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"Inground Swimming Pools"
Solving and avoiding
common problems.
The Pool & Spa Informational Website
askalanaquestion.com |
Solving Problems & Making Choices
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Scroll down to browse
through some archived SWIMMING POOL questions and answers.
Please access the Pool Problems Page and other links, at the top of
every page, for additional information.
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Inground
pools are available in an endless variety of shapes, sizes, depths and
configurations. Included are commercial and residential, outdoor and
indoor, community and private and big and small. The pools can be
constructed from a variety of materials such as: steel, aluminum,
concrete, plastic, wood, cement blocks and fiberglass. The walls can be
covered with masonry finishes, tiles, vinyl, fiberglass, paint and other
coatings. Some types of pools are better suited for certain uses
and/or locations. Inground pools can be accessorized with a full
range of convenience features. Different types of pools can
encounter or require varying maintenance requirements. Clicking
on the underlined and highlighted
"keywords" or "catch phrases," in the archived answers will
give you access to additional information on that topic or product.
Please refer to the Glossary, if
there are terms or phrases that require explanation.
For an alphabetized listing
of the entire contents of the website, use the
Table of Contents link, on top of
every page.
Click any image for more product
or ordering information.
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More information about the
ColorQ Water Analyzers
can be found by clicking on the center image, above. These hand-held, digital
testers require no color matching or look up charts and perform the
following tests: pH, Free & Total Chlorine, Bromine, Total Alkalinity,
Hardness, Cyanuric Acid, Iron, Copper, Biguanide & Biguanide Shock.
Different models are available, for varying needs.
More information about some new & unique products, for above ground & inground
pools, can be found by visiting
The Website Stores.
You'll never know what you'll find and that's
always fun.
Be better prepared and avoid costly problems!
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►
Something Not
Boring?
My wife and I are planning to
have a vinyl inground pool built next spring. We have a large backyard
with some natural features that we would like to incorporate into the overall
design. Most vinyl inground pools seem to be rectangular and boring.
I know that a rectangular shape is more efficient and probably costs less, but
it is not what will make us happy. Is it possible to get creative with a
vinyl liner inground pool? We have the time to check things out and we
want to get it right. Thanks for the time taken.
Gary & Kay, 9/2/2009
Today you can
get a vinyl lined, inground pool in an endless variety of shapes and sizes.
You don't have to settle for straight lines! Computers have made a big
difference in the construction and design of both the pool and the vinyl liner.
Dealing with experienced and reliable companies is the key to your project.
Good luck with the pool and I hope that I have been helpful.
Sincerely.
Alan Schuster, 9/2/2009
►
The Right Questions?
I have decided to have a pool installed in the spring.
We have decided on a gunite pool. Our space is limited, so it will be a
basic 14 x 28 pool. What should we look for from the contactor, other than
choosing the finish, color and equipment, in terms of references and the like.
Bob H., 2/12/2008
Reference checking goes without saying, as does looking at
some completed jobs. Ask how long he has been in business under the same
name. Has he used other business names? Is he insured, licensed and
bonded? Get the warranties spelled out in plain language. Will he
provide complete start up instructions and service after completion? Will
he clean up the job site? Will he be responsible for any damage to a
neighbor's property? How will damage to your sprinkler system be handled?
Who is responsible for applying for and obtaining permits? Good luck
with the project and enjoy the pool.
Sincerely. Alan Schuster,
2/12/2008
► Fiberglass Or Gunite?
Hi Alan, my wife and I
bought a home outside of Tampa, Florida this summer and we've been trying to
research which type of pool would be best. According to the fiberglass
Salesman, his pool will require less chemicals and electricity (because the
pump wouldn't run as much). In addition he said that the shell would not break
down over time. He also stressed that a gunite pool would require periodic
acid washing (5-7 years) and other costly but routine repairs. When we asked
the gunite Salesman about fiberglass pools all he did was laugh. Note: We may
end up buying a gunite pool but it will not be from THAT salesman/company.
Thank you for your assist
Lewis G., Tampa, FL, 1/2/2004
Great salesman! It
is true that gunite pools will require periodic refinishing or
 acid washing.
In addition, there is more interaction between the water and the gunite pool
surface, especially initially until an chemical equilibrium is reached.
