One of the greatest assets any homeowner can have when it comes to landed property is a pool. Apart from its numerous health benefits, it also increases your property’s value and the aesthetic appearance of your compound in general. All you have to do is to properly maintain the pool and make sure it is always in good condition.
When you close your pool in the winter period, it is only right that you open it up again and prepare it for summer activities. In this post, we will be discussing the various steps you need to take to prepare your pool for the coming summer period. We will give you tips on pool tile cleaning and tricks you can use to ensure that you are a happy pool owner.
Steps to get your pool ready for Summer
In no particular order, we will discuss the steps involved in getting your pool ready for summer in the section below:
Never empty your Pool
Emptying your pool during any season at all is never a good idea, especially if your pool is located in a place that has a high water table. The weight of the water helps to keep the ground from lifting, so even if your pool is dirty and you want to clean it, you should drain the pool and put clean water in it to prevent such an occurrence.
If you are closing it for the winter period, you still should not leave it empty. As simple as covering a pool is, it is a maintenance step many people overlook. Keeping your pool covered prevents leaves or debris from getting into it and making it a mess.
Clean your pool
Your pool has stayed covered throughout winter, and now it’s time to put it to use again; neither the pool nor the water in it will be in good shape. You will need to clean the pool by getting rid of any leaves or debris with a scoop net or any other useful cleaning material you can find.
How to fix a cloudy pool? Using a pool vacuum cleaner can also help you remove smaller dirt particles your scoop net isn’t capable of getting rid of. You will also need to clean your pool’s roller shutter, cover, edge of the pool, and the pool tiles so you can remove any dirt or limescale that might be hanging around them.
Ensure Technical Installation is in good shape
Apart from cleaning your pool, you need to make sure that the technical appliances in your pool are in good shape. You will need to check if the pump is functioning properly; the filter also needs to be unclogged if there is any debris blocking it. Replace your sand filters at least every three years and ensure that your pool pipes, skimmers, and inlets are not broken or dirty.
Check Water Quality
Swimming in acidic or highly alkaline pool water could be risky for the skin, which is why you need to test the water quality of your pool. Your pool water quality should fall within a certain range before it can be considered healthy. The pH value for a healthy pool should be within the range of 7.2 – 7.6 ideally. Anything outside this range would need to be improved and restored to normal quality. When you decide to prepare your pool for summer, it is important that you consider this and let professionals do the job.
Conclusion
Everyone knows that the summer season is usually hot and dry. It’s that season when all you want is to cool off in a pool after a long day’s work. If you are a pool owner, then you already know that having a pool during the summer will do you a lot of good.
Either you want to throw a house party soon, or you just enjoy relaxing in the pool, you will need to prepare your pool for the season. Some people would rather carry out the whole process themselves, but we recommend the services of professionals like us to ensure that you are not missing any steps.
Winterizing a pool means you are getting it prepared for winter. Winterizing a pool is commonly mistaken as closing a pool and although they are quite similar, there are still major differences in how they are carried out. Once it’s winter, temperatures start dropping and your pool may likely get colder.
Not many people are aware that water can be destructive when left in pipes or pumps. Water expands in volume in whatever container it is in; this means that if you leave water in your pool, it may also cause damage to your pool itself. That’s why it’s important to turn to a professional pool service in Gilbert.
This answers the question of if you need to winterize your pool. Yes, you do need to winterize your pool. You might ask why it’s so important? Keep reading.
Why you need to Winterize your Pool?
It is advisable to start prepping your pool for winter once you notice that the temperature consistently dips below 65 degrees Fahrenheit. There are a number of things that could happen if you do not winterize your pool. We will be discussing the reasons you need to winterize your pool in this section.
To Avoid Pump Damage
Once it’s winter, your pump can crack and break if you refuse to disconnect it from the pool’s filtration system. Luckily, it is quite easy to connect and disconnect the pump from the filtration system so it’s not something you have to stress over. As soon as the summer season is back, You can simply hook your pump back to your pool.
To Ensure Pool Safety
In the winter months, it is highly advisable to pull a cover over your pool to avoid accidents involving children or pets. As soon as the necessary steps have been taken to winterize your pool, all you have to do next is to cover the surface of the pool with a pool cover to prevent accidental slips or falls. Pool covers are usually secured tightly to the edge of the pool by using pool deck clips.
