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Swimming Pool Remodeling - What You Should Know (2022)

Mon, 09 May 2022 17:33:27 GMT

Swimming Pool Remodeling: What You Should Know (2022)

May 09, 2022

Your swimming pool should bring you joy as a homeowner. But if you find that you avoid looking at it because it detracts from your backyard, it's time for a pool remodel. And not to worry — the process may sound intimidating, but with the right pool builder, the process is simple.

Learn more about what you can expect when you hire experts like our team members for a pool makeover.

The Benefits of a Pool Remodel

f you already have a pool, you may be wondering what the point is of a remodel. If you can swim in it, why bother paying for improvements?

But the truth is that many benefits come with remodeling and investing in your space outdoors. So, before you put off improvements for another year, discover a few of the top reasons you should call a local pool contractor about a makeover, no matter how small or large it needs to be

Greater Energy Efficiency

Pools aren't natural, and so they use up a lot of energy. If you installed a pump, you may have even noticed the price hike in your energy bills.

But more modern equipment is designed to feature increased energy efficiency. The update from your pool builder will look great and save you money in the long term, month after month.

Enhance the Beauty of Your Space

Swimming is fun of course, but if your backyard doesn't look appealing, you won't want to spend much time there. How much are you really going to use your pool if it looks decrepit?

With a little pool construction for a fancy facelift, you, your friends, and your family won't ever want to get out of the water. This investment will pay dividends in memories and good times.

Increase the Value of Your Home

When you're looking to sell your home, you want to present the greatest possible product to get the most money out of the deal. And if potential buyers are faced with a sorry-looking swimming hole, they're unlikely to want to spend hundreds of dollars in pool maintenance to keep such a sorry spot.

When you take the time to improve your outdoor space, buyers will notice and look forward to having it for their own. So not only can you enjoy it, but you'll enjoy the price boost when you sell.

How Pool Construction Works

You want to enjoy the benefits that come from a pool remodel, but where do you begin with the process?

First, it should be noted that the best way to complete any pool remodeling project is to leave it to the professionals. Any mistakes made during the DIY process could ultimately cost you more in repairs than it would have been to hire a pool contractor from the start. So save your time and energy and rely on the experts.

When you're ready to get the process started, here are the steps you and your pool contractor will follow.

Finding a Design You Love

When it comes to a remodel, the possibilities are endless. Tiles and aggregate materials come in many colors and designs, so you can get exactly what you're looking for. Your contractor can also help you spot the materials that will best suit your existing setup and what will be the most durable option.

Financing Your Pool Remodel

Different materials and contractors will come with different price tags. You shopped around for quotes from contractors. Now make sure you're choosing designs that fit your budget. Stay in contact with your contractor as you find financing options to create the space of your dreams.

Choose When to Get the Work Done

When you hire a pool builder should be carefully considered beyond what fits their schedule. Many experts recommend off-season swimming months, like fall and winter, and here's why:

Avoid wasting precious summer swimming days.
Get off-season prices. You may get discounts for avoiding the height of when people want to fix up their pools.
Book your ideal contractor. If you've found a contractor you really want, chances are they have a packed schedule. But ask for the off-season, and you have a higher likelihood of them finding time for you.

The Actual Pool Remodeling Work

You've prepared everything you can. Now it's time for those contractors to do their jobs and create an oasis just outside your home. Here's what that will take.

Draining

Very little work can be done until the bowl is drained. Pumping the water out of the pool sounds simple enough. However, it will take almost an entire day to get the job done. After that, your contractor may choose to leave it empty to allow weak spots to reveal themselves and ensure everything's dry.

Of course, you don't want to leave an empty bowl too long. So once it's been pumped, you'll want to stay on schedule to avoid damage to your pool.

Check for Hollow Spots

Now that the bowl is empty, contractors can take a closer look and discover any potential weak spots that will need to be reinforced. The hollow spots must be removed to ensure the new coating or tiling is correctly installed. This will mean the best results and long-term durability for the materials.

Resurfacing

Everything is now ready to start resurfacing the walls. The resurfacing process will look different depending on the materials you've chosen. Here are the three most common materials:

Plaster: The most affordable option with the shortest lifespan.
Tile: A high-quality look that lasts many years, but also comes with the highest price tags for materials and labor.
Aggregate: Comes in many design options for creating your favorite look. It lasts a long time, but also requires regular maintenance.

Tile, Coping, and Decking

The most visual part of your swimming pool is the waterline tile, coping, and decking surrounding your pool. If you're considering a pool renovation then it is likely your current materials are old, cracked, and simply just not in style anymore.

