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Frequently Asked Questions
At Pools USA, we provide thorough cleaning and maintenance services to guarantee that your pool stays in excellent condition.
Pool Repairs
At Pools USA, we offer a range of services to ensure your pool is fully operational and ready for any occasion.
Pool Refinishing and Remodeling
Whether you’re looking to create the pool of your dreams or renovate your existing one, we offer a variety of services that can help you achieve your goals.
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My single speed pump is no longer available. What happened?New energy requirements as of July 2021 put forth by the Dept of Energy basically made all single speed pumps larger than 1 hp obsolete. None could meet the new standard. Although you do not need to run out and buy a new Variable Speed pump to replace your current one, you will eventually be forced to install one when your existing pump dies. Keep in mind that even though the new pumps cost about twice as much they save you BIG MONEY by energy reduction. Expect to save at least 60% or even more off the cost of running your single speed pump. The ROI for these pumps is 12-18 months.
-
Do you have to be licensed to work on pool equipment in Florida?Yes, anyone repairing or installing any piece of pool equipment (except filter cartridge) needs to be licensed to do so. That licensing can either be state-wide or issued by a county for repairs only done in that county. Moreover, any company advertising repair work must have their license number posted. Our license number is found throughout this site.
-
Do you install equipment I purchased myself?No, we do not. Warranty and liability concerns prevent us from doing so. But we will do everything in our power to offer you a price comparable to other sources you may have. As well, be mindful of extended warranties many of us offer that cannot be matched when buying online. (For example, some products bought online carry only a 90 day warranty but when purchased through us will be covered for a full 3 years).
-
Do you give service customers discounts on repairs?Absolutely! You’ll save money using us for your repairs, sometimes as much as 10%.
-
Do I need to be home for repair calls?Not necessarily. Unless we need to access an indoor light switch or power panel there’s no need for someone to be home. We do require a credit card to be on file in advance of repairs or for the invoice to be paid at the time of service.
-
What is the warranty of repairs?Our labor is warranted for 30 days. Any defect in installation becomes obvious in hours or days of the installation so this period has proven to be adequate. The products we install are all covered under specific manufacturer warranties ranging from 12 months to 5 years. Ask about your particular piece of equipment prior to your installation date.
-
Do you offer financing?Yes, we do! Through an outside finance company you can apply right in our store, most are approved within minutes of submitting the application. Our financing company works with credit ratings of 550 and above as of the writing of this FAQ page.
-
How important is routine maintenance to the health and life of my pool?Routine maintenance is vital to the appearance and life of your pool. By routine we mean at least weekly. Allowing your chemicals to swing out of balance for long periods of time has a devastating affect on your finish and equipment. Not properly maintaining chemical balance or allowing debris to sit on the floor or not brushing the surfaces can lead to premature aging, staining or even cause it to crumble.
-
What are the most important aspects of pool care?Basically you need three things to manage your pool; chemicals, filtration and circulation. Like a three legged stool falls over without one leg, if you lack one of these features your pool will suffer for it. So, you need to focus on those three aspects. Proper chemical balance means maintaining ALL chemicals, not just sanitizer levels. Water balancers (mineral level, pH, alkalinity, stabilizer) are very important and weigh heavily on the pool finish. Circulation must be sufficient to keep the water homogeneous and to generate sufficient sanitizer (for pools fitted with salt systems). Filtration must be sufficient so that your pool is turned over 1.5 to 2.0 times per day. So, for a 10,000 gallon pool you’d need to run it between 6.25 and 8.25 hrs per day (assuming 40 gallons per minute return rate). A 15,000 gallon pool would require upward of 12 hours.
-
How many hours a day do I need to run my pool?Filtration and circulation must be sufficient so that your pool is turned over 1.5 to 2.0 times per day. So, for a 10,000 gallon pool you’d need to run it between 6.25 and 8.25 hrs per day (assuming 40 gallons per minute return rate). A 15,000 gallon pool would require upward of 12 hours. Rule of thumb: most pools run well with 8-10 hours of run time in the summer, 6-8 in winter (Florida).
-
I notice your company uses self contained vacuums. Are they better than the one I used?Not necessarily better, but certainly faster and less obtrusive on your equipment. Rather than using your pump and filter to remove debris we use an independent vacuum which traps the debris into a net, not your basket or filter.
-
Does your Service Technician check our equipment during visits?Yes, every time. Our job can be made easier or harder based on the condition of your equipment. So it’s important to you and to us that your equipment is in the best shape possible.
