http://www.SplashPoolsNC.com - Splash Pools installs Viking Fiberglass, Vinyl Liner & Concrete Swimming Pools in Raleigh, Cary, Chapel Hill, Durham, Greensboro, Lake Gaston and the surrounding areas of North carolina.
Wednesday, December 29, 2010
Saltwater Swimming Pools - How they work
Tuesday, December 14, 2010
Different Types of Swimming Pool Filters
Different Types of Pool Filters
Every swimming pool must have some sort of filter to clean the water in the pool. There are three different types of filters: Sand, DE (diatomaceous earth), and Cartridge. The sand filter and the DE are basically the same but have different material to clean the water. The sand filter uses “pool filter media sand” or you may use Grade #20 sand. Both types of sand can be found at your local pool store. The DE filter uses DE powder that needs to be flushed or backwashed every month or so.
Both filters have a backwash system located on the top of the multi-port valve. The backwash function on the multi-port valve simply pumps the water through the pipes faster than the usual speed while running the pool. It then cleans the pipes and circulates the dirty water through the filter and it is then either run through a separate pipe to the sewer line or it is runoff on the landscape.
The loss of water varies due to how dirty the pool is and the gallons or size of the pool. The cartridge filter uses a special cartridge to capture the elements in the water and circulate the clean water back to the pool. It does not have a backwash system but rather the owner must take out the cartridge and clean it with a garden hose. Each filter has its benefits and all have the same purpose: to clean your pool.
Sunday, December 12, 2010
Raleigh Swimming Pool Company - Splash Pools talks Saltwater Chlorination
Tuesday, November 23, 2010
Splash Pools Presents the Pentair Intelliflow Swimming Pool Pump
Monday, November 22, 2010
Winterizing Your Inground Swimming Pool
Swimming Pool Tips
Clean out the swimming pool.The first step is to clean out any leaves, insects, dirt and debris. Use your pool vacuum, or just fish them out with a net. Clean out the skimmer and the pump basket, too. Clean the tile line with tile cleaner. Easier now than next spring, when the scum has had all winter to set. Balance the water chemistry.This protects the pool from corrosion or scale buildup. Using a water test kit, adjust the water to the recommended levels of pH, total alkalinity, calcium (hardness) and chlorination. | |
If you want to add a winterization chemical kit, do it now. These kits put high levels of chlorine and algaecide in the water to prepare it for the winter months ahead. Your pool retailer offers ready-made kits for the purpose; use according to the maker's directions. In the case of larger pools, you may be directed to supplement the kit with additional quantities of some chemicals, too. Don't let your chemicals damage your pool.Don't add tablets or a floater that contains chlorine or bromine—they can damage the equipment nearest them. If you already have chlorine or bromine tablets in your feeder, let them run out so that none remain. If you're adding winterizing chemicals, pour them into a bucket and then into the pool. Some of these chemicals instruct you to turn on the pool filter while you add the chemicals. Make sure you do, especially if you have a vinyl liner pool—you don't want stains on your liner from un-dissolved granules or damage to your equipment from concentrations of chemicals in the water. The #1 enemy: freezing.When water freezes, it expands with enormous force. It's the force that breaks up highways, splits garden hoses, explodes beverage cans in your freezer, and it's the force that expands and cracks pool pipes, filters, pumps and skimmer baskets. If you are closing up your pool for the winter, you should always take precautions to protect from freeze damage no matter where you live—even pool owners in the South have learned, to their regret, that freezing temperatures are an ever-present risk. To start the process, drain the water down below the skimmer mouth. DO NOT EMPTY THE POOL! The expansion of the soil under the pool as the water in the soil freezes can jack the pool right out of the ground; it needs the weight of some water to keep it firmly in place. Be good to your pump and heater.Disconnect your pump and filter. Make sure all water is completely drained from the pump. For insurance, turn it upside down once and dump any excess water out. Remove the drain plugs from it (there may be one or two); they'd trap water inside, which is bad. Once you've drained the pump, turn it on for just a second or two (no more—the seal is vulnerable to damage) to expel any remaining water from the impeller. Store any small