All posts by pgtech

Why are people flocking to saltwater pools?

So saltwater pools aren’t necessarily our specialty, but they are something we get asked about a TON, so with that in mind – we figured we’d tell our readers what exactly is up with saltwater pools, a couple of reasons people like them and why one might be the best option for you. 

Believe it or not, Saltwater pools have been around for a long time – and got really popular in Australia as early as the 1960s. They didn’t really catch on here until the 80s but with so much time to swallow up market share; chlorine pools are certainly more of the norm here whereas in Australia they make up about 80% of all swimming pools. 

While they aren’t as popular as their chlorinated brethren, they are well past gaining a foothold and are becoming an increasingly popular alternative. Here’s why:

It’s kinda swanky!

A common misconception about saltwater pools is that they are like swimming in the ocean which it’s not. Saltwater pools have a fraction of the salt in them that the ocean does. HOWEVER – saltwater pools feel far more like a natural body of water and won’t make your skin feel as clammy and dried out as a chlorine pool will. The truth is the saltwater is much more in line with the salinity found in our cells – so it feels much more natural. 

Salt Water pools chrloronate differently

A HUGE benefit of owning a saltwater pool is that it chlorinated more consistently than chlorine pools. Yes, you read that right. Salt uses the process of electrolysis to generate a natural form of chlorine that once it kills bacteria actually recycles itself and turns back into salt. Rinse, wash, repeat. 

That means no more buying and chucking chlorine tablets into your pool every week. No more regular chemical treatments. No more testing your pool every five minutes. That being said – you DO still need to check your pool’s pH and alkalinity levels weekly – but it’s not nearly as involved as the process of maintaining a chlorinated pool. 

Value

One of the reasons things take off in general is because they represent a specific value to the customer and saltwater pools are no different. Saltwater pools are more expensive up front, but you eliminate a lot of the maintenance cost of pools over the long turn. Like we said above – no more liquid chlorine, tablets and shock treatments. YOu just need pool salt. If it rains and your salt levels get knocked off balance? Just throw in a bag of pool salt and you’re off. 

If a saltwater pool sounds like something for you or if you think you’d still like to learn more – give us a call today and we’ll be happy to help you work through the decision making process. Until then – good luck!

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Freeform or rectangular pools? Which is for you?

One of the more interesting questions that prospective pool owners will need to ask themselves during the design process is what shape they want their pool to be.

Objectively speaking, there isn’t really a right OR wrong answer – at least insofar as which will fit your yard from a design standpoint. However, there MAY be one with regards to your vision for the space. Today, we’re going to break down the two biggest benefits of both design forms so you walk away with a better idea of what might work best for you. Let’s jump right in!

Freeform pools

The biggest benefit with a freeform pool is that it’ll give you more of a natural look and feel. Look anywhere in nature and you’ll see countless rounded and imperfect edges all over. Now keeping this in mind – if you’re in more of a country setting or a place where there’s significantly more vegetation and platlife surrounding your pool – this could really work; allowing you to create a space where the water feels free-flowing and natural. 

Additionally, free form can really make a design statement. It’s not to say rectangular pools aren’t gorgeous in their own right, but curvy, wiggly edges of freeform pools can really help set a mood in ways that rectangular pools can’t. So if it’s the vibe you’re going for – freeform pool designs may be for you.

Rectangular pools

We’re big design advocates of rectangular pools in more modern spaces as it gives the space a cleaner, more modern feel. Everyone when they imagine a pool in their backyard – imagines that classic blue rectangle with intricate landscaping all around it. Those well-defined, solid lines help give your pool a sense of space and polish – and dare we say, luxury. 

Additionally, swimming pools are better for add-ons and accessories. For many, a pool is a work in progress -and not always a finished product once the shovels are out of the ground. Adding in things like slide, diving boards, automatic covers, slides and other additions – works better with the well-defined structure of a rectangular pool. 

When it comes down to it – we usually encourage people to make their decision on the basis of what’s most important to them – swimming area or aesthetic appeal. That freeform pool might look great, but you’re sacrificing swimming area. Rectangular pools – while great for swimming, will leave less space around it for other things that might be a driving force in your design vision. 

