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NEW EQUIPMENT & PARTS
Pumps
Filters
Heaters
Lights
Automated Cleaners
Maintenance Products
Automation Systems
Salt Systems
Removable safety Fences
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We know you have many choices when it comes to pool maintenance and repair. Whether or not you choose our services, we want to make sure that you are enjoying your pool under the safest possible conditions. For this reason, we are providing a reference page with some safety tips and frequently asked questions. Please feel free to use these resources to maximize your safety and enjoyment of your pool. If you have further questions, please do not hesitate to contact us.
These general pool safety guidelines are provided courtesy of CPSC. The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission is charged with protecting the public from unreasonable risks of injury or death associated with the use of the thousands of consumer products under the agency's jurisdiction.
- Obviously teach children to float or swim as soon as possible.
- Always provide competent adult supervision when the pool is in use.
- Even adults should never swim alone.
- Caution children against showing off and playing rough and explain the dangers of running and diving recklessly.
- Never push others into the pool.
- When using water slides, always go feet first.
- Before diving or sliding, check to be sure that other swimmers are out of the way.
- Keep rescue devices and first aid supplies near the pool. A floating shepherds crook is useful.
- Teach children what to do in case of emergency. An alarm bell that could summon help would be a good idea.
- Keep electrical appliances such as radios out of the pool area because of the hazard of electrical shock.
- Never swim after drinking alcoholic beverages, eating or taking medications.
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How can I tell if my pool is leaking?
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Depending on the pools normal evaporation. It is about 1" to 2-1/2" per week. When the days are warm and the nights cool evaporation is at it's highest. Using the ordinary plastic bucket you can perform this simple test to determine if your pool is leaking.
- Bring pool water to normal level. (middle of skimmer)
- Place bucket on 1st or 2nd step of pool.
- Fill bucket with pool water to same level as pool.
- Mark water level on inside of bucket.
- Shut off pump and mark pool water level on outside of bucket.
- Resume normal pump operation.
- After 24 to 48 hours, compare the 2 water levels.
- If the pool water (outside mark) goes down more than inside water level, there is probably a leak.
- In case of rain repeat the test. (Be sure if your pool is equipped with an auto fill to shut off water supply.)
- Test is invalid after 48 hours.
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How do I determine how many gallons of water is in my pool?
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First, determine the average depth of your pool by taking the depth of the deepest end of your pool and adding the depth of the shallowest end (in feet). Divide this number by 2. This number is the average depth. Continue below based on the shape of your pool.
*Square or Rectangular*
Total Gallons = length x width x average depth x 7.5 (in feet)
*Circular*
Total Gallons = diameter x diameter x average depth x 5.9 (in feet)
*Oval*
Total Gallons = Long Diameter (in feet) x Short Diameter (in feet) x Average Depth x 5.9
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How long should my filter run each day?
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Your pool filter is the most important component in keeping your swimming pool clean. Ideally, a filter should run all the time for maximum circulation and debris removal. A minimum of 8 hours a day in summer and 4 to 6 hours per day in the winter is highly recommended.
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When should I run my pool filter?
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To retard chlorine evaporation, maximize water clarity and prevent algae your pool filter should run during the hottest part of the day.
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How often does my pool filter need to be cleaned?
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This is dependent upon several factors. (the size of your pool, size of your pool filter, the type of pool filter you have, bather
and contaminant loads most manufactures recommend a minimum of twice a year complete filter tear down and cleaning.
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How do I know what size of filter my pool needs?
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There are many factors which go into determining the correct size of filter for you swimming pool, spa or water feature. You must first determine the required turnover rate and pool volume in gallons. Using this information, we can determine the 'flow rate' using the following formula: Flow Rate = Pool Volume / Turnover Rate / 60min/hour after determining your Flow Rate we can use the following equation to determine Filter Area (Filter Size) Filter Area = Flow Rate / Filter Media Rate.
Here's an example. You have determined that the total pool volume is 25,000 gallons and your required turnover rate is 4 hours. We must determine Flow Rate as follows; 25,000 gallons/ 4 hours / 60mins/hour = 104 gpm. We will now assume that you are planning to install a DE filter and we will use 2.0 gpm/ft^2 as the Filter Media Rate. Filter Area = 104 gpm / 2gpm/ft^2= 52 ft^2. Therefore, you would need to install a 60sqft filter (round 52sqft up to next filter size) to properly circulate and filter the pool water. It's always better to oversize versus undersize the pool filter when in doubt.
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How do I select a filter, and what are the pros and cons?
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There are several types of filters and each is outlined below with a short description. For more information on what might be right for your application please give us a call. Bacteria and algae particle size are measured in microns. The smaller the micron the finer it is to detect with the human eye.
