Supersize Me – Not!

Oversizing Swimming Pool Pumps. . . .Not such a good idea!

How many times have we pulled up to the drive up window and said supersize my order?  I mean, after all, we are Americans and we do believe that bigger is better.  Why settle for regular Fries when I can double its size for 10 cents more. Who cares if I get three times more fat and carbs.  You don’t have to look any further than the auto industry to see examples of this either.  Hummers, Suburban’s, Tahoe, Yukon, all bigger and better right?  Well that is until our values changed and we started caring more about fuel efficiency and saving the planet and how darn cute we look riding down the road in our Audi TT or VW, or Prius.  You see we started to pay attention to fuel efficiency and realized that we could get to the same place on time and get there on 50 miles to the gallon.  (Best case scenario)  Saving us money, fuel and the planet all at the same time.

These same principles hold true with swimming pools and how we tend to think that supersizing our pump and filter system must be better right?—-Well. . .this isn’t exactly a TRUE statement. Let’s take a look and see what needs to be Supersized, What doesn’t and Why!

I am a 20 year veteran of the pool and spa industry and always believed that the bigger pump the better, the larger the filter the better… Right?  I, like others in my industry wasn’t keeping up with the latest and greatest information about energy efficiency and proper water hydraulics.  Within the last few years I have had the chance to learn from some pretty smart people on the subject and had to really just let all of my preconceived notions slip away so I could make room for a whole new way of thinking about my swimming pool’s circulation system.

So. . .How can I have a clean pool and not spend $100 per month extra on my utility bill.

It turns out that there are three really important things that we need to think about when talking about what is the best circulation system.

1. Size the Plumbing Correctly to allow for Proper Circulation.

The first is properly sizing the plumbing that we use when our pool is being built.  In this case bigger is better.  I know I am already contradicting myself, but stay with me here.  Staying with my Fast-food analogy, if you are drinking a coke – Which is easier and takes less effort to use? A nice big McDonalds straw or a little brown swizzle stick straw? Carry this over to your pool. . .Which do you think will allow water to flow easier with less restriction? Big Pipe. . .or Little Pipe? So in this case PIPE SIZE = bigger is better 2”, 2 1/2″, 3″ and so on. Bigger Pipe is optimum to allow maximum flow.

2. Pump Size – Not available in “Supersize” option (unless you want to pay beaucoup bucks!!)

The second is the big one and still to this day is fought over by those unwilling to see the light… Pump size.

ALERT! In many sales presentations it is pushed on you, the homeowner, that
“ the other guy is only putting a ¾ hpr pump but we are a 1 ½ hpr on therefore we are the better deal”  Not True! In fact, guy number two may actually be running a less efficient system that will end up sucking money out of your pocket book for years to come.

Do a Little Research First! Nowadays, you need to ask the question: How many gallons per minute do I need?  Instead of asking: How much horse power do I need?

Did you know that in a lot of cases you can run a smaller pump for 24 hours a day for significantly cheaper than a larger pump for 8 hours a day? “Wait a minute“,you say, “But I am only running it 8 hours a day…surely it is less money!?” Nope! it’s not, and it won’t keep your pool as clean and could cost you more than double what it should.

There are calculators, charts and guides available from several pump manufacturers that can help with choosing the right size pump and filter for your pool:

• Pentair Pool
• Jandy
• Hayward

All REPUTABLE pool builders and service companies are seeing the wisdom of 2 speed pumps and variable speed pumps.  These pumps allow you even more control over efficiency and will return your investment in most case within 4-6 months.  Not to mention you can run cool water features with them(without the added operational expense!)

3. DON’T forget about the Speed Bumps!

And finally, let’s make note of all the other speed bumps that get thrown in the way of your swimming pool water’s flow:  Heaters, Salt Systems, Chlorinators, excessive PVC 90′s, 45′s, connectors, elbows etc…  Your swimming pool builder should take all of these additional options into consideration when they calculate your hydraulics system (and properly size the pipes, filter, and pump).  All systems manufacturers have maximum gpm (gallons per minute) ratings available for each piece.

Whew! When all is said and done your swimming pool should run efficiently and for less money!
To find out in more detail about these topics please visit the sites links above. And always, contact any one of us at Trilogy Pools! We’re here to help you with any vinyl liner, fiberglass, composite, gunite, concrete swimming pool issues!

I wanted to talk a little about swimming pool and spa safety (or just water safety in general).

but then realized there are a lot of different categories to that topic and they all scared the heck out of me!

