Relaxing poolside is the ultimate in summertime self-preservation. The calming effect of water is well known for its health benefits, including relaxation and reduced stress. But, to promote personal well-being, pools and spas need to be kept clean and safe. Here are some tips on how to keep water sparkling blue, and how to build and maintain energy-efficient pools that will keep your environment, body and budget healthy.

The tranquil infinity pool overlooking Hawaii Kai is made even gentler to swimmers by Aloha Salt Pools’ Watermaid saltwater system. The pool is constructed of Nudura insulated concrete forms, which utilize Styrofoam shells filled with concrete, by ACS Construction. Photo by Olivier Koning.

Soft Water

Regular, weekly maintenance is necessary for the health of any pool. However, keeping the pool clean can turn this luxury into a chore. Buck’s Pool Service takes the stress out of pool maintenance. For the past 10 years, Buck Degener and his team have checked the pH balances, scrubbed tiles and skimmed Oahu’s pools and spas.

“On a weekly basis, balancing the chemicals in the water is the most important thing,” says Degener. He adds that imbalances cause irritations and are unhealthy for swimmers. Without the proper pH level, algae can grow and the water may become cloudy, both of which impede proper filtration.

Custom Marble Design completed the Whiting family’s poolscape with quartzite from Bella Pietra, A Natural Stone Design Center, and Limu ceramic tiles from International Tile Inc. Photo by Tomas Del Amo.

For chlorinated pools and spas, the correct level of bacteria-killing chlorine is a must. The chemical balance keeps the water clean and free of algae, but it can irritate swimmers. “People are switching to saltwater, because it is softer on the skin,” says Degener, who adds that about one-third of his customers have saltwater pools.

Jon DeLuca, of Aloha Salt Pools, agrees. He says that many homeowners convert from chlorine to salt to avoid the smell and taste of chlorine, red eyes, stinging nose, dry skin, green hair and damaged bathing suits.

Aloha Salt Pools offers a chlorine alternative called Watermaid. Its salt-based chlorine is a softer cleaning agent and is gentler on the skin. “It is comfortable; the water is soothing. It has none of the common chlorine irritations,” says DeLuca.

How does it work? It comes down to basic chemistry. A metal electrolysis cell is installed between the pool filter or heater and the pool return. Then, the salt is added to the pool at an appropriate salt-to-water ratio. An electric current is allowed to flow through the cell and it shocks the saltwater into its natural elements, chlorine gas and sodium (sodium hypochlorite). The natural chlorine produced is a disinfectant and bleaching agent that helps control pH levels and kills contaminants. The systems can be installed into any pool, including established chlorine pools.

Blue Champagne Pool & Spa’s Hot Springs Vanguard spa, with a white pearl shell and postal gray skirt. Photo courtesy of Blue Champagne Pool & Spa.

Another product perk is that Watermaid saltwater pools are more affordable than chlorine pools. Saltwater costs to install, but, afterwards, you save, because salt is added less often than chlorine. Plus, the system reduces pool maintenance costs.

To keep hot-tub water clean and healthy, Hot Springs spas installed the Fresh Water 3 Ozonation system. According to Cheri Hadenfeld, of Blue Champagne Pool & Spa, this system sanitizes with ozone and circulates hot-tub water 24 hours a day, keeping the water fresh. Adjustment of the pH balance is still necessary with this system, although less often. Depending on usage, chlorine may need to be added, and the spa should be drained every three to four months, Hadenfeld adds.

Blue Champagne Pool & Spa has supplied Hawaii with high-quality Hot Springs spas for more than 30 years. The company also does repairs and keeps replacement parts for every spa that it has ever sold. Recently, Hot Springs introduced new color options for its hot tubs, such as Azurite and Champagne Opal. Other upgrades include chrome jet nozzles and durable, composite spa skirts that look like natural wood.

Rooftop solar heating panels, from Hawaiian Island Solar, offer homeowners an affordable alternative to electric heating, plus tax credits.

Friendly Energy

For the environmentally conscious, as well as the budget-minded, Hawaiian Island Solar recommends installing solar panels to heat pool water. “We have been doing a lot of pools and spas lately, because electricity bills are outrageous,” says Jodi Kidd, of Hawaiian Island Solar.

Good for chemical chlorine and saltwater pools, these panels let the sun do all the work. The pool’s water is cycled through pipes in the roof-top panels, heated by the sun all day long, then returned to the pool’s filter.

Lagoon-shaped pool, by Gemini Pool & Spa.

And, the savings aren’t limited to monthly electric bills. The state of Hawaii rewards homeowners who install solar panels. “There is a 35 percent state tax credit for the cost of solar panel equipment, up to $1,750,” says Kidd.

