Chandler Pool Service Blog

When Should You Acid Wash Your Pool?

Sat, 03 Sep 2022 11:24:51 GMT

When is it necessary to acid wash the pool?

It is always fun to have a private pool where you can enjoy swimming any time of the day and every day. It is a great morning or even evening exercise that our body needs to keep us physically fit and active. But when you have a pool and want to be physically healthy through it, it is always necessary also to have a proper conditioning pool to avoid any health issues from it.

Not having proper pool maintenance will result in stains and algae build up. Having a great amount of algae in your pool will make it look filthy, grimy, and dirty. Im sure in that water condition you would never want to dive in and try to perform all your water exercise to make you feel healthy. And yes, algae aren’t harmful to us but think about all those bacteria that are present because of that green algae, they will surely give you some skin problems that you never want to have. In this kind of water condition, acid washing is a must!

What is acid washing? It is a process of removing all those stubborn stains, algae build up , and any grime that makes the pool water dirty and not usable. The professional pool cleaner will spray the mixture of hydrochloric acid which is also known as muriatic acid chemicals and water into every pool’s surface that has stains and grime. After that, they will brush to take all those impurities.

What type of stains needs acid washing?

Algae growth - green algae might not be that harmful to us but those algae have bacteria that are present and ready to spread some diseases. And not only that, algae can create pool filter issues.
Hard water stains - others called it scum. It is created through calcium deposits that are mostly found at the edge of the pool where tile meets the water. It can cause unsafe water conditions because it can lower the pH level.
Magnesium stains - magnesium is present in any type of water, and having too much of it can cause water discoloration like red, pink, or even black.
Copper stains - when water comes from well water that is mostly high in minerals, it can cause water discoloration like green, blue, or even black.

How To Keep Birds Out Of Your Pool?

Tue, 23 Aug 2022 18:44:57 GMT

Things to do to keep birds out of your pool

Weekend means time to relax and enjoy the day, some people just love to stay at home and dive into their pool because water can be therapeutic and it is a great combination of exercise. But how can you enjoy your day when those feathered creatures are already messing up the water? That will ruin your plan and will just go with doing pool maintenance which is not what your weekend should be.

Living in a place where there are many birds around can make some trouble for every homeowner because these creatures will make the pool have feathers, poop, or things that they brought. And it can be dangerous to those young birds especially if they are still learning how to fly.

So here are the things to do to keep them out of the pool:

Put inflatable toys or equipment in your pool - Having inflatable toys in your pool will discourage any birds to go near it. They will think that there is a floating predator in the pool that will hunt them. One good example of a floating toy design is a shark, alligator, or dolphin inflatable. It can also bring fun having these toys in your pool, especially to kids.

The other one is to place an automatic vacuum cleaner underwater. They may not fully see it, but it is enough for them to think that there is something lurking under the water that may cause them harm.

Put on some cover to your pool - A custom fitted solar cover for your pool is a good way of keeping it clean from any falling leaves or any dirt and making birds stay out of the pool.

Other deterrents - There are other options aside from putting floating toys in the pool to make them feel that there is a predator and they shouldn't go near it. And these are:

Reflective Elements - Hanging some reflective banners or tape on places that are near the pool but high enough to avoid any accident because of that. Putting reflective elements can prevent them from diving low.
Scarecrow - It doesn’t have to be a scarecrow like that is in a farm, it just needs to be something that can prevent them from going near. A fake predator like a hawk, falcon, or owl figure is a good example to put near the pool.

Common pool plaster issues

Wed, 17 Aug 2022 19:20:21 GMT

What are the common pool plaster issues?

Pool maintenance is an important aspect that any owner should take care of. It is one way of keeping your pool for long years and enjoying it without worrying if it is not safe for your family and friends to swim anytime they want. Yes, we can manage to maintain its good condition if we want to but it is so much better if we let pool maintenance experts do it for us.

