FAQs for Swimming Pool & Spa Service Companies

by Matt Solis

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Do you have questions about an upcoming swimming pool/spa service or swimming pools and spas in general? You’re not alone. Below, we answer several commonly asked questions about swimming pool and spa services, as well as hiring and working with a pool service professional.

Q: How can I tell if my pool has a leak?
A: It’s simple. Put pool water in a bucket and place it in the pool. You want the water level of the bucket and the pool to be the same. After one week, if the water level in the pool is lower than the water level in the bucket, you might have a leak. This is a relatively reliable method since the condensation behavior is the same in both tanks.

Q: Do I need to keep maintaining my pool in the winter?
A: Yes. Cleaning and balancing your pool water should be done all year. Ask your pool service technician if your pool will need a change in procedures in the winter.

Q: What should I do if there’s algae in my swimming pool?
A: Most of the time, algae isn’t dangerous to your health. You should have a lab analyze the algae since it can produce substances that will irritate the skin or the eyes. Algae can make the water cloudy, so your pool will look dirty. Constant chemical cleaning can reduce the algae in the pool, but if chemicals don’t help, contact a professional pool cleaning service.

Q: How can my pool’s fresh water consumption be reduced?
A: A lot of pool systems require you to change the water, even when the water quality is very good. You can use automatic systems that can analyze and reduce the water consumption. Modern filter systems are so effective that the water needs to be replaced much less frequently.

Q: How many hours should I run my pump?
A: You need to run the pump as long as it takes to cycle the water through the circulation system (turnover rate). This can vary depending on the size of the pool, the pump and the plumbing. Typically, you should run the pump for eight to 12 hours a day.

Q: Can my dog go for a swim in the pool?
A: Pets should not swim in home pools or spas. One dog is equal to three or more people contaminant-wise. The dog will raise the pH, which will rapidly consume the chlorine in the pool. Animals may also have small amounts of fecal matter stuck in their fur. That will contaminate the pool’s water and can transmit recreational water illnesses (RWIs) like E. coli, giardia, Hepatitis A and cryptosporidium. Also, dog fur can get caught in the pool’s equipment, which can increase maintenance costs.

Q: My automatic pool cleaner isn’t working as well as it used to. What’s wrong?
A: It’s either incorrect pressure (which leads to incorrect water flow) or the condition of the cleaner itself. Make sure to keep the filter clean. When the filter is dirty, the cleaner won’t receive the necessary water flow for optimum operation, which means it could slow down or even stop completely. If everything appears to be correct and the cleaner still isn’t working, it may need a new part. Most cleaner parts are easily available at your local pool service store.

Q: How often should my pool be drained?
A: The water in your pool should be changed every two to three years. This may vary depending on your pool usage and the type of pool chemicals you use. Ask your swimming pool service provider for specific recommendations.

Q: Why choose a Diamond Certified pool and spa service company?
A: Diamond Certified helps you choose a pool and spa service company with confidence by offering a list of local, top rated companies that have passed the country’s most in-depth rating process. Only pool service companies rated Highest in Quality and Helpful Expertise® earn the prestigious Diamond Certified award. Most companies can’t pass the ratings. American Ratings Corporation also monitors every Diamond Certified company with ongoing research and ratings. And your purchase is backed by the Diamond Certified Performance Guarantee, so you’ll feel confident choosing a Diamond Certified pool and spa repair company.

Use Diamond Certified Resource to find top rated companies.

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