Building a pool requires significant investment, both in terms of time and money. Therefore, choosing the right swimming pool contractor is crucial to ensure a smooth and successful project. Here are 10 tips to help you choose the right swimming pool contractor.
Research and Referrals
Start by doing your research and asking friends and family for referrals. Look for a contractor with a good reputation and plenty of experience in building swimming pools. Check online reviews, ratings, and customer feedback to ensure that the contractor has a track record of delivering quality work.
Experience
Look for a contractor who has experience in building the type of pool you want. Ask to see examples of their previous projects and make sure they have successfully built pools that are similar in size and design to the one you want.
Licensing and Insurance
Ensure that the contractor is licensed and insured to work in your province. Ask for proof of insurance and licensing before starting any work. This will protect you from liability in case of any accidents or damage that may occur during the project.
Written Contract
Ensure that the contractor provides a written contract that outlines the project details, timelines, and costs. Make sure you read and understand the contract before signing it. A contract will protect you from any unexpected costs or issues that may arise during the project.
Pricing
Compare quotes from different contractors to ensure that you are getting a fair price. However, avoid choosing a contractor based solely on the lowest price. Low prices may indicate a lack of experience or subpar workmanship.
Communication
Choose a contractor who communicates well and keeps you updated on the project’s progress. They should be readily available to answer any questions or concerns you may have. Good communication is crucial to ensure that the project stays on track and is completed on time.
Professionalism
Look for a contractor who displays professionalism and integrity in their work. Avoid contractors who pressure you into making quick decisions or use high-pressure sales tactics. A good contractor should be transparent about their process and work with you to create a pool that meets your needs and budget.
Warranty
Choose a contractor who offers a warranty on their work. A warranty will give you peace of mind in case of any defects or issues with the pool. Make sure you understand the terms and conditions of the warranty before signing the contract.
Customer Service
Look for a contractor who offers excellent customer service. They should be willing to work with you and ensure that you are satisfied with the final product. A good contractor should be responsive to your needs and concerns throughout the entire project.
Maintenance and Support
Ensure that the contractor offers maintenance and support services after the pool is built. They should provide you with the necessary tools and knowledge to keep your pool in good condition. A good contractor should be available to answer any questions or concerns you may have and provide ongoing support as needed.
Maintaining chemicals in conditions that are constantly cold, dry, and dark will prolong their use. Pool owners and operators who know how and where to store chemicals and other pool items may preserve their chemicals securely and save money.
Chlorine
As with any chemical, chlorine tablets may deteriorate if left for too long or incorrectly kept. However, if stored properly, they may stay functional for more than five years. Knowing how to properly store chlorine tablets will guarantee that any tablets left over at the end of the summer swimming season will still be effective in the spring.
Tablets of chlorine are the most prevalent kind of pool chemical. They are available as 1-inch and 3-inch tablets, as well as 3-inch sticks. They are individually wrapped in plastic, which further slows decomposition, and contain 90% chlorine. However, there is no way to tell how stable they are just by looking at them.
Chlorine tabletshave the longest shelf life compared to all other chlorine-based pool products. Three years after being maintained between 50 and 70 degrees Fahrenheit (10 and 21 degrees Celsius), chlorine tablets may retain up to 98% of their initial chlorine concentration if kept between 50 and 70 degrees Fahrenheit (10 and 21 degrees Celsius). Chlorine-based chemicals are more stable when stored in a tightly sealed bucket kept in a cool, dry, and well-ventilated environment.
Granular chlorine – when kept in airtight containers that are cool and dry can last for over five years, whereas when stored improperly and exposed to humidity it can dissolve in less than two years.
Liquid Chlorine – (sodium hypochlorite) is the most unstable pool chemical, losing 50% of its potency within the first six months and 90% after a year; when exposed to extremely hot or cold temperatures, or sunlight, it degrades even faster.
