Friday, August 31, 2018

Treating Scale on your Pool Tile Line and Pool Surface


Scale on your pool tile and on your pool surface can develop over time and become very noticeable. The factors that cause calcium scaling mainly are caused by your areas fill water and your pool’s Calcium Hardness level. High Alkalinity and High pH combined with a Calcium Hardness level over 400 ppm will trigger calcium build up on the pool surface and tile line.



The scale that forms on the pool tile line is called Calcium Carbonate and when the weather is warm and there is a lot of evaporation, the scaling on your pool tile will increase. When the Sun dries the water on the tile water line it turns into Calcium Carbonate. If you live in an area with very high Calcium Hardness there isn’t much you can do except keep the pH below 7.4 and the Alkalinity below 100 ppm to prevent heavy scaling. Over time scaling will form no matter what you do so keep that in mind if you live in an area with very hard water.

Treating the calcium build up can be challenging. You can clean off small areas with a Pumas Stone or what I prefer is 220 Wet & Dry sand paper. You may also use a straight edge razor blade on the calcium build up and scrape it off. Ultimately if the build up is severe the only way to remove it is with a professional tile cleaner known as a Bead Blaster. They use a high powered compression machine with glass beads or baking soda in it and “shoot” the calcium right off the tile. It almost looks like they are spray painting the calcium right off the tile. You can find a list of your local Bead Blast companies if you just do a quick Google search.

If you have a Pebble Tec pool, the entire surface can form calcium on it as well as the tile line. To remove calcium from the entire pool it will need to be drained and then professionally Bead Blasted. They would Bead Blast the tile line and the complete Pebble Tec surface.

If you have a standard plaster pool and notice that your plaster has become rough to the touch, much like running your hand over sand paper, then there is scale forming on your pool walls. The best way to remove it that I have found is with the Beautec product from Easy Care. It is a special enzyme that will get behind the calcium build up on the pool wall and loosen it up. Then with vigorous brushing with a stainless steel brush, you will take the calcium right off the walls.  I detail this treatment method in this video:
Beautec by Easy Care:http://youtu.be/4Fa93F-Obns

Pentair has a great online saturation index that will allow you to see if your pool water is producing scaling on the surface. You would just enter five water factors into their LSI online calculator to determine if your pool is developing scale or not. If you have a Taylor 2006 or 2005 test kit inside you will find a Watergram Wheel which you can also use toto calculate your pool’s LSI reading.

Pentair LSI Calculator:

The LSI index was created to determine if your pool water is corrosive or scale producing.
If your pool has flagstone or rock formations secondary type of calcium could form in the cracks or grout areas called Efflorescence which is a form of lime scale. This is much harder to remove and many Glass Beading companies will not guarantee removal of Efflorescence. It is natural forming and the same process happens in nature in the production of stalagmites. You may just need to live with these large deposits on your flagstone and rock features.

On product that I am testing that seems to really help in reducing calcium build up is called the Aqau-Rex. This product connects to your pool’s equipment area and sends radio waves into the water to help break down calcium build up. It is widely used in Europe and is now making inroads into the US market. You can see my video on it here:
Aqua-Rex WK1P Water Conditioner: Reduces Scale, Reduces Phosphates & TDS and More!  It Really Works!: https://youtu.be/HU4sPNPa124


Friday, August 24, 2018

Metals in Your Pool Water


Staining in your pool can be caused by several things but the most common stains are from metals that enter your pool water and then drop out onto the pool surface. Once the metal ions drop out of the water they appear as stains on the pool surface. Besides metal staining your plaster pool can also have what appears to be staining but, is normal mottling of the plaster. I will touch on both and help you understand the differences of what is staining and what is normal aging of the plaster.



Metal ions in your pool water, Copper, iron or manganese to name a few can cause your water to be discolored and cause staining on your pools surface. Besides draining your pool and refilling there is a process you can follow to remove the metal ions from the water:

The first step it to test your water to see if metal ions are present. Most fill water has been purified to eliminate metal ions but there may be enough trace amounts entering your pool, especially if you are filling it or refilling it after it has been drained. Well water is a common source of metal ions.



