Arizona Pool Contractor

Aqua Brite™ Pure White Replacement LED In-ground Pool Light

poolcontractor — Sun, 08 Apr 2012 15:24:49 +0000

Aqua Brite™ LLC was founded by Thomas Lopez owner of Aquavida Pools, based in Phoenix Arizona. He has a unique design patent associated with this LED light and a utility patent pending on a new Color LED pool light. Aqua Brite™ LLC is anxiously awaiting the ETL listing for the Aqua Brite™ Pure White Replacement LED In-ground Pool Light.

Aqua Brite™ Pure White Replacement LED In-ground Pool Lights offer ultra-bright white, long life output LED illumination for in-ground pools. Aqua Brite™ Pure White replacement LED pool light bulbs are compatible with any standard pool light housing and comes with a high durability, silicone lens gasket made for use with LED lamps. Aqua Brite™ Pure White pool lights are designed to significantly reduce energy consumption and maintenance costs. Each light uses only 18 watts of power. And, a proprietary cooling system maximizes the rated lamp life of up to 50,000 hours. Aqua Brite™ PureWhite lights are ideal for commercial and residential pool applications where white light is required or preferred.

Aqua Brite™ Technical Data Facts

Aqua Brite™ Pure White LED Pool Light

Pool Tile Repair Kit

poolcontractor — Sun, 08 Apr 2012 15:01:08 +0000

Pool Patch manufactures quality do it yourself Pool Tile Repair Products including grout and tile setting repair kits for all types of swimming pool tiles.

Pool Patch™ Pool Tile Grout Repair Kit is composed of our Portland cement, specially graded silica sand and colorfast pigments that form a dense matrix. Designed for ceramic, glass or porcelain swimming pool waterline and cap tiles. In addition, our Pool Patch™ Pool Tile Grout Repair Kit contains a special acrylic-polymer latex admixture for a superior grout that offers ease of workability and clean-up, rapid cure, high compressive strength, low shrinkage, and excellent bond strength. Perfect for filling in grout voids and grouting brand new swimming pool tiles.

Pool Tile Repair

Pool Patch™ Pool Tile Setting Repair Kit is composed of our polymer modified blended bonding cement designed to set ceramic or porcelain swimming pool waterline and cap tiles into place. When selecting your Pool Tile Setting Repair Kit be sure to select the appropriate color to coordinate with your pool tile grout. Use a gray Pool Tile Setting Repair Kit if you have gray colored grout. Use a white Pool Tile Thinset Setting Repair Kit if you have white colored grout. Perfect for attaching swimming pool tiles that have fallen off, or installing brand new tiles.

Pool Tile Setting Repair Kit

Pool Tile Grout Repair Kit

Acrylic Pool Deck Resurfacing

poolcontractor — Fri, 25 Mar 2011 13:05:18 +0000

Aquavida offers commercial and residential pool deck resurfacing services, we use the finest acrylic polymer deck overlays available today. Common structual cracks and lifting of pool decks generally consist of geothermal expansion and mature roots systems from large trees, depending on the situation we can generally repair most of the common issues. When you are ready to resurface your pool deck the following steps are involved to ensure a lasting decking system. The first step in the pool deck resurfacing process is to remove all of the furniture and items on top of your decking, after this step we pressure wash the pool deck surface and prepare the area by covering your plants and perimeter with a poly plastic to reduce any over spray of material. Most pool decks will require some type of machine scarification to remove the old pool deck material, after the old material is removed enough to leave a good substrate for bonding we then move into the crack repair process. Crack repair is an important part of pool deck resurfacing, opening up your structual cracks with a diamond blade hand grinder is the best way to give us an injection channel, after the cracks have been opened we use a two part epoxy system to inject the cracks and seal them. Your pool deck is now ready for the scratch coat or sometimes called base coat, this process consist of spreading and acrylic aggregate with hand trowels on the entire surface to create a good bonding surface for your texture of choice. Once the scratch coat has cured we are now ready to perform either the stamp process or the lace texture process, this process puts down the actual surface texture. After your surface texture is dry you are now ready for the color to be applied to your new pool deck surface, this phase will transform your decking to the finished product. If your pool deck is in need of a new surface contact Aquavida for your free estimate.

Commercial Pool Deck Resurfacing

Understanding Saltwater Pools

poolcontractor — Mon, 28 Feb 2011 20:35:38 +0000

Due to their growing popularity in the past few years, you may have heard of saltwater pools, but unless you own one, you may be wondering how they work and if purchasing a saltwater chlorinator is a water care option you might consider for your swimming pool. Read on to learn how water is effectively sanitized and maintained with a saltwater chlorinator.

