accounts@swimrightpools.com

480-600-8583

Follow Us

Get A Free Quote

Tag: hot tub service

Categories
Swimming pool service

What’s behind the walls of your swimming pool?

What is lurking behind the walls of your swimming pool? Nothing too scary, but there is an intricate set of piping and plumbing. The swimming pool contractors at SwimRight Pool Service & Repair understand that the plumbing is something a pool owner hopes to never have to think about but, if there is a leak or a broken pipe then it’s all hands on deck to see what’s behind the walls of your swimming pool.

Unless you’re a trained and experienced plumber, not many pool owners would — or perhaps should — attempt addressing plumbing issues in the pool. If you have been measuring water levels in your pool and suspect that it’s going away more quickly than evaporation or splashing out would suggest, it might be time to start looking for a leak as a cause of the disappearing water level. Keep in mind that evaporation is a true and ongoing concern for Arizona pool owners but there are times you will notice the water going down much more quickly than it should be.

Anyone interested in fixing or installing plumbing traps or drains should know there are little secrets to making life easier.
The first of our secrets include “hand tightening.”  Whether you’re installing a new drain or repairing a sink trap you need to ensure that everything that has been put together is first and foremost tight enough to not cause leaks but not so tight that it could cause problems if you needed to work on it later. Snug is better than too tight.

What’s behind the walls of your swimming pool?

The plumbing is designed to make hand tightening the best for pool plumbing. This just means you need use all your strength in tightening it but simply put the plumbing drain trap and other parts required for the drain assembly, not just together but hold up tightly.

After the plumbing has been installed, your pool contractor will test everything before closing up the walls and sealing the plumbing inside.  Test the drain by running water through the plastic drain pipes and look for any leaks. If any leaks happen, tighten the plumbing and joints a little bit more. Tighten slowly but surely until the leak stops.

Pool plumbing involves fitting shower heads and taps and other sections that run to and from your pool. For most homeowners, the right kind of tools is another secret to easy plumbing. One such tool you’ll need is a pipe wrench. These wrenches can be adjusted to fit whichever pipe dimension you’re working with. Other tools that are included in the must-have list to secrets of great plumbing are screwdriver, washers and some PTFE tape.

If you are a DIYer you can give the plumbing a go but if you doubt your skills it’s best to leave pool plumbing to a pro — after all a pool is a major investment that you want to protect.

Categories
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.

Categories
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!

Categories
Swimming pool service

The benefits of automatic pool cleaners

There’s no worry that if we install an automatic swimming pool cleaner for you that we will “lose our jobs.” The swimming pool contractors from SwimRight Pool Service & Repair understand that even if you’re diligent about using a pool cover, you may need to vacuum the pool between visits. The benefits of automatic pool cleaners cannot be denied because they are essentially a “set it and forget it.”

Automatic pool cleaners cut back on the active pool maintenance time you may need to be involved in between our scheduled service visits. Pool cleaning, especially if you live in Arizona, might seem like it’s never-ending and that is what comes from living in an area of the country that boasts such sunny, hot weather for so many months of the year. That doesn’t mean you need to give up your free time to clean the pool, though.

The reason you want to vacuum the pool regularly is to keep dirt and debris that fall into the pool from getting sucked into and clogging the filters. You no longer need to manually wield the standard, manual hand-held pool cleaning nets with mesh buckets when automation makes it easier.

The benefits of automatic pool cleaners

There are pool vacuums that are lower cost but they involve back-bending time spent cleaning – a handheld vacuum is one of those items. Many find that the vacuums don’t remove as much dirt and silt as you’d think, they tend to stir it up more than pick it up. Protect your free time and your back with an auto cleaner:

  1. Pressure-fed cleaners are a bit better but require the installation of a special pump to operate and the expensive in-floor cleaning systems take a great deal of installation work before they are operational. Pressure-fed cleaners are typically installed during pool construction.
  2. A suction cleaner requires less physical labor but are sometimes problematic since they don’t scrub the pool all that well and are rather random with their scanners so they miss many areas of the pool.
  3. The answer to your cleaning prayers is the robotic pool cleaner – think in-home Roomba for the pool! The benefits include ease of installation. They provide a complete pool cleaning including scrubbing and the application of cleaning chemicals. This type of cleaner offers you independence from cleaning.

Ask us about the benefits of an automatic pool cleaner and let’s discuss what type might be best for your family.