Maintaining the chemistry in a
fiberglass pool should be easier.
The smooth surface should make algae control and pool vacuuming easier.
Gunite pools can stain
or crack, but these can be corrected or repaired.
Refinishing can give the gunite pool a whole new look, but it costs. A gunite pool allows the
benefit of infinite variation of size shape and color. I wouldn't give much weight to the
filtration savings.
Some of the newer alternative sanitizing systems will require that the filter be
operated for adequate or minimum periods of time. This is a big decision.
Over the life of the pool, the cost of maintenance should be factored in, as
well. I suggest that you consider cost and aesthetics, but go with
the product that strikes your fancy. For more information on Fiberglass
Pools go to:
www.vikingpools.net Good luck and I hope that I have been helpful.
Sincerely.
Alan Schuster, 1/2/2004
►
Gunite or Vinyl?
We are undecided about getting
a gunite pool or a vinyl pool? I know that the gunite pool will cost more,
but what about the maintenance and the life expectancy of the pool. We
live in Virginia, if that helps.
John N., Virginia, 3/23/2004
Generally
speaking the chemistry of a vinyl inground pool is easier to maintain than
that of an inground gunite pool. Both types can be constructed
in a variety
of shapes and sizes. Both can be equipped with similar filters, pool
vacuums, heaters,
covers, equipment, accessories and features.
Eventually the vinyl liner will have
to be replaced. Some pool finishes, such as
exposed aggregate,
can create unique looking finishes that are long lasting and less prone to
chemical interaction. Both types can last for decades with
reasonable care. Today's vinyl liners look infinitely better than the
liners that were used in years past and rival a gunite pool in appearance.
The choice is yours. Enjoy the pool!
Sincerely.
Alan Schuster, 3/23/2004
►
Automating The Pool?
Browsing
through the website, I became intrigued by pool automation. I would like
to maintain the pool myself, but I don't always have the time to spend on
things. The pool is 20,000 gallons, inground with a plaster finish. What can pool
automation do for me? Thanks for the input.
Arnold B., 4/3/2003
A lot! Pool
automation can turn your filter on and off. A
Salt
Chlorine Generator
can be made to turn on and off with the automated filter cycle. This
equipment will produce chlorine right in the pool, with a one time addition of
salt to the pool. A dial will allow you to increase or decrease the amount
of chlorine being produced. Because this equipment does not impact the pH, the
amount of other chemicals required is minimized. The heating of the pool
can be activated with the automated filter cycle and controlled to the desired
temperature. The cleaning of the pool can be accomplished with a controllable
robotic pool vacuum or an in-the-floor cleaning system. There are automatic
pool covers,
automatic pool lighting and
pool security.
The water level
can be automatically controlled. Pool automation can eliminate much of
the daily work required for sanitizing, maintenance, heating and cleaning.
I hope that I've kept you intrigued. Good luck.
Sincerely. Alan
Schuster, 4/3/2003
►
Draining An
Inground Pool?
I need instructions on how to drain an in ground pool. ASAP!
Thanks!
Marky, 5/10/2006
I'm glad that you took the time to write.
There is no way that I can tell you how to drain the pool. You provided no details. Depending upon the type of pool - gunite or vinyl - the procedures could be quite different. I suggest that you direct the question to the builder or someone very familiar with your type of pool.
Remember this! Vinyl liners can shrink and
the walls are held in place by the water, as well as the construction. A pool should be emptied only as a last resort. Good luck.
Sincerely.
Alan Schuster, 5/10/2006
► Well Water Caused
Staining And Discoloration?
We had a 18' x 36' vinyl
inground pool installed. We had the water tested and had a list of
chemicals to add. I probably should have told the store that I used well
water, but I did not realize it was that important. Now I know better.
The water turned into a tea colored solution, after I added some pH booster and
chlorine. There may be some brown stains, the deep end. What should
I do to make this right.
Mike K .,
6/5/2009
It seems apparent that the water
contained iron and other metals. Dealers don't always run these tests and
metals don't always show up. Pools that turn amber to rusty, bro wn or blackish,
after addition of chlorine or pH raising chemicals, usually have iron and other
heavy metals
present. This is especially true, when well water is used. If
you had filtered the well
water, used to fill the pool, through a
METALTRAP filter, the heavy metals would
have been permanently removed. When the
pool needed to be topped off, all the new well water could have been passed through the METALTRAP
Filter, to prevent new additions of metals. Removing
metals, as the pool fills is the best insurance against future problems. There
are chemicals means to treat metal problems and/or remove the stains they cause.
