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Frequently Asked Questions
Pool Service
Can you service my pool if I am not at home?
We service on the same day each week. We only need access to your pool area. If you keep your gate locked, just provide us with a copy of your key or your combination. If you plan on unlocking the gate yourself, have it open by 6 a.m. in the summer, 7 a.m. in the winter, and re-lock it after you see our service slip telling you we have been there.
Can you service if I have a dog in the pool area?
Our service technicians service many pools with pets in the yard. If you are concerned that your pet may run out of the yard or be aggressive, please keep it restrained on your service day. Our pool technician can be responsible for your pool, but not your pet.
Can I get credit for referrals to Pool Chlor?
We are happy to give you 4 weeks of free chemical service for every customer you refer to us who starts at our regular price and stays for at least 2 months. Contact our office for specific information.
How can pool service be more cost efficient than doing it myself?
There are numerous ways Pool Chlor service beats doing it yourself. We buy chemicals in bulk, passing on the savings to our customers. Our service is consistent; we maintain the pool on a regular year-round basis. We can take care of little problems before they become big, expensive ones - no need to rush to the pool store and spend hundreds of dollars on problems caused by neglect. Since our technicians are well-trained professionals, you won't need to correct your mistakes by buying products you don't need, sold to you by someone who has never seen your pool or serviced its equipment. When it comes to cleaning your pool, time is money - we can clean your pool while you do something else with your time.
How long must I wait after treatment before I can swim in the pool?
One hour.
Pool Maintenace
How do I get rid of green algae in my pool?
Algae growth is usually the result of low chemicals, inadequate filtration and/or poor brushing. Make sure the chemicals are balanced, that your filter is clean and running long enough, and that you brush the pool surface at least weekly, more if the surface is old or rough. Try running your filter for 24 hours continually as a first step in getting rid of algae.
How do I get rid of black algae?
Black algae grows in layers and is very resistant to treatment. Keep chemical levels high and brush algae spots at least daily.
Why should I maintain my chemical service in the winter?
Your pool is an investment costing tens of thousands of dollars. Why would you neglect it for several months of the year? Most corrosion, staining, equipment breakdowns, surface erosion, and water problems occur during the cold weather months when the pool is ignored, not during the high use months of the summer. Horribly green pool water, draining the pool, costly repairs and spending large amounts of money on clean-up chemicals each spring is not the norm. You avoid this by maintaining Pool Chlor service year round.
How long should I run my filter?
In summer heat, top of the line filters should run 12 hours daily; in winter 6 hours daily. Other filters may need to run longer. Some filters need to run continually after unusual weather events such as heavy rain, excessive pollen in the air, or long stretches of heat.
How often should I backwash?
Backwash D.E. filters every 6 weeks from April through October and once in the middle of the winter. Backwash sand filters monthly. Of course, backwash whenever the pressure increases to over 20 psi regardless of whenever you last backwashed.
How often should I have Pool Chlor clean my filter?
Filters should be cleaned when the circulation is so poor that you can easily cover the return jets with your hand. The frequency depends on factors such as size of the filter, the degree of use the pool gets, the foliage around the pool, and how often you backwash. Most D.E. filters must be cleaned at least once a year, twice is better, provided they have been backwashed on a regular basis. Cartridge filters require cleaning anywhere from each month to quarterly. Sand filters cannot but cleaned, but the sand in them should be changed every three to five years.
What causes stains on my pool and how do I get rid of them?
Most stains are caused by minerals that naturally occur in the tap water or from decaying organic matter. The mineral content of your water increases every day. As your pool water evaporates, it leaves minerals behind. Gradually, these minerals deposit on your pool walls. We call this gradual build-up 'staining'. Chlorine and filtering keep your water sanitary and clear, but have absolutely no effect on the minerals in the water or on the pool walls. Prevention and treatment of stains requires a different chemical process: a sequestering agent. Using a sequestering agent will keep your pool looking nice longer and may eliminate or postpone the need to acid wash the pool. Pool Chlor has available to its customers what we consider the best sequestering atent on the market. Call to find out about adding this to your routine chemical service.
General Questions
Are salt systems good for my pool?
Pool Chlor services many pool with salt systems. Some people prefer the feel of salt water. If you are one of them, there are 2 things to keep in mind. First, salt systems are designed for chlorine needs. The rest of the water's balancing needs must still be attended to. Second, the salt may erode soft surfaces around your pool such as sandstone decks. We recommend flushing your deck with fresh water whenever there has been splash-out from your pool and sealing the deck area annually. Like any chemical, the salt must be managed properly to ensure it doesn't damage the pool or its equipment. Call Pool Chlor for more help with salt systems.
What should I do if the temperature drops below freezing?
Most freeze damage is caused by standing water freezing in pipes or equipment. The best preventive measure is to keep the water moving by running the equipment non-stop. Sometimes it helps to cover the equipment with a blanket. Check for damage when the weather warms up. Some damage may not be apparent until spring when you open up the equipment for inspection.
Is there a problem with ducks or dogs swimming in my pool?
Ducks and dogs are bad news for pools. Any animal swimming in the pool (including humans) will introduce bacteria into the pool. However, ducks and dogs introduce many times the bacteria that people do. A brood of ducks swimming in the pool will overwhelm safe levels of any pool water sanitizer, such as chlorine. Same with dogs. Dog fur also clogs up the filtration system. Call Pool Chlor for suggestions on handling these situations.
Why does my pool have 'that chlorine smell'?
Properly treated pools do not have the smell most people associate with chlorine. The smell is caused by chloramines, not chlorine. Chloramines also cause eye irritation and itchy skin. Chloramines are created when chlorine combines with contaminates in the water and is working to get rid of them. The solution to 'chlorine smell' is usually more chlorine, not less. If you need help with your pool chemicals, call Pool Chlor.