The pool system, algae, and water bugs are one of the common pool issues that we usually face but can be prevented by having weekly pool maintenance . And another issue is the pool plaster’s different stains and spottings that make the swimming pool not so inviting to look at. It is important to know these things as an owner so that you can easily determine if you can just fix it or call some help from an expert.

What are those common pool plaster issues? And how can we fix it?

Rebar Stains - The word “rebar” is short for reinforcement bar, a kind of steel used to reinforce and strengthen the structural foundation of the concrete. Rebar stains is a serious issue that pool owners should immediately address because those stains that we see are rusting rebar will weaken the foundation, it may look small rust but the corrosion below the plaster is larger than we think. This is the result of the rebar not being fully covered by the cement and remain exposed while the plaster is applied. How to fix it? These are different options to choose from: Drain the pool to fully expose the stain and jackhammer it to cut the rebar, then resurface it. The other one is to get rid of the exposed rebar and patch over it.

White Soft Spotting - White soft spotting is a result of losing two soluble plaster components which are calcium chloride and calcium hydroxide. That is the reason why the surface is soft, weak, and self-deteriorating. This kind of pool plaster issue cannot be fixed. The swimming pool needs to be completely resurfaced. This is nothing to do with the pool chemicals or its water balance system.

Nodules - Calcium nodules are white growth of hard calcium deposits and they are usually round in shape or volcano-like appearance. It is a result of not properly bonding the plaster surface to the substructure plus some defects that made the water penetrate the interior of the plaster causing to dissolve of the calcium hydroxide and becoming calcium nodules. You can fix it by sanding it off to bring back its beauty. But since it is a long-term defect, it will grow again in several months. Replastering the pool is the only solution to make it go away.

Mottling - This discoloration is because of the high presence of calcium chloride in the plaster mix. It is also because of environmental factors like wind, sunlight - heat, humidity, and water temperature. To fix it, the experts will use high heat using a blow torch to the defect area. If it would work, resurfacing the pool is a must!

How often should a pool filter be cleaned?

Sat, 13 Aug 2022 12:13:20 GMT

How many times should we clean our pool filter?

A swimming pool is a great leisure for everyone to have. Not just that, swimming is a good form of exercise because it strengthen and tones up your muscles, keeps your cardiovascular healthy, and promotes endurance in fighting stress. Because of those advantages, who doesn’t want to have it in the comfort of their property?

But just like everything else, it needs a proper maintenance to keep the water condition suitable for everyone to dive in. Pool cleaners are the one who has the skills and equipment in maintaining the clean, and crystal clear water. They are a great help to those pool owner who doesn’t have enough time to do all those responsibility. Keeping your pool clean can extend its lifespan and to help avoid algae growth which is harmful to humans. A balance of chemicals and regular weekly pool maintenance should be made to achieve that, and also the pool’s filter is one of the important parts that you should be properly maintain.

What is a pool filter? A pool filter is a part where it cleans the water by catching all those dirt particles, debris, insects, and other contaminations. Its main purpose is to help the pool water stay clean , crystal clear and bacteria free so that the people who will swim will not caught any disease. Aside from filtering those contaminated dirt particles, it also serves as the one that circulates and mixes those chemicals added to dissolve it quickly so that water will be crystal clear.

How often should a pool filter be cleaned? There are different types of filters and each one of them has its own requirements and needs that an owner should learn. Not being able to fulfill its responsibility will face great consequences in the future. The water will become cloudy and a great breeding ground for algae and bacteria.

