If you are considering adding a swimming pool to your outdoor landscape, it is wise to do your research before the summer season begins. With all the various types of swimming pool models available on the market, it is not surprising you might find yourself a bit overwhelmed and even confused. The following information is designed to help the average, potential pool buyer get a clearer understanding of the different types of swimming pools available on the market today.

In-Ground Swimming Pools

An inground swimming pool usually comes in one of three materials: concrete, fiberglass or vinyl. Almost all types of swimming pools offer a wide array of options and come in all sorts of price ranges. For exmple, specialized finishes, water features and hot tubs can be added to almost any type of swimming pool. For any type of pool, there are the benefits and drawbacks.

It is important to remember each type of pool is available in almost any area you live in. Some markets might have a backlog of orders and a waiting list, this is why it is important to do your searching as soon as possible. It is not wise to go into the market for buying a swimming pool determined to purchase only one make or model or to make design choices based strictly on price or avialability. You should be open minded about all the different things that are available and the best way to understand the pros and cons about each model, is to speak to a professional.

Concrete Swimming Pools

Concrete swimming pools are also known as Gunite or Shotcrete swimming pools. These terms refer primarily to application used when applying concrete to the pool structure. Basically, the Gunite material is pumped into the skeleton of the swimming pool, while Shotcrete is sprayed.

Concrete swimming pools can be finished in pebble aggregate, plaster, colored plaster, high polished marble, glass beading and in some designs tile is used. In some instances, a concrete swimming pool allows for more design options because they are custom built. Other popular additions seen with a Gunite constructed swimming pool is a spa, rocks or waterfalls. Concrete swimming pools take a bit longer to construct and take an average of 8-12 weeks to complete.

Vinyl Liner Swimming Pools

In ground swimming pools are typically composed of reinforced steel or other durable materials and have a vinyl liner inside the inner walls. The walls are manufactured and locked into place, once delivered to the construction site. Once a hole has been dug, the walls are locked into place and the liner is put in.

There is a wide array of prefabricated shapes available and some types of vinyl liners are so flexible they can hbe shaped into almost any type of design. Vinyl liners also come in a large number of patterns and can be one simple color or an elaborate design. Vinyl liners are also very durable and an owner must use reasonable care to ensure the liner does not become punctured. These types of swimming pools are much easier to install than a concrete version.

Fiberglass Swimming Pools

A fiberglass swimming pool is typically a one-piece shell that is manufactured off-site and delivered to the pool construction site. Once a hole has been dug and leveled properly, a fiberglass swimming pool is placed inside the hole. Installation of a fiberglass swimming pool is much faster than with other types of pools, though it is similar to vinyl pool installation.

Above Ground Swimming Pools

An above ground swimming pool can be an economical solution for those who want an inexpensive, easy to install swimming pool. Additionally, these types of swimming pools can be installed by the purchaser or by a professional. These pools can either be hard or soft sided. The hard sided version is composed of fiberglass or a type of metal material. The soft sided swimming pool can be made from rubber, latex or other similar material.

These types of swimming pools can start at a relatively low price.Prices on above ground pools will fluctuate due to the size, type of filter, pump, ladder and accessories are chosen.

Today, a pool consumer has many legitimate and stylish options when it comes to selecting which swimming pool model will work best for their needs. The selection is vast and limitless so you are sure to find something that catches your eye.

Each year, millions of families around the United States open their swimming pools for the summer season.  For families with children under the age of 5 years old, swimming pool safety is a very important concern.   It can take a small child as little as 2 seconds and 2 inches of water to drown, which is why swimming pool safety is so very critical.

Never leave small children unattended around a swimming pool, bath tub, spa or any other body of water.  Make sure to police areas inside and outside of your swimming pool, make sure that a child cannot gain access to the swimming pool with a box, lawn chair, ladder or any other object left laying around.  A wading pool, buckets and drains should never contain water when not in use and must be closely supervised around small children.

If your swimming pool is accessible through your home, make sure to block entrance.  Never leave a gate propped opened or unattended, a small child only needs a matter of seconds to wander through and fall into the swimming pool.  You may want to install a passive infrared pool alarm that protects the entire pool area, a door or gate alarm does not offer enough protection and leaves nothing between the child and the swimming pool.

Bear in mind that all small children are curious by nature and water is just another attraction and a child lacks the understanding of how dangerous it may be.  You should start by educating your children at a young age about the dangers of swimming pools and make sure all members of your family have learned how to swim.  Another precautionary measure is to have all of your family members trained in both adult and infant CPR (Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation).

Fences and barriers are not childproof, but do provide a layer of protection for a child who may stray away from adult supervision.  A fence or barrier does provide added protection and allows a parent a few extra seconds when trying to locate a child.  A fence or wall, door alarms and a power safety cover for swimming pools can also be used to protect a child from a hot tub or spa.

