Swimming pools are a wonderful addition to any home, but they do require regular maintenance and upkeep to ensure that they remain in the very best condition. However, occasionally you will need to repair your pool, and here are some of the top signs to look out for:

1) Discolored tile grout

A common sign of worn tiles is a discoloration in the grout. If left, this can cause significant damage. For light discoloration, a simple acid wash can restore it; however, for more substantial damage, you will need to replace it.

2) Algae

Another common sign your pool is in need of repair is algae growing on the walls or floor of your pool. Typically, this can be simply brushed off, although for severe cases you will need to shock the pool.

3) Broken lights

This is an obvious sign of wear as you will be able to clearly see that your underwater lights will need to be replaced. Given the high-risk danger of electricity and water, it is essential you fix this as soon as possible.

4) Water loss

If you are noticing that your water level is decreasing more than would be normal through evaporation, then it is a sign of a leak or damage. To check this, you should utilize the services of a professional to check where the leak is.

5) Cracks in the wall

A crack on your concrete walls would suggest that there is either poor sealing on your pool, or a structural defect. This is a significant warning sign and can cause major problems if left unchecked, so you should call in the services of a professional as soon as possible.

If you are worried your pool is in need of repair, get in touch with our experienced and friendly team today.

Every pool owner knows that to keep a swimming pool in the best condition, it needs to be regularly cleaned and serviced. However, while that is a definite fact, there are also several myths that circulate, so we thought we would debunk the five most common…

• It's expensive!

One of the most common excuses as to why someone has not got their pool serviced is because they thought it was an expensive process. The truth, however, is that an annual service every year might seem like an expense, but in the long run, it will save you money and prevent you from having to pay out for costly repair.

• You need to drain a pool to clean it

This might be the case if you have a severe mold problem or you need to complete repairs, but for most pool owners regular maintenance and in-service cleaning will prevent any significant cleaning jobs

• You can add chemicals any time of the day

Many people believe you can add the needed chemicals whenever you want. However, for the most effective results, you should add them after sunset.

• You don't really need special chemicals to treat it

To try and save money, some pool owners believe using standard household cleaners will be sufficient; however, this is not the case, and they can significantly upset the balance of the water.

• Saltwater pools don't need attention

Well, no one cleans the sea, right? This is another common misconception, but the truth is that ever saltwater swimming pools need regular maintenance and cleaning to keep them safe to use and in the best possible condition all year.

The summer months and warm weather help to make your swimming pool incredibly inviting, and spending the day relaxing and splashing around with your family can make memories that will last a lifetime.

However, you should always ensure that your family is aware of the potential dangers, and that you take the necessary precautions to keep everyone safe. To help you, we've put together our top pool safety tips this summer…

• Don't leave young children alone

The most important thing to remember is not to leave your children alone when they are in or nearby the pool. You should also ensure that every child knows the basics of water safety and can tread water and swim.

• Install a pool cover

Another top safety tip to ensure that you can keep your family safe throughout the year, not just in the summer months, is to install a pool cover to use whenever the swimming pool is not in use.

• Keep a phone nearby

You never know when an emergency might occur, so installing a phone nearby or ensuring you always keep your mobile in the same spot will ensure that you know exactly where to go to call for help when you are panicking.

• Use rescue equipment

Keeping rescue equipment around the edge of your pool should be a primary concern for any pool owner. At the very least, this should be a floatation device, but for bigger pools, a shepherd's hook can help reach anyone in trouble further in the pool.

• Don't swim after consuming alcoholic beverages

This is one for the adults, but swimming while drunk significantly increases the risk of drowning, so keep out of the water after that party!

Of course, these are just five of many tips to help keep you safe. Keeping sensible whenever you are using the pool will ensure you will have the best summer yet!

Have you noticed your swimming pool is looking a little murky? It is a common problem that every pool owner will have come across at some point. Although it might seem like a serious problem, it can be a quick fix – but it is important that you understand what is causing the problem.

There are typically four main reasons which cause cloudy water:
1) Poor water chemistry
2) Chlorine problems
3) Poor water circulation
4) Weather conditions

In the majority of cases, your cloudy water will be caused by a chemical imbalance so the first thing to do is to test the water. The results of this will let you be able to add the required chemicals to correctly balance your water and leave it crystal clear.

