Next time you are lounging the pool area with your friends, it can be fun to impress them with pool and water feature trivia; if you memorize them well, you might even be able to impress your pool contractor in Salt Lake City . From the many health benefits that swimming offers to historical facts and statistics, there is plenty to know about swimming pools. Feel free to keep reading if you would like to pick up a few fun swimming pool facts that you can share with your friends and family.

Did you know that if you know how to swim, you are in the minority? More than half of people living in the United States do not possess this skill. This is unfortunate because swimming in a pool can serve as great exercise, working out your entire body and helping your lungs and heart grow stronger. Those who swim competitively will typically train for several hours every day, resulting in up to twelve miles’ worth of training in each session. If you stick to your training and strive to make it to the Olympics, you might swim in a pool that holds as much as 850,000 gallons of water.

The decision to look into a new swimming pool installation serving Salt Lake City can be exciting, but there are also many factors to consider when deciding on a design. Many homeowners start by looking online or to their neighbors for inspiration. It also helps to step into your yard and visualize your dream lap pool. If you’re having trouble thinking of a design on your own, don’t hesitate to talk to a swimming pool company for help. Read on for an overview of how to decide on a swimming pool design.

Search for Inspiration

When it comes to choosing a swimming pool design, it can be difficult to start from scratch. This is why many homeowners start by looking for inspiration . You can search the Internet for different types of pool designs and even learn about the pros and cons of each option. You should also take note of any swimming pools that have caught your attention in the past. Consider talking to your friends and family members about their pools so you can find out what they have come to like or dislike about their designs. A new pool installation is a significant undertaking, so make sure you do your research and find a design you love.

Take a Look at Your Yard

Once you have some idea of what you would like your pool to look like, take a look at your space. You can only go as big as your property will allow, and certain pool designs may be better suited for your yard. Think about the features that are currently present in your yard and how they might affect your pool. It helps to make a visual outline of your ideal pool design using a flexible garden hose.

Work with the Pros

No matter how much research you have done, the professionals will know a bit more about pool design. You don’t necessarily have to have a concrete idea before talking to swimming pool builders, and they can typically help you if you are unsure about what type of design will work best for you.

How To Balance Swimming Pool Water in Salt Lake City & More

Owning a pool in Salt Lake City, UT, offers a perfect escape from the summer heat. Nothing beats stepping into crystal clear, refreshing water right in your own backyard. However, maintaining that pristine condition requires more than just skimming leaves off the surface. You have to pay close attention to the invisible chemistry working behind the scenes. Knowing how to balance swimming pool water is the foundation of a clean, safe, and enjoyable swimming environment. When your chemical levels are aligned, the water looks great and feels comfortable on your skin. If things go out of whack, you might face cloudy water, algae blooms, or even damage to your expensive pool equipment. For homeowners in Salt Lake City and surrounding communities, keeping up with these maintenance tasks can sometimes feel overwhelming. That is where understanding the basics makes a huge difference. Deep Blue Pool and Spas is here to help you navigate the process. By learning exactly what goes into your pool’s chemistry, you can protect your investment and keep your family safe all season long.

What Is Pool Water Balance?

At its core, swimming pool water chemical balance refers to the delicate balance among several chemical factors in your pool. You are trying to create a neutral environment that is neither too acidic nor too basic. The three main components you need to monitor are pH, total alkalinity, and calcium hardness.

• pH Level: This measures how acidic or basic your water is on a scale of 0 to 14.
• Total Alkalinity: This acts as a buffer for your pH. It absorbs major changes before they can affect the pH level directly.
• Calcium Hardness: This measures the amount of dissolved calcium in the water.

When you get these three factors aligned perfectly with your sanitizers (like chlorine), you achieve true swimming pool water balance.