Metal ions can cause your water to change color.
Copper- Green tint
Iron -- Brown Tint
Manganese -- a dark color such as Purple

Sometimes you will also notice your hair or nails turning green after swimming. If you find that your pool does have metal ions in it the video walks you through the steps. Here are some points to also be aware of:

METAL SEQUESTRANT AGENTS
When you use a metal sequestrant agent it will lower your chlorine level as the chlorine bonds to the sequestrant. I would start with a 3.0 ppm level and try to keep it near 1.0 -1.5 during the process. Many people think that the Metal Out agent causes algae and it does in a way by lowering the chlorine level. You also want to keep your pH level low -- around 7.2-7.6 for the sequestration agent to be more effective. If you need to add a little chlorine, add more of the agent also. Note that If the stains reappear you will have to start the process over again from square one. It is not a failure of the sequestration or CuLator but a failure to keep the water chemistry in balance. 

You must also note that the sequestrant agent will NOT remove the metal ions from the pool. All it will do is keep it from activating and staining the pool. Once the sequestrant agent wears off the metal ions will reactivate and cause staining. That is why you will need to use the CuLator product.

CULATOR:
This is the only product on the market that actually will remove the metal ions from the water. CuLator takes conventional chelating groups and binds them to a novel, unique, insoluble, non-toxic polymer backbone. This allows for the permanent removal of the metal from the water. he chemistry to produce these insoluble chelating polymers was developed over 23 years.
 
Conventional sequestering agents surround the metal ions and slow down the oxidation and precipitation of the metal oxides onto the pool surface. These agents break down over time. Many of these agents are phosphate-based. CuLator® is the world's only true metal eliminator. Developed for the Environmental Protection Agency's Superfund Program, these polymers are the only compounds that are insoluble in water, rapidly bind metal ions, and are non-toxic.

You also want to use CuLator when you start up a new pool or after you drain and acid wash your pool.

I ran this 20,000 gallon pool 10 hours a day so that it would have good circulation and allow the CuLator to work effectively. For best results leave it in for a month.

The bag did have a slight blue tint to it. I could see it very well but I am not sure if it is as visible in the video. If you have more questions about the product you can check out their website or call the company directly:  877-900-1213.

Other related videos:
Ascorbic Acid Treatment for Removing Stains in Your Pool: http://youtu.be/9kgyASHiiAw
Removing a Rust Stain in your pool with Vitamin C - Ascorbic Acid Treatment: http://youtu.be/iEprPq7YrdU
How to Diagnose and Test Swimming Pool Stains: http://youtu.be/1Q15qb5oLMQ
Jack's Magic Stain IDentification Kit: Testing a Metal Stain:  http://youtu.be/zHqUe6IQANI
How To Test and Adjust Calcium Hardness in a Pool: http://youtu.be/qArcEmqMUKo
How to Acid Wash Your Pool: http://youtu.be/OMj7KNKCkS8
Treating Metals in your Pool Water: https://youtu.be/_f7DQgbmmr0





Monday, August 20, 2018

The Bottom Feeder Cordless Professional Vacuum System - Weighs Only 12 lbs!

The Bottom Feeder is a portable battery powered Vacuum System for your personal pool or your pool route. The compact size makes this ideal for those pools that need more than a quick skimming but has too much debris for a traditional manual vacuum with a hose a vacuum head. It is also great if you do not need the standard Vacuum System with the cart. The bottom Feeder weighs just 12 lbs. fully assembled including the battery pack.




Here is what the manufacturer says about the Bottom Feeder:
“The Bottom Feeder is a revolutionary pool cleaning system that combines innovative technology with lightweight flexibility. Powered by a long lasting rechargeable lithium ion battery pack, The Bottom Feeder requires no hoses or lines – which saves you time and gives you the mobility and flexibility needed to vacuum pools in minutes. Designed by professionals for professionals, The Bottom Feeder is durable and effective and vacuums in as little as 4″ of water.”

I really like the portability of the Bottom Feeder. It is easy to carry back to my service accounts and it takes less than 30 seconds to connect it to my pole and drop it into a pool. It is powered by an 18 lbs. thrust motor which is less power than a standard Vacuum System but still very powerful. I didn’t notice much drop off in power between the Bottom Feeder and my other Vacuum Systems. The Body is light and maneuverable, and it is like using a standard manual vacuum head with the swivel on the handle. The great thing about it is that there are no hoses or cords so using it couldn’t be easier.

The lithium Ion battery is rated to last for up to 2 hours of run time. This should be plenty of time each day if you service a standard size route. After your day ends simply plug in the battery to the charger and let it charge overnight. If the battery is completely drained it should take about 10 hours to fully charge it.  The battery is what makes the Bottom Feeder so compact and light. It attaches to your pool pole and rides behind the Body making the battery pack fully submersible. 

