Even if you don't have the time to take care of your own pool/spa needs, we want you to be as knowledgeable as possible about a few things. This helps you to understand why we make certain recommendations for your pool maintenance.
The following information is provided based on years of experience. We encourage you to learn as much as you want about the performance and care of your pool/spa and its equipment. We enjoy teaching our customers about one of the most expensive sources of enjoyment at your home.
Explaining to those of you who are interested in how the equipment valves work, the flow of water through the plumbing, how we test and balance the water chemistry, and many other factors involved in pool/spa service is one of the fun things about what we do.
The following information is provided based on years of experience. We encourage you to learn as much as you want about the performance and care of your pool/spa and its equipment. We enjoy teaching our customers about one of the most expensive sources of enjoyment at your home.
Explaining to those of you who are interested in how the equipment valves work, the flow of water through the plumbing, how we test and balance the water chemistry, and many other factors involved in pool/spa service is one of the fun things about what we do.
Swimming Pool Tips
-- During high winds empty your skimmer baskets. A lot of stuff blows into pools including plastic bags, which can break a skimmer basket and cause blockage to the pool pump.
-- Be sure your actuator valves, which directs the water where to go (manual or automatic), are at the correct positions to get the optimal flow to and from the pool and spa.
-- Keep your pool filters maintained properly. Dirty pool filters can cause havoc and damage your pool system. Based on manufacturers statements, the recommended service life of filter cartridges is 18-24 months. Timely replacement of cartridges will keep your pool water properly filtered to remove any unwanted particulate in the water. We will track the life of your filter cartridges and let you know when it is time they should be replaced.
-- Make sure your side gate and any gate to the pool is self-closing. Be safe, not sorry.
-- Protect children against access to pool or spa equipment. Turning a valve, touching electrical wires or a hot pool motor can cause serious injury or worse. Keep kids clear of the pool equipment.
-- Always turn off electrical circuits at the panel before repairing or servicing pool equipment.
-- Always have a good working pressure gauge on your pool filter tank. Every pool system is different, so there is no standard reading for every filter tank. High pressure is dangerous.
-- Check your pool equipment for air leaks. Air bubbles being discharged through the return fittings is a sign of air leaking into the system. Air accumulating in the filter system could cause serious injury or damage if not relieved properly. Leaks only get worse.
Avoid These Common Pool Mistakes
Relaxing in your pool during a hot summer day, playing water sports with the kids, and inviting friends over for pool parties are just a few of the fun activities your pool provides each year. If you've already had your pool a few seasons, you know it's important to maintain regular swimming pool service. Whether you take care of the pool yourself or have hired a pool service, maintaining a routine schedule of cleaning and water testing will save you money in the long run.
Here are some common problems which cause unnecessary and sometimes costly repairs:
-- Not running the pool pump enough. There's no denying that a backyard swimming pool will increase the cost of your utilities. But there are a variety of ways to reduce your electricity and water costs when you have a pool. Trying to save on the electric bill by not running your pool equipment will cost you more in the long run.
** In the Winter time, when fewer chemicals are needed, you can run the pool equipment from 4 - 6 hours a day. We recommend that you run it in the coldest part of the night to circulate the water to keep pipes from potentially freezing. WHAT? you ask..... it doesn't get that cold in Las Vegas..... Yes, it does. We have been here since August 1990 and in Dec/Jan '90/'91, the week between Christmas and New Years the daily temps did not rise over 17 degrees. We had MANY broken water lines, burned out motors, and pool heater pipes that had to be replaced. Granted, we haven't had a winter that cold again since that time, but the potential is there, so it's best to be overly prepared by keeping the water circulating when there is the danger of freezing temps.
** In the Summer time, when the temperature rises over 100 degrees and tends to stay there for weeks, it is best to run your pool equipment no less than 8 - 10 hours a day. With the pool generally being used more often in the Summer and with daily evaporation of water, more chemicals (namely chlorine) will burn out of the pool more rapidly. If you find that your pool is growing more algae than usual this is typically the main reason.
-- Inviting the neighborhood kids over for the afternoon creates a fun and boisterous atmosphere in the backyard, but your pool probably can't handle big pool parties every day. With each extra swimmer in your pool, you need to use more chemicals to keep the water balanced and clear.
If you're enjoying your swimming pool with friends this season, consider letting your pool service know. They can help you get the level of chemicals in your pool at the correct level for optimum clarity.
