The Risks of Having a Salt Water Pool

There has been a lot of talk recently in the pool industry about making the switch from a standard filtering and chlorination system to salt water chlorination. But, before you do something like this at your own home, there are a few things that you should know about.

1. Chemical balancing - salt water requires a lot of maintenance

2. Draining - there are city rules and guidelines in place when it comes to draining your salt water pool

3. Galvanic corrosion - this is a complicated electrical process that could cause a lot of problems for your swimming pool

Chemical Balancing

When you add a salt water system to your pool, the chemical balancing process will change, obviously. Most swimming pools have a low pH while salt water pools have a higher pH due to the fact that chlorine is produced from the system. The problem here is that many pool owners think that if they buy a salt water kit, they aren't going to need to do as much maintenance. This is not true. If corrective actions aren't taken to keep the water's pH levels in check, it could cause a lot of problems, including the formation of corrosive scale.

Draining the Water

Typically, a traditional pool can have its water drained out to the curb in front of the home where it will flow down a sewer grate. With salt water, you may need to have the water hauled away or some other requirements may be in place depending on where you live. This can lead to additional maintenance costs for you to worry about from season to season.

Galvanic Corrosion 

This is the process where metals are submerged in an electrolyte mixture, creating a current that moves between metal components and the water in the pool. This means that the salt water in your pool may have a constant voltage, which will eventually lead to premature corrosion to the pool floor, liner, filter, and so on.

For More Information

To learn more, give us a call here at Ambassador Pools. We serve New England, including all of Massachusetts, Hudson Valley, western PA, and parts of the Midwest, including Cleveland, Akron, and Canton in Ohio.

When is a Child Ready to Learn How to Swim?

Many parents often wonder when it's time to teach their children how to swim, or when the right time is to get them signed up for lessons. Research seems to indicate that the earlier a child is introduced to the water, the more comfortable they will become with it and the easier it will be for them to pick up on pool safety techniques and swim stroke development. 

The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends parents waiting until a child is at least 4 years old before they sign them up for lessons, and this is simply due to general developmental limitations that a young toddler will have. However, some studies performed by Stephen Langendorfer, PhD and several Australian studies indicate that once a child reaches two milestones in their life, they are ready for lessons - these include age and individual experience.

Toddlers who are exposed to a backyard swimming pool are more "ready" for lessons as compared to a child who is only swimming at a public pool or one at a local aquatic center or gym. In fact, there are some lessons which are designed for children as young as 6 months of age. These classes help to teach the basics and can work to prevent drowning and other hazards associated with the water.

Basically, it is up to the parent when they want to sign their child up for lessons. If you feel your son or daughter is "ready" for learning the basics so that they can get more comfortable in the water, then you should sign them up for lessons at a place you are also comfortable with. Children won't really be able to learn swim strokes until they are about 5 years old.

Experts also recommend the following for teaching children to swim:

• Annual lessons should be attended for 8 weeks every season
• Pool barriers and security need to be put in place in any backyard swimming pool
• Supervision is a MUST for a child of any age - regardless of how well they seem to be picking up on swimming techniques

To Learn More

For more information about getting a backyard above ground pool of your very own to aid in your child's learning, please feel free to give Ambassador Pools a call today. We serve New England, including all of Massachusetts, Hudson Valley, western PA, and parts of the Midwest, including Cleveland, Akron, and Canton in Ohio.

Getting a Quiet Pool Filter

Nobody wants to be relaxing in their new above ground pool and then be interrupted by a loud, annoying filter system. You can't shut it off or do "without" one as this is what is responsible for helping to keep your water safe, clean, and healthy. 

The type of filtration system you have influences how loud it's going to be. Cartridge filters, for example, produce less noise than a sand filter because of their hydraulic design. A sand filter has a special port on it that water moves through before getting to the filter. This can put off a lot of noise. A cartridge filter does NOT have the additional port for water to move through. 

The quietest filtration systems are variable speed pumps. You need to be sure that you are choosing one with at least two speeds. When running on low-speed, you will barely even be able to notice that it's running, and when you are finished for the day in the pool, you can push the system up to high-speed and not have to deal with the noise from inside your home.

More Information

To learn more, give us a call at Ambassador Pools today. Our toll-free number is 1-800-798-6039. We thank you for your interest in our services and products, and we look forward to hearing from you soon!

How to Move an Above Ground Pool

A lot of homeowners buy above ground pools and they eventually need to move into a bigger/smaller home, or they need to re-locate because of jobs, schools, and so on. Regardless of the reason why you need to change locations, you don't have to leave your swimming pool for the next homeowner to enjoy. That's right - you can actually move your above ground pool with you to wherever you may be going!

Follow the simple steps below and you and your family will be enjoying the cool comforts of your swimming pool at your new location in no time at all!

1. Be sure to do a thorough inspection of the pool before you start to move it. Be sure that the bottom of the pool is in good shape, including the track, bottom plates, and screws. Some rust is okay, but if the frame is starting to rot and is in bad shape, it may be easier (and safer) to consider getting a new pool.

2. If the pool is in an oval shape, be sure that you check the a-frames to see if they are rotted. This includes the straps that are underneath the pool itself. Some rust is normal, but if they are in terrible shape, they are going to need to be replaced.

3. Cut out the liner and remove the bolts that are connecting the walls together. You may be in need of some WD-40 to help you with this task. During this time, you should also remove the skimmer.

4. When the bolts from the walls have been removed, you can remove all of the uprights. Then you can roll the wall tightly - - this will take a few people. Duct tape the wall together to keep it from unfolding while you are moving it from one location to the next.

5. Disconnect the filter system and the bottom track pieces. Be sure that everything is thoroughly washed out and cleaned.

6. At your next home's installation spot, be sure that the grass and ground are level before you start the set up process. 

7. Assemble the parts in reverse with a NEW liner and any additional parts that may be required.

Here are some of the new parts that you may need: liner, screws, track, clamps, hoses, special rust-proof paint, and a skimmer.

For More Information

If you would like more information about moving your swimming pool, please give us a call at Ambassador Pools - New England's above ground pool authority. Our toll-free number is 1-800-798-6039. We look forward to hearing from you soon!

Common Questions We Get From Customers

At Ambassador Pools, we are dedicated to serving the unique needs of all of our customers. We get asked a lot of questions, understandable, and we want to take a few minutes to answer some of the most common ones that we receive. So, if you are doing research about getting a new above ground pool, some of your questions may be answered in this post!

Do I need to get a permit?

It depends on where you live, but most likely - yes - you will need to get a permit before any installation work can begin. The typical fee to get one will vary from city to city, but usually ranges from $100-$150.

Is it important for the ground to be level prior to construction? 

Yes, this is actually one of the most important parts of the building process. We will be sure that the ground that the pool is being installed on is properly leveled before and during the construction. We will be sure the area is 1/2 inches in grade.

What kind of pump will I need?

A majority of pumps are about 110v and have a 3 foot cord that can easily be plugged in. It is going to need its own breaker and gauge wires traveling to the pump itself. If you need recommendations on specific brands for your pool, we can provide you with some suggestions of products that we know work and last.

How much will it cost to fill the pool?

Giving an exact estimate on cost for this is somewhat difficult, but it will typically range from $80-$160. Your local water company will also be able to give you an idea on costs based on how many gallons the pool will hold.

How long does it take to install the pool?

It will take roughly 1-2 days to get the pool installed, and this can vary depending on how much leveling will be required for the ground the pool will be set up on.

What should I do about landscaping?

This is often an overlooked part of the process because the homeowner is more concerned with wanting to jump in the new pool to cool off! However, you will need to think about re-seeding the area around the pool where the grass was stepped on and heavy pool parts were kept. Also, you may want to add crushed stone around the base of the pool, or you can even add on a deck for a nice place for sunbathing or placing towels.

