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swimming pool heater installation, gas pool heater,, heat pump pool heater, Dallas pool upgrades

What Type of Pool Heater Should I Get?

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Buying a home with a swimming pool or having a swimming pool installed at your home is an added luxury as well as an added expense. Pool maintenance in Dallas, including pool cleaning, pool repair and pool upgrades, require a lot of time and can be expensive. Whether you maintain your pool yourself or you have a Dallas pool service company handle it, you still have the expenses of running your pool filtration system, cleaning system and lighting. If you also have a spa or you like to enjoy the luxury of pool ownership even during the cooler months, swimming pool heaters cost a significant amount to heat up your swimming pool and maintain a warm temperature. Whether you own a pool that was installed many years ago, was recently installed within the last few years or plan to have a brand-new swimming pool installed in the near future, you should consider your pool heater options.

Gas Swimming Pool Heaters

Although there have been other newer technologies in swimming pool heating, gas pool heaters are still a very popular heating option. Gas pool heaters are fueled by natural gas or propane; the newer heater technology has made gas heaters more efficient than ever before. A gas pool heater works with your pool pump; as it circulates the pool water through a copper finned heat exchanger, flames from the burner heat the air in the combustion chamber which warms the pool water as it flows through the multiple copper tube piping. Gas pool heaters heat pool water very quickly, and they are the most efficient when used during short intervals. Overall, they are a practical option for pools that are not used on a regular basis during the cooler months of the year.

Heat Pump Pool Heaters

Heat pump technology is used for heating more than just pools, but they do not generate heat the same as gas heaters; they use electricity to move heat around. For pool heating, as the pool pump circulates the water, it is pushed through the heat pump, then the compressor creates a hot gas that flows through the condenser and is circulated through the heater, and finally the heated water is released back into the pool. Some things to consider about heat pump pool heaters is that they require a minimum temperature of 50 degrees to be able to operate, they are also slower at heating the water than gas or solar heaters, and they typically take several days to heat up an average sized in-ground pool.

Both gas pool heaters and heat pump pool heaters have their own advantages and disadvantages, but both should be considered to help you determine which pool heater is best for you and how you use your swimming pool. An added bonus about gas pool heaters is that they can achieve and maintain the desired temperature you want no matter how cold it may get, while heat pump pool heaters require a minimum outdoor and water temperature. As for heat pump pool heaters, they may cost more upfront and to have them installed, but they last much longer than gas heaters and are more efficient so they cost must less in energy costs to operate. If you want a pool heater installed, don’t stress yourself too much with the question “what type of pool heater should I get”, let your Dallas area pool service experts help you make the most educated decision that you will be happy with year after year.

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Dallas Pool Maintenance in the Fall

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As the kids go back to school, the days start getting shorter and the Texas heat begins to cool down, many of us start using our pools less and less. By the middle of October, you’re likely starting the process of shutting down your swimming pool and putting up the patio furniture and water toys. Swimming pool maintenance in Dallas during the fall and winter can be just as time-consuming of a task as it is during the summer. Because it is important to keep your pool cleaned during the off-season as well, you could benefit from regular Dallas pool maintenance during the fall and winter.

 

Swimming Pool Maintenance Tips

Throughout North Texas, including the Dallas area, the temperatures can fluctuate very frequently, which can cause many parts of nature to collect in your pool. Especially during the fall, it is important to check the skimmers about twice a week for fallen leaves, small branches, dead grass, and other debris that may have blown into your swimming pool. Be sure to keep your filtration system running, because a continuous flow of water is necessary for proper functionality of the pool filters and cleaning system; also, without continuous of water, staining can occur at the water line of the pool wall and when leaves and debris settle to the bottom, they will cause unsightly stains on the pool floor.

