How to Remove Pool Stains

Pool stains are bound to occur for a variety of reasons. Organic materials like leaves, algae and even living creatures like worms can decompose in your pool and leave stains on the surface. Metals in the water, from landscaping fertilizers or in the pool structure can also leave stains. Removing stains from your pool is not easy but it is possible. Here are a few tips on how to remove stains and ways to prevent them from occurring.

Scrubbing Away Stains

Like any hard surface with a stain, scrubbing is the best method to remove pool stains. However, this can be difficult when a stain is at the bottom of your pool. Using scrubbing pads with a stain removing substance like muriatic acid works on organic, copper and iron stains. To reach the bottom of the pool, you will need a scrubber with a long handle, preferably hollow, allowing you to apply muriatic acid directly to the stain while scrubbing.

Preventing Stains

While it is almost impossible to prevent all pool stains, you can minimize the chance of stains with maintenance. Keeping your pool clean and removing any debris quickly can prevent organic stains; use a pool cover whenever your pool is not in use. For metal stain prevention, the best protection is maintaining the correctly pH balance. Too much acid or alkaline is a common reason metal stains occur.

Removing stains is not easy and you may have to drain your pool to scrub away some stains on your own. It is simpler to call a pool cleaning service to have your stains removed by a professional that has the right equipment and knowledge to remove stubborn or difficult-to-reach stains in your pool.

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

Chlorine Alternatives for Your Swimming Pool

Chlorine is one of the most effective sanitizers for swimming pools, killing bacteria and organisms that can pose health risks to swimmers. But it is also a harsh chemical that can dry your skin and hair, bleach clothing and leave an unpleasant odor on your body. There are chlorine alternatives that can reduce the amount of chlorine needed for your pool for a more enjoyable, yet safe, swimming experience. Salt water generators and ozone systems are two popular choices for pool owners that want to reduce chlorine in their pools.

Salt Water Generators

Salt water or chlorine generators effectively sanitize by making pure chlorine from the salt that is added to the water. The generator is installed into the pool’s filtering system, converting salt into chlorine as it passes through. As the chlorine is used for sanitization, it converts back to salt. The water does not have the smell of chlorine and does not harm your skin or clothing.

Ozone Systems

Another alternative to chlorine for pools is a ozone system. These systems use ozone as the main sanitizer for killing harmful organisms in the pool. While some chlorine is still needed, it is a fraction of what is used in chlorine pools, reducing the odor and harsh effects. You can use up to 90% less chlorine with an ozone system for your pool, creating a more desirable swimming environment.

If you want to eliminate the need for using chlorine as your main pool sanitizer, talk to your local pool service company about chlorine alternatives. Both salt water pools and ozone systems have many benefits and can keep your pool safe and sanitized with minimal use of chlorine.

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

Cleaning Your Salt Water Pool Equipment

Salt water pools offer many benefits for homeowners that want to enjoy swimming in water that does not use excess chlorine. Salt water generators keep pool water sanitized without needing to constantly add chlorine. The salt water pump generates naturally-occurring chlorine for sanitization. This reduces the smell and negative effects of chlorine while still reducing the growth of harmful bacteria and algae. Many people enjoy the feel of a salt water pool without red eyes, dry skin or discolored hair from excess chlorine. To keep a salt water generator working as it should does require maintenance, including occasional cleaning.

How to Clean Your Salt Water Generator

Salt water generators or pumps can become clogged and may need cleaning about once per swimming season. Hard water calcium buildup, too much salt or debris can clog the pump and cause problems for your salt water pool system. You can clean the pump or salt water cell yourself with a little know-how. This includes:

  • Draining your salt water generator
  • Plugging up the pump
  • Adding a cleaning solution for salt water pumps
  • Soaking the pump
  • Scrubbing the pump clean
  • Rinsing the pump with water
  • Unplugging, starting and filling the pump again

Doing this process at least once each summer or when your pump is clogged can help maintain your salt water generator. This can help extend the life of your equipment and prevent sanitization problems from a non-functioning salt water generator.

If you do not feel comfortable cleaning your pool’s salt water generator yourself or just don’t have the time, contact your local pool service company. You can enjoy the benefits of your salt water pool without the headache of maintaining your pool equipment with the help of your local pool service professionals.

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

Is Pool Service Worth the Investment for Your Commercial Pool?

If you have a commercial pool at your business, you may want to save money by having your regular staff perform routine maintenance. While your janitor can add water when needed or skim out the debris floating in the pool, they are not pool experts. Here is why it is worth the investment to hire a professional pool service to maintain your commercial swimming pool.

