Education

Pool Closing Letters Have Been Sent Out

SignaturePools · Sep 16, 2010 ·

Signature Pools has mailed out the 2010 Pool Closing Letter to our existing and previous clients. You will be receiving your letter within a few days, and can schedule a pool closing on the form provided.

To be sure that your pool is closed correctly, and in a timely manner, please follow these pool closing guidelines:

1) Have all water pumped off of your pool cover
2) Have power turned on to your pool equipment
3) Have water temperature of pool set at a minimum of 65 degrees
4) Have winter cover on your pool deck or nearby so our technicians have it available for installation (only applicable if you have a winter cover)
5) Please unlock gates to pool area for easy access of our technicians

Many customer ask us: “When should I close my pool?”

Our answer depends on two things:

1. The weather- if we experience a mild weather pattern for the fall, many customers don’t mind keeping their pool open until the middle of October. In this case it is important to keep your pool water circulating during the evening hours in the event that it happens to fall below freezing overnight. If it becomes unseasonably cold in the early fall, many customers are likely to have their pool closed right after the Labor Day holiday weekend.

2. Energy Savings- Obviously, the cooler it gets outside the more you have to run your pool heater. Some customers don’t mind paying the extra cost to extend their swimming season into the late fall months. Also keep in mind that you will have to run your pool pump longer to ensure water is constantly circulating through the pool and equipment.

**Keeping you pool or spa open all winter is not recommended. We have seen customers try and keep their equipment running throughout the winter months and the risk is usually too great. Any sort of power failure or tripped circuit breaker will shut down the electric to the equipment- and it only takes a few minutes for water to freeze when exposed to the harshest of Midwest winters.**

Whether you have your pool closed down right after Labor Day or choose to keep swimming until the first signs of snow, the decision is ultimately up to you. Signature Pools is able to accommodate for your swimming season and we are available to close your pool whenever you would like. If you have questions about getting your pool closed for the winter or would like further information, please feel free to Contact Signature Pools or give us a call at 630.845.1145

Water Features, Water Falls and Fountains: What’s the best choice for your pool?

SignaturePools · Sep 10, 2010 ·

So much of the appeal to owning a backyard swimming pool is the SOUND of water splashing and flowing, the laughter of kids playing, and the relaxing evenings spent in your very own oasis. A large contributing factor to the pleasing scenery you’ve created is the type and style of water feature, water fall or fountain you choose for your pool. Here are a few things to keep in mind when making a selection in your backyard.

The farther the fall, the larger the sound. It makes logical sense that Niagara Falls is louder than a water fountain, yet both sources produce the sound of running water. Make sure the water fall you select is proportionate to the size and environment of the rest of your backyard. A 10′ water fall sounds great, but may not be the best fit for a 12×20 swimming pool. Conversely, adding just 2 deck jets to a 16’x40′ pool and spa with a pergola and 1200 sq/ft of deck space may not be appropriate either. The water feature’s size and sound should match the overall scope and esthetic of the project.

If you have questions about water features, water falls or fountains for your swimming pool, feel free to contact us at 630.845.1145 for further information.

Is it time to replace my cartridge filters?

SignaturePools · Aug 26, 2010 ·

This is a great question that I wish more people would ask! As I’ve said many times before, lots of our customers think that as long as their pool water is clear, everything is working great with chemicals and equipment. This can’t be farther from the truth! Although clean, clear water is one indication of a healthy pool environment, it is by no means the ONLY indicator. Checking chemicals and maintaining your swimming pool equipment on a regular basis is crucial to a safe and worry-free swimming season.

One indicator you will need to notice regularly is the pressure gauge on your cartridge filter. This tells you how much back pressure is being created by the system. As your filters get dirty, the pressure goes up. Once this pressure reaches 10 lbs higher than normal operating pressure, you know it’s time to clean the filters. After cleaning the filters, you can reset the ‘clean’ dial on the gauge- the ‘dirty’ indicator will point to 10 lbs higher than ‘clean’.

So when is it time to REPLACE the filters completely? When the pressure does not lower after cleaning.

Typically, you will get 3-5 seasons out of your cartridge filters before needing to replace them. Just make sure to keep up with cleanings throughout the summer.

If you have questions about your cartridge filters, or would like to schedule a service call to have them cleaned or replaced, please feel free to contact us at 630.845.1145 or send us an email here.

VGB Laws and Residential Fiberglass Pools: Is Your Pool Safe?

