Safety Cover Storage
I often get asked about what to do with the winter cover after the pool is opened. My suggestion would be to clean it really good, let it dry and store it in something dry if possible. I have seen people use garbage cans, and that seems to work really well. Whatever you decide, do not leave it outside. It can get wet, dirty and mice can get into it and eat thru the cover. By leaving it outside it will also shorten the life span of the cover. Over the years it will shrink and dry root. So when you are taking off that cover, don’t just throw it off to the side, give it the attention it deserves. – Tim
Liners
We have many customers call us every year in a panic over their liner. If they get a small hole in the liner they believe it’s the end of the world when in fact it is not. A hole in your liner can easily be patched with the water still in the pool and anyone with a set of goggles can do it themselves.
We also have the customers that call in and ask about what the warranty of their liner covers. The liner warranty covers only seam separation or in their terms manufacturer defect. I have seen customers cut out a portion of the liner and bring it up for us to look at only to realize they have nothing more than a tear right at the seam. The manufacturer will not cover this under warranty and it can be easily patched.
Thomas
Like @&*t Through A Goose . . .
Okay – we get the calls every year. Ducks and geese have ‘fowled’ someone’s water (sorry for the pun), and they want to know what needs to be done to makes sure the water is safe. My recommendation is to vacuum the pool thoroughly, then shock the daylights out of it – about a triple dose. Don’t let anybody in for 24 hours while filtering continuously, then get in and swim.
Algae Infested Pools And Chuck Norris
…Continuing my movie and actor related blogs…
It is the time of year where we get some customers that come in to get water tested. (It’s a free service here at Eastgate Pools & Spas!) Unfortunately, some of our customers have pools that have algae in them and want to know how to get rid of it. Well, if the pool was maintained by Chuck Norris, he’d simply walk up to the pool, scare the %#@* out of the algae, and it would go flying off to the neighbor’s pool, thankful to still be alive and free of the “Wrath of Chuck”. But chances are, Chuck Norris isn’t available for an algae exorcism on your pool. So…just bring us a sample of your pool’s water and let us run it through our state-of-the-art testing station. We are happy to get you back on the right path to clean clear, sparkling water. –Max
Memorial Day Party??
If you are playing host to the big pool party in the neighborhood, don’t wait till the last minute to get your pool looking great. Don’t take the cover off 2 days before and expect your pool to be perfect. I would recommend you open it at least 2 weeks before the big day. That way you can make sure everything is good to go for the party. Our service department gets several phone calls expecting us to work miracles, which we can do sometimes, but not in a 24 hour period. So if you notice that salt system, heater or pool cleaner not working, call us that day, do not wait till the day before to try and fix it!! If we can’t get someone out to fix it in a timely manner, than we can try to help you fix it yourself. Memorial Day should be a time of enjoyment, not a time of stress. So get that problem fixed today and you can sit back and enjoy a cold beverage of your choice!!
To Change Or Not To Change . . .
As you prepare to open up your pools for the season don’t forget about that big tank full of sand. Sand should generally be changed every two to three seasons and this often gets neglected. When the sand doesn’t get changed your filtration will suffer and that can mean extra work for you in the form of a dirtier pool or everyone’s enemy…ALGAE! Sand is one of the least expensive products you need for your pool, but one of the most important. This is especially important in areas with high calcium content, because your tank can become a ball full of concrete. In that situation you may need to change a little more frequently. Just a friendly reminder.
Algae
There is a commercial on TV right now where a scientists states that he “…loves algae—blue, green, yellow—very beautiful and actually good for our environment.” I do not doubt that he is correct as it reduces CO2 for our planet and that is a good thing.
But if you have a swimming pool, it is the LAST thing you’ll want to see. There is nothing ‘pretty’ about algae in a pool. If you give us the chance, we can help you avoid these pretty colors. Bring us a water sample from your pool and we will do our best to keep your water shining and clear—drinking water quality. Our testing technology is unsurpassed in the area and there is a reason we inherit many of our competitors’ customers. Not to be arrogant about it but we know what we are doing and I am confident we can help if you are having issues. –Max
Solar Covers
I know many of you may hate the fact that you have to drag your solar cover off every time you use the pool and put it back on after you are done. It can be dirty and many times you will also be wet. The one thing I will tell you about the process is that it will save you a ton of money. It will hold your heat in, which will make swimming more comfortable. It will cut down on evaporation and not mention how much you will save in chlorine. Take the time and save yourself some money this year.
