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Variable Speed Pool Pumps – The Future of Swimming Pools

By choosing the proper pump, Swimming pool owners can expect savings of at least $400/year.

Only the energy-wise owners of swimming pools truly understand the high energy consumption of their own pool and spa.  In fact, it’s actually one of the largest electricity guzzling appliances they have in their house.  The reason is that most pool and spa pumps are built using an out-dated single speed motor that runs at a preset speed and horsepower.  In the past, energy supply has been plentiful and energy saving efforts have not been considered – a norm in the swimming pool industry.

My existing pool pump is using how much electricity? A recent study found that to operate California’s 1.2 million swimming pools consumes approximately the same production as one nuclear power or two conventional energy plants (study by Davis Energy Group for Pacific Gas & Electric – 2004).  Imagine the energy usage of ALL the swimming pools across the United States, and how this much impact our energy conservation efforts.  Arizona too has an incredible count of private swimming pools per home, which is why Arizona pool contractors are switching to these incredible new pumps.

The solution? Pumps that work smarter, not harder.

 In the recent years, there have been some dramatic improvements in the pool industry – regarding pool pumps and swimming pool motors.  The variable drive, variable speed pool and spa pump has revolutionized the pool industry and its efforts to save and conserve power.  Designed and manufactured to use less energy, these new pumps are using permanent magnetic motors.  The standard induction motors used in swimming pools actually use more than 30% more electricity than the new permanent magnetic motors. By simply programming the pump to work at the least required speed for each pool task (heating, cleaning, filtration, water features, etc.) energy reduction can be as much as 90%!

By operating a swimming pool pump at its slowest speed needed to complete a job, it will drastically reduce the energy consumed (merely because it takes less energy to move water slowly than quickly).  Did you know?  The simple reduction of speed by 1/2 can reduce the energy necessary to 1/8 – to perform the same pool task.  Simply put, these new pumps allow the pool and spa owner to program and “dial in” the pump speed to achieve the minimum electricity use.

Energy Savings of $620 to $1,350

According to Pentair Pool Products, their IntelliFlo® and IntelliPro™ variable drive pumps routinely reduce energy use up to 90%, depending on the models and circumstances for average savings of $620 to $1,350 annually.  Many swimming pool owners are having their out-dated pumps replaced because the huge financial savings will actually pay for the new variable speed pump. 

Energy delivery charges are even higher in Arizona, and with Phoenix’s huge pool and spa count, this new pool pump has become an absolute necessity for pool contractors in Phoenix when designing swimming pools.  California’s revolution to eco-friendly products makes owning an power efficient pump even more necessary.

Specific Examples of how IntelliFlo Pentair pumps can be designed in your swimming pool:

First and foremost, this pump can be used for an in-ground cleaning system pump, and it’s set at 3100 RPM, which is equivalent to a two horsepower pump.  The same pool pump can be throttled down to a one-half horsepower swimming pool pump to circulate & clean the water of the swimming pool.  Imagine a low and high speed hot tub jet mode… this can be set up with a variable speed pump, some simple pool automation systems, and the press of a button!)  Another common use is the setting to control the flow volume of a waterfall or pool water feature (it is also known to be used by high end residential Phoenix landscaping companies to manage the sound & flow of detailed landscape waterfalls or waterfeatures).  The IntelliFlo Pentair pump can be programmed for two speeds (actually more) -  giving the owner a low speed waterfall for a quiet evening outdoors, or you can ramp the speed up for FULL THROTTLE for a family gathering!

Nation’s Economy – Greatly Affecting Small Businesses

six decades, there are many industries that are adversely affected, but go undiscussed~A large quantity of industries and small businesses are struggling indirectly because of this nation’s economic recession~The largest recession that U.S. residents and businesses have seen in the past sixty years continues to indirectly affect many industries}.  The housing market and stock market have been some of the most talked about issues, while the banking and financing business follows a tight second.  Many of these industries are inter-related in some way, but many major industries that affect millions of Americans are not far off.

On of the most affected areas of the country is Phoenix, AZ, which most will concur has suffered great losses in home values.  Financial assistance applicants are quickly finding out that their home is valued at 20 to 40% less than what it was just 24 months before.  Lack of home equity has caused many owners to just walk away from their homes, in fact, bank foreclosures are at their highest ever. 