Why Balanced Pool Water Is Important

Maintaining proper pool water balance is crucial for several reasons that affect both the longevity of your pool and the safety of its users:

• Sanitizer Efficiency: Balanced water ensures that your sanitizer works effectively. If your pH is too high, chlorine loses its sanitizing power, leaving the water vulnerable to dangerous bacteria and algae.
• Equipment Protection: Proper balance protects your pool’s surfaces and equipment. Acidic water can corrode metal ladders, pumps, and heaters, while high calcium and alkalinity levels can cause scale deposits on tiles and within plumbing.
• Swimmer Comfort: The right chemistry ensures a pleasant experience for everyone. Imbalanced water is often the culprit behind red, stinging eyes, dry skin, and brittle hair.

Common Problems From Unbalanced Pool Water

When water chemistry drifts out of the optimal range, several visible and mechanical issues typically emerge. Here are some problems to look out for:

• Water Discoloration: You may notice the water turning cloudy or green, which is usually a sign of algae growth due to low chlorine levels.
• Scale Buildup: High pH and calcium levels can cause white, crusty deposits to form along the waterline as calcium separates from the water and adheres to surfaces.
• Mechanical Failure: If the water level drops below the skimmer intake, the pump pulls in air instead of water, disrupting circulation and preventing chemical mixing.
• Equipment Damage: The combination of low water levels and poor chemistry can lead to significant mechanical strain, potentially burning out the pump motor.

Tips to Maintain Proper Balance

Learning how to balance swimming pool water does not have to be a headache. You need to follow a consistent routine. Here are a few straightforward tips to keep things in check:

1. Test the water regularly: Use a high-quality liquid test kit or test strips at least twice a week.
2. Adjust alkalinity first: Because alkalinity acts as a buffer, you must bring it into the 80-120 ppm range before adjusting your pH.
3. Correct the pH: Once alkalinity is set, aim for a pH level between 7.4 and 7.6. Add a pH increaser or decreaser as needed.
4. Monitor calcium hardness: Keep this between 200 and 400 ppm to prevent scaling and corrosion.
5. Watch your water levels: Make sure the water rests halfway up your skimmer hatch to ensure proper circulation. Knowing how to balance pool water also means maintaining a steady water volume.

Keep Your Salt Lake City Pool Pristine

Staying on top of your pool chemistry saves you money, time, and frustration. A well-maintained pool provides a beautiful oasis for your family to enjoy all summer long. If you live in Salt Lake City, UT, or the surrounding communities and need expert advice or professional maintenance, Deep Blue Pool and Spas has you covered. We can handle all your pool water balancing needs so you can spend less time testing and more time swimming. Reach out to our team today to schedule your next service.

Frequently Asked Questions

To help you navigate the essentials of water chemistry and equipment care, we have compiled a list of the most frequent questions our technicians receive from Salt Lake City homeowners. If you still have questions, contact us at Deep Blue Pool and Spas today.

How Often Should I Test My Pool Water?

You should test your pool water for pH and sanitizer levels at least twice a week during the active swimming season. You can test alkalinity and calcium hardness once a month.

What Is the Ideal Ph Level For a Pool?

The ideal pH range for swimming pools is 7.4-7.6. This perfectly matches the natural pH of human eyes and mucous membranes, preventing irritation.

Can I Swim If the Alkalinity Is High?

While you can technically swim in water with high alkalinity, it is not recommended. High alkalinity often results in a high pH, which can lead to skin irritation and cloudy water.

What Happens If the Pool Water Level Is Too Low?

If the water level drops below the skimmer, the pump will draw in air. This stops proper water circulation, prevents chemicals from distributing evenly, and can cause the pump motor to overheat and break.

Do I Need a Professional to Balance My Pool Water?

Many pool owners successfully manage their own chemistry. However, hiring a professional ensures perfect accuracy and saves you the hassle of handling strong pool chemicals.

If your first swimming pool installation serving Salt Lake City did not meet your expectations, consider having a different swimming pool company handle your remodel. A swimming pool remodel can leave you with the pool you always wanted; it can even be a different shape. You might also change the decking or coping for a new sense of aesthetic appeal, or you might add a water feature to boost the entertainment value. Continue reading to learn about the different aspects of remodeling your swimming pool.

