Major Pool Firm Shuts It's Doors

One of the nation’s largest pool builders abruptly ceased operations last month, spurring intensive press coverage and an investigation by the state licensing board.  Manteca, Calif.-based Aqua Pool & Spa Inc. closed its doors with 50 to 60 pools yet to be completed.  Many in the industry speculate that it’s the largest pool building firm in history to go under.

Business has been particularly rough in the Sacramento area, which suffers some of the highest foreclosure rates in the country. In Aqua’s case, the final blow came when a $3 million loan held by the company was called in by the bank, said CEO Richard Townsend.

Read the fully story here http://www.poolspanews.com/2010/091/091n_close_door.html.

Swim Meet Draws Hundreds from North Carolina

"Hundreds of competitive swimmers from Charlotte to the Sandhills waited through blazing hot temperatures all for the chance to dip into the icy water, kicking and pulling for the blue ribbon.

"The meet draws people from around the southeast region," said Aaron Reeves, president and CEO of the High Point Swim Club. "We're bringing in people as far away as Washington, D.C. this weekend, as far south as Columbia, S.C."

Swimmers like Taft Kallam and Adam Weatherol have been competing in the Furniture City Invitational for years.

"I've been swimming at High Point swim club since I was 7," said Kallam. "I started swimming summer league when I was 4."

Along the way they've reached some pretty incredible milestones, like recently medalling in the Alcatraz Shark Swim.

"Somewhere around 800 swimmers, and I got second in the Speedos, and he got first in the wet suits,” Kallam added.

But it's the local meets that swimmers say they truly enjoy the most.

"It's a lot of fun, we get to meet new people and see nice facilities, and it's really a wonder experience as a family if you do it together, but it's a lot of travel and a lot of organization," said Paul Weinstein, who's daughter swims year-round in Charlotte.

But with the new aquatics center on it's way to Greensboro, many people are questioning whether or not older facilities like this one will still be put to use. Coaches say there's no doubt in their mind, kids will be swimming in this pool for many years to come.

"This facility will still have a huge use, even though that facility comes online, we'll still use this pool every day for our training, and we'll still hold meets here," said Reeves. "That facility will just continue to enhance swimming in this area, continue to bring people to our community to spend money and use our hotels and eat in our restaurants, and it's just going to be a big asset to us.”

The Greensboro Aquatic Center will be a part of the Greensboro Coliseum Complex and could be completed as early as next spring."

~ Source: Charlotte.News14.com

For more news on swimming, visit Aloha Pools, North Carolina's Top Pool Builder.

2010 Summer Weather Prediction

Summer is just about here! For those wondering about the weather, if it'd be worth contacting Charlotte pool builders Aloha Pools, here's what the experts are predicting...

"Charlotte, N.C. - Summer is nearly two months away, but we're already putting together a forecast for what the overall weather will be like.

A barbecue summer with hotter than average days is a strong possibility. Even so drought conditions should stay away. As meteorologists how can we tell?

Much of our summer weather is dependent on the Bermuda High, a semi-permanent area of high pressure off the Atlantic coast. If the Bermuda High is further out in the Atlantic, hurricanes typically stay away and we experience normal summer weather. A larger, closer Bermuda High brings more opportunities for hurricane landfall and generally stronger storms as gulf moisture pools in.

Last summer's hurricane season was mild thanks to a strengthening El Nino which created wind shear that cut off storm development.

This year with El Nino weakening and warmer sea surface temperatures, a busier than average hurricane season is expected which could bring more rain to the Carolinas.

Long range models though, show it should be a pretty typical summer.

There is a fairly good chance of above normal temperatures especially if that Bermuda High pumps a lot of hot, moist air into the Carolinas.

So here's what we expect:
- No development of drought conditions, thanks to a near average amount of rain and slightly
- Warmer than average temperatures.

The hurricane threat will be up from last year, with a stronger chance of landfall from the outer banks to the northeast than we've seen in many years."
~ Source: FoxCharlotte.com

Seasonal pool tips for spring

This winter we have experienced extreme conditions, frigid temperatures and much rain, therefore consider these steps first:
• Test water for stabilizer and salt content
• Note that 99% salt generators have been in sleep mode (not producing chlorine)
• Low chlorine and salt readings are to be expected until salt is added & generator is turned on

RECOMMENDED TO DO LIST:
• Aqua Pure – Increase/decrease production levels in order to maintain 1.5 ppm of free chlorine
• Boost or shock Aqua Pure every three weeks in summer & every six weeks in the Spring/Fall
• Be conservative when adding salt, you can always add more
• PH & alkalinity reading taken and adjusted as per instructions in your test kit
• Skimmer & pump baskets should be cleaned
• DE Filter back washed & recharged (add DE powder back into the skimmer)
• For Cartridge Filters, disassemble and clean each element with a high pressure nozzle.
• Increase Filtration hours to a minimum of 10-12 hours a day.

FAQ:
Q - Do many hours do I need to run my automatic pool cleaner?
A - As much as necessary to keep your pool clean. Don’t over use if your pool is clean. Shut off after pool is clean to conserve your cleaner life and energy bill.
Q - How many hours should I run my filtration system?
A- 6 – 8 hours a day in the spring and transition to 8-10 a day towards summer. Water clarity is a good indication that you are filtering your water sufficiently.
Q - How often should I clean my pool filter?
A - Every 45 days is a good rule of thumb.

