For much of the country, temperatures are dropping rapidly as the approaching winter months force us to trade our swimsuits for leggings, and put a halt on our outdoor water activities. However, just because we aren’t enjoying lemonade and sunshine by the pool, doesn’t mean we can neglect the important maintenance and upkeep of our valuable Swimming Pools.
In order to avoid damage to your pool during the off season, here are a few basic seasonal pool maintenance and winterization tips that will keep your pool running smoothly and ready for summer fun!
Winterization
Winterization is essential in caring for your pool. Not only will you avoid potential damage caused by debris and freezing temperatures, you can actually increase the life-span of your pool, and rest assured that your pool will be running smoothly and ready for next summer!
Basic Winterization and Seasonal Pool Care Tips
Clear Debris – Debris build-up in your skimmers and filters can cause stress on the pool’s pump, drive up energy costs and cause damage to your pool’s cleaning systems
Keep Normal Water Levels – Low water levels, even when unused, can cause stress on the pool’s cleaning systems, especially when freezing.
Minimize Operation – A good rule of thumb for Pool Maintenance during fall / winter is “minimal use = minimal operation”. Turn off all water features as soon as temperatures drop below your comfort zone to avoid damage during freezing temperatures.
Backwash and Clean Filters – This should be done before temperatures drop too low to avoid freezing of internal components. Make sure non-petroleum based lubricants are used where necessary.
Test, Chlorinate, Shock – Treat your pool’s chemical needs as if you are swimming every week. Getting behind on your pool’s chemical schedule can lead to cosmetic damage, unwanted organic growth and staining during the winter months.
Move the Water – Circulating your pool’s water during the coldest times of the day can help cut down on potential freezing hazards.
Many of the steps outlined above can be performed by you, the pool owner. However, there is no replacement for the advice and maintenance supervision of a professional. Don’t let your pool maintenance duties slip just because you aren’t using it. Contact the experts at Crystal Clear Pools and Spas if you have any winterization questions or wish to set up scheduled seasonal maintenance visits to ensure that the health of your pool is maintained this winter.
Monday, August 17, 2015
Wednesday, August 12, 2015
Top 5 Places to Swim in Austin
If you don’t have a backyard inground pool of your own, don’t worry – there is no shortage of places to swim here in Austin. Most, if not all of the community pools will be open for Memorial Day weekend. Here is a list of our top five family friendly Swimming Pools, in both Austin and the surrounding areas:
1) Barton Springs Pool – A popular tourist attraction since 1837, Barton Springs Pool is of course our number one pick. Located in Zilker Park and fed by water from Main Barton Spring, this pool maintains a cool 68° year-round. Admission fees range from $1 to $3 and is closed each Thursday for cleaning and maintenance.
Image courtesy of austintexas.gov
2) Lakeway Swim Center- This swim center located in Lakeway is the perfect pool for families of all ages. It features an adult swimming pool, as well as a wading pool, waterslides, frog slides, and life-size chess & checker boards. There is a concession area, volleyball and basketball courts, picnic tables, grills, and a rock climbing wall. It’s closed on Mondays and admission ranges from $4 to $6.
Image courtesy of cityoflakeway.com
3) Rock’N River Family Aquatic Center- Located Old Settlers Park in Round Rock, this 40,000 square-foot park has a water playground, a lazy river, and crazy water slides. The kids will also enjoy the water cannon, floor geysers, and zero beach entry play area for the little ones. Admission is $4.50 for adults, and $3.50 for the kiddos.
Image courtesy of roundrocktexas.gov
4) Veterans Memorial Pool- Located in Cedar Park, this pool offers 8,300 square feet of fun including a jumping platform, activity pool with drop slide, cargo net, water basketball, and playground. Umbrellas and poolside pavilions are also available for rent allowing the adults to get enjoy the shade, while still watching the kids have a ball. Admission ranges from $2 to $5.
Image courtesy of cedarparktx.us
5) Windy Point Park- While obviously not a swimming pool, Windy Point is one of our favorite destinations for swimming, camping, and SCUBA. Located on Lake Travis in Austin, they have a grass lawn, shade trees, sandy beach, camping areas with fire pits, and picnic tables. They also offer changing facilities, concession area, wireless internet, and protected swim areas. Windy Point Park faces the west for incredible sunset views. It’s open year round and costs $8 for adults, and children under 10 are free.
Image courtesy of austintexas.gov
2) Lakeway Swim Center- This swim center located in Lakeway is the perfect pool for families of all ages. It features an adult swimming pool, as well as a wading pool, waterslides, frog slides, and life-size chess & checker boards. There is a concession area, volleyball and basketball courts, picnic tables, grills, and a rock climbing wall. It’s closed on Mondays and admission ranges from $4 to $6.
