What is your pool up to this December?

December 7, 2012

I never thought that we would today be winterizing the sprinkler system at home.  How totally incredible!
The weather has been very mild and the lawn folks said to "keep watering"........... so we have.  Finally a weather report is coming that it is going to get cold.  We are a mere 14 days from the Winter Solstice - the shortest day of the year. 

This makes us curious about the swimming pools.....  the ones that we have already closed many weeks ago.  Randy and Mark went out and checked a couple of pools, added chlorine and algicide.  The pool that was closed the beginning of September was already "black".  The pool has a "Loop Loc" brand cover which allows the dirt to filter thru in to the pool.  But it was more than just dirt.  The guys added lots of chlorine and algicide.  The pool with the automatic cover was fine, just "topped up" the chlorine level in the pool.

It might be a great idea to check your pool before it completely freezes; or if you are not quick enough, as soon as it thaws.  You could be growing a swamp in your backyard.

If you are not able to check your pool, call and schedule a service call.  We'll come out and add products for you.

Until next time...........  Have a Merry Christmas, May God Truly Bless Your Family!


Cheryl

August 27, 2012

Closing Your Above Ground Swimming Pool

Winterizing your swimming pool is the first step to having a great opening experience in the spring.

You should follow the recommendations that you received from the manufacturer of your product or builder of your swimming pool; there might be something different than what I am writing here  (Always follow the guidelines from your manufacturer or builder) ...... 

Important:  If you have any existing problems, like combined chlorine, cloudy water or algae growth, take care of the problems before you close the pool.

Start by testing your pool water, perform a winterization analysis at a BioGuard Swimming Pool Dealer, the balancing levels are slightly different for winter temperatures than for in-season. 

Get your pool clear, clean and in good balance first; Brush and vacuum, clean the water line, cleaning the pool surfaces before shutting down will help prevent permanent staining.  Clean the filter sand with Strip Kwik and Kleen It.

Clean out the skimmer baskets, if your pool is going to be winterized, remove the baskets and store them til spring.
 

Partially drain the pool - as recommended by your pool builder or manufacturer. 
Make sure the hoses are disconnected from the pump and filter, so the water can not run back in to the equipment.  (Very Important)

Winterize the pool equipment; put the filter valve handle on winterize, remove the filter drain cap and put it in the pump basket (so it doesn't get lost).  The pump also has a drain plug, drain the water out of the pump, put the drain plug back in and add some swimming pool antifreeze to keep the pump seal moist all winter. 

 Add winter chemicals to the pool:
Chlorine:  Predissolve the chlorine (taking safety precautions), add dissolved product to the pool, mix in the pool with your pool brush or net, then add the algicide.

Softswim:  Add the recommended amounts of Shock, Algicide and Sanitizer.  

Other systems of pool sanitation; check with your pool dealer or follow the manufacturer guidelines.

Put the winter cover on the pool.

If the climate is warm, it may be necessary to add more chlorine and algicide once more through the winter.  Visit with your pool dealer about the best way to accomplish that. 

As always, check with your local pool dealer or manufacturer.  Winterizing pools is different in different parts of the country.  Make sure you're following the recommended method for your area.

It's Kansas

Well just like Mom and Dad always told me, "if you don't like the weather today, hang around a while and it'll change"....

Kansas weather, always changing.  Just like our lives, our jobs, our circle of friends.
The scorching heat has departed for a time and allowed cooler weather to cover our part of the world.  Welcome relief as school starts for lots of students!

Don't forget your swimming pool, you might not be using it quite as much, but it still needs regular filtration and chemicals.  The algae will be there waiting for an opportunity to grow, if you forget to check the pool.  You can bring a water sample for us to check anytime.

Summer Time!

Wow, where has the summer gone.  We have been lost in a total flurry of "busyness" with moving the business retail store.  We opened a NEW Retail Store in the past few weeks and are very excited about that.  My new profile picture is one of myself and my brother Mark, taken in the front of the new store.

The new retail store has beautiful fireplace displays for folks that are looking for fireplaces.  It provides an opportunity for new home builders to look at different fireplace options.  Ebeling Pools also sells and installs stoves - wood, pellet, gas and electric.  Our fireplace screens and other fireplace accessories are starting to come in and we are gearing up for the fall fireplace season. 

On the swimming pool side, we have lots of pool chemicals available; we also have a few patio sets along with plenty to decorate your table with.  Flip flop plates, trays, serving dishes; flags to decorate with, new cover ups when the breeze is chilly and much more.

Emerald Spas are at the front of the store along with Great Lakes spas.  We have several sizes available.

Primo Ceramic Grills are decorating the front window and are shown with great wood carts!

Come and see our new store soon!

Easter

Easter is almost here!  The time of year when we remember the sacrifice Jesus made on our behalf - I would encourage everyone to attend their house of worship this week and regularly.  I am just back from Silver Dollar City in Branson, having gone with a bus load of Jr High Youth to the Young Christian's Weekend.  We had a wonderful time.  The weather was a little rainy and cool, but overall pleasant.  The programs were educational and the concerts were inspiring! 

We have folks opening their pools now with the weather warming up.  I would encourage you to go to our web site to see the new instructional videos that Katie has placed on the FAQ page.  There are several different topics posted.

Spring is Here!

The phones have begun to ring here at Ebeling Pools.  Scheduling new inground and above ground pool installations - we're getting underway!  A little slower start on building this year - it has been a cold winter.  I am sure that folks will make up for lost time in a big hurry. 
A few folks are opening their swimming pools already - maybe they are putting their homes for sale with a Realtor, or maybe they are getting really anxious for warmer weather here in Kansas!  I had a couple of teenage young men that came in the store and announced that they had already been in their above ground pool.....it was 37 degrees, they said.  Wow, I'm sure they didn't stay long. 
It is time to get on the schedule to have your swimming pool opened; we are also scheduling liner replacements and pool rebuilds. 
Please remember that the closer we get to May - the busier our schedule!  Call Cheryl or Katie to schedule your job.

Is it Pool Time Yet?

This week I have been busy talking to folks about new liners for their swimming pools.  Although it is early to actually change out the liner (unless the pool is inside), it is not to early to make plans. 
Liner choices can be seen on our web site:  www.ebelingpools.com   (go to the services page and click on the link to inground liner choices)
You can pick out a new liner, if the pool is defrosted, we can measure the pool for a new liner and we can make plans to get that liner installed.  If your pool is outside, it needs to be warmer outside and sunny in order to change out that liner.......Spring is coming quickly!

It is not to early to get on our schedule to open you swimming pool.  We are scheduling now.

Water Frozen on pool cover?

It has been very cold so far this winter.  A customer asked today about their automatic pool cover.  Seems the pump quit and there is a considerable amount of water on the cover and wondered what to do about that.

An operable pool cover pump is of course the ultimate solution to the problem, but right now, there is a lot of water on the cover and it is all frozen. 

If you start running water on the cover (or under it) that could cause the ice to shift and cut the liner or the pool cover.  Automatic covers are a large investment and it might be a good idea to take it slow and easy. 

As soon as the ice starts to melt, you can put the pump on the pool cover and pump the water off gradually as it melts, allowing the ice to shift as you pump it down. Take it slow and easy in order to not damage the fabric.

- Cheryl

It's Christmas Time!

It's hard to believe that we are so close to Christmas!  It seems that each year revolves faster than the year before.  I am thankful for our wonderful customers that make our job truly GREAT!

We have been very busy at Ebeling's.  The service techs are installing new fireplaces for folks ready to decorate for Christmas parties.  Many are taking advantage of the 30% tax rebates that are available right now.  We still have a few of the instant rebates that are available from Quadra-Fire thru the end of December. 

Our service tech went to service a pellet stove today and discovered an improper and unsafe installation.  Please, if you are considering any kind of do-it-yourself job, research and make sure that you are installing your product according to the manufacturer's installation information.  If you are purchasing a home, it might be a good idea to have the home inspected in hopes of catching these unsafe conditions. 

It has been a cold December, if you have a hot tub please check on it periodically.  We have had several folks that found their hot tubs were more like ice cubes.  If you go out and discover that your spa is not heating, don't panic, turn off the power and get a call in for service or drain the spa immediately, open the plumbing to drain and if possible tip the spa to remove the water from the plumbing or use an air compressor to remove all the water.  This is not a guarantee that you will not have damage to the tub, there are a lot of places where the water can pool, the filter housing, the pump housing etc. open up all of the places where there is water and drain.  Unless the outside air temperature is very very cold, your spa will stay warm without electricity for several hours if it is just left closed.

Christmas is a wonderful time of year!  I hope that each one of you are able to enjoy this Holiday Season, your family, your church family and the Reason for the Season - the birth of our Savior........................ Merry Christmas and may God Bless you!

Cheryl

It's Thanksgiving Week!

WOW!
I can hardly believe that Thanksgiving week is here and Christmas is around the corner!  The service techs are busy this week getting fireplaces installed for customers - we all want to be cozy, enjoy Thanksgiving dinner and family.


What could be better than a great meal, cup of hot cocoa, warm fire and loved ones to enjoy!  One of life's greatest blessings.

We have the new inground swimming pools to a point that they can be completed next spring.  Several hot tubs have yet to be serviced and ready to go this week.  It is going to be a busy week, getting everything completed in three days instead of five.  Please note:  Our Retail Store and Service will be closed on Thanksgiving day and on Friday the day after Thanksgiving.  While everyone is out frantically searching for the "Black Friday" specials, it is a slow day in our retail store, so we opt to give our employees an extra day off.  After all, they have worked very hard and totally deserve it!  And what better.......Management is working on Saturday!  So several of our employees are getting a 4 day weekend.

I have much to be thankful for this year.  Thankful for my wonderful family and extended family.  Thankful for my church family and all my friends.  Thankful that I LOVE my job!

I would like to personally thank each and every one of our customers for all of their business and support.  Without our customers, we would not be in business.

                                                      Thank You and May God Bless Each of You!

                                                                 Have a Happy Thanksgiving!

                                                                                Cheryl

Today is service day

Friday is the day that we have swimming pool and spa service.  Swimming pool service includes cleaning the pool, dipping out any leaves, backwashing the filter if needed, making sure that the system seems to be operating correctly, check the sanitizer level, get a water sample to bring back to the store to run thru ALEX our water analysis software.  Spa service includes making sure the spa has enough water, check the sanitizer level and adjust if necessary, periodic drain and refill, check spa operation, get a water sample to bring to the store to run thru ALEX. 

The service tech's worked on a used hot tub that has been brought in for repair and got one more swimming pool covered up for the winter.  Around here it gets cold enough that we are forced to winterize swimming pools. 

Katie and I have been working on getting our facebook page up and running.  Hopefully you can find us on facebook and will be a fan of our page!

Swimming is looking pretty cold right now.

Well, here we are mid October....don't know what happened to our summer time weather.  It flew out of here so quickly I think I lost it in July.  Anyway, folks are closing pools in a big hurry right now, the weather is touching around freezing and we don't want to break pumps, filters and plumbing.  There are a few pool still open, with pool heaters, or indoor pools. 

We are busily working on a new inground pool, getting it in the ground, to be completed in the spring, when it's warmer!

I was thinking of changing the subject of the blog for a while, since it is so cold.  The guys are busy selling and installing fireplaces and stoves.  Most of the folks coming in to the store right now are talking about fireplaces or stoves.  (or they're getting ready to enjoy the Hot Tub for the winter)

I am Closing my pool, what about changing from Softswim to Chlorine?

OK, you are on Softswim from BioGuard right now and you would like to try chlorine in the pool next year.

When you come in for your closing chemicals, I'm going to run a water test (if you bring me water) and make sure that the pool is balanced and ready for closing.  If you have decided to switch to chlorine, we are going to be more selective in our closing chemicals, not using all of them to close the pool.

We won't go ahead and do the switch this fall, we'll wait until spring.  It would be best to open your pool in April before it starts getting warm, we'll have you vacuum to waste and drain most of the pool at that time.  Then you can just start the pool up on chlorine and away you go!

Above Ground Winter Covers

What about those winter covers for above ground pools............it says it has a 7 or 10 year warranty?

I have to tell ya, the winter covers for above ground pools that I have seen are bad and worse as far as quality.  I have called them "glorified trash bags" more than once.

Unfortunately, we need covers for our above grounds each winter and I have not found any better way to cover an above ground pool than the winter cover with a cable and winch.  Unless you have a deck around your above ground, then you can put a nice Loop Loc cover on it - with anchors into the deck.  WOW!  That will last a very long time.

The above ground covers generally come with a 7 or 10 year warranty.  The manufacturer normally deals directly with the consumer for a warranty claim and they usually cover "workmanship" and not tears caused from wind or by our ingenuity in ways that we tie those rascals to the ground so they don't take off like big balloons in Kansas in the winter!  :) 

The covers with less than a 7 year warranty are so lightweight, they may not even last the first winter.  A cover with a 7 year warranty, generally I would expect to last a couple of years and a 10 year warranty slightly longer.  It does help if you do your best to take care of the cover.  Some folks put a pillow under the center and run water around the edge to help hold them down.  In the spring, when you take the cover off, use a good winter cover cleaner - like Stow Away from BioGuard.  It'll get that cover clean and then squirt the rest of the bottle on the cover and fold it up.  The Stow Away will keep mildew from growing on the cover and it'll be in great shape for next year's closing.

OHHHHH All This Rain!

Wow, Here in the mid-section of Kansas we have seen a lot of rain lately.

Rain can create a few needs in our swimming pools.  If you have an automatic pool cover, you must keep a cover pump and keep the water off the pool cover.  If your pump quits, just find a way to remove the water as soon as possible.  Don't try to operate your pool cover with water on the top.  You can cause damage to the cover, trying to pull all that water as well as the cover.

If your pool is open and all the rain water is going in to the pool, don't worry - just take a water sample to your BioGuard Professional and have the water tested.  Adding rain is like adding fill water - the addition can change the water balance.

My Pool is Green and I'm just gonna close it for the winter

It might sound like a good solution to a green pool - just cover it up and leave it - and many times I have felt like that when a pool is being difficult!

You might really want to rethink this one.  If the pool is green and you just cover it up, the algae continues to grow.  It grows and grows and makes a really nice thick matt of algae, and it really gets growing in the pool.  By the time that you open the pool in the spring - guess what you have?  A real green swamp with floating string algae from top to bottom.

The best idea is to start at your Professional BioGuard Dealer with a water test.  They will help you balance the water and give you a prescription to clear the water.  You will have to do your housekeeping first - vacuum the bottom, dip out trash, brush the walls of the pool and then treat the swimming pool.  This will be no easy task, but it will be much much more work if you put if off until spring.

After you clean and treat the pool, you should leave the pump run 24 hrs a day until it clears up - and keep the sanitizer level up too.  It will likely take 7 to 10 days to clear the swimming pool completely.

Have your water tested one last time to make sure that your pool is ready for the winter.

Build my swimming pool NOW?

You might think that fall is not a great time to build your swimming pool, but I would suggest that maybe it is a good time to think about building your pool.

When we build your swimming pool, we are going to use equipment to dig up the ground, drive big trucks on the lawn and cause all sorts of mess.  You might find it necessary to move utility lines - like gas, electric, water, cable, telephone etc.  All these different folks working in your yard make a mess - not to mention the disaster to the underground sprinkling.  When the pool is completed, you have a nice "dirt" yard left.  You could choose to sod the yard, but after the sprinkler system is all repaired, if it is fall - you can go ahead and seed your yard.

If you build your pool in the summer, it is likely you will have a dirt yard until fall when you can seed the yard.

So, if you are "on the fence" about whether fall is a good time to build an inground pool - it's GREAT!

Why Chemicals? I'm not using the pool??

When the weather starts to cool off at night a bit, you're right, we don't use the swimming pool quite as much. (Unless you are heating the water) It's not as much fun to get into the pool when the water gets a little cool.

There is always small amounts of algae in the water - even when we can not see it. If we do not continue to treat the swimming pool water, even though we are not using it as much, it will start to look like the neighbor's pond - yes, it'll even grow floating algae............no fun to clean up! And, if that pool turns into a pond and you want to use the pool....oh well, party down the tubes!

The bonus of the weather cooling off a little is that we do not need to use as many chemicals to keep the water crystal clear. We can back down that chlorinator - or you might actually be using too much and run the chlorine level high. If you have a chlorine generator - or salt system, you can back down the percentage of time that you have the unit operate. If you use a biguanide, you will likely use less shock.

Remember to have your water tested by a swimming pool professional to make sure that your pool is in balance. This also helps you to use the least amount of products to maintain that pristine blue swimming pool!

When Should I Close My Swimming Pool?

The goal is to winterize the swimming pool before freezing weather and hopefully have a clear pool in the spring when it is opened. In order to achieve that goal, it often works best to wait as long as possible to close - here in Kansas, that's typically the first of October.

The water is cold in my pool, can I just shut the pump off?

Even though the water is getting cool, like the weather, the water needs to be filtered and treated with a sanitizer in order for it to stay clear. Yes, the pool will still turn green. There might not be any swimmers in the pool with kids going back to school, but resist the urge to turn that pump and filter off - you'll have the lagoon in your back yard.