Kids are out of School so it’s time to get your pool ready

With the health situation we are all dealing with currently, it is possible that the kids will be at home for the next several months.  It’s time to get your swimming pool clean, clear and swim ready.

The easiest way to get your pool ready is to bring a water sample to our office at 2505 Cypress Street in West Monroe.  We will do free testing for you, and you will know exactly what you need to get back to a healthy swimming condition.  By adjusting your alkalinity, ph, and sanitizer to the proper levels; you'll be diving in quickly.

A few key things to remember when you start: 
     1.  Our professional staff can tell you what, how much, and when to add water treatments
     2.  If you have questions while you’re at home, we can advise you over the phone
     3.  If you can’t come to the store for supplies, we can come to you
     4.  As temperatures warm up, you should run your pumps longer each day
     5.  If you're using a saltwater system, we can tell you what to add so your salt level is
          optimal.  Not enough or too much salt will cause the system to not sanitize the pool
     6.  Keep your skimmer baskets clean;  they are your first line of defense against a dirty pool
     7.  When you backwash your filter, don’t forget to “rinse” as well

There is nothing that makes more wonderful memories than family time in your pool.  Keeping it clean and clear shouldn't take a lot of time.  Feel free to contact us for advice or set your pool up for weekly cleaning by our staff, by calling 318-340-0001 or email us at dolphinpoolsla@gmail.com.

Refresher instructions for operating your swimming pool system, with warm swimming weather approaching, by Dolphin Pools

Warming weather is here, and only a few months left before kids get out of school; Get your pool clear and your water healthy early.
As you get ready to uncover your pool, you may need a refresher on how to operate everything. Here's some basic info to help you get started.

Swimming Pool Care Instructions

**Please note that any time you move the multi-valve (example – Filter, Backwash, Rinse, Waste, etc), the pump MUST first be turned off**

**If your pool has two skimmers, remove the basket from the skimmer not being utilized to vacuum through, and slide the cover plate at the bottom over the suction line in the bottom.  This will send all your suction through the other skimmer.  Shutting off the in-line valve to the bottom drains of the pool will also send more suction to the skimmer. **

**Special note:  when vacuuming your pool; leave the skimmer basket in the skimmer.  Use a vacuum plate over the skimmer basket, and attach the vacuum hose to the vac plate**

Vacuuming Pool:  Small amount of dust/dirt/debris in pool.  Beginning in Filter mode.

1. Turn pump off
2. Remove skimmer lid, place skimmer vacuum plate on hose and place in skimmer
3. Attach vacuum head and telescoping pole to other end of hose, and place in pool
4. Turn pump on
5. Vacuum pool sides and bottom to remove debris
6. When complete, turn pump back off
7. Remove hose from skimmer and vacuum assembly from pool
8. Turn valve to Backwash
9. Turn pump back on
10. Watch viewing bulb for water to clear (1 to 2 minutes)
11. When clear, turn pump back off
12. Turn valve to Rinse and turn pump back on
13. Run until viewing bulb clear (usually 30 seconds to 1 minute)
14. When clear, turn pump back off
15. Turn valve to Filter and turn pump back on.  You have completed this process.  You have sent water through the filter during this process and have not lost pool water.

Vacuuming Pool:  Above average amounts of dust/dirt/and debris in pool.  Beginning in filter mode. 

1. Turn pump off
2. Remove skimmer lid, place skimmer vacuum plate on hose and place in skimmer
3. Attach vacuum head and telescoping pole to other end of hose, and place in pool
4. Turn valve to waste and then turn pump on
5. Vacuum pool sides and bottom to remove debris
6. When complete, turn back off
7. Remove hose from skimmer and vacuum assembly from pool
8. Turn valve to Backwash
9. Turn pump back on
10. Watch viewing bulb for water to clear (1 to 2 minutes)
11. When clear, turn pump back off
12. Turn valve to Rinse and turn pump back on
13. Run until viewing bulb clear (usually 30 seconds to 1 minute)
14. When clear, turn pump back off
15. Turn valve to Filter and turn pump back on.  You have completed this process.  You have taken water out of pool during this process; you may need to add water back to pool.

Backwashing pool:

1. Turn pump off
2. Turn valve to Backwash
3. Turn pump back on
4. Watch viewing bulb for water to clear (1 to 2 minutes)
5. When clear, turn pump back off
6. Turn valve to Rinse and then turn pump back on
7. Watch viewing bulb until water is clear (usually 30 seconds to 1 minute)
8. When clear, turn pump off
9. Turn valve to filter and then turn pump back on, you have completed this process

Lowering the Water Level of the Pool:

1. Turn pump off
2. Turn multi-valve to Waste
3. Turn pump back on and watch pool until desired water level is achieved
4. Turn pump back off
5. Turn multi-valve back to filter mode
6. Turn pump back on.  You have completed this process

Checking Salt Level via Breaker/Control Panel

Please note that these instructions are for pools using the EasyTouch system by Pentair.  This is the system typically installed by Dolphin Pools.

