Vinyl Pool Liner Maintenance Checklist

 An in-ground pool installation is a sure-shot way to turn your backyard into a summer oasis. With compact designs and beautiful landscaping options available today, any space can be fit for an in-ground swimming pool. However beautiful and in-ground  pool may be, its maintenance and upkeep are what decides its longevity.

Hence, if you have in-ground vinyl pool liners installed as per the current trends, you are looking at a strong and long-lasting pool for many years given the proper care. However, even the advanced vinyl liners require to be cared for properly to avoid any premature damages or replacement expenses. Thus, outlined below are essential maintenance tips to ensure your vinyl pool liner remains in tip-top condition.

Maintain proper water chemistry with regular calcium scaling to chlorine testing. This is a critical step to avoid wrinkling and cracking of the vinyl liner. So, ensure that the pH of your swimming pool is maintained precisely as per the guidelines.
Regular cleaning is also important to keep the dirt, debris, and undissolved chemicals from damaging the liner. Therefore, one must always dilute and completely dissolve chlorine and shock before mixing it in the pool.
Additionally, use cleaning tools and products specifically designed for a vinyl liner. Hence, a gentle brush to clean the liner and a sponge on the water line should do the trick.
Never drain your vinyl liner pool in the absence of a pool technician or cleaning professionals. Completely draining a vinyl pool can cause the liner to fold and crack due to loss of water volume.
Restrict toys and other materials that are unsafe for a vinyl liner pool. Hence, only pool-safe toys should be let in the water. Sharp objects such as legos, dolls, and car toys, etc. can damage the liner instantly.

In-ground vinyl liner pools are durable and strong structures that can last for years with proper maintenance and upkeep. Therefore, it's important to prevent any premature damage with careful cleaning and usage habits. If you notice any visible damage to your vinyl pool liner, contact Fuggetta Pools’ experts for a quick inspection and repair to prevent expensive replacements down the road.

Five Things to Know Before Installing An Inground Pool

 An inground swimming pool is every homeowner's dream. These features create a lot of fun and excitement, turning a simple backyard into a sun-splash oasis. Although swimming pools are a major investment of time and money, the benefits they bring to you and your property are worth all the effort. So, if you are planning to get an inground pool for your home, there are a few things you should consider before calling swimming pool contractors in Staten Island:

Pool Types: There are various types of inground pool options for you to explore based on your state, weather, the space available, etc. Among these various types, the most popular ones are concrete, vinyl line, and fiber grass.
Concrete pools are mostly custom built and can be formed to any size, shape, and depth. It may take longer to install, i.e., about 3-12 weeks. However, this is the strongest and most durable type of pool. Therefore, if you are building a new house and plan on having pool parties every summer, a concrete pool is the best investment.
Moreover, vinyl pools are also gaining popularity. It is made from a preformed flexible liner that can be fitted into an excavated hole. The construction time of building this pool is shorter, i.e 1-3 weeks. So, although quite easy to install, the upkeep of vinyl pools is high as sharp objects, pets, and pool toys can puncture the vinyl easily. So, research your options when considering the vinyl liner and choose the one which is at least 1 inch thick.

Zoning Rules: Inground swimming pools are subject to building and zoning regulations as per state approval. Hence, it is imperative that you procure the required permits before any construction can commence. These zoning rules essentially require that you satisfy a certain setback distance from the pool to property lines, cover septic tanks, wells, sewers, etc. Hence, it is important to know what your town’s zoning rules are.

Area Available: Another key factor to weigh while planning an inground pool is the space available in your yard. It is crucial that you consider not only the size of the backyard but also the flora available in the yard. For example, if you have a lot of trees, you may need to either build around the plantation. Therefore, it is important to consider the space you are working with, as it will be an essential contributor to the timeline and the cost of the whole project.

The Budgeting: Most homeowners only consider the cost of construction when planning an inground pool. However, there are many other budget-breakers that you need to be aware of before you give a green light to the contractor. For example, you must consider what you plan on doing for landscaping, such as pebble borders or palm shading around your pool deck. Lighting and installing spa accessories also play a key role in enhancing the aesthetic look of your pool. And these features can add up to the cost quickly. Therefore, consider these features while mapping your budget to know if you will need financing.

Do Your Research: You might have found the inspiration of getting a personal pool from your friend’s recent pool party, or an advert online. Regardless, do not rely on the promises of one company, rather compare prices and encourage bids from various contractors to ensure you are getting the best prices. Also, do your research and choose the one that offers comprehensive pool services in Staten Island even after the job is done.

Fuggetta Pools is a team of trusted swimming pool contractors in Staten Island for years, providing exemplary pool installation and maintenance services in and around Staten Island. So, reach out to our team of pool experts to get the best services for your money.

3 Things You Need To Know About Removable Pool Safety Fences

 As gorgeously designed as an inground pool may be, it is not something that can be used all year long. Therefore, the need for removable pool safety fencing, especially in a household with children and pets becomes imperative. Swimming pool fencing is a popular and cost-effective method to prevent children and pets from getting into the pool and avoiding any accidents.

