FAQS

Q. How do I keep my pool blue and safe to swim?

A. Pool water chemistry is a lot easier than you think. We highly recommend purchasing a self-test kit for the home. Test strip testing is easy and accurate. The basic groups to look for are:

  • Chlorine levels - this sanitizes the pool and keeps the pool bacteria free
  • PH (this is the acidic level in the water) range should be between 7.2 - 7.8 Muriatic Acid will bring your PH levels down - Rain is a big factor for the PH to rise.
  • Total Alkalinity - this maintains the PH from bouncing and is treated with Sodium Bicarbonate. The range should be between 80 - 120 PPM
  • Calcium Hardness - This is the protector of your pool equipment and surface finishes.  The range should be between 200 - 400 PPM. High levels of Calcium could damage your pool.
  • Stabilizer/Conditioner – This is the protection for the chlorine levels in the pool. This chemical will maintain the chlorine levels stable for longer periods of time. Level should be between 20 - 40 PPM this is treated with Cyanuric Acid. Chlorine tablets contain stabilizer in them.

Helpful link
http://www.poolcenter.com/watbal.htm

Q. Is a salt generating system worth having?

A. This is the equipment that actually manufactures chlorine by converting salt into chlorine as the water passes over specially-coated titanium electrodes.  Plumbed in-line, these devices can provide normal chlorination, without the need to handle chlorine.  Pools using a chlorine generator should be maintained in the same manner as any other chlorine pool. 

  • No need to add chlorine to pool or handle corrosives and heavy chlorine jugs
  • Softer water
  • No Chlorine smell
  • No Dry skin
  • No fading of bathing suits
  • No irritated eyes

Q. Can I seal my stone or pavers?

A. Yes, the pavers can be sealed.  We highly recommend using a flat finish (no high gloss to avoid slipping). Sealers can be applied by either rolling on with sealer or a spray application. Never seal pavers on wet or humid surfaces. We also recommend tofill in all joints with fine sand before sealing, sand will harden with the sealer. Home Depot carries BEHR Concrete and Masonry Water Proofer.

Q. How often do we need to clean my pool filter?

A. You should clean your filter cartridge at least 2 times a month. Remember the cleaner you maintain your filter, the longer it will last and the more efficient your pool pump will run. The average filter cartridge lifespan is 2 - 5 years. This maintenance will keep your pool clear and clean.  If your pool water is cloudy or the pressure gage on the filter is higher than normal this is a cause of your filter being dirty.

Q. How do I care for my pool finish?

  1. Chemical balance is everything; Beware of your water’s chemistry. 
  2. Brush pool finish at least 2 times a month
  3. Don’t let metals, toys, or any other object that does not belong in the water sit on the pool floor.

Here is a help full link for more information.

Q. What do we do in case of a Hurricane?

A.  The main thing is that you do not drain pool. The pool could pop up out of the ground if left empty due to external waters.
B. Shut down all electrical breakers to pool equipment.
C. Over chlorinate water chemistry to help fight bacteria brought by storm waters.

Helpful web link:http://www.poolcenter.com/swimming_hurricane.htm

Q. How do I know if my pool is leaking?

A.   If you notice larger than normal (more than 1/4 inch per day) decrease in pool water level, you have good reason to suspect a pool leak. If your pool has an automatic fill device, it might be harder to detect. Use these additional clues to help diagnose your pool leak likelihood:

  • Increased chemical demands (to treat new water that is added to the pool)
  • Increased water bills
  • Cracks in the deck resulting from settling earth
  • Unexplainable evidence of water outside the pool
  • A common reason for minimal water loss occurs with natural evaporation.
  • To best determine if your pool is experiencing evaporation or water loss due to a serious leak that needs immediate attention, you can perform the "Bucket Test". Test procedure found on the Leak Detection page of this site.

A pool safety word from National Pool Design

Swimming Pool Safety

Swimming pools were designed for good time,s but they require good sense and good safety to keep the times good.
We also recommend all supervisors of the household learn C.P.R. There is also no child too young to learn how to swim. There are many swim schools available along with private instructors that will come to your home.

Here are some helpful web links:

CPR classes online- http://www.americancpr.com/

Little Swimmers swim school-http://www.littleswimmers.net/

 

Establish sensible safety rules at the beginning. Here are safety tips for around your pool:

  • Constantly supervise children.
  •  Decks should be kept clean and clear of debris.
  • Decks should have a non-slip surface.
  • All glass cups and dishes should be non-breakable.
  • Don’t swim around broken drain covers, notify a professional immediately.
  • Stay clear of missing or broken safety caps on vacuumed lines
  • Never swim alone.
  • Keep all safety barriers installed and in working order at all times.
  • Place safety locks on all doors and windows that lead to back yard when small children are present in the household there are also audible pool alarms available.
  • It is best not to swim immediately after eating a heavy meal.
  • If the supervisor is uncomfortable with someone's swimming abilities, make sure they stay in shallow water and watch them closely.
  • Use caution with inflatable toys and rafts- they deflate.
    Absolutely no horseplay or rough housing.
  • Go down a slide feet-first only.
  • Make sure all electrical appliances and devices are protected by a ground fault circuit interrupter
    (GFCI). Water is an excellent conductor of electricity and electrical shock or electrocution can occur in a pool if live electrical current flowing through appliances and devices comes into contact with the water.
  • Whenever practical, anyone that uses your pool should shower with soap and water before use. Perspiration and lotions will reduce the effectiveness of the pool disinfectant and lessen the ability of the filter to work efficiently.
  • If you use your pool at night, provide adequate lighting in and around the pool so that the pool bottom is clearly visible.
  • Stay out of the water during lightning or rainstorms.  
 

NATIONAL POOL DESIGN

We are licensed and insured in both the residential and commercial fields of the industry. We work with state of the art products and equipment and will renovate or design your backyard or commercial property.

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CONTACTS

2423 SW 147 Ave Unit 212
Miami, Florida 33185

Office: 305-559-1020

Fax- 305-381-0630

Fl License CPC1457845