(photo courtesy of theother66 creative commons)

There is entrapment safety, water balance and chemistry safety, swimmers safety, the list goes on and on. . .aaarghh! Those are all really scary and should be taken more seriously than I am prepared to go.  So I’m going to concentrate this on a few common sense safety and courtesy tips for the Poolside. ((And I wanted to talk about them with my own twisted sense of humor!))

1. Never run around your pool. I know I have turned into my mother by saying that, but how many times did you trip and fall when you were a kid.  Me…. I fell about 8 times with 1 hospital trip.
2. Alcohol and Pools don’t Mix. It’s not just the fact that you get more obnoxious and someone may splash you, but,  around a place where you could drown or be responsible for preventing someone from drowning you really don’t want to be blitzed or even buzzed for that matter.  Besides no one wants to see your drunken cannon ball!
3. When there are children or non-swimmers around you always want to be within arms length of any newbie’s in case they need help.  I know it is cute to see if your baby likes to dunk under water but don’t ever think that the fish DNA we might have repressed in our genetic code will suddenly kick in and our toddler will instantly turn into Aquaboy.  Seriously. . .NEVER leave your non-swimmer unattended for any reason!!!  The Kids that are good swimmers should be supervised but you can do this from a distance once they reach a good age and are competent swimmers.  It is good to have a Buddy system for youth swimmers.  And, NO. . .The dog or cat(as if!) does not qualify

4. Don’t leave too much debris around the pool. (Floats, toys, car parts…)  Yes you may trip over it-but more importantly Mom sure as heck doesn’t want to pick up your mess.  And, remember since she can’t have that cocktail(because of pool safety tip number 2) she is already not a happy camper!

(Photo courtesy of Kanaka – creative commons)
5. Bathing suit apparel. Woooo that’s a tough one.  Assuming we are not a clothing optional household, there is one tip that is universal.  Guys, unless you are training for an Ironman competition or are the next Michael Phelps it is never ever okay to wear a shinkini around poolside and if you are training for Ironman it’s just rude NOT to wear one (ladies need a little eye candy too!).  Ladies, wear whatever the heck you want to wear and wear it with pride wrinkles, wripple, and all.  For all we put up with, and all the ways society tells us we need to be fixed… rebel… you deserve to show your inner and outer goddess and the rest of the world be dammed.  However. . .if the neighbors and your child’s friends stop coming over than you may want to revisit your boldness.
6. No glass around pool. Do I really need to explain See no drunken cannon ball above.  Besides your plastic cup can double as a spousal weapon to retaliate for leaving the dishes out last night.
7. Pets and swimming.  Again another tough one. I guess this all depends on if your animal wants to swim or if you just think it is so cute to see fluffy swim for his life in terror.  Judgment call here. . .There is entertainment value in both.  By the way if you are on a farm and your cow or buffalo decides to take a dip-well I say he’s boss.  But please send me pictures!!!
8. No Pee in the pool. How many times did we hear that.  No the pool won’t turn pink around you thus spawning ridicule from everyone around, and if your sanitizer levels are fine it won’t unduly contaminate your pool.  But let’s face it – the “ewww” factor is so high it is just gross!  I mean how people like to drink pee or use pee shampoo.  You get the point. . .

(courtesy of crashcandy – creative commons)
9. Diving. Most swimming pools (fiberglass, vinyl, above or in ground) are not designed for a 6’4 guy to jump in head first – Very, very bad paralyzing things can happen.  As a rule of thumb… (and here’s a little useless piece of information for you. . .“rule of thumb” came from either wood workers using a standard thumb size for a measurement tool instead of ruler or the since discredited rule that a stick had to be smaller than your thumb in order to be permissible to beat your wife. Neither should be done poolside. We do not condone spousal abuse of any kind including water guns.)… I digress.  A rule of thumb is to jump in feet first in shallower pools and if you have a pool with a diving board that meets diving standards (these do exist) then always dive with your hands over your head and steer up as soon as you hit the water.
10. If you can’t see in your pool don’t swim in it. Keep your swimming pool chemistry properly balanced and sanitized for the safety of all.  See the above section on Pee.  You want to be able to see the bottom for obvious reasons.

Please learn more serious tips about preventing drowning, diving accedents, and poolside safety by searching online at http://www.apsp.org, http://www.redcross.org and http://www.cpsc.org

And. . .of course you can always contact Trilogy Pools – The best fiberglass pool manufacturer ever!

I have a precocious 3 1/2 year old little girl, Mia, who happens to love the water. At water parks she jumps right in without any consideration of the heart attack I may have watching my baby’s head bob up and down in the water; even if the pool is only 10″ deep. When we ply in the swimming pool, she spends hours in her little tubes and floats, but every once in awhile she tries to escape. . .thus causing heart attack number 2!

