What's the best inground swimming pool if you have sandy or softer soil

We get asked this question quite a bit.  A good analogy, is to look at your driveway.  Your home's driveway is probably made out of concrete.  Walk down the drive and look for cracks.  Undoubtedly, there will be multiple cracks throughout (especially if it has been in for 10 years or more).

Vinyl liner and gunite/concrete pools will fare similarly.  Over time, the pool will develop cracks that you will see in the gunite pool, and that will be hidden under the liner in a vinyl liner pool. 

The one pool that will stand up to this soil type, is the fiberglass pool.  The fiberglass shell will stand the test of time in this area.  It is the most durable of any pool type, maintains its' finish for a lifetime, and is much easier to care for.  There is no need to replaster or replace vinyl liners as your pool ages.  It will also hold its' value better than other pool types.

So the next time you are thinking about putting in a new pool and are considering gunite or vinyl liner; just run outside and take a look at the driveway.

Dolphin Pools
2505 Cypress St
West Monroe, LA 71291
318-372-2669
ray@dolphinpoolsla.com
http://www.dolphinpoolsla.com/

Interested in an Endless Pool. We will install your new Endless Pool throughout NE Louisiana and Southern Arkansas

We recently became a distributor for Endless Pools.  You might have seen them on TV or the internet.  Their system is a very unique one, especially for someone with limited space or just wanting the best low impact exercise available.

There are many styles to choose from, and installation takes only 1 week.

Give us a call or email for a free quote or more information.

Cold weather today, pool is approaching unswimmable for the winter

There are several different types of swimming pool heaters; natural gas, propane, electric, solar.  The most efficient and effective type in our climate is natural gas or propane.  Electric heaters or heat pumps have a hard time heating a full pool once the air and water temperature get down below 60. 

Gas heaters, on the other hand, can handle the task.  You can heat your pool in 12 to 18 hours, depending on the water temp.  The cost you will incur for the fuel should run in the $50 range for a weekend.  It is also a good idea to use a solar cover when you're keeping the pool warm.  A heater itself will run you in the $3,000 range.

Solar is just not a feasable way to heat a pool in our climate.  They are very popular in Florida, New Mexico, Arizona and other typically warm states, but not here. 

If you would like more information on how to swim all year long, give us a call at 318-340-0001 or after hours at 318-372-2669.

Have a great weekend,

Ray

Go "Green" with your new or existing swimming pool

Environmentally Friendly Swimming Pools

Not "green" water; but, an Eco-Friendly pool!

As we become more conscious of the environmental impact of our homes and gardens, we should also consider our swimming pools.  A "green" pool pays attention to energy efficiency and water and resource conservation.

A "Green" swimming pool:

Minimizes the use of chemicals

Use a salt-sterilization system instead of chlorine.  Pools generally need chlorine concentrations of 2 to 4 parts per million to stay sanitized. The chemical generally is added weekly and in high quantities.
A salt system converts salt into chlorine, eliminating the need to transport and handle chlorine tablets or powder. Though it is effective at keeping your pool clean, chlorine is a toxic substance. Pool water that is sanitized by a salt system feels clean and refreshing and won't burn your eyes, ruin hair color or fade bathing suits the way chlorine does.

Minimizes energy consumption for pumping and heating

Use a more efficient pump and filter.  In environmentally friendly states like Florida and California, pool owners have moved to cartridge filter systems.  They eliminate the need to backwash and are easy to keep clean.  We also recommend energy efficient LED lighting. LED lighting systems cost half to operate than conventional lighting and have a much longer bulb life.

Reduces reliance on fresh water by minimizing evaporation

Eco-friendly swimming pools use pool covers. Swimming pool covers keep the pool cleaner, and help reduce chemical and filter maintenance costs. A pool cover also reduces the amount of water and chlorine lost to evaporation. Covers can also minimize heat loss, keeping your pool water comfortably warm, miminizing pool heater usage and possibly extending your swimming season.

Added Benefits

Going "green" for your swimming pool lowers the operating costs and time spent maintaining the pool, leaving you with more time to have fun!

