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.
Thursday, July 17, 2014
Friday, June 27, 2014
5 Tips to Get Your Pool Ready For Spring
You’ve been dreaming of warm weather, BBQ’s, and drinks with tiny umbrellas. Although you’ve been ready for months – how ready is your Pool?
Now that Spring is here, it’s time to prepare your pool for some fun in the hot Austin sun. While most pool maintenance and repairs are better left to the professionals – here are five things you can do yourself today:
Look and Listen
When the temperatures drop over the winter months (even in Texas), the colder temperatures can expand the ground, causing your pool to shift. Take a look around the pool for cracks – paying special attention to the drains, lights, and concrete pad under the pump. Look for bubbles or darker areas that may indicate a leak. Additionally, turn on your pump and make sure it’s still running quietly and efficiently.
Safety First
Check out your fencing, gate latches, and all other surrounding enclosures that will keep the kids (and pets) from taking an unexpected swim. Make sure your handrails, ladders, slides, and diving boards are secure and undamaged.
Be Prepared
Make sure to have a first-aid kit nearby, including a pair of scissors in the case that a swimmer’s hair or clothing causes them to become entrapped. Also consider keeping a flotation device readily accessible.
Clean
Give your surrounding deck a good power-wash – not only will it look better, but it will limit the amount of debris that will make its way into the pool. Remember to also give your pool toys a good scrubbing to ensure they are free from mold or anything else that’s no fun to play with. You can easily disinfect them by soaking them in 2-gallons of water with 1-cup of bleach.
Call a Professional
It’s easier and more affordable than ever to have a professional such as Crystal Clear in Austin to come to prepare your pool for the spring. Leave the complexities of the chemicals, filters, and pumps to us, and go enjoy a swim.
Now that Spring is here, it’s time to prepare your pool for some fun in the hot Austin sun. While most pool maintenance and repairs are better left to the professionals – here are five things you can do yourself today:
Look and Listen
When the temperatures drop over the winter months (even in Texas), the colder temperatures can expand the ground, causing your pool to shift. Take a look around the pool for cracks – paying special attention to the drains, lights, and concrete pad under the pump. Look for bubbles or darker areas that may indicate a leak. Additionally, turn on your pump and make sure it’s still running quietly and efficiently.
Safety First
Check out your fencing, gate latches, and all other surrounding enclosures that will keep the kids (and pets) from taking an unexpected swim. Make sure your handrails, ladders, slides, and diving boards are secure and undamaged.
Be Prepared
Make sure to have a first-aid kit nearby, including a pair of scissors in the case that a swimmer’s hair or clothing causes them to become entrapped. Also consider keeping a flotation device readily accessible.
Clean
Give your surrounding deck a good power-wash – not only will it look better, but it will limit the amount of debris that will make its way into the pool. Remember to also give your pool toys a good scrubbing to ensure they are free from mold or anything else that’s no fun to play with. You can easily disinfect them by soaking them in 2-gallons of water with 1-cup of bleach.
Call a Professional
It’s easier and more affordable than ever to have a professional such as Crystal Clear in Austin to come to prepare your pool for the spring. Leave the complexities of the chemicals, filters, and pumps to us, and go enjoy a swim.
Monday, June 16, 2014
Repair and Prepare: How Texas Droughts May Damage Your Swimming Pool
Owning a swimming pool in Texas means outsmarting the record high, three-digit summer temperatures which normally render you powerless against your couch, the golf channel and a heaping bowl of ice cream. Easing yourself into that ‘Cowboy-Cool” water means another dog day beaten, another heatstroke avoided. However, the intense summer weather here in Texas brings a little more than a sweat-soaked t-shit before dawn. I’m talking drought folks and it can have damaging effects on your pool’s structural integrity, your water bill and your summer fun.
“But — is there anything we can do to prepare?”
“But — is there anything we can do to prepare?”
Of course. It’s is not our job at Crystal Clear Pools and Spas to pump you full of fear then jet. Here are a few useful tips on how to get the best of Mr. Mean-Old Drought and help prevent damage to your pool — and your bottom line.
Invest in a Swimming Pool Cover
Not only will a pool cover minimize time spent outside cleaning debris under the sun, swimming pool covers cut down on evaporation and help maintain healthy water levels in your swimming pool. Many swimming pools in Texas have optimal standards pertaining to water levels in order to maintain the integrity of pool walls, tiles and mechanical systems.
If that isn’t enough motivation, Texas drought water restrictions require 25% of any non-public pool to be covered when not in use. Restrictions are also put on the amount of water, and method, you may use to fill your pool during the higher stages of drought. Best to keep what water you have in the pool now lest ye find yourself ankle deep without a hose.