Thomas
Here We Go Again!
It seems like that just a couple months ago we closed down the pools on our pool lot. Oh wait! We did! They are now all open again and there for your viewing pleasure. No longer will you be stuck with the view of the sidewall and depressing sight of a winter cover where your beautiful water should be. Watch in amazement as the automatic cleaners travel around the pools and let your imagination run wild as you envision the cleaners taking the shapes of animals and science fiction characters. When you stop in here please ask one of many trained salespeople to show you around and let the kid in you come out as you think of the many wonderful times you can have in a pool of your very own.
The Early Bird Gets The Date!
If you are sure you are going to buy a pool this year, do it now. Early season pricing is usually the best so you can save some serious dollars. And if you want us to build the pool, we can keep it here in our warehouse until you are ready. If you wait till May to buy, we may be backed up until June. Buy early, get the best prices, and don’t miss out on part of the summer. –Max
Hello. My name is Drew Chandler, and I am the Inground Pool Coordinator for Eastgate Pools. When you purchase an inground pool, I will be your primary contact throughout the construction process, which means that you will benefit from both my experience and expertise in pool construction, so anytime you have a question or concern, I am the person who can address it. My primary concern is the structural integrity of your pool, and this quite literally begins with a good foundation. I will therefore meet with you prior to starting your job to review the process, learn your wishes and assess the specific requirements of your yard. Once underway, you will see me frequently on your project and may rely on me to schedule and coordinate all of Eastgate Pools’ crews and materials. Upon completion, I will meet with you to review the operation and maintenance of your new pool, and afterwards should questions arise, I am happy to assist. I understand that an inground pool is one of the largest purchases you are likely to make, and I hope you’ll consider me your partner in the endeavor to make sure it is a successful one.
Come See Us At The Northern Kentucky Home & Remodeling Showcase!
February 5-7 at the Northern Kentucky Convention Center in Covington Kentucky. Our resident in-ground expert, Craig Weaver, will be there to discuss new pool construction. He will also be happy to help you with any questions you might have about an existing pool or spa.
Northern Kentucky has always been a great market for Eastgate Pools & Spas and we are thrilled to set up house for a weekend at the Northern Kentucky Convention Center.
Craig has six FREE entry tickets for the first three couples to stop in at the store and ask for them. (Limit 2 free tickets per couple). First come-first serve.
Winterizing Your Pool With Proper Chemicals
Some of our customers insist on using liquid chlorine (shock) to winterize their pool. They dump in a case or two of shock and then slam the cover on the pool. The problem is that chlorine is an oxidizer and when the water is super-chlorinated and it comes in contact with the winter cover, it immediately starts chewing up the winter cover.
Big mistake!!! Use a professional winter kit that has components that won’t damage the cover. Plus, most (all of ours!) have time release ‘ingredients’ that work all winter long. Closing with proper chemicals pretty much assures a clean pool in the spring and extended life for the winter cover. Winterizing with liquid chlorine assures that somewhere along the line, you are going to have a cover that splits out with all the gunk on top going into the pool.
Don’t Forget Me!
Hello, your pool here. You know the big thing in your back yard, holding a lot of water, turning green. Yeah that’s me, I realize that the kids are going back to school and practices are running you ragged, but don’t forget about me. You like to yell at me every year for the same thing, the fact that you are forgetting me and I am turning green. All I need is a couple minutes of your time and just a little chemical attention. If I get these things I won’t turn green and you won’t have to spend the time or money to clean me up. I realize that it is almost time for me to go to bed for the winter, but I want to be ready for the Labor Day party. I also do not want to but put away a murky, green mess for the winter where I can become stained and then have to be cleaned up in the spring.
Thanks,
Your loyal pool
To Add Salt Or Not To Salt – That Is The Question
At some point in the life of your salt system you will have to add salt. You lose salt through splash out, drag out, and when you backwash the filter. Also when you lower the water level. You do not lose it through evaporation.
Your salt system will tell you when you are low. There are factors that can make these readings false. Temp of the water, how dirty the cell is or a malfunction in the system.
If you try to add on your on add salt a little at a time and wait aleast 24 hours before adding more. 40 to 80 pounds should move the readings at least 200 ppm on your meter or indicator. If it does not STOP. Bring you water to us and we will check with an electronic salt meter that we calibrate. This way we can tell if there may be something wrong with the system or tell you the exact amount of salt to add.
The correct amount of salt is important to the operation of the system as well as it life