Installing an automatic pool cover is one of the most effective ways to prevent evaporation and retain heat. Best nashville pool builders TN. It's important to understand the terms, including the warranty duration, what is excluded, and who to contact for repairs. "Pool warranty claims can be denied for a variety of reasons, often related to maintenance or improper use.
This documentation can simplify the claim process if an issue arises. Incorporating these high-tech solutions not only saves time but also ensures your pool remains efficient, eco-friendly, and ready for use at any moment." Best pool installer nashville TN.
Regularly inspect the cover for tears, holes, or weakened straps, and repair or replace them as needed. A high-quality pool cover minimizes heat loss and evaporation, reducing the need for constant heating.
Certifications from organizations like the Association of Pool & Spa Professionals (APSP) or the National Swimming Pool Foundation (NSPF) show that the contractor has undergone additional training and is committed to maintaining high-quality workmanship. Traditional or rustic homes pair well with freeform pools, stone coping, and naturalistic landscaping.
Start by thoroughly cleaning the pool and balancing the water chemistry before closing it. These warranties typically cover issues such as structural defects, equipment malfunctions, and premature wear. "Fiberglass pools have gained popularity thanks to their quick installation process, smooth surfaces, and minimal maintenance requirements.
A good contractor will readily provide contact information for previous customers who can share their experiences. Investing in energy-efficient pumps, heaters, and LED lighting reduces utility bills.
For busy homeowners, relying on experts helps ensure the pool stays clean, safe, and enjoyable year-round." Cloudy water often results from poor filtration, imbalanced chemicals, or high levels of contaminants.
Solar pool covers, which trap heat and reduce evaporation, complement this setup by further cutting down on energy needs. Enhanced filtration and circulation systems handle the heavy bather loads typical in public facilities, while robust lighting and signage promote safety and visibility.
These energy-saving advancements not only reduce costs but also promote a more eco-friendly pool experience." Consider ongoing costs such as maintenance, energy use, and chemical treatments. Rectangular pools are ideal for lap swimming and provide a classic, formal look.
In residential settings, a safety audit might highlight areas where additional fencing or a pool alarm could enhance protection. "Finding a reliable pool contractor near you begins with thorough research and due diligence.
These audits typically involve inspecting the pool's physical barriers, drain covers, filtration systems, and water chemistry. best pool company Nashville TN. Waterfalls and fountains provide soothing sounds and aesthetic appeal, while LED lighting enhances nighttime ambiance and safety.
Cracks, peeling plaster, and outdated tiles are clear indicators that your pool may need a renovation.
Investing in a high-quality, insulated pool cover and using it consistently can lead to significant savings on heating bills and prolong the life of your pool equipment, making it a smart, energy-efficient choice." "A comprehensive pool warranty protects your investment by covering potential defects, equipment failures, and unexpected repair costs. The concrete is then sprayed or poured into place, allowed to cure, and finished with a surface material like plaster or tile.
"The frequency of pool cleaning depends on several factors, including usage, weather conditions, and surrounding vegetation. By incorporating these features, you'll create a welcoming environment that everyone can enjoy safely and comfortably."
Start by selecting a suitable site-level ground with good drainage is essential. By taking care of your pool cover, you'll protect your pool and make maintenance easier year-round."
The design must incorporate durable materials and equipment capable of withstanding continuous use and exposure to cleaning chemicals. A licensed contractor has been vetted by local authorities, ensuring they are qualified to perform the work and adhere to safety codes. Swimmers who enjoy diving or lap swimming may prefer deeper sections or a dedicated lane.
Throughout the renovation, you'll have opportunities to review progress and make design decisions. Automatic cleaners and robotic vacuums keep the pool spotless with minimal effort.
Highlighting a valid pool warranty in your home listing demonstrates that the pool has been well-maintained and professionally cared for." In-ground pools, particularly large ones, generally consume more energy due to greater volumes of water and extended filtration cycles.
Investing in a pool renovation can pay off by making your home more desirable and valuable on the market." "If your pool warranty claim is denied, the first step is to review the rejection letter and warranty terms carefully.
Each choice comes with its own set of benefits and limitations, so consider your long-term goals and budget before making a decision." "While pool warranties offer valuable protection, they often have limitations. Vinyl-lined pools have the lowest initial costs, but liner replacement expenses can add up over time.
In addition to these in-ground options, above-ground pools offer a more affordable and temporary solution. A sturdy, self-latching fence is a must-have for creating a physical barrier, especially for households with children.
For modern homes, consider sleek, geometric pool shapes with clean lines and minimalistic materials. Residential pools typically need weekly cleaning, chemical balancing, and occasional filter maintenance.
A contractor with years of experience has likely encountered and solved a wide range of challenges, allowing them to anticipate potential issues and provide effective solutions.
LED lights consume a fraction of the energy of traditional bulbs, last longer, and require less frequent replacement. By making thoughtful choices during the construction process, you can enjoy a beautiful, eco-friendly pool that's both functional and kind to the environment." By taking a few minutes to register your warranty online, you gain peace of mind knowing that your investment is protected and that support is readily available when needed.
Incorporating built-in seating, tanning ledges, or integrated spas adds to the cost but also enhances functionality and appeal. By carefully evaluating your budget, preferences, and property constraints, you can select a pool that perfectly complements your home and meets your needs."
"While many routine pool maintenance tasks can be handled by homeowners, certain situations call for professional expertise. The personal touch and flexibility in design make residential pools a reflection of the homeowner's taste and functional needs."
Surround the pool with lush greenery, manicured hedges, and decorative stonework to enhance the natural beauty. Additionally, energy-efficient pools tend to have a smaller environmental impact, which can add value to the property and appeal to eco-conscious buyers.
Pool suction-drain injury, also known as suction entrapment, occurs when the drain of a wading pool, swimming pool, hot tub, or fountain sucks in a swimmer's jewelry, torso, limbs, hair or buttocks. In some cases of buttocks entrapment, victims are disemboweled. In the United States, 147 incidents were documented between 1985 and 2002 of which 36 were fatal.[1] In 1982, the Consumer Product Safety Commission reported that five children were disemboweled by drains in wading pools and urged pools to install covers on drains.[2][3]
A standard 8 inches (20 cm) main drain can develop up to 350 pounds (160 kg) of force, which could hold a person underwater in tight grip until the suction is released. This can drown the entrapped person, despite the rescue efforts of multiple adults.[4]
One way to make drains safer is to install shut-off valves and dome-shape drains that are less likely to create a suction effect with the human body, as required in the United States by the 2007 Virginia Graeme Baker Pool and Spa Safety Act. And as a result of that cases nowadays are extremely rare to nonexistent.[5]
| Name | Date | Incident |
|---|---|---|
| Carol Parker | 1957 | A 13-year-old in Prattville, Alabama was sucked feet-first to her hips into a drain of a municipal pool and remained stuck under nine feet of water despite two lifeguards' efforts. She was able to escape the drain when a pool bystander turned off the pump.[6] |
| Valerie Lakey | 1993 | In Cary, North Carolina, 5-year-old Valerie Lakey was disemboweled by a kiddie pool when her bottom became stuck to the drain. Neither turning off the pump nor the strength of four adults dislodged her. The drain cover manufacturer, Sta-Rite, claimed the cover was improperly installed. Lakey survived without most of her small and large intestine and received a $30.9 million settlement from Sta-Rite ($25 million), Wake County, Medfield Area Recreation Club, and others ($5.9 million combined). It was the largest personal injury verdict in North Carolina history and a landmark case of lawyer John Edwards, later a Senator and vice presidential nominee.[7] |
| Virginia Graeme Baker | June 2002 | The seven-year-old granddaughter of former US Secretary of State James Baker died of suction entrapment due to a faulty drain cover and died in her mother's arms at the bottom of a hot tub.[8] The United States Congress passed a pool safety act under her name in 2007.[5] |
| Abigail Taylor | 2007 | The six-year-old died in 2008 nine months after her injury despite subsequent surgeries. Scott and Katey Taylor, her parents, lobbied for the Virginia Graeme Baker Pool and Spa Safety Act, which was passed the year of Abigail's injury.[9] |
| Salma Bashir | 2008 | During a holiday with her family, she was disemboweled while in the kids' swimming pool. As of the time of the report, she was fed by a TPN bag and was waiting for a multiple organ transplant.[10] After getting a small intestine transplant, her body rejected the organ and six months later it was removed, as was her large intestine and gall bladder. She died on January 1, 2024.[11] |
| Evan Pappas | 2018 | Survived an entrapment of 7 minutes 40 seconds in a lazy river in South Carolina in 2018.[12] |
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This article needs additional citations for verification. (July 2010)
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Salt water chlorination is a process that uses dissolved salt (1000–4000 ppm or 1–4 g/L) for the chlorination of swimming pools and hot tubs. The chlorine generator (also known as salt cell, salt generator, salt chlorinator, or SWG) uses electrolysis in the presence of dissolved salt to produce chlorine gas or its dissolved forms, hypochlorous acid and sodium hypochlorite, which are already commonly used as sanitizing agents in pools. Hydrogen is produced as byproduct too.