plugs or parts in the pump basket, so they're easy to find next year. If you have a heater, drain it and make sure there is no standing water inside. Blow it out with a compressor or shop vac. Drain the heater completely, remove any drain plugs, and stash those plugs too in the pump basket for next season. Remove all return jet fittings (the entire fitting!). If you crack a fitting while removing it, don't panic! You can get a replacement come spring. Remove all skimmer baskets. Put fittings and any other items that you remove in one of the skimmer baskets or the pump basket to avoid loss (this includes the dive board bolts too). No water in the pipes = no freeze damage.Unscrew and loosen any quick-disconnect fittings or unions at your pump and filter system, then blow out the pipes. A wet-dry shop vacuum or air compressor is ideal for this. Force the air from your pump down the skimmer and through the skimmer (or "suction side") pipes. Blow out the return plumbing by hooking up your compressor to the return lines at the filter system, or by screwing it into the pump's drain plug. Keep at it until you see air bubbles emerge from the return jets, then tightly plug the fitting below the water line. Close up all exposed pipes with plugs. Also blow out the main drain line (if any). No diving necessary to plug up the drain pipe—when you see bubbles coming out of the drain, plug the pipe on your end or close the gate valve. This will create an "air lock" in the line, ensuring that no more water can enter it from the pool side, which protects the main drain line. Clean the filter.Remove the filter hoses. Spray the cartridge filter elements and D.E. (diatomaceous earth) grids with Filter Cleaner, then rinse them clean with a garden hose. For D.E. filters, drain the filter tanks and leave the backwash valve open. If you have a sand filter, clean it by backwashing. Important: Don't acid wash a D.E. filter at pool closing time. Wait until spring, when you can conveniently run pool water through the system to rinse it out. Simply rinsing off the acid and putting away the filter will give the acid all winter to attack the filter components. Open the drain at the bottom of the filter to let out any water in the filter outlet; be sure to open the air relief valve on top if you have one. Put the multiport valve in the closed or "winter" position—blow the water out of it if necessary—and remove the pressure gauge. Stow the drain plug with the other removed items you're stashed in the pump basket. Your final freeze insurance: the flotation device.Before you put on the cover, you'll want to install a flotation device in the center of the pool. This device needn't be anything fancy—it can be a "pillow" sold at your local pool retailer or a truck innertube. The float balances the rainwater and ice sure to form on your pool's cover over the winter. Even more important, it eases pressure on the pool walls by allowing winter's ice to push in on the flotation device, not outward on the walls. Last step: The winter cover.The winter cover is important for both the pool and the people around it. It's stronger than a summer cover, both to withstand the weight of snow and ice, and to protect people or pets from accidentally falling through the cover into the water. If your cover has any rips, fix them. If they're beyond repair, replace the cover. Stretch the cover over the pool, black side down. If any sharp points are protruding from beneath, cushion them with cardboard or rags. Then stretch the cover very tightly across the pool (this can be a 2-3 person job). Run a strong wire through the holes around the perimeter of the cover, and snug it up using a wrench so the cover stays down in winter's winds and rains. Time for storage.Remove rope and floats from pool and put with the rest of the supplies. Store any dive board and ladders in the shed or garage, with your pump and filter. Store your dive bolts or ladder bumpers in the pump basket. If you have a sand filter, just leave it outside. You're done.Your pool is ready for winter's worst. Your investment is protected. And your spring pool opening should be an easy step to another season of swimming enjoyment! Submitted By: Splash Pools Splash Fiberglass Swimming Pools of Raleigh, North Carolina serves all of North Carolina, Raleigh, Chapel Hill, Cary, Lake Gaston, . We specialize in the installation of Viking Fiberglass Swimming Pools, Vinyl Liner and Concrete Swimming Pool Installations and Renovations including Tile and Coping, Natural Stone and Paver Decking, Pool Resurfacing with Pebble Tec outdoor fireplaces & kitchens, landscaping and more. Visit Splash Fiberglass Pools of North Carolina at www.SplashPoolsNC.com |
Sunday, November 14, 2010
A word about price...