What is removable pool safety fencing?
Among all the swimming pool safety fencing options, removable mesh pool fences are one of the most recommended by professionals. Removable mesh pool fencing provides optimal safety for residential pools as they are difficult to climb and have high visibility. The mesh material is quite strong and almost indestructible, hence, is safe to be installed where pets or children are often outdoors. A removable mesh pool fence is supported by aircraft-grade aluminum poles. It provides ample durability and strength, acting as a climb-resistant barrier, although very easy to remove for adults.

How is the installation of removable pool fencing done?
Firstly, you will have to hire a professional pool crew to get your swimming pool safety fencing installed. An initial consultation will be done with you deciding the size and area to be covered by the fences. And after getting your approval, the installation crew will drill holes into the ground and insert the sleeves of the fences. Later, the customization of the fence is done as per your choice, and the requirement for the pool. Finally, the crew will demonstrate the removal process and the workings of the system to ensure you’re comfortable with the size and gate.

How reliable and strong is removable pool fencing?

Removable pool fences sleeves are made of industry-grid material. Additionally, the tension created by the mesh is the one that prevents children from removing or climbing over it. Moreover, one can rely on the quality of the fence as it is extremely hard to cut through with a knife and it does not wear out after exposure to sun and rain.
A professionally installed mesh pool fence uses the strongest and the most advanced tested materials and components in the industry to provide homeowners guaranteed protection for their children and pets.

Therefore, removable pool safety fencing is an essential feature in all residential in-ground pools. You can trust Fuggetta Pools for all your inground pool fencing solutions. So, call our team to discuss your requirements according to your inground pool size.

How do you know if your pool needs a new liner?

 Pool liners usually have a long life. Most types of swimming pool liners don’t need to be replaced for 10-15 years, depending on proper maintenance and the quality of the material. However, sometimes you may need to replace your pool liner sooner if it starts showing any warning signs such as irreparable cracks and rips. For example, exposure to direct sunlight for prolonged periods may cause fading of your pool’s liner, making it brittle. Moreover, accidental glare from reflective surfaces around your pool may cause serious problems for your pool liner. The intense heat from a reflective surface may cause the liner to melt and develop holes. In that case, you will need to hire professional swimming pool liner replacement services.

Liner replacement can be a significant investment. So, here are a few warning signs which may help you determine whether it’s time for your pool liner’s replacement before there are any severe problems with your pool:

Cracks or tears

Vinyl pool liners tend to deteriorate over the years with exposure to UV rays and poor pool chemistry. These cracks may cause major leakage issues if ignored or left unattended. Therefore, it is crucial to regularly inspect your pool liner to see any cracks or tears in the liner. If you notice any rips, make sure to get them examined by a professional. Some tears might be easy to repair, while others may require a liner replacement.

Fading & staining

It is natural for your pool liner to start fading with the years as it will be continuously exposed to chemicals and UV rays. It will eventually lead to fading and staining from the algae buildup and rust stains which are difficult to clean. Moreover, they can ruin your pool’s aesthetics. Many pool owners prefer to replace the liner when that happens.

Warping or stretching

Vinyl liners may also start losing their elasticity over time. It may cause the liner to appear warped, loose, or stretched. It may increase the risk of injuries if the liner is loose-fitting or warped. Therefore, it is better to consult with professionals and get swimming pool liner replacement installation.

Leakage

A deteriorated pool liner increases the risk of leakages. Therefore, it is crucial to monitor the water levels and check the swimming pool liner for any signs of leakage as it may lead to a severe water damage issue. If you can’t detect the leak, a liner replacement might be necessary.

If you need professional swimming pool liner replacement services in Staten Island, NY, get in touch with our team for expert assistance.

When to replace your Vinyl swimming pool liner?

 When the temperature increases and the weather becomes warmer, there’s nothing that beats swimming in your pool or relaxing on a lounge chair nearby enjoying the summers with a cold drink in your hand. Swimming pools add more value to your property and enhance your property’s aesthetic appeal. However, they also require a lot of cleaning, repair, and maintenance from time to time.

While your in-ground pool has a long life expectancy of 20-30 years, the swimming pool liner may need replacement every 10-12 years, depending on the type of liner material used. For example, vinyl pool liners are durable and may last 10-15 years with proper upkeep and maintenance. However, if there are any rips or signs of damages due to environmental wear & tear, it may need replacement sooner.

So, how to know when your pool’s liner needs replacement?

The inground vinyl pool liner may need replacement in the following cases:

If your pool liner’s color starts fading and it looks old, it might be time for liner replacement. The years of sun exposure and environmental factors may cause fading. Moreover, your vinyl liner may develop rips over time and lose its elasticity, necessitating liner replacement.
Environmental factors such as your location, weather conditions in your region, your pool’s chemical chemistry, regular professional cleaning & repairs, and UV exposure are some of the factors which may affect your pool liner’s life expectancy.
Your pool’s plaster may also start to deteriorate naturally over time. So, if you notice any staining on the swimming pool’s walls, your swimming pool may need repair in addition to pool liner replacement.
Pool liner damages such as cracks formation may cause a leakage issue. In that case, it is crucial to get repairs, or you may need in-ground vinyl pool liner replacement depending on the severity of the damages.

