How To Test The Chlorine and pH Of Your Pool

April 24, 2013 By

Video Transcription

Nick Masse of Arizona Pool Service: Hi, I’m Nick Masse of Arizona Pool Service. We service areas of Mesa, Chandler, Gilbert, Queen Creek, and Tempe. We’re going to test the chlorine and pH of a pool today. Chlorine and pH are the most important things of a pool. It keeps the pool blue and healthy to swim in.

First thing we’re going to do is test your chlorine reading.

Then we just shake it and we found out the chlorine reading. According to our test reading, it says it’s a zero reading, so that means we have to add a gallon of chlorine and some tablets to the pool.

Now, we’re going to test the pH.

Shake it again and measure up the thing which is at 7.8. You chlorine reading, you want to keep between a one and a two, that’s a healthy level to swim in. It guarantees no bacteria in your pool and your pH, you want to keep between a 7.4 and a 7.6. That keeps down the irritation like your itching, your bleaching of your eyes and bleaching of your hair. So the only thing that we’re going to do to this pool today is add a gallon of chlorine to the pool and it’ll be healthy to swim in within about 30 minutes.

Arizona Pool Service –
20207 E. Poco Calle
Queen Creek, Arizona 85142
Phone: 480-228-5743

Filed Under: maintenance

Introduction To Arizona Pool Service

April 24, 2013 By

Video Transcription

Nick Masse of Arizona Pool Service: I’m Nick Masse, owner of Arizona Pool Service. We service Mesa, Chandler, Gilbert, Queen Creek, and Tempe. We provide weekly pool maintenance when we come out to service a pool. We’ll brush it, skim out all the debris, empty all your pump baskets, skimmer and pump basket, backwash the filter if necessary, balance out all your chemicals; your chlorine, pH and alkalinities, and then make sure the pool’s overall clean and healthy for swimming.

There are three types of filters. You have Sand, Cartridge, and DE filters. Sand filters are what they sound like, it’s a sand filter. Needs to be cleaned, needs to be backwashed once a month and the sand needs to be changed out every five to seven years. Then you have your DE filters. They need to be backwashed once a month and complete breakdown every six months. Then, you have your Cartridge filter, which is just a paper filter. Those need to be cleaned out every three to six months and the only thing you do is hose them down.

We also provide pool repair. We’ll replace all your pool motors, upgrade your pool filter and equipment, clean out your cartridge filters, do deck repairs, pool remodeling, you name it, we can do it for you.

Arizona Pool Service –
20207 E. Poco Calle
Queen Creek, Arizona 85142
Phone: 480-228-5743

Filed Under: maintenance

Top 5 Pool Tips in Gilbert Arizona

March 25, 2013 By

1. Energy Consumption From Heating Water

Guide To Caring For Your Gilbert Swimming PoolHeating a Gilbert Arizona swimming pool for residential or commercial enjoyment is the subject of high heating bills and wasted energy. Installing modern energy efficient heaters saves Gilbert pool owners lots of money. Children and senior citizens are quite comfortable with 80 degree temperatures. Between 78 and 82 degree Fahrenheit is good for everyone, but temperatures are a personal choice. Swimming is the best form of exercise and helps to keep us fit and healthy. Therefore, keeping pool waters with comfortable temperatures is great therapy for the mind and body. There are in-ground pool heaters with a choice of natural or propane gas pool heaters. Choosing the right swimming pool heater for an in-ground pool, solar or pool heat pump means beforehand knowledge of the BTU unit size needed.

2. Pool Filter Information

Pool filters are vital to the health of a pool and the health of family and friends. Filters remove minute particles, debris and dirt. It works in conjunction with a pump as a pool’s filter system. Filters are the pool’s work horse and by keeping it clean, it preserves the life of a pool, keeping Chandler pool maintenance and operating costs very low. There are pool filter options, which include sand filters, cartridge and DE (diatomaceous earth).

Cleaning a sand filter is a DIY project because it only requires running water through a filter backwards, while getting rid of the waste water to prevent pool repair problems. Pool filters use replaceable cartridges which can be cleaned with a garden hose or cartridge cleaners. They only need to be replaced once a year, especially if the pool is used daily by lots of people.

