sgmtree

Avoid These Pool Service Mistakes to Avoid for Crystal-Clear Water

Tue, 20 Feb 2024 23:32:06 GMT

Avoid These Pool Service Mistakes to Avoid for Crystal-Clear Water

Imagine swimming in crystal-clear waters. You see it sparkle as you walk up to the pool. You can’t wait to dive in. That’s the image you hope to create with your commercial pool. With the right pool services, your Washington pool can look that good.

The secret to a crystal-clear swimming pool is the right cleaning routine. It’s not difficult, but it does entail regular maintenance. It involves cleaning it the right way.

Do your current commercial pool services keep your pool crystal-clear? If murkiness lies just beneath the surface, it may be from one of these mistakes.

Mistake #1: You Don’t Test the Waters Enough

If you own a pool, you understand that testing is a part of operations. Especially in commercial pools, testing is a vital part of keeping the waters clean and healthy.

Squeezing it in from time to time isn’t optional. Crystal-clear waters depend on knowing your pool is properly sanitized and chemically balanced throughout the day. This ensures:

Clean and clear water
The ability to fight off bacteria and protect swimmers’ health
Reduced chemical costs—a cleaner pool doesn’t need periodic shocks to bring it back to health
Lower pool bills—maintenance is much cheaper than emergency repairs

Keep in mind that commercial pools are different from privately owned pools. Residential pools may be checked two to four times per week, while commercial pools need daily, even hourly, testing. This involves checking chlorine levels, pH levels, alkalinity, total dissolved solids, and calcium hardness. It depends on climate, inside or outside location, and activity, among other things.

Mistake #2: You Avoid Manual Maintenance

The busier the pool, the more debris and other materials are likely to end up in the water. That cloudy look can be caused by various things, depending on the location. No matter how big or small, it can eat away at your sanitizer and impact the chemical levels. The longer you leave things without fixing the problem, the cloudier the water becomes.

Chemicals are only part of the mix. You can make a difference with manual maintenance by skimming, brushing, and vacuuming the pool. This manual maintenance can help you:

Spend less on chemicals
Reduce pool cleaning time throughout the week
Keep the water clearer
Create a more tempting environment for everyone who enters

Ever wiped down your home bathroom daily? It helps you avoid a bigger job on the weekends. The same concept applies when you’re caring for a pool.

Even a short daily routine can make a big difference. We’re happy to give you pointers to help your commercial pool stay cleaner throughout the week, working together to provide the best service for your pool .

Mistake #3: You Don’t Have Proper Filtration

Commercial water filtration systems are designed to purify water on a large scale. These systems are more robust than residential filtration units and can handle larger amounts of water in shorter periods.

Commercial pool filters are rated by gallons per minute. This describes how many gallons of water will be filtered every minute. Once this rate is calculated, you’ll have a good idea of the pool pump and filter size you need.

This isn’t the time to ignore size and requirements. An oversized pump can pump more water faster, but its bigger size could cause lower pressure, defeating your original goal. Commercial pools need the correct size.

Mistake #4: You’re Not Using Shock Treatments Effectively

Managing chemical additions is a part of regular pool maintenance. Along with regular sanitizing treatments and water balancers, you’ll also need occasional shock treatments.

Shocking adds a stronger concentration of pool sanitizer to instantly get those chemical levels back up to acceptable levels. Think of it as a fast, deep clean to ensure your pool is safe for swimmers. Shock treatments effectively kill algae, bacteria, and other harmful pathogens. They also break down waste products created by your sanitizing routine.

Pool shock treatments are usually chlorine-based, but they differ from the day-to-day sanitizer you use for daily use. Having the right chemicals on hand for when you need them is important.

Shocking is needed occasionally. You cannot rely on everyday sanitizers to maintain the correct chemical level inside the pool. It’s more critical with a commercial pool because of the heavy use.

Mistake #5: You Approach All Cleaning the Same Way

Daily cleaning is the most important thing you can do for any commercial pool. However, good commercial pool services realize there is more to maintenance than daily cleaning to maintain your Washington-based swimming pool properly.

Daily services include vacuuming and brushing the floor, scrubbing the walls and steps, and rinsing or replacing filters. Check all chemical levels regularly depending on how much traffic your pool receives.

Monthly services go deeper. This is your chance to identify any problems before they take a turn for the worse. This is where checklists and logs can benefit you to ensure you understand where any problems stem from. Chlorine and pH levels should be checked and analyzed to see trends and potential problems. This can give you a better idea of repairs and replacement issues to ensure a cleaner pool.

Seasonal checks and maintenance items should be determined by the pool traffic. Washington outdoor pools will need checks and maintenance throughout the warm summer months and winterization heading into the colder months. Indoor pools may be busiest in the winter months when people look for things to do inside. More traffic means more checks and balances. It’s up to you to stay on top of maintenance to create a healthy swimming experience for all.

Do You Need a Commercial Pool Service?

One of the most common things we hear from commercial pool managers is they assume the pool is clean because it doesn’t appear dirty. There’s more to pool maintenance than meets the eye.

Pool servicing requires year-round maintenance to keep bacteria from growing in the water and keep chlorine levels safe for daily swimming. This can add to quite a bit of maintenance work, services you might not perform yourself.

By partnering with a commercial pool service like Strong Refuge Pool, you’ll have a hassle-free maintenance routine for your Washington pool for as long as you need. And happier customers overall.

Pool Equipment Malfunctions: Troubleshooting & Repair Tips

Sat, 10 Feb 2024 23:45:35 GMT

Pool Equipment Malfunctions: Troubleshooting & Repair Tips

To survive and thrive in the world of business, you must keep your assets in good working order. Assets, of course, can refer to anything, from the building your business operates out of to company vehicles to the critical machinery you need to perform the tasks your industry depends on. If a pool is a part of your place of business, then it is no exception: regular maintenance and care are a critical element of operating a commercial swimming pool.

As the pool equipment specialists Oregon business owners have come to rely on, our contractors at Strong Refuge Pool have offered a few troubleshooting and repair tips below. We’ll cover some of the most common problems and what you can do to fix them. We’ll also help you determine whether it’s time to call in the professionals to perform the repair work for you.

Problem #1: Pool Heater Not Working

A malfunctioning heater is a problem that can quickly scare away potential customers. This one is usually fairly easy to diagnose since you can often tell just by touching the water. If the water is colder than it should be , then the issue is often with the heater itself.

What You Can Do

In many cases, you can troubleshoot problems with a pool heater yourself. Sometimes, it’s a simple fix. The first step you should take is to check the thermostat; it may simply be set too low. It could also be a glitch. Sometimes, shutting the thermostat off and then turning it on again may help to correct the issue.

Less obviously, the problem may lie with the filtration system. If it has become too clogged with leaves, sticks, and other debris, then it may limit the water’s ability to circulate and warm up properly. You may simply need to clean the filter and remove as much debris as possible to get your pool to return to a comfortable temperature.

When to Call a Professional

If the problem lies with the thermostat, then there is also the possibility that it is an electrical issue, which must be repaired by a professional. This is also true if a valve or switch has broken. If you are unable to locate the problem on your own, contact Strong Refuge Pool for a diagnosis.

Problem #2: A Malfunctioning Pump

Like the heater, the pump in your pool is a crucial element in its ability to operate effectively. Every other system in the pool—from heating to cleaning—depends on a working pump. This means that there may be several symptoms of one that is not working properly: a pool that is too cold, for example, is just as likely to be due to a bad pump as it is to a malfunctioning heater. Likewise, if the pool has begun to accumulate debris that isn’t being filtered out, it could be due to a pump that is failing to effectively circulate the water. A loud noise coming from the motor may also indicate a problem with a pool pump.

What You Can Do

There are many reasons why your pool pump may not be operating at maximum capacity, some of which you can diagnose and troubleshoot yourself. A pool pump uses electricity to power a rotating, motorized impeller, and problems are frequently the result of an issue with one of these elements.

If you notice a pool pump that doesn’t seem to be working correctly, check the circuit breakers and other electrical components first. It may simply be that you are dealing with a blown fuse. It’s also possible that the motor itself has stalled due to having debris stuck in it. You might be able to clear it by turning the system off and manually removing the obstruction.

When to Call the Professionals

If turning the system off and on again and clearing the obstructions from the impeller doesn’t seem to fix the issue, chances are it’s something that will require the services of a professional to fix. There may be a deeper electrical issue or a broken mechanical component. Either way, it’s time to call for assistance from your pool equipment specialists.

Problem #3: Damaged or Clogged Filtration System

Your pool will not be very inviting to potential customers if the filtration isn’t working effectively. The filtration system helps to remove all the bits of debris that would otherwise accumulate in the pool, everything from dead insects to leaves to food wrappers and other bits of trash. If the filtration isn’t working, it can compromise the other equipment in the pool. For example, there is a basket built into the pool that is designed to catch medium-sized debris before it reaches the impeller in the pump. If this basket cracks, it can allow that debris through, which in turn can put the pump at risk.

What You Can Do

Often, you can clean filters by hand, and indeed this is something you should do occasionally as part of your pool’s regular maintenance. Filters will eventually wear out and need to be replaced. You can purchase new ones from the pool equipment specialists Oregon has in most major urban areas, including Strong Refuge Pools. You can also order new baskets if the original ones crack or break.

When to Call the Professionals

Sometimes, issues with the filtration system can go deeper than simply being clogged. The system is dependent on a number of valves. These can fail and cause the pool to begin to fill with bubbles or the water to become discolored. If cleaning your filters doesn’t seem to resolve the issue, you may need to contact your pool repair professionals to replace any damaged valves.

If You Have a Problem Not Listed Here

The above problems are the most common ones, as the filter, pump, and heater are the main pieces of equipment that allow your pool to operate effectively. However, if you notice an issue not listed here, or if you have a pool equipment problem that is stumping you in another way, contact Strong Refuge Pool . We’ll be happy to pay your business a visit to offer a diagnosis and perform any necessary repairs.

Year-Round Commercial Pool Care: Tailored Solutions for Business Properties

Sat, 20 Jan 2024 23:18:42 GMT

Year-Round Commercial Pool Care: Tailored Solutions for Business Properties

A dip in the pool can be a relaxing escape and a refreshing reprieve from a hot summer day. But in order to ensure your business’s pool is always primed for optimal use, you’ll need to care for it year-round. If you’re wondering about the best way to properly maintain your pool, Strong Refuge Pool is your commercial pool services expert in Washington. We’ll give you a rundown of what you need to know about caring for your pool year-round.

Our recommended maintenance tasks are organized based on how frequently you should perform them. Here’s an overview of what to do daily, weekly, monthly, and seasonally when it comes to maintaining your commercial pool.

Daily Maintenance

In order to keep your commercial pool well-maintained, you should test pH and disinfectant levels at least twice a day. During increased pool usage, you may want to test these levels on an hourly basis.

The pH level of the water should read between 7.2 to 7.6. If you find that the pH level is above 7.8, you’ll need to add an acid to balance it out. If it’s less than 7.2, add an alkaline to adjust the measurement.

Anyone responsible for handling pool chemicals should be trained in how to use them safely, including the proper response to pool chemical spills. Pool chemicals can be hazardous to your health and should be properly stored and handled at all times.

Free chlorine levels should fall between one and three parts per million. Should your chlorine levels be too high, use a neutralizing agent or leave your pool uncovered in direct sunlight until levels are reduced. If chlorine levels are too low, add chlorine sparingly until the desired level is reached. Be sure to keep detailed records of all pH and disinfectant level measurements.

You should also check and maintain the filtration and recirculation systems according to the manufacturer’s specifications. Typically, you’ll need to clean your filter once the pressure has increased by 5.0 to 10.0 psi.

