Poolicious

Rust stains in the plaster

2009-06-05T12:04:00.000-07:00

Rust stains in the plaster are unsightly! One way to get rid of the stain is to drain the pool, chip out the stain down to the re-bar, cut out the iron that is causing the stain, and re-plaster the void. This process is time consuming and costly. The alternate method is to buy a ceramic fish to cover the stain, glue it over the area with under water epoxy. This requires a pleasant swim to adhere the tile. The time is cut drastically, and the expense is minimal. The stain is now covered with nice looking detail that will last for years. Enjoy the pool!

Windstorm

2009-04-23T14:50:00.000-07:00

We recently had a bad wind storm that uprooted trees and downed power lines, gust were clocked at hurricane force. I always thought the wind was job insurance for pool maintenance , but a bad blow was a nightmare. It would take a good week to get the pools back in shape, sometimes the water had to be drained and the debris shoveled out. The first thing to do is skim the top of the pool and skim out big debris off the bottom. The leaf gobbler is a good tool for getting leafs and other stuff off the bottom. The down side to this was the water would cloud up from the dirt that would pass through the net. A good vacuum was the next priority. The leaf muffler, attached to the vac hose, would help in catching leaves, and a porta-vac keeps the system filter clean. It is important to clean the pool as fast as time allows, because stain will mark the plaster. A good brushing of the pool after vacuuming helps a lot. With the tools mentioned, one can tackle the job in quicker time. Remember to check the chemicals and keep the filter clean, so there is good circulation. I have seen some bad storms and the aftermath is strenuous, but with time the pool will be back to normal, ready for the next blow.

Heat the Pool-Equipment

2008-11-20T14:33:00.000-08:00

With the winter months upon us, it is time to heat the water in the pool. In the desert where I live, pool usage is a year-round experience. One can use the heater provided or they can use solar panels to produce free heat. The pool heater is rather expensive to use so solar panels are very helpful in reducing the cost. There are several solar panels available. One panel is plastic or PVC. The other panels are more expensive but are more efficient: they are the copper panel and the glazed panel. I have serviced many pools with solar panels. The solar system works very well when a pool blanket is used to help retain the heat. The pool temperature is around 70°. By using the heater one can bring the temperature up to a comfortable level. With the solar panels, the pool can be used in the cold months of the year at a reduced cost to the pool owner. Enjoy the pool!

Pool Service

2008-08-29T17:36:00.000-07:00

I read in the paper that the recession is causing the home owner to service their own pool. Beware, if you don't have the time, don't take on the challenge. A pool needs at least several hours a week to do the task. In the hot summer months, chemical checking is important. The pool service technician receives the chlorine daily. There is a shelf life with chlorine, so getting it fresh is important. No telling how long the chemical sits on the shelf in the markets, also it is weaker. The filter needs cleaning and the pool needs to be brushed and vacuumed once a week. If you decide to do the pool, remember that a pool will turn green in a couple of days if not properly maintained. The expense in getting a pool back in shape, could be more than you save. Good luck in whatever you do to maintain a refreshing and clean pool.

Water Level to Full in the Pool - Equipment

2008-07-24T15:41:00.000-07:00

If the water level of the pool is to high, the skimmer won't work as it is designed to. The weir gate does not operate. In the old days this was remedied by a good back wash of the filter, draining the water to the desired level. With the introduction of the cartridge filter, there is no dry well. But there is a devise that fits in the suction of the deck skimmer, the suction turns an impeller that creates suction. This takes the unwanted water out of the pool and through a discharge hose that deposits it where ever you want. With heavy rains, and over filling, I found this product to be very useful. The skimmer on the pool helps to rid unwanted debris off the surface and provides a clean pool for use. The proper circulation of the water through a filter, along with the skimming action, keeps the pool clean and inviting for every one.

Refreshing Cool Pool

2008-07-23T13:21:00.000-07:00

It is nice to refresh in a cool pool in the hot summer days. Sometimes the water temperature of the pool is to warm to enjoy. The solution is a cooling tower! With water temperatures in the mid 90s, the pool needs more chemical and is not refreshing to those who exercise and swim laps. With a< "Swim Cool Systems"> cooling tower, the water can be cooled by 10 degrees. I like the water around 90, but I just relax and do not swim laps. With vigorous exercise you need to have cool water. The tower is installed on the filtering system with minimal work. Cooling towers have been in the industry for many years. Dry Cleaners, agriculture and other public works of water cooling use them. It is nice to refresh in a comfortable environment in whatever temperature you like, so cool down in your pool. Enjoy!