Either way, when you’re ready to take the plunge, give us a call and we’ll be happy to provide you with a free consultation. Until then – good luck!

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The pros and cons of automatic pool covers

Most pool owners in the Largo, FL area don’t close their pools in the winter season. But just because you don’t close your swimming pool up like a drum doesn’t mean you don’t have to worry about maintaining it. 

Even though the weather is mostly incredible here in FL, when it gets bad it gets really bad – from torrential downpours to flat-out hurricanes. Because of that, keeping your pool protected and covered is always something that’s on your mind. 

There are several kinds of pool covers – but one of the most popular choices is of the automatic variety. Today, we’re going to discuss some of the pros and cons to owning an automatic pool cover and what you should consider when buying one. Let’s jump right in!

Less grunt work

One of the biggest pros is certainly the amount of maintenance you’ll have to do. These covers fit tightly up against your pool and keep a variety of debris and harmful substances from getting into your pool’s water. Its also helps keep more water INSIDE the pool – meaning you won’t have to use quite as much chlorine as you would normally. This means less fiddling with chemicals and less time spent skimming and vacuuming the pool. 

How does it heat?

On the whole, an automatic cover will raise the overall temperature of your pool by about 10 to 15 degrees. It also helps save you money because of it. The higher the temperature, the less heat is escaping due to evaporation. At least during normal temperature periods. 

You do need to consider however, whether or not you should cover your pool when the temperatures crawl into the 90s and 100s. In this case, you’ll want to leave the cover off so it can heat itself. Leaving the cover on can actually lead to worse evaporation than leaving it off in normal temperatures. 

Does it keep people out?

To an extent – yes. We recommend you use a fence anyway, but automatic pool covers will give you an added layer of protection if the loved ones in your lives get a little bit too curious. That being said, a cover and a fence is no replacement for being diligent about pool safety, abiding by coding regulations and having discussions with your family and guests about what flies and doesn’t when they’re in and around the pool. No singular, one thing will keep everyone safe.

The cost

Pools cover costs vary widely depending on what you’re out there looking for. Automatic covers DO cost more, but like most expensive things – they tend to last longer and can take more of a beating. The level of investment up front can be a non-starter for some folks though, so be mindful. 

If you have questions about the best option for your pool, give us a call today and we’ll be happy to provide you with a free consultation. Until then – good luck!

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What causes cloudy pool water

One of the most common questions we get is why the water in a swimming pool gets cloudy. Is it a problem? Should you be worried? What can you do to fix it? Today, we’re going to try to address some of the most common issues and what you can do to prevent it from happening in the first place. 

Let’s jump right in!

Poor filtration

This one likely isn’t a surprise to anyone reading this blog. When a filter becomes compromised, your pool’s water will not only become cloudy – it can become dirty, too. In fact 90% of cloudy pools usually are traced back to poor filtration. If you notice cloudy water – we definitely recommend that you check your filters first.

Chemical imbalances

  • Whether it’s improper chlorine levels, unstable PH, alkalinity or calcium hardness – there’s a whole swath of chemical reasons that can contribute to cloudy water. Generally speaking, here are some guidelines for chemical levels that’ll keep your water clear.
  • Chlorine level should always read below 0.5ppm or under 0ppm
    Total alkalinity should be kept under 200 ppm
  • Optimum Calcium Hardness range is roughly 100-400ppm. Usually, it just depends on temperature. 

Stick to those guidelines and what your service pros tell you, and you should avoid cloudy water.

Excess particles from swimmers and environmental debris

Sometimes the biggest culprit in causing cloudy water comes from outside the pool. Swimmers might bring in excess sunscreens and oils, make-up or bodily fluid – and that can contribute greatly to the overall look and condition of the water. Rainwater is another major contributor largely because it can cause nitrates, phosphates and other chemicals to run-off into your pool. Especially when rain is heavy, it can dilute your chlorine levels and make them less effective. 

And lastly – leaves, twigs, flowers and pollen can build up too – and worse yet – exacerbate many of the issues we’ve already discussed. Make sure after every use, you do a quick skimming of the pool and use your cover as much as possible. 

If you’re looking for more assistance on how you can keep your pool water clear in the Tampa area, give us a call today and we’ll be happy to help. Until then – good luck!

