How much salt will your saltwater swimming pool use and how to check the level

We use the IC-40 salt system manufactured by Pentair on the pools we build.  Of the many units available, we have found this one to be effective and relaible. 

We also use the Pentair EasyTouch control system on our pools.  This system is very easy to use and easy to program. 

You want the salt level on your pool to range from 3,000 to 3,400 parts per million (ppm).  If the salt level gets too high or too low, the system will not produce chlorine efficiently, and could damage the salt cell over time.

The IC-40 salt cell alone has touch controls on the cell to adjust the chlorine production percentage, and green or red lights to let you know if the salt level is good or low.

Whe used in conjunction with the EasyTouch control system, the IC-40 salt unit can only be adjusted and level checked at the EasyTouch.

To check salt level, do the following:

     1.  Open the front panel on the EasyTouch
     2.  Press the menu button in the upper left of the panel
     3.  Press the down arrow key until you reach  "diagnostics"
     4.  Press the "select" button
     5.  Press the down arrow button until you reach "chlorinator"
     6.  Press the "select" button

At this point the display on the EasyTouch will give you the Salt Level in ppm, and the system status (which should read "OK - No Errors").

When you are finished checking the level, press the menu button until you are back to the "Auto" mode.  You have completed this procedure.

If your salt level is low, salt needs to be added directly into the pool.  An easy way to know how much salt to add is to bring a water sample into our store for a free water test.  If you are not able to get into the store, a good rule of thumb is to add about a half bag of salt (based on a 40lb bag), and recheck the level the next morning.  If still low, repeat.

On an average size pool (approximately 14,000 gallons; you should expect to use about a bag of salt per month through the spring and fall, and up to two bags in the hot months.  Remember that ph, total alkalinity, water hardness and stabilizer need to be monitored to keep everything operating efficiently.

If you have any questions about this or any other aspect of pool maintenance and operation; feel free to contact us at any time. 

Happy swimming:    Ray Clary at Dolphin / 318-372-2669 / ray@dolphinpoolsla.com

Dolphin Pools wins pool construction award at APSP International Expo

                                



Press Release:

Dolphin Pools of West Monroe was honored to be the recipient of an Association of Pool and Spa Professionals (APSP) International Award of Excellence at the 2012 International Pool, Spa and Patio Expo held November 5th in New Orleans. 

Installations from around the world were entered in the 2012 APSP International Awards of Excellence competition.  During the ceremony fifty-two builder-companies were announced as award recipients. 

The awarded North Monroe pool of Jeff and Evelyn Johnson is something very unique to this area.  “We took pictures from our Hawaii trip, coupled with others from several magazines, and asked Dolphin if they could actually build our vision;  What we got was a tropical paradise in Louisiana,” said Evelyn.  “When people see our pool for the first time; they can’t believe it.  Several of our friends have asked us why we would ever need a vacation when we have a Disney resort in our backyard.”

The Dolphin Pools creation sports a custom designed multi-tier 12’ Rico Rock waterfall with inlayed remote fire feature at the falls peak.  The fiberglass saltwater pool and spa are encased in Rico Rock formations.  The project is completely automated;  allowing all waterfalls, pool, spa, lighting, and fire features  to be controlled remotely.

“There are many companies out there that can simply build a pool.  We design and build dream pools,” said Ray Clary of Dolphin. 

Dolphin Pools has been designing and building the most beautiful fiberglass pool, spa and water feature creations in North Louisiana for over 31 years.  The business is located at 2505 Cypress Street in West Monroe, and can be reached at (318)340-0001 or on the web at www.dolphinpoolsla.com. 

_________________________________________________________________________________

“The APSP International Awards of Excellence competition is a tradition honoring the world’s premier pools, spas, hot tubs and water features,” said APSP President and CEO Bill Weber. “The winning installations demonstrate the beauty, desirability and fun of water in people’s lives, and we’re proud our members are reflecting success through this recognition.”

About APSP

The Association of Pool & Spa Professionals (APSP) is the world’s oldest and largest association representing swimming pool, hot tub, and spa manufacturers, distributors, manufacturers’ agents, designers, builders, installers, suppliers, retailers, and service professionals.For more information, visit APSP.org.

 

Swimming pool with sand filter backwash instructions

New pools completed in Monroe and Sterlington

We have recently completed two beautiful saltwater fiberglass pools that I have put together videos for on Youtube.  Check them out on the links below and give us a call at 318-372-2669 if we can do the same for you.

Ray Clary
Dolphin Pools
2505 Cypress Street
West Monroe, LA 71291
ray@dolphinpoolsla.com
www.dolphinpoolsla.com

                                        Monroe Fiberglass Saltwater pool by Dolphin Pools

 

Sterlington Fiberglass Saltwater pool by Dolphin Pools

Post Hurricane Isaac Pool Care

We've had several calls in the last few days about what to do following the big rains expected from Isaac.  No Problem!  Just follow the instructions below, and you'll have the water where you want it in no time.

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

You may also have a pool full of leaves and limbs after the storm, so here's another copy of how to vaccuum:     Vacuuming Pool:  When 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. 

Backwashing your filter (after you vaccuum):

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

You have now taken water out of pool during this process; depending on how much debris you had to remove, you may need to add water back to pool.

All the rain can throw off the chemical composition of your water, so come in to the office for a FREE water test and anything you need to get the pool ready to swim again.

How to backwash and vacuum your pool

I had had several 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, you will need to 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. **

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:  Normal to 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 IntelliTouch 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.

