In Utah water and food storage are quite commonplace. We live in a state with some amazingly beautiful picturesque mountains. While majestic and beautiful they were formed from a violent earthquake. This creates a minor threat to our livelihoods and we like the comfort of feeling prepared. Not only that but I’ve personally been in a situation where the city’s main water pipe burst due to freezing and I was out of water for 3 days. This is just one simple scenario. Many homes in Utah are very susceptible to the bitter cold winter temperatures and broken wirer lines are very common. This can create a rather scary situation when it comes to having drinking water on hand. For these reasons and countless others we typically keep a few gallons of bleach lying around to resolve this situation. After doing some research on the best ways to disinfect water this actually worries me. Come to find out household bleach actually has a very short shelf life. Household bleach kills most (but not all) disease causing organisms. This is why I worry. So many people in Utah are storing bleach for a disaster when unknowingly it won’t do any good.

The Old Way Was To Use Bleach To Disinfect Water

Most people store a few gallons of bleach to disinfect water because it is so readily available at most stores for purchase. What most people do not understand is that household bleach has a pretty rapid shelf life rendering it useless after a short time. People do not typically know this and will use it to disinfect their water anyways making themselves susceptible to illness from waterborne pathogens. Here’s how you should treat water using bleach (as long as the bleach has not expired)

• Add two drops of bleach per liter of water.
• Stir the mixture well.
• Let mixture stand for 30 minutes before ingesting.

If the water you are treating is cloudy

• Filter the water as best as you can.
• double the amount of bleach used to treat each liter of water.

While doing research on bleach to disinfect water I came across this statement made by a Clorox Bleach representative that was actually pretty difficult to find.

“We recommend storing our bleach at room temperatures. It can be stored for about 6 months at temperatures between 50 and 70 degrees Fahrenheit. After this time, bleach will be begin to degrade at a rate of 20% each year until totally degraded to salt and water. Storing at temperatures much higher than 70 degrees Fahrenheit could cause the bleach to lose its effectiveness and degrade more rapidly. However, if you require 6% sodium hypochlorite, you should change your supply every 3 months.” – Chlorox Bleach Representative

This was rather alarming to read, mainly because I had no idea about the shelf life of bleach either. Because of this I started researching better alternatives to consider when it comes to disinfecting water. I found that the very common swimming pool chemical Calcium Hypochlorite is more feasible, convenient, efficient and longer lasting than household bleach.

Use Calcium Hypochlorite To Disinfect Water

One of the main benefits of Calcium Hypochlorite (also known as pool shock) is the shelf life and the volume needed to disinfect water . First of all (in granular form) Calcium Chlorite has an indefinite shelf life. The second reason is that Calcium Hypochlorite will disinfect water no matter how dirty from all the waterborne pathogens that bleach does as well as some more rare forms. A 1 lb. bag of Calcium Hypochlorite will disinfect 10,000 gallons of water! Thats a lot. In fact a 1 pound bag will treat enough water to provide a family of four with one gallon each person per day for 6-7 years. The shelf life is key here, especially for a disaster situation.

Heres how to disinfect water using Calcium Hypochlorite

• You must first make a chlorine solution (DO NOT DRINK THIS) by mixing 1 healthy tablespoon of high test (78%) granular calcium hypochlorite for 2 gallons of water. About 8 liters.
• Add one part of this chlorine solution to 100 parts water.
• Wait at least 30 minutes before ingesting the newly disinfected water.

While nothing will ever compare to boiling water when it comes to disinfecting water but this is the best home remedy. Far better than common bleach and cheaper as well. Calcium Hypochlorite is only a few bucks and you can find it at swimming pool supply stores such as Deep Blue Pools and Spas . This is also referred to as pool shock. Keep in mind that when the granular calcium hypochlorite is made into the liquid chlorine solution it does have a shelf life of about 24 months. So in summary it is much easier to store a small package of Calcium hypochlorite with an indefinite shelf life rather than gallons and gallons of bleach that will go bad very quickly in order to disinfect water .

Deciding to build a swimming pool for you and your family to enjoy can be a daunting task. It is a big investment that is going to take time, some of your hard earned money and will temporarily limit your backyard during a rather large construction process. There are a lot of decisions to be made and you will have to put your trust into a contractor without knowing how smooth the process will go. Take a deep breath and lets take this one step at a time. This can actually be an easy and fun process if you follow the proper channels and ask the right questions to ask your Utah pool contractor . Once you have a little direction you will gain the confidence to tackle this project with ease and enjoyment. Before long you will have a beautiful investment that will last and provide endless priceless smiles and fun for everyone.

The biggest concern for families considering a swimming oasis is how to pick the right contractor for a large project that can turn ugly quick without the proper research. Lets grab a notepad and jot down some of the questions you should ask to feel comfortable and know without a doubt that you are getting the best service possible for your money that will provide a hassle free paradise in your own yard.