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Keeping your pool safe for your kids

The best thing about owning a pool isn’t so much the relaxation as much as it is spending your time with the people that matter the most to you. More specifically, your family and your kids. However, pool safety is no laughing matter and as is always the case – it’s a good idea from time to time to have a little bit of a refresher on how to make your pool area safe for your little ones. 

Today, we’re going to discuss a few of the things you can do to keep your kids safe in the warmer months in and around your swimming pool. Let’s jump right in.

Lessons

Swimming lessons aren’t just important for learning how to swim. They’re also important because they help properly train your kids as to the risks and dangers associated with both swimming pools and water. And while your kids may be trained, it’s important to remember that not exactly everyone is – and especially in the event they have friends around, it’s important they know the do’s and don’ts. In fact, it can save lives. 

Supervision

Even when kids know what to do and have the training, they’re still kids. They’re prone to bad judgment, can get themselves in trouble showing off and the like. Anytime your child is in the pool, there has to be some sort of constant adult supervision. Always aim to have a minimum of two people present when swimming or playing around the pool. 

Use safety as a teachable moment for the whole family

Take everyone to a CPR class. Seconds matter in incidents where drowning or water related incidents are occurring and if everyone knows the proper protocol, they’ll know what to do in the event the worst happens. Especially with CPR, too – it’s not just useful in and around your pool area. It’s a life skill- one that could help people later down the line. 

Safety features

It’s always a good idea to do a safety inspection once a year – just on your own. Make sure pool latches work. Make sure railings are secure. Make sure people know where life jackets are, floatation devices and the like. In addition, check the area around the pool for any cracked tiles, gravel and the like. The area around the pool usually sets the tone, so make sure you do a walk through. 

Hopefully you found today’s blog helpful. If you have pool repairs or need help designing a safer pool area, don’t hesitate to reach out to us with questions. Until then – good luck and be safe!

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New Year’s Resolutions for swimming pool owners

Look, we all WANT to be good pool owners, but things don’t always work out that way. Sometimes we let some things slide, one thing leads to another and well, yeah. You get it. The good news is – 2023 is a new year and a new year can mean a new you and a new you could also mean being a better swimming pool owner. 

Today, we’re going to talk about some possible new years resolutions for prospective pool owners out there and some of the things you can do to get back on the horse and have the pool you’ve always dreamed of. Let’s jump right in! 

Being better with maintenance

Maintenance is always the one area of owning a pool where most people slack the most-  but can also be the most costly. Let something slide a little too long and it can go from a nuisance to a costly catastrophe. In many respects, it’s always the small things that usually morph into the things that create the most havoc. 

Maybe it’s time to get motivated and buy a new skimmer, put together a schedule and get on the horse. It could also just be worth it for you to call up your local swimming pool company and get on a monthly maintenance plan. Yeah, it might cost a little more money than you’d like, but compared to what the cost could be if you let something slide? It could be substantial. 

Safety

It’s understandable to slack on maintenance now and then – but it’s utterly unacceptable to let things on the safety side of things go. Tragedies happen all over the country because people don’t do the basics. Don’t be that person. Look to secure your pool – better barriers, fences, gates, ladders and inspect the elements you do have – things like diving boards, safety locks, and the like. 

And if you want to take things a step further – have some discussions with you family about pool safety once a year. Just a run-down – from what does what, how things work and what to do in various situations can sometimes mean the difference between life and death. If you want to get really proactive – have your family take a CPR course together. Make sure people are prepared in the instance that the worst occurs. 

Try to have a little more fun

Remember why you bought your pool to begin with! Have more people over. Spend more time with the people who matter the most. Create those memories. So much of our time is consumed by things that seem important in the short term – but in the big picture don’t matter an iota. Carve that time out every week. Spend more time with your loved ones. Spend more time in your pool with loved ones. Life is no good if we don’t take the time to pump the breaks and take a little bit of a look around now and then. 

Hopefully you found today’s blog helpful. If you or anyone you know needs help getting back on the right track with their pool maintenance or are looking to see how they can make their experience a more exciting one – give us a call today and we’ll be happy to point you in the right direction. Until then – have a happy and safe new year’s!

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Does your pool have a leak?

