Swimming Pool Surface Types

Pool Surface Types:

There are a number of pool surface types you can chose from. Standard white plaster, Colored plaster, Quartz, Pebble Tec and Wet Edge.

Plaster is pretty common and is a surface type made with cement and white marble aggregate. The problem with white plaster is that any stain becomes very evident and in many cases and the color is effected by the pool chemistry. You can also go with a color plaster and this can make your pool really stand out and look great. The problem with the colored plaster is the Mottling or pattern discoloration is very apparent and visible over time. But it is still the most affordable pool surface type on the market.

Quartz is a surface type that consists of a combination of a quartz aggregate and polymer-modified-cement making is more durable then standard plaster and giving it a longer lifespan. You can also get Quartz in a variety of colors and he finish holds up well against chemicals and is more stain resistant. It is a hard surface type that is very smooth and swimmer friendly. A great choice for sure and a step up from standard plaster.

Pebble Tec is a well established brand and is a mixture of cement and small pebbles and stones. Pebble Tec is extremely durable and long lasting. There are a great variety of surface types and colors to choose from. The drawback is that the surface can be a little rough on the feet but it resists stains, looks great and uniformed throughout and lasts over 15-20 years. It is a more expensive choice but you can't beat the durability and look of Pebble Tec.

Wet Edge is much like Pebble Tec but at the same time different. Mike Willard of Your Pool Builder in Texas recommends and uses the Wet Edge surface. Wet Edge aggregate finishes are durable and beautiful. All Wet Edge finishes are handcrafted and custom-made for each swimming pool. The finish is white cement based, but with blended polymers to make them denser and more durable. There are a number of different Wet Edge Surface types and you can learn more directly from their 

Of the different surface types the Wet Edge is the premium choice. But your budget might not make it the choice for your pool build so if you have to go down I would recommend going with a Quartz finish verses standard white plaster.

Fiberglass pool surfaces are popular choices for swimming pools due to their durability, smooth finish, and low maintenance. Here are some key points about fiberglass pool surfaces:

Material Composition: Fiberglass pools are made of reinforced plastic with fiberglass strands. The pool shell is created by layering fiberglass and resin in a mold.

Smooth Finish: One of the main advantages of fiberglass pools is their smooth and non-porous surface. This smooth finish is not only comfortable for swimmers but also inhibits the growth of algae and makes cleaning easier.

Durability: Fiberglass is known for its strength and durability. Fiberglass pools are less likely to crack over time compared to concrete pools, and they are more flexible, making them resistant to ground movements.

Low Maintenance: Fiberglass pools generally require less maintenance than other types. The smooth surface helps prevent the buildup of algae and other contaminants, reducing the need for frequent cleaning and chemical treatments.

Installation Time: Fiberglass pools are often quicker to install compared to concrete pools. The pool shell is pre-manufactured and delivered to the site, making the installation process more efficient.

Cost: While the initial cost of a fiberglass pool may be higher than that of a vinyl liner pool, it is often comparable to or lower than the cost of a concrete pool. Additionally, the lower maintenance requirements can lead to cost savings over time.

Design Options: Fiberglass pools come in a variety of shapes and sizes, and some manufacturers offer customization options. However, the design choices may be more limited compared to concrete pools.

Resistant to Stains: Fiberglass surfaces are less prone to staining than other pool surfaces. This is beneficial in maintaining the pool's aesthetic appeal.

Vinyl pool surfaces are another common option for swimming pools, offering their own set of advantages and considerations. Here are some key points about vinyl pool surfaces:

Material Composition: Vinyl pools have a flexible liner made of vinyl material that is installed over the pool's structure, which is typically made of metal, wood, or concrete.

Smooth and Non-Porous: Like fiberglass, vinyl pool surfaces are smooth and non-porous. This smooth surface is comfortable for swimmers and helps resist algae growth.

Affordability: Vinyl pools are often more affordable upfront compared to fiberglass and concrete pools. This makes them a popular choice for homeowners on a budget.

