I will not sit here and speak for everyone in my industry but use our own experience as one to ask you the consumer to consider your local pool store the next time you think about buying a pool heater and other swimming pool equipment online. I have to admit I am bias as I think you should support your local businesses in your community as they often will be supporters of the community by giving back to youth organizations, sponsor charity events and usually give back to the community regularly. By supporting local business owners you also are continuing the flow of currency in your community allowing others to benefit from a robust local economy resulting in an increased tax base versus having no local business in town and having to accept an increase in personal taxes to support the town budgets. Often times the economics of purchasing everything on line does not resonate or enter our minds but it is time as consumers we think before we buy.

I am not going to sugar coat the facts, a brick and mortar store has the added expenses of rent, mortgage, employees, insurance, taxes, licensing and the carrying of inventory that online sellers may not, hence the differences in pricing. Years ago when this phenomenon began, most retailers didn’t pay attention and perhaps naively thought online retailing was a fad and that changes didn’t need to be made to their own business. Now that everyone sees that online sales continue to grow, the issue for myself and others is how to combat competition with pricing that is well below what we as a dealer can get from our own distributors. I admit it is quite frustrating to have someone who says they can buy what you sell lower than what you can purchase it for yourself.
Answering this conundrum is not always obvious as manufacturers play what I call the MAP game in which anyone they sell their product to is not supposed to sell below the MAP price, however I can tell you online today there are retailers selling way below these prices and nothing is being done to curtail the unfair disadvantage to mom and pop retailers across the country. They are volumn driven, not necessarily service driven.

You the consumer may very well think that’s too bad for you but great for me because I am getting the product at the cheapest price out there. Yet there are a growing number of products being sold that is not OEM or original to the manufacturer but fakes or seconds and refurbished. You need to be savvy as to the quality you are getting for the price as well as be informed to know about warranties, service and return procedures. Some products when purchased on line may come with no warranty by the manufacturer if purchased on line. Let me give you a few examples that I have had in the last couple of years.

I had a customer who purchased a brand name heater on line from a popular discount site, the same kind we sell but we were higher priced (our price did however include installation and our one year warranty for labor). This customer received his heater, and then called the gas company to hook up the gas line and another company to plumb the heater into the filter system, he felt embarrassed to call us because he didn’t buy from us. From day one it didn’t work, he contacted the company he purchased the heater from and it took a week to get a call back. They diagnosed the problem on the phone, and told him to call a local company to remove the part and send it back to them so they could replace it. By the third week of trying to get someone to remove the defective part he called us to see what we could do for him. He was obviously embarrassed and called us as a last resort because he didn’t purchase the heater from us, he was a good customer however, so we were able to speak with our brand name representative and had the approval to change out the part for no cost to the pool owner with in two days using a part from our inventory. In another situation, a customer called us for a price on a new cell for his salt generator. He said he could purchase it on line much cheaper and I warned him to make sure he purchased the correct cell size and that is was an official OEM part or the manufacturer would not honor the warranty. He called me later in the day to order his cell from us as the one he saw online was not an OEM cell, and was for 9000gallon pool and not 40000 like he had. He thanked me for pointing out what to look for and thought he would rather pay more and go with someone who is “watching his back”.
There are many more situations I could convey but these two give a good example of what your local business has in the way of value to you the consumer. So part of my answer is that a community business has to offer something of value that gives you a reason to pay a little more for our service and product. For us we continue to offer a service of convenience, solid quality products and a service and construction crew with over twenty five years of pool experience. We honor the warranty of the products we sell. We carry the parts to what we sell so you are never waiting a week for something to be shipped. We offer the in store knowledge of pool water chemistry, and knowledgeable staff that can usually walk you through a problem without spending money for a service call.

All of the above are just part of what we need to do to compete. In addition, we have funded updates on increased technology, customer loyalty programs and the addition of inventory in the lower to mid price ranges so that we can appeal to all types of budgets. For many who think the big box stores, discount warehouses and catalogues have cheaper prices for chemicals and accessories, I challenge you to check the pricing at your local pool store. I am actually lower in pricing for most common pool chemicals than these giant retailers and you get the benefit of someone who knows what they are talking about and selling to you only what you need.

