February 26, 2007

What are the True Costs of Building and Owning an In-ground Swimming Pool?

Tip! Swimming pools are tamer than the ocean and lakes, but never turn your back on them. For anyone who would rather not take a dip in the sea at freezing temperatures, or during a storm, or during a spate of shark attacks, swimming pools are a viable, controlled alternative. Most people live in neighborhoods or apartment complexes which have swimming pools near them, or within them.

Have you ever wondered how much it would cost to install a beautiful in-ground pool in your backyard? Then once you have the pool, what would be your on-going costs to keep it maintained?

This article will discuss, and show, the true costs associated with building and maintaining an in-ground pool. Due to the many details being discussed, the article is divided up into 4 parts. Part 1 is below. The other 3 parts can be found at the web address given below.

If you would like to know what would be your cost, per month, to own and maintain a pool, please read this very informative article to its end.

GENERAL POOL COSTS

The cost of installing a new in-ground swimming pool is going to vary widely. You could have a decent size pool installed for as little as $10-12,000, or one that could reach towards 6 figures and upwards, depending on whether you want a gold-plated pool or not. Actually, I don’t think gold-plated pools exist but you get the idea about the expense. We obviously we will focus on the lower end.

Tip! Each filter has pros and cons. Sand filters are easiest to operate and cheapest to maintain. Most people who own sand filters fail to understand how they work. Biggest problem, they backwash too often.

TYPES OF POOLS

Now on to the details, the first factor that will determine pool cost is the type of pool. Your choice will probably fall into one of the three following types:

1.) steel-walled, vinyl lined pool

2.) fiberglass pool

3.) cement (or unite) pool.

OTHER POOL FACTORS TO CONSIDER

The second factor is the size and shape. It should be obvious that the larger pools are going to cost more, but fancy shapes will also be expensive. You could potentially get an 18 ft x 36 ft rectangle for a cost similar to that of a 16 ft x 32 ft kidney shaped pool. You get the idea.

From here on, we’ll deal exclusively with the cost of a vinyl lined pool, but please keep in mind, that fiberglass and gunite pools should be competitively priced depending on where you live. In fact, in some markets, there are so many pool builders that the gunite pools are cheaper than the vinyl ones.

Furthermore, some environments require a gunite pool. If all this is true, then why are we talking about a vinyl pool? Well, simply because the company I worked for only installed vinyl pools, and the pool that was installed at my home is a vinyl pool. I think we’ll all be better off if I go with what I know best.

THE MAJOR COST OF POOL INSTALLATION

The first thing to remember is that one of the major costs of building a pool is labor. In fact, I heard once that materials for gunite pools are actually cheaper than vinyl-lined pools because the only material is basically cement mixture, rebar and piping. But this type of pool is quite labor intensive. On the other hand, the kit for a vinyl pool includes things that cost a bit more, like the steel walls, framing, steps and the vinyl liner, but many pool builders prefer to install these vinyl pools because they are much quicker and easier to install.

Tip! The primary intention behind building an in ground pool is to spend quality time with family, friends, and children right in the backyard. Apart from this, many vacation homeowners and others opt to build in ground pools, as they increase the value of the real estate. When considering in ground pools, it is important for potential customers to consult with professionals and gather adequate information.

For more information on the actual costs associated with buying, installing, filling, and maintaining a new pool, please see the web site listed below. This article will end with your approximate total monthly outlay to own a pool.

To read the rest of this article on the true costs of installing, purchasing and maintaining a new in-ground pool, please visit True Pool Costs

Permalink Print • 1 Comment

February 25, 2007

Swimming Pool Cover

Tip! One item that every swimming pool must have is a pool filter. A swimming pool filter is the main process that keeps your swimming pool clean of the various debris that are brought in by wind, rain, cleaning supplies, toys, and swimmers. A pool filter works to keep the water clear and promotes safety and health while in the water. The pool filter has three main components that allow it to keep your water clear and safe for swimmers

Swimming pool covers come in a variety of shapes, sizes, and general types. There are solar swimming pool covers that work to keep the water warm as well as warm the water using the suns heat. Safety pool covers do just what it says it does, it keeps the swimming pool safe from unwanted entry of the humans or animals. In ground and above ground winter swimming pool covers, keep dirt, debris, and animals out of your pool during the winter season. It also prevents growth on the inside of your swimming pool that can be caused by the winter elements.

Here are a few things you should look for when shopping for a pool cover for your above ground or in ground swimming pool.

1. Find a swimming pool cover that is strong and sturdy. The cover should not only keep your swimming pool clean, it should add safety as well for humans and animals alike. It should prevent accidental drowning and dirt and debris from entering the pool.

2. Make sure the swimming pool cover conforms to state and local law requirements. Some areas require that a certain size and depth of pool be covered when not in use. There are specific requirements that these covers must meet. Check with your local authorities to ensure that your swimming pool cover meets the requirements needed.

