Tag Archives: pool maintenance

Pool Maintenance Services in Waterloo

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More on Pool Maintenance Services in Waterloo

 

Owning a swimming pool is one dream that most homeowners find really alluring. Nevertheless, it is worth noting that only pool maintenance services in Waterloo can increase the longevity of your pool. At the same time, keeping your pool sanitized will keep away illnesses that may arise as a result of filth accumulation in the pool. Learn below some of the widespread predicaments that require expert pool maintenance services.

 

 

Pool Maintenance Services in Waterloo

 

It is common for pools to accumulate dirt and debris since they are out in the open. For this reason, regular skimming of the water surface to remove any unwanted matter is necessary. If left untouched, leaves, small insects and even twigs that enter the pool may lead to clogging of drainage pipes. Unfortunately, clogged drainage pipes and circulation pumps can cause further damage to other fundamental pool components.

 

 

Leaking Pumps – Pool Maintenance Services in Waterloo

 

Leaking pumps can never perform to the expected levels. Leaks that emerge in between the pump and the motor are mostly as a result of a broken seal. This is always rectified by having an expert replace the old seal with a new one. This is necessary if the motors are to continue functioning well so that the water level in your pool remains at an acceptable depth.

 

 

Chemical Balancing – Pool Maintenance Services in Waterloo

 

 

Chemical balancing is a very essential treatment that should be done to a swimming pool. Since most homeowners are not experts in this area, it is better left for experts.

A professional can easily determine the best water balance in relation to the acidity and alkalinity of pool water. Many factors influence water balance including cosmetics that individuals wear. With proper pool maintenance services in Waterloo however, your pool water will forever remain impartial.

 

Leaking Pools – Pool Maintenance Services in Waterloo

 

Leaking pools are somehow complicated to detect more so to someone who is not an expert. With the right pieces of equipment though, the leak can be detected and stopped in proper time. Some common areas where the leaks emanate from include the backwash line, suction line or the tile lines. The good news however, is that there are proper tests that can be done in order to locate the leaking point so that it is repaired promptly.

 

Pool maintenance services in Waterloo can help homeowners get the most out of their swimming pools. It is advisable that you approach an expert whenever you notice any tricky situation in your pool. This can help you fix smaller problems that may trigger off major ones that can be more costly to repair.

5 Ways To Handle Hot Tub Maintenance in Waterloo

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5 Ways To Ensure Hot Tub Maintenance in Waterloo

 

Owning your own hot tub is a dream of many, and a great investment. It provides a place to relax and to entertain family and friends, while being able to enjoy each other’s company. However, like most of other best things in life, there is always some work involved. The thought of having to regularly maintain a hot tub, often scare many. This is where hot tub maintenance in Waterloo comes in. Understanding how to best maintain your hot tub means that it will stay in good condition for years to come and remain healthy while you use it. Learning a few basic steps for hot tub care and contacting a professional for concerns beyond your level of knowledge will guarantee a good time.

1) To keep your hot tub safe and clean, check the chlorine levels regularly. This measure also applies if you use another sanitizing solution such as Bromine. Hot tubs, however therapeutic and relaxing, do pose some serious health hazards if infected with bacteria and fungi. Hot tub maintenance in Waterloo make use of sell test kits, which you can acquire and use them to check and tune the levels of disinfectants. A bromine dispenser allows you to dispense the right amount of bromine into your hot tub for sanitation.

2) Changing the water as needed is another cheap yet powerful measure. This practice varies depending on how often your tub is used. Professional suggests changing the water after every three months on average to minimize any chance of the hot tub becoming a breeding ground of harmful micro-organisms responsible for Recreational Water Illnesses (RWIs).

3) Maintaining your hot tub filter clean is a crucial method to help in keeping the water clear, clean and safe. Again, depending on how often your hot tub is used, your hot tub filter should be thoroughly cleaned on average once a month to get rid of trappings which include hair, dirt, leaves etc. Mineral residue from the hot tub’s water may start coating the inside of the jets and reduce its pressure. You can use a special quick filter rinse cleaning agent to keep your filter in good form and looking brand-new for up to one year. Experts from hot tub maintenance in Waterloo suggest replacing the filter yearly to maintain high efficiency.

4) Purchase high quality chemicals to keep your water clear and clean. Chemicals such as scum and spa bright help in maintaining the water crystal clear by removing excess foam from the surface and can be used on weekly basis. Avoiding use of bargain chemicals is a wise thing since they are not only meant for your hot tub but also for your own body and you want the very best.

