FAQ
Mirage Pools will happily help you with any question you have with your pool or hot tub/spa.
There are link here for several common questions below:
It seems that with each new home that is built, the backyards keep getting smaller and smaller. Gone are the days of typical homes having large yards with lots of room to play. But if your home has a small backyard, you can still get the maximum enjoyment out of it!
Traditionally, pools were only installed in large yards. The pool itself was big, plus you needed space to have a deck all the way around it, and most still wanted some backyard leftover. Today, pools can be customized by Mirage to suit your backyard. Pools don’t have to be large to be fun or relaxing. In fact, some of the most beautiful pools out there are small!
The pool can also work with your landscape, making your backyard feel cozy but not tiny. Incorporating elements such as waterfalls, lighting, or sitting areas can give your backyard the feel of paradise. Lap pools are also becoming more popular, as swimming provides a great cardiovascular workout that’s not hard on your joints.
Talk to one of the experts at Mirage Pool Service about the options that are available for your backyard. They will be happy to show you the different types of pools that could work for you and your yard. You can choose from many different styles and shapes, steps benches, and they can help you maximize your backyard space. Don’t spend another summer just wishing you had a pool – make your backyard dreams a reality! Let us bring happiness to your backyard.
Call today to have one of our representatives arrange a free, no obligation quotation. 905-319-7665 or email us @ info@mpools.ca
Swimming Pool Renovation / Facelift
Renovation of an existing pool is a great way to bring new ideas, new technology and added enjoyment to your backyard. It can also make your pool user-friendly which adds great value to your future sale of your home.
First of all, do your homework. The first lesson is to research the companies willing to do the work involved.
• Check references
• Ask your friends that have pools
• Check the Better Business Bureau and check to see if your contractor belongs to his/her industry’s organization.
• The contractor should have insurance. If you have to sign off on the permit for insurance purposes, you may be responsible if anyone gets hurt on the job.
• It is desirable to have a contractor that can manage all aspects of the project from start till swim.
• Get a detailed quote on all work to be performed and ask what is not included.
In your first discussion with your pool company/renovation contractor you need to address the following:
• Use of the pool for casual enjoyment, exercise and entertaining
• Hardscapes and landscaping ideas
• Energy savings on upgraded pool equipment and lighting
• Lighting ideas, ambience and safety
• Budget / timelines / expectations
Plan your dream pool idea and then you can work with a budget and existing items that can be incorporated into a workable plan.
When discussing future costs of the pool: At this time, you may find by upgrading to energy-efficient equipment you can pay for the new equipment in energy cost savings, as opposed to what the existing equipment uses. You can update the look by using natural coping stones and pavers and adding a fire pit or barbeque to match the new deck and get rid of the old tired looking plain concrete. Pavers give a long life of little maintenance and are easy to add more entertainment area to at a later date, if desired.
After discussing your wants and needs, a permit or drawing s may be needed. Meeting with a landscaper, electrician, fence and cabana tradesman etc may also be important to the overall plans. If you have a larger pool and want to downsize, it is common to place a pool within a pool. Although not a cheap and easy way to do this anything can be achieved. Using a smaller pool enables the existing excavation to be used and built upon. Also, the maintenance costs will be less for less water to be maintained. However, it is easy to incorporate walls with fountains, tanning ledges and shapes to benefit the landscaping and make a new look. This all depends on the site and existing elevations, as well as storm water drainage.
Electrical, water and gas lines are marked, as well as irrigation capped off for future installation into the new plan. Existing electrical and automation need to be discussed at this time to determine what upgrades need to be incorporated into the budget. Building permits may also be required for this work, so be sure to check with your local bylaws.
Preliminary plans are drawn up when necessary to show areas where pool structure, new equippment or new depths are marked as well as other additions, such as a fountains, tanning ledge, steps, sheer decent walls, lighting etc. This plan is then used to survey elevations and in turn calculate the amount of materials and labor needed to perform the renovation. This is done for the surrounding deck areas and landscaping as well. Most important is to plan on the electrical and irrigation at this time. This can save major headaches and money later.
Renovation work can take longer than the initial build of the pool. Weather, inspections and waiting for the next trade person of specific work can delay a construction job. Stay in communication with your contractor and call with any questions you may have.
Mirage Pools takes pride in coordinating these types of jobs and seeing the renovation through from start to finish. Sit back and enjoy the new backyard you have.
One of the best ways Mirage Pools existing customers begin planning for a swimming pool is to begin looking at swimming pools and talking to your friends about what they like and dislike about their pool. There are many factors concerning size, shape, and depth of pool that you need to consider before installing a pool such as:
What size does the pool need to be?
