Question 1

Why is it important for my pool chemicals and water levels to be correct?

Accepted Answer

Pool chemistry is the ultimate balancing act and maintaining it prevents cloudiness, equipment corrosion, algae, and formation of stains and scale.
Water levels should be maintained three inches above the bottom of the tile or halfway up the skimmer. This is to ensure that the water is circulating properly so debris can be drawn into the skimmer basket to prevent an unhealthy swimming environment. If the water level is too high, the skimmer won’t work as efficiently and if the water level is too low, the skimmer will take in too much air.

Question 2

Why is my pool water cloudy?

Accepted Answer

This can be caused from a variety of reasons including, but not limited to poor water circulation, filtration issues, low sanitizer levels, imbalanced chemicals, environmental factors, inorganic contaminants, and algae.

Question 3

What is causing the algae in my pool? What are the different types of algae?

Accepted Answer

Algae are mainly caused by poor filtration and lack of proper sanitization so it is critical to not overlook the issue due to the rapid growth if left untreated.
 
The slimy, green algae are the most common form that attaches itself to the walls and floor of the pool and it typically gets its color from chlorophyll.
 
Mustard algae, also known as yellow algae, are a rare form that resembles pollen or dirt due to its dry, powdery surface.
 
Black algae appear as tiny black spots or blotches on the pools floor, walls, and surfaces and is the most resistant and hard-to-kill strain of algae.

Question 4

What is pH and alkalinity?

Accepted Answer

pH is the measure of how acidic or basic your pool water is. This plays a major role when it comes to your sanitizer and is the contributing factor in maintaining clear, comfortable water to protect swimmers’ eyes and skin.
Alkalinity neutralizes acid to help water resist change in pH and maintain stabilization.

Question 5

What are the proper pH and alkalinity levels for my pool water?

Accepted Answer

The ideal range for pH is between 7.4 - 7.6.
The ideal range for alkalinity is between 80-120 ppm.

Question 6

If I have pool chemicals left over from last season, can I still use them?"

Accepted Answer

Most definitely! Dry chemicals have a seven year shelf-life before expiring if they are kept in the proper conditions. However, liquid chemicals should be stored in a warmer place during the winter to prevent the chemicals from freezing and thawing too many times. This could potentially separate the chemicals and become ineffective.

Question 7

What is a saltwater pool and does it require any chlorine?

Accepted Answer

Saltwater pools are designed to convert ordinary salt into chlorine making the water softer and gentler on eyes, skin, and hair. Although it does not require chlorine, there may be some instances where the water may need to be chlorinated. For instance, when the pool water has reached below 60°F the system will not generate chlorine.

Question 8

How often do I need to backwash and clean my filter?

Accepted Answer

It depends on which filter you have. Sand filters should be backwashed every two weeks. DE filters should be backwashed monthly and most cartridge filters should be cleaned twice a year, but replaced every 3-5 years.

Question 9

Do I need to drain my pool every year?

Accepted Answer

Although pools require a lot of maintenance, it is not necessary to drain the pool every year.

Question 10

How long should I run my pool filter?

Accepted Answer

We recommend running your filter at a minimum of 8 hours a day during the warm season.

Question 11

How often should I shock my pool?

Accepted Answer

Once a week is adequate, but it should be shocked more frequently if the pool is in heavy use to ensure cleanliness. We recommend shocking your pool in the evening rather than during the day to free the chlorine and allowing it to clean the water. If shocked during the day, the ultraviolet rays from the sun will dissolve the chlorine.

Question 12

How long should I wait to enter a pool after a treatment?

Accepted Answer

It depends on the treatment and the amount of chemicals being added to the water. For a non-chlorine shock, swimmers can enter within thirty minutes. For a simple maintenance treatment, it could be as short as three hours. More aggressive treatments require at least an eight to twelve hour waiting period.

Question 13

My pool overflooded from the rain. What should I do?

Accepted Answer

Due to the fact that too much water will dilute chemicals, it is best to adjust as necessary by draining the excess water until it reaches the halfway point on the skimmer basket and restore chemistry by testing and balancing the pool water with the necessary chemicals.

Question 14

My pool pump isn’t working properly, will this affect anything?"

Accepted Answer

It certainly will. If your pool pump isn’t working correctly, it will reduce the filter pressure and water circulation will be deprived.

Question 15

Is it necessary for me to get a pool cover?

Accepted Answer

Although it is at the owner’s discretion, we recommend getting a pool cover simply because it will save you money over time, is a safety measure, requires less maintenance, and prevents leaves and debris from getting in the water.

Question 16

Why is chlorine important?

Accepted Answer

Chlorine is highly effective because it kills bacteria and helps fight germs to keep pool water sanitized. It prevents swimmers from being exposed to harmful levels of microbes that causes illnesses. Applying the appropriate amount of chlorine keeps the water free from impurities. The formula of chlorine is free chlorine + combined chlorine = total chlorine.

Question 17

What is free chlorine, total chlorine and combined chlorine?"

Accepted Answer

Free chlorine involves the amount of chlorine that’s available to sanitize contaminants ridding of any harmful microorganisms in the pool water.
Combined chlorine develops while your pool is being sanitized and is combined directly with the contaminants.
Total chlorine is the sum of free chlorine and combined chlorine.

Question 18

What’s included during a routine maintenance visit?

Accepted Answer

On each service we will empty skimmer and pump baskets, vacuum your pool, backwash filters, and balance all chemicals.

Question 19

Do you service both in-ground and above-ground pools?

Accepted Answer

Yes.

Question 20

Does the consultation fee go towards the service?

Accepted Answer

Yes.