Pool Repairs: What Should a Homeowner Leave to a Professional?

Professional pool builders often go to customers’ residences to fix something the homeowners tried to repair but without success. When it comes to pool repairs, there are some things an individual can do. However, it is essential to learn which fixes a professional should handle.

As a good rule of thumb, homeowners should focus more on upkeep than making pool repairs. What may seem like a simple task can turn into a disaster with one misstep. Keep in mind, when a homeowner follows a schedule for cleaning and maintenance, there is less risk of something going wrong with the pool’s filter, pump, circulating system, and other major components.

 

The following are some examples of pool repairs that only a licensed and skilled expert should handle.

 

  • Equipment – With several moving and electrical components, homeowners should let a professional take care of any pool repairs that have to do with the pump and motor. If a person notices a strange noise, sees a leak, or spots rust on or around the equipment, it takes a trained expert to fix the problem.
  • Plumbing – Homeowners should also contact a reputable company for any needed repairs to the plumbing. Remember, for this type of issue you would not hire a conventional plumber, but instead, an expert from a reputable pool building company.

 

  • Plastering or Liner Issues – Both replastering and installing a new liner are not tasks a homeowner should try to do. For these and other similar projects, there is a lot more work and expertise required than what most people imagine.

 

  • Winter Service – Especially in a place like Overland Park, Kansas, where winters are cold and snowy, it is critical for homeowners to prepare their pools ahead of time. By contacting a professional pool builder, a representative will visit the home to perform an inspection, and make any necessary pool repairs before closing things down for the winter.

 

  • Landscape Lighting – Many people have no idea that pool companies also install decking, trees and plants, and landscape lighting. Among the most common pool repairs, needing a lighting system fixed ranks high on the list.

Cool Landscaping Ideas That Require Little Maintenance

Have you ever driven through a neighborhood to see houses with gorgeous landscaping only to wish that your home looked that good? Well, it can. In fact, you can choose from a host of cool landscaping ideas for your Overland Park, KS, home that not only look incredible but are also low maintenance.

For your enjoyment and to enhance curb appeal, a lush green lawn, blooming flowers, and green plants are perfect. However, with a busy schedule, you cannot dedicate a lot of time to keeping the landscaping looking its best. With low-maintenance plants, your yard will remain beautiful even without constant pampering.

  • Drought Resistant – Although Overland Park, KS, receives an ample amount of both rain and snow, during dry summers, it also experiences drought conditions. In addition to beautiful vegetation, plants that can go without a lot of water will reduce your monthly utility bill. Things like ornamental grasses and succulents are perfect.
  • Regional Choices – Another excellent tip for your Overland Park, KS, home is to choose plants that are popular throughout the region. Daylilies, switchgrass, and catmint are just a few possibilities. Because these and other plants grow best in Kansas, they require little maintenance.
  • Contrasting Color – You can make your home pop by using landscaping plants that produce blooms of contrasting color. Low-maintenance plants, like geraniums and carnations, make excellent additions. 
  • Outdoor Living Space – If you want to enhance an open patio or pool area, use ground covering plants to create a design around the perimeter. A little bit of weeding is all you need to keep the area gorgeous.
  • Rock Garden – Although you might think of someone in Arizona rather than Overland Park, KS, having a rock garden, this is a viable landscaping option. For a touch of color, you can add succulents in between some of the rocks. Even a few rose bushes scattered here and there are stunning yet easy to maintain.

Incredible Pool and Deck Lighting Ideas

Are you looking for ways to spruce up your backyard? Do you want something that makes the area more enticing but also safer? If so, contact a reputable pool builder who can bring your dream of pool and deck lighting to fruition. Especially if you enjoy spending time outdoors with family and friends, the correct lights are essential.

If you have no idea what you want, you might start by considering some of the pool and deck lighting options mentioned below. Keep in mind that when you work with a professional pool builder that also handles landscape lighting, the two of you can work together to come up with even more possibilities.

  • Stair Lights – If your pool or deck has stairs, you want to illuminate them at night. In addition to enhanced safety, stair lighting creates a calming aura. For this, you could choose pole lights, recessed lights, and more.
  • Low-Voltage Lights – Another excellent idea involves the installation of low-voltage lighting. Due to the ease of installation, an expert can have the system in place in no time. A key benefit of low-voltage lighting is that it consumes less energy, making it an eco-friendly solution.
  • LED Lights – LEDs for pool and deck lighting are also perfect. These lights use at a minimum of 75 percent less lighting compared to incandescent bulbs. They are also more durable, have a 50 percenter longer lifespan, and they produce less heat. If you do most of your entertaining during the summer, LED lighting is ideal. 
  • Solar Lights – You might also consider solar pool and deck lighting. The advantage here is that instead of powering on using electricity, energy generated from the sun stores in small batteries. As soon as the sun goes down, the lights come on automatically and remain on until sunrise. 
  • String Lights – Do you want something a little more romantic or fun? Check out string lights. The installer would string these lights from different points to create a unique design. You can select from a broad range of styles, including star-shaped, miniature lanterns, globe lights, and so on.

Pool Preparation: Getting Your Pool Ready for Winter

All too soon, Kansas and Missouri will experience winter conditions. In addition to bitterly cold days, both states receive quite a bit of snow. If you have a swimming pool, you need to develop a plan before things change. With pool preparation, you do not have to worry about damage to the pool itself or any of the mechanical components.

While you can handle some of the pool preparation items, you want to hire a professional to take care of the rest. Some examples include:

  • Water Quality Test – It is essential to have a water quality test performed. That way, the expert can add the proper winter products. If you plan to keep your pool filled, you want the water clear and balanced. Next summer, this will make opening the pool easier. As part of this, the professional would run the filtration system and then shock the water a few days before closing the pool. That individual will also add sanitizers and an algaecide that prevents the growth of algae.
  • Filtration System – Another step consists of turning the filter off and setting the valve to backwash. After connecting the proper hose to the port, the system would run for about 5 minutes. Again, the expert turns the filter off, turns the valve to rinse, and runs the system for roughly 30 seconds. If you have a DE or cartridge filter, the professional can disassemble it for winter storage.
  • Water Level – Even if you do not plan to drain the pool, the pool preparation plan would include lowering the water level approximately 6 inches.
  • Clearing the Lines – For winter pool preparation, it is also essential to have the lines cleared. Any water left inside would freeze. After expanding, the frozen water would cause the pipes to crack, leaving you with an expensive mess.
  • Compressor – By turning the multi-port valve to closed, air cannot enter the filter. With this complete, the expert will add winter plugs.

5 of the Best Types of Pool Covers Recommended by the Top Builder in Overland Park, KS

Many homeowners have backyard swimming pools on both the Kansas or Missouri side of the river. Especially when temperatures soar to 100 degrees or more in the summer, taking a dip is an excellent way to cool off. The challenge is that both states have an abundance of trees. For that reason, pool covers recommended by the best builder in Overland Park, KS, are essential.

Not only are pool covers in Overland Park, KS, ideal for keeping debris out of the water, they also protect a drained pool in the winter. Most importantly, they create a barrier to keep children and pets safe.

  1. Solar Cover – In the Midwest, you can enjoy a pool for roughly four to five months out of the year. To extend your swimming time, consider a solar pool cover. As the name implies, the cover attracts and stores energy from the sun, which warms the water.
  2. Mesh Cover – Made from a lightweight mesh material, these pool covers are a great option for Overland Park, KS, pools. While the two-ply webbing allows rainwater and snow to seep into the pool, it blocks out leaves, twigs, and other debris.
  3. Safety Cover – The safety pool covers recommended by the best Overland Park, KS, builder are so strong that an entire family can stand on them. The unique design makes it easy to put the cover on and take it off in just minutes.
  4. Long-Life Cover – For less money than imagined, you can purchase a heavy-duty cover that protects the pool during the winter months. Some products even come with an incredible 15-year warranty.
  5. Anti-Algae Cover – A thicker weave cover blocks out sunlight, which helps reduce or eliminate algae growth. This cover also allows rain and snow to seep into the pool while blocking out debris.