Versatility in Design: Vinyl pool liners come in a variety of patterns, colors, and designs, providing flexibility for customization. This allows pool owners to achieve a specific aesthetic that suits their preferences.

Comfortable Surface: The vinyl liner provides a softer and more comfortable surface for swimmers compared to concrete. This can be particularly appealing for families with children.

Easy to Install and Repair: Vinyl pool liners are relatively easy to install and can be replaced or repaired more easily than other pool surfaces. However, they are susceptible to punctures or tears, which may require patching or replacement.

Limited Lifespan: Vinyl pool liners have a limited lifespan compared to fiberglass or concrete surfaces. They typically last around 10 to 15 years before needing replacement.

Maintenance Requirements: Vinyl pool surfaces require regular maintenance to ensure longevity. Proper water chemistry and balanced pool maintenance are essential to prevent issues such as liner fading or damage.

Susceptibility to Sharp Objects: While vinyl is durable, it can be punctured or torn by sharp objects. Care should be taken to avoid introducing sharp items into the pool.

Resilience to Freezing Conditions: Vinyl pools are less prone to cracking in freezing conditions compared to concrete pools. However, precautions should still be taken to winterize the pool properly.

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Is Pool Service a Growing Industry?

 Is swimming pool service a good business in 2024? The answer is YES! for many reasons. Scott Roberts from National Pool Route Sales discusses some of these reasons for you in our podcast interview. With close to 11 million pools across the nation, there are plenty of clients.

So, how do you get started in the business? You can get a truck, open an account at Leslie's Pool Supplies, and receive wholesale pricing. Or open an account at PoolCorp, the parent company of SCP and Superior Pool Products, and get your equipment and chemicals at wholesale pricing. Then, you can solicit accounts to service. This is a hard way to get started, but it is doable if you start part-time and build up a route while working at another job. Over time, you can build up a good business. You can also work for a pool company and learn the trade for a year or two. This is also a suitable method; you can learn a lot that will help you later when you are alone. 

You can also purchase a full or partial pool route from a Pool Service Broker. You are buying pools in your area. If you have the money to invest, this is a fantastic way. Look at it like purchasing a business. If you started building a pool route from scratch and already know the trade, this is a beautiful way to make your route bigger and bring in more income. In many cases, buying pools makes sense. 

National Pool Route Sales: https://poolroutesales.com/

A book I read years ago helped me and might help you also. It is called The Go-Getter: A Story That Tells You How to Be One by Peter B. Kyne. It was first published in 1921. This book will give you a good lesson on what it takes to be successful.

You can learn the trade by watching my YouTube videos and by taking courses in your local area if they are offered. A fantastic way to ensure you are qualified and ready is to get CPO or Residential Certified through Bob Lowry's course.

People skills are essential because you are running a service business and are providing specific "work" in return for payment. You are not selling a product; the product is you and the service you provide. So, you will make mistakes, customers will get mad, and you will need to develop good people skills.

Good, solid business skills are essential. You are in business to make money and not just out there "spinning your wheels." So, it would help if you learned how to draw up a business plan that includes charging enough per pool so that you turn a profit. Service prices vary from region to region, so it is up to you to set the best price for your area. 

Getting your finances in order is a fantastic way to get your business finances in order. A great resource I used successfully was the Dave Ramsey plan to become Debt Free myself. Learning how to run your finances is critical, and you must manage your finances to manage your business finances.

Be an honest person. Being a person of Integrity takes a lot of effort. As a youngster, I was never taught the value of honesty, so I had to learn it as an adult. If you lie to your customers and they find out, your reputation will be damaged. And in the service business, your reputation is everything.

It would help if you have a good liability insurance policy. This will protect you from lawsuits if you make a mistake that damages the customer's property or person. For instance, you add water to the customer's pool and forget to turn it off. It floods their house and causes $30,000 in damage. They sue you for $30,000, and you are out of business. Instead, get a policy for less than $80 a month that will transfer the risk from you to the insurance company. It makes good business sense, and you will sleep better at night.

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REVDUP Apparel - Take Your Pool Service Uniforms to the Next Level!

