Archive for Pool Water

Aug
28

What Is Algae?

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Algae is the most common fouler of pools. When pool owners panic and run screaming to a pool pro for help, algae is most frequently the cause. That’s why we call it one of the best salesmen. You must deal with an algaecide. Actually, in addition to getting rid of algae, one of the most effective uses of algaecide is to extend the effectiveness of chlorine residual. While chlorine is an algaecide, it’s wise to add additional quantities as a backup, a maintenance dose.

What is algae?

Algae are small plants Read More→

Categories : Algae, Pool Water
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Aug
21

Preventing Cloudy Pool Water

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How to prevent and eliminate cloudy water

Cloudy Pool NSPFAs bather loads peak in the summer heat, it is that time of the year again when sparkling clear water can become clouded and unsanitary. What is a pool operator to do? Cloudy water is an indication that the disinfection and filtration systems are not keeping up with the load being placed on them by the number of bathers using the pool. Cloudy water is not just unappealing to the bather. It can also be a health hazard by inducing potential spread of illnesses and decreasing the lifeguards’ ability to see submerged drowning victims. There are many reasons water can become cloudy. Let’s break down the causes, then review the remedies of unsightly and potentially hazardous water. Read More→

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Jan
01

Stabilizer Levels

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It is important to keep proper ‘Stabilizer’ (cyanuric acid) levels in all pools. This will allow chlorine to stay in the pool longer, thus, saving chemical cost. It is also important to keep proper ‘Stabilizer’ levels in pools using Chlorine Salt Generators. This will allow chlorine to stay in the pool longer, thus, will not unnecessary overwork the generator.

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Alkalinity in pools is an extremely important topic as it’s what helps  prevent sudden pH changes. Total alkalinity is a measure of alkaline substances  in this case, ionic compounds, that act as buffers that resist pH change.

Don’t worry, this is just a bunch of chemistry and scientific mumbo jumbo  that you really don’t need to know. What is important to understand is that  alkalinity helps stabilize the pH balance in your pool, and keeping it within  normal range can save you a lot of headaches as well as solve a lot of  problems.

The recommended range for a swimming pool’s total alkalinity is between 80  and 120 parts per million. Any good pool testing kit will let you determine the  range, and it’s important to test often.

So, when it comes to alkalinity there are really only 3 states in can be in:  Too High, Too Low and Just Right.

Low Alkalinity With low alkalinity your pH levels can swing back  and forth between too high, and too low. It’s not uncommon for these numbers to  shift drastically causing an unbalance in your pools pH.

Some problems that are associated with this include: -Chlorine  inefficiency -Metal Corrosion -Pool Staining -Scale

You can easily raise a pool’s alkalinity by using a chemical called sodium  bicarbonate which is, baking soda. The recommended dosage is 1.5 pounds of  sodium bicarbonate per 10,000 gallons of water. If you’re unsure how much water  you have you can find a good estimate by using this formula: Read More→

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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
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.