Ask The Experts
The Pool Guyz |
I started my own construction company in 1994. We built hundreds of high end custom homes. Started building Viking Pools in 2000 after buying one for my new home. Moved The Pool Guyz Headquarters to Virginia Beach from Manassas Virginia in 2003. Opened second store in Tampa Florida in 2007. Received Viking Dealer of the year in 2007. Won Master of Design Award from Pool and Spa News in 2007. I have been the featured builder and pool contractor of choice for the Matt Roloff family on TLC's Little People Big World, and have installed pools on the ABC primetime show Extreme Makeover: Home Edition. We hope to have our own show, The Pool Guyz, in 2011. |
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Pool Designs, Inc. |
I have been installing fiberglass pools since 1983. I started out digging the hole, skreeting the bottom, leveling the pool and making sure the entire area is ready for concrete. Having been on over one thousand installations I have an eye for layout and height of pool and concrete. I also customize plumbing for all applications. |
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Florida Concepts Pools |
My pool building experience dates back to the 1960's when I built and sold gunite pools for Gunite Pools of Westchester, based out of Westchester County, New York. Florida Concepts Ltd, was incorporated in 1981. Our first "Viking Fiberglass Pool" (Santa Barbara) was installed in 1994 in Mahopac, NY and we still show it as a testimony to the integrity of the Viking Fiberglass superiority in the industry. We are award winning builders and Exclusive Dealers for Viking Pools servicing Westchester, Putnam, Dutchase, Orange & Rockland counties in New York & southern Connecticut. |
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Midwest Pools and Spas |
I helped my father install his first fiberglass pool shell in 1988. Money was tight so my brother and I were the best (only) choice he had for help. I knew immediately that this was the way I wanted to spend the rest of my life. Since that day we have opened 6 stores in 5 states including Michigan, Indiana, North Carolina, Florida and Missouri. We have been a part of several projects including Extreme Home Makeover, Camp Heartland and numerous other local projects for less fortunate families. We have thoroughly enjoyed our relationship with Viking the nation's top pool manufacturer. The quality of their products and attention to detail makes our installations a breeze. We are here to answer any and all of the questions you may have about installations, sales or service. Please feel free to e-mail any question or comment you may have. |
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SplashPoolsMD.com SignatureAquatics.com |
My expertise of design, waterscapes and outdoor living environments has been
acquired through extensive studies under industry experts from both inside and outside
the swimming pool arena. My foundation is in ultra-high end concrete swimming pools
with individual residential projects exceeding $2.5 mil. Over the past 15 years I have
traveled the country and world deepening my understanding of Design, Color Theory,
History of Architecture, Advanced Hydraulic Design, Soil Conditions, Structural
Engineering, Concrete Intricacies and Water in Transit from some of the worlds most
highly accomplished experts in their respective fields. My knowledge has earned me
the status of "subject matter expert" and am retained multiple times per year to teach
other pool builders, architects, and home builders industry related topics at the
International Pool and Spa Expo, Coverings (tile industry International Show), World of
Concrete, Home Builders Association and more. |
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Vantage Pools and Spas Inc. |
Pools and hot tubs have been my passion since 1995. I started building pools from a young age and have done everything from cleaning pools and doing service work to selling them in our two retail locations. As Manager of Operations at Vantage Pools and Spas Inc. I have a lot of fun seeing projects come together from beginning to end. It sometimes starts with a family’s scribbles on a note pad and comes to fruition when they throw their first pool party. Being part of a family business I strive for excellence in the products I sell, the work I promote and the service I provide. Being partnered with companies like Viking Pools, I know that families will continue to enjoy the latest innovations without sacrificing quality and being a member of our local Home Builders Association helps me to set the bar for our industry. For the last two years Vantage Pools has been voted best of the best within our industry by our community and I’ve been happy to be a part of that. I love the work I do and I’m committed to giving it my best. |
FAQ's
1. How do I choose a pool builder? |
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1 How do I choose a pool builder? Credentials are KING. Ask the Builder to show you what he has done not tell you what he can do. Ask for at least three references and call them. If he is a good Builder he should have a minimum of these 4 things. 1) A professional place of work. An Office which displays his work.
