Economy Pool Blog

  Owning a backyard or indoor swimming pool is a luxury these days. However, regular maintenance check-ins and pool cleanings are a necessary service in order to extend your pool's life and ultimately prevent costly pool repairs down the line. For these reasons, many pool owners hire a company to come in once a week or however you see fit in order to keep their pool water safe and clean, and all the pumps and filters doing what they should be doing.   The average cost for a pool cleaning is $90 a month for weekly service or about $1,032 per year on average. You should expect to spend somewhere between $150 to $300 for a one-time-only pool cleaning service, $100 to winterize your pool, and somewhere in the ballpark of $70 to inspect it for any kind of problems or issues. How much money you will end up paying in...

Getting your pool ready for summer isn’t hard, but you will need the proper tools and chemicals to get the job done. Here are some treatments you can use to get your pool ready for summer. A Pool Water Test Kit This test kit is essential to ensure that your pool water chemistry is balanced appropriately. Maintaining the proper chemical balance is vital to keeping a healthy pool all season long. There are several types of pool test kits you can purchase, such as test strips, liquid kits, and digital testers. All of these are very useful and can get the job done. Chlorine Treatment Chlorine is the most popular treatment for pools because it eliminates germs and keeps everything very clean. Every pool requires a different chlorine level depending on its size, so keep that in mind when putting this chemical into your pool. Ozone Treatment You can purchase an...

Every pool loses water naturally from evaporation, over-excited splashing or any number of reasons. So, you have to add more water from time to time. But a red flag should be raised if you find yourself constantly refilling multiple inches of water each day. This means you have a leak in your pool. Leaks can occur both outside and inside of the pool and can sometimes be difficult to spot. However, there are methods you can use to find the source of the leak. Tape Marking One way you can tell if your pool is losing too much water via leakage is the tape method. It’s fairly easy. Simply place a strip of tape on the inner wall of your pool along the top of the water. Leave it for about 24 hours, then come back and check. If the water is down more than a quarter-inch from where it was...

Pool leaks can happen almost anywhere in your pool. Leaks may be found in the fittings or accessories, as well as other parts in the pool. If you suspect that your pool has a leak, then contact a professional to look at it. A one-inch leak can equate to 500 gallons of water lost. You may notice the water levels in your pool are declining, more than evaporation can explain. With in-ground pools, a leak can also happen by underground piping. Types of Pool Leaks If your pool is leaking with the equipment on, then it can mean there is a pressure-side return leak. However, a leak with the pipes off indicates a suction side leak. Determining the type of leak you have is an important step in treating it. Figure out if the pool leaks all of the time. What kind of pool do you have? The first step in...

Everybody loves bright, clear water in their pool. A beautiful pool is a universal symbol of luxury and accomplishment. However, far too many people wake up day after day to filthy, green water, and no matter what they do, it seems they can never get their pool to that glistening brilliance they want. If you’re a pool owner who struggles with perpetually green water, don’t worry. Getting your pool pristine takes work, but it can definitely be done. Here is why pool water turns green and how to fix it quickly.   What Makes Pool Water Green?   A dark green color in a pool can make it look like a sci-fi, radioactive river from an alien planet; however, the green color that appears in pools is simply the result of algae that grows in the water. Although it won’t make you grow a third leg or arm, it’s still unpleasant...

The end of warm weather during the year usually signifies the end of the swimming pool season. After another fun season of splashing around in the pool, the time comes to cover it up until the next season rolls around. Covering your pool is essential for maintaining your prized possession for a long time and saving yourself the future hassle. Of course, this begs the question “when should I cover my swimming pool”? Let’s take a look at the best times to shut down your pool before the cold weather hits. Maybe Never! Shutting down your pool and covering it may not always be necessary! If you are fortunate enough to live in a climate where the weather is nice and warm all-year-round, you are set. Places like Florida, Arizona, and spots along the west coast stay warm enough for the year to where pool season never comes to an end....

With winter upon us, the days of splashing around in the pool are behind us until next summer comes around. As a pool owner, you’ve no doubt prepared your pool for the winter, but you may be wondering if there is any other maintenance needed during the cold season. Keep reading for facts on what colder temperatures do to your pool. Colder Air, Colder Water As the air is cooling down, the temperature of the water will cool as well. This usually means that you will not need to worry about algae growth, however, if there is heavy rain followed by a day of sun, algae will start to grow. Colder water temperatures also means there is a possibility of frozen equipment. In order to prevent frozen equipment or from experiencing a power outage, it is suggested that you keep your pumps running at all times. You should also remove winterizing...

