Tag Archives: backyard design

Earth Day Canada 2012 is this Sunday April 22, learn what you can do to make your pool more eco friendly!!

Posted on April 20, 2012 by mckimmd123 | Leave a comment

Heating & Heat Loss, How your pool can be an eco friendly pool

Reduce heat loss by using a pool cover. According to the U.S. Department of Energy, savings of 50% – 70% are possible.
Fencing, hedges, landscaping, and cabanas that shelter your pool from prevailing winds will further reduce heat loss.
If your pool heater is more than five years old, chances are a new high efficiency gas heater could quickly pay for itself in utility bill savings.
A pool heat pump can save up to 80% in energy usage compared to a gas heater. Check with your pool professional to see if a heat pump is appropriate for your region.
If you use your pool only on weekends, reduce your heater or heat pump thermostats settings by eight to ten degrees during the week.
When leaving for vacation for more than a week, turn off the pool heater or heat pump, including the pilot light. Please use caution in freezing conditions.
According to the Association of Pool & Spa Professionals and the Red Cross, the most healthful swimming temperature is 78 degrees. Reducing your heater or heat pump thermostat to maintain a 78 degree or lower temperature will also help conserve energy.
Install a timer or a control system to automate the hours of operation.
When reopening your pool, make sure your heater or heat pump is working properly.

Check out www.earthday.ca webiste for a full listing of event details in and around your local neaborhoods.

Source: http://www.pentairpool.com/pool-owner/save-energy/energy-conservation.htm

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Posted in construction, Planning, Service

Tagged backyard design, enviromental, gib-san pools, toronto pools

Pool Possibilities Explorer by Pentair – Online Virtual Design Application

Posted on March 26, 2012 by mckimmd123 | Leave a comment

When building a swimming pool, the possibilities are endless. Whether you plan to create a relaxing sanctuary, an exotic oasis or a fun-filled gathering place for family and friends, use our tool to discover more about the choices available to bring your vision to life. When you’re finished, you’ll be able to print a reference guide of your selections to review with your Gib-San Sales Associate.

Select the link to start your design: http://www.pentairpool.com/pool-possibilities-explorer/#/home/eyJzY2VuZSI6W119

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Posted in construction, Design, Features, Landscape, Planning, Pool Equipment & Accessories

Tagged backyard, backyard design, custom landscaping, gib-san pools, ontario pool design, toronto backyard designers, toronto pools

Pool Design Tip #3 by Jennifer Blair, e How Contributor

Posted on February 29, 2012 by mckimmd123 | Leave a comment

Design Tip # 3 Determine Your Space

Another important consideration when designing a pool is the space available for construction because the design’s dimensions must fit within those constraints. Some pool shapes may not fit in your backyard, so they may need to be adjusted accordingly. If you plan to add a deck, patio or hot tub to the pool, make sure to designate room for that on your design as well.

Filter Cleaning

Posted on June 3, 2011 by Cory | 1 Comment

When cleaning your pool, there are several different types of pool filters to consider. The two most commonly used are cartridge filters and sand filters.

(Cartridge filter)

A cartridge is a large paper filter that sits in your filter system, and is the easiest to clean. To maintain the cartridge, you remove the filter from your system to power wash (with light pressure) and soak in Filter Brite cleaning solution. The filter should be soaked overnight in Filter Brite before putting it back in. We typically suggest cleaning your cartridge filter two times a season. First at the beginning of the season, a few weeks after you’ve opened your pool to trap any pollun. Clean your filter again at the end of the swimming season before putting it away. Your filter should run at peak performance, helping your pool stay clear.

A sand filter uses silica sand to filter out the unwanted. To clean, put diluted Filter Brite cleaning solution through your pump. Like cleaning a cartridge, let the solution soak overnight, which should restore the sand’s effectiveness to about 90%. Gib-San suggests that you clean the sand at the end of each season (or at the beginning if you haven’t done it before). This method is a little more involved and over time it will lose its effectiveness (as the sharp sand edges become dull). With that said, instead of getting around 7 years of sand filter life, cleaning it can extend that to around 13 years.