Algaecides
If it is kept in a location that is cool, dry, and indoors, it can maintain its effectiveness for up to five years. However, exposure to direct sunlight and temperatures above 75 degrees Fahrenheit (24 degrees Celsius) will shorten its shelf life, and temperatures at or below freezing can render it ineffective.
This product is specially formulated to eliminate cloudy water due to accumulations of yellow or mustard-colored debris from pool surfaces.
Clarifiers
These can last up to five years when stored in places that are kept cool and out of the sun, though storing them outside, in garages or sheds that reach higher temperatures reduces effectiveness and, when exposed to freezing temperatures, they can become unusable.
For the most healthful sparkling clean water possible use a super clarifier once a week for desired water clarity.
Cyanuric Acid
When maintained in containers that are hermetically sealed correctly, it is possible for this chlorine stabilizer to maintain its potency for virtually an infinite amount of time.
The sun’s UV radiation has the potential to quickly break down chlorine and any of its compounds. To cut this loss and improve the chlorine’s active life, treat it with a stabilizer. It is compatible with chlorine releasing it at a slow rate to last longer and reduce chemical needs.
Sodium Bicarbonate
Sodium bicarbonate and calcium carbonate (alkalinity & calcium increasers) remain viable for over five years, though shelf life can be extended by keeping it in sealed containers and away from moisture, which can cause clumping.
Sodium Bicarbonate is a granular product to increase the total alkalinity in your pool water when it drops below 80 p.p.m.
Sodium Bisulfate & Muriatic Acid
These pH reducers tend to last longer due to more robust packaging, with shelf lives of five years, though as acids they will break down containers over time.
Sodium Bisulphate also called pH minus is a granular form of muriatic acid and is safer, easier and less corrosive for lowering the pH of your pool and spa water.
Sodium Carbonate or Soda Ash
This (pH increaser) remains usable for over five years when kept in airtight containers, though humidity or moist conditions can cause it to clump and harden, causing it to lose effectiveness and eventually convert sodium carbonate to sodium bicarbonate.
Stain & Scale Chemicals
Also known as stain preventers, can last almost indefinitely when stored indoors in cool, dry locations and kept in tightly sealed containers, though exposure to heat or cold can affect its effectiveness. Typically, they last 5 years.
Doing all this, along with keeping them away from direct sunlight and water can allow some chemicals to last well over five years. Remember, however, that if the chemicals get too hot they will start to degrade. Also, if exposed directly to water they will dissolve, though humidity in the air will not affect them adversely. Generally, depending on how and where pool chemicals are stored, they should last 3-5 years. While understanding how and where to store the above chemicals is important, it’s also important to understand where and how to store other pool chemicals.
Everything you need to know about pool water testing
Regular pool inspections are a vital part of owning a pool. It is essential for maintaining clear, algae-free water. Additionally, it is crucial to maintain a proper chemical balance in your pool, since improper water chemistry may damage your pool and its equipment. Improperly balanced water may cause eye pain and hair discolouration. To get an accurate reading, you’ll need a test kit, pool water testing strips or a digital tester. Toronto Pool Supplies is here to answer any questions you may have.
How Often Do You Test Pool Water?
Test the water at least once per week, or more often if the pool is extensively used. If you are new to pool management, you may wish to test the water 2-3 times each week until you get used to the variations. It might be helpful to choose one day each week for regular water testing. This goes for saltwater pools as well.
How Long Can Pool Water Sit Before Testing?
Not long. Letting the water sit makes the testing less accurate because the chemicals settle to the bottom. Set aside enough time to complete the process fully.
What Do You Test Pool Water For?
The primary pool chemicals to monitor are pH, alkalinity, calcium hardness, and chlorine (sanitizer). In some instances, it may also be necessary to test for metals and stabilisers. Here are the proposed levels for maintaining a pool’s balance:
Test
Range
pH
7.2 – 7.6
Total Alkalinity
120 – 150ppm
Calcium Hardness
200 – 250ppm (Concrete Pools)
Calcium Hardness
175 – 225ppm (Vinyl Pools)
Free Chlorine
1 – 3ppm
Free Bromine
3 – 5ppm
Metals: Copper
0ppm
Metals: Iron
0ppm
CYA
30 – 50 ppm
Which Test to Buy
There are four primary methods for testing your pool’s water, each with distinct advantages:
The liquid test kits consist of a testing container and reagents, which are contained in dropper bottles. They are often quite precise and test for all important substances. The majority of pool pros recommend this kind of examination.