Sand Filter - Sand filter is a tank full of sand that connects to your filter system. The water will go through the tank full of sand, and this is where the unwanted debris and other contaminated particles are filtered so that it will not return to the pool. In this filter, you need to backwash it when the pressure on the gauge reaches 5-10 psi. It takes 1 to 4 weeks to do it. But remember to never over backwash to avoid removing enough chemicals needed for the pool.
Cartridge Filter - Cartridge filter uses cloth-type material in filtering. Water passes and runs through the filter and returns to the pool in a clean and clear condition. Cleaning this filter is usually done every month as part of the maintenance. When cleaning, you need to remove the cartridge from the canister remove the dirt by spraying it with a hose, and when deep cleaning, you need to brush it and soak it in a cleaning solution for an hour and then wash it again. Cartridge replacement is every 3 to 4 years.
DE Filter - DE filter or Diatomaceous Earth is compact and filters out the small particles compare to the 2 types of filters. It needs fresh DE powder. The suggested replacement is every 2 to 3 years and it should be cleaned up every 6 months. Just ask your local pool service for more details!

4 Common Signs You Should Replace Your Pool Liner

Tue, 09 Aug 2022 17:28:28 GMT

The common signs that you need to replace the pool liner

A swimming pool works great for the first few years of using it, but when you don’t know how to maintain its good working condition that is the time that you will end up having issues and overspending just to fix it. When your swimming pool is always in use because of your kids or of a frequent pool parties, then it is time for you to have someone who can do weekly pool maintenance to ensure that you won’t face the same issues again in the future.

When you are using a vinyl pool liner, it needs more maintenance because the expected lifespan of this typical type of vinyl lasts for about 10 to 15 years only. And there are many reasons why some don’t reach that expected years, one of those reasons is that ground water issues that could affect the pool’s balance while the other one is that the liner is not correctly installed. Pool liner repairs are no small task either.

Common signs that you need to change the pool liner

As an owner, it is a must that you should conduct proper weekly maintenance to ensure that it is working well, and to avoid big problems in the future. Through that, you will notice some of these four signs if your pool liner needs some replacement.

1. Faded and Stained - The vinyl pool liner will surely fade as years go by, and that is because of too much exposure to the heat of the sun and all those chemicals used to condition the pool’s water.

2. Leaked - It is normal to have leaks when you have been using that vinyl pool liner for many years. You can extend its lifespan if you know exactly which part is the leak so that you or the pool service contractor can fix it. But failure to do so means it needs to be removed and install a new one to prevent any corrosion to the sand underneath.

3. Cracked and Tore - A regular inspection is important to be fully aware of what is the current condition of the pool, it is also to avoid accidents and spending more money trying to fix major damage. A vinyl pool liner will normally deteriorate as time goes by because of the chemicals we put into our pool that remove dirt and bacteria, also the heat of the sun has its contributes to why it happens. If there are cracks, you need to keep checking the water level.

4. Wrinkled, Slipped, and Stretched - This is a result of the vinyl losing its elasticity, or not being installed well plus it was stretched too much.

Be sure to contact a professional to help with pool liner issues. This is something that can often trick a DIYer into thinking they can handle. Sometimes it's just best to hire a professional pool contractor like us to help. See more about us and our swimming pool services with Chandler Pool Service Pro .

How do I correct bad chlorine or pH balance?

Thu, 04 Aug 2022 19:24:11 GMT

The correct level of chlorine or pH balance for your swimming pool

Owning a swimming pool can be very exciting at first because you are like bringing the fun and relaxing vibe of a resort to the comfort of your home. But you need to be responsible enough to maintain it so that there will be no issues and everyone will fully enjoy it. And one way of dealing with pool maintenance is to put chlorine on it to clean and kill those unwanted bacteria that are in the water.

But since we are not an expert on that matter, the majority of us experienced putting too much chlorine to ensure that it is crystal clear without knowing if it is safe for everyone to dive in. But, why are some people making this a big deal? Is adding too much chlorine to a swimming pool can bring danger to our health? How should we fix it?

The danger of too much chlorine

Liquid or sold chlorine is dangerous for humans. Excessive exposure can cause pulmonary congestion, a condition of an extreme buildup of liquid in the lungs that results to having difficulty of breathing. It can also cause skin and eye irritation, coughing, asthma, and other body pains. Not only bad for your health, but your swimming pool as well. The high presence of chlorine can make the water acidic, and the pH won't be at the right amount of level. Acid water can lead to corrosion which can bring problems to the piping and other pool accessories.

