Cannonball Pool Service

Pool Service Maintenance & Repair

Pool Shock: 101

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Swimming season means knowing how to care for your pool. No matter the type of sanitation you are using, you will need to shock your pool. And, know how to correctly shock your pool. Shocking is done in addition to your regular pool chemical maintenance. Whether you’re a new pool owner or a seasoned one, shocking your swimming pool might seem a little intimidating. Don’t worry. We have you covered. Let’s first take a look at what pool shock is exactly.

What Is It?

Shocking your pool means to add enough chlorine to your pool water to eliminate all combined chlorine in your pool or spa. This is usually about 10X the amount of chlorine. Shocking removes algae and other bacteria by oxidizing the contaminants in the pool water. You should shock your pool when:

  • Algae begins to grow in your pool water
  • The free chlorine level of your pool is zero
  • The chloramines or combined chlorine level rises above 0.5 ppm

Remember – a pool that has a strong chlorine odor does not mean that it is clean. It means that you have chloramines. Chloramines form when your pool or spa water mixes with nitrogen, oils, sweat, and urine.

The How:

  • Shock your pool at dusk/night – The Sun burns off unstabilized chlorine.
  • Test your pool water – Check the pH in your pool & find the combined chlorine (the amount of chlorine that has been used in your pool).
  • Calculate the amount of shock you need to mix – Never apply water to pool chemicals. Always apply chemicals to water.
  • Prepare the shock ahead of time. – Store chemicals in a cool & dry place.
  • Make sure your pool pump is running.
  • Distribute the shock around the edges of the pool.
  • Keep your pump running for at least 6 more hours.
  • Check chlorine levels.
  • Wait for chlorine levels to drop between 1-3ppm. – Don’t use the pool right away.

The When:

  • After a heavy storm
  • When a major change in water level occurs
  • When someone has had an accident in the pool
  • After a pool party or when your pool was heavily used

After The Storm – How To Take Care Of Your Pool

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Everyone talks about how to prepare your pool for a hurricane or strong tropical storm, but after the storm needs to be examined as well. After a strong storm or hurricane your pool needs to be attended to. Because, after the storm pool care is just as important as before the storm. You should resume normal operation of your pool only after all of these tasks have been completed.

After Storm Pool Care :

  • Foreign Matter – Remove debris, branches, leaves, mulch to prevent clogging in the suction lines
  • Reset Circuit Breakers – If you have lost power during the storm, you need to reset your circuit breaker(s) and pump timer(s) when the power is restored.
  • Equipment Care – Remove coverings from the pump motor or other equipment. If your motor has been submerged in water, it needs to be cleaned by a professional before usage.
  • Check Water Levels – Pool water needs to be at the proper level. It cannot be too high or too low. Be sure to check your water levels and adjust them accordingly. Empty your pump and skimmer baskets and open the valves to allow the water to circulate efficiently and effectively.
  • Chlorination – Super-chlorinate that is. Then circulate continuously until your water clarity returns back to normal. Remember there will be a higher level of debris in your pool for a bit. Your filters will need more attention that normal for the next few days.
  • Repair – There may be damage to outside protection barriers like screens, doors, and security fences. These safety barriers need to be repaired or replaced immediately.
  • Enjoy – Only when your pool is clean, clear, and chemicals are at appropriate levels.

Swimming For Your Health

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So you have a backyard pool? Your pool has more health benefits than taking the occasional dip & enjoying with loved ones. Using your pool for exercise can have long lasting health benefits from less stress to potentially a longer life. So let’s take a deeper look into how swimming is beneficial for your overall health.

Water Works Your Entire Body

When you are swimming, your entire body is working. Swimming strengthens your core, raises your heart rate, and engages all the muscles in your back body. Did we mention your arms and legs too?

Regular gym sessions don’t usually work all of your body, unless your are spending 2 grueling hours beating yourself up. Swimming in your pool can do this in as little as 20 minutes! Yes, that’s all it takes. Are you ready to trade in those dumbells yet?

Give Your Joints A Rest

Swimming doesn’t make you choose between a low intensity or high intensity (which is hard on your joints) workout. You get the best of both worlds without having to modify your workout. According to the American Council on Exercise, the buoyancy reduces your body weight by 90%. Which means, you only have 10% of the normal pressure on your joints when you swim! Which also means, you are less likely to be injured. Swimming is also a great workout for those just beginning to workout or people starting back up.

It May Help Arthritis

Many forms of exercise can be difficult with arthritis. Swimming, however, isn’t one of them. Swimming has shown to decrease pain in some studies. Because there is 90% less pressure on your joints, swimmers can enjoy an intense HIIT workout or a more relaxed routine. Either exercise will be beneficial to an arthritic swimmer.