Changing the Shape

You might decide to remodel your swimming pool for practical or aesthetic reasons, and there are many aspects that you can renovate. Although it may be a little more extensive than other procedures, some homeowners decide to adjust the shape of their pool. A different shape can allow your pool to fit your yard better, or it can change the way you use your pool. A large, round pool can be great for relaxing or playing pool games with your friends and family, while a straight and narrow pool might be ideal for swimming laps. Make sure your new pool shape and design fit your swimming needs.

Adjusting the Design

From your decking to the hue of the pool water itself, there are many design elements to consider when remodeling your swimming pool. A decking or coping remodel can keep your pool looking seamless within the context of your yard, improving the aesthetic appeal of the whole space. If your pool is still in excellent condition, you might consider a remodel because you have changed the environment around it. After adding an outdoor fireplace or kitchen, consider sharing elements between these features and your pool area for a holistic atmosphere.

Adding a Water Feature

When it comes to pool design, water features can help you seal the cosmetic deal. A fountain that shoots water up from the middle of your pool or an outdoor waterfall that gently trickles into a basin can make a massive difference for your property. These types of remodels will be sure to restore your appreciation for your swimming pool.

A swimming pool installation will provide you and your loved ones with fantastic opportunities to enjoy the outdoors and have fun in the sun. As you are working with a pool contractor to plan your pool or hot tub installation, you may want to consider adding a water feature or other element that will transform your ordinary pool into an extraordinary oasis. From pool slides to water fountains and more, your pool contractor in Salt Lake City can help you incorporate wonderful features into your swimming pool design. To help you get started on your pool installation, here is a look at some fun features to consider for your swimming pool design.

Waterfalls

Waterfalls can be a stunning addition to any swimming pool design. When you incorporate a waterfall into your swimming pool plans, you will create a natural focal point for your swimming pool design. Depending on the design of your waterfall, this pool feature can also serve as a recreation area. As you are designing a waterfall for your swimming pool, you may want to include foliage and other features that have a tropical feel.

Fountains

A fountain is another stunning addition to any pool design. With a beautiful fountain installation, you will provide your pool with classic elegance and flair. Today’s pool fountains range from classical to contemporary in design. When you are planning your new swimming pool fountain, you can ask your contractor to help you create a custom fountain that matches perfectly with the style of your home.

Vanishing Edge

When you are seeking a show-stopping addition to your swimming pool design, you may want to incorporate a vanishing edge. With a vanishing edge swimming pool, your new pool will have the appearance that it stretches all the way to the horizon. Vanishing edges can also be used to highlight a stunning view from your property. With the help of your swimming pool contractor, you can create beautiful pool that is filled with unique features.

Swimming pool pH provides you with a snapshot of the quality of your swimming pool water. If your swimming pool water is too acidic or basic, your pool will not be comfortable for swimming. For example, pool water that is too acidic may be cloudy or cause eye and skin irritation. For help caring for your swimming pool installation, it is a great idea to work with a quality swimming pool contractor in Salt Lake City. A pool company offering swimming pool maintenance will be able to help you balance the chemistry in your conventional or saltwater pool. For more information about swimming pool pH, be sure to watch this video clip.

After your pool installation, it is extremely important to keep up with routine swimming pool maintenance and care. One of the most important steps of pool maintenance is checking your pool water at least twice each week. When you test your pool water, you will get an idea of whether your pool chemicals are balanced, and also whether your pool water will be inviting for swimmers. To test your pool water quickly and easily, it is smart to keep a swimming pool test kit on hand. A swimming pool test kit will check every aspect of your water quality, including pH, total alkalinity, calcium hardness, and free chlorine or bromine. In the event that you find that your swimming pool water is continually out of balance, it is a great idea to contact a company offering swimming pool services in Salt Lake City. With professional swimming pool maintenance, you will be able to keep your pool in fantastic condition throughout the years and seasons.