The bag on top is made from a fine mesh and the two bags that come shipped with the Bottom Feeder will filter down to 100 microns. These are high quality bags made right here in the USA. I like the ease of attaching the bag and of emptying the bag. Simply pull the draw string and clip it on over the top of the Bottom Feeder and that is it, you are ready to go.

The Bottom Feeder would be ideal for a homeowner who has a lot of large debris in their pool each week. The compact size makes this ideal for use and storage. If you have a pool route and have only a handful of heavy debris accounts, investing in the Bottom Feeder would save you time without needing a full-size Vacuum System and Cart. It’s just overall a very convenient and handy vacuum to carry back to your service accounts.

The Bottom Feeder is shipped already assembled. In the box is the Battery Pack and Charger, two bags, two Battery Cables, two Propellers and the body Feeder Head itself. It also is covered by a one-year warranty and from using it the Bottom Feeder is very durable.

To order and save $100 off: https://www.swimmingpoollearning.com/bottom-feeder-portable-vacuum-syste

eBook: https://www.swimmingpoollearning.com/swimming-pool-care-ebook

YouTube Video Index: http://poolmandave.blogspot.com/2014/03/swimming-pool-tips-reviews-how-to-video.html – A list of all of my videos:


Thursday, August 16, 2018

Pool Rust Stains and Organic Staining - How to Tell them Apart and Ways to Remove the Stains


One of the hard parts of pool ownership is when you go out to your pool and notice some type of stain on the bottom. It is pretty discouraging to see your beautiful pool surface marred by a large rust stain.  But don’t panic just yet, it might not be as bad as it looks. I will cover some remedies for both rust stains and organic stains that you will find in your pool as well as how to tell them apart.
I will cover more metal staining in another article but for now I will focus on those little rust stains that you may find in your pool. The rust stains usually comes from an object that is dropped in your pool. It can be a screw in a toy that junior left in the pool all week. Recently I found two nerf guns on the bottom of a pool and when I moved one of them, sure enough there was a nice sized rust mark on the plaster. The screw in the gun was the source of the staining. It can be from toy cars with metal rods in the wheel or any other toy with metal parts. I highly suggest only allowing pool toys in your pool, toys made specifically for to be in water.



I’ve also seen batteries explode in the pool. I suppose it is from the water pressure, but when that happens it leaves a very nasty stain on the pool bottom. You will have a dark center portion and then a rust stain explosion from the center point. I have even had kids playing with a 10 lbs. weight in a pool and leaving it in there all week. It left a huge stain in a circular pattern.  Bobby Pins and Clothes Pins are also a big source of rust staining. I find a few every year in a pool or spa and they leave nice thin stain all over the bottom.  Fertilizer pellets are another source and, on the bag,, it states not to get them in your driveway because of the staining it can create. When they are carelessly dropped into your pool they sit on the pool bottom and leave BB type stains all over the pool floor.

To remove these stains, you can rub the spot with a vitamin C tablet or apply Ascorbic Acid in powder form to the affected area. The stain will usually simple lift off after a few minutes or with your scrubbing. In a fiberglass pool Ascorbic Acid is very effective in removing stains that cover the entire surface.  If you can reach the stain with a Vitamin C tablet you can usually rub it off without any issues. For the areas you might not be able to reach you can put some crushed Vitamin C tablets in a thin sock and set it over the stain. Another good option is the Stain Eraser which is a tool that connects to a standard pool pole and can be used to rub off a stain. You can find videos on all these methods on my YouTube Channel.

Something that looks a lot like a rust stain or metal stain is an organic stain. This is caused by organic debris like a leaf and sometimes dirt that will temporally stain the pool surface. It is usually a dark brown or black stain on the pool surface. Once you remove the debris from the pool bottom you will see the staining. Usually the pool will have very low or no chlorine present in the water. To remove organic staining, you can raise the chlorine level up to shock levels and circulate the pool water. A good way to test if the stain is organic is to rub a 3” chlorine tablet on top of it. If the stain lifts immediately it was an organic stain.

Since I am talking about the 3” chlorine tablets, make sure one of these never falls into the pool and remains on the surface. These tablets also contain acid in the form of Cyanuric Acid and they will stain your pool surface very quickly. You will see a burn mark in the plaster in the shape of the tablet and these stains are hard to remove. So be very careful when you put the 3” Tablets into a floater and set it in your pool.

So rust stains and organic stains look similar, but they are caused by very different things. Both types of stains are easy to remove, and you will have a good outcome if you follow the steps outlined here.

