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Pool Cleaning Service

Pool Cleaning & Maintenance – Serving Seminole, St. Pete, Clearwater, Largo & The Beaches

Frequently Asked Questions

Below are some common questions we get. Feel free to give us a call today if you have any other questions!

Q:  What is your policy regarding rain and storms?

A:  We do our best if it’s raining and even storming as long as it is not thundering and lightning. But even when there is no lightning, the rain can be so heavy that it can make it difficult for us to see the bottom of the pool and that can sometimes make it difficult to do a good job when it comes to cleaning.

A:  If there is thunder and lightning (we use apps to track the lightning) we switch to chemical-only service.  We do not want our pool techs walking around with 16 foot poles during a lightning storm.

Q: When should I add water to my pool?

A: Any time the water gets close to being below the skimmer box. The skimmer is the rectangular box on the side of the pool with the round lid on the pool deck. This is part of the suction side. So if water drops below the bottom of the skimmer box, air can get in the system and this can cause the pump to lose prime. Try to make sure the pool water is half way up the skimmer box.

Q:  Did you know that if you drive south from Detroit…

A:  You will hit Canada?

Q: What should I do if I think I have a leak but I’m not sure?

A: You can do the bucket test. Place a 5 gallon bucket on the steps of your pool. Place a brick in the bucket to weigh it down. Fill the bucket with water equal to the water level in the pool. Do not disturb the pool water for several days. If, after several days, the water in the pool is lower than the water in the bucket, you have a leak in your pool.

Q:  We have a Chlorine tablet feeder.  Should we keep it filled with tablets?

A:  No. Only put one tab in unless you have a very large pool.  Most tablets include stabilizer and adding stacks of tabs in your feeder can drive your stabilizer level too high and that can create a serious problem.

Q: If I have a salt pool, is it okay to add liquid chlorine?

A:  Yes, it’s perfectly fine to add chlorine.  But if you have to add chlorine on a regular basis, you should check the salt level, clean the salt cell, and make sure the pump is running long enough and at a high enough RPM to generate chlorine.

Q:  Is it okay for my dog to swim in the pool?

A:   As a pool tech trying to keep the chemicals balanced and your filter clean, my answer is no.

A:  As dog lovers, our answer is well, try and make it quick.  It’s generally safe but a dog that sheds a lot can cause issues for the filter.

Q:  Do you offer seasonal service (service only during the warmer months).

A:   No, in our area of Florida, it is important to balance the chemicals and clean the pool on a weekly basis year round even when it is not being used.

Q:  Do you provide any feedback regarding your weekly service?

A:   Yes, we log all chemical readings and the service details in an app that we use on our phones. After we service each pool, an email is sent to the homeowner that shows all of the chemical readings, it lets you know if you need to add any water, and it includes any notes that are needed along with a photo of your clean pool.

Q: What are the different types of pool filters?

A:

  • 1:  Cartridge filters
  • 2.  D.E. (diatomaceous earth) filters
  • 3.  Sand filters  

Q: How does a variable speed pool pump save on electricity?

A: A single speed pool pump runs all day at the same RPM. Usually 3450 RPM’s. The cost per kWh is the same all day. A variable speed pool pump will run most of the day at a lower RPM. The cost per kWh is reduced at a higher rate than the reduction in the RPM. So it costs less to run the pump at lower RPM’s. The savings is so much that you can actually run the pump longer each day and still save money.

Q: Is it better to get two medium size pizzas or one large?

A: It’s almost always better to go with one large because of math.

Q: Can you schedule our pool service after our lawn service to get the grass out of the pool?

A: Your lawn service should not create problems that your pool service should be required to fix. They need to learn how to service your lawn without creating problems for your pool. If they cannot, please find another lawn service. Most lawn services do not create issues for the pool.

Q: If we are out of town, and our pool water is low, will you fill it when you service our pool?

A: Yes, but, only for the amount of time that we are at your pool. And unfortunately, that is often not enough time to fill it up to the required level. But we will fill it while we are there if you want us to. And always know that if we put a water hose in a pool and turn the water on, we always leave our truck keys on the faucet handle. It’s one of our top rules.