To Prevent Excess cooling
Leaving your pool to get very cold during the winter season can result in potential damage to your pool lining, deck, and even the pool tiles. So in order to be safer than sorry, your best bet is to get a pool service to drain water out of your pool during winter. This way, you have absolutely nothing to worry about during these periods.
How to Winterize your Pool
Pool winterization involves many steps and these steps vary for different pool types, location, volumes, and chemical properties. In this article, we will focus on discussing the important ones you will need to do above anything.
Clean the Pool
The first step to winterizing your pool is to clean the pool and take out whatever debris, algae, and also get rid of calcium buildup you might have in there. If you skip this step, you will make your pool a breeding ground for all kinds of bacteria and harmful microorganisms and it would be a messy sight when you finally decide to open your pool in the summer period.
Check the Chemical balance
To properly winterize a pool, the water chemistry must be perfectly balanced to prevent algae bloom and instability in the long run. Things like water hardness, Ph balance, alkalinity should be carefully checked and appropriately handled. Phosphate remover can also be added to the pool water to get rid of phosphate which encourages algae growth.
Winterize your Pool Equipment
Pool equipment such as ladders, wall fittings, and so on should be removed and properly stored during the winter period to avoid damage. Plumbing equipment for the pool such as the pump, heater, filter, and underground pipes also need to be winterized. This can be done by using a wet-dry vacuum or compressed air to remove water from the line.
Summary
As you might have rightly deduced from this article, winterizing your pool isn’t a walk in the park which is really what sets it apart from just closing the pool. To properly winterize a pool, you will need to hire a professional pool service in Gilbert to get the work done for you.
Your pool should be like a little oasis in your family’s backyard. Pool lights add an extra element of safety and visual appeal, but only if they’re in good working condition. If you’re having problems with your pool lighting repair, you should address them as soon as possible.
Common Problems
If your pool lights aren’t working exactly as intended, that’s always a problem worth addressing. Some issues come up more often than others.
Here are the three pool light problems you’re most likely to encounter:
1. Bulb Burnouts
Like all light bulbs, the bulbs in your pool lights will burn out, eventually. Replacing them as soon as they do reduces the risk of more extensive fixture damage. All you’ll need to do is replace the light bulb and the light gasket. This repair is typically inexpensive, but it can be difficult depending on where the light is located. If you hire a pro for the job, he or she will have the light working again within 60 to 90 minutes.
2. Failing Lens Gaskets
Your underwater pool lights rely on lens gaskets to create a watertight seal. If the gasket develops a leak, it can short out the light. Leave the pool in this condition for too long, and you may need to replace not just the gasket, but the entire fixture. Prolonged exposure to water can cause it to become corroded and permanently fail.
3. Failing Fixtures
Underwater pool light fixtures are more prone to failure than their average household components. If they develop leaks from the back or bottom of the fixture, the moisture can quickly corrode its internal wiring. There’s no quick fix for this problem once it has occurred. You’ll need to install an entirely new light fixture.
Reasons to Hire a Pro
If you do your own basic pool maintenance Gilbert AZ, it may be tempting to try tackling your own pool light repairs. Resist the temptation. Electricity and water form a dangerous combination for the average homeowner. Professional pool repair technicians know how to work safely in these challenging conditions.
When you work with a pro, you’ll get:
Fast repairs
Affordable pricing
Professional results
Lights and fixtures that will withstand the test of time
Protection in the form of liability and workers’ compensation insurance policies
Help with choosing new fixtures as needed
All the help you need getting your pool back into great shape
What to Expect
When you work with a pool repair company, expect professionalism and courtesy from every staff member. The repair technicians will arrive on time, inspect the fixtures, diagnose the problem, then give you an accurate quote. Once you’ve signed off on the repairs, they’ll work quickly to resolve your problem, then test for proper operation.
If you need new fixtures, your repair technician will let you know. He or she will also be prepared to make expert recommendations based on your pool’s type and location and your family’s budget. After the technician installs the new light, you can go back to using your pool whenever you want.
