Swimming Pool Help

Fun and Relaxation Time!!!

2012-02-22T11:21:00.000-08:00

Swim Clear Pool Supply brings more excitement, enjoyment, and relaxation to your swimming pool with the launch of a full line of Floats, Toys and Games.

Control Your Swimming Pool From Your Smart Phone

2012-02-21T12:07:00.000-08:00

No more getting cold just to turn on the pool equipment. No more coming home and having to wait 30-45 mins for the spa to heat after a long day at the office. No more kids bothering you to turn on the pool so they can go swimming and you not being able to do so. Zodiac brings your swimming pool controls right to your finger tips using your smart phone, computer, or IPad. Whether you have a existing Aqualink with out an Aqua Palm, an AquaLink with an Aqua Palm, a pool with no automation, or a pool and spa combo with no automation here is a solution for you to make your life easier.

Check it out at Swim Clear Pool Supply for more details or follow the specific link for your pool.

Wishing you a very Merry Christmas

2011-12-21T12:34:00.000-08:00

From our family to yours, have a very Merry Christmas!

-Swim Clear Pool Supply-

Extend Your Swimming Season.

2011-10-08T12:36:00.000-07:00

A swimming pool is an expensive investment, so why not get the most use out of it that you can. how about a relatively inexpensive option that can also save you money. Try a Solar Cover from Swim Clear Pool Supply.

Solar Pool Covers heat by day and insulate at night. If left on when the swimming pool is not in use during the day, the solar pool covers allow the sun's rays to pass through the bubbles to heat the pool water during the day. Leave the solar pool cover on at night and the bubbles act as an insulator minimizing heat loss. Our heavy mil solar pool covers use the sun's energy to give your heater time off and help slash fuel bills. They will raise your existing water temperature by 10 to 15 degrees while reducing evaporation of water and chemical consumption. Easily trim all of our solar pool covers with scissors to fit any pool.

Fall Approaches (Part 1)

2011-09-17T19:56:00.000-07:00

Summer, believe it or not is almost here, which means one thing. Get ready for Fall and leaves. The next few posts will give you some great ideas to save you time and head ache this fall season.

In Texas, with the drought that has been going on, leaves are already falling. You might want to use that pool a few more times prior to covering but your skimmers and pump baskets are filling up. Replace those baskets with an Extra Heavy Duty Basket. The normal baskets you buy from the retail outlets are generic cheap baskets that the first time they over load they split sending a potential clog right through the pipes. These extra heavy duty baskets from valpak are designed to keep the leaves where they are caught. Check them out at Swim Clear Pool Supply.com

It's only July and my pool is as hot as a bath tub!

2011-07-02T19:46:00.000-07:00

Hot dry weather turning that cool oasis in your back yard into an unconfortable out door bath tub? Swim Clear Pool Supply has the affordable answer.

The Glacier Pool Coolers are the perfect answer to uncomfortably warm swimming pools. Our swimming pool chiller is designed to solve the problem of hot pool water. The Glacier Pool Cooler is a solution that is affordable, easy to install, and inexpensive to operate. Our coolers are electric fan cooling systems that require no Freon or gas to operate.

Residential pools come in all shapes, sizes, and finishes. Glacier Pool Coolers has created a unit to fit your pool’s needs.

The ICE CUBE (GPC-23) is designed for small play pools less than 10,000 gallons.

The ICE BLOCK (GPC-25) will efficiently cool a pool up to 20,000 gallons.

The ICEBERG (GPC-210) can cool larger backyard pools up to 30,000 gallons.

However, if your pool has a pebble finish (any color), quartz, tile, or any dark colored plaster bottom and your pool volume is close to the gallon limits above, you should go up one size when choosing your unit.Not only will your pool be refreshing during those hot summer months but your pool water chemistry will be easier to maintain.A 10 degree drop in water temperature (95' to 85') can result in a savings of 20-25% on chemical consumption.

The New MX8 by Baracuda

2011-06-10T19:36:00.000-07:00

Swim Clear Pool Supply brings you the newest most technologically advanced suction cleaner available for residential pools. Now for a limited time with a $100 rebate.

Combat debris with the Baracuda® MX™8, the high-performance suction pool cleaning robot that cleans faster and more aggressively than any cleaner in its class. It utilizes Cyclonic Suction technology to capture maximum debris while maintaining cleaning power. The Baracuda MX 8 features X-Drive navigation intelligence for X-treme floor and wall cleaning. No more time wasted battling a filthy pool. Eliminate your call of duty and claim victory over debris. Includes 36' of hose.

Click to watch video.

How your water chemisrty effects your pocket book.

2011-05-13T18:36:00.000-07:00

See what happens to you when you do not check your water chemistry!!!

Normally the first thing that comes to mind with improperly balance swimming pool water is algae. And rightfully so, which obviously impacts the pocket book trying to treat the algae.

How much did you spend on the last algae treatment?

Improperly kept water chemistry can affect you another way a you may not even notice. As the heat rises so does the chemical usage but here is a helpful tip, have all the chemical levels tested and balance them. A good example of of how it can cost you is seen most often in salt water pools. Unlike using tablet chlorine which adds a "top off" of cyanuric acid (Stabilizer) with each tablet, in a salt unless you are subsidising with more stabilizer then the level will drop. With a lack of an adequate amount of stabilizer the chlorine in the swimming pool burns out faster thus the more need for chlorine, thus the burning sensation in the pocket book.

Spring Filter Cleans

2011-03-15T19:01:00.000-07:00

We hope your enjoying the beautiful Spring weather. It is time to start getting ready for swimming season. If you are following our schedule, it is time for your six month filter clean. Find great information on these two posts "Are my DE Filter grids in need of replacement?" and "DE Filter tip #1 " Brought to you from Swim Clear.

Salt System with an EASY Installation

2011-03-10T11:41:00.000-08:00

Have you been looking to convert your swimming pool to a salt water pool. Swim Clear Pool Supply brings you the the world’s first DIY Salt Water Sanitation System: the Jandy® AquaPure® EiTM, a compact, self-contained system. This is by far the easiest salt system to install on the market today. You can follow the installation guide by clicking here.

Featuring 120V plug-in convenience, the AquaPure Ei is very simple to install, taking just three easy steps and requiring zero pipe cutting. It is thoroughly backed by Zodiac with direct access to technical support. Salt water sanitizing has never been this easy or affordable.

Convert your swimming pool to a salt water swimming pool in less then an hour with the Jandy® AquaPure®

Is It Really O.K. For Pets To Drink The Pool Water?

2011-02-26T22:32:00.000-08:00

There are alot of pet owner who also own swimming pools, and there always arises the question of... Is it safe to allow your pet to drink the pool water?

It is recommended that you pet owners limit the amount of pool water intake of your family pet. The chemicals used to maintain proper pool balance is not good for regular drinking for not only pets, but humans as well. Keep as much fresh water outside as possible to limit the pool water drinking. If you pet is free to travel in and out of the house, then keep just as much fresh water inside as outside of the home for your pet to drink.

Vets have said that too much intake of chlorinated water will destroy the good bacteria in pets that helps with digestion, which will cause them to get sick. Watch your pets closely if in fact he/she is drinking out of the pool regularly, as it could cause consistent diarrhea, constipation, and even vomiting.

If at all possible, try to prevent your pets from drinking your pool water, so the possibility of future health problems can not occur.

Warmer Weather, Pool Opening Time?

2011-02-25T13:14:00.000-08:00

Finally past the freezing temperatures “we hope” and into some warm weather, it time to start thinking about routine Spring maintenance/start ups. It is always a good idea to start early so you can enjoy your swimming pool when the time is right.
Eight steps to help you get started
1. Check all pool equipment for leaks. A proper equipment pad should be dry and no air in the system.
2. Lubricate all o-rings including Lid, backwash valve, etc.
3. With sand filters, open to check sand quality and level.
4. With DE filters, it is a good time to take the filter a part, clean and inspect the grids. If you are following Swim Clear Pool Supply's time line March is the month to do it.
5. With cartridge filters open, clean and check cartridges for damage or wear.
6. Start and test all equipment pad equipment. Test the spa blower, Heater, Lights, etc.
7. Take the pool cleaner out of the water to check for wearing parts and replace as necessary
8. Do a full water balance test and make appropriate adjustments

Finding the opportunity now can save you time and money later!

Tired of Dirty Spas and Corners?

2011-02-18T10:58:00.000-08:00

Some common question swimming pool owners ask about their swimming pool/spa is "What is an easy way to clean the spa?" or " My pool cleaner does a good job but it always misses the steps or one particular corner, is there an easy way to clean it? Well we have the answer!

