What Type of Finish Should I Select for My New Concrete Swimming Pool?

We receive many questions about the different types of concrete pool finishes.  This blog entry will provide information on the different types of pool finishes.

Over the past months we have talked about pool safety, how to keep your pool clean including the benefits of salt systems over traditional chlorine systems as well as the latest applications and equipment to make caring for your pool quick and easy.  We have discussed the pros and cons of concrete versus vinyl liner pools and posted a video about the Hilltop family.

  This week we are covering the different types of surfaces that can be applied to concrete pools.  Surface applications on pools have come a long way since the first pool in Mohenjo-Daro (the “Great Bath”) built in the 3^rd millennium.  That pool was lined with brick and covered with a tar-based sealant.  Today the pool owner has a variety of interior products to choose from.

For years the concrete shell of a swimming pool was covered with a standard white plaster.  But first let’s get a better understanding of what plaster is made from.  The National Plasterers Council defines plaster in their Seventh Edition Technical Manual as:

1.      A combination of cement, aggregate, and water, with or without other admixtures that when mixed thoroughly, placed properly and finished accordingly, form a desired decorative aesthetic that is maintainable and a watertight finish applied over the shell of the swimming pool. 

2.      A mixture consisting essentially of a cementitious material or materials, fine aggregate and water that forms a plastic mass.  When applied to a surface the mixture adheres to it and subsequently hardens.

Beyond classic white plaster is colored plaster; the coloring is achieved by mixing the plaster with additives called pigments to create various colors.  Something to consider when choosing colored plaster is that the characteristics of the hand troweled plaster will be more pronounced.  Keep in mind that some colors may tend to fade in time.  Also, despite that fact that you may see more color unevenness, streaks, check crack or crazing, these are not considered defects in the pool surface.

To create more interesting pools, surface applicators added quartz sand to the mixture.  Quartz is rock formed from cooling magna or molten rock.  The quartz is mixed with marble sand and pozzolans and polymers that help strengthen the mixture.  Quartz is a harder, skid resistant, textured surface.  Priced slightly higher than white/colored plaster, quartz offers a more durable surface.

Many people prefer a more natural looking pool, to achieve this plasterers use a product that has been infused with small pebbles.  These pebbles are mined all over the world and come in several sizes ranging from 1/2cm to 1/8cm and a variety of colors.  Pricing on a pebble finish is based on the size of the pebbles, the smaller the pebble the higher the price.  Also, certain pebbles are more difficult to find (bright blues, reds, blacks), so a darker color pebble will also increase the price.  Many client's are selecting the pebble application because of the longer warranties.

After shooting the plaster, mixed with the pebbles, the applicators then hand trowel the surface working it into a smooth finish.  As they apply pressure the tiny pebbles are compacted and pushed into the plaster mix.  At first the pebbles are not visible; this is because as they are troweling the mix, the water in the mixture is coming to the surface.  The water appears to be a milky color.  This is called the cream.   Once the walls are sufficiently worked they are rinsed with clear water and the pebbles become more visible. 

There’s one additional step in this application to bring out the brilliance of the pebble finish.  The day following the application, a diluted solution of Muriatic Acid is washed over the entire surface which brings out the natural color of the pebbles.   You can begin filling your swimming pool with water.

The photo below show how the pebbles appear in a pool with water.  The one below, with the umbrella sleeve almost appears to be a sandy beach.

 Another choice that homeowners have is something offered by Pebble Technology, Inc.  Bead Crete® is a product where solid, static; glass spheres have been mixed with the plaster to create a 3-dimensional effect.    The beads look great in natural and artificial light as the beads reflect  light  adding a shimmering effect to the water as if bringing it to life.  This is one way to get a little sparkle into your pool.

Because these pebble finishes are skid resistant, some people do not like they way they feel when sitting in a spa.  Wet Edge Technologies® has a solution for that.   They have developed a process where they use one product in the pool and then Primera Stone in the spa.  Primera Stone still gives the natural look that homeowners desire but it has been polished to a smooth finish.

Regardless of the type of finish you select for your concrete pool, remember that to keep your pool looking great and working properly it is VERY important for you to maintain proper water chemistry.   Check out our prior blogs for more information about water chemistry by clicking: http://hilltoppools.blogspot.com/2012/05/balancing-guidlines.html.

Have a Great Monday!

The Staff of Hilltop Pools and Spas, Inc.



Our Feature from Home and Style TV!

Hilltop Pools and Spas, Inc. was featured on Home and Style TV over the weekend.  Enjoy!

iPod, iPhone, iPad….iPool?

Every day there seems to be a new application popping up to make our lives a bit more fun or in some cases, a little easier.  In this case, the arduous task of taking care of our swimming pool now has a new application.  This application can be run from our PC, iPod, iPhone or even our iPad. 