Quality Cleaning

The cleanliness of your commercial pool reflects on your business. A dirty pool can reflect poorly on the quality of service you provide your customers and guests. A professional pool maintenance company can ensure your pool stays sparkling clean. Not only does this look better, it is safer for your customers. Proper cleaning and chemical balance can prevent illnesses; you could be liable if your customers contact an infection or illness from swimming in a dirty pool.

Protect Your Pool Equipment

Your janitor or staff can perform simple pool maintenance but it is unlikely they are pool equipment experts. Hiring a pool service ensures your pool equipment is maintained properly to help extend the life of your commercial pool. Plus, pool professionals can routinely inspect your equipment and catch needed maintenance and repairs before they cause bigger problems for your business.

Safety Concerns

Some pool services offer more than just pool cleaning and maintenance. Keep your guests safe and prevent injury accidents by hiring a pool service that offers lifeguard services.

Don’t leave the maintenance of your commercial swimming pool to your staff. Hire a professional pool service that offers maintenance for commercial pools. It is worth the investment to prevent pool problems and protect your business and customers.

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

How Quickly Can Algae Grow in Your Pool?

When you pool water has already turned green or there is algae slime on your pool walls, you know you have a chemical balance problem. Your pool needs a thorough cleaning and a balancing of the chemicals to get the algae growth under control. While it may seem like it could take a week or more for algae to take over your pool, it can happen quicker than you think.

Algae Grow Fast in Warm Water

It does not take weeks, or even days, for algae to begin multiplying in warm water. If the chlorine levels get too low in your pool, algae can begin flourishing in less than 24 hours. This means if you have not looked at your pool under the cover or checked the chemical balance in a few days, algae could already be multiplying at a high rate. While algae are not dangerous, they are unappealing and can allow bacteria growth that can be harmful to humans. It is best to keep algae growth under control to keep your pool clear, clean and healthy.

If you notice a green haze in your water from algae growth, you may need to shock your pool and run the pump for several hours afterward. This will help filter the water completely to remove all algae and ensure the chemicals are completely distributed through the pool.

For those with ongoing algae issues, it may be worth investing in a pool service to keep your chemical balance maintained. A professional pool service can evaluate your system and ensure your pool water is kept balanced to keep those nasty algae from growing in your pool.

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

Do You Need Pool Service During the Winter?

In warm-winter climates, your pool may be closed for swimming during the cooler season. Many people shutdown their pool during the coolest months, but few people drain their pools in mild regions. Since there is still water in the pool, you need to consider the best way to reduce contamination. While you may not need regular weekly pool cleanings, it is still beneficial to keep pool service active during the winter.

Benefits of Winter Pool Service

The water in your pool during the winter will be the water you want to swim in come spring. It is easier to keep this water clean and sanitized than to decontaminate the water in a few months. Algae, bacteria and debris can create unhealthy conditions in your pool if the chemical balance is not maintained. Here are some benefits of scheduling pool service during the winter months:

  • Reduce stains and damage to pool from algae growth
  • Stay on top of pool maintenance with routine service
  • Easier and quicker to reopen pool in the spring

Winter pool service is not needed as often as during the swimming season. Schedule your pool service to come once a month to clean out any debris and balance the water chemistry. This will prevent damage to your pool and keep the water sanitary, making it a wise investment.

Even when your pool is closed for the winter, it needs maintenance to keep it healthy and ready to go in the spring. Talk to your local pool service about scheduling winter service to ensure that your pool is maintained December through March, ready to open when April arrives.

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

Save Time and Money with Pool Automation

Many homeowners have upgraded systems in their homes to automation. Garage doors can be opened with a cell phone and HVAC, lights, entertainment systems and much more can be all controlled from one device. The new technology makes life more convenient and can help manage costs – this includes your swimming pool. If you still have a manual system for maintaining your pool, it may be time to upgrade to a pool automation system.

Money and Time Saving Features

Pool automation systems give you easy access to the controls of your swimming pool and a simple way to manage your pool water and features. From temperature to pH balance, your pool’s systems are right at your fingertips. Most systems can be accessed through a mobile device like a smartphone or tablet; they can also be integrated into most home automation systems to keep all your controls in one place.

For saving money, an automation system can alert you when your chemicals need adjustment. This can help reduce extreme unbalance issues that can cost more to correct and lead to other issues within your pool. Many automation systems also allow control of temperature and water features, helping reduce energy use with remote management – you can turn down the heat when you know you will be gone a few days right from your phone.

Having all your features from lights and waterfalls to temperature and chemical controls in one place saves you time. No need to go out to the pool and check the pH level – you can do it from your couch or even when you are at work with pool automation.