For Mirage the average residential pool being built today is approximately 14′ to 16′ wide and approximately 28′ to 32′ long. We typically recommend a maximum swimmer load of approximately 25 sq. ft. of pool surface area per person (For a 500 sq. ft. pool that would be a maximum of 20 people using the pool at one time).
How deep does the pool need to be?
Diving pools are typically at least 8′ deep and most non-diving pools are no deeper than 6′. Most of the pools that are currently being built are non-diving (or sport) pools. Non-diving pools have increased in popularity because of the desire to play water sports such as volleyball and basketball along with all the liability issues that go with it. Non-diving pools are slightly less expensive to build and the costs associated with filtering, heating, and chemically treating the water increases in proportion to the depth of the pool.
What are the legal restrictions?
The local city codes can determine placement of a pool due to setback restrictions, which determine how close the pool can be to the property line. In addition, utility or drainage easements must also be considered. Your survey plot plan contains property line and easement information, which is helpful and needed when planning your pool.
Are there obstructions that I need to consider?
Underground obstructions such as utility lines and septic tanks must be considered as well as overhead obstructions including utility line and trees. Typically utility lines can be relocated in order to place the pool in the desired location in the yard.
Is my yard level?
The elevation, or slope, of the yard is a factor to consider in order to avoid future drainage problems. Considerably sloped yards are usually slightly more expensive to build a pool than flat yards.
What part of the yard do I want the pool?
When attempting to place a pool properly in a yard, the elements of the sun, shade, and wind must be considered to keep the swimmers comfortable in and around the pool. The ideal pool has both sunny and shaded areas to accommodate all of its users.
Should it be close to the house?
A pool should be easily accessible from the house. Otherwise, the nuisance of getting to and from it will overshadow much of the pleasure derived from using the pool. Pool builders are restricted against installing a pool too close to a foundation. Also related to size and depth is the location of the entry and exit points. Whenever possible, steps and benches should be placed in strategic locations to access the house, pool house or spa.
Can I see the pool from the house?
Generally speaking, the pool should be in complete view of the house, yet laid out in harmony with it. In addition, if children are to be using the pool, a view from the house to the pool becomes even more important as a safety issue.
Determining what your needs are and matching them to your budget and space limitations might take some time, but they are critical in assuring that you have no regrets as it relates to size, depth, and location of your swimming pool . One of staff members at Mirage Pools will take this into consideration when designing the correct swimming pool for you.
10 Reasons why a pool could be the greatest investment in your family you’ll ever make
Install a pool and just see how quickly it becomes the place where so many wonderful memories are made. It’s where your family gathers, entertains and brings happiness to your backyards! Here are the top ten reasons pool owners report that installing a pool was one of the best decisions for their family they ever made.
1. The Great Outdoors “Mirage” style
Hey, there’s nothing wrong with air conditioning – it’s great for keeping the house cool so everyone can sleep soundly during those hot, humid summer days. But when it comes to the rest of the day, most folks would much rather sit and cool themselves pool-side instead. Pools get you and your family outside enjoying everything your backyard, with your very own pool has to offer!
2. Entertaining
The shimmer of your pool makes a wonderful scene and the area surrounding it perfect to entertain your friends and your family. From a midsummer barbeque to a late night fire, a pool makes your backyard a great little get away from it all
3. Relaxation
There is nothing like floating peacefully on your back after a long day or week at work or at school. How about simply sunning yourself pool side, knowing you’re just a couple of steps away from a dip in your very own summer oasis? When it comes to your home and your very own pool – there is no place you’d rather be.
4. Exercise
According to several medical studies swimming is an activity that burns a lot of calories, is easy on the joints, supports your weight, builds muscular strength and endurance, improves cardiovascular fitness, cools you off and refreshes you in summer, and one that you can enjoy safely into old age. Phew, who knew exercise could be so much fun!
5. Games
Water polo anyone? Diving for dollars? Many of us remember these and other fun games while ‘hanging out at the pool’. Pool games turn an ordinary pool into a fun and challenging activity centre that brings sounds of laughter and memories for life. With a pool, the games your kids will be talking about won’t be those found on video, unless they’re referring to the ones you capture of them having so much fun.
6. Activities
The simple acts of swimming, floating, diving and sliding are all some people need or want to enjoy their pool to the fullest. A pool makes even the simple things in life seem out of the ordinary. Especially when they can be enjoyed right there in your own backyard!