3. Swimmer Safety

Pool swimmer safety has more to do with common sense than swimming techniques. More than 3,000 people drown annually with children, ages 1 to 4, drowning in their own swimming pool. Some swimmer safety habits should include:

  • Erect a fence around the pool with safety locks or alarms
  • Identify the pool filter to children and remind them to stay away from its suction
    power
  • Never leave children alone
  • No alcohol in or around a pool
  • Children and their friends must always get permission to swim and must be supervised
  • There shouldn’t be any glass or bottles in or around the pool area
  • Keep electrical devices out of the pool area
  • Buddy systems are a preventive measure
  • Pool owners should be familiar with CPR and first aid

4. pH Balance

The science of pH is the measurement of how acidic pool water is. pH is measured on a scale of 0-14, where 7 is a safe level. Rain and the human body contains pH values and effect the acidity of the water. Pool water should be tested daily to adjust its balance if needed. If the range is high or low, then chemicals to increase or decrease levels must be added to keep the pH range between 7.2 and 7.8. pH water balance effects a pool’s plaster, tile, pipes, fittings and can also make the water appear cloudy. If a pH balance is high or low then acids can bring it to normal levels. Acid ingredients should be added to water and not the reverse. Let the pool pump system circulate the added acid water for about 4 hours and test again before anyone gets back into the pool to prevent future pool maintenance.

5. Winterizing

Winterizing a Gilbert Arizona in-ground pool requires owners to clean or unplug pool filters, disconnect the pumps and heaters, unscrew fittings, drain water from pipes and place duct tape over their openings, blow out the lines, use proper chemicals to winterize the water and place covers over the pool. To winterize above ground pools and prevent any pool repair problems: backwash or blow out the filter systems, plug pipes and bring the water level just below a skimmer, disconnect pumps, disconnect filters and clean them depending on the filter system, add chemicals to the remaining pool water, clean the exposed walls and pool floors from algae, drain the remaining water from the pool and cover the pool.

Published by:

Arizona Pool Service –
20207 E. Poco Calle
Queen Creek, Arizona 85142
Phone: 480-228-5743

Filed Under: Pool Repair

How To Turn A Green Pool Blue

February 27, 2013 By

It can happen seemingly overnight. One fine, sunny Arizona morning you step outside for a swim and, yikes! It is definitely unnerving to find that your lovely, crystal clear pool has suddenly begun to look like a science experiment. Or maybe you took off your pool’s winter cover to find a nasty green mess underneath it? Everyone at some point will wind up with a green swimming pool. It is generally caused by an overgrowth of algae and is unhealthy to swim in, but don’t worry, with plenty of chemicals and pool cleaning your swimming pool will soon be looking great again. It won’t happen overnight, but give it a few days.

Turn a green pool blue!You will need pool cleaning supplies, such as a leaf net, a pool brush, a pool vacuum, and plenty of chlorine and algaecide. First, using the net remove any large debris, then scrub the sides of the pool with the pool brush to remove the algae. Go on to scrub the floor and steps thoroughly. Don’t forget behind the ladder.

The next step is to shock your pool to kill off the algae and bacteria. You will need to add more shock than you generally use for regular pool maintenance. If you cannot see through the water at all you may need to use up to six times as much shock as recommended. You will need several gallons of shock and it may take several days before the water begins to clear. Continue adding several gallons of shock each day until the water begins to clear. The more you add the more quickly the water will clear. Shock can be purchased in liquid or powder form, but liquid seems to works more quickly. Now is a good time to add the algaecide to the water, too. Using either shock or algaecide alone will not be enough to get rid of the green.

Run the filter constantly and backwash several times a day for best results. Green water will quickly clog the filter, so be sure to backwash your filter many times a day until the pool clears. The more you run the filter, and the more you backwash the filter, the more quickly the water will clear up.

You will also need to adjust the pH and alkalinity levels of the water using the appropriate chemicals. These levels must be within the proper ranges or the water will not clear.

If after 5-7 days your pool water is still not clear there may be a problem with your filter. If this is the case you will need to have the filter system looked at by a professional.