You can not just detect a high chlorine level through your sense of smelling and feeling, because you need an accurate detection tool like a chlorine test to ensure that it is safe to use the pool. If you have an uncovered pool, it is best to run a chlorine test every day.

How do I correct bad chlorine or pH balance?

Get a chlorine test kit to determine the chlorine level in your pool water. If the result is too high, you need to fix it through the different options below. And if it is just slightly high, you just need to wait for a couple of hours to use the pool.

Option ＃1 - Stop adding chlorine. Turn off the chlorinator, and if you're using a tablet or floater, take it out from your pool. But if the chlorine level is just slightly high, that dirt, debris, and other stuff will fix it for you.

Option ＃2 - Add a neutralizing chemical. If you’re throwing a pool party and need to quickly correct the chlorine level, add in the chlorine neutralizer chemical. The common ones that most people use are Sodium Thiosulfate and Sodium Sulfite. Always follow the instructions carefully, and check the pH level as well.

Option ＃3 - Let the sunshine in. Uncovering your pool for about 2-3 hours while monitoring it is a natural process of lessening the chlorine level of your pool.

Option ＃4 - Water replacement. If you will choose this option, make sure you will test all the levels of pH, alkalinity, and other chemical needed in the water.

How Often Should You Backwash A Pool With Algae?

Fri, 29 Jul 2022 09:27:19 GMT

How many times do we backwash a swimming pool with algae?

It is great to have a swimming pool in the comfort of your own home, especially during hot days when you need to cool down. It will help you relax and enjoy even in the heat of the summer. But you need to follow regular pool maintenance so that you will have it for long years and won’t cause health problems to those who love to dive in.

One of the pool owner’s problems is the rapid growth of algae when not maintained. We have to admit that there are times that we can’t regularly take care of it, especially when we are also busy with work and family. That is the reason why we need to hire a reliable pool maintenance company to ensure that the water is safe for everyone to use because we can’t afford to put our family’s health at risk just for single enjoyment. And not having regular maintenance will result in more expenses in the future.

What is backwashing?

It is a term used when cleaning the filter of the swimming pool. This method makes a reverse flow of water through its filter system to remove all the debris and any build-up contamination that make the water dirty and could cause health problems to anyone who will swim in it.

How many times do we backwash a swimming pool with algae?

The number of times that you need to backwash depends on how efficient the filtration system that you chose, how often you use the pool , and the pool’s position. Yes, the position is important, and it should be away from any tree to avoid being contaminated by those fallen leaves. Maintaining the condition of the pool involves backwashing about once a week or during its scheduled maintenance.

And for those pools that have rapid growth of algae, it is advisable to run the filter 24 hours a day and perform the backwashing method for 3 or 4 times a day to achieve a fast result. Those green algae that make the water cloudy and dirty will surely stuck in the filter. That is why we need to backwash it many times to make the water clear and clean.

What Do Phosphates Look Like In A Pool?

Tue, 26 Jul 2022 14:22:05 GMT

What are phosphates like in a pool?

Swimming is a relaxing and fun activity during summer or in a hot place like Arizona. It is one of the great ways to survive in the stressful heat of the sun. Most people love to go to water resorts, while others just enjoy it in the comfort of their own private swimming pool to have more privacy and be away from the crowd.

But as an owner, it is our responsibility to ensure that our family or any guests that will swim in our pool will be safe and secure. Not just making sure that no one will get drowned, but maintaining a good quality of water to avoid health problems. That is why it is necessary to avail of a pool cleaning service every week if possible because they are experts in taking deep care of every pool.

Yes, we can clean it by ourselves, but it is different when the one who will do it has all the equipment and years of experience. In that way, we are assured that it is really clean and the water has been monitored to be safe for everyone’s health.