For a while we have been able to purchase automated chemical management systems for our residential swimming pools.  These systems are similar to the ones that are used in commercial pools, hotels, housing complexes and even water parks.  They are programmable chemical feeders that will automatically dispense chemicals into to the pool to help keep it clean, clear and safe to use. 

We all know how important it is to have a suitable swimming environment for our bathers and now this process is simpler.  For example, let’s use the Pentair IntelliChem™ as an example.  This system has a sensing device that will test the water for pH and ORP (Oxidation-Reduction Potential). ORP monitors the effectiveness of the sanitizer. The level of sanitizer in the pool must be maintained in order to keep bathers comfortable. At the same time the pH level of the water needs to be maintained to make sure the sanitizer is working effectively.  You do not want any of the chemicals to damage the equipment or build up scale on the interior of the pool, and you can see how difficult this may be for someone to properly maintain their pool water.  Automation to the rescue!

Okay, to put this in the simplest terms, after the water passes though the filter, it is directed to the flow cell where the pH and the ORP are tested. The IntelliChem system is already programmed with the ideal chemical readings that the swimming pool should meet.  The system, by way of an algorithm (a mathematical equation) determines if your pool water is in balance.  (For more information on this algorithm search the internet for Langelier Saturation Index.) Based on the final reading, the system knows whether your pool needs to add any chemicals.  The needed chemicals are then added by the automatic chemical feeder. 

If the pH registers high, muriatic acid will be added and if the chlorine is out of whack it will also be adjusted.  If you are running a salt system the Pentair IntelliChlor® will calculate the adjustments needed to keep the pool water properly sanitized.

The great part about this is now there are applications that you can install on your PC, iPod, iPhone or even your iPad to monitor your pool from anywhere.  Some of these applications even allow you to control your heater, lights and other devices in your backyard oasis.

Be sure to ask one of our Design Consultants how you can get a free iPad for your new swimming pool.  :-)

Happy Monday!

By:  Sharon Davidson

Hilltop Pools and Spas, Inc. 



Chlorine or Salt Swimming Pool?

What do I do now?

Now that you have decided to purchase a swimming pool for the family, you need to decide if you want to use a saline system or chlorination.

For years chlorine was used to keep pool water clean, clear and safe for swimmers.  However, bathers had to deal with the smell, the bleached out swim suits, handling toxic chemicals and occasional green hair.  Indoor pools also experienced poor air quality as chemical smells permeated the enclosed space.

Salt systems are gaining more recognition due to the overall cost savings and the trend toward more eco-friendly lifestyles. They still use a chlorinator to treat the pool water; they do this by a process called electrolysis.  A device called a chlorine generator (salt cell) is installed on the pool’s filtration system.

A small electric current breaks down the water into its basic elements (H₂O) Hydrogen and Oxygen as it passes through the salt cell. The salt mixing with the elements produces Hypochlorous Acid (Chlorine - Cl).  In the end the Acid is converted back into salt. Which means it is not necessary to continually add salt. Most pools only need to add salt a couple of times a year.

Wondering if your pool will be as salty as the ocean?  No, the US Department of Interior website states that the salinity of ocean water is about 35,000 parts per million (ppm) and the level of your pool is between 2500 and 4000 ppm.  You won’t even taste salt till the level reaches about 5000 ppm and human tears are about 9000 ppm.  Many swimmers, especially those with sensitive skin, prefer the feel of a salt system on their skin and hair.  

Salt is salt, is salt; except when it comes to your pool.  The type of salt used in your pool is important to keep any stains from occurring.  Basically, all salt (Sodium Chloride – NaCl) is the same chemical element, but where the salt is obtained and how it is produced can be important.  Salt deposits from underground mines, saline ponds that are left to dry out in the sun and salt that is mechanically evaporated can contain impurities or contaminants such as Manganese, iron and copper. These impurities can cause staining in a pool.   

Another way to determine the purity of the salt is to look at the shape, the more irregular the shape of the salt crystals the greater chance that there are impurities that could be trapped in the salt crystals themselves.   It is a good idea to check with your salt supplier to find out where and how the salt was made. Most suppliers should be able to provide a product specification sheet that will list the level of stain causing minerals.  Be sure to never use salt intended for water conditioning equipment or rock salt as they contain additives and impurities that you do not want in your swimming pool. 

When starting up a brand new plastered pool, be sure to wait 28 days before adding salt.  This will give the plaster time to cure. For more information on plaster pools check out www.npconline.org.

Maintaining your salt pool is similar to your chlorine pool with the one exception that you do not have to add chemicals as often.  As stated before you only need to top off the salt in the salt cell once or twice a year.   Monthly you will want to turn off the pool, remove the salt cell and clean it with a solution of 1 part muriatic acid and 2 parts water.  Brushing the cell will help to keep calcium deposits from clogging up the water flow. 

There are many reasons to purchase a salt system with your new pool.  Not only do they give you a healthier swimming experience and safer maintenance (no toxic chemicals to deal with) but they are easier to maintain and fit into the eco friendly lifestyle of today.  So when you are obtaining your quote for your new pool be sure to investigate the addition of a salt system.

