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For years, swimming pools have been made in rectangular shapes, but in the last twenty years, there has been an explosion in the number of freeform pools. Having the ability to build a pool in any shape or size has given pool builders and homeowners the freedom to express their creativity like never before.
Background
Most likely the beginning of the freeform pool concept began with a kidney shaped pool designed by landscape architect, Thomas Church, back in 1948. It was created for a newly designed modern family home in California.
After WWII the popularity of home swimming pools really began to take off. Most of the pools at the time were in California, with many of them being built by wealthy celebrities. As people began to build more elaborate and modern homes, the desire for more interesting pool shapes also grew.
Benefits of a freeform pool
Today, freeform pools are among the most requested pools we build. One of the reasons is that the freeform design fits into the landscaping of the yard. Rather than a stark, rectangular shape in the yard, you can opt for a pool in any shape or design that you like.
The best freeform pools are designed to fit in with their surroundings perfectly. They seem to blend seamlessly into the landscape and create a very serene and beautiful look to the setting. They can even incorporate fountains and waterfalls, making them look almost as if they have always been there.
One of the beautiful options of freeform pools is the ability to keep them flowing and trailing through the landscape. You can make different sections that are designed for different uses. You’ll also be able to choose the look of the pool by the way you paint the bottom. Dark-bottom pools look more like real ponds, yet they can be beautiful and elegant. Choosing a dark bottom also helps because it doesn’t show the dirt as quickly as pools that are painted white.
Most freeform pools are made into unique designs but that doesn’t mean you have to start from scratch. Some pool owners may opt to use a pre-formed design but of course you may choose to design your own look.
Posted in California, freeform pools, pool companies, pool construction, pool contractors, pool homeowners
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Tagged benefits of freeform pools, creativity, elegant, freeform pool concepts, landscape, pool size, pool's color, pool's shape, unique designs
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Have you noticed that your pool seems to be losing water on a regular basis and wondering if maybe you have a leak? Detecting a leak can be a pool leak can sometimes be a tricky proposition, especially if your pool is being used a lot during the warmer months.
So what are the signs you have a pool leak? There are 2 primary indicators:
- Regular loss of more than ¼” water level in the pool
- Problems maintaining consistent chemical levels in the pool
Judging water loss – what is “normal”?
It’s the middle of summer here in south Louisiana, and there is always the chance this water loss could be due to heavy usage of the pool and lots of people getting in and out as well as splashing around. Water loss also naturally occurs due to evaporation especially in the summer.
So as a “rule of thumb”, if you live in southern Louisiana you can expect daily water loss of up to ¼” due to splash out and evaporation during the summer months when you are using the pool most often.
What is “normal” will vary
Some pools will lose more water than others due simply to design factors. For instance, a pool with a water feature such as a fountain or waterfall is going to lose more water simply due to evaporation.
After all, if you are running water over hot rocks or spraying it into 95 degree air, accelerated evaporation rates are almost guaranteed.
Consider the example of a sprinkler on the lawn. If you run it during the middle of the day the lawn doesn’t get as wet because some of the water evaporates in the air, or when it hits the hot surface of the lawn. The same things happen with fountains and waterfalls in your pool – thus causing water levels to drop naturally.
The water bucket test
One test can try on your own is the “water bucket” test. Simply fill a bucket with water from your swimming pool and place it on a step in your pool with the top of the bucket being slightly above the water level. If the pool water drops at a faster rate than the bucket then you may well be dealing with a pool leak.
Finding potential leaks
Pool leaks will generally occur in one of two places:
- In the plumbing
- In the structure or shell of the pool
Tips for detecting leaks in the plumbing:
- look for any drips or damp spots around the pool (even small drips can be an issue)
- inspect your pumps and filter system for leaks
- test water levels with pumps running and off
- check for air leaks from skimmers to main drains
Tips for detecting leaks in the pool housing:
- Warning – it can be very hard to detect small leaks!
- Look for the obvious – cracks in the plaster
- Squeeze food coloring near suspected cracks
- Inspect the area where the skimmer and housing become separated as this is where leaks are most commonly found
Important – get professional help if you think you have a leak
Upon considering the factors we have discussed here, if you suspect you may still have a pool leak, it’s time to skip the “DIY” internet searching and call a professional. Companies like Pleasure Pools have special equipment that is required to detect leaks and pressure test your pipes and filtration system. Without this equipment, it can be very difficult to accurately diagnose and fix a leak without making the problem worse by causing additional damage.
Let us test your pool for leaks. Setup a free inspection today
Posted in New Orleans, pool maintenance, pool problems, pool water
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Tagged crack, leaks, loss, Pleasure Pools, pool, problem, professional, swimming pool, test, water
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Building a pool can be a creative and fun process, and it’s only limits are the size of your yard and your budget. As such, there are many different types of pools to choose from so in this blog post we will review the most popular types of pool designs.