5) Invest in a quality cover to protect your water from becoming dirtied. Hot tub covers also help in keeping the heat inside thus saving money. Finding a cover that is made particularly for your hot tub and adopting the use of energy saving heating mode such as economy mode will save on your electric bill.

These New Home Pools in Waterloo Will Inspire You

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These New Home Pools in Waterloo Will Inspire You

 

When you want to install a new spa for your home, as a home owner, you not only want the finest new home pools in Waterloo, you want Pro Pool & Spa to install it once you decide on the ideal spa for your home. It does not matter if you want a spa that can seat 4, or 20 people, there are so many options available to you today; and, when you purchase the new home pool, you have to be sure it is properly installed in the home as well.

 

Professional Installers For Home Pools in Waterloo

When having the home pool installed, home owners have to work with professional installation companies. You have to find the company that has experience, and has been in the industry of installation work for many years. This is not only a guarantee that they can install any new home pool you purchase, it is also an indicator that they have the most highly trained staff and personnel, to come to your home, and properly install the new system wherever you want it to be installed.

 

Professional Grade Equipment  For Home Pools in Waterloo

From the pumps required to keep the spa functioning, to the equipment required to install it outside at the home, you have to make sure the installation company that you hire, is in the business. If possible, you should hire a company that specializes in hot tub installation, and has experience in this type of work. It will result in them being able to install any new home pool, and it will also result in them being able to complete the job in a shorter time than other installation companies.

 

Location and Professional Installation For Home Pools in Waterloo

In some instances, the home pool can’t be installed in certain areas of the home. If there is a problem running the pump, or other required pieces for the pool to work, an installation tech has to be aware of these issues. For this reason, the home owner has to hire the company that specializes in installation, to ensure the techs that come to the home, know everything about the installation process. You want to not only enjoy the new home pool, you also want to know that it is safe for you, family, and friends to enjoy as well. So, you have to hire the installation company that employs the most knowledgeable techs, to come to your home, and determine the best spot for installation of the new home pool you purchase.

With several companies to purchase the home pool from, and with several installation techs to choose from, home owners have to learn as much as possible, prior to deciding on the ones they are going to hire. When you take the time to find the best installation techs to come to your home, not only will they properly install the new home pools in Waterloo, they will also guarantee the services that they do, and guarantee the functionality of the home pool, once it is installed anywhere you choose at your home.

7 Easy Steps for Hot Tub Installation in Waterloo

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7 Easy Steps for Hot Tub Installation in Waterloo

 

 

A home spa is the ultimate touch of comfort and luxury to any household. Just imagine coming back from work to relax in your own personal hot tub. Take a first step in building your home spa with a hot tub installation in Waterloo. In this article we tell you how to get your hot tub installed step-by-step:

 

 

Step-by-Step Hot Tub Installation in Waterloo

 

 

1. Decide on the type of home spa you want

 
The first step in installing your hot tub at home is to think about the type of home spa you would like to have.

 

Here are some questions to get you started:

 

  • Do you want an indoor or outdoor spa?
  • Do you want a specific place in the home for the spa, or will it be part of your bathroom?
  • What kind of temperature do you need for your hot tub?
  • This is especially relevant if you want your hot tub to be outside, as it is important to consider if the environment is warm enough
  • Will you be able to use it in winter?

 

 

Once you thought about these questions, you are ready to move on to step 2.

 

 

2. Ensure you have space in the home
The average home hot tub is between 6′ to 8′, but you can get customized sizes. Therefore, as a hot tub is not any ordinary addition to the house, it is important to first ensure you have space. Step 1 helped you to decide where you want to place the hot tub, so now you can take some measurements and see how it all fits in.

 

 

3. Find a hot tub that you like
There are hot tubs in different sizes, shapes and colours, for you to choose whichever best fits your taste. Some of the most spacious hot tubs are the square and circular ones, but if you need to fit it in a corner, you may want to consider a triangular shape. You can also choose the design of your hot tub and any additional features such as lightening, music and covers.

 

 

4. Buy and install your hot tub
Now that you are all set, you are ready to buy your hot tub and install it. You can get it delivered at home and installed by a professional, to avoid any errors in the set-up process and future problems with your product. The hot tub installation in Waterloo usually follows these steps:

  • Preparing the location and foundation of the hot tub
  • Positioning the hot tub on its foundation
  • Assembling the hot tub and connecting it to the electrical supply
  • Preparing the hot tub for use

With professional help, this process is straight forward.