Questions To Ask a Utah Pool Contractor

1. How Long Have You Been In Business? Are you a licensed and insured contractor? These are pretty self explanatory questions however they are very important. This will assure that you are protected as a homeowner if any problems arise. A contractor that has been in business for a while will usually come with a reputation you can trust. A Utah pool contractor who has been in business for a while will also come with employees who know their trade. They will know the in’s and out’s of the industry and be able to provide you with the biggest selection of products and customization from a knowledgeable workforce.

2. Are You A Salesperson? Who Will Be Building My Pool? As a customer you have a right to know who is going to be working on your home building your new pool. It is a good idea to get information from the “hands on” builders themselves. A salesman knows the trade but the builders will usually know the small details you may have concerns with. It is also a good idea to get to know the people who will reconstructing your yard.

3. How Many Similar Projects Have You Completed? This is a crucial question to ask your Utah pool contractor especially if you are considering a custom swimming pool. A pool contractor who has done similar projects will be know how to finish the project quickly and efficiently. Every swimming pool in Utah is unique in its own way and comes with its own unique challenges. A Utah pool contractor who has built similar projects will know the best approach to take on yours.

4. How Long Will It Take To Complete My Project? This question seems to weigh heavily on customers minds. While the quickest estimate can seem quite appealing it may come with its own problems. A project that has been rushed is likely to mean lower quality construction. A project that seems to take forever can get disruptive and annoying leading you with a sour taste in your mouth when the project is completed. You want to be able to enjoy your new backyard oasis for years and years to come so the fastest estimate is not always the best choice from a Utah pool contractor .

5. Will The Project Affect My Neighbors Or Their Property? Your pool contractor will be out of your hair before you know it but you have to live next to your neighbors so this is a very helpful question. You also want to take into account any local building code requirements as well as HOA restrictions before you start your project.

6. Do You Foresee Any Costs Above The Outlined Budget? We all want our projects to stay within our budget with our Utah pool Contractor however some circumstances don’t allow that. Having a heads up before construction starts will allow you to prepare for the possibilities that may arise. This will also allow you to prepare for a little bit of wiggle room when taking on this project n case something does come up.

7. What Is Your Payment Schedule? This is a crucial question to ask your Utah pool contractor . One of the biggest red flags of any contractor is if they ask for a huge down payment before any construction starts. 50% or more is usually something you may want take a second thought about.

8. Do You Have References In My Immediate Area? References can be the best way to judge a contractors work and level of customer satisfaction. This will give you the best review of your pool contractor as well as give you an idea of the quality of work that you will receive. A company without references tends to look a little shady.

9. How Did You Get Into The Business And What Is Your Background? This question will give you a good idea as to who your contractor is and their dedication and passion for the work they are doing. This will tell you their skill level and desire to make their customers happy. Being sure that your contractor possesses the skill to complete the task at hand will make sure your investment lasts as long as it possibly can protecting you in the future.

Choose Your Utah Pool Contactor With Confidence

A backyard swimming pool can bring endless amounts of fun and enjoyment for you, your family and your friends. Choosing the right Utah pool contractor can make or break your vision for your personal paradise. Be sure to ask the right questions so you can feel confident and excited about the process. Don’t forget that your contractor works for you and you are the boss. If you have any questions we at Deep Blue Pools and Spas would be happy to answer them for you. If you’re thinking about starting the exciting process of building your backyard pool, then contact us for a free quote . With these questions you won’t need luck on your side to tackle a project like this. You will have the confidence to make this fun and easy.

The flowers are starting to bloom, the tree buds have started to show. Soon we will see mother ducks being followed by cute little ducklings and smell the BBQ filling the neighborhood air. Thats right, spring is here and swimming season is just about upon us in Utah. Its a good time to start thinking about going over the open your Utah pool checklist. There are four parts to this checklist that are vital to keeping your investment in tip top shape as well as enjoying the most out of it during the limited outdoor swim season we live with. This checklist will streamline your process when opening your Utah swimming pool for summer.

The Checklist To Open Your Utah Pool

Swimming Pool Chemical Safety

• Check the expiration date on all pool chemicals.
• Store all pool chemicals out of reach of children and pets.
• Store chemicals in a cool, dry, well ventilated area.
• Pool chemicals should NOT be stored above eye level.
• Make sure all chemical containers are sealed and closed tightly.
• Do NOT store liquid chemicals above powder or solid chemicals.
• Do NOT store oxidizers next to acids.
• Always discard used pool chemical containers properly.

The Equipment Pad

• Visually inspect the equipment pad, pool pump and filter for any cracks or breaks.
• Check the drainage area around the equipment pad, make sure it is clean and clear of debris.
• Check the pressure gauge found on the pool filter.
• Check the electrical wires and connections feeding the filter, pump and heater for any fraying or breakage.
• Clean the heat exchange on the heater before lighting for the year.

The Swimming Pool

• Trim all overhanging trees and shrubs around the perimeter of the pool.
• Remove any standing water on top of the pool cover with a cover pump or a shop vac and let dry.
• Inspect the pool, the pool deck and other surrounding visible areas for any swimming pool leaks, cracks or damage.
• Clean and sweep (pressure wash if possible) around the pool deck.
• Fill the swimming pool until the water line is half way up the skimmer weir.
• Clean and vacuum any dirt and debris from the swimming pool.