Physically Fit While Pregnant

Pregnancy can be a hard time with a significant amount of stress on the body. Swimming makes it easier to stay physically active while pregnant. It is one of the safest workouts while pregnant. Some studies suggest that women who swam during pregnancy had a slightly lower chance of preterm delivery.

Burn Baby Burn.

Using your pool for exercise is a huge calorie burner. Since you utilize your entire body, you can burn as many calories as jogging! Even if you are swimming at a relaxed pace. Swimming also does not put pressure on your joints like running, so you can swim every single day.

For Example: A vigorous swim for a 155 lb. person would burn 372 calories in 30 minutes! Compare that to a light jog, they would only burn 223!

In short, swimming is fantastic for our health. There are many benefits to water exercise from decreased stress to an entire body workout. So go hop in and get your swim on.

Cloudy Hot Tub? Here’s Why..

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Hot tubs are made for relaxation, enjoyment, quality time and therapy. With all of that enjoyment comes maintenance. A poorly maintained hot tub almost always turns cloudy. A cloudy hot tub is less than appealing. Here are a few easy maintenance tips that can get your spa water crystal clear again.

Filters

How often are you cleaning your spa filters? They need regular cleaning. We recommend 1x per week. Your filters are your first line of defense. Their job is to catch body oils, debris, and other yucky stuff. Your job is to remove it. Remember your spa filters don’t last forever. Taking care of them will help prolong their life-cycle.

Sanitize, Sanitize, and… Sanitize

Body oils, dead skin, and lotions are often left behind after a nice relaxing soak. You need to sanitize your hot tub after you are done enjoying it because it’s the best way to help keep your water crystal clean.

pH?

How’s your pH? Not sure? You should check it! Improper pH is one of the most common causes of clouded spa water. The ideal pH range for hot tub water is 7.2 -7.6. Your spa water should not be to acidic or to basic.

Clarify

The clarifiers job is to clarify your spa water. Clarifiers track down and cling to organic matter. If you have already sanitized, add 1-2 ounces of clarifier to your water. Remember to clean your spa filters after you clarify. You need to remove any debris from the filters that the clarifier picked up. This can be done on a weekly basis.

Drain Your Tub Recently?

How old is your hot tub water? Spas are not like pools. Bacteria loves warm water, it thrives in hot tubs. Spas need to be drained and refilled on a scheduled basis. We recommend doing this every 3-4 months. Therefore, leaving your water in past its “drain date” means more energy doctoring your spa water. This will eliminate any water problem you are having and start you off with fresh crystal clear water.

Knowing How To Care For Your Pool – Maintenance.

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Poolside parties, water exercises, and swimming family fun all come at a cost. Pool maintenance. If your swimming pool is not properly cared for, you will not be able to enjoy your pool. Pool maintenance not only balances chemicals, but takes care of all equipment and parts. Properly maintained pool equipment last longer, breaks less frequent, and utilizes less energy. Here are some tips that can help you maintain your swimming pool better.

Pool Tips & Tricks

  • Shock Your Pool Correctly – Shocking doesn’t mean surprising your pool. Surprise! It means raising chlorine levels for a while to kill bacteria. This is normally done 2x a season or after a pool party.
  • Have Basic Equipment On Hand – A net, a pool brush, and a manual pool vacuum. Automatic cleaners don’t always catch everything.
  • Brush, Brush, And…Brush Again – Brushing should be done daily. Just as you brush your teeth in the morning, brush your pool to keep things clean. Brushing tiles and steps removes unwanted algae.
  • Skim – Skimming the top of the pool surface should be done daily. This removes large debris before it reaches the pool filters and clogs them.
  • Clean Filter Baskets – Clean filter baskets weekly. Your pool pump works harder when filter baskets are dirty shortening its life span. Remember to backwash your filter monthly. This removes built-up dirt and debris in the pipes.
  • Pool Chemistry – Don’t be intimidated. Proper pool chemistry is very important. Harmful bacteria thrive in pools that aren’t balanced properly. Pool equipment & surfaces can begin to deteriorate with too high or too low of levels.
  • Call Professionals – If maintaining your pool seems daunting, call in the professionals. Having a pool service company can greatly extend the life of your pool. Pool service and maintenance companies can take care of everything from chemicals to leak detection.

Pool maintenance is a necessity. Whether you hire a professional or do it yourself, it is something that needs to be done to have a safe swimming experience. It is important to establish a good routine to care for your pool properly. In the Southwest Florida area? Call Cannonball Pool Service 239.440.9888.

Your pH Guide

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The pH in your pool is significant. It plays a very important factor in maintaining the proper chemical balance. pH is the scale between acid and base. The scale goes from 0 -14, where a pH of 7 is neutral. When pH is above 7 the water is basic and pH below 7 the water is more acidic. The optimal pH of pool water is right around 7.4. Both too low of pH and too high of pH have implications. Therefore the pH in your pool needs to be monitored.