 

 

5. Learn how to operate the hot tub

 

  • It is very important that you understand how to operate the hot tub safely and efficiently. Here are a few points to consider:
    How to clean the hot tub
  • What to do in case of electrical failure
  • How to operate any additional features the hot tub has (lightening, music, etc.)

 

 

6. Be prepared where to go in case you need repair services

 

Now that you have your hot tube ready, avoid any future headache by finding out what to do in case something goes wrong. Whether you have warranty or you need to look for repair services in Waterloo, do ensure that when something goes wrong, you know exactly what to do.
7. Enjoy your hot tub!
Your hot tub installation in Waterloo is now complete and you are ready to sit back, relax, and enjoy a bubbly experience. Change into your favourite swim wear, comfy slippers and a gown, and enjoy an indulging experience in your home spa.

Who To Hire – New Pool Installation in Waterloo

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Who To Hire – New Pool Installation in Waterloo

 

 

If you are getting ready to have a new pool installed in your home, it is important to find the right local pool installation in Waterloo company to do the job. Not only will a reliable company guarantee the quality of their services, when you hire the right company, you will also learn that they are licensed and certified to do the installation work at your home. This is a guarantee that they will use the best materials, the best design plans, and that the installers have to meet a certain standard of quality, prior to being able to do the work at your home.

Depending on the design, the size of the pool, and the type of features you want, a great pool installation in Waterloo company will help in building the perfect pool for your home. Based on the size and layout of your yard, the installers will come up with a design plan that fits the space, will look good, and will provide the hours of enjoyment you want, for a hot summer afternoon with the family. From the materials of the floor and siding, to the size and shape of the pool, when you hire the best pool installation in Waterloo company, you can rely on their judgement and design ideas.

If you want special features, such as a waterfall, or other technical or aesthetic design features, the best local installation team will also be able to include these in the design, for an affordable price. As a home owner, you have to consider the cost, and the desired use of the pool; when you work with a great installation company, not only are they going to present you with the ideal design, they are also going to provide you an honest assessment of the work, as well as an affordable price for the work they do when installing your new pool.

You should find a local pool installation in Waterloo company that is well known in the local community, has been doing work there for many years, and has a great reputation for the work they do in the community. When you compare a few installation companies, and do some research about the quality of their work, it is going to be much easier for you to eventually find the most qualified company, as well as the one that you feel most comfortable with, when you are ready to have the new pool installed at your home.

If you have an empty space in the yard, and would love to make use of it, a new pool is a great idea for many home owners to consider. But, before digging up a hole in the ground and installing one, you have to contract the best local installation company for the job. No matter what you want completed, or what design details you are interested in, when you hire the right company to do the work, they will not only provide the ideal design, they will also guarantee the quality of their services.

The Most Absolute Bucket Test for Leaks

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The Most Absolute Bucket Test for Leaks

 

The following information comes from “Canadian Leak Detection”

Use the following steps to determine if your pool is leaking

  1. Bring the pool water to normal level. Fill a 5-gallon bucket with pool water to about five inches from the top.
  2. Place the bucket on the first or second step of the pool. Ensure the bucket is immersed in the pool at least 5 inches.
  3. Mark the water level inside the bucket.
  4. Shut off the pump and mark pool water level on the outside of the bucket.
  5. Resume normal pool pump operation.
  6. After 24 hours, compare the two water levels. If the pool water (outside the mark) goes down more than the bucket’s water level, there is probably a leak. If levels are the same, only evaporation has occurred.

In case of rain, repeat the bucket test. During a summer day, expect water loss from normal evaporation. Test is invalid after 24 hours.

 

Typical evaporation

A quarter inch of water loss per day is most likely evaporation. The evaporation rate in your area will depend on humidity, sunlight intensity, barometric pressure, wind and the level of activity in the pool or spa.

After the bucket test is completed, use the pool leak calculator to determine how many gallons you’re losing in a 24-hour period, an hour, and even per minute.

 

Do You Sustain Pool Balance With Vital Equilibrium of Chemicals?

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Do You Sustain Pool Balance With Vital Equilibrium of Chemicals?

 

 

Maintaining the chemical balance of the water is probably the single most important part of keeping a healthy pool. Unbalanced pool water will wear down your equipment, solar blanket and pool cover.

