Top 10 Reasons to Have Pool Service in Palm Beach

 

Pool ServiceHaving your own swimming pool is a thrilling idea. It should always be a source of enjoyment and relaxation. If you are the type of pool owner who would rather spend more type enjoying their pool than maintaining it,  you’ll need regular pool maintenance provided with a pool cleaning service.

 

Some pool owners try to perform all of the pool cleaning and pool maintenance chores themselves and may not feel they need to have pool service. Their reasons may be because they think it’s usually an easy task or that pool service is expensive. But pool maintenance and pool cleaning is an on-going task that pool owners cannot ignore or delay because bigger and more expensive problems are the result of improper pool care or neglect.

 

Below are the top ten reasons why many pool owners in Palm Beach County decide to use a pool service company instead of doing the job themselves.

 

  1. Be Confident about Proper Pool maintenance-If you hire a pool service professional for your pool care and cleaning, you can rest assured that your pool is being maintained regularly as it should.
  2. Water balance and filtration-These elements are crucial to pool maintenance. Pool service technicians should regularly check the water, adjust its balance and check for proper filtration. If pool water doesn’t have proper balance or is not being filtered properly, it can affect your pool’s appearance and value, as well as your health.
  3. Save your time- Why spend your time on pool cleaning and pool maintenance when it could be better spent with your family and friends?  Proper pool care is a serious time commitment, if done properly. Any compromise can affect the quality and cleanliness of your pool.
  4. Replacement and repair-Sometimes, the parts of your pool might need replacements or special equipment is needed to make repairs. With the DIY approach, these issues can turn into major problems. A quality pool service company will employ trained and certified pool operators and technicians who can detect issues early and provide you with options regarding repair or replacement of pool equipment.
  5. Scheduled, regular pool service- A pool service company can have a pool professional at your pool location on a pre-scheduled and consistent basis. Service schedules are usually weekly or twice-a-week depending on the customers needs.
  6. Pool plaster and tile care-The plaster of your pool develops problems over the time. Pool plaster and tile gets dirty, stained and cracked with regular use. Cleaning and maintaining your pool plaster and tile can be a tough job; one that you might not want to do yourself.  A pool service company can take proper care of your pool plaster and tile to keep your pool sparkling.
  7. Experience and training- The experience, training and knowledge that certified pool operators have is vastly different from that of most pool owners  or some pool technicians that have not undergone certification.
  8. Expert advice-A professional pool service company will be able to give you expert advice for general maintenance and repair as well as options on cost efficient equipment. New pool technology is evident and items like LED pool lights and low energy heaters and variable speed pumps have come a long way in the last few years. Your pool service professional should keep you updated about new pool technology and options if a pool remodel is necessary. .
  9. Time to Enjoy- Lastly, a professional pool service company does the dirty work which gives you more time to enjoy your pool.

 

Finding the best professional pool service company can take some time. Referrals, awards and testimonials are a good way to help make your decision on the best pool service company for your needs.

 

Pool Doctor of the Palm Beaches is an awarding winning pool service company who has been recognized by Angie’s List as well as others.  Our customers have come to expect a higher level of service and we are happy to deliver.  All of our pool technicians are CPO certified and bring a wealth of knowledge and experience when they are servicing your pool needs.

 

You’ll find our fees to be very competitive, so contact Pool Doctor of the Palm Beaches today to discuss your pool service needs or click here.

 

Incoming search terms:


Pool Plaster Tips

Pool ServiceIt’s a thrill to have a swimming pool in your own yard. But all plaster and concrete pools are prone to some problems. There are two types of plaster problems. First, your pool plaster gets stained due to dirt, leaf tannins, rust and other minerals. Second, the plaster can crack and chip over time. When the surface naturally wears away, the sealant on the surface breaks down. That allows the plaster to crack more easily. In order to tackle these problems, you need pool cleaning and pool repair. Here are some tips to keep your pool looking clean and beautiful.

 

Tips for pool plaster cleaning

There are multiple ways to clean the plaster, depending on how dirty it is and what has caused the dirt.

