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Category: Swimming pool chemicals

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Scottsdale Swimming pool chemicals Swimming pool service SwimRight | Scottsdale Pool Service

Keep your swimming pool summer ready

SwimRight Pool service contractors, serving Scottsdale, AZ, offer 5 pool ready tips

Summer is in full swing, and Arizona has already experienced some triple digit days. The pool service contractors from SwimRight Pools understand that you and your family are likely in the water as often as possible — day and night. If you’ve been swimming and have had your pool serviced already, you are already in summer-pool-ready mode, but here are a few things to keep in mind throughout the summer.

These are items you will want to discuss with your pool contractor if you’re uncertain whether any of these pool

Keep your swimming pool summer ready

 

issues are an issue at your home:

  1. Keep the deck clean. A swimming pool deck that isn’t cleaned regularly will be full of dust, dirt and debris and when the monsoon winds and rain kick in all of that debris can be blown into the pool. Make time to clean the deck at least monthly.
  2. Keep the pool cover clean. The cover should ideally be cleaned at least weekly. Take time to hose it off and clean it with a swimming pool safe pool cleaner.
  3. Keep the pool viable. Your pool contractor will inspect your swimming pool for any leaks in the structure or the plumbing when he pays a service visit, but you will want to keep an eye on the pool area for any suspicious puddles around the pool or on the pad or deck.
  4. Keep the pool water clean and the chemicals balanced. If you’re working with a swimming pool service professional your pool is already being maintained and the chemicals balanced, but if you’re doing it on your own, keep in mind that the chemical levels should be checked at least three times a week; ask your pool contractor to be certain. Even if you work with a pool contractor, he will advise that you check the chemical balances between service visits. You will also want to skim off any debris before it falls to the pool floor or gets into the filter. Diligent use of the pool cover will help
  5. Plan to refill the water semi-regularly. While you don’t want or need to drain and refill your swimming pool with any regularity, there will come a time when you will simply want fresh water.

The next time your pool contractor visits, you will want to spend a few minutes talking with him so you understand the “state of your pool.”

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Swimming pool chemicals Swimming pool service

Quick pool cleaning tips for AZ pool owners

Pool maintenance is part and parcel of owning a swimming pool. Pools require ongoing and constant maintenance. We don’t want to talk you out of owning a pool, but if you’re going to DIY maintenance and upkeep you need to know what you’re in for. We have some quick pool cleaning tips for AZ pool owners.

You can do these between service visits from a pool maintenance professional at SwimRight Pool Service & Repair in Scottsdale, Arizona to help keep the pool water cleaner, longer. When having a pool installed, you need to consider the long-term needs to keep it clean and swim-friendly.

Thankfully there are many automated tools you can invest in to keep the water clean of debris and leaves, but a pool requires more than scooping up leaves and cleaning the skimmer basket. It’s for that reason that swimming pool owners hire a “pool guy” to come in and do deep cleaning then all you need to do is come home and enjoy the pool, worry-free.

Quick pool cleaning tips for AZ pool owners

  1. Keep water clean- This is very important so that people who are swimming don’t contract any diseases. If the water isn’t pure, your swimmers can be bothered by burning eyes and noses. Using water filters and pumps, the dirty water is removed and fresh water is infused into the pool. Ensure the correct mix of chlorine and bromine are added to the water to keep it free of germs and bacteria.
  2. Chlorine is necessary to sanitize the water because it neutralizes urine and saliva and other bacteria and organic materials people bring into the water. But if chlorine content in the water leaves a smell and irritates the eyes, the level needs to be adjusted.
  3. A green pool is another issue that can plague a pool owner. Cleaning the sides and bottom of the pool regularly ensures that algae and moss don’t grow in it. Bromine is effective for spas and chlorine is used for swimming pools. Disinfection and sanitization are the two most important methods to keep the pool clean.
  4. Water pump usage- This is essential for circulating the water in the swimming pool. A variable-speed pump is one of the best investments you can make in pool equipment.
  5. Adding Chemicals- try to add chemicals after sunset when everyone has had their fill of swimming for the day. Keeping the water clean and drainage effective will ensure that your pool is clean always and ready for use.