Follow Me:
Blogger: http://poolmandave.blogspot.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Youtube-Mrdgvb1/381257741926763?ref=hl





Monday, August 13, 2018

Aqaubot MRT AG 1000 Robotic Pool Cleaner


The Aquabot MRT AG 1000 is an above ground pool cleaner created specifically for the regional Mid-Western pool market. It can be purchased at the Great Escape store and I will post the link at the bottom of this article. It is a bit of a hybrid robotic pool cleaner made specifically for an above ground pool, but it can also be used for an in-ground pool.

Some of the unique features of the MRT AG 1000 are:
• Cleans Pool Floors, Cove
• Scrubbing Brush – 2x faster than a standard brush
• Industry’s strongest pumps and finest filtration
• Top Access Fine Filter Basket (filters down to 2 microns) and algae
• 40’ Cable with Cable Detangler
• Light weight Easy Lift Handle

There are very few robotic pool cleaners priced in the $400 range that offer anywhere near as many bells and whistles as the MRT AG 1000. The Hyper-Scrubbing brush will help loosen up dirt and debris as the cleaner is moving on the bottom and the fine filter chambers will pick up debris down to 2 microns. That is better than your standard D.E. pool filter. It also pumps 70 gallons per minute which is a great way to enhance the filtration of your above ground pool. Many of these pools have an undersized filter and pump, making this cleaner ideal for weekly cleaning and maintenance.
For an above ground pool, a robotic pool cleaner is the way to go. Since most systems are undersized connecting a suction side cleaner or manual vacuum is not a good option. Just drop the MRT AG 1000 into your pool and let it do the work for you. After 2 hours take out the cleaner and your pool is clean and ready to swim. There isn’t an easier way to keep your above ground pool clean all season long.

Backed by a 2 year full bumper to bumper warranty you can rest assured the MRT AG 1000 is built to last. In reality it operates on a very simple backward and forward cleaning pattern which means you won’t need to worry about complicated software failures or lots of moving parts to replace each season. I really like the compact and rugged size of the cleaner and you will be amazed at how fast this little guy can clean your pool leaving it spotless each week.


I am not affiliated with the Great Escape stores but you can click on this link to learn more and to purchase the MRT AG 1000: https://www.shopthegreatescape.com/products/product_info/5982_MRT-AG-1000

More Aquabot Cleaners:
Aquabot Robotic Cleaners Overview Video: https://youtu.be/DSQWPtxaZU0
Aqaubot Elite Robotic Pool Cleaner Review - Loaded with Great Features and a 3 Year Warranty!:
Aquabot X4 Robotic Pool Cleaner - True 4WD, Filters Down to 2 Microns and a 3 Year Warranty!: https://youtu.be/PzeG5wOuqrc
Aquabot Breeze 4WD Robotic Pool Cleaner, True 4WD & Filters Down to an Industry Leading 2 Microns!: https://youtu.be/DveXg6bAjZc
Aqaubot Spirit Above Ground Pool Robotic Pool Cleaner Review: Filters down to an Amazing 2 Microns!: https://youtu.be/eVTx7bDse3o
Aqaubot Breeze SE: Best Robotic Cleaner Priced Under $500, Period!: https://youtu.be/doPllX_VbBo
Aquabot Turbo T4RC Plus Robotic Pool Cleaner -Remote Control, 75 FT of Cable and More!: https://youtu.be/xRAqfAemwXk
Aquabot Turbo Plus Robotic Pool cleaner: Filters Down to 2 Microns, Cleans Floor, Walls & Waterline!: https://youtu.be/sAfj2MzzBLw
Aquabot Turbo T2 Plus Robotic Pool Cleaner with Cord Swivel and Filtration down to 2 Microns!: https://youtu.be/4tFQNlsj5eo
Aquabot Breeze XLS Robotic Pool Cleaner Review - Priced Under $500: https://youtu.be/9f7mN1L4EDo
Aquabot Turbo T Plus Robotic Pool Cleaner with Remote, Cord Swivel, Caddy - Filters to 2 Microns!: https://youtu.be/E9qV6EJXLUk
Aquabot Breeze IQ Robotic Pool Cleaner: 60 ft of Cable & Filters Down to 2 Microns!: https://youtu.be/hYpdAslSL7Y
Aquabot Pool Rover Junior Robotic Above-Ground Pool Cleaner: https://youtu.be/TJ9cZcR1ZSI
Aquabot Pool Rover S2-50 Robotic Pool Cleaner for Above-Ground and Small In-Ground Pools: https://youtu.be/OkivnVfUTQo
Aquabot Rapids 1500 Robotic Pool Cleaner: https://youtu.be/liCWTQBzXl0
Aquabot Rapids 2000 Robotic Pool Cleaner – Review: https://youtu.be/jqJ8hNOAIwg
Aquabot Rapids XLS Robotic Pool Cleaner Review: https://youtu.be/e7gFvi0MhAc
Aquabot Supreme Robotic Pool Cleaner -Review: https://youtu.be/ZoBVwzEhSPg
Aquabot Turbo T-Jet Robotic Pool Cleaner with Power Washing Jets: https://youtu.be/otVeaCF1gsY
Aquabot Turbo Classic Robotic Pool Cleaner – Review: https://youtu.be/3v2EzfRbYFw
Aquabot Turbo T2 Robotic Pool Cleaner with Caddy – Review: https://youtu.be/u6H1v3XV-ag
Aquabot Turbo T4RC Robotic Pool Cleaner – Review: https://youtu.be/7YtZNPQw7Oo
Aquabot Xtreme Robotic Cleaner – Review: https://youtu.be/s-bR3jaYua8