  1. Scrub the sides and floor of the pool with a hard brush at least twice a week in order to prevent anything holding on to the plaster.
  2. If the stain is organic, left from a leaf or acorn for example, a small amount of granular chlorine added and allowed to settle on the stain will usually remove it instantly.
  3. Remaining stains can be rubbed with sandpaper.
  4. If chlorine doesn’t work, use acid. Draining and acid washing will remove a thin layer of plaster along with stains, exposing fresh, new looking plaster beneath.
  5. To avoid future problems, scrub plaster regularly with a brush.

 

Tips for pool plaster repair

Here are some tips on how you can repair the plaster yourself.

  1. First of all put on the safety gear. Remove dirt and debris from the crack and use a broom to remove loose plaster pieces.
  2. Before repairing the crack, make it larger. Attach the blade to the grinder, place the tip in the crack, and turn it on low. Move it back and forth and up and down until it is wide and deep enough to fill with new plaster cement.
  3. Soak the area in order to prevent moisture from being pulled out of the fresh cement to be added. Wipe away the plaster dust.
  4. Make the cement mix using 3 parts Portland cement, 2 parts sand, and 1 part water.
  5. Take a small amount onto the putty knife, and place it into the crack. Line the walls and sides of the crack, and then fill it entirely with cement.
  6. Trowel it to remove excess cement and even it out with the rest of the surface.

 

These tips can help you tackle pool plaster problems, if you are the DIY kind of pool owner. Still, if you are not sure how to do this or if these procedures seem like more than you can handle, call our pool professionals to discuss pool cleaning and pool repair. One visit by our pool professional and your pool will have an appealing shine with sparkling water! Whether you need advice on pool cleaning, pool maintenance service, or pool repair feel free to call on us.

Incoming search terms:


Pool Maintenance Tips – After the Storm

Pool CleaningWhat to do about problems with your pool & pool equipment after a Hurricane

If a hurricane has left your swimming pool dirty and damaged, our pool service is here to help.  A hurricane can turn your crystal clear swimming pool into a dirty swamp. You might see dirt, leaves, insects and debris all over your pool, turning it green or black.  Taking away the beauty and appeal of your pool, the storm can also damage the equipment of your pool. These conditions will turn a great pool into a chaotic mess.   Our pool service offers pool cleaning and pool repair in case of damage. In time  we can have your pool back to its beautiful form and freshness.

 

Here are some tips for pool maintenance after a Hurricane:

 

  1. Remove debris-First thing you should do is remove debris from the pool. You can remove large objects with hand and small debris with a “skimmer net” or “pool rake.”
  2. Check electrical equipment- If you have not taken safety precautions before the storm, the most significant storm damage to your pool can occur with the pump and it’s motor. Before restarting the system, it is a must to check the electrical equipment. When power is restored, call our pool service to check/repair the pool equipment.
  3. Clean the filter equipment-After a storm, check and clean the filter and run it for 24 hours a day. Reset the clock for a normal daily cycle when the water is properly clean and clear.
  4. Add chlorine-Adding chlorine to your pool after a storm is advisable in to prevent contamination from the storms debris and excessive storm water.
  5. Balance the pool water chemistry-Make sure the pH, total alkalinity, calcium hardness and conditioner levels of your pool water are suitable by readjusting them before use.
  6. Monitor the pool system-After the storm, you should monitor the pool system for several days to make sure all operations are running properly.

 

The process of recovering from a hurricane is sometimes one of emotional, physical and financial proportions. If you are unsure of what you should do to bring your pool back to health or are overwhelmed by the plan of action, call a reliable pool service company. . Our pool professionals can help you to tackle any problem caused by the hurricane, whether it is pool cleaning or pool repair. Your pool can be brought back to optimum performance, ready for use and enjoyment. To discuss your options for pool maintenance after a hurricane or at any time, feel free to contact the pool professionals at Pool Doctor of the Palm Beaches or click here.

Incoming search terms:


How to Acid Wash your Swimming Pool?

Pool maintenanceYour backyard pool is the center of family life and entertainment. It not only gives aesthetic appeal to your outdoor living, but gives you an opportunity for recreation as well. Proper pool maintenance is evident when your pool looks sparkling and inviting.

 

Why should I acid wash my pool?