1. Push the Menu button on the inside of the control panel
2. Push the down arrow key until you get to diagnostics, then hit the select button
3. Scroll down with the arrow key to Intellichlor, then hit the select button
4. The salt level of the pool will be displayed
5. When finished, hit the menu key until back at the main menu, you have completed this process

Most saltwater systems operate within a recommended range of 3,000 - 3,500ppm

Make sure to regularly test the water chemistry of your pool.  The easiest way to test these levels are with the litmus strips that we sell in the pool store.  They are color coded and easy to read.

**If you have any questions about these or any other service processes with your pool, feel free to call our office.  Also remember that we offer free water testing and carry a complete line of chemicals and supplies**

Additional Note (Very Important)

It is never a good idea to empty your inground swimming pool.  When vacuuming, removing water, and backwashing; monitor your water to make sure your pool is at the right level and ready to swim.

Saltwater pools, warming Spring weather, Dolphin Pools West Monroe

Saltwater pools have become increasingly popular.  They have pretty much become the norm in the North Louisiana area.

Through the cold winter months, saltwater systems produce chlorine at a significantly reduced level.  Because of this, it is always necessary to monitor the chlorine level of the pool, and add as needed.  As the water begins to heat back up, the saltwater generator will again start to produce chlorine.  After a few warm days, I always get calls from customers who complain of their pool getting a green tint or a cloudy look.

Internet searches have convinced a lot of pool owners that "add a bag of salt" is the cure-all.  This is not at all the case.  You will still need to keep your PH, Total Alkalinity, Calcium, and Stabilizer within acceptable limits.

As the thermometer creeps up, its a good idea to bring a water sample into your local pool store. We offer FREE water testing at Dolphin Pools, and can give you a printout of exactly what you need in your water to get it perfect.

We're only a couple months out from the kids wanting to jump in, so get started early.  No parent should have to be the "bad guy" who left the pool green, with Dolphin Pools ready to help you out.

Quick info on pool salt levels:

Most saltwater systems have a recommended range between 3,000 and 3,500ppm

Getting your Saltwater pool ready for Spring

For the last several years, saltwater pools have become increasingly popular.  They have pretty much become the norm in the North Louisiana area.

Through the cold winter months, saltwater systems produce chlorine at a significantly reduced level.  Because of this, it is always necessary to monitor the chlorine level of the pool, and add as needed.  As the water begins to heat back up, the saltwater generator will again start to produce chlorine.  After a few warm days, I always get calls from customers who complain of their pool getting a green tint or a cloudy look.

Internet searches have convinced a lot of pool owners that "add a bag of salt" is the cure-all.  This is not at all the case.  You will still need to keep your PH, Total Alkalinity, Calcium, and Stabilizer within acceptable limits.

As the thermometer creeps up, its a good idea to bring a water sample into your local pool store. We offer FREE water testing, and can give you a printout of exactly what you need in your water to get it perfect.

Easy to follow Swimming Pool Care Instructions: Vacuum and backwash

Spring is coming and many will be opening up their pools soon. I have had customers ask me for this information, so here it is.  Any questions; give us a call at the Dolphin Pools office 318-340-0001

Swimming Pool Care Instructions

**Please note that any time you move the multi-valve (example – Filter, Backwash, Rinse, Waste, etc), the pump MUST first be turned off**

**If your pool has two skimmers, remove the basket from the skimmer not being utilized to vacuum through, and slide the cover plate at the bottom over the suction line in the bottom.  This will send all your suction through the other skimmer.  Shutting off the in-line valve to the bottom drains of the pool will also send more suction to the skimmer. **

**Special note:  when vacuuming your pool; leave the skimmer basket in the skimmer.  Use a vacuum plate over the skimmer basket, and attach the vacuum hose to the vac plate**

Vacuuming Pool:  Small amount of dust/dirt/debris in pool.  Beginning in Filter mode.

1. Turn pump off
2. Remove skimmer lid, place skimmer vacuum plate on hose and place in skimmer
3. Attach vacuum head and telescoping pole to other end of hose, and place in pool
4. Turn pump on
5. Vacuum pool sides and bottom to remove debris
6. When complete, turn pump back off
7. Remove hose from skimmer and vacuum assembly from pool
8. Turn valve to Backwash
9. Turn pump back on
10. Watch viewing bulb for water to clear (1 to 2 minutes)
11. When clear, turn pump back off
12. Turn valve to Rinse and turn pump back on
13. Run until viewing bulb clear (usually 30 seconds to 1 minute)
14. When clear, turn pump back off
15. Turn valve to Filter and turn pump back on.  You have completed this process.  You have sent water through the filter during this process and have not lost pool water.

