We are always looking for an excuse to start using our Crystal Clear Pool, and now that the nights here in Austin are getting warmer, we are ready to take our fun outdoors. First, we made sure our pool was running smoothly, and once the rain subsided, we were ready to turn our pool into a Dive-In Movie.
Grab a projector, a projection screen, and some floaties – and suddenly you have the coolest backyard on the block. Not only can you enjoy your favorite flick under the stars, but you can also set up a slide-show for the grandparents, or play music videos for your teenager’s party – the options are as endless as your infinity pool.
Is your pool ready to ‘Dive In’? Let the experts at Crystal Clear Pool get it in top form with a full maintenance service. The summer nights are calling you– call us now!
Monday, July 28, 2014
Wednesday, July 23, 2014
Resident pool service expert, Christian Donovan, has agreed to share some of what he has learned over the years as route manager for Crystal Clear Pools and Spas in Austin, Texas.
1. How can I check to see if my swimming pool is leaking?
A simple bucket test can tell you if you have a leak. Place a bucket on the top step, filled to the same level as the pool. They should maintain the same water level; if the pool drops noticeably faster, it probably has a leak, and you should pursue leak detection.
2. Why is the water in my swimming pool cloudy / smoky / hazy?
This is usually caused by either by a chemical balance problem, poor pool filtration, or a combination of the two. This time of year, with the water warming up here in Austin, fertilizers from yards running off into pools, and pollen or leaves falling, sometimes water clarity problems can be caused by a combination of problems.
3. Why is my swimming pool water green?
This time of year in Texas, it can be because of oak, pecan, or other tree pollen, or it can be because of an algae problem (sometimes the first problem can lead to the second). Both can be corrected using basic Pool Cleaning techniques such as restoring normal system flow, balancing the water, and adding chlorine and/or algaecide treatments as needed.
4. What are the black spots on the floor and walls of my swimming pool?
This could be an algae problem, or a stain problem. If the spots feel slimy, they might be blue-green algae, and can be very tough to clean using basic pool cleaning methods. If they are smooth, or feel like the surrounding surface, they could be stains, which may be treatable. If the entire surface feels rough and pitted or porous, it might be time to re-surface your pool.
5. My pool water burns my eyes / is sudsy / salty. How can I fix this?
In many cases, this is simply due to a problem with water chemistry; the water is either out of balance according to accepted industry standards, or is in need of a “shock” treatment, to free up the chlorine in the water to do its job sanitizing the pool. In other cases, this can be the result of a high level of total dissolved solids, and it might be time to replace most, if not all of the pool water. If you aren’t sure, give us a call or bring by a water sample, and we’ll point you in the right direction.
Thursday, July 17, 2014
Swimming Pool Pump Maintenance
When it comes to maintenance and repair of your swimming pool pumps, chances are you leave it up to the pros. Not a bad idea considering the many delicate intricate parts that make up a swimming pool pump. That said, we here at Crystal Clear Pools and Spas of Austin, Texas have compiled a few handy tips you can use to keep your swimming pool cleaning, service and repair needs at a minimum.
Know Your Swimming Pool Pumps
In the world of swimming pool service and repair, we like to think of swimming pool pumps as the heart of your pool, circulating crystal clear pool water all year round.
Most swimming pools today use self-priming centrifugal pumps. That means (in a nutshell) that the pump uses a vacuum to circulate water throughout your swimming pool, and is able to prime itself by keeping full or partially full of water whether the pump is active or not. The mechanical details are less important that being able to identify and effectively troubleshoot problems that may arise in your swimming pool pump.
Common Swimming Pool Pump Issues
Swimming Pool Pump Running Hot
If you notice your swimming pool pump running a bit hotter than usual, it’s not just the scorching Austin, Texas weather (albeit somewhat likely). The problem could be due to a lack of sufficient power being supplied to the pump. Just as the human heart requires a healthy balanced diet to run at optimal levels, your swimming pool’s pump needs enough energy to run cool. Check your pump’s wires and make sure they match up with the manufacturer’s size requirements. In cases of city-wide power shortages, due to a heat-wave for example, shut down your pool pump until the weather cools down and energy demands are lower.
Bubbles in your Swimming Pool
Look around you — are you in 3-5 feet of warm water, holding a bottle of champagne and feeding strawberries to your loved one? If yes then you are relaxing in a spa and the bubbles are just part of the show. However, if you notice bubbles shooting from your swimming pool’s jets, you may want to check the gasket or strainer cover on your swimming pool pump as they may be loose or damaged and will require quick service or repair.
“Low Pressure” or Priming Issues
Low pressure issues in swimming pool pumps are commonly caused by clogged return lines, filters or damaged impellers. How do I check the imepller you ask? Easy — shut down your pump, remove the basket and feel around in the suction hole for any cracks or breaks.
When In Doubt — Call an Expert
If the root of your swimming pool pump’s problem isn’t immediately obvious, contact your local swimming pool pro, or our experts at Crystal Clear Pools and Spas. We’ll make sure your swimming pool pump is in good shape so you can focus on more important things, like perfecting your backstroke.
Know Your Swimming Pool Pumps
In the world of swimming pool service and repair, we like to think of swimming pool pumps as the heart of your pool, circulating crystal clear pool water all year round.
Most swimming pools today use self-priming centrifugal pumps. That means (in a nutshell) that the pump uses a vacuum to circulate water throughout your swimming pool, and is able to prime itself by keeping full or partially full of water whether the pump is active or not. The mechanical details are less important that being able to identify and effectively troubleshoot problems that may arise in your swimming pool pump.
Common Swimming Pool Pump Issues
Swimming Pool Pump Running Hot
If you notice your swimming pool pump running a bit hotter than usual, it’s not just the scorching Austin, Texas weather (albeit somewhat likely). The problem could be due to a lack of sufficient power being supplied to the pump. Just as the human heart requires a healthy balanced diet to run at optimal levels, your swimming pool’s pump needs enough energy to run cool. Check your pump’s wires and make sure they match up with the manufacturer’s size requirements. In cases of city-wide power shortages, due to a heat-wave for example, shut down your pool pump until the weather cools down and energy demands are lower.
Bubbles in your Swimming Pool
Look around you — are you in 3-5 feet of warm water, holding a bottle of champagne and feeding strawberries to your loved one? If yes then you are relaxing in a spa and the bubbles are just part of the show. However, if you notice bubbles shooting from your swimming pool’s jets, you may want to check the gasket or strainer cover on your swimming pool pump as they may be loose or damaged and will require quick service or repair.
“Low Pressure” or Priming Issues
Low pressure issues in swimming pool pumps are commonly caused by clogged return lines, filters or damaged impellers. How do I check the imepller you ask? Easy — shut down your pump, remove the basket and feel around in the suction hole for any cracks or breaks.
When In Doubt — Call an Expert
If the root of your swimming pool pump’s problem isn’t immediately obvious, contact your local swimming pool pro, or our experts at Crystal Clear Pools and Spas. We’ll make sure your swimming pool pump is in good shape so you can focus on more important things, like perfecting your backstroke.
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