Once the water does clear up, you will probably see debris on the floor of the pool. Do not vacuum the pool if you cannot see the bottom or if there are large debris. If there is only a small amount of debris you may want to vacuum it up yourself using your own pool vacuum system. If there are large amounts of debris on the pool floor, you may wish to have the pool vacuumed by a pool maintenance professional rather than chance damaging your filter system or clogging your pool pipes.

When your swimming pool is once again pristine and inviting, be sure that the pump timer of your pool is set to run properly. Monitor the pool condition closely to ascertain if the filter is running enough to keep the water clear. If there is more swimming than usual you may need to run the filter more than usual.

Now to maintain that clean pool and prevent any more green water, check the chlorine levels regularly, clean the sides, vacuum the bottom, and backwash the filter every few weeks, depending on the amount of use your pool receives.

If the initial cleaning of the icky green algae, or the regular cleaning involved in keeping your pool sparkling and enjoyable are more than you have the time for you can always employ a professional pool maintenance service.

In Arizona, there are more hot, sunny days to enjoy your swimming pool than most any other place. Don’t let green water rob you of that pool time.

Published by:

Arizona Pool Service –
20207 E. Poco Calle
Queen Creek, Arizona 85142
Phone: 480-228-5743

Filed Under: Pool Cleaning

Why Weekly Pool Service Is Important

February 11, 2013 By

Weekly Pool Maintenance Services By Arizona Pool ServiceWho doesn’t love having a pool during the summer months in the hot Arizona weather? Nothing can be better sometimes than when its a 110 degrees out. A swimming pool can help you cool off in the sun, relax, and even a centerpiece for gatherings. However, if your pool is improperly taken care of, your pool will be more of a headache than a luxury.

A swimming pool can be a lot to take care of with the cost and time to properly maintain it. Whether you have an above ground pool or in ground, Mesa pool maintenance has to be kept up. Money and time is a significant role in the proper care of your pool.

You, as a pool owner have an obligation not only for yourself but for your guests to ensure your pool is clean and safe. You have an obligation to educate yourself on how to properly maintain your pool and as long as you do your homework, taking care of it wont be as time consuming or costly as it could be if you don’t. To keep your pool in prestige condition is to maintain your pool regularly. Any experienced pool owner will tell you that heat can play a big factor on your pool. The hotter it is outside, the more time and chemicals it takes to maintain your pool. Also depending on what vegetation or trees you have around your pool also could have a factor on how long it takes to maintain due items falling into the pool.

In Arizona, there are two main items that affect your swimming pool the most, the amount you use your pool and the weather. The hotter the weather gets, the more it affects the chemicals in your pool. Without proper balance of chemicals, the sun can have a negative impact on your pool. Without a proper balance in chemicals, your pool can turn green.

Simple tips to keep your pool clean

Pool Chemicals:

It is extremely important to keep the proper chemistry in chemicals in your pool to keep it balanced, healthy, and safe to swim in. Keeping that proper chemical balance helps not only the life of the inside of the pool but the pool equipment. It is imperative that you check the chemical balance in your pool at least twice a week or more depending on how much the pool is being used. Always make sure that your floater has chlorine tablets in it at all times. A pool chemical testing kit can be purchased at any pool store.

Proper PH:

PH can be harmful if the level is to high or to low in your pool. If proper PH is not maintained could affect your water clarity as well as cause skin irritation. It is recommended that you check your PH balance at least twice a week or more depending on how much your pool is being used.

Algae Prevention:

Algae can be caused by many different things such as debris from trees or plants, bloomed flowers, dog hair, and even human skin. Algae can start out very minuscule but without proper maintenance and chemical balance it can grow rapidly and cause your pool to become cloudy. Before swimming, visually inspect your pool for yellow, mustard colored spots or even black spots on the plaster or pebble tec. If you see any algae starting to grow, use an algaecide to control the growth. If you leave algae untreated, it can become harmful to your filtration system.

Use Arizona Pool Service:

Arizona Pool Service will take the headache away from you in taking care of your pool! We will save you that precious time so you have more free time to enjoy your pool than cleaning and maintaining your pool. Arizona Pool Service is here for all your pool needs from cleaning and maintaining your pool to any repairs that might come up.

Published by:

Arizona Pool Service –
20207 E. Poco Calle
Queen Creek, Arizona 85142
Phone: 480-228-5743

Filed Under: Pool Maintenance

Phosphates affecting Swimming Pools

February 3, 2013 By

What Are Phosphates?