If your pool is showing a difference between the Total Available Chlorine and the Free Available Chlorine, then treat the water with a non-chlorine shock. This will help to break up the contaminants that are preventing the chlorine from doing the job it is intended to. On the other hand, if your pool is showing low chlorine, then you will need to shock it with chlorine in order to correctly sanitize the water and remove the contaminants causing the cloudiness.

If your pool is correctly balanced and there are no chlorine issues, then it might be an issue with your pool circulation or filtration. Try cleaning your pump and also check the pressure on your filter – if it is higher than normal then you might need to clean that or even replace it.

Cloudy water can be a potential health hazard, so if you notice that your pool is not as clean and clear as it once was don't hand around and fix it, today!

Swimming pool season is just around the corner and you will undoubtedly be looking to make the most of your pool as the weather gets warmer – and with the correct maintenance and chemistry, you can ensure that your pool's lifespan is extended this year!

Keeping the correct balance in your water will ensure that it is not only kept cleaner, but it can also help to prevent damage to your equipment and save you money. Before using your pool this year, you should first test its chemical balance by performing a site inspection and cleaning out any debris from the pool and surrounding area.

With that done, it is then time to test the water. A chemical imbalance can be very dangerous and actually destroy your pool's finish so ensuring you get this right is key. You should test for the pH levels, alkalinity, calcium hardness and also the salt levels – you can either conduct this at home using specialist equipment or take a sample of your water to a local pool retailer who can do it for you.

You pH levels should be between 7.2 and 7.6 while alkalinity should be in the range of 120-150. The level of calcium hardness will depend on the size and type of pool that you have, so it is best to check with a professional to ensure what your pool should be.

If you find that your eyes are burning whilst swimming then it is an indication that you have an imbalance in the pH levels, so this will need to be corrected. Equally you should regularly shock your pool to maintain chlorine balance in the water.

To ensure you and your family are always enjoying the best water possible, you should check your pool water at least twice a week. Accurate pool testing can ensure that your pool remains healthy and help to extended is lifespan.

Swimming pools have been around for thousands of years, dating back to the ancient kings of Babylon – however the more modern idea of a swimming pool as we know it became widespread across America in the early 1900s.

Whether it's being used to keep fit, make a stylistic statement or simply just to help keep your family cool during the hot summer – they are an increasingly popular choice for homeowners. Depending on its usage, your budget and the size of your property, they can come in all shapes and sizes – and here are the five most popular swimming pool designs in America.

• Rectangle

The rectangular pool is iconic and one of the most popular designs in the world. The long length made them ideal for those looking to swim for fitness whilst they are also very easy to dig and install.

• Circular

Once the reservation of the elite movie stars, circular pools are now a lot more common and are perfect for those people looking for a pool to relax in with friends or are limited on space.

• The Kidney

First appearing in 1948 after Lawrence Halprin's design was installed and photographed for many magazines, the kidney shaped pool quickly became a fashionable choice amongst architects looking to give a home a unique feature.

• The L

The L shape pool is perfect for those homeowners who are looking to have two different depths in their pool; with each length capable of being at different heights.

• Grecian/Roman

Similar to a rectangular pool, the Grecian or Roman pools feature semi circles at both ends and is a style famously used in some of the most luxurious pools around the world.

The best thing about owning a swimming pool is that when the temperatures begin to start rising outside, you can jump in and cool off. That refreshing swim is the perfect way to beat the heat… but what happens when the outside temperature starts to heat up your pool water?

Well, aside from the obvious fact it will not be anywhere near as refreshing when you jump in, too hot pool water is a nightmare for maintenance. Heat is breeding ground for bacteria and algae; meaning you will be spending more time cleaning your pool than enjoying it.

So how do you keep it cool? Well one of the most popular ways is to use a pool chiller. These devices help to remove the excess heat from the pool and are available to purchase either as a standalone unit or as a heat pump which doubles up for use to warm the pool in the winter.

A chiller is primarily used to cool the pool down, but it can also help to make your swimming pool chemicals more efficient; the hotter the pool gets the less effective chemicals such as chlorine are. Equally it helps to reduce the algae growing on the top of your pool and reduce the amount of water lost through evaporation.