I am a big fan of uniforms for your pool service business. It makes you look more professional, and having multiple employees can make the customer feel more comfortable when an unknown employee enters their property. They are wearing your shirts, so they should be okay. 

 

These jersey uniforms from REVEDUP Apparel are the perfect uniform for pool service. The fully sublimated jersey is made of UPF50+ with MaxDri Moisture Management – Content: 100% polyester and thoroughly cleaned, which refers to fusing a design into the fabric using heat and ink. The process is called sublimation, a digital printing technology that uses heat and pressure to turn a solid into a gas without going through the liquid phase.

 

In other words, this is not a silk screen; the print is part of the material in the jersey itself. This means these shirts will be durable and very long-lasting. I also found the material to be hot and breathable simultaneously, and these jerseys are very comfortable to wear. 

 

Order yours today at: https://stores.inksoft.com/REVDUPAPPAREL/shop/home

 

Some other great reasons to get uniforms for your business:

 

Consistency: Uniforms create a consistent and cohesive look among employees. This consistency reinforces a sense of unity and professionalism, making it easier for customers to identify and approach employees.

 

Brand Image: Uniforms serve as a visual representation of your brand. By incorporating company colors, logos, and specific designs, uniforms help reinforce your brand image and create a lasting impression on customers.

 

Professionalism: The very act of wearing a uniform imparts a professional appearance. It sets a standard for how employees present themselves in the workplace, fostering a sense of responsibility and accountability.

 

Employee Morale: Wearing a uniform can instill a sense of pride and belonging among employees. It eliminates concerns about dress code decisions, promotes equality, and helps build a team-oriented environment.

 

Professionalism in Client Interactions: For businesses that involve direct client interactions, uniforms can enhance the professionalism of these interactions. Clients may feel more confident and comfortable dealing with individuals who present themselves in a standardized, professional manner.

 

Promotes a Positive Work Culture: Uniforms can foster a positive work culture by creating a sense of unity and equality among employees. This can lead to improved teamwork and cooperation.

 

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Some Common Pool Filter Mistakes

One aspect of pool care that is often overlooked is the pool filter. This is one of the most critical factors in your pool care and one of the main problems with water quality. If the filter is dirty or running poorly, water quality will suffer. You will be adding chemicals, running the pool for long hours, and still wonder why the water is cloudy.

The pool filter also looks intimidating to the new owner, and many don’t feel comfortable cleaning and maintaining it. One of the first things I do when I get a new service account is to inspect and clean the pool filter. About 80% of all problems you will encounter with your pool care are filter-related. So, the filter may be the issue if your pool has constant cloudy water and algae or the chemicals do not hold weekly.

Interestingly, many pool builders skimp on the filter size when they install a pool. It can’t cost them more than $200-$300 more in the pool price to install a full-size filter. What I mean by full size is that if your pool is 15,000 gallons, you should have a 300-400 sq. ft. Cartridge filter of a 48 sq. ft. D.E. Filter installed. For a 20,000 to 25,000-gallon pool, a 500 sq ft cartridge filter or a 60-100 sq. ft. D.E. Filter would be best. I would avoid a Sand Filter unless the pool is used for Commercial purposes, like an Apartment Complex or Hotel. They wouldn’t be my first choice for a residential pool. I see many 15,000-gallon pools with a 100 sq. ft. Cartridge Filter, which is just too small for the best water quality.

Cleaning the filter is quite simple, and I have videos on cleaning most pool filters on my YouTube Channel. Once you do it, you will not find it that difficult. Avoid these common mistakes with a D.E. Filter:

I am not adding D.E. after cleaning or backwashing the filter. Add more D.E. for the filter size.

Adding too much D.E.

Do not clean the filter at least every six months.

Operating the filter with torn or broken grids.

For Cartridge filters, here are some common mistakes to avoid:

We need to clean the filter more often.

Using old cartridges in the filter (usually, when the bands break, it is time for a new cartridge – or if the wrinkles are spread apart – the media should be tight).

Use an undersized Cartridge filter for your pool.

