A nice swimming pool has been solidified as a staple of a modern luxurious house for many decades now. Pools have become more and more elaborate, and with their complexity came the increase in the number of problems that occur regularly.
If you’re a pool owner, you might think that you won’t ever need to call your San Diego, CA swimming pool builders for help, simply because you know how to fix the most common swimming pool problems. However, that is far from the truth. Numerous issues can arise that you simply cannot fix without specialized equipment that only the pros have. Read on!
The problems with swimming pools have gotten more complex in recent years. As the pools and their structure become more sophisticated and the various new features become standard, the list of common swimming pool problems increases every year.
In reality, you don’t need to own a multi-million mansion to face these issues. With the extreme rise in built-in swimming pool popularity in the recent decade, almost every house in every city’s upper-middle-class neighborhood has a pool in its backyard.
People have found that having a large backyard is a precious commodity. It is not uncommon to find nice houses built on the outskirts of major cities, with up to an acre of land. It’s then that people realize just how much space has been left unused. “Yes, the green fields are nice, but what if we put a swimming pool next to our house?” is a question that many of you have probably asked yourselves.
With the complexity in the pool’s features, the issues get more complicated. If you consider the swimming pool build code that you have to adhere to, some problems you just can’t fix all by yourself. Here are a few tips to help you recognize what issues your pool might run into and how to act accordingly:
If your pool’s water level is constantly dropping, you have a leaky pool on your hands. This can mean a simple fix because some of the plumbing near the pump might have cracked or the seams might have come undone.
However, not everything can be so easily fixed. In the worst-case scenario, you might need to contact swimming pool builders to excavate your pool. Sometimes, the pool’s structure might crack and start to leak, due to soil shift and the impact of the weather elements.
This is a common symptom of algae being present in the pool’s water. You can try fixing this by adding an anti-algae solution to the water, or with a regular chlorine control.
If you’re savvy in this type of thing, you can easily do this yourself. If you’re not, it’s always better to call a professional to do it anyway. This way, you’ll ensure that the water your family swims in is 100% safe.
If you notice a lot of small debris floating around on the water’s surface or built-up on the pool bottom, this might turn out to be a dead pool pump.
The pool pump is used to circulate water through a series of filters that catch all the small junk that ends up in your pool, making sure that only the clean water runs back into your pool.
Fixing a pool pump is no small task, especially if you don’t know what you’re doing, so make sure to call a professional to take a look at it.
Is it a perfect day to go to Ocean Beach and take a swim? Wouldn’t you rather be able to go and take a swim in your backyard and not worry about the traffic and extra hassle?
Call So Cal Custom Pools & Spas! We’re a local company specialized in building only the highest quality pools. Contact us today and receive a free consultation!
Really nice inground swimming pools, especially boundary-pushing, modern-looking ones, can easily become a staple of any modern-day house. However, like with anything, a plethora of problems follow them throughout their lifetime. Some are easily fixed, others require that a professional San Diego, CA swimming pool builder takes a look at them.
Being on the lookout for the first signs of any major problems is extremely important. Swimming pools owners should keep in mind that knowing how to recognize and easily solve even the biggest swimming pool problems, not only prolongs the pool’s life, but also ensures the safety of all who use it. Read on for the most common problems that occur in inground pools.
Once the long and brutal winter months pass, one of the most exciting things about the warmer weather is opening your pool again. However, it may have been damaged by the cold. And, therefore, before it can be put to use again, you may have to do some pool repair beforehand.
Here are some of the most common problems that inground pool owners face:
Throughout the course of winter, the piping or shell of your pool may have cracked and caused a water leak. The pumps could leak from the shaft seal which may have deformed in the cold, and pool filters can leak on the drain plug, clamp band or air bleeder. If you find the water level in your pool dropping faster than what it should due to evaporation, you’ll need to get in touch with a pool repair professional in your area. Just remember to always check your contractor’s licence to see if they are qualified for that sort of job.
Leaky pool pumps are a common occurrence. Due to the high water pressure inside the pump and its exposure to the elements during the summer and winter months, pumps can start leaking on their weak spots. Usual places from where they tend to leak are the drain plug, broken pump lid or on the pipes that connect the pump to the pool.
Skimmer leaks are usually the most common culprit behind water level drops. On concrete pools, the skimmer can separate itself from the structure. Freezing temperatures can also cause cracks and damage the skimmer.
A pool cover will protect your water from the elements and reduce algae growth. Just remember that you might need to run your pump even in the winter months. If even your best efforts aren’t enough and algae still formed, you will need to start with an algaecide regimen to get rid of algae in your pool.