Not sure a chiller is right for you? Other tips to help keep your pool cool in rising temperatures is to first keep the water moving; waterfalls, mountains and generally splashing around helps to release heat trapped in the water. Maximise the airflow by removing any pool covers and trimming back any overhanging trees and branches; the flow of air over the pool helps to keep the water at a pleasant temperature.

There is no avoiding the rain, it happens all year round and whilst a pool cover might able to protect your swimming pool, it is not a complete solution. So what should you do to protect your pool after a heavy rain shower?

Rain water is known to have acidic properties, which can truly mess up the chemical balance in your swimming pool and change the pH balance in the water. Whilst you should be worried about the water from the rain, many people forget to protect against the water that then runs into the pool from your decking – which often brings debris and different materials into the water with it.

If your pool has been exposed to a heavy rain shower the first thing you should do is to check the water level as chances are it will be significantly above where it should be. If that's the case, carefully drain the pool to bring it back to the correct level.

Once that's done, turn on your filter and get the water running through the system. With the pump running, shock your pool as the chlorine levels will be reduced from the rain water – you can then begin to adjust your chemicals to bring it back to a normal level.

Heavy rain often brings debris with it so clean the surface by skimming out any floating items such as twigs and leaves. If you have one, you should also use your pool vacuum to clean the bottom of the pool too. With all that done, then give your pool one final test to ensure it is at the correct levels and then it's time to jump in and enjoy it again!

Although a winter in Florida is vastly different from the colder regions, there are still some wise moves to make if you are planning on closing your pool over the winter. Even if you are still planning to use your pool, we have some handy tips to keep it running in perfect condition.

1. Keep it clean

Regardless if you're still using the pool throughout the year or are planning on closing it for the winter, keeping it clean is essential. Leaves can clog up your system and also increase the chances of algae build up. Keep your pool clean using a vacuum and make sure the area nearby is free from fallen leaves

2. Keep it balanced

Just as you would during peak times, keep the pool balanced throughout the winter – we recommend keeping calcium hardness around the 200PPM mark and alkaline levels between 80-120 PPM (pool dependant).

3. Pump it up!

If you are closing the pool, it is recommended that you keep your pool pump running for 5-6 hours every day. This not only helps to keep the pool clear of debris but also ensure a regular cycle of water.

4. Remove your toys

This might seem an obvious one, but if you're closing the pool down then make sure you remove all furniture and toys from the pool. This includes things like entry steps, loungers and inflatables. This particularly helps the next step…

5. Cover it up!

Covering the pool is the best tip you can do for your pool. It helps to massively reduce the amount of cleaning you need to do as well as helps to minimize the amount of chemical and filtering you need to do.

These five simple steps can help ensure your pool is fully winterized are ready for the months ahead. If you're unsure on anything, get in touch with us today and see how we can help you.

Whenever summer comes knocking, pool owners are forced to think of the right time to open their pools for the hot season.

The thoughts that run through their heads range from poolside parties, weekends lounging by the water, lap swimming workout, and just soaking up in the sun.

Most times, the issue of pool maintenance only drops by as an afterthought. It is thoroughly neglected until the walls begin turning green as a result of slime. Sometimes, the filter can get clogged with nothing but leaves.

Nevertheless, we have got you covered at Bluewater pools. We can take the stress off your hands and give your pool the cleaning it deserves. However, we can help you with some good maintenance routine.

If you are a newbie in the pool business or you have owned one for a long time now, it is ideal to have ideas on how to keep the pool clean. And, the best way to do this is to make sure you have all the bases well covered with tricks and tips.

Easy Ways To Maintain Your Pool

Some of the best ways to maintain your pool include:

• Shocking the pool

This has nothing to do with electrocution or planning a surprise for your pool. We mean, raising the chlorine level for just a short while to kill off the bacteria. This should be done a minimum of twice in a season.

• How about your brush and skimmer?

Similar to brushing your teeth every morning, you can skim the leaves as well as debris from the surface of the water with your net skimmer.

• Pumps and filters

On a general note, your pump should be up and running every day of summer so that you can get the ideal filtration result. However, you can run the pump for a minimum of eight hours daily.

When To Call In The Experts

The ideal time to call in experts like our company is usually when you have cracks or leaks that you cannot fix. We are always ready to take a look.

Bluewater pools will always remain at your service.

