Swimming Pool Covers - The reasons for and against

It's all a cover up! It doesn't have to be blue and covered in bubbles to be the right cover for you. But even when it is a bubblecover, make sure you get the right one in quality and effectiveness.


Solar Bubble Covers - Only appropriate on outdoor summer pools were the cover remains on the pool for much of the day, allowing it to gain solar heat energy. Solar covers now come in different thicknesses and have various USP's which offer enhanced solar gain or heat retention values, all of which come at a price. Sadly on-line prices have taken this business away from the pool shop, which means that the buyer must be more aware of what they are purchasing.We've also seen covers that are have open bubble edges rather than heat sealed edges and joining seams that can run within 2' of the cover edge. Such manufacturing results in greater wear, reduced efficiency and less cosmetically appealing. Acceptable I guess if the price is right?!
Follow the link for more information http://www.aquaflex.co.uk/


Heat Retention Covers - This style of cover acts like a duvet, insulating the pool and reducing evapouration and heat loss. Most commonly used in indoor applications, but shouldn't be ruled out on heated outdoor pools, where solar gain isn't so imperative but  heat conservation is more important. This is especially the case if the cover is off the pool for much of the day - hotels & school pools.
Follow the link for more information http://www.plasticapool.co.uk/


Hemming and Leading Edges - By hemming or sealing the covers edge there is no opportunity for water to ingress into the cover and degrade the edges, especially important on heat retention covers. Sealing or hemming also protects the cover from friction were over the copings as the cover is rolled on and off the pool. A leading edge is a floating bar that is secured to a rope that allows the user to pull the cover evenly onto the pool from the far end. Making the covering of the pool that much easier.


Winter debris Covers - As important as the summer cover. This cover keeps wind blown debris out of an outdoor pool throughout the winter, also reducing the UV breakdown of chemicals as the cover blocks out the winter rays, prolonging the life of the chemicals and preventing the water going green. The covers are over sized by normally 300mm around the perimeter and are either fixed down with springs and pegs or with water bags, if the client is adamant that they don't want 6mm holes drilled into their paving. A winter cover will save considerable work come the spring when the pool is opened. by keeping debris out and prolonging the chemicals life the water can be clear and clean come the spring.
Follow the link for more information http://www.aquaflex.co.uk/


Manual Safety Covers - There are now a number of manual safety style covers on the market, all of which are based on a fabric sheet, either being secured in tracks or by metal bars running across the pool. This style of cover will double up as both a summer and winter cover, particularly effective in keeping debris out of the pool. There is no real solar gain achieved with this style of cover but there is some heat conservation as the cover eliminates wind chill/cooling and the warm pocket of air under the cover does insulate the pool from evaporating and heat loss.
Follow the link for more information http://www.poollock.com/ - easy cover


Automatic Slatted Safety Covers - Now we are moving into the expensive cover ranges. Slatted covers can be retro fitted, but are most often installed when the pool is built from new, as the cover can be stored in a  pit at the back of the pool, so there is no visual roller or housing for the cover.
The cover floats on the pool surface and will just appear/disappear from under your feet by the turn of a key. There are locking devises that provide an element of safety and the cover will take small weight loads if stepped upon (pets deer etc). However it will fold with an adults weight, which allows water to run onto the cover and could be considered a hazard.
The covers are electrical operated, with the motor mechanism being incorporated in the spool of the roller.
We would really strongly advise NOT TO have a floor pitted system. If the cover becomes jambed or the motor fails the entire pool needs to be emptied to resolve the issue.
The slats come coloured and there is even a solar slat, which are extremely efficient, if not just a bit expensive. They are also excellent heat retainers and reduce evaporation effectively.
The covers are popular with both indoor and outdoor pools, although when installed on an outdoor pool we would recommend that a winter cover is also considered. This allows the slatted cover to be retracted away safely, reducing the staining of debris and UV damage. The winter cover doing the things mentioned above.
Follow the link for more information http://www.poollock.com/ - slatted cover


Automatic Sheet Cover - These covers are the safest cover on the market and can be manually or  mechanically operated, the cover running along tracks either under the coping or at the rear of the coping if retro fitted. Sheet covers completely encapsulate the pool and therefore keep debris out of the pool for the entire season, so they double as a winter cover as well as a safety summer cover.
Like the slatted cover, they can be pitted or housed in a coffin style box at the rear wall.
As the cover forms a catch for rain water, it is supplied with a submersible pump that sits on the cover and removes water as it collects. It should be noted that if this fails or isn't put onto the pool then the cover cannot be removed until the water is removed of the cover.
As the cover is under a lot of torque and operates with running gear it is important that it is servcied annually to ensure trouble free operation. This therefore has an on going cost thta the customer should factor when purchasing this style of cover.

