J.O.C. Pool & Spa Service Co.
San Jose, CA
408-828-6176
Chlorine...Its purpose and application?
Disinfection is the most important single factor in maintaining a swimming pool that is safe and healthy. Chlorine is the most widely applied disinfecting agent for the disinfection of residential swimming pool water. However, we also offer the Ozone disinfection system for those who have known allergic reactions to chlorine.
PH Levels
Along with chlorine levels, checking your pool's pH level is critical (should be between 7.2-7.8). Acidic and basic pools can cause numerous problems so it is important to check the pH on a weekly basis.
Algae...What causes it?
When chemical levels are properly balanced, algae will occasionally appear in a customer's swimming pool. Algae comes in a variety of forms and appears for various reasons. Algae spores are everywhere: these microscopic single-cell structures are blown into the pool by the wind, washed into the pool by rainfall, or carried into the pool on swimmers' skin or bathing suits. Under the right conditions, tiny spores will bloom into those dreaded bright green, mustard yellow, or black discolorations.
Here are the key factors in algae growth:
- Inadequate filtration will often lead to algae growth. Water clarity depends on daily circulation and filtration. Anything that impedes water flow from the pool to the filter – clogged skimmer baskets, a dirty or damaged filter, a defective pump motor, or a failure to run the pump for an adequate amount of time each day – will encourage algae growth. The first warning sign of a filtration problem is hazy or cloudy water. Left unchecked, cloudy water can quickly lead to a full-fledge algae bloom.
- Algae can develop when little or no chlorine is present. Sunlight, rainfall, temperature, number of swimmers and frequency of pool use affect the rate of chlorine loss. The lower the chlorine level, the more likely algae will bloom. Weekly super-chlorination, coupled with the application of conditioner or stabilizer designed to shield residual chlorine from the effects of heat and sunlight, helps ensure that there is always sufficient chlorine in the pool. Spas, which are often heated to temperatures well above 100 degrees, are especially susceptible to algae growth.
- Algae loves a dirty pool! Leaves and dirt left on the bottom of the pool for an extended period of time, not only promote algae but can also cause pool staining. The longer you allow leaves and other debris to sit on your pool floor, the more likely that you'll see algae and staining. In an extremely dirty pool, algae will continue to bloom, even when the water chemistry is properly balanced.
What can you do to prevent algae?
Immediately after using the spa, adjust the valves so that the pool water will flow through the spa when the filtration system is running. This water will replenish chlorine-dissipated spa water with chlorinated water from the main part of the swimming pool.
Remove your pool cover one day per week to allow the water to "breathe". For best results, uncover the swimming pool on your regularly scheduled service day. In extreme cases, algae growth is attributed to "old" pool water where chemical balance is no longer effective. In these instances, we recommend that your pool be completely drained and replenished with new water.
Periodically check to make sure the water is circulating adequately. Clean or backwash your filter if necessary.
Make sure the pump timer is set to run adequately all year round, we will offer recommendations based on your pump types. Cutting back pump hours does not translate to energy savings since it will cause more money in the long-run due to algae formation.
Make sure your filter is clean and your return lines have strong water flow.
Some spots of dead algae may remain on your pool walls, even after chemical treatment. Brushing the pool walls with a nylon bristle pool broom will remove dead algae, and help keep live algae from forming. A stainless steel brush should be used when dealing with black algae; it is made for this purpose and works great!!
How often should I run and clean my filter?
Water clarity depends on three factors: proper chemical balance, adequate daily circulation, and quality filtration. Your swimming pool water needs the combination of these three variables to stay crystal clear, algae free and ready for swimming enjoyment.
The filter is designed to trap small particles, suspended in the pool water. These small particles are what make inadequately filtered pool water look hazy or milky. A dirty filter can have a dramatic effect on circulation. As water passes through the filter, millions of tiny particles cling to the filtration elements. Eventually, these accumulated particles make it difficult for water to pass through the filter. A dirty filter can reduce pump efficiency by up to 80 percent. In other words, circulating your water for 10 hours a day when the filter is dirty is the equivalent of circulating the water for 2 hours a day when the filter is clean. Many times, a homeowner will find their water is cloudy and greenish, even though the chemical levels are fine, and the pump is running for an adequate amount of time each day. A dirty or damaged filter is usually the source of the problem.
Since filtration and circulation play such an important role in keeping your swimming pool water clear and properly maintained, we have included the following standard instruction for the three types of filter systems. Following these instructions will assist you in keeping your filter system working efficiently and effectively.
- Cartridge Filters
"Most filter manufacturers recommend cleaning cartridges when filter has built up 5-10 psi higher than the baseline pressure as indicated on the pressure gauge." We recommend cleaning filter cartridges every six months, depending on dirt accumulation and filter size. - Diatomaceous Earth Filters
"Most filter manufacturers recommend backwashing after a clean filter has built up 5-10 psi higher than baseline pressure as indicated on the pressure gauge". D.E. filters typically build up these pressure levels in approximately one to three months. Even with regular backwashing, D.E. filters accumulate debris and it is a good idea to have your filter dismantled and acid washed at least once a year. This affords an opportunity to check internal elements for wear and tear, and to ensure that the filter is working at peak efficiency.
Staining...Why is it happening and can I prevent it?
'The mineral content of your water increases every day. This is due to evaporation, which removes only distilled water and leaves the minerals behind. In time, these minerals begin depositing on the walls of the pool and we call this gradual buildup 'staining.'" Unfortunately, it is not possible to prevent staining completely, but here are some tips to help minimize it.
Total Hardness
One of the ways to determine the amount of minerals in your pool is to perform a total hardness test. This test determines the amount of minerals like calcium and magnesium that have built up in your pool. You experience these minerals in other household areas like the crusty build up on you faucets or the water spots on your car.
Hardness makes it necessary for you to drain and refill your swimming pool periodically – every three to five years –to reduce the risk of stains and swimmer irritation. Water exchanges should only be performed during cool winter months (October through March) and non-drought times.
During the hot summer months, partial draining or long backwash cycles can lead to algae problems due to depletion of important water sanitizers and stabilizing compounds.
Fresh water keeps your pool healthy!
Staining
Minerals like calcium and magnesium leave behind white deposits. You may notice white deposits at your water line but not much when you look at the surface of your pool. Although pools with dark surfaces may occasionally show signs of calcium or magnesium deposits, the real culprit to staining is dissolved metals. Dissolved metals like copper and iron can discolor a swimming pool's surface and combine with calcium, magnesium and each other to leave various colorations. With higher hardness, more discolorations can occur.
One way to prevent metals from staining your pools surface between draining is to use a sequestering agent on a regular basis. Sequestering agents keep metals dissolved "in solution" so they have less tendency to deposit on your pools surface.
Solar Panels
Installing solar panels can provide an additional 10-30-degree rise on your pool water temperature depending on your home location.
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