The pH balance of the water affects the growth of algae in the pool. It can also have an impact on surface corrosion and chlorine effectiveness, as well. Therefore, it is important to check your pool’s pH levels and balance it on a weekly basis.
Inground concrete pools have one giant flaw that other types don’t. They can sink into the ground or shift. This is usually caused by the shifting of the soil or by poor construction quality. If you’ve ensured your pool, sometimes insurance can cover the cost of repairing this type of pool damage. But if the money comes straight out of your pocket, remember that the cost of fixing a problem caused by a sinking or shifting pool can go up to several thousand dollars.
Luckily, these extreme problems usually occur only in older pools. With that being said, it is still a common problem many pool owners face.
For many, going to the South Mission Beach, or any other, is still the best way to enjoy hot summer days. However, there are also those of you that like to have the option of swimming in your own pool, in your own backyard. Keep in mind that this perk comes with problems that you’ll have to address over time.
Not to worry! At So Cal Custom Pools and Spas, we’ll fix all your pool related problems. We can even help you plan and build a totally brand new pool of your dreams. Why wait, contact us today and get a free consultation!
Relaxation and fun are some of the first things you may associate with a swimming pool, especially if it’s only recently that you had it installed. However, after a while, your swimming pool may start to deteriorate and the materials start losing their original shine. If your pool has reached this stage, you may have debated whether you should try and do it yourself or call a professional to resurface your pool.
You might think that resurfacing your pool on your own may save you money, or you might even believe that it could be a fun project. Unfortunately, the sheer scale of work that needs to be done when resurfacing a pool is overwhelming. That’s why you should read up on everything that inground pool resurfacing entails before making any decisions and you’ll realize that it’s not an easy task.
Luckily, finding the best pool resurfacing company in San Diego isn’t that difficult if you know where to look!
Even though doing so is not advisable, the answer is: yes, you can try resurfacing your pool yourself. However, that doesn’t mean that you should. Here are top 5 reasons why you should hire pros that will simultaneously show you all the flaws that come with DIY pool resurfacing and why it’s not as simple as it might seem.
It’s essential to recognize that a swimming pool is not a standalone investment. Instead, it’s a reflection of your entire backyard and the aesthetic you’re trying to achieve. This is extremely important if you recently did any major improvements to your home or if you’re planning to do them in the near future. Pool resurfacing professionals will know how to successfully integrate your pool into the rest of the newly designed property.
The shape, materials and overall design will dictate the kind of atmosphere your backyard will project. Smooth integration is key to creating a pool that blends in with the rest of your backyard features. Otherwise, your pool may seem out of place.
Hiring the right professionals will ensure you’re sourcing high-quality materials for the job. Expert pool resurfacing companies have an extensive network of suppliers. From mosaic tiling to decorative woodwork, they can offer a variety of materials and textures to suit your needs. And because of their decades of experience in the installation process, they can advise you on the best materials available on the market.
A professional resurfacing company will help you save a lot of time. Without professional help, you’d be spending weeks visiting individual shops to source the best materials and services. Not only is this time-consuming, but it is also very expensive. Pool resurfacers have trusted sources that they rely on to provide clients with high-quality materials at affordable prices.
Resurfacing an inground pool is not a DIY project, especially if you lack the experience. Not only should a swimming pool be aesthetically pleasing, but everything about it should be done in accordance with strict safety and building guidelines. Only an expert can provide this kind of skill and knowledge.
Professional pool resurfacing companies will have the proper licensing to ensure that any pool resurfacing job meets specific regulations and standards. The work itself, besides being time-consuming, and requiring experience, can also be quite dangerous.
An expert pool resurfacing team is quite aware of these dangers. They are properly trained and they have all of the safety equipment to mitigate the risks.
Have you found yourself admiring some of the pool designs you saw in North City? Wouldn’t it be nice to resurface your pool to resemble one of those modern pools or build one from scratch?
Well, wait no longer. So Cal Custom Pools and Spas is a company that offers you anything from new inground pool installation to existing pool resurfacing. Our goal is to exceed our clients’ goals and expectations. Contact us today for a free estimate!
As sturdy as they are, not all pools stand the test of time. Over time, their surface can get chipped and start to deteriorate. Luckily, resurfacing revitalizes your inground pool and keeps it safe from any structural problems it could sustain from water drainage due to a crack in the old surface. If, let’s say, your pool gets damaged due to a crack in its surface that causes water drainage, you’ll need to look for pool resurfacing professionals in San Diego.
Like many other homeowners, you may have wondered whether you can do pool resurfacing yourself. And the answer is clear – only experienced technicians should resurface your pool unless you’d risk additional structural damage. Read on for a breakdown of the typical pool resurfacing procedure and how much the service may cost.
