pH vs. Total Alkalinity
I once had a customer ask me what the difference was between pH and Total Alkalinity. She was convinced they were the same thing, and that it was just a way for pool companies to make more money. First of all, I assure you this is not the case. To understand the importance of both of these components, let’s first look at pH (potential Hydrogen). The pH scale runs from 0-14 with 7.0 being neutral. A pH of 0-6.9 is acidic (more acidic as you get closer to 0), and a pH of 7.1-14 is basic (more basic as you get closer to 14). When looking at pool water, you want the pH to be slightly basic with the ideal range being 7.2-7.6. Problems can arise if your pool’s pH falls too low or gets too high. If your pH becomes too low, and therefore is acidic, the water could potentially:
- corrode surfaces and equipment (especially metal!)
- etches plaster and concrete surfaces
- lead to excess sanitizer use (chlorine burns off much faster!)
- irritate bather’s skin and eyes
If your pH becomes too high, and therefore is more basic, the water could potentially:
- allow scale deposits on surfaces and equipment
- become cloudy
- lead to poor sanitizer efficiency
- cause eye irritation
Obviously, keeping your pH where it should be is very important for pool maintenance and swimmer safety.
Now let’s look at Total Alkalinity. There are minerals in your pool’s water that act as buffering agents. Total Alkalinity is the measurement of these alkaline materials the help prevent changes in pH (which we now know is bad). The recommended range is 80-120ppm. If your Total Alkalinity is low, the pH will easily drift making frequent pH adjustments necessary (therefore more chemical costs) and will allow the water to have more corrosive tendencies. If the Total Alkalinity is too high, there are other potential issues that can arise. High alkalinity can keep the water’s pH rigidly fixed so that it cannot be easily adjusted when needed. If pH adjustments are necessary, you will need to use an unusually large amount of treatment chemical to correct the pH. With high alkalinity, you can also potentially have issues with cloudy water, scaling on pool components, and high pH and low sanitizer efficiency (since sanitizer…aka chlorine for most…is pH dependent).
So, like I said before, pH and Total Alkalinity are both very important components of your water chemistry. While yes they are related, they both have different jobs that are crucial in maintaining a healthy pool. With regular pool water testing, you can easily keep these levels in check and prevent many potential problems.
-Stacey
Chemicals – Is This Some Kind Of Magic?
The answer is…NO! This time of year is very difficult on pools, not to mention pool owners. Chemical levels are all over the place, algae is running wild, and some water just won’t get rid of that cloudy, murky appearance. After spending many, many hours back at the water test center over the past several weeks, I want to clarify something about chemicals: they aren’t magic. Chemicals take time to work. If you were to come in one afternoon to have your water tested, add the chemicals that evening, then come back with another sample the next morning, chances are we won’t be getting an accurate reading. Chemicals take time to completely work their way into the pool’s system (some longer than others). Cloudy water for instance- patience is key. A clarifier won’t typically work overnight to completely clear your cloudy pool water. A tip when using clarifier is to find a line of visibility somewhere in the pool (Example: I can see the top of the first step on my ladder). After you add the clarifier, let your filter run continuously, and instead of just waiting to see perfectly clear water, watch your “line of visibility.” You may notice that the next morning you can see clearly down to the third step of your ladder. With more time, will come increased visibility. So, like I said before, patience is key. Also remember that with chemicals, more is not better. Too much clarifier can actually do the opposite of what you want it to do. Too much algaecide at once can keep you from maintaining a chlorine level for several days, even weeks. Sometimes, more than one treatment is needed, but please consult a pool professional before doing so. Finally, please remember that while Chemistry is a science, pool water chemistry is not an exact science. There are so many other factors that contribute to your water chemistry that it is impossible to know exactly what to do that will work 100% of the time.
-Stacey
Happy Anniversary . . . To Us!
It’s almost that time of year again…time for our 30th annual Anniversary Sale! Can you believe it? …30 years. Man, we’re old. 
Of course, I’m completely joking, but 30 years is quite an accomplishment. Make sure you come out and celebrate with us the last weekend of April. As usual, we’ll have our free hotdogs and drinks, as well as some fantastic sale prices on the majority of our merchandise. Door busters, hourly prize drawings, free food…now just keep your hopes up for good weather, and it sounds like a great time had by all. We hope to see you then!