7. Maintaining Value
Pools aren’t inexpensive to install, which is why if you have a pool it pays to keep it in great working condition. Home-buyers are often drawn to homes that already have an established, well-run and maintained pool. Not only do they expect to pay more for homes with a pool installed, it’s another thing for them to remember your home by – all the fun they imagine having on hot summer days!
8. Family
Families that play together, stay together. Pools bring your family close, emotionally and physically: both when kids are young – as parents take the time to teach them to swim, dive, or slide. In fact, teens often decide amongst themselves to meet at their friend’s houses that have a pool.
9. Safety
Teaching kids to swim at a young age is never a bad idea, and combined with lessons that give them healthy respect for the dangers of water, it can turn into a great way in which you can help to protect them.
10. “Mirage” Memories
When you add up all the reasons why owning a pool is a really great investment – one word comes to mind very quickly – memories. Whether they are memories of your family’s pool growing up, or of being at a friend’s house that had a pool, one thing is for certain; with a pool you’ll soon be creating the best memories of all – those of you and your family having fun and vacationing together – in your own backyard!
Is Your Pool an Energy Thief?
If your electricity bills are sky-high during pool season your pool pump may be to blame. Your pool pump may use more electricity than any other appliance in your home — as much as three times the electricity used by your refrigerator. Replacing your old single-speed swimming pool pump with an efficient variable-speed pump is an energy retrofit measure with a very fast payback.
The main purpose of a pool pump is to circulate water from the swimming pool through a filter. In addition, a pool pump is sometimes used to circulate water through an artificial waterfall or other water “features.” For years, pool installers have used oversized single-speed pumps — a type of pump that is inexpensive to install but expensive to operate. Many swimming pool pumps perform multiple functions, and installers traditionally sized a pump that was big enough for the most demanding task.
A variable-speed pump does a better job of matching the speed of the pump (and its watt draw) to the task being performed. Compared to a single-speed pump, a two-speed or variable-speed pump can save tremendous amounts of energy. Compared to a single-speed pump, a two-speed pump can yield 55% energy savings, while a variable-speed pump can yield 83% energy savings.
The most efficient type of swimming pool pump is a variable-speed pump. A variable-speed pool pump will allow the home-owner to achieve the ideal filtration flow rate with the least amount of energy consumption. Variable speed pumps utilize permanent magnet motors (PMM). PMM pumps can produce the same gallons per minute flow rate as single-speed induction motors if needed; they simply run much more efficiently. Variable speed pumps are noticeably quieter, require less maintenance, last longer, and, through slower water filtration rates, allow for better and more effective filtration of the pool water.
There are many examples of home-owners who save between $500 and $1,100 a year by installing a new pump; in one case, a pump drawing 1,900 watts was replaced with a variable-speed pump that draws only 150 watts. Although a variable-speed pump is a bit more expensive, the payback period for this work can be as short as one or two years. The more equipment that you change from standard to energy efficient, the more you will save. Depending on the equipment and how often it is used, the savings can quickly cover the cost of purchasing it!
Mirage Pool Service has all of the energy efficient pool equipment you need to make your pool ‘green.’ If you are putting in a new pool they can make sure your pool is energy efficient from your first swim. If your current pump is sucking more energy than water it’s time to upgrade! Their expert staff can recommend what equipment will save you the most, and are happy to answer any questions you have.
Call today to have one of our representatives arrange a free, no obligation quotation. 905-319-7665 or email us @ info@mpools.ca
Is it time to replace your pool liner? Has the summer sun exposure caused the vinyl above the water level to breakdown and tear? Has groundwater or leaks caused permanent wrinkles, or has it has faded so much that it is no longer ascetically pleasing? Living in an area that is susceptible to ground water problems and having the ground water sit under the liner for any period of time can decrease the life span of a liner.
If any of the above issues relates to your pool liner than it may be time for a change. Although a change may be apparent, if you have received more than 10 years out your existing one than the liner has paid for itself.
On average liners will last between 8-12 years. Many uncontrollable factors such as sun exposure, ground water, & leaks can affect longevity, but the most important is water chemistry. A well balanced pool is the key to making a liner last longer. A liner is custom fit to your pool and it is critical that the measurements are accurate prior to the manufacturing process.
The best time to replace a liner is in the spring so you do not lose any of those summer swimming weeks when you want to be using the pool. Spring is usually the busiest period for liner replacements and manufacturing plants can often get overwhelmed. The usual time for manufacturing a liner is 2 weeks. It is also common you may not have the luxury of being able to decide when to replace the liner when a major tear or hole is present.
If you are in need of a new liner, please contact us and we will be happy to provide a free quote for replacement. The earlier you decide the earlier we can get started and help “bring happiness to the backyard “again.
