Are Auto Pool Cleaners Effective?

Keeping a clean pool can be a major chore. Manual cleaners and vacuums can do a terrific job cleaning your pool, but they are time consuming if you clean your pool yourself. Another DIY option is an auto pool cleaner. There are several types of auto pool cleaners that can reduce the manual labor needed to keep your pool clean, including robotic, suction and pressure models. But there are issues that can occur with these auto pool cleaners. Knowing the limits of these devices can help you determine whether they are the right option for your pool cleaning needs.

Cleaning Ability

An auto pool cleaner can help reduce the amount of the manual cleaning needed and reduce strain on the pool filtration systems. They collect and remove debris and can help keep a pool maintained. However, they do not all scrub the walls and there are areas they do not reach that will still need manual cleaning.

Maintenance and Troubleshooting

Auto pool cleaners can help reduce the amount of time you spend cleaning your pool, but they do need maintenance and repairs. Common issues that occur can include the hose becoming tangled, clogged filters, clogged pumps and broken parts. Auto pool cleaners are one more piece of equipment that will need maintenance and repairs as part of the upkeep of your pool.

While auto cleaners can be effective, manual cleaning is still needed for areas they do not reach and for scrubbing the walls. A pool service can be another way to keep your pool clean without spending hours of your free time each week. Talk to your local pool service about options in auto pool cleaners and ongoing pool service to decide which would be better for your needs.

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

When is the Best Time to Open Your Pool?

The last Saturday in April is National Pool Opening Day, but that is not necessarily when everyone opens their pools. Different regions tend to open their pools earlier or later, depending on the weather. While each year may vary, there are standard times when different areas tend to open their pools. Here are some approximate best times in different states to open your pool.

  • Early and mid-June: Montana, northern Wyoming, North Dakota, South Dakota, Minnesota, northern Wisconsin, northern New York, northern Vermont, northern New Hampshire and northern Maine
  • End of May: Eastern Idaho, northern Colorado, southern Wyoming, Nebraska, Iowa, SE Wisconsin, northern Michigan, southern Vermont, southern New Hampshire, mid New York and southern Maine
  • May 14th: NE Washington, NE Oregon, western Idaho, NE Nevada, Utah, Southern Colorado, Kansas, Missouri, Illinois, southern Michigan, Indiana, Ohio, northern West Virginia and Pennsylvania, southern New York, Connecticut and Maryland
  • April 30th: Mid Washington, Mid Oregon, Western Nevada, Northern Arizona, Northern New Mexico, Oklahoma, Northern Mississippi, northern Arkansas, Tennessee, Kentucky, New Jersey, Delaware, Virginia and West Virginia
  • April 15th: Western Washington, Western Oregon, Eastern California, Southern Nevada, northern Texas, Louisiana, southern Arkansas, Mississippi, Alabama, Georgia, South Carolina and North Carolina
  • End of March: Mid California, Southern Arizona, Southern New Mexico, Texas, Florida and southern portion of Louisiana
  • Year-Round: Southern Florida, Texas and California

When it is time to open your pool, make it easy with a quick call to your local pool service. They can perform the cleaning, maintenance and needed service to get your pool ready for your opening day pool party and ensure it is ready for the swimming season ahead.

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

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

Top 3 Common Pool Owner Mistakes

Owning a pool is not simple – there are many different factors you must stay on top of to maintain and care for a pool. Mistakes happen, but some pool ownership mistakes can be very costly. If you want your swimming pool to be a benefit to your home and lifestyle, not a burden, here are three common mistakes you will want to avoid.

Poor Maintenance

You can save yourself time and money in the long run by keeping up with your pool maintenance. Proper cleaning can go a long way in preventing damage to equipment. Opting to use a pool service for your ongoing maintenance is worth the investment.

Right-Sized Equipment

Bigger is not always better when it comes to pool pumps and motors. Over-sizing a pump for the pool you have is a waste of energy and can put excess strain on the filtration and plumbing systems for your pool. Not only does it cost you more on your utility bills each month, you may end up spending more in repairs by having a pump that is too big, or too small, for your pool.

