If you are seriously considering having an outdoor spa installed in the backyard of your Overland Park, KS home, there is a lot to learn. Especially if you plan to test the water, keep it clean, and maintain the equipment yourself, it is imperative that you get up to speed on what all you need and why.

Spa kits are perfect for doing the work yourself. As you search all the things required as a spa owner, you will come across information on kits, which contain everything that you need to keep your new spa clean and functional. You will receive the appropriate chemicals to keep the water properly balanced. Using included test strips and products, you will have no problem maintaining the proper pH and alkaline level, plus more.

Depending on the spa kits that you consider buying, some also come with algae cleaner. Although this is seldom an issue for Overland Park, KS, homeowners, if you go on vacation, then you would need to not only treat the water ahead of time but also possibly eliminate the buildup of any algae after returning home.

Spa kits can also include a calcium booster, a metal cleaner in case any metal parts or components of the spa cause rusted areas, foam cleaner for keeping the tile in pristine condition, enzymes, and even products for cleaning the spa cover. In fact, some of the better kits include aromatherapy granules or liquid to make water smell incredible. Although you can choose from a broad range of fragrances, eucalyptus, lavender, mango, apple, pomegranate, rain, strawberries, and vanilla are among the best-sellers.

You can choose spa kits that provide chrome and metal cleaner specific for the pump and filter, keeping them in proper working condition. By using the products as instructed by the manufacturer, you should not have to invest a lot of time or effort in keeping the spa at your Overland Park, KS, home in perfect condition.

As you can see, everything that comes with spa kits is for cleaning and maintaining the water, surfaces, equipment, and even the cover. With so many options, the selection process might seem confusing. For help, talk to a professional pool and spa builder, who can recommend the best kit for your needs. Because the kits are easy to use, you can do the work yourself, but it is still nice to know that professional help is only a phone call away.

Although you need to stick to a relatively tight budget, you can still choose a beautiful pool design for your Overland Park, Kansas, home. A misconception about pools is that only the rich can afford them. In reality, there are ways to get the cost down so that it fits your budget.

While you may have to skip over a Gunite pool, which is a cutting-edge option, you still have plenty of other possibilities. For instance, both fiberglass and vinyl-liner pools are incredible choices that are not as expensive. Along with making the right decisions about the pool design and other factors relating to installation, this will help dramatically decrease the cost.

• Pool Size – To stick to your budget yet end up with an incredible pool design, decrease the size of the pool. Regardless of the pool’s length and width, it will provide years of fun and excitement.
• Minimal Add-Ons – Also, reduce the number of options that you select for the pool design. You might choose a more straightforward lighting feature, have a standard diving board installed as opposed to one made of concrete, and do the sweeping and vacuuming by hand instead of getting a built-in cleaner.

• Pool Deck – You can also save money by having a smaller pool deck installed. Even then, consider pavers or a decorative concrete finish, which are beautiful yet affordably priced.

• Protective Fencing – Especially if you have small children and pets, you want protective fencing added to the pool design. However, being on a budget, you might get a group of friends together to build one instead of buying something.

• Hire the Right Pool Builder – The pool builder who you select in Overland Park, Kansas, will impact the overall cost. Therefore, conduct research and choose wisely.

At one time, few homes in Overland Park, Kansas, had swimming pools. With four distinct seasons, homeowners had a hard time justifying the installation. Due to advanced technologies, exciting features, improved materials, and unique types and styles, backyard pools are now relatively common. If your pool needs upgrading or you purchased a home with a pool but prefer something different, you might spend time researching pool remodels.

When it comes to pool remodels, there are multiple possibilities. For instance, if you have sufficient backyard space, you could change the shape of the pool. Rather than go through extensive construction, a pool builder can attach a spa to the pool. Not only is the addition gorgeous and functional, but you also can choose a different color of water, if wanted.