Geometric Pools
The geometric pool shape is probably the one that people are most familiar with. This traditional rectangular design is easy-care and provides a nice looking option for almost any area. The size and shape can be determined by the size of the space and the location. If you plan on installing a deck, the geometric design may most easily accommodate it. This is most conducive for traditional swimming such as swimming laps.
Freeform Pools
Freeform pools come in various sizes and shapes. The best thing about these pools is their ability to blend into the landscaping. These designs look wonderful as part of a manicured landscape, but should be well thought out, particularly if you have children who want to swim in the pool. Also it is worth noting that these designs aren’t always as easy to keep well maintained since they sometimes consist of odd shapes and sizes.
Lap Pools
Lap pools are designed to allow for swimmers to swim laps for exercise or to practice for competition. These pools are most commonly long, narrow rectangles that let swimmers practice their strokes just as they would in a regulation Olympic sized pool. There are variations that can be made to accommodate the addition of another portion of pool that is attached. One of the most popular styles is the “L” shaped pool where the long side can be used for swimming laps while the shorter section is for recreational swimming.
Infinity Edge Pools
Infinity edge pools are perhaps the most intriguing pool design as they allow you to walk directly into the pool without steps on a gradual descent. When designed properly, these pools can create a visual effect of water extending out beyond the horizon. But even in other applications, these pools get high marks for being stylish and kid friendly as the shallow areas give lots of opportunity for play time.
Decision Factors
Pools are available in many designs, and it is important to consider all your choices before making a decision. A consultation with a pool design specialist from Pleasure Pools can help determine the best style and placement for your pool while taking into account factors such as trees, shade and other factors.
If you’re looking for a pool to provide exercise yet you have only a small space, the best solution may be an infinity pool. Infinity pools are the newest way to get all the benefits of a large lap pool in a compact space. These wonderful inventions are a good way to get exercise in the water without the need to take up a lot of space with a large pool.
There is no doubt that swimming is good exercise. It works almost all of the body’s muscles and it also provides excellent cardiovascular exercise as well. The infinity pool is a small sized pool designed for exercise swimming. The pools provide an adjustable current that allows you to swim in place. The design is almost like a treadmill for swimmers. This type of pool is also sometimes known as an endless swimming pool.
There are a few important reasons why infinity pools are becoming popular. One of the key reasons that people like these pools so much is that they are small in size. The pools come in a variety of sizes but all of them are designed to allow at least one person to stretch out and swim comfortably. The short, narrow size lets people get all the benefits of a pool without the need to install a full sized pool. They are perfect for people of all ages.
The infinity pool can be installed in almost any location, indoors or out. The pool is small enough to fit in even the tightest of spaces, making it very convenient to use. Because of its small size, the infinity pool is quite easy to keep up. While you do use chlorine and other standard chemicals to keep the water clear and sanitized, it is much easier to maintain than larger sized pools. The pool is a fun size and can be used as a regular pool by turning down the power.
Infinity pools are becoming more and more popular. They can be easily designed to fit indoors, or in a small yard area. The small size allows people who don’t have the room for a large pool the ability to own their own swimming pool. Smaller sized pools are easier to maintain than large pools and are also easy to heat and keep clean. For these reasons, many people who live in small townhomes or condos are able to own these types of pools.
Chlorine lock refers to a common pool maintenance problem that often occurs in swimming pools where the chlorine in the pool is rendered inactive, even though you may have plenty of chlorine in the pool. In essence, a chlorine “block” means that the chlorine in the pool is literally being blocked from doing its job by other chemicals.
How chlorine blocks happen
One of the main reasons that chlorine can become ineffective is that too much stabilizer has accumulated. Stabilizer (cyanuric acid) can build up over a long period of time, sometimes months or even years. Once it reaches a high enough level the chlorine is rendered useless.
How to fix a chlorine block
The only way to break the lock is to reduce the level of cyanuric acid in the pool, and the fastest way to accomplish this is to add fresh water to the pool. This will help dilute the acid levels in the pool so that the chlorine will become more effective.
Adding fresh water can usually be done by performing large backwashes. However, if this doesn’t correct the problem you may need to partially drain and replace the water in the pool.
Preventing future blocks
It is important to keep a close eye on the ph levels in your pool. Measure the pH daily to ensure that the proper levels are maintained. Keep in mind that many things can factor into changes in pH levels in your pool. For example, excessive sunlight and heat can drastically change the pH of the water. It can also be changed if a lot of rainwater has been allowed to enter the pool.
When you keep a good watch on your pool you’ll know when to add the proper chemicals to maintain crystal clear water. The recommended pH level is typically held at 7.4 to 7.6, which is slightly alkaline. When you have water that is too acidic, below 7 pH, it can erode the plaster surface. When water is too alkaline, above 8 pH, it can increase the instance of stains and scale. Perfectly balanced or neutral water is 7.0 pH.
Posted in New Orleans, pH, pool maintenance, pool problems, pool water
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Tagged break, chlorine, maintenance, ph, pool, problem, swimming pool
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