Not all of these chemicals are equally effective, some are ineffective at higher
pH levels and others contain phosphates, which can lead to other problems.
I suggest adding
Liquid METALTRAP:
it is phosphate free and works over the full pool pH range and beyond.
Adding this chemical can help avoid more staining and/or discoloration. If
staining has occurred, it can be removed with
METALTRAP Stain Remover. This 100%
ascorbic acid products helps to reduce and solubilize heavy metals, so that
Liquid METALTRAP can keep them in solution in a chelated state, which is less
colored and more stable. Following up with a recirculating treatment,
using the METALTRAP Filter can permanently eliminate the metals. All you
need is a garden hose and a small pump to do the recirculation.
Once you get the water looking right, make sure that you run all new water
through the METALTRAP FILTER. Good luck and I hope that I've been
helpful.
Sincerely.
Alan Schuster, 6/5/2009
► Need To Periodically Drain A Pool?
I live in Scottsdale Arizona and I have a diving
pool. I have lived here for 9 years. My pool service is telling me
that I need to empty the pool to restore the chemical balance and
address issues cause by hardening of the water. It seems like a big
task and I want to check it is really necessary before proceeding.
Under what circumstances is this required? Thanks for your help.
Margaret D., Scottsdale, AZ 1/31/2008
In the sunbelt, and when dealing with
pools that are not winterized, the dissolved salt content (TDS) will constantly
creep up. In the north, pools are winterized and this replaces about 1/4
of the water every year. This eliminates the buildup or, at least, reduces
it greatly. If you are using a stabilized chlorine, the cyanuric acid
level will build up. The only way to lower it is to replace water.
You certainly want the level under 100-150 PPM. If that is being done, no
other water replacement should be necessary. If you are using liquid
chlorine or a
salt
chlorine generator, as two examples, there will be a build up
certain salts, over time, increasing the total dissolved solids (TDS).
High TDS can lead to clarity, sanitizer ineffectiveness or scaling issues.
It would not be unreasonable to replace the water every five years or do a
partial replacement, starting after 3 or 4 years: sooner, if there is
evidence of high TDS or clarity, high hardness or scaling problems. The
TDS spike, contributed by the salt used with salt chlorine generators, will
result in a higher TDS, but the problems involve the build up of salts, other
than sodium chloride. Comparing the TDS of your tap water with that
of the pool, will provide and indicator of how much the dissolved salts have
increased. If you have a salt chlorine generator, deduct the PPM of salt,
that is being maintained. Draining an inground gunite pool can involve the
risk of the pool popping out of the ground. However, this is only a
problem in high water table situation. In your case, I doubt there is a
problem. Basically, this is your call, especially if the water seems clear
and problem free. I hope that this information proves helpful.
Sincerely. Alan Schuster,
1/31/2008
► All The Bells And Whistles?
I'm getting a new inground pool,18x36 with a 4x8 center
step, 3ft shallow end ,8ft deep end, Will be installing a heat pump.
What are the 2 best salt water generators to consider and why? Sand filter or
cartridge filter and the best one to get? Pressure sided or suction sided
cleaner and 2 best to consider. I live in Kansas. Thanks in advance.
Brian, Kansas, 3/5/2005
So far as a
heat pump
is concerned, I suggest that you look into the AquaCal line: it is the
product of America's leading heat pump manufacturer. For more information
go to:
www.aquacal.com.
A salt chlorine generator
is a good choice. AutoPilot is a technology leader for performance,
reliability and features and the would be an excellent choice. For more on
this product go to:
www.autopilot.com. Ordinarily, I am not a big
fan of sand filters, based on the e-mail I receive. However, if you want a
sand filter make sure that you use
Zeobrite: a sand filter replacement filter media.
It makes all the difference in the world and is even better when used with a
salt chlorinator. For information on Zeobrite:
www.zeotechcorp.com.
My choice would be a sand filter with Zeobrite. For a pool cleaner, I
would choose a
Robotic Pool Cleaner.