Phosphates are a salt of Phosphoric Acid. Phosphates is the main ingredient in fertilizer but also comes from rain water, leaves, bloomed flowers, dog hair and even our own skin. Phosphates became known around the pool industry and households in the 1970′s. People started to use phos-free or low phosphate laundry detergents to help protect streams, lakes and other run off areas from the horrible effects of excessive use of phosphate . It is always important to keep a well balanced level in your Queen Creek pool otherwise your pool can turn green.

When Phosphates Accumulate In Pools, Algae Grows

Queen Creek swimming pools and lakes are really similar and can carry high levels of phosphates due to fertilizer blowing in the pool, and can even be caused by rain water. Phosphate is very persistent and does not break down very easily. Due to the many objects that carry phosphates can cause the levels in your pool to quickly rise. It is imperative to control the levels otherwise you are creating a food source for algae to grow. If you contain your phosphate levels, you deplete the algae’s food.

Algae Grows When Phosphate Is Present

Phosphate is a plant food and algae is a plant. Are you continually having issues with your pool having mustard or green colored debris, cloudy or green water, slimy surface, or consuming an excessive amount of chemicals? You probably have a phosphate problem in your pool. Now its time to find the ways to control the phosphates from occurring.

Lets Solve The Problem And Remove The Phosphate

Cleaning Phosphates From Pool0.1 ppm is the maximum level of phosphate that should be in pool water. If your levels get above 0.1 ppm, slime deposits can start to begin and water quality decreases.

Luckily, you no longer have to drain your pool to eliminate the accumulated phosphate. There are now phos-free chemicals that can be added to your pool that is safe for you and your pool.

Published by:

Arizona Pool Service –
20207 E. Poco Calle
Queen Creek, Arizona 85142
Phone: 480-228-5743

Filed Under: Pool Cleaning

The History Of Swimming Pools

January 30, 2013 By

Great Bath Mohenjo DaroSwimming pools have a long and fascinating history, beginning over 5000 years ago. That is when the first known pool, called “the great bath” was built in the city of Mohenjo-daro, Pakistan. It was built entirely of closely fitted bricks that were plastered together and then covered with a thick layer of tar.

Evidence of swimming activities date back to at least 2500 B.C. Swimming was extremely popular in ancient Egypt, where ancient relics and Egyptian hieroglyphics depict swimming.

Ancient Greeks and Romans also have a long history of swimming pools. They became very prosperous during this time. With this increase in the standard of living, came luxuries like pools. During this time period pools were built all over for many different reasons. They were used for bathing, religious ceremonies, health, socializing, and admired simply for their beauty. These pools were often ornate and surrounded by lush gardens, marble columns and statues in the roman tradition. The emperors of Greece and Rome had extravagant pools filled with live fish.

In both Greece and Rome swimming was considered a necessary part of boy’s education. At this time pools were also used by the Greeks and Romans to physically train for battle.

In the first century B.C. a rich Roman lord named Gaius Maecenas, who was considered a patron of the arts, built the first heated, private swimming pool.

Around 300 A.D. the first known public swimming pools were built in Rome. The greatest of these pools was over 900,000 square feet! It was heated by fires underneath the floors of the pool, and the heat was then pumped up through the walls.

As history advanced, the first documented indoor swimming pool was built in England in 1862. Competitive swimming was first introduced in England during the 1800′s. At that time, several indoor swimming pools were built in London and used by the National Swimming Society for swimming competitions.

Then in 1907 the White Star Line introduced the first swimming pool on an ocean liner, The Adriatic. A swimming pool was also built on the Titanic.

Deep Eddy Pool TexasOne of the first in-ground swimming pools in the United States was the Deep Eddy Pool in Austin, Texas. Deep Eddy began as just a swimming hole in the Colorado River. Cold springs bubbled out of the river banks and people swam in the river where a large boulder formed an eddy. In 1915 the land surrounding the swimming hole, was purchased by A.J. Eilers, Sr. He proceeded to build the concrete pool, and then a resort called the “Deep Eddy Bathing Beach”, which featured cabins, camping, food, and activities. Today it is still a popular swimming pool operated by the City of Austin. Deep Eddy Pool is also listed as a historic landmark on the National Register of Historic Places.