If there are any leaves in the pool, be sure to remove them using a pool skimmer or other instrument. You should also vacuum the pool floor and walls to remove any accumulated dirt and debris.

Weekly Maintenance

Perform a biocidal shock treatment on your pool a minimum of once a week. Depending on your pool’s water quality, you may need to do this more frequently. The shock treatment will remove pathogens and other contaminants from your pool.

The best time to shock the pool is in the evening after the sun has gone down. Before you get started, you’ll need to measure your free chlorine and total chlorine levels. Then subtract the free chlorine reading from your total chlorine reading.

Once you have your combined chlorine measurement, multiply it by 10. This is known as the breakpoint level. After you’ve calculated your breakpoint level, you’ll subtract the free chlorine reading from it. This is how much you want your water to change in parts per million.

The product instructions should tell you how much of the solution you’ll need to raise the pool’s chlorine level by 1 ppm based on 10,000 gallons. If so, divide your pool’s volume by 10,000 gallons and then multiply the amount of solution by the pool’s volume (e.g., 8 if you have an 80,000-gallon pool) and by the amount your water needs to change (again, this is the breakpoint level less the free chlorine reading). This will give you the amount of solution you need to add to your pool. Double-check to make sure your calculations are correct.

Be sure to wear gloves and goggles before you start the shock treatment. Check that your filter is on, and then add the concentrated chlorine in either liquid or powder form around the edge of the pool.

Once you’ve added the solution, brush the pool floor and walls to remove any dirt. Be sure to brush along the water line as well to prevent a permanent line from forming. Keep the pool running overnight to filter out any loosened debris.

Monthly Maintenance

You should drain portions of your pool and replace those portions with filtered or fresh water on a monthly basis. Keep in mind, you may need to do this more or less frequently depending on usage.

If you choose to drain the pool manually, you will pump the pool water directly to the drain. Alternatively, you could use an automated or reverse osmosis process.

With reverse osmosis filtration , water passes through a membrane filter which will prevent dissolved minerals and suspended particles from making their way through. You’ll then dispense the trapped particles and minerals to sanitary sewer lines, while the filtered water will be returned to the pool for continued use.

Seasonal Maintenance

If you reside in the Pacific Northwest, it’s likely you’ll need to winterize your pool. In order to ensure it’s in prime condition for the start of swim season, follow our tips for winterizing your pool the right way, or give us a call so we can take care of the winterization process for you. Properly maintaining and winterizing your pool will make it easier to reopen as soon as the warmer months are upon us.

Looking for a commercial pool services expert in Washington? Strong Refuge Pool can assist you with your pool repair and maintenance needs. From chemical product orders to pool equipment servicing and installation, we’re your Pacific Northwest commercial pool experts.

Allow us to dive right into the hard work of maintaining your commercial pool year-round so you can lay back and relax, soak up the sun, and simply enjoy the pleasures of owning one.

Maximizing Pool Longevity in Portland With Routine Maintenance

Wed, 10 Jan 2024 14:48:52 GMT

Whether it’s a hotel, resort, gym, business, or public facility, there’s no doubt that a pool adds luxury, fun, and value to a property. It’s an investment that can last for decades and can even be the primary reason customers visit you. In Portland, pool maintenance is crucial to ensure your patrons have a great experience now and for years to come.

Pools in Portland face wear and tear throughout the year from daily use, humidity levels, and water chemistry. Outdoor pools face the additional effects of weather, such as rainfall, ice, snow, and summer heat. Outdoor facilities must be taken care of year-round to maintain their structures and mechanical systems.

Pools are a great investment, as long as they are cared for properly. So how can you ensure your pool remains in excellent condition for as long as possible?

Consistent routine maintenance is the best way to maximize the longevity of your commercial pool. By sticking to a schedule, you can ensure that all components and structures of your pool remain in working order for years—even decades—to come.

Curious about what’s involved in routine pool maintenance in Portland? Here are all the systems and structures that should be maintained regularly in your commercial pool and what it takes to keep them in working order.