Swim Clear Pool Supply brings you a portable easy to use option for cleaning the pool. The lightweight, powerful Pool Buster is the world's first and only rechargeable, Battery Powered, Self Contained Underwater Super Pool Cleaner. Its state-of-the-art, design is truly the first new cleaning technology to come along in over 40 years. The powerful Pool Buster is far more than a hand-held, spot-cleaner.The Pool Buster can be hand held to clean easy to reach portions of your pool or spa, that automatic cleaners usually miss, such as steps. By quickly and easily snapping onto any telescopic pole you can reach areas of the pool like the floor in the deep end, walls, in and around ladders, corners and drains. It is a Total, All-Pool Cleaning System that easily and affordably makes cleaning an entire Pool, Spa, Hot Tub or Fountain a breeze.

5 Steps To Protect Your Swimming Pool From Freeze Damage When The Equipment Fails

2011-02-09T07:20:00.000-08:00

A second Winter blast hits North Texas in less than two weeks. The pool equipment for most of this time has been running nonstop as temperatures have been struggling to get above freezing during this cold spell. This amount of run time places a tremendous amount of stress on the equipment. So what happens if the pool equipment shuts down while its below freezing for any reason? If no action is taken, a large and costly amount of freeze damage can occur. Below are 5 steps to prevent freeze damage should the pool equipment fail at any time during freezing temperature.

1. Ensure mail power is turned off either through the breaker or main kill switch. This is done because if the pool equipment turns on after the following steps are preformed, additional damage can occur through the pump running dry.

2. Open lids to pool pump(s), chlorinator, or any items with removable lids excluding filter. It is a good idea to keep lids slightly on to prevent anything getting in them.

3. Open any air relief valves.

4. Remove all drain plugs. This includes all pumps (most pumps have 2 plugs), booster pump, filter, heater, etc.

5. Covering the equipment with a blanket is not necessary however a good idea.

Note, before pool equipment can be operational again, all plugs must be re-installed, lids tightened and pump re primed with water.

Swim Clear Pool Service is also available for addition questions

Related Post 5 Steps to Protect From Freeze Damage (Equipment Running)

5 Steps to Protect the Swimming Pool from Freeze Damage (Equipment running)

2011-02-02T09:33:00.000-08:00

Global warming really takes its hold on Dallas with for straight days of below freezing temperatures and more snow/ice then we have seen in a while. Ha Ha. Here are 5 steps to protect your swimming pool and pool equipment from freezing weather.

As long as your swimming pool equipment IS operating properly follow these 5 steps.

1. At all cost leave pool pump running (The freeze guard should do this for you)

2. Maintain proper water level in pool. It is a good idea to leave the garden hose in the garage so that it is needed to fill the pool the hose is not frozen over. Auto water levelers can freeze over in these conditions so do not take the water level for granted.

3. Open all lines so water may move freely through the pipes. Some valves may be open less than others to prevent higher flows such as water falls and fountains. Spa suction should only be turned on enough to allow some flow, ensure that there is more water flowing into the spa than being pulled out otherwise you may drain the spa. Remember is a valve is shut, no water will be moving and that line now has a possibility of freezing. (Note, fountains being left on may over spray the deck, or freeze on the rocks. Not only does this present a dangerous slipping potential but it also removes water from the pool.)

4. Ensure proper water flow. Even though it is painfully cold to stick the hand in the water, your skimmer baskets and pump basket must remain free and clear.

5. It is not a bad idea to insulate the pipes. Even though there is water moving through the pipes, insulating them protect the pipes if something happens to the pump and it shuts down.

Follow Swim Clear Pool Supply and Swim Clear Pool Service for more tips on maintaining your swimming pool

How Cold Weather Effects Swimming Pools (Part 3) Freeze Damage

2011-02-02T07:48:00.000-08:00

Hard Freeze Hits Dallas...Hopefully the freeze guard has kept the pool running. Now Texas is in an electricity usage emergency and has begun rolling black outs. So what is the potential for the average swimming pool? Unfortunately a lot of damage. The important thing is to keep the pool running as much as you can to keep the circulation going.

During a rolling blackout, power outage, or even a pump going out, it will not take long in freezing temperatures for damage to occur. If you know for sure the power is not coming on for longer than an hour or the pump is dead, pull out all the drain plugs on all equipment including the pump, filter, booster pump, and heater. Open any lids like the chloinator lid or air reliefs to allow proper drainage. If possible, cover all the equipment with a blanket (only if the system is not going to turn on).

So what is the potential damage even if the pump is running. Many pools are designed in such a way that not all the plumbing lines are used at the same time such as a spa line, fountain line, or even a fountain pump. Just because they are not being used does not mean that they are not full of water. During these long sustained freezes, these plumbing lines are very susceptible to freeze damage. The initial prevention is to allow water flow through all the lines (open all the valves). Please note, if it has been freezing for some time already, it may be too late to open the lines. In fact, you might do more harm than good opening the lines after it has been freezing. In the event you notice cracked piping, do not turn the swimming pool pump off if it is still running. The freeze damage will most likely be isolated to the pipes that did not have water running through them so keeping the rest of the pool running is still a priority.

So whats to be done if you have cracked plumbing? As much prevention as mentioned above first, then once we thaw out, call your swimming pool professionals. As always Swim Clear Pool Service is here for you in the North Dallas, Frisco, McKinney and surrounding areas.

Zodiac 2011 Automatic Pool Cleaner Rebates are here!!!

2011-01-21T12:59:00.000-08:00

Instead of continuing pouring money into your old swimming pool cleaner, Now is the time to upgrade into a new one. Zodiac 2011 Automatic Pool Cleaner Rebates are here. Great savings on the following

Polaris 3900 Sport $100 Trade Up
Polaris 380 $100
Polaris 360 $50 Rebate

Zodiac G3 $50

Polaris ATV $75

Don't miss these savings and more at Swim Clear Pool Supply.

How Cold Weather Effects Swimming Pools (Part 2)

2011-01-12T14:36:00.000-08:00

Freezing temperatures and non circulating swimming pools is a bad combination. One of the most common problems found with freeze guards is that the thermostat is not registering the freezing temps or that the thermostat is registering incorrectly. Either way if it is below freezing and your pump is not running, costly freeze damage is likely to occur. Note that it is common for the freeze guard to register about a 5 degree difference from the outside temperature. This is why the freeze guard should be set to 38 to compensate. If set properly and you have to set the thermostat 10 degrees higher just to turn the pump on, it might be time to replace the thermostat. The good news is it is generally an easy replacement that the average handy home owner can do.

How Cold Weather Effects Swimming Pools (Part 1)

2011-01-08T07:19:00.000-08:00

As the cold winter blast hits North Texas, pool owners should be aware of the effects on the swimming pool equipment. As the water temperature drops salt systems are impacted. You may have already noticed your salt system say something like "chlorinator off, low temp." Most Salt systems are designed to shut down between 50 and 55 degrees. For example, if you have an Aquarite Salt system, your system will turn off at 50 degrees per the manual. This is usually not a problem because bacteria and algae stop growing at this temperature. You can override
this low temperature cutoff by switching to SUPER CHLORINATE for a day. The important thing to remember is that even though it takes longer for the chlorine to dissipate, monitoring the chlorine level and adjusting as need should still be done.

You Get What you Pay For When Shopping for Chemicals.

2010-10-19T13:37:00.000-07:00

This is a message to all the swimming pool owners trying to save a buck.

Pool chemicals are pool chemicals so it does not matter where I buy them from right?

This could not be further from the truth. Here is an examples of this. Recently a customer was trying to find out why they kept having algae in their pool. When they let me know where they received there chemicals from it was obvious. This particular "Big Box" retailer had a watered down version of the chemicals needed. Their Calcium Hypochlorite (shock) had a 45% available chlorine. The normal out there is 60-65% and higher from the smaller retail shops.

So whats the difference, all you have to do is add extra right? With that thought process, where did your cost savings go and secondly what is in the remaining 55%. The remaining 55% is calcium and fillers that saturate a swimming pool causing a need to drain the swimming pool earlier than it should have been.

understand, it does not stop with the shock, tablets and most other chemicals are the same. Our suggestion to you is to do your homework when it comes to chemical shopping and not just buy the cheapest but go for quality.

ARMING FOR BATTLE

2010-09-29T13:44:00.000-07:00

Getting ready to battle with the Fall leaves in your swimming pool? The best way to make this Fall less of a leaf-ache is to be prepared. Of course the the best thing to do would be to cover the pool. As we spoke in the previous blog, there are many different types of covers for in ground and above ground pools such as the mesh, leaf and solid covers. Maybe you are not planning on covering your swimming pool or maybe you are just a bit late and looking for a useful item to clean out the pool. Try the Jandy Leaf Master , easy to use, just attach a pole and a garden hose and your off. The trick on the Jandy Leaf Master is to move slowly. Swim Clear Pool Supply has these and more useful Fall items on sale now.

Getting ready for Fall

2010-09-23T15:22:00.000-07:00

Swim Clear Pool Supply is getting you ready for Fall with some great savings!!! Check us out at http://www.swimclearpoolsupply.com/ to make your Fall swimming pool cleaning cheap and easy. Sale items on Pool cleaner bags, Leaf rakes, Brushes and more.