Finding new finishes for your pool can seem like a hassle but a trained pool designer who understands how to pick the best materials for a given budget should be able to present you with a handful of choices that will make your pool look modern and new.

Start-Up

Now that everything's been remodeled, you may imagine it's just time to dump some water in and go for a swim. However, the start-up process must be correctly completed to ensure you get the best bang for your buck.

The start-up process requires quickly refilling the bowl to avoid any rings that come from water sitting for long periods. Next, the contractor will start working on the pH balance and running the filtration system until the water is clean and ready for swimming.

This is not only important for your own health, but is also best for your pool features, further protecting your investments.

Adding Your Personal Touches

Once the pool construction is complete and every contractor has left, don't give up on your backyard space. A few small touches can really elevate your outdoor space. Repainting or replacing old outdoor chairs, stringing up lights, or adding a fire pit can create a truly fantastic entertaining space around your pool. Don't be afraid to make your yard your own beyond the construction process.

Enjoy Your New Pool

After all this work, you've come to the most important step: taking a dive into your gorgeous remodel. You've taken the time to collaborate with your pool builder to design your dream backyard. Don't let all your time and money go to waste by sitting inside.

Invite over your friends and family and let them see your gorgeous new swimming pool. Or pour yourself a cocktail, hope on a floatier, and keep your slice of heaven to yourself for a little longer. No matter how you celebrate, it's time to enjoy your pool remodel!

How Often Should You Clean Your Pool?

Wed, 13 Apr 2022 02:03:05 GMT

How Often Should You Clean Your Pool?

April 12, 2022

Having a place to swim is fun and increasingly common among homeowners, but it comes with a responsibility to keep it clean and safe to swim in. If you want to enjoy your pool for as long as you can, it's worth it to extend its life by keeping it well-maintained.

So, how often should you clean your pool? It depends, but anywhere from every day to every other month.

Daily Pool Cleaning Tasks

These pool cleaning tasks are simple and can be done every day as needed. Missing a day here or there won't hurt, but staying on top of pool maintenance will prevent worse issues down the line.

Skimming the Water

Using a skimmer, remove any visible debris such as dead bugs, leaves, dirt, trash, or anything else floating on the water. This is the pool maintenance you will be doing most often, especially after a storm or having guests over.

You can reduce the amount of pool cleaning by investing in a cover for when you're not using the pool.

Spot-Checking

Check the water for things that are obviously wrong on a daily basis, such as algae, discoloration, or a lot of debris. Finding problems early can save you a headache later, so you don't have to deal with them when it's time to go swimming.

You should also break up larger pool maintenance tasks into smaller pieces so you're not overwhelmed at the end of the week.

Weekly Pool Cleaning Tasks

The majority of pool maintenance should be done on a weekly basis, though it can be done more often if necessary. If these tasks are too much for a busy schedule, consider hiring pool service professionals to take care of the pool cleaning for you.

Testing the Water

You need to make sure that the water is in the correct range for pH and chlorine levels. You can do this with water testing, either with a kit or a dedicated pool service store.

The pH of your pool should be between 7.4 and 7.6. The chlorine levels should be between 1.0 to 3.0 PPM. If the water levels are outside these ranges, you'll need to adjust the chemicals to balance them out.

Keeping a healthy range in your water is important for sanitation. Otherwise, dangerous bacteria could grow and potentially get you sick.

Vacuuming

Another important pool service is vacuuming. This will keep your water's pH level balanced and prevent the buildup of algae and debris. Skimming regularly will help reduce the need to vacuum, and both will extend the life of your filters.

This pool service can take up a lot of time, especially since it needs to be done at least once a week. If you're too busy, automatic pool vacuums are available on the market, or you could hire a professional pool service.

Tile Brushing and Cleaning

You also need to stay on top of keeping the tiles clean and free of dirt or algae. This contributes to an overall nicer look and prevents unsightly buildup. All you need is a tile cleaner and a brush of your choice, preferably with a long handle to reach deep.

Algae Preventative

Algae growth in your pool can be unpleasant and even dangerous. Growth on the tiles can cause slipping and accidents, and the presence of algae at all can indicate poor sanitation, which means there may be other bacteria present.

To prevent this, stay on top of the pool cleaning, cover it up when not in use, and use algaecides if necessary.

Shock Treatments

If algae has managed to grow despite preventative measures, you'll need to shock the pool with chlorine treatment . This will clear out the excess algae, and taking care of this pool service weekly ensures that you never have to deal with the unsightly green of an overgrown pool.