Categories
Swimming pool service

How to protect your pool during AZ storms

Triple-digit temperatures and arid conditions — that people who live in Arizona are faced with. On those rare occasions and during monsoon season, the skies open up and Arizona gets soaking, flooding rains. That rain can wreak havoc with roadways and washes and with your swimming pool. The pool contractors from SwimRight Pools in Scottsdale, AZ have tips on how to protect your pool during AZ storms.

Rain may be a welcome sight because it is so rare, but a monsoon rain usually brings high winds and dust and all of that can ensure the water chemistry gets out of balance. After storms, we find our calendars are full and that’s because water is out of balance, pools have overflowed and equipment has been damaged by water.

Rain, high winds, lightning and dust drop debris and pollutants into the pool water making it un-swimmable. If you have enough notice, you can prepare your pool to survive the storm.

How to protect your pool during AZ storms

Pre-storm prep 

  • High winds could blow patio furniture and other poolside items into the pool and that could lead to damage not to mention it will introduce dirt into the water. Resist the urge to toss the pool furniture and toys into the water because you think it will keep it from blowing away — chances are it won’t and chances are it will harm your pool.
  • Turn off the electricity to the pool. Even with power off, pool equipment can sustain damage from high winds and rain. Ask us whether you should remove the pump motor.
  • Rainwater carries organic contaminants and that means the water chemistry will be impacted by rainfall. An algaecide might be in order to help minimize contamination.
  • Secure the pool cover. A mesh cover is ideal for keeping standing water from accumulating but it doesn’t do anything to keep dirt and debris out.

Post-storm cleanup

  • Remove large items and debris.
  • If the pump and skimmer are dirty and full of water, clean them before running the pool or turn the power back on
  •  Uncover the pump motor and check for water damage. If it’s dry, turn the power on and start running the pump. If it is wet, do not turn the power back on. Give us a call before using it again.
  • Once the power’s been restored and the equipment is operational, the pool can be vacuumed.
  • Super chlorination may be in order after a storm and we can do that during the post-storm cleanup.
  • Run the pump and filter for at least ten hours following a storm and your clean-up.
  • Give us a call and get on our schedule for post-storm cleanup. Many pool owners find that it’s a heavy lift to take on a post-storm cleanup job.

Be advised that we do work with our current customers before we take on new customers following a storm. Give us a call and let us give you an estimate for pool maintenance — you may find it’s less than you thought and the free time you gain is priceless.

Categories
Premium Scottsdale Swimming pool service contractor SwimRight | Scottsdale Pool Service

Water conservation tips for Scottsdale, AZ swimming pool owners

Water conservation tips for Scottsdale, AZ swimming pool owners 

When you’re having a swimming pool constructed, you understand you need to make arrangements to have the pool filled and you can do that either with the hose from your home or you may opt to have water trucked in. Be aware that in some areas of the country, the water you use will also generate a sewage usage charge — you may want to talk with your particular municipality to see if there is a fee and if it can be waived because you will be using the water, but not generating any “sewage usage.”

Once the pool has been filled, the swimming pool contractors from SwimRight Pools explain that there will be an ongoing cost of water swimming poolsimply due to evaporation and water being splashed out. Keeping the pool filled to the proper level – which is necessary to make certain your pool equipment is functioning properly – is an ongoing task. There are many things you can do to help with water conservation and consumption for your pool or hot tub.

Swimming pool contractors in Scottsdale, Arizona offer these steps to help you conserve water in your swimming pool or spa. These tips will also help keep money in your wallet:

  1. A leaking swimming pool will obviously lead to water loss and the cost and need to refill it. One of the easiest ways to determine whether you have a leak or evaporation? The “bucket test.” Fill a bucket with water, mark the water level in the bucket, place it next to your pool and measure whether the water in the bucket evaporates at the same rate as your pool does. Also, check for damp spots around the pool. Loose or cracked tiles can also be the sign of a leaking pool or hot tub.
  2. Not using a cover can lead to up to an inch of water loss a week – especially in the summer months and that equates to close to a loss of close to 7,000 gallons a year! You pool cover can also conserve heat and lead to a savings on heating costs and it can also reduce the need for additional chemical use.
  3. When the pool is backwashed your filters that uses extra water. Keeping the pool and filters clean eliminates the need for frequent backwashing.
  4. The swimming pool doesn’t need to be full to the brim. Keep the water about an inch above the bottom pool tile. This will help keep water in when swimmers are splashing around.
  5. Lowering the temperature on your pool a degree or two  will help save money and slow down the rate of evaporation.
  6. Add chlorine when the sun goes down. If you add chlorine in the daytime, the sun quickly dissipates the chlorine.
  7. Strategic planting of trees, shrubbery and fencing or privacy barriers can cut down on evaporation caused by the wind.