Green Pool - Pool Chemicals

2008-07-07T17:25:00.000-07:00

I went to my brothers pool after he left it unattended for a week, and it was green. The outdoor temperatures were over 105 degrees. The algae was thick, so I put in a gallon of ammonia, bought at WalMart for $2, and 4 gallons of chlorine. The next day the pool was blue, no more algae. The filter had to be cleaned because of the dead algae, that is a must. Also the chlorine must be checked every other day, for the ammonia and chlorine work together, the combination uses the chlorine to kill the algae. The use of the pool is on hold for a few days, but the end result is an algae free pool. Where the temperatures are high in the desert, the chemicals are used quickly. A floater chlorine container> with chlorine tabs inside, helps to keep the residual up and the water clear. Enjoy the pool.

Leafpot O-Ring Seal-Parts

2008-06-20T11:30:00.000-07:00

Sometimes the leaf pot o-ring on the lid flattens out and causes a bad seal. What I did was to invert the ring putting the good side down and prevent having to buy a new o-ring. This would last many months and was a quick remedy for the leak of air into the system. When air comes into the pool by the return line, this was the first thing I would check. Enjoy the pool.

Time Clock-Parts

2008-06-19T13:53:00.000-07:00

There is a time clock on the pools that allows the owner to run the filter at their times. If service is done, then the person cleaning the pool will set it for the times convenient for them. In the hot summer months, it is advisable to run the filter for 10 hours or more and about six hours in the winter. If the pool receives a lot of use, more time is needed for filtering. Also running the filter at night will lower the temperature of the water. If the water is to warm, one can cool the water by evaporation. A devise is installed on the return line that pumps the water through a sprayer over the surface of the pool. In the desert the water temperature of the pool is over 90 degrees, this temp uses more chemical and needs more circulation. Enjoy the water and be safe...

Resurface the Pool

2008-06-05T12:32:00.000-07:00

Through time, a pool needs to be resurfaced. There are many ways to do a pool. You can paint the pool with the many products available. I never found a paint that worked well, after a short while the paint would cloud up the water when brushed and require a fresh coat. Painting a pool is something one can do their selves. Hiring a contractor to re-plaster the pool is another way. The old plaster is removed down to the gunite, by the use of a jack hammer, and a new coat of plaster is applied. For more money, the plaster mix is combined with granite or pebbles, a harder finish than plaster alone. There are different colors available with these additions. The pool looks more natural and this process will last for 10 years. One can fiberglass the interior of a pool, which leaves a smooth and durable finish. It is best to hire someone familiar with this technique. The pools at my place are fiberglassed and I am very satisfied with this surface and it lasts for years. Whatever you choose, the end result is like a new pool. Look into the techniques and make a choice.

Anti-Vortex plate for Pool Suction Lines-Parts

2008-05-19T13:29:00.000-07:00

The Anti-Vortex cover was a 1970 addition to the pool industry. Originally designed to prevent vortices in the suction line so the pump will not suck air, causing the pump to run dry and burn out. It also would prevent the suction from making contact with the body and hold the victim under water causing them to drown. The plate is attached to the opening of the suction line by screws. Side wall installation is easy but the main drain is more difficult. The water can be drained or one can dive into the water and attach it while holding their breath. In Jacuzzis the suction is great for the jet suction line, so a cover is a must. There is a law that these covers be used in commercial pools, but it is a good idea to use them in a residential pool. All in all, they are good at preventing a vortex where a pump sucks air and keeps the swimmer safe from the potentially dangerous qualities of the suction intake.

Leaks in the Plumbing

2008-05-16T15:58:00.000-07:00

Sometimes leaks are evident in the plumbing of the filter system. One can hire a plumber to do the work at a nominal fee, or you can fix the leak yourself. There are products on the market such as A&B Epoxy and Fiber Glass Pipe Wrap. I just used the Wrap and found it easy and sufficient for the low pressure that is in the filter system . There are plastic gloves with the Wrap kit and you follow the directions supplied. After letting the Wrap dry, the filter can be turned on and no more leak. Very inexpensive and it works. Whatever you choose, the leaks need attention, for a leak free system is better. Enjoy the pool...

Solar Pool Blanket: Equipment

2008-03-17T11:29:00.000-07:00

The solar pool blanket is a very good product. It holds in the heat, produces heat, maintains the water level and holds the chemical balance for a longer time. The blanket is a clear plastic with bubbles that magnify the suns rays and transfers the heat to the water. If one goes to the expense of using the pool heater, the blanket holds the heat in the water and does not let it evaporate as fast. The blanket prolongs the use of the pool, but a system for removal is up to the users. The service price is usually increased because of the time it takes for one man to remove it and keep it clean. There is a Reel available to remove the blanket that makes it easy for one person, otherwise the blanket can be left in the pool and folded and tied to the side. The blankets last a couple of years, and the savings are worth it. They come in different thickness' which determine the price, the thicker last longer. Enjoy the pool with free heat that the sun produces. Have a happy and safe time in the pool.