Pool remodels that include the addition of a grotto are also in high demand. Depending on the look that you want to achieve, you can go with something small and simple or large and extravagant. Either way, having a hidden cave that you and family or guests can swim through is exciting and fun. If you want to go all out, you might consider having fiber optic lighting installed inside of the grotto.

A waterfall also ranks high among pool remodels for homeowners in Overland Park, Kansas. As with a grotto, waterfalls come in a broad range of design options. Regardless of your decision, there is something extra-special about the sight of a waterfall attached to a pool and the soothing sound of water as it cascades over the rock formation. To enhance the waterfall, a professional pool builder can install lighting or beautiful landscaping.

Some of the other pool remodel options worth noting include a concrete water slide, a geyser in the center of the pool, and a swim-up bar, complete with seats.

Whether you own a home or business in Overland Park, KS, if you have a swimming pool, you can expect to need pool equipment repair services at some point. Although professionals work on multiple problems, some are more common than others. The pump is the primary reason for needing professional pool equipment repair services.

Typically, a high-quality motor will last between 8 and 10 years, but if you notice a screeching sound, there is a good chance it needs replacing or repair. Following are a couple of other examples of things that can go wrong.

Leaking Pump

 A leaking pump is a relatively common occurrence, typically indicating the threaded fitting carrying water from the pump has shrunk due to heat. Fortunately, the fix is easy. Replacing the damaged fitting with one designed for high heat will prevent this problem from reoccurring. While you can probably handle that, if the mechanical shaft seal wore out, you should seek professional pool equipment repair services.

Cavitation

The noise you heard coming from the pump that you thought was the equipment failing might actually mean cavitation. For this problem, instead of a screeching sound, the pump growls. Cavitation is the result of starving the pump of water. Although you might try unblocking any obstruction or opening more valves, you may need professional pool equipment repair if the clog involves the impeller.

This same problem can develop when the current pump has more power than what the plumbing setup can handle. In that case, an expert will need to determine the appropriate size of pump required for your pool in Overland Park, KS, and then replace it.

The Bottom Line

Regardless of the underlying problem, if you have no experience working on pool equipment, it is always in your best interest to hire a professional. After all, your pool operates on more equipment than just the pump. There is also the filter, chlorinator, circulation system, flow meter, gate valve, gauge, and a host of other things. In Overland Park, KS, your pool may also have a heating system.

Without experience and expertise, you could accidentally cause more harm than good. For your Overland Park, KS, home or business, it is important to keep your pool in optimal condition. That way, when you open it in late spring to early summer, you can enjoy it without worrying about problems.

Hiring a professional is a much better option than trying to handle the repair of pool equipment on your own. Many people have no idea that reputable pool builders do more than just install swimming pools and spas. The top Overland Park, KS, pool builders also handle pool equipment repair. That means that you can rely on the same expert to install your new pool or spa and keep the equipment performing optimally.

kansas city pool maintenance tips

If the equipment for your swimming pool or spa does not function as designed, or if you want it checked as part of standard maintenance, a professional who possesses the necessary qualifications can identify the problem and fix it quickly and efficiently.

Among the different pool equipment that gets repaired, the pump is one of the most common. For you to enjoy clean and temperature-controlled water, the pump must maintain proper circulation.

One of the first things that an expert will determine when checking the pool pump is whether it pulls water. This could involve a simple fix, like removing debris from the basket or skimmer that is causing a restriction in water flow, or making sure the impeller works correctly. This individual will also check for an air leak in the suction line, which is one the main reasons for suction loss. Depending on the findings, the professional will recommend a repair or installing a new pump.

Professional pool equipment repair is also critical for the pool filter, regardless of the type – sand, earth and cartridge, or diatomaceous. You may even need help with a pool heater. Particularly in Overland Park, KS, which has four distinct seasons, including cool falls and bitterly cold winters, a properly working heater is imperative. The expert will ensure that the water in your swimming pool stays at the desired temperature, regardless of the time of year