Fences or barriers should be placed completely around the swimming pool and should be at least 4 feet in height.  The fencing should have no slats, footing or hand holds that may assist a young child in climbing.  Vertical slatted fencing should be less than 4 inches apart to prevent a child from being able to squeeze between the slats.  Regularly check the fencing and locks to make sure that they are in proper working order, this should all be done seasonally as part of regular swimming pool maintenance.

Explain all the swimming pool safety rules to family and visitors and make sure the rules are strictly observed in all situations.  Keep a first aid kit and telephone handy around the swimming pool to make sure in the event of an emergency, precious seconds are not lost.  With observing a few simple safety rules, your friends and family can enjoy a safe and uneventful summer around your swimming pool.

We are happy to finally announce that after nearly 8 months of hard work, our new pool lead program is now ready to launch!

In the past, we provided the leads free of charge, and requested that all pool companies pay us if they ended up receiving a signed contract.

Problem was, hardly any of the pool contractors paid us for our efforts.  So after some arduous research, we have come up with a better lead model which ends up being cheaper and more targeted for our contractors.

The Details

Instead, now our system works like this:
* A new pool lead is submitted from a local St. Louis area resident
* That lead is confirmed by a member of the SwimSTL staff.
* A lead summary is then sent via email to all contractors in the SwimSTL.com database.
* A purchase link is provided in the email, and only the first five contractors to purchase the lead will get the customer information.

This model helps contractors such as yourself cut down on chasing non-interested or out-of-area leads by providing you a nice summary of what the customer wants and any comments they may have provided.

Lead pricing is scheduled as follows
All above ground pools – $25
All inground pools – $50

If the customer also requires landscaping, decking or concrete work, an additional $10 per item is added to the lead cost.

So instead of paying $250/lead, you are now paying as little as $25.  And instead of the lead being sent to all the pool contractors in our database, it is now only provided to five.  Costs and competition goes down. We thought you’d like that.

Everyone around the country is getting on the “Going Green” bandwagon and even with swimming pools, consumes are making the switch.  Going green with your swimming pool is not only great for the environment, its also a good way to save money on chemicals and energy costs as well.

Everyone who owns a swimming pool knows it takes a large amount of energy to operate.  However, because owning a swimming pool is becoming cheaper and cheaper, more and more families are jumping in on the fun and buying one.  With so many swimming pools owned around the country, people are realizing that going green is a great way to cool off and relax in the summer heat, and it does not have to cost a small fortune to own a swimming pool like it did in the past.

A swimming pool uses a large amount of gasoline and energy which has to circulate the water through filters and heaters.  Think about the fact that a filtration system must run 24 hours a day to keep the swimming pool clean and you may only actually use the pool for a few hours a day or week.  Now think about how an environmentally friendly swimming pool can incorporate healthy, energy-efficient products, materials and cleaners that can replace the traditional methods and chemicals used in the past.

While the term “green” pool may not sound very refreshing or appealing, one that is environmentally friendly does.  You can keep your water from turning green by using a number of potentially hazardous chemicals, or you can keep your pool water clean and inviting by using non-caustic chemicals that are not harmful to the environment.

Normally to keep the water in a swimming pool clean and safe, chlorine is the chemical of choice.  However, using chlorine may cause all sorts of  problems for the person who swims in it and also for the environment.  Reducing and eliminating chlorine is another key to developing a “green” swimming pool.

Did you know that using a solar powered pool purifier can making your swimming pool almost chemical free?  A solar powered swimming pool purifier works by treating the water with mineral ions that will condition the pool and keep it free of algae and microorganisms.  The initial purification of the water may take up to two weeks, however once completed the water is so clean it meets the standards of drinking water.

Using salt water systems, sand filters and environmentally friendly pool cleaners are just a few ways people are turning towards being more conscientious pool owners.  “Going Green” is a practice that will lead to a more ecologically responsible lifestyle and as consumers it is up to us to make sure we do everything we can to preserve the environment.

When the seasons go from cold to hot, it is time to give serious thought about all the preparation involved in opening your swimming pool for the spring.  Following a few simple instructions will allow you to get your swimming pool in peak condition in no time at all and allow you maximum enjoyment during the warmer weather.

The first thing you should do is remove your swimming pool cover.  If there are leftover leaves or other debris on the cover, you should use your swimming pool net to remove it.  Then you will need to pump off any remaining standing water out of the pool and if your pool cover had a hole in it, you will need to pump the water out of the pool as well.

After you take off the cover, clean it according to manufactures instructions, let it dry and roll it up to store for the season.  You can then begin to add water and bring the swimming pool up to its normal operating level.  Remove any freeze plugs and any other items you installed to protect your pool against freezing up.