Unlike suction-side cleaners, it does not interfere with the skimmer action and
unlike pressure side cleaners, it requires no separate line or booster pump.
It requires no installation, is economical to operate, has a built-in
microfilter and can clean all pool surfaces, while acting as a moving main
drain. For more information on NITRO Robotic Pool Cleaners: go to:
www.smartpool.com
I hope that this information will prove helpful Good luck and enjoy the
pool.
Sincerely.
Alan Schuster, 3/5/2005
► Filter Placement?
We have an 18 x 36 inground pool and we built a retaining
wall all along the back side. We would like to know if we can put the filter on
the back side so it is out of sight. But, the filter would be 4 feet below
the top of the pool. Thank you.
Kim, 5/16/2006
Filters are sometimes placed below grade. Just
understand that a leak can cause water to drain out of the pool and not just the
lines or filter. It is done, especially when there is no other
option. The longer the filter run, the less effective will be the pool
pump. I hope that I have been helpful. Enjoy the pool.
Sincerely. Alan Schuster,
5/16/2006
► Trying To Decide?
Hello there! I am in the debating process of
purchasing a great home. BUT, it has an inground pool. I have 3 kids (ages 14,
5 & 4) and, of course, they would love a pool! The thought of it being like on
vacation in our own back yard seems wonderful, however, I am concerned about
what I may be getting myself into. I've never had a pool so I have no clue as
to whether it is an expensive luxury? Huge liability? Where would I start to
learn all the basics about maintaining an inground pool? Or should I steer
clear of pools? Piz, plz advise ASAP. Many thanks in advance for your
time. Sincerely.
A
Concerned
Mom, Dee, 4/28/2005
Most likely all those horrors, you're think of, were about
people that neglected the pool or thought that because it wasn't being used,
chemicals weren't needed. Hopefully, you'll be like the
millions that take care of the pool and have lots of pleasure. It is
easier than ever!
There
are
salt chlorine generating
systems that make the chlorine right in the
pool: no chlorine to store or handle. There are
Robotic
Pool Cleaners that make short work of keeping
the bottom and walls clean. There are
pool safety
covers that automatically cover the pool at the
press of a button, provide safety, help keep the water warm and cover the pool
for the winter. Testing the pool water can be as simple as dipping in a
test strip. If you're concerned about
safety, there are
pool alarms, yard alarms and gate alarms.
Local pool dealers can test the pool water and get you off on the right track. The cost of electricity and chemicals
needs to be considered, but it is modest compared to the return. I say go
for it! If you run into a problem, I'll be here. Best of luck with
your decision.
Sincerely. Alan Schuster, 4/28/2005
► Found The Leak?
I was losing about
an inch of water daily and was convinced that I had a leak. The pool is a
18 x 36 vinyl inground that is about 3 years old. After checking all the
fitting, I decided to try a dye solution and see if that could help locate the
leak. To my great surprise, I located the leak. It was in the
shallow end about 2 feet in front of the steps. I assumed that someone
stepped on a sharp pointed pebble or something. I have several questions.
Can I use a piece of the original vinyl, which I have, as a patch. Is
there anyway to do this without draining the shallow end, as I don't want to
risk damage to the pool or liner. I appreciate the opportunity to ask
these questions.
Bill M., Freehold,
NJ, 7/24/2004
Yes,
you can use the original liner material as a patch. Lucky, that you have a
piece.
Boxer Adhesives manufactures a complete
line of vinyl plastic repair products and adhesives that can even be used
underwater. Just use it as directed and make
sure that you trim the corners off the patch, in order to help prevent them from
lifting. For more information visit them as
www.boxeradhesives.com
Locating the source of the leak was the hard part. The repair will be the
easy part. Good luck and enjoy the season.
Sincerely. Alan Schuster, 7/24/2004
► Number Of Returns?
My question
is how may returns should a 20' x 40' (Roman both ends, 8' Roman Dual
Seat stairs on side) have? We are in the process of purchasing the pool
and we wanted jets in the stairs too. What are the pros and cons? I have heard
that the jets can leak, is this true? Most pools come with 2 jets if I am not
mistaken, but is there a complication once 3 or more jets are added (like
installed in the 8' Roman Dual Chair stairs) Any advice would be
appreciated! Thanks.