Friday, August 10, 2018

Portable Fire Pump Cart: Use your Swimming Pool Water to Put out a Fire!


The Portable Fire Pump Cart by Advantage Manufacturing is a must have if you own a pool and live in a fire prone area. This is a great first line of defense in the event of a fire near your home. You can use the Fire Pump to spray water on your house and surrounding area and the water source is your backyard pool. You can also order the optional fire retardant which will cover about a 4000 sq. ft area around your property.



The Portable Fire Pump comes attached to a cart with two rugged wheels and a large handle on the front. Pulling the cart and setting it in position couldn’t be easier. Unlike the other Fire Pumps that you see on the market that are bulky and need two or more people to move into position, this Fire Pump can be moved and positioned in seconds. It comes with a 3 HP Gas Powered Briggs & Stratton motor and the pump features a 3 HP Impeller. It is rated to pump 80-100 gallons or more every minute depending on how high you set the Throttle.


Here are some specs on the gas motor:
Briggs & Stratton 550 Series Horizontal OHV Engine 127cc
OHV design for cooler operation, longer valve life
Dura-Bore cast iron cylinder sleeve for extended life
Float carburetor for consistent, easy starting
Maintenance-free Magnetron electronic ignition for quick, dependable starts
Maxi-Clean automotive-style paper air filter for superior protection and long engine life
Dual oil filter and drain
Dual ball bearings reduce wear for long life
DuraLube gear-driven splash lubrication system continuously supplies oil to all internal parts
Super Lo-Tone muffler reduces noise level
50-state compliant engine

Fuel Type: Gasoline
Fuel Tank Capacity (qt.) 2
Oil Capacity (qt.) : 0.625
Engine Displacement: 127cc

What is Included:
20 feet PVC suction hose with polyethylene strainer
25 feet PVC discharge hose with adjustable nozzle
Quick-connect Camlock couplers included.

Advantage went with the Briggs & Stratton motor because of their strong reputation on reliability and durability. Pull the cord and the motor will fire up when you need it the most, like in the case of a fire in your area. You should however start the motor at least once every couple of months to test it and starting the motor helps it stay fresh and ready to go. The Water Way wet end pump is also super reliable, and you should not have any issues with priming the Fire Pump if you first fill the pump basket area with water. In my testing the Fire Pump pulled the water right away after firing it up.

This is an awesome piece of equipment and a great way to protect your house in the event of a fire in your area. Connected to your pool it will give you a good continuous water supply and you can use either the included fire hose or garden hose depending on your need. No need to worry about the water pressure in your area or loss of water pressure due to everyone using their garden hoses. The Fire Pump will use your pool or other nearby body of water as it’s water source. No need to worry about having power to your home, as the Fire Pump runs on gas so no need to plug it in anywhere.

Here is more about the optional Fire Gel that you can purchase along with the Fire Pump:
Barricade Fire Gel is the only fire chemical to receive the prestigious Champion Award from our nations E.P.A. We received this award for our industry-leading commitment to use only a safe surfactant in our revolutionary fire gel formulation. EPA defines safer surfactants as those that break down quickly to non-polluting compounds. EPA states that Nonylphenol Ethoxylates, commonly referred to as NPEs (found in other brands of fire gels), DO NOT MEET this definition. NPEs and their breakdown products are toxic to aquatic life!

BARRICADE FIRE GEL IS THE ONLY LIQUID FIRE GEL CONCENTRATE THAT HAS BEEN APPROVED FOR USE BY THE U.S. FOREST SERVICE THAT DOES NOT CONTAIN NPEs OR PETROLEUM DISTILLATES!