How to Use a Liquid Test Kit
Utilize the clean, empty testing container that comes with the package
Remove the sample away from the vicinity of jets and skimmers.
Submerge the container upside down to the elbow, then remove the sample.
Add liquid reagents in droplets, as instructed per the kit’s instructions. Typically, the left (yellow) side measures chlorine while the right (red) side measures pH.
Seal the container and shake vigorously. If possible, refrain from touching the surface with your hands, since acids on the surface may alter findings.
Test strips are simple and quick to use, but less reliable than liquid test kits due to their expiration date. In the long term, test strips are somewhat more costly than liquids due to their single-use nature.
The only problem with test strips is that you won’t get an exact color. You need to eyeball the color matches each time you test the water. For example, you might think the alkalinity is set to 150 ppm but the color doesn’t match perfectly to the strip.
How to Use the Test Strips for Pool Water Testing
Use a clean, empty cup.
Take the sample in the middle of the pool away from jets and skimmers.
Dip container upside down until elbow deep, then take the sample.
When it changes colour, match it to the sample in the test kit to determine levels in the pool.
The third method is the use of a digital pool water tester. A digital tester incorporates the advantages of both test strip and test kit methods. When calibrated correctly, it is incredibly precise and simple to use. A digital pool water tester is the most expensive of the three pool water testing alternatives, but the expense may be justified for you.
Pool professionals love these because they quickly and very accurately test for free chlorine, total chlorine, bromine, pH, alkalinity, calcium, and more.
How to Use the Digital Testers
Calibrate the tester.
Use a sample deep in the pool.
Some operate by having you collect pool water samples and then having you simply dip the tester into the sample. For others, you will collect water samples and insert them into the device itself for it to display your test results.
Read the results on the tester for the chemical levels.
With a Professional
If you are having difficulties balancing your pool or do not know how to address chemical imbalances, you should bring your water to a professional. Since a specialist will manage the diagnosis and therapy, this makes obtaining the correct chemical as simple as possible.
How to Provide a sample to a Professional
Use a clean, empty water bottle (12 oz – 16 oz).
Take the sample in the middle of the pool away from jets and skimmers.
Dip container upside down until elbow deep, then take the sample.
Have it analyzed.
Salt Water Testing
If you already possess a salt water pool, you should familiarise yourself with the fundamentals of pool maintenance. Checking the chemical levels of your pool on a regular basis ensures that your pool is ready for use and safe for swimming.
Even if your saltwater pool system makes the pool easier to maintain overall, you still need to understand how to correctly test the water. So, you’ll be able to detect imbalances before they become major problems, and you’ll know what actions to take to bring your pool to a safe and functional condition.
Checking the chemical levels is part of routine pool care, so when the time comes, it is an easy task. Simply buy some affordable pool water test strips, or use a digital water tester if you like.
You also have the option of having it examined by an expert. This is one option if you want the most comprehensive and accurate measurements of your pool’s chemical levels.
What are you testing for?
Free Chlorine: This level indicates whether or not the water is clean and safe for swimming. The purpose of your previous levels is to support this one. 1-3 parts per million (ppm) is often adequate in a saltwater pool.
pH: This level indicates whether water is acidic or alkaline. When it is out of balance, the Free Chlorine in the water is unable to perform its job effectively, which may damage the comfort of swimmers and lead to scaling or erosion in the pool. Typically, 7.5 is excellent, and it is vital to maintain it between 7.2 and 7.8
Total Alkalinity: A correct amount ensures that your pH does not fluctuate rapidly.