-
What do you do on rainy days?Besides get wet, we try to provide as much service as possible. Regardless of rain we will still test and add chemicals. Rains make it difficult or impossible to see into the water and vacuuming is nearly impossible. Believe us when we say, we HATE to skip vacuuming due to weather even more than you. It just makes our job harder next week and also uses more chemicals.
-
What about pets? Do you have problems with dogs?We love dogs. Most of us have dogs. But we request that you bring them in on service days for a number of reasons. Not only do we encounter “escape artists” (pooches that run out of the gate the moment we open it) but we also get the playful ones who like to nip at our equipment or distract us from our job, and the occasional aggressive or overly protective dogs. If you’re not able to bring your pooches in on service days make sure someone is home so we can knock and have them secured while we’re on property.
-
How often do you clean my filter?Most filters require servicing every 4 weeks. Some pools (small, screened, not used) may not require it but every 5 or even 6 weeks. Cartridge filters need to be changed every 12 months. We will do that for you and bill separately or you’re free to change it yourself. But we do request that they are changed annually. Otherwise the weave becomes so impacted it takes too long (or is impossible) to effectively clean.
-
How often do you add chemicals?Normally every week. Rarely does a pool not require balancers or sanitizers.
-
Is it safe to swim in after you’re done servicing?Yes, generally. If we shock or otherwise do something that would cause a client discomfort we’ll leave a door hanger notifying you not to use the pool.
-
How do I know if my pool is leaking? I have to add water every week!Evaporation is a naturally occurring feature of all pools. In our area most pools lose about 1 inch per week during dry periods. Pools with spa spillovers, deck jets or other such water features may lose as much as 1.5-2”. If you’re losing more than that you may have a leak. We can help you assess the situation, and many times may know you have a leak even before you, based on water analysis. Certain chemicals will not evaporate so if we see them starting to drop in unison we know there has been water loss or a heavy influx of fill water (rain or overfilling).
-
My pool leaks. Is that a problem?Yes, it is. Leaks allow chemically treated water to run out. One component that we need to maintain is stabilizer (aka conditioner or cyanuric acid). This chemical protects your chlorine from being driven off by UV rays of the sun. When it drops below 30 PPM your water will become unable to retain chlorine and will develop algae. If you have a leak you’ll be unable to prevent this from occurring without adding stabilizer weekly. Your pool will also be affected by the loss of calcium, which causes your water to become aggressive and attack the finish. Also, if you have a salt pool, your salt will be running out with the escaping water. So, leaks MUST be dealt with quickly.
-
Do you fill pools?Unfortunately, no, for a couple of reasons. First, we’re not at your residence long enough to add an appreciable amount of water. We clean most pools in 10-20 minutes and that’s not long enough to add a significant amount. Second, its far too easy for a Pool Tech to drive off and forget to shut off the water.
-
I’ve heard phosphates are a problem. How so?Phosphates are basically algae food. When the level of phosphates rises above 300 ppb (parts per billion) it can contribute to algae blooms if sanitizer levels drop or during heavy rain periods. Removing phosphates is a simple process but the chemicals used are expensive so additional charges apply.
-
I have a salt pool, do you guys work with them?Yes, we manage hundreds of salt pools. And we repair them as well.
-
How often do you shock my pool?As needed. We test for combined chlorine and shock accordingly.
-
I see algae in my pool. Why?That depends on what type of algae you’re seeing. Yellow or mustard algae (most common, occurs rapidly) normally develop when sanitizer levels are low. Perhaps due to heavy rain water, increase bather load, dogs using the pool or a lack of stabilizer, this type of algae is easily killed and removed. Black algae normally appears as small round dots or blotches. This type of algae is almost impossible to fully remove. We can reduce the dots (sometimes remove them altogether) but black algae has deep roots that normally don’t die, even when the surface appears clear. So, in time, especially during periods of low chlorine, they redevelop. If you see algae in your pool please let us know immediately. The sooner we deal with it the better for you and for us.
-
My pool developed algae. You treated it but it’s still not clear. How long does it take?That depends on the severity of the outbreak and the amount of dead spores in the water. We are able to kill the algae by using chemicals. Removing it requires the use of your filtration system. Cleaning your filter daily and using a clarifier may help shorten the timeline. Realistically it could take a couple of weeks (even more in severe cases) to get your water back to completely clear.
-
What chemical parameters do you maintain my pool at?Concrete Pools: Fiberglass Vinyl Chlorine – 2-6 PPM Chlorine – 2-6 PPM Chlorine – 2-6 PPM Alkalinity – 80-120 Alkalinity – 80-120 Alkalinity – 100-150 pH – 7.2-7.8 pH – 7.2-7.8 pH – 7.2-7.8 Stabilizer – 40-80 Stabilizer – 40-80 Stabilizer – 40-80 Calcium – 200-400 Calcium – 80-120 Calcium – 175-300 Phosphate – <300 PPB Phosphate – <300 PPB Phosphate – <300 PPB
-
I smell chlorine in my pool? Did you add too much?Normally when you smell “chlorine” you’re actually smelling chloramines (bond of chlorine and ammonia). To eliminate that bond we actually need to superchlorinate with even more chlorine.
-
Do you give service customers discounts on repairs?Absolutely! You’ll save money using us for your repairs, sometimes as much as 10%.
-
Are pool services licensed and insured?Not all, no. Any pool company providing repairs is required to be state or county licensed specifically for repairs. No license is required to treat the water or clean residential pools, however a license is needed to treat commercial pools. At Pools, USA we are State Certified to perform repairs anywhere in the state of Florida and we carry full general liability, commercial auto as well as workers comp insurance. Before you hire anyone to do your pool ask for proof. We’d love to show you ours!
-
Do you send any kind of report showing you serviced my pool today?Yes! As of the writing of this FAQ page we are installing an App that allows us to keep thorough records of your pool and to send you weekly photos and report. Many of our current clients have already been added to that system and the rest will be very soon.
-
How much does it cost to refinish my concrete pool?That’s completely dependent upon the scope of work, size of the pool and materials chosen. We offer free estimates so give us a call and let us provide you with a quote.
-
How long does it take?For small jobs we can usually complete a simple refinishing in a week, from drain to refill. It will take day or two to fill and then require chemical balancing. The curing process takes 30 days once filled but you may use your pool during that period. Some pools obviously take longer based on their size and/or scope of the refinishing (tiles or not, spillway or not, equipment or not, etc). And clearly we have rain delays here in Florida, sometimes numerous in a row. Normally we can give you a pretty good timeline upon your approval of the bid.
-
Do you replace coping and tiles? How about glass blocks?Yes, we do all of that and more. You can add deck jets, color lights, fountains, rocks, automation you name it.
-
Can you resurface without changing the tile?Sure, but consider the age of the tile you want to keep. It’s likely been on the pool for 10 or more years. Your new surface will last 12-15 years. Will your old tile be worthy of your new surface and last another 12-15 years? Will it be outdated by then? Faded? It’s easy to replace tiles while refinishing. Not so easy to replace tiles when not refinishing. You will end up with a gap between the new tile and the old finish where the grout has a hard time filling well.
-
Where can I go to pick out my tile and finish?You can come to our showroom!! We feature several lines of tiles, ledge stone, granite, pavers, Travertine and examples of top quality pool equipment. The showroom is located in Port St Lucie.
-
Do you offer discounts on refinishing to current Pool Service customers?Absolutely!! It will be hard for anyone else to beat our price for refinishing one of our service pools.
-
My single speed pump is no longer available. What happened?New energy requirements as of July 2021 put forth by the Dept of Energy basically made all single speed pumps larger than 1 hp obsolete. None could meet the new standard. Although you do not need to run out and buy a new Variable Speed pump to replace your current one, you will eventually be forced to install one when your existing pump dies. Keep in mind that even though the new pumps cost about twice as much they save you BIG MONEY by energy reduction. Expect to save at least 60% or even more off the cost of running your single speed pump. The ROI for these pumps is 12-18 months.
-
Do you have to be licensed to work on pool equipment in Florida?Yes, anyone repairing or installing any piece of pool equipment (except filter cartridge) needs to be licensed to do so. That licensing can either be state-wide or issued by a county for repairs only done in that county. Moreover, any company advertising repair work must have their license number posted. Our license number is found throughout this site.
-
Do you install equipment I purchased myself?No, we do not. Warranty and liability concerns prevent us from doing so. But we will do everything in our power to offer you a price comparable to other sources you may have. As well, be mindful of extended warranties many of us offer that cannot be matched when buying online. (For example, some products bought online carry only a 90 day warranty but when purchased through us will be covered for a full 3 years).
