Frequently Asked Questions
Contact us with any questions. We will be glad to answer and assist you with any of your pool needs.
Algae
If your pool has an algae problem, several factors can cause excessive debris in the pool, insufficient filtration time, a dirty filter, pool water, circulation, or excessive levels of TDS (total dissolved solids) or phosphates. Please call our office for assistance with additional testing and evaluation, so we may determine the cause of the algae. Be aware that some strains of algae are more resistant to chemical treatment and may require a longer period of time to eradicate. Some customers have tried to help, by purchasing and adding their own chemicals to the pool without advising us. Doing this can cause additional problems in treating the algae. Please do not add any chemicals or algaecide to your pool.
Cloudiness
The most common cause of this problem is inadequate filtering. If you increase the filtering time, the problem should resolve itself. If this does not solve the problem, you may have a malfunction in your system.
Conditioner
The purpose of this chemical is to prevent ultraviolet from depleting the chlorine. Without a conditioner, you can lose up to 70% of the chlorine per hour on a sunny day. Once added, conditioner is lost of the water is removed from the pool by back-flushing, splash out, or leaks in the pool or equipment. If the conditioner level falls below 100 PPM, we will add enough conditioner to bring it up to the correct level.
Pool Covers
Pool covers should be pulled off on service days. Our technicians have been instructed to leave them off and we recommend that they remain off for at least three hours after service. For the most effective water chemistry, it is suggested that the cover remains off at least 50% of the time. Pools that are covered for longer periods do not react in a normal manner, testing may be inaccurate, water chemistry will be hard to maintain, and severe eye irritation may be the result.
Pool Cleaners
We receive several calls weekly from our customers about their pool cleaners not operating. Here are tips to help diagnose the problem and possibly save the charge for a service call: Make sure the pump is primed and running properly. Clear the pump basket and/or leaf canister of debris. Check for objects or materials clogging the bottom of the cleaner. Remove any large debris from the bottom of the pool with a net. Make sure the hose is attached and the cleaner has the proper suction. When was the last time the filter was cleaned? If these items are checked out, you may need to call our office for assistance.
Filtration
Adequate filtration is just as important as water chemistry. By keeping the filter clean and in good operating order most problems with water quality can be avoided. Due to higher energy costs, some pool owners have cut back on filtering time to the detriment of the water quality. It is important during high-use periods that the entire volume of the pool water is filtered at least one and a half times each day. To accomplish this, it will be necessary to run the equipment for a minimum of SIX hours daily for DE filters and up to TEN hours daily for sand and cartridge filters. Increase the filtration time if you have solar or heavy pool use. If your pool needs more filtering, our technician will advise you with a door hanger. They will also advise you if they think the filter needs to be cleaned. Filters should be cleaned when the gauge shows an increase of 5 to 7 PSI over the clean filter pressure. Although we do not clean your filter as part of the weekly service, we can clean your filter for a charge. A discount is offered when you join our semi-annual filter cleaning program. Call our office for details and pricing.
Eye Irritation
Eye irritation is most frequently caused by inadequate filtration. Ammonia is introduced into the water by means of urine and perspiration. One small child urinating in the pool can cause heavy eye irritation for up to 24 hours. It’s not the chlorine! Organic matter is introduced into your pool by adding fresh water before or during swimming. If you must add water, do so after you use the pool. Leaving the pool cover on your pool during the day can affect the water chemistry. The water needs to be exposed to the air for better ph control. Perspiration in the pool. Showering before using the pool will reduce the buildup of chloramines that form when chlorine and perspiration combine.
Ph Level
We test your pool water weekly, adding chemicals as needed, to maintain the following industry standard readings for water balance. Chlorine 1.5 to 3.0 PPM PH 7.4 to 7.6 Alkalinity 80 to 120 PPM (120 to 160 PPM for vinyl, fiberglass, and painted surfaces) Conditioner 80 to 100 PPM.