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Outback Series of Inground Fiberglass Swimming Pools

Proudly announcing two new fiberglass pool models

Barrier Reef Pools LLC and Barrier Reef Pools Canada are pleased and excited to announce the new Outback series of in ground fiberglass swimming pools for United States and Canada for spring 2015.

The sleek rectangular design is perfect for families that want a beautiful elegant design that meets there functional requirements and provides options for there backyard oasis.

With two swimming pool size options the Outback provides families with smaller yards or ones who want a fiberglass pool in their backyard, not a backyard that’s a swimming pool the outback 23×11 is a perfect option.

If a grander sleek model is what your looking for then the Outback 30 provides great landscape design flexibility and options.

We believe with denser new home development in Southern Ontario and smaller land sizes the new models will provide families looking for fiberglass swimming pools now have a perfect option with the Outback.

Outback key Features:

  • Seven beautiful colours that sparkle in the sun
  • Energizer seat option
  • Wide access entrance stairway
  • Bench seating for your guest
  • Swim ledge
  • End to end swimming lane
  • Contemporary design that never goes out style
  • Perfect for a swim spa option

Maintaining your Barrier Reef Fiberglass Inground Pool in Good Working Order and Condition

The gel-coat in fiberglass pools is less porous than vinyl or concrete pools which makes it easier to clean and keep clean.

Every fiberglass pool owner has to perform maintenance on their pool. Whether they are hiring a pool company to do it for them, or handling the fairly simple routine required to keep their fiberglass pool safe, beautiful and clear.

The gel-coat in fiberglass pools is less porous than vinyl or concrete pools which makes it easier to clean and keep clean.

WEEKLY CHECK LIST

  • Clean leaf basket in skimmer box.
  • Observe and clean lint pot in pump.
  • Check pressure on filter- clean if necessary.
  • Brush pool walls and floor.
  • Vacuum pool if necessary.
  • Test pool water for Chlorine and pH. Chlorine should be 1.0 to 1.5ppm . pH should be 7.0 to 7.2 , Stabilizer 30 to 50, Calcium hardness 150 to 275 and Alkalinity 60 to 100
  • Vacuum Pool and brush down walls and stairs

BACKWASHING SAND FILTERS

  • Turn off pump.
  • Depress handle on top of filter and turn to the “backwash” position.
  • Turn on pump and run until water in observation bowl is clear.
  • Turn off pump
  • Turn handle to “rinse” or “filter to waste” position.
  • Turn on pump and run for 20 seconds.
  • Turn off pump and return handle to “filter” position. Do not turn on pump for 5 minutes. (This allows the sand to settle back into place and prevent further dirt to escape to the pool).

TO CLEAN CARTRIDGE FILTER

  • Turn off pump.
  • Remove cap from top of filter carefully remove cartridges and hose clean with good water pressure.
  • Replace cartridges, replace cap (do not over tighten)
  • 4 With pump running (bleed air from top of cartridge with bleed screw).
  • NOTE: When 0 -Ring becomes dry, smear with silicon grease (not petroleum jelly)

WATER TESTING

In your pool handover kit you have a test kit with full instructions. It is important to familiarize yourself with the basic Chlorine, pH and Total Alkalinity tests. If unsure, you can take a water sample to your local pool shop twice a month f o r professional testing.

NOTE: For the best long term service from your BARRIER REEF Composite pool.

Maintain your pH level at between 7.0 and 7.2. To maintain this level when using a salt chlorinator system, it is normal for your pH test to show a need for the addition of Hydrochloric Acid (Pool Acid), particularly in summer conditions. It may need regular doses of 200-300mL every 2 weeks.

Barrier Reef Pools always Recommends taking a water sample to a pool store for testing and accurate readings every 2 weeks, your home kit is a guide only and difficult to ascertain the amount of chemical required.

Should I Choose a Saltwater system, Ozonators or Chlorine

Some of the benefits of Salt System are chemical costs are low, you’re never handling actual chlorine or hazardous materials and it is easier on your skin if you are sensitive.

Well, the jury is still out on this topic. Essentially all have their benefits in which both are very effective in sanitizing your pool.

A Salt Water System is basically liquid chlorine. Although it’s maintenance cost is lower you still need to make sure you are checking your Ph and salt levels in your water, and make any required adjustments.

Some of the benefits of Salt System are chemical costs are low, you’re never handling actual chlorine or hazardous materials and it is easier on your skin if you are sensitive. Not to mention you are less likely to have burning eyes and a shower afterwards that “never quite feels like you’re clean”.

Some factors to take into consideration with Salt Systems include you require extra equipment and extra salt when you first install your pool. So it may cost a little more, but typically the initial salt treatment is performed by the builder. Down the road (3-5 years) you may need to replace the Salt Cell. They can also be touchy and difficult in maintaining Chlorine at 1-3 PPM anything above throws chemistry off and throws cost saving out the window.

Chlorine is typically used in tablet form and is very effective to “shocking” your pool. It is the traditional way of sanitizing your pool.

Benefits of using Chlorine are it’s ability to quickly sanitize a pool, no extra equipment is required so your initial cost is lower. And you don’t have to worry about replacing any parts down the road.

Some disadvantages of Chlorine can be summed up in one sentence; “I went for a swim 5 hours ago and my eyes were burning, my skin still feels dirty and my hair still smells like chlorine.” Not to mention it is hazardous to handle and store chlorine.

