Category Archives: Blog

Leaves, Leaves And More Leaves … Then Pollen

Anyone in San Antonio, TX and surrounding areas knows the biggest issue this time of year is leaves and VERY soon after, pollen.  With Spring Break in full swing the feeling is the “Break” part…as in, time to take a break from work, school, Hunny-do’s…you get the idea.  Unfortunately, Mother Nature thinks otherwise.  It’s Her time to drop the old and bring in the new leaves on live oaks.

Live oaks are dropping their leaves en masse.  That means your skimmer baskets need to be cleaned…a LOT!  You should have already started increasing the length of time your system runs. We recommend your system run 10-12 hours from late March through late September. With that increased time comes the need to keep a closer eye on the amount of leaves in your skimmer baskets.  Use your judgement and experience as to how often to check, but if you have a lot of trees, or only a couple of BIG ones, I would suggest checking them every 2-3 hours and adjust from there. 
 
As we have covered previously, a full skimmer basket is bad news for a pump and pool equipment system.  When the flow of water is blocked or restricted, it makes the pump work SO much harder and limits the amount of chlorine getting into your pool.  The pump motor can only take so much before it will overheat and potentially freeze up. Avoiding this issue can save you several hundreds of dollars depending on size of motor.
 
The other issue with the amount of debris in your pool is it will absorb chlorine and other chemicals.  Most outdoor pool chlorine consumption is due to oxidation caused by the breakdown of debris in the water. What this means is your water chemistry gets out of balance faster and causes higher need for chemicals, especially chlorine.  Needless to say, this is another avoidable $ cost and causes an increase in your labor.
 
To sum things up, it is the time of year to spend EXTRA time netting or skimming leaves from the surface, cleaning out your skimmer baskets, increase the length of time your system runs and making sure your water chemistry is balanced to avoid algae.

Why Keeping Skimmer Baskets Free of Debris is Important

pool service san antonioThe skimmer is used to circulate water from the top of the pool and to "skim" or catch debris off the surface of the water. It is critical that the skimmer be in good operating condition and free of excess debris.

The skimmer basket must be in place at all times and free from cracks and holes.

The skimmer weir, the flap at the opening of the skimmer that allows debris in but not out, needs to be in place and working freely.

The skimmer is often the place homeowners use to vacuum the pool. We do not recommend this as any vacuumed debris goes into the filter, shortening its life.

If the skimmer basket is not kept clean, it causes the pump to overwork by trying to pull more water in than the skimmer basket is allowing. Avoid unneeded cost by keeping your skimmer basket clean.

Why Keeping Your Filter Clean Is So Important

The MOST important thing for most pool owners is having sparkling clear water, especially on a hot summer day. In order to get that beautiful clear water, your pool’s filter needs proper maintenance and attention.

While proper filter maintenance is important throughout the year, it’s especially critical to make sure your filter is working properly during spring and summer. The 3 primary types of filters are Sand, Cartridge and DE. There are important yet very specific procedures we follow during routine maintenance that ensure your filter is operating efficiently all year long.

Absolutely, positively, know what the pressure is in your filter when it is clean! This gives you a starting point for when it is time to clean or change the filter. When the filter pressure increases by 8 to 10 psi above the ‘clean’ level, it is time to backwash a sand or DE filter, or remove and clean a cartridge filter.

As your filter declines in efficiency and the PSI increases, it starts putting more pressure on your pump and system. Your pump will start working harder because the water is not moving as it should, adding extra pressure to your seals, PVC plumbing and gaskets. This increased workload on your pump and system will shorten its life adding extra cost.

3 Important Facts About Correct Pool Water Level

3 Important Facts About Correct Pool Water Level

As long as there’s water in the pool, everything’s fine, right? Not exactly! A lot of pool owners add water to their pool because ‘that’s what they’re supposed to do’.

Danger of Low Water
When the water level in your pool is too low, air comes in through the skimmer and starts to cause problems with your pump and system. Continued loss of water stops the flow of water through your system and your pump begins to overheat. Water will begin to boil in the pump, the steam spreads and starts to contaminate the entire system. The motor will eventually burn out, but the other damage has been done. The ‘other’ damage is the harm done to O-rings, seals, PVC plumbing and all other rubber and plastic components. A HUGE cost compared to a little water!

Too Much Water
When your water completely above the skimmer opening, then leaves and other floating debris is not captured in the skimmer. No problem right? Guess again!

Lack of normal circulation leaves bugs and debris in the pool and creates an imbalance in the water chemistry and an unhealthy swimming pool.

What is the Correct Water Level?
Use your skimmer as a guide when checking the water level. Your pool water level should reach approximately half way up the pool skimmer’s opening.

Keep an eye on your pool’s water level after heavy rain, hot weather when evaporation is the highest and after pool parties when there is a lot of people getting in and out of the pool and splashing. Also, keep in mind this is when your water chemistry is tested, meaning it is critical that your pool’s circulation is at its best.

Why Hire a Texas Department of Licensing & Regulation Pool Professional?

Are you tired of cleaning your pool…especially in 100 degree heat? Do you get frustrated trying to balance your pool water? Is your pool equipment so loud you can’t carry on a conversation around your pool? Are you a first-time pool owner or you JUST don’t have the time to clean your pool? Sounds like you need a pool professional!

When you start looking for a company to clean your pool, one that makes sure your pool’s water chemistry is balanced, one that can maintain and repair your pool’s equipment, don’t just hire the cheapest guy around. It will be tempting for sure because they will offer you the moon, but deliver MAYBE a moon rock. You REALLY don’t want somebody guessing their way through a motor replacement or a control board repair. So what do you do?!

Start here: Texas Department of Licensing & Regulation License Search.  We are TICL #810

Hire a Texas Department of Licensing & Regulation (TDLR) licensed pool professional!

For some people that’s a no-brainer. For others, it’s not so cut and dried. Don’t make the mistake if you’re trying to save a few bucks.

OK, so WHY hire a TDLR licensed pool professional?

  • It is a Texas state law for anyone working on, or making, electrical repairs to ANY swimming pool equipment to have a contractor license) through the State of Texas.
  • Is required to pass a State administered test covering the National Electrical Code and what is required as it relates to pools.
  • Is required to carry Texas liability insurance for proof of financial responsibility.
  • Is required to have a Federal Employer ID Number

To make things REALLY easy for you…Hire us!

Dive In Pool Service & Repair TDLR Texas Installer Contractor License (TICL) #810
Look us up, do your research and you’ll be glad you did!

See Our Testimonials Here