If you have an inground concrete pool coated with plaster, pebble or even all tile, the new surface cannot just go over the existing one. Instead, the existing surface needs to be prepared for the new layer by first chipping out the existing plaster, sand blasting, and bond coating the surface or hydro blasting it. After the surface has been properly prepared, it is time to apply a new finish coat of either quartz, pebble, exposed pebble, or glass beads.
These are the pool finishes that are most commonly used for inground pools. Keep in mind that different finishes have different lifespans. While white plaster and polished pool finishes only last between 5-10 years, white quartz and exposed pebble finishes can last for more than fifteen years on average.
If you are not sure whether or not your pool requires resurfacing, look for these telltale signs:
If you notice any of these signs, you need to call a pool resurfacing professional to redo your pool’s surface. Bear in mind that this is not something that you can do yourself. Not just because of the sheer scale of the work required, but also because there are numerous rules and regulations of pool replastering and resurfacing.
First off, pool resurfacing usually takes about 5-7 days to complete. What’s more, the process itself is intrinsically tied to weather. This means that poor weather conditions can slow the resurfacing job to a grinding halt. In this case, the pool resurfacing can take even up to 14 days or more. Now, keeping that in mind, let’s move to the cost.
Bear in mind that pool resurfacing is basically a construction job. And like with any other construction job, it has many different variables that affect its cost:
As you can see, the only way to get the best cost estimate for your inground pool resurfacing project is to contact a pool resurfacing company and explain to them exactly what you want to do. They will be more than happy to hear you out, discuss the available options and give you the cost estimate for each option.
Have you spent an amazing day at the Sea World, watching all those animals swim freely in all those beautiful pools and thought to yourself: “How nice would it be to have your own pool at home?” Maybe that was a long time ago and now that same pool badly needs a remodeling job.
In any case, So Cal Custom Pools & Spas will take care of all your pool-related problems. If you need anything from new concrete inground pool installation, pool maintenance or pool remodeling, we are the company for you. Contact us today and our pool professionals, with their expertise and knowledge, will remodel your existing one or build you the pool of your dreams from scratch.
So you’ve noticed a drop in the water level of your swimming pool. Like most homeowners who found themselves in this situation, you likely assumed you have a pool water leak on your hands that will require the help of professional San Diego, CA, swimming pool contractors to fix.
While a leak is definitely a possibility, it’s far from the only reason why a pool may be losing water. In order to help you find the source of your problem and better understand how your pool works, we have prepared a list of 3 most common causes of water level drops in inground pools. Read on.
It’s important to remember that, no matter which season you’re in, your swimming pool can lose inches of water per week. Natural causes such as heat, humidity, and wind can all contribute to pool water loss.
Learning about these and other factors that affect the water levels in your pool will keep you from thinking you have a leak when you don’t and help you maintain healthy water and chemical levels in your pool at all times.
Here are the top 3 reasons why your pool is losing water:
A typical pool naturally loses about a quarter of an inch of water to evaporation on a daily basis. If your pool is covered with a safety cover or a solar blanket, it’ll lose even less than that. Furthermore, pools in dry climates lose considerably more water than the ones in humid areas.
You can figure out if your water loss is due to evaporation by performing a bucket test. Simply fill a bucket with water and put it near the pool so that it’s exposed to the same wind, humidity, and temperatures, then compare water levels at the end of the day. If the water loss is the same, that’s a clear sign it’s caused by evaporation.
Excessive splashing can lead to a considerable drop in your swimming pool’s water level. If a bunch of children or a lively group of adults is going to be in your pool, you should take note of the water level before all the splashing begins.
You’ll be surprised to discover that a sizable amount of water can be lost in this way, so be ready to either limit all the cannonballs, jackknifes, and belly flops, or replace the lost water after your guests are done playing in the pool.
Sometimes, the water loss really is caused by an actual pool malfunction. If you suspect you may have a leak, you should inspect your pool ASAP or have it inspected by a trusted pool contractor.
Here’s how to do it:
Have you recently enjoyed a thrilling afternoon at the Clairemont Pool and you’ve decided you’d like to build a similarly great pool at your own property? Or perhaps your existing swimming pool is getting long in the tooth and you’d like to have it resurfaced?
Here at So Cal Custom Pools & Spas, we can do all that for you and more. As an award-winning pool contractor in San Diego that boasts a long list of satisfied customers, we’re superbly positioned to provide you with the full range of swimming pool services. Call us today.