Wednesday, August 8, 2018

Are you making a Profit in Your Pool Business or are you "Just Spinning Your Wheels?"


If you own a small business, you can get caught up in the day to operations and not have the time to think or even sit down and calculate if your business is even profitable. I don’t mean that the bills are paid each month and that everything is paid on time without issues. At the end of the day, month and year did you make any money? Was there anything left to save and invest for the future or to spend on improving the business operations?



I focus here mainly on the Pool Service Business, but you can apply this to any small business. If you’re not making money on your business, it isn’t a business, it is a hobby. So how can you tell if your business is turning a profit? That can get a little tricky, but I think if you look at it in a clear fashion before taxes and deductions you can see if there is any money going towards profits. If all you are doing is paying your bills each month you may not be making any money and may be “just spinning your wheels.”

The first thing you should do is to make sure your business expenses and personal expenses are within reason. For example, you are not leasing a truck for $1,000 a month for Pool Service. Or you are not spending $1,500 a month on eating out at restaurants. Later when you are making huge profits this may become a new normal, but for now I am talking reasonable business and personal expenses. So, once you have nailed that down we can move on to seeing if there is a profit in your business.

Take your monthly Gross receipts and then start subtracting your monthly expenses. For example, if you make $6,000 a month from your service accounts and you spend $2,000 a month on chemicals and supplies, licenses, fees etc., your Gross Net profit before taxes would be $4,000 a month (You can’t deduct fuel costs). That would be $48,000 a year. So, when you file your taxes this would be your net income minus the deduction for mileage or vehicle expenses – depending on which deduction you take. Let’s say you drive 16,000 miles that year for business and take the mileage deduction of .53.5 cents that would be $8,560 – if you have no other business deductions your Self-Employment income for that year would by about $39,000. If you are in the 12% tax bracket you would pay about $4,700 in Federal Income Taxes on your Self Employment Income. So, your net profit for that year is around $34,000 or $2,800 a month. So, with a gross income of $6,000 you will net about half that money each year.

After you pay your household bills with the $2,800, what is left over in the bank? If it is less than $500 you are probably not making a profit. You can do several things at this point to start making a real profit. You can go out and get more service accounts, raise your rates or fine tune the way you do business. For example, if you are doing an installation of a pump and you are charging $200 for labor but the job takes you 3 hours and you do this type of job once a week, you might be better served to refer the work out and use that time to service more pools. By building up more service accounts and doing less time-consuming installs you will increase your monthly gross more quickly.

Or you can add services like Green to Clean or Acid Washes which bring in good money and can also add new service accounts. Adding two Green to Clean and one Acid Wash each month can bring in an extra $1,000 raising your gross income to $7,000 a month. Or if you connect with a Home Warranty Company and they refer you multiple new equipment installs each month you can boost your gross income up even more. There is a “Tipping Point” with repairs – don’t do enough of them and it is a waste of time and effort. But if you do enough of them each week to make it worth your time, you will make more money doing repairs verses regular pool cleaning.

You can also bring your total cost of chemicals and supplies down each month by giving your customers less free items and charging for more chemicals. The standard practice in my area is to give the customer free chlorine and acid but charge for all other chemicals and services. If you are cleaning the salt cells for free, start charging $35 per cleaning. Giving customers free pump lid O-rings or other free items, start charging for everything. You are not nickel and diming your customers if you charge for everything. A lot of times these small, $5 here and $10 there are causing you not to make a profit. So instead of $2,000 a month is costs you bring it down to $1,500 (25%), bringing your gross net to $4,500 a month. That extra $500 goes a long way if you also add on other sources of income out there. Using the same starting scenario of $6,000 a month gross and we raise that to $8,000 a month and keep the cost at 25%, that would be $2,000 in cost making your gross net $6,000 a month. Now I think at this rate you will be making a decent profit every month.

This was achieved by raising your service rates increasing the number of service accounts, adding or subtracting certain services and cutting your overall cost of operations. You can make a profit in business, you just need to fine tune your operations and check each month if there is something you can do to maximize your profits. If you never sit down and calculate if you are making money or not in your business, this could be a real problem for you. You might be better off working for someone and taking home a regular paycheck.








