We recently completed a challenging project that involved removing an existing pool, then reconstructing into a new pool and backyard hardscape.  Everything involved in-between the lines was arduous process due to the challenging terrain, access, requirements, and our own quest for "perfection".

Our company treats every project with as much care and preparation as if it was our own pool.  Fortunately, we've been able to work with fabulous clients who exude trust, patience, and understanding that projects can evolve by the minute!  This project included all of the above!  We're very fortunate to be able to have a client say "Yes", all the while knowing that this was going to get MESSY!

The projects involved many layers to get by in order for us to cross the finish line.  The existing pool had structural cracks caused by poor prior construction, Non-existent drainage, unfit soil, and a previous tremor/earthquake that potentially pushed the structural damage over the edge.  The only way to confidently rectify this situation would be to remove the existing pool and get our Soil & Structural Engineers involved to tell us what their recommendations were.  Sure enough, the solutions were to bring in better soil, compact to 95%, add extra steel, waterproof, and provide plenty of drainage!  Easy enough... hardly!!!!

A list of hurdles/challenges along the way...

• Multiple 3D design revisions. All of our design is in-house, and all of our designs are custom... not templated or without detail.  When we feel a change needs to be made, back to the computer we go!
• HOA.  Strict governance can alter plans.  Start times set at 8am through the HOA community.
• Tight access.  Removing a pool structure that sits in a narrow backyard requires wall removal, and our demo crew tip-toeing the edges.
• Rocky terrain.  Anthem is known for rocky soil, full of caliche (sedimentary, hardened rock full of mineral carbonates).  Not just from the pool dig site, but trenching lines for all plumbing, electrical, and gas.  This creates a rocky mess until we can remove the bad stuff and grade and compact.
• Engineering.  Correct soil and structural construction may be costly, but it's the right thing to do when questions arise.  Since the existing pool structure cracked, we knew right away that proper engineering would help guide us through the process.
• Preserving Existing Trees & Plants.  Saving some of the beautiful trees and plants was important to us and the homeowner.  We're proud to have made this happen, incorporating and making use of each in our final product.

Proud features that separate this backyard from others...

• As we mentioned above, our 3D design is custom.  It can be extremely time-consuming to provide the smallest of revisions... but well worth it.  If you view the 3D renderings to the finished product, we didn't stray too much.
• Drainage!  The previous pool had less than sufficient drainage with multiple unintended elevations.  Large drainage pipe and boxes fed towards the back wall will help keep the soil compacted and way from the pool shell.
• Fireplace was hand-built, no template or kit.  The tiniest of imperfections in our construction and material give off the unique personality this project deserves.
• Custom radius pony walls, with natural stone facing to match the fireplace.  We capped with our custom bullnose Travertine.
• Functional, dependable equipment with large hydraulic vessels!  Equipment and functionality is more important to us than design.  The pool must function!  This pool has been operational for 3 months and it remains extremely clean, clear, and beautiful.  Fortunately, we have a great relationship with Pentair Pool Products.  Not only do we prefer Pentair over other manufacturers because of their operability, we also choose Pentair because of their warranty.  If there's an an issue... we fix it, no questions asked.
• Basecrete Waterproofing.  To protect our shell and raised walls, we used Basecrete to give us an added layer of protection.  Waterproofing is used on all of our pools with raised walls, negative edges, water features, return/suction lines.  
• The Oceanside Glass Tile sets the tone on the large, raised water feature wall and waterline.  We used Laticrete Pro Premium Epoxy Translucent Grout (with Glass Tile Adhesive).
• 3 Custom Cascade Water & Fire Bowls. Opal Glass Fire Rock.  Fire and Ice! Electronic ignition tied in with the Pentair IntelliCenter Wireless Automation.
• 2 Custom Cascade Spa Spill Edges.  Making sure we have enough clearance away from the raised spa wall helps keep mineral deposits from forming. 

If you're still reading, thank you!  We hope you enjoyed a small peak into what went into this proud project we completed.  If you have any questions, please feel free to contact us at 602-218-5302 (text/voice) or email info@lovepoolcare.com.

The variable-speed pump has been the #1 leading technology "game-changer" for residential and commercial pool owner's for the last 10 years. The pump technology has dramatically (like, really really dramatically) reduced the power consumption for every pool that has a variable-speed pump installed.  The combined energy savings worldwide since the introduction of these pumps into the pool market is astronomical!  