When you are preparing for a swimming pool installation, it is important to create a pool design that matches perfectly with the style and layout of your home and yard. From traditional L-shaped pools to pools with organic, curved designs, your pool contractor in Salt Lake City can help you create the perfect pool for your property. To get the most out of your swimming pool or hot tub installation, it is crucial to work with swimming pool builders who have a great reputation in the local community. Read on for some handy tips to keep in mind when you are choosing a swimming pool layout.

Rectangular Layout

If your yard has a formal look and feel, you may want to choose a rectangular layout for your swimming pool. The rectangle is a classic swimming pool layout that has been used for many centuries. For those pool owners who like to swim laps or perform water aerobics, the rectangular swimming pool is also the perfect shape for getting aquatic exercise.

Oval Layout

To place a unique twist on your swimming pool design, you may want to consider choosing an oval layout. Unlike a rectangular swimming pool, which contains angular edges, an oval swimming pool is rounded on the ends. With an oval swimming pool, you and your loved ones will be able to set up water games around the perimeter of the pool. The softer lines of an oval swimming pool will make this type of pool appear less formal in your yard.

L-Shaped Layout

When you are seeking to maximize your pool deck space, you might want to consider creating a swimming pool that has an L-shaped layout. With an L-shaped swimming pool, your pool will create a natural lounging area that you and your guests can use to enjoy the sunshine. Since an L-shaped pool has a natural contour, you can also create shallow and deep areas that are suited for different swimming activities and games.

Gunite pools are popular choices for homeowners and business owners who are looking to have beautiful, long-lasting pools installed on their properties. Gunite is a pool installation application process where concrete is sprayed over a rebar frame using compressed air. A dry mixture of cement and sand is pushed through a specialized hose. Water is added to hydrate the dry mixture at the nozzle of the hose just before the entire mixture is applied to a new pool’s metal framework. This process makes gunite in-ground pools very durable. And since these pools can be designed and built on site, they can be made in any shape, size, and depth—the possibilities are limited to your property’s lot size, your budget, and your imagination.

When you’re ready to design and build your new gunite pool, hire an experienced pool contractor in Salt Lake City who specializes in more than just pool installation. A good swimming pool company should offer other services such as a pool maintenance program, spa and hot tub installation, and poolside design and construction.

One of the first things you have to consider when you’re planning a swimming pool installation is the style of your new pool. With so many different shapes of pools to pick from, the task of choosing the right one may seem daunting. Luckily, it doesn’t have to be. Your design aesthetic, property’s size, and budget are all important factors in determining the right shape of swimming pool. When in doubt, enlist the help of a reputable pool contractor in Salt Lake City . In the meantime, here are a few common pool shapes you should know about before scheduling a pool installation.

Oval Pools

The shape of an oval pool can be very visually appealing, especially if there are a lot of square edges in your swimming pool area. There are two popular variants to this shape: kidney and figure eight.

Freeform Pools

A freeform pool has no definite or established shape. Design-wise, you can make it look like whatever you wish. Freeform pools can be completely amorphous or fluid, or they can resemble various objects. These pools are a good choice for a homeowner who favors an eccentric or organic design scheme.

Rectangular and Lap Pools

Rectangular pools are popular because of their basic no-frills style. A lap pool is a type of rectangular pool that is used in competitive swimming. These pools are perfect for swimmers who mainly swim for exercise or who are training for competition. Though rectangular pools can be built to fit any size space, they are best in area that are narrow or that are limited in space.

Geometric Pools

Geometric pools have defined shapes that tend to be square in nature. This style of pool can have a modular look to it, which makes it perfect in a contemporary design, and can either be symmetrical or asymmetrical.

Grecian and Roman Pools

Grecian and Roman pools have a recognizably classic look to them—they are rectangular pools with highly stylized, trimmed-off corners. They tend to be large pools that can accommodate a lot of people in them at once.