Cannonball Pool Service

Pool Service Maintenance & Repair

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.

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.

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.

Pool Maintenance Tips & Tricks

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Having a swimming pool in your back yard brings a ton of enjoyment, relaxation, and quality family time. Unfortunately, the fun comes at a price. One crucial element of pool ownership is maintenance. You cannot have fun without pool maintenance. Besides being unsightly, A dirty pool can be a breeding ground for harmful bacteria. Below are 7 swimming pool maintenance tips to keep you happily swimming all year long.

POOL MAINTENANCE TIPS & TRICKS

  1. Check Pool Chemistry

    You should check your pool chemicals 2x a week. Testing your pool water is simple. Testing kits are readily available from your local pool store or online. Improperly balanced water looks murky, irritates skin & eyes, and can cause your pool to become a breeding ground for bacteria.
    pH should be between 7.2 – 7.6
    Alkalinity 100 -120 ppm
    Total Hardness 200 – 400 ppm
    Cyanuric Acid 30 – 50 ppm
    Free Chlorine 1.0 -1.5 ppm

  2. Skimming & Scrubbing

    Skim the top of the pool surface as well as rinse out the skimmer basket(s). Skimming should be done daily in order to keep unwanted debris out of the pool (leaves, grass, mulch, etc.). Along with skimming, you need to scrub. Scrub your pool tiles to prevent algae buildup.

  3. Clean Pool Filters

    Pool filters are the “kidneys” of your swimming pool. Clean your pool filters regularly or as needed. They should also be cleaned after a heavy storm.

  4. Keep An Eye On Your Water Level

    Your pool water level should not be too high or too low. Water levels will naturally fluctuate after a heavy rainstorm or an afternoon of kids doing cannonballs. Your pool water should be right at the center level of your pool skimmer for best results. If the water is too low it can run the pump dry and burn it up. If the water is too high your skimmer door will not work properly.

  5. Tennis Balls Are Great For Your Pool

    Use a tennis ball to absorb oils, sunscreens, hair product etc. Just simply toss a tennis ball into your pool and let it do the work. Tennis ball fibers help reduce that slick sheen on top of your pool water.

  6. Shock Your Pool

    Don’t be afraid to shock your pool if it looks like it needs it. Did you just have a pool party or did your dogs swim in your pool? Is your pool murky and clouded? That is bacteria that you will want to get rid of as soon as possible. Shocking drastically raises the chlorine levels for a short period of time to kill bacteria.

  7. Power Wash Your Pool Deck

    Pressure washing will help get rid of any rust or weather stains that occur over time. The area that surrounds your pool is as important as your pool itself. A dirty pool deck means a dirty pool. Dirty pool decks track dirt, algae spores, & bacteria right into the pool.

Water Safety Month

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Did you know that May is National water safety month? Hot Summer Sun means more outdoor fun. Below are 5 tips to keep you and your family swimming safely all season long.

  1. Never leave a child unattended in the water. – Always swim with a buddy.
  2. Teach children how to swim – The American Red Cross has a swim app that can help with teaching children how to swim.
  3. Make sure all children know to stay away from pool drains. – Children love to play around pool drains. Inform all children in and around your pool about the hazards of swimming pool drains.
  4. Install proper barriers, covers and alarms on and around your pool and spa. – Pools need to be enclosed properly by fences or safety pool covers.
  5. Know how to perform CPR on children and adults. – This is a valuable lifesaving skill.
  6. Keep your pool chemicals balanced & maintained. – A well balanced pool keeps harmful bacteria at bay.

Always remember that we need to keep safe swimming all year long not just during water safety month. Contact Cannonball Pool Service at 239.440.9888 for all of your pool service needs.

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