Maintenance and Service

Chlorine Generators, T-Cells, and Saltwater Pools: Mystery or Magic?

SignaturePools · Jul 29, 2009 ·

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These three terms are all used to describe the same thing: natural chlorine generation using sodium chloride. As magical (or complicated) as this may sound this process of generating chlorine is just some basic chemistry put to work. Simply put, salt is added to swimming pool water and then broken into the two chemical compounds that make up the salt (sodium and chloride). The chloride is then released back into the water providing sanitation for the pool.

This process of breaking salt into its elements is commonly known as electrolysis. Inside the pool equipment is a ‘cell’ with several metal plates that are mildly charged with a positive and negative current. As the saltwater pass by the cell, the current causes a reaction to happen, breaking down the salt into its two chemical compounds (NaCl). The sodium is collected onto the plates, while the chloride is released back into the water.

This system of sanitation is a very popular alternative to the chlorine feeders of the past. Prior to the salt chlorination development, most people added chlorine tabs or ‘pucks’ to an in-line feeder in the pool equipment. As water flows past these pucks, they dissolve into the water providing chlorine to the pool. The disadvantage to this type of system is two fold:

You must remember to ‘feed the pool’ chorine on a regular basis. Customers with this type of chlorine delivery system must refill the tabs ever week to maintain proper sanitation levels in the pool.
You can taste, smell, and feel the chlorine. The reaction is exactly what you might expect- burning eyes, faded swimming suites, and the residual smell of chlorine on your skin once you get out of the water.

A chlorine generating salt systems does not have these problems. Chlorine is constantly being produced by the salt in the water and you only need to add salt once or twice a season. The only way to loose salt from the water is by adding fresh water to the pool. Salt cannot be “burnt off” by the sun like chlorine or otherwise evaporate over time. Only the addition of fresh water from rain or a garden hose will deplete the amount of salt in the pool. Secondly, because the chloride is produced in its natural state, there is no smell, taste, or feel of chlorine in the pool water. No more burning eyes or faded hair!

The only maintenance necessary on the salt cell is a cleaning every now and then. Just like the oil change reminder on many modern cars, the system tells you when it is time to clean the cell (typically once a month). Follow the simple instructions from the manufacturer for the cleaning procedure and you’re ready to get back to the pool!

If you have further questions about chlorine generators, feel free to contact Signature Pools and Spas at 630.845.1145 or visit us at: www.sigpoolschicago.mysites.io

Fiberglass Pools vs. Vinyl Pools vs. Concrete Pools: What’s all the fuss?

Todd Emmerson · Jul 28, 2009 ·

Families deciding to install an in ground swimming pool can face dozens of decisions in the process, but none is more important than deciding on what KIND of pool to build in the first place. You may be thinking- “What do you mean? I want an in ground pool, that’s all!” Well yes, that may be true, but the type of pool you choose to build today will impact your life for years to come.

The three most popular types of in ground pools are fiberglass, vinyl, and concrete. In the past many companies only dealt with building one type of pool, but with the rising popularity of fiberglass pools we have seen many concrete and vinyl pool companies either start building fiberglass pools exclusively or adding fiberglass pools to what they currently build. As you will see below all three of these pool types have advantages and disadvantages.

Let’s take a look at the three major categories of in ground pools and highlight the benefits and downfalls of each.

Fiberglass Swimming Pools: Fiberglass pools are constructed as one piece shells in an offsite factory controlled setting. The pools are then set into the excavated site in your backyard, back filled with sand and stone, and then finished with the patio of your choice (concrete, pavers, stone, etc.)

Advantages: Fiberglass swimming pools are generally less expensive than an equivalent concrete pool, but more expensive than vinyl. However, because there is no re-surfacing, re-plastering, or finish to re-apply on the pool, there are not any major maintenance expenses down the road. The saying “Do it once, and you’re done!” truly does apply to fiberglass swimming pools. Also, because the surface of the fiberglass is a non-porous material, algae cannot adhere to the pool walls and chemicals are not leached from the pool walls. Fiberglass pools always have steps and benches built into your shell in the same finish as the rest of your pool. Construction time is much quicker with a fiberglass swimming pool as well. It typically takes 1-2 weeks to build a fiberglass pool.

Disadvantages: Fiberglass pools are limited in size and shape. Fiberglass pools are available in sizes from as small as a spa all the way to approximately 40’ x 16’. Because fiberglass pools are built as a one piece pool they can be difficult to install at certain properties due to access restrictions.

Concrete (Gunite) Pools: Concrete Pools are essentially rebar walls with concrete “sprayed” on top to create the pool vessel. Plaster is then troweled over the concrete to give the final surface of the pool.

Advantages: Concrete pools can be built into any size or shape. If I wanted the letter ‘J’ for Jim built in my back yard- No Problem! Concrete pools can be designed to fit your exact length, width, and depth specifications. Steps and benches can be added almost anywhere you choose.

Disadvantages:

Concrete pools are the most labor-intensive type of pool to build, and in the mid west are generally the most expensive to build as well. Although a concrete pool may sound strong, think of any sidewalk or house foundation over time. Concrete always cracks- no matter what. Especially with the freeze and thaw cycles in the Midwest, concrete of all types is stressed and strained every season. Additionally, the plaster on concrete pools needs to be maintained and re-surfaced ever 7-10 years. This means some major costs down the road to keep your pool up and running. Plaster resurfacing can easily run into the $5000 – $10,000 range for residential pools. Also, the porous surface of the plaster allows for algae to grow in the crevices of the pool finish and leaches harmful chemicals into the pool. This means that you will constantly be adding even more chemicals to the water, trying to keep everything balanced. Construction time on a concrete pool is typically 10 – 12 weeks.