If you want to DIY your pool maintenance, ask us for a pool cleaning 101 lessons or two and you can keep the water clean between service visits.

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Swimming pool chemicals

How To Maintain Proper Pool Chemistry

If your pool is clean you should be able to smell the chlorine, right? Does that mean it’s doing its job? No. If you can smell chlorine that is a sign that the water chemistry is out of balance. Many pool owners in Scottsdale, Arizona work with our team at SwimRight Pool Service & Repair on how to maintain proper pool chemistry.

How do you know if there is too much — or too little — chlorine? It’s a delicate balancing act that we are experienced with but if you are a DIYer, we have guidelines and answer some questions:

  1. How much is too much chlorine in my pool? 
  2. What is the minimum amount of chlorine that I need for the water to be safe to swim in? 
  3. Is chlorine just a liquid? No. It’s liquid, gas, solid tablet or granular forms. 
  4. If I use a salt system does that mean there’s no chlorine in the pool? No. These generators produce their own chlorine. 
  5. Why does chlorine matter? It is important to maintain sufficient levels of chlorine in your pool to kill microorganisms that cause disease, some of which can be deadly. The effectiveness of chlorine can be affected by temperature, pH levels, and different forms of contamination. I recommend maintaining the proper pH level at 7.2 to 7.8 per my previous blog in order for the sanitizer to be the most effective.

How To Maintain Proper Pool Chemistry

There are three terms in regard to chlorine that every pool owner needs to know:

  1. Free chlorine is the chlorine that is available at any given time to disinfect the water. The free chlorine level should be maintained at between 2.0 and 4.0 ppm (parts per million). The minimum should not drop below 1.0 ppm and the maximum should not exceed 5.0 ppm.
  2. Combined chlorine
  3. Total chlorine.  

When you smell chlorine, it’s not what you might think. A test of the water chemistry might show very little chlorine. It doesn’t mean that there is too much chlorine but is caused by a reaction of free chlorine with ammonia or organic compounds from sweat, urine or other sources from nature. This is called combined chlorine or chloramines. 

So how do you get rid of it? The way to get rid of that strong smell is to achieve what is called Breakpoint Chlorination. This is done by shocking or super-chlorinating the water. That is done by adding free chlorine at ten times the amount of combined chlorine. If the chloramines are organic, they cannot be removed by breakpoint chlorination.

Other methods must be used such as clarifiers added to the water, ozone treatment, or replacing the pool water with fresh water. The ideal amount of combined chlorine is zero. The max reading should be no more than .2 to .5 ppm.

Total chlorine is simply the free chlorine and combined chlorine added together.

Something else that is concerning about chlorine is that it is a very unstable material and is especially affected by sunlight. Let’s face it, that is in full supply in our area of the country! In Arizona, a chlorine stabilizer (cyanuric acid) needs to be added to act as a sunblock to maintain balanced chlorine levels. The ideal amount of cyanuric acid should be 30-50 ppm.

If you have any questions or concerns about chlorine and pool water chemistry, please give us a call!

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Scottsdale Swimming pool chemicals

How to clean mold off the pool cover

We always tell our pool and hot tub customers to be diligent in the use of a pool cover. There are so many benefits from trapping the heated water, slowing the rate of evaporation, and keeping dirt and debris out, among others. We also know that mold can build up and here are tips on how to clean mold off the pool cover for Arizona pool owners.

The swimming pool contractors from SwimRight Pool Service & Repair understand that anytime you can take a swim or soak in the hot tub is one of the best times of the day. They do know that if you use a pool or a hot tub cover — which you should — there is the potential for mold growth.

It’s not the end of the world, but you certainly don’t want to use a cover that is dripping mold spores into your water.

How to clean mold off the pool cover

Her are tips to clean the pool or hot tub cover.

