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Sep
25

Salt Water Pool Advantage

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The main advantage of a salt water pool isn’t that it doesn’t use chlorine. In fact, a salt water pool does use chlorine to keep the water clean. The advantage is that the pool owner doesn’t add chlorine to the pool-that means no pre-packaged chlorine, and less irritation for people who are sensitive to the added chemicals. Salt water tends to be much softer than chlorinated water, so it’s much more pleasurable to swim in, and is much less harsh on your skin. In addition, a salt water pool usually has a much lower concentration of chlorine than a chlorinated pool.

Another important benefit is more of a long-term one. In the short term, converting from chlorine to a salt water pool will involve some cash outlay, since there are a few system components you’ll need to by. It’ll run approximately $1400-$1800 to convert a traditional chlorine system to a salt water system. Over two or three years however, the money you spend is recouped due to not having to buy extra chlorine for the pool. Just a bag of salt which is much less expensive.

Just to be clear though, salt water pools do in fact use chlorine to sanitize the water. So if you are not adding chlorine tablets or shock, how does that work? Read More→

Categories : Salt Water Pools
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Sep
25

Salt Water Pool - Fact vs Fiction

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If you have been considering purchasing a new salt water pool or if you want to convert your existing chlorine system with a salt system, then you should consider a few common misconceptions. With the sudden popularity of these pools there are a lot of myths that have been propagated by owners and sellers alike.

No more worrying about pH levels.

Keeping salt pools clear of germs and algae requires a balance of germ killing chemicals. Chlorine is the primary disinfectant used in a pool. Many homeowners though find that they are needing to add more chlorine to effectively kill germs. This can be attributed to high pH levels. A balanced pH and alkaline level is essential to maintaining optimum chlorination. Not only that but pH levels will also affect the comfort of swimmers. Levels about 7.8 could lead to eye and skin irritation. Most pool owners convert to salt water pools because they are told they are maintenance free. This is not true. Balanced water is essential and this requires frequent testing.

You can taste both the salt and the chlorine.

A properly maintained salt water pool has a salinity level around 10 per cent of water from the ocean. Most salt water pool owners can attest to the fact that the water in a salt water pool is very similar to that of water that has been softened. Soft water has a better feel and is less harsh on skin and clothing. Salt water pools with the proper level of salt will not have a noticeable difference in taste.

Salt water pools don’t require maintenance. Read More→

Categories : Salt Water Pools
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Sep
17

What Causes Algae?

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Algae spores are everywhere. These microscopic single-cell structures are blown into the pool by the wind, washed into the pool by rainfall, or carried into the pool on swimmers’ skin or bathing suits. Under the right conditions, tiny spores will bloom into those dreaded bright green, mustard yellow or black discolorations.

Inadequate filtration will often lead to algae growth.

Water clarity depends on daily circulation and filtration. Anything that impedes water flow from the pool to the filter — clogged skimmer baskets, a dirty or damaged filter, a defective pump motor, or a failure to run the pump for an adequate amount of time each day — will encourage algae growth. The first warning sign of a filtration problem is hazy or cloudy water. Left unchecked, cloudy water can quickly lead to a full-fledged algae bloom.

Algae can develop when little or no chlorine is present.

Sunlight, rainfall, temperature, number of swimmers and frequency of pool use affect the rate of chlorine loss. The lower the chlorine level, the more likely algae will bloom. Super-chlorination, coupled with the application of conditioner or stabilizer designed to shield residual chlorine from the effects of heat and sunlight, helps ensure that there is always sufficient chlorine in the pool. Spas, which are often heated to temperatures well above 100 degrees, are especially susceptible to algae growth.

Algae loves a dirty pool!

Leaves and dirt left on the bottom of the pool for an extended period of time, not only promotes algae but also causes pool staining. The longer you allow leaves and other debris to sit on your pool floor, the more likely that you’ll see algae, and staining. In a dirty pool, algae will continue to bloom, even when the water chemistry is properly balanced.

Categories : Algae, Pool Water
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Sep
17

How Often Should I Run And Clean My Filter?

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Water clarity depends mainly on three factors:

    1. Proper chemical balance 2. Adequate daily circulation 3. Quality filtration
    Your swimming pool water needs the combination of these three variables to stay crystal clear, algae free and ready for swimming enjoyment.
    The filter is designed to trap small particles suspended in the pool water. These small particles are what make inadequately filtered pool water look hazy or milky.
    A dirty filter can have a dramatic effect on circulation. As water passes through the filter, millions of tiny particles cling to the filtration elements. Eventually, these accumulated particles make it difficult for water to pass through the filter. A dirty filter can reduce pump efficiency by up to 80 percent. In other words, circulating your water for 10 hours a day when the filter is dirty is the equivalent of circulating the water for 2 hours a day when the filter is clean. Many times, a homeowner will find their water is cloudy and greenish, even though the chemical levels are fine, and the pump is running for an adequate amount of time each day. A dirty or damaged filter is usually the source of the problem.
    Since filtration and circulation play such an important role in keeping your swimming pool water clear and properly maintained, we have included the following standard instruction for the three types of filter systems. Following these instructions will assist you in keeping your filter system working efficiently and effectively.

Read More→

Categories : Pool Filter
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Sep
13

Types of Swiming Pool Filters

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There are many different opinions when it comes to filtering your pool water. Below is some information that can help in choosing which filter is the best solutions for your pool. Any pool can be properly maintained with any of the filter systems available: Sand, Cartridge, or Diatomaceous Earth (DE).

 

Sand Filter

Water is pushed through a bed of sand filter media and removed through a set of lateral tubes at the bottom. The filter area of a sand filter is equal to the area of the filter itself.

The principle behind this filter is that water is pushed through the filter sand then the dirty water goes in the top and clean water exits out the bottom. As the filter sand becomes plugged with debris from the pool, the pressure increases on the filter and the water flow drops. In order to clean the filter, you just run it in reverse and empty out the wastewater and accumulated debris; this is referred to as “backwashing” the filter. Once the filter is backwashed, you move to the rinse mode and that repacks the sand and then back to filter. This has to be done manually every few weeks or when filter pressure rises more than 10-psi form clean operating range. From a hydraulics standpoint, a backwash valve is typically the most inefficient piece of equipment you can add to a swimming pool system. Should the sand ever become really dirty, it is easily and inexpensively replaced. In terms of particle size filtered out, sand is the lease effective method – it does allow smaller particles to pass back into the pool. Manufacturers recommendations are to have the backwash valve broken down and lubricated quarterly or every three months. Read More→

Categories : Pool Filter
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Sep
11

Purpose and Application of Conditioner

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Conditioner or stabilizer is an essential chemical used in the proper disinfection of swimming pools. Its chemical name is cyanuric acid and it forms a protective bond around the chlorine, making it more resistant to being burned off by the sun. This chemical is typically added during the spring months, but pools with high water loss will also need to be reconditioned throughout the summer. This is a very expensive chemical and we ask that you DO NOT backwash or clean your filter for a few days after this chemical has been added. Pools should also be stabilized whenever large amounts of fresh water are added. It will sometimes appear as a white powdered substance on the bottom of the swimming pool, but will dissipate after a few days (brushing helps).

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Jacks
CPO

Providing Pool Cleaning and Service to Palm Beach County:

Hypoluxo, Juno Beach, Jupiter, Lake Worth, Lantana, Manalapan, Loxahatchee, North Palm Beach, Palm Beach, Palm Beach Gardens, Palm Beach Shores, Riviera Beach, Royal Palm Beach, Tequesta, Wellington, and West Palm Beach.