Arizona Saltwater Pools

First of all, what is a saltwater chlorinator?

Also known as a chlorine generator, a saltwater chlorinator converts salt to chlorine for effective and automatic sanitization. This means that you don’t have to add chlorine; instead, you add several bags of quick-dissolving, specially manufactured salt to your swimming pool at startup, and typically a few times a year, as needed. A saltwater pool is not chlorine-free, but its eco-friendly draw comes from never having to buy, store, or handle chlorine.

If a saltwater pool contains chlorine, how is it different from a traditional chlorine pool?

In a swimming pool with a saltwater chlorinator, the free chlorine is created during the conversion (or electrolytic) process. Because chlorine is produced constantly, strong-smelling chloramines (the byproducts responsible for that “chlorine smell”) are unlikely to form, allowing for a more pleasant environment. After the chlorine is used to sanitize, it reverts back to sodium chloride (salt), so most of the swimming pool water contains saline rather than chlorine.

Won’t the water feel like I’m swimming in an ocean?

The salinity is actually gentle to the skin and eyes because the salt levels are relatively low—about half that of a human tear drop (a concentration of 0.5 percent). At recommended salt levels of 3,000 – 4,000 ppm—compared to an ocean’s 35,000 ppm—the pool water doesn’t taste salty or make your skin feel sticky, though you may want to wear goggles if swimming in the pool for extended periods.

How exactly is the salt converted to chlorine?

Chlorine is produced due to a reaction in the unit’s electrolytic cell. You first add salt that is produced specifically for salt chlorinators. As the salt dissolves and the water circulates, it passes through the cell and becomes free chlorine. “The process of producing free chlorine (hypochlorous acid) and sanitizing the water happens in one place—the cell,” says David Pruchniewski, field applications engineer at Goldline Controls, a Hayward Industries company that manufactures salt chlorinators and other pool equipment. “After that, the chlorine converts back to a mild saline solution (sodium chloride and water) to be reconverted to chlorine again as the process repeats.”

The swimming pool water is sanitized continuously as long as the pump is running, and one bag should keep the salinity at the proper level for at least several months. Levels drop gradually due to splash-out and backwashing only—evaporation will not reduce the salt content.

How do I maintain a saltwater pool?

Most saltwater chlorinators have a digital control panel that provides the most current salt reading. Recommended salt levels are specific to the actual system you purchase, but generally speaking, the ideal salt level is 3,000 – 4,000 ppm. If levels dip below 3,000, use a manual test to make sure the levels are correct before adding more salt. On occasion, a pool can actually be so oversalted that it will not produce an accurate reading. If that’s the case, the last thing you want to do is add a giant bag of salt! If you add too much, and the salt level exceeds 4,000 ppm, the pool must be partially drained, then refilled with hose water. (Note that draining of any kind must be done under the guidance of a professional to prevent serious damage to the pool structure.)

While sanitizer, total alkalinity, and pH levels should still be monitored regularly (at least once a week), “it’s much easier to maintain a chlorine level of 1 – 4 ppm in a saltwater pool because the chlorine is being produced constantly, as long as the pump is on,” says Bob Harper, general manager of Pristiva, which produces the Pristiva™ two-step system for saltwater pool care. “You also want to use purer forms of salt to ensure clear pool water, prevent corrosion, and minimize scale buildup on the generator’s cell.” Impure forms of salt may contain metals, notes Pruchniewski, which can lead to stains on the pool surface. As with all pools, it’s a good idea to take a water sample to your pool supply store about every month to check for proper water balance, total dissolved solids, and the presence of metals, says Harper.

Because the chlorine produced is unstabilized, a stabilizer, such as cyanuric acid, is added to maintain a chlorine residual, unless the pool is indoors. If you have a chlorine generator and you run the pump during off-peak times (usually 9 pm – 9 am), you should run it for about two hours in the daytime during hot, sunny days to avoid algae blooms. (Remember that chlorine is not produced when the pump is off.) If you have a newer variable-speed pump, this should not be an issue as the pump can run 24/7 on the lowest speed.

How do I know if a saltwater chlorinator is right for my pool?

The type of pool you own and its surrounding materials and equipment are important—and experts’ opinions vary. “Other than stainless steel, which is rarely used in today’s pools and equipment, I have no concerns with the ability of other finish materials to withstand salinated water over time,” says Bob Harper, general manager of Pristiva. If using natural stone around the swimming pool, Harper advises speaking with stone suppliers on how to properly prepare it for exposure to saltwater.

