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Cloudy pool water indicates that bacteria or algae are growing due to a lack of chlorine. If your pool’s water is cloudy, there could be a number of causes behind this ineffectiveness. We recommend going through the following checklist to determine and correct the source of your cloudy pool water:

Check Your Circulation System and Filter
Check Chlorine Levels
Check the Pool’s pH and Total Alkalinity
Check for Algae Growth

How Should I keep my Swimming pool’s water clear?

After measuring pH & chlorine levels in your swimming pool, shocking the pool is the quickest way to restore the water level to an ideal range because it clears the cloudiness as the pH levels return to normal.

Even if the water isn’t cloudy, you’ll want to shock the pool from time to time. The method is critical for preventing the growth of bacteria and algae.

What to do if your water remains Cloudy after applying all the above techniques?

You should check the chemicals in your swimming pool on a daily basis. More than once a day is best for pools with heavy usage. The further the water pH deviates from the ideal range, the more difficult it is to rebalance. Early detection of a problem is your best defense. Chlorine levels are affected by many factors.

Stagnant water from an improperly working filter will turn cloudy, as with using poorly stored chemicals or past their shelf-life and have gone ineffective. Being aware of your pool surroundings is also essential because direct sunlight will deplete free chlorine quicker than in a shaded pool.

Some other factors like rainwater, somebody oils or lotions, and constant adding of new water will dilute the swimming pool sooner, and this imbalance can also cause your water to stay cloudy.

Is Cloudy Pool Safe?

There are several reasons why swimming in a cloudy pool is unsafe. Before we get into why it’s not safe, let’s go over the causes of cloudy pool water, so you know how to treat it. The most common causes of the cloudy pool water are a chemical imbalance or a faulty filter.

Imbalance of Chemicals – Bacteria can grow in your swimming pool if the chemicals are not adequately balanced because if the pH levels are not adequately balanced, algae can grow. Chlorine is required to keep cloudy waters at bay. Cloudiness of water is possible if your pool does not have the proper amount of chlorine.
Issues with Filter – Another potential source of cloudy water is your filter. First, make sure your filter is free of debris. When your filter is clogged, it cannot function properly. Also, are you running the filter frequently enough? If you do not run it long enough, it may not be able to do its job effectively even if it is working properly, which results in cloudy water.

Safety First

When owning a pool, the mentality should be safety first. If you have a cloudy pool, you need to close it until you have clear water. Contact us at (818) 882-9177.

Unfortunately, pool ownership responsibilities do not end with the end of the swimming season! To ensure a successful and clean opening, it is also critical to continue looking after your pool during the off-season.

Important Do’s

Have regular checks and cleaning

Regularly inspect your pool for leaks and cracks. The cracks should be repaired as soon as possible.

Cleaning the pool does not only imply removing all of the extra elements from your pool. Cleaning and pool maintenance entails skimming the water, vacuuming the pool floors, and brushing the pool’s interiors. Allowing debris, cracks, and other objects to accumulate in the pool can also lead to severe problems when you re-open your pool in the coming year.

Use winterizing chemicals

After you’ve finished pH balancing and shock treating your pool, you can start adding winterizing chemicals to the water. The chemical kit can assist your pool in combating algae growth, allowing the pool to remain clean when re-opened.

Install quality winter covers

Many people use old patchwork and duct tape to cover tears in their covers, but we always recommend that you have a quality winter cover for your pool that keeps animals and debris out when it is closed.

Important Don’ts

Fully drain the pool

Never fully drain your pool. The level of draining of the pool depends on your pool’s material of build. Maintain that level.

Cleaning your pool can be trick which is why most pool owners call professionals to drain their pool.

Turn the filter off for weeks

Do not turn the pool filter off for weeks before winterizing your pool. Even though you are not using your pool, the pool water should still be balanced and treated. Before closing, expert personnel should check your pool’s pH level and treatment to ensure that you have a proper winter closing. The task becomes more complicated when the filter is not running for a couple of weeks.

Not asking for a Professional’s Help

Winter swimming pool maintenance takes a lot of time and effort. Pool professionals can ensure that your swimming pool maintenance is carried out efficiently. They are the swimming pool maintenance guides, so never be scared to reach out to them.