Work With the Best
Want to find the best company for pool light repair? Ph Balanced Pool Service has got you covered. We provide everything from general pool maintenance to equipment installations and repairs at competitive prices. Get in touch with us today to request a free quote.
If you own a pool on your property, you likely want the feature to look it’s best and contribute to the appeal of the outdoor setting. Having a beautiful pool also means that it’s clean and safe enough to take a dip in for your family members during the warmer months of the year. If you want to keep your pool beautiful year-round, there are a few important steps aside from pool tile cleaning you’ll need to take as a homeowner.
Use Professional Equipment
It’s impossible to keep your pool sparkling clean and beautiful without using the right equipment. You’ll need to invest in standard equipment like a filter and pool pump. Keep in mind that you’ll need to talk to an expert to determine which type of filter to use because it will depend on your climate and the weather conditions. Using a skimmer is also necessary to collect any leaves, twigs, and dirt that is floating in the water. Robot vacuums are also convenient to use because of their automatic operation, making them run continuously to ensure all debris is collected throughout the day.
General cleaning supplies also need to be purchased to ensure the water remains safe. If you have a saltwater pool, consider talking to a professional about what products you need to buy because the maintenance can differ compared to a pool with chlorine.
Repair the Cracks
You’ll need to have clear silicone on hand for repairing any cracks that form around the perimeter of the pool where the tile and deck are located. By sealing any cracks that form throughout the year, it will prevent any water from seeping through the materials, which can cause a lot of issues and will eventually lead to extensive damage.
Clean the Tiles
The tiles also need to be scrubbed to remove scum that accumulates over time. The tile line around the pool should be scrubbed down every week to make it easier to clean instead of waiting until too much build-up is present.
Check the Water Level
If the water level in your pool becomes too low, it can cause the filter and pool pump to run dry with damage that occurs. If you feel like the water is always low, contact a professional technician to check for leaks that may be present to ensure the necessary repairs are performed. Keep a close eye on the water level to ensure it’s consistent.
Add Chemicals
Chemicals should be added to the water if you don’t have a saltwater pool. The chemicals should be checked every three to four days. When you’re not using the pool as frequently, you only need to check the chemicals once every other week. Excess growth of bacteria can form if you are not using pool chemicals at all, especially when you’re not using the pool. Too much bacteria can cause damage to occur over time and can lead to costly repairs.
Care for the Skimmer and Basket
The skimmer baskets can become clogged easily because they continuously collect debris and dirt on top of the water. They only work if you frequently clean and empty them out, making it necessary to remove all gunk on a weekly basis. If the parts are working too hard, then they can burn the motor out and everything may need to be repaired or replaced.
The hair and lint pot on the front of the pool pump also need to be inspected every three weeks throughout the year and more frequently during the summer when the pool is more in use. Small pieces of hair and lint will accumulate and have to be removed manually to keep it working well to ensure your pool continues to remain clean and stays beautiful.
Understanding the maintenance and repairs that need to be performed on your pool throughout the year is necessary to keep it looking clean and beautiful on a consistent basis. With the right tools used and a bit of practice, it can become a normal part of your routine and will allow you to get more use out of the feature in the summer or year-round, depending on where you live.
Owning a swimming pool can be a massive pleasure. Despite that, it can also be quite time-consuming and difficult. It’s something that calls for a lot of commitment and a weekly pool service. If you want to keep your swimming pool in tiptop condition all year long, then you should steer clear of any and all of these typical and frustrating pitfalls, period.
Concentrating Solely on High Temperatures
It isn’t unheard of for swimming pool owners to concentrate exclusively on service in times of high outdoor temperatures. Remember, it’s critical to stay on top of your swimming pool regardless of the time of the year. It needs service when it’s hot outdoors. It needs service at other times all the same. Maintenance isn’t just something that’s necessary at the start of the summer season. It’s something that’s necessary in the autumn and spring as well. You should hire a technician to assess your pool for any indications of winter destruction. Professionals assess pools for liner tearing, pipe harm and similar things. Pool winterization can come in handy during the autumn season each year. Swimming pool concealing can safeguard things in times of inclement temperatures. If you want to maintain your pool without any worries, then you need to prioritize maintenance regardless of the specific season.
