SWIMMING POOLS
In-ground swimming pools can be found in many shapes
and styles. Most modern pools are made of field-installed
concrete or prefabricated fiberglass. Metal, plastic, masonry
and even wood framing are also used to provide the
framework for pools.
Concrete pools may be made of reinforced cast-in-place
concrete or gunite, a concrete slurry sprayed over a skeletal
frame of steel reinforcement. Steel is added for strength.
The interior surfaces are usually finished with a smooth
plaster-like finish called marcite, which can be painted in
any color from white to black. Tile is often employed along
the water line for appearance and maintenance purposes,
but can be used throughout the pool as well.
Fiberglass pools are available either as a pre-formed solid
shell or in a sectioned sidewall-panel design, with a concrete
bottom. Fiberglass pools come in a variety of colors and
offer low maintenance and a long service life. However, in
areas of high water alkalinity, improperly treated pool water
can chalk the finish necessitating repainting or lining to
maintain a reasonable appearance.
Vinyl-liners are most often used with pools framed with
metal, plastic, masonry, and even wood. The base may be
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Home Owner Information Guide 24.0
Swimming Pools
soft (sand, fibrous material, etc.) or hard (concrete). Liners
are available in a variety of colors and designs. They can
also be installed over concrete and even fiberglass if there
is leakage of the original structure or as an alternate way
of maintaining the pool interior.
POOL MAINTENANCE
The amount of enjoyment and longevity of your pool
will depend largely on the care given to it. The key to
attaining maximum enjoyment is a properly functioning
filtration system that maintains water quality with minimal
effort. Most filtration systems are comprised of a pump,
filter (tank), and supply and return piping that function in
combination with strainers, skimmers and drains. The pump,
which is often water-cooled, pulls water through the drains
and skimmers and into the filter, which traps fine particles
of dirt and debris. Strainers are installed upstream of the
pump to trap large particles. This filtration, along with
chemical treatment (regulating chlorine and pH levels),
helps maintain the water quality.
Many people are switching to automatic cleaners that
operate in conjunction with filtration systems. These
automatic vacuuming units will eliminate the tedium of daily
vacuuming and can be used with most pools. Many pool
owners also use heaters to extend the swimming season
or to raise pool water temperature to desirable levels.
There are three basic types of pool filters. High-rate
sand filters and diatomaceous earth (D.E.) filters are the
traditional type filters for in-ground pools. Cartridge filters,
however, have become increasingly more common.
All of these filtration systems can be equally effective
in most situations. All require periodic backwashing to
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clear the filtration media of accumulated dirt particles.
Contaminants like tanning oils can quickly clog D.E.
and cartridge filters.
POOL USE AND ISSUES
Do not be mislead, all pools require maintenance. Short
of turning over absolutely all care of a pool to a service
company, regular homeowner maintenance will be required.
A properly maintained pool and water-treatment (chlorine
and pH levels) program will assure long-term satisfaction.
Homebuyers should obtain the installation and operating
directions for their particular pool and equipment.
The following comments should also be considered:
• Lighting and Electrical. Pool lights and metal equipment
must be grounded for safety-purposes. The use of lowvoltage
lighting in the pool area will help minimize the risk
of shock. Ground-Fault Circuit-Interrupters (GFCI) should
be installed where required and should be tested regularly
for proper operation.
This information is provided for general guidance purposes only. Neither DBR Franchising, LLC. nor the local
HouseMaster® franchise warrants its accuracy and assumes no liability related to its use. Contact the local franchise
office and/or qualified specialists for advice pertinent to your specific house or circumstances.
© Copyright DBR 2004. Each HouseMaster franchise is an independently owned and operated business.
HouseMaster is a registered trademark of DBR Franchising, LLC.
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Swimming Pools (continued)
• Diving Boards and Slides. Boards and slides present
inherent safety concerns. Consider the implication of their
use and the feasibility in removing them. At the very least,
safety instructions should be provided for their use, and
activity on the equipment should be constantly monitored.
• Pool covers. Never allow anyone in the pool unless the
cover is completely removed to avoid surfacing under
the cover. To keep pool-heating costs within reason, it is
suggested that a solar cover be placed on the pool when
it is not being used (especially at night).
• Fencing. Most all municipalities require proper
fencing and gate locks with all pool installations.
Special child-resistant gates and water alarms are
added safety measures.
CONTACT : MATT KAPLAN
PHONE: 800-805-1122
HOUSEMASTER IS A NATIONAL FRANCHISE...
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