Cannonball Pool Service

Pool Service Maintenance & Repair

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.

Gifting Pool Service

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I don’t know who needs to hear this, but dad wants more than socks this year. It’s that time of year where everyone is searching for the perfect gift. The Holiday Season is meant for giving something meaningful to loved ones. The gift of pool service is perfect for every pool owner. Families with children don’t want/can’t handle an extra item on their plate. Elderly people have the time but may not have the energy or strength to take care of their pool on their own. Gifting pool service is the gift that the recipient enjoys throughout the year. It’s not just another gift to fill a stocking or a trinket to place under the Christmas tree.

Gifting pool service is the gift that ALL swimming pool owners will enjoy. It makes pool ownership hassle free. The main reason pool owners get a pool is for enjoyment. Taking care of the pool, the maintenance, chemicals, cleaning, pool repairs, etc. is an unwanted “added perk” of swimming pool ownership. Anything that creates more time for added enjoyment is an added benefit.

So, don’t be predictable this year. Give the gift of pool service to someone who needs it, wants it, or could use it to make life a little easier. Call Cannonball Pool Service at 239.440.9888 or visit us at cannonballpoolservice.com to sign up today.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Phosphates And Your Pool

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Pool phosphates. What? Phosphates are non-metallic chemicals that pool owners should be knowledgeable about when it comes to their swimming pools. Phosphates are found in many things from sunscreen to yard mulch and soil. Lawn fertilizers, which may blow into the pool, have high phosphate content. For all of these reasons, swimming pools can quickly build up high phosphate levels.

Phosphates are plant food. Algae is a plant. Therefore, phosphates are a great food source for algae (insert excitement here). Eliminate phosphates and say goodbye to your pool’s algae problems.

When excess phosphates are present in a swimming pool, the symptoms often include the following:

  • Cloudy, Green Water
  • Slippery and Slimy Surfaces
  • Mustard & Green Colored Debris
  • Excessive Chemical Consumption
  • Poor Water Quality

But…how do you eliminate phosphates? Re-balancing just your chemicals won’t fix the algae and phosphate problem. Even performing a chlorine shock won’t solve the problem. A shock will only drop the ppb of phosphates, which will then bounce back to a higher level. Chlorine cannot remove phosphates, because they do not interact with each other directly. In order to reduce phosphate levels, you will need a special phosphate remover. Phosphates also need to be treated immediately.

Have you ever seen a pool with that bold shade of green? In Florida, phosphates are a common problem. Cannonball Pool Service will treat phosphates immediately when we notice that they are present in your swimming pool. We do our best to prevent algae growing and taking over your pool.

For expert pool service call us today @ 239.440.9888.

The Ultimate Pool Chemical Guide

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Whether it’s a salt pool or a chlorinated pool, your pool chemicals need to be in balance. Balancing pool chemicals mean keeping pool chemicals at the proper levels. Properly balanced pool water creates and optimal environment for the sanitizing processes. It also protects your pool and its components against corrosion and extends the life of expectancy of the pool equipment. Some of the factors that contribute to pool water balance are pH, alkalinity, calcium hardness, temperature, and total dissolved solids.

Chlorine is popular because it handles the 3 main jobs in keeping a swimming pool clean: It sanitizes (kills bacteria and germs), oxidizes (controls organic debris from perspiration and body oils), and deters algae. The total free chlorine in your pool should range between 1.0 -1.5 ppm (parts per million). The chlorine in your pool needs to be continuously monitored and replenished.

The pH in your pool is just as important. It controls the acidity of the pool which helps minimize irritation and assists in protecting your pool equipment as well. The Alkalinity in your pool helps control your pH (which should be between 7.2 – 7.6).

Obtaining a quality and reliable pool service company is important to you and your pool’s over all health. A poorly managed pool can deteriorate your pool and its equipment as well as become a breeding ground for harmful bacteria and algae.

Cannonball Pool Service custom service and maintenance programs keep your pool running at an optimal level all year round. Get your free pool service estimate today.

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