Vinyl Liner Pools: Vinyl pools are constructed of steel walls with a vinyl liner on top that acts as the surface of the pool.

Advantages: Vinyl liner pools are typically the least expensive type of in ground swimming pool. Also, you are able to construct a wide variety of shapes, sizes and depths in the construction process and match the vinyl material to fit the pool shape.

Disadvantages: Because of the lower initial cost, most customers do not realize that vinyl liner pools are actually more expensive to own in the long run. Over time the vinyl gets wrinkles, fades dramatically, pulls away from the pool wall, and can get tears in the material. Some customers have had good success with a vinyl liner pool, but the truth is that over time, every liner must be replaced. Furthermore, as with concrete pools, algae will form in the pores of the vinyl and makes it difficult to keep a vinyl pool clean. Chemical treatments are similar to a concrete pool, as are the costs associated with replacing the liner. Additionally with a vinyl pool built in benches are very rare and steps will not match the color of the rest of your pool. Construction time of a vinyl pool can take 6-8 weeks depending on the size and shape you choose.

We hope this explanation of the various kinds of in ground swimming pools will help you make a decision that best fits your lifestyle, budget, and needs as a homeowner. If you have further questions or would like more information about swimming pools, please contact us at 630.845.1145 or visit us on the web at www.sigpoolschicago.mysites.io.

Why is my fiberglass pool leaking?

SignaturePools · Jul 24, 2009 ·

As many consumers know, fiberglass pools have sky-rocketed in popularity over the past decade. Here at Signature Pools and Spas we have installed over 300 fiberglass pools for satisfied clients in the Chicago land area and all over Illinois. Part of being the leader in the midwest for fiberglass pool isntallation is our commitment to educating our customers on the ownership and operation of their very own Signature Pool!

This season we have received a few phone calls from concerned fiberglass pool customers because they believe there pool is leaking. Although this is a rare occurance, it is something that can happen from time to time for various reasons. If you are experiencing slow water loss turn off the skimmer valve to the pool, allowing only the deep end floor or wall drain to circulate water. This will allow the water to safely drop below the skimmer box without sucking air into the pump and harming other equipment.

After a few phone calls and a visit from our service team we have discovered some of the causes of water loss and would like to share this information with you.

You pool is TOO full! Yes, this can happen- if you fill your swimming pool above the center of the skimmer, water can leak out the back of the skimmer extension ring (between the concrete and the skimmer ring). To check, look inside the skimmer and see where the water has stopped. More than likely the water level stopped just below the skimmer extension ring. Filling the pool any higher will just cause the water to drain back to that point.

There is a gasket leaking by the equipment pad. Take a look on the concrete pad around your equipment. Leaky filters, pump lids, and gaskets all can cause a slow leak in the pool and will affect the water level. Tighten the filter plug, reset the pump lid, and check all other seals for failure. There is a gasket on the underside of the pump lid, a large ‘O’ ring between the upper and lower half of your filter, and gaskets on all the plumbing clean-out points. You can use a dab of Vaseline on the rubber gaskets to ensure a water-tight seal.

A water return line may be leaking. If you notice rapid water loss from your pool it may be caused by a leaking or detached return line. Water loss in this case is very rare but possible. The leak will usually be severe and happen very quickly (6″ or more per 24 hours). Shut off you pool equipment and contact a swimming pool service company to repair this problem.

A light niche may be leaking. Behind some of the larger pool lights is a ‘wet niche’ that allows the light housing to be removed for bulb replacement and service. The chord of the light runs through a small conduit opening in the back of the niche. Over time the sealant between the chord and the conduit can deteriorate and needs to be re-applied. As with the return lines, leaking lights are not all that common, but an easy fix if you do have a ‘slow leak’.

Water is evaporating. In summer months the water level in you pool can drop quickly from sunlight evaporation and swimmer splash-out. Keep in mind that every time the pool is used, some amount of water is splashed out and the sun evaporates water. When the pool is uncovered and being used customers can expect to ‘top off’ the water in their pool at least once a week.

Signature Pools and Spas is commited to our customers questions regarding pool ownership. If you have further questions or concerns about water loss in your pool, feel free to contact our service department at 630.845.1145 or visit our website at: www.sigpoolschicago.mysites.io

Swimming Pools and Cover Maintenance

SignaturePools · Jul 22, 2009 ·

One of the greatest benefits of being a Signature Pool’s customer is the ability to choose from so many options for their in ground fiberglass swimming pool. From tile to concrete colors, water features to covers, there are countless ways to personalize a swimming pool.

An auto-cover system is a great way to add a measure of safety to the pool area, along with retaining pool heat and keeping the water free of debris. But to get the maximum life out of an auto-cover, pool owners should keep a few things in mind when caring for the cover system:

Keep water and debris off the cover when it is closed. Leave a pump in the center of your closed cover and direct rain water off the pool area and drain into the surrounding landscaping. Too much water and debris can cause unnecessary strain on the cover material and components, and will shorten the life of the system.
Always keep the tracks clean. Inside the cover track is a rope that pulls the cover open and closed. If the tracks and ropes get filled with debris, friction can cause a rope to break or a pulley to fail. Use a garden hose with a spray nozzle on the end to remove any dirt, leaves, or other debris from inside the tracks.
Never operate your cover if the water level in the pool is low. The water underneath the cover helps to support its weight. If the water is too low, the cover will strain to open and the motor can be damaged.
Clean out the cover box. The area that holds the motor mechanism and cover roll can collect dirt, leaves and debris over time. Check inside the cover box and clean out anything that may have collected over time. Also make sure any ground water is properly draining from the box.

By following these maintenance tips, you can enjoy the benefits of an auto-cover system for years to come. Contact us at www.sigpoolschicago.mysites.io for more information and to build your own Signature Pool.