Just when Americans think they have not been affected by this national recession, they find out they are incorrect.  By keeping their money out of the stock market, many homeowners desire to keep their money in their homes and home improvements.  This home improvement loan generally comes from a local bank, credit union, or credit agency.  As of lately, most potential buyers have not had these financing programs available for many home improvements, swimming pools, or landscape projects.

One of the largest industries hit in Phoenix has been the pool and spa construction business, who mainly relies on financing and home improvement loans for customers.  Without the aid of financial loans, these buyers are either unable to purchase a swimming pool, or end up purchasing a much smaller, less-expensive pool.  Many Phoenix pool companies have closed their doors, while others have down-sized, tightened their spending, and diversified into other venues of construction.  Some pool and spa companies have diversified into other venues such as pool remodeling, general construction, and even landscaping.  General contractors have entirely gone into other fields, such as sales, marketing, or consulting.  By offering other landscape features such as outdoor kitchens, Phoenix barbecue grills, fire pits, and paver patios, many Phoenix Landscaping Contractors are producing additional money.

Unique Landscapes and Custom Pools, a pool and landscape Phoenix contractor, figured out how to diversify it’s products and services many years ago.  As Phoenix landscape and pool builders, along with a general contractor license, Unique Companies are able to provide its customers with many facets of residential landscaping and swimming pools.  “By diversifying several years ago into swimming pools, landscaping and general construction, our construction company has been able to keep our heads above water during these difficult times.  However, the inability for our serious customers to get construction lending or loans has been devastating.”

“It’s difficult to think about all the money that was given to banking industry just a year ago for these loans, and now it’s difficult for our customers, who want to buy our products, to get this aid” remarks business owner Chris Griffin, of Unique Landscapes and Custom Pools in Mesa, AZ.  Maybe it’s time for the government to look a little further into some of the struggles of the smaller companies that are greatly affected by this struggling economy.  “Phoenix pool financing is getting better” remarks Griffin, “I can’t quite see the end of the tunnel, but I can faintly see the light”.

Concrete Swimming Pools

Summer is the time to enjoy your swimming pool and Salt Water Chlorinators are making them much easier to maintain. Reduced handling of chemicals and cost effieciency are boosting salt water systems reputation. Traditional chlorine erosion feeder may be cheaper in initial installation, but this process will continually make chlorine without having to do manual tablet-adding in the feeder. However, while the cost is higher in the beginning, during a period of time, pool caretakers will see a decrease in the price of tri-chlor tabs or hypochlorite tabs, and also transportation prices and storage.

Automatically transform small amounts of any standard non-iodized table salt or watre softener grade salt into chlorine with Salt Water Chlorinators: more popularly known as Salt Chlorine Generators. You only need to add one teaspoon of salt per gallon of pool water. Salt Chlorine Generators mean that all the trivial and time consuming tasks involved in keeping a swimming pool clean are reduced and you can enjoy your clean and clear swimming pool. In order to keep your swimming pool sanitized and free from algae, the use of Salt Chlorine Generators that automatically convert into chlorine small amounts of ordinary table salt or water softener grades of salt is recommended. One teaspoon of salt for each gallon of water in the pool is all that is necessary.

Swimming Pool Salt chlorine generators makes purchasing, moving, and lifting chlorine something in the past. It functions by changing a little amount of salt into a pure version of chlorine that cleans your water, which then automatically turns back into salt again, prepared the the following sanitation cycle. Salt Chlorine Generators are the most simple method for you to clean your pool and keep the water totally clear.

Swimming pools in the future are likely to be santized through the use of saltwater chlorinators. There are a lot of benefits of using saltwater chlorine generation. In the last decade Saltwater Chlorination made its mark in the United States. It is very popular because it is easy to take care of, water standard and it is simple to manage algae.l

If you are considering installing a pool in your yard, then you may have been looking at different inground pool designs. For example, the construction materials you choose to use will have an impact on what type you decide on. Pools can be constructed from concrete, vinyl or fiberglass and all types come with different pricing. The design of an inground pool can complement any type of yard, from small to sprawling.