Too High pH

  • Improper chlorine disinfection – Leads to bacteria build up
  • Can cause skin rash and irritation
  • Lime precipitation
  • Cloudiness – Always check your pH if your water is cloudy

If the pH in your pool water exceeds 7.8 your pH is too high. A high pH means poor chlorine disinfection. Everything that enters your pool water effects your pH. You will need to decrease your pH with a quality product that will lower your chemical levels efficiently and effectively.

Too Low pH

  • Damages the mechanical equipment of the pool – Corrodes surfaces
  • Irritates eyes & mucous membranes
  • Can cause damage to the vinyl pool liner – may become brittle & crack easily

A low pH means your water is too acidic. It is bad for swimmers and your pool. Have you ever been swimming and have your eyes sting? That is because the pool water was too acidic. A low pH also corrodes metal surfaces (like pool ladders, lights, and pumps). Keep an eye out for concrete, plaster, & stone deterioration with too low of levels. Low pH levels are equal to bacteria and algae build up. This is because when your pool is too acidic, the amount of working chlorine is decreased.

It is important to maintain proper chemicals in your swimming pool and spa. Water that is not balanced can be harmful to swimmers, pool equipment, and surfaces. Cannonball Pool Service takes the hassle out of pool ownership with reliable pool maintenance, service, and repair.

Pool Pump Efficiency

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Let’s talk about pool pump efficiency. According to the Natural Resources Defense Council (NRDC) there are more than 4.5 million in-ground residential pools in the United States, and they consume between $1.1 and $1.6 billion in energy costs per year. Energy usage will differ depending on swimming season length, energy rates, and if your pool is heated. A pool pump can be the 2nd largest energy consumer in a home with a pool. Most often, the largest. Pool pumps are huge energy hogs, but they serve a great purpose.

Why Pool Pumps Are Needed

Pool pumps provide an important function for water circulation through filtration. Pool pumps are necessary for your water filtration. The filtration system keeps your pool water clean and clear. In short, there is no getting around not having a pool pump.

Single Speed Pool Pump

A single speed pump runs 5 – 6 hours a day (some even 24 hours) consuming energy. These pool pumps are typically oversized & overused. A single-speed pool pump by design can’t change its’ flow rate. The pump ends up running when it is not needed. This means that 90% of the time these pool pumps will provide greater circulation than what is needed. Single-speed pumps only have 30% – 70% efficiency ratings.

Variable Speed Pool Pump

Now, let’s talk about variable speed pool pumps. Variable speed pumps are designed with a 90% efficiency rating. These pumps are designed to reduce flow rate when it is not needed (i.e. tasks that require minimum flow). This means less energy usage. You can save $600 – $1100 off your utility bill annually because of the lower energy usage. The amount does vary depending on your utility and the size of your pool.

The Additional Advantage

The advantage of variable speed pumps go above and beyond energy savings. Variable speed pumps tend to last longer, require less maintenance, and are quieter. The slower circulation rates also put less strain on the filters, plumbing, & other parts of your pool equipment. All of this reduces the chance of leaks, repairs, or premature plumbing problems. This means less maintenance costs as well!

The Downside

Variable speed pumps are more costly. The average cost with installation ranges from $1,500 – $2,000. In comparison, replacing a single-speed
pump will range from $400 to $700. Some utilities provide rebates for upgrading your single speed pool pumps. DSIRE is a great resource to see if your local utility provides a rebate.

The Conclusion

Variable speed pump are a great option for pool pump efficiency. They cost more up front but have a huge payback in the end. Upgrading not only saves money but can also extend the life of your pool equipment. In the end, it is worth it to upgrade your pool pump to a more energy efficient variable speed pump.

Make Your Pool Energy Efficient

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It’s no secret that swimming pools are huge energy consumers. The average swimming pool costs $80 to $150 per month or about $960 to $1,800 per year just for electricity (depending on the size of the pool, location, etc.). Most homeowners see a 30% to 50% increase in their electric bills every season. Believe it or not, you are not stuck with higher utility bills when you own a pool. There are ways to cut back on energy, thus saving money on your utility bills. Here is how to make your pool energy efficient.