Cresta 2012

So what is 2012 going to bring for Cresta Leisure?
Well if it is anything like 2011, then we're in for a busy and exciting ride. Our key successes are listed below:


Proteus UK is now officially established. With 5 successful Proteus projects completed and 4 more in various build stages, we're looking forward to taking Proteus to bigger and better things. Proteus's unique construction method and the quality finish is appealing to both the domestic and commercial sectors and one we believe will shake the industry up over the coming 5 years. To find out more about the product visit http://www.proteuspools.com/


Heat Pumps, as a previous blog indicated, are the way forward when considering reducing the heating costs of your pool. This being the case Cresta are investing in 25 Proteam units of various sizes to arrive before the Spring of 2012. Investing in such a volume we will be able to offer a proven, high quality unit at the lower market price range. It will be only available while stocks last, but there is an opportunity for everyone to make the most of Crestas investment.


Service. We are finally getting customers to recognise that our engineers are some of the best in the country let alone in Dorset. We have been fortunate to build loyalty into training and now have expertise in all fields of poolcare and all aspects of heating (pool boilers to house AGAs). This isnow been appreciated by newer customers, that haven't been satisfied by their usual pool company.


Refurbishment We've had lots of fun and success throughout 2011, changing tired old pools into something with a real 'wow' factor.
These items are just a few of the things that have been great for 2011 and what we believe will continue to succeed in 2012. Keep following this Blog to see and hear more about what we've been upto.
For 2011 I wish you a great Xmas and a successful New Year.

Cheap Chlorine Damage

A change of tack, but saw this interesting comment recently and felt it should be shared. It was posted by a spa repair engineer highlighting the damage caused by cheap chlorine products:

Although it keeps me in a job repairing shaft seals and leaking spas, can we put a stop to cheap chemicals in hot tubs? More and more cheap margin related chemicals seem to be on the market and customers genuinely don't understand the difference. Surely it's not helping the industry? Parts are not cheap nowadays so repairs can be expensive

Obviously this doesn't just apply to hot tubs; pools also have pumps, not to mention other expensive components (Filters and Heat Exchangers). So although you maybe saving a few quid initially, it will cost you in the long run......

Remember to Drain

If we get anything like last years winter you must ensure that you drain all the pool equipment when you close the pool. If you don't, you stand a high risk of cracking heat exchangers, pumps and filters. A costly and expensive exercise.
Boilers and heat pumps can be drained by releasing the pvc/abs unions that connect the heater. It is also prudent to cover the units with a tarp/sheet to provide weather protection. I have some customers that also get heating engineers to remove the burner trays.
The pump and filter will have drain plugs at the bottom of each which need releasing and allow the water to seep out. IMPORTANT - place plugs somewhere safe so you don't lose them in the spring.
Ball valve and union connectors should also be released at the same time.

Heat Pumps

Air to Water Heat Pumps Proteam


After 4 years installing Proteam heat pumps, Cresta has the confidence to advise that it's reliability, efficiency and competitive price make it a product that every pool owner should consider.
Being so rural many pools are still running oil boilers to heat the pool. These boilers are heavy users of oil and with the price of oil continually increasing then alternative ways of heating the pool need to be considered.This is where a heat pump can achieve savings in fuel use and efficiency in heating.
There are 3 ranges which I hope I’ve been able to explain below:

·    C Model – Economy range. Ideal for small volume pools of 5000 gallons or less.

·    P  Model – Popular Range. These units are excellent summer season models and provide a high COF (Coefficient of Output) to ambient air temperatures down to 10 degrees. This means that for each electrical kW of energy you put in, you get 4-5 X of heat energy to the water (1kw in - 4kw out) This is a popular model with customers who have an existing boiler, as the boiler can speed up the heating process during the cooler seasonal months, the heat pump maintaining the water temperature throughout the summer season, meaning the boiler rarely comes on during these months.