Water Levels

Pools lose water from use and evaporation. Letting your pool water level get too low can cause expensive damage to your equipment. Levels should be kept above the skimmer, either through manually filling as needed or by installing an auto-filler to maintain the right water levels.

By keeping an eye on these factors, along with proper circulation and chemicals, can help minimize problems with your pool to make ownership a breeze. Signing up for ongoing professional maintenance can help reduce your chance of pool issues and keep your pool in good condition for many years of enjoyment to come.

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

Winterizing Your Swimming Pool

If you do not use your pool during the winter months, it is best to winterize and cover it to keep it in good condition. Taking the time to clean and close it up will make it easier to get it started up again in the spring. Here are a few basics to close-up your pool and get it ready for winter.

  • Clean pool and lower water level. Clean the pool, skimmers and filters thoroughly. Drain pool below the skimmer level. Use an air compressor to blow out all the water from the pool equipment and lines through the skimmer. Remove all drain plugs and add antifreeze if appropriate for your area.
  • Remove all pool toys and safety equipment. Before you start preparing your pool for winter, pull out all the toys, floats, ladders and other equipment and put it away in your storage area. You don’t want anything that will make it difficult to seal and cover the pool.
  • Treat your pool water. Shocking your pool and adding winterizing chemicals can prevent algae growth and make it easier to clean your pool in the spring.
  • Install your winter cover. Covering your pool with a winter cover will keep out debris and help keep it sealed to prevent algae growth. You may want to add a leaf net if not all the leaves have fallen so you can remove them easily off your cover.

Winterizing your pool can keep it safe and prevent damage during the winter. You can save time and make sure your pool is ready for winter by calling your local pool company for a winterizing service.

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

Simple Ways to Reduce Water Loss in Your Pool

Water loss is inevitable in your swimming pool. Warm weather causes evaporation and water is lost whenever you and your family go in and out of the pool. However, you can cut down on water loss and reduce your water bill by implementing a few conversation methods. Here are some simple ways to prevent water loss and conserve water in your pool.

  • Use a pool cover. Covering your pool when it is not in use helps reduce evaporation. It also improves safety and keeps debris out of the pool. Talk to your pool service about installing a quality pool cover.
  • Turn down the temperature. Warmer water evaporates quicker. Keep the heater turned down to the lowest level in cooler times of the year and turn it off altogether turning the summer to reduce water waste.
  • Minimize the use of water features. Waterfalls and other water features cause more water loss. Consider turning these features off when you are not at home, at night and other times when they are not being appreciated to conserve water.
  • Check for leaks. Are your conservation tips not reducing water loss? You could have a small leak. Do the bucket test to check to make sure you do not have a leak. If you do, call your pool service immediately for a leak repair.
  • Keep up with pool maintenance. A well-maintained pool uses less water for backwashing and to regulate the PH balance. Hire a pool professional to keep your pool maintained.

These few simple steps can help reduce the amount of water you use in your pool, helping lower water bills and conserve on water.

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

Why Pool Maintenance Is Critical

Owning a swimming pool can offer so much enjoyment and benefits for your family. Nothing beats cooling off in the pool on a hot summer day and swimming is excellent exercise to keep your family fit. However, owning a pool also comes with responsibilities – maintenance is necessary if you want your pool to be safe and secure. Here are some of the main reasons why pool maintenance is critical.

Clean Water

Keeping your pool’s PH balance at a safe level and the water clean is important for health reasons. Not only does a dirty pool look disgusting, dangerous bacteria can be swimming in the water that can make your family sick or worse. Using the right chemicals on a regular basis to maintain a safe pool needs to be a top priority for pool owners.

Prevent Expensive Repairs

Pool maintenance can help catch small issues with your pool equipment before they become expensive repair problems. Regular inspection of your pool pump, filters and other equipment can identify parts that need replacement. If you hire a professional pool service, they can inspect all components to ensure that your pool is in good condition every time they clean and service your pool.

Promote Swimming Safety

Maintenance is key in keeping your swimming area safe for your family and guests. Regular inspections and repairs on your pool deck, ladders, pool fencing and cover can ensure your pool remains safe.