  1. Remove it
  2. Lay it in the yard in a space it won’t get walked on
  3. Prepare a bucket of a gallon of warm water, a teaspoon of mild detergent and a cup of bleach
  4. Wear gloves to protect your skin
  5. Buy a soft brush or a sponge. If you can find one with a long handle, your back will thank you
  6. Thoroughly clean off all the mold
  7. Rinse with clean water
  8. Let the cover dry thoroughly
  9. Use

If you’re new to pool ownership or if this is the year you decide to use your free time to swim or soak and not clean, give us a call!

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Swimming pool chemicals Swimming pool service

Pool cleaning basics for DIY pool owners

There is so much to know when you’re having a swimming pool constructed. The swimming pool and service professionals from SwimRight Pool Service & Repair also know that Arizona pool owners need to know all about pool cleaning and who to hire for that task. We offer pool cleaning basics for DIY pool owners, but remain available for those pool owners who want to use their free time to swim — not clean!

Keeping the pool water clean and bacteria-free and ensuring the pool equipment is operating as it should, is a lot of work! This information is great even if you have a pool maintenance professional because you will want to take on some light pool maintenance between service visits. It’s always great to be an informed pool owner, too.

Pool cleaning basics for DIY pool owners

What goes into pool cleaning and maintenance?

  1. Raking and skimming off any floating debris before it falls to the bottom of the pool.
  2. Brushing the pool walls and floors should be part of the daily cleaning even if you have to spread the brushing over a couple of days, the pool should be brushed thoroughly and completely at least two times a week.
  3. A vacuuming of the pool after the brushing has been accomplished is part of pool cleaning basics. You can use a manual or an automatic vacuum — ask us to explain the differences.
  4. Testing the water chemistry regularly.

Ask us what pool supplies and equipment you should keep on hand and for a quick lesson on reading and understanding the water chemistry readings so you’re prepared to add the chemicals necessary to bring the chemistry back in balance.

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Swimming pool chemicals Swimming pool service

Scottsdale, AZ pool service contractors address algae

Algae in your swimming pool is something that your swimming pool service contractor will strive to prevent from happening. There are myriad reasons why your pool may become plagued by this green slimy one-celled plant, but in many cases, neglect is noted as the main reason. If you find your pool taking on that green hue, you will want to immediately contact a Scottsdale, algae swimming pool Arizona swimming pool service contractor to address it before the pool becomes completely over run.

Algae occurs most frequently in plaster pools because the rough surface of the plaster gives the algae something it can cling to while it is growing but it can appear elsewhere and in other types of pools.

The best way to address algae is to prevent it from growing in the first place. Diligent care, cleaning and maintenance can help, but even if you are fastidious about the cleaning and keeping the water clean and chemicals in balance – algae could still happen.  Algae causing spores could be carried in from the water use used to fill the pool and can even be carried in on the wind.

The swimming pool service providers from Swim Right Pools explain that algae is most prevalent in shallow water because the water there heats up faster than deeper water and the warmth is what the algae needs to thrive. Pool steps are a favorite breeding ground for spores so pay special attention to them when you’re performing your maintenance.

Algae is difficult to remove once it’s taken hold even though some might be able to be brushed or scrubbed away, other types of algae take more elbow grease and concentrated removal efforts. Talk to a trusted swimming pool service contractor if you see hints of algae in your swimming pool and know that working with a pool contractor is one of the best ways to prevent algae from getting a foothold in your pool.

 

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Swimming pool chemicals Swimming pool service

Swim a lot? Have green hair?

Spending a lot of time in the swimming pool under the Arizona sunshine has the potential to give you green hair! There are ways to make certain that no matter how much time you spend in the swimming pool that your hair doesn’t pay the price.  Most pools – unless they are natural pools – contain chlorine and other chemicals that can make your hair dull and brittle and in some instances give your hair a greenish tinge. Swimming pool service contractors from SwimRight Pools work with pool owners to makegreen pool hair certain this doesn’t happen. Working with an experienced Scottsdale, Arizona swimming pool service provider can help assure your hair stays shiny, bouncy and healthy all swim-season long. They offer tips:

  1. Wear a swim cap. Some swimmers don’t like that idea though because they don’t like the way they look with their hair pulled up under a rubber helmet. Vanity though, can prevent your hair from becoming damaged by the sun and chemicals. It will get a little wet even with a cap on. While a swimming cap isn’t the most fashionable of attire, serious swimmers know that prolonged exposure to the sun and pool chemicals can lead to dry, brittle, unhealthy hair.
  2. As soon as you’re done swimming shampoo and condition your hair.  If you don’t have access to an area where you can shampoo and condition, at least rinse it thoroughly to rid your hair of the harmful chemicals. If you’re swimming at a friend’s home and don’t want to go running into the house to hop in the shower as soon as you get out of the water, rinse your hair with some water from a nearby hose just to do a quick clean-up.
  3. There are hair care products made specifically for swimmers and they address the damage that pool water can wreak on your hair. These products are full of vitamins such as C and E and have other nutrients that remove the chemicals from your hair and restore your hair’s protein. If you want to make your own hair rinse to use after a day in the swimming pool, rinse with vinegar or lemon juice. You can leave them in for up to 15 minutes to help remove the chlorine and other impurities from the pool water.

Taking proper care of your hair and offering it deep conditioning treatments as often as recommended on the instructions on the various products can also go a long way in keeping your hair healthy and shiny while you enjoy long, lazy days by the pool.

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Scottsdale Swimming pool chemicals Swimming pool service contractor SwimRight | Scottsdale Pool Service

Tips For Scottsdale, AZ swimming pool maintenance

The season for closing your swimming pool is likely just around the corner, even for Scottsdale, Arizona swimming pool owners. As any swimming pool owner will share, the upkeep and maintenance that goes along with owning a swimming pool are a seemingly endless array of tasks and that’s why many pool owners opt to work with a Scottsdale, Arizona swimming pool service contractor. This has been even swimming pool cleaning more true in light of the recent monsoon season, dust storms and flooding.

What are the typical daily tasks that must be addressed by swimming pool owners? Here are five offered by the swimming pool service providers from SwimRight Pools:

  • When your pool cover is off you will need to perform some tasks daily (that’s why pool professionals advise using a pool cover when you’re not swimming). The tasks you will need to perform include skimming the top of the pool for any debris that may have fallen in; this easily done through the use of a skimmer. This process will not take too much time out of your day and will ensure that you have a safe, clean pool. After all, there is nothing worse than swimming in a pool that is filled with leaves and bugs!
  • Invest in the correct type of pool brush — ask your pool contractor for advice as the building material of your pool will determine the type of brush you buy. A pool brush is used to brush down the pool walls and floor to loosen any debris and brush away any potential algae bloom.
  • Back washing of your pool will be necessary at certain points throughout the swim season. It is a way to get rid of the dirty water and  give you the opportunity to fill up with clean water.
  • Keep an eye on the water levels during the summer months. Pool water can evaporate quickly when the weather is hot and will need to be topped up; you don’t want to overfill it so ask your contractor what the correct water level is.
  • If you work with a pool contractor, chances are you won’t need to store pool cleaning chemicals on site, but if you want to maintain the pool between visits you will need to keep chlorine and other necessary items. You will also want to purchase a kit to test the water chemical levels.

Working with a pool service pro is the easiest — and for many people, in the long run — the most cost effective way to keep the pool clean and maintained on a regular basis.

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Design Scottsdale Swimming pool chemicals SwimRight | Scottsdale Pool Service

Five Pool Equipment Upgrades to Consider

SwimRight Pool Service Contractors in Scottsdale, AZ renovate & remodel swimming pools

In Arizona it is still swim season for many pool owners, but for others they may be winding down the time spent in the pool, but are looking forward to the next swim season. Sometimes when thoughts turn toward an upcoming swim season, many pool owners find they want to make upgrades or updates to their the pool itself or to some of the equipment used to operate it.  Updating pool equipment to energy efficient styles will help save money in overall pool operating, maintenance and service costs.