Whether installing a pool, winterizing one or getting summer-ready, you need a few supplies on hand. These top 10 pool supplies make pool ownership easier, giving you more time to jump in the water. Top 10 Pool Supplies You Need 1. Water Test Strips Weekly water testing gives you the intel needed to keep pool water crystal blue. Test strips make it quick and easy. Dip a strip under the surface and compare it to the scale provided. 2. Water Balancing Chemicals Test strips or a professional water sample test show needed adjustments. Look for pH, alkalinity and calcium hardness levels. Add the right dose of balancing chemicals for a healthy swim. 3. Cleaning Tools Water clarity and health increase when you keep the liner and water clean. Quality tools, like a vacuum head and hose, skimmer, leaf rake and brush, and pool pole, make the job easy. 4. Surface Cleaners...

The holiday season is approaching. If you have a pool in Florida, closing your pool for winter is usually optional. Whatever you choose, having a pool brings much pleasure but also requires responsible upkeep and maintenance. If you know a pool owner, consider a unique holiday gift of pool services, accessories or equipment. Most pool owners would welcome such a thoughtful or helpful present. Need help deciding? Here are some suggestions for your favorite pool owner! Pool Service Pool service plans can be monthly, bi-weekly or weekly, depending on your gift-buying budget. All service plans include filter cleaning, emptying the skimmer and pump baskets and checking water chemical levels. Other items, such as vacuuming or brushing the pool walls, are available based on the service plan. Pool Accessories From toys to pool fountains, accessories can enhance pool ownership. Practical gifts include tools, cleaners, solar covers, ladders and lights. Items like leaf...

Many people think having a pool in Florida means they have a pool ready for year-round use due to the warm temperatures. That is not the case. Spring, fall and winter get cool enough at night to drop your water to an uncomfortable temperature. Fret not! A pool heater is the perfect solution to help you maximize your investment and enjoy your swimming pool year-round. Here are some of the benefits that come with installing a pool heater. Swimming All Year The obvious benefit to having a pool heater is you get to utilize your pool all 12 months. Despite being known for its warm winters, Florida temperatures can drop into the 50s and even 40s at night. These cool temperatures are low enough to make water temperatures too cold for comfort. A pool heater means the pool’s water will remain a comfortable temperature year-round. Swimming in the Dark Even during...

As fall approaches, Florida pools are still in use. You may not use the pool as often as the summer months, but there is no stopping you from taking a dip. During the spring and summer months, you are more conscious of the pool maintenance. But when the usage decreases, you may forget the routine maintenance. If it is not in use, you might feel like you do not need to take the time. Cooler Weather Approaching As the cooler weather starts rolling in, you want to continue your routine cleaning of your pool. Make sure you clean and vacuum your pool daily. As you clean your pool, do not overlook cleaning the filter. The cleaner your pool is during the cooler month’s means when the peak pool season arrives, there is not as much work to do. Checking the Chemicals Even with the cooler weather, it is important to keep...

Many of our customers ask about pool maintenance as summer winds down and fall begins. Should you get your pool ready for fall in Florida? Well, the answer depends on you and whether you wish to use it year-round. October tends to be a transitional month in Florida, and homeowners continue to enjoy the use of their pools during the early part of the month. With the approach of November — and usually cooler temperatures — most homeowners stop using their pools and get them ready for the remainder of fall and for the winter season. As the weather shifts, pool owners often welcome the break from the upkeep and chores associated with operating them. In the northern states, it’s usually necessary to drain the pool as part of the winter preparation. Florida pool owners must take some different steps to “winterize” their pools. If you choose to close your pool,...

The entire purpose of a pool pump is to move water to/through the filter(s), and often, a heater. “Turnover” is the moving of all of the water through one cycle, which is suggested to be once for every 12 hours. What is it that should be considered to help make sure that the pump you get serves you great? Pool Pump Considerations: Strength and Energy Consumption Strength To get the strength that you need, you first need to determine how much water needs to be circulated in the right amount of time. With the desired turnover to be 12 hours, you will need to divide your pool’s total volume volume in gallons by 12, to get the gallons-per-hour, then again by 60 to get the gallons-per-minute. For example, a pool with a 10,000 gallon capacity would need to pump 833.33 gallons per hour to have a 12-hour turnover (10,000 gallons/12 hours)....

