Gorlin Pools-NJ Custom Pools and Waterscapes

1.  Why do I get a water puddle in the middle of my winter cover?

A.   If your cover is solid, water will accumulate on top. It is a good idea to keep up to 1 inch of water on the cover at all times. However, more than 1 inch will cause the middle of the cover to sag and may stretch the material. If your cover is a mesh material, water will drain into the pool, causing the pool water level to rise. Keep a submersible pump under the cover approximately on the top step. By keeping the water level at that point you can avoid a water puddle in the middle of the cover. For more information read today’s article on Winter Cover Pumps.   BONUS – With a pool and spa combination water can collect over the pool and over the spa. To avoid a puddle over the spa, place something under the cover to create a dome effect on top of the cover, usually called a ‘spa ball’ or ‘spa pillow’. This will force the water to run off and prevent water accumulation over the spa.

2.   Should I cover my equipment for the winter?

A.   It is recommended that only the heater be covered. If you plan on covering the heater, use only a recommended custom heater cover that will allow the air to breath and prevent condensation. WARNING: Do not use a standard tarp. This will create condensation which has an extremely low pH and will cause rust, corrosion, and damage to equipment.

3.  When is the best time to schedule my pool opening?

A.  We schedule openings on a first come first serve basis. You can call our office now or anytime to schedule a date. Generally, our spring / opening brochures and agreements are mailed around Valentine’s Day. By the end of February the most desirable days are booked solid.

For answers to your questions… send your questions to: info@gorlinpools.com

Adding a heating system to your swimming pool can extend your swimming season by several weeks or even months almost doubling the enjoyment and exercise the pool brings to you and your family.

Pool heaters are the fastest method, and they are generally best used for either intermittent or maintenance heating. Heaters are also frequently the method of choice for those who like to swim regardless of the weather.  Pool heaters burn fuel, usually either natural gas or propane, in a combustion chamber and transfer the resulting heat into the pool water, raising its temperature.  Gas heaters typically last for eight years or more.  They do require annual cleaning maintenance due to the extreme temperatures inside the unit and the changes from summer to winter.

Pool heat pumps are electrically powered.  They extract heat from the air, provided it is at least 45 degrees Fahrenheit, and transfer the heat to the pool water.   Heat pumps can maintain pool water temperatures up to 90 degrees Fahrenheit by making use of hot air energy.  Heat pumps are extremely efficient (600%) and have a very low cost of operation because they require very little electricity to function.  Head pumps typically last for eight years or more and also require annual cleaning maintenance.

As both types of heating systems come with their own benefits and drawbacks, the option that will be best for you will be a personal decision that depends on all of the above factors. No matter which type of system you ultimately choose, however, a high quality heating unit will always provide you with effective swimming pool heating and an extended swimming season. When selecting a gas swimming pool heater, you need to consider the following:

• Surface area of the pool
• Coldest ambient air temperature
• Maximum wind – MPH
• Months of operation
• Availability of natural or propane gas
• Location of installation and proximity to the gas supply

For more information on Gorlin Pools please visit us online at http://www.gorlinpools.com.

Your pool service company can make owning and operating a pool fun, safe and affordable – and isn’t that why you wanted a pool in the first place?  Having a good relationship with your pool service company will ensure that they understand your needs, your concerns, the condition of your pool, its equipment, and its surroundings. Plus they will be able to anticipate problems as well as solve them, ensuring that you have maximum availability of your pool and the level of safety that you need to feel comfortable.

To ensure a good relationship with your pool service company, it is important that you are clear about your needs and expectations, and that you communicate those to your pool service professional.    Both parties want the relationship to be successful and to last for the long-term.  You can start the relationship off right with clear communication that establishes your needs and expectations.  Take the time to get to know one another and ask questions.  After all, your technician will be working in and around your home.  Let your technician tell you about themselves and their services, so that you know which options are the best match for your circumstances.  Become familiar with the office staff and never hesitate to ask questions or make requests concerning your water environment.

For more information visit Gorlin Pools online at http://www.gorlinpools.com.

1.    Make sure that your pool water is at the proper level for closing.  If your pool is being closed professionally, this will avoid labor costs for a crew to stand around while they have to lower the water.  If you have a tile line, the water level should be drained to below the tile line, since surface water will freeze and expansion could cause tiles to crack.  You should not have to drain your pool below the skimmers.
2.    Seal pool cover edges to prevent debris from entering the pool, if you are closing the pool yourself.  If you are using water tubes, fill them to only about 85% capacity and seal them tightly. Do not overfill tubes – allow enough slack in tube for the water inside to expand when it freezes.  If tubes are leaking – replace them. Don’t try to repair them.
3.    Do not use a floater that contains a strong oxidizer (chlorine or bromine), and do not throw chlorine or bromine tablets into the pool.  The floater can stick against the wall and stain or bleach you’re the wall, especially a vinyl liner, and tablets will sink to the bottom and can damage your pool’s surface.

The number of pools, spas and hot tubs continues to grow each year, while the number of child drowning is in decline.  However, any body of water represents a risk, particularly for children under five years of age.  For that reason, the Association of Pool & Spa Professionals (APSP) recommends “Layers of Protection” for pools, spas and hot tubs.

The concept of Layers of Protection is simple:  In addition to employing adult supervision, pool, spa and hot tub owners should use several devices to warn of a child’s presence or delay his or her unsupervised access.  These layers of protection act as a backup to but should not replace vigilant adult supervision, and may include:

• A barrier, e.g., a fence, that is at least four feet high and completely surrounds the pool
• Infrared detectors, which sound when the area around the pool perimeter is entered
• Door exit alarms to warn of entry into the pool area
• Fence gate alarms, which sound when the fence gate is open/opened
• Automatic power safety covers
• Manual safety covers
• Pool alarms, which sound upon detection of accidental or unauthorized entrance into the water by detecting wave motion or acoustic changes

Additional information is available from the professionals at Gorlin Pools & Spas, or online at www.apsp.org.