Monday, August 6, 2018

Aqaubot Classic Turbo Plus Robotic Pool Cleaner


The Aquabot Turbo Plus Robotic Pool Cleaner is one of Aqaubot’s original designs that dates back to the start of the company. This may lead you to believe that the design is outdated and ineffective. In truth it is one of the most reliable and effective designs and that is why it has endured for decades. Think of your old washing machine or your old dishwasher and you will know what I am talking about. Those old simple designs with no bells and whistles outlast anything flashy and modern.



With under 10 moving parts the Aqaubot Turbo Plus is built to last. It is also backed by a two year warranty but the classic design lends itself to reliability and durability. This classic design also will allow the cleaner to leave your pool spotless every time you drop it in. There is nothing fancy about the cleaning pattern. It just moves along the pool bottom and walls up to the waterline cleaning every area of your pool. Have a very large pool? No problem. The power supply can be set to run from 1-7 hours and you can even connect an external timer if needed.

Here are some key features:
• Cleans Pool Floor, Wall and Waterline
• Extra Long 60’ Cable with Swivel
• Programmable for External Timer*
• Adjustable 1-7 Hour Timer
• Dual Front and Rear Scrubbing Brushes

The front and rear rotating scrubbing brushes loosen dirt, algae and debris and the cleaner will filter down to an industry leading 2 microns. That is better filtration than a D.E. Pool Filter. It does use the old-style bottom debris bags but one of the benefits of this is that it has an extra-large capacity bag that can hold a lot of dirt and debris.

When you are running the cleaner it acts as a mini filtration system pumping thousands of gallons every hour. This means that your pool filtration system will stay cleaner all season long and you will also save on your electric bill. Instead of running your pool for an extra 4 hours each day to get your suction side cleaner or Pressure Cleaner running to clean the pool, just drop in the Turbo Plus and let it run separate from your pools system. It cost just pennies a day to run the cleaner vs hundreds of dollars each year in wasted energy use.

So don’t let the old look and style of the Aqaubot  Classic Turbo Plus make you pass on this mid-priced robotic cleaner. It will leave your pool spotless and the low maintenance design will give you years of great operation.

Other Aquabot models:
Aquabot Robotic Cleaners Overview Video: https://youtu.be/DSQWPtxaZU0
Aqaubot Elite Robotic Pool Cleaner Review - Loaded with Great Features and a 3 Year Warranty!:
Aquabot X4 Robotic Pool Cleaner - True 4WD, Filters Down to 2 Microns and a 3 Year Warranty!: https://youtu.be/PzeG5wOuqrc
Aquabot Breeze 4WD Robotic Pool Cleaner, True 4WD & Filters Down to an Industry Leading 2 Microns!: https://youtu.be/DveXg6bAjZc
Aqaubot Spirit Above Ground Pool Robotic Pool Cleaner Review: Filters down to an Amazing 2 Microns!: https://youtu.be/eVTx7bDse3o
Aqaubot Breeze SE: Best Robotic Cleaner Priced Under $500, Period!: https://youtu.be/doPllX_VbBo
Aquabot Turbo T4RC Plus Robotic Pool Cleaner -Remote Control, 75 FT of Cable and More!: https://youtu.be/xRAqfAemwXk
Aquabot Turbo Plus Robotic Pool cleaner: Filters Down to 2 Microns, Cleans Floor, Walls & Waterline!: https://youtu.be/sAfj2MzzBLw
Aquabot Turbo T2 Plus Robotic Pool Cleaner with Cord Swivel and Filtration down to 2 Microns!: https://youtu.be/4tFQNlsj5eo
Aquabot Breeze XLS Robotic Pool Cleaner Review - Priced Under $500: https://youtu.be/9f7mN1L4EDo
Aquabot Turbo T Plus Robotic Pool Cleaner with Remote, Cord Swivel, Caddy - Filters to 2 Microns!: https://youtu.be/E9qV6EJXLUk
Aquabot Breeze IQ Robotic Pool Cleaner: 60 ft of Cable & Filters Down to 2 Microns!: https://youtu.be/hYpdAslSL7Y
Aquabot Pool Rover Junior Robotic Above-Ground Pool Cleaner: https://youtu.be/TJ9cZcR1ZSI
Aquabot Pool Rover S2-50 Robotic Pool Cleaner for Above-Ground and Small In-Ground Pools: https://youtu.be/OkivnVfUTQo
Aquabot Rapids 1500 Robotic Pool Cleaner: https://youtu.be/liCWTQBzXl0
Aquabot Rapids 2000 Robotic Pool Cleaner – Review: https://youtu.be/jqJ8hNOAIwg
Aquabot Rapids XLS Robotic Pool Cleaner Review: https://youtu.be/e7gFvi0MhAc
Aquabot Supreme Robotic Pool Cleaner -Review: https://youtu.be/ZoBVwzEhSPg
Aquabot Turbo T-Jet Robotic Pool Cleaner with Power Washing Jets: https://youtu.be/otVeaCF1gsY
Aquabot Turbo Classic Robotic Pool Cleaner – Review: https://youtu.be/3v2EzfRbYFw
Aquabot Turbo T2 Robotic Pool Cleaner with Caddy – Review: https://youtu.be/u6H1v3XV-ag
Aquabot Turbo T4RC Robotic Pool Cleaner – Review: https://youtu.be/7YtZNPQw7Oo
Aquabot Xtreme Robotic Cleaner – Review: https://youtu.be/s-bR3jaYua8