So the logical question for this first time mom is: When do I enroll my child for swimming lessons and where do I go?

Most parents like me start thinking about swim lessons for their toddlers for 3 reasons:

1. Safety – If my child falls in a pool(or in any body of water. . .ocean, pool, pond, river, lake, etc. . .), will he or she make it to safety unharmed.
2. Enjoyment – Being able to swim can help my child enjoy water activities even more!
3. Michael Phelps – How can I raise the next Michael Phelps? Okay. . .well maybe we won’t go that far! Kids have enough pressure at this age learning their ABC’s. . .so maybe we’ll wait a little while for our future Olympian!

With all of these thoughts in my mind, I started doing research on teaching a child how to swim.

Did you know that The Academy of Pediatrics states that a child is “developmentally ready” to learn to swim at age 4? So Mia is almost ready. But wait. . .Can I start teaching her now?

From my research online, I found that most experts agree that early infant lessons – professional or amateur(parents holding a child) are great for building a “comfort zone” and confidence in the water. ((Not to mention great for wearing them out. . .can you say Naptime?!)) More formal lessons that train for blowing bubbles, rolling on back, swim with head down, and kicking are best suited for children around the age of 4. By age 5 1/2 a child should be able to grasp strokes and be well on their way to swimming to you(or to safety!)

I also consulted child developmental swimming expert Lisa Haberkorn and here are her recommendations:

From 6 months to 3 1/2 years, I encourage the “Mommy/Daddy and Me” program with guided supervision. This method of teaching allows an instructor to instill confidence in the parent and gives them the tools to encourage the “happy times” in the water between the child and parent. I encourage the parent to hold their child away from the body so the child experiences buoyancy, and although it may make them a bit insecure because they do not have a floating mechanism, it helps with future learning as their body becomes naturally buoyant.

Another thing I show them is to blow directly in the child’s face so they hold their breath and take them under the water slowly. The first time, just below their mouth. The second time, lowering them to where the water hits just above their mouth, the third below their nose, the fourth above their nose. . .and then through a few steps, eventually getting them to go under all the way.

The method of blowing bubbles is good in the first couple submerges. Of course, if the child is scared and crying, this process can take several attempts. If this method isn’t working, you can try holding pool toys like pool rings or sticks under the water. While the child is on her belly, she will learn how to reach and put her face under the water to retrieve the toys. Again. . .blowing bubbles here is a good start.

A third thing I try to teach in this program is beginning floating on the back and kicking on front. This is just the beginning but trilogy helps with start of first lessons.

It is critical that the child sees the parent going under the water, holding their breath and getting their eyes wet. . .we all know when a child sees a prent or sibling do something, they want to do it too! Don’t be afraid to show your child it’s OK to get totally wet.

I believe when a child is 4, they are ready for beginner lessons “one on one” with an instructor. I focus on this age group as it’s the age between fear and excitement. The child still has no fear of water and gets excited to be in, but there is still a danger (as Jennifer has noted above) with jumping in. I encourage parents to bring their children back for 3 to 4 years to work at advanced swimming. To only give a child one year of swim lessons and expect them to e a good “Swimmer” is just unrealistic. Most of my students are excellent swimmers and venture into the deep end when they are 5 and 6.

Thanks Lisa!

The next question is: Do I train my child myself? Or do I find a place for her to take swim lessons?

There is plenty of information online on how to teach your child to swim, but again most believe that formal lessons are most effective. LifeScript has a good blog article on training your child at home, but if you are like me, you want to make sure it’s done right!

There are MANY organizations that sponsor swim lessons for children. You can check out your local YMCA, community pool, wellness center or an American Red Cross Training Center.

Make sure that your teacher is an American Red Cross Certified Water Safety Instructor. Private lessons at your home seem to run between $20-40 per hour nationwide. Group rates at my local YMCA were $25 for members and $50 for non-members – This is for the entire program which meets twice a week for 4 weeks. The latter is also the less expensive way of going. . .but for working moms like me. . .carving out two days a week at inflexible times might not be feasible.

What our expert Lisa Haberkorn says:

First and foremost, check out individual certifications whether you are at the community center or going for private lessons. Some facilities employ your lifeguards with little or no skill in teaching (lacking in the are of child psychology) and this is counter productive to learning. We can all agree that a child needs to be nurtured and comforted during the entire process.