Pool "popping" out of the ground MYTH

Dispelling the Myth of Pools "Popping" out of the ground

A common myth surrounding fiberglass pools and spread by competitors who build gunite pools or vinyl liner pools is that fiberglass pools pop or float out of the ground. If you are told this, ask how a pool full of water could pop out of the ground.

Any watertight object will float if there is more water under it than in it. Pools can only float when they are drained and the water under the pool exerts upward pressure because the pool has been drained.


Why would you drain a pool? Gunite pools need frequent draining to remove cracks, acid wash, clean stains and re-plaster the pool. Vinyl liner pools must be drained frequently to replace or repair liners. Fiberglass pools typically carry a lifetime warranty and should never need resurfacing, so you should not need to drain your pool. The truth is that many more gunite and vinyl pools float than do fiberglass; so don't believe the lie.

If you have any questions about this or any other pool article, call Dolphin Pools at 318-340-0001 or email at ray@dolphinpoolsla.com

Opening your swimming pool up for Spring

So your pool has been sitting for a few months now, your water is green and you're ready to have a beautiful oasis in your backyard again.

Not to worry, your just a few days away from success.  The easiest way to get your pool back in order is to take a water sample and bring it into our office.  We will do free testing for you, and you will know exactly what your water needs to get back to swimming condition.  Besides adjusting your alkalinity, ph, and chlorine levels; you'll probably just have to put in a little elbow grease.

We also carry test strips that make it extremely simple to test you own water.  They are color coded and much easier to use than the dropper type test kits. 

A few key things to remember when you start working on the pool: 
     1.  turn your pump off before you adjust the control valve to filter/waste/backwash/rinse
     2.  after you have the valve set where you want it, then turn the pump back on
     3.  after all vaccuuming/cleaning is done, return the valve to the filter mode
     4.  as temperatures warm up, you should run your pumps longer each day (10 to 12 hours at present)
     5.  if you're using a saltwater system on your pool, make sure the salt level in the pool is at an
          acceptable level.  Not enough salt will cause the system to not produce chlorine.
     6.  Keep your skimmer baskets clean;  they are your first line of defense against a dirty pool

There is nothing that brings family and friends together like a backyard swimming pool.  Keeping it clean and clear shouldn't be a job.  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 ray@dolphinpoolsla.com

Cost and Durability Comparison of Pool types:
	Fiberglass Pools PRO'S:   Permanent Home Improvement Factory controlled quality. Flexural strength that prevents cracking in freeze-thaw climates. Highly durable in soft and sandy soil types.  17 times stronger than concrete. Smooth finish means no skin abrasions. Non-porous surface resists the problems associated with imbalanced water chemistry, requiring less chemical maintenance, labor, and electric and is algae resistant. 25 year warranty on pool shell. CON'S:  Limited size and shapes (Though hundreds of styles are available) ECO-AWARENESS:  Fiberglass pools act as a natural insulator, requiring less electric/gas to heat the pool. Algae is less prone to attach to the smooth surface of a fiberglass pool, requiring less chemicals and maintenance. BILLABLE MAINTENANCE:  Chemicals, Electric Cost MAINTENANCE COST FOR 10 YEARS:  $4,200.00
	Gunite / Concrete Pools PRO'S:  Permanent home improvement.  Unlimited design capabilities. CON'S:  4-8 week installation by subleased contractors. Concrete shows through around the pool's etching (edge). The surface is rough and abrasive and also stains and discolors easily. Porous surface is a breeding ground for algae and other micro-bacteria. Cracks in freeze-thaw climates and requires acid washing and replastering. High maintenance; monthly pool service typically required, excessive use of chemicals and electricity. ECO-AWARENESS:  Acid baths emit fumes into the atmosphere. Re-plastered waste adds to our landfills. BILLABLE MAINTENANCE:  Chemicals, Electric Cost, Acid Baths, Re-plastering, New Tile, Pool Service MAINTENANCE COST FOR 10 YEARS:  $16,950.00
	Vinyl Liner Pools PRO’S:  Lower initial cost. CON’S:  Temporary pools that puncture, rip, and tear. Liners must be periodically replaced.  Poor choice for families with children and pets.  Steel panels and frames highly prone to rust, especially with Salt Systems ECO-AWARENESS:  Steel panels and/or steel mesh/rebar can leech chemicals and rust into ground water. Damaged liners end up in landfills. BILLABLE MAINTENANCE:  Chemicals, Electrical Cost, Liner Replacement, Liner Repairs MAINTENANCE COST FOR 10 YEARS:  $11,500.00

Swimming Lessons, Pool Safety

Several of our customers have asked about swimming lessons before building their new pool or just getting the little ones ready for Spring.  In doing a little research, I found an instructor who will come to your home and give private and group lessons (in your pool)!

The name of the company is:
"Swim Like A Fish"
instructor: Kyra Johnson
318-348-4061

I talked to Kyra this morning and was very impressed with her history. She is American Red Cross certified and was kind and helpful.  Her lesson schedule for beginners is: 45 minute lessons for 4 days, at a cost of $100 per student. (Though I'm sure she has group rates dependent on the group size).

Thinking about putting in a new pool?  Be sure the kids are ready to hit the water with swimming lessons at your home.

Instructional Videos

As Winter comes to a close and the kids are getting ready to start swimming, many of our customers have called to ask questions about opening their pools back up.  Over the next few weeks, we will be putting together some instructional videos that will help you with these questions.

Stay tuned for easy to understand videos on what chemicals you will need, how to vaccuum and backwash, and some other general how-to's.

Don't forget that we also offer weekly pool service to take care of keeping the water crystal clear for you.