF 50 in most places) to cover everyone, some folks burn easier than others.

Step 5: Set up a number of patio chairs & tables around the pool area for your guests, even in the pool! Also, if you have a Sunnier Pool area, it's good to have shaded areas available to your guests.

Step 6: Set up two additional large tables, one for snacks, another for beverages. With larger groups it will be a must to set up "buffet" style.

Step 7: Arrange an ample supply of plates, cups, napkins, & utensils on the serving tables. To make clean up a snap, have multiple trash cans or bags set up around the pool and yard, plus any High Traffic Areas inside (your kitchen and restrooms become High Traffic Areas during Parties).

Step 8: Set up a stereo and speaker system near the pool for some background music, Surf Music is a plus! Please keep your neighbors in mind, most communities have noise curfews that take effect around 9-10pm.

Step 9: Be creative when decorating. Arrange sand and seashells in Kiddie Pools or Sandboxes around the pool area to give the look of a seaside escape! If you have space, great poolside games include: Bocce Ball, Horseshoes, & Frisbee.

Step 10: As the evening wears on, light the pool with candles, Christmas lights strung from tree limbs add excellent atmosphere. At dusk bugs are at their most plenty, those citronella candles and torches are a must!

Hope this helps for all you Party People out there! Keep Leisure Time Pools in mind for any of your pool party needs. Thanks again to all the people who took the time to read the original article and updating us for this one!

Mustard Algae

Q: I have been told I have Mustard Algae on my Pool Walls! How do I get Rid of it?

Mustard Algae Appearance: Algae have over 21,000 varieties and a color scheme is adopted to identify the different types. The yellow algae, also known as "mustard algae," attach around the walls and grow underneath the shady parts of the swimming pool. These are small, single-celled plants that form thick clusters if left untreated in the pool. Mustard algae tend to look like dirt or sand in the water due to it distinct color, but may also have a "pollen-like" appearance. Once established, it is chlorine resistant and can exist in the presence of 2.0 to 4.0 PPM FAC. Shocking with chlorine, applying an algaecide, frequently brushing the pool,
and circulation will clear it up.

The solution for this problem is proper pool maintenance by having a good criculation of water to the entire area, pool filtration for 8 to 10 hours daily, vacuuming and brushing all surfaces of the pool, test the water twice a week, and lastly good water chemitry with the pH at 7.4 to 7.6, calcium hardness of 200 to 300 ppm and total alkalinity of 100 to 150 ppm. Algaecides are more often used to kill off algae. The most common ones are quats (or quaternary ammonium salts), polyquats, copper salts and colloidal silver. The amount of time to eliminate the problem depends on how severe the spread of algae is in the pool.

As with all pool-related problems, prevention is the key. Proper water balance, sanitation and maintenance is a must. Mustard Algaecide Plus will eliminate the phosphates, which are a food source for algae. Keeping your phosphates at 0 will give the algae nothing to eat.

Welcome!

Thanks for visiting Leisure Time Pool Service and Repair here on Blogger! We look forward to connecting with you in new and exciting ways via out Social Media Program starting April 2010.

Check in regularly for new content including How-To(s) on Pool and Spa care, Video tutorials, and Interviews with Industry Professionals to provide insight and Ideas for your Pool experience.

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