Gibson HomeBuilders

Today’s topic is Swimming Pools indoor and outdoor.
My guests today are Ken Dennis with G&D Pools and Mac Davis with MHD construction.

Pool Basics
Everything you need to know about your pool
There's nothing like a cool dip in a deep blue swimming pool - especially on a hot summer day when there's nothing else to do. It's the perfect summer activity for adults and kids alike. Many people would love a pool, but don't really know where to start shopping for one or what to consider. The task can be daunting - but it doesn't have to be, if you know what to look for.
If you're thinking of buying a pool, you probably have a lot of questions. You might be concerned about quality and safety, how to operate and maintain your pool, and of course, the most important question - how much will it cost? It might help to make a list of what you and your family are looking for in a pool before you start to shop around.
Consider:
1) The cost of your new pool. Think about things like the cost of installation, pool chemicals and the implements and accessories to maintain your pool. Don't forget about other potential costs like extra landscaping and lighting. You'll also have to consider the extra property taxes, the assembly of a mandatory fence and other safety features.
2) How much pool insurance will be and if you'll need it. If it's not already covered, you'll have to take out insurance on your pool to protect yourself and your investment. If you're going to pay out a lot of money to build a pool, you're not going to want to have to replace or repair it yourself in case of accidents, nor will you want to be liable for any injuries that may occur. Check with your insurance company to see if your pool is already covered under your house insurance policy. If not, find out what kind of insurance you need.
3) Your new pool's construction costs and methods. If you're going to build a pool, have it built correctly. You'll need to find an accredited pool contractor with a history of good work. Don't be afraid to ask for references or contact information from past pool customers, so you can check on how their pools are working out. Get several price quotes from different contractors, and shop around. If you don't feel comfortable with a contractor, then don't hire them.
The ins and outs of spring pool openings. Are you ready for this? Spring pool opening is a chore for many, but a delight for many more because they look forward to the fun of summer. Some people open the pool themselves and others hire a company to do it for them. Whatever you choose, you should make a checklist of what to do, so you don't forget anything. This will also help you to avoid running into problems down the road.

Swimming Pool Costs
Swimming pool cost will depend on many factors, including:
4) The shape and design of the pool
5) The construction materials used
6) The time it will take to build
7) Equipment rental for excavation
8) Pool features and accessories
9) Permits and licenses
On average, a basic in ground pool normally ranges from $20,000-$40,000, but options are endless, so spending up to $200,000 is no longer unrealistic.

Gunite and fiberglass are normally priced higher in the price spectrum, while vinyl liner pools tend to be less expensive.
Other costs to consider when building a pool:
10) How much property tax and extra insurance will I pay?
11) How much will the additional electricity or other energy cost?
12) How much will it cost me to build a fence and purchase or install other safety features?
13) How much will swimming pool chemicals cost?
14) How much will additional landscaping cost?
15) How much will lighting cost?
What other accessories do I need and (i.e. covers, toys, decks, cleaner, test kits, slides, etc.)

Pool Construction
Swimming pool construction is not only a complicated and laborious task, but can be dangerous for an inexperienced do-it-yourselfer. If you are interested in hiring a contractor or engineer to design and build your swimming pool, here are some tips to assist you in the process:
16) Find a contractor that has the adequate credentials, licenses, experience and insurance coverage.
The best way to find a reputable company is to ask friends or family members to give you a referral. If you don't have any luck through word of mouth, contact local trade and contracting associations to find out who their members are. In the U.S., the APSP, Association of Pool and Spa Professionals Guild will help you identify qualified contractors.

17) Get written price quotes from several companies. Ensure that the prices quoted by the different companies are for the same work, materials, pool accessories and features.
18) Ask your contractor for names of clients who you may contact as a reference so that you can view previous jobs.
19) Insist on a written contract with your contractor. Ensure the contract includes specific start and end dates, timelines, warranty information, as well as cost and payment dates.
Finally, consider all aspects of the pool before you begin, including the shape, size and layout. And don't forget the patio and landscape design, lighting, fountains, waterfalls, coping and even an attached pool spa. Taking care of these items at the beginning is a lot less costly than adding them once the pool is built!