The swimming pool water should be tested every week to avoid growing organisms that we never want to be on it. When the water becomes cloudy and green, that is an indication that the phosphate level is too high. Having a high level of phosphate can increase the growth of algae which can lead to difficulty in maintaining a good water conditions and expensive maintenance.

It is necessary to cover the swimming pool when not in use because these phosphates are from the dead leaves that fall from the tree or are blown by the wind, fertilizer from your lawn, and some other many sources that contribute to making the level of phosphate goes higher. Removing them is impossible to do, and covering the pool has no assurance of not having them in your water. However, the goal is to maintain a low level of phosphate so that the algae won’t grow and the water will not become cloudy green but crystal clear.

Why Weekly Pool Service Is Important?

Thu, 21 Jul 2022 18:37:57 GMT

The importance of having pool service weekly

Everyone loves to have their own swimming pool, especially during a hot summer in Arizona weather. It can help you feel relief from the hot sun rays, feel relaxed, save money from going to some expensive resort just to have fun, and you can even have outdoor fun gatherings anytime you want. But without proper maintenance, it can lead to disappointment and spending out of budget.

Having a swimming pool also means a responsibility to take care of it to avoid the worst issues in the future and not be able to enjoy its purposes which we never want to happen. Proper maintenance is what a pool service does. It needs time and money because it may have a lot of things to take care of.

We need to make sure that our swimming pool is safe and clean for everyone to use because it is the responsibility and obligation of every owner. We need to learn how to maintain making it in good condition by taking care of it regularly. Failure to do so will face an expensive consequence.

One of the common problems of pool owners is that it is situated near some trees. And most of its leaves fall and create some damage to its filtration system sometimes. And the other one is that the water will easily turn green which is the effect of the improper chemical balance of the water in the pool due to the hot weather.

Things to remember to keep the pool clean all the time:

pH value - We should always measure the swimming pool’s pH value to ensure that it is safe for everyone because having a high pH value can be unhealthy for everyone’s eyes and skin, while a low pH value is not good for your skin and health. The right pH level is between 7.2 and 7.6.

Pool cover - When not in use, it is very important to cover the swimming pool to avoid making it dirty but some falling leaves, insects, or other unseen dirt.

Water care - It is safe to use tap water when filling the pool because it does not contain any minerals that can lead to discoloration when mixed with chlorine . And when putting some chlorine, it should be with proper caution and always follow its directions because it can damage anyone’s health.

Chlorine Vs Shock For Your Pool

Tue, 12 Jul 2022 20:57:03 GMT

What's The Difference Between Shock and Chlorine ?

This is a very common question we get asked as a professional pool service here in Arizona . So let's break down the main difference between adding chlorine to your pool and adding "shock" to it. They are distinct and perform different functions for your pool.

Chlorine is a moderate sanitizing agent that is necessary to keep your pool healthy and clear blue and can be used regularly. Shock is a label for a "high dose" of chlorine that is literally meant to "shock" your pool to rapidly raise the chlorine levels.

Chlorine tablets help maintain a regular level of chlorine in the pool. They are often added via the chlorinator, the floater or the skimmer basket.

Do I Need To Use Both Shock and Chlorine?

You do not need to use both chlorine tablets an d shock at the same time. They are meant to work in harmony as alternative treatments to keep your pool healthy. Shock is a short term burst of chlorine but will dissipate in the pool quickly. Chlorine tablets help maintain the higher levels of chlorine boosted from the shock to keep the pool healthy and blue.

Without shock, tablets might not have enough power to raise the chlorine levels in the pool to keep it sanitized.

We recommend using shock in your pool every 2-3 weeks depending on your climate. Hotter places should use it more often as bacteria can grow faster in warmer climates. Also, if you and your family use the pool frequently, you might need to shock more often. Use tablets in between with the aim to keep your chlorine level of the pool between 1 and 3 PPM (parts per million). A regular pool maintenance company can also help with that.