Time to Think About Covering the Swimming Pool

2010-09-16T14:31:00.000-07:00

It is hard to believe but fall is right around the corner. Which means the falling of leaves and seeds is almost here. This year why not save the hassle of netting the leaves and acorns and Cover your swimming pool. Visit our previous blogs of "Are you ready for Fall" for great tips to get you prepared for Fall. You can also find information on the many varieties of Swimming Pool Covers Swim Clear Pool Supply has to offer. Don't know which cover to get? Search "Choosing the right winter cover" in our blog and get detailed descriptions to make the best decision.

Give yourself time to enjoy the Fall!

September Filter Cleans

2010-09-03T19:04:00.000-07:00

Keep your swimming pool crystal clear and have your filter last longer by doing the proper maintenance on your Diatomaceous Earth (D.E.) filter. At Swim Clear Pool Supply we follow the manufactures recommendation of performing filter cleans every six months. It is now time for the September filter cleans.

See our previous post DE Filter Tip #3 for more detail on filter cleans.

Follow this blog and we will remind you each six months about your filter cleans.

Steps to Determining The Location of a Swimming Pool Leak

2010-08-23T08:01:00.000-07:00

If you determine that your pool is losing water, first identify if your circulation system is the cause or is the water loss through a crack in the pool. This can be done by runing the pump for 24 hours, then leaving the pump off for 24 hours and noting how far the water dropped during each scenario. Waterfalls and fountain play a large role in water loss so leave them off during this process. If water loss is the same in both scenarios you have determined a leak in the pool structure. If water loss is significantly greater or less when pump is running, there is a good chance the leak is in the plumbing or pool equipment.

Step two.

If in the above scenario you determine the pool itself is leaking, simply shut off the pool and allow the water to drop. Once the water level stops dropping, look for cracks or gaps in plaster.

If water stops at the light, the lines behindthe fixture could be cracked.
If the water drops below the light, then there may be a leak in the drain at the bottom the pool.

Step Three.

If you suspect you have a leak in the filtration system these clues may help you pinpoint the location:

If you see bubbles in the return water when the pool's pump is running, it's likely there's a leak in the suction side of the filtration system.

If the pool is losing more water while running the pump, then water is being lost on the return side of the system.

If you have moved into step three and the leak is on the suction side of the system, have your swimming pool proffetional come out to identify the problem. Remember if you are local to Dallas you can contact Swim Clear Pool Service.

If you have moved into step three and the leak is on the return side but you do not see any evidence of leaks around your equipment, we at SCPS recommend contacting American Leak Detection

Swimming Pool Leak or Normal Water Loss?

2010-08-18T14:21:00.000-07:00

With 100 degree temperatures water loss in a swimming pool is inevitable. However, are you loosing water due to evaporation or a leak?

A typical pool will loose about a 1/4 inch of water a day due to evaporation. Other factors that can play a role in the loss of swimming pool water is splash out, waterfalls and fountains. If you are loosing more water than you believe you should be, here are some tips on what to look for.

Algae or other persistent water quality problems indicating imbalances in the chemistry can occur when a leak prevents the water level from staying constant;
Loose tiles or cracks in the pool deck;
Cracks inside of skimmers;
Cracks and gaps in the Plaster (sometimes followed with rust spots coming from the cracks); or
Water-saturated soils in the area around the pool, pool pumps or plumbing.

One of the most common ways to identify if you have a leak is the bucket test.

The bucket test: Place a bucket filled with pool water on a pool step (weight it with a rock or brick). Mark the water level on both the inside and the outside of the bucket. The starting point levels should be about the same. Keep all fountains and waterfalls off and pool unused for 24 hours. Check the mark 24 hours later. If there's a greater drop in the line on the outside of the bucket, a leak in the pool is indicated.

Follow our post for steps on determining the location of your swimming pool leak.

These posts brought to you from Swim Clear Pool Supply and Swim Clear Pool Service

Swim Clear Pool Supply Joins Facebook

2010-08-12T14:33:00.000-07:00

Stay in touch with Swim Clear Pool Supply updates now on Facebook. Just search for Swim Clear Pool Supply and become a fan. We look forward to seeing you there!!!

Three Awesome Ways To Clean Those Dirty Swimming Pool Tiles

2010-08-09T15:07:00.001-07:00

Tired of the dirty, scaly, dingy tiles around your swimming pool? How about the white mustache coming from the spa overflow or the swimming pool water falls. Swim Clear Pool Supply has a solution.

The easy to use stain removers eliminate most types of stains and deposits including: rust, calcium scale, calcium deposits and many other stains. They will not scratch or gouge (when using proper eraser on appropriate surface). Use by hand or attach to any standard telepole.

The Stain Eraser shown to the right is perfect for the organic stains on the swimming pool surface like leaves, dirt or crape myrtles. This can also be used to clean your tile from the oily residue left from suntan lotions or tree pollen.

The Pumice stone shown here in the center of the page is an easy to use hand held tile cleaner. Just like the stain eraser, the Pumice Stone is perfect for the oily residue left from suntan lotions and tree pollen.

And to your left is the ultimate calcium fighter the Kalcium Killer. Provides instant results and makes cleaning the calcium off your tile much quicker then waiting for the harsh chemicals to dissolve them. Uses no chemicals and works wet or dry.

5 Easy Steps to Summer Time Swimming Pool Care

2010-08-03T12:31:00.000-07:00

1. Swimming pool equipment should be running at a minimum of 8hrs per day and during hottest part of the day.

2. Check chemical levels daily. At a minimum check sanitizer and P.H. every day, Alkalinity 1 time per week, and all other tests should be at least monthly.

3. Add chemicals as needed and shock once per week regardless of your sanitizer level.

4. Follow your routine maintenance schedule. If you need help here visit the post "10 steps to maintain your swimming pool"

5. Maintain appropriate water level. With the heat comes usage of pool meaning splash out, and heavy evaporation. Low swimming pool water can lead to pump damage and other costly problems like algae.

Swimming pool chemicals are hazardis

2010-07-27T14:11:00.000-07:00

Swimming Pool chemical incident reports become more and more numerous during the summer. It is often forgotten just how extremely dangerous swimming pool chemicals can be if not handled correctly.

You have a pound of your old shock (dichlor) and you need a second pound so you go to your new shock (Cal hypo), so mixing them together would not be a problem for this time would it? Possibly common yet potentially deadly "accidents" is to mix Calcium Hypochlorite, Dichlor and water. The result from this mixture is an explosion and a thick yellow "mustard gas".

As always, you should always follow the label for directions. You may have other things to accomplish, but working with chemicals should always be done carefully.

2010-06-17T19:34:00.000-07:00

Swim Clear Pool Supply, striving to bring you the best swimming pool products brings you Val Pak extra heavy duty replacement skimmer baskets. With more to come, replace your Sta-Rite U-3 skimmer, the Hayward SP-1070 Skim master skimmer, Pentair Bermuda skimmer and more, with a Val Pak extra heavy duty skimmer basket and save your self time and money from replacing basket after basket. These baskets are made stronger and designed to last.

Val Pack swimming pool pump baskets are soon to come.

CLOUDY SWIMMING POOL WATER? Part 1

2010-05-07T11:34:00.000-07:00

Are you having trouble with cloudy swimming pool water? Here are some tips on where to start to resolve your problem.

First, the most common cause of cloudy swimming pool water is the water chemistr balance not in balance. Chlorine between 1.0 to 3.0 ppm, PH from 7.4 to 7.6, Alkilintity between 80 and 120 (fiberglass and vinal pools no lower than 100), Calcium between 200 and 400, Stabilizer from 40 to 60, and todal disolve solids no higher than 2000. If even one of these is out of range or has been out of range recently, it could cause you to have cloudy swimming pool water. Here are some cause and effects for you.

Clorine is too low -the onset of algae can occure. With a low clorine, typically before you even spot the algae your water will turn cloudy.

PH above 7.8. - The PH in your swimming pool has a direct impact on the effectiveness of your chlorine. Too high PH brings the effectiveness of your chlorine down therefore a high PH is close to the same as not having any chlorine.

Alkalinity out of range creates a "PH bounce" meaning the PH can be very hard to control.

Calcium too high - Think of it this way, if you have a glass of water and you continue to place sugar in it eventually the water will no longer dissolve the sugar, the water is now "saturated". After the calcium level reaches 400 the water becomes saturated and now the calcium has no where to go which leads to build up on the walls and tile. Because of the way that this occurs you might only notice the clouding when you are in the pool or brushing the pool.

Similar as the calcium total dissolved solids or TDS will act the same.

That said, the first step in resolving your cloudy water is to adjust your chemicals appropriately. Understand that even if you adjust the chemicals properly it may take additional chemicals like a clarifier to clear the water.

See more tips in upcoming swimming pool help blogs brought to you by Swim Clear Pool Supply

Salt Systems....What are they?