Adding D.E. to the filter (Cartridge filters do not require D.E.).

Here are some common Sand Filter errors:

You have a pump that is too large for your filter size (a massive H.P. pump like a 1.5 or 2 H.P. pump will cause the filter to run poorly – Sand Filters run better with less water flow).

Backwashing too often (Sand filters run better when dirty. Don’t backwash unless the filter PSI gets 9-10 lbs. above the clean reading).

You are notRunning your pool short enough (Since Sand Filters are less efficient, the pool may need a longer run time).

So, focusing on the filter is one way to ensure a clean pool with crystal-clear water each week. Along with having a clean filter is having a clean pool. I suggest investing in professional cleaning equipment, such as a suitable vacuum hose, vacuum head, and a sturdy pool pole. High-quality equipment ensures the pool will be adequately maintained each week, which also helps with the overall pool filtration and water quality.

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Beatbot AquaSense Pro Cordless Robot Cleans Floors, Walls, Waterline, and Surface!

About Beatbot

Beatbot is a technology brand dedicated to

the global robotization of swimming pool environments. Founded in 2022 by

industry experts with over ten years of experience in leading home robotics

companies, the company is increasing, with offices in multiple countries

and a strong team of over 80 R&D members. Pioneering core technologies like

brushless water pumps, AUV spatial locomotion, sonar laser SLAM, and space

mapping navigation algorithms, Beatbot has secured numerous patents and

pioneered industry-first innovations. We hold over 132 patents

(granted and under application), including 50 patents for inventions. The brand

aims to lead the world in intelligent, all-in-one pool care robotics, inheriting the

legacy of top-tier home robotics companies. A commitment to

product excellence drives it. Beatbot's mission is to redefine pool care, address

industry challenges, enhance performance, and deliver hassle-free pool care

experiences.

 

https://beatbot.com/

 

 

The First Intelligent Pool Robot Featuring AI for Ultra-Efficient Cleaning

Beatbot AquaSense Pro is the first robot pool cleaner with true decision-making capabilities

featuring AI. Serving as the eyes and ears of the device, the robot includes 20 smart

sensors, including dual gyroscopes and dual ultrasonic sensors, to make the device.

 

the only pool robot that can "see" and "understand" its environment, informing the

Beatbot OS and enabling adaptive navigation for accurate distance measurement,

precise orientation and more. The powerful Beatbot OS—the robot's brain, is capable

of making decisions based on changing conditions to create the best possible

cleaning route for each pool.

The map and path planning, via software and sensors, allows it to avoid edges and

obstacles and creates optimized routes to eliminate overlap and missed spots. This

path optimization, together with the industry's first 5-in-1 cleaning, provides 100% pool

It covers every inch of the pool, from floor and walls to waterline, water

Surface and even water clarification. Its industry-first ClearWaterTM clarifier dispenser

also adapts the dosage of cleaning agents to size of the pool to provide unmatched

clarity.

 

Unrivaled Power and Versatility

Featuring nine motors, four brushes, and two filters, Beatbot AquaSense Pro is mighty.

The Industry-First NonaDriveTM 9 Motor System pairs with two brushes at the

front and back to double the performance. It can operate at different speeds to

improve precision control. There are two filters, with ultra-fine filtration up to 150 μm

to capture debris of all sizes, along with the patented AquaGlideTM Simulated

Flight Propulsion System and a top suction port, Beatbot AquaSense Pro can move

along the pool surface to capture debris before it sinks. All are supported by a large

10,000 mAh lithium battery for up to 9.5 hours of running time.

 

Fully Cordless and Highly Convenient

 

Beatbot AquaSense Pro not only cuts the cord from legacy pool cleaning devices to

be free to go anywhere and eliminate the issues with tangles and power outlet

concerns, it adds significant intelligence to the OS to simplify users' lives. It

allows users to visualize their pool's layout and cleaning path through the intuitive

In addition, for user convenience, it has multiple cleaning modes to pick from,

including quick, standard, pro, and ECO, with an additional custom mode to be added

through over-the-air updates to come. As the Beatbot AquaSense Pro has a memory,

unlike other pool cleaners, when it finishes the job, it conveniently docks at the

surface, back where it started, with a submarine-inspired automatic water release,

making retrieval lighter and more accessible for users.