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Choose a pool builder that knows the product, has extensive building experience and can physically show you a finished project. To the best of our knowledge we are the oldest exclusive Viking Dealer in the North East. Our first Viking Fiberglass Pool was installed 15 years ago in Mahopac, New York and we still show that pool today. A testimony to the Viking quality and Florida Concepts Pools workmanship. Our web site, "floridaconceptspools.com" has that pool (the Santa Barbara) in our gallery. You can also view on our site back yard transformations and pool installs in impossible conditions. All of the above will help you make an intelligent decision in choosing the right pool builder.
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The choice of pool builder is really the first big step toward
completion of your pool. The way to choose a builder with confidence is to
DO YOUR HOMEWORK! Check with your local Better Business Bureau that the
company is reputable. You are able to go to the BBB website at www.bbb.org.
The next step would be to see some completed work. Any company that really
wants your business will be eager to give you references. References are a
great way to learn about your builders first hand. References are always
partial to your builder but will be a reliable source of information. The
final thing you want to do when choosing a builder is ensure that the
contract states everything that your builder has said. It is very important
to make sure you know how the payments work and when you can expect work to
start and finish. Viking dealers are the best to buy from because Viking
ensures that every installer/builder is reputable, has great customer
service and build amazing pools that live up to the Viking name. That is
why you can buy with confidence from a Viking dealer/builder. Viking has
strict regulations with its dealers to ensure that each customer purchases a
quality pool built with the utmost craftsmanship and professionalism.
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Talk to a minimum of three contractors about your project. Look for firms that have been in the pool and spa building industry for at least five years. Always check past and prior financial status of potential contractor. Many pool builders are here one day and gone the next. Never allow a builder to rush you into signing a contract, and never sign a contract that you don't understand. Don't be embarrassed to take a few days to study a document before you sign it. Ask questions, questions, and more questions. Always make sure that a contractor is insured and licensed. Ask to see insurance certificates for both general liability and workers compensation, and a license in the name of the individual building your pool or spa. Call the insurance companies and State of Michigan's Contractors Board to confirm validity, (517) 241-9254, or State of North Carolina Contractors Board, (919) 571-4183. Have a prepared pool/spa plan and materials list drawn up and take bids on each. Questions to ask include: Ask to see a job being currently installed. Always check credentials and talk to references, especially the firms' three most recent clients. Does the contractor have a place to view pools and all the equipment that
they sell? Remember that the lowest bid is not always the best. Take a critical look at all bids, estimates and offers-and make sure you get them in writing. Contact the firm's primary material supplier to ask if the contractor pays bills on time and whether the supplier would recommend the firm. Never pay more than ten percent of the estimate as a down payment. Plan to pay the remaining amount in installments linked to the specific phases of the project. Never pay a contractor in cash. Use cashier's checks or money orders and get a receipt. Is your pool builder a member of the Association of Pool & Spa Professionals and Better Business Bureau? Never make your final payment until you completely understand how your pool/spa and related equipment operate. Remember, the more time you spend planning your pool/spa project and
checking out the credentials of your contractor, the less time you'll spend
complaining later.
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Choosing a pool builder is much like choosing a husband or wife. Remember that once
you make your decision you will be "married" to your builder not only during the
installation period but for as long as you own your pool. We're all grown-ups here and
all know to check references, tour completed projects, verify licenses & insurance,
blah...blah...blah... you know the deal but what I suggest is a little more. Every reputable
builder should be able to meet these basic requirements, so all things being equal think
about what could make the pool building process as easy as possible. Look for a
company that you are socially compatible with and pick the company that you "feel"
good about. After all isn't your "gut" feeling usually the right choice? Don't go into the
process with an adversarial attitude toward your contractor trying to beat every penny
out of them. Instead create a team environment with the common goal of creating the
backyard oasis of your dreams.