Salinity: This degree of salinity allows your salt chlorine generator to function properly and maintain your Free Chlorine level. The range varies per model, but the optimal amount is often between 3000 and 4000 ppm. This is the sole level of water chemistry that is “specific” to saltwater pools.
Stabilizer: This level “coats” your Free Chlorine to prevent it from disappearing as a result of the sun’s rays. However, if the amount is too high, Free Chlorine may become useless. In general, a range of 30-50 ppm is effective in the majority of situations.
Methods of testing your saltwater pool
Test Strips
When opting to test your pool’s salinity and other chemistry values such as pH, alkalinity, and chlorine, testing using pool water test strips is the most cost-effective alternative. Typical directions on test strip packaging are as follows:
Dip a strip into the water, but do not let it soak; instead, dip and remove the strip.
Wait several seconds for the system to “read the levels.”
Match the colour it changes to the colour shown on the container or in the directions.
By observing the colour, you can determine your levels and make the necessary adjustments.
You are responsible for judging the tiny colour variations and matching them to the colour reference on the product label. Therefore, this strategy involves some generalisation and guessing.
Test Kits
Typical water chemistry test kits include chemicals and containers. This form of testing requires a chemical set and may take a considerable amount of time, but it is considerably more accurate than test strips. Depending on the quantity being measured, the precise testing procedure might vary, but normally you must count the number of drops of reagent you apply, then observe any response or colour change.
To test the water in your pool using a liquid reagent kit:
Fill the provided vials with saltwater pool water samples, then add the liquid reagent according the manufacturer’s instructions.
After mixing the reagent with pool water samples, the samples’ colour will change.
Refer to the manufacturer’s instructions for clarification on how to interpret the test findings.
To assess the salinity of your pool samples, compare them to the supplied colour chart.
Digital Water Testers
These electronic water chemistry analyzers are an excellent combination of accuracy and portability. Fully electronic testers will offer instant readings for six crucial pool chemistry levels. Although some electronic tests still need reagents, they are exceedingly exact and simple to use.
When using a digital water tester to determine the salt concentration in a pool:
You will dip a test strip deep into the water of your pool.
Hold it in place, then put it into the designated location on the digital water tester.
The digital water tester will provide many values, including the salinity of your pool water, within 15 to 20 seconds.
Pool Water Testing Tips for Every Pool
Sample deep in the pool.
Ensure that the pool has been operating for at least fifteen minutes. An hour is perfect.
Ensure liquid kits are filled to the “fill” level on the column.
If possible, mix the solution using a cap; acids from the hands might alter the findings.
Rinse in a sink, not the swimming pool.
Testing strips must be kept in a cold, dry location.
How to Add Chemicals Safely
Always read and adhere to the chemical’s instructions to guarantee its safe usage.
Wear safety gear and equipment, including gloves, boots, and glasses.
Handle chemicals in an area with adequate ventilation.
When transferring or measuring chemicals, use separate metal or plastic measuring cups for each substance. Never use wood scoops.
Protect chemicals from water and moisture, such as a cup of coffee or water. Even returning the wet scoop to the pail may trigger a reaction.
Always dilute chemicals by adding them to water, never the other way around unless instructed to do so on the container’s label.
Do not combine different chemicals.
Do not return spilt chemicals to their original containers.
Learning how to be your own pool guy or gal has never been easier. What’s even better is all featured products in this article are available to be delivered to your doorstep. So, sit back, relax, and get started with our super simple DIY pool water test guide, then visit our store and buy water testers for your pool!
With the approaching of summer, it is no surprise that the demand for chlorine is increasing. Due to the high demand this season, we are facing a chlorine shortage in Canada. In the past year, the COVID-19 pandemic forced us to stay home. The more time we spent at home, the more demand there was for home improvements, such as backyard swimming pool installment. Now, chlorine pricing rates have spiked and people are looking for chlorine alternatives for their hot tubs and swimming pools.