3. Make sure your chosen swimming pool cover comes with a good manufacturer’s warranty. In general, the swimming pool cover should come with a warranty of longer than 2 years. It should definitely have a full 2-year warranty for all defects and longer for limited warranties. You only want a pool cover that can be trusted and is safe with a full warranty for a lengthy amount of time. you also need to be sure the company stands behind their products.

Tip! The primary intention behind building an in ground pool is to spend quality time with family, friends, and children right in the backyard. Apart from this, many vacation homeowners and others opt to build in ground pools, as they increase the value of the real estate. When considering in ground pools, it is important for potential customers to consult with professionals and gather adequate information.

4. Make sure the pool cover has a good overlap length. You should buy a size that is a little larger than your pool. This will enable you to securely anchor the swimming pool cover without having to worry about not being able to cover your pool completely.

5. Make sure the swimming pool cover comes with enough parts to securely anchor the cover without worry of slippage. Most larger swimming pool covers come with a strap or anchor for every four feet of cover. You definitely want a good amount of anchoring so the cover will continue to be secure each time you use it.

There you have it! The top 5 things you should look for when you are buying a swimming pool cover for any size pool and for any material type. You can purchase quality swimming pool covers at your local swimming pool supply store or at any department store that sells swimming pool gear and supplies. Carefully read all instructions provided by the manufacturer and ensure that the cover meets all requirements in your local area. Always think safety first when you own a swimming pool.

Tip! Each filter has pros and cons. Sand filters are easiest to operate and cheapest to maintain. Most people who own sand filters fail to understand how they work. Biggest problem, they backwash too often.

David Evermon has been involved in many swimming pool construction and maintenance projects, David writes articles about pool cover for ZupaTips.com

Permalink Print

February 24, 2007

Swimming Pool Filters

Tip! Swimming pools are tamer than the ocean and lakes, but never turn your back on them. For anyone who would rather not take a dip in the sea at freezing temperatures, or during a storm, or during a spate of shark attacks, swimming pools are a viable, controlled alternative. Most people live in neighborhoods or apartment complexes which have swimming pools near them, or within them.

Basic Guide To Swimming Pool Filters

One item that every swimming pool must have is a pool filter. A swimming pool filter is the main process that keeps your swimming pool clean of the various debris that are brought in by wind, rain, cleaning supplies, toys, and swimmers. A pool filter works to keep the water clear and promotes safety and health while in the water. The pool filter has three main components that allow it to keep your water clear and safe for swimmers. First, there is a motor and pump that work to bring the water in and push it out during filtration. Then the filter itself falls into three categories DE (Diatomaceous Earth), cartridge and sand.

A DE (Diatomaceous Earth) filter is probably the best for filtering even the minutest particles that could be in the water. Diatomaceous Earth is a natural substance that is found in the soil. It has the consistency of a fine, white powder. A filter made of Diatomaceous Earth comes in two different types of filters, a spin filter and a vertical grid filter. These two terms simply signify how the filter is set up. The spin filter does not work as well as the vertical and is virtually obsolete today.

A sand filter makes use of sand to filter the water of particles and allows filtered water to run through easily. The cartridge filter works in the same manner as a Diatomaceous Earth filter but without the use of any substance other than fabric mesh to filter the water.

Tip! Swimming pool covers come in a variety of shapes, sizes, and general types. There are solar swimming pool covers that work to keep the water warm as well as warm the water using the suns heat. Safety pool covers do just what it says it does, it keeps the swimming pool safe from unwanted entry of the humans or animals.

Here are a few things you should consider before purchasing a swimming pool filter:

First, find the volume of the entire swimming pool. To find the volume you must consider the shape of your pool:

If your pool is rectangular - Multiply the following - Length, width, average depth
If your pool is circular - Multiply the following- Radius, 3.14, average depth

Next, figure the capacity of your pool. This will allow you to calculate how much water your swimming pool holds. This is an important factor in purchasing a pool filter. To find the capacity, multiply the volume (you found in step one) by 7.48.

You will then have to determine the type of filter you want. Consider if your pool would benefit from a cartridge, DE, or sand filter. You should also consider if you want the filter to be vacuum or pressure. It is suggested that you should make the filter slightly larger than your initial calculation to allow for better filtration.

There are a lot of different aspects that must be taken into consideration when purchasing a swimming pool filter. For the entire filtration system you can expect to pay anywhere from $20.00(USD) to $300.00 (USD). Replacement filters are slightly cheaper in some aspects, depending on the type of filter your system uses, you can expect to pay anywhere from $4.00 (USD) to $200.00 (USD).

Tip! Driving back home after a splash at the local pool is not a very good idea. It takes all the freshness away. Beat the heat this summer by setting up an inground pool in your own backyard. Enjoy with your near and dear ones and let your worries wash away.

It is important that you follow all recommended procedures outlined by the swimming pool manufacturer. This will help you in maintaining clear and healthy pool water that can be enjoyed by all swimmers.

David Evermon has been involved in many swimming pool construction and maintenance projects, David writes articles about Swimming Pool Filters
For Zupatips.com

Permalink Print
Made with WordPress and the Semiologic theme and CMS • Strawberry Cream, Classic skin by Antonella Pavese