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A good Pool Builder will explain in detail why you should buy a
particular type and size of pool after reviewing your family size and yard
size and surroundings. There are also lifestyle influences and budgets to
consider. The professional has seen all of these circumstances before and
will know how to deal with them.
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To find a pool that will fit your needs, you should first check your property survey and mark your set backs on it to determine your allowed pool area. If you are not sure, a good builder will do this for you. Now look for a pool location with the sun exposure you most desire. If you are a serious lap swimmer you may prefer a nice traditional rectangular pool. If your interest is in aesthetics and multiple seating areas you may prefer one of our many free form pools. Refer to our web site "floridaconceptspool.com" click on gallery and get many great ideas.
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Selecting the right pool is the single most important decision you will make
when buying a pool. Keep in mind that the pool you choose will outlast the
brick on the house and once it is installed it is very expensive to make a
change. The following are some key ideas to choosing a pool:
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This question seems pretty simple but make sure to take all factors into consideration: - Check your local zoning department to determine the maximum "project envelope." This is the space remaining after you locate all property lines, set-backs, easements, HOA requirements, septic and repair area, well setbacks, underground utilities, etc. Basically the space that you have build your project. - Now that you have the project envelope determined determine the amount of deck that you will require including space for lounge chairs, tables, walkways, storage, etc. - With the space remaining you can determine wether a small, medium or large pool will fit your space requirements and needs. - Once you have the size determined then you can look into shape. Find a pool that not only meets your current needs but will meet the future needs of your family as well. This is where your pool contractor can make your decision easy. Any reputable contractor can point you in the right direction based off your needs, wants and budget. - Additionally, be sure to maintain the architectural style and create an outdoor living
area that is an extension of your home. A freeform lagoon pool with palm trees and a
beach while nice, may not be the best choice to put behind a home with ultra modern
architecture.
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One of the obvious considerations will be space requirements and set backs to accommodate the city. You'll also want to consider who will be using the pool and for what purpose –
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The first thing to remember is this is a major construction project. The
yard in which you know it now will be transpired into a beautiful in ground
pool. For us the install goes as follows. The first day we layout and dig
the hole. The dirt is removed from the property if needed and the sand is
placed in the hole. The second day the crane and pool arrive and we set the
pool in place. The water will begin to fill the pool as soon as it is set
and the backfill process begins. Normally by the end of day three the pool
is completely installed and ready for the deck to be formed. Over the next
week the electrical is completed and the deck is poured. Then the pool is
cleaned and balanced and we do a final indoctrination with the new owner.
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The installation process varies depending on the topography and soil conditions of the property. Normally it is a minimal disturbance and all work is completed in 3 to 4 days. We template the shape of the pool excavate within a foot of the outside of the template. We then trench for the pool lines and electric line. We bring in approx. 40 cu. yds. of sand for a nice base under the pool and back fill on the sides and covering the pool lines. We install a 8" preventive drain under the pool which acts as a hydrostatic relief in case of excessive ground water. We set the pool in place with a crane, check that the pool is level using a laser transit and begin filling the pool with water trucks while simultaneously backfilling around the pool to counter balance the pressure. We finally grade to within 1 ft. of the top of the pool, leaving room for item#4, concrete, pavers, etc; We also install a concrete equipment pad. This process can be viewed by going to our web site "floridaconceptspools.com" and click on to installations and back yard transformation.
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The installation process should be relatively simple. Let's start
with completion of contract of work and deposit is given. The process of
permitting now begins. Builders should do your permitting for you or at
least help you with it. This includes recommending to you surveyors or
engineers if that is what your township requires. After you get your
permit number, your builder should give you some sort of a "dig date." This
would be the day for starting construction. Our company, Pool Designs Inc.,
gives you a dig date just outside of 10 days from getting your permit
number. The company will do a "One Call" where the utilities will be
sprayed out on your lawn and flagged. On the day of installation you can
expect a foreman, in our case myself, to head up the project and be the
clear leader of the construction. I will lay out the pool and make sure the
placement matches the permitted plans and is where you want it. The dig
begins. The major component of the dig that cannot be overlooked is that
you only want the hole 6" bigger than the pool. You also don't want to dig
the hole any deeper than 4" than the pool itself. This ensures that once
backfilled and filled with water your pool will be at 99% compaction and not
moving out of level. Once the pool is in the ground and plumbed you can
expect a number of inspections. Remember that each township, municipality
and state are different. The next part of the process is electrical work.