Spring Tune Up Special: We would like to offer you the security of knowing that your pool and spa are operating efficiently and that your investment is protected.

For $280.00, this includes:
• Inspect & Clean Pump Impellor
• Filter dismantled, grids clean & recharged DE Filters
• Remove, inspect & clean Salt Cell & Sensors

Get more information on cleaning your pools from Aloha Pools, inground swimming pool builders in Charlotte.

Two National Codes for Pools, Spas Afoot

"Two new national codes for pools and/or spas are being developed. Though their focuses are different, the possibility of overlapping and confusion is a concern for both sponsoring groups.

The Model Aquatic Health Code, spearheaded by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, would transform the various commercial pool regulations used by health departments around the nation into a uniform national code to ensure the health and safety of the swimming public.

Meanwhile, the Swimming Pool and Spa/Hot Tub Code (a joint effort of the International Code Council and the Association of Pool & Spa Professionals) is set to wrap up initial draft phases later this year. The ICC-APSP code will focus on installation of commercial and residential pools and spas.

“Standards for swimming pool design construction have typically been under the purview of the health department, so there’s a large body of expertise there,” said Doug Sackett, who is overseeing the project for the CDC.

Sackett, who’s also assistant director of the New York State Department of Health, Bureau of Community Environmental Health & Food Protection, noted, “[Having two codes] is just adding an increased level or burden of regulatory overlap, and creating confusion and inconsistent requirements for regulated entities.”

Carvin DiGiovanni, senior director, technical and standards at APSP, agreed there’s potential for overlap. But, he said, efforts are in place to reduce any duplication of work. “We don’t want two codes that are going to conflict with each other,” DiGiovanni noted.

By this summer, all the remaining modules planned in the MAHC will have been put up for a public comment period, Sackett said.

The ICC-APSP partnership started approximately two years ago, with a goal of getting the code fully in place by 2010, Carvin DiGiovanni said.

“It’s not the purpose of the code to get into operations and management,” he added. “When it comes to healthy water, we need to defer to the CDC and what’s coming from health agencies.”

Beth Hamil, vice president of corporate compliance/market development at DEL Ozone in San Luis Obispo, Calif., was involved in creating the codes. She hopes similar language is adopted in areas that apply to both codes.

“In the interest of public health, we [must] look at how pools are being operated and bring them into ... the 21st century,” Hamil said." ~ Source: PoolSpaNews.com

If you are looking for an swimming pool contractor in Charlotte, NC, contact Aloha Pools today!

Salt Water Pool vs. Chlorine Pool

"If you're on the market for a pool, it can be a bit overwhelming to choose a type of system that is right for you. The salt water pool vs. chlorine pool battle has bee raging over the last decade, and today, many homes are building these systems right from the start or converting their old chlorine pools into a salt pool. But what is the real difference from a salt water pool vs. chlorine option? Here is a quick run-down of the pool battle:

Salt water is more comfortable for swimmers. Don't be fooled into thinking that there is no chlorine in these pools. There is. However, in a salt water pool vs. a chlorine pool, the level of chlorine needed is lower and the pH level can be a bit higher. That means the pool water does not cause burning, itching, dry skin, or green hair. It also smells and tastes better.

These pools are less expensive to maintain. A salt water pool vs. chlorine pool is a lot cheaper over time because you do not have to add chlorine tablets to the water. Instead, you just add salt! The salt water runs through and electrical system that charges the salt and creates chlorine on its own. It is initially more expensive to maintain, but in only a few summers, it will pay for itself. After all chlorine tablets cost $60 or more per bucket and you'll only need about $20 worth of salt every summer, in most cases.

It is, in general, less time consuming to maintain these pools. A salt water pool vs. chlorine pool eats up less of your time because the control box, which charges the salt, regulates most of the water levels. Once you learn the system, you can easily control it, even when you go away on vacation by setting up a timer. However, be aware that you'll still have to check the water for pH levels as well as calcium levels.

Both salt water and chlorinated water are unhealthy for the environment. No one really wins the pool war when it comes to environmental concerns. While salt water may be a bit safer, it can still cause soil and drinking water problems, as well as kill sensitive plants around the pool. On the plus side, a salt pool option is safer for pets and for your family.

As you can see, a salt water pool vs. chlorine options is a much better choice in most cases. However, there are still some problems with salt water, and you should also consider natural pool water option, which are much safer. These systems cost a bit more initially, but the price is worth it because the quality of the water is unbeatable. Before you choose a pool system, make sure that you consider all the options." ~ Source: EZineArticles.com

For more pool tips, contact Aloha Pools, Charlotte's top custom swimming pool designers.

NC Residential Code Commentary for Pool Fences

The following applies to all swimming pools, spas, and hot tubs...

Definition:
Barrier: A fence, wall, building wall or combination thereof which completely surrounds the swimming pool and obstructs access to the swimming pool.

Any system of components that encloses a swimming pool to the degree that access is obstructed is a barrier. Enclosure components include the exterior wall of the dwelling unit, a fence, and any doors or gates included as a portion of the enclosure. Any construction or natural element that does not surround the pool will allow access at some point. The vast majority of provisions in this appendix chapter relate to the installation of a complying barrier to restrict access to swimming pools, spas, and hot tubs. Left unprotected, these facilities present the potential for drownings and near drownings.