Chlorine is considered one of the most common products to treat a swimming pool; it improves water quality by eliminating harmful fungi and bacteria. However, there are chlorine substitutes for swimming pools that are just as effective when it comes to making pool water suitable for use. Below, we have listed some safe and effective alternatives to chlorine for swimming pools that are sure to clear up the troublesome microbes in your pool water.
Ozone
This gas is considered a great eliminator of viruses, fungi and bacteria —an ideal pool water treatment option. This product takes little energy to function and it does not leave residue.
To use this non chlorine option in your pool, an ozonator device is required, which captures oxygen from the air, breaks down these particles, and directs the ozone into the water. It is necessary to leave the device on for 6 to 8 hours daily.
Salt water
Salt water is a natural way to treat a swimming pool without chlorine. Salt is less aggressive on the skin than chlorine, causing less irritation of the skin, less eye redness, and less dryness of the hair. Treating pool water with salt is a process that involves fewer chemicals and provides a self-cleaning aspect that stands out among non chlorine pool treatments. It is worth mentioning that the artificial smell characteristic to chlorine pools decreases when opting for a non chlorine-filled pool. That is, this resource is a natural alternative to pool chlorine.
Non-chlorine shock
Another non chlorine alternative is the chlorine-free shock—a quick and cheap alternative. Chlorine-free shock is another effective chlorine substitute for water treatment. It takes about 15 minutes for the pool to become swim-safe and you can add it directly to the pool water at any time.
PHMB
The last alternative for cleaning the swimming pool without chlorine is PHMB. For those who use contact lenses, PHMB is part of their cleaning solution. This option is extremely effective; it is immune to UV rays, pH and temperature variations, and there is no odor! It is a great choice if you have just filled the pool and have not yet added any treatment products.
We are ready to open our backyard pools for a second summer of the covid19 pandemic. Last year saw more new pools built than the last decade of construction. Families are trading their vacations for staycations and using their backyards as playgrounds to burn off energy. It shouldn’t come as a surprise that with the increase in backyard pool use, there will also be shortages of pool parts and chemicals. Everyone needs chlorine and the supply is having trouble keeping up with the demand.
Consider upgrading your sanitation system
If you’ve been contemplating upgrading your sanitation system this may be the final push that makes you commit. Perhaps the cost has been one of the factors keeping you on the fence. Consider the price of chlorine is likely to increase sharply to reflect the demand on the now strained supply. If you are building a new pool, these new state of the art systems – salt generators, UV, and Ozone sanitizers – require less chlorine that a chemical feeder system does.
Install a salt generator system
Salt generators reduce your chlorine demand by nearly 50% and they produce clean water that is gentle on the skin and eyes. Instead of the chemical chlorine, salt (NaCl) is added to the pool water and as it passes through an electrically charged cell the sodium (Na) and the chlorine (Cl) is separated. The naturally produced chlorine is used to kill off any harmful bacteria and keep your pool water clean and clear.
Don’t shy away from UV and Ozone systems
UV and Ozone systems have been around just as long, but have often been regarded as complex, expensive and even unstable. These systems have undergone major advances in the last 2 decades, now built as single vessel systems that makes it easy to install and replace as needed. These systems can reduce your demand for chlorine by up to 50% on their own as well.
How an Ionizer can help
Adding an Ionizer to any existing sanitation system will also help reduce your chlorine demand – by up to 90%! Ionizers help stabilize the pH of your water, which is one of the most common issues that backyard pool owners encounter with salt water sanitation systems. By keeping your pH well balanced, the chlorine is able to do its job more effectively.
Invest in a variable speed pump
Whether you decided to upgrade to any of these systems or not, a variable speed pump will also reduce your chlorine demand. Salt generators, UV and Ozone all require continuous circulation, making it necessary to use a variable speed pump. But a chemical feeder will also run much more efficiently with a VSP because the water will never be stagnant. Stagnant water permits bacteria growth almost immediately. Running a single or dual speed pump for 8-12 hours a day means there are 12-16 hours of downtime in which these harmful bacteria start to grow and build up.
