FAQ

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Q: Why is chlorine added to swimming pools and spas? 

A: Chlorine kills harmful microorganisms that can cause health-related problems in swimming pools and spas. Chlorine-based swimming pool and spa disinfectants help prevent swimmers’ ear, athlete’s foot, skin rashes and diarrhea. Legionnaires’ Disease and Pontiac Fever can also be prevented with proper chlorination, particularly in the hot tub and spa environment. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) calls chlorine and proper pH, “the first defense against germs that can make swimmers sick.” 

Q: How is chlorine added to swimming pools and spas? 

A: Chlorine may be added to pools in a variety of forms, 3” tablets with CYA are the most common solution. Quality professional brands from your pool cleaning and maintenance provider are your best choice. Professional products contain tested components and have CYA which helps protect the chlorine from UV damage from the sun. Do not skimp on the one thing that sanitizes your pool for your protection and preventing expensive cleaning and repairs to your pool. When added to water, each of these products unleashes the power of chlorine chemistry to destroy disease-causing germs. Studies show that another form of chlorinated disinfectant—chlorinated isocyanurates—have a special advantage in controlling germs in outdoor swimming pools. Chlorinated isocyanurates, known as “stabilized chlorine,” release the disinfecting power of chlorine slowly, in a “time-release” manner. This property makes them resistant to UV radiation from the sun, a plus for swimmers’ health. Some pools are equipped with chlorine generators that produce free chlorine directly in the pool water by applying electricity to salt

Q: What are the advantages of using chlorine to disinfect pools? 

A: The U.S. Centers for Disease Control & Prevention (CDC) calls chlorine and pH “the first defense against germs that can make swimmers sick.” Chlorine is the disinfectant of choice for the majority of public pools and nine out of ten residential pools in the U.S. Chlorine levels are easy to monitor and can be adjusted based on pool conditions such as the number of swimmers in a pool. A major advantage is that chlorine provides a residual level that continues to protect long after it is applied. Disinfectants such as ozone and ultraviolet light can provide supplemental treatment to control chlorine resistant germs like Cryptosporidium. However, none of these technologies eliminates the need to maintain a proper chlorine levels in pool water. 

Q: Why do some pools seem to use too much chlorine? 

A: Swimmers often mistakenly blame red eyes, itchy skin and a strong chemical smell of pool water on “too much chlorine.” Generally, the odor and irritation they notice is not due to chlorine, but to chloramines, chemical compounds that build up in pool water when it is improperly treated. A properly managed pool has little odor. Chloramines form when chlorine combines with ammonia and other compounds found in perspiration, urine, saliva, body oils and lotions that are brought into pools on the bodies of swimmers. Swimmers can help prevent chloramines forming in pools by showering before swimming. We closely monitor and adjust pool chemical levels to minimize chloramines formation. High levels of chloramines can be treated with a high dose of chlorine, known as shock treatment. Shock dosing—conducted when swimmers are absent from the pool—destroys chloramines, organic contaminants, and a variety of germs.

Q: What are the signs of a “healthy pool?”

A: Sight: Look for water that’s clean, clear and blue. The painted stripes and drain should be clearly visible at the bottom of the pool. 

Touch: Check for tiles that feel smooth and clean. Sticky or slippery tiles are caused by algae and other unwanted organisms. 

Smell: Make sure there are no strong odors. Chlorine helps keep pools healthy, and will not cause a strong chemical odor in a well-maintained pool. 

Sound: Listen for pool cleaning equipment. Properly running pumps and filters make sure that clean, disinfected water reaches all parts of the pool. 

Taste: Never drink or swallow pool water. In fact, try to avoid getting it in your mouth at all.

Q: Do I need to do anything if I’m having a pool party? 

A: Pool Party or Impromptu gathering of friends can significantly increase the load on your pools chemical and additives, reducing the ability to keep pool water clean and clear. Your best bet for planned parties is advise your pool cleaning and maintenance service. Our customers contact our team, “hey we are having a party with lots of kids, family or friends”. We will add a non-chlorine shock to ensure pool can be used right away, if the message comes after the fact we can deal with that too. The cost is minimal and ensures your water stays sanitized and nice and clear. More extreme bather loads require different solutions, but we will find the solution that best suits you and your pool.

Q. How Long Should My Pump Run ? 

A. Your pump and filter system has usually been matched to the size of your pool so that the total water volume is re-circulated roughly twice a day. In addition, different weather factors, especially temperature, must be taken into consideration. A good rule of thumb here in Las Vegas and Henderson is to run your filter pump 1 hour for every 10 degrees of daytime heat. In most cases this means running the pump for about 6-8 hours during the winter and about 8-12 hours during the summer.

Q. My Pump Is Making Noise

A. This could be a number of things. What sort of noise is it? If it is a gurgling kind of sound then the pump may not be fully primed. Common causes are low water in the pool or a suction leak. If the sound is a loud whining, screeching, or grinding then mostly likely the motor is the issue and may need to be replaced.