With todays economic climate the consumer is in a position to receive a great value for their dollar. This is especially true in the swimming pool industry, but I caution you that as your excitement builds as bid after bid come in at lower and lower prices that you may not actually be getting what you think you are. It may be tempting to go with a low ball offer and take the risk that you will be saving a few thousand dollars but I can assure you that you will end up spending up more money in the long run. As these low ball pool installers are throwing pools in thousands of dollars below our actual cost, I find myself wondering how that could be...but in the past few months, I have found out why... We have gotten more calls for renovations in the past 3 months than we have in the past 2 years. When we go out to these projects we find a common thread. Cheap & undersized equipment, undersized plumbing, terrible construction practices and the owner is left holding the bag. As I spend time looking over the contracts these customers had with their initial pool company, I find myself on the side of the pool company. They are doing exactly what their contract said they would. Few customers know what size plumbing to install in a pool, what the tolerance of level is, what a rough grade is and many other industry phrases mean. I will hit on some of the main issues our renovation customers have run into: 1. Rough Grade - In many cases the pool will be installed and the company will rough grade the site. This can mean many things from company to company but from what we see it means dig the pool and spend about 10 minutes with the bobcat pushing the dirt around the site. The dirt is not ready for seed or plantings and will have rocks, stumps, roots, etc in it. 2. Pool Level Tolerance - This is the how close to perfect level the pool is. The industry standard for fiberglass pools is +/- 1 inch. This means in some places the pool is 1 inch high and in some places the pool is 1 inch low so really it can be 2" out of level. We set our pools to +/- 1/8" and our infinity edges to +/- 1/32". 3. Pump and Plumbing Sizing - A large pump is not the sign of a good pool. In most cases a 3/4 hp pool pump is more than enough to run almost any residential swimming pool. The key in not the horsepower but the actual flow rate and head loss calculations. While it is more expensive, you should opt for a smaller pump and larger plumbing. We use nothing smaller than 2" plumbing on any of our pools. Pools with a 3 hp pump and 1 1/2" plumbing just cost a ton of electricity and barely move any water at all. Its like trying to suck a drink through a coffee straw...no matter how hard you suck, you're not going to get any more through that straw. I ask you to become an educated consumer and demand that you get what you pay for. Sometimes cheap is just that...CHEAP. The deals you should be looking for in todays economic climate are those from the best and most reputable companies around. These companies stand behind their product and provide components that will stand the test of time. The quote below is interesting and I feel it sums the situation up well. There is an old adage... " It is unwise to pay too much, but it's worse to pay too little. When you pay too much, you lose a little money... that's all. When you pay too little, you sometimes lose everything, because the thing you bought was incapable of doing what it was bought to do. The common law of business balance prohibits paying a little and getting a lot... it can't be done. If you deal with the lowest bidder, it would be well to add something for the risk you run. And if you do that, you will have enough to pay for something better in the first place." There is nothing in this world that someone can't make cheaper, quality wise, and sell for less money. We price our work very competitively for the quality we put into every job. For that reason we stand behind our work with confidence. We guarantee your satisfaction and would be happy to meet with you to compare any legitimate written bid for comparable work. Thank you for considering Splash Pools. We want your business and will do everything possible to justify your confidence in us. Submitted By: Splash Pools Splash Fiberglass Pools of North Carolina serves all of North Carolina, Raleigh, Chapel Hill, Cary, Lake Gaston, . We specialize in the installation of Viking Fiberglass Swimming Pools, Vinyl Liner and Concrete Swimming Pool Installations and Renovations including Tile and Coping, Natural Stone and Paver Decking, Pool Resurfacing with Pebble Tec outdoor fireplaces & kitchens, landscaping and more. Visit Splash Fiberglass Pools of North Carolina at www.SplashPoolsNC.com |
Wednesday, November 10, 2010
Management Changes at Viking Pools
Management Changes at Viking Pools
Tom Straub |
Bill Reynolds |
Wednesday, November 3, 2010
Viking Pools to be featured on TLC's hit reality show
Friday, October 29, 2010
Splash Pools Excited for Viking Pools Newest Endeavor
Monday, October 25, 2010
Viking Pools Founder Retires
Founder Alan Stahl Retires After 35 Years of Service
Wednesday, October 20, 2010
Splash Pools- Variable Speed Pumps Save Energy and Money
You may not know that that a standard pool pump uses more electricity than any other
appliance in the home, except for an air-conditioner. You also may not know that most
pumps are too big and use more energy than you need to keep the water sparkling
clean.
The culprit: a single-speed pump. A small pump is probably fine if all you want to do is
circulate the water, but it might not have enough speed to run your pool cleaner,
waterfall or other electrical extras that need a blast of energy.