Although group lessons are somewhat more affordable, they are very restrictive. A 30 minute lesson with 4 or 5 other children only allows about 5-8 minutes per child and the distractions of the other kids, in my opinion, is a deterrent for learning. In fact, many children find it difficult to focus and relax when there’s a lot of activity in the pool – other children jumping and splashing can be intimidating to a your child just getting used to the water.

I teach private one-on-one sessions for $20 a lesson. (5 30-minute lessons) and I hold them twice a week. I also agree that going every day for 2 weeks can be difficult and does not give the parent time in between to work with the child. As with all education, homework is critical!

Remember, swimming should ALWAYS be a fun activity and the less stress, the better!

Always remember that before and during training, you should always have your hand on your non-swimmer. They should be within arms reach at all times.

For more Safety Tips, Resources and Helpful Posts, please visit the following sites:

• SplashZoneUSA
• APSP
• Red Cross
• Swimming.About.Com
• LifeScript
• Swim.com
• Infant Swimming Resource

Please feel free to contact us at Trilogy Fiberglass Swimming Pools.

Seeing Stains in your Concrete/Gunite Pool or Fiberglass Swimming Pool?

The purpose of this article is to help you understand metal stains on the surface of a swimming pool. I have been in the swimming pool business for 20 years and have practical experience with the removal of metal stains from fiberglass pools using products formulated by Jack’s Magic. Keep in mind that there are MANY other products out there formulated to remove stains. . .I just happen to have the most experience with Jack’s Magic.

Why is there Iron or Copper in my water?

Iron usually comes from the iron pipes throughout most city water systems or from the water pumped from a well. Iron stains will usually be brownish or rusty looking.

all images courtesy of the Jack’s Magic Website.

Copper, on the other hand, may come from the heat exchanger in your pool heater, or from the Copper-based Algaecide used to kill mustard algae, or from an ionization system left unchecked.  .and sometimes copper comes from some mystical source that no one can seem to discover! Copper stains will usually be bluish to grayish in color.

My pool was fine yesterday. . .but now there are brown spots all over it. . .what gives?!

Water is able to hold some metal in solution. Think of your water like a sponge. A sponge is able to hold a certain amount of water. If you go over the amount the sponge can hold, the water will not stay in the sponge will overflow. Likewise, when there is more metal in the water than it can hold, the excess metal will “plate out” on the pool surface.

It’s also important to note that water with a lower pH can hold more metal in solution than water with a higher pH.

Common Scenario:  The pool water has Iron or Copper in it.The pH is 7.0 and all is well. Then you shock your pool using calcium hypochlorite (pH of about 13.5) and the pH rises and at the new pH the water can no longer hold this metal in solution. So. . .just like the overflow from the sponge, the metal will flow out of the water and onto the surface of the pool. If you lower the pH of the water, the metal will come off the wall as it goes back into solution.

Here’s the Problem Though. . .The Metal is still in the Water, waiting for the pH to rise so it can stain your pool again. You must use a product to get the metal out of the water.

The Stain is in the pattern of Footprints, or Checkerboard, or 2′x4′ frame, or Dancing Amoebas. . ..or. . .???

The stain may be in some sort of pattern, but the pattern is irrelevant. Don’t concern yourself with the pattern. Concentrate on getting the pool chemistry right and removing the metal from the pool’s surface and the water.

Ok. . .I get it. Now. . .How Exactly do I get rid of the ugly stains off my pool?

I have many successful stories with Jack’s Magic Products. Jack’s Magic products concentrate on stain and discoloration prevention and removal. There are other good products on the market, but at this time I will concentrate on what has worked in pools I have personally treated.

Step 1: Determine the type of Stain

There are a number of ways to accomplish this. Probably the easiest way is to use the Jack’s Magic Products Stain Identification Kit. This will enable you to determine exactly what type of stain you have AND define exactly what product or combination of products will most effectively remove the stain. The directions with the kit are easy to follow too!

Step 2: Priming the Water Chemistry for Stain Removal

To maximize the effectiveness of the stain removal products, you’ll need to adjust your water chemistry to the following levels:

• Chlorine – below 1.0 ppm (for Jack’s Magic Stain Solution #1)
• Total Alkalinity – below 80ppm
• pH – below 7.2
• Cyanuric Acid(stabilizer) – below 70ppm
• Calcium Hardness – 200-400ppm

Step 3: Time to Get Rid of those Nasty Pool Stains!

Brown Stains – Probably Iron

Add 1 pound of Stain Solution #1 per 6,000 gallons of water. Wait 1 hour. Add 1 quart of Blue Stuff. (The Stain Solution #1 will remove the stain from the pool surface. The Blue Stuff will turn it into a gelatinous goop that your filter will remove.)