New Concrete and Vinyl Liner Swimming Pool Specials

Please check out our current specials.  :-)  We are very excited to launch the new Pentair products.

These specials are the best of the season, and will expire on June 31st, 2012.

Concrete Swimming Pool Specials:

Vinyl Liner Swimming Pool Specials:

Happy Tuesday!

Your Friends at Hilltop Pools and Spas, Inc.

Things to Consider Before Building a Swimming Pool

You’ve made the decision to build a pool in your backyard for your family.

Now what? 

First, what type of pool are you considering (vinyl liner, concrete, both)?  There are pro’s and con’s to all types of pools.  The decision typically comes down to budget.

Listed below are the various types of pools with some of the pros and cons of each.

Vinyl Liner Pro’s:

·         Vinyl liner pools tend to be less expensive.

·         You can purchase a larger pool for the amount of money.

Vinyl Liner Con’s:

·    The life of a vinyl liner is roughly about 8-12 years.  This depends on how well you care for your pool.  We receive many questions about vinyl liner replacement costs.  The price is based on the size and shape of the pool you install.  The larger the pool, the more expensive the replacement will be.

Concrete Pro’s:

·    Concrete pools look more natural and can be customized to your vision.  Because concrete pools are priced based on square footage, we can design your pool to meet your needs and fulfill your vision. 

·    Concrete pools have longer warranties.  If you go with the pebble interior, most brands offer you a 15 year warranty on the interior.  That’s HUGE!

Concrete Con’s:

·     Concrete pools are more expensive. 

·     Some people are concerned with the texture of the concrete pools.  When kids swim for hours, the texture of the bottom may be rough on their feet.

Second, you should consider where you would like the pool to be located. When considering location, there are some things you should keep in mind.

·       Is your home on sewer or septic? If you are on septic you need to know the location of your tank and the field. Septic drawings can be obtained from your local Environmental Health office.  Any septic that falls in your desired pool location will need to be moved, which is a cost to consider.

Third, now is the time to decide on what size pool you desire.

Some say “bigger is better” others say small is more manageable and costs less.

The Association of Pool and Spa Professionals (APSP) once stated that 40 square feet of pool surface per swimmer and 100 square foot per diver was adequate. 

Another factor to consider is if you will be adding a diving board or jump rock.  If you desire these items, then your pool must comply with the diving specifications. 

We have found that pools between 500-550 square feet are the most popular.

You may find your budget will determine what size pool you purchase. No matter what size, your family will enjoy their time together and the many healthy benefits of owning a swimming pool.

Fourth, your next consideration is the shape. You may want a simple rectangle or a freeform pool. Keep in mind your yard shape and the percentage of impervious surface may dictate what shape and size you can have. Impervious area is calculated based on how much of your property is covered by structure.  The percentage allowed differs from county to county.

Fifth, your final choice in your new pool decision is quite possibly the most important, the pool builder.

Everybody’s eye is on the bottom line these days but remember the cost of maintaining, repairing and the life expectancy of all pools is directly proportional to the manufacturing and installation cost. “You get what you pay for.”

You want to look for someone who has all the necessary licenses and insurance, a company who has been around for a while and will stand behind their work. You want a company that has a good rating with the BBB and other online rating sites (i.e. Kudzu.com)

Hilltop Pools and Spas, Inc. has been in business for over 36 years, with the same name, same location and same family owned business. Check us out at www.kudzu.com and see what customers say and you’ll see why we have a 5-star rating on Kudzu and an A+ BBB rating.

Happy Swimming!

The Staff of Hilltop Pools and Spas, Inc.

770-471-3889

Swimming Pool and Spa Safety

What safety measures are you taking to ensure your pool or spa is safe this summer? 

Most city/county jurisdictions are participating in safety programs to ensure swimming pools are safe for you and your family.

Here are the requirements for safety compliance:

• Swimming pools and spas should have a barrier.  In Georgia, most jurisdictions require a 5' fence, but some will allow a 4' fence.  Check with your local jurisdiction for requirements. 
• All fence gates should swing out.  It's harder for a child to pull a gate open rather than push the gate toward the pool.
• All fence gates should be self-closing/self-latching. 
• Any door/gate leading into the pool area should have pool safety alarms.  You should be able to differentiate the door leading into the pool area from any door in your home. 
• Does your swimming pool have anti-entrapment main drains that comply with the Virginia Graeme Baker Act?
• For older pools, is your fence compliant?  Do you have broken sections or broken gates?  The homeowner is responsible for fence repairs and to ensure the fence is keeping the pool area safe. 

Other swimming pool and spa safety tips:

• Does everyone in your home know how to swim?
• Does someone in your home know CPR and is this person familiar with emergency response?

Happy Wednesday!

The Staff of Hilltop Pools and Spas, Inc.