We want to wish everyone a blessed and Merry Christmas from our Hawaiian Pools family to you. We hope everyone enjoys this time spent with family, friends, and loved ones! We will be closed Saturday, December 23 – Tuesday, December 26 to allow our employees time to celebrate Christmas with their loved ones. We will back open and ready to serve you on Wednesday, December 27. Merry Christmas!

As the leaves begin to fall and the temperatures drop, it’s time to start thinking about closing your pool for the winter. Properly winterizing your pool is not just about protecting it from the cold; it’s also about ensuring that you’ll have a hassle-free reopening in the spring. In this blog post, we’ll explore the importance of closing later and opening earlier, balancing your pool, and the essential steps to take to ensure your pool stays crystal clear.

Closing Later and Opening Earlier: A Winning Strategy
 Closing Later
Many pool owners rush to close their pools as soon as the weather starts to cool down. However, closing later in the season, when the water is cooler, can help reduce the chances of encountering a green and murky pool in the spring. Algae growth thrives in warm water, so delaying the closing process can be an effective preventative measure. Here we suggest aiming for at least late October granted a normal temperature cycle.
 Opening Earlier
Likewise, opening your pool early in the spring, as soon as the weather starts warming up, is a smart move. By getting a head start on your pool’s maintenance, you can address any issues before the escalate and enjoy a clean and inviting pool as soon as possible.

Properly Balancing Your Pool: The Night Before
 Chemical Balance
To prepare your pool for closing, it’s essential to ensure that the water is properly balanced. Testing the water’s chemicals and following the recommended adjustments will help in preventing any unwanted damage to your pool’s surface and other potential chemical issues during the time it’s closed.
 Double Shock Treatment
The night before closing your pool, give it a double shock treatment. This means using double the normal dose of calcium hypochlorite shock, approximately 2 pounds per 10,000 gallons of water. This extra shock helps eliminate any lingering contaminants and ensures that the water is as clean as possible before closing.

Other Essential Closing Steps:
 Water Level
Before closing, fill the pool until the water level is just underneath the top of the skimmer mouth. This prevents potential damage from freezing and thawing cycles as well as any issues with hydrostatic pressures from ground water.

 Antifreeze

Hawaiian Pools & Landscape recommends not adding antifreeze to the plumbing lines. Properly winterizing the equipment and plumbing, as described below, is sufficient to prevent freezing damage.
 Blowing Out Plumbing Lines
To ensure that no water remains in the plumbing lines, use an air blower to blow out the lines. We have special winterizing equipment to accomplish this task, however some higher-powered shop-vacs can be used for you “do-it-yourselfers” out there. While the air is blowing out the returns, go around and replace the eyeball-returns with threaded plugs. This will prevent any water from entering during the winter.
 Winterizing Equipment
Winterizing the pool equipment is critical. Drain all the equipment, including the pump, filter, and heater. Remove any drain plugs to allow the water from the equipment to drain out to prevent freezing and potential damage.
 Cover the Pool
Whether it’s a tarp cover with water bags or a mesh or solid cover, it’s recommended to cover the pool if you’re going to close it down for the winter. Prior to closing, inspect the cover to ensure there aren’t any holes. This will prevent any unnecessary water loss from your cover pump. It will also ensure that the safety cover is indeed safe from any foot traffic while applied.

Properly closing your pool for the winter is not just about protecting it from the cold; it’s about setting the stage for a trouble-free spring reopening. By closing later, opening earlier, balancing your pool, and following essential steps like double shocking the water and winterizing the equipment, you’ll be well on your way to enjoying a crystal-clear pool when the warm weather returns. Remember, the effort you put into winterizing your pool now will pay off with a sparkling pool and less maintenance in the spring.

Mark your calendars because you do not want to miss this sale.

We will have 20% off: all GLB products; 50lb. bags of alkalinity, calcium and salt; non stinger brand maintenance equipment (brushes, nets, vacuum heads, etc.) The sale will only be while supplies last, so make sure you stop by our retail store on October 27th (10am-6pm) and October 28th (9am-2pm).

Our store is located at 1280 North Collierville Arlington Rd. We cannot wait to see you.

]]> https://hawaiianpools.net/alert-we-are-having-a-huge-sale/feed/ 0 https://hawaiianpools.net/the-abcs-of-pool-maintenance-shock-chlorination-and-oxidation-explained-part-4/ https://hawaiianpools.net/the-abcs-of-pool-maintenance-shock-chlorination-and-oxidation-explained-part-4/#respond Wed, 04 Oct 2023 17:00:34 +0000 https://hawaiianpools.net/?p=1085 Part 4: Your Pool Maintenance Journey with Hawaiian Pools & Landscape

Introduction:
We’ve reached the final chapter of our informative pool maintenance series. Throughout this journey, we’ve explored the vital aspects of pool care, including shock, chlorination, and oxidation. In this closing installment, we’ll highlight the importance of routine maintenance and how Hawaiian Pools & Landscape can be your trusted partner in keeping your pool in top-notch condition.