Blueish/Grayish Stains – Probably Copper

Add 1 pound of Stain Solution #2 per 1,000 gallons of water. Wait 1 hour. Add 1 quart of Blue Stuff per 10,000 gallons of water. (The Stain Solution #2 will remove the stain from the pool surface. The Blue Stuff will turn it into a gelatinous goop that your filter will remove.)

Step 4: Flush The Metal from the System

The metal should now end up in your filter and it’s your job to get it out!

• Sand Filter – Backwash Everyday for 3 Days
• Cartridge Filter – Clean the Cartridge Everyday for 3 Days
• DE Filter – Backwash and Recharge Everyday for 3 Days

Will The Stains Come Back?

Unfortunately, if you do not prevent the stains from reoccurring, they probably will. If your source water has Iron or Copper in it, every time you add water to the pool you are also adding metals. You should use a Stain and Scale Preventative product each time you add water. You should also clean/backwash your filter regularly (every 7-14 days) to remove the metals from the filter. Just make sure to follow the directions specified on the chemical products you choose to use.

This Whole Thing is Causing Me A Lot of Stress!!

Maybe so, but it’s not as bad as if the pool were leaking. . .right?! Just relax.  .it’s a swimming pool and it’ll be fine! As a matter of fact you can make the stains disappear by simply getting in the pool, lying on a float, and closing your eyes. . . The stains won’t harm the pool surface in any way. When you’re ready. . .add a little of this & a little of that, and the stains will go away(at least for awhile!)

More Info About Jack’s Magic Products:

Website – Jack’s Magic

To Find a Local Retailer – 1-800-348-1656

Technical Support Form – Tech Support

And. . .of course you can always contact Trilogy Pools!

Now that you’ve decided to get a swimming pool, it’s time to choose a color. Let’s talk about Color Theory and pool/spa water!

When talking to your pool builder, you might tell him or her, “I want the water in my fiberglass pool to look like the Ocean in Antigua or San Juan”, or, “I want my swimming pool water to look like the blue water I saw on my Hawaiian vacation. . .”

We associate our swimming pool color with images of an island paradise or even the vision of the Earth from Space.  We want to help you create a backyard getaway with cool, beautiful water to remind you of your favorite beach vacation, or a peaceful day at some secret hideaway.

While blue might be your instinctive choice, it is not the only choice.

It’s a matter of perspective

You’ll probably view your pool the most from two basic vantage points: at a distance (for example, looking out from the kitchen window)

And sitting by the water’s edge.

This is the part where a salesman who doesn’t value color theory and aesthetics might say, “the whiter the swimming pool the bluer the water.”  This should not be your only consideration.  You should also take into consideration what the pool looks like on close inspection. This is where visual texture comes into play.

Humans like visual texture. . .We tend to be uncomfortable in spaces with just one color.  Think of living in a solid white box!  The same thing can be said about your new pool.  Do you really want it to be a simple solid color?

Pool customers across the country are saying no.  Today’s swimming pools are flush with vivid patterns: on vinyl liners, pebble finishes on concrete, and Trilogy Pool owners have increasingly chosen our unique Solid Surface Pool® and Solid Surface Spa® finishes over traditional solid colors, particularly solid white.

The reason is simple.  First, visual texture creates an inviting and relaxing environment.  Just as important, a pattern tends to mask debris and other material.  Take carpet for example: Solid white carpet seems to be a dirt magnet, while a darker, patterned carpet stays clean.

Does white really attract more dirt? A swimming pool is no different.  It is this same visual texture that gives a gunite pool its distinctly different look from that of the traditional white fiberglass pool.  This is especially noticeable when the pool is finished with similar tile and brick pavers or a cantilevered deck.  Even white plaster has a mottled finish and it is this subtle difference that has a profound effect on our subconscious view of the surface.

Selecting a Quality Swimming Pool Finish

Now that you’ve made it this far, it’s time to talk about color selection and see what effect the finishes will have on the swimming pool.

White Gel Coat

Obviously white cannot be bleached out (it’s already white), but it can slightly yellow over time.  If you choose white for your interior finish, this is one good reason to install brick pavers, stone, or cantilever deck and tile.  In this way, all of the white interior will be below the waterline and therefore exposed to identical conditions.  Any slight color shift will typically be even and barely discernible.

A White pool finish is quite easy to repair and pretty robust (whether it’s gelcoat in a fiberglass pool or plasterin a concrete or gunite pool).