The electrician either from the builder or a sub contractor must run the
appropriate electrical workings out to the pool and your pool should be
bonded at this time. Once you pass electrical inspection the concrete of
your choice is poured. With our customers we like to say that from start to
finish the process take about two to two and half weeks to completion.
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Have you seen a nuclear bomb? Well not quite, but let's not sugar coat it...pool construction is a major undertaking and is going make a mess in your backyard for the 5-10 days it takes to install a Viking Pool. There is no clean way to excavate 100 tons of soil, bring in 50 tons of sand, dig plumbing & electrical trenches, crane the pool into place, pour 30 yards of concrete sub-deck and then install 20 tons of flagstone decking. Project schedules are based on scope of work but our basic process involves the following: Day 1 - Pool Excavation - Sand Delivery - Equipment Delivery
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Pool options will change with the buyer. I like water features of almost
any kind. We do a lot of rock waterfalls with our pools. When you look at a
pool in a backyard without any special features like waterfalls or fire
pits, deck jets, palm trees, etc. it appears to look plain and normal. I
like every customer to add something to their pool or direct surroundings to
make it "pop" out at you when you look at it.
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There are a multitude of pool options to enhance your pool and your back yard. Depending on your project budget some options are deck jets, shooting arches of water from the deck into the pool, spas, cascading water into the pool, dramatic fiber optic lighting in the pool and around the perimeter of the pool transforming multi color changes to the water and around the pool area. We can build you fire pits, fire places, waterfalls, full outdoor kitchens for ultimate pool side living. See our web site "floridaconceptspools.com" click onto our gallery of award winning pools and back yard transformation, to view many of these options.
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There are some really great options available in today's pool market that can add some sizzle to your Pool or spa without breaking the bank. Some of the more popular options we recommend to our customers include: fiber optic lights, salt water systems, automatic pool sweeps, massage jets, rim tile and small waterfalls. These items will not only add to the ambience but they will make the task of owning a pool nearly hands free. Let's face it- the reason you purchase a pool is to add to your quality of living not to add another project to your daily chores. If these items are not in the budget right away, many of them can be added in the future.
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Without question the number one pool option that will enhance your backyard is color.
Chose one of the Viking Standard colors or use their Kaleido-Center feature to create a
custom color that will compliment your backyard oasis. From there your choices are
endless. I would suggest an automatic cover, waterline tile, some deck jets or maybe a
custom waterfall. Don't forget you can add a spa to your pool that will serve as a water
feature as well.
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Although standard broom finish concrete decking is the most common type
around pool decks throughout the country, we believe it doesn't belong
around our pools. We normally will at least add a coloring into the mix to
eliminate the gray look. We also do most of our pool decks in a textured or
stamped colored concrete pattern. Although this will make the finished deck
somewhat more slippery with an added sealer on it, the look it will give the
project is amazing. Budget will also account for a majority of your decision
as this type of concrete will double the cost of the standard gray broomed
finish deck. |
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There are a vast array of choices when it comes to pool and spa decks. Some of the most popular include light broom finish, powder dyed, stamped and
dyed, exposed aggregate, salt etched, ceramic tiled, paver bricks, spraycrete, coping bricks and stone.
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Your decking options are endless. I'll try to list many of the materials that will work well around your new Viking Pool. Standard broom finished concrete, colored concrete, stamped concrete, exposed aggregate concrete, concrete pavers, natural stone pavers, natural stone including travertine, limestone, flagstone and the list goes on... Don't forget that sometime the best decking is no decking at all. On sections of many
projects we bring the landscaping right up to the coping of the pool blending the
landscaping and pool seamlessly.
