Seasonal Services
Prompt response and informed about issue and options.
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7/18/2023

SEASONAL SERVICES

PREVENTING FREEZE DAMAGE

At All Clear Pool & Spa, we understand the importance of preventing freeze damage to your pool. Our professional pool services provide comprehensive solutions to protect your pool during the winter months. Whether you have an inground pool or an above ground pool, our experienced team follows the necessary steps to properly winterize your pool. We ensure that the pool water is properly balanced, the water level is lowered, and the pipes and equipment are cleared of water. With our expertise and attention to detail, you can trust us to safeguard your pool and prevent any winter damage.

Here's some ways to prevent freeze damage to your pool equipment:
  • 1. Run the filter pump whenever temps are forecast to be freezing. If you have a booster pump for a pool cleaner or waterfall, make sure water is flowing through them also. Two speed pumps can be operated on low speed, water does not need to move fast to be kept from freezing, it just has to be in motion.
  • 2. All valves should be at least partially open to allow for some flow through all pipes and equipment.
  • 3. Wrapping pipes with a heat coil or with heavy insulation can prevent freeze damage, but be sure that all areas are receiving warmth.
  • 4. Using controls with freeze sensors automates freeze protection. Attached to your time clock or controller, a sensor will turn the pump(s) on automatically when temperatures fall below 40 degrees. Make sure each before winter, the sensors are still functioning. A loose or broken wire can easily cause your equipment to fail. Call All Clear Pool and Spa for assistance.
  • 5. Another alternative is to simply drain the above grade pool equipment (make sure timer clock won't turn pump on). Remove pump drain plugs, filter drain plugs, heater drain plugs, etc.


HURRICANE PREPAREDNESS

Our company is dedicated to providing top-notch hurricane prepared pool services to safeguard your pool during tropical weather conditions. We understand the importance of protecting your pool from the potential structural issues that can arise during hurricanes. Our team starts by conducting thorough inspections to assess your property's vulnerability to hurricane damage and recommend additional measures to fortify your pool.

BEFORE THE STORM
  • 1. THERE IS NO NEED TO EVEN LOWER THE WATER EXCEPT IN SPECIAL CASES. Many people say, "But won't the pool overflow if you don't lower the water?" Certainly it will. But no more so than if a patio or a yard were there. The water helps to protect the tiles and surface from flying objects. Never completely drain your pool! If you do lower the water level, be sure to close your skimmer valve or install a plug to prevent damage to the pump while draining and when the power is turned back on. Super chlorinate the pool. The pool provides a handy source of water for washing and flushing if your house water supply fails.
  • 2. TURN OFF ALL ELECTRICAL POWER TO THE SWIMMING POOL. (Pump, motor, lighting, chlorinators, and etc.)
  • 3. If your filter pump is in an unsheltered area, have the motor removed and stored, especially if area is prone to flooding, or wrap it with a waterproof membrane or plastic bag and tie it securely in place to prevent sand and driving water from entering the motor. Tie down the pump box lid, if present.
  • 4. REMOVE ALL LOOSE ITEMS FROM POOL AREA. It is not advisable to throw patio furniture or accessories into the pool. If it is necessary to do so, remove as soon as possible after the storm has passed. Heavy furniture may chip, rust, and damage the pool finish and the chemicals in the water will have an adverse effect on the furniture. This is especially true for vinyl liner pools that can be torn by furniture etc.
  • 5. Remove weak and dead branches near or overhanging the pool equipment, pool screen room and pool deck. Clean the pool deck drains.
  • 6. Remove and store any removable child safety fences. Install the fence deck caps.

AFTER THE STORM
  • 1. REPLACE ANY CHILD SAFETY FENCES. Store the deck caps for future use.
  • 2. DO NOT EMPTY THE POOL. High ground water can cause structural damage to an empty pool by causing it to pop (float) out of the ground.
  • 3. SUPERCHLORINATE THE POOL WATER. Remove as much of the organic debris (leaves, etc.) with a rake and skimmer as soon as possible as it rapidly consumes chlorine. When the chlorine residual returns to normal, have the water tested for proper balance. Heavy rain upsets mineral balance needed for protection of your equipment and pool finish.
  • 4. Remove all debris from pool with a rake and skimmer before re-starting the system to prevent clogged lines.
  • 5. DANGER: Some chemical feeders require special care before starting the pump motor. Check with All Clear Pool and Spa Shop or your pool company.
  • 6. REMOVE ANY WRAPPING AROUND PUMP MOTOR. If the motor has been submerged, it should be removed for professional cleaning and drying out. If the pump has remained dry, turn on the electricity.
  • 7. Check to make certain the pump is operating normally and that the water is circulating in the pool. Reset time clocks to show the correct time of day.
  • 8. Run filter until water is crystal clear and resume normal pool operation.


FALL SEASON

Fall is here, and brings the end of swimming season for many pool owners. If you are heating the pool, this is a good time to do routine cleaning and maintenance of the heater as described in the owner’s manual. If you are heating the pool it should be covered with a pool blanket to save money. Liquid pool blanket is the next best alternative to a pool blanket. All gas heaters should be turned off at least 15 minutes before the pump turns off. A fireman’s switch added to the time clock is the easiest way to do this.

Unfortunately, fall also means the trees will begin dropping their leaves and making a mess of the pool. Skimmer baskets and pump strainer baskets need to be emptied more often. Chemical consumption should decrease, be careful not to over chlorinate the pool. Leaves should be cleaned up around the pool pump to prevent fire and over-heating.

Fall is also a good time to remodel your pool before the next swimming season starts. This is also a good time to any other annual maintenance, for example de grid cleaning, salt cell cleaning, and leak repair. If you have not upgraded to an energy efficient pump, you may be able to decrease the amount of time you run the pool pump to 4 or 6 hours/day.