Pool Insurance
Pool insurance is important to North American homeowners who are concerned about protecting their large investments. Because of the risk factor it is important to protect your pool and yourself from damage, injury or accidents that you can be liable for. There are two types of insurance that homeowners need to look into. First, ensure that your homeowners' insurance covers your pool and second, ensure that you have liability insurance.

Homeowners often find that their house insurance policy covers their newly installed swimming pool. Some insurance companies may make you pay extra for the pool coverage although others do not. Do contact your agent to discuss your insurance. Make sure that your insurance company knows that you have a pool because in case of damage they won't cover anything that they aren't aware of. Also, keep in mind that many companies have stipulations regarding fencing, pool alarms and other features such as diving boards. Insurance companies place these parameters on their customers to ensure you and the company is at a lower risk.
General liability policies protect against such things as injury or accidents that may occur in or around your pool. Having general liability to cover your pool is always advised.
Umbrella insurance is used to extend existing liability coverage. Umbrella policies ensure your liability coverage offers further protection against others being injured or hurt while on your property.
Customized homeowners policies are wide and varied and can be tailored to suit your lifestyle. Some important factors to consider when purchasing insurance include your risk factors, financial status and comfort level.
If you are considering allowing your residential pool to be used for swimming lessons, then you will need to get in touch with your insurance agent to discuss coverage options. This has additional risk that places even more liability on a homeowner. Discuss this with an insurance professional.
Whether seeking a new policy or additional coverage for your pool, do ensure that the coverage you get is enough to effectively protect you. What may seem like an adequate amount of coverage may in fact be insufficient depending on the precedence of legal cases.
To find out the rates, coverage options and regulations, it is best to call your insurance company representative for further details. You can also click above to see what on-line insurance companies are currently offering.

Spring Pool Opening
Spring pool opening is both an exciting time for pool owners and a dreaded task for many! Some pool owners prefer to hire a company to open their pool, while others choose to open it themselves.
There are pool testing kits specifically designed for pool openings and which contain all of the things that you will require to assist you in the process. Meanwhile, we have listed below some general guidelines and steps to help you open your pool this year: Keep in mind that chemicals should never be mixed (old, new or different kinds) and that you should always read carefully the manufacturers’ instructions to be safe.

20) If you have a solid cover, you will probably have to start by pumping or draining the water off. During this process, you will probably have to simultaneously skimmer off some of the leaves and debris.
21) Ensure the winter cover is cleaned and folded properly for summer storage.
22) Ensure your leaf basket, drain and filter and pump are clean and functioning properly.
23) Remove excess debris and leaves that are floating on the top of you pool by using a skimmer.
24) Top up the pool with water.
25) Start the pool's pump and filtration system.
26) Use a cleaner or vacuum to assist with cleaning the water.
27) Many believe that shocking the pool is a good idea using products specially designed for this.
28) After a given time, algaecide may be needed depending on the content’s in the pools water. (although the shock treatment should have rectified any algae)
29) After more time (see manufacturers’ directions to ensure you have waited the appropriate time) check the pool levels including Ph, alkalinity and chlorine (or other sanitizer) levels and add to if necessary.
30) Only swim in the pool once the pool is clean and the chemical and other levels are appropriate.
Start regular maintenance

Swimming Pool Designs
Swimming pool designs range from the very small and basic inflatable pool to the grandiose and extravagant inground designs that at first glance look like a natural body of water. Potential swimming pool owners have an enormous selection of pool features to choose from, including shape, size, depth and aesthetically enhancing accessories.
Swimming pools have been designed to take into account the needs, intentions and budget of the modern homeowner. For cooling off on a hot summer day, a small inflatable pool may work best if you intend to sit or wade in it. If you want the pool to be a central spot for entertaining or to be an eye-catching focal point, a large in ground or above ground pool with a surrounding stone or wooden deck may better suit your needs.