Plan ahead and order early, don’t get caught in the chlorine shortage of 2021. If you can, consider purchasing a larger supply that you typically do and store it in a dark dry place. Taking care of your pool water – ph, total alkalinity, chlorine and algae – to ensure that it runs as efficiently as possible will save you money and lost swimming time. Reach out to your pool professionals today to make your plan for the 2021 backyard pool season.
Spring seems to be here to stay and that means opening day is now in sight. It’s time to take inventory and make your spring cleaning list. You want to have adequate time to get everything you need. More people are staying close to home this year, and many are starting to see the benefits of having a backyard swimming pool. If this is your first summer operating a pool there is still a lot to do before you dive in. If you are a seasoned pool operator let’s review some important steps that can save you time and money in the long run.
Order your pool chemicals
This year it’s extremely important to place your orders early. With the increase in pool and spa owners and the global shipping delays, it’s time to consider placing those orders a few weeks earlier than you normally do. Check your inventory, if you have expired or improperly stored chemicals then make a plan to dispose of them safely. Not sure what you need to get your water ready? There’s more than just chlorine needed to balance your pool, you’ll need to treat your waters ph, alkalinity and calcium hardness as well. If you’d prefer to have a professional get your pool ready, check out this list of options in your area.
Clean up outdoors
Spring cleaning isn’t just for inside the house. Cleaning up the yard and dusting off the deck will help keep a lot of unnecessary debris out of your swimming pool. Its best to do yard and deck work while the cover is still on. Safety is paramount, this is a great time to inspect. To keep your family safe, check on the condition of your ladders, handrails, diving board and waterslide anchors.
Remove your pool cover
Don’t get ahead of yourself with this task, there are few steps to take before you roll back the cover. Clean all of the debris and excess water off of the top and let it thoroughly dry out. The more debris you can keep out of your pool the less work your filters will need to do once they are up and running. Ensuring your cover is dry before you store it away will increase the lifespan of your cover.
Clean your basin and fill your pool
These two tasks can be done simultaneously. Using a garden hose, start to fill your pool to operating level. At the same time, use a leaf skimmer and get any surface debris you can. Once leaves and twigs get into the water there will be some breakdown that will contaminate your water before the large pieces get to the bottom. Give the sides a good brushing and vacuum the debris that has settled on the bottom. Your filters will take care of the rest but it’s best to remove anything you can to increase the lifespan of your filter media and the units themselves.
Start filtration
Let the filters run for a day or so to mix all of the new water in with the old and then you’ll want to perform a test to see what needs adjusting. Before you add chlorine it’s important to balance your waters alkalinity and ph and calcium hardness. Once these levels are within range its time to shock your pool and wait for the chlorine level to fall. Once within range, you are good to take the plunge.
Enjoy your backyard pool this summer, but keep a close on your water quality every couple of days. If you are able to catch things before they get out of the safe range, then you can likely maintain your water without having to close your pool for long.
Are you considering closing the hot tub for the winter? Don’t do it! Hot Tubs are the perfect at-home remedy to beat the winter blues. Winding down after a long work day (or week), when your happy hour options are limited, means your Hot Tub is the perfect getaway. Hot tubs are hardy, they are built to withstand the cold temperatures and heavy snowfalls that winter brings us. Despite what you might think, hot tubs are not more difficult to care for in the winter. Let’s breakdown the basics of keeping a hot tub running in the winter.
Follow a plan
Hot tub maintenance should follow a basic plan. If you’re paying attention to the water quality every 3-4 days and keeping the water well balanced, you should be able to avoid most surprises. It’s a good idea to drain and clean your hot tub every 3 months (more or less depending on use), so plan to give your Hot Tub a drain and clean before winter starts. This way you won’t need to do a drain again until the coldest part of winter has passed.
