As Pool Contractors of the Year 2012 we have been invited by SPATA to showcase ourselves on their stand G29. In doing so we have been given some free tickets for anyone who cares to attend.
1st come 1st served.
Our focus will be promoting Cresta and our key suppliers products.In areas of the country we can't serve we'll be promoting other National Leisure Members.
http://www.granddesignslive.com/
25 years of building and caring for swimming pools throughout the West Country leaves Cresta Leisure as one of the most respected and professional pool businesses in the country. A family run firm with long serving, experienced staff, Cresta can attend to all aspects of swimming pools and spas. From design and installation to maintenance, Cresta can help. In this blog, Simon Bareham, Cresta Leisure Director, shares expert advice about all aspects of the swimming pool industry and related trades.
Cresta Leisure Showroom
Cresta Leisure Showroom, Dorchester, Dorset
Tuesday, 24 April 2012
Wednesday, 18 April 2012
Spa Problems - Who to turn to?
Sadly many gardens are becoming littered with spas that aren't working, due to the quality of build, lack of expertise and availability of spares. This is starting to taint the spa market, with customers being turned off by hearing about poor customer service and difficulties with the product.
The first precaution when considering buying a spa is to establish how reputable and established the spa company you are consider buying from is? There have been many 'spa specialists' that have come and gone over the recent years. As they go, the customers chances of getting back-up and problems resolved on the usual 5 year spa warranty is gone
Also, consider how long the company has been doing their promoted spa. Many businesses chop and change there spa supplier and with that comes the lack of technical knowledge and the capacity to hold the necessary spares to resolve any issues.
If you get a fault with the spa the first call must be to your originally supplier. They should have an obligation to fulfil the warranty commitment, promptly and efficiently. Failure to do so will only leave them in a poor light and you will be less likely to recommend them in the future.
If the supplier has gone bust, address it then with the manufacturer. Arctic Spas, Jacuzzi, Beachcomber and a few others are all established and trusted manufacturers and should be able to help, especially if the spa is still in warranty.
The last avenue is to contact a specialist spa technician company. Spa-Fix http://www.spafix.co.uk have become one of the strongest teams in the South, although they do come at a price.
Whatever you do, do your homework before you buy. Don't be left with large wooden box in the garden, that is only used as a pond! Trust me I've seen it before.
The first precaution when considering buying a spa is to establish how reputable and established the spa company you are consider buying from is? There have been many 'spa specialists' that have come and gone over the recent years. As they go, the customers chances of getting back-up and problems resolved on the usual 5 year spa warranty is gone
Also, consider how long the company has been doing their promoted spa. Many businesses chop and change there spa supplier and with that comes the lack of technical knowledge and the capacity to hold the necessary spares to resolve any issues.
If you get a fault with the spa the first call must be to your originally supplier. They should have an obligation to fulfil the warranty commitment, promptly and efficiently. Failure to do so will only leave them in a poor light and you will be less likely to recommend them in the future.
If the supplier has gone bust, address it then with the manufacturer. Arctic Spas, Jacuzzi, Beachcomber and a few others are all established and trusted manufacturers and should be able to help, especially if the spa is still in warranty.
The last avenue is to contact a specialist spa technician company. Spa-Fix http://www.spafix.co.uk have become one of the strongest teams in the South, although they do come at a price.
Whatever you do, do your homework before you buy. Don't be left with large wooden box in the garden, that is only used as a pond! Trust me I've seen it before.
Liner Selection
This year our preferred supplier, Aquaflex (www.aquaflex.co.uk), have added an excellent addition to their website allowing you to configure your own pool liner; even filling it with water so you can get an impression of what it is like underwater!
http://www.renolit.com/ext/sp_konfigurator
As this is a link to their German suppliers, you will need to be careful in the liner descriptions to that of the UK market. However, they are all available so just check the description to their website.
If your water chemistry has been good and the water temperature not too high then a 30 thou liner should last 10-12 years, although I've seen them as old as 18 years. Normally it is the corners that come away from the track or just the general appearance that forces the owner to consider changing the liner. This isn't however a major issue or even cost, considering the longevity and improvement a new liner will make to the enjoyment of the pool.
I will be adding more details about measuring your pool and installing a liner shortly. For the time being I hope you can have some fun selecting a colour/pattern and getting a feel on how the pool could be transformed!
http://www.renolit.com/ext/sp_konfigurator
As this is a link to their German suppliers, you will need to be careful in the liner descriptions to that of the UK market. However, they are all available so just check the description to their website.
If your water chemistry has been good and the water temperature not too high then a 30 thou liner should last 10-12 years, although I've seen them as old as 18 years. Normally it is the corners that come away from the track or just the general appearance that forces the owner to consider changing the liner. This isn't however a major issue or even cost, considering the longevity and improvement a new liner will make to the enjoyment of the pool.
I will be adding more details about measuring your pool and installing a liner shortly. For the time being I hope you can have some fun selecting a colour/pattern and getting a feel on how the pool could be transformed!
Friday, 6 April 2012
Tuesday, 3 April 2012
Hose Pipe Ban
With everyone within the industry talking about it I thought I should do an update on the situation.
As of the 05.04 those water authorities below, will be enforcing a hose pipe ban:
Southern Water, South East Water, Thames Water, Anglian Water, Sutton and East Surrey, Veolia Central and Veolia South East.
Luckily the West Country (especially Dorset!) is a wet place and so the pressure on water companies to apply hose pipe bans isn't so severe. However this doesn't mean that caution and perhaps some preparation should be made.
