2/16/2011

A Better Pool

Asking for some of these items on a pool will have very little impact on the initial cost but will improve both the sustainability of the pool and the water quality in addition to lower operating costs. We have not included an automatic cover in this list because the majority of new residential pools in our area have covers. 

What
Why
Six hour turn over
A six hour turnover is the standard for every commercial pool, why should your customers have anything less? Especially when the incremental costs for this standard is probably less than $300 for a pool. Better circulation means you are filtering organic material rather than treating with chemicals.  It also reduces the time to open a pool and improves the water quality. 
A return every 20 feet
Stagnant areas in the pool are potential breeding grounds for algae.  Proper distribution of the return water costs very little, improves water quality and helps to eliminate temperature variations in the water.  
Variable speed pumps
These pumps have four important benefits: lower operating costs, higher reliability, greater versatility, and when operating they make as much noise as a human whisper. 
Cartridge filters
A cartridge filter can be easily cleaned on site, filters out smaller organic material than a sand filter and does not require backwashing.  A sand filter requires backwashing periodically to clean the filter. This wastes hundreds of gallons of pool water every time the filter is backwashed. The make up water must then be balanced and reheated. Has your make up water (source) been tested? Testing your source water for metals (copper, iron, manganese), along with all other water conditions, is critical and often overlooked.
LED lights
LED lights last five times longer than normal incandescent pool lights and use about 25% of the energy. In addition, they can provide color lighting which adds to the pool’s enjoyment and atmosphere for the owner.
Flow meter
You cannot confirm proper flow for either turnover or a variable speed pump without a flow meter. It costs a pool builder less than $70 and they can be installed at the time of the installation.

You should also consider:
  1. Soil tests in the initial design stages of the project.
  2. Electronic water level controllers
  3. What is your policy on backfilling of the pool excavation with expansive soils?
  4. Rigid PVC vs. flex tubing for plumbing.  Which is best for your project?
  5. Pressure side vs. suction side vs. robotic pool cleaners.
  6. Spare cartridges for a cartridge filter.
  7. Chlorine generation or a UV system for pool sanitization. 

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