Acid wash is one of the various actions that are taken for pool cleaning and pool maintenance. The best way to find out if you need to acid wash your pool is to notice whether the color of your pool is same as it was when you had it built. If the color has changed, you should consider an acid wash. There are a number of things that can change the color of your swimming pool plaster such as algae, leaves, calcium build up, rust etc. If you are disappointed with the appearance of your pool plaster, an acid wash may be the only solution.

How many days are required to complete the Pool Acid Washing work?

Pool acid wash can be completed in one to two days.

 

How to acid wash your swimming pool?

  1. Start draining water from your pool. As the water level drops, remove the debris and scrub the sides with a pool brush.
  2. Put on protective clothes, chemical goggles and rubber boots when pool is empty. Also have a breathing mask to escape from acid fumes.
  3. Mix one gallon of muriatic acid with one gallon of water in a pump sprayer or a garden watering can. Take care to always add acid to the water, never water into acid.
  4. Wet the pool walls with your garden hose and pour the acid/water mixture down the side of the pool.
  5. Let the acid do its work for half a minute and then scrub the walls with an acid brush
  6. Thoroughly rinse the area again and then move to another part of the pool wall.
  7. Move around the pool and repeat the process on all sides of the pool.
  8. Make sure that you thoroughly wash the pool walls so that there are no traces of acid left.
  9. Neutralize the acid-wash water in the bottom of the pool by adding at least two pounds of soda ash for each gallon of acid.
  10. Pump the neutralized water into a storm drain with the help of a submersible pump.
  11. Repeat a rinse, with clear water, pump it into a storm drain and refill your freshly cleaned pool.

Is it OK to Acid Wash the pool myself?

The typical pool acid wash process involves tasks that are best performed by experienced and skilled professionals. This requires experience, skill and attention to detail to apply it properly. Do it yourself mistakes can occur that could be permanent and could reduce the market value of your home.

 

Is it worth using a professional to perform Pool Acid Washing work?

The do it yourself approach can complicate and delay the acid wash process. If you hire a pool professional, you can relax knowing that the acid wash is being done properly. The skill and experience of a certified pool operator greatly speeds and simplifies the acid wash process and minimizes the delays. Hiring a pool service professional can significantly reduce completion time and the risks associated with the process.

 

Our certified pool operators take care to return your pool to a sparkling oasis and will help keep it that way. Call Pool Doctor of the Palm Beaches to discuss your pool service or pool maintenance needs. If you think your pool needs an acid wash, click here.

Incoming search terms:


Pool Maintenance Service – Selecting your Best Option

pool maintenance serviceYour swimming pool is one of the best places where you can gather your family and friends for some bonding time over food, conversations, and (of course) swimming. However, just like any part of your home, it will require regular cleaning.  Although you can do this on your own (with a little help of some internet resources perhaps), hiring a pool maintenance service company ensures the best cleaning job is done to your pool while you sit back and relax or do other things that require your time.

Once you’ve decided to hire a pool maintenance company, the next decision is choosing the best pool maintenance service company near your area. This can be a difficult choice if there are many pool service companies within your area who advertise favorable pricing and extensive experience. But one very important consideration that should take top priority is the kind of service they will provide.

One of the best ways to narrow your search is to look for a pool maintenance service company that employs certified pool operators.

What’s the benefit of using a Certified Pool Operator?

Extensive Knowledge

Pool technicians who are Certified Pool Operators have been trained and tested in several areas of pool operations such as pool and spa chemistry, testing, treatment, filtration, maintenance, automatic feeding equipment, and government requirements. With their expertise, they can properly determine the specific type of pool maintenance service that your pool needs as well as how frequent the service should be.

Liability Insurance

A certified pool operator will also have liability insurance.  Pool cleaning can be a hazardous job and the availability of insurance will spare you from the hefty costs of hospital and medical bills should your pool technician encounter any kind of accident while working on your pool.

Continuous Education

One thing that sets certified pool operators apart from other pool technicians is the continuous education required to keep their certification active. Certified Pool Operators must take additional courses and be tested to maintain their active certification status regardless of how long they’ve previously held a CPO certification or worked in the field. There are always new solutions to issues, new technology, and changes to local and state codes that affect pool operations. Certified Pool Operators must stay updated on the latest in pool technology and regulations.