-Stacey
Sneaky Dangers
Spring is finally here and the warm weather is making an appearance. People are beginning to think about opening their pools and bringing out their patio furniture. However, don’t let the sunshine and 60+ degree temperatures fool you. Danger may still be lurking around the corner. Don’t be frightened, I’m only talking about freezing temperatures, but this is something that can be harmful to your pool or patio furniture. If the water in your pool is not constantly circulating, it could easily freeze in your filter or in one of the lines. Also, any water that accumulates inside the tubing of your patio furniture should be drained. When water freezes, it expands by 9% often leading to the cracking a splitting of your pipes. If water can expand to crack rock, I think it can easily crack PVC, plastic, or aluminum. Freeze damage is never covered under a manufacturer’s warranty, so please save a huge headache for yourself and keep an eye on the weather.
Spring Has Sprung
Spring is finally here, and boy am I glad. This warm weather and sunshine does wonders for my mood. Just ask my friends and family, I am much more pleasant when my teeth aren’t chattering. I absolutely love the feeling of my skin soaking up the warm sun. With good weather also comes fun times outside! We have a big stock of many of the things you need to create your outdoor party place. Our large assortment of pools, spas, and patio furniture makes it easy to find the perfect match for you and your family. Old Man Winter has finally made his way out, so go ahead and make your way in to Eastgate Pools and Spas and get a start on creating your warm weather hang-out. -Stacey
My Sister’s New House
My sister just bought her first house after months and months of waiting to see if the bank would accept her offer and go through with a short sale. Once they accepted the offer, she was given about 3 days to get it ready for the appraisal. Normally this wouldn’t be a huge stress, but since the owner walked away from the house (and she happened to be scheduled to work those 3 days) it was quite a daunting task. Have you ever walked into a house and walked out feeling dirty? Let me tell you, it’s quite the experience. Maggots in the fridge (that whole thing was promptly thrown away), cobwebs on every fixture and in every corner, 2 unusable bathrooms, clothes in the closet, and feathers and bird droppings all over the place (apparently the owner had a parrot)…and that’s not even the half of it! Needless to say, the place was a mess. However, under all the filth and bad flooring…and wallpaper…there is incredibly potential on a great little piece of land. As I was helping her plan out her room designs, I couldn’t help but think of all the great products that we have that could fill her empty rooms. I think a game room sounds like a fantastic idea…right sis? J We have some awesome pool tables at killer deals right now. She could get 2-in-1 or 3-in-1 card tables, air hockey, foosball, or possibly even a bar! I know she likes to tan sometimes too—she could even get her own private tanning bed or booth from us at some really good prices. I think I’m a great room planner, don’t you? She might be a little preoccupied with getting her bathrooms to work right now, but I’m thinking big picture here.
Next decision…pool or spa…or possibly both!
Feel The Heat!
I don’t know what my problem is, but I can’t seem to ever get warm in the wintertime. Long johns, three pairs of socks, gloves, scarves, fleece jackets, coats…you name it, I probably wear it…and I’m probably still cold. I really with that we had a policy here at work that allowed me to use some of our products while I’m working. I’m surrounded by things that could warm me up during the cold winter months…or chilly fall and spring days…or cool summer nights. What can I say, I must have poor circulation. Our spas always look so enticing. Not only would the warm water keep the chill off, but the various jets would give me a nice therapeutic massage. Man, that sounds perfect right about now. Or if I didn’t want to get wet, I could warm up and detoxify in one of our infrared saunas. A nice gentle warming would give me a lot more energy. Maybe I want to warm up and look a little better too. I could lay in one of our tanning beds for a few minutes to warm up AND get a little summer glow. I’m already sick of having pasty white legs. Those all sound great to me. Sometimes, though, I want to stay bundled up, but also have some extra heat in the room I’m in. That is when our Eden Pure Quartz room heater comes into play. I can actually use this one while I’m working too! I can’t tell you how many times I’ve stood by it to get some warmth after or front door slides open and introduces a new puff of cold air. This heater is great on your energy bill, and the thermostat does a great job regulating the heat in the room. Just ask the guys in the service department here. Their office in the warehouse stays nice and toasty because of this heater (and the boss man doesn’t mind what it does to the electric bill…if he even notices at all).