For More Information

 

For more answers to your questions, please feel free to give us a call at  1-800-798-6039, or you can fill out our online contact form. We look forward to hearing from you soon!

Will Adding a Pool Increase the Value of My Home?

If you are considering adding a pool to your backyard this year, then you are likely wanting to know more about all of the benefits that it's going to provide for you, your family, and your property. Needless to say, when it comes to you and your family, the #1 benefit that it's going to provide is a place to cool off on a hot summer day - all from the comfort of your own home. 

When it comes to what benefits the above ground pool is going to add to your backyard and property, there are a few things to consider. First of all, how big is the pool going to be that you are getting installed? What will it be made out of? And finally, if you are thinking about moving within the next year or two, are you going to be leaving the pool on the property? 

The answer to the last question is likely the most important thing to think about. If you aren't going to leave the pool in the yard and you plan on taking it with you, then no, the pool is not going to increase the value of your home if you are thinking about selling it. However, if you are planning on leaving the pool on the property, then it may increase its resale value - it likely will not be as much as you paid for the pool, but it should be a considerable amount.

Selling Your Home With the Pool

If you are going to leave the pool on the property, it will be in your best interest to be sure that you are properly maintaining it throughout the year so that you can be getting the most for your investment. 

Be sure that you have a cover installed to keep ice, snow, and bugs out. Also, be sure to maintain your pool's liner and check it often for cracks, rips, and tears. It will be important for you to regularly replace these items and other pool accessories as needed.

More Information

To learn more about purchasing an above ground pool for your home, or if you have any other questions about your swimming pool, please give Ambassador Pools a call today, or visit our website for additional information that may help to answer your questions.

We serve the entire New England area, including Massachusetts and Hudson Valley, NY.

How to Deal With Ice Damage To Your Above Ground Pool This Winter

This winter has just started and it is already proving to be incredibly cold with brutal temperatures, record-breaking snowfall totals, and freezing rain and sleet galore. If you are the proud owner of an above ground pool, then you likely have done all that you can to get it prepared for the cold months ahead.

However, sometimes even with the best care and attention, these pools can get damaged. Under the weight of heavy snow and ice, pool liners can rip and tear, and walls can become dented or even start to actually fall apart.

Ice in the Water

When water in your pool builds up and turns to ice, it expands nearly 9%. This puts an extensive amount of pressure on the pool walls and cause them to expand outward. This can easily be prevented with the use of a specialized air pillow beneath a tightly-secured pool cover. It is important to protect against this problem since the ice can ruin your liner and scrape down the sides of the pool's wall.

Damage From Snow

A foot of snow on top of an average-sized above ground pool can weigh in excess of 7,000 pounds. And add to that more ice and snow, and the weight just continues to go up and up all winter long. Eventually, the walls of your pool won't be able to support the weight or pressure. This is when the walls start to buckle beneath the weight, and this will typically happen at the weakest point - usually where the skimmer and return are located.

Taking Care of Repairs

If your above ground pool has been severely damaged this winter, it will be important for you to properly take care of the problem(s) before spring returns. To repair walls, you can make use of continuous rolls of sheet metal that are often sold at your local home improvement store. Be sure that you are using a stainless steel metal. If the walls are bent or buckled, they can be taken care of and put back into place with the use of a 2x4 and a hammer or mallet. Lower the water in your pool to below the damaged area. Then, hold the wood inside of the pool and hit it from the outside with your hammer. This will help to flatten the wall and remove creases.

Preventing Damage

Be sure that you make use of an air pillow below your pool cover. You should also make sure that you are on the look-out for any leaks that may pop up during the winter months. Taking care of them NOW will prevent a lot of damage and headaches in the spring. Remove sno and build-up of ice from the top of the pool, but be careful.