To Wrap It Up

With two full-time repair technicians and roughly four cleaning technicians, we are more than capable of accommodating all the cleaning and repair demands that call for our attention. Place your pool in our hands.

Asides being a great form of exercise and a favorite activity of many during summer, swimming is an activity that many enjoy. The joy and benefits that are gotten from swimming, however, do not need to be the exclusive reserve of adults; toddlers can also benefit from these.

Toddlers' swimming is, however, a fun yet dangerous activity, which if care is not taken, could lead to death. In support of this assertion, the Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reported that 1 in 5 victims of drowning incidents are children. It is a popular belief that every one of these deaths is avoidable.

To make your pool toddler-friendly and to protect your toddlers from unwanted pool incidents, here are tips that can help:

Teach your kids to swim

Since toddlers will be in the pool to swim, it is wise that they know how to do this. Because it is never too early or late to learn how to swim, you do not need to think that your baby is too young.

Erect a pool fence

If you would rather not have them in the water at all or at certain times, then look into having this barrier built.

Use personal floatation devices (PFDs)

Personal floatation devices keep your child afloat better than any inflatable toy can. Every time your toddler is in the water, especially when still learning to swim, ensure they have this on.

Keep your pool maintained

Pool maintenance is a service that should neither be joked with nor indiscriminately postponed. Check the tiles to ensure they are in good condition. Also, check the drains to ensure they are in good condition.

Learn infant cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR)

This training could help you save your toddler, or any toddler, who fell into the water. Every second between when your toddler fell into the water, starts drowning, and emergency response arrives is precious.

Supervision

The effectiveness of the measures put in place to make your pool toddler-friendly is largely dependent on the presence or absence of an adult who is on the lookout for your child.

To Wrap It Up

While this list is not exhaustive and the methods here do not guarantee 100% safety of your children, they play a large role in ensuring the safety of your toddlers when they are in or around the pool.

Swimming pools are a breath of fresh air, literally! A pool adds to the beauty of your house and enhances its appeal. If you look at it from a health point of view, swimming is right there at the top, amongst healthy activities. The beauty a pool adds to your house is simply awe-inspiring but you need to make sure it is kept clean and running even when you are not using it.

Pool maintenance

Pool maintenance is a year round job. If you have an outdoor pool, your usage might be comparatively less than having an indoor pool, especially during winter. If you have a heating system in place for your pool, you might as well use it all year round. Let's find out how you can make sure that your pool is well maintained at all times.

Using the right chemicals

If you are using chemicals to clean your pool but you don't know what quality to use and which chemical to use, you might as well drop the idea. The amount of chlorine and the pH balance will be the most important factors for you to ensure that your pool is chemically safe. It is recommended to keep a check on this balance every week, if not sooner.

Pool Filter cleaning

For a smooth cleaning process, you need to check your pool filter regularly. You pool filter is responsible for removing the normal dirt and debris as they come by. If some dirt gets stuck in your pool filter, it might not function properly and you might find your pool to be dirtier than it usually is.

Your pool needs to be Debris free

Your pool filter does remove a fair bit of debris from your pool but there's still some that's left unattended. To make your pool is completely free of debris, you would need the services of a long-handled net.

Vacuuming the pool

Special vacuums are designed to take care of your pool. Investing in an aquatic vacuum is highly recommended if you wish to clean the depths of your pool.

Periodic maintenance of your pool is a must. If you don't clean your pool for a long time, it could get affected by fungus, bugs, dirt or debris. To avoid such horrors, you need to keep your pool free from harmful bacteria through proper maintenance.

Care of the water and maintenance of your swimming pool are fundamental factors to consider if you have a swimming pool. For complete safety and quality control, your pool has to comply with the basic requirements.

In this article, we will discuss the different ways to clean and maintain your swimming pool. The important factor is to regularly be on top of it to avoid costly mistakes from arising.

When you carry out pool maintenance regularly, the risks of accidents and issues reduces tremendously. Just as preventive maintenance helps in different areas of life, it also helps to decrease the lifecycle cost on your pool.

Tips for Keeping Your Pool Clean

Check the PH of the Pool

It is important to do regular pool pH checks twice a week during summertime and once every two weeks during wintertime. The standard pH of a pool should be between 7.2 and 7.8.