Depending on the surface area and method used, the shock process may take several days, so plan ahead. If you're unsure about the process, it may be worth it to leave this type of pool maintenance to a professional.

Bi-Monthly Pool Cleaning Tasks

Some types of pool cleaning only need to be done every other month but are still important for the health of the water.

Filter Cleaning

Filters catch anything that the skimmer and vacuum miss. If you keep up with maintenance, they won't need much attention but should still be cleaned with a filter cleaner or occasionally replaced to keep your water at the highest quality.

Stay On Top of It

This may seem like many steps, but breaking it up into smaller chunks will make maintenance more manageable. Take care of things as soon as you can, so they don't pile up at the end of the week. You also won't be disappointed when an afternoon meant for swimming is cut short by a dirty pool.

Still, even the bare minimum can be overwhelming for a busy schedule. If all the upkeep is too much, consider hiring a professional service. That way, you can focus on the fun part and enjoy your pool.

You can explore our website for more information on how to clean your swimming pool.

If you are in the Riverside, CA area and you are looking to find a pool service company to take over your regular care and maintenance, we encourage you to check out our Google Reviews to learn more about how we've successfully help customers just like you!

How To Keep Your Pool Clean This Summer

Thu, 24 Mar 2022 00:08:19 GMT

How To Keep Your Pool Clean This Summer - 2022

Updated April 12, 2022

The swimming pool is a popular place for keeping cool during the summer, but don't forget your regular pool cleaning and maintenance. The tasks need to be completed every week to keep your water quality safe for swimming all summer long.

Not sure where to start with yours? Paul's Pool Magic is a professional pool cleaning service with over 36 years of industry experience but we understand that not every homeowner wants to hire a pool care company so we put together this extensive guide on how to keep your pool clean and healthy all summer long!

Why Your Pool Needs To Be Clean

Regular pool maintenance and cleaning keep the water clear and attractive. Keeping your pool clear of debris, algae, leaves, and other things that don't belong in the water will also help keep the drains clear and functioning correctly. Without proper pool cleaning, no one should be swimming. To help you establish your regular pool cleaning and service schedule, we've put together a great list of important items and steps needed to get the job done correctly.

Necessary steps for pool cleaning include:

Using a leaf skimmer to remove debris and leaves from the water.
Brushing the walls, ladders, and steps to loosen hardened debris.
Vacuuming to remove debris sitting on the floor, steps, and walls.
Checking the filter and cleaning it.
Maintaining water circulation to filter and prevent the growth of algae and bacteria.
Checking the water pH levels which show the chemical balance.
Shocking the pool to destroy algae and bacteria and raise the free chlorine level.
Adding algaecide to slow the growth of algae.

If you don't feel comfortable handling the chemicals used for cleaning, you can always schedule a weekly pool service to get the job done right by a professional.

Water Circulation

This is one of the most critical steps in pool maintenance. Circulation moves the water through the filter to remove debris and particles from the pool. Without proper filtration, impurities can build up in the water and cause the pool to be dirty. The pump also evenly distributes the chemicals throughout the system.

The best time to run the pump is during the day while adding chemicals. The pump you have installed should adequately circulate and clean the water within about eight hours each day. The entire quantity of the pool in gallons should be pushed through within that eight-hour period once a day for residential purposes.

You need to know how many gallons your pump goes through per hour and the size of your pool to calculate what size of pump you need for proper pool cleaning.

Maintaining Pool Chemistry

Maintaining the proper chemical balance keeps the water clean and helps protect essential equipment like the pump, heater, and other system components from becoming damaged. Balanced and clean water chemistry are crucial in pool maintenance.

Creating a routine for cleaning or hiring a weekly pool service will help keep things on track. One of the best processes to do is shock treatment. This will solve and prevent most of the problems that can be had with a pool.

Shocking is when chlorine or non-chlorine chemicals are added to the water to raise the free chlorine level. The level should reach a point that destroys any contaminants, including algae or bacteria. Shock is more potent than regular chlorine and should be applied differently.

Ideally, you should shock your pool in the evening after you are finished swimming to prevent the sun from affecting the chemicals or irritating your skin and eyes. Wait up to 24 hours before getting back in after completing a shock treatment.

Not sure when to do a shock treatment? Here are some cues for you to be aware of:

After heavy rain or a windstorm.
There are more swimmers than usual.
The water is foul-smelling.
After experiencing extreme temperatures.
Swimmers experience burning red eyes.
There is algae growth.
The water is murky and slimy.

