5 Things to Do Before Your Pool Party

Are you planning your first big pool party of the year? Make it a success with a little swimming pool maintenance. Pool parties need a little more consideration than the average backyard BBQ – you need to think of safety and make sure all your guests have a good time. Here are five things to do to get your pool ready for your big party.

  1. Clean the pool. You don’t want leaves and debris floating around your pool when guest arrive. A day or two before your shindig, clear out the debris and put on your cover to keep it clean for your party.
  2. Check the PH balance. More people in the pool can affect your pool water PH balance. Make sure it is safe and ready for swimmers by performing PH testing a few days before the party and add chemicals to get it in balance. Check the chemical balance again the night before and adjust as necessary.
  3. Inspect safety equipment. Check your ladders, railings and other safety equipment about a week or more before your party. You want to make sure that everything is solid and ready for your guests – repair anything that is loose or worn before your guests arrive.
  4. Clean the deck. Make sure your pool deck is clean, as well as the pool furniture. No one wants to slip on a slimy spot or sit on a dirty lounger.
  5. Consider the kids. If your party will include youngsters, make sure you have floatation devices, swim vests and a way to keep tiny tots away from the pool.

The best option to get your pool ready for a big party is to call your local pool service for a complete cleaning and inspection. They can ensure your pool is safe and sparkling for your guests.

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

Winter Pool Maintenance Tips

Does your pool close for the winter season? If you live in a cold climate, it definitely is not swimming weather and you want to completely drain and close the pool. However, for warmer regions, your pool is probably just put on stand-by during the cooler months, waiting for spring to arrive. Even when you are not using your pool, it is important to keep up with some maintenance. Here are some tips to make it much easier to open your pool for swimming in the spring.

  • Maintain your cover. Keeping your cover on will help keep your pool cleaner. However, you do need to maintain the cover as well. Sweep off debris, leaves, needles and dirt regularly. If you do get snow, make sure to sweep it off to limit the weight on the cover.
  • Pool chemicals. Even when you are not using your pool, it is important to keep the water chemically balanced. Check the PH at least every two months when not in use and add the needed chemicals to balance the PH.
  • Add enzymes. Using an enzyme product can help breakdown debris that makes its way into the water. This can keep your water cleaner and avoid stains and water rings that would need to be scrubbed off in the spring.
  • Pool equipment. You should keep an eye on your pump, filters and other equipment throughout the winter to avoid damage. Make sure all water is removed if the temperature does drop below freezing.

While there is not as much maintenance needed when you are not using your pool in the winter months, doing periodic pool maintenance can help make it easier when spring does arrive. Ask your local pool service about winter maintenance schedules to reduce repairs and make it simple to open your pool for the swimming season.

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

How to Clean a Salt Chlorinator Cell

If you have a salt chlorinator system for controlling water quality and safety in your swimming pool, there is some maintenance that must be done.  A chlorine generator, often called a salt system, is an excellent chlorine alternative but you do need to make sure the system is cleaned and maintained. Your salt chlorinator cell should be regularly cleaned to ensure it continues working as it should and to extend its life between replacements.

Calcium scale on the salt cell is the most common reason these components need to be cleaned. The calcium scale can form on the salt plates, reducing the effectiveness of the cell and shortening the lifespan. Each model may differ, but most salt cells should be cleaned at least every 3 months, sooner if you have high calcium in your pool water or with heavy use.

Steps to Inspect Clean Your Salt Cell

Every few months, follow these steps to maintain and clean your salt cell:

  • Turn off system and pump; remove salt cell
  • Inspect for calcium deposits or scale on the salt plates; this is a light-colored substance that is encrusted on the surface
  • If calcium scale is present rinse off deposits with a hose
  • Reinstall cell and turn on system and pump

In some cases, you may have calcium scale that does not come loose with only water. An acid solution can be used to soak away the deposits. Follow your manufacturers instructions for cleaning your salt cell with an acid solution, if this is necessary.

Another option is to have your pool maintenance crew check and clean your salt cell for you. This can ensure that is does not accumulate heavy calcium deposits, improving its performance and extending the life of the cell.

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

5 Benefits of a Pool Automation System

One of the many advantages of owning a swimming pool is the ability to relax with a swim whenever you choose. You can wake up and jump in the pool, or come home after a long day and enjoy a dip; that is, if the pool pump is on, the cover is removed, and the chemical balance is right. If you must prepare your pool whenever you want to swim, it can take some of the fun out of owning a pool. Pool automation can give help ensure your pool is ready to go whenever you want to use it and has many other benefits. Here are five great benefits of installing a pool automation system.