1. Structural Maintenance

Commercial pools are exposed daily to new water, pH-balancing chemicals, fluctuating temperatures, and people enjoying the pool. Over time, this can naturally lead to chips, cracks, erosion, and other damage to the pool’s edifice.

Structural damage can significantly decrease the life span of your pool, especially if it is left unfixed for a long time. A small crack now can lead to a larger, more costly issue later. If water gets into the foundation of your pool, the damage becomes more difficult to fix.

Regular inspections, cleanings, and maintenance can identify damaged areas of the pool before they get to the point of foundation damage. Cracks and chips can be resealed, and damage to the caulking or expansion joints can be repaired. This will prevent any further cracking or water damage.

2. Filtration System Maintenance

Your pool’s filtration system is made up of filters, pumps, and skimmers. It’s responsible for removing debris and contaminants from the water and circulating the water properly. This system is key to keeping your pool clean and appealing to swim in.

Regular maintenance of your filter system involves cleaning and replacing filters. Any debris or clogs should be removed to keep water flowing. A professional will also check all system elements for leaks or damaged components, as well as lubricate pump components to keep everything in smooth working order.

3. Water Chemistry Management

Routine management of your pool’s water chemistry is vital to a long-lasting pool. Weather, temperature changes, and regular use can lead to fluctuating pH, alkaline, and calcium levels. If left untreated, unbalanced water chemistry can lead to bacteria and algae growth, corrosion, and scale buildup—a pool that people will not want to swim in. It’s also a matter of health and safety. Properly balanced water helps keep the water clean, preventing swimmers from contracting water-based illnesses.

Regular testing and adjustments can allow you to easily keep your water in balance. It’s important to partner with a company that will take the time to understand your pool’s needs. A quality professional service won’t simply add chemicals to the water and move on without explaining how to care for and balance the water.

With regularly scheduled service, your water chemistry can stay in balance every day of the year.

4. Heating and Cooling Systems

There’s nothing more refreshing than a dip in the pool—but only if the water is at the right temperature. Commercial pools in Portland usually require heating systems to maintain a comfortable temperature year-round.

A pool heat pump typically works independently and only needs to be checked during your regularly scheduled maintenance, or if it is experiencing problems. It can last for 10 years or more if properly installed and cared for. Maintain your heat pump year-round by ensuring it has not become clogged with debris. Keeping your water chemistry balanced is also important here. Low pH levels can cause corrosion or damage to the heating pump, shortening its life span if left untreated.

If your pool has a cover, use it and keep it in good shape. Up to 70 percent of the heat lost from a pool comes from evaporation, so covering it when not in use helps save water and energy. It can also extend the life of your heat pump, which will not have to work as hard to keep your pool at the right temperature. Using a pool cover is the best, most cost-efficient way to keep your pool heated. If you don’t have one, consider getting a pool cover installed by an expert like Strong Refuge Pool.

5. Winterizing Your Pool

If your pool is outdoors, it’s crucial to winterize your pool every year. Pacific Northwest winters are cold and rainy, with occasional ice and snow. Cold weather can damage your pool’s structure and equipment, which are costly to replace. Water expands when it freezes, and any water left in pipes and equipment can cause cracks, leaks, and breakages.

Pools should be covered properly during the winterizing process. Failing to do so can result in debris accumulation, weather damage, and algae growth, all of which can be expensive and time-consuming to clean up in the spring.

Working with an expert to winterize your outdoor pool every year is one of the most important things to add to your routine maintenance checklist. Not only does this increase the life of your pool, but it will also help your pool be easier to open and use in the warmer summer months.

Routine pool maintenance in Portland means establishing good habits year-round. It’s the best thing you can do to maximize the longevity of your commercial pool and keep it in excellent condition for years.

Strong Refuge Pool is the Pacific Northwest’s premier pool service and maintenance company. We offer maintenance, repairs, and many other services, all backed by decades of experience and timely responses. Schedule your routine maintenance by contacting us today .