Cannonball Pool Service

Pool Service Maintenance & Repair

Swimming Pool & Your Home’s Value

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Owning a swimming pool is a luxury to some and a liability to others. Many people dream to have the convenience of a pool on those hot summer days. pool owners reap the benefits of pool parties, late night swims, water exercise etc. (need I go on). The question is, at what cost? It’s not a secret that owning a pool is a liability. How does this effect the value of your home?

Trying To Sell? Is your swimming pool a drawback or a feature? There is not one answer fits all in this situation.

  • What part of the U.S. do you live in? Areas such as Florida, Texas, Arizona, Nevada, and Southern California would be able to enjoy a pool year round. This would be an asset to your home. On the other hand, places such as Indiana, Ohio, and Nebraska having a backyard pool may be a drawback.
  • Is your pool the only thing in your yard? Many people put in pools and forget about the green space. Having a backyard to kick the ball around is arguably more important to homeowners than having a pool.
  • Do other homes in the neighborhood have pools? You might benefit from having a pool in your back yard if surrounding homes have them. This may indicate a demand for backyard pools in the neighborhood.

In the end, don’t look at adding a swimming pool to your back yard as an investment. Be sure to take all factors into account before spending thousands of dollars.

Pool Insurance: Under-covered, Over-covered, Or Just Right?

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Do you know what your pool policy covers? Swimming pool policies are all different. There are many factors that take place when it comes to swimming pool coverage. Above ground, in ground, flood zone, concrete, fiberglass, depth of pool, etc. the list goes on when determining type of coverage and how much. Cheaper isn’t always better when it comes to pool insurance. In that regard, expensive coverage isn’t always better either. Why have coverage for a Ferrari when you drive a Chevy pick up? With that said, pools are a liability and homeowners are liable for any children who use their pools, whether they have permission or not. So how do you know what’s the right amount? Below are some questions to ask when deciding on pool insurance coverage.

Pool Insurance FAQ

  • Does My Homeowners Policy Cover damage to the pool?
    The type of coverage varies weather your pool is in ground or above ground. An in ground pool will most-likely have an additional fee to your premium where an above ground pool may be covered under “personal property” (like a watercraft).
  • What Are Insurance Requirements?
    Insurance companies require you to comply with the laws of the local municipality. You will need to have an approved fence/pool cover to enclose the pool, correct permits, and proper pool maintenance just to name a few.
  • Why Do Some Claims Get Denied?
    Policy holders are required to keep proper pool maintenance. Any damage to the pool, it’s surroundings, or even equipment due to negligence most-likely wont be covered. The same goes for unapproved structures like water slides and diving boards.
  • What is the average Cost Of Pool Insurance?
    The cost of insurance varies depending on your pool size, type, value etc. Premiums can be effected by your coverage limits as well. On average, homeowners pay an additional $25 -$75 a month for coverage.
  • Umbrella Policy?
    Talk to your insurer about an umbrella policy. It is an extra layer of protection. Protect yourself from claims & ensure your pool has coverage if /when needed.

Cracks In Your Pool

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Pool cracks can be quite alarming. But, let’s not panic just yet. Some pool cracks can be repaired with great success. Cracks in your pool can be serious or superficial. A reputable and licensed pool company will be able to determine the severity for you. There are a couple ways that pool companies can perform leak detection and a few different types of remedies.

Why Cracks Happen

Cracks in your pool shell or deck can happen for many reasons. Soil condition is a common offender. This is the same reason sidewalks crack. Large tree roots is another. There are also common areas in your pool that tend to leak.

  • Light Niche
  • Skimmer
  • Plumbing

Dye Test Method

This test determines if your swimming pool is losing water or not. The dye test is a fairly quick test. It involves using a dye to see where or if water is leaking out of your pool. You should be able to tell immediately if your swimming pool has a leak.

Bucket Test Method

The bucket test method is just that…you use a bucket to show if your pool has a leak. This method takes a little more time because water levels are observed over a certain period.

Pool Crack Repair & Structural Repairs

Don’t let a swimming pool crack go unchecked! Some cracks may just be superficial in the finish of the pool and don’t leak. However, many will go all the way through the concrete pool shell which can allow water to leak out. Overtime this will compact or wash away the soil supporting the shell. If you are losing water and suspect a structural crack is your problem it needs to be stabilized as soon as possible to prevent further damage.

Tech Toys And Your Pool

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Having a swimming pool isn’t just for the occasional bather or laying poolside anymore. Pool Tech Toys have taken pool ownership to a new level. Yes, you can get your gadgets wet! They days of sticking your wet phone in a jar of rice are over. Nothing has been left on the table when it comes to innovation and pool tech. Companies have made great advances ensuring your pool gadgets are waterproof. This opens Pandora’s Box when it comes to what you can do in the water. The gear below are able to handle some sort of splash and even some of the gadgets are designed to be submerged under water. Yay!

Waterproof Bluetooth Speakers

The JBL Flip 5 is both portable and waterproof. It is able to immersed under water (3.3 ft) for up to 30 minutes at a time. JBL makes it easy to pair multiple Flip 5’s together to create a wireless stereo system. At 7.1″ long and 12 hours of battery life you can tuck these little jewels all around your pool deck to enhance your next pool party.

Smart Watches

The watch has been re-imagined. Now, watches can tell you everything from your heart rate to if your music is too loud. The Apple Watch Series 5 is not holding back with its waterproof features. They embraced the rain with the design of this watch. It is water resistant up to 50 feet! Adding to it, the ability to track your swim.

Another good pool tech toy is the Fitbit Charge 4. The Charge 4 is also water resistant up to 50 feet. It can automatically start tracking when you have started your workout. The battery life on the Charge 4 can last up to 7 days. You can also compete with other Fitbit owners which makes getting your swim on that much better!

Phones And Video

Getting your smart phone wet isn’t what it used to be – Destroyed. Not anymore. The Google Pixel 4 is a great tech toy that can stay under 3.3 ft. of water for up to 30 minutes. Game changer right here. This means your phone will no longer get water logged if your pal happens to push you into the pool. You should consider this phone if you are in the market for a powerful smartphone that can withstand the occasional drop in the pool.

You can now video your favorite swimming moments. The Insta360 Go is water resistant and can handle the splashes of your little “learn to swim” swimmer. With that said, the Insta360 is not design to be submerged under water.

Pool Problems…In Florida

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Florida’s hot and humid weather brings on a range of common pool problems that go along with it. These problems aren’t Florida specific, but rather very common among pool owners in Florida. Below are some issues that Florida pool owners are likely to encounter and how to approach the situation.

Smelly/Cloudy Pool Water

You may have algae build up. One of the most common causes of smelly pool water is algae. Algae love warm, hot, humid weather (insert Florida here). Your pool needs to be on a strict maintenance schedule. Only this will keep your pool water crystal blue. If you don’t want the hassle & live in South West FL, Cannonball Pool Service can handle all of your pool service needs. We clean the pool, handle all your chemical balancing needs, identify problems, and perform pool repairs.

Pool Deck Cracks

Cracks in your pool deck can go deeper than the surface. These cracks can happen because of movement within the soil. Pool deck cracks can be dangerous and should be looked at by a professional as soon as they appear. The longer you wait, the more damage can happen (not to mention the more costly they become).

Pool Leaks

Water loss in your pool can seriously effect your pools’ performance. Chemicals become “off”, filtration doesn’t properly flow, and money gets wasted from having to constantly refill the pool when it has leaks. This is one of the most common problems in Florida. Remember, sometimes cracks aren’t big enough to see, but large enough to let water seep through.

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.

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.

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