Regular Skimmer Basket(s) Cleaning

The basic job of the skimmer is to catch contaminants on the pool surface before they float down to the bottom. The skimmer is very important to keep the pool sparkly clean which is why it needs to be cleaned out regularly – at least once a week.

Perform Water Level Checks

The water level of your pool must be at the center level of the pool skimmer – this is best for ideal performance and outcomes.

Pool Filters Cleaning

You must clean your pool filter regularly as they ensure high flow rates, no backwashing, and clean water. Depending on the weather conditions where the pool is located, they need to be cleaned once every one or two months.

Benefits of a Clean Pool

• It Serves as an Effective Entertainment Tool

There is nothing better than having a clean pool that people can use!

• Reduced costs

When you have a clean pool, the cost of maintenance reduces tremendously.

• It is Healthy to have a Clean Pool

No one wants to swim in a dirty pool where they are risks of getting an infection.

To Wrap It Up

The pool water lifecycle is linked to the season of the year so the treatment and maintenance of the pool will vary according to season.

Choosing a water pump for swimming pools is not an easy task because there are many factors involved in this decision. It is very important that the pump purchased is adequate since otherwise, it could lead to a malfunction of the pool.

You should know that the water pump is not only used for swimming pools. There are different pump options for what elements. An example of this would be the boilers, which need a circulating pump to move the water.

What Is A Water Pump?

A water pump for swimming pools is an engine that moves the water of the pool, taking it from the pool itself to the treatment plant and returning it back to it. In the purification of the pool, the water will pass through a series of filters that will clean the water and thanks to the pump, the water will return to the pool.

As you can see, the water pump is an essential element, because, without it, the water would not leak and would be unsuitable for the bath.

How To Choose A Water Pump For Swimming Pools

Not all pools are the same size or all are given the same use, so you must ensure that the water pump for pools you acquire is appropriate for the use you make of your pool.

#1 Power

To know what power our water pump for swimming pools should have, the first step is to measure the size of the pool.

#2 Flow

To choose the right water pump for swimming pools, it is necessary to take into account the amount of water we want to move per unit of time.

#3 Energy Sources

The water pump needs to be connected to electricity. We must choose a water pump that fits the power that has the power.

#4 Filter diameter

Good water pump for swimming pools should be ideal for the size of the filter.

#5 Filter capacity

The capacity of the filter influences the choice of the water pump for swimming pools because if we do not choose a pump whose power is commensurate with the capacity of the filter, the latter could be damaged.

Do you need help on the regular maintenance of your swimming pool? Contact us today and tell us your need!

Draining a pool is something that most pool owners fear due to the time and money associated with doing so. You may have to empty the pool because you are removing it from the patio. Sometimes, it is because there is a crack inside the pool. You know that the cost of maintaining it can increase rapidly. Filters, chlorine and other treatments can affect the budget of your home.

You can hire someone to drain your pool at the end of the season. However, it's less stressful for your bank account if you do it yourself. You can drain your pool with a garden hose, it's easier than you think.

Drainage may be necessary for a number of reasons. Doing it correctly can speed up the process and eliminate any headaches. In short, the pools can be drained with a submersible pump.

How to Drain a Private Pool in Your House

1. Insert the "female" end of the hose to the nearest outside tap.
2. Place the other end of the hose in the pool. Extend it to the bottom of this.
3. Go back to the tap and turn on the water. Allows water to run through the hose between 30 seconds and one minute.
4. Close the tap to cut the water flow.
5. As fast as you can, remove the hose from the tap. Quickly twist that end of the hose so water does not leak.
6. Go to where you want to drain the water.
7. Disassemble the twist at the end of the hose and allow the water to flow.
8. The pool water must circulate through a filtering system.

Swimming Pool Drainage System

Sometimes, a larger swimming pool occupies this technology. The main drainage systems are usually located at the lowest point of the pool. Therefore, the entire surface of the pool tilts towards them.

For the safety reason, these drains are always covered with grids or antiviral covers. This is a cover that diverts the flow of water to prevent a dangerous vortex forming.

Do you need swimming pool essentials? Make sure to check out our catalog!

In a private swimming pool, there is a lot more to it than just letting the bathtub filled with water. There are many essential pool supplies to have if you want to be able to swim in a relaxed way. The most critical swimming pool supplies are explained below. We distinguish them as 4 standard necessities, and the other "optional" necessities for your swimming pool.