-
Do you give service customers discounts on repairs?Absolutely! You’ll save money using us for your repairs, sometimes as much as 10%.
-
Do I need to be home for repair calls?Not necessarily. Unless we need to access an indoor light switch or power panel there’s no need for someone to be home. We do require a credit card to be on file in advance of repairs or for the invoice to be paid at the time of service.
-
What is the warranty of repairs?Our labor is warranted for 30 days. Any defect in installation becomes obvious in hours or days of the installation so this period has proven to be adequate. The products we install are all covered under specific manufacturer warranties ranging from 12 months to 5 years. Ask about your particular piece of equipment prior to your installation date.
-
Do you offer financing?Yes, we do! Through an outside finance company you can apply right in our store, most are approved within minutes of submitting the application. Our financing company works with credit ratings of 550 and above as of the writing of this FAQ page.
-
How important is routine maintenance to the health and life of my pool?Routine maintenance is vital to the appearance and life of your pool. By routine we mean at least weekly. Allowing your chemicals to swing out of balance for long periods of time has a devastating affect on your finish and equipment. Not properly maintaining chemical balance or allowing debris to sit on the floor or not brushing the surfaces can lead to premature aging, staining or even cause it to crumble.
-
What are the most important aspects of pool care?Basically you need three things to manage your pool; chemicals, filtration and circulation. Like a three legged stool falls over without one leg, if you lack one of these features your pool will suffer for it. So, you need to focus on those three aspects. Proper chemical balance means maintaining ALL chemicals, not just sanitizer levels. Water balancers (mineral level, pH, alkalinity, stabilizer) are very important and weigh heavily on the pool finish. Circulation must be sufficient to keep the water homogeneous and to generate sufficient sanitizer (for pools fitted with salt systems). Filtration must be sufficient so that your pool is turned over 1.5 to 2.0 times per day. So, for a 10,000 gallon pool you’d need to run it between 6.25 and 8.25 hrs per day (assuming 40 gallons per minute return rate). A 15,000 gallon pool would require upward of 12 hours.
-
How many hours a day do I need to run my pool?Filtration and circulation must be sufficient so that your pool is turned over 1.5 to 2.0 times per day. So, for a 10,000 gallon pool you’d need to run it between 6.25 and 8.25 hrs per day (assuming 40 gallons per minute return rate). A 15,000 gallon pool would require upward of 12 hours. Rule of thumb: most pools run well with 8-10 hours of run time in the summer, 6-8 in winter (Florida).
-
I notice your company uses self contained vacuums. Are they better than the one I used?Not necessarily better, but certainly faster and less obtrusive on your equipment. Rather than using your pump and filter to remove debris we use an independent vacuum which traps the debris into a net, not your basket or filter.
-
Does your Service Technician check our equipment during visits?Yes, every time. Our job can be made easier or harder based on the condition of your equipment. So it’s important to you and to us that your equipment is in the best shape possible.
-
What do you do on rainy days?Besides get wet, we try to provide as much service as possible. Regardless of rain we will still test and add chemicals. Rains make it difficult or impossible to see into the water and vacuuming is nearly impossible. Believe us when we say, we HATE to skip vacuuming due to weather even more than you. It just makes our job harder next week and also uses more chemicals.
-
What about pets? Do you have problems with dogs?We love dogs. Most of us have dogs. But we request that you bring them in on service days for a number of reasons. Not only do we encounter “escape artists” (pooches that run out of the gate the moment we open it) but we also get the playful ones who like to nip at our equipment or distract us from our job, and the occasional aggressive or overly protective dogs. If you’re not able to bring your pooches in on service days make sure someone is home so we can knock and have them secured while we’re on property.
-
How often do you clean my filter?Most filters require servicing every 4 weeks. Some pools (small, screened, not used) may not require it but every 5 or even 6 weeks. Cartridge filters need to be changed every 12 months. We will do that for you and bill separately or you’re free to change it yourself. But we do request that they are changed annually. Otherwise the weave becomes so impacted it takes too long (or is impossible) to effectively clean.
-
How often do you add chemicals?Normally every week. Rarely does a pool not require balancers or sanitizers.
-
Is it safe to swim in after you’re done servicing?Yes, generally. If we shock or otherwise do something that would cause a client discomfort we’ll leave a door hanger notifying you not to use the pool.