Snap on pool covers may run you around $3,000 or so. Automatics go up from there. If you need help finding the right pool cover, give us a call — we can help you out.
Install Water Saving Filters and Pumps
Texas isn’t getting any cooler and the demand for water during the summer months will rise along with the red stuff in your thermometer. There are a number of energy-efficient, eco-friendly water saving swimming pool pumps available to help get the best out of the water you have, and minimize waste.
Check pool walls, tiles and pumps for leaks
It’s best to get the jump on Swimming Pool Maintenance and repair before the sun takes his summer share. Call a professional to locate and repair any water (money) draining leaks that you may not be aware of. Enough of your pool water is already floating in the air, no reason to lose more to the ground.
Stay Wet
Hang in there. Summer will be here and gone before you know it. Enjoy it. If you need any help at all, or have any pool repair, pool maintenance or cleaning questions — don’t hesitate to give us a call. We’ll come out and make sure you have everything you need to survive another round of wild Texas heat.
Invest in a Swimming Pool Cover
Not only will a pool cover minimize time spent outside cleaning debris under the sun, swimming pool covers cut down on evaporation and help maintain healthy water levels in your swimming pool. Many swimming pools in Texas have optimal standards pertaining to water levels in order to maintain the integrity of pool walls, tiles and mechanical systems.
If that isn’t enough motivation, Texas drought water restrictions require 25% of any non-public pool to be covered when not in use. Restrictions are also put on the amount of water, and method, you may use to fill your pool during the higher stages of drought. Best to keep what water you have in the pool now lest ye find yourself ankle deep without a hose.
Snap on pool covers may run you around $3,000 or so. Automatics go up from there. If you need help finding the right pool cover, give us a call — we can help you out.
Install Water Saving Filters and Pumps
Texas isn’t getting any cooler and the demand for water during the summer months will rise along with the red stuff in your thermometer. There are a number of energy-efficient, eco-friendly water saving swimming pool pumps available to help get the best out of the water you have, and minimize waste.
Check pool walls, tiles and pumps for leaks
It’s best to get the jump on Swimming Pool Maintenance and repair before the sun takes his summer share. Call a professional to locate and repair any water (money) draining leaks that you may not be aware of. Enough of your pool water is already floating in the air, no reason to lose more to the ground.
Stay Wet
Hang in there. Summer will be here and gone before you know it. Enjoy it. If you need any help at all, or have any pool repair, pool maintenance or cleaning questions — don’t hesitate to give us a call. We’ll come out and make sure you have everything you need to survive another round of wild Texas heat.
Tuesday, June 10, 2014
5 DIY Pool Cleaning Tips – Removing Algae and Debris
We’ve all been there — distracted by the demands of life and daily grind, we sometimes let our Swimming Pool Maintenance needs fall to the wayside. One day we look up, towel in hand, bathed in sunscreen, ready to take a dip in our crystal clear, refreshing swimming pool and let the stress roll off our back in beads of cool, clean water when suddenly — we notice our beautiful clean swimming pool has been taken over by dirt and algae looking for a place to party.
It happens.
Now, we aren’t going to scold you for ignoring your pool cleaning needs and preventative pool maintenance routine. We’re a pool cleaning and repair company — not your mom.
Instead, we would like to impart some DIY pool cleaning wisdom from years of experience as Austin’s premier pool cleaning service company, and help you get rid of that algae and debris in your pool so you can get back to swimming and relaxing.
DIY Cleaning Tip 1 – Scrub your swimming pool tile and walls
If you don’t have a brush handy (which you should), head down to your local pool cleaning supply and service company *ahem* and see what they have to offer. Once you get the brush in your hands, give your pool wall and that algae and debris what it deserves — a good, hard scrubbing. The water might be cloudy, so go inside, take a nap and let it all settle to the bottom.
DIY Cleaning Tip 2 - Vacuum to waste using your pool’s pump
Remember that little cylindrical workhorse making all that noise down the hill? Yes — that’s your pool’s pump. Turn the main valve to waste and let it run. Your pools filter will be bypassed during this period, allowing debris and algae to spray out onto the ground. It is a good idea to keep a water hose in the pool to keep the water level at recommended levels.
DIY Cleaning Tip 3 – Check your pool’s chemical balance
Get an accurate reading of your pool’s chemical balance from your local Texas pool company if you are unsure how to perform this on your own. Without an accurate reading of your pool’s chemical balance, you could end up using too much or too little chemical treatment to kill unwanted algae.