The presence of chlorine in traditional swimming pools can be described as a combination of free available chlorine (FAC) and combined available chlorine (CAC).[1] While FAC is composed of the free chlorine that is available for disinfecting the water, the CAC includes chloramines, which are formed by the reaction of FAC with amines (introduced into the pool by human perspiration, saliva, mucus, urine, and other biologics, and by insects and other pests).[2] Chloramines are responsible for the "chlorine smell" of pools, as well as skin and eye irritation. These problems are the result of insufficient levels of free available chlorine, and indicate a pool that must be "shocked" by the addition of 5–10 times the normal amount of chlorine.[1] In saltwater pools, the generator uses electrolysis to continuously produce free chlorine. As such, a saltwater pool or hot tub is not actually chlorine-free; it simply utilizes added salt and a chlorine generator instead of direct addition of chlorine. It also burns off chloramines in the same manner as traditional shock (oxidizer). As with traditionally chlorinated pools, saltwater pools must be monitored in order to maintain proper water chemistry. Low chlorine levels can be caused by insufficient salt, incorrect (low) chlorine-generation setting on the SWG unit, higher-than-normal chlorine demand, low stabilizer, sun exposure, insufficient pump speed, or mechanical issues with the chlorine generator. Salt count can be lowered due to splash-out, backwashing, and dilution via rainwater.
Research has shown that because saltwater pools still use chlorine sanitization, they generate the same disinfection byproducts (DBPs) that are present in traditional pools. Of highest concern are haloketones and trihalomethanes (THMs) of those the predominant form being bromoform. Very high levels of bromoform—up to 1.3 mg per liter, or 13 times the World Health Organization's guideline values—have been found in some public saltwater swimming pools.[3]
Manufacturers have been producing saltwater chlorine generators in the United States since the early 1980s, and they first appeared commercially in New Zealand in the early 1970s (the Aquatech IG4500).[4]
The chlorinator cell consists of parallel titanium plates coated with ruthenium and sometimes iridium. Older models make use of perforated (or mesh) plates rather than solid plates. Electrolysis naturally attracts calcium and other minerals to the plates. Thus, depending on water chemistry and magnitude of use, the cell will require periodic cleaning in a mild acid solution (1 part HCl to 15 parts water) which will remove the buildup of calcium compound crystals, such as calcium carbonate or calcium nitrate. Excessive buildup can reduce the effectiveness of the cell. Running the chlorinator for long periods with insufficient salt in the pool can strip the coating off the cell which then requires an expensive[clarification needed] replacement, as can using too strong an acid wash.
Saltwater pools can also require stabilizer (cyanuric acid) to help stop the sun's UV rays from breaking down free chlorine in the pool. Usual levels are 20–50 ppm. They also require the pH to be kept between 7.2 and 7.8 with the chlorine being more effective if the pH is kept closer to 7.2. The average salt levels are usually in the 3000-5000 ppm range, much less than the ocean, which has salt levels of around 35,000 ppm.[5] In swimming pools, salt is typically poured across the bottom and swept with the pool brush until it dissolves; if concentrated brine is allowed into the return-water system it can cause the chlorinator cell to malfunction due to overconductivity.
Salt water chlorination produces an excess of hydroxide ions, and this requires the frequent addition of hydrochloric acid (HCl, also known as muriatic acid) to maintain pH.[6]
The benefits of salt systems in pools are the convenience and the constant delivery of pure chlorine-based sanitizer. The reduction of irritating chloramines versus traditional chlorinating methods and the "softening" effect of electrolysis reducing dissolved alkali minerals in the water are also perceived as benefits. For some people that have sensitivities to chlorine, these systems may be less offensive.