Laurie,
10/31/2004
Most inground pools
come with two returns. It is mainly a matter of economics, as more returns will
add to the cost. Obviously, the more lines and connections that are added, the
greater the possibility of a problem. However, adding a pair of additional
returns is not something that should present construction quality issues. Enjoy
the pool.
Sincerely. Alan Schuster,
11/1/2004
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► Steel Or Plastic?
I am so confused about which type of
vinyl-lined pool to purchase. We've narrowed it down to 2 companies. We can't
decide between a steel-framed pool or thermoplastic one. Are there pros and
cons to both? We are so confused. The thermoplastic pool I more expensive.
What do you think?
Julie K., 1/14/2005
Both pools can last a long time.
Steel walls can be adversely affected by poor drainage and corrosive soil
conditions. I have no way of knowing if this presents a potential area of
concern. It is something to discuss with the builder. Plastic wall
construction can be very long lasting and is resistant to corrosion. Both
offer flexibility of size and shape. The plastic walled pool is probably
better insulated for heat retention. That brings us back to cost!
Just as important is the reliability of the builder. Check references!
Ultimately it is your decision. It might help shed some light and help
with the decision. Good luck.
Sincerely. Alan Schuster,
1/15/2005
► Indoor Pool Sanitation?
Alan, I've almost gone through every
aspect of your website & have learned a great deal on what I hope to be a fun
filled future as a pool owner. I'm in the process of building a new home with
an inground, indoor fiberglass pool. The pool will be in its own walled
in environment with a dehumidifying heating system. I've read somewhere that
chlorine shouldn't be used as a sanitizer for an indoor pool because the
byproducts can be carcinogenic. Can you verify this for me? My hope was to use
a salt chlorine generator but now I'm having second thoughts. Are there any
other concerns I should have with an indoor pool (i.e.. is a chlorine stabilizer
needed). Thanking you in advance.
Chev H., Ottawa, Canada, 11/15/2004
Read enough and everything seems to
cause cancer.
The odor of chlorine, that you smell indoors, is not chlorine. It is
chloramines and it is known as a bad actor. It is odorous, irritating and
ineffective. High cyanuric acid levels are another potential problem. The good
news is that chloramines are completely destroyed, as the water passes through
the salt cell and there is no build up of cyanuric acid (chlorine stabilizer).
Your pool is indoors, so you do not need any stabilizer! The fact that
the
pool is fiberglass will simplify the maintenance of the pool water chemistry
because of the inert nature of the fiberglass. Basically all you
will have is salt, chlorine and some innocuous pH adjustment chemicals. There
is a long safe history of chlorine being used in pools and drinking water. Bad
press about chlorine, usually refers to its manufacture and the release of
mercury. This has nothing to do with swimming pools. A
salt chlorinator
will go a long way towards helping to maintain the best appearance of the pool
finish, because it helps avoid ultra high chlorine levels and corrosive low pH
conditions. I hope that I have been of assistance.
Sincerely. Alan Schuster,
11/15/2004
► Pool Construction?
Alan. We live in
Virginia Beach and are looking at a vinyl liner pool. All salespeople maintain
they have the best support for the liner. Do you know how the new
plastic/polycarbonate support frames hold up? Does it matter what is beneath
the liner on the pool sides of the inground pool? Thanks.
Craig, Virginia Beach, VA,
10/3/2003
It certainly
does matter. You want the walls constructed, in such a manner, that they
are securely anchored in place and are not prone to movement or the effects of
corrosion. Shifting walls will lead to serious problems. How the
components are put together is very important. Polycarbonate is not just
plastic: it is strong and tough to the point of being almost unbreakable.
It's what bullet proof glass is made of. Years ago, there was a TV
commercial showing a premiere power pitcher throwing a baseball
at a polycarbonate pane. He couldn't break it! Vinyl lined
inground pools are built from all sorts of materials: steel,
aluminum, concrete and structural plastics. You should seek out a dealer
that has the kind of local reputation and product that gains your confidence and
suits your budget. I hope that I have been helpful.
Sincerely.
Alan Schuster, 10/3/2003
►
What To Anticipate?
Alan, I am relocating to
Florida and I am planning on having a house built with a pool. I have never owned a
pool before and don't know what to look for to avoid future problems. Any
suggestions? I would also like to know what to expect as far as time and cost
to maintain a pool. Thanks.