Test The Water

• Test your pool water for pH levels, total alkalinity, calcium hardness, free chlorine and metals.
• Add algaecide if necessary.
• Add pool shock and all other necessary chemicals.
• To open your Utah pool be sure to pour all chemicals very close to the surface of the water to prevent any splashing.
• Test the pool water to check for balanced swimming pool chemistry.
• Turn on the pool filter.
• Wait at least 24 hours before swimming.

Now You’re Ready To Open Your Utah Pool

Follow these guidelines for a quick, easy, streamlined process to open your Utah pool for the swimming season. Although most of these steps are very easy to do yourself, some may be a little overwhelming or even intimidating. We at Deep Blue Pools and Spas are here to help with any part of the open your pool process that you are not comfortable with. We have over 15 years of experience in the industry and a passion for swimming pool design, swimming pool construction, swimming pool maintenance and of course relaxing by pools and spas. Give us a call at (801) 272-7665 if you have any questions on opening your pool for a very enjoyable swimming season. These steps will put you on the right track for enjoying time with your friends and family under the sun this summer.

2013 was a great year for the swimming pool industry and creativity seemed to be key to stand out last year. What can we expect to see in swimming pool trends and design this year? Let’s take a look at what 2014 swimming pool trends we can expect to see. Swimming pool installations are on the rise due to the last few years of creative designs accenting home architecture. This has created a renewed spark in outdoor fun right at home. This means more time with the family and more time at home rather than expensive vacations.

2014 Swimming Pool Trends You Will Wonder How You Lived Without

Glass Tiles – One of the newest and most aesthetically pleasing swimming pool design trends for 2014 is the addition and use of glass tile. Glass tile is quickly gaining strength and use over tried and true ceramic tiles. Glass tiles are impervious to common problems associated with ceramic tiles. Glass tiles are harder than normal ceramic tiles and therefore are harder to crack or break. Pool tile has been placed under the coping to highlight the water’s edge since the beginning of swimming pools. Today, glass tiles come in a myriad of colors and finishes to complement any backyard pool. Glass tile is now used to accent the water’s edge, the hot tub area and even inside the pool.

Attached Hot Tubs – Swimming pools and hot tubs have seem to go hand in hand these days. Attaching the hot tub to the swimming pool has gained extreme popularity recently in swimming pool designs and we can expect to see them in the line up of 2014 swimming pool trends . Today’s hot tubs are accented with glass tiles and spill over features. The newest trend is not putting the hot tub in their traditional spot connected to the side of the swimming pool. Recent swimming pool designs have seen a growing interest in elevating the hot tub to gain a better view of the swimming pool. One of the other growing trends is the make the hot tub appear “invisible” in the design. These hot tubs are placed with walkways in the swimming pool or with negative edges on the side of the pool making an awesome effect that is very inviting to guests.

Hardscapes – While the word itself may be a bit rough for a smooth tranquil setting of your backyard oasis, hardscapes in 2014 are actually complimenting this design. Rather than the standard grey concrete or even stained concrete, 2014 swimming pool trends suggest the use of pavers, tiles, stamped concrete and travertine tiles. The beautiful thing about travertine tiles is no matter how hot the day, they stay cool to the feet. When you add a decorative surrounding and pool lip you actually invite the eyes to the oasis in front of you. Pavers are also an excellent choice as they offer great drainage, maximum traction and minimize moisture. Pavers are an excellent option for that rustic brick feel. Build your backyard design to accommodate your needs.

Geometric Design – Don’t be a square man. Pools have pretty much kept to the same form over the years but recently theres been a break in that trend. While most designs are still simple and subtle people are bending the rules and adding design elements that compliment their homes or yards for a true custom pool feel. One that was designed for you and one your neighbor will definitely not have. These designs will stand the test of time as they match your existing design features and add to the feel rather than take away from it.

Go Big At Home – Now this doesn’t mean to build the biggest pool you can. We don’t want to give up our entire yard for a small lake, well some of us might. However we are talking about a pool that truly fits your yard but is full of custom features. These features include water jets spraying across your yard landing in the pool making an incredible visual spectacle. This includes caves or grottos that look like natural rock, water falls or beach entries. This also includes proper lighting. you want to light up the pool and surrounding landscape in an ambient non obtrusive way. Something that doesn’t necessarily draw your attention away from your focal point but compliments it instead.

2014 Swimming Pool Trends WIll Be A Big Splash This Year

2013 was a great year for the swimming industry. We noticed a spark in outdoor activities being kept with the comforts of home. 2014 swimming pool trends will push the envelope for creativity and design. Creativity seems to be the only limit when it comes to swimming pool trends for this year but luckily we at Deep Blue Pools have been following these trends and are way ahead of the game. We are excited for what this year has to bring as well as what we will see for 2015. What trends do you expect to see arise for 2015?