H2O: Pure water: Pool Chemicals

2008-03-12T12:57:00.000-07:00

There is a devise one installs on the filter system that generates Pure Water with electrolysis. The sanitizers produced are oxygen and hydrogen and copper for algae control. I have taken care of pools for 30 years and I feel that chlorine is the only sanitizer that works. Being from the desert where temperatures are high, water is vulnerable. Algae grows in warm water and the temperature of the pool water reaches 90 degrees plus, a perfect haven for algae. Copper is great for algae control, but do oxygen and hydrogen really sanitize the water? Where water temperature is stable, it might work, but chlorine has been the choice of sanitizing water that comes from our taps for drinking. I am for pure water, but sanitizing is important to kill viruses and pathogens and chlorine works. Enjoy the pool with whatever works, but be sure to sanitize the water.

Fresh Water: Drain the water in the pool.

2008-03-04T19:44:00.000-08:00

Every four to five years, the draining of the pool water is good to help maintain the proper chemical balance. Through the years, hard particles stay in the water, they don't evaporate, so draining is the option. A chlorine wash may be necessary if algae is a problem. Do not mix the chlorine and the acid for that makes a lethal gas. Rubbing stubborn algae spots and using chlorine can brighten the surface of the plaster. It is not like an acid wash, where a thin layer of plaster is removed, but prepares the pool for fresh water. After the water has been replaced, adding conditioner(cyanuric acid) helps to hold the chemicals in the water so they can do the work set out for them. The pool is now ready for everyone to enjoy.

Acid Wash-Chemicals

2008-02-15T10:37:00.000-08:00

There are two commonly used acid washes , no drain and drain the pool. The no-drain acid wash is where the water remains in the pool and is prepared by adding acid to the water, about 12 gallons. The water becomes very caustic which loosens the stain on the plaster. By brushing the pool every day with the system off, the loose plaster comes off and settles to the bottom. Brushing the pool is necessary for good results. Use a stiff bristled brush over the entire pool. After a week or when the appearance of the pool is better, the adding of soda ash to the water is used to raise the ph to about 7.4, several pounds are necessary. The system can now be turned on and the residue vacuumed out, preferably by a porta-vac. This process works well where the draining of pools is mandated by the city and where time is not a factor. The draining acid wash is where the water is drained and the plaster is washed with an acid solution with about 50% water, also a little tile soap can be added to help it stay on the walls. Using an acid wash brush, the plaster is scrubbed until the desired appearance is achieved. A pump is used during the process to keep the pool empty of water and the acid solution. This technique takes a couple of days and the end results are better. The pool can now be filled with fresh water and conditioned. After the chemical balance is adjusted in the water, the clean pool can now be used. A clean looking pool is a welcome environment for the avid swimmer.

Algae in Swimming Pools

2008-01-31T14:34:00.000-08:00

There are two common kinds of algae in pools, the black algae and the yellow algae. The black is a stubborn growth that grows in spots on the plaster. To get rid of this growth, one would have to brush it with a steel brush or sprinkle pure chlorine powder on the affected area. Be careful not to allow the wind to blow the powder on your body for it is very irritable to the skin. There is a devise that will hold a chlorine tab that attaches to the pole, and the tab is rubbed directly on the spot. There are commercial products in liquid form that contain silver and copper that works with time. The yellow algae grows all over the pool and can be brushed off easily. Ammonia is the best solution for this growth. One gallon of ammonia with two gallons of chlorine works well, but this method does not allow swimmers to use the pool for several days. Ammonia sulfate (the fertilizer) in dry form with chlorine (two lbs of ammonia and two gallons chlorine) works and does not restrict the use of the pool. Yellow Out is a commercial product with ammonia sulfate in it, but the expense is more than the fertilizer. The task of keeping a pool algae free, is part of the servicing contract, along with a sparkling clean pool to swim in.