Let the Professionals Take over Your Winter Swimming Pool Maintenance

If you are looking for reliable professionals to take over your swimming pool maintenance and repairs, Brothers Pool services is here for you. We offer all kinds of swimming pool installations and are happy to provide all their services. Call (818) 882-9177 to get in touch with us. Also, do not forget to ask for a free consultation.

If you enjoy entertaining guests of all ages around your backyard pool and throwing a pool party for them, the only thing you’ll have to worry about is pool safety and making sure everyone has a good time. The following are some safety tips for your pool.

Below mentioned are some tips for your Pool’s Safety.

Necessary Pool Safety Equipment:

Before we get into our safety tips, let’s take a look at some of the most common accessories and equipment required to keep a swimming pool safe:

Installing a pool fence: Having a fence around the perimeter of your pool will deter unwanted neighborhood swimmers and prevent young children & animals from entering your pool’s water.

Alarms: Alarms of various types are available, ranging from door and gate alarms that sound when they are opened to in-pool alarms that detect disturbances in the water.

Using a pool safety cover: Sturdy pool covers are designed to keep pets and children out of the water. During the winter, safety covers are most commonly used.

Life-Saving Ring & Safety Signs: Safety Signs & Life Saving Rings: Make your safety rules known, and be ready. It is good to have a safety ring or shepherd’s hook.

Testing and balancing your pool water: Use Test Strips or Kits because healthy, safe, and balanced water makes for happy, healthy swimmers!

Maintain Healthy Pool Water

Nobody likes to swim in dirty water as it can be harmful to your health. Test your pool water to ensure it is safe, sanitized, and chemically balanced before diving in. It’s simple to use an at-home water test kit or test strips.

Filtration and circulation play an important role in keeping pool water clean and healthy. Maintain your equipment, and clean the pump & skimmer baskets on a regular basis. Before swimming, make sure your skimmer basket is clear of any unwanted debris.

Sanitary pool water is essential to pool safety. Follow a regular treatment plan that includes primary sanitizer and weekly shock, and use at-home testing to monitor chlorine levels. However, some germs that cause illness can survive in chlorinated pool water, Below mentioned are a few precautions to avoid contamination:

Stay away from the pool water when you are sick.
Shower before entering the pool to remove dirt and oils from your skin.
Don’t use your Swimming pool as a bathroom – it imbalances pH levels frequently.
Do not consume pool water. Even a single mouthful sip of contaminated water can make you suffer from sickness.

Following the mentioned guidelines will help keep your family and friends safe while in or around your pool. Visit www.brotherspoolservice.com for even more swimming pool safety advice.

Pool parties are an excellent way for kids and adults to enjoy the summer. Before grabbing your suit and diving in, make sure you have the best aquatic accessories for an unforgettable party. Make a statement at your next poolside gathering with this list of the top ten pool party ideas.

Fun Floats

If you are thinking of turning your backyard into a social media-worthy oasis, you need pool floats and inflatable rafts. You can mix and match styles to suit your preference, from flamingo to donut/ pizza/ and cactus style floats. They are not only photogenic, but they’re also highly comfortable for lounging and chatting with friends.

Speakers For Music

What’s a pool party without music? (It is still a pool party, but it’s quieter and less enjoyable.) Set up a few speakers in various areas around the pool to make surround sound for the party. The music will be heard whether you are grabbing food, playing yard games, or going for a swim.

Pool Decorations

Decorations can add a lot of fun to your pool parties. Paper products, Colored straws, garlands, and lanterns can all help your party stay on theme.

Pool Party & Lawn Games

Games & activities are a great way to spice up any pool party.

Towels

Many guests bring their essentials to parties but have plenty on hand just in case. A large beach towel or even an outdoor blanket spread out can be very inviting.

Coolers

If you’re having a pool party and it is hot outside, you’ll probably want something ice cold in your hand. A cooler is required to keep your drinks icy cold.

Snacks And Drinks

Serve up smaller snacks and drinks that everyone can eat and drink.

Umbrellas & Canopies

Though you may have fun in the sun, make sure there is a shady area for those who prefer to relax.

A Sunscreen Station

Although some guests bring their necessities, you should not expect everyone to bring sunscreen. This is why having a sunscreen station on hand is a good idea!

Have Cozy Lounge Chairs

Even though it’s called a pool party, many people prefer to avoid swimming pools entirely! So make sure you have plenty of chairs for your guests to chill on.

PRECAUTIONS:

Take Pest-Resistant Measures. Wonderful outdoor parties can quickly turn into nightmares if bugs try to join in on the fun. It is critical to take preventative measures so that your guests can concentrate on having a good time rather than swatting pests all day. Aside from adding a tropical flair to your pool party, decorating with tiki torches also benefits repelling bugs. If you don’t intend to use them, there are plenty of other ways to keep unwanted pests at bay.

The food serving table is the most important part of your party. Try burning candles with a strong scent to keep your food fresh. Keep Lavender Plants around the Pool. Mosquitos, in particular, dislike citrus, so keeping Lemon & Orange Mists on hand would be ideal.

Got a new swimming pool? Welcome to the swimming life! The sessions of exercise, pleasure and family bonding aren’t the only things that come with owning a swimming pool. For many people, waking up in the morning and relaxing by the poolside with a cup of coffee or a bottle of wine is a dream come true! But don’t forget about all the labor it takes to maintain your pool in peak condition! But don’t be scared; with the appropriate preparation and the first time right, it can be as expected and become second nature as brushing your teeth. Your pool pump, filter, and feeder all summer have to work in unison to keep the clean water while killing germs and algae that lurk in the water. A pool’s proper running depends on regular upkeep.

How often should you clean your pool?

In addition to vacuuming and skimming, monitoring and modifying chlorine levels, pH levels, total alkalinity, calcium hardness, and other variables are vital. These should be tinkered with at least twice a week according to best practices. This knowledge comes in handy. Accidents, illnesses, and infections might occur if the pool is not correctly cleaned and cared for. Swimming pool maintenance includes more than simply keeping your pool clean. Having your pool cleaned at least once a week is a good rule for keeping it clean and sanitary. For the first two weeks, brush the pool twice daily. This helps to remove any loose plaster dust from the surface and opens the plaster pores, allowing for appropriate curing. When you brush, and the water gets hazy, you may observe plaster dusting. This is quite natural, and it will go away as soon as you start brushing correctly.

What chemicals to use?

You may begin adding and adjusting chemicals to your pool after you have determined the status of the water before startup. The number of chemicals you need to apply for pool startup will vary depending on your water quality. Pool chemical upkeep might seem frightening at first, but it’s a breeze once you get the hang of it. The water in your pool should be checked out first before you start adding chemicals to it. Use a home test kit like a liquid testing kit or easy-to-use test strips. Bring a sample of your pool water to your local pool retailer for expert testing for a more accurate report. The following opening pool chemicals may need to be added to your water: Chlorine, Bromine, Baking Soda, Muriatic Acid, Cyanuric Acid, and Sodium Bicarbonate.

In a nutshell

Maintaining a swimming pool requires frequent upkeep. It would help if you thus built a good foundation in the basics of pool management regardless of whether you have an in-ground, above-ground, or saltwater swimming pool. Your pool will run more smoothly and efficiently if you understand its workings and how to maintain and prepare it properly. To-do lists may get daunting as you learn more about maintaining a swimming pool. To keep track of everything that needs to be done, it’s best to create a maintenance plan for your pool. Even though you’ll be able to remain on top of the basics, you’ll also be better prepared for duties like pool shutting, off-season care, and having your pool ready to go when pool season comes.

Pool treatment entails balancing acidity and Alkalinity and maintaining an optimal pH. To take care of your Pool effectively, you must know the difference between both pH and Alkalinity.

pH

pH is a measurement of whether a substance is basic or acidic, as you may recall from high school chemistry class. The scale goes from 0 to 14, while 7 representing neutral. Anything less than 7 is acidic, and anything greater than 7 is basic.

The pH of your Pool can be affected by anything that enters it. Rain, dirt, leaves, people etc. As a result, it’s critical to monitor your Pool’s pH levels to ensure it is within the optimal range.