-- If your pool develops a chemical imbalance and you find you need to use an algaecide to clear the water, you'll need to adjust our chlorine levels to compensate. A good rule of thumb is to increase the chlorine level prior to adding the algaecide to maintain enough chlorine post-application.
Pool care mistakes are common because they are not immediately obvious to the average pool owner. You've budgeted the cost of your backyard pool, but don't forget to budget time to learn about caring for it, too. Eagle Pool Service can help you..... just ask. (CONTACT US)
-- During high winds empty your skimmer baskets. A lot of stuff blows into pools including plastic bags, which can break a skimmer basket and cause blockage to the pool pump.
-- Be sure your actuator valves, which directs the water where to go (manual or automatic), are at the correct positions to get the optimal flow to and from the pool and spa.
-- Keep your pool filters maintained properly. Dirty pool filters can cause havoc and damage your pool system. Based on manufacturers statements, the recommended service life of filter cartridges is 18-24 months. Timely replacement of cartridges will keep your pool water properly filtered to remove any unwanted particulate in the water. We will track the life of your filter cartridges and let you know when it is time they should be replaced.
-- Make sure your side gate and any gate to the pool is self-closing. Be safe, not sorry.
-- Protect children against access to pool or spa equipment. Turning a valve, touching electrical wires or a hot pool motor can cause serious injury or worse. Keep kids clear of the pool equipment.
-- Always turn off electrical circuits at the panel before repairing or servicing pool equipment.
-- Always have a good working pressure gauge on your pool filter tank. Every pool system is different, so there is no standard reading for every filter tank. High pressure is dangerous.
-- Check your pool equipment for air leaks. Air bubbles being discharged through the return fittings is a sign of air leaking into the system. Air accumulating in the filter system could cause serious injury or damage if not relieved properly. Leaks only get worse.
Avoid These Common Pool Mistakes
Relaxing in your pool during a hot summer day, playing water sports with the kids, and inviting friends over for pool parties are just a few of the fun activities your pool provides each year. If you've already had your pool a few seasons, you know it's important to maintain regular swimming pool service. Whether you take care of the pool yourself or have hired a pool service, maintaining a routine schedule of cleaning and water testing will save you money in the long run.
Here are some common problems which cause unnecessary and sometimes costly repairs:
-- Not running the pool pump enough. There's no denying that a backyard swimming pool will increase the cost of your utilities. But there are a variety of ways to reduce your electricity and water costs when you have a pool. Trying to save on the electric bill by not running your pool equipment will cost you more in the long run.
** In the Winter time, when fewer chemicals are needed, you can run the pool equipment from 4 - 6 hours a day. We recommend that you run it in the coldest part of the night to circulate the water to keep pipes from potentially freezing. WHAT? you ask..... it doesn't get that cold in Las Vegas..... Yes, it does. We have been here since August 1990 and in Dec/Jan '90/'91, the week between Christmas and New Years the daily temps did not rise over 17 degrees. We had MANY broken water lines, burned out motors, and pool heater pipes that had to be replaced. Granted, we haven't had a winter that cold again since that time, but the potential is there, so it's best to be overly prepared by keeping the water circulating when there is the danger of freezing temps.
** In the Summer time, when the temperature rises over 100 degrees and tends to stay there for weeks, it is best to run your pool equipment no less than 8 - 10 hours a day. With the pool generally being used more often in the Summer and with daily evaporation of water, more chemicals (namely chlorine) will burn out of the pool more rapidly. If you find that your pool is growing more algae than usual this is typically the main reason.
-- Inviting the neighborhood kids over for the afternoon creates a fun and boisterous atmosphere in the backyard, but your pool probably can't handle big pool parties every day. With each extra swimmer in your pool, you need to use more chemicals to keep the water balanced and clear.
If you're enjoying your swimming pool with friends this season, consider letting your pool service know. They can help you get the level of chemicals in your pool at the correct level for optimum clarity.
-- If your pool develops a chemical imbalance and you find you need to use an algaecide to clear the water, you'll need to adjust our chlorine levels to compensate. A good rule of thumb is to increase the chlorine level prior to adding the algaecide to maintain enough chlorine post-application.
Pool care mistakes are common because they are not immediately obvious to the average pool owner. You've budgeted the cost of your backyard pool, but don't forget to budget time to learn about caring for it, too. Eagle Pool Service can help you..... just ask. (CONTACT US)