POOL MAINTENANCE IN PHOENIX, AZ AND SURROUNDING CITIES

If you are searching for “pool maintenance“, “pool maintenance phoenix“, “phoenix pool maintenance” or “phoenix pool maintenance and repair“, Orange Leaf Pool Care can help! To keep your pool water clean and clear, there are a few basic maintenance necessities. Read on to learn more about what products to use, how to test and how to care for your pool.

BEST OF ALL, OUR POOL SERVICE PLANS ARE MONTH TO MONTH ONLY! CANCEL ANYTIME!

POOL PUMPS AND CIRCULATION

The pump is the main component of pool water circulation. Pool pumps will move water from the pool, sending it through the filter to remove any dust, debris or dirt before sending it back into the pool.

HOW LONG SHOULD A POOL PUMP RUN?

There are many factors, such as size of the pool, pump and piping, that must go into determining how long your pump should run. Consult with the pool professionals if you are unsure about running your pump for a certain amount of time. Professionals will be able to figure out how long the pump should run based on your specific pool. One rule of thumb is your pump should run for at least 1 hour for every 10 degrees of temperature. Running the pump and circulating the water is the best way to prevent any future issues.

POOL FILTRATION SYSTEM

A pool filtration system’s job is to remove undissolved dirt and debris from your water. While the skimmer basket certainly plays a role in filtering the water, the main part of the system is the filter. Backwashing your sand filter or DE too often may result in the filter not reaching its full cleaning potential. Most filters will require backwashing whenever the pressure gauge gets to 8-10 psi from its clean pressure. Contact a pool professional to learn about the role that the pump and skimmer basket play in pool maintenance. Reference your owner’s manual for any specifics related to your filter type.

POOL FILTER TYPES

There are 3 different types of filters that are typically used in standard swimming pools. These filters below will help to remove any dirt/debris that has entered the water.

SAND FILTERS

Dirt/debris is removed from sand filters by reversing or backwashing the water flow. Whenever the pressure gauge hits 7-10 pounds beyond your normal pressure reading, it’s time to backwash the filter. Sand filters are actually more efficient when they are slightly dirty. However, it’s only necessary to backwash the filter during a pressure increase. These filters need to be cleaned every season using filter cleaner.

DE POOL FILTERS

A DE filter is very similar to sand, with the ability to clean it simply by backwashing the filter when pressure increase 7-10 pounds beyond normal. Once the filter has been backwashed, your next move is to add new DE to coat the grids in the filter. Do this by adding DE into the skimmer, removing oil that has built up within the water. The DE filter grid needs to be cleaned yearly with filter cleaner.

CARTRIDGE POOL FILTERS

Dirt will be removed from the cartridge filter when the pressure gauge increases 7-10 pounds past the normal pressure. At this time, it’s recommended to remove the cartridge from the filter and hose off any loose dirt/debris. Next, soak them in filter cleaner for at least 12 hours. This is done to remove any grease and oil stuck within the filter. Allow the filter to dry before reinstalling it.

TESTING AND BALANCING POOL CHEMICALS

The experts suggest testing your pool 2-3 times weekly during the summer and once per week during the winter to maintain safe water balance and sanitizer levels.

Test strips are the easiest way to test the water for the right total alkalinity, pH and sanitizer levels. Proper testing will also help to make sure your calcium levels are maintained and that there is no metal present in the water.

Your pool water needs to be balanced by the following levels.

WHAT TO TEST	CORRECT LEVEL
pH Levels	7.2 to 7.6 pH
Alkalinity Levels	120 to 150 ppm
Calcium Levels (Concrete Pool)	200 to 250 ppm
Calcium Levels (Vinyl Pool)	175 to 225 ppm
Chlorine Levels	1 to 3 ppm
Bromine Levels	3 to 5 ppm
Metal Levels (Copper)	0 ppm
Metal Levels (Iron)	0 ppm

BALANCING PH LEVELS

pH is a measure of your pool water’s base and acid. You need the pH of your pool to be both tested and adjusted on a weekly basis, when needed. If the pH drifts to being acidic, surface corrosion and equipment damage is possible. If the pH drifts to the base side, meanwhile, cloudy water, deposits and scaling can occur. On the pH scale 8.5, chlorine only needs to be 10% active. If it’s a 7.0, then the chlorine should be 73% active. Keeping your pH in check helps you use the full potential of the chlorine. To increase pH, use a pH increase. Use a pH decrease to lower the pH. Follow the label’s instructions for the right amount of product to use based on your pool’s size and test results.

CALCIUM LEVELS

The amount of dissolved calcium in the water is considered your calcium hardness. Low hardness levels can shorten the life of your vinyl liner. High calcium levels can create deposits left on surfaces and equipment. The typical range for calcium hardness is between 200-250 ppm (concrete pool). Vinyl pools should have a hardness between 175-225 ppm.

CHLORINE LEVELS

A stabilized chlorine product helps to kill bacteria and stabilize the water overall. Most stabilized chlorine products are available in the following forms:

Skimmer Sticks
Chlorinating Granules
1-3-Inch Chlorinated Tablets

ALKALINITY LEVELS

Total alkalinity needs to be monitored and maintained to ensure pH doesn’t go up or down. Test your pool water every week to see if the total alkalinity is where it needs to be (between 120-150 ppm). Low alkalinity causes pH fluctuations. Meanwhile, high alkalinity can result in fluctuations and cloudy water.

PREVENT GREEN POOL WATER

It’s important to shock your pool on a regular basis to keep the water clean and clear. Algaecides will act as backups to your normal sanitization programs and prevent any algae from growing and thriving in your pool area. Algaecides should be added to the pool water after each and every shock treatment.

HIGHLY TRAINED & TRUSTED POOL TECHNICIANS!

NO CONTRACTS. NO OBLIGATIONS.

We want you to trust our technician! This is why we only hire trained professionals, and run background checks on every single one of our employees to ensure your backyard is always a safe space. Our vetted and highly trained pool technician are designated to your weekly service!

WE WORK WITH YOU TO FIND AN EASY MONTHLY PAYMENT THAT FITS NOT JUST YOUR POOL NEEDS, BUT YOURS AS WELL.

No contracts ever! Our agreement is only month to month, and you can opt out at any time for a full pro-rated refund. Don’t hesitate! Contact Orange Leaf Pool Care right away to get started!