WONDERFUL WATER

As more families are staying home this summer because of high gas prices, they also are discovering that a little pool rehab can make their staycations more fun. It's not that there's anything wrong with the pool, but a dash of color here, a new overlay there, or a 12-foot cascading waterfall with a wild tube slide ride can amplify that staycation and solidify fond pool memories.

Julio Schembari, owner of Aquascape Pools, has been busy remodeling and upgrading pools this summer by adding sunken barbecues, swim-up bar stools and changing pools to accept salt-water chlorination systems that turn chlorinated water to soft water.

"The saltwater system, which costs about $1,600, is quite popular and only takes about two hours to install," said Schembari. "We're restoring many older pools and, depending on how elaborate the design, can cost from several thousand dollars to $100,000. We just took a 14-year-old pool and added an elaborate water slide with fountains. People alter the entire ambiance of their pool with water fountains, color-changing lights, misting systems, fountain sprayers, artificial waterfalls and underwater sound systems. If you plan on staying in your pool, make it your own because it's a good investment and you'll get your money back when you resell."

What else should I think about?

Steve Treese, general manager of Blue Haven Pools, said there are two kinds of pools: the kind you look at and the kind you swim in. The difference, he said, is water temperature and, when maintained at a proper temperature, the kind you look at will become the one you swim in.

"Pool water here is colder than pool water in Phoenix and the reason is humidity," Treese said. "The hotter it gets in Las Vegas, the lower the humidity. Yet the hotter it gets in Phoenix, the higher the humidity. Low humidity takes the heat out of water as it evaporates, similar to a swamp cooler. I can't begin to tell you how many people ask me why their pool is 78 degrees (Fahrenheit) when the outdoor temperature is 109. It's because the humidity is 8 percent."

The solution to a cold pool is a solar pool cover that cost on the average about $125. It floats on the pool's surface and does two things: raises the water temperature by at least 10 degrees Fahrenheit and reduces water evaporation by 90 percent.

"Solar pool covers are easy to use," Treese said. "What you want to do is measure the longest and widest points of your pool, buy a cover at a pool-supply store, and then lay it out on the pool for at least one day so the heat gets all the wrinkles out. Once it has settled in, cut along the edge with a pair of scissors and let it drop onto the water. Within two days the pool will be at least 10 degrees warmer."

Treese said pools can become a real play area instead of just a place to float or splash around.

"There are water slides that easily attach to the top of the deck and your garden hose can serve as the water source," he said. "There are also games like water volleyball and basketball hoops that are made specifically for the heights of pools. There is so much more product available to make the pool a family fun center."

The pool isn't the only area that might need attention. John Morrow, owner of Americote Coating Systems Inc., said pool decking, which is cooler than concrete and usually slip resistant, should be surveyed for any chipping, mildew, cracking, bond failure or water stains.

"We can remodel, retexture or recolor to bring the area back to looking new again," he said. "Often, we completely tear everything up and redesign with a myriad of textures and colors along with decorative brick, stone or tile coatings. All this adds style and value. Customers, once they realize what they're about to do, often decide to extend the pool deck all the way to the patio altering the entire look of the pool."

As Morrow likes to proclaim, outdoor living "is a year-long pleasure afforded to us Southern Nevadans so why not take advantage of it, especially if you have a pool."