You will need to make sure you thoroughly clean your filters and prime the pump, prior to starting the motor.  If you had not previously cleaned your filter from last season, now is the time to do it.  Start up your filter system and make sure to first prime your pump and surge all the air out of the plumbing and equipment.

Check  for any leaks and do a full assessment of your swimming pool.  If your water is not clear and blue, you will need to clean it up and skim and vacuum up any small debris that may be in your pool. Once you’re done cleaning the swimming pool, it’s time to check the water chemistry.

Do not toss a bunch of chlorine or other types of chemicals into the water, doing this can result in your swimming pool being stained and may even damage the surface.  Let the water circulate around for approximately 8-12 hours, so that the water you added has the time to mix with the water that was already in the swimming pool.

Once 8-12 hours has passed, you should then test it completely.  When you are done testing you can add the needed chemicals to properly balance the water in your swimming pool.  You may even want to take the initial water sample to a pool professional to have it tested for pH, alkalinity, calcium hardness and other factors.  Be sure to follow the recommendations of the pool professional so that you may avoid damaging your pool surface.

After you get the water chemicals balanced out, you can install handrails, ladders and any other fixtures and be sure to check them for any wear or possible damage.  If you apply a coat of car wax to the stainless steel fixtures, it will help protect them from the damage of corrosion.  You should then inspect the diving board and make sure it’s free of damage or cracks.  If the surface of the diving board has become smooth, you will need to purchase a refinishing kit to fix it.

If you do not have any pool tile cleaner, you may use baking soda with a soft sponge to clean your tiles.  You should never use any household chemicals as these could be too abrasive and you do not want to be swimming with any of these chemicals either.

What could be better than jumping into a clear, clean, pristine swimming pool on a hot summer day?          With the right care and attention, you will be able to enjoy your swimming pool for many years to come.

Choosing to have a salt-water system for your inground pool with a chlorine generator is a great alternative—for your health and safety, as well as for convenience and cost-effectiveness—to using a traditional chlorinated pool. However, now that you’ve made the decision to use this method of safely cleaning your pool on an ongoing basis, you have another decision to make: the type of chlorine generator you will use for your swimming pool.

One type of chlorine generator you can use in your salt-water pool is a brine unit. The brine unit does not require the manual addition of salt into the pool because it already contains a predetermined amount of salt, and this unit produces chlorine, which is continuously and readily introduced into the pool through electrolysis. While the brine unit is generally considered to be more convenient because it already contains salt, it tends to be quite messy, and also produces hard-to-clean byproducts, which many consumers find annoying and distasteful.

If you decide against a brine unit, your other option involves a chlorine generator that requires the manual addition of salt into the pool—which basically means you have to add the salt yourself. There are actually two different types of this kind of chlorine generator, which is usually preferred over brine units. In one unit (the inline unit), the cell that produces the chlorine as well as all the generator’s electronics are installed at the equipment site, whereas with the other unit (the deck unit), while the electronics are installed by the equipment, the cell is located in the deck by the pool. The inline unit provides a 24-hour chlorine circulation system in which chlorine is produced as water passes through the cell. The deck unit, on the other hand, produces chlorine even if you turn the pump off, but does not have the circulation system in place.

You can also choose your chlorine generator based on polarity—with either a non-reverse polarity unit, or a reverse polarity unit. The latter is considerably pricier than the former, but reverse polarity units require less cleaning and are designed to cause mineral deposits to flake off the chlorine-producing cell. However, these pieces do tend to get sucked and stuck in the pool’s filtration system.

When selecting your salt-water chlorine generator, you might also want to consider the amount or level of salt present. Because people have a salt taste threshold of 3,500 parts per million, or ppm, you might wish to choose a unit that requires this amount (or less) ppm for your own comfort and preference. Most chlorine generators for salt-water systems need anywhere from 2,000 to 6,000 ppm.

Cost is, of course, another factor in determining which chlorine generator you would like to buy. In most cases, expect to fork out a least a grand for a good-quality chlorine generator. Some units cost several thousands of dollars, and while you may find a unit for less than $1,000, make sure that it’s up to the quality level you expect.

Finally, keep in mind that all chlorine generators require care. No matter which type of chlorine generator you choose for your salt-water pool, any and every unit must be properly cleaned and maintained on a regular basis, and your swimming pool’s pH balance must be checked regularly, in order for the generator to function properly and effectively.

Think you don’t need sunscreen while you’re swimming? Think again. Many people who enjoy swimming at the beach, lake, and their backyard swimming pool may mistakenly assume that they only need sunscreen near water when they’re lounging on the pool deck or tanning on the beach—if at all. They may think that being near or in the water somehow “protects” them from the sun’s harsh rays, which is not true. In fact, lathering up with sunscreen at and in your pool or the lake is probably one of the best times to use it.