If that's the case, your pool service probably installed a pump large enough to handle
the extras. But with only one speed, it's running full-blast even when your pool cleaner
and waterfall aren't operating.
That huge waste of energy is costing you about 80 percent more in electric bills.
Don't let the high cost of running your pool outpace its value as your family's go-to place
for fun, relaxation and keeping cool. Making your pool more energy-efficient will save
hundreds of dollars a year. Here are a few tips.
• Replace your single-speed pump with a variable-speed unit. High-performance models
from such manufacturers as Pentair Water Pool and Spa let you run them on low most
of the time. You can crank them up bit by bit when you need to run accessories.
The manufacturers claim the pumps can cut energy use by up to 90 percent compared
with single-speed pumps. Frank Bowman, owner of Splash Pools in Raleigh, North
Carolina, says his customers who have switched report saving $300 or more a year on
their electric bills.
A variable-speed pump costs more than twice a single-speed model, but you'll recoup
the cost in lower electric bills within two years, he estimates. Plus, he says, the pumps
are quieter and last longer than older pumps.
As an alternative, two-speed pumps cost less than variable-speed models. And
although they're not as efficient as variable-speed pumps, they use far less energy than
the single-speed unit.• Run your pool pump less often. Most manufacturers recommend
running it between eight and 10 hours a day in the summer and about half that in the
winter.
• Put a timer on the pump so it automatically shuts off, and set it to run only when you're
paying off-peak rates.
• Switch to LED lighting, which uses up to 75 percent less energy than traditional
incandescent underwater lights, and lasts for years.
• Keep your chemicals in balance. If you don't, your filter can run non-stop and the water
will never sparkle.
• Clean trap baskets, filters, and pool walls and floor regularly. Clogging can prevent the
water from flowing freely. The harder the pump has to work, the more you'll pay to run it.
Submitted By: Splash Pools serves all of North Carolina, Raleigh, Chapel Hill, Cary, Lake Gaston and the Triangle . We are a complete outdoor contractor installing outdoor kitchens & fireplaces, natural stone & paver patios, landscaping, swimming pools & spas, pool houses, cabanas and much more...Our speciality is unique and unusual swimming pools & spas. Visit Splash Pools of North Carolina at www.splashpoolsnc.com or Contact us at Frank@FrankBowman.com or (919) 291-8354.
Thursday, October 14, 2010
Splash Pools - Raleigh Saltwater Swimming Pools
Saltwater Swimming Pools
Tuesday, October 12, 2010
Best Winter Swimming Pool Safety Cover - What's the Difference?
Splash Pools provides Fiberglass Swimming Pools in North Carolina and will explain about Swimming Pool Safety Covers.
A typical solid vinyl pool cover is little more than a tarp to put over your swimming pool. It does not prevent children or pets from gaining access to the pool. All safety covers must conform to the Standard Performance Specification set by the American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM). According to the ASTM, a safety cover must be able to support a certain amount of weight, not permit gaps that a child or pet could squeeze through, and remove standing water. A pool cover can not include the word "Safety" unless it meets these standards.
2. Why is a U.L. (underwriters laboratories) approval important?
Underwriters Laboratories (known as U.L.) is an outside testing company. Many cover company's claim that they meet the ASTM standard F1346-91 for manual safety covers, but have not followed up with outside testing agencies that perform all of the actual tests listed in the ASTM guideline. At at Splash Pools we only install covers that not only meet but also exceed the guidelines set forth for safety swimming pool covers! For example, we only install covers that use double perimeter webbing and double-thick straps, extremely high-strength 302 grade stainless steel springs, and polyester bonded thread that costs almost 10 times more than the thread used by some of our competitors.
3. Can my children walk and play on the safety cover?
Both the mesh Safety Swimming Pool Cover and our solid Safety Swimming Pool Cover provide superior protection for your family. Mesh covers do have one safety advantage: they do not permit water to collect. In order to meet safety cover performance standards, solid covers must provide for the elimination of standing water. Our solid safety cover is available in two versions: one with "invisible" mesh panels that allow water to drain through, and an all-solid version that is always sold with an automatic cover pump. The pump must be used at all times in order to maintain the safety of the cover. Ultimately, though, the choice between a mesh or solid cover is up to the preference of the user.