Come to think of it…maybe I’ll buy some of these products for my own home. Okay, time to go do some jumping jacks to get my blood moving!
I’m Soaking In WHAT?!
Just obtain a spa from a friend? Just find a killer deal on a used spa in a local listing? Here’s a friendly tip – clear out the lines before you soak in the tub for the first time! Even if the surface of the spa is spotless, oftentimes things can remain in the lines in the various bends and twists. If your
spa is used, it is very likely that remnants off of the previous owners are lurking in the lines. The second you fill up the spa and turn it on, the waste from the previous owners will be introduced into your “fresh” spa water. Sounds gross right? Right. Fortunately, there is hope! There is a product we sell called Swirl Away. Fill up the tub, add the proper amount of Swirl Away and let it run. This chemical will get rid of all the unwanted waste and buildup in your lines without hurting the spa. Drain the spa, scrub down the surface, and you’re set! You can now rest assured that the next time you fill your spa and soak in the nice, relaxing, warm water, you won’t be bathing in someone else’s gunk! – Stacey
The Battle Of The Scum Line
A constant complaint we hear from our spa customers is the issue of the never-ending battle against scum lines on their tub. The dirty truth is that YOU are creating that scum. Oils off your body, makeup, lotions…you name it, they all contribute to that beautiful scum line. Fortunately, there are a few ways that you can prevent it. First of all, shower off before you soak in the spa. By washing away many of the days dirt and grime, along with a lot of the oils on your skin, you can help reduce the amount of “scum” introduced in your spa. Second, check your weekly chemical routine for a clarifier. Oftentimes, clarifiers can actually make that scum line worse because of their oily consistency. If those two tips still don’t work then we have a couple products on our shelves that can help you out. The first thing is our SunSorb. This is a foam cutout of a sun that you can float in your spa. It will do a great job absorbing a lot of the oils in the water that create the scum. You can simply set it on the side when your tub is in use so it does not get in your way. The best thing about this particular item is that you can actually reuse it! Rinse it out really well with running water and throw it back in the spa for another use. Our other product you can use is called Spa Pizazz. This is a natural enzyme that, when added weekly, will do wonders for your spa water. Not only will it cut back on the scum line, it will actually keep your water clearer. A small amount added once a week will work miracles. Just remember not to add too much! A little will go a long way, and in this instance, too much can have the opposite effect that you want. Any of these tips should greatly help you win the frustrating battle against your scum line. -Stacey
How To Spot Quality
It’s that time of year where game tables become a hot commodity once again. I would say our biggest seller, other than a pool table, is the infamous air hockey table. The tricky thing about game tables is that often times it is difficult to spot quality. Sure, you want a table to look pretty, but if you want your table to last you’ll need to look for more than just aesthetics. First and foremost you want a good, durable playing surface. Tables with a smooth, thick surface will allow for your optimal game experience. The smooth surface will allow the puck to glide easier across the table, while the thick top will provide a more durable table with less chance of warping. Air distribution is also a very important factor to consider. A table with air channels will provide the most even distribution of the air through the holes in the surface. This will help keep the puck from getting stuck in bad spots on the table, allowing it to glide even easier across the surface. Finally, you want to make sure the structure of the table itself is sturdy enough to sustain hours of vigorous play! We have plenty of quality options here at Eastgate Pools at many different price points. Please feel free to stop in and ask for our help in picking out the right table for your family. We’ll even let you test it out for free! -Stacey
Bursting Your Solar Cover Bubble
Every once in awhile, I’ll get a call from a customer who is concerned about their solar cover “popping.” They describe it as the bubbles bursting and falling off into the pool water. Unfortunately, issues like this are not covered under the manufacturer’s warranty because it only covers seam separation. However, I do have some helpful advice to extend the life of your cover. First and foremost, the most common issue contributing to solar cover deterioration is water chemistry. If your water is out of balance it can damage the cover that is resting on the surface. The main culprit of this is your pH level. If your pH is too low it becomes acidic and will eat away at the cover. If the pH is too high it will be very basic and can disintegrate the material. Either way, it’s not a good thing. Chlorine can also cause damage to your cover if the level is too high. Any time a pool is shocked with liquid chlorine, the cover should be removed and left off for at least 24 hours. By allowing the chlorine level to drop back to a normal range, you are avoiding unnecessary damage to your cover. Along with chemical damage, the sun itself can actually hurt the solar cover as well. The little white plastic cover that comes with the solar cover is meant to protect it from the sun when the cover is off of the pool. Rolling up your cover and letting it just sit in the sun will cause it to literally bake itself. The bubbles will “burst” and the cover can actually melt together. Always clean off the cover and allow it to dry for a brief time. Roll or fold the cover, cover it with the white plastic, and store it out of direct sunlight/heat. By following these guidelines you can avoid unnecessary wear on your cover. – Stacey
Sick of Vacuuming Your Pool?