Here are a few of the benefits you may reap from a swimming pool upgrade or updating project:

  • It will breathe new life into the pool and enhance your enjoymentpool gazebo
  • A modern look enhances the beauty of your outdoor living space
  • Updated pool equipment will enhance efficiency and overall operating costs

The next time your swimming pool service contractor from SwimRight Pools pays a visit spend some time with him and ask about options your pool may either require as part of an upgrade or what items you can upgrade or update simply because you want to, here are some he may suggest:

  1. Upgrading and updating the ceramic pool tiles or replacing the coping
  2. Adding an accessory such as a rock waterfall, a fountain, pool lighting, a diving board or slide
  3. Making a change to a salt water chlorination system for either health or environmental reasons
  4. Automate the pool and its operation by having your pool contractor add remote controlled options that will allow you to turn the heater on or off remotely, turn on the lights, remove or replace the pool cover or turn on the jets in your hot tub. Automation can also take the form of robotic vacuuming systems and infloor pool cleaners
  5. Consider adding a pool house, gazebo or an awning to provide cover from the hot sun  and to perhaps prevent bugs, rodents or debris from falling into the pool

Get your budget in mind and then determine which projects you definitely need to complete as compared to those you want to complete and begin the process soon so that the pool is ready when the next swim season rolls around.

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Swimming pool chemicals Swimming pool service Swimming pool service contractor

Scottsdale, AZ pool service contractors address skin sensitivity issues

If you find that once you’re in the water or have finished up swimming that you are plagued with skin sensitivity, you need to talk test kit for poolwith your swimming pool service contractor from SwimRight Pools  and let them know because they may need to adjust the chemical balances so you don’t have that issue. Chemicals to keep the water clean and free of bacteria are a necessary part of pool ownership — unless you are using a salt water chlorination system or have incorporated green cleaning methods — but there is a chance that you have a higher sensitivity to the chemicals than others and your pool contractor can help you with those issues. You certainly don’t want to stop using pool chemicals, but  your contractor can make adjustments to help those with sensitive skin (or red, irritated eyes) have a more enjoyable time when taking a dip.

The first step for your Scottsdale, Arizona swimming pool service contractor is to ascertain whether the pool’s pH and alkalinity are in the recommended ranges. Balances on either end of the spectrum – either too low or too high — can cause skin irritation and eye redness. To keep the pool’s pH and alkalinity properly balanced you should use an accurate test kit after adding chemicals — this is something your pool contractor will do for you when he is on a service visit or something a pool owner can do between visits. The water will need to be tested at least weekly, and after a rainfall, with test strips or liquid reagents to help keep the pool in balance.

Testing the water may be a daily routine until you get the balances just right. Following the testing of the water you might find it necessary to balance out the pool’s chlorine levels as these levels can cause significant eye and skin irritation. It’s a popular pool myth that strong chlorine odor and eye irritation is caused by too much chlorine. “Free chlorine” actually has no taste or odor. When free chlorine reacts with bacteria, ammonia, or other waste products it is changed into combined chlorine or chloramines. Ammonia is released into the water from body waste and sweat. Combined chlorine – free chlorine and ammonia — has a strong odor and causes skin irritation and eye redness. There should be no combined chlorine in your pool water. Combined chlorine will prevent the chlorine from doing what it is supposed to.

Always test your water for free and total chlorine levels – this is the first step in cleansing your pool of these potential skin irritants. Testing can either be done at home, by you with a good test kit, or you can take a sample to your local pool professional. You will want to add chlorine to bring the free chlorine up to 10 times the combined chlorine; if the combined chlorine is 0.2 PPM, you will add 20 PPM free chlorine. This process is called “breakpoint chlorination” or “superchlorination,” the point where the chloramine bonds break apart.

Some individuals find that being constantly vigilant with balancing the chlorine levels is more of a chore than they want to take on and in that case, hiring a pool maintenance professional whose job is to make certain your pool is safe and clean is certainly a viable option.

There are also chemicals made of natural compounds that can be used to keep your water clean and bacteria free and will also address skin sensitivity issues that may arise. Once you determine the correct balances, though it should be as easy as daily maintenance and testing. Everyone into the pool!