How Many Gallons Is My Pool?

To calculate how many gallons your pool is, multiply the length, width and average depth of your pool by 7.5. For example, an 18x36 swimming pool with an average depth of 5 feet yields 24,300 gallons.

How Do I Backwash My Filter?

When the pressure gauge rises 8-10 pounds above normal operating level on your sand or diatomaceous earth filter, it is time for a backwash. To perform a backwash, shut off the pump and move the multiport valve to the backwash position. Run the pump for about a minute or until the sight glass runs clear. Shut off the pump and move the multiport valve to the rinse position. Run the pump for about 15 seconds or until the sight glass runs clear. For diatomaceous earth filters, repeat the backwash/rinse cycle 3 times. Return the multiport valve to the filter position and run the pump. Your backwash is now complete. For diatomaceous earth filters, you need to replenish the diatomaceous earth powder washed away from the backwash. For regular backwashes as explained above, 3-4 pounds of diatomaceous earth powder must be put into any skimmer and swirled until fully dissolved. For new installations or after the filter has been taken apart and cleaned, divide the square footage of the filter by 7 to calculate how many pounds of diatomaceous earth powder is required and dose accordingly.

Yes, we are insured. We will provide proof of insurance upon request. We are required to have Limited Liability Insurance as well as Workers' Compensation Insurance.

Is There a Urine Detector for Swimming Pools?

No. There is no chemical which changes color when someone urinates in a swimming pool. There are dyes which could cloud, change color, or produce a color in response to urine, but these chemicals would also be activated by other compounds, producing embarrassing false-positives.

Pools will typically lose some water over time due to evaporation, splashing and backwashing. Due to a difference in temperature between the water and air, evaporation may be more prevelant on heated pools mixed with cool nights. If you feel your pool is losing more water than normal, it's best to perform a bucket test. Place a 5 gallon bucket on the top step of your pool and fill it up to the same level as the water inside the pool. Refrain from swimming and backwashing until your test is complete. Observe the bucket over the next 2 days to make sure both levels remain the same. Should the water in the pool drop lower than the water in the bucket, the pool is leaking.

When Should I Winterize My Pool?

We recommend winterizing your pool in late September or October. Pools closed earlier may contain more algae and thus become more costly to balance in spring. Please schedule with us at least 30 days prior to your intended closing date to ensure availability.

Does My Salt Pool Need Chemicals?

Salt pools contain a salt water chlorine generator which breaks down the salt into sodium hydroxide and hypochlorous acid. This causes the ph level to rise, which is then adjusted using muriatic acid. The reduction in ph turns these chemicals back into salt to start the process over again. You are still responsible to check and maintain free chlorine, ph, alkalinity, calcium hardness and cyanuric acid levels. Over time, additional salt will need to be added to compensate for backwashing, splashing and winterization.

When Should I Open My Pool?

We recommend opening your pool in April or May. Pools opened earlier allow us time to diagnose and repair any potential issues from winter. Pools opened later may contain more algae and thus become more costly to balance. Please schedule with us at least 30 days prior to your intended opening date to ensure availability.