The Role of Routine Maintenance:
Regular maintenance is the backbone of a well-maintained pool. It’s the process of consistently performing tasks that keep your pool clean, safe, and enjoyable. By establishing a maintenance routine, you can prevent larger issues from arising and ensure your pool remains a refreshing oasis for years to come.

Key Elements of Routine Maintenance:

1. Skimming and Cleaning: Regularly remove debris from the surface of the water using a skimmer/net. Brush the pool’s walls and floor to prevent algae growth and staining.
2. Checking and Balancing Chemistry: Regularly test and balance the pool’s pH, chlorine levels, and other water parameters (we’ll dive deeper into these other chemicals in the future). Proper water chemistry ensures comfortable and safe swimming conditions.
3. Filter Maintenance: Clean or backwash your pool’s filter system to maintain efficient water circulation and filtration.
4. Inspecting Equipment: Check pool equipment such as pumps, heaters, and lights for any signs of damage or malfunction.
5. Winterization and Opening (Optional): Properly close and cover your pool for the winter season and follow a systematic proves to reopen it for summer.

Why Choose Hawaiian Pools & Landscape:

At Hawaiian Pools & Landscape, we understand that maintaining a pool can be both rewarding and time-consuming. Our team of experts is here to alleviate the burden of routine maintenance while ensuring your pool is in optimal condition. Here’s how we can assist you:

1. Customized Maintenance Plans: We tailor our maintenance plants to fit your pool’s specific needs and your schedule.
2. Skilled Technicians: Our experienced technicians are well-versed in pool care, equipment maintenance, and water chemistry.
3. Comprehensive Services: From cleaning and water balancing to equipment inspections, we cover all aspects of pool maintenance.
4. Professional Advice: We provide valuable insights on maintaining your pool between visits and offer solutions to potential issues.

Congratulations, you’ve completed our in-depth pool maintenance series! By now, you have a comprehensive understanding of shock, chlorination, oxidation, and the importance of routine maintenance. Whether you’re a pool enthusiast or a busy homeowner, Hawaiian Pools & Landscape is here to support you on your pool care journey. Contact us at (901) 754-7058 or visit us in the store at 1280 North Collierville Arlington Road, Eads, Tennessee 38028 for expert advice and top-quality products. Thank you for joining us on this educational series, and may your pool always be a source of relaxation and enjoyment.

Introduction:

Welcome back to the next chapter of our pool maintenance series. In Parts 1 and 2, we explored the importance of pool shock and chlorination. Now, in Part 3, we’ll unravel the concept of oxidation and its role in enhancing water clarity and quality.

Understanding Oxidation:

Oxidation is the process of introducing an oxidizing agent to the pool water to break down organic matter, oils, and contaminants that can’t be eliminated by regular chlorination. This process enhances water clarity, reduces unpleasant odors (most commonly chloramines), and promotes a healthier swimming environment.

Oxidizing Agents:

Common oxidizing agents used in pool maintenance include:

• Non-Chlorine Shock: This shock treatment contains oxidizing compounds that break down contaminants without significantly affecting chlorine levels.
• Potassium Monopersulfate: Often referred to as “MPS,” this non-chlorine oxidizer effectively removes organic materials from the water.

When to Use Oxidation:

Oxidation is beneficial in various scenarios:

• Regular Maintenance: Performing occasional oxidation treatments helps prevent the accumulation of organic matter and keeps the water looking pristine.
• After Heavy Usage: Oxidize the pool after parties or high bather loads to address increased contaminants.
• Combating Cloudy Water: If your pool water appears cloudy or dull, oxidation can possibly help restore clarity.

The Oxidation Process:

Performing oxidation is straightforward:

1. Test the Water: Begin by testing the water’s chlorine and pH levels to ensure they’re within the recommended range.

2. Choose the Oxidizer: Select the appropriate oxidizing agent based on your pool’s needs.

3. Application: Follow the manufacturer’s instructions to add the oxidizer to the pool water.

4. Circulate the Water: Turn on the pool pump to circulate the water and distribute the oxidizing agent evenly.

Benefits of Oxidation:

Water Clarity: Oxidation helps remove suspended particles, enhancing water clarity.