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Pool equipment is always being advanced with technology. We do our best
to stay on top of the industry and make standard the best equipment
available. Variable speed pumps are a great upgrade to consider. Salt water
chlorinators are standard with us as well as Low maintenance cartridge
filters and hand held automation. Pools should run themselves now days to
minimize customer maintenance.
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Technology, Technology, Technology.... today's pools are not the same ones you grew up with. Don't even consider a pool without getting a Saltwater Chlorinator or Variable Frequency Drive Pump. While they both cost a few extra buck up front they'll pay for themselves in no time. Another great option is to fully integrate automation into your pool. You can now control your pool from your iPhone. Why would you want to do this...you ask? Let's think about it...you're leaving work and you want to jump in the hot tub when you get home. Just open the app, turn your hot tub on and it's hot when you get home. This is only one way automation increases you quality of life.
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The automatic pool cover is permanently installed by a track system which
allows the cover to slide over the top of the water of your pool. This is
done either under your coping or on top of your deck. The cover rolls up
into a box that can be placed in the ground or under a bench at one end of
your pool. A key is used to open and close the cover. The winter cover
needs to be installed annually and anchors into your deck with hidden
grommets that can screw up or down when cover is off. The price difference
is thousands of dollars depending on your pool size and cover options. If
you have the budget for an automatic cover, the savings in heating and peace
of mind in safety is well worth the cost to upgrade to this option.
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The number one difference between a safety cover and an automatic
cover is one goes on and off and as you please and the other one must be
fastened on and taken off by hand. Automatic covers are a great option if
you are financially able to purchase one. The automatic cover gives you the
option to keep your pool covered and free from debris all year long.
Automatic covers keep the pool clean and makes your pool nearly maintenance
free. A traditional winter safety cover meets the needs of 90% of pool
owners. Winter safety covers will have anchors drilled right into your
concrete that comes up and down for closing and opening. The cover is
spring loaded and fits securely across the top of your pool. It will be
about two and half feet from your pool coping going straight over the pool.
These covers keep debris and people out of your pool for the winter months.
There are many types of safety covers of varying cost. Mesh covers allow
water to pass through and filter debris. Solid covers allow nothing to pass
through and you will need some sort of a pump if there is not a drain in the
cover itself. Safety covers are far more cost effective of an alternative
and meet most people's needs. I suggest that you see what exactly your pool
cover needs are for you and your family and speak to your builder about what
they suggest also.
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This is very easily done with a Viking pool. The smooth surface of our
pools doesn't offer a good solution for algae to form. When using a salt
chlorinator and keeping salt levels proper, you will normally not have to
add any chemicals to the pool at all. Various kits are available to check
water chemistry as well as simple bottle of test strips you simply dip into
the water and match the color to the bottle.
