The New Law goes into effect this July

New Florida Energy Code that requires energy efficient (money saving) pool pumps and motors goes into effect in July 2011. Starting the first of the month, any new pump purchase must be either energy efficient variable speed pool pumps or a 2 or more speed motor. As far as pool heaters go, these new purchases must save 20% on energy costs to meet the new regulations. With a 20% savings on the pool pumps and then an additional 20% savings to update the heater too, you can’t go wrong!

If your single pump pool equipment needs replacement or repair before the new law goes into effect, it is in your best interest to upgrade the equipment to the energy efficient variety to get a head start on the savings and avoid having an obsolete and unusable piece of equipment on your hands. The new law will ban replacement and repairs on the single pump pool equipment at the start of July of this year. Make an investment that will last. Update your pool equipment and the savings are inevitable. Going green has become an easy decision.

Your Pool Pump is the Heart of your Pool’s Circulation System

While the two-speed pumps trump the single speed ones, the variable speed efficient pumps result in the most savings for customers. The new variable energy saving pumps can cut up to 90% of the energy use with hybrid car technology.

And that’s not all; energy efficient pool equipment just begins with the heaters and pumps. Also try out the energy saving digital automation systems, high-efficiency heaters and heat pumps. At All-Pool we recommend the Pentair Intelliflo for maximum energy efficiency.

The new Pentair Brand pumps incorporate innovative hydraulic engineering, refined over nearly 50 years, to circulate water more efficiently and quietly than other pumps. They are designed with convenient features that make routine maintenance fast and easy. Pentair is one of the pool industry leaders when it comes to variable speed pumps.

IntelliFlo® and IntelliPro® variable speed pumps can typically cut energy costs by up to 90% over traditional pumps, saving thousands over the entire life of the pump! Savings are so incredible, many utility companies even offer rebates for installing a variable speed pump.

More Ways to go Green with your Pool

• LED pool lights will cost about half the amount of conventional lighting systems
• Eliminate the chemicals by switching to a salt-sterilization system in place of chlorine
• Smaller higher efficiency pumps save money
• Cover the pool when it s not in use, not only does this keep the pool clean but it also keeps the heat in and prevents evaporation

Stay ahead of the times and start adding up the savings. It’s good for the environment and good for your pocketbook. You can’t go wrong! Make the switch to variable energy efficient pool pumps and heaters.

Most Accidents can be Prevented by Following the Pool Rules

1. Have a responsible adult be designated as the ‘Pool Watcher’
2. Make sure the Pool Watcher gives their undivided attention to all swimmers
2. Never swim alone
3. Go indoors at the first sign of a thunderstorm
4. Do not use glass in the pool area
5. No running near the pool
6. Never dive in shallow water
7. Do no play with drains of any kind

Despite what you may see in movies, drowning does not involve screaming and splashing water; it is a silent killer. Typically, drowning people will go into what is called Instinctive Drowning Response where no voluntary movement is possible. The victim attempts to breath by tilting their head back, while at the same time trying to bring their mouth to the surface by extending their arms horizontally and pressing them down against the water with their body vertical and legs unmoving underwater. In this state they cannot call out for help or reach for a safety device, as they lose control of all voluntary movements. Watch out for abnormal signs and loss of movement with children in the pool and if any signs exist, do not hesitate to get the child out of the pool.

Other Pool Safely Steps

1. Supervision: Actively supervise children in and around water at all times
2. Fencing: Fencing barrier should be at least 4 feet high, have a gate that closes on its own and have a high latch-release knob. Also store chemicals away from pool area.
3. Pool & Spa Covers: Covers should always be placed on spas when not in use and there are also pool covers that are meant for everyday use.
4. Alarms: Alarms are available for every need, there are alarms for when doors open, pool alarms for waves, even alarms a child can wear, choose the alarm that works best for you.
5. Safety Drain Covers: In every pool check for safety drain covers that prevent things from getting caught in them and from people getting trapped by the suction.
6. Swimming Lessons: Learning to swim can save lives, classes can be found for children at all ages at the local Y, Red Cross, or Community School.
7. Learning CPR: Take a CPR course and a refresher course every year to always be prepared.
You never know what can save a life, until it does.

Pools are on the Top 5 Hidden Home Hazards according to the Consumer Product Safety Commission. Watch the Early Show Video about the dangers. Drain covers are a must for every pool or spa, if you don’t have adequate drain covers please contact us and get this dangerous situation fixed as soon as possible.

Here is a dramatic real life example of the dangers unprotected drains can pose. Firefighters had to extricate this little girl from the drain.

This PoolSafely.gov video provides an overview of the topics covered earlier. We all think it can’t or won’t happen to us, but that is a dangerous attitude for any pool owner or visitor to a pool to have.

Drain covers are a must for every pool or spa, if you don’t have adequate drain covers please contact us and get this dangerous situation fixed as soon as possible.

Trying to beat the heat this summer by updating or remodeling your pool? Or perhaps you are ready to take your first dive and are planning to have a new pool built. To begin this endeavor, make sure that you check with the Florida Department of Business Professional Regulation first.

The DBRP makes verification of a state-licensed contractor simple. Don’t miss out on this important step. If you are searching by town, choose “Construction Industry” as the license category and “Certified Pool / Spa Contractor” as the license type.

Ensuring your contractor is state-licensed will not only allow the customer to make sure the requirements have been met, but also file a complaint with the DBRP to hold the contractor liable if something were to go wrong.

Here is a direct link to All Pool Service & Supply Inc. current licensing information.

To verify a contractor’s license is current and in good standing, you can visit MyFloridaLicense.com or just call 1-850-487-1395. The website is a valuable resource and enables the consumer to search for license, permit, or registration and search for unlicensed activity complaints.

