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Tag: scottsdale arizona

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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.

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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!

Categories
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.

Categories
Swimming pool safety

3 reasons to learn to swim

There are so many reasons to learn to swim, especially if you — like many other people across the country — are staying close to home for vacations and are having your own family swimming pool constructed. The pool contractors from SwimRight Pool Service & Repair in Scottsdale, AZ offer up 3 reasons to learn to swim and we know you can add more of your own personal reasons.

Swimming is great exercise, something anyone of any age can do and is a way to spend family time together and build memories. There are ways to learn to swim — whether you teach your family or if you take swimming lessons passing along swim knowledge and safety is crucial for making the pool the safest “room in the house.”

Here are three things to keep in mind when starting to swim:

3 reasons to learn to swim

  • Know the rules of the water: The rules of the water mean that those who are in the water need to have a healthy respect for it at all times. Those who can’t swim should stay in the shallow end of the pool and the shallow end should be clearly marked to delineate it from the deep end. Whether you’re in the shallow end or not, you should also wear a life vest — this goes for children who know how to swim — safety first.
  • Ease your way into the water: Once you’re in the shallow end, lower yourself little by little until you have submerged yourself up to your chest then eventually go underwater. Hold onto the side of the swimming pool as you ease your way in and work up the nerve to put your head underwater. Take a deep breath before you put your face in the water and take time to just get used to the feeling of the water on your face. Work your way up to holding onto the side of the pool, putting your face in the water and kicking your legs back so that you’re floating.
  • Learn to tread water: Treading water is a lifesaver and everyone needs to learn this. This will be something that will be taught if you take swimming lessons no matter what your age.

These are just a few of the many things you need to do to learn to swim — or to teach your family to swim. Remember, it’s better safe than sorry and your children should wear life vests, even if they know how to swm. It should go without saying that no one should ever swim alone — even the strongest swimmer in the household.

Categories
Swimming pool safety

Solar makes sense for AZ pool owners

Swimming pool owners in Arizona may not think they need or want to heat the water but solar makes sense for AZ pool owners, especially for those cool desert nights. The swimming pool contractors from SwimRight, Scottsdale AZ pool service contractors explain that a solar heater makes sense. Harness the power of the sun and heat the pool water when necessary.

In years past, heating a pool was a costly undertaking but with solar-powered systems more prevalent and the costs coming down, a heat pump really added to your electric bill regardless of how temperate the water was. 

Solar swimming pool heaters and heat pumps make so much sense and are an efficient way to heat the pool water, especially when we see so much sunny weather in Arizona! Solar is more efficient and effective especially in AZ than gas, electric or oil heaters, solar heat pumps cost less to operate, making them a more attractive option.

Solar makes sense for AZ pool owners

Solar heaters have an option for temperature control so you won’t be swimming in bathtub warm water — well unless you want to. Solar heating systems include:

  • A solar heat collector.
  • Filter. This removes debris before the water is pumped through the solar heat collector
  • Pump. This circulates the water through the filter and collector and then back to the pool
  • Flow control valve. This can be either an automatic or manual device that diverts the pool water through the solar collector

It could cost around $4,000 or more for a solar-powered heater but you’ll find that within a year and a half to seven years (depending on how often and how warmly you heat the water) it will pay for itself. For their costs, a solar heat pump lasts longer than other heat pump types. If you’re looking to cut down on monthly utility bills and use the environment to heat your pool, a solar heat cover is a way to go.

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Swimming pool service

Tips for upgrading your poolside furniture

It may be steaming hot outdoors, but if you’ve spent your week indoors in the air conditioning you may be yearning for poolside time. If you look at the pool area and it’s not as great as you hoped it would be we have tips for upgrading your poolside furniture to make outdoor living as comfortable as your living room.

There is no better place to relax than poolside and if you have a well-furnished swimming pool deck. There are myriad shapes, styles and materials for pool and patio furniture. There are the traditional webbed lounge styles, hammocks and hand-hewn wooden furniture.

Tips for upgrading your poolside furniture

Styles

In the past, you may not have cared if your pool furniture was mismatched but today everyone wants the patio and poolside to be comfortable and aesthetically pleasing. Sure you can have mismatched styles and fabrics, but even then people are mixing and matching with purpose and with a unifying theme or color.

Furniture in matching and complementary styles and colors whether lounges or chairs or complete outdoor patio sets including outdoor eating areas lure you to spend time outside.