You can minimize these effects by adding an ozonator which is a natural way of sanitizing water used since the 50’s to purify swimming pools and the Olympics since 1984. Use of a Ozonator can reduce Chlorine use up to 90 % and may not be required at all.

While ozonators represent an upfront investment, they greatly reduce the amount of money spent on chlorine and other chemicals. As concerns increase regarding traditional chemical use, alternative sanitizers such as ozonators are an investment in your family’s health and safety well worth considering.

Whether you are choosing to go with Salt System , Ozonators or Chlorine you really need to factor in the advantages and disadvantages of each method.

What areas do you have dealers currently in the Southern Ontario

Find the location of the closest fiberglass pool builder in your area of Ontario.

Our yard and current office is located in Milton, Ontario.

We have builders that service the immediate area of Oakville, Milton, Mississauga and Burlington, in the West Guelph, Kitchener and Waterloo through to London.

Barrier Reef Pools of Canada has builders throughout Southern Ontario.

For a builder or dealer near you please feel free to contact us.

Which is Best: Fiberglass, Concrete, or Vinyl Liner Swimming Pools

One the most asked questions when people are starting to look for pools and the most important one to ask!

Which is Best: Fiberglass, Concrete, or Vinyl Liner?

This is one the most asked questions when people are starting to look for pools and the most important one to ask because it helps you make a decision on which type of pool you want and allows you to research effectively.

My answer is always that all the pool types will give you and your family what you are looking for; a place to cool off and enjoy family and friends in your backyard Oasis. With the right builder and proper install the pool will bring years of memories and good times.

I have broken down some key differences with Fiberglass, Vinyl and concrete to help you along the decision process.

Fiberglass

Fiberglass pools are much less expense to maintain. Electricity usage is typically 20 to 40% less. Chemicals are also cut by 50% to 70% depending on climate and usage. Since Fiberglass is a smooth inert surface it has little impact in changing you chemistry in your pool. For example concrete or Gunite Pools alkalinity is naturally high so PH balance needs to be maintained more frequently.

Because the fiberglass pool shell is one piece and arrives at the site ready to install in the ground, the installation of the shell typically occurs in about two days. Compare this with three to six months with a concrete pool and we’re talking about a huge difference in the duration of time your yard is in disarray and often the difference between swimming this year or waiting until next Summer.

Because fiberglass pools have no liner, there’s no need to concern yourself with puncturing the pool surface. Vinyl liners are not cheap….often upwards of $4-$5k to replace. This can happen from dogs getting in the pool, tree branches, patio furniture blown into the pool, etc. Fiberglass pools are incredibly strong and durable so there’s no need to be concerned about damaging the pool during daily use.

Salt chlorinators have proven to be a low maintenance, high water quality option for pool owners. However, if you have ever seen what de-icing salt does to the surface of a sidewalk you can guess what it does to the surface of a concrete pool. In our opinion this makes the combination of salt systems and concrete pools unfavorable. Also, many vinyl liner pools are constructed with metal wall panels and most have aluminum coping around the perimeter of the pool….this is also a terrible scenario for a salt system. The liner will eventually leak and good-by wall panel! In comparison, fiberglass pools and salt systems go together like peanut butter and jelly. With no adverse effect on the fiberglass shell, you can enjoy the low maintenance benefits of salt with confidence that your pool is not compromised.

The one major disadvantage of fiberglass pools is that you can’t change the shape, size, or depth of the pool. So the question then becomes, can you find a fiberglass pool model that you’re happy with? We’ve found that about 90% of people do find a fiberglass pool that perfectly meets their needs. However, if you need a pool that’s 10′ deep, or an ultra- customized shape, fiberglass probably isn’t the best fit for you.

Concrete

A concrete pool gives you the ability to customize the shape of the pool…this is far and away their greatest Asset. This is perfect for those wanting an extremely deep or large pool, or a pool with custom tanning ledges (which are also available in fiberglass) or other custom features.

Concrete pools are also very durable. Just like fiberglass, there is no concern with dogs swimming in the pool or fear of damage to the pool interior from sharp objects like with vinyl liner pools.

By its very nature concrete is extremely porous. This gives algae a place to call home. Once embedded into the surface of a concrete pool, algae is extremely tough to remove. In fact, concrete pool builders recommend brushing the entire surface of the pool with a steel brush at least once a week to remove any algae that is on the surface.

Vinyl

Vinyl liner pools are more affordable to install…usually at least $5000 less than fiberglass and $15000 less than concrete pools. This, their most appealing attribute, allows many families to enjoy the benefits of an in ground pool that couldn’t otherwise fit it into their budget.

Despite the fact that the vast majority of vinyl liner pools are rectangular, it is possible to customize the shape, size, and depth of the pool. Keep in mind not only does this increase your cost and time for installation your liner becomes a custom cut when it’s time to replace it.

The biggest disadvantage of vinyl liner pools is the cost and frequency of replacing the liner. Today’s vinyl liners will typically last between five and nine years at an average cost of around $5000 to replace when factoring in the cost of the liner, labor, water to fill the pool, and other minor expenses that tend to come up.

Read you liner warranty carefully and ask questions a pro rated warranty can be meaningless if they only cover the seams and not water, labour and other associated to do the repair.

Even though the surface of a vinyl liner pool is relatively non-porous, parts of the pool like where the white plastic steps attach to the pool wall, seams and behind light niches have submerged areas that do not have circulated water. Consequently, algae grows in those areas and spawns new algae growth.

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