The sun’s rays love to reflect off water from the ground to your skin, and if you’re in or near the water, you have a higher chance of getting sunburned and harming your skin if you’re not wearing sunscreen. Even if most of your body is submerged in the pool, your face, neck, upper back, and chest will be exposed much of the time, and if these areas are not protected by sunscreen, you could end up getting hit big time, which can cause painful burns, damage your skin cells, cause your skin to age prematurely, and increase your risk of skin cancer. Pool “loungers” are at particular risk for burns because of their proximity to the water coupled with more skin exposure.

But whether you’re lounging on an air mattress in your pool, soaking up the rays on the beach, splashing around in the water with your kids or friends, or just out in the sun at work or play (whether or not you’re near water), there are a few things you need to know about sunscreen in general, particularly as it relates to swimming in your pool.

First, consider sunscreen as your second skin. In warm or hot weather (be it sunny or cloudy) when you’re less than fully clothed, never leave the inside of your house without sunscreen, even if you’re just going to “relax by the pool for only half an hour.” Half an hour in the sun—especially near a body of water, which will reflect the sun’s rays—can do a lot of damage.

Next, choose the right sunscreen. Not all sunscreens are created equal, and you want to make sure that yours is doing its job. Look for sunscreen that protects against both UVA and UVB rays, in a high-enough SPF (sun protection factor), which depends on how long you’re going to be exposed to direct sunlight and how long it usually takes for you to start turning pink. While a good rule of thumb is the longer you plan to be in the sun, the higher your SPF should be, to err on the side of caution, use a sunscreen with an SPF of at least 30.

Swimmers should select a sunscreen that is water-resistant. Although some products claim to be “waterproof,” there really is no such thing, but do look for a sunscreen that is water/sweat-resistant. However, keep in mind that even water-resistant sunscreen won’t last you through hours of lounging near and splashing in your backyard pool. They tend to last anywhere from 30 to 90 minutes while swimming. Always reapply sunscreen after swimming and regularly while you’re out lounging by the pool or tanning on the beach, especially if you’re sweating.

It’s also important to ensure you slather sunscreen over all of your exposed body—not just the parts that tend to burn easily. However, remember that sunscreen is not enough for sun protection. Avoiding the sun during peak sunlight hours and wearing protective sunglasses and a wide-brimmed hat are other essential precautionary measures.

Pool inspections are an essential component of buying or selling a home. Whether you’re buying or selling a home that includes an in-ground swimming pool, it’s important to make sure that you hire a professional to complete a thorough pool inspection to make sure it’s safe and working properly. A thorough, effective, and professional pool inspection tells you about the condition of the pool. Make sure, however, that you hire a specific pool inspector to do the job—not the regular home inspector. Not only will a home inspector be unqualified for the inspection, but most will not even offer this.However, despite the importance of pool inspections, you might be surprised to learn that many pools are not professionally inspected before or after a sale—sellers may not think it necessary, and buyers or the new homeowners may assume that everything is a-okay, when this may not be the case at all.

The thing is, pool inspections cost money, whether the money is spent by the seller or buyer—but it’s money well spent. A pool that is professionally inspected and officially declared safe and in good working order is a valuable asset for a homeowner trying to make a sale. Similarly, a buyer can rest easy knowing the pool they just acquired along with the house is safe and operable if they know it’s been recently professionally inspected, or if they hired the pool inspector themselves.

Keep in mind that effective pool inspections must be completed while the pool is operational. If you’re trying to sell your house with a pool or you’re looking for a house during the winter (or even late fall or early spring), you’re going to have to dish out a pretty penny to get the pool going for the inspection, and then close it down again (i.e., put it back into hibernating mode) until swim season. It could cost you up to $500. If you have a pool or want to buy a house with a pool attached, consider the May to September season for putting your home on the market or house hunting.

If you hire a reputable and experienced pool inspector specialist or company, you should feel confident that they will cover all the necessary areas of the pool inspection in order to ensure the pool is completely safe, hazard-free, up to good working order, clean, and in good condition—or if one or more of these areas is lacking (for example, if repairs need to be made or further testing is needed). However, here a few things you might want to make sure are inspected thoroughly: the liner (if there is one), ladders and any diving equipment, the slide, if applicable, the bottom and sides for any cracks or tears, the overall pool structure, expansion joints, the pool cover, the pool pump, including the vacuum, filter, amperage, and voltage, as well as the heater. Other areas that should be checked out include the deck, gates, fence, walkway, and gates.

In order to get the professional pool inspector’s evaluation report in your hands for your own safekeeping, or to show to potential buyers when you’re selling your home the proof that the pool is completely safe, working properly, and ready to go, be prepared to dish out about $100 for the official document. When looking for a professional pool inspector or inspecting company, compare reputation, quality, cost, the type of specific services offered, what’s all included, information about the evaluation report, and whether they do year-round inspections.

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