Mirage Pools is the best choice for replacement Vinyl Swimming Pool liners in the Burlington, Oakville, Waterdown & Halton Region.
Click here to link to more information on our replacement vinyl liner service:
Call today to have one of our representatives arrange a free, no obligation quotation. 905-319-7665 or email us @ info@mpools.ca
There is nothing like the refreshing feeling of entering a swimming pool on a hot summer day. But we all must be aware of the potential danger that exists—and the importance of being careful to avoid such danger.
Parents should be aware that drowning is one of the leading causes of death for children 5 years of age and younger. Drowning, which can happen in as little as one inch of water, is usually quick and silent. According to the USA’s National Safe Kids Campaign, a child will lose consciousness two minutes after submersion, with irreversible brain damage within four to six minutes.
Mirage Pools encourages everyone “Play It Safer Around Water”!
Young Children
Parents should be aware that drowning is one of the leading causes of death for children 5 years of age and younger. Drownings under 1 most often occur in a bathtub, while from 1-5, drownings most often occur in a swimming pool. In addition, in 10 states, drowning surpasses all other causes of death to children age 14 and under. Drowning, which can happen in as little as one inch of water, is usually quick and silent. According to the National Safe Kids Campaign, a child will lose consciousness two minutes after submersion, with irreversible brain damage within four to six minutes.
One way to help prevent drownings is to require that swimmers, especially children, obey pool rules. Following are some pool rules that I would encourage you to consider for young swimmers:
Pool Rules for Young Children:
Never go into the backyard without an adult.
No running around the pool.
Never push anyone into the pool.
Never hold anyone under the water.
Don’t cry for help unless it is an emergency.
No diving unless off of a diving board.
Always use floaties (or another type of floatation device).
Although those are good rules, it is also important that pool owners make a commitment to do the following:
Make sure that your fence and gate meets code (check your local pool ordinance) and stays in compliance.
Keep a telephone outside when we outside enjoying the pool.
Keep all toys (bikes, wagons, etc.) away from the pool.
Teach your children to swim and spend time with them in the pool.
Do not allow swimming in an unlighted pool at night.
Learn CPR.
There are many safety devices available for swimming pools-alarms, safety covers, and safety fences-and all are somewhat effective in helping keep your pool safe.
THERE IS NO SUBSTITUTE FOR ADULT SUPERVISION.
This statement has never been more true than it is when comes to preventing drowning, whether it be in a bathtub or a swimming pool. Adult supervision means paying attention-according to the Orange County, California Fire Authority-of all preschoolers who drown, 70 percent are in the care of one or both parents at the time of the drowning. Many drownings occur at parties and parents get distracted. We suggest either hiring a lifeguard for parties or at least have the adults take assigned times to supervise the pool.
A very good way to communicate some of these pool safety tips to children is to read them the book “Anthony Mouse Goes Swimming”, written by Elizabeth C. Powhida. This book is out of print and has become a collector’s item, but you are more than welcome to use our copy for reading it to your children. In addition, there is a web site that does a very good job of introducing children to the importance of pool safety-it is www.poolkids.com. It is an interactive web site that is an excellent place for young children to learn about pool safety.
Swimming is an excellent activity that your family and friends can enjoy together, but we must always have respect for the potential danger that exists.
Adding just one extra safety step around the water can reduce your risk.
Following are some suggestions that can help prevent drowning:
Be informed:
Drowning is a quick and silent killer.
Backyard pools & spas need fences & alarms.
Coast guard approved life jackets save lives.
Alcohol and water activities are a bad mix.
Be alert:
Danger zones are not only pools & spas: they are also bathtubs, buckets, toilets, & lakes.
Supervise with your Eyes. Always be a water watcher.
Reach and throw- Don’t go!
Remember: Summer sun, water fun, if trouble comes, call 911.
Be prepared:
Learn to swim at any age.
Learn CPR for the family.
Keep safety equipment nearby.
For more information on drowning prevention and safety please explore some of the following links:
Canadian Red Cross
Pool & Hot Tub Council of Canada Safety Information
Healthy Canadian
Canadian Family Safety
USA Government Safe Pool Resource
The Association of Pool and Hot Tub Professionals Safety Information
The Critical Importance of Filtration
Filtration filters out the micro-organisms, dirt and bacteria feeding particles that cause algae and other forms of bacterial growth, resulting in clearer and healthier water. The most common filters that are used in swimming pools are sand filters and cartridge filters
The Sand Filter
The oldest and most commonly used method of filtration, a Sand Filter is a tank-shaped filter that utilizes a special grade of sand, as a filter media.
