Is your drain cover life expectancy about to expire?

Is your Drain Cover Life Expectancy About to Expire?

This December marks five years that the Federal mandates in the Virginia Graeme Baker (VGB) have been in effect, including the requirement that

1. All suction fitting assemblies or drain covers manufactured or sold comply with the applicable standard (now APSP-16); and
2. That all commercial pool and spa drains to have new VGB certified covers.

Since numerous fittings were installed in 2008 and early 2009, many have or are about to reach the end of their stated life expectancy and need to be replaced before the start of the 2014 season.

As with the original fittings, each replacement unit must be compatible with the existing frame and sump, and have a flow rating equal or greater than the maximum system flow. All units should be installed by an industry professional (Aquarama Pools and Spas), in accordance with manufacturer instructions.

Aquarama Pools and Spas strongly encourages our customers to contact us and have us review the pool/spa circulation system, as well as the integrity of the existing frames.

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AQUA-KNOWLEDGE FREEZE WARNING!

FREEZE WARNING! Ice and plumbing do not mix. Most plumbing on pools are plumbed with PVC and are subject to cracking as the water expands as it turns to ice. This can cause major damage to the pool equipment and underground plumbing. The last thing you want is to have is something freeze and break. Running water will not freeze. Therefore most pools are equip with freeze protection devices to turn pumps on or to keep  pumps running. This should prevent freeze damage.  However, in case of a power outage or an equipment malfunction during freezing temperatures, you can follow these simple steps to help prevent costly repairs.

STEPS TO TAKE DURING POWER FAILURE AND EQUIPMENT MALFUNCTIONING DURING FREEZING TEMPERATURES: Turn power off! Drain equipment by removing plugs from all equipment. Cover equipment with heavy blanket to shield from outside elements. i.e. wind, rain, snow, ice. Call your local pool professional.    FREEZE GUARDS ARE AVAILABLE IN OUR RETAIL STORE CALL 770-422-6291 FOR MORE INFORMATION AquaRama Pools & Spas 565 Powder Springs Street. Marietta, GA. 30064

From DIY to CEO

From DIY to CEO: Woman expands father’s pool business into top 10% of companies in industry

Polaris 3900 Sport

The new and improved Polaris 3900 Sport delivers unmatched vacuum power, incomparable convenience, and legendary performance. It integrates the time-proven Polaris Classic series features you love with innovative new enhancements for added durability, reliability, and performance.

The Polaris 3900 Sport combines the dynamic appeal of a completely re-engineered body design with the most sophisticated features, producing maximum vacuum power and drive torque for quicker cleaning and fewer hang-ups. It features an all-wheel PosiDrive system with durable stainless steel drive chain that delivers 50% more torque for maximum speed and performance. And, it is equipped with a dual-chamber zippered SuperBag that picks up and stores more debris, making cleaning easy and less frequent. It also features innovative auto-reverse technology, which enables it to free itself if it gets stuck.

The Polaris 3900 Sport pressure cleaner works in all in-ground pools, and requires a booster pump. It supplements the pool's filtration system by circulating an additional 40 gallons of water per minute through its filter bag. The 3900 Sport now includes TailSweep PRO, an advanced sweep hose enhancement that blows debris out of corners and hard to reach places, while also keeping water from spraying outside the pool. No more wet windows or walkways!

Features:

• Most vacuum power of any 3-jet Polaris cleaner, with 40 GPM of additional pool filtration through the filter bag.
• 50% more torque with the all-wheel PoslDrive system with stainless steel chain.
• Now includes TallSweed Pro. providing ultimate sweeping action, while eliminating water from spraying outside the pool.
• Equipped with dual chamber SuperBag that collects more debris.
• Supplements the filtration system by circulating an additional 40 gallons of water per minute. 
• Works in all in-ground pools, requires booster pump.
• Combine the 3900 Sport with the PB4-60 booster pump for maximum performance.

5 Tips for Planning this Season's First Pool Party

5 Tips for Planning this Season's First Pool Party

By Kelly Hagler

For pool owners, the best way to ring in the new season is to throw the first pool party. Whether it’s a child’s birthday celebration or a small gathering of close friends, the most important planning happens before you send the invites.

By focusing on pre-party maintenance and preparation, you can ensure your sparkling blue pool will make a strong impression. Combine clear water with interactive entertainment options, vibrant decorations and a unique theme, and your party will set the tone for the rest of the season.

Here are five tips for successfully planning the season’s first party.

1. Maintain your water to create a sparkling blue pool

Clean, clear and balanced water is the most important element of any pool party, so don’t lose sight of pool maintenance while putting together your elaborate plans.

“Don’t wait until that morning to check your water,” says Gina Samarotto, principal designer at Samarotto Design Group, a landscape design firm in Poughkeepsie, N.Y. “You want to give the chemicals time to … do their job.”

Sabina McPherson, manager of Aqua Leisure Pools in Virginia Beach, Va., suggests implementing a specific maintenance program leading up to the party. The program should include a shock treatment, a chlorinator and a clarifier. Your maintenance plan can include:

• POOLIFE® Super Shock ’n Swim, which will dissolve quickly and give your water a soft feel guests will love.
• POOLIFE® Active Cleaning® Granules destroy bacteria, control algae and oxidize organic contaminants, resulting in a clean pool
• POOLIFE® Natural Clarifier improves filtration, eliminates oil and scum and can turn cloudy water clear.

2. Choose a unique party theme

Establishing a theme for your party can create a memorable experience for guests and provide you with ideas for props and other details you can incorporate into the event, says Sarah Lowy, co-founder of JOWY Productions, an event design, planning and production company in Beverly Hills, Calif.

Lowy and co-founder Jodi Cohen suggest a few party themes for your first party:

• Classic toga party. Guests can customize pool wraps and experiment with different toga designs and colors.

• Hawaiian luau. Create an authentic scene with tiki torches and real or fake leis for your guests as they arrive. Include fruit-inspired beverages and brightly colored snacks that align with the luau theme.

• Fire and ice. If you have an outdoor fireplace, combine fire and water to make a fun, bonfire-like party with comfort food and minimal décor.

3. Offer interactive games for kids and adults

If you’re hosting a child’s birthday, the kids aren’t the only ones who can have fun. Entertain adults by creating some light-hearted pool competition. “Plan pool Olympics or a basketball tournament if there’s a hoop available,” Cohen says. “Get parents involved in drills and coaching.”

Consider entertainment options out of the water, as well. “Hire someone to entertain the kids or set up activity stations, [such as] face painting, balloon crafts or tie-dying shirts,” Cohen says.

4. Purchase new pool entertainment products

With a little research, you can equip your pool with innovative, new and unique products to enhance your party’s aesthetics. McPherson suggests adding a pool scent that corresponds with the party theme.

“Usually, scents last until you shock the pool again,” she says. “There are a wide range of scents to pick from, like piña colada and Polynesian paradise.”

Floating speakers and lights are a neat way to keep the party going after the sun goes down.

“You can wirelessly connect your MP3 player or iPod to a floating speaker,” McPherson says. “There are also a lot of options for inflatable lights in different designs, like illuminating balls or flowers.”

5. Focus on functional décor

There are endless possibilities for party décor. But functional décor is key to managing the wet mess that inevitably comes with a pool party. Samarotto suggests investing in a few low-cost bath towels in bright colors for guests.

“Some pool owners ask guests to bring their own,” she says. “But you always end up with left-behind towels that you don’t need.” Samarotto suggests rolling up the towels and placing them poolside. Additionally, Cohen suggests providing guests with tasteful bins and hampers for people to dump their wet towels.

With the right planning and maintenance, you can have a successful pool party. From party themes to unique pool products—and, of course, sparkling blue water—kick off the summer with a celebration both adults and kids can enjoy.

Pool Owner Green Tips

An Energy-Efficient Backyard Oasis

One perk of owning a pool is the chance to relax outdoors and get closer to nature. But maintaining that private oasis can have an impact on the environment.  A 2008 report from the Natural Resources Defense Council found that pool owners could reduce carbon emissions by 3 million tons if every residential pool consumed just one-third less energy. And while you’re helping save the planet, you can save on utility bills, too.

There are several options for a more energy-efficient and cost-effective pool:

• Switch to a Variable-Speed Pool Pump
  If you make just one upgrade start with your pump.  Single-speed pumps drain the most energy because they’re made unnecessarily powerful. Variable-speed pumps can be dialed down to run longer, slower and more efficiently.
• Purchase an Energy-Efficient Heater or Heat PumpNew gas- or solar-powered heaters have higher efficiency ratings and lower operating costs than older models.  Heat pumps actually draw warmth from the air, recycling natural summer heat back into your pool.
• Cover Your Pool When It’s Not in UseLeaving your pool uncovered causes water to be wasted through evaporation, which takes most of your pool’s heat with it.  The U.S. Department of Energy estimates a pool cover alone can save 50 to 70 percent in heating costs.
• Choose Cartridge Filters Over Sand FiltersPumps don’t have to work as hard to pull water through cartridge filters and they can be cleaned less frequently, conserving water.
• Add an Automated Control SystemAutomated systems operate everything from pumps and heaters to pool sweeps and lighting.  Besides offering convenience, they reduce waste and can be programmed to run during off-peak hours when utility rates are cheapest.  Options range from simple time clocks to Internet-based systems you can monitor and control away from home.
• Replace Your Pool Lights with LEDsLED lights consume 75 percent less energy than traditional incandescent bulbs and last 25 times as long.  And because LEDs distribute light more evenly, they lend the perfect poolside ambience.

