Cannonball Pool Service

Pool Service Maintenance & Repair

Pool Liners And Dogs

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Dogs and pools almost go hand in hand. It’s great family fun to let your dog enjoy the plunge with you. The question remains is it ok? The answer is not cut and dry. In general, yes, it’s OK to take your dog swimming as long as you know all the risks and prepare properly. If your swimming pool has a pool liner or you are looking to get a pool with a pool liner and want Fido to swim along side you, precautions need to be made.

In short, dogs can go swimming in a pool with a liner. However, you will need to put in a little training first. Dogs need to know how to properly exit and enter the pool with a liner. If you do not teach your dog how to exit properly, it will end up clawing its way out. This needs to be done immediately and enforced every single time. Dogs can shred a pool liner to pieces in just one oops.

The best way to train your dog to get in and out of your pool is to teach him to use the steps. Guide your dog with a leash and use food as motivation. Teach him how to enter the pool first. After he has mastered entering the pool then teach him how to exit. Your dog should enter and exit the pool the same way every single time. Training sessions should be short and fun.

Dog ramps offer a good alternative for elderly dogs, ones who do not like stairs, or can’t master them.

Swimming Pool Water Facts

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It’s common knowledge that swimming pools can be contain many germs if not properly maintained. There are also a ton of misconceptions about the cleanliness of a swimming pool. People relate cleanliness to site and smells. This isn’t always the case.

Swimming Pool Misconceptions:

  • People actually sweat while swimming in the pool. This is why swimmers need to hydrate, especially on hot days.
  • Smelling bleach? That doesn’t necessarily mean that there is enough or too much chlorine in the pool. When a pool is properly cleaned and maintained, then there shouldn’t be any bleach smell at all.
  • Water doesn’t cause red eyes. Contaminated water causes red eyes. According to scientists the chemicals in the water don’t contribute to red eyes. Red eyes happen when pool water is contaminated. Ewww….
  • Swallowing pool water can make you sick, but not by what you think. Chlorine in the pool water isn’t usually to blame for becoming ill after accidentally inhaling pool water. You guesses it, it’s usually pool contaminants that are the culprit.
  • Swimmers ear? Unfortunately, again, it’s not your pool water that is the issue. Swimmers ear is usually caused by active bacteria in the pool water. Be sure to clean your pool as often as possible.
  • More and more people are getting sick from swimming pools each year. With that said, your pool water needs to be clean and maintained properly. If you cannot handle or don’t have the time to clean your pool get a quality pool service company.

Cleaning Your Hot Tub?

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Whether you’re looking to purchase a hot tub or currently own one, there is built in maintenance that goes along with it. You should know that cleaning your hot tub is all part of the spa ownership experience. If you are new to hot tub ownership or don’t know how to clean your hot tub, it is time.

Why Clean Your Hot Tub?

Hot tubs need to be cleaned and drained on a regular basis. Yes, there are chemicals and filtration and additional provisions built in, but there is also “gunk”. Gunk is everything from body oils, lotions, cosmetics, sweat, hair products, the list goes on and can get worse. All of this “gunk” creates bacteria and biofilm. It can get really gross. So, when is it a good time to act?

How Often?

It is a good idea to drain and clean your hot tub quarterly. This is putting aside any emergency cleaning (or if you can’t keep your water clear). Remember, preventing bad spa water is always better than needing to correct it.

Before You Drain…

Your spa lines need to be flushed. Biofilm can happen even if your chemicals are on point. Bacteria love biofilm, it’s their food. You will need to add a cleaner to your hot tub to flush the water lines. This is a special type of cleaner formulated to break down biofilm. Make sure you follow the directions on the back of your spa cleaner (or spa purge). Your spa will need to circulate for a minimum of 20 minutes, but preferably overnight. Please note, spa cleaner may create gross foam. This is a good thing. It means your cleaner is working.

It Is Time.

Caution. Avoid electrical shock. Turn off your power breaker before you do anything else. It is a good idea to check your city’s ordinances to ensure you’re adhering to the law when emptying your hot tub. Now, hook up the hose and let your tub empty. During the emptying process, you can move your house around so water doesn’t build up in one place.

  • Clean or replace your spa filters. This depends on how old they are and what type of condition they are in.
  • Spray down your hot tub shell with diluted white vinegar, shell cleaner, or a bleach solution. Wipe it down thoroughly to remove any hidden algae or bacteria. Remember to rinse.
  • Check all jets. These need to be open to reduce the risk of water pressure issues.

It is now time to refill. Remove the drains. Do not leave your hot tub unattended while filling. It is also a good idea to use a hose filter when refilling your hot tub. Use this time to clean your spa cover as well. Once your hot tub is at desired level you can turn your breaker back on.

Water Bugs? In Your Swimming Pool?

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Ewww…water bugs! In your pool!?!? Let’s face it, your swimming pool is not meant to be a home for water bugs or other creatures. To them, it looks like a perfect place to hang out, eat, and reproduce. This is less than ideal for the pool owner. Although, water bugs like water boatman and backswimmers are pretty harmless they can bite. There are some steps that pool owners can take to get rid of water bugs and keep them from returning.

  • The first thing to do is remove all the bugs from your pool. Use a skimmer to scoop them out of the water. Keep in mind that water boatman fly and may do so when you are trying to scoop them out.
  • Next, manually vacuum your swimming pool. Be sure to remove all the debris from the bottom of your pool.
  • Third, test your pool water. Be sure your chemicals are on point. These types of bugs like algae and most likely in your pool because you have algae growth. Adjust your pool chemicals to the appropriate levels. This your means pH and alkalinity too.
  • Shock your pool and then run your pool pump. You will need to use enough shock that will remove the algae in your pool. We recommend doubling the dosage of pool shock. Remember to shock your pool at night.
  • Keep them from coming back. You will need to eliminate their food source: algae. This means maintaining your pool and its chemicals. Be sure to scrub your pool tiles, keep proper chemical levels, and vacuum often.

Have control over bugs in your pool. Get A pool service to maintain your pool. This is an excellent idea to keep healthy pool water. Are you in the Southwest Florida area? Call Cannonball Pool Service 239.440.9888.

Pool Maintenance Mistakes

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Hiring a pool service company is always the best option when it comes to maintaining your pool. With that said, many people still take on the challenge themselves. Pool ownership can be challenging in itself, pool maintenance adds to it. There are a few common pool maintenance mistakes that can easily be avoided while trying to maintain your pool.

Pool Maintenance Mistakes:

  • Don’t Add shock directly to the into pool. This is not the proper way to add pool shock. The granules can sink to the bottom and bleach out your pool liner. The liner can become brittle and be susceptible to leaks over time. The best way to add shock to your pool is to dissolve it in a bucket of warm water first. This will help evenly distribute the chemical.
  • Don’t use an automatic vacuum with pool algae. Automatic pool vacuums can actually make your algae problem worse. It is best to break out the manual vacuum (sorry) with an algae bloom. You will have to switch your filter to waste as well.
  • Not being on schedule. Not having a maintenance schedule means your pool chemicals are more likely to be “off”. Your pool water is more susceptible to an algae breakout when chemicals are inconsistent.
  • Don’t Ignore pH & Alkalinity. Proper pH creates healthy pool water. If your pool water has low pH it’s very acidic. Low pH can cause extensive damage on your pool equipment. If your pool water has a high pH it’s very alkaline. Alkaline pool water is cloudy, can cause scale deposits, create problems with pool equipment, and much more.
  • Don’t backwash too often. While back washing is an important part of pool care, many pool owners have the tenancy to over backwash. Watch your pressure gauge as you backwash, it should read between 10-15 PSI.

With that said, Cannonball Pool Service is a certified, trained, licensed, and 5 STAR rated pool maintenance company. If you live in Southwest Florida give us a call at 239.440.9888.

Hot Tub For Better Health

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Hot tubs offer more than warmth and comfort. Warm water soothes muscles and calms nerves. Research shows that warm water immersion can help with muscle relaxation, promote better sleep, and reduce anxiety. The heat widens your blood vessels making it easier for your blood to travel throughout your body. Not to mention, water buoyancy reduces stress on your joints. It’s a win win! Below are some areas where hot tubs may help improve your life.

Hot Tub For Better Health:

  • Get better sleep – Many people report a better nights sleep when they use their spas on a regular basis.
  • Back pain relief – Lower back pain (acute or chronic) can impact your quality of life. The heat helps your muscles loosen and increases blood flow. Looser muscles help you move with more ease.
  • Decreased anxiety and stress – The warmth of the hot tub can make you forget about everything else going on. Enjoying a morning soak for 15 -20 minutes each morning will have you ready to start the day refreshed.
  • Improved range of motion – Spas can help restore lost flexibility when utilized on a regular basis.
  • Arthritis symptom relief – Many hot tub users find relief from arthritis in just 2 weeks of usage.

Please note that the use of hot tubs do pose some risks. Just like swimming pools, it is important for your hot tub to be properly cared for. This includes service, maintenance, and chemicals. Spas are breeding grounds for infections if not properly maintained. If you are pregnant or think you are pregnant, you should refrain from using a hot tub. Research shows that some birth defects are associated with hut tub usage when pregnant. Here are a few things to keep in mind when using a hot tub.