Keep two pool chemicals on hand: a pH increaser and a pH decreaser. Because of how Alkalinity is adjusted, you’ll likely use less decreaser. However, it is a good idea to keep some on hand in case of an emergency.

Alkalinity

The primary function of this pool chemical is to prevent pH from rapidly changing up and down the scale by working as a buffer, absorbing major changes in the water before they might affect the pH.

Keep a constant supply of alkalinity increaser or baking soda on hand to maintain Alkalinity. Yes, baking soda can be used to increase Alkalinity in the water!

Baking soda, like chlorine, can become an essential component of your pool maintenance. There are numerous benefits to using baking soda in your Pool to keep it clean, clear, and safe for swimmers.

Significance of pH and Alkalinity:

If your pH and Alkalinity are both low, alkalinity increaser and baking soda will raise both, which is another reason to adjust your alkalinity levels first.

Because alkalinity decreaser is not a separate pool chemical as pH decreaser will lower both if your pH and alkalinity levels are high. First, lower the Alkalinity by adding a pH decreaser. Yes, this will further reduce pH levels. Once the Alkalinity is where it should be, use a pH increaser to bring the pH back up.

This can be a difficult situation to correct. It may take several attempts to get both levels back to normal, So make changes gradually to avoid throwing things even more out of whack.

If the Alkalinity is extremely high and nothing is working, you can also try lowering it with muriatic acid.

Note: Alkalinity protects pH, so you should constantly adjust Alkalinity first, then pH if necessary. Getting the Alkalinity where it needs to be can sometimes bring the pH back into line.

What are the Optimal Levels of pH and Alkalinity in your Pool?

The ideal pH level in your pool water is 7.4 – 7.6. This creates an optimal environment for chlorine to do its job.

The recommended alkalinity range in your pool water is 80 – 125ppm for concrete and tiled pools and between 125 – 150ppm for vinyl, painted, and fiberglass pools.

If the water is out of these ranges, it can cause cloudiness and build-up of scale. We can test all of these elements and make recommendations on keeping these in balance. Don’t hesitate to call at (818) 882-9177 or Email us at info@brotherspoolservices.com.

With the temperatures rising, it’s finally time to welcome the long-awaited pool season!

But, before you jump in, we must first complete the tasks required for a successful pool opening. A few proactive steps could save you time, money, and later on troubles. Starting this process early will ensure that your Pool remains clean, healthy, and ready for swimming or relaxing throughout the summer.

Let’s take a closer look about how to open your swimming pool.

Swimming Pool Opening Checklist

Follow this simple step-by-step pool opening checklist to ensure you cover all the bases and make the most of this summer season.

Remove, Clean & Store Your Pool Cover
Fill Your Pool
. Clean the Debris
Inspect & Clean Your Pool Filter
Reinstall the Plugs
Prime Your Pool Pump and Filter
Test and Balance the Pool Water
Shock the Pool Water
Get Your Pool Cleaning Equipment Ready
Have Your Pool Chemicals Ready
Get Your Clear Comfort Pool System Ready
Set Your Air Flow

Keeping Your Pool Chemistry in Check Throughout the Pool Season

Remember to test your pool water weekly and bring it to your local Pool professional once a month or whenever you notice any problems. The best pool maintenance practices will keep the water clear and prevent poor water conditions. Remember to sanitize daily, shock on a regular/weekly basis to remove contaminants, and add a small preventative dose of algaecide once a week for prevention of algae outbreaks.

Check your filter and return lines for any damage, cracks, or leaks. If you have a sand filter, replenish it as needed. If you have a cartridge filter, inspect it and clean or replace it as needed.

Choosing the right Pool Covers

Some pool owners prefer meshed safety pool covers. One major issue with mesh pool covers is that they allow debris to accumulate inside the Pool. The pool water may appear dark green or black due to pool algae that form due to too much sunlight allowed in the Pool, allowing to eat free chlorine present in the water.

To avoid the problems caused by mesh safety pool covers, use solid pool covers that do not allow debris or the formation of swimming pool algae. Strong polyethylene pool covers are the best option because the top side is treated to prevent UV ray damage.

