Southern California Swimming Pools & Spas News & Events

Check out what's happening at Anthony & Sylvan Swimming Pools in the Southern California area:

Anthony & Sylvan Receives Silver Award in Orange County APSP Design Competition

In May 2007, Anthony & Sylvan's Southern California Swimming Pool Division received a Silver Award for the Spa Category in the Orange County Association of Pool & Spa Professionals (APSP)Design Competition.

The featured spa was raised two feet above ground, surrounded by travertine coping and travertine tile. The goal was to make the spa the centerpiece of the courtyard.

At 12' x 18' with 10 jets, the spa was more like a "spool", or combination swimming pool and spa. Spools are perfect for areas with tight backyards. They allow for relaxation and the opportunity to put in swim jet systems.

Preparing for New State Requirements for Pool Pumps

Starting January 1, 2008, all new swimming pool filtration pumps sold in California with a total capacity* of 1 horsepower or more must be capable of 2 speeds...are you prepared?

At Anthony & Sylvan, we have already prepared to install either a dual speed or better yet, a variable speed pumps for our swimming pool customers.

We have worked diligently with Pentair, one of the world's leading pump manufacturers, to that ensure all filtration pumps we install beginning January 1, 2008, meet California state law. We currently offer the dual and variable speed pumps as options. These pumps may cost more upfront, but the electricity savings are dramatic. In some cases energy savings of 50%-75% have been recorded.

If you have questions on the benefits of installing an energy efficient Pentair Pump, call Gary Kleffield at 714-628-9600 x7510 or email at gkleifield@anthonysylvan.com.

Pool Building 101

The following is a reprint of an article from the Orange County Register Pool & Spa Showcase, written by Scott Stratton, General Manager-Anthony & Sylvan Southern California Division

As summer approaches many people are planning to build a swimming pool to enjoy the upcoming warm weather. As a pool builder who has been creating backyard dreams for over 60 Years, Anthony & Sylvan helps the customer focus on the three phases of the pool: Design; Construction; and Ownership. What many people don’t realize is that the design of their pool affects not only the length of the construction phase but will also influence the cost of ownership in the future. By making small changes in design and adding the latest technology, you can make your swimming pool more economical to operate and more environmentally friendly. Here is a sample of what a good pool designer should discuss:

Technology - good for the environment, better for your wallet!

• LED Lights reduce electricity consumption by 75% and offer a much longer life than standard bulb lights (50,000 hours vs. 8,000 hours). Many LED lights also provide you the ability to change colors and even have color shows.

• There are many ways to heat your pool. The new gas heaters are up to 82% efficient, much more than even 3 years ago. Heat pumps are starting to become popular as they greatly reduce the amount of energy and cost of heating a swimming pool by up to 50%. Lastly, solar systems can warm a pool 5-10 degrees depending on the size and the location of the panels and the pool.

• The new pumps are more efficient and cost effective. Pump manufacturers are now offering 2-speed and Multi-Speed pumps. Multi-speed pumps can cost triple the price of a standard single speed pump, but they can reduce electric usage by 50-90% depending on the operation.

• Pool control systems allow the owner to operate the pool. A good system will allow you to program the pumps to automatically filter water during off peak hours, saving you money. Many systems also offer remote controls that make it easier to enjoy your swimming pool and spa.

• Swimming pool covers reduce heat loss by 5-10 degrees and reduce evaporation of water and pool chemicals. Covers also reduce the amount of time to clean.

Swimming Pool Design – Beauty that saves you money!

• The closer the equipment to the swimming pool, the less energy needed to pump the water through the filter. Keeping the equipment close can also reduce the construction costs.

• Reducing the swimming pool's size and depth can also save you money as there is less water to pump and heat.

• Dark interior finishes (quartzite and pebble coatings) absorb more heat during the day than a standard white plaster. They also last longer and often have better durability warranties.

As with everything, going with a reputable, licensed pool builder will save you the hassle and the expense of having large construction mistakes. Spending time on the design with a knowledgeable design consultant can speed your construction process and save you money while increasing your enjoyment of your swimming pool.

Scott Stratton is the General Manager of Anthony & Sylvan Pools’ Southern California Division. Anthony & Sylvan Pools is America’s largest non-franchised pool builder and has been building pools for over 60 years.

Maintaining Your Swimming Pool in Southern California

With the effect of the Santa Ana winds in Southern California, homeowners may find their swimming pools a mess. Here is a brief list of things to properly care and maintain your pool:

- Clean the skimmer basket daily. This is one of the easiest things you can do to properly maintain a pool. It also allows the pumps and filters to operate more effectively, reducing energy consumption.

- Clean out the pump basket.

- Clean around your equipment area. Ensure that no leaves or debris are blocking the exhaust vents on your heater.

- Trim back and bushes or trees that are within four (4) feet of your heater vent.

- Check your water chemistry more frequently. The winds carry a lot of dirt, debris and spores. These can cause algae blooms if the water chemistry is not properly maintained.

- Backwash your filter more often. During the windy season, more small dirt particles will collect on the filter grids. Backwashing will ensure the system remains efficient, saving electricity and money.

- Maintain your water level. The hot, dry winds can easily lead to 1/4 to 1/2 inch of water loss each day. If the pool is not filled on a consistent basis, the water level can drop below the tile line. This exposes your plaster, which can result in cracking and peeling.

Anthony & Sylvan pool customers can review their interactive Pool Partner cd for other tips on maintaining their pool and spa in tip-top condition.

If you are thinking about installing a swimming pool or spa, make sure you meet with a reputable pool designer who can help you take maintenance into account before building your pool. Contact Anthony & Sylvan at 1-877-SAY-SWIM (729-7946).

Make Sure You Read This if You are Considering Building Your Own Pool

We have recently taken over several swimming pool projects from “Owner/Builders”. These homeowners were happy to turn over the General Contracting duties to Anthony & Sylvan as licensed professionals. If you are currently thinking about building a swimming pool, here is an interesting letter from the California Contractor’s State License Board that you should read:

Owner/Builders take note!

Anyone who talks you into being your own general contractor, or “owner/builder,” may be doing you no favor.

“Owner/Builder” describes a situation in which the homeowner becomes the general contractor. As an owner/builder, you (not the person you hire) assume responsibility for the overall job.

Your responsibilities may include such things as state and federal taxes, workers’ compensation insurance, and other legal liabilities. You may be required to hire various subcontractors for your project, scheduling their work and supervising the job. If a worker is injured while working on your property, you could be asked to pay for injuries and rehabilitation through your homeowner’s insurance policy.

By signing a building permit application as an owner/builder, you assume full responsibility for all phases of your project and its integrity.

Hiring an unlicensed “consultant” to manage the project does not save you money in the long run. By hiring a licensed experienced contractor for your project to hire licensed knowledgeable tradespersons, the contractor becomes responsible for all phases of construction.

Unless you are very experienced in construction, it is best to leave these matters to your licensed contractor.

- California Contractor's State License Board

Although this letter offers a stiff warning…it misses a key issue - the potential negative effect on home resale value. Both realtors and home buyers are suspicious of pools built by an owner/builder. The small savings you may achieve by doing it yourself are often lost during the resale of the home as there is no warranty to transfer or the home buyer questions the quality of construction. Going with a reputable, licensed builder will allow you to provide your future home buyer with a transferable structural warranty and peace of mind that the construction of your swimming pool met the highest standards.

- Scott Stratton, General Manager-Anthony & Sylvan, Southern California Division

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