 

Certified Quality and Reliability

 

The Beatbot AquaSense Pro has been through stringent testing to minimize the types.

 

Other products often suffer from breakdowns and hardware issues. Along with IP68

waterproof protection, it has a comprehensive list of industry-leading certifications

and a two-year warranty for peace of mind. The Beatbot OS will continue to receive

over-the-air (OTA) updates to support and increase functionality as part of the

company’s commitment to product dependability and continued innovation.

General Information

Model Beatbot AquaSense Pro

Type Cordless

Cleaning Coverage Areas Surface, floor, walls, waterline

Cleaning Coverage Rate 100% cleaning coverage

In-Box Content Robotic pool cleaner, charging dock, hook, quick start guide, user manual

Compatibility

Pool Type Above ground & in-ground pools

Pool Shape All shapes such as rectangular, round, kidney, and freeform

Recommended Pool Size (Pool Bottom Area) 300 square meters (3229 square feet)

Pool Materials All materials including concrete, ceramic tiles, vinyl, and fiberglass

Advanced Technology, OS, and Connectivity

Hardware Components Quad-core Cortex-A7 1.8GHz industrial-grade CPU, MCU, DDR RAM, flash storage, and 20 smart sensors (including dual gyroscopes and dual ultrasonic AI sensors)

Operating System Beatbot OS

Connectivity Wifi connection

Smart Navigation

Intelligent Navigation "SonicSense™ Ultrasonic AI Pool Mapping and Obstacle Avoidance

CleverNav™ Smart Navigation System "

Cleaning Patterns "Pool floor and surface: S-shaped pattern 

Pool walls and waterline: N-shaped pattern "

Intelligent Automation

Cleaning Modes "5 Modes: 

Quick mode: floor (1 time)

Standard mode: floor, walls and waterline (1 time)

Pro mode: floor, walls, waterline and surface (1 time)

ECO mode: cleans the floor every other day (1 time)

Custom mode (OTA)"

Automatic Return function MemoryPark™ smart return to the starting point

Automatic Parking Yes. On the Water Surface

Automatic Water Release SmartDrain™ advanced submarine-inspired automatic water release

Smart Application

APP Beatbot App

App Features APP PoolMap™ pool map and PathTrack™ cleaning path visualization, Cleaning modes selection, Cleaning records, Notifications, Water quality recommendations

Cleaning Power

Water Clarification Yes. ClearWater™ Clarifying Technology

Motors NonaDrive™ 9-Motor System

Brushes "DuoSpeedFlex™ Dual-Group Roller Brush System with differential speed

(Front and rear: 2 x 2 sets)"

Brushes Speed Max. 4000RPM (revolutions per minute)

Number of Suction Ports 2 ports (Top Front and Bottom)

Suction Power 5500 GPH (gallon per hour)

Filters Material Polyester

Filters Access Top access

Filters Number 2 (one larger & one thinner)

Filters Density 150 μm

Filter Baskets Capacity 3.7L

Battery & Charging

Continous Runtime "Up to 5 hours (floor cleaning)

Up to 9.5 hours (surface cleaning)"

Battery Capacity & Type 10,000 mAh Lithium Ion

Charging Time 3-3.3h

Easy to Charge (Charging Method) Dock Charging Station

Design

Control Buttons 1 power switch key + 4 mode keys

Overall Robot Weight 11.35 kg

Robot Dimensions "451 (L) mm x 403 (W) mm x 263 (H) mm 

1.48 (L) ft x 1.32 (W) ft x 0.86 (H) ft"

Reliability

Waterproof Protection IP68 (robot), IPX4 (charging dock)

Water depth range 0.5 m to 3 m (1.64 ft to 9.84 ft)

Warranty Period 2 years

OTA performance updates Yes

Swimming Pool Money Saving Tips!

