If you've been thinking about calling #BlueRibbonPools and getting an #in-ground #swimming #pool, now's the time to act. With a little bit of down time before spring and summer, winter is the ideal construction phase to begin putting in your #vacationwater.

However, before deciding on when to buy, you must first choose what to buy. Here's a quick look at the three most popular types of in-ground pools:
#Concrete, #vinyl and #fiberglass

Concrete: most expensive but most popular. This can be formed into any size, to be truly customized.

Vinyl: second most popular type of pool. Each pool is made from a one-piece #flexible liner that fits into a hole put in by us. These are pre-designed and there are a limited number of liners available.

Fiberglass: Can be installed in as little as three days! They're factory-molded into a giant bowl-shaped shell, and lowered into he hole by crane. They have a very smooth gel-coat finish and usually require less chemical treatments. The one thing to think about = are there any over hangs by your pool to limit a crane?

Call us today to discuss your options! #blueribbonpools #daytonabeach #pools #typesofpools #volusiapools #centralfloridapools

What kind of Pool heater should I get?

So you want to buy a heater for your pool… what are your next steps?

Here at #BlueRibbonPools we wanted to break down our two favorite types of pool heaters based on what we think is important to you. Heat pumps and Gas Heaters are widely popular choices, but which one is right for you?

#HeatPump

Heat pumps use electricity to transfer heat into your swimming pool, from water or air. Due to their #EnergyEfficiency, heat pumps have grown in popularity.

They are #ModerateCapital but #LowExpense.

+ Between $50 and $150 for monthly operation

+ Energy efficient: #COP between 5 and 6

+ Lifespan = five to seven years

+ Environmentally friendly since they emit no air pollution

+ No permits, no additional insurance costs

-       They tend to heat the pool water slowly

-       Air-source heat pumps are dependent on the temperature of the air

-       A little pricier up-front cost ($2k - $4k)

#GasHeater

Gas heaters burn natural gas or propane to create the heat you need. The gas burns inside a combustion chamber, where a series of copper coils are to heat the water flowing through. These are the most widely used swimming pool heater, though they have decreased slightly in popularity in recent years. 

They are #LowerCapital but #HighExpense

+ Inexpensive to purchase

+ Not dependent on the temperature of the air

+ Heat pool rather quickly

+ no permits, no additional insurance costs

-       Between $400 and $500 for monthly operation

-       Not energy efficient: #COP between 0.80 and 0.85

-       Lifespan = three to five years

-       Not environmentally friendly: emit air pollution

#HeatPumpandGasHeaterCombo

Why not combine both the Heat Pump with the Gas Heater?  This means that, the heat pump is always in use, handling 75% of the load. The gas heater acts as a backup if the water temperature drops below 75-78 degrees. 

This option is #HighCapital but #LowExpense 

+ Lifespan = four to seven years

+ Popular option for commercial hospitality pools (hotel, time-share)

+ Around $300 to $350 a month to operate

+ More environmentally friendly

- Averaging around $10,000 to install 

Call #BlueRibbonPools today to sit down with us and discuss your options. We will help you reach a decision that is the best for you! #PoolHeaters #WhichPoolHeaterToChoose

Gotta love the cooler weather… oops, it’s the #hottest November ever!

East central Florida is enjoying the warmest October – #November weather in many years – keeping even #unheated pool water a comfortable 78-80 degrees.  This year, the pools are still filled with swimmers seeking refuge from the 85-93 degree heat we’ve experienced. While that’s great for #swimmers, it’s hard on your pool.  What do I mean by that? 

The common characteristic of nearly all great golf venues is that the courses are closed on Mondays.  After a long #weekend of heavy use, the course needs time to recover, be refreshed by the staff, and get ready for the following week.  Swimming pools are very much the same.  After a long summer of use, they need a break – a two month “closed on Monday”.  During this cold weather / cold water time, we gradually add fresh water to reduce chemical and contaminant buildup; scrub the equipment a little more than usual; use chemicals such as phosphate removers and enzyme treatments to reduce the amount of residual sunscreen and oil in the water.  This process ensures a terrific ‘first impression’ for visitors beginning in January!

Obviously we can’t change the weather – but be assured that Blue Ribbon is working hard to make sure your pool gets the #treatment needed so that you’re ready for January visitors!

Maurice Bushroe

#BlueRibbonPools #DaytonaBeach #Pools

"Winter" in Florida

Luckily, living in #Florida allows us to not have to “#winterize” our pools every season. Though there are some steps you need to start/maintain to make sure your pool is healthy and operating so it’s ready for spring! 

With your pool being “out of sight and out of mind” during those couple weeks it is too cold to swim in, many households make the biggest #mistake they can do to their pool… they STOP #cleaning it.

You need to continue cleaning your pool weekly if not every other week. Make sure your filter is clean and the vacuum as well, clearing out any debris that has made it’s way in. Leaves can look harmless, but cause clogs in your pool and a larger headache later.

Next, you should continue to #monitor the water level. In Florida, we always think about lowering the water level due to increase of rain… however, it works the other way as well. Evaporation can lower water levels and can even drop 1 or 2 inches per week. So monitor, and add water as needed.

It’s also important to prevent the algae build-up. Keep the water in your pool circulating and test the chemical levels of your pool, even in the winter algae can grow in Florida and it’s important to stop a problem before it arises!

Lastly but certainly NOT least, you may want to invest in a pool heater. You spent a great #investment on your pool, so why not enjoy it all year round? And luckily, Blue Ribbon Pools is right nearby to install anything you need. And if all the above sounds too strenuous, hire us to do it for you on a monthly basis so we can keep your vacation water healthy. 

#bueribbonpools #poolwater #winterinflorida #poolcareinwinter #floridapoolinwinter