Safety When Handling Pool Chemicals

Handling chemicals is essential for your pool maintenance, but they can be dangerous to humans and animals if mishandled. They can irritate the skin or eyes or even be fatal if ingested. To keep yourself and others safe, follow these precautions:

Keep all chemicals away from children and animals.
Follow the dosage information and safety precautions listed on the product.
Store chemicals according to instructions.
Always wear protective gear, including gloves and goggles.
Wash all of your clothes and hands immediately after handling them. If the chemicals touch your skin, wash the area immediately with cold water for 15 minutes and call your doctor.
Never return spilled chemicals to their original container or put them in the garbage.
Use measuring equipment that's clean and dry, and rinse it after using.
Do not mix chemicals that are used in different areas of your household. For example, don't mix the chemicals you use inside your home with those for the pool.
Only add the chemicals to the water. Do not add water to the chemicals. Adding water will pollute the substances.
Don't get dry chlorine damp or wet.
Keep flames away from chemicals.
Do not reuse empty containers. Check all laws for safe disposal.

A weekly pool service so that you don't need to worry about chemicals. They can guarantee the processes are done correctly to keep your pool clean and safe to use. This may also keep you from wasting money on unnecessary chemical purchases while keeping your pool in top condition.

How To Test Pool Water

It is essential to test the water weekly during the swimming season to determine if you need pool cleaning. Use all of the chemicals only as directed and follow the precautions for storage and usage.

Check the water balance. Hold a test strip in the water and compare it to the pH chart that comes with it. The pH reading will tell you how acidic the water is. Keep the water at this level to prevent it from getting cloudy. The pH level should be between 7.2 and 7.6.
Check the sanitization levels. The most common sanitizers contain chlorine, while other options contain salt or bromine. Chlorine levels should be between 1 and 4 parts per million.
Shock the water.
Add algaecide. This should be part of the weekly pool service to slow down algae growth, especially in water exposed to sun and heat.

How To Shock The Water

Shocking the water is essential for pool maintenance because it raises the chlorine level and keeps the water from creating chloramines . The process also treats cloudy water and algae or bacteria buildup. Shock the water in the evening or overnight to prevent the sun from burning off the chlorine too quickly.

Select the right amount of shock. The amount you need depends on the size of your pool. The rule of thumb is to add one pound of shock per every 10,000 gallons of water.
Clean the debris. Remove all leaves and other debris using a pool skimmer.
Test the water. Test the pH level to ensure the range is between 7.2 and 7.6.
Circulate the water.
Add the shock. There are three different types and may require specific treatment methods. Always add the shock to the interior perimeter of the pool and allow it to circulate.
Brush the pool to help distribute the shock, then brush the walls and floor after the treatment is complete.
Run the pump and filter. It's recommended to do this overnight.

Troubleshooting

Every once in a while, you may have some issues before your weekly pool service appointment. Below are two of the most common problems and their easy fix.

If you notice cloudy water, this could be a result of poor circulation. Poor filtration or an improper water balance can cause the water to cloud. A shock treatment should treat the issue. Test the water and correct it as needed.

Algae growth can result from too little sanitizer or algaecide, in addition to a pH imbalance. A high pH imbalance will affect how the sanitizer acts in the water. Balance the water's pH before adding the algae treatment.

Regular pool cleaning and weekly algaecide treatment will prevent new growth.

How To Backwash The Filter

Backwashing flushes out the built-up debris inside the filter. Water is reversed through the filter and out the waste line and drain. Check your filer's directions to figure out how often you should do this as part of your weekly pool service.

Prepare the hose and filter. Start by turning on the filter and setting the multiport valve to the backwash setting. Then, connect the backwash hose to the waste port if needed. Run the hose to a safe waste site. Some systems may automatically have the waste directly connected to a drain to prevent the hose from being needed.
Run the filter. Turn the filter on and run it for three to five minutes, or until the water is clear through the sight glass. This should be next to the waste port on the filter.
Rinse the filter . Shut off the system and turn the valve on to the rinse setting. Run the system for about 30 seconds. This is essential because rinsing allows the water to run through the filter and reset. Turn off the system after 30 seconds.
Resume the filtering and record a pressure reading. Open the pressure relief valve, turn it to filter, and turn it off. Close it once the water comes out of the valve to start the new filter cycle. Record the PSI pressure reading, so you know when to backwash it again.

Pool Cleaning For Riverside, CA Homeowners

Pool maintenance can be hard work, but it's worth it once you get to enjoy the clean, cool water on every hot summer day. If you have a swimming pool in the Riverside, CA area need help with these tasks, consider hiring our team for your weekly pool cleaning and maintenance.