Off Season Pool Filter & Pump Needs

Once the temperature starts to drop and your pool is used less often, the filtration and pump operation needs decrease. Unlike during the summer time when the water is warm and you and your family are spending more time in the pool which requires the filtration system to run for 10 to 12 hours a day, during the cooler months of the year you should reduce your filter run time down to 4 to 6 hours per day. After the leaves have all fell during autumn and early winter, you also can reduce your filter cleaning frequency as well. But, if you leave your pool uncovered it is still important to check and clean the filter regularly, especially after a big rain or snow storm. Even if you do not clean your pool filters yourself, it is still recommended to check them in between cleanings; you can have your Dallas pool maintenance company show you the proper steps to inspecting the pool filter if you do not already know how. The temperature drop reduces the amount of pool chemicals you need to add as well, but it is still important to check your pool chemistry at least one time per week during the off season.

A Better Pool Service Dallas

With A Better Pool Service, all of your Dallas pool maintenance tasks can be handled by swimming pool cleaning experts. We offer weekly pool cleaning services at low monthly rates that also cater to pool maintenance in the fall and throughout the entire off season. Instead of worrying about when you checked the filter last, how much/ how often your pool needs chemical treatment, or changing the settings on the filtration system, just leave your Dallas pool cleaning concerns with the pros at A Better Pool Service. If you’re not sure, contact us; we will be happy to provide you with a swimming pool cleaning and maintenance quote.

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How Often Should I Have My Pool Cleaned?

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As a homeowner with a swimming pool, you understand the need for a clean pool, and you have probably asked yourself many times, how often should I have my pool cleaned? A clear sparkling blue pool definitely looks much better than a pool that is cloudy, has debris floating around, or even smells bad. With regular swimming pool cleaning and service from a professional pool maintenance company, you will enjoy and pristine pool year-round.

For pool owners in the Dallas area, it is recommended to have your swimming pool cleaning service performed on a weekly basis. Having your cleaning performed weekly keeps your pool safe, clean, and properly functioning. It can also help prevent future repairs which could be very costly. A pool that is not cleaned regularly can also be a health hazard; to keep your friends and family safe you pool must be cleaned properly and during that cleaning, a pool cleaning provider, like A Better Pool Service, will check the chemical levels and pH balance to make sure they are balanced for healthy swimming.

Benefits of Swimming Pool Vacuuming

Residential pools often gather dust, dirt, chemical deposits, and solid fragments blown over by strong wind. Specifically, if your home and pool area is surrounded by a lot of trees, you will see rotten or dry leaves collecting on the floor of the pool. To remove the regular buildup of dust, dirt, and fallen leaves or fragments, a high-powered pool vacuum cleaner will need to be used during your pool cleaning service. Often, brand-new vacuum cleaners end up being a source of the problem to owners, however with service from pool cleaning company, you will receive professional grade vacuuming of your pool on a regular basis, which will keep it sparkling and looking new.

Cleaning the Tile Around your Pool

You probably notice dirt, grime, and calcium deposits build up at the water line around your pool. As this happens, it is good to clean the tile surfaces all around your pool with a gentle cleaner. To do this yourself, you can attach a soft-bristled brush on to the end of the pole and use the cleaner to scrub off the dirt build up on the inner side tiles of your pool. As part of a swimming pool cleaning service from your Dallas-area pool maintenance company, tile cleaning should be part of your service package so you do not have to worry about this exhausting task.

Other weekly swimming pool cleaning tasks that should be performed include pump cleaning and inspection, chemical testing and adjusting, inspection of the automatic pool cleaner and emptying the bag, empty skimmer and filter baskets, and check the filter pressure and exterior equipment to ensure proper operation. If you have had a pool cleaning service in the past and you were not pleased with their service, look for A Better Pool Service; yes that is our name, because of our personal experience with poor quality service from other companies in the past, we named our self what we are. We’d be glad to take care of all your swimming pool maintenance needs, just give us a call at (214) 347-8016.

Swimming Pool Drain and Wash Services for Your Dallas-Area Home!

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Our Dallas Swimming Pool Drain and Wash Services Program

Many homeowners don’t realize that in Dallas – Fort Worth, the water in your swimming pool should be drained and refilled once every 3-5 years. This is due to the build-up of certain chemicals (typically calcium and cyanuric acid), which can only be removed through dilution and complete water replacement.

