A pool filled with green water and algae.

When To Shock Your Swimming Pool


When To Shock Your Swimming Pool

It is recommended that you shock your swimming pool 1-2 times per month. However, this really depends on the amount of time your swimming pool is being used and how many swimmers have used your swimming pool.

For example, if you only use your swimming pool 1-2 times per week, your normal chlorine should keep enough bacteria fighting agents in the water. However, if you just had your child's soccer team over for a pool party, you might want to dump some shock in the pool shortly after they leave. Shock will help keep your swimming pool clean and clear.

There are two easy signs to look for before shocking your swimming pool.

Algae Begins to Form On The Side Of Your Pool

If you pool is starting to turn green, you need to shock it. It is also recommended that any time you see any green algae on your swimming pool walls you should give your pool a good brush and then add some shock. Before is becomes too late add shock and brush your pool to contain the algae and get your swimming pool back into swimming shape.

Your Chlorine Levels Are Too Low

You should be checking your chemical levels every week. I know that this can be a daunting task, so bring us a sample of your swimming pool water and we will do it for you. If your chlorine levels get below the recommended levels, add shock to get your chemicals in check before is is too late.

Suggested Chemical

  • pH: 7.2 – 7.8
  • Chlorine: 1.0 – 2.0 ppm
  • Total Alkalinity: 80 – 120 ppm
  • Calcium Hardness: 180 – 220 ppm, though some say 200 – 400.
  • Cyanuric Acid: 40 – 80 ppm
  • Total Dissolved Solids: below 5000 ppm

Best Time to Add Shock To Your Pool

Okay, the soccer team is gone and you know you are going to shock the swimming pool. Wait until the sun goes down and turn your pool pump on to circulate the water. We want to eliminate the amount of evaporation the sun causes and most of us run our pool pumps at night. So before you hit your bed, dump your shock into the pool and let your pump do the hard work. When you wake up in the morning your swimming pool will be nice and clean.

A little girl is playing in the pool A girl in a colorful dress is playing in the pool.

Swimming Pool Slides


A girl in a colorful dress is playing in the pool.
Are you wanting to improve your pool? Have you recently got Stamped Concrete Patios Pool Decks Contractors Hampton NH to add a new concrete deck around your pool? Are you looking for extra features you can add to your pool to make it even better? Well, let's take a look at how to make your new swimming pool the talk of the neighborhood, and add more fun. Have you ever thought about a slide for your swimming pool? If you haven't, I am sure your children have. So let's take a look if a swimming pool slide is right for you and your family.

Construction of Swimming Pool Slides

The majority of swimming pool slides are made of fiberglass or acrylic with a top coating to keep the slide nice and slick. Your standard slide has a metal ladder and needs to be bolted or secured to the ground in some way. You also need to keep water flowing down the slide to minimize friction when flying down into the pool. The most common slides are added after the pool is built. You can also go with a custom approach to the swimming pool slide. This is built into the pool, normally at the same time as the pool is being constructed. The slide can be covered in almost any finish, normally a faux rock, to blend into any surroundings features. During this process, plumbing is added, so running your hose to the top of the slide is not needed. And while it can be considered a popular opinion that City Plumbing and Rooters have the best plumbers in San Fernando Valley, chances are similar services would be required elsewhere as well. Hence, it can be important to look for a local plumber to get much-required assistance. Plumbing sort of services should be performed by those who have the expertise to ensure that leaks or other issues do not occur in the future. There is always an option to contact a qualified professional by searching using keywords such as "plumber El Segundo" or similar search terms for your area.

Pros of Swimming Pool Slides

Now the pros of a pool slide are pretty straight forward. They add a unique and different element to your swimming pool. Let's face it, children and even adults love the pool slides. If not, then why do water parks exist. Second, it can add an aesthetic aspect to your backyard giving your pool some character. By building the slide into the pool, it will act like a water feature adding even more flare to your pool. A slide into your swimming pool can be a great addition to any swimming pool. But be mindful and try to engage expert service providers to do the job. If you hire someone who does a lazy job and not say, someone similar to the likes of Vancouver plumbers, for the plumbing jobs of the pools, then it might cost you more to undo what the inexperienced plumber has done.

Cons of Swimming Pool Slides

The first thing that comes to mind is price. A slide can add thousands to the cost of your pool, depending how elaborate you want it. With additional rock work, plumbing, and labor hours the price can add up quickly. There also is always the safety element of a pool slide. Depending on how your kids, and some adults, use the slide, it can cause some minor injuries. Another potential con could be HOA. Many times the slide can go above your property fence line and require approval from your HOA. So you can see there are cons to the swimming pool slide too.
A pool slide can be a great way to get the most out of your new swimming pool or add new life to an existing one. It is completely up to you and your family on the potential need for a slide. So take a look and see if you could benefit from a great water feature.
Learn more about how to keep your swimming pool fully maintained this summer by signing up for our email list.

A person jumping in the air over water. A girl is jumping into the pool while others watch.A group of people standing on top of a beach.

Is Your Pool Party Ready?


A group of people standing on top of a beach.

Get your pool party ready in 6 Easy Steps

One of the greatest advantages of having a swimming pool is the friend and family gatherings and epic pool parties. It's all about BBQ on the grill, pool games and making memories that no one will forget. To have the best party, you will need decorations to make your deck look good and refreshments to keep your guests well-fed and hydrated. You might also want to consider looking into toilet event hire, as the last thing you want is guests walking through your house in their wet swimsuits, leaving water throughout the house. But these are things that people often think about first. The one thing that is so often overlooked is what pool supplies and maintenance is needed to prepare for such an event. Furthermore, the safety matters of the event are something so important that often get overlooked. Do you have safety flags yet? Get looking for a flagpole for sale to fly your safety matters high, so that your guests know how to enjoy the water safely - which is especially important if children are invited. But planning for your party should not include stressing about how your pool will look on the big day. We put together 6 easy steps to put your mind at ease when preparing your pool. By following these pre-pool party prep steps, you'll be ready with clear, sparkling blue water for everyone to envy.

3 Days Before Party

Brush Your Pool

Brush your pool three days before your party. This will remove any dirt or debris that may have formed on the sides and bottom of your pool. Be sure to brush while the pump is operating and to sweep slowly. Wax on, wax off. Start from the surface and work your way towards the main drain so the dirt is sucked up by the cleaner. If you have concrete surrounding your pool, now's a good time to find the best way to clean concrete too. It'll get rid of any old water marks and also ensure that no debris falls back into the pool after you've cleaned it.

Shock Your Pool

Be sure to shock your pool after you brush. Pool parties can cause an increased level of debris and more swimmer waste than usual. By adding the shock ahead of time, you are preparing your waters chemical levels to handle the strain of an onslaught of swimmers, divers and cannonballs.

2 Days Before Party

Check Filter Pressure

Check your filter pressure two days before your party. Your filter is the first line of defense against the countless shenanigans that a pool party will dish out. You will want to backwash and clean your filter as well, if needed.

Use Water Clarifier and Algae Eliminator

Be sure to add water clarifier and algae eliminator as well. This will ensure when guests enter your backyard, they will be greeted by crystal clear water. Using a water clarifier allows easier filtration of dirt and debris and removes anything that will create a cloud in the water. The algae eliminator will prevent any algae spores from forming before the party starts.

Day Before Party

Check Pool Water and Vacuum

Perform a pool water analysis and vacuum on the day before party. Test your pool water for chlorine and PH levels to make sure it is balanced. Add additional chemicals if needed. Then vacuum your pool and clean out the skimmer baskets.

Day of Party

One Last Check

Give your pool one last check on morning of party. Skim any debris that may have dropped in overnight and a quick check of the baskets. If you have any pool rules, post signs around the pool for everyone to see.

Decorate!

Now is the time to do all of the other bits and bobs like hanging bunting and fairy lights, laying tables and placing cushions on seats. You might also want to get a plant wall neon light sign from www.neonfilter.com for your guests to pose in front of as the evening draws in. Candles can help to keep the party going once the sun sets, whilst blankets and throws can help to keep guests warm if it starts to get chilly.

Sit Back and Relax

That's it, you are good to go. Let the party commence and the fun begin. Using these easy steps before every party will ensure jealousy from your neighbors and a relaxing time by the water. So sit back and let the good times roll!

Do you use or have any additional tips or tricks that help get your pool party ready? Feel free to share them in the comments below!

Learn more about how to keep your swimming pool fully maintained this summer by signing up for our email list.