Lots of useful info is available online, covering construction materials, the construction procedure, available accessories such as ladders, swimming pool lights, and the the time it will take to finish the job. Spas and waterfalls are nice extras and can transform your backyard into a peaceful private retreat. You will also find more specific information such as how to go about choosing a pool liner or how to erect a safety fence.

The area you live in can have an impact on what type of construction materials are chosen. Concrete or gunite, for example, will not withstand colder temperatures. As the earth freezes, breaks will appear in the structure and require repair. Fiberglass is the best choice for colder parts of the country. There are numerous styles and shapes available with spas, waterfalls and other accessories. Fiberglass is easier to look after than a conventional concrete pool since there is no need to balance acid and base chemicals. Fiberglass resists algae and needs less cleaning and general upkeep. The total cost of a fiberglass pool will also be much less than a pool constructed out of concrete or gunite because is less labor intensive to install. Of course, the cost will vary depending upon which design and extras you decide on. 

A great site to start your search is the In The Swim website which has a huge variety of products and lots of “how to” articles. They have a wider choice of design and supplies than any other store with over 2,500 items to choose from.

It’s also worth taking the time to speak to different pool companies that are in your local area and see what swimming pools and services they have to offer. Enjoy making your dream come true. Ask lots of questions to make sure you end up with exactly what you’re looking for. You’ll want to enjoy your investment for many years.

People enjoy their swimming, whether it’s at the beach or at the pool. Many homeowners have recently installed their own pool facilities for their convenience and pleasure. It’s definitely a good place for the whole family to exercise, relax and enjoy swimming activities. However, problems can occur when the water gets dirty and the equipment doesn’t function well because of poor maintenance.

Owners must always consider and prioritize their pool’s maintenance, because without the correct attention and care, things will deteriorate fast and it may become a health hazard. Your family members and friends aren’t going to have a good time if their eyes hurt because of the water or if their skin itches because of the chemicals or if their feet slip on slimy floors or if they have to swim with leaves and unwanted muck. To {stop these things from occuring}~avoid these things and maintain the beauty, safety and life of the swimming pool, owners must follow a maintenance schedule. Here are some basic ideas and information on how to maintain a well-functioning pool.

Certain equipment should be checked periodically in order to avoid more extensive repairs in the future.

1.  Always clean and take out that has found its way into the pool on a daily basis. This includes leaves, soil, insects and general dirt.

2.  Check the chemicals in the water at least twice a week and ensure that there is no unhealthy imbalance.

3.  Use algae preventive chemicals or mixture and clean the walls and floor, at least weekly to ensure that slime doesn’t grow in your pool.

4.  Have a water sample tested each month by a professional testing service to ensure there are no harmful bacteria or chemicals in the water.

5.  On a regular basis check that all ladders, diving boards, slides, etc., are correctly bolted and tightened. Replace them straight away if they become dangerous due to rust or decomposition. Make sure your swimming pool cover is still intact.

6.  Every summer:

- wash out your filters and drains to stop them from clogging up and remove any dirt that has accumulated

- check where you store your pool equipment for unwanted dirt or materials that may contaminate your cleaning materials

- make sure that all electrical connections are safe and secured and equipment such as swimming pool pumps are working efficiently.

It’s sensible not to take the health and safety of your pool users for granted. Make their welfare a top concern by ensuring that your swimming pool is clean and perfectly maintained by checking and adjusting equipment, chemical balance and the water system, as described above. Carrying out regular swimming pool maintenance and check-ups will pay dividends in the long run. Proper care on a regular basis will keep problems at bay. 

These days, above ground pools are considerably more advanced than that vinyl splash pool you played in as a child. There are lots of reasons why they are gaining in popularity over in-ground pools. For example, they are considerably less costly. They are simple to set up. Yet they have a lot of the same elements and benefits of their in-ground counterparts.

Above ground residential swimming pools are made with a galvanized steel frame. A special coating on the metal makes it rust resistant. With proper maintenance, it will last a long time. The pools are designed to withstand the high levels of pressure associated with so much water. They are also impervious to the effects of the most active of water sports.

Up to date materials are used to make the interior hard-wearing and good-looking. Composite resins are difficult if not impossible to puncture. Even the potent chemicals that are used for pool maintenance won’t harm them. Plus, it’s easy to clean this type of material.