For most of our long time customers they see the value of shopping locally. I know it is tempting to opt for price only but perhaps you could benefit by checking out your local pool supply retailer. We have all had to make changes to compete but for most of us our service has always been one of constant value. I don’t know where the mom and pop stores will end up ten years from now, I do know that it is all our responsibility to respond and change with the market and for the consumer to understand why it is important to be there for your local markets and what role they play in their choices.

For our customers, we thank you for choosing our company as we are aware that you have choices, we look forward to moving ahead with more to offer you.

For more information see my book on Purchasing Swimming Pool Equipment and other swimming pool guides at http://amazon.com/author/propoolgirl or contact me at propoolgirl@prospectpoolsllc.com
Visit our site for swimming pool info www.prospectpoolsllc.com

A few of these layers of pool safety include such items as automatic covers, pool alarms, and gate, window and door alarms. This is a great time to install new batteries in your pool alarms if required (a good time to check your fire alarms at the same time)check your barriers and fencing to make sure that there are no gaps in coverage or holes where small children can climb under or ways they can climb over. Many times a child will climb a tree or airconditioning unit sitting next to the fence to gain access to the pool area. Do your gates remain closed and self latching and are the latches locked and out of reach of small children? If you have sliding doors with entry into the pool area from your home have you installed door alarms so you can be alerted if a young one leaves the house. Don’t forget the windows that may lead to the pool area as well can be enticing entry levels for kids. The majority of drowning incidents often occur while the parent or guardian thought the child was indoors!

Once you begin opening the pool, check items such as your electrical cords for frayed ends and test your outside GFI protection to see that it is functioning correctly this just takes a few minutes of your time. Take a walk around the pool area and notice any tripping hazards, sharp materials from the pool structure itself that can protrude and cut or leave splinters in children’s feet. Check your heater area for any smell or odors of gas leaks? Call the proper professionals if you have any question regarding your pool equipment.

If you have a deep end pool, install a safety rope that goes across the width of the pool before the pool bottom transitions from the shallow to deep area. This will alert swimmers that there is a point where pool becomes deeper. Make sure all your drain covers and suctions ports are securely attached. Absolutely no one should be allowed into the pool if low suction or main drain covers are missing. Also replace your skimmer and pump baskets should they be cracked as well.

One of the most important layers of safety is YOU! Adult supervision is so imperative to having a safe and fun swimming season. When you are the designated adult to watch the pool it is important that you do not become distracted even for a few moments. Become familiar with your pool and your little swimmers. Some children will have different levels of swimming skills and confidence. Your judgment and ability to keep everyone safe is your responsibility. If you have non swimmers in the pool it is not enough to just throw water wings on them and have them hang by the stairs or onto the edge, you should be in the pool with them within touching distance.

Should an emergency happen, you will want to have a phone available to call for medical assistance, in addition I strongly suggest that CPR should be one of your mandatory skills. The Red Cross has programs and classes in various local settings as well as on line refresher courses visit their site at http://www.redcross.org/takeaclass

These safety ideas are just a few of the safety layers necessary to keep your swimming pool oasis safe and fun for the upcoming swimming season. For further information visit our site www.prospectpoolsllc.com or our blog at www.prospectpoolsllc.com/blog For books related to Swimming Pool Water Safety and other pool subjects visit ProPool Girls’ author site at

http://amazon.com/author/propoolgirl

The technology of swimming pool heaters has tremendously improved to support energy efficiency requirements, safety and ease of use whereby you can program your preferences for temperature and heated times pretty easily. Gone are the standing pilot lights that go out all the time and the inability to keep a perfect steady temperature throughout your heating season. Most heaters now are equipped with electronic ignitions, thus eliminating the need for standing pilot lights.

Selecting a system, be it a swimming pool heater whose primary source of energy is usually natural gas or propane, or a heat pump which is run using electricity, is dependent on several factors such as geographical location, lifestyle of the pool owner, weather conditions such as temperature, wind and humidity and the expected use by the pool owner: for example, are you using the unit to heat a pool and spa or just a spa? Do you use your pool several times a week or at weekends only?