The concept of a swimming pool  is pretty simple to most. You build a pool, you fill it with water and you expect it to retain the water. From there you use a mix of chemicals and filtration to maintain the water and keep things safe and healthy.

That should take care of any leaking, right? Well that’s not necessarily the case. Pools lose water frequently – whether it comes from splashing and play to evaporation. But sometimes the underlying issue can be more serious and when that’s the case you’ll need the assistance of a professional.

How and why pools leak

Every swimming pool leaks – least least a little bit. There’s too much going on and too much that can happen for your pool to not lose water in some way or manner. Even concrete – which is the most common type of substance used to make a pool – is relatively porous in terms of its composition. Then once you mix in all the piping, connections and everything that goes into the filter, heater, pump and the like -there’s always a chance for leaks. Managing it is all part of owning a pool. It’s pretty normal, for the most part.

When should I be worried?

Water loss is normal and acceptable however too much water loss can be a big, red flag that there could be a serious, underlying issue afoot. The problem with significant water loss is that by the time you identify the loss, chances are you’ll already be at a point where a professionals services will be 100% required. And getting a pro in to do a serious diagnosis needs to be your #1 priority because letting it go could lead to even more problems elsewhere.

So where do I go from here?

Once a pro comes to your home they’re going to run a bunch of tests to see where the leak is coming from, how much water you’re actually losing and the like. Even two inches off the top can actually add up to a ton of water leaving your pool.

Once they diagnose the issue they’ll take action to correct the problem. Sometimes that could mean fixing the lining, filling in cracks in the concrete, addressing any potential issues with the pool’s plumbing, etc. Leaks can come from anywhere and they’re certainly not all created equal.

Now that’s the scary stuff. We want to make sure we end on a little bit more of a positive note and that’s that you shouldn’t panic if you notice leaking. Sometimes even when you do call a pro the problem isn’t a big deal. Especially in warmer climates or in swimming pools with lots of use, excessive water loss can just be part of the deal. Just keep your head on a swivel and be prepared when you notice something’s off.

Hopefully you found today’s blog helpful! If you’re noticing water loss in your pool give us a call and we can point you in the right direction. Until then – good luck!

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How to prepare a pool for rainfall

When you live in places like Clearwater, FL where you get a decent amount of rain, you’ll need to make sure that your swimming pool is protected. As with anything you own, proper maintenance is required to safeguard the health of your swimming pool’s water quality and the integrity of the equipment. 

Today, we’re going to talk about how to maintain your pool when it rains out and share some care tips as to what to do when it does. Let’s jump right in!

What rain can do to your pool

The biggest issue with rainwater is that it contains a certain degree of acidity and what that acidity does is mess with the pH of your pool and can cause issues with the water chemistry. This can lead to algae , green water and a whole host of other significant problems that can stem from a pool who’s chemistry is out of whack.

What you can do to prevent it

When the weatherman says its going to rain, its time to take these measures to help protect your pool:

-Do a quick chemical check on your pool. Check the balance and consider changing the pH and alkalinity of the water. 

-Consider shocking your pool water or even raise the chlorine a little higher than it’s used to. When it rains, it should all balance off.

-Make sure you have a pool-safe algae killer handy. This will help prevent any potential outbreak post-rain.

-Make sure you do a quick brush on the surfaces of your pool. You should be doing this  anyway – but this will help clear and small algae particles and make sure that they flow into your filter and out of your pool. 

-Clean your filter. Once you’ve brushed, scrubbed and the like, clean out your filter. Just be sure to follow you manufacturer’s instructions when you do so. 

If you do all of this and STILL notice irregularities that you’re struggling to fix on your own, give a professional pool service a call and see if you can’t get some reinforcements. Hopefully, you found today’s blog helpful! If you need assistance in the future, don’t hesitate to reach out. Good luck!

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How to make sure you hire a good swimming pool contractor

One of the biggest and most important decisions you’ll make about your swimming pool won’t so much be the design, depth, accessories, flair or aesthetic aspects – but rather the people who you choose to install it. Most of what makes a pool great begins with the contractor. The benefits and performance will begin with the contractor. Unfortunately, so can your pool’s problems. 

If you’re looking for a Tampa swimming pool contractor, we’ve got some tips for you today to consider when making your decision. While we won’t help solve all of your life’s problems, here – we’ll certainly give you some tools that will help make sure you don’t have to experience the worst. Let’s jump right in!

