What is Total Alkalinity and why is it important to the water balance of my pool? Total Alkalinity is the measure of your pool waters ability to resist change in PH.
Another way of looking at Alkalinity is to think of it as a buffer for the PH of your pool water. If we have the Alkalinity balanced the PH will tend to stay in range more as the water is influenced by outside factors such as rain and the effects of other chemicals. Balancing Total Alkalinity is most important in the spring of the year to maximize the effect of other chemicals and also to make the water more comfortable for bathers.
The rain and snow that has entered your pool over the course of the winter has had a huge impact on the water balance of your pool. Our precipitation has a very low ph, very low alkalinity, and is soft. Once this has diluted the water in your pool we typically find that there will be a fair amount of balancing needed to get your pool water back into shape.
Before attempting to do any testing of the water we must circulate the pool for at least 24 hours to get an accurate reading. The water that has been sitting in your pool while not being circulation has stratified or has settled into layers which we need to mix up to get a true representation of the chemical properties of the water.
It is best after circulating for 24 hours to have the water tested professionally because a pool store that has a computerized lab should have the ability to test for a wider range of conditions. It is important to make sure all of these conditions are taken into account before beginning the balancing process to save you time and money. In most professional pool stores water testing is a Free service providing you purchase your chemicals from that store. Once a computerized test has been performed you will receive a recipe for balancing your pool water based upon the current conditions.
Although you may find that there is a general range for water balance parameters on most test strips or kits when you have the water professionally tested you may find that the balancing instructions from the test may be asking you to adjust one of the parameters although they have shown on the test that you are currently in range.
Most professional labs balance pool water using the Saturation Index which takes into account the following factors in balancing pool and spa water: PH, Total Alkalinity, Calcium Hardness, Temperature, and Total Dissolved Solids (TDS). While there are accepted general ranges for each of these factors because all of these factors are taken into account when balancing we may adjust one of these outside the general range to achieve proper water balance.
If you want to learn more about how to make caring for your pool easy consider signing up for one of our Free Pool Schools held throughout the summer at SPS. Contact us today to sign up!
Would you like to
Save Time and Money in 2009? For years we have had pool owners ask when they should open their pool for the year. The answer to this question depends on several factors including weather conditions, your schedule, and when you want to begin using the pool. For instance, if for some reason you will be spending an extended time away from home in early summer on business or an extended vacation you may consider waiting to open your pool until after you return (although this may not be the best option).
The answer to this question is the earlier the better! It is best for your pool and also will allow you to enjoy the pool sooner when the weather turns for the better.
If we want a scientific answer it would be to get the pool open and circulating before the pool water gets above 60 Degrees F. Once the water reaches 60 Degrees algae and bacteria present in the water will no longer remain dormant and actually begin to multiply. Once they start growing and multiplying it will get to be more expensive to get the algae and bacteria under control with every day that passes.
Many of our clients have found that if they get the pool up and running by mid April the water is typically clear (provided the pool was in good shape when it was closed) and after spending an hour or so to vacuum up the “dust bunnies” (dirt that accumulates due to the water remaining stagnant for several months) most pools are in great shape. If you have a mesh winter cover your pool water level should be over the normal operating level and this will allow you to vacuum the pool to waste and lower the water level at the same time. If you are going to vacuum the pool to waste make sure you wait to add the opening chemicals until after you have vacuumed the pool. This will allow for maximum impact from the opening chemicals and also is better for the environment. Now that the water is clean we can circulate the water for 24 hours and have it tested to begin the balancing process.
Some clients in the past have mentioned that they do not want to incur the additional cost of circulating the pool for an additional couple of weeks or month that would come with opening the pool earlier. In reality you will actually save money by opening your pool early because when the water temperatures are lower it is not necessary to circulate the water as long to keep the pool clean and sanitary. In fact if you were to circulate the water for 6 hours during the middle of the day it will cost you less than $30.00 (based upon 1 HP pump or lower) for the electricity to run your circulation pump for one month.
If you have ever tried to take a pool opened up in late May from “Green” to “Clean” I guarantee you have spent more than $30.00 in chemicals alone not to mention additional electricity and time required to get the pool ready!
In addition many of our clients that do open early tend to use the heater less and actually save money on gas by circulating the pool for 6 hours per day during the middle of the day and keeping it covered. In many cases they can get the pool up to 80 degrees without ever firing the heater!
Obviously we are reliant upon the cards that the weather deals us each spring but, if you can get your pool open by the middle of April the process will be much easier and opening early will actually save you money.
Just make sure that whenever you choose to get your pool up and running you give yourself at least 2 weeks to get the water clean and balanced before you plan on using the pool. If you have any questions regarding opening your pool or if you would like to have your professionally opened call Swimming Pool Services at (262) 544-5500.
Renovations
Have you ever said “I wish my backyard …”
Were more private
Was better for entertaining
Had an outdoor kitchen
Had more color to it
Had a larger patio
Looked like the ones on HGTV
If you like to watch and see the transformation that happens on every show just imagine the possibilities your yard has to offer. In some cases they simply take an “old” landscape and spruce it up by replacing plants and adding a few updates can add alot of beauty and enjoyment. Other times it is a major transformation from the ordinary to the extraordinary.
People are spending more time outside these days and this has led to the concept of the “outdoor living areas” which can include features such as kitchen areas, seating areas, and even outdoor fireplaces. These areas allow families to spend more time together and also to relax and unwind.
Or maybe you say “I wish my pool…”
Had steps
Had a water fall
Was easier to care for
Was more energy efficient
If you have ever made any of these statements about your backyard we can help you make your wish come true. At Swimming Pool Services we have been transforming ordinary backyards into personal resorts for over 40 years and you would be amazed at how easy it can be! What makes working on backyard transformation projects with SPS unique is that we offer one stop shopping from Award Winning Designs through Turnkey Construction with the ability to perform the project entirely in house. That’s right! We can help you with electrical projects and also with landscaping as well.
Whether your wish includes a pool or spa or not we can help you make it come true. Contact us today and spend less time wishing and more time enjoying your backyard this summer!
Electricity?
In spring as you open up your pool or can now get to your spa easily because the white stuff has all melted it is a great time to make sure that your GFCI’s around your pool or spa are operating properly.
Aren’t sure what a GFCI is? GFCI means ground fault circuit interrupter and these devices are used to protect you from electricity in situations where power could come into contact with water. You will find GFCIs in your home protecting kitchen, bathroom, and outdoor electrical outlets. You will also find them protecting any circuits that are with-in 20 feet of a pool or spa.
GFCIs can be part of an outlet or a GFCI circuit breaker can protect an entire circuit. You can tell that an outlet has a GFCI built into it if it has Test and Reset Buttons built into it. A GFCI breaker will just have a Test button on the breaker.
All GFCI manufacturers recommend testing them by pressing the Test button once a month to make sure that they are operating properly. When you press the test button the device simulates a ground fault in the circuit and the GFCI should trip (or open up the circuit) at that time. If you push the Test button and the GFCI does not trip either there is no power to the device, or the GFCI has failed and needs to be replaced.
Pool and spa owners will find that GFCIs may be used to protect several components in their pool or spa system including underwater lights, automatic covers, pumps, portable spas, and even convenience outlets around your pool. If you find that any of these components is not working it may be as simple as the GFCI needing to be reset. If you were to attempt to press the reset button on a GFCI and find that the reset button will not engage either there is no power to the circuit or the GFCI has failed.
If you find that you have a GFCI that is not working properly or if you have any questions about your home’s electrical system call Jim at SPS Electric at (262) 613-7351, he will help you find your shorts!
Coupons, Discounts and more.
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