Upgrade Your Pool:

  • Change Out Pool Lighting – Replace inefficient pool lights with LED lights. An LED light can save you roughly 87% on your energy usage compared to a comparable incandescent light. Although LED pool lights do cost more than an incandescent light, your cost savings will not start till you recoup the additional money that you spent on the LED lights. LED pool lights are the preferred technology due to their durability, reliable performance & efficiency.
  • Upgrade Your Pool Pump – Upgrade to a variable speed pool pump. Variable Speed Pool Pumps reduce electricity costs and create power to keep your pool equipment running strong. They are the most energy efficient pool pump, saving pool owners hundreds of dollars per year compared to single speed pumps. According to the EPA’s ENERGY STAR website, traditional single-speed pool pumps could be the home’s second largest energy user for homes with in-ground swimming pools. Variable-speed pool pumps can save on energy usage and reduce the carbon footprint of outdoor living spaces.
  • Automated Pool Controls – Pool automation can save you frustration and money every day, help you get even more return on your pool investment, & allow you to spend more time swimming and less time maintaining. By automating essential pool and spa functions, you can save up to 70% on your pool’s energy costs. They make your pool more efficient and make the most difference when you have complex or spread-out pool equipment.
  • Energy Efficient Pool Heaters – Improve your swimming pool’s heating and energy efficiency. Install an energy efficient pool heater to reduce heating costs. New gas swimming pool heaters have a standard test they go through to determine their energy efficiency based on their Btu output. Today, you’ll find some gas pool heaters with 89%–95% efficiency. Proper installation and maintenance of your gas pool heater can optimize its efficiency. It’s best to have a qualified pool professional install & maintain pool equipment.

Swimming Pool Safety

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Swimming pools are great for family fun. With all that fun, comes a downside. Big responsibilities come with being a swimming pool owner. Pool safety is a must when it comes to friends and family swimming in your pool. There is much more to it than pool covers, alarms, and gates. Adults should always be home when children are swimming in the pool. Owners should follow a set of safety rules to in order to swim safely.

  1. Teach your kids how to swim. Immediately. – Start swim lessons as an infant. Mommy and me classes are a great asset that many Red Cross programs include.
  2. Never leave a child unattended in or near water. – Always watch them when they are in the water without distraction. Even if they know how to swim. Kids get tired quickly when swimming.
  3. Watch out for pool drains. – Teach kids to stay away from swimming pool drains. Children’s hair, limbs, clothing, etc. can get stuck in drains. Make sure your drain covers are not broken or damaged.
  4. Have proper barriers. – Install alarms, fences, gates, safety pool covers in and around your pool. Teach children to never climb a gate or a fence.
  5. Have every adult be CPR certified. – Get certified on CPR for all age groups not just infants and children. Bystanders are the first to aid a drowning victim. CPR classes are available through many hospitals, community centers, or by contacting the American Red Cross.

Pool safety facts to swim safely:

  • Drowning is usually silent. – It can be light splashing, waving, or screaming.
  • It’s Your Responsibility. – Watching a child in the pool is your responsibility if you are the homeowner.
  • Drowning is quick. – Once active drowning begins, you have less than 1 minute to react.
  • Swim lessons are essential. – Skill levels do vary. Make sure everyone in your household finishes a Red Cross swim program.

How To Limit Phosphates In Your Pool

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Limit phosphates? What are Phosphates and what do they have to do with pools? Phosphates are types of Phosphorous commonly found in water. Your pool can have many different types of phosphates in it. Most test kits only check for one type. Phosphates are generally misunderstood when it comes to pools. They are difficult to test for and cannot be killed by chlorine alone. In order to control a phosphate attack and remove them you will have to treat your pool with a phosphate remover. So why should you care about phosphates?

Phosphates are essentially food for algae. The more phosphates you introduce into your pool water the more algae will grow. The key is to limit phosphates in your pool water. First, we need to take a look at where phosphates come from. Second, we need to see how we can minimize them (since eliminating phosphates is impossible & they aren’t going anywhere). They are found in many different types of things.

  • Leaves, Grass Clippings, & Other Natural Debris – Leaves & Grass clippings from foot traffic make their way into pools continuously. Place a shallow bucket on the pool deck and have friends & family members rinse their feet before entering your pool.
  • Pool Chemicals – Scale inhibitors tend to be Phosphate-based. Make sure you know what type of chemicals you are using in your pool.
  • Soaps & Shampoos – Yes, that is correct. Body soaps and hair shampoos contribute greatly to Phosphate problems in pools. Have swimmers rinse off before entering your pool. Leave-in dry shampoos are especially bad for pool water.
  • Lawn Fertilizers & Insecticides – Wind and rain runoff introduces these into your pool water. Use hardscape around your pool deck whenever possible. Try to create natural landscape barriers, such as wall pavers & boulders, around your pool deck.
  • Synthetic Laundry Detergents – Laundry detergents contain builders, and other ingredients like brighteners & perfumes. Wash your swimsuits in a gentle detergent (i.e. unscented baby detergents).
  • Animals – Use a pool cover to deter ducks and other wild animals from entering your swimming pool. Give Fido a quick rinse before letting him take a plunge.
  • Acid Rain – Pool covers are great for protecting your pool from acid rainwater.

Emergency phosphate control can become a costly hassle. If you are continuously fighting algae in your swimming pool try minimizing phosphates from entering your pool. Minimizing phosphates will help prevent an algae takeover.

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