Pool-Side Manner

Beyond clean, healthy water, what makes a backyard pool or spa relaxing? Being part of its surroundings, says Charlene Sloan, of Gemini Pool & Spa.

“Free-form pools are popular now,” says Sloan. Gemini Pool & Spa is a full-service pool construction, maintenance and supply company. For 21 years, Gemini has custom-designed in-ground pools and spas with curves that flow with tropical landscaping. Add to that Gemini’s non-chlorine Bioguard Mineral Springs sanitation system or its solar heating panels, and the pool will not only look like part of the environment, it will be kind to it, too.

Above: Turtle mosaic being prepped for installation, by Thomas Deir. Photo courtesy of Thomas Deir Studios. Below: Tile Mart Poolstones, with ceramic tile detail at the water line.

In keeping with the natural pool trend, many homeowners are steering away from the rectangular, concrete box in the middle of the yard. Instead, they are designing lagoonlike pools, with roundabout decks. From rock formations with cascading falls to mosaic turtles swimming at the bottom of the pool, people want to incorporate nature.

For starters, a pool’s color—from brilliant, crystal blue to deep-lagoon green—is determined by the varying shades of tile. Selective Stone offers a wide selection of glazed ceramic and glass pool tiles in shades of blue, green, teal, gold and white. The company’s one-by-one-inch and three-by-three-inch ceramic tiles are double-fired for durability.

“With varied color tones, the tiles create a feeling of depth as they sparkle in the water,” says Selective Stone’s Jinny Nip. Weekly brushing will keep them sparkling, she adds.

According to Mike Ferguson, of Tile Mart, ceramic-tile pools are superior, because they are fade-proof and won’t stain or deteriorate over time. Tile Mart features its own ceramic-pool tiles called Pool Stones, as well as glass tiles.

To add visual interest to a pool, Ferguson suggests installing colorful, patterned tile along the water line. “Accenting water lines with dolphins, turtles and other sea creatures is always popular. Tile Mart offers pre-made mosaics, and supplies tiles for custom fabricators.

For wonderfully lifelike sea creatures, call on local artist Thomas Deir. Tile mosaics are his specialty. His hand-painted porcelain tiles are perfect for personalizing kitchens, baths and, especially, pools. Sea turtles, maile lei and dolphins by Thomas Deir Studios bring flat pool floors to life.

“I especially like the turtles. With a drop shadow, they look like they are swimming when viewed from above,” says Deir, who completes commissioned projects in a few months’ time.

Spa featuring ceramic tile from Selective Stone.

To help create a natural-looking atmosphere around the pool, Custom Marble Design, a stone masonry company, specializes in natural stone and tile installation for floors, countertops, bathrooms and pools. Nick Nye, of Custom Marble Design, recommends travertine or quartzite around the pool deck and aquamarine shades of porcelain tile under the water. Nye says, “Quartzite or Antico travertine look elegant and are less slippery. The new trend is breaking travertine slabs, then setting the pieces randomly.” He notes that stone around a pool requires little maintenance if it is sealed well, and recommends Miracle Sealants, reapplied every three years.

Stonecast waterfall by Big Rock Manufacturing.

To finish a watery haven, consider Stonecast from Big Rock Manufacturing. Stonecast is a veneer, faux rock. Its preformed waterfalls, sea life, benches and boulders, look natural and stand up to sun and water like real stone. Stonecast’s Swimming Pool Edge waterfall requires no extra plumbing. Just attach it to the pool’s edge and turn it on.

The beauty of faux stone is that it is easy to work with, as it’s one-fifth the weight of real rock. It is also a good alternative to removing boulders from the environment, which are a finite resource and an expensive choice. Check out Big Rock’s selection of water features, as well as it’s collection of faux-lava rock finishing touches for the backyard.

pool & spa suppliers
Aloha Salt Pools 262-7258 or 294-1845 Big Rock Manufacturing 1050 Kikowaena Place 834-ROCK (7625) www.bigrockhawaii.com Blue Champagne Pool & Spa 307 Keawe St. 538-3665 www.hotspring.com Buck’s Pool Service 261-3157 www.buckspools.com Custom Marble Design 368-3761	Gemini Pool & Spa 406 Kamehameha Hwy. 488-7419 www.geminipools.com Hawaiian Island Solar 261-9740 www.hawaiianislandsolar.com Selective Stone 2979 Koapaka St. 839-2979 www.selectivestone.net Thomas Deir Studios 261-7122 www.thomasdeir.com Tile Mart 855 Ahua St. 839-1952 www.tilemart.com