White will reflect the most amount of light, which maximizes the scattering and results in the blue water.  How deep blue the color is depends on how deep the water is from your vantage point.  Deep Water = Deep Blue.  Shallow Water = Light Blue.  Glass of water = Transparent.  A white swimming pool will be blue, but not deep blue. And. . .There will be no visual texture other than the debris that may fall to the bottom.

Solid Surface Pools® and Solid Surface Spas® – Brilliant interior swimming pool finish colors

For Fiberglass Pools – Trilogy currently offers 12 Solid Surface Pool color choices.  To get a better idea of what your water color will look like, take a stroll through the Trilogy Pools Water Color Guide.

For Gunite/Concrete Pools, check out the Pebble-Tec Website for a wonderful visual view of Color Theory – Water Colors. (Here’s a link to their brochure too! – Pebble-Tec Color Theory Brochure)

For Vinyl Liners, there are some pretty crazy patterns and colors out there! Try to view some liners already installed in a pool. Because the patterns are sometimes profound. . .it might look differently (liner sample vs. installed).  Here’s a link to the liner patterns offered by Loop-Loc (they have great safety covers by the way. . .but we’ll save that for another blog!)

So there you have it, a detailed look at some of the elements that will ultimately aid in creating the final color of your swimming pool.  There are some excellent reference books available that can give you a much more in depth color analysis, but we hope this article gives you a quick overview for your selection.

As for Trilogy Fiberglass Pools, We have chosen colors that will be enduring, not trendy, so your swimming pool will look as just as good 20 years from now as it does today.  Regardless of what color you select for your new swimming pool and regardless of what type of pool you choose . . .you are going to have years of enjoyment.

Have Fun!!!

Your Friends at Team Trilogy

Who says you can’t be a kid again? We’ve scoured the latest and greatest swimming pool toys to bring you the best finds for the distinguished boomers you are!

1. Waterproof Wireless Headphones (with MP3 Player built in).

Love to visit the kids, but the screaming gets to you? Put on a pair of these and listen to your favorite music. . . .drown out the noise, enjoy the family & the swimming pool. . .and relax!

2. Bring the 18th Hole to Your Pool!

Don’t feel like going to the club today? A little too hot for a round of golf? No worries! Bring the golf course to you – and if you break a sweat. . .jump right on in to your swimming pool!

3.  Motorized Pool Lounger

Is this cool or what?!  Love to lounge in the pool, but hate to paddle to the right spot? Worry No More! This fun swimming pool toy works by using a joystick that controls 2 propellers. And. . .it also has a drink holder. . .so much fun!

4. Floating Card Gaming Table

It’s a Blackjack table for your pool. . .can you believe it? They thought of everything. . .Water-Proof Cards, Playing Chips and a floating game table. We think you’ll never leave your swimming pool again!

5. Sometimes You Don’t Want to be Bothered

Daughter-in-law/Son-in-law an obnoxious twit? Bratty grandkids keep splashing you while you’re trying to relax? Honey-Do list not done yet? We found the solution! Probably the world’s best squirt gun. It’s motorized, it’s strong. . .and it says You Mean Business!

Well. . .that’s all for now from Trilogy Pools. Don’t have a swimming pool yet? Check out the Trilogy Fiberglass Swimming Pools Website and get started on pool planning today!

I can remember the first time I swam the length of our neighborhood pool. I was 6 years old and it is indelibly etched in my mind. There’s something magical about being a kid, the summer and a swimming pool.

Bella Gets a Pool (but Casper the cat is not so excited. . .LOL!)

Call Before You Dig!

The local power company told us that you can just call 811 to have someone come out and mark the lines. . .that’s easy enough (don’t slip up & call 911!!)

Prep Time

An unhealthy Pecan tree is removed from the site. Did you know that a Pecan tree won’t produce, unless it has a mate nearby? ((See all random facts you can learn just by being on a jobsite?!))

Find Final Grade

The yard looked really level, but when we shot grade. . .the grade pole said otherwise! Eventually a spot was found. 2 retaining walls to be built on either side. We marked our grade point on the house gutter so we wouldn’t lose it!

Orange Paint Marks the Spot – Let the Digging Begin!

We mapped out the pool placement with orange marking paint (according to the dig specifications). . .and started digging out where the shallow end of the pool is going.

Sometimes Sacrifices Must be Made!

Free bushes anyone?

Square and String the Hole

By setting the string to the right level, we get the hole ready for our base – what the fiberglass pool sits on.

This is the start of the most important part to a good fiberglass swimming pool installation. Making sure the hole is primed and ready. Follow the instructions! If you do this right. . .the rest of the install will be a walk in the park (or a jump in the pool!)

Gravel Base – BRING IT ON!!