#1 Standard necessities for your swimming pool

Chemicals

Swimming pool water must be clean and safe. For this, it is essential to add the right maintenance products/chemicals to your water. The most commonly used disinfection product is chlorine. It is essential that you regularly test the water.

Swimming pool pump

The water must circulate for healthy swimming pool water. So that all chemicals are appropriately absorbed in the water. Most importantly, it is to pump the water through the filter. A swimming pool pump always works in combination with a filter. These two alone can be seen as the most essential swimming pool requirements.

Filter

The water must be filtered for clear swimming pool water. The pool pump pumps the water to and through the filter. In most cases, there is a (sand) filter vessel.

Cover

Clean swimming pool water must be protected against dirt from the outside. If you are not swimming, it is advisable to cover your pool. Chemicals can then do their job better, the heat dissipates less quickly, and above all, branches, leaves and other dirt are less likely to end up in the water.

#2 Optional Swimming Pool Supplies

In addition to the four swimming pool supplies listed above, there are many "supplies" that are worth considering.

Heating

Swimming in heated water is a lot more pleasant. With some heating products, you can enjoy a lovely heated swimming pool even in colder outside air.

Cleaning products

In addition to the water, the edges, walls, and bottom of the swimming pool can also get dirty. There are various cleaning products to have.

Staircase

With a swimming pool staircase, it is easier to get in and out of your pool.

If there is anything you want to ask or something you cannot setup yourself, you can always contact us. Our expert team will be available to help you deal with your swimming pool needs!

The fall is a beautiful time of year in Daytona Beach but if you're a pool owner, you might notice that you're spending more time outside skimming leaves and debris from the pool than actually swimming in it. With temperatures starting to drop, now is the time to think about your end-of-season pool maintenance and how to care for your pool during fall.

Clean Up

Fall means leaves. Leaves mean more debris in your pool. It's important to stay on top of this and clean your pool regularly. Keep your filters clean, use a leaf skimmer to remove debris from the surface, and run your pool's cleaning system to get rid of debris at the bottom. Clean leaves from around your pool as well to prevent them from blowing in.

Cover Your Pool

If you're not using your pool, consider using a pool cover. It will keep out debris, reduce evaporation, and save you time cleaning. Pool covers also help to keep the water warmer.

Check Your Chemistry

Even if you're not swimming as much, you still need to maintain your pool's chemistry. Test your water at least once a week. Your pH should be between 7.2 and 7.6, and your chlorine levels should be between 1 and 3 ppm.

Consider Closing Your Pool

If you live in an area with harsh winters, you may want to close your pool for the season. This involves lowering the water level, adding winterizing chemicals, and covering the pool securely.

If you're looking to make your backyard pool area more inviting, there are plenty of ways to do it. Here are eight ideas to help you create the perfect outdoor oasis.

1. Landscaping

Adding plants and greenery around your pool can make the area feel more like a tropical paradise. Consider palm trees, ornamental grasses, or flowering shrubs.

2. Water Features

A waterfall, fountain, or bubbler can add visual interest and create soothing sounds that make your pool area more relaxing.

3. Lighting

Outdoor lighting can extend your pool time into the evening and create a magical atmosphere. Consider underwater lights, path lights, or string lights.

4. Privacy

Adding fencing, hedges, or privacy screens can make your pool area feel more secluded and intimate.

5. Furnishing

Comfortable lounge chairs, umbrellas, and outdoor furniture can make your pool area more inviting for relaxation.

6. Organization

Add storage for pool toys, towels, and supplies to keep your pool area tidy and clutter-free.

7. Shade

A pergola, gazebo, or shade sail can provide relief from the sun and make your pool area more comfortable.

8. Multitasking

Consider adding a grill, outdoor kitchen, or fire pit to make your pool area a complete entertainment destination.

Summer is here and that means pool season! While swimming is a great way to beat the heat and have fun, it's important to stay safe. Here are some tips to keep you and your family safe in the pool this summer.

Secure Your Pool Area

Make sure your pool area is properly fenced and gated to prevent unsupervised access, especially for young children.

Supervise Children

Never leave children unattended in or near the pool. Designate a responsible adult to watch swimmers at all times.