To get in and out of the pool, you’ll need a ladder. Today’s ladders are manufactured from durable resin or plastic and are much less likely to break. As well, they can’t rust like chrome ladders might. A simple plastic ladder doesn’t cost a lot and will last a long time. A fun addition is a slide at the top of the ladder. Even your dog can join you in the pool if you purchase a pet ladder.

To keep your pool free of leaves and stray bits of garbage, you need to use a pool cover. As well, swimming pool covers can be a colorful feature of your pool. They’re fabricated from tough PVC to make an efficient covering for your pool. There are standard tarps that are attached to the pool. More advanced covers employ a rod and reel mechanism to simplify the effort. Automatic pool covers are the easiest. Simply press a button and the pool cover starts rolling up. A solar pool cover is also a practical item. This uses the sun’s heat to help reduce the expense of heating your pool.

Another accessory that has made above ground pools more popular is the motorized filter unit. The filter is placed on the ground where it’s not in the way, and has a hose that goes into the pool. The hose takes water from the pool and passes it through the filter. After which it goes back into the pool.

It’s quite apparent why above ground pools are becoming more and more popular when you compare them to in-ground pools.

Above Ground Swimming Pool Build

The winter is the time of year when lots of people begin to think about their summer holidays, particularly when the weather is as cold as it has been. But the colder months are also the best time of year to build your own swimming pool.

The current world-wide economic downturn is forcing many people to reconsider their planned house moves as the value of property continues to fall. Uncertainty in the housing market is leading to many people looking at their existing homes and considering ways that they can enhance their property. Rooms in the roof, extensions, new kitchens and garden makeovers are all excellent ways to make the most of your current property, give you the space that you need and improve the quality of your life. Another is to build a swimming pool in your garden.

Lots of people think that swimming pool building is a project that is best carried out in warmer weather. But building during the cooler months brings a number of advantages. You will find that out-of-season swimming pool pricing can be very favourable indeed, providing some significant savings over the prices charged during the peak months. Swimming pool availability is another factor that is influenced by the time of year. You’ll find it easier to find the pool that you want during the off-peak, low-demand period of the year. Also, delivery and installation can be more favourable outside of the peak summer months.

The big advantage is that your new swimming pool will have been installed and ready to use as soon as the weather turns that little bit warmer in the spring. As soon as that warm weather appears you can be sure that your swimming pool supplier and installer will be immensely busy with a backlog of orders and installations to fulfil.

My advice to anyone who has been toying with the idea of having their own swimming pool installed in their garden is to gather a few quotes from reputable swimming pool suppliers now. You should be able to negotiate a substantial discount and get yourself a bargain pool installed and ready for some summer fun.

With the weather beginning to get us all down I have been looking into the possibility of installing a swimming pool in the garden in readiness for the great summer we are hoping to have!

There are many on the market now and there is a lot to learn about the various types there are to buy.

Some of the fairly popular swimming pools are the above ground variety. They come in many colours and designs starting at really quite basic to quite luxurious.  One thing to bear in mind is that a ladder would be required to get in and out of these types of pools which might not be ideal for the young or the elderly.

Overall I think that the pools which are built into the ground are the favourite option for most home owners. It is possible to get more depth with these which is obviously an advantage.

Naturally there is usually a certain amount of maintenance with either type of these pools. It is extremely important to make sure that the swimming pool filters, pumps and any mechanical parts are regularly maintained.

Of course when your new pool is first put in it looks so inviting. Just sitting there admiring the look of the cool clean water which appears to be saying “come on in” on a hot summers day! It is not always appreciated however how much it takes to maintain a swimming pool to a high standard.

Swimming pool chemicals are a must when it comes to keeping the pool in a healthy condition. There are Chlorine and Bromine feeders and it seems that with the aid of the systems on offer nowadays there is really no excuse for not keeping your pool in pristine condition.

There is nothing much worse than the look of a neglected pool. It will in fact become a breeding ground to mosquitoes and other pests which in fact carry diseases. It would be a wise precaution to get a cover for your new pool and keep it clean from the start.

So weighing up the pros and I think this will be a brilliant idea and something to look forward to in the summer months ahead.