Pool and Spa Help
Water in swimming pools and spas should be clear as crystal, free from odors, and balanced chemically. If you have decided to "go it alone" and do your own pool and spa maintenance, here are some basic tips and information you can use to maintain your water quality and save energy.
Manage water quality – It's important to have a professional test the water. Then you'll know the proper types of chemicals to use. Minerals like copper, iron, and manganese need to be treated with a sequestering or flocculating agent before chlorine or bromine are added, so the water won’t become black, brown, or green.
A test will also determine the acidity or alkalinity of the water in your pool or spa. The effectiveness of sanitizing chemicals chlorine and bromine is determined by the pH of the water. Eye irritation and acidic or corrosive water are reduced when the proper balance is achieved.
Professionals also test for calcium and hardness of the water in your spa or pool. Heating and plumbing equipment are protected when the levels of chemicals are in the range recommended by the professional after the tests are complete.
If you have cloudy water, there are products on the market to help clear up this problem.
A non-chlorine shock treatment product should be added weekly. Bacteria and other microorganisms causing disease are kept in check with this treatment.
What does chlorine do - Chlorine kills algae bacteria and other disease causing organisms. Chlorine removes organic debris and swimmer wastes through the oxidation process.
What is shock - Undesirable wastes such as perspiration, body oil, and other contaminants eventually accumulate in pool water. These contaminants join with chlorine to reduce its effectiveness. Other signs of this contamination are strong odors, eye burn, skin irritation and dull or cloudy water. This condition may rise after a week or two of normal use, or immediately after sever circumstances like heavy swimmer load, heat waves or heavy rain. To eliminate these contaminants and revitalize the chlorine, a process known as "shock" is required, also known as superchlorination.
What is algae - Microscopic algae spores are introduced into your pool by wind, rain and leaves. When this plant life is allowed to multiply, it consumes chlorine and causes unsightly, sometimes slippery condition that can be difficult and expensive to maintain...without our help! Prevention is the best medicine for algae.
GREEN & BROWN ALGAE – This type appears as brown spots, or a green slime or moss that clings to pool surfaces. Make sure your pH is in range, add a double dosage of chlorine shock, and Algaecide Plus as directed. Brush and let circulate. Be sure not to backwash too frequently in the process.
MUSTARD ALGAE – Appears as loose flakes on pool surfaces. Color may vary from yellow to green. Easily brushes off but returns within hours. Use Mustard Algaecide as directed.
BLACK ALGAE – Develops as black patches on pool surfaces. Can be scraped with fingernail and has a dark green appearance if smeared. Can be removed with vigorous daily brushing and a triple shock dose.
RED ALGAE – A jelly-like mass suspended in water. Appears red in sunlight, but translucent at night. Double shock necessary.
PINK ALGAE – Pink algae is actually a bacteria, not algae. It shows up on pool surfaces as loose, rust color specks or clinging, bright pink patches. A double shock is necessary. If you have traveled to tropical or beach areas, be sure to clean your swimsuits thoroughly, as pink algae often enter swimming pools from well-traveled swimming suits.
When in doubt or when fighting difficult multi-color algae, bring us a water sample and we'll help get your water on the path to crystal clear!
How do I prevent algae - Maintain proper pH levels and chlorine levels between 1.0 and 3.0 ppm. Also begin an algaecide maintenance program.
Cover your pool - An exposed pool loses 50 to 70 gallons of water per square foot per year to evaporation. During the hot summer months, you may lose up to 4 inches of water each week. Pool covers reduce evaporation by 90 percent, limit windblown debris, and conserve energy.
Protect the pool from wind - Wind exposure can increase evaporation in uncovered pools. Plant trees and shrubs that buffer your pool, but won't shed or drop leaves in the water.
Maintain pool filters - To prevent buildup of body oils, spa and pool filters should be soaked in a filter cleaner once a month. Make sure to keep the cover top and bottom clean. Wash cartridge filters when your pump operating pressure increases by 10 psi (pounds per square inch). You can wash cartridges on landscape areas since chlorinated pool water is diluted with clean water. Never allow wash water to run into the street.
Heat your pool conservatively - Warmer water means higher evaporation rates. Professionals recommend 78 degrees Fahrenheit as the ideal recreational pool temperature.
Help the Environment - If you don't like the thought of using chlorine, there are new natural spa and swimming pool sanitizers available that use salt. Some of them make your water more bacteria free than most drinking water. They are endorsed by major pool manufacturers, and you'll help the environment while making your water very safe.
Cleaning Pool Tiles - If you have tiles around the upper edge of your pool, you can easily clean them by using an abrasive kitchen cleanser like Ajax™ or Comet™. Put your children to work, and the tiles will be sparkling in no time.
Relaxing in your pool or spa will be safer if you follow the above tips. It takes work, but soon you'll have a maintenance routine that will be a snap. Using the above tips will help you achieve safe, clean water in no time at all.
Call us now at 214-514-8388 for a free estimate and let us take the work and worry out of maintaining your pool, spa or hot tub.