Image courtesy of cityoflakeway.com
3) Rock’N River Family Aquatic Center- Located Old Settlers Park in Round Rock, this 40,000 square-foot park has a water playground, a lazy river, and crazy water slides. The kids will also enjoy the water cannon, floor geysers, and zero beach entry play area for the little ones. Admission is $4.50 for adults, and $3.50 for the kiddos.
Image courtesy of roundrocktexas.gov
4) Veterans Memorial Pool- Located in Cedar Park, this pool offers 8,300 square feet of fun including a jumping platform, activity pool with drop slide, cargo net, water basketball, and playground. Umbrellas and poolside pavilions are also available for rent allowing the adults to get enjoy the shade, while still watching the kids have a ball. Admission ranges from $2 to $5.
Image courtesy of cedarparktx.us
5) Windy Point Park- While obviously not a swimming pool, Windy Point is one of our favorite destinations for swimming, camping, and SCUBA. Located on Lake Travis in Austin, they have a grass lawn, shade trees, sandy beach, camping areas with fire pits, and picnic tables. They also offer changing facilities, concession area, wireless internet, and protected swim areas. Windy Point Park faces the west for incredible sunset views. It’s open year round and costs $8 for adults, and children under 10 are free.
Tuesday, August 4, 2015
Pool Problem Troubleshooting Guide
You love your swimming pool – and so do we. At Crystal Clear Pools and Spas, we specialize in troubleshooting and repairing your inground pool, but how do you know if your pool needs service or repair?
Here are a few of the most common Swimming Pool problems and suggestions on how to troubleshoot them:
THE FILTER PRESSURE IS LOW AND THERE IS NO WATER MOVEMENT
Do It Yourself:
- Check the baskets and empty them if needed.
- Check the water level and add water if it’s low.
Call Us For Service:
- Weir blade in skimmer could be stuck in the “up” position and needs to be replaced.
- There could be an air leak on suction side of the pump.
Here are a few of the most common Swimming Pool problems and suggestions on how to troubleshoot them:
THE FILTER PRESSURE IS LOW AND THERE IS NO WATER MOVEMENT
Do It Yourself:
- Check the baskets and empty them if needed.
- Check the water level and add water if it’s low.
Call Us For Service:
- Weir blade in skimmer could be stuck in the “up” position and needs to be replaced.
- There could be an air leak on suction side of the pump.
THE MOTOR ON THE PUMP IS LOUD
Do It Yourself:
- The pressure side of plumbing could be closed and you should check the valves for proper settings.
Call Us For Service:
- Bearings in the motor could be going out.
- The pump impeller could be clogged.
THE POOL LIGHT IS NOT COMING ON
Do It Yourself:
- Check your circuit breaker.
- Check your GFCI outlet and reset if needed.
Call Us For Service:
- If the light is tied into a computer system the power relay may need to be replaced.
THE PUMP HAS A LEAK
Do It Yourself:
- Remove, clean and reseat the O-ring.
- Secure the pump lid
Call Us For Service:
- It could be a leak at the plumbing that needs to be repaired.
THERE IS A LEAK AT THE FILTER
Do It Yourself:
- Tighten or replace Air Relief Valve.
Call Us For Service:
- The O-ring may be damaged and needs to be replaced.
- The plumbing has a leak and needs to be repaired.
Call us for repair service today and see why Crystal Clear Pools and Spas provides the Best Swimming Pool Service in Austin.
Do It Yourself:
- The pressure side of plumbing could be closed and you should check the valves for proper settings.
Call Us For Service:
- Bearings in the motor could be going out.
- The pump impeller could be clogged.
THE POOL LIGHT IS NOT COMING ON
Do It Yourself:
- Check your circuit breaker.
- Check your GFCI outlet and reset if needed.
Call Us For Service:
- If the light is tied into a computer system the power relay may need to be replaced.
THE PUMP HAS A LEAK
Do It Yourself:
- Remove, clean and reseat the O-ring.
- Secure the pump lid
Call Us For Service:
- It could be a leak at the plumbing that needs to be repaired.
THERE IS A LEAK AT THE FILTER
Do It Yourself:
- Tighten or replace Air Relief Valve.
Call Us For Service:
- The O-ring may be damaged and needs to be replaced.
- The plumbing has a leak and needs to be repaired.
Call us for repair service today and see why Crystal Clear Pools and Spas provides the Best Swimming Pool Service in Austin.
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