While not considered the most effective of filter systems available, results can be improved through regular maintenance and the periodic use of water clarifying products.
A common mistake with Sand Filters is backwashing too often. The reading on the sand filter’s gauge indicates the effectiveness of filtration and helps to identify when backwashing is required. Consult your manufacturer’s instructions to optimize this system.
Also, incorrect operation of the position valve can lead to mechanical failure of the valve around the seal. In addition this can lead to the valve breaking or render it unable to securely hold the position required for the operation in process.
How a Sand Filter Works
With a Sand filter water is filtered from top to bottom. Inside, a special filter sand (called silica sand), which has sharp edges that separate and trap particles, causes filtration to take place.
Water is moved in two directions through this filter system. On the filtration cycle the water comes in through the top and filters down through the sand into the multi-lateral under-drain assembly. On the backwash cycle the water runs down and out this assembly forcing the contaminates and debris out of the sand enabling them to be flushed out of the system.
The 6 Valve Settings of a typical Sand Filter:
1. Filter / Filtration
2. Backwash
3. Drain / Waste
4. Whirlpool / Circulation
5. Rinse
6. Winterizing/Close
Tips for Sand Filter Usage
1. Always turn off the pump before changing positions on the valve to release pressure.
2. After replacing sand ensure that the valve is reaffixed in the appropriate position.
3. Always do a complete full turn to protect the seal.
4. When using the drain or waste position, always fill the pool as high as possible.
5. The whirlpool setting is best for mixing chemicals into the water quickly without filtering, such as floc treatment or phosphate treatment.
6. Backwash when your filter gauge has increased from its normal running pressure by 50% i.e. if your normal running pressure is 10 psi, backwash once your filter gauge reaches 15 psi
7. Backwash until the water in the eyeglass is clear or until water at end of the drain is clears. It is recommended to follow the manufactures directions using the filter gauge. Each backwash should be followed with a rinse for 30 seconds.
8. A Sand Filter should be cleaned using a filter cleanerin the spring, Mid-Summer and fall for best filtration results.
The Cartridge filter
A Cartridge filter is a type of filter that utilizes a porous, pleated component to remove particles. Cartridge Filters are very commonly used in spas and more so now on most new swimming pool installs. This type of filter should be chemically cleaned on a regular basis allowed to dry completely before installation to maintain performance. Cleaning twice a season for most average size pools is recommended.
Cartridge filters can also save significant amounts of water loss due to backwashing and also chemicals usage saving money and helping the environment.
How to clean a Cartridge filter:
1. Dilute 250 ML of Clean in a bucket containing 5 L of warm water or recommended amounts with larger filters
2. Put cartridge in bucket; keep it upright until it is covered with solution and let it sit this way for 5 to 6 hours.
3. Immediately rinse the cartridge with cold water or let it soak in a bucket of clean water.
4. Clean cartridge after every second rinsing
- Run pump and filter 24 hours a day; the more you filter and circulate your pool water the less chemicals you will require and you will be less likely to experience water quality problems.
- Adjust jets downwards at a 45 degree angle to create a moving circulation pattern in the pool and away from the skimmer basket.
- Vacuum at regular intervals. Keep pool clean and free of debris such as leaves and other materials.
- Dirt, oil scum, and smog scum must be cleaned regularly from pool’s surface with a tile and vinyl cleaner. The use of enzymes will greatly reduce oils and scum line around pool.
- Regular testing of water parameters and sanitizer are important.
- Tip: Bring water sample to your Pool Professional Retailer every 3 weeks. Inadequate sanitizer levels may cause unsafe water for bathers. PH must be regulated to prevent damage to pool surfaces and to assist sanitizer performance. Smog and rain have a definite effect on pH.
- Understand how to use filter gauge and backwash as required.
- Clean filter sand at least once per season using a filter cleaning product.
- Use a leaf net for seasonal periods of high debris accumulation in pool.
- Repairs, replacement of equipment, and heavier maintenance tasks should be scheduled for the off season when the pool is inactive.
- The heater should be serviced once per season by a licensed gas technician.
- Carefully read instructions for correct dosage and application methods for all chemicals.
- Follow recommended safety guidelines when handling and storing chemicals.
Didn’t Find an Answer?
If your question was not answered by the information on this page please feel free to contact us with any question at any of the contact avenues below :
- Call us @ 905-319-7665
- Email us @ info@mpools.ca
- Come into our store @ 1800 Appleby Line, Unit # 14 Burlington, ON L7L 6A1