Learn to Swim

Enroll yourself and your children in swimming lessons. Knowing how to swim is the best defense against drowning.

Establish Pool Rules

Create and enforce rules like no running, no diving in shallow water, and no swimming alone.

Learn CPR

Knowing CPR can save a life. Take a course and keep your skills up to date.

Keep Safety Equipment Nearby

Have a reaching pole, life ring, and first aid kit readily accessible near the pool.

Algae is one of the most common problems pool owners face. It can turn your crystal-clear water into a green, murky mess in no time. Here's what you need to know about algae and how to deal with it.

Types of Algae

There are three main types of algae that can affect your pool:

Green Algae - The most common type, it floats freely in the water and can make your pool look like a swamp.

Black Algae - This type forms roots and attaches to pool surfaces. It's harder to remove and often appears as dark spots.

Mustard Algae - Also called yellow algae, it clings to pool walls and is resistant to normal chlorine levels.

Why Algae Is Problematic

Algae makes your pool look unappealing and can make surfaces slippery and dangerous. It also consumes chlorine, making it harder to maintain proper chemical balance.

How to Deal with Algae

Prevention is the best approach. Maintain proper chlorine levels, run your filter regularly, and brush your pool walls weekly. If algae does appear, shock your pool with a high dose of chlorine and use an algaecide. Brush the affected areas thoroughly and run your filter continuously until the water clears.

When it comes to keeping your pool clean and sanitized, you have two main options: traditional chlorine or a salt water system. Both have their pros and cons, so let's take a look at each.

Traditional Chlorine

Chlorine has been the standard for pool sanitation for decades. It's effective at killing bacteria and algae, and it's relatively inexpensive.

Pros: Lower upfront cost, widely available, proven effectiveness.

Cons: Requires regular testing and adjustment, can irritate eyes and skin, strong chemical smell.

Salt Water Systems

Salt water pools use a generator to convert salt into chlorine. The result is a gentler, more consistent level of chlorine.

Pros: Softer feeling water, less irritation to eyes and skin, lower ongoing chemical costs, more consistent chlorine levels.

Cons: Higher upfront cost for equipment, salt can be corrosive to some pool materials, generator cells need periodic replacement.

Which Is Right for You?

Consider your budget, how much time you want to spend on maintenance, and any sensitivities to chlorine. Many pool owners find that salt water systems are worth the initial investment for the improved swimming experience and lower maintenance.

If you're new to pool ownership, the maintenance can seem overwhelming. But with the right knowledge and routine, keeping your pool clean and safe is manageable. Here's a beginner's guide to pool care.

Building Your Kit

You'll need some basic supplies: a skimmer net, pool brush, vacuum, test kit, and chemicals including chlorine, pH adjuster, and algaecide.

Daily Care

Skim the surface of your pool daily to remove leaves and debris. Check your skimmer basket and empty it as needed. Make sure your pump and filter are running properly.

Weekly Care

Test your water chemistry at least once a week. Your pH should be between 7.2 and 7.6, and chlorine levels should be 1-3 ppm. Brush the walls and floor to prevent algae buildup. Vacuum the pool to remove dirt and debris from the bottom.

Testing Your Water

Use a test kit or test strips to check pH, chlorine, alkalinity, and calcium hardness. Adjust chemicals as needed based on your results.

When to Shock

Shock your pool (add a high dose of chlorine) after heavy use, after a rainstorm, when you notice algae, or at least once a week during swimming season.

Call the Professionals

If you're ever unsure about your pool's condition, don't hesitate to call a pool professional. Regular professional service can catch problems before they become expensive repairs.

Florida recently passed new legislation requiring all new and replacement pool pumps to be variable-speed pumps. This mandate, which went into effect in 2017, is designed to improve energy efficiency and reduce electricity consumption for pool owners.

Variable-speed pumps can save pool owners up to 80% on their energy costs compared to traditional single-speed pumps. While they cost more upfront, the energy savings typically pay for the difference within 1-2 years.

If you're in the market for a new pump or need to replace an existing one, be sure to look at variable-speed options. Not only will you be complying with Florida law, but you'll also be saving money and reducing your environmental footprint.

Contact Blue Water Pool Supplies for more information about variable-speed pumps and other energy-efficient pool equipment.