Salt Systems…Think Twice..Spend Less!

Trending…is the new learning tool. I personally beg to differ. Whenever the masses choose to follow, I decide to do my due diligence. The average consumer is easily swayed by public opinion (or the neighbors). Since I happen to be in the pool industry I have the inside information to some extent.  Information that I tend to share with people whether they want to hear it or not.

A swimming pool can be a wonderful summer oasis until it requires work. The typical pool owner wants the benefits, but not the extra effort that is required to maintain a perfect pool. My experience could be compared to going to your physician. Most never are truly honest with their doctor, and most pool owners are never truly honest with me. I give  instructions on what to do and when to do it, as the doctor tells you what you should be eating, and shouldn’t. All advice goes in one ear and out the other. You come back for your follow up visit, and think that the doctor cannot tell that none of his advice has been followed, but he knows, yes he knows. The same way that I know when nothing has been done and NO instructions have been followed

There are simple rules to good health, and simple rules to keeping a pool pristine. There are no shortcuts and it requires a bit of maintenance on your part for both. Chlorine is chlorine and would not have been around for all these years if it was not efficient in doing its job. There are only 2% of the population allergic to chlorine, and you are not likely one of them. The reason your eyes burn and your skin is dry is due to the fact that you have failed to keep your pool chemicals balanced.

pH is your most important factor. If you keep your alkalinity in check your pH will follow. The only thing a salt system is accomplishing is converting salt into a low residual chlorine. The main factor still being is that you need to keep your water balanced. Which still requires keeping your skimmer baskets emptied and your filter cleaned. When you purchase a salt system you have now added extra maintenance. Now you are responsible for cleaning salt cells and then the expense of replacing them when you fail to maintain the system itself.

There are no real shortcuts in anything…ever. Think twice, take time to take care of what your hard earned money invested in…and that includes salt systems.

Swimming Balanced

The sun is shining and the temperature is getting warmer. It is time for flowers, flip flops and opening up your swimming pool! Swimming pools are the epitome of warm weather, especially if it is in your backyard. Owning a pool is a wonderful thing and with proper maintenance, can offer a lifetime of enjoyment. The enjoyment can quickly end when problems occur and you are left with guessing on how to clear up the water or repair the equipment.

During the last 30 years we have encountered all types of problems. The biggest factor of them all has been water chemistry. A pool may look clean and clear, but that doesn’t mean the water is truly balanced. Testing your water, with the proper method, is imperative to longevity of your equipment and the pool itself. The type of water source you have can have an impact on how balanced your water truly is. Well water can contain contaminants, minerals and metals. City or county water, believe it or not, can effect your water balance as well. Knowing the makeup of your water source can be proactive in avoiding future problems.

Improper water balance creates aggressive water that can damage your pool, no matter what type you have. Fiberglass, concrete/plaster or vinyl liner can all be damaged if the water chemistry is out of balance. The life of your equipment may also be shortened. Bottom line is, improper water chemistry can cost you more money, and the loss of time spent enjoying your pool. Try explaining to your kids that they can’t go swimming because “someone” was to stubborn to ask for help! We are here 24/7 to assist with any questions or problems you may encounter. The only dumb question is the one that was never asked. Our rule is this, if we cannot help you, we will do the research and send you in the direction of one that can!

Would you go to a pet store you needed your car fixed? Well, of course not! Then why would you waste money or time guessing on how to fix your swimming pool. Contact us today and we will help keep you in the water all summer long!

Ready To Close Your Pool?

This weekend, for some, marks the end of the summer. Which means getting prepared to close your swimming pool for the season and closing is just as important as the opening. If you do not close your pool properly you can guarantee problems at the beginning of next season.

This winter is predicted to be an actual winter and not a mild one.  Properly closing of a swimming pool can prevent damage during the dormant winter months.  In an attempt to save money, some pool owners opt to close their swimming pool themselves.  Hiring a professional to close your pool, the right way, is less expensive than you may think.  A swimming pool is an investment, and an extension of your homes value. When it is properly opened and winterized each season,  you will almost certainly extend the life of your pool, the equipment and your wallet in the long run.

Which would you prefer, instruction on a box or a professional with you poolside to instruct you on the proper procedures. The average consumer overspends on swimming pool products, and believe it or not, we believe in showing you ways to save money and extend the life of  your equipment.

Contact us today and let us show you how to save money on your closings and all year round.  Schedule a swimming pool consult or closing prior to September 15 and receive a special discount.

Celebrate National Water Safety Month

Memorial Day usually marks the opening day of local swimming pools and summer being just around the corner. This month is the perfect time to make sure your practicing and promoting water safety all year round.  Children come to mind first, when it comes to water safety, but adults can forget simple rules too when having a good time at the pool, on the lake, or at the beach.

I have listed pertinent information related to swimming pools, since that is my industry, but these guidelines can be applied to an unlimited amount of water related activities.  These are what I call “Rules by the Pool”.  I recommend that families that have residential swimming pools apply “Rules by the Pool” and keep them posted for handy reference.  Sometimes we all need a reminder that being safe goes along with having fun. Take these tips and apply them and start enjoying the water!

School will be out and kids want to go swimming! Make sure your swimming pool is ready for the chaos that comes with kids.  There are several things that need to be within reach in case of an emergency. Be sure to have “in date”, and stocked first aid kit, a working telephone (waterproof is recommended), and working rescue equipment. Rescue equipment should include a life ring and/or a shepherd’s hook.  However, these devices or being a good swimmer, should not be relied upon to make the water safe for children.  Constant supervision cannot be replaced with any device.

If you have small children in the household, or regular visiting ones, layer your swimming area with protection. All swimming pools should have a locking, gated, fenced area at least 4′ tall enclosing the pool.  Gate alarms, door alarms and alarms that will go off when someone enters the pool are recommended. A small child can wonder out the door and be in the pool within seconds. Drowning is a silent death and only takes seconds to occur. Keeping toys put up when not in use and removing flotation devices from the swimming pool will help prevent children or family pets from being enticed by the water.

These tips do not include all the available information. These are just a few important tips to help you get you going in the right direction.  By following a few guidelines, applying common sense and being responsible you can insure a safe and happy water filled summer!

 

 

 

 

Common Cents

In most recent years we have encountered more and more questions regarding chemicals or parts purchased via the internet. In the quest for saving a dollar the internet has become a favorite for numerous swimming pool owners. When using the internet as a purchasing tool one must use common cents.

The first thing to do is investigate the return policy offered, if any, on the product you are about to purchase. Also be sure the product is going to be usable on your type of swimming pool. Automatic cleaners can be confusing, expensive and must be compatible with your swimming pool system. Several customers have purchased automatic cleaners at a super price only to find out they have the wrong type. The local retail chain would not accept returns for items purchased online, and the online store would not be responsible for the customers lack of research before making the purchase. They only accept returns on manufacturing defects.

This is where we come in. We are called after the fact and the customer wanting to know what they can do with this cleaner that they have purchased and cannot use. On several occasions we have been able to connect them with other customers in search of that same product. But that is not always the case.

We are not against using the internet for purchasing pool supplies. However, we do recommend contacting us regarding the purchase your are considering. We may be able to match the price, give you information to help you make an informed decision, or even locate you a better deal from another reputable online retailer.

SwimCo Service & Repair