POOL CHEMISTRY 101

The perfect pool water should be clear and have a slight “sparkle” to it. We’ve all seen water that’s, well, just not quite so…
There are many things that can affect both the water and how well your pool equipment works. Larger debris like leaves and dirt can be filtered out by hand or with the pump, but on a microscopic level, the water needs to be balanced properly to keep everything working well, the water clear and your pool that “summer” perfect.

You don’t have to be an expert. A few minutes and you’ll have your pool as clean as the pros.
USE YOUR TEST KIT

You should have a test kit. If your pool is new, you should have been given one (we do). If not, you can pick up a test kit at most pool and home improvement stores. The test kit is simple to use and will tell you just about anything you need to know about the condition of the water in your pool. The two main measurements are:

1. The chlorine content of the water.
2. The pH of the water.

WHAT IS “pH”?

In a nutshell the pH is the approximate balance between the acid and the alkalinity of the water. You’ve seen “hard” water? Then you know that water varies a lot from place to place. The alkalinity or acidity of the water varies a lot as well. Your test kit will quickly tell if you your water is too acidic or too alkaline.
Most people don’t give his a second thought, but water that is too alkaline or too acidic can become cloudy, can stain your plaster, cause “etching” (erosion), irritate eyes, corrode metal (your ladder for example), and can even damage equipment.
THE FIX
Your pool water test kit will quickly allow you to test the water. Getting the balance back to “neutral” is very simple, and usually corrected with muriatic acid (if the water is too acidic) or soda ash (if it’s too alkaline). Just be sure to use the right fix and follow all safety directions, including when not to swim after adding the ash or acid.
Checking your water’s acidity on a regular basis will help you keep your pool in tip-top shape for the season and make every swim day an enjoyable one. If you’ve got any questions, need some help, or would like to discuss a new pool or remodel of your existing pool, let us know!
Be safe! Have fun! Use pool fences and adult supervision when children are around!

POOL SAFETY 101 : 10 THINGS YOU CAN DO TO PLAY IT SAFE THIS SUMMER

There are an average 385 pool and spa related drownings each year in the US. Over 75 percent of these are children, with over half of those under 3 years old. (CPSC)

As the weather gets warmer, Arizona gets ready for pool season. We’re fortunate to have a very long season, running from April until October, and in many cases longer. With a pool heater, swimming can be a year-long activity. It’s one of the many reasons people vacation or relocated to the Valley.

Many pool injuries and fatalities are preventable. It doesn’t take a lot to be safe, but it does take vigilance and habit. Safety, especially when children are involved, must become a way of life for pool owners. A little concern and care can make for years of enjoyable summers.

Don’t become a statistic.

Here are some simple things you can do to help:

1. Adult Supervision. This may sound obvious, but it’s easy to forget. Having an adult present to supervise activity will go a long way to helping ensure safety. This should preferably be an adult who is not-swimming, so they can observe and react to anyone who might need help.
2. Pool Fencing / Barriers. In many residential areas, these are required. Regulations vary, so check with your local authority. You may be required to install a fence around your pool, automatic door closers and latches above 48 inches, among other things.
3. Pool Covers. There are different solutions that can help keep the pool area safe when not in use. Many covers also help keep the water warm. A good cover will prevent any access to the water, helping you keep your family safe.
4. Alarms. These should be installed regardless of your local community requirements. Many are simple but very effective. At a most basic level, a pool alarm makes a sound when someone enters the pool or pool area. Some can be attached to doors and gates that have access to the pool, giving you notice that someone might be at risk.
5. Ropes / Float Line. Placing a float line across your pool can help you separate the deep from the shallow end. This can help by providing a visual as well as physical block. These are not toys and should not be treated as such. Life lines are used to pull someone from the pool to safety. As with float lines, these are not toys and should not be treated as such. They should be easily accessible.
6. Emergency Kits and Training. A well-stocked first aid kit is usually a good idea in the pool area. Someone with CPR training is also an excellent idea. Practicing safety drills is an important way of ensuring that everyone is actively involved in pool safety and knows what to do in the event of an emergency.
7. Outdoor Telephone. A cordless phone or cell phone should be outside with pool users. This will mean that you don’t have to leave the pool area to make/take a call or call 911.
8. Toys. If they’re not pool toys or games, keep them away from the pool. Also, at the end of the swimming session, put them away so they don’t become a safety hazard. Toys that contain water (ie super-soaker) should be emptied. All toys should be stored away from the pool.
9. Chemicals / Equipment. All chemicals and equipment should be locked away in a safe place that cannot be easily accessed by children or pets. Read safety labels and follow the directions. Be sure you read the safety directions and information as well. Chemicals and pool equipment should never be played with or used by children.
10. Sunscreen/ Shade. Keeping cool in the pool is also a good way of getting sunburn. A strong, waterproof sunscreen is essential, as is adequate shading, hats and water. Even on cooler days the suns ultraviolet rays can burn and heat exhaustion is a genuine risk.

Pools are for relaxation and fun. Safety is a necessity, but doesn’t have to take away from the enjoyment. Owning a pool or spa is a responsibility, but it is very worthwhile. Just play it safe.

For more information and for other statistics, please visit the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) Pool Safety website at www.poolsafely.gov.

Get your pool and pool equipment checked, repaired, remodeled or refurbished in time for summer. Visit us at ArizonaPoolandSpa.com.

POOL PUMP PRIMER : SOME BASICS

Knowing some basic information can help you get the most out of one the most important, yet misunderstood parts of your pool system: the pump. It’ runs (mostly) quietly behind the scenes, often at night, pulling the water from the pool, pushing it through the filter and out again. It’s a piece of equipment that is, and should be, taken for granted…well, most of the time…

Keep it Clean

The pump motor should be kept clean, dry, cool, and properly serviced. This may sound obvious, but many pumps sit dormant for much of the winter, under piles of leaves, or covered in mud. Keeping the area around the pump debris will help keep the air intake(s) clean and the pump operating efficiently. Check the intake screen for lint, leaves and any other debris that could get caught up in it.

Hang on a Minute!

That said, do not sweep around a running motor. The motor’s fans will suck dust and dirt into the motor. This could cause even more damage than before.

Other Chemicals and “Stuff”

Another potential problem is the storage of yard maintenance, pool maintenance, pest control and other chemicals around the pool pump. Dry products especially risk getting sucked into the pump and…you guessed it…causing further problems.

Cleaning the Motor

The motor is “drip-proof”, designed to withstand the hazards of rain, mist and fog. This means that it can be hosed down and given a good clean – when not running. This might also be a good time to point out that “hosing down” the yard or using a jet of water to clean around the pump area is not a good idea if the pump is running. Once again, water vapor can get sucked into and damage the motor.

(Not) Under Cover

This may sound obvious, but needs a mention – don’t cover the motor or pump area with airtight materials.

Maintenance

Get the pump checked at the beginning of the pool season. This isn’t expensive and could highlight potential issues before they come problems.

Got a question about pool maintenance, renovation or safety? Send us an email at AZPools@hotmail.com. You can learn a lot more by visiting www.ArizonaPoolandSpa.com.