How much does it cost to replace a vinyl pool liner?

Vinyl pool liners are much cheaper to replace than any other type of pool liner. Depending on the size of the pool, required liner thickness, and cost of hiring pool contractors (or doing it yourself), an inground vinyl pool liner replacement may cost somewhere between $1000-$1500. Although you may choose to do it yourself, the wrong installation of the vinyl pool liner may lead to more issues. Therefore, it is recommended to consult with certified professionals in Staten Island, NY for reliable inground vinyl pool liner replacement services.

How to keep your private pool safe for your family?

 Swimming in a pool is one of the best ways to beat the heat of a blistering summer. You can go to public pools, but, of course, there are some potential risks and health hazards in public spaces. Therefore, having a private inground pool installation in the backyard of your home is one of the more reliable and safer options to minimize health risks and stay cool during the hot months. Private pools allow you to maintain a controlled pool environment. So, if you are concerned about ensuring a safe swimming experience for you and your family, consider a pool installation in Staten Island, NY from certified professionals.

Here are a few tips to keep your private pool safe and well-maintained during summers:

It is recommended to follow a weekly pool maintenance routine to ensure your pool stays safe and clean. It is crucial to clean your pool regularly, especially when it is frequently in use.
It is recommended to check the water level and record pool water chemical readings to maintain them at acceptable levels for a safe experience.
It is crucial to regularly add chlorine and other sanitization chemicals in the water as needed to clean and prevent bacterial growth in the pool.
You can use a skimmer net to collect any debris in the pool water to keep it clean.
It is best to hire professional pool cleaners to ensure your pool is properly cleaned and well-maintained
If you notice any damages, such as cracks in/around the pool, it can be a breeding ground for bacteria and algae. Therefore, make sure to have them repaired as soon as possible before the issue becomes severe.
It is crucial to clean and replace your pool’s filter from time to time as it can become filthy if the water is dirty. So, make sure your pool’s filter is operating well.
There is always a risk of slipping and falling around the pool, especially if you have (hyperactive) kids. So, make sure to clean and disinfect the pool deck, steps, and benches to minimize the risk of such safety risks. You can even consider adding a pool fence if necessary.

If you need inground pool installation, repair, cleaning, or maintenance services in Staten Island, NY, get in touch with our team for expert assistance.

Above-ground pool vs. inground pool - which is better?

 So have you finally decided to get a pool in your backyard? Well, congratulations! A swimming pool not only improves the overall curb appeal of your home but also adds value to your home. And let’s not forget, how refreshing and soothing is it to swim in your own private pool on a hot summer day.

However, before you start living in your fantasies, there is an important decision to make - inground pool installation or above-ground pool.

While having either type of pool can be the center of attention of a sophisticated and luxurious backyard setting, you want to make sure the type of pool you choose to get is ideal for your space, location, and even budget.

So without further ado, let’s see which one of them is ideal for your home.

Cost
Cost is one of the most important factors to consider when getting a swimming pool in your backyard. Obviously, above-ground pools are much more affordable than an inground pool. And there are plenty of reasons for that such as the cost of hiring pool services on Staten Island. Getting an inground pool installed requires a highly competent and experienced team of professionals, which usually costs around $4,000. Whereas, installing an above-ground pool is a DIY project.

Therefore, getting an inground pool is, by far, the most expensive option. In fact, the average cost of installing an inground pool is approximately $30,000. So, if you do not want to invest a lot of money, you can consider installing an above-ground pool.

That said, there is much more to the pool than the cost.

Cleaning and maintenance
While both types of swimming pools require regular cleaning and maintenance, above-ground pools usually demand less maintenance, thanks to their smaller size. Moreover, cleaning an above-ground pool does not require a large set of tools and cleaning equipment. Whereas it can’t be said for inground pools. In fact, since inground pools are more sophisticated, you may often need professional help for their maintenance and cleaning, making it an expensive affair.

Lifespan
If you are investing a lot of money in a pool, you probably want it to last. However, as far as durability is concerned, it differs greatly. Typically, an inground pool is not susceptible to damages caused by different elements around it. However, an above-ground pool is more likely to suffer damage due to its structure. That said, if an inground pool is damaged, it can be extremely expensive to get it fixed whereas this isn’t the case with an above-ground pool.

Final thoughts
Both inground pools and above-ground pools come with their own advantages and disadvantages. While an inground pool looks amazing and lasts a lifetime, you have to spend thousands of dollars. Above-ground pools are affordable but don’t look so stylish in the backyard.
So the decision comes down to your personal preference. If you just want to enjoy a pool during the hot summer months and don’t want the responsibility of maintaining and taking care of an inground pool, above-ground pools are perfect for you. On the other hand, if your budget is flexible and can afford to maintain an inground pool, it’s definitely the right choice for you.