I have compiled some Pool FAQ’s that I have been asked over the years.
Question: Does my Pool need to be serviced every week? Answer: That depends…do you want a pool that is crystal clear, balanced for swimmer comfort and safety? Then YES! Weekly service is mandatory. It doesn’t take long for your pool to become unbalanced, dirty and unfit for enjoyment and consistent maintenance is the ONLY way to keep it sparkling clean and ready for use. Question: Wouldn’t it be easier if I took care of My Pool? Answer: In order to properly maintain your pool to ensure a clean and ready for use pool, you will need to stick to a strict weekly maintenance schedule. This schedule will include the testing, of pool water balance, adding the correct ” amount of chemical in the correct order, brushing the pool walls and steps, vacuuming your pool, emptying the skimmer baskets and pump baskets, backwashing the filter, and more. If this sounds “EASY” and an enjoyable way to spend your time after working, then maintaining your own pool may be the way to go. Please keep in mind that a certified pool professional, such as myself, are trained to see the subtle changes in your pools performance. If I or any of Elite Lawn Sprinklers, Pools & Spas technicians sense an issue, we may immediately address it, BEFORE a small issue turns into a BIG PROBLEM. This kind of expertise is not something the average pool owner has, but will save you money in the long run as well as worries. Question: Is price the Most Important Factor when Hiring a Pool Service Company? Answer: DEFINITELY NOT!!! I cannot stress enough the old adage “YOU GET WHAT YOU PAY FOR“. Essentially, cheaper isn’t always better. As an example, you may get a cheaper price from someone whom does this on the side of their real job, someone looking to supplement their income but that don’t have the experience and/or knowledge to own a reliable business . Because of the lack of experience, overhead and knowledge, they cannot charge regular rates so they come in cheaply to get your business. The RISK IS ALL YOURS in that your pool may be poorly maintained and can end up costing you dearly. Here are some IMPORTANT questions to ask any potential Pool Service Company before you begin price shopping: 1. Is the pool company licensed and insured in the state of NJ? Can they provide you with a copy of license and insurance upon request? 2. Are they Tech I /Tech II or CPO Certified? 3. Do they have at least 10+ years or more experience in the Pool and Spa Industry? 4. Has their company been in business full time for over 10 years? 5. Do they have the resources to provide you with a high level of customer service? Are their staff knowledgeable in handling any questions or issues you may have? If you can find multiple companies that have answered the above questions with Yeses, now would be the time to compare them, as you will be matching “Apples to Apples”. Just remember, if it seems to good to be true…it probably is! Question: How much can a DIY expect to spend to Maintain a Pool by Him/Herself? Answer: If you are a Pool Owner whom enjoys maintaining everything around the house, then DIY may be the best option for you. You may wish to consider Elite Lawn Sprinklers, Pools and Spas Weekly Service, or at the very least “Pool School”, we will teach you everything you need to know about proper maintenance of your pool. However, if you are looking to maintain the pool as a way to save money, this may not be the way to go economically. Lets say as an example, you currently earn $15-$20 an hour at your job. If you are spending 1 hour per week maintaining your pool, that adds up to $ 60-$80 just in your time. Now figure in chemicals averaging about $50-$65 per month. Between your time and chemicals you are already spending $95 – $ 125 per month, and we haven’t given you credit for the time spent commuting to the store, the gas to get to the store and the time at the store waiting in line for the items you need, (this could easily add up to an additional 2 hours a week, at least in my area with the traffic and only having Sat or Sun to work on the pool, same as most pool owners.) Wouldn’t that time be better spent relaxing and spending time with your family in the pool, instead of working on it? Eliminate that stress of maintenance and spend that valuable time enjoying yourself, by having the Certified Technicians at Elite Lawn Sprinklers, Pools & Spas take care of your pool for you. Question: Why Should I Hire a Pool Service Company? Answer: Peace of mind and saving money are the 2 best reasons. Don’t waste your valuable time searching for chemicals and teaching yourself in order to properly maintain your pool. You invested in your pool so you and your family could enjoy it. Sooner or later, Pool Owners run into problems with their pool, myself included and end up calling a pool professional anyway. Unfortunately, by the time you have called the Pool Service Company, the problem has now become serious enough to become more time consuming to remedy causing it to cost more money. Unexpected costs like this, can be avoided by having a pool professional maintain your pool. Question: What are the Most Common Safety Pool Tips I should know? Answer: Pool Safety is absolutely crucial! Here are some safety guidelines to help prevent any unfortunate injuries around your pool: 1. NEVER leave a child unattended around a pool! 2. Insure your pool is surrounded by a fence (like the Guardian Pool Safety Fence) at least 4′ high with no vertical bars under 4′, a self closing and self locking gate and hopefully an unclimbable gate. 3. Learn CPR and insist anyone whom may watch your child(children) learn it also. 4. Make sure you always have life saving equipment poolside like poles or floatation devices. Question: Is it Necessary for my Pool Pump to Run daily? Answer: YES. The entire purpose of the Pool Pump is to circulate the water in the pool preventing it from sitting stagnant. Your pump should be running at least 8 hours each day. Hopefully these FAQ’s have been helpful for you, check back soon for more Pool FAQ’s.