With chlorine prices reaching an all-time high with inflated prices of 20% to even over 100%, you will only lose money in your pool service business if you take action now. Price increases are a great way to offset these costs, and over 64% of businesses of all types across the US have raised prices for their customers. Another way you can save on chlorine is by adding an enhancer to every pool on your route.

There is no industry standard when referring to the following products but I like to call them enhancers since they enhance the effectiveness of the chlorine in a pool. I've heard the term chlorine enhancer used, which is a good way to look at these products. Adding one or more of these enhancers will allow you to use less chlorine, thereby lowering your overall chemical cost on your pool route. 

Phosphate and Enzymes:

This one-two punch can be highly effective in allowing the chlorine to work in the pool on the things it intended and not be “used up” by phosphates and non-living organics.

Instead of getting technical and trying to teach a science class explaining how enzymes work, we will try to break it down more simply. Enzymes break non-living things down into smaller and smaller bits. Many non-living things are in pool and spa water; body oils, sweat, cosmetics, and sunscreens. This frees up the chlorine to work on the things it was intended to fight, like viruses and bacteria, instead of being wasted on these non-living organics. 

Phosphate reducers are specialty chemicals used to remove phosphates from pool water. They are typically salts of aluminum or lanthanum, which, when added to water, produce insoluble phosphate compounds, which are removed through filtration, vacuuming, or both. It creates an ION exchange, causing the phosphates to drop, and they can be vacuumed and filtered out of the pool. Phosphates are food for algae, and by eliminating them from the water, you eliminate at least one major food source for algae. This will prevent algae growth, which is a big reason why the chlorine level drops rapidly in some pools. 

PoolRX and Mineral Systems:

Using the PoolRX on your pool route will save you time and money. The manufacturer's claim of saving 20-30% on chemical costs is not far-fetched, and once you try a PoolRx in one of your accounts, you will be surprised by its effectiveness.

PoolRx is a Mineral Technology that does two very simple things when used in your pool or spa: it eliminates all algae and will allow you to use less chlorine during the pool season. The active ingredient is Copper Sulphate Pentahydrate (chelated). By eliminating algae growth, the chlorine is automatically freed up and will last longer in a pool. Mineral technologies like the Frog and Nature2 also use minerals (metals) to prevent algae. 

Borates:

Borate in the water at 50 ppm helps reduce chlorine usage by eliminating Carbon Dioxide and keeping the pH stable. Chlorine lasts longer when the pH is right at 7.6-7.8. When the chlorine is in the ideal range, the killing element in chlorine, the HOCI, is at the most balanced percentage, so the chlorine in a pool with a pH of 7.4 is 30% more effective than in a pool with a pH of 8.0. This is a significant factor in creating the safest swimming environment, and the borates will keep the pH much more stable and, in turn, make the chlorine much more effective.

The pH won't change much in a pool with Borate in it. So, if you have a Saltwater Pool, this is a must since the pH tends to rise dramatically. In fact, in a Saltwater Pool, the pH can rise to over 8.4 very rapidly. You will find yourself putting tons of acid in each week just to keep the pH below 7.8. Borates in the pool will make the pH stable and easy to control.  It is a must for a pool with a Saltwater Generator. It also will keep your salt cell from building up calcium rapidly since it sequesters the Calcium in the water. This means the salt cell will remain clean, and your salt system will run much more efficiently.

Boric Acid is a known Bio stat. This prevents the algae cells from forming and multiplying. Thus, a pool with a borate level between 30 and 50 ppm will prevent algae growth. Since borate prevents the algae cell from growing, algae blooms will be a thing of the past. No more algaecides or shocking the pool, algae just won’t grow in your pool any longer.

Any one of these or a combination of these will save you money on your pool route by reducing the amount of chlorine you will be using from week to week. With chlorine at such high prices, using an enhancer to offset the cost makes sense. You can charge the customer for the product, and even if you absorb some or all the cost, you will be saving money on your chemical cost each week. 

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Basic Training Series episode 2: Swimming Pool Water Chemistry

 I like to use what Bob Lowry teaches, "Target Chemistry," and his recommended target numbers are here. Not a range but a specific number to shoot for.