Ben G., 12/9/2004
A lot will
depend upon the pool and your budget. Your first decision should be what
kind of pool: gunite or
fiberglass. A pool is a long term
investment, so choose carefully and check out the builder. Assuming that it is an inground
pool, it may require a few hours a week to maintain the water chemistry and make
the proper adjustments. If it is within your budget you could use a
salt
chlorinator or an ozonator as a means of eliminating most of the
chemicals. Cleaning the pool, depending upon location can involve work.
This too can be simplified with the addition of an
automatic pool vacuum.
Reading up on water chemistry and proper filter operation will help get you off
on the right track. Browsing through the archives will help educate you
about pool maintenance. Cost will depend upon pool size, location and
usage. A ballpark figure might be $1000-2000 per year, but it is not
etched in stone, as it can depend on size, construction, usage, sanitizer choice, etc. This does not include electrical costs. I hope that
I have been helpful.
Sincerely.
Alan Schuster, 12/9/2004
► Pondering A Pool?
Hello, My husband & I have 6
kids & think an inground pool would be a great family pastime but were wondering
about the extra cost of running & maintaining the pool once it's installed.
We've gotten several packets from local pool installers with the cost of the
actual pool but want to make sure we're not getting in over our heads with the
cost of upkeep. We only want to consider an inground. Thanks.
Minnesota Family, 1/1/2004
(first letter of 2004)
The cost of
inground pool ownership includes the electrical costs as well as the cost of the
chemicals. The horror stories, that we have all heard, are usually about
people that neglect the care of the pool water.
Many people try and get by with chemical additions
only when the pool is going to be used or on too infrequent a basis. Algae
doesn't follow a schedule. With proper maintenance the cost of chemicals
can be as little as a few hundred dollars per year.
Pools that allow themselves to be turned into algae farms end up costing much
more. With 6 kids (and their friends) expect the pool to get considerable
use and for this reason it is imperative that the pool be equipped with a means
of adding sanitizer on a regular basis. Today there are devices that make
sanitizing easier and more consistent:
salt
chlorine generators, ozonators and
mineral sanitizers.
These devices reduce chemical usage and help to repay their initial cost.
Cleaning a pool can be a chore, but there are
robotic pool cleaners
that vacuum the bottom and help improve circulation in the
corners. Water testing is important to help maintain the proper chemical
balance and today it can be done with the
test
strip that is merely dipped into the pool water. Pool opening
and closing can be done by the pool owner. Heating a pool can be done
inexpensively with a
solar heating system. Bottom line is that you're talking
about hundreds and not thousands of dollars. Actual cost will vary
upon pool size, length of season, utility rates equipment and how the pool is
operated. I hope that I have been helpful. Go for it!
Sincerely.
Alan Schuster, 1/2/2004
►
Considering An Inground
Pool?
Hey Alan, I'm strongly considering buying an
inground vinyl lined pool. Can you tell me the maintenance involved with
this? Thanks.
Seth, 7/18/2003
It is a simple question, but
a long answer. I'm actually in the middle or writing a handbook.
Vinyl inground pools
are relatively easy to care for. The worst thing you can do is use
water that comes from a non-potable source. It is not difficult to
maintain the chemistry or add the necessary chemicals. Depending upon
your budget, there are devices and gadgets that will help add the chlorine,
clean the pool and warm the water. A good filter makes a big
difference - go with DE or if you choose a sand filter, fill it with
Zeobrite sand replacement filter media instead of sand. It
will rival DE in performance. They rarely ever write me complaining about
cloudy water. Do the recommended maintenance and you should have few
problems. Neglect things and you'll have problems. If you live
up north, proper winterizing always makes springtime opening easier.
Browse through the website and you'll see a cross section of the problems
that are encountered. Go for it. Good luck.
Sincerely. Alan
Schuster, 7/18/2003
► Planning Ahead?