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Your swimming pool water is comprised of different components, which collectively form your water's chemistry. The balance required among these components is critical to achieve a clean and clear pool with water that sparkles. Each chemical component has a known range of acceptable parameters or an ideal zone. Providing this ideal operating environment is necessary for the sanitizing system of choice to function properly. Once all of the chemicals are balanced and working together, the result should be a balanced pool that looks, feels and smells great. 1. Make sure that you begin with a freshly swept and vacuumed pool filled to the proper height. 2. Run the pump and filter throughout both the testing and chemical addition portion of the process. 3. Use a Water-Test Kit that tests for Alkalinity, PH, Metals (especially if you have well water), Phosphates. Test water samples twice to make sure that accurate readings were taken. Base your additions of balancing chemicals on the number of gallons of water in your pool. 4. Begin by reading the proper dosage of Alkalinity Increaser to add, which should be on the bucket of Alkalinity Increaser itself. The ideal range for your pool's alkalinity is between 80 and 120 parts per million. Separate the required dosage into equal thirds for addition, allowing ten minutes between additions. Mix all chemicals in a 5 gallon bucket of water and then add diluted chemicals to the pool water. 5. Retest the water after each addition (wait at least 12 hours to retest) to make sure that the prescribed dosage is not too much, which would cause you to overshoot the ideal range marker. 6. Repeat the testing for PH after the addition of the Alkalinity Increaser, because alkalinity raises the level of your PH. Add either PH Plus or PH Minus to fine tune the PH until it is in the ideal range, which is 7.2 to 7.8. 7. Test for metals (iron and copper). If levels are high add a sequestering agent and allow filter to remove them before any chlorine is added to the pool. If chlorine is added to a pool with high metal levels, the metals can "fall out" of suspension and adhere to the walls and bottom of the pool. This "fall out" looks like rust on the pool shell and can be removed from a fiberglass pool with the addition of additional chemicals. A concrete pool needs to be drained and acid washed. 8. Now test the water for phosphates especially if you are planning on using a saltwater chlorine generator. Adjust as necessary using a phosphate remover. You need to keep the phosphate level at zero or near zero levels. If the phosphate level is higher, the phosphates can consume the chlorine before it can sanitize the pool properly. 9. Add your sanitizer of choice (such as chlorine) only when all three of the
balancing chemicals are within their ideal range, which will permit the
chlorine to function in an optimal environment. The ideal range is between
1 - 3 parts per million.
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9 What options are available to keep my pool clean? The automatic pool cover is permanently installed by a track system which allows the cover to slide over the top of the water of your pool. This is done either under your coping or on top of your deck. The cover rolls up into a box that can be placed in the ground or under a bench at one end of your pool. A key is used to open and close the cover. The winter cover needs to be installed annually and anchors into your deck with hidden grommets that can screw up or down when cover is off. The price difference is thousands of dollars depending on your pool size and cover options. If you have the budget for an automatic cover, the savings in heating and peace of mind in safety is well worth the cost to upgrade to this option.
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They are five main types of pool cleaners. 1. Manual - This is the "good" old fashion way. Well maybe it’s not so good if you don’t want to spend your time cleaning the pool. The process involves brushing the walls and vacuuming the pool bottom as needed. 2. Suction Side Cleaners - These are automatic cleaners that work off the suction side of the pool pump. They generally have a larger hose (1.5" diameter) attached to them and you plug them either into the skimmer or wall vacuum port. These are generally the lease expensive type of automatic cleaner. 3. Pressure Side Cleaner - This style of automatic cleaner works off a booster pump and is driven by water pressure. They have a smaller diameter (3/4") hose that is attached to a special wall port with an adaptor. 4. Robotic Cleaners - These are computer-controlled cleaners that operate independently from your pump and filter system. Robotic cleaners are powered by low-voltage electricity, rather than your pool pump or a booster pump. Since your pump runs less, your energy costs are reduced. Plus, their built-in filter further reduces use of your pool's primary filtration system lowering energy costs even more, extending the life of both your pump and filter, and increasing the amount of time between filter cleanings. Robotic cleaners are also convenient—you just plug it in and place it in your pool. Some even have remote controls so you can steer the unit from a lounge chair for easy spot cleaning! 5. In-Floor Cleaner - X-tream Klean is a cleaning and circulation system
custom engineered specifically for each pool it is placed in. X-tream
Klean will clean steps, benches, fountains, walls, even your spa, any
way you design it. Other benefits include increased chemical and heat
distribution.
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The best option is to pay a pro to do it for you. This charge is usually
less than $ 300.00 dollars. The cost to replace frozen equipment or repair
pipes can be thousands. If you insist on doing it then here is a few simple
rules to follow. Make sure all the water is removed from all plumbing lines
and everything capped to prohibit water from re entering. Add chemicals to
the water to prevent algae growth over the winter. Remove and clean your
filter and your salt cell. Put RV or pool antifreeze in your skimmer and
plug the hole. Make sure you have a good airlock on the main drains as well.
Make sure all breakers for pumps or other pool equipment are turned off.
Properly install a good quality cover.
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Basic Guidelines For Winterizing Your Pool |
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Ask the Expert
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