Save Money With Regular Pool Maintenance

It is always preferable to spend for the maintenance of something of value, rather than allowing it to fall into such a state of neglect that it requires expensive repairs. Neglecting the professional care of your home swimming pool could very well put you, your family and friends at risk. Left on its own without professional pool cleaning and maintenance, your pool could turn into a virtual petri dish of potentially harmful, bacteria. A good swimming pool service and repair company should provide a regular weekly service in addition to pool repairs.

Service packages can vary in frequency, based on your needs or preference. During a scheduled service, a technician should vacuum clean the entire pool and test for appropriate levels of chemicals in the pool water. They can then make whatever adjustments appear necessary at that time. They will also clean the filter and make sure that your pool equipment is functioning correctly. Your pool’s perimeter decking should be cleaned and inspected by the technician, as well.

If during your service the technician notices a problem, options for repair or replacement will be discussed. Often, repairs can be made by the technician during that scheduled maintenance service visit, as most technicians carry a full supply of chemicals, repair tools, and various parts for most brands of pool equipment.

Your local pool service professional should be dedicated to maintaining your swimming pool at the optimal level of industry health and safety. Knowing your pool is in good hands can help you relax with ease and peace of mind as you entertain in your own backyard paradise.

Posted on behalf of Somar Pools LLC

 

Looking for Pool Leaks

While it’s true that most pools lose some water over a period of time through splashing, backwashing the filter and evaporation, if you are having to add water to your pool weekly, then you may possibly have a leak. To determine if you do have a leak, mark the water level of your pool with a piece of tape or grease pencil, then check it 24 hours later. Your pool should not be losing more than one-quarter inch of water per day.

Now, how do you find that leak? Of course, you first want to check all the obvious places such as the equipment pad, filter, pump, heater and pipe valves. Walk around your pool and its equipment looking for wet areas, as well as sunken areas or ground showing erosion. Look for tears or seam separations if your pool has a vinyl liner. Turn off the pools filtration system and note where the water level stops dropping; this could tell you if the leak is in the skimmer, filter, or light housing. If the water level continues to drop, the leak may be in or around the drain at the bottom of the pool. If you have identified the leak as coming from the skimmer, filtration system or light housing, most can be easily fixed with putty, a two-part epoxy or a wet patch kit.

Some leaks just cannot be detected or repaired without the help of your local professional pool service company. With current pool leak detection technology, most leaks can be detected and repaired relatively easily and affordably, depending upon the location and complexity of the problem.

Posted on behalf of Somar Pools LLC

Buying a Home With a Pool?

The perfect home has come your way; it is affordably priced and has all the features that you were hoping for; plus, it comes with a pool. Lucky you! It seems the stars are shining down on you in favor; you couldn’t ask for more. But, wait just a moment to catch your breath. There are definitely some questions that you should consider asking before buying that house.

Who built the pool? Find out as much as you can about the original pool contractor. If it was built to a high standard by a professional pool company, then you can probably rest assured that it will have few maintenance issues. You might also want to ask for a full disclosure as to any past maintenance issues. If it was built by a local reputable company, you will be able to count on them to continue their pool maintenance services should you encounter a problem that needs repair. Furthermore, find out if there are existing pool regulations and if the pool meets those requirements.

Depending on the age of the pool, it may require some additional costs for retrofitting in order to bring it up to current safety standards. Above all the assets gained in purchasing a home with a pool, the continued safety of you, your family and guests is, of course, the most important consideration.

Last, but certainly not least, you will want to consider the additional costs of simply owning a pool. Check with your homeowner’s insurance company to determine how your policy will be affected. Also, consider the increased cost of utilities for heating the water and running the pump, as well as ongoing pool maintenance, supplies, etc. If you are satisfied with all the answers to your questions, then you’ll really enjoy the pool.

Posted on behalf of Premier Pool Enterprises

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Start a Weekly Pool Cleaning Routine

It is so easy and tempting to forgo cleaning your pool, especially in the hot summer months when you are most anxious to enjoy it. However, a dirty pool is not only unsightly but also potentially hazardous to your health. Like most household chores that we find unpleasant, if we simply make the effort to maintain a level of cleanliness on a regular basis, it gets done quicker and with the last amount of effort.

If done weekly, you can have a pool cleaning routine that takes a very minimal amount of time. Skim all floating debris from the surface of the pool and empty the skimmer basket. Vacuum the bottom of the pool moving in overlapping lanes; do only half of the pool at a time if it is too wide for one sweeping lane. With the pool brush attached to the vacuum pole, remove any algae off the sides of the pool. While this may seem like a never-ending process, the average time to vacuum a pool really only takes about thirty minutes.

You should also test the pool chemistry weekly, correcting the pH and chlorine levels as needed. If you are uncomfortable with this process, have your local professional pool service company instruct you on maintaining proper chemical levels in your pool. Next, you’ll want to turn the filter valve to backwash in order to redirect the dirty water into the waste line; empty the filter bag if you have one. After shutting off the system and closing the skimmer valve in front of the pump, clean out the hair and lint catcher by unscrewing the trap’s cover and removing the basket. Finally, refill the pool with water if the level is less than half way up the well of the skimmer’s mouth. Now, happy swimming!

Posted on behalf of Somar Pools LLC

Pool Maintenance Tips For New Owners

You finally have the pool that you always dreamed of, right in your own backyard, but are uncertain about how to maintain it. Although it may seem daunting at first glance, the secret to maintaining your pool is the same as with other household cleaning chores, establishing and keeping to a regular routine schedule. Of course, you may rely on a professional pool service company to take care of many of your pool maintenance, but there are still things that you should do on a regular or weekly basis.

One of the easiest ways to keep your pool clean is to skim and remove any floating debris such as leaves or bugs. Vacuum the bottom of your pool weekly, just like you’d vacuum a rug, and brush down the walls and tile. Also, check the filter whenever you vacuum, and clean it out if it seems dirty. Periodically, check the water level of your pool. A pool’s water level will naturally go down with evaporation and splashing, occasionally needing replenishment. Make sure that the water level does not go down below the level of the skimmer, to prevent possible damage to the pump.

To ensure the cleanliness and safety of your pool water, the chemical levels of pH and chlorine should be tested regularly and corrected as needed. There are many testing kits available for the use of home pool owners; however, if you are unsure about this process, have your local pool service company instruct you as to the appropriate levels.

 

Additionally, your pool service company can check and repair, if needed, your pool’s heater. You may also want to have your pool professional check for leaks. Finally, depending on where you reside, you may require expert consultation on the proper way to winterize your pool.

Posted on behalf of Somar Pools LLC