I bought both of your books
and I was trying to find out information on building the pools but I guess your
books was more less in regard to the chemical stuff. I'm in the process of
trying to build an inground pool and I'm not sure what are the best materials to
use and such, what is the best equipment and such. Don't get me wrong, I'm
not building the pool myself. I'm building a house and they have a
different sub-contractor to do the pool building for me. But in order for
me to know what is the best things to discuss with them, I would need to
understand more about inground pools and what are the best materials, tiles and
stuff to use. They throw out terms like marcite, pebbles and stuff to use,
but how do I know which one is the best for the money? They tell me about
fences, alarms, pool covers, etc. But how do I know I know which is the
best or safest method to use. I have a 2 year old daughter, so I would
want the safest thing for my family. Automation for pools, heater for
pools? I like both, but I'm not sure which brand is best. What kind
of heater to use? Etc. I would like to build a classic, rectangular,
inground pool, 14 X 28. Please let me know if you have some information,
or if you know where I can find some help on this. I would just like to
know and do my homework before I talk with the pool builder, so that I can get
what is best for my pool. FYI, I'm building the pool in Palm Harbor,
Florida. If you have any information about pool builders in that area, I
would appreciate hearing from you. I think your book will be very helpful
for me, after the pool is built. Thanks again for your help.
Gabriel L. Palm Harbor, FL,
9/24/2003
I am a
chemist and not a pool contractor. I'm sure that the handbooks made that
clear. While I am willing offer advice, please bear in mind that I don't
have all the answers. I'll try and point you in the right direction, but
you need to do some comparison shopping. You're going to spend a
considerable sum and you want to get it right. That's more important
than saving a few hundred dollars on a component.
The terms
marcite and pebbles refer to types of pool finishes. Marcite is a smooth
plaster and the pebbles sounds like it is one of the aggregate finishes. They
all do the job, but they look different. Have the contractor show you samples
of marcite and various exposed aggregate finishes. The cost differences are
not huge and I suggest that you go with the look that you prefer.
Fences may
be required as per the building code. If you want something that will provide
real safety and help cut your heating costs, I suggest that you look into an
automatic
pool safety cover. Go to
www.coverpools.com for more information on this
product.
So far as a
heater is concerned, I suggest that you go with an electric heat pump. The
economics are very favorable.
Pool
Automation can be provided by a controller can include a
chlorine
salt generator to provide chlorine for pool water sanitizing
and a robotic
pool cleaner. The automatic safety cover,
heat pump and
pool lighting and more can be controlled by a pool automation device. I hope that
I have been of help. Good luck with the pool project.
Sincerely.
Alan Schuster, 9/24/2003
► Popped Out?
We are having a gunite pool
built in our backyard, and we have completed the gunite phase. During a
rainstorm last week, our pool got water under it and raised on one side about 2
feet and 1 foot on the other in the shallow end. We've drained the water from
under the pool, but of course it did not go all the way back down. Any
suggestions on what we should do? We've been told to wait till the weather dries
things up some, then possibility fill the pool to hope it will go down
some. Then to spray concrete under it to stabilize it. Any suggestions would be
great!
Colleen H., 2/23/2004
P.S. The plumbing is fine and we didn't have tile or concrete done yet!
This is
definitely out of my area of expertise. You need to seek some expert advice. I'm
a chemist and not a pool builder. I'll tell you what I know and you need to take
it from there. There is something called a hydrostatic pressure relief valve
that is supposed to prevent a gunite fiberglass pool from popping out of the ground,
in high at table areas.
Do you have one? The rainfall caused a rise in the water table and your pool, being
empty or nearly empty, floated up. If there was ground collapse, it is possible
that the solution will be complicated. It could be as simple as just filling the
pool. I don't know and you need to find a person that does know. Is there
a warranty? Good luck and let me know how it turns out.
Sincerely.
Alan Schuster, 2/23/2004
► Vanishing Edge Pool Feature?
Hi Alan. I'm having a vanishing edge pool built.
Should the overflow tank be tiled? Regards.
Kevin R. United Kingdom, 2/27/2005
This is really something that you need to discuss with the
contractor. The overflow will be in contact with the feature and will
interact. Therefore, it must be treated to make it water proof and as
chemically resistant as the pool itself. Plaster, tile or paint will all
work. It is a matter of whether or not it can be seen and cost. Good
luck with the pool - I'm sure that it will be a great looking pool.
Sincerely. Alan Schuster,
2/28/2005
►
Source For New Coping?
I need source white 12"
coping for a 12" x24" liner pool (inground). Do you sell kits? Or can
you help? Regards
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