Failing to Assess Chemistry on a Frequent Basis
Swimming pool owners often fail to assess chemistry on a frequent basis. It can be wise to access chemistry two times weekly during the hotter summer months. It can be wise to assess it weekly during the winter months as well. If you do this, then you can go forward with subtle tweaks that involve water chemistry.
Utilizing Chemicals That Just Do Not Make Any Sense
It’s crucial for swimming pool owners to stay far away from the error of utilizing chemicals that just aren’t appropriate. Swimming pool owners often treat water with the assistance of chemicals that eliminate all traces of algae and bacteria. Remember, though, that swimming pools are always different. They all call for their own chemical combinations. If you present a pool with a problematic blend, then you may end up having to pay the price. If your swimming pool water has a chemical balance that’s just not correct, then it may lead to severe mouth, skin and eye irritation in users. Questionable chemical balances can bring on pool material degradation that can pave the way for persistent leaks as well.
Ignoring Filter Cleaning Responsibilities
Monthly filter cleaning sessions are essential. People should be equipped with a couple of filters at all times. Swapping out pool filters tends to be a hassle-free and swift task that people can take on independently with more pool tips.
Contact the pH Balanced Pool Service, LLC Crew
Do you want to take excellent care of your swimming pool in the picturesque Gilbert, Arizona area? Contact the pH Balanced Pool Service team to set up an appointment for professional pool cleaning service without any delay.
Chances are you have seen some form of commercial or media showing a dog enjoying a day in the pool. While your furry friend always seems to have a blast, it’s important to be aware of all the potential benefits and concerns associated with your dog swimming in a pool. Keep in mind these tips for pool maintenance Gilbert AZ.
Swimming in the pool is great low-exertion exercise for both dogs and people alike. It is incredibly beneficial for dogs who have injured or weakened joints and limbs. Often times, dogs coming off of serious injuries will rehab inside of underwater treadmills to lighten the physical toll on the body while recovering. Especially in a hot state like Arizona, taking a dip in the pool is one of the best ways for your dog to get some exercise and cool off!
Although most dog breeds love water, there are those who don’t have the natural inclination to swim on instinct. Due to physical profiles, some dogs will have a much more difficult time swimming than others. Dogs with longer limbs such as labradors are built for hunting, which includes swimming quite often. Other smaller, shorter breeds such as pugs do not belong in the water whatsoever. Luckily enough for dogs owners around the world, any dog can learn how to swim with the proper supervision and lessons. Be careful however, as this requires loads of attention and time from an owner perspective.
Getting in and out of the pool is one of the other main concerns associated with dogs swimming. Not every pool comes equipped with shelves that can assist dogs from entering and exiting the pool. Due to that, it is imperative that you pay close attention when your dog wants to exit the pool.
There is no need to fret over your dog interacting with the chlorine in the pool water. Similar to people, dogs may experience some slight eye and/or nose irritation when exiting the pool. Although a fun few hours in the water is harmless to your favorite pet. If anything, be conscious of what your dog is dragging into the pool before they enter. It is always a good idea to give them a quick spray down with a hose before entering to rid them of any dirt or grime they may have on them.
Rain doesn’t directly harm your pool, however it often dilutes the balanced chemistry in the water. Correspondingly, this can irritate pH levels, decrease chlorine and other sanitizers, and exponentially increase the growth of algae and other contaminants.
Once the algae is in a pro-growth environment, they conglomerate quickly which is why a pool can turn green overnight. A green pool certainly doesn’t please the eyes, but most importantly, it’s a health hazard to swim in.
Large amounts of algae in a pool can lead to skin irritation, ear and eye infections, and gastrointestinal illness. To prevent your pool from turning green after a rainstorm you should try to stop dilution before it occurs.
Here are a number of ways you can do that:
Pay Attention to Weather Forecasts
Observing the weather forecast daily can help you prep your pool for a rainstorm. However, pool cleaning services Gilbert AZ recommend investing in a pool cover is an even better alternative. A quality pool cover is a useful tool to protect any mess from forming in the pool water after a storm or rain.