Thursday, August 2, 2018

Tips on Preventing Errors While Servicing A Pool: Having a Routine and Proper Use of Chemicals


There are many ways to ensure your pool is serviced error free each week whether you are a homeowner doing your own pool or a pool service professional doing 80 pools a week. I will touch on a few things you need to do each time you service your pool to make sure it stays sparkling blue all season long. I will also touch on a few common things that can happen if you fail to stick to a set routine.



Routine is important for a variety of reasons when you service a pool. If you don’t have a set order in what you do at each stop you can easily forget to do something and the results could be bad. I do the same thing at every pool each week, so I don’t forget to add chemicals or clean out the baskets. The first thing I do when I get to a pool is to scan the pool for anything unusual. Then turn on and check the equipment. I will see if the filter PSI (Filter Pressure) is fine or not and if the filter may need a cleaning or backwashing.

I will check the water chemistry and add the needed chemicals next. Then I clean the pool and clean out the skimmer basket. I will also empty the pump basket and automatic cleaner in-line canisters or Pressure Cleaner bags if needed. Then I will scan the pool one more time to make sure nothing was missed. It is easy to forget something if you step out of your routine at any time. Forgetting to add chemicals one week will mean that by the following week the pool will probably be cloudy or have algae in it.


There are also some cautions with using certain chemicals in certain pool surface types. For instance, you don’t want to add any shock bags or Tri-Chlor granular or 3” tablets to a Vinyl lined pool. Dichlor is fine in most cases but to be totally safe using only liquid chlorine in a Vinyl and Fiberglass pool is recommended. I caution the use of Tri-Chlor granular sold under the HASA label as Algi-Ban in any pool if you are not familiar with the product use. It is one of the strongest forms of chlorine, but one drawback is that it can stain the pool surface since there is acid in the chemical in the form of Cyanuric Acid. If you do use the Tri-Chlor granular I suggest using it in only a white plaster pool or a color plaster pool that is older and has a lot of blotches on the surface. And when you do use it never allow it to pile up in one area of the surface, generally it tends to pile up in the corners of the pool.

The same caution for using Tri-Chlor 3” Tablets in a floater in a pool. Make sure the floater is in good condition and that the top is on securely. If a 3” tablet falls out and stays on the pool surface for any period it can stain the surface. It will leave a circular “burn” mark and it will be black or deep brown in color. So, either in granular form or in 3” Tablet form the Tri-Chlor can stain your pool.
Using Dry Acid in a pool can also cause burns and staining if used incorrectly or on the wrong surface type. Even pouring it directly into a plaster pool can cause staining if it lands in a pile in any area of the pool. This can happen if the Dry Acid is clumped up and is left to sit on the pool bottom. It is always safest to stick with liquid Muriatic Acid which can safely be poured into any pool to lower the pH.

If you see a trend here you will notice that liquid chemicals are the safest to introduce into a pool, regardless of surface type. When in doubt default to liquid chlorine and liquid Muriatic Acid. This will go a long way in preventing staining in a plaster pool and real damage to a Fiberglass or Vinyl pool. If you are unsure and liquid chemicals are not available in your area you can contact me or your local pool store to make sure adding a certain chemical will not stain your pool surface.

And last, getting lazy with your pool care will only lead to problems. If you see a little algae in the pool but don’t treat it because you don’t have time or the proper chemicals on hand, the following week it will more than likely have bloomed and the entire pool is covered with it or it may even turn green on you. Or if the filter needs a backwashing or cleaning but you let it go for a week or two, chances are the pool will have water quality problems during that time, either a cloudy pool or algae blooms.

Routine is important and using chemicals carefully are the key to a problem free and stain free pool. Doing the same things every week and making sure that the chemicals you use are safe for your pool type are the keys to success.