The key to any energy savings with these pumps is PROGRAMMING.  It doesn't make much sense to peg these pumps at maximum 100% capacity, 3 Horsepower or 3450 RPM 24/7!  Smart, efficient programming based on your pool's water flow needs will determine the amount of energy you will save.  Expect energy savings in comparison to your older, single-speed pump anywhere from 40% to 80% (if the pump is programmed correctly).

Love Pool Care has installed, programmed, and repaired thousands of variable-speed pumps in the Phoenix market... "Ground Zero" for pool equipment applications!  Without a doubt, the Pentair Intelliflo (all generations) has maintained the lead in pump quality, efficiency, dependability, and overall ease of use.  

The Pentair IntelliFlo VSF (Variable Speed & Flow) 011056 is our pump of choice, and will continue to be until another manufacturer proves to us otherwise.  Why do we like this pump so much?

• This pump can be set up as Variable Speed OR Variable Flow.  All pools are different, so having the option to select Speed or Flow is a nice added bonus for this pump.
• The Drive Assembly can be turned in a direction that makes it most easily accessible for the user.
• The pump can be retrofitted into most existing pads without the need to completely rebuild the suction or return header.  This saves the homeowner if needing to replace directional valves.  All applications are different (sometimes very tight configurations), and it's sometimes prudent to replace the valves... but we know going in that we can make this pump fit into any equipment pad setting.
• Programming has been made even easier with the updated software and Drive Assembly.
• It's very quiet at 45 decibels.  A single-speed pump is 67 decibels.
• Generous 3 year Pentair warranty.  As long as the pump was installed and maintained correctly, Pentair will honor the warranty.  When we install the pump, we know it was installed correctly!
• Warranty support is terrific with Pentair.  We're licensed and an approved Pentair Installer. If there's an issue... our client will contact us (or we'll diagnose while on site)... we initiate the warranty claim. Pentair handles it. No questions asked.
• It's not available on the Internet (or not supposed to be).  It's a Pentair TradeGrade product, which helps keep the pump out of inexperienced or non-licensed installers.  This helps make sure the pump is installed and programmed correctly.

Remote control automation in the pool industry has been around for quite a while.  Starting with wired remotes, to short-range wireless... pool owner's have been able to operate and view their equipment from remote controls for the last 2-3 decades.  However, it's been pretty limited, somewhat cumbersome, and expensive.

The pool industry is also FINALLY starting to catch up to the Google Nest, Amazon Alexa, and various other home, auto, landscape automation control methods.  Due to limitations with older equipment, valves, and far-reaching wi-fi signals, pool automation has often lagged behind, which has presented different set of obstacles to overcome.

A newer automation released from Pentair a little over a year ago could shape the industry and automation moving forward.  It's NOT the bells and whistles, expensive type of automation.  It's a simpler, wifi based with smart relay automation that surely has room to grow.  The Pentair IntelliConnect is aimed to replace the standard Intermatic T104 (or similar) mechanical time clock.  Very simple!

The Pentair IntelliConnect IS NOT designed to be installed on more complex pool/spa combos, or equipment with multiple pieces of equipment.  It's just designed to work with pool or spa only and 5 devices.  Wire your Pentair IntelliFlo communication wires, Pentair IntelliChlor salt system, light, and heater if you have one.  You create your account, enter your registration number that's provided right on the inside of the power center... and voila you're connected.  Of course, mounting and electrical from each piece of the equipment will need to be completed first!

The "advanced" capabilities that render this automation promising and closer to Google, Amazon, and other automation devices are these 3 simple items...

• Smart Relays. Each device can be told to communicate exactly the way the device was intended.  You have Jandy/Zodiac or Hayward LED color-lights?  It will talk to these lights and enable them to operate each color mode as intended.
• Updates.  As more features are added, Pentair can update the IntelliConnect directly to the mobile device app.
• Wifi.  As long as your wifi signal is strong to the power center... you will be OK.  Set-up is lightning quick.  If you have limited wifi from your wireless router to the pool equipment area... consider adding an extender in between.  Extenders are very cheap these days, and can be seamlessly integrated.
• Not reliant on temp sensors.  The IntelliConnect takes it's info from Accuweather to enable freeze protection. If Accuweather says it's at freezing temps, your pump will turn on (if enabled).Above anything else, this is how the IntelliConnect separates itself from other automation systems... and will surely be incorporated into future enhancements.