Vacuuming Pool:  Above average amounts of dust/dirt/and debris in pool.  Beginning in filter mode. 

1. Turn pump off
2. Remove skimmer lid, place skimmer vacuum plate on hose and place in skimmer
3. Attach vacuum head and telescoping pole to other end of hose, and place in pool
4. Turn valve to waste and then turn pump on
5. Vacuum pool sides and bottom to remove debris
6. When complete, turn back off
7. Remove hose from skimmer and vacuum assembly from pool
8. Turn valve to Backwash
9. Turn pump back on
10. Watch viewing bulb for water to clear (1 to 2 minutes)
11. When clear, turn pump back off
12. Turn valve to Rinse and turn pump back on
13. Run until viewing bulb clear (usually 30 seconds to 1 minute)
14. When clear, turn pump back off
15. Turn valve to Filter and turn pump back on.  You have completed this process.  You have taken water out of pool during this process; you may need to add water back to pool.

Backwashing pool:

1. Turn pump off
2. Turn valve to Backwash
3. Turn pump back on
4. Watch viewing bulb for water to clear (1 to 2 minutes)
5. When clear, turn pump back off
6. Turn valve to Rinse and then turn pump back on
7. Watch viewing bulb until water is clear (usually 30 seconds to 1 minute)
8. When clear, turn pump off
9. Turn valve to filter and then turn pump back on, you have completed this process

Lowering the Water Level of the Pool:

1. Turn pump off
2. Turn multi-valve to Waste
3. Turn pump back on and watch pool until desired water level is achieved
4. Turn pump back off
5. Turn multi-valve back to filter mode
6. Turn pump back on.  You have completed this process

Checking Salt Level via Breaker/Control Panel

Please note that these instructions are for pools using the EasyTouch system by Pentair.  This is the system typically installed by Dolphin Pools.

1. Push the Menu button on the inside of the control panel
2. Push the down arrow key until you get to diagnostics, then hit the select button
3. Scroll down with the arrow key to Intellichlor, then hit the select button
4. The salt level of the pool will be displayed
5. When finished, hit the menu key until back at the main menu, you have completed this process

Make sure to regularly test the water chemistry of your pool.  The easiest way to test these levels are with the litmus strips that we sell in the pool store.  They are color coded and easy to read.

**If you have any questions about these or any other service processes with your pool, feel free to call our office.  Also remember that we offer free water testing and carry a complete line of chemicals and supplies**

Additional Note (Very Important)

It is never a good idea to empty your inground swimming pool.  When vacuuming, removing water, and backwashing; monitor your water to make sure your pool is at the right level and ready to swim.

To Cover or Not To Cover; That is the question.

In this area, it runs about 50/50 on pool owners using winter covers or not. Leaves accumulating in the pool can be a problem, and can actually stain your pool, drain covers, and skimmer baskets. As leaves sit in the pool bottom and decay, they can turn your water brown which could leave stains when you open it back up in the Spring. Allowing leaves to accumulate can also stop up the suction into your equipment and may harm your pump. If your not going to cover your pool, it's a good idea to purchase an automatic or robotic style pool cleaner. These units can be very effective and minimize the time you spend on maintenance. Prices start about $700. Also make sure you keep your sanitizer (chlorine) at the right level, as well as your ph. If you are going to cover the pool, the trampoline style covers are your best bet. These covers keep the leaves out of the water while allowing rain water to flow through them. When the leaves dry, just grab your blower and blow the leaves right off. While these covers do tend to be expensive (usually a couple thousand dollars installed); most have a life expectancy of 10 to 15 years. Standard woven plastic tarp style covers will do the job as well, but they tend to hold water on top and it's easy to dump leaves back into the pool when removing them. They are; however, much less expensive. If you have any pool questions or are interested in putting in a new pool; call me (Ray Clary) anytime at 318-372-2669.

Winter pricing on pools can be a bargain

Your best bet for saving money on a new pool is in the heart of Winter. December through February are typically the slowest months of the year, and equipment manufacturers, us as installers, and supply companies are eager to put jobs on the books to keep their workers busy. It is also a great time to move ahead with the pool, on your time frame. Unlike during Spring and Summer; there is very little wait to get started on construction. If your thinking about swimming in the upcoming year, what better Christmas present could you give your family than a new pool. We offer free 3-D design, and can create a beautiful customized DVD of your new pool, to box up and put under the Christmas tree. Call me (Ray Clary) anytime at 318-372-2669 for more information.