Yes! If left unchecked, algae can grow in free-floating patches or cling to swimming pool or spa walls. Not only can algae clog filters, it eventually can cause pool surface damage and impact swimmers’ health.

If the pool or spa is not leaking and the proper water chemistry is maintained, you should check for phosphates in your pool or spa.  A high level of phosphates could foster an algae outbreak.  Since, phosphates are a food source for algae, removing the phosphates is a very good preventative first step.

Contrary to popular belief, a strong chlorine smell actually indicates the residual chlorine level is too low.  The smell is actually chloramines, a chemical formed by the reaction of free chlorine with organic substances (sweat, urine, oils, etc).  A higher level of chloramines relative to free chlorine indicates that the free chlorine has been overwhelmed by a larger amount of organics (big weekend party?).  Additionally, chloramines are more likely to be irritating to the eyes and skin.  The only way to remove high chloramines is to SHOCK or SUPERCHLORINATE the pool or spa.

SHOCKING (or SUPERCHLORINATING) the pool or spa water is a process of increasing the amount of free chlorine residual to a level 10 times greater than the amount of chloramines in the water.  Typically, that translates to a level of 10 ppm.  This process oxidizes all of the organics in the water.  Shocking the pool is a good idea when: there are complaints of strong chlorine smell, after very heavy use, or after a heavy rain event.

RWI stands for recreational water illnesses that are caused by bacteria found in water, such as pools and spas. RWI usually involves diarrhea-type illnesses, but also can cause skin rash and ear, eye or respiratory infections. Swimming pool and spa water requires proper chemical treatment to lessen the incidence of RWI. Also, people should avoid swallowing pool or spa water and not swim or use a spa while sick.

1. CLOSE THE POOL OR SPA.
2. Call us immediately.  If you have on-site staff, we will advise them.  Otherwise, we will respond ASAP to treat the pool and the fecal matter in accordance with Centers for Disease Control (CDC) and State Health Dept. protocols.

The answer really depends on amount of use, the size of the pool or spa, and your preferences.  On smaller pools, (less than 25,000 gallons) with limited use, (2) X WEEK may be sufficient to maintain water chemistry and pool cleanliness.  Alternatively, on larger pools (40,000) gallons with more frequent use (3) X WEEK is more appropriate.  With the larger pools, (70,000) gallons plus with demanding users, more frequent service is required.   We are available to design a custom service plan for your specific needs.

We start with the size of the pool, determine the required number of service visits (from 2 -6 days/week), estimate the annual bather load, calculate anticipated chemical demand and finally determine if there are any unusual access requirements (e.g. hours, upstairs , lengthy guardshack times, etc.)

Stabilizer, or Cyanauric Acid is a chemical that protects the chlorine molecule from degradation by Ultraviolet radiation.  Stabilizer will stay in solution with the pool or spa water.  However, to maintain the normal level 60-100ppm, we must add Stabilizer as the pool or spa loses water from bather splash out, filter cleaning, draining after seasonal rainfalls, leakage, or dilution from the fresh water fill.  Since we cannot forecast how much Stabilizer is used on a regular basis, we have determined the most equitable manner for both parties is to only charge for the amount used.  If you track your usage you should see greater usage during our rainy season and significantly less in the dry season (other water loss factors aside).

If desired, we can meet with you directly to help you forecast the next year’s operating budget for the pool.  Remember, a commercial swimming pool and spa has a fairly significant amount of equipment all designed to be working in harmony together.  A realistic budget will account for repairs and replacement of some of this equipment on an annual basis.