Swimming pools did not become common in America until after World War II. As Hollywood movies became increasingly popular, the glamorous Hollywood lifestyle, with a pool as a status symbol, became sought after. As swimming pools evolved they became more and more within reach of the average consumer. American families began to realize how much entertainment, enjoyment, and yes, “status” a swimming pool could bring them.

While earlier pools were made of concrete, then gunite, and fiberglass, vinyl liners have really changed the pool industry. They have made owning a pool much more affordable. Today pools are available in a myriad of materials and shapes to beautify and add value to your home, while providing endless hours of enjoyment.

There are also many types of pools to meet your needs, such as lap pools, and pools made for swimming in place.

Whirlpool tubs first became popular in America during the 1960s. They have evolved into the luxurious home spas of today. They are generally made of acrylic that looks like marble. They are heated; come in many sizes, and can include various types of jet nozzles and seating. Many people enjoy having both a spa and a swimming pool.

It is estimated that there are more than 10 million swimming pools in the United States today. They have been through quite an evolution, but after 5000 years it looks like they are here to stay!

Published by:

Arizona Pool Service –
20207 E. Poco Calle
Queen Creek, Arizona 85142
Phone: 480-228-5743

Filed Under: Pool Maintenance

Trouble Shooting Your Broken Pool Pump

January 15, 2013 By

Arizona summers are known for their heat, which makes swimming one of the most popular outdoor activities. It also makes owning a swimming pool very desirable indeed. But what if your swimming pool develops a problem? That can certainly put a crimp in your fun!

Malibu Pool Service and Repair - Gilbert Arizona Pool PumpsIf your water isn’t as clean as usual it could be your pool pump, especially if it is getting up there in years. Before you call for Gilbert pool pump repair there are a few things you can check.

Notice if you hear the pump running. If it’s not running, check the power supply and breakers. If it is getting power but will not run, your pool pump may need to be repaired.

If your pool pump is running, but making a funny noise, you may just be hearing normal operating sounds, like the cooling fan, the vibration of the pump against the base it is sitting on, or maybe even just the sound of the water flowing. The bearings may also become noisy as they age, but be aware that putting high concentrations of chemicals into the skimmer can cause damage to the pump seal, which in turn can begin to leak and cause damage to the motor bearings.

Some other possible causes of pump noise are, any kind of blockage in the suction line, leaking pipes, or just letting the level of your pool water get too low.

If your pump is running but there doesn’t appear to be any pressure, it may be caused by low water flow. This could simply be caused by a blockage in the return line, a valve that is inadvertently shut off, or even just a dirty filter.

This can also happen if the pumps impeller is clogged. If you are comfortable checking this yourself, first shut off the pump. You will need to remove the basket, then you can check the impeller by putting your fingers into the suction hole in the pump strainer housing and feeling for tears in the seal. If the seal is torn, you can either attempt to purchase a new seal and replace the old one or call someone experienced in pool pump repair.

What if your pump stops for no apparent reason? It may be over heating. Pool pumps are equipped with a thermal overload that will automatically shut the pump off when it gets too hot. Allow it to cool down, and then attempt to restart it.

Another problem is a pump that cuts off and on every few seconds. This can be an electrical problem. Your pump may be wired to the wrong voltage. Turn the pump off immediately. You will need an electrician to deal with this one.

Sometimes a pump will not prime. There are many possible causes. If the pump is located too far away from the pool, or above the level of the pool water it can take a long time to prime. You may have a suction leak or clogged suction piping. If you suspect that your piping is clogged by something that made it past the skimmer, check at the bends in the pipe. That is where things usually lodge. The pump also will not prime if the impeller is broken.

In Gilbert Arizona, electric bills can go up drastically in the summer. Air conditioning is needed most of the season. Swimming pools can also contribute to extra summer energy usage. Some filtration systems can take up to 24 hours to clean your pool, though most can clean your pool in 10-12 hours. Also, the larger your pool pump the more energy it will use. You may wish to consider upgrading to a newer more energy efficient pool pump and filtration system which can result in savings of up to 20%.

Have a cool summer!