My first question to a prospective buyer is whether they use their pool mostly on weekends and don’t foresee using a heater during the week because of lack of pool use; or do they use their pool on a daily basis whereby they want to keep a steady temperature throughout the week without having to wait to have the water heated?

Simple Mechanics: I could get into heat pumps in depth, but let’s keep things basic.

Heat pumps operate by drawing in outside air and converting it to heat. For heat pumps, the higher the air temperature, the more heat they can extract and convert into heated water. They generally need an outside temperature of at least 45 degrees Fahrenheit. For cold weather climates the heat pump was rarely recommended because of the temperature’s effect on efficiency, but technology has caught up and made the heat pump a viable option for all geographical areas with a swimming season.

Heat pumps are rated by BTU output and horsepower (hp). Standard sizes include 3.5 hp/75,000 BTU, 5 hp/100,000 BTU, and 6 hp/125,000 BTU.

Today the heat pump has a higher upfront cost than a pool heater; however, the money you invest up front will pay off over time because a heat pump uses half the amount of gas to get the same BTU’s as a pool heater and about a quarter of the amount of electricity as an electric heater. A BTU is derived from British Thermal Units and will increase from 75000 – 450000 BTU’s for gas heaters.

A regular gas heater, be it propane or natural gas, is also sized for the pool in BTU’s. The pump circulates the pool water, and the water drawn from the pool passes through the filter to the heater. The gas burns in the heater’s combustion chamber, generating heat that transfers to the water which is then returned to the pool.

Gas heaters are most efficient if you are heating the pool water for a short period of time or if you want to heat the water quickly. You will typically get 1 degree rise per hour or less, depending on the pool size and outdoor conditions.

The sizing of your pool heater requires calculations of various items such as pool surface area, outside temperature and desired water temperature as well as wind exposure, night temperatures and humidity levels. Or you can just ask your pool professional for their assistance on selecting the correct size you need.

To determine what your choice will be; a heat pump or gas heater, we go back to the question of lifestyle. I usually say if you are a weekend pool warrior where you use your pool heater for the weekend and don’t usually use the pool during the week, a gas heater will serve your needs just fine. You can turn on the heater on Thursday or Friday and your water will be warm for your weekend activities.

If, however, you like to swim in a warm pool and you use the pool throughout the week, a heat pump will be more cost efficient as you can set it on a temperature of 82 degrees F, for example, and it will keep your water at that steady temperature.

The differences in cost on average: as an example using the 82 degree desired water temperature for a pool season in New York from May 1st – Sep. 30 would be approximately $2400 for a gas heater and $1200 for a heat pump based on a 1000 square foot surface area.

The differences in initial outlay can be substantial. You will need to price a gas heater of the proper size and include the installation of the heater, which will include having the gas company install the gas line and hooking the heater up properly as well as doing electrical work if necessary. The heat pump generally will need a little more money spent up front, and you will want to have an electrician look at your current situation to see if you will need to upgrade to a 50 amp service, as required for most heat pumps. In our area, for example, a heat pump will cost approximately $1000 more than a gas heater.

$$ CAUTION: Water chemistry is extremely important when using heaters and heat pumps. Poor water chemistry can be corrosive and can cause havoc with heat exchangers, causing them to leak and add metals to your pool. Be diligent with your water testing; I have seen heat exchangers leak two weeks after installation; and the warranty will not cover replacing the exchanger because it was a water chemistry issue. Even if you have the newer cupro-nickel heat exchanger; take care to keep your water balanced; a heat exchanger can cost almost half as much as a brand new heater!!

SAFETY: If at any time you smell gas, move away from the heater and call your gas company or emergency services and they will advise whether to or how to shut the gas supply off safely. Heaters are one product I feel should be repaired and diagnosed by a professional. Please heed all warnings in your products manual.

Visit us and check out our new videos at www.prospectpoolsllc.com for further information

For a full view of Pro Pool Girls How To Books check her author page at http://www.amazon.com/-/e/B00CA08KI2

Welcome back everyone! Spring has finally arrived and for those in the Northeast and Midwest we welcome the sunshine and warmer temperatures to come with robust gratitude.

Undoubtedly we remember last year when it was nearly 80 degrees by the end of March. Ice had left the lakes and streams and the flowers, bugs and birds were strutting their beauty and energy all over the place. This year has been the total opposite with the past two days being in the lower 20’s. Burrr! Stop that!

The weatherman has promised a warm up for today and through the weekend so we are ready to start work again. I just wanted to put out a few short items for your consideration. Yesterday the crew opened my pool and we had put a new safety cover on last year, the kind with the sun or UV protection and I have to tell you Holy Cow! It was the cleanest I have ever opened my pool before. I just have to throw the automatic vacuum in to pick up a few leaves and Shazam we are good to go!

Next, we have revamped our website and I have been working hard getting the message out there about consumer choices and what quality building means to us. Check out our site at www.prospectpoosllc.com or check videos out on You Tube there are two fantastic videos showing completed projects and the construction of a liner pool from start to finish. Send me your thoughts and comments, I always appreciate constructive feedback!

In keeping with education I thought I would quickly go over the types of swimming pools out there. For many who are thinking about making a purchase this year the vast array of options can be confusing so I will first start this blog giving some answers on Above Ground Pools. Above Ground pools have had a few changes in the last 10 or so years. Previously these pools came only in a 48inch wall height and limited round sizes and today you can purchase wall heights up to 54 inches and the sizes have come to include rounds, ovals and rectangles. Liner choices are now over the wall and have updated to beaded liners where the liner hangs from the pools edge. The liner patterns have also increased in options from plain blue to different patterns giving the consumer an array of options to customize. The accessory market has also increased to include LED lighting, fountains and I have even seen pools with spas in them. Of course when something becomes hot or a “fad” you can be sure that there are caveats to pay attention to. The first is to buy from a reputable dealer of course and the second is to have the pool installed by a fully licensed and insured installer with references!

Above Ground pools also come in an array of materials and that is where you will find the varying price differences so compare apples to apples when shopping those showrooms. These pools are now made in steel, steel and resin, aluminum and polymer/resin. Steel Walled pools being the cheapest and aluminum likely the priciest. This time of year packages will include the pool, filter and pump, ladder and other accessories. When you are comparing pricing don’t get pulled into that mindset of look at all you get but instead keep in mind the quality of what you are going to get. Stick to products that if necessary you can find parts to from other sources. In other words stick with quality and name brand equipment. Ask yourself if the seller is a reputable business and will they be there in the long term.

Moving on to the In the Ground pool category there has been so many positive changes in the building materials, safety and design features to list them all. Most in the ground pool builders will meet with you at your home and give you a free estimate at which time they will go over all of your options for design and features.

Plaster surfaced pools are predominant in the warmer climates and were very popular previously because of the custom designs that could be done with the form and shape of the pool. Plaster surfaces are subject to cracking or chipping and in general require more maintenance in the way of painting, acid washing and chemicals.

Fiberglass pools became a more affordable option in the past few years, however you are not able to customize a fiberglass pool and they cannot exceed 16 feet wide. Another limitation is that you should not drain a fiberglass pool as the weight of the water holds the pool in place. Also the surface when in need of repair can be difficult to resurface and match the color of original pool.

Lastly, the vinyl liner pool will usually be the least expensive when compared to plaster. Liner pools today can also be customized to meet your shape and design qualifications. You can now add Brazilian Benches, custom steps and have an array of liner patterns and deck finishes that can make the pool area look like a concrete pool with half the cost. The smoother feel of a liner can be more children friendly as they won’t feel any roughness and can avoid the scrapes and scratches often caused by concrete or plaster pools.

As with Above Ground pools the same caveats apply, reputation and referrals are key to due diligence when hiring a contractor. Check back frequently to our website as I will be publishing “How To Hire A Contractor” in the next few weeks!

What you decide to choose for your backyard oasis is an important decision. As with any major purchase you want to be aware of the entire picture so do your homework. Don’t be afraid to ask for references and actually follow up with those given. Price should be only one factor in your swimming pool purchase decision, in addition you want to feel that you are dealing with a reputable builder/installer and dealer who will be able to service you and your pool for years to come.

Comments appreciated! propoolgirl@prospectpoolsllc.com or www.prospectpoolsllc.com Financing available!

Many customers indeed do like to close right after the labor day holiday, they usually have younger kids who when they go back to school are busy doing other school activities, sports etc. and the pool really does not get used so why not close it.

Many of our pool customers have pools where there is a spill over spa attached and this seasonal time is the best for using the spa so you will be closing later than most.

Some of our pools now have many different water features such as waterfalls, water jets, slides etc. so remember to winterize these items at the same time you close your pool. I always try to emphasize to have your pool professionaly closed, they will know how to blow the lines out and winterize all your features. They will know to take in your filter and pump equipment to protect them from the weather and will properly winterize your heater.

While we always hate to think of our summers ending, we have had a fantastic season for swimming here in the Northeast. I will be keeping my own pool open for as long as possible as I like to look out at it and listen to the calmness of the waterfall and will swim until the nights get so cold and it no longer efficient to heat the pool. We will look forward to the fall which is always a beautiful season to enjoy and get ready for the next pool season! Thank you so much for your patronage, we appreciate your comments and questions.

Visit us at www.prospectpoolsllc.com for further updates and new products coming in the spring.
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There are some simple steps that I want to share with everyone during this type of weather so we can all enjoy our swimming pools.

First and foremost, run your filter longer during these type of weather bursts of heat. A swimming pool does not maintain itself very well during a heat spell when the filtration system is only run 4-6 hours a day. I will sometimes run mine 24/7 or to conserve energy at least 10 hours a day. This is especially important if you have an automatic chlorinator, salt system and mineral system to sanitize the pool. If the pool isn’t running then the sanitizer is not being circulated into the pool water.
Check your chemical levels even more than usual. The sun can pull out your chlorine quicker during periods of high heat. If you shock the pool shock in the evening once the sun has gone down. This is the time of year where a stabilizer, (cyanuric acid) will help hold your chlorine and chemicals in so check those levels often. This is also the time where thunder storms and bursts of heavy rain can occur so check the levels after the storm. In our area, PH and Alkaline levels tend to go lower from the rain causing a green tint or cloudiness. Metals in the swimming pool water can also give the water a hue of limish green.

For our area in the Northeast, and from what I am reading about the lower 48 states, water is not only in scarcity but some may be in drought conditions. For people who fill their pools with well water, there can be issues of metals in the pool so be sure to get those checked and take appropriate action with a metal sequestorer should you need to. Some may have issues with just adding an inch of well water, while others have to add quite a bit before experiencing any problems.
To conserve water, if you have a solar cover, put the cover on the pool at night when temps are cooler or use a liquid solar blanket to help dwindle water evaporation,(I suggest taking them off during the daytime to avoid algae blooms. Fix those testy little leaks you have been living with for a couple of years. If you have a main drain use that as your suction for a few days and turn your skimmers off if the water is not up to functional levels so you do not run your swimming pool pumps dry.

Lastly, but certainly foremost is safety. Most children are out of school and ready for fun summer vacation. Do not take your eyes off of them when they are in the pool or any body of water for that matter. Do not allow the older children to supervise the younger ones, their attention can be diverted so quickly and it really only takes a minute. During a heat wave many more people feel the need for relief and those who can’t swim somehow feel they can, which as I have been reading creates an atmosphere of false confidence. If you are going in a swimming pool, lake, reservoir and any body of water do not throw caution to the wind. Ask yourself, how deep is this, are there any tides or currents where I am not in the condition to handle myself? Do I have a buddy to swim with? Do I know CPR should something happen? Do I have safety measures such as an alarm, fence, gate and door alarms? Layers of protection are important! Am I in over my head? Literally!!!!

Summer time is the time for heat waves! Love it, have fun in it and enjoy these days because they are so short to begin with. Enjoy safely and playfully!

So what does that mean for the rest of us? Well for the most part, commercial and public pools are required to keep their pools’ chemical levels at certain points and they must test the pool water several times a day and close the pool when those levels do not meet the states standards of operation. Of course this is not always the case, go to an amusement park where there are hundreds of kids and adults in the water and you usually will either smell like a chlorine tab when you get out or have been exposed to bacteria. E Coli and Salmonella are just a couple of enemies that can come in contact when pool water is not maintained properly. For the average adult you will walk out having spent a great day in the water with no cares but for the young and the older folks who have immune systems not as strong they can become quite sick and may never make the connection to being ill and the swimming pool they were just in.

What can you do? Simple steps really are to ask the pool operators what their procedures are for maintaining a properly sanitized pool. Do they have a licensed CPO (Commercial Pool Operator) on premises who determines when the pool is not safe and keeps the water up to the proper levels. Test the water yourself. Test strips and other testing methods are easily found for purchase and you can test the water yourself to determine if you want to be swimming in the pool.

Don’t think I am just picking on commercial pools, as residential pools can be just as risky. I advise homeowners to follow instructions for testing at a minimum twice a week, to run their filters 8-10 hours daily and to test after weather conditions have significantly changed such as rain storms, or traumatic hot spells which require you to pay more attention to your chemical levels and filtration times.

Of course, safety issues extend beyond water chemistry and include supervision, and layers of safety for our kids such as pool alarms, fencing, locks, safety ropes and did I mention supervision. It is always easy to look at the pool and see that the water is clear but is it clean? Do your best to keep young children and pets from gulping in water as they are known to do. It is very common for me to advise a customer who will say his pool water is crystal clear and all he uses is chlorine, but a pool with PH and Alkaline Levels out of whack (either too high or too low) can also cause skin and eye irritations in children and adults. There is a reason why you need to be aware and take control of your own safety.

I hope this will give our swimmers cause to pause and think the next time they have the urge to go. Teach your children that taking bathroom breaks is the proper and safe thing to do. Take steps to determine the safety of the pool you are at and then go swimming knowing you and your children are safe.

Swimming and fun go hand in hand so keep in mind the above is mentioned to make your swimming experience a hassle free, fun experience. Once you have a trusted source for that fun go ahead and jump in, the water is fine!

Make sure first and foremost they are licensed and insured. In Connecticut, that means a Home Contractors and SP1 for the owner and an SP2 license for their employees indicating the level of training provided. Those unlicensed and uninsured may give you a better price on the job but you leave yourself unprotected should the job be incomplete or worse. You may want to ask how long their employees have been with them signaling they are a good employer to work for and the crew is experienced not just seasonal.

Most companies will go out to your home and give free estimates as to the cost of the project. If you get more than one estimate than compare apples to apples what you are getting with each, i.e. filter system, style of plumbing, number of return lines etc there is top of the line and cheaper equipment so do your homework. Ask if excavation is included and up to what level or amount of hours. One company may list something as an option while another may include it in the package. A good estimate includes the total package which will give you an idea of not only what the pool itself will cost but also what you will need in your budget for the electrician, water, fencing and decking and offers referrals so should you not know anyone in those fields the process is streamlined and it all gets done.

The bottom line is that the cheapest estimate may not be your first choice. After considering hard facts you will also follow your gut such as you heard good things about this guy, or you liked the way this one envisioned what your yard would like when completed or one was more of a salesman, the other seemed more honest about the whole process etc. Remember, this is a big ticket purchase and hopefully a relationship where you deal with the company for years to come and in the end you have to be able to feel good that you are dealing with someone you can trust.

Questions and comments always welcome. Check us out at
www.prospectpoolsllc.com or visit our blog at www.prospectpoolsllc.com/blog

True or False

1. The pool looks clean, and the water is clear, so it must be safe for swimming.

FALSE-Clear water does not necessarily mean clean water. Clear pool water has been oxidized (organic contaminants have been broken down and destroyed). However, to ensure healthy swimming conditions, pool water must also be sanitized so it is free of bacteria and algae. The only way to determine if water is properly sanitized is to test it using a reliable test kit. Acidity in the pool for those only using chlorine can be corrosive to your pool equipment but also irritate a swimmers skin especially young swimmers.

2. A strong chlorine odor indicates that there is too much chlorine in your pool.

FALSE-A strong chlorine odor indicates that you should test your pool water as it is lower in chlorine. Odors occur when nitrogen containing contaminants, such as perspiration, suntan oils and hair products react chemically with chlorine and produce chloramines. You may see a total chlorine reading but your free chlorine (available chlorine available to sanitize may be 0).

3. Never add water to pool chemicals.

TRUE-This is true. Add pool chemicals according to the labeling instructions. Adding water to pool chemicals can create a dangerous reaction or explosion. The cardinal rule is always add chemicals to water; never add water to chemicals. Another tip is never mix chemicals in metal containers as this also may create a chemical reaction. Use a plastic pale and wooden stirring stick. Do not stir with your bare hands.

4. Pool chemicals should be stored in a closed area.

FALSE-All pool chemicals should be kept in a cool, dry and well ventilated area. Keep them away from children and pets. Lids should be placed firmly on containers and chemicals should never be placed in another container other than how it was sold. Also when storing chemicals, keep each chemical seperate from the other. Do not stack for example an algaecide on top of chlorine tabs. The best thought is to have the minimum amount of chemical that you will need and to not store an over abundant amount that you may lose track of.

5. Shock treatments are meant to “cure” pool water problems

FALSE-while shock treatments do correct some common pool problems, experts recommend weekly shock treatments as an important part of preventive pool maintenance. Some instances where shocking is advised is after a rainstorm, heavy pool use or if water appears dull or hazy. Remember to test PH and Alkalinity as these levels change as well.

6. If you don’t get a chlorine reading on your test kit, there is no chlorine in the pool water.

FALSE-Chlorine is a bleaching agent: excessive levels of chlorine can bleach our the test kit reagents resulting in false readings. Reagents have a short shelf life so replace your OTO and PHENOL reagents yearly. If you are using test strips and the chlorine pads appear white yet you feel there is chlorine in the pool there may be too much chlorine and the pads are bleached so try a different testing method.

Your pool should be tested a minimum of two times a week, more if it has rained or other events such as parties and heavy bather loads have occurred. Simple solutions and proper testing can preclude any problems from getting out of hand such as algae blooms, cloudiness, and slimey walls and bottoms. Only add the proper amount of chemicals according to your professional pool dealer and the product labels. As it may be tempting to pour the whole bottle of clarifier in the pool because you have a party in a couple hours you could just be adding to the problem not solving it and wouldn’t you want your dollars going to the best remedy?

Remember safety is forefront so if you have a doubt about what a chemical does get more information prior to use. Make sure spills are cleaned up to avoid exposure to kids and pets.

For further pool start up information please visit our archives on how to open a pool and pool water safety listed on our blog www.prospectpoolsllc.com/blog
Or visit our website at www.prospectpoolsllc.com

Another idea is to put a solar cover over the pool water which may help keep the debris limited to the top of the pool, again I would leave the pool pump off till the hurricane is over, this also may not work so well considering the amount of rain that will fall. A customer shared with me this morning that down south many people submerse their patio furniture in the pool. This could work if the pool is concrete or gunite, however a liner pool? Not a good idea. I will tell you the wind will pick up things you never thought would fly so take the time to move your patio furniture, poles, vacuum equipment, floats etc. and put them in a safe secure place, preferably inside.

Once the storm is over, and I mean after both sides of the eye are done and gone you can assess what if any damage occurred because of the storm. Watch out for downed power lines, hanging tree limbs and other oddities that may have been dropped in your yard. Nothing is worth risking your life for especially a swimming pool. If there is damage please call your reputable, licensed pool contractor for a proper assessment of your situation. Many times home owners insurance will cover some portion of damages if they occur. In the meantime, if you see debris and damage in your yard it would be a good idea to walk around and assess before letting the kids and pets outside.

Stay safe everyone, be smart and use common sense. Have patience with eachother and help your neighbors if need arises.