Disadvantages are the initial cost of the system, maintenance, and the cost of replacement cells. Salt is corrosive and will damage some metals and some improperly-sealed stone. However, as the ideal saline concentration of a salt-chlorinated pool is very low (<3,500ppm, the threshold for human perception of salt by taste; seawater is about ten times this concentration), damage usually occurs due to improperly-maintained pool chemistry or improper maintenance of the electrolytic cell. Pool equipment manufacturers typically will not warrant stainless steel products damaged by saline pools. Calcium and other alkali precipitate buildup will occur naturally on the cathode plate, and sometimes in the pool itself as "scaling". Regular maintenance of the cell is necessary; failure to do so will reduce the effectiveness of the cell. Certain designs of saline chlorinators use a "reverse-polarity" method that will regularly switch the roles of the two electrodes between anode and cathode, causing this calcium buildup to dissolve off the accumulating electrode. Such systems reduce but do not eliminate the need to clean the electrolytic cell and the occurrence of calcium scale in the water.
As chlorine is generated, pH will rise causing the chlorine to be less effective. Many systems with chemistry automation can sense the rising pH and automatically introduce either CO2 or hydrochloric acid in order to bring the pH back to the target level.Automation systems will also manage levels of sanitizer by monitoring the ORP or redox levels of the water. This allows only the needed amount of chlorine to be generated based on the demand.
Sodium bromide can be used instead of sodium chloride, which produces a bromine pool. The benefits and downsides are the same as those of a salt system. It is not necessary to use a chloride-based acid to balance the pH. Also, bromine is only effective as a sanitizer, not as an oxidizer, leaving a need for adding a "shock" such as hydrogen peroxide or any chlorine-based shock to burn off inorganic waste and free up combined bromines. This extra step is not needed in a sodium chloride system, as chlorine is effective as both a sanitizer and an oxidizer. A user would only need to "super chlorinate" or increase chlorine production of the cell occasionally. That would normally be less than once a week or after heavy bather loads.
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A hot tub is a large tub full of water used for hydrotherapy, relaxation or pleasure. Some have powerful jets for massage purposes. Hot tubs are sometimes also known as "spas" or by the trade name Jacuzzi.[1] Hot tubs may be located outdoors or indoors.
In contrast to a typical bathtub, a hot tub is designed to be used by more than one person at a time, with many models accommodating four or more people. Unlike baths, soaps and shampoos are not used in wet-jetted hot tubs (although they can be used in air-jetted hot tubs). Home hot tubs are often closer in construction to standard bathtubs, while the construction of a public hot tub often has more in common with a swimming pool, of which it can be considered a type.
The earliest hot tubs were calderas in which hot stones were placed to heat the water.[citation needed] Therma in Ikaria has been a very popular place particularly for hydrotherapy ever since the 4th century B.C.[2] The remains of wrecked marble bathtubs along with a prehistoric aqueduct that have been unearthed from this area bear ample testimony of the place's popularity in the ancient times.[2]
In 737 A.D., Japan's first onsen opened near Izumo, Shimane, and centuries later, the first ryokan (inns) were built, offering food, accommodations, and soaking tubs called ofuro.
In ancient Rome, there were three types of baths: Baths at home (balnea), private baths (balnea privata), and public baths (balnea publica). The practice of bathing was so engrained that the Roman legions, during their long occupations in foreign lands, built their own baths at mineral and thermal springs in the newly conquered lands. Examples are found all over Europe.[3]
In the 1940s, hot tubs began to appear in the US, inspired by the Japanese ofuro. Hydrotherapy pumps were introduced by Jacuzzi. Fiberglass shell hot tubs appeared around 1970 and were soon superseded by cast acrylic shells.
The plumbing of the hot tub consists of:
Hot tubs are usually heated using an electric or natural gas heater, though there are also submersible wood fire hot tub heaters, as well as solar hot water systems. Hot tubs are also found at natural hot springs; in this case, the water may be dangerously hot and must be combined with cool water for a safe soaking temperature.