2010-04-20T09:51:00.000-07:00

One of the most popular pool systems out right now is the salt system or chlorine generators. Many questions are raised as to the system and how it is used:

What is a salt system?

Salt systems are generators that electronically make pure chlorine from salt added to the pool water. As the salt passes through a electronic cell, the electrode plates within that cell converts the salt into chlorine. (The salt cell is plumbed into the return pvc line after the filter, or heater if you have one.) Once the chlorine is used up, it is converted to chloride and recycled through the cell again to be converted back into salt as a continuous process during a pool's run cycle. This eliminates the use of buying and storing chlorine compounds (buckets), and even eliminates the handling of chlorine chemicals.

Who can use salt systems?

Any pool can use a salt system if they choose. Salt systems can be used on in-ground pools, above-ground pool, gunite pools, fiberglass pools, and even intex pools.

Is salt system pools like being at the ocean?

No, in fact salt systems require between 2,500 to 6,000 parts per million of salt depending on the salt system you have and the size of the salt system you have. Ocean water has a solidity of over 35,000 parts per million. A tear has over 7,000 part per million of salt content. So, in contrast, the pool has a significantly low amount of salt content in it.

Do I need my pump and filter when I get a salt system?

Yes. The salt system does not replace your existing pump and filter. The system's only job is to convert the salt into chlorine. It will need the pool pump to move the water through the cell and it will need the pool filter to clean the dirty pool water before entering the salt water through the cell. The salt system is an added unit to your existing pump and filter.

Do I add salt every week or every month?

One and initial amount of salt is added to a pool to reach that 2,500 to 6,000 parts per million range, only small amounts of salt is needed a few times a year. The salt will not leave the pool unless water is physically removed from the pool due to pool overflow, backwashing, leaks, or splash-out. The salt system will usually have an LED display on it to show the parts per million of salt the pool currently has. Also there are salt system test strips you can purchase to test the amount of salt in the pool manually.

Do salt systems eliminate the need to test my water?

No. The pool owner will still need to maintain good pool water balance in order to allow the pump to work well, the filter to clean pool water well, and the salt system to generate salt well. Testing at least once a week is good, but twice a week is better whether you have a salt system or not. Test strips or liquid water testing kits will both work well to help keep the water chemistry balanced.

I hope that these few Q&A's help a little with regards to salt system knowledge. If you have any other questions regarding salt systems or any pool question, please let us hear them and we will gladly service you with a correct answer. info@swimcleartx.com

Water Chemistry

2010-04-15T18:06:00.000-07:00

The importance of maintaining water chemistry goes without say. Improperly maintained water chemistry can be a costly problem that if not corrected in a timely manor can lead to algae issues or worst yet, damage to your swimming pool equipment of swimming pool surface. Click here for more information on Swimming pool water chemistry.

Tips brought to you by Swim Clear Pool Supply

Service Tech Tip (Primeing the Pump)

2010-03-24T14:27:00.000-07:00

Being the responsible pool owner you are, you are following your normal routine of at least once per week emptying your pump basket. After tightening the lid and turning the pump back on you notice no water is running through the pump. Understanding that most pumps installed on swimming pools are self-priming, there is always a reason your pump will not catch prime that you need to identify. For example, if the pump lid is not all the way tightened down (remember not to over tighten). Check the lid o-ring for cracks, debris, or indentations, if any of these are present, replace the 0-ring. Even if you left the lid off for too long, this allows the pipes to flood with air and makes it more difficult to prime. There are other reason such as suction leaks that may be causing the problem as well. Once the problem has been identified and resolved it is time to prime the pump.
Here is a step by step procedure to priming your pump after any challenges are resolved.
1. With the pump turned off, open the pump lid
2. Turn off suction valves leaving only one suction line open. (if you have a spa it is usually easiest to leave the spa line open.
3. Run garden hose water into pump for 2 mins. (pump will most likely over flow, this is ok as what you are doing is flooding the line with water.)
4. This is the important part...After the 2 mins is up, as fast as yo can, pull the hose out, put the lid on and turn on the pump. THEN you can turn off the garden hose. This is important because once you take the hose out, air can get back into the line if you are not quick enough.
5. Once the pump has re-primed, SLOWLY open the suction valves one at a time. Air from the lines can cause you to loose prime again, so normally closing the line you just opened and giving it a minute will allow the pump to restart.

Congratulations, you just primed a pump!!!

These tech tips are brought to you by Swim Clear Pool Supply.com and Swim Clear Pool Service

Pool Safety

2010-03-04T12:33:00.000-08:00

Now that the swim season is almost here, it is not only time to get those pools, equipment, cleaners, and cleaning attachments checked out, but you also want to make sure your back yard oasis is safe. Pool safety is more important to us here than pool fun. If a pool is safe, then the fun is enjoyed even more.

The first layer of protection is your house. Make sure doors and windows are locked and any and all alarms are installed and operational. Check those doors and windows every day.

The area between the house and the pool is of great concern simply because it requires continuous Adult supervision. (Notice the word "adult" is in all caps)
Adults, only, should be responsible for supervising in and around the pool. Consider installing a safety fence or gates around the pool. Motion-sensored lights, and maybe even a camera/baby monitor is a good defense as well. Also, keep hanging tree limbs and pool furniture from being too close to the pool. If you have back yard appliances, or wired electronics, they should be at lease 6 ft. or more away from the water.

The pool itself carries the greatest amount of risk, and also requires continuous Adult supervision. Installing a pool alarm is a great way to be alerted if a sudden disturbance occurs along the pool's surface. Also make sure the pool area is equipped with emergency equipment (i.e. life rings, life hook, telepole, first aid kit, and maybe even an outdoor telephone). Never leave kids, or even pets unsupervised while they are in and around the pool. If you need to go into the house, bring them with you. Even if you think you will be away for only a second or two. A pool emergency happens in seconds.

Taking every, safety first, steps when in and around the pool will definitely make this and every swim season that much more enjoyable.

March Filter Clean Time

2010-03-01T13:11:00.000-08:00

It is that time again. If you are following this swimming pool help blog for your swimming pool filter clean schedule it is once again time to take that filter a part and clean it. Remember just like your house or your car, your swimming pool filter will last much longer if you give it proper care.
If you live in the North Dallas area Swim Clear Pool Service is here for your filter cleaning needs.

Is Your Swimming Pool Ready for Spring?

2010-02-27T13:39:00.000-08:00

Spring, it is getting closer beleive it or not. Which means it is time to start getting those pools ready. Now that your pool cleaner has taken a beating with fall and the cold temperatures, its time to repair, rebuild or posibly replace.

We see many home owners take their swimming pool automatic cleaners into a shop to have them worked on, but in all honesty, having worked on them for many years they are rather simplistic to work on. So if you have a handy bone in your body, before you take your pool cleaner to a shop, take a look at it your self. For example, one of the most popular pool cleaners is the Polaris 380. Your wearable parts that should be checked out regularly are your tail scrubber, wear rings on the tail, and tires. After that, check for leaks in the swivel connectors on the hose (small amounts of dripping is normal). One the head unit, when you spin one wheel, all three wheels should turn at the same time. If this is not the case, typically one or both of the belts are broken. Finally just a quick inspection of the belts to verify there is no fraying. Checking the bearings is as simple as checking for space within the bearing keeper and wobble. Typically if 4 or more bearings need to be replaced it is recommended to replace all of them.

It may sound complicated but it is not. One concept to remember is that just because you replace the broken parts, watch for items that may be worn that might be causing other items to break. A good example for this is gear driven pool cleaners. Unlike the belt driven Polaris 380, the gear driven Polaris 180 and 280 are notoriously for this. The teeth on the wheel of the Polaris 180/280 may be torn off or flattened, but what could have caused that is the teeth on the drive shaft may be worn down causing this. One step further, is the drive shaft bearings are loose, then they could be causing both problems. This may sound confusing but in the end they are simple machines.

Don't forget Swim Clear Pool Supply has all your swimming pool cleaner parts needs from all the top brands like Hayward, Polaris, Jandy and Pentair. More swimming pool help tips to come from your swimming pool help blog.

Swim Clear Pool Service Expands

2010-02-24T14:56:00.001-08:00

Swim Clear Pool Service is pleased to announce we are now servicing the Garland, Rockwall, Rowlett areas of North Dallas. So if you are in those areas and are in need of swimming pool service visit our web site and check us out.

As always if you are in need of quality swimming pool products you can always go to www.swimclearpoolsupply.com no matter where you live.

Price Does Matter!!!

2010-02-18T16:11:00.000-08:00

During these economic times, everyone wants to get a fair price on the goods and services that they need. Swim Clear Pool Supply prides itself on delivering quality name brand pool supplies at a great price to you the customer. Our parts and items by such name brand companies as Polaris, Hayward, Pentair, Sta-Rite, and the likes, means you are getting well established company products at a price that it near other big-name online companies or even better. Here are a few of Swim Clear Pool Supplies products, and how they compare with prices of other online big-name companies:

- ----------------Swim Clear -Leslie's Pool Supply -Water Wharehouse

POL Tail Scrubber ------$ 3.99 -----$ 5.89 ---------$ 7.53

POL Sweep Tail ---------$ 24.99 ----$ 25.99 -------$ 39.50

2 H.P. Motor ------------$369.99 ----$389.99 -----Do Not Sell

48 S.F. D.E. Grid Full ---$ 23.99----- $ 33.99 --------$ 29.47

Zodiac Duo Clear Salt
System (45,000 Gal) --$1,599.99 ---$1,729.99----- Do Not Sell

Rainbow 320 Inline
Chlorinator -------------$ 78.99----- $ 79.99 --------$ 101.99

As you can see by some of these examples, Swim Clear Pool Supply offers you, the customer, quality name brand products at a price you know will meet and even beat some of the top name online pool supply companies in the market today.

Snow Storm Breaks Records in Dallas

2010-02-15T20:03:00.000-08:00

Wow, can you believe this winter? 12 - 13 inchs of snow fall in parts of Dallas and surrounding. So, besides the obvious possible freeze damage to the pool equipment, what does all this snow and rain mean to your swimming pool.

Frist, be glad it is during the winter when algae grows the slowest rather than summer. Ultimatly, there is no more to do with your pool when it snows than when it rains. After the amount of snow fall we had in Dallas, it is a good idea to shock the swimming pool with a non-chlorine shock. (The use of non-chlorine shock is reccommended so that the chlorine level is not raised.) Other than that, enjoy the snow, build a snowman and stay warm.

Tips brought to you by Swim Clear Pool Supply.

Pool Care in Winter

2010-02-08T08:52:00.000-08:00

Can you believe it is already February and that means believe it or not, Spring and Summer are right around the corner. That's right Swimming pool season. Since we are not there yet, whether the swimming pool is covered, not covered, winterized or not it is still important to check on it.

During the cold winter months pool water tends to stay clear with very little help. Generally algae does not appear and hardly ever do you see a pool turn green. Any algae growth that does occur is extremely slow. Even with that said though, if yo have ever had that Spring time algae bloom you should have learned looks can be deceiving.

So keep testing your swimming pool water chemistry.

Related posts:
Basic Pool Care
Water testing supplies

Automatic Pool Cleaners

2010-01-28T08:10:00.000-08:00

If you have a swimming pool and you have ever had to manually clean the pool by brushing and vacuuming it, you know how much work and time consumption it can be. This chore can be pushed off to the kids (if you have them), but rest assure, they will find a way to get out of doing it. Automatic pool cleaners are the solutions to ease that burden of manually cleaning your pool. Swim Clear Pool Supply has all the automatic pool cleaners you are looking for to help save you less time cleaning and more time enjoying your pool.

There are many choices in automatic pool cleaners, but they are categorized by: Pressure-side cleaners, Suction-side cleaners, or Robotic cleaners. The Pressure-side cleaners use the water pressure from filtered water that returns to the pool from the side wall outlets. The Suction-side cleaner works from the pulling of water into the pump and filter (suction) usually from the pool's skimmer or a dedicated suction line on the pool's side wall. The Robotic cleaners are self-contained with usually its own pump and filter, and is also an electric unit operating on 24 Volts DC which will come with a long electric cord to plug into a GFCI-protected outlet.

Whatever type of automatic pool cleaner you are looking for, Swim Clear Pool Supply has the pool cleaner you need to ease the burden of manually cleaner of all pool types. If you already have an automatic pool cleaner, Swim Clear Pool Supply also has the replacement pool cleaner parts your looking for to repair your existing automatic pool cleaner.

Water Testing Supplies

2010-01-21T12:30:00.000-08:00

Swim Clear Pool Supply is now offering more swimming pool support by adding water test kits and supplies. From the accurate AquaChek digital tester and easy to use test strips to the Taylor Brand test kits and Taylor solution refills, Swim Clear has what you need for your swimming pool water testing.

Swimming pool water testing recommendations still to come in a later swimming pool help blog.

Winter Freeze Hits Dallas

2010-01-12T19:03:00.000-08:00

As the hard freeze hit Dallas, did your swimming pool equipment take a hit and have some freeze damage? If so, Swim Clear Pool Service can get you back up and running quickly. If you are in the North Dallas area including Frisco, McKinney, Allen, Plano and surronding and you have swimming pool help needs for freeze damage or anything, give us a call (214)404-3937 or e-mail at Info@swim cleartx.com

Energy Saving Idea

2009-12-29T13:44:00.000-08:00

With freezing temperatures nightly, hopefully your swimming pool freeze guard/protector is working and turning your pump on. If you find your swimming pool pump not turning on during this freezing weather remember Swim Clear Pool Supply has a full line of freeze guard/protectors and their parts.
One energy saving tip is to ensure your swimming pool pump is running at night during the most prone times of freezing weather. This will actually do two things for you. First if the temperature is below 38 degrees only during the night, your pump will not be running day and night. Secondly, should your freeze guard fail, you have a second layer of protection.
Stay tuned to this Swim Clear Pool Supply blog for more swimming pool help posts and energy saving ideas. As always, swimming pool help related comments and questions are always welcome

Merry Christmas

2009-12-23T10:45:00.000-08:00

Wishing you and your family a very Merry Christmas and a happy New Year from your number one swimming pool help blog and Swim Clear Pool Supply.

Monthly Tips From Service Technitions. Lubricants

2009-12-05T17:59:00.000-08:00

It's lubricant, go for the cheap stuff it's all the same in fact you have some Vaseline, just use that right?

Not good advice at all. So what is the difference, first just to clear the air Vaseline will dry rot your o-rings and if used with certain types of valves can cause for costly repairs. So now that that has been cleared up, why use swimming pool lubricant over other lubricants? To make it simple, it's a swimming pool, use swimming pool lubricant. You would not use a paint to paint metal that was made for painting wood, it would not stick. Similar to that analogy, swimming pool lubricants such as Magic Lube I (Teflon based) and Magic Lube II (Silicone based) are chemical resistant where many others are not.

So now that you are going to stick to swimming pool lubricants why pay twice as much for silicone lubricant over the Teflon lubricant? Both lubricants are chemical resistant and compatible with most metals, rubbers and plastics. An easy way to look at it is the silicone lubricant is for more adverse conditions (moving valves, chlorinator lid o-rings, pump lid o-rings etc.). That said many service techs use the silicone lubricant exclusively as a preferred item.

We at Swim Clear Pool Supply would love to hear your comments on this or any other questions for swimming pool help.

Monthly tips from service techs. Leaf Masters

2009-11-22T11:48:00.000-08:00

In a prior post we discussed the features and benefits of the Leaf Master. If your pool has many leaves and you are not using this tool, you are wasting time.

Although awesome for cleaning leaves, the procedure for use of the Leaf Master can be a bit trouble some fighting with a garden hose. Our technicians have a solution in many application. The use of the swiv el adaptor (picture seen here) can be attached directly to your pressure side automatic pool cleaner line. This application can only be used with small hose pressure pool cleaners such as the Polaris 380, Pentair Legend, and Jandy Ray-Vac to name a few.

The procedure is as simple as disconnecting the head of the pool cleaner from the hose and then attaching the Leaf Master. Now you have the pressure of the pump running the Leaf Master which is usually more effective than the garden hose pressure as well.

Automatic Pool Cleaner Tune-Up

2009-11-11T17:38:00.000-08:00

Now that the fall season is upon us, it is now time to winterize those pools or begin preparing for the fall season. One thing that is important to remember is your automatic pool cleaner. Now is the time to get those cleaner parts fixed and/or replaced from the extended use during those summer months.
Whether you have a suction side cleaner or a pressure side cleaner, you really need to check that cleaner to make sure it needs any necessary repairs/replacements to get that cleaner ready for the fall leaves, twigs, or fall debris. The tires, shoes, floats, foot pad, swivels, and bags... to name a few... need to be checked for possible replacement during this season.
Swim Clear Pool Supply has all the replacement pool cleaner parts you need to get those units ready for the rigorous fall season that awaits your pool.

Swimming Pool Winter Cover Accessories

2009-11-03T12:27:00.000-08:00

The swimming pool is now covered and you are now ready for Fall...Or are you? Depending on the type of swimming pool winter cover you are using, there are some accessories you might need. Most winter covers must use some type of tie down to hold the cover in place and not allow leaves to get under it. Most home owners use water tubes to do so. Choosing between the single tube and the double tube to me is an easy choice. Here is a simple concept, if you have a single tube and it breaks (and it will eventually) what is going to hold the cover up? At least with a double tube if one side breaks the other should hold until you can replace it.

