More Pool Care Tips and Informative Articles

18 October 2011 / Energy Corner, Pool Cleaning, Pool Repairs / 0 Comment

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The Virginia Graham Baker Act!

21 January 2011 / Commercial Pool, Pool Drains, Pool Safety, Residential Pools / 2 Comments

The safety of our children is important, but around swimming pools is even more important that we remain diligent in our efforts of both supervision and protection.

If we fail in our capacity as guardians, the government is always ready to step in and do the job for us. The Virginia Graham Baker Act is a prime example of the seizure of our parental authority.

While the Virginia Graham Baker Act is currently specific to Commercial Pools (Public Pools), there are rumblings that the scope of the act will be enlarged to include current residential pool owners.

The law was written to protect children from becoming trapped in the main drain. The suction in some main drains is so strong that once a child becomes trapped, he or she cannot extricate him/herself. While we believe the law may be necessary for commercial pools, we are a little more skeptical
when it comes to residential pool owners.

Currently the law states that all public pools in use shall be retrofitted to include an anti suction device or an additional main drain; and all new pools, commercial and residential, must include two drains.

While an additional drain is one solution to limit the detrimental effects of too much suction in one area, there are other less expensive solutions for current residential pool owners.

A less expensive solution, and one that appears more reasonable for homeowners, is the replacement of the current main drain cover.

All new drain covers must comply with American National Standard ASME A112.19.8 - 2007 Suction Fittings for Use in Swimming Pools, Wading Pools, Spas, and Hot Tubs.

Keep Our Future Safe
A new main drain cover could help minimize the possibility of someone becoming trapped in the drain and this is a very inexpensive solution to a mounting problem.

If the Virginia Graham Baker Act is expanded to include residential pools, the cost will be substantial. A new drain cover, installed, is $450.00.

We must protect our children and we must have the right to determine our own solution to problems that affect our families. Please call with any questions concerning main drain covers.

Energy Corner: Old Equipment

21 January 2011 / Energy Corner, Pool Equipment, Pool Heater, Pool Repairs, Pool Service, Pump Repair, Residential Pools / 0 Comment

The cost of energy is a problem for everyone. Everyone is trying to save money through efficiency.

While we believe saving money is important, we do not believe saving a few dollars in the energy section of your budget is warranted if the overall budget is increased threefold.

The path to energy efficiency is achieved through the replacement of old equipment by more energy efficient technology.

Pumps, motors, heaters, etc. have been improved to a point where it makes sense to replace the old with the new.

Decreasing the running time of your equipment through the warmer months is a mistake that will increase the cost of pool operation beyond that saved in energy.  Plaster, equipment and algae damage are related to the decreasing of equipment running time. Let us show you the right way to decrease energy costs. Please call with any questions.

Pool Service Saves MONEY!

11 January 2011 / Pool Cleaning, Pool Repairs, Pool Service, Uncategorized / 0 Comment

We have seen many articles lately telling homeowners how they can save money by cutting out services such as gardening and pool service because mowing a lawn or servicing a pool is simple and easy.

The truth is the writers of these articles know nothing about the industry of which they write and therefore they do not know the pitfalls that can occur by telling someone to service their own pool or provide some other self service.

While many homeowners may believe servicing a pool is simple, it takes knowledge and experience to keep a pool running properly and to keep
water chemistry at the proper level of effectiveness.

I cannot speak for gardeners, or other service providers, but I do know pools, and here are some very interesting facts:

1. A majority of homeowners who service their own pool spend more on chemicals for a month than the cost of pool service
2. Homeowners who service their own pool are more likely to experience major repairs than homeowners with pool service
3. Homeowners who service their own pool are more likely to experience chronic algae problems, including the dreaded BLACK ALGAE, than homeowners with pool service
4. Homeowners who service their own pool are more likely to become severely injured than homeowners with pool service

There are no good reasons for a homeowner to service their own pool. In most cases it is costly and at times dangerous.

