Tag: Coping - page 3

It’s summer! Many families celebrate the arrival of the sunshine season by opening their pools.  In-ground pools are installed using a variety of different materials from fiberglass to plaster.  If you are looking to celebrate the arrival of summer by installing a new in-ground swimming pool consider a gunite, otherwise known as concrete, pool.

Gunite has many advantages over other pool materials.  Gunite is a type of reinforced concrete that is strong, durable and adaptable to most any desired size or shape.

For a gunite pool to be installed the crew will dig a hole around the desired space.  Then the pools plumbing will be put into place and a framework grid made from three eighths steel reinforced rods will be placed.  Once the grid is in place and secured with wire the crew will spray in a heavy coat of gunite in between and around the rebar that is in place.  The gunite is a mixture of cement, sand and water.  This mixture is then smoothed out by the crew and left to set for about a week or so before they apply the smooth plaster finish onto the rough concrete surface. The entire process takes between thirty to ninety days depending on your contractor and the weather.

Gunite is used in most luxury pools as it can be designed to any shape or size desired.  Custom designed pools are most easily created from gunite.  This concrete mixture gives the pool a more natural looking pool.  With the introduction of new designs families can use gunite to have a pool created to resemble a Florida beach, vanishing edges or even backyard ponds.

Advantages of a Gunite Swimming Pool

• An in-ground swimming pool created using gunite is a permanent structure.  It becomes an extension of your home and works to increase the homes equity.  It also adds to the beauty of the landscape which works to increase the overall value of the property.
• A gunite pool is more customizable and therefore unique and personal.  It may cost a bit more and take a few more weeks to install but are more than worth it.  You can literally customize the entire area and every little detail.
• A gunite pool can use a variety of finishes including tile, exposed aggregate and even fiberglass.
• Homeowners can work outside the box to seek a design created to reflect their home and personality.
• Gunite is highly durable and can withstand climate changes when closed properly for the season.
• A gunite pool will last a very long time.  The plaster protective layer will need replacing every ten to fifteen years which is easily completed by professionals specializing in pool plastering and repair services. 

Pound Pool Plastering repairs commercial and residential gunite swimming pools including coping, tile and plaster repairs. For more information or to request a quote, visit us at http://www.pound-pool-plastering.com/.

Are you dreaming of an in-ground pool for your backyard?  There are many details to consider when installing a pool.  A solid foundation, piping needed for the pools water system and electricity are crucial decisions and details that need to be considered and worked out before ground is broken for the installation of your new pool.  After working out the crucial details that affect the longevity of the pools structure it is time to consider the dramatic affects that will make your pool area aesthetic and not to mention protected.

Various materials can be used as the final layer over the gunite structure of your pool.  The interior material of the pool is what creates the unique visual aspect of your pool.  Not only can it offer color it enhances the reflections around the pool area and enhances the benefits derived from the interior.  Another detail that is provided by the interior material of your homes pool is texture.  You need to choose a material that adds a desirable amount of texture as well to help create a safe, slip free pool interior.

Various pool materials need special care as well. When considering the material to install within the interior of your pool take into consideration not only the appealing nature of the materials but also the maintenance, up keep, life span and cost of replacement.  Below you will find a detail of materials available to create the outdoor space you have been dreaming of.

Tile:  Using tile on the interior structure of your pool is a popular option that can add a lot of flair to your pool.  If the exterior landscape of your pool area is simple this is a great way to add some flair without adding a lot of maintenance to the area.  Tiles offer a longer lifespan than many gunite pool interiors but can be timely to install.  This is countered by the cost saving advantage that comes from using tile for the interior surface of your pool.

Pebble: If you are looking for a natural material feel to your pool are pebbles are the way to go.  Picture in your head the look of a lagoon, a waterfall with a picturesque waterfall.  This is the effect achieved when using a mixture of aggregates.  Using pebbles is a great option to avoid the use grout and the aggregate is highly durable and resistant to stains as well as to the chemicals used in treating your pool’s water.

Plaster:  Plaster is the most popular option in pool interiors.  It is the most economical way to achieve the luxury of owning an in-ground pool.  When the plaster needs to be replaced it is a simple manner in which experienced pool plasters can do without a lot of downtime.  If you choose to use plain white plaster in the pool the water is beautifully enhanced by the natural color of the sky, sun and surrounding landscape.

Vinyl:  Vinyl is a low maintenance option for an in-ground pool.  Vinyl can be used to design basically any shape or size pool you desire.  They do not crack easily and have a long life span due to the ability to flex and resist the affects of ground movement.

Fiberglass: Fiberglass is the priciest option in interior pool materials.  Fiberglass offers a smooth surface that feels great on your feet.  Because fiberglass is non-porous it is resistant to algae growth.  It is also said to be stronger than many other types of pool finishes.

There is a lot to think about when designing and installing an in-ground pool.  Every decision you make will come with pros and cons.  You need to weigh them, over the cost of the project to build a dream recreation area within your allotted budget and time frame.

Pound Pool Plastering repairs commercial and residential gunite swimming pools including coping, tile and plaster repairs. For more information or to request a quote, visit us at http://www.pound-pool-plastering.com/.

It is that time of year again where we begin to think about and plan for backyard adventures including opening backyard swimming pools.  If you are not familiar with opening a pool you may think it is as simple as pulling the cover off, adding water and jumping in but that is not the case.  Properly opening your swimming pool is important to the lifespan of your pool.  Below are tips and pieces of advice to ensure a successful opening of your pool.

One thing to remember when closing the pool to make opening it easier is not to empty the swimming pool completely.  This is true even in the coldest of climates unless of course you need to do structural repairs or plaster work.  Your swimming pools plaster and care is of utmost important when considering the integrity of your pool.  Other than those reasons it is best to leave water in your gunite swimming pool covered by a secure pool cover.

The nest step in the process of opening your pool for the summer is to thoroughly clean the pool.  Put together the pools filtration devices, clean out all baskets that may or may not have been prepared properly when closing and remove any plugs that were put in place at closing last year.

You will need to add water to the pool.  Before you turn on the filter to makes sure it is clean.  Different filters need to be cleaned differently so be sure to read the instructions that come along with your system.  Sand filters are cleaned differently than D.E. filtration systems.

Take a water sample to your local pool professionals for testing.  Do a complete work up of the mineral content, the alkalinity, ph and chlorine levels.  This test will help to tell you what needs to be added to adjust that water to make it perfect for the upcoming season swimming season.   Balance the chemicals to the ideal levels meant for your pool.

Your swimming pool water will not be ready to swim in until it is completely clear.  This process can take upwards of a week.  Chlorine may need to be added to keep the levels correct.  Make sure you clean the filters daily, if not twice daily to help the water get clear quicker.  If you live in an air of increased pollen, dander, cotton weed or other flying tree gunk leave a cover on the pool when it is not in use.  This will save you a great deal of skimming and vacuuming.

At this point your pool is ready to enjoy.  Keep up on the normal housekeeping and maintain the pools water to ensure a season of pool water ready to swim in everyday.

Pound Pool Plastering repairs commercial and residential gunite swimming pools including coping, tile and plaster repairs. For more information or to request a quote, visit us at http://www.pound-pool-plastering.com/.