Ask your pool contractor for advice on how to check whether your pool is leaking and for further advice on how to save money and prevent pool water evaporation.

 

Categories
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.

Categories
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.

Categories
Swimming pool chemicals Swimming pool service contractor

What to look for in a Scottsdale, AZ pool service contractor

Personality may play a role in the swimming pool service contractor you’ve chosen — after all, you’d want to work with someone you can get along with, right? Well, perhaps, but more important is the skills the pool contractor brings to the table, a great poolside manner is a bonus!

If you have a swimming pool, chances are you will want to swim in it more often than you will want to clean it so it’s best to hire a
swimming pool service contractor in Scottsdale, Arizona to undertake the heavy lifting of pool maintenance and upkeep on your behalf.

Here are five items you will want to look for when you’re in the process of hiring a swimming pool service contractor for the care and upkeep of your family’s pool:

  • How well versed are they in pool water chemistry? You should ask whether the staff has specialized training and you should also talk with other pool owners who use his service to see whether they have any issues with the water chemistry in their pools.
  • How long have they been in business and what maintenance skills do they possess? A competent swimming pool service contractor will have a staff of experienced pool maintenance professionals with the ability to not only clean the pool water but to inspect and help maintain the pool equipment. The swimming pool service contractors should be thorough in their duties.
  • Will your pool service contractor bring his own equipment or will you be expected to have equipment on site? In some cases, pool owners will have access to a vacuum, brushes and other pool maintenance equipment so they can keep the pool clean and clear during visits, but your pool contractor should have his own equipment and bring chemicals with him so you don’t have to store them on site.
  • Add-on services such as emergency or 24-hour on call maintenance and repair is something you may want to ask a potential pool contractor if he offers. Does he perform repairs or replacement of equipment himself or will he need to refer you to another service provider if it becomes necessary.
  • Word of mouth is an ideal way to vet a potential pool contractor. Ask your friends or neighbors who they use and how happy they are with the service. This may be one of the best ways to find a qualified service contractor.

While you will want to do thorough research before you turn the maintenance of your pool over to a professional, this is a good starting point as you begin your research.

 

Categories
Swimming pool service

What kind of hot tub jets should you get?

Did you know there are a lot of choices of hot tub jets? There are probably more types than you can count on your fingers and your toes! What kind of hot tub jets should you get? The swimming pool and hot tub contractors from SwimRight Pool & Spa Service in Scottsdale, AZ put together a list of the various types and the reasons you may choose one over another.

After you’ve made the decision to get a hot tub, now you need to decide what kind of jets, where they will be placed and what seating arrangements you want for your hot tub set up.

Will you want soothing bubbles or jets that provide strong pulsation senses that can deeply massage and relax your tight muscles. Make certain you sit in a hot tub before you buy it to see where the jets will hit on your body once you are in — yes, wear your bathing suit and be prepared to get into the hot tub!

What kind of hot tub jets should you get?

Here are various types of jets available:

  • Swirl jets – provide a gentle massage action and with this style you may be able to adjust the water pressure that emanates from the jets. These jets rotate and provide relief from the direct flow jets and they also cover more of your body than a straight-flow jet.
  • Air jets – provide a constant stream of bubbles. With air jets, your body receives a soothing all over massage from the jets. These are typically the lightest pressure-providing jets and are typically used when you’re looking for a hot tub or spa for relaxation purposes.
  • Whirlpool jets – are the type usually seen in hydrotherapy pools to treat injuries. The jets have large, round openings and pull water from other outlets and concentrate the water pressure on your specific body areas – legs, back, etc. They offer a deep massage.
  • Oscillating jets make it feel a wave-like motion and deliver a jet stream that offers relief from back aches. If you opt for a few oscillating jets you can receive coverage on your entire back.
  • Mini jets – offer intense, precisely-targeted jets and treat specific spots on your body. If you’d like you can get a hot tub with mini jets that are clustered together and will provide a strong therapeutic effect.
  • Pulsating jets – dig down deep into your muscles and tissues, the pulsating jets will be the style you’ll choose. These jets can also be used in conjunction with spiral or rotating jets.

No matter what kind of jets you get in your hot tub, you can adjust the pressure to address various parts of your body

Regardless of the type of jets you get, spending time in a hot tub is relaxing and soothing. Give us a call if you want to talk about adding a hot tub to your Scottsdale, AZ back yard.