With Summer fast approaching, it’s time to get prepared to open the pool. We all know that pool safety must be a priority, but what do you need to do to keep your family safe? Let's look at some ways that you can keep your pool fun instead of dangerous. Check Your Fence Having a fence around your pool may seem like a nuisance, but it is an absolute necessity. A fence will help protect your own family as well as your neighbors and pets. Inspect your fence to make sure that everything is ship-shape. Check for weak points and broken sections. If you do not have a secure fence already, there are a variety of fencing options available to you. Inspect Floating Devices If you have little ones swimming in the pool, you probably already have a variety of flotation devices and toys. Now is a good time to check...

With warm weather practically year-round, a swimming pool is one of the greatest ways to take advantage of the Florida sun. They provide great exercise, a low-cost way to entertain friends and family and, on the days that they’re not being used, are great additions to your landscaping. A pool cleaning service in Pinellas County can protect your pool for years to come. Take a look at the four main reasons why. It Saves Time As life gets hectic, it’s often difficult to fit in those weekly tasks that come with home maintenance. When you finally have downtime, the last thing you want is to deal with the upkeep of your pool rather than enjoying your pool. The team at Economy Pools of Florida is trained and experienced to help our customers get the most out of their pool systems. With regular pool maintenance, you have the convenience of a pool...

With so many myths and misinformation floating around the internet about saltwater vs. chlorine pools, we felt it was time to set the record straight for anyone considering installing a new in-ground or above ground pool. Here’s the straight story on the difference between saltwater pools and chlorine pools: Saltwater Pools The most surprising fact about saltwater pools is they do NOT contain zero chlorine simply because they use sea water. Moreover. saltwater pools have nowhere near the salinity of seawater, nor are they completely chlorine-free. The term saltwater pool actually derives from the electrolysis process used by these pools to keep the water minimally chlorinated while eliminating unwanted contaminants. Saltwater Pool Pros Less chlorine means less harsh effects on eyes and skin. If you or your family like to live in the pool during the summer, this is a major selling point. Saltwater pools have just enough chlorine to keep...

Choosing the right heater unit for your pool is an important decision; making the correct choice could save you thousands of dollars over the long term life of your pool. The two main factors to consider are the type and size of pool heater you need. Deciding what type of heater you prefer should be your first choice, as the different units require different sizing criteria. There are three main types of pool heaters, and each has its pros and cons. Gas Pool Heaters This is the cheapest up-front option, with most being tied directly into natural gas through the utility company. In areas where natural gas isn’t an option, propane and oil models are available. The best feature of gas pool heaters is they can maintain even water temperature even in extreme weather fluctuations. The downside is they will use quite a lot of fuel to do so, but newer...

As anyone who owns one knows: pools are a great way to relax and cool down during the dog days of summer, but they come with a lot of work. Thankfully, technology makes it so that some of the work can be done for you. Filters, for example, take much of the burden for cleaning the pool off of the owner. While this makes it easier to own a pool, from time to time the filter does need to be replaced. When this happens, it’s important to be able to recognize the signs so you can replace the filter as soon as possible. Here are some signs that your pool filter needs to be replaced: Dirty Pool Water This one seems kind of obvious, but it still should be mentioned at the top of any list. When your pool water starts to look dirty or murky, the chances are that it’s...

At Economy Pool, we’ve made it our mission to keep pools in our service areas in Jacksonville, Englewood, Oldsmar and Deland, Fl sparkling, healthy and ready to use. We understand, however, that homeowners like to be proactive in their pool maintenance. It’s understandable. A pool isn’t just hours of enjoyment with your family. It’s an investment in the value of your home and property. You want to keep it maintained to the best of your abilities. While homeowners definitely need the benefit of routine, professional maintenance, there are a few things that you can do on your own to ensure your pool is always ready to use. Our technicians can test your pool water, treat it with safe and effective chemicals that are environmentally sound, and work with you to keep your prized pool ready for your enjoyment. Routine Maintenance To help prevent algae, bacteria and other contaminants from growing in...

Not everyone thinks about whether a pool is healthy or not before jumping in and splashing around. In a 2016 study, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), found that eighty percent of the inspections of public pools were reported for violating health and safety rules. Out of these pools, every one-out-of-eight inspections forced pools to close down due to serious violations that were a significant threat to the health of swimmers. So, it is incumbent on anyone who decides to swim in a pool to determine if it is a safe one in which to do so. Here is some information on how to do exactly that. Take A Look in the Deep End To determine if a pool is healthy enough to swim in, check out the deep end first. If the drain is visible, there is a good chance it is well-maintained. If the drain is...