Call us at (214) 347-8016 or submit a request for a quote to find out whether your pool might be ready for our “drain down” service!

THE PROBLEM: Cyanuric acid is a “stabilizer” that enables the chlorine to stay in your pool longer, and do a better job of sanitizing your pool. It’s one of the chemicals we measure on a regular basis to make sure your pool stays crystal-clear.

However, after a few years, the cyanuric acid will climb above the acceptable range, (typically over 100PPM), and no longer provide a stabilizing effect on your chlorine. If not corrected, your pool will require increasing amounts of chlorine to stay clean. (Ironically, most chlorine contains a small amount of cyanuric acid, which means the more chlorine you add, the worse your problem is going to get.) High cyanuric acid levels can also lead to plaster discoloration, which may require an acid wash or a complete re-plastering of your pool.

In the Dallas-Fort Worth area, we tend to have a problem with water hardness also. As water evaporates from your pool, the calcium is left behind. Every time new water is added, you are adding more calcium to your swimming pool. Eventually, the excess calcium will begin to show up as calcium deposits throughout your pool, visibly on your tile, and completely hidden inside your pool equipment. If left unchecked, these deposits can destroy your pump, filter, heater and other equipment.

THE SOLUTION: Fortunately, this problem is easy to correct. We can conduct a drain down of your pool to get your chemicals back in balance where they’re supposed to be. Our technicians will determine whether a partial or complete drain down is recommended. With our special high-speed pump, the entire process usually takes less than a day.

 

Swimming Pool Upgrade Options

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With all the latest technology, there are numerous options and reasons to upgrade your swimming pool. Maybe you’ve had your pool for many years and you want upgrade your backyard oasis with the most up-to-date features and equipment. Perhaps you’ve come across a new pool tile and wish to resurface it, or your lighting has become dull and doesn’t give your pool that bright, glistening sparkle when you go out for a night swim. Or you family has grown since you originally had your swimming pool installed and you are interested in having it remodeled with the most recent security and safety features to protect the little ones in your family. No matter your reason for needing a swimming pool upgrade, a pool remodel will drastically change the appearance of your swimming pool area for the better.

Endless Swimming Pool Upgrade Options

There are a lot of options and equipment that you can add to update it if you haven’t recently had any upgrades done. Consider adding some ambiance to your pool with water features such as pool rock waterfalls, fountains, or water jets. You can also include other features such as a hot tub, fire features, waterslides, or even LED lighting functions. Changing the finish of your pool is the perfect way to make a dramatic modification to your private pool. There are so many selections of finish; whether you pick tile, plaster, aggregates, or even vinyl. When resurfacing your pool’s finish, make sure to focus on essential aspects such as geographic location, how you will use your pool, design elements that match the colors of your house or patio area, and so on.

Pool Safety Updates

Adding security precautions is an important need when updating your pool for a growing family. Including a pool fence or even pool security nets is a must to protect pets and small children. Also, of your pool is out of date, you’ll need to make sure that you pool has the current in anti-entrapment devices to prevent hair, limbs or other body parts from being sucked toward the pool drain. With a remote automation upgrade you can turn on/off your spa, heater, pumps, and lights; monitor and manage chemicals automatically from anywhere, even your cell phone.

Energy Efficient Swimming Pool Equipment

As you update your home appliances to be energy efficient, you might as well upgrade your pool equipment to more energy efficient products like a variable speed pump that uses 64% less electricity to operate than a standard model. Investing in a pool cover can also keep your pool water warmer so you continue to swim during the cooler months, which will save energy costs by not needing to use the heater to warm the pool. Many pool owners are upgrading their pools by getting rid of the harsh, costly chemicals and converting to the natural saltwater swimming pools.

Whether you need swimming pool upgrades for safety reasons, increase efficiency to save operating costs, or take advantage of remote automation technology, A Better Pool Service has all the time-saving upgrades you’re looking for. We can provide an estimate on the products you are interested in and start the installation process as soon possible. Contact us for questions or to schedule and estimate appointment.