Porta-vac; Equipment

2008-01-21T17:00:00.000-08:00

What is that contraption on the back of a pool cleaners truck? It is a Porta-vac, a complete filtering and pumping rig on a wheeled carrier. The Pool Cleaner can wheel this to the side of a pool and plug it in and have a good vacuuming system. Many pools have poor suction for vacuuming, but with this rig the suction is great. Also the dirt is kept in the Port-vac filter, not the built in system. The Pool Cleaner can clean out the filter on his own time, leaving the systems filter clean, less back washing. The Porta-vac was introduced in the 80s and became a must for the business. With the added suction, a larger vac head could be used and the pool cleaned much faster. Time is a factor when many pools are taken care of. Most Port-vacs are assembled by the person of the business, allowing them to choose the filter and pump. There are complete rigs available, but one saves by doing the labor themselves.

Salt Water Pools, Chlorine Generator; Equipment

2007-12-31T13:51:00.000-08:00

Chlorine is derived from salt by subjecting salt to electricity, electrolysis. Salt water pools are not chlorine free but develop the chlorine from the salt in the water. There is no addition of the liquid bleach and makes it much safer from the harmful and powerful qualities of chlorine. The electrolysis system is installed in the plumbing of the filtering system, and has a panel for control. The only thing you add to the pool water is salt(3000 to 6000 ppm). You still have to maintain the acid level but it is much easier than usual. The water is much softer and delightful to swim in, one feels more buoyant and refreshed in this environment.

Pool Filters, Equipment

2007-12-28T15:50:00.000-08:00

Mother nature has provided the best filter aid, sand and gravel. The older filters of this kind were huge and placed in an underground pit or in a equipment building. They were obtrusive and ugly, but they worked well. To keep a filter clean, back washing was necessary. One would simply reverse the flow of the water through the filter and deposit the dirt in a dry well, a cesspool like unit buried in the ground. The diatomaceous earth filter was introduced, it was much smaller in size, but still needed backwashing. The filter grids inside were coated with D.E. and the dirt would adhere to these grids and filter the water well. Every year, the filter had to be taken apart and the grids were cleaned separately by a hose with good water pressure and a brush. The filter tanks were stainless steal but later fiber glass was used. Then came the cartridge filter. With the cartridge filter there was no need for a dry well, thus cutting down on the cost of pool construction. One would simply disassemble the filter and hose off the cartridges. There are still sand and gravel filters and D.E. filters, but the cartridge filter took over the industry. They filter the water well and every couple of years the cartridges were replaced. The filter is a necessary product for a clean and sparkling pool. I found the D.E. filter was the best, but it is your choice.

Vacuum Heads and Hoses; tools

2007-12-08T16:45:00.000-08:00

Vacuuming a pool is necessary to have a sparkling clean pool. In the old days, a pool was rectangular in shape with straight walls and a sloping bottom from shallow to deep. The vacuums were aluminum and not flexible. They were heavy and cumbersome, but with the introduction of a curved bottom pool, the vac heads were made to flex. With new plaster one had to use a brush vac so no wheel marks were left in the soft and curing plaster. After a month of using the brush vac, the plaster was hard and ready for the wheel vac. The flexs vac had 8 wheels on it for the standard size, 14 in. The silicone wheels were much better, they lasted longer. To vacuum a pool, the sides and the steps are brushed. The vacuum is put in the shallow end and one works toward the deep end, let gravity work with you. The vac hose comes in several lengths, depending on the size of the pool. A 30 ft. hose was ample for most pools. For larger pools the hose can be connected with shorter sections to suit the size required. Before inserting the hose to the suction line, all the air must be removed from the hose. If it is not you may loose the prime in the pump. With above ground systems it is time consuming and sometimes difficult to prime. With pool service a vacuum a week was mandatory.

Pool Tile, Tile Brush and Soap

2007-11-27T16:03:00.000-08:00

While swimming in a pool, the tile is at eye level. If the tile is kept clean, the swimmer is much more at ease and comfortable. Back in the 60s, we used to mix muriatic acid in the tile soap to loosen the hard particles that would accumulate on the tile. The down side of this was the acid solution would stain the pool deck. Ajax powder would clean the tile well but you had to put it on the brush several times for the entire pool. A thicker liquid soap was good for the entire pool. The new soaps have an agent for dissolving the hard deposits and cleaning the oils and scum. With the residential accounts, the owner is aware of the hazards of oil and is careful not to use it. Not only does it leave dirty tile but it is not good for the filter. Commercial accounts are a pain in the back because of the use of sun tan oil. Even though there are signs prohibiting its use, people are not supervised and use it anyway. After years, alkali forms on the tile and pumice is one way to eliminate the hard particles, but it is very strenuous. There are new methods for cleaning the tile, blasting the tile with glass beads or diatomaceous earth. There are people who do this job with special equipment for a nominal fee. Clean tile is a rewarding experience for the user and regular brushing helps keep things nice.