What to Do If the Pool Water Is Dark Green or Black When the Pool Opens for Summer

As I previously stated, when you remove your pool cover, the water in your Pool may appear dark green or black in color. If this is the case, you have pool algae and should plan on doing extra work.

Triple-Shock Your Pool

In this case, you should triple-shock your Pool with chlorine ultra-shock containing calcium hypochlorite as the main active ingredient, as this is the most effective ingredient for fighting pool algae.

If you don’t want to get into this hassle and are looking for Pool Services, Contact our Experts at Brothers Pool Services and let’s get started today.

If you are preparing for the summer pool but not sure that your pool is ready for summer or not, then head in-store, and we can advise on some of the easiest and cost-effective ways to maintain your water this summer.

REMOVE POOL COVER

The warmer weather means it’s time to take off your cover, so if you haven’t already, it’s time to remove your cover so you can jump in whenever you’re ready. You’ll need to drain any water, dirt, or debris that has accumulated on the cover and try not to let any of it back into the water because these contaminants not only look unsightly, but a lot of debris can promote algae growth.

Once you’ve pulled the cover off, give it a good clean with the hose and store it away from the sun, which will increase its life.

STEP 2: CHECK THE WATER LEVEL

If the pool’s water level is low, top it off with the hose. Make sure the level is halfway up the skimmer opening to allow for proper circulation.

STEP 3: GET YOUR WATER TESTED

After topping off your water levels, let your pump and filter circulate the water for 24-48 hours for a pool and 4-6 hours for a spa. Fill a water sample bottle (at elbow depth), then have your water tested for any Algae or bacteria growth.

If you’d prefer to undertake the water testing yourself, we recommend using the Test Kits or Strips in-store. Healthy pool water has a free chlorine level of between 1-3ppm and a pH of 7.4-7.6 (differs for fiberglass pools & spas).

STEP 4: CHECK THE PUMP, FILTER AND SKIMMER BASKET

Examine all of your pool equipment to ensure that it is in good working order. If you come across any damage or something that doesn’t look right, take a photo of it and contact us for assistance; alternatively, you can schedule a service technician to come to you.

Cleaning your filter to ensure your swimming pool water treatment is optimal

Many pool filters have a cartridge that must be removed to collect dirt and debris. This simply needs to be thoroughly cleaned to ensure that no bacteria remain. If in doubt, always consult the manufacturer or supplier of the filters for proper cleaning instructions.

However, how do you know the water is completely clean when it comes to standard pool filters? It may appear free of dirt and grime, but what about the bacteria that may have been present?

When it comes to swimming pool treatments, UV disinfection is king, as UV filters are not only one of the most effective and simplest ways to disinfect a body of water, but it is also one of the safest ways to disinfect your pool water.

Traditional water treatment requires changing the filter on a regular basis and adding up chemicals to the water, such as chlorine, to kill the bacteria. However, a UV filter eliminates the need to add potentially harmful chemicals to the water because the UV rays do all of the work on their own.

Contact Brother’s Pool Services today to find out how you can make sure your pool is ready for the summer.

Pool maintenance is also time-consuming, especially if you want to keep the water crystal clear throughout the season. The water can quickly become cloudy, hazy, and even green if you neglect your pool. However, it only takes a few key steps that are repeated on a regular basis to keep your pool clear and sparkling so that it is always ready for family and friends to enjoy.

Routine maintenance is required for any swimming pool to keep all parts in good condition and the water clean and clear.

Basic Components of Your Swimming Pool:

Before you get into the more complex topics of pool maintenance, you must have a good understanding of your pool’s basic parts because each part has slightly different functionality, and knowing how to maintain a pool necessitates a working knowledge of all main components. Below mentioned are 4 Main Components of a Swimming Pool:

FILTER SYSTEM

Your filter system is the engine that powers your entire pool setup. This component is in charge of keeping the water in your pool circulating and clean. The filter keeps your pool and anyone who swims in it safe. Filters prevent the growth of bacteria and algae, making the water safe. If your filter system fails, the water in your pool will become cloudy and polluted.

2. RETURNS AND SKIMMERS

The skimmers are the holes in the pool’s side that are responsible for drawing and pushing water into the filter. The returns are responsible for returning the clean water back to the pool. The water will not flow properly if there is a lot of debris or obstruction. As a result, you’ll have dirty water. That is why these systems must be backwashed and cleaned at least once a week.

3. THE POOL WALLS

Every other week, you should scrub the pool’s interior walls to remove any bacteria or algae growth and any remnants of debris. A self-cleaning pool system is another option if you don’t wish to do it manually. So, you can buy a robotic cleaner that will do it for you.

4. THE WATER

Do test your water at least once a week during swimming season and once a month outside of it. Test it if you have a lot of rain or if you find yourself refilling the pool because the water level has dropped too low. These things can disrupt the chemistry of your water, resulting in cloudy water.

Ways to Maintain Clear Water:

• POOL Circulation

Your pool’s water must constantly circulate to keep it clean and clear.

• CLEANING THE FILTER SYSTEM IN YOUR POOL

If your filter system is dirty, your pool will not be able to circulate water at full capacity.

• Using Skimmer Basket and a Pool Brush

Daily Pool Cleaning is an essential part of pool maintenance. A net skimmer to remove surface debris and a pool brush to clean the pool’s sides, and the bottom is necessary.

BROTHERS POOL SERVICES CAN HELP YOU DESIGN AND INSTALL YOUR DREAM POOL

Are you ready to design and install your dream pool? If you have any concerns about the installation or maintenance, we will help you. Contact us at (818) 882-9177 or Email at info@brotherspoolservices.com.

What Causes Green Pool Water?

The presence of algae in your pool is frequently the cause of green pool water. Algae blooms can appear when your pool’s free Chlorine level is low. Without using a preventative algaecide, exposure to high heat, heavy rain, or poor circulation increases your risk of developing pool algae. Stubborn pool algae can be difficult to control if proper treatment and prevention measures are not taken.

Daily Pool Management

The best way to enjoy a crystal clear pool is to keep it in good condition on a daily basis. Spending only 10 minutes per day can be sufficient.

Inspect the water every morning for algae growth or cloudiness signs. If there is evidence of algae growth, begin by sweeping it away. Also, don’t forget to net out leaves and insects daily.
I check the chlorine levels and make any adjustments to the water when required.
Check the skimmer nets every morning. Remove any accumulated vegetation or insects that have died during the night.
If the water appears cloudy, try backwashing your sand filter for a few minutes and check the pool the next day.
Also, check your pool’s pH to make sure any chemicals you are using are functioning as they should.
A pool’s ideal pH level should be between 7.2 and 7.6. If your pH readings are outside of this range, you will need to adjust the pH of your water so that treatments will work properly once added.

Steps for treating and preventing Green Pool Water:

Test & Balance Pool’s Water

Always begin by testing the water in your pool. Your test results will show you if your water parameters are unbalanced. Pay close attention to your Free Chlorine level. Low Free Chlorine levels can cause your pool water to turn green. Always keep Free Chlorine levels between 1 to 4 ppm. Use the appropriate chlorine and sanitizers to restore adequate sanitizer levels if necessary.

Clean Pool Surfaces and Water

Skim the water’s surface to remove visible debris, brush the walls, vacuum, and empty the skimmer baskets. Pay special attention to areas with visible dirt and little or no circulation. Regular pool cleaning is an efficient way to keep algae at bay.

Shock Treatment

Shock Treatment is the first step toward crystal clear water. Shocking your pool water removes contaminants that may cause algae growth and improves water filtration.

Applying an Algaecide

Algaecides are used for treating and preventing pool algae, but not all algaecides are the same. When treating green pool water, use an algaecide that kills green pool algae. But keep in mind that some dead algae may remain in your pool after treatment. Brush the surfaces of your pool on a regular basis.

5 Clean Filter

Backwash or chemically clean your filter as directed by your owner’s manual to remove organic and mineral buildup. Then, allow your pump and the filter to run continuously for 24 hours to allow your pool’s entire gallonage to pass through your clean filter.

For best results, Keep testing and balancing your pool water weekly. If your green pool water persists to help further troubleshoot. Contact Brothers Pool Services for expert water analysis, product and dosage recommendations.