Is Shock The Same Thing As Chlorine?

Essentiall y yes, shock and chlorine are the same thing - just in different concentrations. Shock is a much higher dose of your regular chlorine tablets and is designed to "shock" your pool and quickly increase the overall chlorine levels. Shock goes by different brand names, but each brand should effectively be the same concept of just a more concentrated form of chlorine.

My Pool Is Cloudy. How Do I Clear It Up?

The first thing you should test is whether it's green algae or not. Algae often grows in hot weather or if a pool is running low on chlorine. If you feel slimy residue on the walls or see growth, there's a good chance it's algae and you need to do a full green pool cleanup process.

To clean up from algae, add algaecide or shock to your pool in a high dosage and run your pool filter continuously until the algae dies and the pool clears up. After you're confident the algae is dead, vacuum the pool to remove any lingering remains from the algae and you should be good to go.

If you don't see algae or feel slimy residue, it might be something else causing the cloudiness in your pool.

If you've ruled out algae, there's two other main causes for cloudy water: a filtering issue or chemical imbalance in the water.

First, check for water imbalance either with an at-home test kit or by bringing a sample of your water to a pool supply company. They can often check the water quality right on site to determine if it's properly balanced. If it is balanced, try adding a clarifier or flocculent to your pool. These items will coagulate any particles in your pool and sink them to the bottom where you can vacuum them out. Continue running your filter until it clears up.

If treating the water does not solve the problem, you may have a filtering issue. Backwash your sand or DE filter; rinse the cartridge of your cartridge filter. If you have a sand filter, make sure to change the sand every 3 to 5 years. If you have a DE filter, try rinsing the fingers or grids with a filter solution and changing the DE powder.

My Pool Water Is Green And Doesn't Clear Up With Shock. Now What?

If somehow you've gone through everything else and still the water is green, you may have a metals problem. If the water is lime green, does not improve with shock, or gets worse after shocking, you likely have metals in your pool water. The most common metals are copper and iron (but can vary depending on your location) and especially common near areas with well water. Chlorine oxidizes the metals, turning the water green, and sometimes staining the pool walls and floor. Bring a water sample to your local pool supply company and ask to have it tested for metals. If metals are present in your water, ask for a metal removing agent. You should also refrain from further shocking until the metal problem is resolved.

How Long After Adding Chemicals Can You Swim?

Products like pH Up, Alkalinity Balance, pH down, Calcium Balance, Water Stabilizer, and clarifier are all swim-safe chemicals which means you can swim almost immediately after adding (recommended time is about 20 minutes).

Other chemicals like algaecide, Super Erace, and shock should be added at night when everyone is done swimming for the day. The pool will be fully ready to use the next day.

Chandler Pool Service Blog

When Should You Acid Wash Your Pool?

When is it necessary to acid wash the pool?

How To Keep Birds Out Of Your Pool?

Things to do to keep birds out of your pool

Common pool plaster issues

What are the common pool plaster issues?

How often should a pool filter be cleaned?

How many times should we clean our pool filter?

4 Common Signs You Should Replace Your Pool Liner

The common signs that you need to replace the pool liner

How do I correct bad chlorine or pH balance?

The correct level of chlorine or pH balance for your swimming pool

How Often Should You Backwash A Pool With Algae?

How many times do we backwash a swimming pool with algae?

What Do Phosphates Look Like In A Pool?

What are phosphates like in a pool?

Why Weekly Pool Service Is Important?

The importance of having pool service weekly ﻿

Chlorine Vs Shock For Your Pool

What's The Difference Between Shock and Chlorine ?

Do I Need To Use Both Shock and Chlorine?

Is Shock The Same Thing As Chlorine?

My Pool Is Cloudy. How Do I Clear It Up?

My Pool Water Is Green And Doesn't Clear Up With Shock. Now What?

How Long After Adding Chemicals Can You Swim?

The importance of having pool service weekly