Incorporating Rock Features in a Custom Pool Design

The most exciting aspect of a custom pool design is that you have control over what the builder includes. A reputable builder can create a unique design, something unlike that of your neighbors, family, and friends. In addition to fiber optics, a sound system, geysers, a swim-up bar, an attached spa, and a host of other amenities, one of the most beautiful additions is a rock feature.

 

At one time, people considered a small rock feature at one end of the pool with a slow trickle of water cascading down innovative. Today, builders include incredible rock features as part of a custom pool design. With a unique feature, everyone will want to spend time at your house during the hot summer months.

 

Following are just a few examples of the various rock features that you might consider as part of your custom pool design. Keep in mind that instead of using these as is, a respected builder will customize the rock feature along with the other pool amenities.

 

  • Built-In Slide – Perhaps one of the coolest ideas consists of having a slide built right into the rock feature. Depending on the look that you prefer, you can choose a colorful slide, white slide, or one that blends in with the rock formation.
  • Tunnel Slide – Similar to the built-in slide, this custom pool design feature differs by having the slide go through a tunnel. This rock formation is something that people of all ages will enjoy.

 

  • Stairway to an Upper Tier – Another wonderful rock feature includes a stairway off to one side that leads to a sunbathing area. For anyone who prefers to soak up the rays in privacy, this option is perfect.

 

  • Grotto – Although a grotto (swim-through cave) is nothing new, for your custom pool design, the builder can produce a unique concept on your behalf.

Tips for Choosing an Outdoor Spa for a Commercial Property

 

If you are interested in a standalone outdoor spa or one connected to a swimming pool, it is essential that you make wise decisions. You want to not only hire the right builder but also select a design that best promotes your commercial property, whether it is a hotel, apartment complex, or fitness center.

To make the selection of an outdoor spa easier, consider the following tips:

  • Size – Start by choosing the appropriate size. If you own or manage a luxurious hotel, you probably want to stick with something that can accommodate between six and eight people. Because most hotel guests will use it for relaxation, you want to keep the spa relatively small. However, when having one installed at an apartment complex, you could increase the capacity to eight or 10 people since tenants most often will use it along with their family and friends.
  • Location – You need to determine the best location for your new outdoor spa. For a commercial property, you want to provide people with easy access. Because of that, you can consider an indoor and outdoor area. If you have the spa installed outside, keep it away from overhanging trees to prevent extra maintenance caused by falling leaves and debris.
  • Amenities – Today, you can choose from a broad range of design options for your outdoor spa. Based on the budget and the type of commercial property, you can have the builder add built-in cupholders, fiberoptic lighting, tiered seating, fountains, a sound system, and more.

 Jets, Filtration, and Purification – Especially when having an outdoor spa installed on a commercial property, quality filtration and purification are essential. When you work with a reputable builder, the expert will determine the best pump and filter system combination to keep your spa clean and sanitized. As for the jets, you can choose almost any number. For ultimate relaxation, go with jets that focus on the lower back, neck, and feet.

Critical Questions to Ask a Pool Builder in Overland Park, KS Before Hiring

Considering the investment associated with having a swimming pool built in your backyard combined with the fact that you want something that will provide years of enjoyment, you can understand how critical it is to hire the best pool builder in Overland Park, KS.

Although there are many builders serving customers on both sides of the Missouri River, it becomes vital to ask the right questions before choosing one to install your new swimming pool.