For swim training and exercise, there are small mechanical pools that push water towards the swimmer, so you get an intense workout while remaining in one spot. For a person who only wants a pool to do morning laps, you can build one in-ground that is elongated, narrow and shallow. And for affordable family fun, above ground pools vary in shape and height to suit many activities, including water sports and games.
Swimming pools can easily be integrated with landscape designs to upgrade any backyard. Whether you are looking to purchase an above or In-ground pool or want an easily assembled inflatable model, you will be amazed at the options available to suit your backyard, lifestyle and swimming needs.
By clicking on any of the above links, you will be able to easily access a myriad of online suppliers and products to view the latest features and trends in pool designs.

Luxury Options
A pool's design should provide a fun, exhilarating and peaceful place for all to enjoy. A swimming pool should reflect your style and personality and be an enjoyable and comfortable refuge.
Pool luxury options such as fountains, water walls and waterfalls are all aquatic features that add drama and excitement. Your choice of water features is only restricted by your personal preference and imagination. Luxury fountains and waterfalls provide the look, sound and benefits of cascading water that most travel the world to see.

For ultimate relaxation and serenity a pool spa may be just what you are looking for. Tall and freestanding or attached to an in-ground pool, sitting in a spa with bubbling hot water is a perfect spot to unwind. Don't forget to learn about the appropriate equipment, chemicals and accessories to ensure you fully benefit from your spa or hot tub.
For ultimate pool convenience, many erect a pool house, shed or cabana. This will polish your backyard design while giving you a place to store items and/or change clothes. Some design their pool house or cabana as a seating room, while others use it to entertain guests.
We hope after swimming through our pages, you will have a good idea what current luxury accessories are fascinating pool owners today. Regardless of budget and space, you will find there are luxury pool options available like never before.
By clicking on any of the above links, you can instantly reach leading on-line retailers of popular luxury pool options. They are great for comparing prices and investigating product features.
Here's to swimming in the lap of luxury!

Pool Chemicals
Swimming pool chemicals are vital to ensure your pool is safe and clean. There are many products available used to treat swimming pool water, including sanitizers, algaecide, stabilizers, balancers and shocks.
If chemicals are imbalanced, it cannot only be harmful to swimmers, but also to your heating, filtering or pumping system. A pool should look clear, and it is wise to regularly monitor the pool to ensure its cleanliness and to maintain appropriate levels. Experts recommend that a pool have a pH level between 7.4-7.6. Lower or higher levels can result in corrosion; skin and eye irritation and can damage the filtration system.

Chlorine is a very popular swimming pool chemical that can be purchased in the form of tablets, grains or sticks. Chlorine keeps a pool sterile by disinfecting it. Bromine is another type of disinfectant commonly used in hot tub and indoor pools. Bromine also kills germs and bacteria commonly found in water. Many people favor bromine over chlorine, even though it is more expensive, because it has a less penetrating smell.
Chlorinators and brominators are used to automatically dispense chlorine or bromine in a pool after you set the appropriate dose for dispensing. They offer a great way to ensure that the pool is maintaining the proper chemical levels. Some are available as flotation devices that freely float around the pool.
Algaecides work by both destroying and preventing algae and can be purchased in tablets or liquid form. Some algaecides are chemical mixtures, although there are also non-toxic versions on the market as well.
Shocks are normally needed after your pool has been inactive over the winter and are often recommended throughout the swimming season and for algae as well. Shocks are a high-dosage mixture of different chemicals.
Balancers consist of many products including pH increasers or reducers and calcium hardness increasers that help to balance different parts of a pool. Stabilizers or conditioners are used on chlorine based pool sanitization systems to enhance the effectiveness of chlorine.
Many companies offer pool chemical kits complete with all relevant products that you will need to keep your pool clean either throughout the year. As well, you can purchase special kits to be used at the end or start-up of the pool season.
Pool chemical treatment will greatly depend on your preference and your budget. It is wise to research different options and read all relevant literature to make an informed decision. To learn more about the available options, click on the shopping links above to reach some of the leading online suppliers of swimming pool chemicals.

Pool Safety
Here are a few important pool safety tips to help you ensure that you and your pool stay safe this summer.
31) Ensure the pool has been properly installed using correct techniques and materials and be sure all accessories meet local and national building and safety requirements including slides, diving boards, pool alarms, fences and other enclosures.
32) A pool should include many different barriers to ensure a child or animal cannot get into your pool. Some safety barriers include appropriate fencing, a safety cover and pool alarms.
To ensure the pool is clean and bacteria-free, check all water and chemical levels often and rectify as needed.