  1. Automatic maintenance. Spend less time maintaining your pool and more time enjoying it. Pool automation can regulate your chemical balance, heat and filtering for you, simplifying maintenance.
  2. Remote access. You can check your pool’s specifications from anywhere. Most automation systems now can be linked to your smartphone, giving you access to your pool from anywhere.
  3. Lower energy costs. Pool automation can help you reduce energy and chemical costs through smart programming to manage cleaning, heating and filtering.
  4. Keep your pool ready. With automation, your pool can be ready for swimming at a moment’s notice. You can even remove the pool cover remotely and dive right in.
  5. Monitor pool use. Even when you are away on a business trip or vacation, you can monitor maintenance and pool use.

There are many different options for pool automation. Contact your local pool service to find out about installing an automation system to make owning your pool easier and more enjoyable.

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

Is DIY Pool Maintenance Really Saving You Money?

If you have a pool, maintaining it can be expensive. There are water and energy costs, repairs and maintaining the cleanliness of the pool. Many pool owners look for ways to save on the cost of owning a pool and decide to take care of the pool maintenance themselves. While DIY home maintenance can save you money, pool maintenance may not be saving you as much as you think. Consider these cost saving benefits of hiring a professional pool service: 

  • No equipment. To keep your pool cleaning, you need vacuums, nets, brushes and other equipment. All this gear adds up; with a pool service, they will bring their own equipment.
  • Chemicals. It costs money to keep your PH balance levels safe in your pool. The cost of buying the chemicals, plus the time and gas it takes to shop for them all add up over the year.
  • Your time is worth money. How much time do you spend cleaning your pool and how much would that add up to is you were getting paid?
  • Preventing equipment failures. Professional pool services inspect your equipment to catch issues before they become bigger, more expensive problems. This can save you hundreds, even thousands, of dollars in repairs.
  • Improved maintenance. Professional pool maintenance companies use industrial equipment that can improve the cleanliness of your pool. Let the experts do what they do best.

When you add up the benefits, hiring a pool service can be a worthwhile investment. There is a cost to maintaining your pool, even if you do it yourself. Why not let professionals handle this chore and give you more time to spend enjoying your pool instead of maintaining it?

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

Pool Sanitization Options

When you think of pool sanitization, the first thing that comes to mind may be the smell of chlorine. For many years, chlorine has been the best agent to keep swimming pools safe and sanitized. Without it, dangerous bacteria can grow, making a backyard pool a hotbed for serious illnesses. As great as chlorine is at keeping pools safe, it is also harsh on skin, hair and clothing. Luckily, advancements in technology have created chlorine alternatives that offer a better swimming experience.

One option is a chlorine generator or salt system. These swimming pool sanitizers are used in many pools to keep water at the right sanitization levels. They are available through quality pool services, using salt and an electrolytic cell to create hypochlorous acid, the active sanitizing agent in chlorine. Although this agent is created, the smell and harsh effects of chlorine are not present, creating a better swimming environment.

Another option is an ozone generator for your keeping your pool clean without dealing with the effects of too much chlorine. Ozone is an effective sanitizer, used in commercial pools and water parks to keep large amounts of water free of bacteria. Although you still will use some chlorine, the amount is greatly reduced. An ozone generator can use up to 90% less chlorine than a traditional pool sanitizing system.

Chlorine is still a safe and affordable option for maintaining a clean, safe swimming pool. But if you want a system that does not have that unique smell or harsh effects, talk to your local pool service company about chlorine alternatives. Both ozone and chlorine generators can be great options to keep your pool safe, without heavy amounts of chlorine.

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

Keeping Your Outdoor Pool Clean

Keeping your pool clean can be a simple task, especially if you do your regularly scheduled checks.  Cleaning your pool is an important part of protecting it and helping it maintain it’s life and safety. You will want to follow these simple tips, so your pool will stay clean and be of good use to you for years to come.

  • Cover your pool when it is not going to be used for a while. This will help keep outside blowing debris, leaves, and twigs out of the water, keeping it clean, while also protecting from possible damage.
  • Check the filter. Some filters work better if you let them go for longer, but make sure you are checking it the right amount. You definitely don’t want an overfull filter. That could cause some major problems.
  • Skim the pool. Use your leaf skimmer net to get any floating debris out of your pool. Empty the strainer basket, so that it can continue to do its job well too.
  • Vacuum the pool. When your pool is getting a lot of use, lots of foot traffic can bring in lots of dirt. You may also have other debris at the bottom the pool that the vacuum can suck right up and make the swimmers feet happier.
  • Check the pool chemicals. You don’t want a bacteria fest growing in your pool. Make sure to check the PH levels regularly to make sure your pool water is safe to swim in.

