FYI
Information.
Pool Filters
Acid Wash
Automatic Pool Cleaners
Green Pools
Algae
If you own a pool in Arizona you either have had or will experience a problem with algae. Algae spores are usually deposited in pools by wind or rain but can be introduced through contaminated equipment or even bathing suits.
Algae can “bloom” in a pool overnight even in properly maintained pools when conditions are right. Those conditions are: improper water circulation / water filtration and/or the presence of phosphates (algae feeds on phosphates) in the pool.
There are over 20,000 varieties of algae. We are concerned mainly with three types here in AZ.
In-floor systems are built into the construction of your swimming pools surface. An in-floor system has many small cylinder shaped pop-ups in the bottom of the pool. When the filter and pump are running these pop-ups come up in intervals using the water returning from the filter to spray and push debris in the bottom of the swimming pool towards the pools main drain.
Robotic cleaners are not commonly used primarily due to the cost of the device. Robotic cleaners do well with pool coverage and speed. They have a self-contained filter inside which is easy to access and clean. Some common brand names include; Aquabot, Dolphin and Aqua-vac.
Every swimming pool in Arizona should have some type of automatic cleaning system installed. There are 4 common types of automatic pool cleaning systems; suction cleaners, pressure cleaners, in-floor systems (pop-ups) and robotic cleaners.
Suction cleaners attach to the suction line of your pools plumbing system. There are numerous types and brands of suction pool cleaners; a few of the most common are Hayward, Barracuda, Kreepy Krawley, and our personal favorite, “The Pool Cleaner” by Poolvergnuegen. A vacuum hose is attached to these cleaners and when the filter and pump are turned on it creates suction to these cleaners causing them to move around the pool bottom randomly.
Pressure cleaners are attached to the pressure side or, the “return” side of the pools circulation system. These cleaners typically have a separate booster pump to power them. A distinct advantage that pressure cleaners have is that they have a self-containing debris bag attached to the vacuum, which keeps the debris from going into the filtration system. The two most common types of pressure cleaners are; Polaris and letro Legend. When pressure cleaners are working properly they are an excellent cleaning system for your pool.
Swimming pool filters are the most important component of your pool’s cleaning system. Pools are designed to pull water from the main drain, skimmer and vacuum. Dust, dirt particles and other small debris are trapped by the filter. This filtration cycling of water is vital for clear, sparkling water.
There are 3 types of filters:
It is important to have the right size filter for your size of pool. If you have a large pool and a small filter you will constantly be fighting to keep your water clear of algae and other pollutants that make the water dirty and cloudy.
An acid wash gives your pool a dramatic aesthetic improvement without the cost of re-plastering your pools surface. Your pools plaster over time accumulates mineral stains, mineral deposits, chlorine stains and even dirt stains leaving your pool looking weathered and old. An acid wash removes these stains and brings out a much brighter and cleaner surface.
When undergoing an acid wash the first step is to drain all the water out of the pool. Once all the dirt, debris and water is all removed and emptied, you essentially “wash” the surface of your pools plaster with muriatic acid and water. The acid removes a tiny layer of your pools plaster, exposing a fresh and cleaner layer of plaster beneath. It is not a good idea to perform an acid wash each year because your pools plaster coat is in excess of ½ inch, therefore acid washing your pool too much can accelerate the need for re-plaster.
Backyard swimming pools add beauty, relaxation and fun to your property. They also require a lot of hard work to maintain properly. When your pool is ignored in Arizona, especially during the summer months, it can turn green on you almost overnight. Green pools are dangerous in so many ways. A child or pet that slips under water cannot be seen. Mosquitos can breed into the tens of thousands each day from one single green pool. There is no easy way to turn a green pool back to being clear overnight. It takes time, work and money to clear it up.
Don’t let your pool get to this point but if it does you can count on Crystal Clear Pool Services to restore it professionally and as quickly as possible. We do this by following these steps: