How could something as simple as a pvc elbow improve pool efficiency and lower energy costs? Always use sweep 90° elbows instead of the more readily available standard 90° elbows wherever possible.   A standard 90° elbow adds the equivalent friction loss of about 6’ feet of straight pipe.   A sweep 90° lowers that friction loss [...]

PUMPS AND SAFETY – THE MOST IMPORTANT ASPECT OF A POOL:   The Virginia Graeme Baker (VGB) Pool and Spa Safety Act was enacted by Congress and signed by President Bush on December 19, 2007.  The VGB law focuses on building pools that prevent children from getting trapped underwater by the suction from the main [...]

Most pool builders know the importance of a strong pool shell, but often low cost is typically more important than longevity, so some of the extra steps that can be used to increase pool shell strength are ignored. When gunite is shot, only about 65% of the actual cement is activated.   The other 35% [...]

FILTERS COMPARISON OF DIATOMACEOUS EARTH vs. CARTRIDGE FILTERS: Diatomaceous Earth (DE) filters are used by most pool companies and are less expensive than the best cartridge filters, but they are a major hassle and an ongoing expense.   DE filters require monitoring of the filter pressure gauge and when the gauge exceeds a predefined limit, [...]