Permits

Any contractor that plays by the rules will have a permit ID number. To find it, you can go down to the respective city hall clerk’s office. This will also help verify that the contractor you’re hiring is insured in case anything goes wrong during the install – and trust us – things go wrong that are the fault of nobody – so that protection is necessary! 

Most local and state governments also have rules that you’ll have to follow – from the obvious to the completely random and inane – and a good contractor will know those rules inside out. A great way to get yourself in a whole heap of trouble literally and figuratively – is to hire a contractor who doesn’t follow local codes and takes shortcuts – because those will add up later on. 

Research and references

We’re fortunate enough to live in a time where researching a business has never been easier – and you’d be a fool to pass up the opportunity to do so in this particular case. Google, Yelp, Better business Bureau, Houzz, Next door, LinkedIn – there are so many places where you can read about and learn from other people’s experiences with a contractor. This will allow you to help read through the pretty marketing sheen on the exterior, dig under the hood and figure out what’s really going on. 

In addition – every contractor worth their salt should have references or people whom they’ve done work for in the past who will vouch for their ability. Ask for these references and call them. Now mind you – it’s important to remember – not everyone’s perfect – and we’re  not either. Even the best businesses can’t make everyone happy and you may see some not so great reviews now and then. Instead of looking with a critical eye – try to see if you notice any trends or reoccurring themes. It may be a blind spot for the business or something they don’t do well. It may not even be something project-essential and something you can live with – but it’s good in terms of setting expectations for yourself that you know what it is and what to reasonably expect.

Get everything in writing

Don’t put a single shovel in the ground until it’s in writing. Make sure your contract is reviewed, and make sure that there’s a clear scope of work, a clear budget and a timeline. Any business who does not produce a contract you should avoid working with altogether – no matter how great they look up front. Like we said before – sometimes even with the best contractors – things happen and come up that are no one’s fault. You need to make sure that you are protected. 

Hopefully you found today’s blog helpful. If you’re looking for a swimming pool contractor in the Largo, FL area, feel free to give us a call today and we’ll be happy to provide you with a free consultation. Until then – good luck! 

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Are smaller swimming pools worth it?

When people think of swimming pools – they usually think of installations that take up a lot of space and monopolize a backyard. In fact, when people are on the fence as to whether or not they want to purchase a pool – it’s that very reason that headlines the list of objections, usually. But not every pool has to be a goliath. 

In fact many installs are smaller pools. Your average pool is only about 12 feet by 24 feet providing you with plenty of room for you and your loved ones to play, swim and relax. In fact, smaller pools come with a number of advantages, some of which we’ll discuss here today.

Here are some of the benefits to having a smaller pool and what that can mean for you. Let’s jump right in!

Less maintenance

Smaller the pool, the less physical maintenance it’ll need and the less money you’ll need to spend! The smaller volume of water will mean you won’t need as many chemicals. The smaller pool means you won’t have to run your filter for excessively long periods of time. Smaller pools take less time to heat and cool – and retain temperature better – meaning that it’ll cost you a lot less on the electricity bill. 

Additionally – when it comes to structural stuff like re-plaster, re-coating, refilling/draining and the like – it’ll cost significantly less. Will you be able to swim endless laps in your pool? No, probably not. But you’ll get many of the same benefits with significantly less cost and effort put into maintaining it. 

Less cost up front

 

While we usually DO recommend you install a heater in your pool, you know what? With a small pool – you usually don’t need one. Here in warmer climates like Tampa, FL – smaller pool means smaller volume of water and that makes it far easier to heat up. Sun will be able to get to the depths of the pool far easier and as we know – this can save you a truck load of money. Solar covers, rings and heating mats are absolutely the way to go. 

More room for other things

Small pools don’t take up space and as such – it gives you more space to add other things to the space so that it’s not suffocated by the pool. Grills, gazebos, outdoor kitchens, fire pits, eating areas – you name it – you’ll be able to bring a lot more life to the party than just the pool. 

If you’re interested in what a smaller swimming pool can do for your home, give us a call and we’ll be happy to provide you with a free consultation. Until then – good luck!

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