Whether contemporary or modern, a central color theme and furniture style pulls the whole outdoor living area together.

Furniture materials

Choose from wrought iron or cypress and cedar are durable woods that are popular for outdoor furniture. Cedar and cypress can withstand the water swimmers drip onto it when they’re coming out of the pool and are looking for a place to relax and dry off. These woods both age well and can last for decades. If you’re looking for an option that is a little less expensive choose aluminum frame furniture. This furniture can stand up to years of use and weather.

Cushion fabrics

Ask us for insight into what the best fabrics for withstanding weather and prolonged exposure to chlorine-soaked bathing suits. Choose from vinyl, polyester and various cottons made specifically for outdoor use. If you have children you might want to choose a material that is easy to be cleaned in the event drinks are spilled.

Colors

Decide if you want your colors to be bold and bright or soft and muted or a mixture. Do you want a splash of colors reminiscent of a jungle or floral garden? Do you want colors that offer a feeling of zen once you lower yourself into a chair after a swim or when you’re serving meals al fresco.

Don’t make a rush decision because it is a major investment. We also urge you to dress in shorts and sit in furniture before you buy it. If it’s not comfortable during a “trial sit” it won’t be comfortable to a long time relaxation session.

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.

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Swimming pool service Uncategorized

Is it safe to swim in cloudy water?

When we pay a service visit we get asked all the time, is it safe to swim in cloudy water? The short answer is, that you shouldn’t. The long answer is you need to give us a call so we can get to the bottom of the cloudy water. Ask any pool owner and he or she will tell you how much work they require to keep clean and keep the water chemistry balanced.

That’s why so many pool owners in Scottsdale, Arizona work with a swimming pool contractor from Swim Right Pool Service & Repair you will be able to spend your free time swimming, not cleaning the swimming pool.

If there comes a time when you go for a swim and notice that the water is cloudy, do you know what to do to get it clear and swimmable? It could take a bit of work and chemical adjustment to make it happen. When you work with us and have us clean and maintain your pool, the chance of cloudy water happening is minimal, but can still occasionally occur.

Cloudy or milky-looking water typically arises because of a disinfection system or water circulation issue.

Is it safe to swim in cloudy water?

Here’s what we will do to address the cloudy water in your pool water

  • Check the levels of disinfectant in the water.
  • Check that the pump is working correctly.
  • Check strainers and the filter to make certain they aren’t clogged.
  • Air bubbles could cause cloudy-looking water. We will check the lid on the strainer to make sure it’s not loose because if it is it could be aerating the water and that could make it look cloudy.
  • Check pool chemical levels and everything will be balanced if they’re not in the correct ratios.

When you work with us, you will have lower levels of stress when it comes to pool maintenance because we take care of it for you! Give us a call today and schedule a time for us to give you an estimate.

Categories
Swimming pool safety

Poolside fire pit safety

Chances are you’re not thinking about firing up the poolside fire pit right now, but in a few months, you know that the desert cools off quickly that fire will be a welcome addition. The swimming pool contractors from SwimRight Pool and Spa Care in Scottsdale, Arizona offer poolside fire pit safety tips.

Whether you’re renovating the pool and adding a fire feature or as a stand-alone project you need to ensure that the fire pit is used safely by both adults, pets and children. And you will definitely welcome the warmth and perhaps even a chance to cook a few snacks over the fire.

Poolside fire pit safety

If you decide a fire pit is a feature you’d like give us a call and let’s talk about placement and timing for the project.

  • Choose the fuel. Will it be wood, propane, gel or natural gas. It’s a personal choice so do your homework and get the one that makes sense for you.
  • Budget for a slab to be poured upon which the firepit will sit. It cannot be built — safely — in the corner of your yard or under a cactus. Nor should it be next to your home or other structures. No matter where you place it, use a mesh cover to prevent embers from leaving the structure.
  • Make sure that the placement of the firepit takes into consideration current traffic flow to and from the house, pool and outdoor living area. You don’t want it isolated but you don’t want to disrupt the natural flow.
  • Fully extinguish the fire, never leave it unattended and definitely don’t let it “burn itself out.” Stray embers lead to uncontrollable fires.
  • Never leave children unattended around a fire pit and don’t let them poke around in the pit with sticks or cook any food unattended.

Work with us to find a safe and aesthetically pleasing space for the firepit.