SignaturePools · Aug 10, 2010 ·

Lately I have noticed several articles printed in local newspapers and in online sources that talk about the Virginia Graeme Baker act of 2008 and how it relates to swimming pool safety. The law is intended to protect swimmers at a public pool from entrapment due to equipment suction. For details of this law and its requirements please visit HERE.

Many customers have asked about this law and how it relates to the RESIDENTIAL swimming pool industry. Here are are few things to keep in mind when considering the safety of your backyard pool.

The Virginia Graeme Baker act (VGB) does not currently apply to residential swimming pools at the national level. only public swimming pools are required to comply. However, some local municipalities may enforce portions of the law for backyard pools as well.

Is your swimming pool builder knowledgeable and up to speed on the requirements of the law, and can he provide your residential pool with the same safety systems now required for public pools? Signature Pools and Spas uses several ‘layers’ of protection to ensure a safe swimming environment for our clients. Dual wall drains have replaced single floor drains, approved safety covers are used on all of our suction outlets, atmospheric vacuum release systems and SVRS pumps are available on all of our pool equipment systems.

Here at Signature Pools we strive to educate our clients on all facets of their swimming pool project and industry developments as a whole. If you have questions about the safety of your fiberglass swimming pool or equipment, please feel free to contact us. Even if we haven’t built your pool we’d like to help. Call us today at 630.845.1145 to find out more or to schedule a consultation for your very own Signature Pool and Spa.

Where should I put my pool equipment? 5 things to consider

SignaturePools · Jul 8, 2010 ·

So you’ve decided to get an in ground pool. Great! Now the fun part begins: Picking all the fun stuff to go with your pool. Slides, water falls, fountains, and jets are just some of the options available with your pool. But before any of that gets picked out, consider the location of pool equipment needed to circulate, filter, and sanitize the water. Many homeowners have a set vision in mind. They can already see where the pool is going long before considering the limitations of their property and municipal codes. Here are several things to consider when deciding where to place your pool equipment. Keep in mind that a basic equipment pad requires an area of approximatly 4′ x 8′ to accommodate a pump, filter, and heater.

1. Take a look at your Plat of Survey

The plat of survey is a document showing the exact location of your home, property lines, building setback lines, utility easements, flood plains, or any other special feature unique to your property. In general, you cannot install your pool equipment beyond any of these setback lines. If you’re currently in the research phase of buying a new pool it is essential that you have a copy of your plat of survey to give to your sales representative.

2. City, Village, or County Building Codes

As a general rule your pool equipment must be a minimum of 10’ from the water’s edge of the pool. If you’re installing a heater with your pool (98% of our clients in Illinois do) you need to consider the distance between any windows and the exhaust vent on the heater. Most municipalities require a 4’ minimum distance between the pool heater exhaust vent and any windows or window wells on the home. For any other specific codes regarding pool equipment location you can contact your sales representative or your local governing municipality.

3. Association Requirements

These days many home owners associations have specific requirements as to the location of the pool equipment. For instance, some associations won’t allow it on the side of your house. Other associations want to make sure it is a certain number of feet off of your property line. If you’re currently in the research phase of buying a new pool we highly recommend getting a copy of any association requirements prior to meeting with any sales representative.

4. Ease of Access

Make sure the equipment will be located in a place with easy access as well. If you purchase a remote with your pool you won’t be spending as much time at your equipment pad, but you will still want it to be in a reasonable place for maintenance and service. If possible we recommend keeping your equipment within the fenced area of the pool. This too will make it much easier to access your pool equipment. If it’s not possible for the equipment to be installed within the fence area we highly recommend adding a gate close to the pool equipment.

5. Think About Noise

When you are deciding where to place the pool equipment, keep in mind the noise factor! Even with new variable speed pumps or 2 speed pumps the pump noise can be a nuisance if you’re equipment is too close your pool or any entertaining area around you pool. If possible you also want to avoid installing the pool equipment right outside of a bedroom or any room of the house that is often used.

I know this information seems a bit overwhelming- but here’s the good news: Signature Pools and Spas has installed over 400 swimming pools in the Midwest and we are familiar with what works and what doesn’t…in all types of backyards! We are also familiar with local code requirements and municipal regulations and can help you determine the best location for your swimming pool and equipment. If you have questions or would like further information about pool locations, please feel free to contact Signature Pools and Spas at 630.845.1145