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A New Invention: Hidden Water Pools

Hidden Water Pools

what is hidden water pools and how it works

You have always longed for a swimming pool at your house but the space in lawn is limited but the danger of your kids going to pool unattended often discourages you to have a pool at home. The fast growing futuristic technology today, has answer to fulfill such desires you have cherished for years.

Yes, a new trend of hidden swimming pools is quite a rage today. If you have a lawn in hour home then it can be converted to swimming pool but that too without eating the lawn space. Courtesy: A new invention called hidden water pools.

Hidden pools work like conventional pools but you have the option of converting them into normal floors with a simple button click making them just invisible. The floor of swimming pool is movable and it can move down a few inches or a few feet as per design of your hidden pool.

The up and down movement of top panel of pool is controlled with a help of mechanism similar to that of a hydraulic lift. Several companies are now engaged in design and implementation of these hidden swimming pools, which can be customized as per the space available or your specific requirements.

Un-hidden benefits of hidden water pools

Hidden water pools have gained much popularity recently and the reason behind its rapidly growing market is its countless advantages. Some of the benefits associated with hidden pools are:

Style-statement

Having a pool is considered stylish and is a symbol of luxury in today’s modern world. But not many people could afford and enjoy this luxury until the invention of convertible or hidden pools.

Even a limited space can be utilized to set up a stylish and spacious swimming pool. Conventional swimming pools look outdated if compared with these tech-savvy modern (hidden) pools.

Throwing a lawn party in your home and once the party begins, showing off the hidden pool to everyone’s surprise will surely impress your friends. It will send a style statement to them, which only you can think of and will make them green with envy!

Safety

With conventional pools in home, parents are always worried about their kid’s safety while they play near the pool. There will always be a fear of their drowning or falling into an unfilled pool which may prove fatal.

You have to create a fence all around the pool to protect your kids from such accidents. But what if you could cover the pool with push of a button before letting the kids out? This is where creating hidden pool looks really worthwhile. You can now have a pool at home and yet be assured of your child’s safety.

Adjustable height

Have you ever dreamed of owning a little bar in a shallow water-pool and savor your favorite wine with your closest buddies or even someone special? If yes, you can now make your dream come true.

Just get a smart and functional height adjustable hidden pool to get any desired depth level. You have an option of enjoying the beautiful sunshine in a bright sunny day with your feet in pool water or you may convert it into a deep pool for a refreshing swimming workout.

Maintenance free pools

Cleaning the swimming pools can be been a nerve wrecking procedure which one needs to follow strictly on regular basis. Conventional pools are always open and are more prone to dust, insects and other titbits.

In such situations, pool have to be drained out, cleaned and again a refilled which is quite cumbersome and time consuming. But you can avoid all these hassles with hidden pools. Why? The answer lies in the construction and functioning of the hidden pool. When not in use it will be protectively covered and minimizing the chances of attracting any kind of dirt or garbage into the clean water.

Hidden pools are also termed as fresh water pools since there is no need to add chemicals in it. And when you need to clean it on routine basis, the procedure is very simply performed with a remote control.

How much hidden pools will cost you?

Do hidden pools have hidden costs? You have to be careful and should know the details of every cost very minutely while buying hidden pools. The price tag sometimes may not be the final price and you may have to pay additional money as installation charges or maintenance costs.

The initial cost of hidden pools is somewhat higher than conventional pools considering the hydraulic lift technology and other electronics involved in the system.

But you can surely put a limit on its expenses while getting it customized according to your needs.

The estimated costs of hidden pools range between $20,000 and $60,000, but if you take care, you can cut down the cost by following these steps.

Add-on features

With a budget in mind, you can choose a starter edition of hidden pool with only basic features.Premium models may have additional options of water heating, fountains or luxurious flooring.

The cost can be reduced by cutting down on these appealing options, if you can control your desire.

Pool-Size

Larger the pool area, more will be the cost you have to pay. You must consider the size requirements of your pool. If you have a small family you can still enjoy in a small pool, but if you have a big family or frequently throw pool parties for that matter, you may require a large pool.

Remember cost reduction is in your hands so better think and rethink before you finalize the square feets of your pool.

Negotiate

The seller may cut down his profit margins if you have a good negotiating skill and are quite insistent in your demand.