  • Check the cleanliness. Make sure the hot tub you are using is cleaned and chemicals are monitored on a regular basis.
  • Avoid crowded spas. More people equals more germs.
  • Turn down the heat. Especially if you have a medical condition, a temperature of 100 degrees should be for healthy adults.
  • Limit time in the spa. People who start to feel dizzy, heated, or unwell should get out right away.
  • Stay hydrated. It is a good idea to drink water to not over heat your body.
  • Wash off. Take a shower after hot tub usage.

What Causes Calcium Buildup In Your Pool?

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Spotting calcium build up in your pool is simple. Is there a white/grayish ring around the sides of your pool? Does your skin itch when you leave the pool? Or, do your eyes burn or itch while swimming? If you answered “Yes” to any of these you may have calcium build up.

Swimming pool calcium build up is caused by improper pH and calcium. Most water in the United States is hard water. Hard water tends to leave calcium deposits. Cleaning agents can also create water hardness. Keeping calcium buildup in your pool under control means keeping your chemicals balanced.

The 2 Types Of Calcium Buildup:

  • Calcium Carbonate – flaky, easier to remove
  • Calcium Silicate – Harder to remove (white/gray in color)

Both of these types are caused by a pH imbalance. Calcium build up should always be removed upon first sight. Your pool’s pH should range from 7.4 -7.6. Also, keep your chlorine levels between 2 -3 ppm (especially as the water heats up).

Approaching Calcium Buildup In Your Pool:

  1. Identify the type of calcium buildup. You will need to identify if your pool has calcium carbonate or calcium silicate. Calcium carbonate is easier to remove. If you have a calcium buildup this would be the one to have. Calcium silicate is a tad harder to eliminate.
  2. Lower the calcium in the water. The optimal calcium level is 200 – 400 ppm. A high ppm causes deposits on the water’s surface and cloudy pool water. You may have to drain some of the water from your pool and refill.
  3. Correct your pH levels. Higher pH means your water is basic. You will need to add acid to balance it. On average you should add 1 gallon of acid per 10,000 gallons of water. Be sure to retest your chemicals afterwords.
  4. Remove the calcium deposits. You can use a pumice stone to scrub off. Please note, always keep the stone wet and test it on your pool surface first. Some surfaces, like fiberglass, will scratch and you will need to use a different scrubbing medium.
  5. Practice prevention. Maintain a proper chemical balance in your pool. Keep your pH from going basic. This will prevent calcium deposits from increasing.

If you are having problems with calcium build up in your pool contact Cannonball Pool Service today 239.440.9888.

Poop In The Pool. What To Do?

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It’s all fun and games until an accident happens. A swim diaper leaks. Eek! There is now pool in the pool. The good news is that your pool most likely does not need to be drained. Proper pool care is necessary since there are many types of bacteria released in the water when this happens. There are steps put out by the CDC that will get your water clean & clear and you swimming again.

Follow These Steps To Take Care Of Poop In The Pool:

  • Get everyone out of the pool
  • Put on disposable gloves
  • Remove the poop in the pool- use a net or bucket. Do not vacuum it up.
  • Wash your hands & disinfect the items used for removal
  • Raise the free chlorine concentration to, or maintain it at, 2 (ppm) & maintain the pH at 7.5 for 30 minutes.
  • Be sure to check that your filtration system is functioning properly
  • After the disinfection is complete, backwash the filter well. – Discharge directly to waste (follow local regulations).
  • Replace the filter media (if needed).
  • Once disinfection is complete & levels are back to normal you can let everyone back into the pool.

Try to prevent this from happening. Have swimmers use the bathroom before entering your pool. Check baby diapers, they are the most common cause of accidents. Make sure all kids who need diapers are wearing swim diapers.

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.

Heat Your Pool To A Warm Winter

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Summer has passed and fall is upon us. The days become cooler as pool season continues on in Florida. This means Florida pool owners are looking for ways to heat their pool through the winter. There are a couple of options such as gas heaters or a solar cover. If you would like to be toasty while swimming this winter, we recommend getting a heat pump. This is the best way to heat your pool.

Heat pumps are a great option for Florida pool owners. Heat pumps are more energy efficient than other types of heating options. Air-source heat pumps are popular because they are energy-efficient and cost-effective. A heat pumps fuel source is the air. This means that your electric bill won’t take a big hit. The milder the winter climate (insert Florida here), the better the heat pump will serve your needs. Low operating costs and low environmental impact.

Advantages Of Pool Heat Pumps

  • Long life span – Has great payback
  • Eco-friendly – Does not pollute the environment
  • Low running costs
  • Energy efficient – Minimal increase to your electric bill

In the Southwest Florida area? Call Cannonball Pool Service and get your pool nice and toasty for the season 239.440.9888.

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