How to choose the best pool equipment
Never choose your pool equipment without home work, the smooth operation of your pool system and, in the same way, your comfort is measured.
Always avoid local and aftermarket or low-range products, as small savings may, in the long run, turn out to be a very poor choice. Some equipment, such as the hydraulic circuit, pool pumps, underwater light, and pool cleaner i.e. all valves and hoses, or pump and filter, are completely mandatory, while other equipment, such as a heat pump, is optional. You can find the list below important.
Compulsory swimming pool equipment
White goods for swimming pools
The white goods, i.e. nozzles, main drains, and caches are an integral part of the pond and cannot be disassembled. It is especially important to choose only high-quality products, as once they are installed, large, expensive work will be required to replace them.
Swimming pool hydraulic circuit
The hydraulic circuit, hoses and valves must be dimensioned and configured correctly from the start: once construction is complete, they will be difficult to adjust.
Study the estimates carefully and ask for an explanation of the proposed configurations, especially when there is a significant difference in price.
Our pool tip: It is not always financially possible to equip your pool as you wish, at least at first. Think ahead: Once you start building your pool, plan a configuration that will allow you to add additional equipment. For example: install a bypass that will enable you to connect a heat pump and design the electrical system accordingly, with a pool electrical box of sufficient capacity. In the construction phase, the cost of adding this equipment will be minimal
Swimming pool pump/filter pair
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The pump/filter pair is truly the heart of your pool, as it circulates and filters the water. Whether you choose a single-speed or variable speed pump, sandblasting, cartridge, high-capacity filter or diatomaceous earth, the filter and pump must be fully compatible. To determine the capacity of each of them, you need to take into account the volume of water in the pond. You will also have to size the tubes accordingly. The pool installer will perform this calculation initially to enable you to choose the right size of equipment for your facility.
swimming pool lighting
A lighting system is not required in the in-ground pool, but for safety reasons, it is highly recommended for night swimming. We have to mention that the above ground pool lighting system is highly recommended. It’s also very pleasing to the eye, especially with the multiple color options of LED technology now available: what could be more magical than pool lights at night that cast their changing reflections across the garden?
Optional swimming pool equipment
Swimming pool heating systems
Bathing in the gentle warm water is a pleasure that one never tires of. Swimming pool heating also improves the intervals during which it can be used. Boiler, heat exchanger, electric pool heater – or pool heater only – or heat pump*, all water heating systems are not equal in terms of energy efficiency. Study the most appropriate solution for your pool and plan to install it in advance, even if you put it off until later.
Pool tip: Heat pumps currently offer the best energy efficiency on the market, as well as ease of installation and use.
Solar pool heating or solar pool heating is a very economical solution to use, but it is a relatively heavy initial investment and presupposes sufficient sunlight. You will have to calculate the cost-effectiveness before committing yourself to purchasing a solar panel, solar water heater or any other solar heater for your swimming pool.
Swimming pool water treatment systems
To enjoy a clean and healthy swimming pool, it is absolutely necessary to treat the water.
This is done on two levels: – The purpose of chemical treatment of water is to eliminate bacteria and viruses and to protect the health of bathers. There are many solutions: electrolyzer, chlorinator and injection products (such as liquid chlorine or active oxygen).
Maintaining water balance is a criterion that must be monitored on a regular basis. The total alkalinity, total hardness and potential hydrogen must be maintained at certain levels to ensure the effectiveness of the treatment products (chlorine) and to avoid problems with corrosion, flaking, green water formation or biofilm formation. The pH regulator will automatically maintain the pH (pH of the water) at an optimum level .
Note that water treatment requires different pool products at “different times in the life of the pool”: when the pool
- Published in Uncategorized
Why swimming pool need UV light to treat water?
Why swimming pool need UV-C light to treat water?
Many efforts have been made to replace chlorine, but few of these have gained substantial ground. This is because the solutions have been found to have the same drawbacks (e.g. bromine), or are expensive (e.g. hydrogen peroxide) or are less effective (e.g. metal ion-based processes, hydrogen peroxide).
UV radiation: an extremely powerful disinfectant
Ultraviolet radiation of a particular wavelength (UV-C – 253.7nm) that, when used to treat water, has a very strong biocide effect. It renders harmless microorganisms in the water, particularly those that are unaffected by chlorine. UV-C light is the most damaging part of sunlightthat doesn’t reach the earth, so a special electric lamp is needed to generate this radiation.
This means that in swimming pools, UV is an extremely powerful disinfectant. It is even effective against Cryptosporidium parvum and Giardia lamblia, for example. These are particularly nasty microorganisms that can survive in a swimming pool despite the use of chlorine.
In addition to its biocide action, UV-C has an extremely strong oxidizing effect. This means that it effectively removes organic pollution from the swimming pool water. When either ozone or UV-C is used in conjunction with chlorine in a swimming pool, the harmful chloramines that cause i.e. eye and skin irritation are destroyed.