You must ask for discounts and never show your excitement while negotiating, otherwise the sales person may think twice before quoting his price and may not offer any discounts.

How to buy the best water pools

While buying these invisible pools, you have to consider 3 important aspects.

  • Price
  • Size
  • Features

Price

Price is one of the important factors when getting a specific hidden pool. Don’t rely on one store for such a huge and important purchase. Invite quotations from as many sellers as possible both from physical and online dealers.

You must prepare a comparison sheet of different vendors and after short-listing the lowest bidder, make sure there are no hidden costs attached with his offer price.

Size

You should have a pre-determined shape and size to suit your needs and the availability of space. Various shapes and designs of hidden pools are available to choose from. Two most common shapes are:

  • Circular
  • Rectangular

If you want to utilize the pool more for swimming then go for elongated or rectangular hidden pool. And if you just want it to enjoy the occasional splashes with your family or a small party-pool then it will be wise to choose a circular one which is more trendy and stylish. Circular pool definitely needs smaller space to construct.

Features

Hidden pools are a symbol of style and for some it is a passion. They have a personal preference over the type of finish and may be very selective about the raw materials to be used in setting up a hidden pool.

There are other add-on features to choose from like heaters, pool ladders or fountains. Remember these add-on features may increase the cost manifolds.

Hidden water pool Builders

Hidden water pool plans, sizes and Designs

Hidden water pools are quite a buzz among pool-lovers. In recent times, these invisible pools have essentially revolutionized the world of water pools.

Depending upon your budget and area, pool-builders may offer you varying plans and designs.

  • If you have a small backyard and want to convert this into a water pool, then best plan is to get a round shaped hidden water pool, which can be controlled with remote control device.
  • Another plan could be to convert a floor beneath the stairs inside the home. This floor can be converted to a small rectangular hidden pool. This practical and space utilizing idea will surely impress everyone with a conversion normal floor to a spectacular water pool and vice-versa by pressing a button.
  • If you want a huge swimming pool, then the whole lawn of your home can be converted to a expansive swimming pool at the backyard among the beautiful greenery. The water pool is hidden with a horizontal slanting cover and have a top panel made with Astroturf or can deploy any other option of covering the pool. The pool is covered in when not in use and hence less exposed to dust and stray leaves form the trees. The maintenance cost is also reduced due to being covered.
  • You can opt for an indoor hidden pool which is convenient to be used in all weathers and comes with some breathtaking designs. The size requirements for such pools is more than the outdoor hidden pools. So you must decide for an internal hidden pool if only you have more space to spare in your home. You have the choice to make it as concrete or marble finish and this too can be controlled by a button. The maintenance of these kind of pools is very easy since the water drains out as you close it.
  • Another kind on hidden pool is the one that can be adjusted for depth. This is an ideal option if you have kids at home and who love to spend their vacations at home in pool. It gives them and you a sense of safety since the pool can be according to the height of youngest one in your family. So your complete family can now enjoy at one place together. You can adjust the size of the pool along with the depth. Such alterations are without use of any chemicals. Its maintenance is issue free with added advantage of being environment friendly as well.

Installing hidden water pool – Step By Step Guide

You can transform your backyard lawn into a hidden water pool and preserve the space as well! The same space can be utilized for mini family soccer or pool time!

This versatile pool technique has countless benefits associated with it but there is a lot of hard work and time needed for creating a hidden pool.

Here are the steps involved in construction of hidden pool.

Step 1Step 2Step 3Step 4Step 5Step 6Step 7Step 8Step 9Step 10Step 11Step 12
horsham_pool_planInitial Design: First step is to create a detailed sketch on paper. A thoughtful planning about size, price and shape is very important, since it will save a good amount of time of actual construction of pool
natural-pool-galleryClean the ground area and cut any plants or grass. It will be better of you plan the shape of your pool to gel with the plants and trees in your lawn. If doing indoors, then you can skip this step.
digging cavity for swimming poolDigging the cavity is the next step. You can do this step with specialized machines or a JCB machine if the size of pool is going to be large.
building supporting walls for swimming poolNow you can start building the supporting walls. The walls can be made of any material either water resistant wood by fixing the planks of wood to walls with strong steel nails or concrete.
steel rails for swimming poolThe steel rails need to be build, which provide support for the tracks for the top cover. The rail shoes should be fixed with concrete.
frame for sliding coversBuild a frame for sliding covers. It can be of steel, wood or aluminum.
sliding coverThe sliding cover of the pool must be tested thoroughly for flexibility, smooth flow and closing properly
tar paperCover the frame with tar-paper to prevent the wood from humidity and expansion.
deck woodInstall 1.5” to 2.0” deck wood on the sliding frame.
swimmingpool_large_imgInstall the motor drive for automatic closing of the cover.
Hydrofloors-Moveable-Radiant-Flooring-Indoor-Pool-5Install the metal pool in pool-cavity.
inground_poolfinally, fill the pool with water and enjoy your leisure moments