5. Why does the water have to be removed from the cover in order for it to be considered "safe"?
Currently our mesh and solid safety covers come with a 12-year pro-rated manufacturer's warranty. When completed and signed by the original purchaser, this warrants that the cover is free from defects in material and workmanship under normal use.
7. Should I drain my pool before putting on my swimming pool safety cover?
No! It is very important to maintain proper water level to help support the weight of the cover and prevent excess wear. For mesh covers, water level should be 15" to 18" below the top of the pool. For solid covers, water level should be 12" to 16" below the top of the pool. If proper water level is not maintained, the warranty can be void.
8. I have a custom-designed pool that's irregularly shaped. Can I get a LOOP-LOC safety cover that will fit it?
Absolutely! Splash Pools will first come out and carefully measure your pool. Then, the manufacturer will use their exclusive computerized design system to translate those measurements into a cover that will perfectly conform to the shape and features of your pool.
From the time Splash Pools submits your order to the manufacturer it will take approximately 2-3 weeks including fabrication until the cover is completely installed on your pool.
10. I always supervise my children when they are around our pool. Why do I need a safety cover?
A swimming pool is always a magnet for children. At times when you are not around to supervise or your family is away from home, wandering children and pets from the neighborhood may attempt to enter your pool. Even if you have a locked gate (which is a great extra layer of protection), a determined toddler will often be able breach it. Only the security of a safety cover can ensure that no one will be able to gain access to the pool while you are away.
11. How can I keep my pool water clear over the winter months?
All pools, when covered (no matter what type of cover you have), require winter chemical treatment to keep the water clear. When closing your pool in the fall, we recommend use of a winterizing chemical kit, which includes winterizing algaecide.
Thursday, October 7, 2010
Turning Your Swimming Pool "Green"
Everywhere you look more and more people are going green when it comes to their household purchases. Splash Fiberglass Pools of Raleigh, North Carolina is taking the green movement by storm with the introduction of "Green" products for your swimming pool.
The old standard residential swimming pool uses an alarmingly high amount of energy to run. With the cost of pools going down and more and more people jumping on board the swimming pool bandwagon, going Green is really the only way to go.
According to Green Living Online, "With just over eight million Pools in the U.S. and more than 600,000 in Canada, there is a growing awareness that residential pools may not be the most environmentally friendly form of recreation." They use a lot of electricity and gas with pumps to circulate the water through filters and heaters, typically running 24 hours a day. This is unnecessary when the average pool owner only spends about an hour a day swimming.
Splash Pools is aware of this and is in full swing with a variety of Alternative and Low Energy Efficient products for pool owners looking to "Go Green". According to their website this, "Maryland based swimming pool design and construction company encourages the use of environmentally responsible swimming pool products by incorporating healthy, resourceful, energy-efficient products, materials, and methods in the design and construction of swimming pools"
Going Green with your swimming pool is not just a hot trend, it will save you money. They offer products such as the Pentair Intelliflow Variable Frequency Swimming Pool Pump that will reduce energy costs by at least 60% utilizing its internal electrical design system and self-adjusting pool filter run-times year-round. Pool Owners' can become less dependent on high output products using outdated technologies. They can upgrade to more environmentally friendly, cost saving, "Green" products.
According to the Splash Pools, "Almost every manufacturer has developed enhanced products with low Amperage or Solar pumps to decrease energy bills from homeowners and to increase the value of homes living green," says Frank Bowman of Splash Pools.
Even if you don't live in Raleigh, North Carolina you can check out their website for updated consumer information and Energy Saving tips for pool owners.
With Americans jumping on the green living Bandwagon they are preparing to see a huge increase in consumer actions searching for Energy related Pool products.
Submitted By: Splash Pools
Splash Fiberglass Pools of North Carolina serves all of North Carolina, Raleigh, Chapel Hill, Cary, Lake Gaston, . We specialize in the installation of Viking Fiberglass Swimming Pools and Complete Concrete Swimming Pool Installations and Renovations including Tile and Coping, Natural Stone and Paver Decking, Pool Resurfacing with Pebble Tec. Visit Splash Fiberglass Pools of North Carolina at www.SplashPoolsNC.com or Contact us at Info@SplashPoolsNC.com or (919) 291-8354