A side from the water tubes, another thing to think about is a cover pump. Now as discussed in previous posts, the mesh cover will allow water to pass through it but with the solid cover, water will just pool up on it and become a nice haven for mosquitoes, algae etc. Cover submersible pumps are easy to use and can make removal of the water quick. Most cover pumps attach to a garden hose and you pump the water to where you want too.

One other item that while is mostly used in above ground pools , I have found to be beneficial under all pool covers is an air pillow. The Air pillow sits under the swimming pool winter cover in the center of the pool. What is so beneficial about it is that all the leaves, water and debris go to the edge of the cover making it very accessible to get out. Understand that larger pools may need more than one the be truly effective.

Find all your winter needs at Swim Clear Pool Supply.

Choosing the Right Winter Cover-Solid Cover

2009-11-03T11:24:00.000-08:00

There are many reasons to cover a pool. It could be for winterizing, covering during the cooler non-swimming months, keeping debris out of the pool, or for extending the swim season to keep in heat. Whatever the reasons are for covering a pool, solid pool covers are the most commonly used types of pool covers for the off-season. The covers are mostly made of polyethylene, but can also be made of vinyl. The vinyl covers are more expensive but tend to last a bit longer than the polyethylene. However, the polyethylene covers are much lighter and is used more often because of both the weight and the price.

The light weight poly covers are a good choice for the "do-it-yourself" pool owner because of the ease of movement and storage. The covers are held in place by placing water tubes around the perimeter of the pool. Swim Clear Pool Supply has solid pool covers you are looking for to cover your pool for the fall and winter months.

Choosing the Right Winter Cover-Leaf Net

2009-10-28T06:30:00.000-07:00

Leaf net covers lay on top of your swimming pool to catch the leaves that would otherwise fall into your pool sometimes causing surface stains. The leaf net's mesh traps the leaves, and allow the pool owner to easily remove them from atop the pool so spring clean-up is a snap. A must for the pool owner living in wooded areas, or yards with plenty of falling leaves and twigs. The leaf net catches all leaves and debris, so the work of winter pool skimming is eliminated. You can use the leaf net cover also over you winter cover to catch leaves, but allow water to pass through. Once the leaves have all fallen, simply remove the leaf net cover before the first snowfall to make for easy spring clean-up for those that live in northern states.
The leaf net covers come in round, oval, or rectangular shapes. The round and oval covers (for above-ground pools) usually have 3 feet of overlap and come with pull rope or cable. The inground rectangular nets have 4 feet of overlap. The overlap allows for the use of waterbags to hold down the covers. Air pillows are recommended also, to keep the net above the pool water level once the leaves have collected on top of the leaf net.

Swim Clear Pool Supply has the leaf nets, waterbags, and air pillows needed to get your pool ready for those falling leaves.

Is My Cartridge Filter(s) in Need of Replacing?

2009-10-20T11:27:00.000-07:00

Now that fall season is upon us, it is time to do those semi-annual filter cleans to get ready for the winter months. If you have a cartridge filter, it is time to inspect those cartridges to determine if they are O.K. to reinstall, or to just replace. When cleaning those cartridges, if it doesn't seem to be getting clean and looks just as dirty as before you cleaned, then that cartridge needs replacing. Also, if any of the bands that wrap around the paper make-up of the cartridges are broken, then the cartridge needs replacing. Lastly, if the cartridge has somewhat collapsed in height, then it definitely needs replacing. Inspecting the cartridges is recommended once a month depending on how much dirt and debris accumulates in the pool. This will vary from pool to pool. A great way to clean your cartridge(s) is with a water wand cartridge cleaner.

Choosing the Right Winter Cover - Mesh Cover

2009-10-15T14:17:00.000-07:00

Choosing the right swimming pool winter cover is important. Having a firm grasp of what the differences are in each type of winter cover is what this swimming pool help blog aims to give you.

There are three main different types of winter covers. Mesh, Solid and Leaf. Most of these covers then have a difference of years in warranty. Obviously, the longer the warranty the longer the cover should last. So what are the differences with the different types of covers? Lets start with the Mesh Swimming Pool Winter Cover.

Mesh winter covers are designed to do several things. Naturally they are designed to keep the leaves and debris out, but unlike a solid cover, the tightly woven mesh will slowly allow water to pass through keeping the leaves and debris on top of the cover. What does this mean to the swimming pool owner? No longer will you have to waste the time and money of pumping the cover off each time it rains. Because the mesh is tightly woven, when it rains you may see puddles on top the cover, but never fear, give it some time and as long as the mesh cover is installed properly the cover will slowly rise to the top once more. Keep in mind that since the cover will allow rain water to pass through, there will be a slightly larger demand for chemical use.

Installation and take down is relatively the same as a solid winter cover. Water tubes or tie downs are required to hold the mesh winter cover in place. And multiple sizes are available to fit most size in ground or above ground swimming pools. You can find all winter needs at Swim
Clear Pool Supply.

Are my DE Filter grids in need of replacement?

2009-10-12T18:23:00.000-07:00

If you are following this blog and you performed the filter clean in September or when ever you do your DE filter clean, one question you might have is. Are my DE filter grids in need of replacement? There are a few indicators that can tell you if your filter grids need to be replaced.

The first and most obvious of those is a tear or hole in the fabric. Since the entire purpose of the filter grid is to hold the Diatomaceous Earth in the swimming pool filter, then a hole, allowing the D.E. to return to your pool, is no good for you. (Note, if you are seeing DE getting back into the pool then a hole in the grid or crack in the manifold is the most common source.)

A second indicator a grid needs to be replaced is broken plastic fins with in the grid. With as much trouble as it can be to take the filter a part, clean it, then put it back together. The last thing you want to do is do it again 1 week later. Filter grids that broken plastic inside of them are on borrowed time and soon will be generating holes.

Remember a good rule of thumb is that if 4 or more grids are broken, replace them all because the others are not far behind. And as always Swim Clear is hear for all your swimming pool help needs such as filter grids if you need them.

Check those Timers

2009-10-06T19:28:00.000-07:00

Now that Fall and the cooler temperatures are here, this is the perfect time to check your timers to ensure they are functioning properly and running only as long as needed. You can go back in this blog and look up "How long should my swimming pool be running" for good recommendations. As the world gets ever so aware of energy use, you should also check that your timer is turning on and off as it is set to do so. This can be done by simply monitoring if the pump turns on and off when the timer is set to do so. Believe it or not, I have had many customers notice there pumps where running continuously and wasting electricity because their timers failed to turn the pump off. The good news is that sometimes it can be as simple as replacing a set of trippers.

Time For Automatic Pool Cleaner Leaf Bags

2009-10-03T18:15:00.001-07:00

Now that fall in upon us, it is time to switch your automatic pool cleaner bag from the fine mesh to the leaf version bag. The leaf version bag is tough and built to handle all the leaves and twigs that tend to fall into swimming pools during this time of year. So, if you are a pool owner that has alot of falling leaves and twigs into your pool, replace that automatic pool cleaner bag to one that is designed to handle those types of pool debris.

Are you ready for Fall Part 6. To cover or not to cover

2009-09-26T06:30:00.000-07:00

Fall is fast approaching, and the question right now is is a swimming pool cover really worth it? The first thing to tink about is what a heave load of leaves can do to a pool. In short and to be expanded on later, a heavy load of leaves can cause staining, chemical balance changes, clogged skimmer and pump baskets and lines, and lets not forget the most important, more labor. So the easiest solution to the question of "to cover or not to cover" comes down to a simple equation...Swimming pool + Trees = Winter Cover.

Are You Ready For Fall Part 5: Check Your Skimmer & Pump Baskets

2009-09-24T18:22:00.000-07:00

The skimmer and pump are an important part of your pool water's circulation and cleaning system. The skimmer is the device built under the deck of the pool next to the sidewall at the tile and water-line. A large, square opening about 10 to 12 inches in length opens to the inside of your pool to allow pool water to flow from the water's surface to the pump and filter. Inside the square opening is a collection basket, or skimmer basket, which catches large dirt and debris such as sticks, grass, leaves, bugs, and etc. that have been pulled from the surface of the pool's water by the pump. Smaller dirt and debris may pass the skimmer basket to another collection basket at the pump called the stainer or pump basket. This basket is built into the pool pump. It has a clear see-through lid to see if the basket needs cleaning.
Swim Clear Pool Supply recommends that the pool skimmer basket and the pool pump basket should be checked on a weekly basis, especially in the fall and winter seasons due to excess falling of leaves and twigs. If you live where there are windy conditions, you may want to check those baskets daily or every other day. Failure to clean these baskets will result in basket damage and possibly damage to the pool pump or the pool filter.

Are you ready for Fall Part 4 Check your freeze guard.