  • How long have you been building pools? – When it comes to hiring a pool builder in Overland Park, KS, the more experience the better. An experienced builder not only has more knowledge but also relies on the most advanced materials and innovative technologies. As part of this, ask how many years the company has existed and the number of owners. Typically, you want to hire a builder with a minimum of three years of experience.
  • Do you have a portfolio available? – Builders can say anything they want, but you need proof. You want to request photos of recent installations to help you determine the quality and to make your concepts align.
  • Can you provide references? – It is also essential that you check customer satisfaction. A reputable pool builder in Overland Park, KS, will gladly provide as many references as you need to feel confident about your decision.
  • Are you a member of the BBB and APSP? – Membership to the Better Business Bureau and the Association of Pool and Spa Professionals speaks volumes as to the quality you can expect. These memberships show that the builder is a bona fide and ethically minded professional.
  • What types of pools do you build? – Confirm the pool builder in Overland Park, KS, can install the style of pool you want, whether fiberglass, Gunite, concrete, or vinyl liner.

Get Creative with Decorative Concrete Pool Decks

As part of having a swimming pool installed in your backyard, you can choose the type, size, location, configuration, color, and more. In addition to multiple options for the pool itself, there is an abundance of solutions for pool decks. Of these, decorative concrete is in the most demand. Whether you choose an overlay, coating, or finish, you can get as creative as you want to give your pool area distinct personality and character.

For existing concrete pool decks that have started to show slight signs of wear and tear, overlays are perfect. There is no need to have the existing decking torn out and a new one installed. Instead, an experienced contractor or installer applies the overlay directly on the surface. Thanks to a myriad of colors, textures, patterns, aggregates, and unique embellishments available to customize your overlay, people will love spending time in your backyard.

While there are numerous types of overlays, stamped concrete pool decks offer something extraordinary. Based on your design preference, the expert can create a surface that looks like other natural materials, including brick, stone, wood, flagstone, and slate. Once the overlay is sealed, you will have a virtually maintenance-free deck that will outlast the material it mimics.

Although most people think of epoxy as a garage flooring solution, it is ideal for pool decks. Just as with decorative concrete overlays, epoxy comes in a broad range of colors. The installer can create custom designs based on whatever you like. As a bonus, pool decks made from epoxy are slip resistant and cool to the touch. Because of that, there is less risk of someone slipping or having the soles of their feet burned.

A spray-on acrylic finish is another top consideration for pool decks. As with the other two options, you can select from beautiful colors, textures, and patterns to create a one-of-a-kind look. No matter which solution you prefer, you can make your decking look sophisticated, elegant, contemporary, whimsical, and everything in between.

Easy-to-Follow Pool Maintenance Tips

When it comes to swimming pools, proper maintenance goes a long way in keeping the water clean and sanitary. In fact, taking the appropriate steps will extend the life of your pool. None of these pool maintenance tips are difficult. Just a small investment of time and effort will ensure a functional and beautiful pool for everyone to enjoy.

 

  • Filter Basket – Remove dirt and debris from the filter basket weekly. That prevents the filter from overworking.
  • Skimming – Skimming the pool water once a day, more often when needed, is one of the most vital pool maintenance tips. It takes only 10 to 15 minutes to remove all the floating debris.

 

  • Scrubbing – Especially in Kansas and Missouri, high humidity levels notoriously cause problems with algae growth. To prevent a buildup, take time to scrub the sides and bottom of the pool every other week. If you notice algae in between scrubbing times, tackle the problem immediately.

 

  • Chemicals – Checking the chemical levels is another one of the most critical pool maintenance tips. The goal is to maintain the perfect pH, alkaline, and acidity levels. By keeping bacteria at bay, you end up with clean and safe water for swimming. Also, maintain the correct level of chlorine. This is by far the most crucial of all pool chemicals because it sanitizes.

 

  • Water Level – It is also imperative to maintain the right level of water in the pool so that the pump and filter do not work harder than necessary.

 

  • Oil Absorption – One of the most innovative pool maintenance tips involves floating tennis balls in the water instead of using expensive products. Within no time, they soak up oil and grease from suntan lotions, sprays, and creams.

 

  • Annual Maintenance – To make sure there are no cracks, damaged equipment, and so on, contact a reputable pool builder to perform yearly maintenance. That individual will check everything, including the chemical levels.