While you can perform some pool maintenance yourself, consider the benefits of hiring a professional pool service for routine inspections and service. Trained technicians can spot issues that you may not notice that need services to help to keep your pool safe and protect your investment.

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

5 Ways to Stage Your Pool When Selling Your Home

Are your getting ready to sell your home? If you have a pool, it may be one of the selling points of your home that you want to make look its best. Homes that are for sale are often “staged” to help them look attractive to potential buyers. While this is common inside the home, the pool area is another place where a little sprucing up can help make your home appealing. Here are 5 ways to stage your pool to get it ready to sell.

  1. Clean the pool. Start with the basics. Make sure the pool is sparkling clean – hire a pool maintenance service to do a thorough cleaning shortly before you start showing the home.
  2. Replace any small worn fixtures. Even if they still work, if there are rusty, cracked or worn fixtures on pool equipment, replace them. These are usually inexpensive, but make the equipment look faulty or old
  3. Clean the pool deck and equipment. Giving the surfaces around the pool area a pressure washing can make the area look tidy and attractive.
  4. Add landscaping. If your pool surroundings look bare, consider adding some plants to give it a more natural or oasis appeal.
  5. Brighten the pool and pool deck. A little blue dye in the water, bright throw pillows on the pool furniture and other small touches can help add a little pizazz to the scene and make a good first impression.

Cleaning and a few small additions or repairs to your pool and pool area can make a difference on how buyers perceive your home. It is worth the small investment of time and money to make your pool area shine when you start showing your home.

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

Tips for Getting Your Pool Ready for Swimming Season

In most parts of the country, swimming pool owners close the pool for the winter, waiting for the warm, late spring days to arrive before they open it again. However, it is not as simple as pulling off the pool cover to get your pool ready for swimming season. There is a little pool cleaning and maintenance that needs to be done first to ensure your pool is safe and prepared for the summer ahead.

  • Skim out any debris. Even with a pool cover, debris can find its way into your pool. Skim out any large pieces you can.
  • Turn on your pumps and filtration system. Remove any plugs that had been put in when closing the pool and turn on all your pool equipment. Clean the filter and baskets.
  • Add water. You most likely lost water over the winter from evaporation. Add water to bring the pool up to the correct level.
  • Test and balance your chemicals. You will need to add your pool chemicals and/or use your chlorinator to achieve the correct chemical balance for clean, safe swimming water.
  • Run the filtration. Continue running the filtration cycle and cleaning the filter until the water runs clean – don’t attempt to swim until the water is clean and safe.

Your pool equipment should also be inspected and serviced before the swimming season. Make it easy on yourself and call your local pool service to perform a service on your pool pump and equipment, as well as pool cleaning and chemically balancing your pool. They can help ensure your pool is clean and safe for the swimming season, so you can enjoy fun in the sun all summer long.

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

Pool Prep Tips for Summer

Once the spring air starts warning up with more sunshine, your mind turns to relaxing in your pool. However, if you close your pool during the winter, it will take some preparation to get it ready for safe swimming. If you are ready to start enjoying lazy days by the pool, here are some tips to get your pool ready for summer.

  • Tend to your filtration system. Your pool water will need to be completely cleaned through your filtration system. To get it ready, make sure your system is ready to go by assembling the parts and checking the filters. Cartridges may need replacement or rinsing – you may need to backwash a sand filter or clean your DE filter. Make sure all components like baskets are clean and free of debris.
  • Fill your pool. It is usually best to leave water in your pool if possible, even when you are not using it. However, you may need to add water to get it full again after a long winter or completely refill it if you did empty it.
  • Water chemical balance. Your pool water should be tested before you begin the chemical process. Your pool service can test your water to determine the chemical balance and mineral concentration. This helps determine the best chemical additions to bring PH balance to the water. Once your pool water is treated, it will need to filter until it is clear – filters may need to be cleaned throughout this process.

Don’t want to go through the hassle of getting your pool ready for swimming? Hire a professional pool service to prepare your pool for the summer swimming season. They can make sure your pool water is safe and perform a full inspection on your equipment to get your ready for summer.

Posted on behalf of:
Somar Pools, LLC
6538 Collins Ave, #42
Miami Beach, FL 33141
(305) 767-775