www.AquaramaPOOLSandSPAS.com

Seasonal Checklist for Pool Preparation and Safety

Seasonal Checklist for Pool Preparation and Safety -By Clare Curley 

Every year, pool owners can’t wait to take that first dip into the cool, clear water, but it takes more than just removing the cover to keep your pool fun lasting all summer long.

To prevent damage and ensure safe swimming, pool owners should thoroughly inspect their pool equipment at the beginning of the season, and then follow up with periodic inspections throughout the year. It doesn’t take much time if you know what to look for, so keep a checklist handy to make sure you don’t miss any steps.

Season opening

When opening your pool, look for wear and tear, and repair or replace any broken equipment. Here’s what to inspect:

1. Ladder—A loose ladder could cause injuries, so be sure all ladders, stairs and handrails are secure. Tighten the bolts that hold the decorative plates around the ladder’s anchors in place, and replace any treads that are cracked or broken. Jennifer Clements, co-owner of Pla-Mor Pools in Mechanicsville, Va., suggests making sure the rubber ladder bumpers thoroughly cover the end of the ladder and are still flexible. “If they slide up inside of the ladder, you could end up with a hole in your liner or damage your pool wall,” she says.
2. Skimmer—For in-ground pools, pop the lid off each skimmer and inspect it for damage. “If it’s the slightest bit cracked, you need to replace it,” says Paul Kurke, training manager for Arch Chemicals. “If you walk on cracked plastic, you could hurt yourself or further damage the skimmer.”
   Since a damaged basket could compromise your pool pump, also make sure the basket inside the skimmer is intact.
3. Return inlets—Directional eyeball fittings may break or get lost, causing water to shoot straight out. To optimize your filtration and the flow of sanitizer through your pool, inspect the inlets to be sure they’re undamaged and aimed in the correct direction—downward and to one side.
4. Diving board—If you have a diving board, make sure the bolts securing the mounts at the deck end of the board aren’t loose or rusted. On some boards, you’ll also need to inspect the rubber fulcrum in the center and replace it if the rubber is cracked, broken or missing. “Pay close attention to the sides of the board,” Clements says. “If you see any signs of spider cracks, the board should be replaced right away.”
5. Gasket—A rubber gasket is located inside of the multi-port valve (manifold) above the filter. To inspect it, you must first disassemble the valve.  A constant dripping from the backwash hose is a sign the valve, or a gasket inside of it, needs some attention. If the gasket shows any signs of wear, Kurke recommends replacing it. “It’s also important to check and replace worn gaskets beneath the lid of the pump strainer well and the underwater pool light.”
6. Pressure gauge—A defective gauge will prevent you from knowing when it’s time to backwash. If you get a high reading when the filter is not running, it  needs to be replaced. The sand in the filter should be replaced every two to three years. A continuously high pressure gauge reading could also result from a sand bed that is clogged with mineral deposits. Replace the sand if the pressure doesn’t return to a normal level after backwashing.

Weekly

Because the strainer basket and pump require more attention, you should inspect them weekly throughout the summer:

1. Strainer basket—Every time you empty debris, examine the strainer basket to make sure it isn’t broken or cracked.
2. Pump—“When you’re vacuuming and backwashing, it’s the perfect time to take three extra seconds to do a visual inspection of the pump and filter system,” Clements says. “Any sign of unexplainable water underneath your pump, filter or elsewhere in your plumbing needs to be dealt with right away.”If the pump starts making a screeching noise, it could be time to replace the ceramic seal on the motor shaft.

Holidays

Since you should chemically clean your filters and inspect them for damage every four to six weeks, Clements tells her clients to use Memorial Day, the Fourth of July and Labor Day as a handy reminder.

End of season

If you have an aboveground pool, examine the cartridge filter toward the end of the season. Remove the cartridge and inspect the pleats for cracks or tears. Also, make sure the bands aren’t broken.

If you’re ever unsure about replacing parts or making repairs, check with AquaRama Pools & Spas so we can make sure you have exactly what you need. And remember: Closing your pool down properly will prevent damage over the winter and save you time when opening it back up in the spring.