To maintain proper water balance, you will need to test for the following:

  • Total alkalinity / pH balance
  • Calcium hardness
  • Sanitizer

 

Importance of Pool Balance is Directly Related to the pH Balance

 

 

pH is a measure of how acidic a solution is.  It is measured on a scale from acidic (1)  to the basic or alkaline (14). The pH level of pool water varies widely from 6.8 to 8.4, but the water feels most comfortable against the skin in the 7.4 to 7.6 range. ( The human eye has a pH of 7.5 ).

Generally if the pH is less then 7 it is considered corrosive. Above 8 it is too alkaline and likely to cause scaling.

Salt systems don’t preclude the need to test pH so continue to test even if you have one of these systems in place.

You can test the level of pH by one of 2 methods using :

  • a pH volt meter, or
  • an organic mildly acidic dye such as phenol red.

The results of a pH meter are straightforward. They are a measure of voltage generated between two electrodes.

 

Analyzing phenol red strips is more difficult. The dye changes colour depending on whether the water is more or less acidic.  It turns orange and then yellow as the level of acidity goes up. The strip is then compared to a graduated scale that shows what pH level each colour represents. However it is possible to misread the colours depending on lighting. For the best results, you should make your comparison in bright natural light.

You should also be aware that at the extremes, the colours stop changing. So if the pH level of the pool water is lower than 6.8 it will register the same as a pH of 6.8.

Finally, chlorine can make the phenol red dye turn purple, so if the chemical balance of the pool is off, the pH test results may be impossible to read.

  • Note: If the pH is too low, the sanitizer in your water will dissipate quickly.

Total Alkalinity is Directly linked with your Pool Balance

 

Total alkalinity (TA) measures the resistance of pH to change. Its a good indicator of how corrosive the water is. Getting the balance wrong can lead to increased deposits of scale.

You can test the TA with a titration of sulfuric acid and an acid-base indicator such as bromocresol green and methyl red. When the indicator is added to a water sample, the water normally turns green. As the sulfuric acid titrant is added, the pH level drops (becomes more acidic) and the water turns red.

Chlorine in the water can bleach out the methyl red, leaving only the bromocresol green and causing a false reading. In that case, the bromocresol green should turn blue and shift to yellow as the sulfuric acid is added.

Cyanuric acid in the water can also falsify the reading, making the water appear too alkaline.

 

Adjusting pH and TA to Ensure Pool Balance

 

You can raise the level of your pH and the TA by adding a pH increaser (TA plus) such as sodium carbonate

Lower the levels with a pH decreaser (TA minus) such as sodium bisulfate.

  • Note: If your TA level is  very high, you may need to use muriatic acid to lower it. Caution should be used as this chemical is very dangerous and can damage pool liners, metal and plaster.

Calcium Hardness Affects Your Pool Balance

 

Water contains calcium. When calcium levels are low, water draws calcium from its environment leading to corrosion of metal surfaces and pitting of concrete walls. When calcium levels are high, the calcium precipitates out, leaving hard deposits of calcium carbonate or scaling. Either way, the effect can be extensive damage.

The proper amount of calcium varies from  175 to 400 ppm.

The test for calcium hardness begins by adding sodium hydroxide to a water sample. This counters the effect of magnesium in the water which can also make it hard. An organic dye is then added to turn the water red. EDTA is then added, binding with the calcium and turning the sample blue. The amount of EDTA added indicates the water’s hardness.

To decrease the level of calcium hardness, in many cases you only need to add water. However, if your water is very hard, you may need to consult a pool professional.

To increase the calcium hardness, add calcium chloride, following the instructions on the label carefully!

 

Sanitizer

Sanitizers kill bacteria. The most common are chlorine and bromine with chlorine being most widely used. Chlorine comes in granular, liquid or tablet forms.

Ideally sanitizers are used at 1 to 3 parts per million or milligrams per litre (mg/l).

 

Q&A

Q. How often should I test my water?
A. Unless you are correcting a water problem, once a week is a good practice.

 

What You Must Know About Routine Pool Maintenance

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What You Must Know About Routine Pool Maintenance

 

The best way to maintain your pool is to do regular checks on it, note any problems, and handle them as soon as possible.

While many people hire a pool company to oversee general maintenance of the pool, you can keep an eye on things yourself if you know what to look for. Key areas to check are:

Around the patio and building areas
  • mould stains
  • deterioration of the finish on the inside walls
  • rusting hardware
  • a strong smell of chloramine
  • too frequent need to top up the pool
  • cracks
For indoor pools
  • high levels of humidity
  • condensation on the walls or windows
For the pump, filters and chemicals
  • cloudy water
  • clogged filters
  1. Keep the area clear of debris using surface skimmers leaf nets and hand help skimmers. Prune back any plants growing nearby or overhead.
  2. Check the skimmer baskets and strainer basket every week.
  3. Wash down the patio with a garden hose and a non-abrasive cleaner designed for the pool area. Household cleansers tend to foam and can affect the pool chemistry.
  4. Check the chemical levels in the pool on a regular basis. If your pool is a busy place or you keep the water very warm, you may need to shock the water weekly.
  5. Watch for algae build up. These can appear as yellow, green or black blotches and they should be scrubbed away asap, or apply an algaecide.

 

Crucial Tips on Improving Water Quality

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Improving Water Quality

 

There are very few pool problems that can’t be fixed if they are seen to early on and fortunately, a well maintained pool will see few problems arise over the years. There are also many new products available to help;  many of which can be retrofitted to or used in older pools.

Whether you are investing in a new pool or taking care of an older one, you will want to watch for these problems with water quality to keep the water clean and pure.

The quality of the water in your pool is critical to your enjoyment. Contamination, cloudiness, and chemicals are just a few of the things that can affect both how safe the water is and how it feels.

Some of the things you need to check for on a regular basis are:

Improving Water Quality With Cloudy Water

If you have cloudy water, check these 4 areas to find the source of the problem:

  1. First, check the circulation. Make sure your returns point down and towards the opposite pool wall so that they really stir up the water and don’t just circulate it at the top level. This improves the skimming action.
  2. Check the skimmer and strainer baskets and remove any debris.
  3. Check your filter. You may need to clean it. If the pressure gauge is close to 10 lbs over the recommended pressure, your filter is probably dirty. If you use a sand filter, you may need to change the sand.
  4. Check the water chemistry. A high pH can cause cloudy water. Perform a simple test and adjust the pH as necessary.

 

Water Levels – Improving Water Quality

If you think you are losing water, the first thing you need to check is, if you are right!

Put a mark on the side of the skimmer faceplate with pencil or tape. Monitor this mark for a 24-hour period. If water drops by more than an inch, shut the system down for a 12 hour period and monitor to see if water drops faster with the pump on or off. If water drops faster with the system on, the probability of an underground plumbing leak is good. If water drops at the same rate with the system on or off, the probability of a liner leak exists.

Note: In high wind areas, non-use of a solar blanket and backwashing may also be affecting your water levels.

 

Solutions – Improving Water Quality

 

Registered Sanitizers

 

Ultraviolet Technology – Improving Water Quality

 

Not all microbes can be killed with chlorine. Fortunately we have strong proof that certain UV rays effectively prevent some of the more persistent parasites such as Cryptosporidium and Giardia from multiplying.

We are all familiar with the damage that UV rays can have on skin. All light is broken down into wavelengths and humans need to protect themselves against the UVA and UVB range. UVC light has a wavelength of 200-280 nanometres and is just as damaging to the DNA/RNA of many micro-organisms making it impossible for them to reproduce.

Exposing micro-organisms to UV light requires a one-pass treatment application.

UV light is also used to reduce trichchloramine, the component of chlorine that floats in the air above the pool,  causing repiratory distress in some people.

 

Ozone Treatments – Improving Water Quality

 

Another supplement to chlorine and salt sanitizers may be familiar to you from its use in aquariums. Ozone can be injected into the water where it breaks down to form free radicals which then combine with metal salts and organic impurities to form oxides. In the case of parasites, these free radicals destroy their cell walls.

Common Salt System Questions and Answers

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Salt System Questions and Answers

 

Q. Why is sanitizing with salt better than chlorine or bromine?
A. The water is soft, pure or sparkling clean, there is little chlorine smell or irritation, no red eyes or dry skin. The discomfort of dealing with chlorine fumes, tablets, or liquid is completely eliminated. The salt doesn’t wear out or evaporate, it gets used over and over again.

 

Q. What are the correct readings for salt in my pool?
A. Salt readings should be between 2700 – 3200 ppm. If your reading is between these numbers DO NOT ADD SALT.

 

Q. How often should I shock the pool and how do I do it?
You should shock the pool with a salt system either after a party or similar event, every two (2) weeks or if the water is cloudy. Put your unit on Super Chlorinate for 12 (twelve) hours. Return the switch to the auto position the next day.
NOTE: If your reading is below 2700 ppm, refer to your owner’s manual for the appropriate amount of salt to add to bring your unit back to its proper operating range.