Pool Landscaping , Yards and Plants

2007-11-25T15:48:00.002-08:00

What grows around the pool is very important. When pool service is required, a well manicured and maintained surrounding is better for keeping the pool clean. The one bidding the job looks at the yard to see if there are any deciduous trees that overlap the pool, also messy bushes such as oleander and palm trees that are near the water. These plants look nice but add to the maintenance of the pool. The new trend are desert climate materials, cacti and low water use plants. Gravel and rocks offer a nice look! With ones imagination and planning, the environment around the pool can be pleasant and beautiful. Remember that a messy yard leads to a dirty pool. If you do your own cleaning there is more work to do and if you have service the cost will be more. A nice environment offers a serene and pleasant time in and around the pool.

Automatic pool cleaner; tools

2007-11-17T15:10:00.000-08:00

For the energetic person who wants to service their own pool, the automatic pool sweep is the way to go. There is still a lot for the person to do. The chemicals need to be checked and the flow of the water through a clean filter is a must.. The leaf pot needs to be cleaned to allow the water a free unobstructed circulation. The product I have used is the Kreepy Krauler. It is a widely sold device with only one moving part. A wedge shape flapper, activated by the suction, is what moves the Krauler along by kinetic energy. Good water flow is important so the device works well. Even though the pool is vacuumed, the steps an walls need to be brushed regularly to assure a clean pool. The Kreepy Krauler is well designed, with minimal up keep to let it last for years.

Skimmer Nets and Wall Brushes, tools

2007-11-12T14:58:00.000-08:00

The skimmer net and the wall brush are a must for a clean pool. Skimmer nets have evolved from a complete net to one where the net can be replaced. The standard net was a net between a stainless steal rectangular tubular frame in different depths, 6in to 12 in. They were a durable net but would wear out where the net met the plaster, which meant buying a complete net at a high cost. The later leaf nets allowed one to replace the net only, keeping the stainless steal frame for future use. A great savings for the pool man.
The wall brush comes in different lengths and is used to brush the walls and the bottom of the pool. By brushing the pool completely, one loosens any dirt that sticks to the plaster. By brushing in a circular direction around the main drain, and all the suction to the drain, the pool can be cleaned pretty well. The brush would wear out after a while, but they added stainless steal bristles by 50% which made the brush last longer and it was good for rubbing black algae growth that grows on the surface of the plaster. Times have changed but for the better.

Telescoping pool pole, tools

2007-11-07T15:43:00.000-08:00

The telescoping pool pole is a must for anyone with a pool. There are two widely used poles, fiberglass and aluminum. I have never used the fiberglass pole but have heard some positive things about them. Aluminum was my choice, light weight and durable. They average in 8 ft lengths and about 15 extended. There is the elliptical lock and the cam lock. I used both and found the elliptical lock better. The cam lock has a devise on the end of the inside pole with a cam that locked the two together. The cam wore out and had to be replaced. The elliptical pole was just that, elliptical in shape and when the inside pole was twisted, it would lock in place. With time being important when one does many pools a day, the elliptical lock was my choice.

Pool cleaners tools, Leaf Gobbler, Leaf Vac

2007-11-05T14:11:00.000-08:00

The "leaf gobbler" is a very useful tool for cleaning leafs and other debris that accumulates on the bottom surface of the pool. The gobbler attaches to the end of the telescoping pole and a garden hose is attached to the gobbler. The water pressure creates a suction that works well for leafs and foreign material. It stores it in a bag above the gobbler. The better the pressure, the better the end results. Water pressure under 30 lbs does not work well. The mesh of the bag is important if one wants to catch sand, but after the dirt settles to the bottom, a quick vacuum is all one needs to make the pool inviting. When a gobbler is used, not only is the debris collected but the water level is increased. Good tool and I found it very helpful!

Swimming Pool Chemicals for a Sanatized Environment

2007-11-03T13:52:00.000-07:00

The most widely used chemical for a sanitized germ free pool is chlorine. Chlorine is available at the super markets but getting it from a chemical retailer is best. Chlorine has a shelf life so getting it fresh is better. Along with chlorine, muriatic acid is used to stabilize the ph( potential hydrogen) in the water. The acid lowers the ph and prevents calcium and scale. The chlorine and acid work together in a good balance to produce a clean and healthy pool. Another chemical is cyanuric acid or conditioner. It is used to help stabilize the chlorine. The ultra violet rays from the sun, break down the free chlorine and the conditioner holds the chlorine in suspension so it can do the job intended. There are many Algaecides available if things get out of control. Check with wisegeek.com for a good definition of algae. If you maintain a good chlorine residual, along with acid, your pool will sparkle and look inviting.