Invest in a solid cover
A hot hub cover is not where you want to cut costs. Having an air tight seal on your hot tub means you can keep the snow and debris out of your water. It will also keep the heat in so that you can hop in any time you like. A good cover will save you in energy costs too because your heater will not have to work as hard to keep your water warm. Do a thorough cover inspection in the fall to be prepared for winter. If you have any small cracks or notice any amount of water trapped in the cover then you need to repair or replace your cover before winter sets in. Throughout the winter, its best to keep snow and ice off your cover, to avoid it causing permanent damage.
Install a heat timer
Depending on the model of hot tub you have, you may need to add a timer to your heater. If the temperatures are going to stay below freezing for long you should set a timer to turn the heater on every 20-30 minutes, and check it regularly. This will help you avoid frozen water lines, and some unexpected surprises at the most inopportune times. If you own a Jacuzzi hot tub, they have taken care of this for you. When you see the temperatures falling, activate Freeze Protection, or F3 Standard Mode.
Keep a hose nearby
Water loss is inevitable, but it happens so gradual that it can get missed in your weekly walkabouts. If your water level drops too low it can lead to air locks, frozen pipes and burnt out pumps. When you winterize your outdoor water lines before the cold sets in, leave a hose out that you can run inside and top up your water levels as needed.
Have a supply of spa chemicals
When the snow falls and the cold temps set in, we start to question every trip out of the house – do I really need that? Don’t get caught needing the right chemicals to balance your hot tub just as you’re putting your feet up for a winter weekend in. It’s important to keep your hot tub water well balanced to maximize the life of your heating and filtration system. Most hot tub owners know they need to keep their chlorine in check to reduce skin and eye irritations, but it’s important to remember that the pH and Alkalinity also play a role too. ph and Alkalinity levels impact your chlorine’s effectiveness and the life of your pumps and filters. Having a supply of chemicals for the winter season and a regular maintenance plan should yield you clean and clear water whenever you’re ready to slip in.
Buy a reliable test kit
Keep your test kit handy, so you can get a full picture of your water quality. A test kit should give you accurate readings for Chlorine (or Bromine), as well as your pH and Alkalinity. Test your water every 3-4 days and make minor adjustments as you need.
Relax and enjoy your winter hot tub time
That’s it! It is both beneficial and efficient to keep a hot tub running in the winter. If you stick with a basic maintenance plan and keep an eye on things regularly, your hot tub can become part of your regular self-care plan. So grab your toque, a drink and your favourite playlist, and head out to enjoy your backyard winter oasis.
Each autumn, pool owners have the sad task of shutting down the pool for winter. Closing the pool signifies the end of the summer, and a weekend full of a lot of work. After seasonal care, maintenance and small repairs, it can seem daunting to have to clean and close everything correctly.
You may be tempted to cut corners as you move through the process of closing down your swimming pool. But, closing each component of your swimming pool correctly at the end of the season is absolutely essential to keeping it in great shape. Neglecting important parts of the closing process can lead to damage, repair bills, and a delay in opening the pool next summer. Worse than that, every time you damage a component of your swimming pool, you shorten the life of your investment. Continue reading The Importance of Closing your Pool Correctly for the Winter
If you’ve purchased a home with a swimming pool, congratulations! A swimming pool can add so much to your home each summer – encouraging your family to socialize, exercise, and spend more time together. But before you dive in and enjoy your new pool, you’ll need to be sure you understand each of its components and how to operate the pool correctly. We’ve put together a homebuyer’s guide to pool maintenance so you can learn tips and tricks on how to properly and cost-effectively maintain your pool and familiarize yourself with your pool equipment.
Most pool owners are frustrated when their swimming pool isn’t looking its best – and sometimes, the problem with your pool can be very confusing when it first emerges. If your water is crystal clear but you have a layer of foam on top, it can be baffling.
While it is natural for your return jets to form some bubbles as they return water to your pool, these air bubbles should dissipate quickly. A layer of foam that sticks around in your swimming pool water means there is an issue with your water. Continue reading How to Remove Foam from your Swimming Pool Water