For more information or a free "Green" survey, contact Dolphin Pools at 318-340-0001.  You can also reach us on the web at http://www.dolphinpoolsla.com/, facebook, or email us at dolphinpoolsla@gmail.com.

Dolphin Pools has been building the most beautiful inground pools, waterfalls and rock structures thoughout the North Louisiana and South Arkansas region for over 30 years.

Cold weather on the horizon. Find out what you need to do to have your pool ready.

We carry all the necessary chemicals and equipment you will need if you decide to close your pool for the winter.  Mention you saw this blog, and get $1.00 off a 1 pound bag of pool shock.

Most people in this area don't shut down their pools just because it's a bit too cold to swim.  No matter the temperature, they are still beautiful to look at. 

At this time of year, you might consider a gas pool heater or solar cover.  Quite a few people have asked me about the cost of running a pool heater.  It is definitely not something you would want to run constantly.  You will typically need to get your heater cranked up about 18+ hours before you will be using the pool.  To keep it warm for your weekend party, you should expect to spend between $50 and $75.  Gas is definitelely the most efficient and effective heater type for our climate.

Concerned about your pool lines and equipment freezing up when the temperature drops below 32.  You might want to upgrade your equipment with automatic freeze control.  Your pump will automatically turn on and stay on when the temperature gets near the freezing point.

Call the store at 318-340-0001 or email us at dolphinpoolsla@gmail.com to find out more.

Unbelievable Rock and Water Structures

Our latest Pool and Waterfall creation turned out beautifully.  Sporting an 8' cave/waterfall, lazy river, kiddie splash pool w/waterfall, beautiful landscape and lighting, and a new mist fogger system; this family is setup to throw Disney-like parties for the kids.  For a tour or to get more information on how we can create the back yard you could only dream about, give us a call at 318-340-0001 or email at dolphinpoolsla@gmail.com.

Even better; post something on the blog!

Dolphin Pools is ready to cool you down, now that the summer is in full force. What better time to get a brand new swimming pool.

We're into August, and record temperatures are being set.  Vacations are winding down, so give yourself a full-time vacation with a new swimming pool.

We are running end-of-summer specials, with pricing as low as $29,000 for a complete package.

Want a custom job with waterfalls, boulder slides, fire pits and a spa?  We can handle that for you too.

Call us at (318)340-0001, email at ray@dolphinpoolsla.com or view us on the web at www.dolphinpoolsla.com  for your Free Proposal and 3D drawing of your backyard paradise.

Dolphin Pools
2505 Cypress Street
West Monroe, LA 71291

Summer is upon us and we are able to get your new swimming pool in fast!

For Summer 2011, we have some really good deals for new fiberglass in-ground swimming pools.  Prices for the total project start at $28,000.  If you are interested in having us come out and put together drawings and a proposal for you, please give us a call at 318-340-0001.

Ray Clary
Dolphin Pools
2505 Cypress Street
West Monroe, LA 71291
ray@dolphinpoolsla.com
www.dolphinpoolsla.com

Winter is the time to grab a pool deal

When the weather starts to heat up, everyone seems to get in the pool buying mode.  When the thermometer is dropping; however, there are usually great deals to be had.  We are currently running a smaller swimming pool package for $25,000 that is usually $5,000 more.  Suppliers for pool builders feel the seasonal market downturn as well, and give us better pricing to compensate. 

Call us at 318-372-2669 to get in on a long term investment for your family.  A NEW SWIMMING POOL!

Closing the pool down for the winter, or not?

Many people choose to close their pools down and cover them for the winter, but there are  few things to consider:

Maintaining the pool through the cold month is inexpensive.  The amount of chemical needed and time of running the filter system are much less this time of year.  Also, after the leaves have fallen, cleaning time is very little, especially on a fiberglass pool.

Many owners lessen the number of times their pool service provider cleans the pool for them as well.  Example - you might go from weekly cleaning to bi-weekly cleaning.  This will save you money for this three to four month period.

If you have any questions, call us at 318-340-0001.