Clear Debris From the Pool Immediately
If the weather forecast was incorrect and it’s too late to cover your pool, it’s important to recover any leaves, twigs or branches that fell into the water. You should also check the pump and skimmer baskets to make sure no clogging occur. Vacuuming the bottom of the pool is also a great way to clear excess debris.
Observe Water Levels
A fair amount of pools automatically drain excess pool water, however, this isn’t the case for every pool, so be sure to remove a portion of the water to get your pool back at the proper water level before you start rebalancing chemicals.
Test Chemical Balance in Pool Water
After checking water levels, pool maintenance Gilbert AZ recommends to proceed by checking the chemical balance for pH, total alkalinity, and calcium hardness. Checking chemicals will determine whether or not the pool is safe to lounge in or not. Heavy rainfall can dilute chemicals which will raise or lower the pool’s pH level. It’s essential to test your pool for the appropriate chemical balance before taking a dip after a heavy rainstorm.
Check for Good Pump/Filter Circulation
Make sure you’ve achieved good mechanical circulation and filtration before you give your pool a test swim. To do that, you’ll want to let the system run and give the equipment time to verify the water and chemical balance. A full circulation could take a few hours or a few days, depending on the type of filter. Run the pump and filter the water to avoid any green or contaminated water.
More Pool Cleaning Tips
There are other pool cleaning tips that may prevent your pool water from turning green after a heavy rainstorm.
The tips to clean your pool include:
A pool bleach, also known as sodium hypochlorite, can be used as a liquid to shock the pool to raise the FC concentration in the pool water. Sometimes, calcium hypochlorite can also be used as pool bleach.
The calcium hypochlorite reacts with the pool water to release the FC. However, it often dissolves pretty slowly. To raise the FC level, this calcium hypochlorite can be added to the pool water at night to prevent its evaporation. Then, one needs to wait for 8 hours to start using the pool.
These are the few tips to prevent the pool water from turning green even after a rainstorm.
Sunburn is also known as the radiation burn. It is caused when UV rays emitting from the sun damage the DNA in the uppermost layer of the skin cells. Although the human body contains a protective pigment which is called melanin. It protects the skin from the sun for a specific time period. After a certain time, the skin starts to burn.
Generally, people with darker complexions have lower chances of burning their skin as they have more melanin to protect their skin. However, people with a very light skin complexion can easily burn their skin within five minutes staying under the scorching sun in summer.
The sun is the most powerful source of life on our planet, and minor exposure to its rays can help boost your immune system and make you feel all warm and fuzzy inside. However, too much sun can result in a plethora of issues, including sunburn. And as the swim season kicks off you and your family are even more prone to the dangers of sun exposure. Thankfully, human ingenuity has created ways for all of us to enjoy the outside without receiving a sunburn every time. So, you can enjoy your summer and still return home with the fresh, healthy skin that you left with following these pool service Gilbert tips.
Sunburn Prevention
Getting sunburn is arguably the top hazard of spending too much time outdoors in warm weather. These burns are not only irritating to the touch, but they can result in blistering, peeling skin and eventually lead to skin cancer. Unprotected skin will burn in about 10-30 minutes, depending on the time of day, your skin complexion, and your location. By the time you notice your skin turning red and becoming increasingly irritable, you’re likely well on your way to being sunburnt.
There are a variety of ways to reduce your chances of too much sun exposure. For example, you could hide indoors all summer or seek safety under a shady tree, but that’s hardly the way to make the most of the summer season. Your best line of defense against a sunburn is and always will be wearing sunscreen.
Sunscreen Options
It is preferred that the sunscreen you apply is water-resistant and contains chemicals that protect you from UV rays. Don’t convince yourself that buying the highest “SPF” sunscreen is the best route, as that’s not always the case. The optimal SPF amount in sunscreen that the best pool tile cleaning Gilbert AZ recommends is between 30-50. Once you go over 50 SPF the difference becomes smaller and smaller. Sunscreen is all about how much you apply and how often you apply, not just what type of sunscreen you purchase.
What’s the Right Amount of Sunscreen?
Sunscreen should be reapplied every two hours or after gradual water contact to the skin. And be sure to apply sunscreen everywhere the sun can reach. The ears, ankles, feet, and the back of your neck are some of the most overlooked spots on the body. And if you think that you’ve applied enough sunscreen then you should still probably apply more to eliminate any concern. So, keep on slathering until your entire body is covered. After all, you can never have too much protection against the sun.
