Pool Service

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

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

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

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

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

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

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.