Dive into Sparkling Serenity: With Newt Pool Cleaning Service in Van Nuys, CA!

Automatic cleaners seem like the ‘set it and forget it’ solution to everything pool.  However, they lack the strength to remove stubborn algae and end up just re organizing it throughout your pool so once the algae settle it is like nothing ever took place.  These algae can also clog liners and filters.  The solution requires a little elbow grease by vacuuming your pool by hand and by switching the pump to the waste setting so it can flush the algae out.  You will see a drop in water level but your pool will be restored back to normal.

This is a very easy process to insure the healthiness of your pool water.  There are three ways to test your pool water, a liquid test kit, little test strips, or take a water sample to a nearby pool supply store.  Making this a weekly ritual is an important step to a healthy pool and happy family.

A compound called chloramines is the result of adding chlorine to your pool water.  These chloramines can be an irritant to eyes and skin.  Adding shock will get rid of the chloramines but not right away.  When using shock, use it at night so it has a good time frame to work so by the daytime when you are ready to swim the water will be balanced.  

A lot of emphasis is on pool vacuuming however brushing is very important also.  Consistent vacuuming will keep debris and crud from settling.  Brushing stops algae and other buildup from growing.  Take a pool brush and work those places that don’t see as much sun, like stair crevice’s corners and the water line mark or around the ladder.  Start with the vacuuming and finish with the brushing.  Making a habit out of following up with a pool brush will ensure long lasting hygiene of your pool water.  

Pool filters collect all the crud and small debris.  Backwashing will flush out the filters, but not always is this a good idea.  Having some small debris in the filter can actually help the filter to filter out more than if it were just the filter alone.  What you need to do is to pay attention to your pressure gauge which should stay between 10 to 15 PSI.  The more the debris in the filter the more the filter will work to a certain point.  When the pressure becomes too high because of debris it can put strain on the pump.  So, if your pump pressure reads 10 PSI over what it is supposed to be, this is a good time to backwash your filter.  Let the pressure gauge guide your backwashing schedule and keep that pump at optimal performance.

NEVER DO THIS!  This is a mistake that can cause irreversible damage to your entire filtration system.  Dichlor and chlorine mixing together in a little enclosure like a pool skimmer could cause an explosion with dire repercussions.  Take note to read instructions on the shock and wear proper eyes and hands protection along with a respirator.  When in doubt call a professional and by all means, keep it away from the skimmer!

Pool shock is chlorine but in a real high concentrate.  This highly concentrated chemical can cause a lot of issues if not handled properly.  When adding shock to your pool water first dilute and dissolve it into a bucket of cold water before it is added to the pool.  It is important that the water in the bucket is cold and never hot.  Hot water will create a highly toxic chlorinated steam.  Remember to add any chemicals to a small amount of water first and then supplement the rest of the water with pool water to fill the rest of the bucket.  Always use proper protective gear like gloves, eye protection and a respirator when using pool chemicals.  And don’t hesitate to call a professional when in doubt.  Safety first.

Having the right amount of calcium hardness in your pool is directly responsible for clear and clean water.  The mix has to be spot on if you want to preserve the life of your pools liner, fiberglass, concrete and or filters.  Concrete and plaster pools you want to keep the calcium at 200-275 ppm and 175-225 ppm for vinyl.  There are a couple ways of increasing the calcium hardness, one is to use a calcium hardness increaser alone and  the other way is to use calcium hypochlorite shock which is a 2 in 1 chemical that lets you add a little hardness when you add shock to your pool.  Which can save time.

Pool filters need to run long enough throughout the span of a day to keep the bugs and debris to a minimum.  Solid use of a timer will help mitigate this for you.  Run your pool filters for a minimum of about 8 hours each day.  Keep that water fresh and flowing!