However, Thomas Lopez, president of Aquavida Pool Remodeling, Phoenix, Ariz., notes that saltwater chlorinators may pose a risk to stone and other finishes: “If you’re adding a salt system to an existing pool, it should be gunite or vinyl-lined and have either faux rock or concrete around it. Salt can eat away at natural stone and cause etching to grout used around boulders and tile.” If you plan to install a fiberglass swimming pool, it’s important to choose a builder who uses high-quality materials and is aware of which saltwater chlorinators are safe for its surfaces over time.

When installing a saltwater chlorinator, experts recommend using newer swimming pool equipment because current pumps and heaters are designed to withstand exposure to saltwater, now that salt systems are more prevalent. “Older equipment could be susceptible to corrosion so you may want to replace it or contact the manufacturers,” says Lopez.

If you plan to make the switch or integrate a saltwater system into a new swimming pool, make sure your pool builder is knowledgeable on the subject, and ask for any references from customers who have been using a saltwater chlorinator for a few years.

Arizona Pool Resurfacing

poolcontractor — Mon, 14 Feb 2011 00:26:02 +0000

If your swimming pool surface is looking old and stained it might be time to resurface the interior. Today’s pool finishes have improved in many ways offering you choices from a cost effective replaster to a modern pebble finish. Pool resurfacing is a relatively simple process, if other options are being added it might add some extra time to your project. Typically we can drain your pool and remove the old pool surface and apply a new surface within a five day time frame, however adding tile, decking or plumbing does take more time. White plaster is the most cost effective surface available to apply to your swimming pool, this surface is composed of a premium white portland cement with a pozzolan admixture to give the cement a higher strength, the cement is then mixed with a white marble dust sand and water to create the plaster formula. Plaster is a great surface to give you a cost effective fresh water look, but does require strict chemical attention, and is much more susceptible to surface stains than other pool surfaces with aggregate/pebble admixtures. Color can be added to the plaster, but doing so can cause problems. Once exposed to heavy doses of pool chemicals, colored plaster tends to streak or have increased instances of mottling, a natural, but uneven, graying of the white plaster. So until aggregate mixes appeared on the market, the color choices for plaster were limited. Quartz pool surface additives are gaining popularity due to the mid-level cost option and the durability. The addition of quartz granules to the white cement used in plastering brought about a revolution in the color scheme of pool plastering. Though quartz is an extremely tough stone–it’s harder than steel, according to Moh’s Mineral Hardness Scale–colors can be permanently bonded to it, much as color is added to floor tiling. For the less adventurous customer, quartz also provides the option of richer, more subtle and controlled colors, such as creamy white or bluish-green. As an added bonus, quartz’s durability meant the color wouldn’t fade or experience the same problems encountered by tinted white plaster. Pebble pool surfaces have earned the #1 spot in durability and the most stain resistant swimming pool finishes on the market today, early aggregate finishes were thought to be a rough texture, today the finishes have improved in texture and pebble sizes. A popular choice is to add colored quartz to the pebble to give it a unique blend of color with the pebbles. If you are in need of Arizona Pool Resurfacing please contact us to get a free estimate on your swimming pool.

Arizona Pool Resurfacing

Arizona Pool Remodeling

poolcontractor — Tue, 08 Feb 2011 05:03:05 +0000

Swimming pool remodeling can be as easy as updating the pool surface, waterline tile and resurfacing the decking, or it can be a new shape or even have an updated in-floor cleaning system. The majority of swimming pool remodeling projects in Arizona consist of simple upgrades, adding a dedicated suction line for an automatic pool cleaner, an automatic water leveler, or new pool equipment. When it comes to design we can help you create a swimming pool that meets your needs and your budget, we are not a typical swimming pool contractor who builds pools and runs remodel projects to keep cash flow coming in, we are experts in swimming pool remodeling and understand structure issues with aging pools and fluid dynamics. If your swimming pool is in need of Arizona pool resurfacing or you have been searching for the perfect AZ pool remodeling company you have come to the right place.

Arizona Pool Remodeling

Swimming Pool Depth Conversion

poolcontractor — Wed, 12 Jan 2011 14:51:43 +0000

One of the common pool remodeling options is to convert an existing diving pool into a play pool. For most people requesting this option the swimming pool is no longer being utilized for diving and no longer fits the lifestyle of the pool owner. Depending on the transition points and the floor layout, a swimming pool depth conversion can transform your old diving pool to a new play pool that consumes less water and chemicals. When having a depth conversion done this is a great time to extend steps and benches. Aquavida Pools has converted numerous existing diving pools to functional play pools and can do the same for your pool. If you are in need of a pool remodel or pool resurfacing contact us to help you with your swimming pool needs.

