Building a New Swimming Pool? Here Are Some Features to Think About

So you're going to build a new swimming pool. Congratulations! Your new place of backyard relaxation and entertaining will certainly be a wonderful place to just hang out. Now that you have chosen your swimming pool construction company, don't forget that there are many optional items that are worth considering as you begin building your backyard paradise.
Here are a few options to consider.

• Chlorination and sanitation of the water – How are you going to accomplish this very important step? Traditional methods of chlorine tablets, granular chlorine or liquid chlorine are not the only methods being employed today. One of the best and most reliable methods is to use a SALT GENERATOR System. There are many of these units on the market today, research all of them for features and benefits. Keep in mind that these units have a large price range based on available features. These units produce chlorine in your swimming pool by adding standard table salt directly to the pool water. As the pool water is circulated through the cell portion of the salt generator, the salt in the water is changed into chlorine, the chlorine is added to the pool water and the salt goes back into the pool water solution. The salt is used over and over to produce the chlorine for your swimming pool. Through splash out and evaporation the salt is used up and additional salt will need to be added to the pool water for replenishment. A Salt Generator system is a great feature for any new or existing pool.

• If you have decided not to use a chlorine generator, consider using an inline CHLORINE TABLET FEEDER to chlorinate your new pool. These feeders are inexpensive and allow for the dosage of sanitizing agents into the pool water. Tablets are placed into the feeder and a rate adjustment valve allows for the correct dosage of chlorine into the pool.

• Upgraded lights for your swimming pool and spa – Why just have a boring white light? Automatic color changing LED LIGHTS are some of the hottest items on the swimming pool scene today. There is an abundance of manufacturers today that are offering this type of pool and spa lighting. Don't miss out on the opportunity to have a spectacular place for entertaining, swimming and relaxing, color changing lights are the only way to go.

• Heaters – To heat or not to heat? How to heat, Electric, Gas or Solar. There are so many options here that need to be considered. ELECTRIC HEAT PUMPS offer energy efficient heat but will not offer fast heat. GAS HEATERS offer faster heat but are not as efficient as heat pumps. SOLAR HEATERS offer inexpensive heat but not always readily accepted in certain communities or the home's roof surface does not offer the required space for the installation of the solar panels. It is important to research all your available options for pool heaters before deciding which type will function best in your application.

• WATER FEATURES – Don't miss out on the opportunity to add some excitement to your new pool by adding the feature of moving water. DECK JETS, BUBBLERS and WATER FALLS all add unbelievable interest to your backyard paradise.

• AUTOMATED CONTROL SYSTEMS – Many types of controllers are on the market today. Controllers can be used inside the home and carried around for use by and inside the pool and spa. Controllers can operate a variety of components including the pump, lights, spa air blower, heater, yard lights and much more. Check out the many manufactures of these systems and choose the system which will best fit your budget and backyard.

• CUSTOM MOSAICS – Tile mosaics are available in a wide range of options, seashells, fish, underwater scenes, cartoon characters, trees, sports logos and just about anything else which can be imagined. Jazz up your pool and spa with tile mosaics.

• AUTOMATIC POOL CLEANERS – Once again there are many different models on the market today that will make pool maintenance much easier on a weekly basis. Three different types of cleaners are – SUCTION SIDE CLEANERS operate off the suction side of your filter pump, no additional pump is needed. If this is the type of cleaner you are planning on using, make sure your contractor is installing a separate line (typically 2") in the side of your pool (rather than using your skimmer) to "plug in' your suction side cleaner.

These types of cleaners vacuum up the dirt and debris from the pool and deposit it in the pump basket and pool filter. PRESSURE SIDE CLEANERS operate very much like a suction side cleaner except that these types of cleaners require a separate high pressure pump to operate. (The filter pump is not used for this type of cleaner) These cleaners typically have a bag which collects the debris for the pool which will need to be emptied on a regular basis.

Additional piping will also be necessary to allow for the operation of this type of cleaner. The third type of cleaner is an ELECTRIC CLEANER which is self contained, plugs into an electrical outlet and vacuums the dirt from the pool. The debris is collected internally in the machine and disposed of on a regular basis. All types work well, research the one which will function best in your situation.

• TEST KIT – If you plan on servicing and maintaining your new pool yourself DO NOT purchase the least expensive test kit on the market. Purchase a kit that tests for free and total chlorine, pH, alkalinity, harness and cyanuric acid. Make sure your swimming pool contractor educates you on the usage of the kit and that you understand the importance of maintaining the correct balance of your pool chemistry.

As a pool contractor in South Florida I have the opportunity to present many different types of options which are available on the market today. As you construct your new backyard oasis research and review the many options that are on the market today to make your swimming pool much more than just a "cement pond". Visit our web site to learn more about all the items which have been mentioned to make your new or existing pool more exciting.

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