Q: Why should I hire a pool service company?
A: A professional pool service company can protect the valuable investment that is your pool or spa's surface through properly working equipment and water chemistry, as well as allowing you to enjoy your pool instead of chasing down chemicals, educating yourself and making time to try to care for it yourself. Once your pool is in trouble, it is probably already going to be necessary to call out a professional to solve the problem anyway. Avoiding algae and equipment problems is the reason to hire a professional in the first place.

Q: Is price a consideration when hiring a Pool and Spa Professional?
A: With every product or service, price is always a consideration. However, you should consider value for your dollars spent, as opposed to the simple bottom line. Ensure that any professional you consider hiring is properly licensed and insured for your state or municipality, and is water chemistry trained or certified. Look for members of professional affiliations that offer continuing Educational opportunities.

Q: What should I expect from my Pool and Spa Professional?
A: You should expect that your professional will orient you to your equipment, share safety concerns, and notify you of any issues that can become costly repairs later. True professionals will strive to provide you quiet enjoyment of your yard and swimming pool or spa during service calls. Your professional is not a pool cleaner today - he is an equipment specialist and a water chemist. You should expect clean, chemically balanced water, and quiet, efficient running equipment. They should always be available to assist you with any warranty concerns and be available to you by phone during business hours to answer your concerns directly, or return your call promptly. Finally, you should always receive detailed estimates and invoices.

Q: What does it mean if I smell a strong chlorine odor in my pool or spa or it burns my eyes?
A: A common misconception, even among some pool and spa "technicians," is that the strong odor of chlorine means there is too much chlorine in the water. This is absolutely incorrect and in fact, the opposite is true. There is not enough chlorine to neutralize the ammonia in the water. More chlorine-based product should be added to solve this issue.

Q: Is painting my pool a good idea?
A: The answer is always NO. Paint causes a condition known as "chalking." Chalking causes cloudy water while swimming, particularly while in use by children, as they tend to agitate the water more than adults. Chalking causes spotting on swimwear, and can clog your filter. The biggest problem with chalking is that it will cause your pool to appear dirty. Painting is at best a temporary "fix."

Q: How often should I drain and or acid-wash my pool?
A: This can vary greatly depending on usage, proper chemistry maintenance, and hard water. Generally speaking, acid-washing is required every 2-7 years. In some areas where water is very hard, it is recommended every year to drain your pool. Your local pool professional can answer this question best.

Q: What is the benefit of an automatic cleaner?
A: Automatic cleaners increase the opportunity that your pool will always be "swim ready." Automatic cleaners today are sophisticated and reliable. There are many different types for all applications depending on the type of pool and your locality to suit your needs and existing equipment. Since it is not possible for your pool professional to be in your yard every day to ensure all debris is cleared, this is an excellent option to ensure that algae does not have a good chance of getting hold of your pool's finish. The most common types of algae are caused botanical debris settling in your pool. Algae is unsightly, unhealthy for both swimmers and the longevity of your pool's finish (plaster). Automatic cleaners are a very good option in avoiding algae and staining of your pools finish.

Q: What safety issues should I consider?
A: A few safety rules to always remember:

• Never leave your pool empty for an extended period.
• Never leave pool gates open. Install self-closers on all gates leading into your yard.
• If you see water in your pool or spa lighting, call a professional immediately.
• Ensure that you have Ground Fault Circuit Interrupters (GFCI) installed where appropriate.
• Ensure that insulators are properly installed in timer boxes.
• Never leave children unattended around your swimming pool or spa.

Q: My pool has plumbing/electrical issues - what should I do?
A: For electrical or plumping issues, contact your pool professional - electricians and plumbers are not usually versed in the special needs of a swimming pool or spa. Your pool professional can advise you as to whether a plumber or electrician is needed to resolve your specific issue.

Q: Is it necessary for my pool pump to run every day?
A: Yes. Your pump should turn over the water through your filter in your pool at least once per day.