Important: The pool installation work should be carried out by professionals only and keep the children away from construction site. These steps are just to let you understand all the steps involved so that you can properly oversee the installation process for the best hidden pool for your home.

Hidden Or In-ground Pools Vs. Above Ground Pools

Hidden Or In-ground PoolsAbove Ground Pools
One and only major difference between hidden and in-ground pool is the technique employed to cover the pool. All hidden pools are in fact in-ground. The in-ground pool can be hidden by various means. Either you can use a hydraulic lift to move the floor up or down or hide the in-ground pool with a sliding cover.

The cost difference between in-ground and hidden pools comes from the amount spent on material and machinery to hide the pool. So, hidden pools are higher in price as compared to both in-ground and above-ground pools. Although the initial cost is much higher for hidden pools but the running cost of maintaining these pools is much less as compared to in-ground or above ground pools.

These pools are often assembled above the grounds and no excavation of ground is needed in constructing these. They are also low in aesthetics and average cost of these pools is between $1000 and $5000 whereas hidden pools which are more stylish and modern looking, cost between $25000 and $65,000.

Conclusion

No doubt, in the changing and technically growing world, everything that existed in yesteryears is integrated with latest innovation to improvise the existing things. Such twists add to the appeal, utilization and space saving of existing utilities.

Hidden swimming pools are one of such innovations that create a luxurious environment in your stylish homes to carve out a small spaces of relaxation, without demanding much in form of space. But yes, they may not be economically priced, but the happiness and elegance you have in return, will be priceless.

How To Raise pH Level In Pool? Simple And Effective Steps

Maintain-Chlorine-and-PH-Level-1
Overview

A swimming pool must always be well maintained and in the maintenance, having a balanced pool water pH is an important factor not to be ignored at any cost. The installation of hidden pools is incomplete without attaining required pH levels.

If pH is optimal, then the metal fittings inside the pool as well as the walls of the pool will remain clear. Also, enjoying swimming in a pool is possible only at the right pH level, so that you don’t have an itchy or burning skin experience (How To Setup A Fresh Water Pool). 

The optimal pH of a swimming pool must be maintained between 7.4 and 7.8. If your pool water fails this pH level test, then below are the techniques to help you raise the pH,but first let us know the exact reasons of drop in pH levels.

Causes Of Low PH?

A number of factors are responsible for low pH.

Local Water Source

The most common reason is that your source of water supplies water with low pH.

Chemical Source

Excess quantity of pH reducer is one of the cause, which you might have used earlier to control high pH levels. Sometimes we need to add chlorine tablets which are also responsible for a reduction in pH level, bringing it around 2.8. If you have been using bromine in your pool then the pH will remain at 4. Shocking is another treatment that leads to lowering of water pH.

Rain Or Ground Water Source

You may sometimes observe that after a heavy lash of rain, pH of your pool has more acidity. If flood water enters into your pool it can also reduce the pH.

Organic Source

If your water pool is surrounded by trees then the leaves, bugs or grass will be another reason of reduced pH level.

Human Source

Using a pool also contributes to the imbalance of pH due to addition of sweat, body oils, saliva, and urine. So it is always a good measure to monitor the pH some days of pool usage.

Steps To Increase PH Levels

Adding Soda Ash


Adding Soda Ash To Pool

If pH of your pool water is low, you can add sodium carbonate also called soda ash. A general rule to add Soda Ash is that you must add 2 lbs of soda ash in 10,000 gallons of water of the swimming pool each time you perform the treatment.

The soda ash must be spread in the pool surface, beginning from the deepest part of pool. At the same time the pump must be kept ON to circulate and distribute the soda Ash added in water evenly and test after an hour later for the new pH value.

Add more Soda Ash if the pH is still less. If your pool water becomes cloudy it will clear in a day.

Add Baking Soda


Adding Baking Soda To Pool

If the pool water pH still remains low despite adding soda ash, then low alkalinity may be the reason. It should be between 80 ppm and 150 ppm.

To raise it by a value of 10 ppm, add 1.4 lbs of sodium bicarbonate (baking soda) in 10,000 gallons pool water.

Check again after an hour after applying more circulation.

Aeration Of Pool


Aeration Of Pool

Aerating pool water is another useful step to raise pH. Use water jets to keep the water moving towards and around the pool surface. Carbon dioxide will be driven out in this process and raise the pH with no effect on the total alkalinity. It is a time consuming process and may take many days to complete but still the most reliable method for maintaining a stable and low pH.

Other Methods To Take Care


  • Manufacturer’s instructions must be followed. This will help in managing harmful chemicals, sodium carbonates to prevent unwanted reaction with water.
  • On a windy day add the sodium bicarbonate powder downwind to prevent its blowing back and add it by keeping the container close to the water surface.
  • Begin with 75% of your pool requirements and run the filter pump. After waiting for an hour, test for pH and add the remainder if needed. This will prevent over acidifying the pool so that you don’t have to lower down again.

Finally

The pool water pH tend to change after some time due to the factors discussed above. The best thing to do is to check the pH level regularly to do the needful whenever it falls lower than the threshold. This will keep the equipment and metal components of pool, safe from damage as well as the pool with remain stain free.

Invisible Pool Fence: Features and Benefits

Invisible Pool Fence

Overview

When it comes to have a pool at home, whether it is hidden, in-ground or over-ground, the major concern that comes to one’s mind is the safety. According to WHO report, there are around 3,72,000 annual drowning cases worldwide. This challenge of pool safety can be met with an effective fencing around the pool. Along with the safety, other factors that are also considered important today, are its appearance and cost.

The safety barriers may increase the overall cost of hidden water pools, which are already quite expensive than the in-ground and over-ground pools but the money spend on fencing is worthwhile if safety is a major factor in a home with kids and pets.

What Is Invisible Fence?

Various options of fences are available but the latest trend in pool enclosure designs is glass fence. The see-through fence lets you supervise the activities in pool due to its non-obstructive view. The invisible pool fence not only take care of our safety concerns, but it also helps in creating a pleasing landscape around your pool as well as blending with the surroundings. With newer technologies available today, there is no need to sacrifice the aesthetics to create a safe pool. These transparent fence options add an appealing decor in both modern or classic homes, hotels and theme parks.

Construction And Designs

The invisible pools are constructed with glass, plastic or mesh. All these three components provide invisibility to fence around the pool. The support components include the outer or side frames, double coated marine-grade systems, aluminum vertical posts and auto closing gates. These supporting structures are available in attractive colors and many companies are offering wide range of possibilities matching your landscapes.

These invisible fences whether made of toughened glass or transparent mesh fabric adds grace and beauty to the surroundings while providing un-interrupted view. The designs integrate so well with the backgrounds that the focus remains on the pool and its surroundings rather than the fence.

The fencing solutions are available both as ready-made or can be built on- site suiting your own design parameters.

One such latest design which has gained popularity nowadays is a frameless glass pool fence. These are the no-obstructive frames which hold the glass panels ½ inch thick and are supported by stainless steel clamps. The high strength clamps are drilled deep inside the ground and are mounted at the base.

The following are some of the technical features that will help you in finalizing invisible fence.

  • For a 100% un-obstructive view, go for frame-less glass panels. Since no elaborate supporting poles are used, you get a clear view of the pool.
  • The transparency of fence allows natural light to fall on the pool while keeping the air and dirt away from pool.
  • As compared to wooden or concrete fencing, the invisible fencing is contemporary, modern and stylish in looks and is considered a better alternative today.
  • Certain pool safety standards are defined and these invisible fencing solutions do meet these standards and in case there is some non-compliance to the safety norms, it can be customized in fencing solutions.

IMPORTANT: Avoid collisions on the edges of glass fences as the impact may prove to be a fatal one.

Benefits To Property Owners

These sophisticated and stylish invisible fences are not only for good for pool safety, which blends into surrounding environment naturally, there are other benefits which are mentioned here.

  • The invisible fence eliminates any chances of drowning by allowing you to take quick action on observing something fishy. Invisible pools are thus instrumental in preventing any accidents in and around pool area.
  • The transparent pools enhances the overall appeal of pool area.
  • Since the fencing prevents dirt falling into the pool, the routine cleaning is not required frequently.
  • The elegant fencing increases the cost of your property.
  • The opaque fencing made of aluminum or iron often gets affected from rust or corrosion whereas contemporary invisible fencing is long lasting.
  • Some companies provide modular fencing solutions with its step-by-step instruction manual. It can be followed for DIY installation.
  • With invisible fencing, unwanted invasion is curtailed to a great extent and protection of your pool enhances manifolds.

Other Important Articles

Conclusion

Talking about invisible pools, these are the latest in pool design with immense benefits of visibility, safety and beautification of pool area, makes it a popular choice over other kinds of fencing possibilities.

The cost of invisible fence depends upon the customization done as per specifications by the customer. The pools have been hidden and now the fences too are vanishing. With latest innovations in technology, one can expect more such invisible solutions in the coming days.

How To Get Rid Of Algae In Pool

Overview

Algae is a common word known to almost every pool owner. Algae, an aquatic organism contain chlorophyll and catalyses, when comes in contact with sunlight, photosynthesis the growth of this algae in water.

There are different factors that lead to growth of algae in your pool. It might be in-appropriate use of chemicals, carbon dioxide present in water, excessive exposure to sunlight or poor filtration of pool.

There are 4 major types of algae present in swimming pools irrespective of the fact whether they are in ground or over ground pools

  • Green Algae
  • Yellow Algae
  • Pink Algae
  • Black Algae

Out of these four algae, the most common is the green algae which affect your swimming pool the most. So, if you want to know different ways to get rid of green algae, read along. 

Steps to get rid of algae

Brushing the pool

This is the simplest of all the methods to get rid of algae from in-ground pools and above-ground pools.

Special attention should be paid to nooks and corners or behind the pool stairs, where the algae growth is maximum.

Be enthusiastic and brush wholeheartedly to eliminate the algae as much as possible by this easy method.

You can make this a family activity involving your kids to participate. I am sure they will amaze you with their energetic contribution. 

“Always use a brush that is compatible to the pool-type. Nylon brush for vinyl-coated pools and steel brushes for concrete tools are recommended”

Chlorine shock

Green water pools may look good and fascinating, but only the natural-pools not the in ground pools or the above ground pools.

Green water is a clear indication of algae in pool. As soon as you see such a condition, treat the pool with high quantity of chlorine.

This is also called shocking because of sudden treatment of the pool with high amounts of chlorine.

This is an effective measure but may take a few days (up to 5 days), depending upon the extent of deterioration of pool due to algae.

Optimize the PH level

Growth of Algae directly depends upon the pH level of water. Algae will start growing if the pH level of water is not in the desired range of 7.4 to 7.6. Algae will breed if pH level is between 6.5 and 12.5.

 Optimum pH level of water lets the chlorine present in water to work effectively thus maintaining the overall fitness of pool.

Sanitization of pool

Regular Sanitation of pool keeps the algae away from pool.  The pools must be treated with trichlor, which is considered an effective sanitizer but beware of using it in vinyl-pools since this chemical can bleach the walls and floor.

You can also use liquid chlorine. Another point to take care is that you should always sanitize the pool in evenings since UV rays from sun diminish the effect of sanitizer.

Once the pool is shocked with sanitizer, it is essential to circulate the water for at least 3 days.

Vacuum the residual algae.

Once the live algae are destroyed, it is time to rub off the dead algae, which can be done by manual vacuum machine.

 The other way to get rid of residual algae is by using the installed filter system, which may take few days to achieve 100% algae-free pool.  

Adding a flocculent will ease the work of vacuum since flocculent will clot all the algae together and will be easy to filter out.

Important: 

“Flocculent treatment should be followed by chlorine shock treatment before using the pool, to achieve the desired pH levels."

Some Preventive steps

Regular checking

Certain parameters have to be checked in routine to maintain the freshness of pool water. These parameters are:

  • pH level
  • Chlorine level
  • Alkalinity
  • Cyanuric acid levels[/su_list]

Algaecide

Algaecide is one such chemical that will prevent the initial growth of algae in your pool. It can be added to the pool weekly, as a preventive measure for pool hygiene.

Removal of phosphates

Phosphate is one of the nutrients on which algae feed. To stop the breeding of algae in pool, phosphate should be removed and to do so, phosphate removal kits are available from swimming-pool chemical store.

Final Words

You will never appreciate  the complete draining of the pool to get rid of algae. So if you want to keep the pool clean and avoid trouble of treating the pool, it is better to stop the algae growth by taking the action now, than to repent later.

How Much Does An Indoor Pool Cost

indoor swimming poolOverview

Just a few years back indoor pools were considered a luxury affordable only by the rich and famous. But the scenario and opinion about these space utilizing pools have changed tremendously. Thanks to the innovation in providing affordable versions of these high-end home comforts, that the so called middle class families can also afford to fulfill their dream of owning hidden swimming pools.

The way the indoor pools have reached a wide range of homes, they are no longer seen as something that is out of reach. They are right here with great features in their fabulous appearances and saving home space at the same time providing you a best way to great home and a source of relaxation and enjoyment.

No doubt this new kind of pool will cost you more than an outdoor pool and you have to seek official permission as well as advice for its construction, but the advantages you will have are immense. You will be able to relax in a hygienic pool any time you wish in any weather, with your family. It will surely give you the best ROI considering the health benefits you will have.

Factors Affecting Indoor Pool Cost

If you compare the cost of constructing an Indoor swimming pool then definitely it is much higher than an outdoor pool.

To make you understand the exact factor that adds up to hidden pool cost are:

Construction:


The pool liners and other construction materials used for an outdoor pool can be used in constructing an indoor pool. You can control the cost by using a decking not as strong as the outdoor pool since the indoor pool is safe from varying weather conditions of an open garden.

You also don’t need to install any safety fencing as well. If you have limited space in your home, then making the space for an indoor pool will be a great challenge. But if you are constructing a new house, then you can plan beforehand. In the existing home, creating a complete space for indoor pool is the most difficult and costly part of this project.

Water Heater


The indoor pools do not get direct sunlight, so heating the water becomes almost necessary. If you ignore this you will find a little use of such an expensive investment as water may be too cool to relax you. You have a better and economical way by using the solar panels to implement the needed heating system. The solar water heaters are the best bet to keep the pool water at the warmth you will enjoy.

Dehumidifying System


A big problem that comes with indoor pools is the humidity. To make a humidity free enclosure for an indoor pool you may have to spend anything between $1,500 and $2,000 on a very basic dehumidifier model.

Ventilation


Since the indoor swimming pool is indoors, the enclosed space needs an effective and efficient ventilation system unlike ventilation system if other sections of your home. If you ignore this necessity, it may lead to the humidity affecting your home completely including the interiors and the quality of air at your home. If you want to cut down on this feature then a better option is to have an automatic pool cover to cover the pool while it is not being used.

Safety Measures


A very convenient safety measure to prevent any accidents in homes with kids, will be buy locking the doors locked. But you can double ensure safety with some door alarms as well as by providing automatic or manual covering of the pool. Of course it will be an additional cost.

Indoor Pool Lighting


Days are really fun when you plan your indoor pool with a number of roof and wall windows as well as sliding doors to allow natural light fill the space with brightness.

But if you have only night time to enjoy in the pool due to your work engagements, providing lighting will pose additional expense. If you have plan to get only the basic lighting system the it will still be fine, but if you want to have attractive illumination underwater too, then you must be ready to handle an escalating budget.

Overhead lights must be avoiding since changing such bulbs will be very risky. But is you want to create a certain mood in this special area of your home get the subtle illumination that helps in creating an enjoyable ambience,

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Conclusion

Having an indoor pool is a sign of classic taste and an urge to enjoy the life in completeness. If you consider you happiness above everything, then reach out to your architectural adviser right now and plan for a suitable indoor pool to fit your lifestyle. It’s in your hands to select the style, construction material and safety measure to get a perfect, hygienic and indoor pool, so that the expenses limit to the constraints you have defined for your indoor pool budget.