33) Children should never under any circumstances be left alone in or near spas, pools hot tubs or any place that gathers water. Water should be pumped off existing covers, as they can pose a drowning risk as well.
34) Chemicals should be stored in a place where children cannot access them and should be stored in appropriate places (i.e not next to one another, in certain temperatures etc.) as recommended by your local pool contractor and chemical manufacturer.
35) Chemicals should never be mixed.
36) Ensure when you are dispensing chemicals that you read and follow all appropriate instructions.
37) The appropriate level of sunscreen or sun block should always be worn when outdoors and should be reapplied as often as necessary.
38) It is very wise to have rescue apparatus and a phone accessible when outside in the pool and it is recommended that pool owners receive proper lifesaving certification.
39) No one should ever run, push or play near a pool or ever hold anyone under the water or jump while others are in the pool.
40) No one should ever swim alone in a pool and it is very dangerous to be in a pool or hot tub while intoxicated.
41) Floating toys are not lifejackets or approved flotation devices and should not be used as such.
42) A person diving should know the proper way to dive and know the water's depth before ever diving into a pool. For a pool owner, a diving board should be installed properly, be the right size and length and should be placed in the right spot.
43) If there is any type of rain or inclement weather forecasted, do not swim or be near a pool.
44) Any type of pool cover should be entirely removed before anyone goes swimming in a pool, as being trapped under a partially removed cover is dangerous.
Never have glass near a pool, if it breaks it can cause damage to a pool's liner and injure those walking with barefoot.

Energy Smart Outdoor Pools
Overview Outdoors swimming pools are big energy consumers. Pool owner/ operators spend billions of dollars annually to heat the nation's pools. Much of this energy is often wasted and can be saved with proper management. Wasting energy also contributes to our growing air quality problem. RSPEC! is a national program that asks you to consider measures to Reduce Swimming Pool Energy Costs.
How Pools Lose Heat 
Pools lose energy in a variety of ways, but evaporation is by far the largest source of energy loss for swimming pools. When compared to evaporation, all other losses are small. The reason evaporation has such an impact is that evaporating water requires tremendous amounts of energy. It only takes 1 Btu to raise 1 pound of water 1 degree, but each pound of 80 water that evaporates takes a whopping 1048 Btu's of heat out of the pool. The following diagram illustrates the impact of evaporation on the total energy consumption of the outdoor pool.