Sanitizer 3.0 ppm

After the Alkalinity & pH are brought into range, the following adjustment is the Sanitizer. Liquid Chlorine or Bleach is the most common and least expensive of the available sanitizers. The acceptable range is 1.5 - 3 ppm, though 4 - 5 ppm is good. A commercial spa should be maintained at much higher levels - 5 - 6 ppm. Bob Lowry has the Target at 3.0 ppm, so always aim for that for your residential pool.

A residential pool should be maintained at 3.0 ppm. Higher levels ( 4 - 5 ppm) should be established before a large party or heat spell. Try not to allow the groups to drop below three ppm, as this will prevent the need to shock or take other corrective action after the party.

ALKALINITY 90 ppm

There are a number of factors that contribute to the "balance of the water." The most important are the pH and the Alkalinity. Alkalinity is the ability of the water to buffer the pH (or buffer chemicals that may affect the pH). The Alkalinity is like an auto-pilot or cruise control for the pH.

If the Alkalinity is out of the acceptable range, then any tiny factor will cause a wild swing in the pH. This is called "pH bounce." Because of this, the Alkalinity is the first thing that should be brought into line when balancing the water.

An ideal range for the Alkalinity is 100-120 ppm (though 80 - 140 ppm is acceptable).

pH 7.5

The pH of the water determines if it is acidic or basic. Either extreme can have disastrous effects on the pool finish, equipment, or plumbing. When the pH is out of range, bathers may complain of eye discomfort or other ailments.

An acidic pH will cause the water to become aggressive. It will etch the plaster and cement finishes around the pool. Worse yet, it will dissolve the metallic components of the pool. The copper heat exchanger within the pool heater is the most expensive metallic component.

The ideal range for the pH is 7.4 - 7.6 (though 7.2 - 7.8 is acceptable).

HIGH OR LOW TOTAL ALKALINITY:

Total Alkalinity will determine the speed and ease of PH change.

If the starting PH is 7.6 in a 15,000-gallon pool and the Alkalinity is 120 ppm, adding 1 pint of Muriatic Acid will drop the PH to 7.0 and the Alkalinity to 105.

If the starting PH is 7.6 in a 15,000-gallon pool and the Alkalinity is 60 ppm, adding 1 pint of Acid will drop the PH to 6.7 and the Alkalinity to 26 ppm.

So, keeping the Alkalinity in the excellent range of 80-120 ppm is essential. Alkalinity determines the water's ability to neutralize the Acid.

Low Alkalinity will cause:

Etched Plaster

Corroded Metals

Stained plaster

PH to creep, drift lower

Eye & skin irritation

High total Alkalinity will cause:

Scale formation

Cloudy water

Difficulty changing PH or the PH will drift up

Eye & skin irritation

So, to adjust high alkalinity, you want to use muriatic acid or dry acid. When doing this, it is essential to test the acid demand before lowering the total Alkalinity. Never add more than ½ gallon of Acid, and don't add Acid more than three times in one day.

If the total Alkalinity is high in a matter of hours, the PH will rise. This happens because high total Alkalinity will neutralize the Acid. High Alkalinity will create a constant high acid demand.

RAISING Total Alkalinity:

Use SODIUM BICARB (Alkalinity Up {Baking Soda]) to raise Alkalinity without raising the PH. Soda Ash will raise both at the same time. 20 oz of Alkalinity Up will raise your Alkalinity by ten ppm (10,000 gallons).

One final note: the type of Sanitizer you use will determine your total Alkalinity level.

If you use Trichlor 3" tablets, gas chlorine, or bromine, the Alkalinity should be kept in a higher range as each time these are added, it will lower the total Alkalinity.

A neutral sanitizer like Dichlor (granular chlorine) will not raise or lower total alkalinity, so keep it at 100 ppm.

High PH sanitizers like liquid chlorine and cal hypo (shock) will raise your pH and total alkalinity, so keep them in the low range of 80-100 ppm.