If you have a simple set-up, pool or spa ONLY. with 5 devices or less. you may want to look into the IntelliConnect.  You'll be able to control your system from your mobile device. Operate your equipment without having to go the the equipment panel at night.  And be able to view status and alerts right from your mobile device.

Expect to pay anywhere from $500.00 to $700.00 for installation... a far cry from the $2,500.00-$4,500.00 for most complete, higher-end pool automation installs.  

If you do have a pool/spa combo or want something with more customization... check out the Pentair IntelliCenter (new), Pentair IntelliTouch (the predecessor bul ultra reliable) to the IntelliCenter, Pentair EasyTouch and EasyTouch PL4.  All systems work great, they just need to be fit with your needs and pool equipment requirements.

If you have any questions on which system is best for your pool equipment, you can contact anyone at Love Pool Care... we'll be sure to help any way we can.  Love Pool Care sells, programs, repairs, and installs any type of automation from Pentair, Zodiac/Jandy, or Hayward.

Within the next few weeks, our company moving on down the road to our very-own new building.  It's been a goal and a dream to be able to finally do this for our company.  

It validates the hard work and customer service we've ALL put in to establish our company as one of the best companies in Phoenix.  We're a bit aways from reaching our potential, so we have a lot of work to do.  We can't wait to get settled in!

We'll be in our current location for the next few months while we prepare our new building for action.  Once our move is completed, we'll promise to open our doors for everyone to see. Changes are coming!

New Address
22410 N. 18th Dr.
Phoenix, Arizona 85027

Whether you're building a new pool, or renovating your existing pool the myriad of choices can leave you in a hazy fog. Design, shape, amenities, size, depth, color, tile, equipment, automation, etc... it all can be overwhelming. Below is a sampling of information that can help you get comfortable with "some" of the options available to you.

Interior Surfaces...

• White Marble Plaster.  Still beautiful and a popular choice for budget-conscious clients.  Plaster is not as strong or resilient as it once was, making diligent maintenance and proper water chemistry a must.
• StoneScapes Mini-Pebble.  Our most popular choice and extremely customizable with colored glass and/or shell additives.  Mini-Pebble is resilient, strong, and beautiful.
• ​StoneScapes Touch Of Glass.  Looking to add pizzazz to your interior surface? These are sparkling glass bead additives we can add to any pool finish.  We can also create custom blends.
• StoneScapes Puerto Rico Blend.  Like Touch of Glass, the Puerto Rico Blend are glass bead additives to your Mini-Pebble surface.  The only difference is that these are more "petite" pieces of glass.
• ​QuartzScapes Regular Series.  Quartz is strong!  Priced slightly higher than most Mini-Pebble aggregates, but adds a sleek, smooth, and elegant feel to any pool interior.  Application technique is critical in achieving a gorgeous, consistent QuartzScapes surface.
• QuartzScapes Caribbean Series.  An upgrade from the QuartzScapes Regular Series. The Caribbean Series contain vivid blue, gray, and black hues that give the appearance of the water on the Caribbean islands.
• ​QuartzScapes Reflection Series.  An upgrade from the QuartzScapes Regular Series.  The Reflection Series provides a sprinkle of sparkle to the QuartzScapes surface.  
• ColorScapes.  A mixture of ceramic-coated Quartz Crystals and Plaster.  Pricing for this material can range from low to high end, depending on the mixture colors.  Not as strong as QuartzScapes, but beautiful nonetheless!
• ​JewelScapes Classic Series.  The crown jewel of surfaces!  A glass aggregate surface that is distinctive and colorful.  JewelScapes is costlier than all other aggregates, but lives up to it's cost... a true difference maker.  Also available in different upgrade series that are listed below.
• JewelScapes Opal Series.  The Opal Series contains an icy blend of crystal clear glass beads with high quality pigments.
• JewelScapes Reflective Series.  The Reflective Series contains all glass beads with an assortment of bold colors.
• JewelScapes ONE Series.  The ONE Series contains different mixtures of glass bead and Mini-Pebble and Regular Pebble.
• ​JewelScapes Blend Series.  The Blend Series are batches of glass bead and/or pebble that can be custom mixed in with any Series.
• All 1" Tile.  Stunning and sophisticated. Tile prices ranges can be vastly different, as glass tile is more expensive than ceramic tile.  Preparation and application techniques are critical in achieving long-lasting all-tile pool or spas.  