The benefits of using a UV-C purifier in a swimming pool
- The protection of bathers against illnesses caused by microorganisms that are unaffected by chlorine.
- The virtual elimination of the eye, nose, skin, and respiratory system irritation caused by chloramines in the water.
- The elimination of the unpleasant “swimming pool smell”.
- The increased preservation of the fabric of the pool and pool hall by the reduction of the chloramines in the pool water.
So, if UV-C is that effective, why not stop using the chlorine altogether?
UV-C purifying does not add anything to the water to prevent further new infection. Although the water is disinfected, it is not disinfectant. The water from the UV-C purifier returns to the pool. Typically, it will remain for four hours in the swimming pool until it is treated again. So, any pathogens instantaneously introduced by bathers in the pool would not be treated until that water arrives back at the UV treatment unit in four hours’ time. This presents a threat to the health of pool users.
For that reason, it is always necessary to maintain a small residual concentration of a secondary disinfectant (such as chlorine) in the pool. For public pools, in most countries, this is in any case a requirement imposed by the regulatory public health authorities. The addition of a secondary disinfectant ensures that the water in the pool remains disinfectant as well as having been disinfected.
Although the use of UV-C does not remove the need for a secondary residual disinfectant such as chlorine, its total concentration in the pool water can usually be significantly reduced (in public pools to the minimum legally allowable concentration). Most of the disinfecting and oxidising load will be borne by the UV system. In particular, the destruction of harmful pathogens and the significant reduction of unpleasant chloramines in the pool water would be handled by the UV system.
- Published in Pool Maintenance
Swimming Pool Styled By Bisazza Tiles
Glass tile swimming pools are completely lined with tiny mosaic sized glass ceramic tiles instead of traditional plaster. It is long-lasting and also resistant to corrosion as well as lasts longer compared to another type of plaster option. These are more expensive than plaster. But, these last much longer.
Designers like mosaic tiles due to the fact that they are so versatile. In the modern layout globe, areas of personalized color mixes can make an all-time low of a pool sparkle in a series of hues. Due to the capability of glass tile to enhance and also reflect light into the water, glass pools are unusually bright and also clear. For even more conventional pools, some contractors are recreating old Roman concepts as well as information like the swimming pools of Caesar. In either case, the charm of a glass-ceramic tile swimming pool completely sunlight is unrivaled by others.
- Published in Pool Design
Consider Design Features For Pool
There are plenty of design features to consider when installing a pool that can add value to your property and lifestyle.
WATER FEATURE
A water feature is a great way to enhance your pool area by providing visual interest and through the sound of moving water. Installing one in your pool area can add value when the pool is not in use and in the evening, especially if well lit.
When choosing a water feature, it’s worth considering the style of your outdoor area and home. Depending on the look you’re trying to achieve, you may opt for a water wall, stand-alone water feature, or discrete faucet. The key things to be mindful of when designing a water feature for your pool is scale and materials.
A SPA
A spa is one of the most popular features of a pool area and can provide a perfect place to relax in. The soothing jets are great for massaging tired muscles and the warm water can maximize your pool’s usage. Spas can be integrated into a pool or if you have room, built as an independent structure dug into the ground, sitting into paving or a stand-alone element.
If you are considering a spa, one of the main considerations is creating a seamless design and getting the size right as the bigger you get, the more expensive it is to run. Another key consideration is safety and making sure your spa complies with the local laws.
POOL LEDGE
Building a pool with a ledge or a swim-out shelf is becoming more popular as they can be used for multiple purposes. Pool ledges are a great design feature for kids, especially toddlers, to splash about and get accustomed to the water. They also make an ideal place for adults to lounge in the water while supervising the kids, reading a book, or simply bathing in the sunshine.
You can custom design your ledge to suit the style of pool and the depths typically range from 400 to 600 mm wide.
FEATURE WALLS
Feature walls are a great way to add interest to a pool area and can be designed to suit both a traditional and contemporary outdoor space. A feature wall can be as subtle as stone tiles running up one side of the pool or can incorporate a water feature and lighting into a stone wall. Feature walls can also be rendered, clad in timber, or draped in greenery. Beyond the visual impact, they can be designed to act as a functional element to create privacy, divide the garden into rooms or to shelter the pool area from wind.
LIGHTING
Lighting is an important design element to any pool, regardless of size or style. Installing lighting can add a sense of drama to the outdoor space. In the evening, a well-light pool can create a beautiful outlook from indoors. This can help maximize what you are spending on your pool area, especially in the seasons that you can’t use it for swimming.
FURNITURE
Furnishing your pool area will help you increase the usage of the outdoor area and enhance the look of the space. Daybeds are an obvious choice for pool areas, however, depending on the size of your space surrounding your pool, you could consider a table and chairs to allow for dining poolside. If you’re limited on space, a pair of easy chairs, bean bags, or a built-in bench with outdoor cushions may be more suitable.