Effective insulation greatly improves the energy efficiency of a hot tub. There are several different styles of hot tub insulation: some manufacturers fill the entire cabinet with foam, while others insulate the underside of the shell, the inside of the cabinet, or both. Many manufacturers advertise the superiority of their approach to insulation, but few independent side-by-side comparisons are available. The hot tub pump and hot tub heater represent most of the power consumption in a hot tub and vary in use of power depending on their size.[4]
Energy efficiency of portable hot tubs has been studied by the Pacific Gas and Electric Company (PGEC),[5] leading to industry responses[6] and interest from both the California Energy Commission and Natural Resources Canada.[citation needed] California's portable electric hot tub listing[5] include R values of thermal insulation, and standby watts.[7][8]
In 2019 an update to the ANSI standard for energy efficiency was approved. For the first time, this new standard increases the minimum energy efficiency level for portable spas and inflatable spas.[9][10] Hot tub covers have been shown to reduce most of the evaporative losses from the pool when not in use. With this component of heat loss being 70%,[11] a cover with even a small R-value is able to achieve as much as a 75% reduction in heating costs when used as opposed to leaving the water surface exposed.[12]
There are several different types of spa covers. Some covers are better for insulation and therefore are lighter on internal parts and energy efficiency. Some examples of covers are insulated, aluminum, rolling, or a tonneau.[citation needed]
Since some hot tubs are not drained after each use it is necessary to treat the water to keep it attractive and safe. It must be neither too alkaline nor too acidic, and must be sanitised to stay free of harmful microorganisms. Partly due to their high water temperatures, hot tubs can pose particular health risks if not regularly maintained: outbreaks of Legionnaires' Disease have been traced to poorly sanitized hot tubs.[13] Typically chlorine or bromine are used as sanitizers, but salt water chlorination is starting to become more common.
Sanitation can also be aided by a non-chemical ozonator.
For aesthetic reasons, and for the sanitizer to work properly, water should be neither too alkaline nor too acidic (low pH). The hardness level of the water, measured as the amount of dissolved calcium, is also important. Insufficient hardness can lead to corrosion and water foaming. The ideal range of calcium hardness levels in a hot tub or spa water should be between 150 and 250 ppm (parts per million)[citation needed]
Sitting in water above normal body temperatures can cause drowsiness which may lead to unconsciousness and subsequently result in drowning. The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) recommends that water temperatures never exceed 40 degrees Celsius (104 °F). A temperature of 37 degrees Celsius (100 °F) is considered safe for a healthy adult. Soaking in water above 39 degrees Celsius (102 °F) can cause fetal damage during the first three months of pregnancy.[19]
It is also recommended to install residual-current devices for protection against electrocution. The greater danger associated with electrical shock in the water is that the person may be rendered immobile and unable to rescue themselves or to call for help and then drown.[20]
Hot tubs and spas are equipped with drains that can create powerful suction and between 1980 and 1996, the CPSC had reports of more than 700 deaths in spas and hot tubs, about one-third of which were drownings to children under age five. In the same period 18 incidents were reported to the CPSC involving body part entrapment. To reduce the risk of entrapment, US safety standards require that each spa have two drains for each pump, reducing the amount of suction.[21] From 1999 to 2007 there were 26 reports to the CPSC concerning circulation entrapments hot tubs and spas, including three deaths.[22]
In 2001[23] and in 2012[24] the CPSC issued recalls for spa heaters which overheated and caused fires.
The Uniform Swimming Pool, Spa and Hot Tub Code is a model code developed by the International Association of Plumbing and Mechanical Officials (IAPMO) to govern the installation and inspection of plumbing systems associated with swimming pools, spas and hot tubs as a means of promoting the public's health, safety and welfare.[25]
Poorly sanitized hot tubs have been linked to a number of diseases, principally caused by facultative anaerobic bacteria. Such incidents include hot tub folliculitis and legionellosis.[26][27]
Media related to Whirlpool baths at Wikimedia Commons| Authority control databases: National |
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A pool contractor manages the design, construction, and installation of swimming pools. They handle permits, oversee subcontractors, and ensure the project meets local building codes and safety standards.
A deck creates a functional and attractive space for lounging, entertaining, and easier pool access. It also enhances safety by providing a secure, slip-resistant surface around the pool.
A plunging pool is a compact, deep pool designed for quick dips and relaxation. It�s ideal for small backyards or as a cool-down spot near larger pools or spas.
Fiberglass pools are a great choice in Nashville due to their quick installation, durability, and low maintenance needs. They are well-suited for local climates and offer long-lasting enjoyment.
The timeline depends on the pool type. Fiberglass pools can be installed in as little as a few weeks, while concrete pools may take several months. A reliable contractor will provide a clear schedule.
A dip pool is a small, shallow pool designed for cooling off and relaxing. In Nashville, they�re popular due to their compact size, lower maintenance requirements, and ability to fit into smaller outdoor spaces.