Minimize Evaporation Since evaporation is the major source of heat loss for swimming pools, to minimize evaporation, one must cover the pool. Covering your pool when it's not in use is the single most effective way of reducing pool heating costs. Savings of 50-70% are possible. There are many energy management improvements that can be implemented with outdoor pools.
Pool Covers 
Below are three types of pool covers. Refer to the fact sheet on pool covers for more detailed information. Pool covers also provide many other benefits besides saving energy. They conserve make-up water by 30-50% and can reduce chemical consumption. Cleaning time is cut by preventing dirt and other debris from entering the pool. It is highly recommended that the first step to cutting pool energy loss be the evaluation of the economics of using a swimming pool cover. Covers must be managed properly for safety. They should always be completely removed before anyone enters the pool.
Wind Breaks 
One item that can greatly increase evaporation from outdoor pools is wind blowing over the pool. A 7 mph wind at the surface of the pool can increase energy consumption by 300%. Adding trees, shrubs, fences, or other wind break material can significantly lower the heat loss from the pool while it's open. Pool covers are great at stopping evaporation when the pool is closed, but can't do anything to cut evaporation when the pool is open. The windbreak needs to be high enough and close enough to the pool that it doesn't create turbulence over the pool and increase evaporation, but try not to block the sun from shining on the pool.
Solar Heating Systems One of the most cost-effective uses of solar energy is to heat swimming pools. Swimming pools require low temperature heat, which is where solar collectors are most efficient. You can use either unglazed or glazed collectors to heat an outdoor pool, however, unglazed collectors are most commonly used on outdoor pools. If your pool is operated year around and located in a cold climate region, the unglazed systems will not provide much heat in the winter, but may be more cost-effective overall because of their lower initial cost. Glazed systems are more expensive, because they usually have black chrome-plated copper absorber plates, require the use of a non-freezing transfer fluid and a heat exchanger to transfer the solar heat to the swimming pool water. Unglazed systems are usually made of a black plastic or rubber material and the pool water is circulated directly through the collectors. Neither system requires a storage tank. The pool serves as the storage tank.
Solar pool heating systems can provide up to 100% of your pool heating needs. They are also much simpler to install than are other forms of solar systems. The combination of a solar pool heating system and the use of a cover at night can greatly extend the length of your swimming season with minimal operating costs.
High Efficiency Heaters If you plan to purchase a conventional pool heating system, shop around for a high efficiency pool heater. High efficiency gas heating systems are available with steady state efficiencies as high as 97%. Electric heat pump pool heaters are also available with coefficients of performance (COPs) in the 6.0-8.0 range when operated in warm weather. A COP of 6.0 is 600% more efficient than an electric resistance heater.
Efficient Pumps and Motors 
Using properly sized energy-efficient pumps and motors when replacing older pumps and motors, or when designing new pools, can significantly lower the electrical consumption of pool operating costs. Motors use many times their initial cost in electrical consumption over their life and can often consume several times their cost in the first year alone. The energy savings from an energy efficient motor can pay for itself in a very short time.
Efficient Lighting 
Replace inefficient incandescent lamps with high efficiency compact fluorescents. They consume 1/2 to 1/3 the amount of electricity and last 10 times as long as standard incandescent lamps. Replace standard fluorescent ballasts and lamps with electronic ballasts and T-8 lamps. They will reduce consumption by 30%. The initial cost of energy efficient lighting is more, but the combination of the energy savings and labor savings on replacement will far offset that initial cost in most cases where lights are on for several hours per day or night. Outdoor areas can be lit with high intensity discharge (HID) lamps. They offer high efficiency and high output. Install motion detectors in areas like shower/dressing areas and rest rooms or on security lighting. They will not only save energy, but will startle would-be intruders.
Water Efficiency Reduce water heating costs in the shower area by lowering shower temperatures to 95. It will not only lower energy costs, but will shorten the amount of time people spend under the shower producing further savings. Install low-flow showerheads and automatic shut-off valves on showers to reduce water consumption and conserve energy. Inslate the shower water heater to further reduce water heating costs.
Efficient Operation 
Consider carefully the temperature that you keep the pool water. Each degree rise in the temperature can cost you an additional 10%. The National Swimming Pool Foundation recommends 78-80 for active swimming and 82-84 for general use. It's a myth that it takes more energy to heat a pool up when you turn the temperature down than you save by lowering the temperature or by turning off the heater. Turn the temperature down, or turn off the heater whenever the pool will not be used for several days. Experiment to determine how long it takes to heat it back up. Lowering the temperature and raising it back up again always saves more energy than keeping it at a constant temperature. Keep all the intake grates clear of foreign debris. Clogged drains require the pump to work harder. Don't backwash your filter more frequently than necessary. Backwashing too frequently wastes water, while not backwashing wastes energy by requiring the pump to work harder.
For residential pools, reduce filtration time to 6 hours/day. If the water doesn't appear clean, increase the time in half-hour increments until you get the desired results. You can automate this by installing a time clock for daily pump operation.
Tune up your pool heater annually. A properly maintained pool heater is more efficient.
Courtesy of U.S. Department of Energy