-
How do I know if my pool is leaking? I have to add water every week!Evaporation is a naturally occurring feature of all pools. In our area most pools lose about 1 inch per week during dry periods. Pools with spa spillovers, deck jets or other such water features may lose as much as 1.5-2”. If you’re losing more than that you may have a leak. We can help you assess the situation, and many times may know you have a leak even before you, based on water analysis. Certain chemicals will not evaporate so if we see them starting to drop in unison we know there has been water loss or a heavy influx of fill water (rain or overfilling).
-
My pool leaks. Is that a problem?Yes, it is. Leaks allow chemically treated water to run out. One component that we need to maintain is stabilizer (aka conditioner or cyanuric acid). This chemical protects your chlorine from being driven off by UV rays of the sun. When it drops below 30 PPM your water will become unable to retain chlorine and will develop algae. If you have a leak you’ll be unable to prevent this from occurring without adding stabilizer weekly. Your pool will also be affected by the loss of calcium, which causes your water to become aggressive and attack the finish. Also, if you have a salt pool, your salt will be running out with the escaping water. So, leaks MUST be dealt with quickly.
-
Do you fill pools?Unfortunately, no, for a couple of reasons. First, we’re not at your residence long enough to add an appreciable amount of water. We clean most pools in 10-20 minutes and that’s not long enough to add a significant amount. Second, its far too easy for a Pool Tech to drive off and forget to shut off the water.
-
I’ve heard phosphates are a problem. How so?Phosphates are basically algae food. When the level of phosphates rises above 300 ppb (parts per billion) it can contribute to algae blooms if sanitizer levels drop or during heavy rain periods. Removing phosphates is a simple process but the chemicals used are expensive so additional charges apply.
-
I have a salt pool, do you guys work with them?Yes, we manage hundreds of salt pools. And we repair them as well.
-
How often do you shock my pool?As needed. We test for combined chlorine and shock accordingly.
-
I see algae in my pool. Why?That depends on what type of algae you’re seeing. Yellow or mustard algae (most common, occurs rapidly) normally develop when sanitizer levels are low. Perhaps due to heavy rain water, increase bather load, dogs using the pool or a lack of stabilizer, this type of algae is easily killed and removed. Black algae normally appears as small round dots or blotches. This type of algae is almost impossible to fully remove. We can reduce the dots (sometimes remove them altogether) but black algae has deep roots that normally don’t die, even when the surface appears clear. So, in time, especially during periods of low chlorine, they redevelop. If you see algae in your pool please let us know immediately. The sooner we deal with it the better for you and for us.
-
My pool developed algae. You treated it but it’s still not clear. How long does it take?That depends on the severity of the outbreak and the amount of dead spores in the water. We are able to kill the algae by using chemicals. Removing it requires the use of your filtration system. Cleaning your filter daily and using a clarifier may help shorten the timeline. Realistically it could take a couple of weeks (even more in severe cases) to get your water back to completely clear.
-
What chemical parameters do you maintain my pool at?Concrete Pools: Fiberglass Vinyl Chlorine – 2-6 PPM Chlorine – 2-6 PPM Chlorine – 2-6 PPM Alkalinity – 80-120 Alkalinity – 80-120 Alkalinity – 100-150 pH – 7.2-7.8 pH – 7.2-7.8 pH – 7.2-7.8 Stabilizer – 40-80 Stabilizer – 40-80 Stabilizer – 40-80 Calcium – 200-400 Calcium – 80-120 Calcium – 175-300 Phosphate – <300 PPB Phosphate – <300 PPB Phosphate – <300 PPB
-
I smell chlorine in my pool? Did you add too much?Normally when you smell “chlorine” you’re actually smelling chloramines (bond of chlorine and ammonia). To eliminate that bond we actually need to superchlorinate with even more chlorine.
-
Do you give service customers discounts on repairs?Absolutely! You’ll save money using us for your repairs, sometimes as much as 10%.
-
Are pool services licensed and insured?Not all, no. Any pool company providing repairs is required to be state or county licensed specifically for repairs. No license is required to treat the water or clean residential pools, however a license is needed to treat commercial pools. At Pools, USA we are State Certified to perform repairs anywhere in the state of Florida and we carry full general liability, commercial auto as well as workers comp insurance. Before you hire anyone to do your pool ask for proof. We’d love to show you ours!
-
Do you send any kind of report showing you serviced my pool today?Yes! As of the writing of this FAQ page we are installing an App that allows us to keep thorough records of your pool and to send you weekly photos and report. Many of our current clients have already been added to that system and the rest will be very soon.