 

Cyanuric Acid (Conditioner) 50 ppm

You add this to your pool water to protect the chlorine from being burned off rapidly from the Sun's UV rays. The chlorine will only last hours without Cyanuric acid (CYA) in your pool water. The chlorine can last 5-10 times longer with the proper level. 

 

The ideal range is 30-50 ppm, although it is okay if it is 80-100 ppm. If it is any higher, the chlorine becomes less effective, and you will need more significant amounts of sanitizer in the water to maintain the chlorine level. 

 

Note that Trichlor tablets and Dichlor will both add significant amounts of CYA to your pool water. Limit the use of these, or your CYA can rise above 150 ppm or higher in one season.

 

Calcium Hardness 350 ppm

Your water source mainly determines this. The pool's calcium hardness will be high if your fill water is hard. The Ideal range varies with surface type, but 200-400 ppm is acceptable. 

 

If your Hardness is low:

Water balancing will be difficult

Etching of plaster

Corrosion of pool equipment

Eye and skin irritation

Foaming

 

To raise the calcium hardness, add calcium chloride.

 

High Hardness:

Scale formation on pool and equipment

Cloudy water

Eye & skin irritation

Water balancing will be difficult

 

To lower calcium hardness, you will need to drain all or some of the water and refill the pool.

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EASY Swimming Pool Variable Speed Pump Upgrade

The best way to save money is to cut into your monthly electricity bill and that is exactly what a VS pump does. Your standard pump runs at 3450 RPM (Rotations Per Minute) about 1800-2000 watts. A VS Pump can be set to different RPMs and at every lower RPM, the total wattage used is lowered. So just lowering the VS Pump down to 2100 RPM, cuts the watts down to 685 watts. At 2100 RPM the water will appear to flow just as strongly as a standard pump running at 3450 RPM. Cut it down even lower to 1200 RPM, and you are down to 165 watts. So instead of having twenty 100-watt light bulbs running you only have a little over one light bulb running each hour. This is the reason your electric bill can be cut almost in half by simply installing a VS Pump.

If your pool equipment pad runs off of 115V (120V) then the best VS pump for you will be one that matches your old 1 hp pump. Let me unpack this for you a bit more. VS pumps feature Dual Voltage which means that the pump will automatically recognize if your equipment is running off 115V or 230V and modulate the voltage. If you install, say, a 2.7 THP Hayward TriStar VS pump on a 115V equipment pad, it will modulate the voltage to 115V, but it will also downgrade the total horsepower to around 1.85 THP. So why pay extra for a 2.7 or 3 THP VS pump when a 1.5 or 1.65 THP pump suffices?

To make things even more complicated, let's say you have a Jandy Aqualink automated system, and you want to replace your single-speed pump with a VS pump. I highly suggest you go with a Jandy VS pump and not even consider Hayward or Pentair. Not because a Jandy VS pump is better, but because it is logical to match the VS pump to the same brand automation. Just like if you were remodeling your kitchen and you purchased a stainless-steel LG oven, LG microwave, and an LG refrigerator, it would make sense to get an LG Dishwasher. If you have Hayward or Pentair automation, the same concept applies; go with a Hayward VS pump or a Pentair VS pump, respectively. 

Let me step back to the THP of the VS pump and say you do not have an automated system. Matching your existing pump HP with a VS pump's THP is a pretty good rule of thumb. If you are replacing a 1 hp single-speed pump, you can quickly go with a 1 THP. 1.5 THP or 1.65 THP Vs pump. If you have a 1.5 hp single-speed pump, you can go with a 1.5 THP, 1.65 THP, or a 1.85 THP VS pump. If you have a 2 hp single-speed pump, you can go with a 2.7 THP or 3 THP VS pump. In the first two examples, a Pentair Superflo VST could be your best choice. The Pentair Superflo VS is one of my favorites as it is easy to program and very reliable. If you're looking at a 2.7 THP pump you may want to consider Leslie’s Jacuzzi JVS 2.7 THP or a Pentair Intelliflo 3 THP pump. 

A VS pump will save your customer money and will pay for itself in 2-3 years or less.

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