2009-09-21T14:11:00.000-07:00

Having a freeze guard on your system does give you piece of mind, however it is a good idea to verify the freeze guard is working prior to that first freeze. There is an easy way to test freeze guards. First, choose a time that your pool system is not in its normal run time. Freeze guards have a copper coiled wire attached to the thermostat. (Sometimes this coil is behind a metal plate attached to the freeze guard). With the copper wire exposed, set the freeze guard thermostat as high as it will go. Dip the copper coil into a glass of ice water. After 1 to 2 minutes of the coil in the ice water your pool system should turn on. If your system turns on, reset the freeze guard to 37 degrees. If not, aren't you glad you checked.

Are you ready for Fall Part 3. Time to check those POOL HEATERS!

2009-09-20T20:57:00.000-07:00

Now that we are getting into the fall season, it is time for those of you that have pool heaters, to have them checked. You always want to check the heater connections for leaks, make sure the display is working properly, and fire the heater up to make sure it is indeed heating the water. The check-up only takes an hour to two, depending on if you will be attempting to heat the water to check for heater issues. Pool heaters are a valuable asset, because it allows the pool owner to extend the pool season well into the winter months. Do your heater maintenance check-up, and repair any needed problems and you will be enjoying the warm pool/spa water into the fall and winter months. If your heater does not turn on, call your local swimming pool service professional and if you live in the North Dallas area, Swim Clear is here for you.

Are you ready for Fall Part 2 Leaf bagger your best friend

2009-09-07T18:29:00.000-07:00

As fall approaches us, those of us pool owners know what fall is for a pool with trees around it. If you are trying to get past that fall leaf season, a quality leaf bagger is the right equipment to have. A leaf bagger is a device which attaches to a garden hose, as well as your telepole. When the garden hose is turned on, the leaf bagger creates a venturi suction into a bag attachment. Leaf baggers are for an above-ground pool with brushes under the unit, or for the above-ground unit, it has wheels for easy movement. As you move the device around the pool, it easily picks up any leaf on the surface of the pool. Once the bag is full of leaves, just empty the bag and reattach back onto the bagger for more leaf pick-up. This device will easily make the leaf pick-up in pools quick and less stressful. So, if you are a pool owner with trees around your pool, then the leaf bagger is the right pool equipment to have.

Are you ready for Fall Part 1 Filter Clean

2009-09-05T19:39:00.000-07:00

Swim Clear is here again with more swimming pool help. As summer is coming to an end, we will be doing a get ready for fall campaign to help prepare you and make taking care of your swimming pool easy this fall and winter.

Filter maintenance is important to long life expectancy for your equipment. Filter cleans on Cartridge and D.E. filters should be completed every six months if not more. Having trouble remembering to do so? Let us help, we will be blogging reminders every March and September for filter clean maintenance. So if you have not cleaned your swimming pool filter in a while, or maybe it is a month early, join our schedule for the September/March filter clean months.

For more information about your D.E. filter check out our 3 tips.

Water is to Swimming Pools as Oil is to Cars

2009-08-29T06:43:00.000-07:00

Imagine driving your car down the highway, you have the windows down and the radio blasting to classical music. Your on time for a change, hitting all the green lights and everything is going your way until suddenly...the engine seizes and car come to a stop. Now the repair costs go through the roof all because you did not watch the indicators, check the oil level, watch the lights on the dash board, etc. Swimming pools low on water can have a very similar effect as a car low on oil. The pump or engine can seize up resulting in costly repairs needed. And as it is just the law of life, it will always happen at the worst time. And as in most scenarios, there are leading indicator to help prevent these problems.

First and foremost on the list of indicators is water level. A good rule of thumb for how high the water level should be is right at the center of the tile line. Any higher and have the potential of loosing skimming action, and any lower and you have a potential for air getting into the system. When the water level lowers, the first indicator something is not right is that, you might hear a loud gurgling sound, or the sound of rushing water. If you look into your skimmers you can see the rushing water. As the water level lowers the rush of water may alternate between rushing and completely stopped.

A second indicator is a steady, powerful and constant flow of air coming from the jets in the pool. As the water level lowers this may become more sporadic.

A third indicator is the pump has fluctuating water flow and loud pump noises from air in the pump. You can see a lot of visible air through the pump lid and could have no water movement at all. (Note, a fully primed pump will have no visible air in the pump lid.)

A forth indicator is, at pool side there is no evidence of water circulation or the circulation comes and goes.

Just as a car has indicators that prevent further trouble or damage, identifying these swimming pool indicators can help you prevent damage to your circulation system and save you money. It is also important to mention that even though these indicators point towards water level being to low, each of these indicators may have a different cause.

These tips for swimming pool help is brought to you by Swim Clear

Basic Pool Care Steps

2009-08-23T14:45:00.000-07:00

Step 1: Test the water. You should test the water at least once per week, but twice per week is actually recommended. You can use the strip test or the liquid. Either one will be just as accurate to test the pool water chemistry.

Step 2: Adjust the water chemistry. Once you have tested the water, you want to make any adjustment to the water chemistry to balance the water. Start with the Total Alkalinity, then the Ph level, and lastly the chlorine. These are the main three to test regularly. The Calcium Hardness, Total dissolved solids, and the Cyanuric Acid tests can be done monthly, and adjusted accordingly.

Step 3: Clean the pool weekly. It is recommended to brush the wall of the pool wall, surface, and steps every week. This keeps dirt from developing into the plaster. If you have an automatic pool cleaner for the surface cleaning, then brushing the walls and steps must be done weekly. Check the skimmer basket(s) on the deck and empty the baskets as needed weekly. Also, check the pump basket and empty that one as needed. If your pool has trees or plants around it, checking the skimmer and pump baskets will need to be not at least twice a week in the fall and winter due to fall leaves and greenery.

Step 4: Add any water enhancers. There are many enhancers that can be used to add a little extra help to pools. Enhancers are those chemical additives that can make the pool's enhancement even better. Many enhancers are used weekly for sparkling clear water and as a preventative, while other are added monthly as a preventative. Reasons to consider enhancers are: cloudy water, phosphate removers, scum line preventers, stain and scale preventers, metals present, and oily, smelly water.

Step 5: Clean the Filter. Cleaning the filter regularly improves your pool's efficiency. Regardless of the filter you have, it is recommended to clean, or backwash at least once a month regardless of the filter pressure. Cleaning the filter also helps extend the life of your cartridge(s). If you have a D.E. or diatomaceous earth filter, it is recommended to take the filter media completely apart and clean them every six months. Inspect you filter media for holes or tears whenever you get the chance, and replace immediately, as holes and tears will affect water filtration. If you have a sand filter, it is recommend that after 7 years, the sand should be replaced in the filter. If you have a cartridge filter, you should replace the cartridge(s) whenever the bands are broken, or when the filter pressure is still high even after cleaning.

Step 6: Enjoy your back yard oasis

Is Brushing Important (Part 2)

2009-08-19T17:35:00.000-07:00

The previous post stressed the importance of brushing the pool, but with the all the different types of brushes, which one is right for you? There are three main different types of brushes, nylon, wire, and nylon/wire mix. Then to decide whether 6 inch, 12 inch, 24 inch, etc.

Beginning with Nylon brushes, used for all routine or weekly brushing. Nylon can be used on all swimming pool surfaces and for vinyl lined pools should be the sole choice. With the soft bristles and being the least abrasive on the pool surface, the nylon brush is still a very effective tool for cleaning dirt, debris and preventing algae.

Wire brushes are the most abrasive making them extremely effective on tough stains and stuck on algae. Not to be used for a routine brush as the wire brush can cause damage to the pool surface. Not to be used on vinyl line pools

Nylon/wire mix is exactly what you might think, stiffer than the solid nylon brushes yet softer than the solid wire. Still great for stains and algae, the nylon/wire bush can be used more often than the solid wire brushes being less abrasive on the swimming pool surface. Not recommended for vinyl lined pools.

Finally, how to choose the size of the brush. The obvious thought is the smaller the brush,the easier it is to get into tight spots. While that thought is true, the other common thought is that the larger the brush, the faster you can brush the pool. Watch out for this myth. We have seen many customers buy the larger 20" plus brushes only to return and also buy the standard 18" brush. The most common reasons are that the larger brushes are more difficult to maneuver and not as effective.

Regardless of which brush or size you need you can have it sent to your door at Swim Clear Pool Supply.

Diatomaceous Earth D.E as a bug killer?

2009-08-10T12:31:00.000-07:00

There are many posts on the world wide internet that discuss the topic of bug killers and the use of D.E. to do so. One thing not very publicized in those discussions is the understanding that swimming pool D.E. is a different grade than a "food D.E." or "horticultural D.E." (Which you should still check warning labels for safety). Swimming pool D.E., while may be effective, is extremely harmful to pets and other animals and to people if inhaled. So to reemphasize, take care of our four legged friends and do not use swimming pool D.E. as your bug killer. Lucy and Koda from Cat's Canine Academy say "ruff ruff" or, thank you for helping us breath a little easier.

(It is not the intent of Swim Clear Pool Supply to recommend any type pesticide, rather to encourage the proper use of swimming pool products.)