There must be consistency in pool service. Without consistency pool chemistry fails to be effective and can also cause serious health issues. Several chemical tests must be performed on a regular basis: Water Hardness, Total Alkalinity, pH, Free Chlorine and more.

Preventive maintenance service must also be performed on a regular basis to reduce major repairs that cost thousands of dollars.

Our knowledge protects your investment and the health of your family. We appreciate your business and we will strive to keep your trust.

The Cold Weather is Approaching: Winter Pool Care

10 January 2011 / Pool Closing, Pool Drains, Pool Equipment, Pool Heater, Pool Repairs, Uncategorized, Winter Care for Pools / 0 Comment

It is that time of year again when the wind blows and the sky opens up at times with a torrential downpour.

Everything that happens in our environment has an effect on your swimming pool. Rain plays havoc with water chemistry by readjusting the pH and rain also affects other important chemical
aspects of your pool.

Wind temporarily destroys the ambiance of your swimming pool, and can cause severe staining from debris blown into the pool.

Winter time can be a testing time for pool service techs and homeowners alike. Many homeowners would like their pool spotless, even in a wind storm, but the truth is the pool just fills back up with debris.

Our main focus during these ominous winter weather episodes is to make sure your pool is not damaged and that the weather does not cause your family to suffer unnecessary major repairs.

We achieve our goal by making sure the larger stain causing debris is removed during the storm. If larger debris enters your pool immediately after your service, and you are worried about damage to your plaster, please contact us at the above number and we will be happy to advise you on a course of action.

It is our job to keep your pool trouble free. During the wintertime service is actually more difficult due to the weather, but we are here, at your discretion, to diligently fight the good fight.

Let’s work together to keep your pool safe and clean!

Energy Corner: Winter Running Times

09 January 2011 / Commercial Pool, Energy Corner, Pool Cleaning, Pool Closing, Pool Drains, Pool Equipment, Pool Heater, Pool Repairs, Pool Service, Pump Repair, Residential Pools / 0 Comment

This time of year we have a tendency to cut back the running time of our equipment, but not everyone can cut back the same number of hours.

Cutting back on the running time of your equipment will reduce your energy bills, but we do not want you to reduce your energy bill by dollars and have you pay thousands for repairs that were a direct result of the cutback.

One pool can cut back to four hours a day during the wintertime while the house across the street may be able to cut back to only 6 hours per day.

The area around your pool and the debris that will enter your pool will have a direct affect on the running time of your pool equipment.

We will be adjusting your timer as necessary to help lower energy bills and to help prevent unnecessary repair bills. If you have any questions please contact us at the above number.

Spring? Not Already!

21 April 2010 / Energy Corner, Pool Cleaning, Pool Equipment, Pool Opening, Pool Repairs, Pool Safety, Pool Service, Pump Repair, Residential Pools, Uncategorized / 0 Comment

It seems like only yesterday we were putting away our summer toys for our winter gear, and here it is, spring again.

Spring is a time for blooming flowers, blossoming trees and blowing debris. We all look forward to springtime, but with spring comes certain pool maintenance items that must be accomplished before the weather turns warm.

For many customers:

1.     The filter must be serviced to increase the life of all equipment.

2.    Conditioner must be added to the pool water to protect the sanitizing function of the chlorine.

3.    The pool cleaner must be serviced to increase the life of the cleaner.

4.    The backwash valve must be serviced for proper filter performance.

5.    The heater must be serviced to remove spiders and rodents that can block proper function. The heater must also be checked before relighting the pilot or before seasonal use.     These service items are necessary for the proper function of your pool, to avoid any interruption during the swimming season, and to limit major repairs.

While we are the guardians of your pool we will do our utmost to assure a pleasant experience.

We will be contacting you shortly to let you know what items need servicing and the schedule for the service. If you any questions prior to our contact, please call us at the office. We are always here to
serve.