Odor Reduction: By breaking down organic materials, oxidation reduces unpleasant odors.

Improved Filtration: Oxidation aids the pool’s filtration system in capturing finer particles.

Oxidation is a valuable tool in your pool maintenance toolkit, working alongside shock and chlorination to ensure your pool water is not only safe but also clear and inviting. By understanding when and how to use oxidation, you can maintain a pool that’s a joy to swim in. In our upcoming final installment, we’ll wrap up our series by discussing the importance of routine maintenance and how we can assist you in your pool care journey. Stay tuned!

Welcome back to the second installment of our blog series on pool maintenance. In Part 1, we covered
the essential concept of pool shock. Now, Part 2, we’ll delve into another critical aspect of maintaining
your pool’s water quality: chlorination.

The Role of Chlorine:
Chlorine is a powerful disinfectant that plays a pivotal role in keeping your pool water safe and sanitary.
It effectively kills harmful bacteria, viruses, and algae that can thrive in untreated water, ensuring a
healthy swimming environment for you and your family.

Types of Chlorine:
There are different forms of chlorine available for pool use, each with its own characteristics:
 Chlorine Tablets: These slow-dissolving tablets are placed in a floating dispenser, chlorinator, or
skimmer to provide steady release of chlorine over time.
 Chlorine Granules: Granular chlorine is quick-dissolving and can be added directly to the pool
water. It’s often used for regular chlorination and shock treatments.
 Liquid Chlorine: This concentrated liquid chlorine is poured directly into the pool and provides a
rapid increase in chlorine levels.

Maintaining Chlorine Levels:
Proper chlorine levels are vital for maintaining water quality. The ideal chlorine level typically falls
between 1.0 and 3.0 parts per million (ppm). Regular testing is crucial to ensure chlorine levels remain
within this range.

Chlorine and pH Balance:
Chlorine effectiveness is closely tied to the pool’s pH level. A pH level that’s too high or too low can
impact chlorine’s ability to sanitize the water. Regularly test and adjust both chlorine and pH levels to
maintain a harmonious balance.

Chlorine Safety:
While chlorine is essential for pool sanitation, safety precautions are necessary. Avoid direct skin contact
with concentrated chlorine products, and never mix chlorine with other chemicals. When handling
chlorine, follow the manufacturer’s instructions and wear appropriate protective gear.

Chlorination is the backbone of a healthy and inviting pool. By understanding the types of chlorine,
maintaining proper levels, and ensuring pH balance, you can enjoy a well-maintained pool that’s safe for
swimming. In Part 3 of our series, we’ll dive into the concept of oxidation and its role in enhancing water
clarity and quality. Stay tuned for more insights on how to keep your pool in pristine condition.

Maintaining a crystal-clear and safe swimming pool requires more than just adding water. In this multi-part series, we’ll delve into the vital aspects of pool maintenance. First, we will be covering shock, chlorination, and oxidation. In Part 1, we’ll start by demystifying the concept of pool shock and its crucial role in maintaining water quality.

What is Pool Shock?
Pool shock, often referred to as “shocking the pool,” is the process of adding a highly concentrated chemical to the water to rapidly raise the chlorine levels. This helps eliminate bacteria, algae, and other contaminants that can build up over time.

When to Shock Your Pool:
Understanding when you shock your pool is essential. Shocking is typically recommended under the following circumstances:

After Heavy Usage: Parties, events, or high bather loads can strain your pool’s chlorine levels.
Algae Bloom: If you notice signs of algae growth, it’s time to shock the pool.
After Rainfall: Rainwater can introduce contaminants and dilute the chlorine levels.

How to Shock Your Pool:
Shocking your pool involves a few key steps:

1. Test the Water: Use a pool testing kit, or bring a water sample into the store, to measure chlorine levels and pH.
2. Choose the Shock Treatment: Select the appropriate shock treatment based on your pool’s size and water quality. (Typically, this will be 1lb per 10,000 gallons, if algae present it could be calling for more.)
3. Evening Application: It’s best to shock your pool in the evening to prevent chlorine degradation due to sunlight.
4. Dissolve the Shock: Follow the manufacturer’s instructions to dissolve the shock treatment before adding it to the pool.
5. Circulate the Water: Make sure your pool pump is running so the water can circulate the shock and evenly distribute it throughout the pool. It’s also recommended to brush the surfaces afterwards to ensure any algae is brushed away and to also help circulate any granules that might not have totally dissolved.

Pool Shock is a crucial element of effective pool maintenance. Regularly shocking your pool helps keep
the water clean, clear, and safe for swimmers. Stay tuned for Part 2 of our series, where we’ll dive into
the world of chlorination and its role in maintaining balanced pool water.