Gravel is a great base for fiberglass pools. It’s easy to drop in the hole. Easy to move. It compacts almost completely on impact. It allows for great drainage. . .actually-let’s save the benefits of gravel for another blog ;o)

Here we bring the gravel up to the level strings.

Then we tamp for extra measure.

Then we Screed to be perfectly level with the strings

Viola. . .It’s Pool Time!

This is the condensed version. Suffice it to say. . .make sure you check out clearances, power lines, etc. For this pool, we had to set up the crane 3 different times. 1. To get the shell off the truck. ..UNDER THE POWER LINES! 2. Move the pool closer to the hole. 3. To set the pool.

Set this Puppy Down!

We want to make sure that we crane the pool down gently and not disturb the gravel. Luckily, our crane operator had a steady hand and the pool set down well.

Checking Level

Because we spent quality time prepping the gravel base for the pool shell, we shouldn’t really have to lift and set this model more than a couple of times. ((The Utopia, pictured here IS probably the most challenging pool to set in the Trilogy Fiberglass Pools Line))

Write it Down!

Don’t just guess on the level. . .write it down silly! We have pool grade forms that make it easy to mark spots on the pool and record data.

After recording your measurements, find the highest and the lowest spots. If you’re +/- 1/2 inch. . .Release the Ropes and let the fun part begin! If you’re more than an inch out of level, well. . .you need to diagnose the problem first. Then mark the footprint of the pool with orange spray paint. Lift the pool carefully. . .either adjust the pool location, or adjust the base accordingly. Make sense?

This is all happening real time! When we get some more photos and video, we’ll take you on a journey from cutting holes to completion. Need more detail? Have Questions or Comments? Let us Know – We’re happy to oblige!!

Team Trilogy

Playing around outdoors and in the swimming pool this summer can work up a thirst. Trilogy Pools to the rescue! We put together 3 of our favorite non-alcoholic drink recipes the whole family can enjoy. Please email us if you have drink recipes to share! We’d love to try them out too!
Michelle’s All Time Favorite Basil Lemonade

Who would’ve thought that Basil could make Lemonade such a taste sensation?

To make this recipe simple, pick up or make a gallon of lemonade.
(Chick-Fil-A diet or regular lemonade works great!)

Ingredients:

To make the Basil Syrup:
1 ½ cups of fresh basil leaves
1/2 cup sugar
1/2 cup water
1/8 teaspoon baking soda

Instructions:
Step 1:  Quickly Boil(Blanch) the Basil leaves for about 10 seconds.
Step 2:  Drain and place the Basil leaves in a bowl of ice water.
Step 3:  Drain and squeeze excess water from the leaves.
Step 4:  Add Basil, Sugar, Water and Baking Soda  to a Blender and Blend until it becomes Syrup.
Step 5: Pour syrup through a strainer into a container. (Syrup will store in the fridge for a few days)

Putting it all together:
For large groups, just add the syrup to the lemonade to taste.
Or, add a tablespoon or two to an individual glass.

For another variation, add strawberries or raspberries to the mix for a fruity twist!

Garnish with a sprig of basil and a piece of fruit.
Wacky Wild Berry Mojito  (Makes 2 Quarts)

Mojito’s have been a trendy drink for years now. This is a fun spin on a classic cocktail. And. . .it’s non-alcoholic so even the kids can enjoy it! What’s better than a refreshing fruit-filled drink after a day at the swimming pool?!

Ingredients:
20 Blackberries
20 Blueberries
20 Raspberries
50 Mint Leaves
5 Limes (or equivalent in Lime Juice)
8 oz. Honey
Crushed Ice
Club Soda

Instructions:
1.    In a bowl, crush berries, mint, lime juice and honey together.
2.    Fill pitcher 1/2 full with crushed ice
3.    Add berry mixture and stir until ice melts down a little
4.    Add some more crushed ice
5.    Pour mixture into cups and top off with Club Soda.
6.    Stir and Enjoy

Fun By The Pool (Makes 2 Quarts)

This is probably one of the easiest drinks to make. Pick up your favorite seasonal fruit, blend and combine with club soda/mineral water. Jump into your swimming pool, get on that float, and enjoy this fine summer day with a fruity beverage!

Ingredients:
4 Cups of Strawberries
1 Mango (or substitute Oranges or Cantaloupe, etc.)
1 Apple
1 Pineapple

(The main ingredient here is Strawberries. You can add various fruits of the season.)
Club Soda / Sparkling Water (try flavored sparkling water for variations too!)