Guest Blog Published By:

Malibu Pool Service and Repair –
2338 W. Lindner Avenue, #28
Mesa, Arizona 85202
Office: (602) 748-0544
Email: service@malibupoolserviceaz.com

Filed Under: Pool Repair

3 Common Pool Maintenance Requests

January 6, 2013 By

Filter Cleans

Cartridge filter are the most common pool filter out on the market today. Unlike Sand and DE filters, Cartridge filters do not need back-washing this filters need to be clean every 4 to 6 months Cartridge filters remove particulate down to about 8-10 microns in size.

DE Filter also called Diatomaceous are the best possible filtration, a DE filter is the choice for you. However, DE filters also require the highest level of maintenance This filters need to be broke down and clean every 4 to 6 months, backwash once a month and recharge with Diatomaceous earth (the amount will very on size of filter) DE filters remove debris down to about 3-5 microns in size.

Sand filters remove debris down to about 25-30 microns in size, Sand Pool Filters should be back washed as needed. Change the sand in your sand pool filter every 3-5 years. Back-washing is the term used for reversing the flow of water through the filter to flush out the dirt and debris that has collected in the filter.

Weekly Pool Service Or Maintenance

Weekly Pool Maintenance and Cleaning in Mesa ArizonaMesa Arizona Swimming pool maintenance is an extremely important factor in providing a safe and functional swimming pool environment. One of the key parts in swimming pool maintenance is keeping the chemicals properly balanced for healthy, clean water that is safe to swim in. Without the correct use of chemicals, your pool can essentially become a breeding ground for all kinds of bacteria and other pollutants that can cause illnesses, the growth of algae, as well as the corrosion to your pool lining. We provide chemical testing and teach you to do the same for your chlorine or non-chlorine based swimming pool. A good Pool Service will clean your pool weekly and should do the following services.

  • The walls, steps and benches are all carefully brushed.
  • The surface is completely netted.
  • The floor is netted as needed.
  • Pump and skimmer baskets are emptied as well as leaf canisters/bags on automatic cleaning systems. (This greatly reduces the chance of debris getting lodged in the pump’s impeller and jamming it).
  • Filters are regularly backwashed when due.
  • Pool equipment is monitored for optimal performance.
  • Your water is tested. Sanitizer is added and your pool’s PH is balanced.

Acid Wash/Chlorine Wash and Tile Cleans

Acid Washing is done by emptying the pool and spraying it with a small, diluted amount pool acid, then we will scrub the entire pool to help remove any staining. Once we are done brushing the pool surface we will hose done the pool surface.

Chlorine Wash

A chlorine wash goes hand in hand with a Green Pool Cleaning Service. During a chlorine wash we drain the entire pool.During the chlorine wash we use several gallons of liquid chlorine which we pour directly onto the pool surface. We scrub the entire pool with the chlorine which kills and disinfects all contaminants including hidden algae spores. This is the best way and we highly recommended for all greens pool.

Tile Cleans

Every pool in Arizona Has the ugly white line on the surface of the pool and the best way to get rid of the calcium line is to do a glass bead method.Tiny glass beads are shot against the deposits under pressure, pulverizing the calcium without harming the Swimming pool tile. We clean, protect and restore your outdoor water feature in just a few hours.

Published by:

Arizona Pool Service –
20207 E. Poco Calle
Queen Creek, Arizona 85142
Phone: 480-228-5743

Filed Under: Pool Maintenance

Arizona Pool Filter Cleans

October 1, 2012 By

Keeping Your Pool Filter CleanIt time to clean your Pool Filter! You’ve ignore your pool all winter. Monsoon Dust Storms have also deposited a lot of dirt in your pool. If you haven’t cleaned your pool filter this winter, NOW is the time.

Your pool filter ideally should be cleaned every quarter, but many customers skimp out on this necessary Queen Creek pool maintenance item, only to reap the ill effects later down the road.

A clean pool filter decreases the workload of your pool motor, extended its life, and keeps you from having costly repairs due to lack of proper maintenance of your filter

Published by:

Arizona Pool Service –
20207 E. Poco Calle
Queen Creek, Arizona 85142
Phone: 480-228-5743

Filed Under: blog, Pool Cleaning
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