Work Specialization

Any person trained as a pool service technician can do things such as pool vacuuming, testing pool water, and adding chemicals to treat and sanitize the pool water. The difference is the certified pool operator is trained in areas such as:

  • understanding the fundamentals of pool and spa operations, aquatic risk management,
  • how to develop an emergency response plan,
  • how and when to use chemicals properly to keep pool water sanitized, clear and safe for swimmers.

All of the technicians at Pool Doctor of the Palm Beaches are CPO certified.  Whether you own a commercial pool facility or have a pool at your home, you’ll want it to be properly cleaned and maintained.  Contact us today to have one of our Certified Pool Operators handle the chores of pool maintenance service while you simply enjoy your pool.

Incoming search terms:


Pool Care – Avoiding RWI’s This Summer

Proper pool care is vital to minimize the chance of becoming sick after you’ve been in a swimming pool.  Recreational water illnesses, otherwise known as RWIs, are illnesses that are acquired by breathing, swallowing, or being in contact with contaminated water from pools, spas, rivers, and other bodies of water. Such illnesses can manifest in a wide variety of symptoms like gastrointestinal, ear, skin, and respiratory infections, among many others.

Common RWIs

The most commonly reported RWI is diarrhea, mostly from the use of swimming pools. On average, most people have a small amount of fecal matter on their body at any given time, which is rinsed off into the water once they enter the pool.  Therefore, those who are ill with diarrhea should not enter the pool or water park, because they can contaminate the water with millions of germs.  These diarrhea-causing germs do not have to be ingested in large amounts to cause illness.

Other kinds RWIs are mostly caused by germs that naturally thrive in the environment, particularly in water and soil. In swimming pools, if pool cleaning is not properly and regularly done (particularly in the maintenance of chlorine and chemical levels), these germs can increase their populations until they are able to cause illness to the swimmer upon contact.pool care under water

Pool Care to Prevent RWIs

Regular pool care is the best thing that you can do to stop the proliferation and spread of germs in your pool and to protect yourself and your family.

  • Maintain clear and clean pool water. You should clearly see the bottom of the pool at all times.
  • Ensure that your pool sides are smooth. It should not feel slippery or sticky.
  • You pool should have no odor. Expect to have a little odor from a well-chlorinated pool. When you pool has too strong a chemical smell, it might have some pool care and maintenance problems.
  • Make sure that your pool equipment is working properly. The pumps and filtration systems should make some noise. You should be able to hear them running.
  • Healthy swimming behaviors from the swimmers are also important. After all, they can be a carrier of the germs that cause the RWIs.
  • Do not use the swimming pool if you currently have diarrhea.
  • Make sure that you do not swallow swimming pool water. Do not even allow it to get into your mouth.
  • Shower before you swim into the pool. Wash your hands thoroughly after going to the toilet before heading back into the pool.
  • Get your kids to take bathroom breaks. Check their diapers as often as possible.
  • Change diapers away from the pool. Do this in the bathroom and carefully clean the changing area afterwards.

Although chlorine is used to sanitize pool water, it takes some time to be effective; chlorine does not kill all of these germs on contact. Diarrhea-causing germs that make their way into the pool can cause RWIs in under an hour and can even survive for days.

Aside from proper and regular pool care, it might be wise to contact your local pool service company if you suspect that your pool is infected with RWIs-causing germs.  They should be able to help you deal with the problem in the best and fastest way possible. The pool professionals at Pool Doctor of the Palm Beaches have extensive pool care knowledge and expertise.

Incoming search terms:


Summertime Pool Maintenance – Importance of Testing your Pool Water Frequently

Pool Maintenance- Why is pH important?

Testing your pool water is an essential step in pool maintenance to help you comfort and safety. In order to prevent these imbalances, regular pool cleaning is vital.

Now that it is summer, it is no surprise that you have been spending more time splashing around in your pool. And because you have been using it more often, you might have noticed some changes on its water and its effects on you. Has it gone too cloudy? Has given off a rather greenish hue? Or has it become more irritating to your skin? Pool cleaning is not the reason. Blame this on your pool’s water chemistry.

5 Water Balance Levels for Pool Maintenance

  • Free Chlorine (1-3 ppm):  This is the amount of chlorine that will sanitize your pool.
  • pH (7.2-7.6): b  This will measure how basic or acidic your pool water is.
  • Alkalinity (80-120 ppm):  This is the buffer that will maintain the pH at a healthy level.
  • Calcium Hardness (200-350 ppm):  Too much will cloud the water while too little can damage pool equipment and surfaces.
  • Stabilizer (30-60 ppm):  Protects the chlorine from the effects of UV radiation, increasing its longevity as chlorine breaks apart quickly when exposed to sunlight

pH Level – Important measure of your Pool Maintenancepool maintenance - ph test kit

Maintaining the pH balance of your pool is very important as this will ensure that the chlorine will do its job of disinfecting. It can also prevent burning the swimmers’ eyes and nose as well as the drying and itching of scalp and skin.
A pool with a pH that is too low will result in corrosive water that can wear out pool linings and fade swimsuits and pool accessories. On the other hand, a pool with a high pH is bound to give you issues with calcium buildup and scaling on the pool’s surface. It can also clog the filters and turn the water dull and cloudy.

3 Types of Pool Water Tests for Pool Maintenance

  • Test Strips. In less than a minute, you can test all 5 five water balance levels although the ranges are wide so it can make level balancing a little difficult.
  • Liquid Test Kits. They are more accurate than the test strips but you will have to count drops and match colors to get the readings.
  • Test Meters. These are newer, easier to use, and give more accurate pool water readings. They generally come in 2 types: stand-alone and combination.

With all of these readily available in your pool or hardware store, pool maintenance has been made so much easier now that you can do it on your own, making pool maintenance and cleaning more convenient if you choose the DIY route.

It is important that you do water testing as you perform your regular pool cleaning procedures. And make sure that you adjust the chemical levels after doing so. Do this as often as you can and you are bound to have a fun and safe time swimming in this hot season.

Pool Doctor of the Palm Beaches can answer your questions about pool maintenance. Find out more about pool cleaning options by clicking here.

Incoming search terms:


Whitefly Infestation and Your Swimming Pool: What You Can Do

Whiteflies are small insects with white wings. They might seem harmless but they release a sap-like residue (commonly referred to as “honeydew”) that annoyingly covers plants, trees, cars, and practically anything found outdoors. Today, more and more homeowners are experiencing the consequences brought about by their presence around the swimming pool.

If you are one of these pool owners, here are some things that you can do to control whitefly infestation in your swimming pool. You can simply perform these tasks during your regular pool cleaning and maintenance.whitefly

Pest control

First and foremost, you  should contact a pest control expert who will know the exact treatment for your whitefly infestation.  Or you can perform pest control on your own. There are many DIY pest control kits that you can readily purchase in your local store; just make sure that you carefully follow the manufacturer’s instructions.

Maintain good stabilizer and chlorine levels

If you currently have large populations of whiteflies in your area, it is advised that you keep the levels of stabilizer and chlorine in your pool a little higher than usual. This will keep your pool’s water from turning green. This also ensures that the pool remains clean and sanitized despite the presence of these pests.

Clean your pool more often

Whether you have a whitefly infestation or not, pool cleaning is very important. But now that you have a pest infestation, you will have to do it more often than the usual. This is especially important for the pool’s filters. Schedule a weekly pool service to get them washed to ensure that its flow is smooth and efficient. As the pool owner, it is also important that you do your part by washing your filters in between pool service schedules for “honeydew” control.

Be patient yet proactive

Whiteflies are pests that will not just simply go away with time. Therefore, some type of pest control is necessary.  Pest-control procedures can take some time.  While you are waiting for it to work, continue with regular and more frequent pool cleaning.

If you have a Whitefly infestation – Call a Pool Service Company

Get a pool service company to take a look at the degree of whitefly infestation in your pool. Some companies are equipped with the knowledge and technology of handling it for you.  Contact Pool Doctor of the Palm Beaches if you have additional questions about a whitefly infestation and how it is affecting your pool, or click here.