·    Green Model – This unit will comfortable provide a good COF at temperatures to 0 degrees, so allows the season to be extended if a boiler has been decommissioned or not present.

With such positive results testimonies are easily provided. With many customers still swimming (mid Oct) in water temperatures of 78-80 degrees, which is fantastic. For more detail follow the link or contact Cresta.

Portfolio Pictures

With the help of a professional photographer (Lisa Cutler) we have been out and about taking some splendid pools and spas that we've completed over the recent couple of years. You'll be able to see them shortly on the Cresta Facebook Pages and Website. Even if we blow our own trumpet we do build and complete some very special pools. We are also fortunate to be invited to some lovely locations and be associated to some stunning installations.
It doesn't have to be new builds some of these pools have been refurbished, taking old tired pools and refurbishing them into something very special and upto date. Keep your eye out on our social media pages and please let Cresta know what you think.

Autumn Season - As the leaves start falling the maintenance and keeping the pool clean becomes more of a chore. It's even more important now to keep the pump and skimmer baskets free of debris and the filter is regularly backwashed. Pressure changes through debris and a congested filter will prevent your heater maintaining the pool temperature and there's nothing worse than getting one of the last few summer days and discovering the pool temp has dropped due to the heater cutting out on the pressure switch.
Wind blown contaminates will increase so the chlorine levels can drop quickly. So to ensure the pool becoming a pond you have still got to ensure that the sanitising levels are kept up and your pH remains between 7.2-7.4. If the pool is kept together (clear and clean) then when you do come to close the pool it will not be a burden and time consuming.
If you do give up and consider closing the pool in Sept then remember no matter how well you prepare the pool it will need some attention during the winter. A wet winter will reduce the concentrate of algicide and chlorine in the water, so pools closed early should be reduced for the second time and further chlorine and algicide will need to be applied.

Backwashing

Make sure you backwash regulalrly. It's amazing just what collects in your filter; it isn't just leaf and wind blown debris that finds itself into the sand of the filter. Insects, suntan lotions, body fats, hairs everything that contaminates your pool filter, so backwashing (cleaning the sand bed) is an essential part of your maintenance regime.
Depending on use and covering, you should backwash weekly.
The optic either on the filter or backwash waste line will appear filthy at the start of backwashing and gradually clear as the filter cleans - normally within 4-5 mins.
It is important to rinse the filter after backwashing or some of the loosened debris and foul water, sturred up during backwashing will flush into the pool. It only takes 30sec - 1min to rinse satisfatcory.
There are water saving pre-filters on the market (look up the cyclone filter probably the best on the market) that helps reduce the debris getting into the filter and use fair less water to flush away. By the installing such items you can extend the backwashing regime.

Water Chemistry

The Importance of pH
You get the best out of your chlorine when the water is acidic. However, acidic water is agrgressive to teh bather and equipment, so the range we encourage is 7.2-7.4.
Even if the chlorine levels are reading 6, if the pH is greater than 7.6, then the desired effect of teh chlorine is deminished dramatically.
Testing with dipsticks isn't advisable as it is difficult to assrtain an exact pH reading, even at 7.6 the effectiveness of chlorine drops by 30% from 7.4. We therefore always recommend a simple comparator test kit, that allows you to compare the test sample to the clearer swatch, which gives you a more definative pH reading.
Just remember:
pH Minus reduces the pH; reducing the alkalinity of the water - hard water areas in particular
pH Plus increases the pH; increasing the alkalinity of the water - soft water areas

Automatic Dosing

Aparently there is a replacement to the Seko PC95 - we have been asked to try it and report back...
Will keep you posted!

Just how busy are we....

Things are looking good!
In the past 24hrs Cresta have secured 3 large contracts for the coming 6 months.
1 Contract each for TB SB and CP. The question is which job is proportionally going to be the most profitable....
Each sale is from a different sector; Commercial Holiday Park, Private School and Domestic client. So maybe the worm is turning.
We did lose one in the home counties this week, although from what I hear the competition is cut throat at the moment and the price is being screwed out of it. A good time to have a pool built if you live in this area?