Emptying your pool during any season at all is never a good idea, especially if your pool is located in a place that has a high water table. The weight of the water helps to keep the ground from lifting, so even if your pool is dirty and you want to clean it, you should drain the pool and put clean water in it to prevent such an occurrence. 
Apart from cleaning your pool, you need to make sure that the technical appliances in your pool are in good shape. You will need to check if the pump is functioning properly; the filter also needs to be unclogged if there is any debris blocking it. Replace your sand filters at least every three years and ensure that your pool pipes, skimmers, and inlets are not broken or dirty. 
Everyone knows that the summer season is usually hot and dry. It’s that season when all you want is to cool off in a pool after a long day’s work. If you are a pool owner, then you already know that having a pool during the summer will do you a lot of good. 
Once it’s winter, your pump can crack and break if you refuse to disconnect it from the pool’s filtration system. Luckily, it is quite easy to connect and disconnect the pump from the filtration system so it’s not something you have to stress over. As soon as the summer season is back, You can simply hook your pump back to your pool.
To properly winterize a pool, the water chemistry must be perfectly balanced to 
It’s impossible to keep your pool sparkling clean and beautiful without using the right equipment. You’ll need to invest in standard equipment like a filter and pool pump. Keep in mind that you’ll need to talk to an expert to determine which type of filter to use because it will depend on your climate and the weather conditions. Using a skimmer is also necessary to collect any leaves, twigs, and dirt that is floating in the water. Robot vacuums are also convenient to use because of their automatic operation, making them run continuously to ensure all debris is collected throughout the day.
Chemicals should be added to the water if you don’t have a saltwater pool. The chemicals should be checked every three to four days. When you’re not using the pool as frequently, you only need to check the chemicals once every other week. Excess growth of bacteria can form if you are not 
It isn’t unheard of for swimming pool owners to concentrate exclusively on service in times of high outdoor temperatures. Remember, it’s critical to stay on top of your swimming pool regardless of the time of the year. It needs service when it’s hot outdoors. It needs service at other times all the same. Maintenance isn’t just something that’s necessary at the start of the summer season. It’s something that’s necessary in the autumn and spring as well. You should hire a technician to assess your pool for any indications of winter destruction. Professionals assess pools for liner tearing, pipe harm and similar things. Pool winterization can come in handy during the autumn season each year. Swimming pool concealing can safeguard things in times of inclement temperatures. If you want to maintain your pool without any worries, then you need to prioritize maintenance regardless of the specific season.
It’s crucial for swimming pool owners to stay far away from the error of utilizing chemicals that just aren’t appropriate. Swimming pool owners often treat water with the assistance of chemicals that eliminate all traces of algae and bacteria. Remember, though, that swimming pools are always different. They all call for their own chemical combinations. If you present a pool with a problematic blend, then you may end up having to pay the price. If your swimming pool water has a chemical balance that’s just not correct, then it may lead to severe mouth, skin and eye irritation in users. 
Although most dog breeds love water, there are those who don’t have the natural inclination to swim on instinct. Due to physical profiles, some dogs will have a much more difficult time swimming than others. Dogs with longer limbs such as labradors are built for hunting, which includes swimming quite often. Other smaller, shorter breeds such as pugs do not belong in the water whatsoever. Luckily enough for dogs owners around the world, any dog can learn how to swim with the proper supervision and lessons. Be careful however, as this requires loads of attention and time from an owner perspective.
There is no need to fret over your dog interacting with the chlorine in the pool water. Similar to people, dogs may experience some slight eye and/or nose irritation when exiting the pool. Although a fun few hours in the water is harmless to your favorite pet. If anything, be conscious of what your dog is dragging into the pool before they enter. It is always a good idea to 
Rain doesn’t directly harm your pool, however it often dilutes the balanced chemistry in the water. Correspondingly, this can irritate pH levels, decrease chlorine and other sanitizers, and exponentially increase the growth of algae and other contaminants.
Test Chemical Balance in Pool Water
Sunburn Prevention
What’s the Right Amount of Sunscreen?