Instructions
1.    Combine all fruit in a Blender or a Juicer
2.    Blend until Smooth
3.    Fill pitcher 1/4 with ice or crushed ice
4.    Add mixture to pitcher.
5.    Top with Club Soda / Sparkling Water
6.    Stir and Serve

Whether you have a Trilogy Fiberglass Swimming Pool, An in ground pool, above ground pools, whatever. . .we hope you enjoy these and more drink recipes poolside this summer! Take Care!

I had the pleasure of being a Chaperone for my sons school fieldtrip to The Aquarium Restaraunt in Nashville, TN. It was a lot of fun and we learned all sorts of good stuff.  Part of the day involved a behind the scenes tour of the aquarium. WOW! There are so many pieces of equipment keeping all those fish healthy. . .

Over and over, I kept seeing a large piece of equipment with foam bubbling out of the top. It was an Ozonator, and there were at least 5 of them!

As it turns out, the Aquarium Restaurant uses Ozone to purify the water in an eco-friendly way. This make sense, right? Big tank. . .lots of fish. . .and you certainly can’t use chlorine to keep it sterile! (Since it’s a saltwater environment, they happen to use sea salt from the Red Sea.)

So. . .if we can use Ozone Systems in marine aquariums, does the same principle apply to using Ozone in a swimming pool or spa? Does using an Ozone system help reduce the need for chemical usage?  Well. . .let’s find out!

I started doing research and looked for some scientific sites regarding the use of ozone generators in swimming pool applications. It took awhile (most of the information out there is from Ozone generator manufacturers . . .not exactly unbiased!) but I found some interesting information. . . .most of it I won’t share (too technical!)  Suffice it to say, Ozone does the following:

Ozone (O₃) is an unstable molecule, a “free radical” of oxygen which readily gives up one atom of oxygen providing a powerful oxidising agent which is toxic to most waterborne organisms. It is a very strong, broad spectrum disinfectant that is widely used in Europe. It is an effective method to inactivate harmful protozoans that form cysts. It also works well against almost all other pathogens. Ozone is made by passing oxygen through ultraviolet light or a “cold” electrical discharge. To use ozone as a disinfectant, it must be created on-site and added to the water by bubble contact.

And. . .did you know: Ozone has been used in drinking water plants since 1906 where the first industrial ozonation plant was built in Nice, France? Even the FDA approves the use of ozone for treatment, storage and processing of foods!

How an Ozone Generator Works in a Swimming Pool

Beth Hamil wrote an excellent article that was published in 2007 about Residential Pool Ozone Use. It’s attached here for extended reading.

She states there are significant benefits to adding Ozone to a residential backyard swimming pool. Some of these benefits are:

• 60-90 percent reduction in chlorine usage
• Reduction or elimination of chloramines (this is that overbearing chlorine smell)
• Improved Water Clarity
• Improved Water Quality (red eyes & chemical smells go away)
• Elimination of Calcium Build-up (tile is easier to clean, as Ozone breaks down biofilm)

So How Does all of this make Ozone an eco friendly Alternative to swimming pool sanitation?

Del-Ozone puts it simply: It’s a natural purifier as no harmful chemical by-products are created during purification, making it environmentally friendly.

Reduced chemical use = reduced need for so much chlorine.

Reduction in Green Hair, Dry Skin and Faded Swimsuits I bet too!

Well, I hope this gives you an intro into another green and eco-friendly alternative for your swimming pool. We, at Trilogy Pools, don’t necessarily have a favorite.

And, as always, how you choose to sanitize your pool is a personal decision – There’s more than one way for sure! We just look forward to providing you many eco-friendly green options in this series.

Manufacturers offering Ozone Systems for Swimming Pools:

We’d love to hear your experiences – good and bad with Ozone Generators for swimming pools and spas. Do they work well with fiberglass pools, concrete/gunite pools, in ground and above ground pools, etc.? Is there a better model than the other? Please comment below or give us a call! Take Care, Your friends at Team Trilogy

Trilogy Pools really cares about the environment.

From our environmentally conscientious manufacturing practices, to the creation of long-lasting durable fiberglass pools, we try every day to implement green practices.

But. . .a Trilogy fiberglass pool shell, or any type of swimming pool, is just one part of the equation.  There are so many other components that work together to create your beautiful aquascape.

We’ve decided to start a series on Green Resources for Pool and Spa Owners.  This will hopefully create awareness about all of the amazing eco-friendly, environment saving products out there for your swimming pool.

Please keep in touch too.  If you hear of a product, find something that works, are a green product manufacturer, etc. we want to hear from you!  Together we can make our swimming pools safer, better and more environmentally friendly.