SWIMMING POOLS SHOULD ONLY BE CLOSED OR WINTERIZED AS A MEANS OF AVOIDING THE POTENTIALLY DAMAGING FREEZING TEMPERATURES OF WINTER. ONCE THE THREAT OF FREEZING TEMPERATURES HAS PASSED, THE POOLS SHOULD BE OPENED AGAIN SO THAT THEY CAN BE PROPERLY CARED FOR AND MAINTAINED. HAVING THE POOL CLOSED FOR LONGER THAN NECESSARY, ESPECIALLY A MONTH OR MORE BEYOND THE FREEZING WEATHER, IS NOT GOOD FOR THE POOL IN A VARIETY OF WAYS. STAGNANT WATER, EVEN UNDER A POOL COVER, GOES THROUGH CHEMICAL CHANGES THAT BECOME MORE PRONOUNCED AS THE TEMPERATURE OF THE WATER INCREASES. EVEN IF YOUR POOL WAS PERFECTLY BALANCED BEFORE CLOSING IN DECEMBER, BY MARCH, THREE MONTHS HAVE PASSED WHEN THE POOL WATER HAS NOT BEEN TREATED OR MAINTAINED. THAT IS QUITE A BIT OF TIME FOR THE WATER TO ALTER AND SHIFT OUT OF BALANCE.

SOME CONSEQUENCES OF NON-BALANCED POOL WATER:
• GROWTH OF ALGAE AND PROLIFERATION OF BACTERIA
• CORROSION OF METALLIC OBJECTS IN POOL SUCH AS LIGHTS AND SCREWS
• ETCHING OR DETERIORATION OF THE POOL SURFACE
• SCALING AND/OR FORMATION OF CALCITE CRYSTALS
• STAINING FROM METALS OR OTHER INORGANICS
SO, WHILE WE ARE ALL CREATURES OF HABIT, WAITING FOR A SPECIFIC DATE BEFORE OPENING YOUR POOL REGARDLESS OF TEMPERATURE AND WEATHER COULD BE MORE DETRIMENTAL TO THE POOL THAN YOU KNOW.

​CALL US TODAY TO SCHEDULE YOUR POOL OPENING!
​901-754-7058

Dolphin Active Series robotic cleaners are the best investment for pool maintenance. At the touch of a button, you will have a pool with a scrubbed waterline, the bottom and all sides cleaned and free of debris. The large capacity filter basket comes with interchangeable filter cartridges that collect large debris like leaves and smaller particles of dirt and algae. Once the filter basket is full, just remove, rinse clean and reload. Many of the models come with 2-3 cycle times–a quick 1 hour clean, a standard 2 hour clean or an enhanced deep clean, the choice is yours. They are also Wi-Fi capable so you can connect to your phone to schedule a weekly cycle time.

All Dolphins have a 60 foot cable with their patented Dolphin swivel technology that prevents tangling to ensure complete pool coverage. The two brushes (1 brush and 1 active scrubber) guarantee spotless walls, waterlines, and pool floor. Each model comes with their own warranty plan that is 2-3 years so you can be worry free and spend more time with family than on your pool maintenance. Come to our retail store and ask about a new Dolphin robotic cleaner today!

Check out this video of the Dolphin Active 30!
youtu.be/LxAiJPH36zI

Many think that when fall and winter come that they will be safe from water evaporation, but that is not always the case. It doesn’t have to be a high temperature summer day to notice your pool water getting low. You may notice when you get a sample from your pool water to test that it is unbearably cold right now. Well, the colder your pool water becomes, the pressure difference between your water and the air outside grows significantly which speeds up the process of evaporation. Fall and winter can bring dry, low-humidity air and wind which you also must factor into the speed of evaporation. Will water evaporate with a winter pool cover? Yes, while the cover will minimize how much water evaporates, it still happens.

When you are on your way to work in the morning, have you ever noticed a low-lying fog over a grass field? That is the pressure difference between the frost on the grass and the air temperature outside, which causes evaporation. The same thing happens to your pool. You may look outside in your backyard early in the morning and see the same fog rising off your pool water which affects your pool water level. Just like the summer, a ¼ of an inch to ½ an inch (depending on the weather) is normal water loss due to evaporation. If you are losing more than a ½ an inch a day, try a bucket test or mark your skimmer with a piece a tape and measure how much water you lose over a 24-hour period. If not, then just add water when needed and be assured that water evaporation during the winter is completely normal and expected.
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Suspect a leak? Call us and schedule a service call. 901-754-7058