So you’ve finally done it. You’ve gotten your very own swimming pool. Good for you! Having a reputable San Diego swimming pool builder construct a gorgeous pool in their backyard is the dream of many American homeowners.
However, before you can safely enjoy your new pool, you’ll need to do a few things to ensure the water stays crystal clear and germ-free at all times. Don’t worry, it’s nothing too complicated!
In this article, we’ll provide you with some tried-and-true tips on how to maintain good pool water chemistry with minimal effort. Read on to learn more.
Cleaning, Chemistry, and Circulation are the three Cs of pool care. The goal is to ensure the water is properly filtered and moving, that there’s no debris in the water, and that the water chemistry is well-balanced.
Here’s how you can do that:
It’s an unfortunate reality that weather changes make it impossible to use a swimming pool throughout the year in most parts of the world. As a result, homeowners often have to “start up” their pools at the beginning of a new pool season.
Here are some good target values for pool water:
If your alkalinity is low, add an alkalinity increaser. If it’s too high, use a pH decreaser. If pH levels are low, use a pH increaser. If your calcium hardness is low, use a calcium hardness increaser, or muriatic acid if calcium hardness is too high. If you use free chlorine, you’ll also have to add stabilizer to bring your level up to 30 ppm.
It depends on the type of shock you used and the specific circumstances in your pool. When in doubt, it’s best to follow the recommendations printed on your pool chemicals.
At best, you’ll need to wait a minimum of 4 hours before entering the pool. However, to be completely safe, it’s highly advised that you wait for a complete turnover of the water (ie., the time it takes for all the water to pass through the filter).
Needless to say, if someone has recently had a nasty accident in your swimming pool, it’s safer to give your pool at least a couple days to clean out.
There’s no better way to increase the value of your home and provide your loved ones with a great place for relaxation and exercise than by having a trusted pool contractor like So Cal Custom Pools & Spas add a modern swimming pool to your property. With more than 20 years of industry experience and no less than 5 Best Design awards, we’re superbly qualified to provide you with everything from small 2-person spas to large sports pools that could rival the Bud Kearns Memorial Pool in size. Give us a call and get your free estimate today!
Whether you’re looking to construct a brand new swimming pool or give an existing one a makeover, you can’t go wrong by enhancing its appearance and functionality with a few state-of-the-art upgrades.
Keep on reading to discover some of the latest pool features San Diego swimming pool builders can add to your home in 2020.
Here are 3 modern upgrades experienced builders can add to your pool:
These days, the most popular pool finish color is medium grey, as it gives the water in the pool a gorgeous blue tint. If you want to add more depth and reflective quality to your pool, consider using darker colors such as deeper shades of gray. Darker finishes are used to create the look of a natural pond or lake.
Consider the following when choosing the color of your pool:
The answer to this question depends entirely on your specific needs and budget, as well as the size and shape of the available space.
Ask yourself the following:
If the answer is yes, you may want to ensure the safety of these swimmers by adding a shallow area and stairs with handrails.
If so, you should make sure the pool is long enough to accommodate this type of workout.
Consider how the pool will fit with its surroundings. For example, a brightly colored kidney or figure 8 swimming pool is unlikely to go well with a house that uses a modern box architecture.
Water features such as fountains and waterfalls can really improve the appearance and functionality of a pool, so you need to make sure the pool’s shape can accommodate them.
Are you an athlete who’s looking to build a workout-friendly pool similar to the Memorial Pool on your property? Or perhaps you’ve decided to create your very own oasis by adding an indoor spa to your house? Or maybe you’re simply looking for expert guidance on how to properly shock your pool?
At So Cal Custom Pools & Spas, we can do all that and more! Reach out to us today and have your pool-related needs met by the finest swimming pool and spa contractor in San Diego.
So Cal Custom Pools and Spas is one of Southern California’s true custom pool builders. We build distinctive pools and spas for all of San Diego County.
When building spas and swimming pools, design is always a key component of the process. We believe the pools construction should exhibit unique character, harmony and style along with uncompromising quality and functionality. And unlike some swimming pools builders, we put the highest priority on customer service.
Greetings…
Welcome to So Cal Custom Pools & Spas’ new website. Using WordPress, the leading CMS (Content Management System) and built by San Diego WordPress specialist Edward A. Sanchez of Brass Ring Multimedia, this website will better serve So Cal Pools and their clients by simplifying and empowering the internet marketing. Critical Search Engine Optimization and marketing guidance will be provided by San Diego SEO experts SEO1Click.
You’ll find splendid examples of the custom pool builder’s art displayed here along with useful information, tips and advice for those who wish to create their own pool or spa dream project, or perhaps remodel an existing pool to give it new life and fun.
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