DIY Cleaning Tip 4 – Add shock and algaecide
This is the most satisfying step — killing that nasty, slimy algae. Sprinkle shock evenly across your pool based on the reading from your chemical tests. Do not do this without the recommendation of a pool cleaning service professional as using too much pool chemical can be hazardous. Let the shock do it’s thing for about 24 hours, then come back with round two — algaecide.
DIY Cleaning Tip 5 – Maintain your pool’s health
Put down the brush and go get an automatic pool vacuum from your local swimming pool service supply store. Let it run when you are not swimming in the pool. Using this little gadget, in conjunction with a weekly pool care routine and ideal chemical balance will keep your pool crystal clear year round.
Of course you could save the hassle of doing this yourself by hiring an affordable Austin Texas pool cleaning service professional to visit your swimming pool perodically and do the hard stuff for you. We might know a guy — give us a shout.
Do you have any pool cleaning tips to share? We would love to talk about it. Leave us a comment below, email us or like Crystal Clear Pools and Spas on Facebook for pro pool cleaning tips, awesome before and after photos of pool repair and renovation, or just to ask about pricing and services.
It happens.
Now, we aren’t going to scold you for ignoring your pool cleaning needs and preventative pool maintenance routine. We’re a pool cleaning and repair company — not your mom.
Instead, we would like to impart some DIY pool cleaning wisdom from years of experience as Austin’s premier pool cleaning service company, and help you get rid of that algae and debris in your pool so you can get back to swimming and relaxing.
DIY Cleaning Tip 1 – Scrub your swimming pool tile and walls
If you don’t have a brush handy (which you should), head down to your local pool cleaning supply and service company *ahem* and see what they have to offer. Once you get the brush in your hands, give your pool wall and that algae and debris what it deserves — a good, hard scrubbing. The water might be cloudy, so go inside, take a nap and let it all settle to the bottom.
DIY Cleaning Tip 2 - Vacuum to waste using your pool’s pump
Remember that little cylindrical workhorse making all that noise down the hill? Yes — that’s your pool’s pump. Turn the main valve to waste and let it run. Your pools filter will be bypassed during this period, allowing debris and algae to spray out onto the ground. It is a good idea to keep a water hose in the pool to keep the water level at recommended levels.
DIY Cleaning Tip 3 – Check your pool’s chemical balance
Get an accurate reading of your pool’s chemical balance from your local Texas pool company if you are unsure how to perform this on your own. Without an accurate reading of your pool’s chemical balance, you could end up using too much or too little chemical treatment to kill unwanted algae.
DIY Cleaning Tip 4 – Add shock and algaecide
This is the most satisfying step — killing that nasty, slimy algae. Sprinkle shock evenly across your pool based on the reading from your chemical tests. Do not do this without the recommendation of a pool cleaning service professional as using too much pool chemical can be hazardous. Let the shock do it’s thing for about 24 hours, then come back with round two — algaecide.
DIY Cleaning Tip 5 – Maintain your pool’s health
Put down the brush and go get an automatic pool vacuum from your local swimming pool service supply store. Let it run when you are not swimming in the pool. Using this little gadget, in conjunction with a weekly pool care routine and ideal chemical balance will keep your pool crystal clear year round.
Of course you could save the hassle of doing this yourself by hiring an affordable Austin Texas pool cleaning service professional to visit your swimming pool perodically and do the hard stuff for you. We might know a guy — give us a shout.
Do you have any pool cleaning tips to share? We would love to talk about it. Leave us a comment below, email us or like Crystal Clear Pools and Spas on Facebook for pro pool cleaning tips, awesome before and after photos of pool repair and renovation, or just to ask about pricing and services.
Thursday, June 5, 2014
The Perfect Pool Party
With any needed pool maintenance and repairs out of the way, it’s time to focus on planning pool parties for the kids. Swimming pools provide the ideal setting for Summer Birthday Parties. All you have to do is pick a theme that the little ones will love and get creative!
Luau Pool Party
No Luau would be complete without grass skirts and leis. You can find these simple props at any party supply store. Paper Palm Trees are easy to make and help create that beach feel around your swimming pool. You can also fill buckets with sand, placing seashells in them. Then on the handle of the bucket, tie dolphin or sun-shaped balloons. For the food, stick with the crowd-favorites of burgers and hot dogs, but consider adding pineapple to both to give it a tropical flavor.
Pirate Pool Party
All aboard the pirate ship! Maximize their time in the pool by providing water guns and noodles as they pretend to have skirmishes on the seas. When they’re not in the water, hats and eye-patches will keep them in characterize. Instead of goody bags, consider organizing a treasure hunt with a prize-filled treasure chest waiting for them at the end. For an easy decoration tip, use brightly colored towels as table clothes and scatter “gold” coins around them.