- SAND - This is the least common filter and it's very easy to use, however frequent backwashing, which is necessary to clean the sand in the filter, uses a lot of chlorinated water, which essentially wastes the chlorine and water. (SAND FILTERS CAN PICK UP 50 TO 100 MICRONS, THE LEAST EFFICIENT)
- D.E. - (Diatomaceous Earth) This is the only filter we recommend and provides the best water quality, however, it is the most difficult filter to use and requires a lot of attention. (D.E. FILTERS CAN FILTER UP TO 2 MICRONS, THE MOST EFFICIENT)
- CARTRIDGE - This is the most user-friendly filter and provides water clarity similar to that of a D.E. filter, however the replacement cartridges for the filter are expensive, wear out, and can tear easily. (CARTRIDGE FILTERS CAN FILTER UP TO 30-50 MICRONS, DECENT BUT MOST ALGAE WILL PASS THROUGH A CARTRIDGE FILTER)
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Why does my pool/spa need to be chlorinated?
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Pools should be disinfected continuously by a chemical which imparts a residual effect. Chlorine is a type of "disinfectant", also called a "sanitizer". Disinfects or sanitizers destroy living microorganisms and bacteria, preventing the transmission of disease. There are several types of disinfectants, such as chlorine, bromine, salt chlorination, ozone, and UV light. Pools need a disinfectant with a measurable residual.
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Is a salt chlorinated system better then the traditional hand chlorinated system?
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Salt chlorinators do have many advantages over the traditional hand chlorinated system.
The salt chlorinator sanitizes pool water by converting the salt in the water to a chlorine gas, sanitizing your water and then changing back to salt. Adding fresh water to the pool does cause the salt levels to drop therefore salt pools do require salt to be added, usually two to three times per year.
Also, the salt in the water works as a natural water softener, creating a much more comfortable environment to swim in comparison to the harshness of a hand-chlorinated pool.
And finally, safety. When it comes to pools, the most important thing is that your family is kept safe from bacteria and algae. Chlorine does not have a long life and therefore even if you test the water for chlorine prior to swimming and find the level is correct, after an hour or so that chlorine could have completely dissipated, leaving the water open for dangerous bacteria. Because a salt chlorinator will continue to sanitize your pool while the pool is in use, the chlorine in the water is constantly being replaced with "new chlorine", keeping the water sanitized at all times and keeping your family safe.
Salt cells do require manual periodic cleaning and maintenance. Also your swimming pool's pH will tent to run very high and require large doses of muriatic acid.
Phosphate is the major cause of algae in swimming pools. Phosphate and nutrients are required by all living organisms, including algae to survive and flourish. Phosphate is introduced to pool water from a variety of sources including rain, runoff from lawns and gardens, fertilizers, bird seed, plant material, pool fill water such as bores, dust, suntan oil and leaves. With time all of these sources will cause a build up and increase the concentration of phosphate in the water and progressive algae growth. There are lanthanum based compounds /phosphate removers available to reduce the level of phosphate in your swimming pool water below 100ppm or as close to a zero reading as possible.
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How often do I need an acid wash?
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Typically every 5 to 7 years a pool should be drained and acid washed to remove discoloring caused by chemicals. An acid wash is, put simply, purposeful stripping of a tiny layer of plaster, exposing fresh plaster beneath.
An acid wash will generally remove superficial stains, fine scale deposits, and various colored deposits from the plaster. The process strips off (dissolves) a very thin layer of plaster, and will therefore generally restore 75 to 85% of the plaster's brightness. An acid wash will not remove heavy deposits or stains that have penetrated through many layers of plaster.
As a rule, acid washing a pool should be done only by a licensed professional.
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Why should I use a pool service?
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CONVENIENCE: Many of us simply can not afford the time it takes to maintain a pool on a regular schedule. We do the work and take the time to inspect the pool and the equipment for proper operation. If small parts are needed, they are obtained and installed on the next service date, saving you an inconvenient trip to the pool store. No need to lug home gallons of acid and chlorine and find a place to store them safely when not in use.
COMPETENCE: We are experts, because we maintain pools for a living. Knowing what it takes to obtain the proper water chemistry is what we do daily. We know what to do if we spot an algae bloom. As with most things, consistency is critically important and that is why we come on the same day every week. We notice changes in the water balance and adjust accordingly.
COST EFFECTIVE: It will cost you a little more for us to maintain your pool, but probably not that much. You will probably spend an average of $30.00 to $40.00 per month for the necessary chemicals, including chlorine tablets, muriatic acid, shock treatments and chemical test kits. For only a few dollars a week more, we will come to your house and do it all for you.
WHAT IS YOUR TIME WORTH?: Lets do the math, If you spend an estimated 1 hour per week x 4 weeks per month cleaning your own pool and lets say you earn $20 per hour at your job $20 x4= $80 plus you are spending $30 to $40 per month on chemicals (and time to pick up chemicals). It's costing you $120 per month at best to clean your own pool.
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