Backyard Swimming Pool Water Testing 101

Keeping your pool water balanced and safe is a vital part of pool ownership. Understanding the chemical composition of your pool water can help you maintain a healthier pool and protect your family. Here are some the basics about pool water testing to give you a better understanding of how to maintain your pool.

Testing Kits

While testing strips can give you a basic overview of your pool water’s pH balance, they are not the most accurate measurement. Invest in a backyard pool water testing kits for a better overview of your pool water. These come with more advanced testing options to monitor chlorine, pH, calcium, alkalinity and more accurately.

Testing Mistakes

Even when you have the right testing materials, you can still make simple mistakes that can affect the results. Here are a few common mistakes that pool owners make when testing their pool water:

  • Reagents. Make sure to check expiration dates on your reagents. Also, if they freeze it can impact their validity; make sure there are no solids inside if they have thawed after being frozen. Make sure to use the right cap on each reagent to avoid cross-contamination and hold bottles vertical to get the right drop size.
  • Clean tubes. Testing tubes need to be thoroughly cleaned after each use and kept sealed to prevent contamination.
  • Water sample. Make sure to go at least a foot down into the pool water to get your sample. Fill to the right sample size, using the fill line as a gauge.

If you have trouble getting your pool water balanced, call in the professionals. You can waste significant amounts of time trying to get your water balanced. Let your local pool service balance your pool to make it easier to maintain or hire them to keep up with your pool maintenance for you.

Posted on behalf of:
Premier Pool Enterprises
3502 Sixes Road, #108
Canton, GA 30114
(494) 496-5579

Updating Your Pool from Boring to Brilliant

In some regions, swimming pools are as common as a backyard patio. Almost every home in some neighborhoods has a pool, but that does not mean they are all the same in beauty and function. If you have a home with a pool that is subpar compared to many neighboring pools, it is time to give it an upgrade. Go from boring to brilliant with some of these pool remodeling basics.

Personalized Design

Many boring pools are cookie-cutter, a standard pool that was installed when the home was built. You need a design that reflects your style. Consider your landscaping and home style to find a pool design that will blend with your home – natural, tropical, contemporary or modern designs that will compliment your home and outdoor space.

Quality Materials

A stunning pool starts with the basic materials. Choosing elements that are made from quality materials can make a significant difference in both appearance and function. It is worth the investment to update your pool with a durable surface with aesthetic benefits and other functional qualities.

Phenomenal Features

What does your dream pool look like? While you may not be able to afford to build the pool of your dreams, you can incorporate some of the features. Add in the waterfall or sun shelves you always wanted; opt for pool automation or enhanced lighting. Make your old pool a version of the dream pool in your mind.

Remodeling and updating your boring pool can make your backyard brilliant while adding value to your home. Contact your local pool remodeling contractor to discuss the new design and elements to update your swimming pool for the upcoming season.

Posted on behalf of:
Somar Pool Service & Repairs
401 East Las Olas Boulevard #130
Fort Lauderdale, FL 33301
954-800-0780

Did the Cold Weather Damage Your Pool?

Many regions had cold blasts hit this winter that were more severe than the norm. Many swimming pool owners may have had their pools freeze over, creating concern over damage to the pool. The problem with freezing and pools is that not all damage will be immediately evident; it may take some time before issues arise from cold weather damage. If your pool was exposed to freezing weather this winter, there are some components that may need examination to check for damage.

Components Susceptible to Freeze Damage

Any component with water inside can be damage when cold-snaps hit unexpectedly. While colder regions are prepared for these occurrences, pool owners in the southern states do not often need to worry about freezing. If you had colder than normal weather this winter, you should have a full inspection done of your pool components. Some of the most common to be cracked due to freezing include:

  • Heaters
  • Chlorinators
  • Pumps
  • Filters
  • Valves
  • Pipes and fittings
  • Skimmer

Check any equipment above ground for cracks or damage; they are the most likely to freeze and crack during cold weather. You can look for leaks and monitor your pool system to ensure that everything is working correctly. Not all damage will be visible, but it can lead to problems with your pool once swimming season resumes. Finding issues now can give you time to have them repaired before the warmer weather arrives and it is time to open your pool for regular use.

If you are not sure whether you had any damage to your pool from winter, call your local pool service. They can perform a complete inspection to ensure all components are working correctly and repair any issues that old man winter caused.

Posted on behalf of:
Somar Pool Service & Repairs
4581 Weston Road
Weston, FL 33331
(954) 840-8544

Do You Need to Replace Your Hot Tub’s Ozonator?

If you use ozone for maintaining your hot tub, it is important to monitor the ozone production of your ozonator. Eventually, ozonators need to be replaced, usually every few years, but it is not always apparent when the time has come to start shopping for a new one. Here are some signs you may no longer be getting the ozone production you need to maintain a safe hot tub from your ozonator.

  • Tiny bubbles. Ozone creates tiny bubbles, much smaller than the air bubbles that are common in your hot tub. These tiny bubbles can be an indicator that you are still getting ozone, but do not rely on champagne bubbles alone to ensure you have enough ozone to protect your water.
  • Smell. Do you know the smell of ozone? If you have had a ozonator for awhile you have smelled ozone, a distinct odor when you take off your hot tub lid. If you have noticed that smell has diminished, it may be time to test your ozonator.
  • Test for ozone. There are tests you can use to check the ozone level in your hot tub, available through your pool service or pool supplier.
  • Water quality. If you are noticing your water quality is dwindling with cloudiness or algae, the ozonator may be failing.

If you have signs of your ozonator needing replacement, call your local pool and spa service to have it tested. You will want to proactively repair or replace your ozonator to keep your water safe for use. Your pool service can check your system and give you options for replacing your ozonator with a newer model.

Posted on behalf of:
Somar Pools, LLC
6538 Collins Ave, #42
Miami Beach, FL 33141
(305) 767-7755