When choosing furniture for your pool area it’s important to opt for pieces that are made of quality materials and componentry and finished with durable outdoor fabrics. Poolside can be a harsh environment as furniture will be exposed to chemicals and more often than not, full sun.
- Published in Pool Design
Swimming Pool LED Lighting
What Is Swimming Pool LED Lighting?
Light Emitting Diode (LED) lights are one of the most popular fittings for swimming pools. As a greater emphasis has been placed on energy-efficiency, LED technology has become a standard feature slowly replacing incandescent bulbs.
The fittings work by pumping voltage through the semi-conductor which emits light whereas incandescent and halogen lights rely on burning filaments. LED fittings simply work by plugging them directly into the power source.
The Advantages Of LED Pool Lighting
ENERGY EFFICIENCY
LED pool lighting is more expensive upfront than halogen or incandescent lights, they will save you in the long run due to their energy-efficiency. Incandescent lights typically run from 300 to 500 watts, whereas LED bulbs use as little as 42 watts.
By installing LED lights in your swimming pool, you’ll see greater savings in your electricity bills.
GREATER LIFESPAN
LED pool lighting is durable, with well over 20,000 hours of power. Quality LED brand names can last for 10 years or more. This will reduce for those lower-cost products.
LOW MAINTENANCE
With the lamps lasting for longer than other light fittings, LED products typically require fewer replacements as they contain tough diodes. That means, you’ll be spending more time enjoying your well-lit pool and less time maintaining it.
VISUAL EFFECTS
LED lights are available in a variety of colors which gives you the ability to create visual effects to set the mood. Highlighting features of your pool can be achieved through the quality of light and the even, deep glow that LED lamps to permit. Change the light at the touch of a button.
AUTOMATION
Unlike halogen lights, LED lamps can be automated with most models offering an optional remote control. Most will also have integrated smartphone apps for those who prefer a more tech-savvy experience.
Disadvantages Of LED Lighting
One of the main disadvantages of LED lighting over other fittings such as halogen models is that they aren’t able to be serviced. This means if the internal componentry of the LED lights fail, the fitting needs to be replaced. While the light itself can last up to 10-12 years, the other components probably won’t nearly last as long and will degrade over time.
Cost is another drawback of LED fittings. Beyond the higher upfront costs of the lights, LED lighting requires specific transformers and converters to utilize the right voltage that’s between 12-32v. This will require additional electronic equipment which will increase the overall cost. Fortunately, these transformers aren’t too expensive and are generally fairly reliable.
LED lighting is also somewhat susceptible to leaking, just like halogen fittings. Thankfully, the refined resin-filled LED light fittings largely solve this problem. If you do have to replace a broken LED fitting or a pool light that has leaked, you can swap them over for the resin-filled LED version.
- Published in Pool Lighting
Advantages Of Installing Swimming Pool Covers
The Main Advantages Of Installing Swimming Pool Covers
Maintain temperature
One of the main reasons people install swimming pool covers is for its ability to maintain and even slightly increase the water’s temperature. If a warm pool is a must-have for you, a pool cover can help to significantly reduce your heating bills.
Reduce water loss
It’s not just leaks or excess splashing that cause a drop in your swimming pool water level. Evaporation is a substantial contributor to water loss and if not controlled, it can lead to damage to your skimmers and pump system. Installing pool covers will reduce the water loss that occurs when the pool isn’t in use.
Minimize chlorine consumption
Pool covers reduce the amount of UV light coming into contact with the water. This is an important advantage as the pool chemical chlorine is degraded when exposed to UV light. This means you won’t be required to add as much chlorine, which can save you time to refill and money purchasing the chemicals. For those considering a saltwater pool, this will mean the chlorinator system will use less energy.
Reduced amount of leaf litter
Another advantage of a pool cover is that they reduce the amount of leaf litter in your water. This not only reduces the number of times you’ll need to empty your automatic cleaner but also reduces the load off your skimmer net, filter and pumps. The amount of chlorine you’ll need will also reduce, saving you both money and time.
The Main Disadvantages Of Installing Swimming Pool Covers
Aesthetics
One of the main reasons people avoid installing a pool cover is its impact on the overall aesthetics of your outdoor space. Pools are now considered features of a garden and are designed to create a visually cohesive environment. The stock standard off-the-shelf pool cover can be unsightly and even if you have a modern, well-designed product when covered you eliminate the view of the water from inside your home.
The hassle
If you have a standard manual roller cover, the time and effort it takes to take the cover off can make them less appealing. However, modernized rigid designs can be a solution to this.
Lack of space
Depending on the design of your pool cover, you’ll require some space to store it safely out of the way. Most covers now can be built under a deck or even as part of the deck, but if your space is restrictive this can prevent you from installing any form of cover.
Pool design
Today, pools aren’t just designed as simple rectangles. Pools coming in all shapes and sizes which can prove restrictive if considering a cover. You’ll need to find one that fits the dimensions of your design or get a custom pool cover made.
- Published in Pool Maintenance