Waterline Tile...

• ​​1", 3", 6" Waterline Tile.  6" is the still the most popular waterline tile.  However, 1" waterline tile has grown in popularity and provides a unique backsplash to your pool interior.
• We proudly provide tile from 3 distributors:  Noble Tile Supply, National Pool Tile, and Lightstreams Glass Tile

Spillways & Water Features...

• We take our spillways very seriously.  All of our spillways are custom-crafted, waterproofed, and designed to spill AWAY from the spa wall. You can check out our video of a 3 spa spillway project we designed and installed right here and pics of this project right here.
• Copper Spillways.  The beauty of copper is it fits perfectly with Arizona's history, landscape, and natural color.  Each spillway will patina over time to give it beautiful hues of green, gray, and blue.
• Travertine Spillways.  Travertine spillways can be customized with a short or long radius.  Each of our spillways are honed and shaped to create beautiful sheets of water.  View one of our projects right here.
• Water & Fire Features.  Our features are designed to work within the confines of the environment.  Movement of water is beautiful to watch and listen to.  You can view a water and fire project right here.

Depth Conversions...

• From Diving Pool To Play Pool. More and more pool owners are deciding that their diving board days are over.  Shallow play pools give you better overall use of the pool, and expands its capabilities... such as volleyball, basketball, and greater safety for children.  
• How Is This Done?  We layout the pool area to be filled, snap lines, raise or delete the main drain, fill and compact, and use shotcrete to fill!  Don't let this confuse you... we can make this a reality for any pool.
• Sun Shelfs.  Like depth conversions, Sun Shelfs can provide long, wide areas to lounge.  Sun Shelfs are usually built near the entry steps with a depth of about 9"-12".  These are great for extra space to sit in a partially submerged lounge chair, toddlers, or even dogs.  You can view one of our projects that contain both a Sun Shelf and Depth Conversion right here.

Pebble Rolled Bond Beam Conversions...

• Out With The Rolled Bond Beam.  Many pools were constructed in the 1990's with Pebble Rolled Bond Beams.  These beams rolled out of the water and provided a rounded edge alongside the beam of your pool.  The fact is many of these beams are now cracking and deteriorating, causing extreme injury potential and being extremely unsightly.
• In With Natural Stone.  Many of our clients are choosing Flagstone or Travertine to replace the failing Pebble Rolled Bond Beams.  We completely remove the pebble and shotcrete down to the original bond beam of the pool.  We then re-build using Flagstone or Travertine.  The end result is stunning.  There's a major difference in quality of projects like this, so be very careful in choosing the right contractor for this type of work.  You can view one of our projects right here.

Decks...

• Acrylic.  Acrylic is still our most popular and affordable choice when it comes to renovations.  We provide several different patterns: Lace, Flagstone 2 Color, Flagstone 3 Color, and Stamped With Custom Color.  All of these patterns are beautiful and will complement any work being done to the pool's interior surface.
• Travertine Pavers.  Far and away our preferred choice when it comes to accentuating your pool deck and/or patio.  Travertine Pavers can be used as an overlay on top of your existing deck (in most cases) or we can rip up your existing concrete deck and apply new pavers and coping.  Travertine Pavers are forgiving, natural, and resilient.  No worries about cracked concrete.  You can view one of our Travertine projects right here.
• Belgard Pavers. Another popular and gorgeous way to achieve a completely different look to your deck is through the use of Belgard Pavers.  As with Travertine Pavers, Belgard Pavers can be used an overlay over existing concrete or as a standalone set with polymeric sand.  These pavers do achieve higher temperatures than Acrylic or Travertine, but the look is worth it.  You can view one of our projects right here.

Equipment...

• Equipment Matters!  No matter how beautiful your pool looks, it makes no sense to have faulty equipment.  Any pool must be able to move water efficiently, filter that water properly, and be able to clean itself.  If we can achieve these 3 things, your newly beautifully renovated pool will stand a better chance of staying beautiful.

Just a nod to all of our dedicated, hard-working employees who helped us achieve more recognition from our clients.  Love Pool Care has one again received the Angie's List Super Service Award for 2016!  Great job, everyone... looking forward to an even busier and successful 2017!

Love Pool Care Blog Special!  Click link below to set up!  We've created a very easy web form that gets you on our schedule. Just select your option, submit and we'll take care of the rest!  This offer will only remain valid until our schedule becomes full, so please contact us immediately to get put into our rotation.