Q:  What do I do if I know that I have a leak in my pool?

A:  Call Florida Leak Locators (727) 202-6812 (let them know if we service your pool)

Q: I have to add water at least once a week. Do you think my pool has a leak?

A: If you are not swimming in the pool and splashing water out, then yes, you probably have a leak.

Q:  We’ve had a lot of rain, our water level in our pool is almost to the top.  Another storm is coming, we don’t want our house to flood.   What should we do?

A: Well, if your pool is filled to the top, you are basically in the same position as your neighbor that does not have a pool.  If your house has flooding issues, in most cases, it’s not because it rained when the pool was filled to the top.  But if you want, you can backwash the filter and drop the water level in the pool down a few inches.

Q:  We get frogs, lizards, and other critters stuck swimming in our pool.  Is there a way to help them get out of the pool?

A:  Go to Amazon and search for “Pool Critter” and you will find escape ramps.

Q:  Why do some pools have a more difficult time staying balanced and healthy?

A:  Often, it is simply because the equipment is undersized.

A:  And pools that are used often will need a lot more filtration and chemical adjustments compared to pools that are rarely used.

Q:  Why are manhole covers round?

A:  Because they can’t fall through the circular opening and a square cover can fall through a square opening.

Q:  We have a pool vacuum but it isn’t working.

A:  How long has it been since you cleaned or back washed your filter?  Sometimes the reason an automatic vacuum isn’t working is because the filter is too dirty.

A:  If the filter is maintained on a regular basis, you may just need to have the vacuum rebuilt.  Take it to a Pinch a Penny.  They rebuild pool vacuums.  Most vacuums need to be rebuilt every couple of years.

Q:  We have a pool vacuum. Should we use an inline leaf canister?

A:  Yes, we highly recommend them. If you do not use one, all of the leaves and debris that your vacuum picks up will go through the pipes underground until it reaches the pool pump where it will get captured in the pump basket. Problems can occur when debris gets stuck in the underground pipe and it creates a dam. When this happens, your vacuum slows down or stops working and it can be difficult to diagnose the problem.

Q:  What are the differences in the filters and which do you prefer?

A:  Filters are often measured/sold based on micron levels. That’s the size of the particles that can pass through the filter. Filters that block smaller micron levels are best. A human hair on average is approximately 70 microns and all three filters filter at a level well below that. After servicing thousands of pools, we’ve never noticed a difference in the different micron levels between Sand, D.E., and Cartridge. But we have experience telling us that Sand filters and D.E. filters create more issues. Cartridge filters are simple. And they give us constant feedback on filtration. What I mean by that is when we take the cartridge element out and clean it we can tell if it needs to be cleaned more frequently or not. That is something that is difficult to determine with a Sand or D.E. filter. And both Sand and D.E. filters can get leaks. And it can be challenging and costly to clean up.

Q:  We have an Airbnb that we rent out weekly. Unfortunately we have to keep changing pool companies. Why is it so difficult to keep our pool serviced?

A:  Probably because you have a residential pool that really needs to be serviced like a commercial/public pool. In our area, commercial/public pools are serviced three times a week.

Areas We Service

We provide pool service for most of Pinellas County

Bardmoor
Bay Pines
Clearwater
Gulfport
Isla Del Sol
Jungle Terrace
Kenneth City
Largo
Madeira Beach
Oakhurst
Old North East
Pasadena

Pass-A-Grille
Pinellas Park
Redington Beach
Seminole
Shore Acres
St. Petersburg
St. Pete Beach
Tierra Verde
Treasure Island
Tyrone
Vina Del Mar
Yacht Club Estates

Areas We Service

We provide pool service for most of Pinellas County

Bardmoor
Bay Pines
Clearwater
Gulfport
Isla Del Sol
Jungle Terrace
Kenneth City
Largo
Madeira Beach
Oakhurst
Old North East
Pasadena
Pass-A-Grille
Pinellas Park
Redington Beach
Seminole
Shore Acres
St. Petersburg
St. Pete Beach
Tierra Verde
Treasure Island
Tyrone
Vina Del Mar
Yacht Club Estates