Pool "popping" out of the ground MYTH

Dispelling the Myth of Pools "Popping" out of the ground

A common myth surrounding fiberglass pools and spread by competitors who build gunite pools or vinyl liner pools is that fiberglass pools pop or float out of the ground. If you are told this, ask how a pool full of water could pop out of the ground.

Any watertight object will float if there is more water under it than in it. Pools can only float when they are drained and the water under the pool exerts upward pressure because the pool has been drained.


Why would you drain a pool? Gunite pools need frequent draining to remove cracks, acid wash, clean stains and re-plaster the pool. Vinyl liner pools must be drained frequently to replace or repair liners. Fiberglass pools typically carry a lifetime warranty and should never need resurfacing, so you should not need to drain your pool. The truth is that many more gunite and vinyl pools float than do fiberglass; so don't believe the lie.

If you have any questions about this or any other pool article, call Dolphin Pools at 318-340-0001 or email at ray@dolphinpoolsla.com

Opening your swimming pool up for Spring

So your pool has been sitting for a few months now, your water is green and you're ready to have a beautiful oasis in your backyard again.

Not to worry, your just a few days away from success.  The easiest way to get your pool back in order is to take a water sample and bring it into our office.  We will do free testing for you, and you will know exactly what your water needs to get back to swimming condition.  Besides adjusting your alkalinity, ph, and chlorine levels; you'll probably just have to put in a little elbow grease.

We also carry test strips that make it extremely simple to test you own water.  They are color coded and much easier to use than the dropper type test kits. 

A few key things to remember when you start working on the pool: 
     1.  turn your pump off before you adjust the control valve to filter/waste/backwash/rinse
     2.  after you have the valve set where you want it, then turn the pump back on
     3.  after all vaccuuming/cleaning is done, return the valve to the filter mode
     4.  as temperatures warm up, you should run your pumps longer each day (10 to 12 hours at present)
     5.  if you're using a saltwater system on your pool, make sure the salt level in the pool is at an
          acceptable level.  Not enough salt will cause the system to not produce chlorine.
     6.  Keep your skimmer baskets clean;  they are your first line of defense against a dirty pool

There is nothing that brings family and friends together like a backyard swimming pool.  Keeping it clean and clear shouldn't be a job.  Feel free to contact us for advice or set your pool up for weekly cleaning by our staff by calling 318-340-0001 or email us at ray@dolphinpoolsla.com

Cost and Durability Comparison of Pool types:
	Fiberglass Pools PRO'S:   Permanent Home Improvement Factory controlled quality. Flexural strength that prevents cracking in freeze-thaw climates. Highly durable in soft and sandy soil types.  17 times stronger than concrete. Smooth finish means no skin abrasions. Non-porous surface resists the problems associated with imbalanced water chemistry, requiring less chemical maintenance, labor, and electric and is algae resistant. 25 year warranty on pool shell. CON'S:  Limited size and shapes (Though hundreds of styles are available) ECO-AWARENESS:  Fiberglass pools act as a natural insulator, requiring less electric/gas to heat the pool. Algae is less prone to attach to the smooth surface of a fiberglass pool, requiring less chemicals and maintenance. BILLABLE MAINTENANCE:  Chemicals, Electric Cost MAINTENANCE COST FOR 10 YEARS:  $4,200.00
	Gunite / Concrete Pools PRO'S:  Permanent home improvement.  Unlimited design capabilities. CON'S:  4-8 week installation by subleased contractors. Concrete shows through around the pool's etching (edge). The surface is rough and abrasive and also stains and discolors easily. Porous surface is a breeding ground for algae and other micro-bacteria. Cracks in freeze-thaw climates and requires acid washing and replastering. High maintenance; monthly pool service typically required, excessive use of chemicals and electricity. ECO-AWARENESS:  Acid baths emit fumes into the atmosphere. Re-plastered waste adds to our landfills. BILLABLE MAINTENANCE:  Chemicals, Electric Cost, Acid Baths, Re-plastering, New Tile, Pool Service MAINTENANCE COST FOR 10 YEARS:  $16,950.00
	Vinyl Liner Pools PRO’S:  Lower initial cost. CON’S:  Temporary pools that puncture, rip, and tear. Liners must be periodically replaced.  Poor choice for families with children and pets.  Steel panels and frames highly prone to rust, especially with Salt Systems ECO-AWARENESS:  Steel panels and/or steel mesh/rebar can leech chemicals and rust into ground water. Damaged liners end up in landfills. BILLABLE MAINTENANCE:  Chemicals, Electrical Cost, Liner Replacement, Liner Repairs MAINTENANCE COST FOR 10 YEARS:  $11,500.00

Swimming Lessons, Pool Safety

Several of our customers have asked about swimming lessons before building their new pool or just getting the little ones ready for Spring.  In doing a little research, I found an instructor who will come to your home and give private and group lessons (in your pool)!

The name of the company is:
"Swim Like A Fish"
instructor: Kyra Johnson
318-348-4061

I talked to Kyra this morning and was very impressed with her history. She is American Red Cross certified and was kind and helpful.  Her lesson schedule for beginners is: 45 minute lessons for 4 days, at a cost of $100 per student. (Though I'm sure she has group rates dependent on the group size).

Thinking about putting in a new pool?  Be sure the kids are ready to hit the water with swimming lessons at your home.

Instructional Videos

As Winter comes to a close and the kids are getting ready to start swimming, many of our customers have called to ask questions about opening their pools back up.  Over the next few weeks, we will be putting together some instructional videos that will help you with these questions.

Stay tuned for easy to understand videos on what chemicals you will need, how to vaccuum and backwash, and some other general how-to's.

Don't forget that we also offer weekly pool service to take care of keeping the water crystal clear for you.

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.