Correct me if I’m wrong, but chances are that at this point in the swim season you are already sick of vacuuming your pool. Trying to hook up that unruly hose to your filter can be a real hassle and backwashing is no walk in the park either. Unfortunately, if your pool is really dirty there’s no way around the manual vacuuming. However, for simple everyday spot cleaning we have some great battery operated vacuums you could use. Our two options right now are the Aqua Broom and the Pool Buster Max. Both cleaners simply attach to your telescoping pole and away you go. By catching the debris in a small mesh bag, you eliminate the need to use your filter during vacuuming and won’t lose any extra water to backwashing. Think of all the extra time you’ll have to enjoy the company of your family and friends by your beautiful Eastgate pool.
Trouble-shooting Your Automatic Pool Cleaner
When it comes time to open pools in the spring, we get lots of calls from customers saying that their automatic pool cleaner is not working properly. More often than not, the cleaner seems to get stuck in a pattern where it only cleans part of the pool. Here’s a helpful hint: when you store you cleaner for the winter, don’t roll up the hoses if you can avoid it. If the hose is actually a series of small hoses that slide together, separate them and keep them straight. If you have a single hose, try and avoid rolling it up. If you have to, unroll it in the spring and let the sun warm it before rolling it back up the opposite way. Pool hoses are a lot like your garden hose-they develop memories and if they aren’t given a case of pool amnesia, they won’t let the cleaner go everywhere. Cold water contributes to the stiffness so the cleaner always works a little less than perfect in cold water. Lastly, remember that an automatic cleaner is designed to keep a clean pool clean, not to clean a filthy pool. If you had a cover disaster and your pool is loaded with debris, vac it out by hand first. It will extend the life of your automatic cleaner and in the long run, your pool will get straightened out quicker and with less hassle. -Stacey
More Bang For Your Buck
Times are tough and people everywhere are looking for ways to save money wherever they can (at least I know I am). While I’m sure many of you already know about (or are even already a member of) our frequent buyer program, I wanted to make sure that EVERYONE knew about this great opportunity to save some money. 
This program costs you absolutely no extra money. How the program works is this: For every dollar that you spend on chemicals and accessories in our store, you will receive a point. Everytime you reach 250 accumulated points on your account, we will send you a $20.00 gift certificate good for one year on any other chemicals or accessories in the store. There is no limit to the amount of gift certificates you can receive and your points will roll over from year to year. You most likely are already spending money for the upkeep of your pool, spa, patio furniture, etc. so why not get a little gift from us as a thank you for your loyalty. If you’d like to become a part of our program, mention it the next time you’re in the store and we’ll get you set up in less than five minutes!
A Rainbow of Colors
A customer of ours recently brought up a great point that I thought would be nice to share with you all. She recently had our service department come out and re-felt (re-cloth?) her pool table. They had chosen a much lighter felt color than they had previously and were shocked when their chalk left blue streaks all over their table. She, like many others I’m sure, didn’t even realize other colors of billiard chalk even existed. Those hideous marks can easily be avoided by purchasing some billiard chalk closer to the color of your felt. Black, burgundy, green, tan…we have a wide variety of different options that you can choose from to make that particular issue virtually disappear. Already have some of those chalk marks? Don’t scrub it! Like carpet you will only grind the color in further and mess up your felt. Simply use your table brush or a lint roller to try and pick up as many of the colored flakes as possible.