Any time a hired individual takes apart a permanent pool fixture, a license is required. Specialty contractor licenses can be earned in each of the following; structural, excavation, trim, decking, piping and finishes. Hot-tub and in ground spa installation also requires a license. While pool cleaning and water treatment can be done without a license, if you are looking for a full-service pool company to handle all of your needs you should always consider using a State-Licensed Pool Contractor.

How to Avoid Any Unlicensed Activity

1. Ask to see the Florida State issued license
2. Verify the license is current and in good standing at MyFloridaLicense.com or 1-850-487-1395
3. Ask for references and call each one
4. Do not pay cash
5. Be careful with writing check made out to individuals, particularly if you have hired a company
6. Get everything in writing, including itemized cost list, total cost and completion dates

Avoid the hassle of having no recourse in a work dispute when the job is completed. Do the research beforehand. A little extra time spent making sure everything checks out before the papers are signed could save a lot of time and money down the road. Keep an eye out for the warning signs and don’t forget to verify that your contractor is state-licensed with the Florida Department of Business Professional Regulation and you will be well on your way to a nice, cool, relaxing summer.

At All-Pool we stay current on all products, techniques, learning and regulation by also being a member of the Florida swimming pool association. Our A+ rating by the Better Business Bureau speaks to our total dedication to customer satisfaction and accountability.

There are many important factors to consider when choosing a company to remodel your pool. From safety considerations to structural issues, there are many opportunities for errors to occur, but choosing the right pool builder can eliminate the existence of these problems. Having a successful, quality pool remodeling project starts with the company hired to complete the task.

How to Choose A Pool Remodeling Contractor

1. Find a Pool “Remodeler” – Choose a company that has explicit business REMODELING pools rather than an ambiguous claim of years of general experience “in the pool business”. Also, a company that services pools as well as remodels them is most likely to be looking for a long-term relationship and will go the extra mile to retain you as their customer.

2. Do your research – Ask for references making sure to call a random sample of the names provided and contact the Better Business Bureau to check for outstanding claims. (All-Pool Service & Supply, Inc – BBB Report Page)

3. Ask questions – Ask lots of questions, this is a major endeavor and you deserve to get the pool remodeling that you are asking for. Does this builder have adequate insurance and licensing to complete the work? Will there be a construction supervisor onsite? Knowing who is in charge and who to contact should a problem arise is another important factor.

4. Communicate – To ensure your newly remodeled pool is renovated according to your wishes, make sure to communicate the design plan to the builders directly. Words are often easily confused. To eliminate the possibility of the any costly mistakes, have a face to face meeting to discuss the details of the pool remodeling before any work begins (preferably with the owner of the business).

5. Penny pinchers beware – Don’t blindly accept the lowest bid. If a bid is substantially lower than other offers, the company is cutting costs (most likely by cutting quality). Lower quality products and techniques to remodel the pool will more often than not result in higher maintenance and repair costs later.

Warning Signs to Watch out for from the Builder

• Companies that mandate large or upfront cash payments

• Won’t provide an itemized contract with all of the expenses clearly explained

• Won’t answer licensing questions

• Cannot provide proof of insurance including worker’s comp and liability

• Won’t provide warranties for pool and equipment

• Companies that don’t seem to understand your needs or communicate directly with you

There are many factors to consider when searching for a company to remodel your pool. It is important to find a reputable company with the skills to complete the work and the experience to get it done right. By avoiding the warning signs, asking lots of questions, and completing thorough research before hand, you will be well on your way to hosting your first swim party in your newly renovated Orlando pool!

We would be honored to provide a Free Estimate for Your Pool Remodeling Project.

1. Water Level – Do not drain the pool! It is a common misconception that pools should be drained in preparation for a hurricane. The pool area is no more likely to flood than if the same area were a plot of land. The water in the pool ensures that damage is not done to the lining and provides the proper amount of weight to keep the pool in the ground.
If the area around the pool has potential to get damaged with standing water before it can drain off naturally it may be advisable to lower the water level one to two feet.

2. Water Chemistry – Many experts advise ‘shocking’ or adding extra chlorine to the pool to offset the excess amounts of storm water and debris being added to the pool.

3. Electrical Equipment – Remember that water and electricity do not mix! Remove and turn off all electrical pool equipment at the circuit breaker on the main electrical panel. Also, cover with plastic or remove all pump motors or other large equipment.

4. Pool Area Items – Deck furniture, potted plants, rafts and other items typically kept around the pool area should be moved inside or tied down as they can potentially become dangerous when the storm hits. As a last resort, if no enclosed areas are available, deck furniture can be carefully placed in the pool to keep it in place during the storm.

After the Storm

5. Remove Debris – First remove all of the large debris by hand if possible. Be careful not to harm the pool lining when pulling large items from the pool. Then using either a pool rake or skimmer, rid the pool of as much smaller debris as possible before turning on the pool equipment to prevent clogs.

6. Check all Electrical Equipment BEFORE Use – Check equipment to ensure everything is dry before the circuit breakers are turned back on. If water got through the plastic coverings, allow a day for the equipment to dry out completely. Also, check the wiring, especially ground wiring for proper connections. If water damage and exposure to the equipment is notice, do not turn the equipment on before a licensed professional has taken a look.

7. Check and Balance Pool Chemicals – Always test the pool first using a chemical test kit and adjust the levels accordingly. It is very likely that the excess storm water has diluted the chemicals and adjustments will be necessary.

8. Monitor the Pool – After the storm, monitor the pool closely to ensure the entire pool system has been properly reset. If the pool seems to be leaking or anything else seems abnormal, contact a pool professional immediately.

You may want to play it safe and call a Pool Cleaning Service to make sure your pool back gets back to safe working order.