Following these tips and keeping your pool clean from debris, will keep your pool stay cleaner longer. To make it easier on yourself, hire a professional pool service for regular cleanings.

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

Benefits to Using Pool Automation

It seems like everything is automated these days, making it easier to manage your life and home. So it makes perfect sense to apply this new technology to your pool maintenance. Pool automation allows you to manage the care for your pool through a remote device, even if you are not at home. Not only does this make it easier, there are some very tangible benefits to investing in this technology. Here are some of the benefits of using pool automation:

  • Sanitization. Through pool automation, you can monitor the PH balance of your pool simply, ensuring your pool keeps a safe level of sanitization. This can save on chemicals by helping you more efficiently manage the PH balance and sanitation levels.
  • Temperature. Control your pool and spa’s water temps easily, cutting back on energy use. You can turn heat on and off as needed, even when you are away from home.
  • Features. Even your pool features can be automated. Set your waterfall or lights to turn on and off at specific times to save on energy. Even your pool cover can be set to close at certain times to protect your pool.

With pool automation, you can save time, money and energy off your pool maintenance. Plus, you get the convenience of having everything right at your fingertips. Some systems come with their own control panel while others can be managed directly through your computer or smartphone.

Talk to your local pool service company about upgrading your pool to an automation system. It is time to make caring for your pool easier and more efficient with the use of pool automation.

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

Give Yourself the Gift of a Clean, Healthy Pool

As wonderful as it is to have a pool, it can also be a drain on your time. Pools need constant maintenance to stay sanitary for safe swimming. You must be consistently checking the chemical balance, adding the right chemicals when necessary. You also need to clean the pool to keep it clear of debris that can lead to algae and bacteria growth. Maybe it is time to give yourself a break so you actually have time to enjoy your pool. Give yourself the gift of a professional pool cleaning service for a clean, healthy pool.

Many people think that a pool cleaning or maintenance service is too expensive or a luxury that they can’t afford. However, there are some good reasons to invest in this service. While you may be able to some of the maintenance yourself, you most likely do not have the knowledge or equipment of a pool professional. Here are a few benefits of hiring a pool service for maintenance:

  • No need to buy chemicals for your pool
  • Save on buying pool cleaning equipment
  • Professional balancing of your pool’s chemicals
  • Routine inspections of your pool pump and other equipment
  • Extensive cleaning for your pool using commercial equipment
  • More time to enjoy your pool instead of maintaining it

You may be surprised how affordable a pool service is when you subtract the cost of the chemicals, equipment and time that you spend on maintaining your pool. You deserve the gift of more time and a clean pool that is ready whenever you want to take a swim. Call your local pool maintenance service today to get started on a pool service contract.

Posted on behalf of:
Premier Pool Enterprises
Canton, GA
(494) 496-5579

Starting Up Your Pool Equipment After Winter

If you put your pool to sleep for the winter, it is time to wake it up. As spring weather comes in, thoughts move toward warmer days by the pool in the months to come. To get your pool ready, it will need to go through some regular maintenance before you begin using it again. The pool will need a thorough cleaning, plus you will need in inspect and maintain your pool equipment. The easiest solution is to call your local pool service to perform a full spring tune up and cleaning. However, if you want to attempt this chore yourself, here are a few tips:

  • Remove debris. Clean away debris from your pool cover, bottom of the pool and around the pool equipment, especially the heater.
  • Inspect all pool equipment. Visually inspect all components including drain covers, filter, pump, heater, lights, chlorinator and automation system.
  • Check your plumbing fittings. Inspect your plumbing fittings and pump lid, including lubricating or replacing o-rings when necessary.
  • Check for leaks. Once you power up your pump, carefully check for any leaks or drips. Tighten connections or replace o-rings where needed.
  • Filter maintenance. Clean your filter cartridge or fill your DE, depending on the type of filter you use.
  • PH balance. Run your pump for several hours, then check and balance the water’s PH balance. Once finished, shock your pool.
  • Check pressure. Makes sure the water pressure on your filter – if not sufficient, you may need to clean or replace filters or backwash.

During any of these steps, you may realize you need a repair to your pool equipment to be ready for summer. You can save time and make sure everything is in good working order by hiring your local pool service to do your start up for you and repair or replace any issues.

Posted on behalf of:
Premier Pool Enterprises
Canton, GA
(494) 496-5579