Swimming Pool Depth Conversion

Swimming Pool Art

poolcontractor — Sat, 18 Dec 2010 14:33:38 +0000

Internationally renowned artist Dale Chihuly creates breathtaking designs in glass, from room-size hanging Chandeliers to vibrant outdoor architectural installations and glass gardens, to the Crystal Trees of Light at the White House.

Dale Chihuly Pool Sculpture Installation

This luxury gift offers a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity: a privately commissioned Chihuly art installation measuring up to 22 feet by 12 feet—at the bottom of your Arizona swimming pool. Drawing from the forms and fluidity of nature, Chihuly combines vibrant colors and rich textures to create an aquatic experience that is both organic and fantastic.

The lucky recipient will be able to work with the artist’s studio for a rare inside look at Chihuly’s creative process. His installations have been seen around the globe in Venice, Jerusalem, the Royal Botanical Gardens Kew, Chicago’s Garfield Park, and dozens of public spaces and private galleries. The artist studied interior design, architecture, and sculpture before mastering glass art. Combining them all into an amazing 40-year career replete with awards and firsts, Chihuly will transform your pool into a world-class private work of art.

Defunct Phoenix Pool Companies

poolcontractor — Sat, 20 Nov 2010 15:09:25 +0000

Being born and raised in Phoenix and part of the Arizona swimming pool industry, I come across several different types of pools every day. I recently started to collect old print advertisements from Phoenix pool builders that are now out of business. Since Aquavida Pools specializes in swimming pool remodeling and resurfacing we see all of these swimming pools and remodel them every day. I have posted some of the classic ads from different periods of the Phoenix swimming pool industry. This first installment of ads is from 1975-1978

It’s truly a treat to be the first one to remodel an original vessel for the first time. Usually we are told by the homeowner that they had it built new, or we will see the original step tile displaying the company name like “La Casa Pools” ,”Morley Pools”,”Sunset Pools”,”Medallion Pools”,Anthony Pools” and so on.

Medallion Pools

La Casa Pools

Sunset Pools

Sylvan Pools

Anthony Pools

Blue Haven Pools

Geothermal Pool Heating and Cooling

poolcontractor — Sat, 06 Nov 2010 21:15:36 +0000

Geothermal Swimming Pool Heating and Cooling Works in Arizona

If you live in Arizona, you know that keeping your home comfortable in the warmer months can be a challenge. The Arizona heat is constant and intense, and can lead to daytime temperatures of 110 Fahrenheit—or more. That is why you need a heating and cooling system that works with the climate, not against it. A traditional air-exchange cooling system works better in areas where the difference in outside and inside temperature isn’t that extreme. In Arizona, that usually isn’t the case.

That is why a new type of system, hybrid geothermal heating and cooling, makes more sense if you live in Arizona. Using the steady temperature of an underground water reservoir, a geothermal hybrid system exchanges heat from the indoor air into the water, resulting in a much more efficient transfer of heat. After all, it’s easier to transfer heat into a cool pool of water than it is an already hot mass of air.

What’s more, using a geothermal heating and cooling system in Arizona can bring with it other benefits, including:

Heating and cooling your pool. Geothermal hybrid systems can be hooked to your pool, allowing you to supply warm water to your pool in those months when it is typically a little too chilly to swim. There are also options available that allow you to cool your pool in those months where the water may be too warm to swim.

Free hot water for home use. Domestic water is heated for free during months when air conditioner is in use.

Tax credits and financial assistance. Programs through the Arizona Public Service (APS) and Salt River Project (SRP) will help you pay for this advanced technology, and tax credits are available for Arizona geothermal hybrid equipment.

Aquavida Pools recently completed a pool remodeling project in Moon Valley that included a Geothermal system. This Geothermal system included a dedicated Pentair IntelliFlo pump to supply the cooling tower, the pump has a split suction to allow intake and a dedicated return to send water back to the pool. This system has the ability to cool and heat the home and the ability to do the same for the swimming pool. Arizona swimming pool owners will enjoy a low cost solution to year round swimming while saving money on the extreme utility bills due to the constant running of air conditioning.

Geothermal Swimming Pool Cooling and Heating

Dedicated Pentair IntelliFlo Pump Suction and Return