Tips and Tricks for Identifying and Treating Tough Algae

Some pool algae are easy to treat and remove; however, other types can be quite challenging to deal with.

Some algae are easy to treat and remove; however, other types can be quite challenging to deal with. The three main types are green, black, and yellow/mustard algae. Green algae is relatively easy to eradicate, but yellow/mustard and black algae are difficult to kill and, as a result, can make the job of a pool service professional difficult. Green algae … Read More

How Service Techs Can Use Automatic Cleaners to Their Advantage

Service technicians who incorporate robotic and battery-powered pool cleaners into their daily maintenance routines can gain an additional five to 10 minutes in a client’s backyard.

Savvy pool maintenance companies can increase their revenue streams by having their technicians take some time to look around the client’s backyard for additional sales opportunities. Rather than waiting for something to break, maintenance professionals should look for ways to enhance their client’s pool experience and, as a result, earn more income by selling them products such as pool cleaning … Read More

Best Practices for Using Robotic Pool Cleaners in Commercial Pools

Robotic pool cleaners can be easily incorporated into the maintenance protocol of any medium-to-large aquatic facility.

Pool cleaning, namely brushing and vacuuming, is a science not an art. A pool (i.e. the water) is a living thing as it constantly changes. Beyond the water and the supporting structure, every pool is composed of millions of living and non-living organisms. Some are innocuous, while others are deadly. Pool water is exposed to every change in the surrounding environment—from … Read More

Making Pool Water Maintenance Easier for Service Professionals

By adding enzymes into the pool on every service visit it helps to break down non-living organics in the water so the filter does not need to work as hard.

Enzymes have evolved over the years to a point where there are now specific products based on the needs of each and every body of water. Today, there are two different types of enzyme products available for use in the pool and spa/hot tub industry—broad spectrum produced through a fermentation process is one, while limited capacity commercially manufactured then blended … Read More

Two Naturally Based Ways to Remove Grease from Pool Water

In a pool, oil can be introduced to the water via suntan lotions and sunscreens. Almost everything people apply to their skin contains oil.

Water can dissolve just about anything—from sugar to cement. One thing it cannot dissolve, however, is oil… thus the old adage, “Water and oil don’t mix.” The electrons of the water molecule are similar to those of sugar or cement; therefore, the substance will become soluble at some point. On the other hand, the electrons in the molecules of hydrocarbons … Read More

How to Tackle Common Pool Stains

If the water is clear, but has a greenish cast then it is a sure sign of copper in the water. If algae are the reason for the water turning green, the pool will also appear cloudy and the walls and floor will be slimy to the touch.

When dealing with pool stains, it is important for service professionals to keep in mind they are not always cut from the same cloth. Therefore, it is critical to diagnose the problem first before providing a broad-spectrum treatment. Take the time to review the origins of common pool stains and determine what the likely cause is for each specific case … Read More

Increasing Profits with Custom Water Care Programs

For some pool and spa/hot tub companies, the service department is the largest part of the business.

Pool and hot tub service and specialty retailers across North America continue to report strong growth—from pool and hot tub sales to accessories and outdoor living product purchases. Despite this, the biggest challenge for most is chemical sales—or the lack thereof. The question many retailers have is how they can sell more water treatment products at a profit when competing … Read More

Keeping Filters Working Efficiently: Best Practices for Service Pros

Filters are often overlooked and water clarity problems are treated ineffectively as the filtration system should be addressed first and foremost.

Everyone in the industry agrees filtration is the key to clean water. That said, filters are often overlooked and water clarity problems are treated ineffectively because the filter should have been addressed first and foremost. This article will review a number of service and maintenance tips for different filter types, the most common mistakes when servicing and installing filters, as … Read More

Understanding the Effects Natural Disasters Can Have On Pools

Water is an amazing, mysterious, and powerful element. To understand the capabilities of water and its effect on pools it is vital to understand how it travels throughout the world. The water cycle is a continuous loop of the various ways it transforms and renews itself. Water can exist in three forms: vapor, solid, or liquid. For example, fog is a … Read More

Understanding the Differences Between Pool and Hot Tub Water Quality

Despite some long-held beliefs, a hot tub is not simply a small pool. There are major differences between the chemistry of these aquatic environments that are unique enough to warrant a separate discussion. For service technicians, understanding these differences and knowing how to alter a testing and treatment regimen geared for pools to one suited for hot tubs is critical … Read More