Our hottest February on record!  This has left our pools feeling very confused... and our Service Technician's begging for just a few more 70 degree days!  
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With swimming season not too far away, it means attending to some pools that could use an acid wash, tile or pebble waterline cleaning, or just new water. It really makes a difference, swimming in fresh water, with a clean surface and clean tile.  If your pool hasn't been drained within the past 3 years, you may want to consider having this work performed. 

Every so often something hits you that will pause you in your tracks​, enough to shake you, and hurt you.  Especially when something is out of your control.

Back in 2008, in my office sat a mid 50's gentleman named Stan. No experience, pot belly, a bit of a red-flag on his resume.  Not much to go on. What was present, was his dogged determination to land the open position as our pool service technician.  I'll never forget Stan looking at me point-blank, telling me he'd outwork every one of our twenty-something employees and would make me proud.

Stan was hired.  Stan held up to his end of the bargain... and then some.  He may not have been the most knowledgeable. His pools may not have been altogether perfect all the time.  But, I can tell you this.  Stan ran our twenty-something employees under the table.  His truck started at 4:30 most summer mornings. He arrived at the office on Saturday's to clean his truck.  He made extra visits to our client's pools on the weekends. He cared about each client.   In turn, our clients loved him. Stan didn't need to be managed every minute of the day because he took pride in his job.  He embodied great work ethic. 

October 2015, after about a total of 8 years with Love Pool Care, Stan was offered a position to go back to his previous career (inside office equipment sales).  It was time, as our brutal summer and monsoon weather can understandably take a toll after a few years. 

​​My last communication with Stan was the second week of October 2015.  His W-2 was just returned to our office, with a hand-scribbled note on the envelope stating "deceased".

This couldn't be true! Everything just kind of stood still when that unopened envelope was delivered to me.​
I emailed Stan asking if everything was OK.  No response.  I called his last known cell number, only to go unanswered. I searched obituaries, and scoured the Internet for any information.  Nothing of significance.​

My last grasp was leaving a voicemail at a number that was listed several pages in on Google.  Fortunately, I received a call back later that night.  It was his ex-wife, and she did confirm... Stan had passed away in late October 2015 from unexplained causes. Our conversation was pleasant, but brief.  I really didn't know what to say or ask.  ​

I have to say that this has affected me a great deal. I do not know if he had a funeral? I don't know about his family?​ Or friends?​ The finality of this has left me sad and confused.  I wanted the opportunity to stand up and tell his family and/or friends how important this man was to me. And our company.  I wanted to share stories.  I wanted that opportunity!  This man gave me all he had for 8 years!  I don't care if he had his "ups and downs"... we all do! The silence or lack of communication to me prevented this from happening.​

Stan was no longer that pot-bellied fella.  The physical activity of his job kept him in shape. He played golf with his friends.  He was quick witted, sarcastic, and funny. He rarely took a day off, even for vacations.  Stan had integrity.  And that's how I'll always remember him.

Thank you, Stan!  We all love you here.  You'll be remembered.  

With the advancement of automation technology between Pentair, Zodiac, and Hayward... programming has become mainstream.  That's great news for pool owner's as prices are finally coming down, while giving you more capabilities than ever before.

Our preferred choice of automation is the Pentair EasyTouch or Pentair IntelliTouch WITH ScreenLogic.  ScreenLogic essentially will turn your wired system into a wireless remote capable of allowing you to access and program your equipment from your Android, Apple, or desktop applications.  Macros can be used with the IntellITouch, allowing you to fully customize how you want equipment to operate.  Obviously, the more pieces of equipment you have, the more you'll be able to take advantage of the macros.  If macros aren't your thing, the EasyTouch performs just as well.

Another nice benefit with any automation system is the communication with Variable-Speed pumps.  The relationship between Variable-Speed pumps and wireless automation will allow you to dial-in the pump and hopefully save on additional energy costs.  Costs to operate your pool system have nose-dived with the proliferation of variable-speed pumps.  Having automation control these pumps has allowed us to take advantage of these savings even further.

Whichever system your prefer and end up installing, take the time to fully understand how set-up and programming works.  Most of the issues are self-diagnosed and are the result of poor programming of your equipment.

Of course, we at Love Pool Care can provide installation and repair of any system.  In addition, we can provide programming to your automation or variable-speed pumps very easily.  Contact us anytime, and we'll be more than happy to help.