-
How much does it cost to refinish my concrete pool?That’s completely dependent upon the scope of work, size of the pool and materials chosen. We offer free estimates so give us a call and let us provide you with a quote.
-
How long does it take?For small jobs we can usually complete a simple refinishing in a week, from drain to refill. It will take day or two to fill and then require chemical balancing. The curing process takes 30 days once filled but you may use your pool during that period. Some pools obviously take longer based on their size and/or scope of the refinishing (tiles or not, spillway or not, equipment or not, etc). And clearly we have rain delays here in Florida, sometimes numerous in a row. Normally we can give you a pretty good timeline upon your approval of the bid.
-
Do you replace coping and tiles? How about glass blocks?Yes, we do all of that and more. You can add deck jets, color lights, fountains, rocks, automation you name it.
-
Can you resurface without changing the tile?Sure, but consider the age of the tile you want to keep. It’s likely been on the pool for 10 or more years. Your new surface will last 12-15 years. Will your old tile be worthy of your new surface and last another 12-15 years? Will it be outdated by then? Faded? It’s easy to replace tiles while refinishing. Not so easy to replace tiles when not refinishing. You will end up with a gap between the new tile and the old finish where the grout has a hard time filling well.
-
Where can I go to pick out my tile and finish?You can come to our showroom!! We feature several lines of tiles, ledge stone, granite, pavers, Travertine and examples of top quality pool equipment. The showroom is located in Port St Lucie.
-
Do you offer discounts on refinishing to current Pool Service customers?Absolutely!! It will be hard for anyone else to beat our price for refinishing one of our service pools.
-
My single speed pump is no longer available. What happened?New energy requirements as of July 2021 put forth by the Dept of Energy basically made all single speed pumps larger than 1 hp obsolete. None could meet the new standard. Although you do not need to run out and buy a new Variable Speed pump to replace your current one, you will eventually be forced to install one when your existing pump dies. Keep in mind that even though the new pumps cost about twice as much they save you BIG MONEY by energy reduction. Expect to save at least 60% or even more off the cost of running your single speed pump. The ROI for these pumps is 12-18 months.
-
Do you have to be licensed to work on pool equipment in Florida?Yes, anyone repairing or installing any piece of pool equipment (except filter cartridge) needs to be licensed to do so. That licensing can either be state-wide or issued by a county for repairs only done in that county. Moreover, any company advertising repair work must have their license number posted. Our license number is found throughout this site.
-
Do you install equipment I purchased myself?No, we do not. Warranty and liability concerns prevent us from doing so. But we will do everything in our power to offer you a price comparable to other sources you may have. As well, be mindful of extended warranties many of us offer that cannot be matched when buying online. (For example, some products bought online carry only a 90 day warranty but when purchased through us will be covered for a full 3 years).
-
Do you give service customers discounts on repairs?Absolutely! You’ll save money using us for your repairs, sometimes as much as 10%.
-
Do I need to be home for repair calls?Not necessarily. Unless we need to access an indoor light switch or power panel there’s no need for someone to be home. We do require a credit card to be on file in advance of repairs or for the invoice to be paid at the time of service.
-
What is the warranty of repairs?Our labor is warranted for 30 days. Any defect in installation becomes obvious in hours or days of the installation so this period has proven to be adequate. The products we install are all covered under specific manufacturer warranties ranging from 12 months to 5 years. Ask about your particular piece of equipment prior to your installation date.
-
Do you offer financing?Yes, we do! Through an outside finance company you can apply right in our store, most are approved within minutes of submitting the application. Our financing company works with credit ratings of 550 and above as of the writing of this FAQ page.
-
How important is routine maintenance to the health and life of my pool?Routine maintenance is vital to the appearance and life of your pool. By routine we mean at least weekly. Allowing your chemicals to swing out of balance for long periods of time has a devastating affect on your finish and equipment. Not properly maintaining chemical balance or allowing debris to sit on the floor or not brushing the surfaces can lead to premature aging, staining or even cause it to crumble.