Hose pipe bans do not apply to industry activities, so new installations and refurbishments (liner installations etc) aren't effected.
A good source of information and to keep upto-date with developments is the following site http://www.hosepipeban.org.uk/
Things that you can do to reduce water use with the pool are the following:
As of the 05.04 those water authorities below, will be enforcing a hose pipe ban:
Southern Water, South East Water, Thames Water, Anglian Water, Sutton and East Surrey, Veolia Central and Veolia South East.
Luckily the West Country (especially Dorset!) is a wet place and so the pressure on water companies to apply hose pipe bans isn't so severe. However this doesn't mean that caution and perhaps some preparation should be made.
Hose pipe bans do not apply to industry activities, so new installations and refurbishments (liner installations etc) aren't effected.
A good source of information and to keep upto-date with developments is the following site http://www.hosepipeban.org.uk/
Things that you can do to reduce water use with the pool are the following:
- Anything that will reduce evaporation ie Reducing water temperature. Keep the pool covered when not being used
- Extend Backwashing period. Backwash more on necessity than regularity. If the pool is experiencing light duty then there is no need to backwash so regularly. You can also consider installing a cyclone filter http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q_zBUbhxiFI As this Youtube clip illustrates the centrifugal effect of the cylinder pushes fine debris away from the filter, reducing the need to backwash.
- Harvest backwashed water. By storing the backwashed water and applying chlorine reducer the water wasted during backwashing can be used to water garden and plants.
Tuesday, 20 March 2012
Pool Opening - Simple
Spring is here! And with it, the fun and excitement of swim season. Now just one thing stands between you and a watery good time: the chore of opening your pool. Of course, you can delegate the job to your pool professional, which ensures a quality job and saves you work. But if you’re a little handy and have the time, here’s a step-by-step guide on what needs to be done.
Get it ready.
First, get out what you’ll need. Pull last fall’s pool chemicals out of storage. They don’t last forever, so replace the ones whose label says they’ve expired (and during the season, use up your old ones before the new ones). Also round up any hardware you removed for the winter, and get replacements now for any missing pieces.
Okay, you’re back from the store. Clean the winter cover and the poolside decking. If the cover has standing water on it, use a submersible pump made to remove it. Then take off the cover, clean it off, and let it air-dry to prevent mildew before you fold and store it.
Get it together.
Assemble what needs assembling. Reinstall the pump, railings, diving board or whatever else you removed last fall. Take out the plugs from the filtration system and replace the return outlet fittings. (Life lesson: Save them all in one place.)
Get it full.
Most pools need the water level brought up to normal at the start of the season. This can be done with your garden hose. Or, for larger pools, you may be able to save money by paying a service to truck in the water.
Get it up and running.
Find the winterizing plugs and other parts removed for winterization (often stored in the skimmer basket or pump basket). After the filter system is put back together, fill the pump basket area with water and fasten down the pump lid. Clean the filter cartridge, or backwash the filter and add sand or DE (diatomaceous earth) as needed. Light the pilot on the pool heater according to the instructions.
Get it crud-free.
The grossest stuff first: If your pool has solids in the water, fish ’em out—literally. Don’t depend on your pool system, pool cleaner or vacuum to remove them, or you could find yourself with clogged underground pipes or a choked pump. Use a big leaf net instead.
If your water is somewhat dirty or cloudy at this point, no big problem. (If it’s black throughout or slimy green, that definitely is a problem—one that can be fixed, but requires its own set of steps for which you’ll want to consult a pool professional.)
Assuming your water does not resemble the La Brea Tar Pits, now is the time to start up the pump. Check for leaks and proper operation. There should be no major leaks (a few drops on Day One are no cause for panic), skimmers should work smoothly, the pump shouldn’t make any screeching noises, and you shouldn’t see bubbles entering the pool from the returns.
Get it in balance.
You want the pump running when you take the next step: shocking or “super-oxidizing” the water with chlorine (also true when you’re adding any other chemicals, for that matter). For those with liner pools, be kind to your liner—do not toss chlorine granules directly into the water. This can discolor the liner or even destroy it. Better to mix the granular shock chlorine in a bucket, then add that mixture into the skimmer while the system is running.
Use your water test kit to adjust the water chemistry to recommended levels. For the first 72 hours or so, keep checking it often and running your circulation system around the clock. If the pool was especially dirty, you may have to keep re-cleaning your filter, too.
Tuesday, 21 February 2012
Sheet Cover Servicing
I was asked this week if an existing customer should take up a service contract for the sheet cover?
They had it serviced the previous year by the manufacturers of the cover and as a consequence had no issues with it over the season. However, they felt that £300 was a lot of money for such a service this year.
Although £300 is a lot of money, when you consider that the cover is worth as much as a car and you would have a car serviced annually then they should perhaps consider having the cover serviced accordingly.
So our advice is, take up the service contract if available and hope for a trouble free season.
They had it serviced the previous year by the manufacturers of the cover and as a consequence had no issues with it over the season. However, they felt that £300 was a lot of money for such a service this year.
Although £300 is a lot of money, when you consider that the cover is worth as much as a car and you would have a car serviced annually then they should perhaps consider having the cover serviced accordingly.
So our advice is, take up the service contract if available and hope for a trouble free season.
Thursday, 22 December 2011
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.
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.
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.
Saturday, 3 December 2011
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......
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......
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