Another tool to help you save money

2009-08-07T19:32:00.000-07:00

Swim Clear is proud to announce the launch of our swimming pool supply web site. Now you can find all the products that help save you time and money in this blog as well as any other products you might need at a low price and with a click of a button. Simply click this link Swim Clear Pool Supply and you're there. We are adding products every day, so if you do not see what you need, simply e-mail us, and we'll get back to you as soon as possible.

Is brushing important? (Part 1)

2009-08-02T12:14:00.000-07:00

It's Summer time, your busy doing this and that and you get home just got the leaves out and gave your swimming pool a good vacuum. The maintenance is over and it's time to enjoy your pool right? Did you know that 5 more maintenance minutes once a week could save you time and money?
The brushing of a pool does many things. First remember, when brushing for just routine maintenance, use a nylon brush only which will prevent damage to the pools surface. So the pool looks clean why do I need to brush? Believe it or not, brushing your pool on a weekly basis will save you time and money by preventing algae from taking hold in your pool and will also increase stain prevention. As your pool gets older the surface starts to deteriorate. What? The pool is not going to last forever? Over time plaster, concrete and even fiberglass pools develop pitting or tiny crevices where algae loves to set and grow. Brushing helps to clean these pits out and prevent algae and stains saving you the cost of time and money of treating your pool for algae or stains.
To be discussed more later, yes the tail scrubber on your pool cleaners tail is important for the same reasons and you should keep it on. No, it does not replace brushing your pool weekly.

How Long Should My Swimming Pool Be Running (Part 2)

2009-03-09T13:56:00.000-07:00

In part one I spoke about the requirement for residential pool turnover is 8 hrs and before I dive any further into this subject, I will say that if at any time there will be use of the pool, you should have your pump running for at least that 8 hrs. Now that I have added my disclaimer... In part 1 the statement of "run your swimming pool pump as long as it needs to run" was made. The requirements are there by law but in many instances because of different features on your pool, your pump system may circulate your pool at a greater rate than what is required. There are ways to calculate how much water flow your pump is producing to help see how long to run the pump. For that you can on on-line to your pumps manufacturer and get the specs. http://www.haywardnet.com/inground/products/displayProd.cfm?ProductID=11. This link is an example of what I am describing. Ok, you thought this was going to be simple, let me help with that. First of all, fact the longer you run you pool the longer it will stay clean. So if you just want your pool to stay clean and do not care about the cost, run your pump 8 hrs, 16 hr, 24 hrs a day. On the other side, if you want to save the money. Start with 8hrs. if you pool stays clear, chemically balanced and algae free for a week, drop it to 7hrs. Repeat this process until you get your run time as low as possible. If the water at any point starts looking a little dingy or you can not keep your chlorine present, increase the run time an hour.
Two details to remember. You should only try this if you are going to be around daily to see the progress. Secondly, these steps would need to be done several times though out the year as temps raise and lower.
What are the possibilities. I have seen pools run 2 hrs a day during the winter and stay clear and under control the entire time. That's a 75% savings on there electric bill.
http://www.swimcleartx.com/

How long should my swimming pool be running

2009-02-20T12:00:00.000-08:00

Saving money seems to be one of the largest topics lately and reducing energy consumption is an easy way to save money. Have you noticed how your electric bill jumps way up during the summer? It's not only because you are running your air conditioner more. You might not realize this but a typical swimming pool pump can run $200-$300 per month and sometimes more during the summer.

So how can you cut back on that bill? The answer is simple. Only run your swimming pool pump as long as it needs to run.

How long do I run the pump you ask. Because the answer to that question is going to be different for every pool due to the vast number of variables such as exposure to sunlight, the temperature, usage, amount of debris getting in the pool, etc. I will try to make the answer more general. Regulations, at least in Texas, require that a Swimming pool turns over (the entire volume of water goes through the filter) every 8 hrs. Commercial is a bit more strict requiring a 6 hr turnover. That said your pool builder should have put in a system that could do this.

So what does this mean to you? During the summer or while your pool is in use a good bench mark is 8 hrs.

Much more to come on this as we have just tipped the iceberg and have not even gotten to the meat.

DE Filter Tip #3

2009-02-15T16:12:00.000-08:00

You are back washing when and how you are supposed to, that's it right?
Not exactly... Your filter should be completely taken apart and rinsed out every six months. This does not mean just pop the top and spray water over the grids like some service companies do. Giving your swimming pool filter a full wash out is extremely beneficial and will extend the life of your swimming pool filter. This takes pulling the grid assembly out of the filter, disassembling it and rinsing the grids one by one.
Be careful not to use too high of pressure. Use of a pressure washer or taking the grids to a car wash, while they appear cleaner, is actually harmful to the grid and in most cases will tear a hole ensuring a need of replacement.
While you have your swimming pool filter apart and grids cleaned off thoroughly check each grid for holes in the fabric or broken veins. Nothing is worst than going through all this labor, putting the swimming pool filter back together then seeing DE jet into the pool.
Is this your first time to clean your swimming pool filter out? I strongly recommend having a service company come out so you can see how it is done. Not that you would not be capable, on the contrary, there are just many time saving tips to be seen. My company here in Dallas Swim Clear Pool Service is ready to support the North Texas needs.

DE Filter Tip #2

2009-02-13T08:43:00.000-08:00

Question. How often should I backwash my DE filter?

Answer. Once per month or if your filter pressure raises 5 to 10 PSI from its clean starting pressure.

Clean starting preasure is the pressure when your filter is brand new or completely cleaned out.
Visit Swimcleartx.com

DE Filter tip #1

2009-02-09T14:01:00.000-08:00

One of the most common things I come across when doing a DE filter clean is a build up of DE powder clogging up the filter causing potential damage to your filter. This is caused by 1. Adding too much DE (Always refer to owners manual or label on filter for recommended amounts) 2. Improper backwashing. Simple solution...after you go through your backwash cycle, repeat two more times before recharging your filter with DE. Note, the length of time your filter is in backwash mode being 1 minute or 10 minutes has little effect on how much DE you are purging out of your filter. Once the sight glass is clear on your backwash line, that portion of the back was is complete. Repeating the bw process will clear more of the DE powder reducing the risk of a clog.
www.swimcleartx.com

10 steps to maintain your swimming pool

2009-01-30T09:33:00.000-08:00

Just like your car, house, or pet Bengal tiger routine care/maintenance can save you time and money on swimming pool. Here are 10 steps to make pool care easy.

1. Start off by brushing your pool walls and tiles. This should be done weekly to prevent dirt and algae build up.

2. Skim the surface to clear any floating debris.

3. Empty your skimmer baskets, pump basket and pool cleaner bag if you have one. Do this weekly or more if needed. Full baskets can cause strain on your pump potentially damaging your pool equipment.

4. Vacuum any debris weekly. (Even if you have a automatic pool cleaner) Certain pool cleaners will not catch the fine sediment.

5. Test the chemical balance for chlorine and PH at least once every other day. Check Alkalinity once a week. Take a water sample to a swimming pool professional at least once a month for a full test.

6. Adjust your chemicals as needed.

7. Maintain your water level. This is important for two reasons. If water level is to low your pump may run dry causing damage. If water level is to high your skimmers will not work properly.

8. Check your filter pressure. Backwash or clean your filter as needed or at least once per month.

9. Check for leaks. Weather water on the ground under your pool equipment or air bubbles coming out of the jets in the pool either can be bad new and should be checked out quickly.

10. This last step is the MOST important. Enjoy your Swimming Pool!!!
www.swimcleartx.com

Swimming pools and Freezing temperatures

2009-01-16T12:00:00.000-08:00

Winter has hit North Texas and temperatures are dropping below the freezing point is there anything I need to do? This is a common question and whether you are a do it your self pool owner or use a maintenance company there are a few thing you should know and check when the temperature is about to fall. My recommendation is.

The most important step to take when we are about to hit freezing temperatures is to ensure your pool equipment is running properly with out any air or water leaks. Leaks either air or water leaks typically only get worst and are what causes a system to loose circulation. Lack of water circulation whether caused by a leak or maybe the pump is just turned off is when freeze damage can occur.

Step two would be to ensure your pool equipment is running when temps are below freezing. Many pools are equipped with a "freeze guard" which automatically turns on your pool equipment when the temperatures fall below a set point giving a home owner a sense of security. If you do not have one just make sure your pool equipment is running when the temp is below 32. Can these freeze guards be added to an existing pool? Absolutely, e-mail me and I will tell you how, after all, it is only when you leave for out of town that a cold front comes through and your not protected. Remember, even though you have a freeze guard on your system it should be check prior to the first cold snap.

Step three is to relax. Temperatures in DFW do not drop low enough to cause any harm as long as your pool equipment is turned on an running appropriately while freezing.

Remember these are just recomendations to hep answer some of those swimming pool questions. For any service needs in the North Dallas area or product needs please go to http://www.swimcleartx.com/. Hope this helps you.