-
What are the most important aspects of pool care?Basically you need three things to manage your pool; chemicals, filtration and circulation. Like a three legged stool falls over without one leg, if you lack one of these features your pool will suffer for it. So, you need to focus on those three aspects. Proper chemical balance means maintaining ALL chemicals, not just sanitizer levels. Water balancers (mineral level, pH, alkalinity, stabilizer) are very important and weigh heavily on the pool finish. Circulation must be sufficient to keep the water homogeneous and to generate sufficient sanitizer (for pools fitted with salt systems). Filtration must be sufficient so that your pool is turned over 1.5 to 2.0 times per day. So, for a 10,000 gallon pool you’d need to run it between 6.25 and 8.25 hrs per day (assuming 40 gallons per minute return rate). A 15,000 gallon pool would require upward of 12 hours.
-
How many hours a day do I need to run my pool?Filtration and circulation must be sufficient so that your pool is turned over 1.5 to 2.0 times per day. So, for a 10,000 gallon pool you’d need to run it between 6.25 and 8.25 hrs per day (assuming 40 gallons per minute return rate). A 15,000 gallon pool would require upward of 12 hours. Rule of thumb: most pools run well with 8-10 hours of run time in the summer, 6-8 in winter (Florida).
-
I notice your company uses self contained vacuums. Are they better than the one I used?Not necessarily better, but certainly faster and less obtrusive on your equipment. Rather than using your pump and filter to remove debris we use an independent vacuum which traps the debris into a net, not your basket or filter.
-
Does your Service Technician check our equipment during visits?Yes, every time. Our job can be made easier or harder based on the condition of your equipment. So it’s important to you and to us that your equipment is in the best shape possible.
-
What do you do on rainy days?Besides get wet, we try to provide as much service as possible. Regardless of rain we will still test and add chemicals. Rains make it difficult or impossible to see into the water and vacuuming is nearly impossible. Believe us when we say, we HATE to skip vacuuming due to weather even more than you. It just makes our job harder next week and also uses more chemicals.
-
What about pets? Do you have problems with dogs?We love dogs. Most of us have dogs. But we request that you bring them in on service days for a number of reasons. Not only do we encounter “escape artists” (pooches that run out of the gate the moment we open it) but we also get the playful ones who like to nip at our equipment or distract us from our job, and the occasional aggressive or overly protective dogs. If you’re not able to bring your pooches in on service days make sure someone is home so we can knock and have them secured while we’re on property.
-
How often do you clean my filter?Most filters require servicing every 4 weeks. Some pools (small, screened, not used) may not require it but every 5 or even 6 weeks. Cartridge filters need to be changed every 12 months. We will do that for you and bill separately or you’re free to change it yourself. But we do request that they are changed annually. Otherwise the weave becomes so impacted it takes too long (or is impossible) to effectively clean.
-
How often do you add chemicals?Normally every week. Rarely does a pool not require balancers or sanitizers.
-
Is it safe to swim in after you’re done servicing?Yes, generally. If we shock or otherwise do something that would cause a client discomfort we’ll leave a door hanger notifying you not to use the pool.
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How do I know if my pool is leaking? I have to add water every week!Evaporation is a naturally occurring feature of all pools. In our area most pools lose about 1 inch per week during dry periods. Pools with spa spillovers, deck jets or other such water features may lose as much as 1.5-2”. If you’re losing more than that you may have a leak. We can help you assess the situation, and many times may know you have a leak even before you, based on water analysis. Certain chemicals will not evaporate so if we see them starting to drop in unison we know there has been water loss or a heavy influx of fill water (rain or overfilling).
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My pool leaks. Is that a problem?Yes, it is. Leaks allow chemically treated water to run out. One component that we need to maintain is stabilizer (aka conditioner or cyanuric acid). This chemical protects your chlorine from being driven off by UV rays of the sun. When it drops below 30 PPM your water will become unable to retain chlorine and will develop algae. If you have a leak you’ll be unable to prevent this from occurring without adding stabilizer weekly. Your pool will also be affected by the loss of calcium, which causes your water to become aggressive and attack the finish. Also, if you have a salt pool, your salt will be running out with the escaping water. So, leaks MUST be dealt with quickly.
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Do you fill pools?Unfortunately, no, for a couple of reasons. First, we’re not at your residence long enough to add an appreciable amount of water. We clean most pools in 10-20 minutes and that’s not long enough to add a significant amount. Second, its far too easy for a Pool Tech to drive off and forget to shut off the water.
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I’ve heard phosphates are a problem. How so?Phosphates are basically algae food. When the level of phosphates rises above 300 ppb (parts per billion) it can contribute to algae blooms if sanitizer levels drop or during heavy rain periods. Removing phosphates is a simple process but the chemicals used are expensive so additional charges apply.