Under the Sea Pool Party
Mermaids, fish, and all other sea creatures should definitely make an appearance to this party. Use Construction Paper to decorate your swimming pool area with schools of fish. (Don’t forget about Nemo!) Hang fishing nets and place starfish and sea shells in them. For an easy pool snack, fill fish bowls with gold fish crackers. When they’re not busy splashing, have them pin the tail on the mermaid to see who wins a special treasure!
These pool party ideas are sure to make a splash. And if you still need to get your pool ready for these wildly fun times, Crystal Clear Pools and Spas is always available to perform routine pool maintenance and pool cleaning. From fixing broken pool pumps to scrubbing pool tiles, we’re experts on keeping your pool looking and feeling fresh so that all you have to do is swim!
Luau Pool Party
No Luau would be complete without grass skirts and leis. You can find these simple props at any party supply store. Paper Palm Trees are easy to make and help create that beach feel around your swimming pool. You can also fill buckets with sand, placing seashells in them. Then on the handle of the bucket, tie dolphin or sun-shaped balloons. For the food, stick with the crowd-favorites of burgers and hot dogs, but consider adding pineapple to both to give it a tropical flavor.
Pirate Pool Party
All aboard the pirate ship! Maximize their time in the pool by providing water guns and noodles as they pretend to have skirmishes on the seas. When they’re not in the water, hats and eye-patches will keep them in characterize. Instead of goody bags, consider organizing a treasure hunt with a prize-filled treasure chest waiting for them at the end. For an easy decoration tip, use brightly colored towels as table clothes and scatter “gold” coins around them.
Under the Sea Pool Party
Mermaids, fish, and all other sea creatures should definitely make an appearance to this party. Use Construction Paper to decorate your swimming pool area with schools of fish. (Don’t forget about Nemo!) Hang fishing nets and place starfish and sea shells in them. For an easy pool snack, fill fish bowls with gold fish crackers. When they’re not busy splashing, have them pin the tail on the mermaid to see who wins a special treasure!
These pool party ideas are sure to make a splash. And if you still need to get your pool ready for these wildly fun times, Crystal Clear Pools and Spas is always available to perform routine pool maintenance and pool cleaning. From fixing broken pool pumps to scrubbing pool tiles, we’re experts on keeping your pool looking and feeling fresh so that all you have to do is swim!
Monday, May 26, 2014
Seasonal Pool Care and Maintenance Tips
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.
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.
Thursday, March 13, 2014
How a Spa Benefits Your Health
Are you considering installing a spa with your in-ground pool? Many people are unaware of the many benefits a spa pool can provide. For centuries, people have used heat and water as a healing remedy, however, even after years of study, physicians and therapists are only beginning to understand the mental and physical benefits that warm water hydrotherapy can provide. Here are just some of the benefits of owning a backyard spa:
Pain Relief: Warm water stimulates the release of endorphins in the brain, which can reduce tension and alleviate pain. It also increases blood flow, which helps to heal damaged cells.
Stress Relief: After a stressful day, there is no better remedy than escaping into your own backyard spa. The buoyancy reduces body weight relieving pressure on joints, which will allow the body to enjoy a full state of relaxation.
Better Sleep: Studies have shown that spending ten minutes in a spa pool before bed will help your body and mind to transition into sleep. In addition to the stress and pain relief previously mentioned, the shift in temperature can signal to your body that it’s time to sleep. This will not only help to fall asleep more quickly, but to also stay asleep.
Lowers Blood Pressure: In addition to simply feeling more relaxed, there is a more scientific reason why spending time in a spa can reduce your blood pressure. The heart is constantly working to keep your body’s temperature warm. Once the hot water raises the core temperature, the heart doesn’t have to work as hard, therefore lowering the blood pressure.
Year Round Use: A spa can be used year-round, and in fact is most commonly used in the winter. Often times colder weather can exacerbate joint pain making the heat therapy even more necessary. Additionally, some people experience a higher rate of depression in the winter months, and the endorphins released with hydrotherapy can help to improve those symptoms.
If you are ready to take advantage of the many health benefits of owning a backyard spa, contact Crystal Clear Pools & Spas in Austin, TX to see our spa gallery, and ask how we can customize a spa just for you.
If you are ready to take advantage of the many health benefits of owning a backyard spa, contact Crystal Clear Pools & Spas in Austin, TX to see our spa gallery, and ask how we can customize a spa just for you.
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