Talk to your local pool service about the option of switching to a pool automation system – it could be worth the investment to save you time and money.

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

Which Type of Pool Costs Less to Maintain?

For some people, low maintenance is key for any feature they buy. Clothes are wash and wear, dishes are dishwasher safe and their oven is self-cleaning. The same can hold true with their swimming pool. They want the pool that will require the least amount of money and time to maintain. When it comes to low-maintenance pools, fiberglass has concrete and vinyl liners beat.

Pool Maintenance Rundown

Three main types of pools are concrete, vinyl linings and fiberglass. Each have their pros and cons when it comes to price, longevity, design, versatility and maintenance. However, when it comes to maintenance, fiberglass is the winner. A rundown of these three when it comes to maintenance:

  • Concrete. When it comes to maintenance, concrete requires much more, both routinely throughout the year and over the lifetime of the pool. They are prone to algae, need more filtering, acid washing and resurfacing – maintenance costs can range around $25,000-$30,000 over 10 years.
  • Vinyl liners. Vinyl is easier to maintain than concrete, with less worry about filtering, algae or scrubbing. However, liners can leak and need replacement. The 10-year maintenance cost is around $10,000-$14,000.
  • Fiberglass. Maintenance drops significantly for fiberglass pools. Algae problems are rare, and cleaning is easier. Filtering is minimal, and it is less likely there will be leaks or needed repairs. Maintenance costs are a fraction of concrete and about a third of vinyl liners, ranging from $3,700 to $5,000 for 10 years of use.

If low maintenance for your new pool is a priority, consider a fiberglass pool. However, this is only one factor to determine which type is best for your needs. Talk to your local pool construction company to discuss all the factors when it comes to deciding the best pool for your home.

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

5 Myths About Chlorine in Pools

Everyone knows chlorine is used in most swimming pools to keep the water safe. However, you may be wrong about many other commonly held beliefs about chlorine. This chemical is strong enough to help control bacteria and other organisms that can make water unsafe for swimming and should be rinsed away after swimming to reduce damage to skin and hair. However, there are some beliefs about this popular pool chemical that are false, including these five myths.

  1. If the odor of chlorine is strong, there is too much in the pool. The smell of chlorine is what occurs when chlorine is evaporating, after it has done its job. In some cases, the smell of chlorine means the pool needs more, not less, of this chemical.
  2. Chlorine turns blonde hair green. No, chlorine is not the substance in pools that can give your hair an unwanted tinge of green. Copper is the culprit that can make blonde hair green.
  3. Chlorine stings your eyes if you open them under water. If it stings to open your eyes under water in a pool, this is not the fault of chlorine. Once again, you may not have enough chlorine as this is a symptom of unbalanced PH levels.
  4. Saltwater pools do not need chlorine. While saltwater pools require much less chlorine, they still use chlorine for shocking and chlorine is made naturally with salt.
  5. Swimmer’s ear is caused by chlorine. A clean, sanitized pool with chlorine is not the cause of swimmer’s ear. This condition is caused by pseudomonas aeruginosa – a common pathogen in pools.

Keeping your chlorine levels balanced is one of the best ways to maintain a safe, healthy swimming pool. Forget these myths about chlorine and talk to your local pool service about the proper way to use chlorine or chlorine alternatives to keep your pool water safe.

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

Maintaining a Sand Pool Filter

Sand filters are an economical option for cleaning and maintaining the water in your pool. Rough sand is effective at removing dirt, algae and debris that accumulate in your pool water from swimmers and the environment. Water flows through the container of sand, leaving behind the contaminants in the sand. To maintain your sand filter, you will need to clean it every so often to ensure it keeps working.

Sand Filter Cleaning Frequency

How often you will need to clean your sand filter depends on how much you use your pool and other factors. The number of people that swim in your pool on a regular basis will impact how quickly the filter gets full of debris. Leaves, pine needles, algae and other environmental debris can also clog the filter. To determine when to clean your filter, you need to keep an eye on the filter and your pool water.

  • Filter Indications. Your filter needs to be cleaned when the pressure becomes higher, indicating more dirt is in the sand. For filters that have an inlet and outlet pressure gauge, a psi of 16 or higher means it is time to clean. Filters with just an inlet gauge should be cleaned at 8 psi or higher.
  • Water changes. Another indicator your filter needs to be cleaned is when the water becomes cloudy or unclear. Dirty water is usually caused by a dirty filter.

Cleaning a sand filter requires backwashing your system to force water the opposite direction, pushing out the dirt and debris into the waste water. You can do this yourself or contact your local pool service to clean your pool and sand filter for you.

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