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.

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.

Should You Have A Pool Cleaning Service?

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In short, yes. You should have a pool cleaning service to maintain your swimming pool. Many homeowners opt to maintain and service their pool themselves. In the long run, this can be less cost effective and more of a hassle. Let’s find out why.

  • Consistent Inspection – Pool service isn’t simply cleaning a pool. Having a good pool service means your pool is under inspection every time your pool is cleaned and maintained. A professional pool service will automatically inspect your pool and its equipment on a regular basis. This minimizes or even eliminates costly emergency pool service calls.
  • Proper Chemical Balance -A regular pool service maintains chemicals and ensures that your pool is crystal clean. Backwashing, filter & skimmer basket clean out, tile scrubbing, vacuuming are all serviced to maintain a healthy pool. This eliminates the need for extra chemicals because there isn’t a huge rise or fall in chemicals.
  • Peace Of Mind – Hassle free pool ownership is the best type of pool ownership. Having a pool service saves time. Time to enjoy your pool more. It eliminates the worry and the endless research needed to know how to correctly maintain your pool. Pool service takes the guessing out of maintenance. You no longer have to worry if your “doing it right”.
  • Avoid Costly Damage – Saving money by “doing it yourself”? Think again. Mistakes on pool maintenance can be very expensive. Did you know too high of chemicals can deteriorate your pool lining? Or incorrect backwashing can break your pool equipment? It’s better to have the experts take care of your pool. Eliminate the chance for mistakes by using a professional pool service.

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.

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.

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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