HEALTHY INDOOR POOL ENVIRONMENT

Dehumidifier Basics Almost all indoor pools have some type of mechanical HVAC equipment. Most modern pools have a commercial dehumidifier which, depending on its size, is specially designed to eliminate up to several hundred pounds of moisture per hour from the natatorium air. Besides dehumidifying the natatorium to approximately 50 percent relative humidity (RH), many dehumidifiers also provide air conditioning for the space and use heat recovery to heat the pool water.
Keeping the space relatively dry at 50 percent RH is critical not only for the integrity of the building structure, but also for the general health of the occupants. Some older facilities have conventional air conditioning equipment, which can’t handle the excessive humidity of indoor pools. Depending on the season and geographical location, conventional air conditioning typically can’t provide 50 percent RH all year long.
Modern dehumidifiers (from as early as the 1980s) have a microprocessor controller with a read-out, which indicates room and pool conditions, plus the diagnostics and operating status of the unit. Daily monitoring and recording will indicate any abnormal operating conditions such as high RH and temperature variances. This controller is mounted either on the unit, in the mechanical room, near the pool or located remotely in an administrator’s office.
A dehumidifier is not a typical piece of equipment that an HVAC service contractor services regularly; therefore, hotel facility managers shouldn’t automatically assume that it was installed properly or correctly maintained. For example, many dehumidifiers are designed to recover heat and thus provide free heating for pool water. However, there are many incidences where the pool water circulation system was never connected to the unit. This can cost a facility thousands of dollars in pool water heating costs because the back-up boiler becomes the only pool heater.
A certified refrigeration technician should service a dehumidifier and a recreational facility manager should keep a maintenance checklist. Some manufacturers supply maintenance checklists as part of the machinery manual.
Here’s an example of a general checklist:
• Air filters should be replaced monthly.• Fan belts should have proper tension, because loose belts can diminish airflow. Overly tight belts can result in blower damage.• The condensation drain pan should be cleaned semi-annually.
• Older model dehumidifiers have motor bearings and/or blower bearings that should be greased annually. Newer models may have permanently sealed assemblies that need no lubricants.
Keeping your senses, such as sight, hearing and smell, aware can help provide the best deterrent for emerging IAQ problems. Problems may be indicated by mechanical equipment noises, uncomfortable IAQ, atypical chemical odors, condensation on windows or visible building damage such as crumbling brick and discolorations on walls or ceilings.
Another recommended natatorium rule-of-thumb is to maintain a 1 to 2 degree differential between water and room temperature. For example, a pool water temperature of 82ºF usually dictates keeping the room temperature at about 84ºF. These temperatures and set points should be accessible via the dehumidifier controller readout.
Building and Airflow Problems While the dehumidifier typically is blamed for any condensation problems, 80 to 90 percent of these problems are due to poor architectural and airflow designs or installation mistakes.
For example, the American Society of Heating, Refrigerating, and Air Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE) has established standards indicating that vapor retarders — plastic films or other materials that reduce the amount of pool area moisture migrating through the walls, ceiling or floors of the structure — should completely surround the natatorium without any breaks. But many retrofits of dysfunctional natatoriums have revealed gaps, tears or improper seals in vapor retarders. It’s not rare for this essential natatorium building material to be completely missing. Uncontrolled moisture migration can cause dampness within the structure and possible biological IAQ issues, such as mold and mildew.
Airflow problems are very common in natatoriums. Fogged or wet windows are leading indicators of airflow problems. Supply air diffusers should be within a foot of all windows with exterior exposure. The air should cover the entire surface of the glass. Overhead ductwork may not be sufficient when windows span a wall from the deck to a high ceiling. Smart architects use under floor ductwork along with overhead ductwork aimed at the bottom and top of the window surfaces, respectively. Improper ductwork installation, especially near the dehumidifier, can create airflow reductions in both supply and return airflow.
Chemicals and Pool Water Chemistry The easiest precaution a hotel facility manager can implement is storing pool chemicals in a separately ventilated space away from mechanical equipment. Whether covered or uncovered, these chemicals can cause IAQ problems and prematurely corrode most metal. Therefore, chemicals should be stored in their own designated space and not in a mechanical room.
Proper water chemistry is a complex and in-depth topic, but hotel pool facility managers should understand chemical balances and the dangers, especially regarding chloramines production, which exists when water chemistry is neglected.
Besides the imminent health risks to occupants, equipment can be severely damaged by prolonged exposure to chloramines. Typically, all dehumidifiers and other equipment manufactured for indoor pool applications have protective coatings and other safeguards which protect against moisture and corrosives. However, any type of mechanical equipment cannot withstand prolonged exposure to excessive chloramines, which result from poor water chemistry.
All parts of the natatorium must work together to ensure proper care and maintenance of your pool facility. A hotel manager can prevent most IAQ problems by controlling the building construction, the mechanical systems and the pool water chemistry.