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I have a salt pool, do you guys work with them?Yes, we manage hundreds of salt pools. And we repair them as well.
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How often do you shock my pool?As needed. We test for combined chlorine and shock accordingly.
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I see algae in my pool. Why?That depends on what type of algae you’re seeing. Yellow or mustard algae (most common, occurs rapidly) normally develop when sanitizer levels are low. Perhaps due to heavy rain water, increase bather load, dogs using the pool or a lack of stabilizer, this type of algae is easily killed and removed. Black algae normally appears as small round dots or blotches. This type of algae is almost impossible to fully remove. We can reduce the dots (sometimes remove them altogether) but black algae has deep roots that normally don’t die, even when the surface appears clear. So, in time, especially during periods of low chlorine, they redevelop. If you see algae in your pool please let us know immediately. The sooner we deal with it the better for you and for us.
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My pool developed algae. You treated it but it’s still not clear. How long does it take?That depends on the severity of the outbreak and the amount of dead spores in the water. We are able to kill the algae by using chemicals. Removing it requires the use of your filtration system. Cleaning your filter daily and using a clarifier may help shorten the timeline. Realistically it could take a couple of weeks (even more in severe cases) to get your water back to completely clear.
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What chemical parameters do you maintain my pool at?Concrete Pools: Fiberglass Vinyl Chlorine – 2-6 PPM Chlorine – 2-6 PPM Chlorine – 2-6 PPM Alkalinity – 80-120 Alkalinity – 80-120 Alkalinity – 100-150 pH – 7.2-7.8 pH – 7.2-7.8 pH – 7.2-7.8 Stabilizer – 40-80 Stabilizer – 40-80 Stabilizer – 40-80 Calcium – 200-400 Calcium – 80-120 Calcium – 175-300 Phosphate – <300 PPB Phosphate – <300 PPB Phosphate – <300 PPB
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I smell chlorine in my pool? Did you add too much?Normally when you smell “chlorine” you’re actually smelling chloramines (bond of chlorine and ammonia). To eliminate that bond we actually need to superchlorinate with even more chlorine.
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Do you give service customers discounts on repairs?Absolutely! You’ll save money using us for your repairs, sometimes as much as 10%.
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Are pool services licensed and insured?Not all, no. Any pool company providing repairs is required to be state or county licensed specifically for repairs. No license is required to treat the water or clean residential pools, however a license is needed to treat commercial pools. At Pools, USA we are State Certified to perform repairs anywhere in the state of Florida and we carry full general liability, commercial auto as well as workers comp insurance. Before you hire anyone to do your pool ask for proof. We’d love to show you ours!
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Do you send any kind of report showing you serviced my pool today?Yes! As of the writing of this FAQ page we are installing an App that allows us to keep thorough records of your pool and to send you weekly photos and report. Many of our current clients have already been added to that system and the rest will be very soon.
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How much does it cost to refinish my concrete pool?That’s completely dependent upon the scope of work, size of the pool and materials chosen. We offer free estimates so give us a call and let us provide you with a quote.
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How long does it take?For small jobs we can usually complete a simple refinishing in a week, from drain to refill. It will take day or two to fill and then require chemical balancing. The curing process takes 30 days once filled but you may use your pool during that period. Some pools obviously take longer based on their size and/or scope of the refinishing (tiles or not, spillway or not, equipment or not, etc). And clearly we have rain delays here in Florida, sometimes numerous in a row. Normally we can give you a pretty good timeline upon your approval of the bid.
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Do you replace coping and tiles? How about glass blocks?Yes, we do all of that and more. You can add deck jets, color lights, fountains, rocks, automation you name it.
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Can you resurface without changing the tile?Sure, but consider the age of the tile you want to keep. It’s likely been on the pool for 10 or more years. Your new surface will last 12-15 years. Will your old tile be worthy of your new surface and last another 12-15 years? Will it be outdated by then? Faded? It’s easy to replace tiles while refinishing. Not so easy to replace tiles when not refinishing. You will end up with a gap between the new tile and the old finish where the grout has a hard time filling well.
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Where can I go to pick out my tile and finish?You can come to our showroom!! We feature several lines of tiles, ledge stone, granite, pavers, Travertine and examples of top quality pool equipment. The showroom is located in Port St Lucie.
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Do you offer discounts on refinishing to current Pool Service customers?Absolutely!! It will be hard for anyone else to beat our price for refinishing one of our service pools.
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