Incoming search terms:


Pool Cleaning Service

pool cleaningPool Cleaning Service

There is nothing quite like having your own pool. Even if you live in a city like Jupiter, Florida which is within a short drive of dozens of Palm Beach County beaches, there is still something really nice about having a bit of water that isn’t crowded with strangers, or full of sand for that matter. Yes, when it comes to year round usage, a pool in Florida is going to be used more than 300 days of year, meaning that you can’t keep it covered up for that long. With that in mind, you are going to be dealing with a lot of debris flying in the pool, especially when you are dealing with windy weather conditions. With that in mind, you need to hire a pool cleaning professional to come out and take care of it at least once a week.

Need Pool Cleaning Service?

Oh sure, you could do your own pool cleaning. In fact, you may find that on off day’s you do. You can take a skimmer that will allow you to take the leaves and the big debris on the top before you swim, leaving your pool looking good. With that said, there is a lot more involved in the maintenance of the pool. While you can make it debris free, you probably don’t want to spend the time adding chlorine and making sure the pH is good. Without any chlorine, your pool is going to get mighty dirty; and with too much chlorine you are going to cause a lot of problem for those looking to take a swim. You are always better off using a professional who knows exactly what they are doing.

Find a Pool Cleaning Service

With all of this in mind, you need to go out there and find a pool cleaning professional who doesn’t just do a great job on your pool, but also one that won’t charge you an arm and a leg for a regular cleaning. With it being South Florida and all, you better believe that there are plenty of options out there for you to choose from. The more research that you do, the better off you will be in your search.

Contact us for your weekly pool cleaning serviceclick here!

Or complete this form below:

Name*:
Email Address*:
Street Address:
Suite / Unit / Apt #:
City:
State:
Zip Code:
Daytime Phone:
Alternative Phone:
Description of Work or Services Needed:

Incoming search terms:


Diamond Brite Pool Surface – How to Remove Black Algae

Algae is the worst enemy of your pool.  Removing algae is one of the important concerns for swimming pool owners. But with a Diamond Brite pool finish, getting rid of algae won’t be difficult.

If your pool is not maintained properly, you will find black algae growing on the walls and corners of the pool’s surface, making the water cloudy. It steals beauty from the pool and completely spoils the swimming experience.  No matter how much you have invested in the construction of the pool, it can lose its beauty with time.

There are a number of factors that contribute to its deterioration. Harsh weather and acid rain cause the surface of the pool to degrade. Moreover, chlorine chemicals that you use for sanitizing purposes significantly affect the polish of the surface, making it look dull.  Add to this the growth of microorganisms and you can see patches of grey and black algae spread all across your pool.

Diamond Brite

If you have used Diamond Brite polish for your pool, getting rid of algae won’t be difficult. The insoluble quartz that the polish is made of, doesn?’ allow microorganisms to stick to the surface. This is one reason why a Diamond Brite finish is preferred over paint. It will take a long time before you see black algae growing on the walls and floor of the pool. But what can you do to remove it, once it begins to inhabit your pool?

Cleaning a Diamond Brite Pool Surface

this pool could use a Diamond Brite finish

This pool could use a Diamond Brite finish!

Black algae won’t give you a tough time on a Diamond Brite surface.  First, you will need to drain all water from the pool so that you can easily spot the affected areas and address them conveniently. You will need muriatic acid to remove algae and other stains from the pool. However, you must take precautions as the solution is mildly toxic. Make sure that you are wearing your goggles, boots and gloves. A ratio of 10:1 of diluted muriatic acid will be sufficient to scrape the most stubborn stains.

Spray the solution in the affected areas, most importantly in the corners of the walls. Use a scrub brush to scrape off algae which will appear as black patches. You won’t need a pointed tool to get rid of it and the brush would be sufficient for a Diamond Brite surface. If you think that it’s getting a bit tough, let the solution on the stain for a minute and then get back to it with the brush.

Once you have dealt with all areas of concern, switch on the water filter and rinse the entire pool with water. Finally, fill fresh water into the reservoir. Your swimming pool will be shining once again in the daylight.

The pool professionals at Pool Doctor of the Palm Beaches have the expertise to tackle a black algae problem on any pool surface.  Contact them today to discuss resurfacing with Diamond Brite or click here.

Incoming search terms: