Pool maintenance is a tedious task, especially in the fall when the leaves drop, and it seems as soon as you’ve cleaned the last leaf from your pool a gust of wind comes along and blows more into the water.

While there are ways to expedite leaf removal, it does take time either in the actual removal or in the setup. It is critical that you don’t let leaves stay in the pool too long because the leaves can clog up the filter and make cleaning even more difficult.

If the leaves are mostly floating on the surface, one of the best ways to remove leaves is by using a leaf net. The leaf net is an easy-to-use tool that can be used to remove leaves from the pool without getting into the water.

Leaf nets look like butterfly nets and are used to skim over the top of the water to collect the leaves. Leaf nets are good for both small and large pools and come in various sizes. As long as the leaves are floating on the water, a leaf net will catch all of the leaves in one go, so you don’t have to spend time picking them out individually.

You can also use a leaf rake, which is a skimmer with a leaf net attached. Because a leaf rake doesn’t involve you manually removing the leaves, it takes a bit longer but less of your time.

If you have leaves sitting on the bottom of the pool, the best way to remove them is with a pool vacuum or a leaf gulper. The leaf gulper removes all of the debris from the pool floor such as leaves, pine needles, and other debris. The leaf gulper is a mesh bag that attaches to your garden hose and vacuum to create suction and bags leaves sitting on your pool floor. Many of these have bristles on the bottom to help scrub more stubborn leaves and debris.

If you have an automatic pool cleaner, you can attach a pool vacuum leaf canister to filter out the leaves automatically. By fitting this device between your cleaner and the pump system attachment you can prevent the leaves from reaching the pump and causing damage. Once you put it all together, you will just need to run the pup and regularly empty the leaf trap.

More about Swim ‘N Fun
While you can do a lot on your own to keep your pool looking good and ready for you whenever you want, sometimes you might need professional help. In fact, we recommend you have your pool serviced at least once a year just to make sure everything is as it should be. Plus, we are really good at checking your equipment such as filters, pumps, and heating systems for major and minor issues.

Swim ‘N Fun offers weekly pool maintenance. Our trained pool technicians service the pool by testing the pool water, balancing the water chemistry, skimming the pool, brushing the pool walls, emptying the baskets, vacuuming the pool as needed, cleaning or backwashing the pool filter as needed, and checking the equipment to ensure that it is running properly. Routine pool maintenance helps a pool owner to save money and time. A properly balanced pool will also help keep swimmers safe and healthy.

Swim ‘N Fun is fully licensed and insured and has been serving Central Florida since 1986. Our pool company is ready to help you with any pool repairs that you may need such as repairing a broken pool pump, pool filter, pool vacuum, pool filtration system or pool lights. Our pool technicians will arrive at your home in our fully stocked service trucks. They will evaluate the problem and then make the repair. Many times, an extensive or expensive pool repair is not needed. No job is too big or too small!

We service all major brands. Let us help you with your pool repairs. Please give us a call at 407-699-5588.

On a hot day people and animals alike often seek out water to cool off. For many pool owners, this could include a quick swim with your favorite canine. However, even that quick swim with your dog could cause extensive problems for your pool.

Dogs affect pool chemical balance:

Pool chemicals can irritate both people and canine skin. Beyond irritated skin, even well-balanced pool chemicals can irritate your dog’s nose and eyes. You pool water is also likely to look dirty, possibly be contaminated with E. coli from the fecal matter on their skin and fur. The phosphates, nitrates, and bacteria naturally on dog skin can significantly disrupt the pH and the chemical balance of your pool water. You will have to test it and shock it more often to keep the chemicals in balance.

Quick reminder of what the levels should be:

• pH should always stay between 7.2 and 7.8 ideally, 7.4 and 7.6. An off-balance pH may lead to calcium buildup which puts undue stress on your liner and can be uncomfortable to swim next to.

• Chlorine should be between 1.0 and 4.0 parts per million (ppm), too much makes your pool look green. Too little means your pool is a good home for bacteria and algae.

Dogs of any size can cause your water level to drop:

There’s a saying one dog is equal to several additional people in the pool at the same time so all that splashing could cause your water level to drop, which in turn could create problems in the pool pump and can cause the pump to run dry or burn up. Just like you would check the pool water level after a party, check the pool water level after a dog, even a small dog, has been in your pool.

If you’ve had a dog in your pool, get checked out by the pros:

While you can do a lot on your own to mitigate the impact of a dog swimming in your pool on your own, you might need professional help. In fact, we recommend you have your pool serviced more often if you have dogs swimming with you. You may be good at checking your pool equipment such as filters, pumps, and heating systems but we can assess all of those for major and minor issues.

Dog toenails put your pool liner at risk for punctures:

If you have an above ground pool your pool liner is at risk of a puncture or tear when a dog is in the pool. Even if the dog’s feet don’t touch the bottom of the pool, when a dog climbs in and out of the pool, they will look for traction. Also, water increases a dog’s weight increases with the water and an accidental sharp toenail could easily puncture the liner as they climb out and scratch at the sides.

Filters are more easily clogged when a dog enters the pool:

Dog hair, debris can also clog your filter. Some pool owners find the dog hair manageable with more skimming and vacuuming but you risk clogging equipment. If a dog has been in your pool, even just for a few moments, be sure to check and empty both the pool skimmer basket (by the pool) and the pump basket (inside the pump) as soon as possible.

Swim ‘N Fun offers weekly pool maintenance. Our trained pool technicians service the pool by testing the pool water, balancing the water chemistry, skimming the pool, brushing the pool walls, emptying the baskets, vacuuming the pool as needed, cleaning or backwashing the pool filter as needed, and checking the equipment to ensure that it is running properly. Routine pool maintenance helps a pool owner to save money and time. A properly balanced pool will also help keep swimmers safe and healthy.

Swim ‘N Fun is fully licensed and insured and has been serving Central Florida since 1986. Our pool company is ready to help you with any pool repairs that you may need such as repairing a broken pool pump, pool filter, pool vacuum, pool filtration system or pool lights. Our pool technicians will arrive at your home in our fully stocked service trucks. They will evaluate the problem and then make the repair. Many times, an extensive or expensive pool repair is not needed. No job is too big or too small!

We service all major brands. Let us help you with your pool repairs. Please give us a call at 407-699-5588.

We serve all of Central Florida including Casselberry, Altamonte Springs, Winter Springs, Oviedo, Longwood, Maitland, Sanford, and the surrounding areas. Rely on us for all of your pool maintenance and pool repair needs. Please give us a call at 407-699-5588 to see how we can assist you. Call today!

Though Floridians get more use out of their pools than swimmers in other states, the summer months and extra visitors can make keeping your pool clear, balanced and ready when you want it challenging. To save yourself the headache of a green or overly chlorinated pool, make sure you are at least doing the following things.

Test Often
You should be regularly testing your pool water, if not every other day at least weekly in the summer. You are testing for chlorine, pH, stabilizer, Bromine and alkalinity. If your chlorine is low, add more chlorine. By keeping the right chemical balance, you are keeping your pool clear, free from bacteria and safe for you and your swimmers. Of note, if you happen to be reading this post in the winter, or when you aren’t using it as regularly, you should still be checking the chemical levels at least every week or every other week.
Here’s a quick cheat sheet if you aren’t using a dipping stick:
• pH should always stay between 7.2 and 7.8 ideally, 7.4 and 7.6. An off-balance pH may lead to calcium buildup which puts undue stress on your liner and can be uncomfortable to swim next to.
• Chlorine should be between 1.0 and 4.0 parts per million (ppm), too much makes your pool look green. Too little means your pool is a good home for bacteria and algae.

Chlorine and pH work together to keep bad bacteria out of your pool. If the pH gets too high, chlorine’s germ-killing power doesn’t work.

Prevent Algae
Another reason for keeping the pH and chlorine at just the right levels is to prevent algae growth. You can also prevent algae growth by having good water circulation and filtration. When you’re checking your chemicals, also check your hoses and filtration system for leaks. If you notice the circulation is not what it used to be, check and empty both the pool skimmer basket (by the pool) and the pump basket (inside the pump). If you don’t think your filtration system is working properly., start by checking for anything that could be obstructing water flow to or from the pool filter. Then check the valves. If you start to see algae, get out your scrub brush and start scrubbing.

Check the water level.
The water level is a lot like Goldilocks, it has to be just right. If the water level is too low, it can create problems in the pump and can cause the pump to run dry or burn up. On the other hand, water levels that are too high can cause the skimmer not to work as it should. After a large group splashing and swimming, check the level. After a storm or heavy rain, check the water level. The best gauge is to make sure your water level is at the halfway point of your pool skimmer.

Get checked out by the pros.
While you can do a lot on your own to keep your pool looking good and ready for you whenever you want, sometimes you might need professional help. In fact, we recommend you have your pool serviced at least once a year just to make sure everything is as it should be. Plus, we are really good at checking your equipment such as filters, pumps, and heating systems for major and minor issues.

Swim ‘N Fun offers weekly pool maintenance. Our trained pool technicians service the pool by testing the pool water, balancing the water chemistry, skimming the pool, brushing the pool walls, emptying the baskets, vacuuming the pool as needed, cleaning or backwashing the pool filter as needed, and checking the equipment to ensure that it is running properly. Routine pool maintenance helps a pool owner to save money and time. A properly balanced pool will also help keep swimmers safe and healthy.

Swim ‘N Fun is fully licensed and insured and has been serving Central Florida since 1986. Our pool company is ready to help you with any pool repairs that you may need such as repairing a broken pool pump, pool filter, pool vacuum, pool filtration system or pool lights. Our pool technicians will arrive at your home in our fully stocked service trucks. They will evaluate the problem and then make the repair. Many times, an extensive or expensive pool repair is not needed. No job is too big or too small!

We service all major brands. Let us help you with your pool repairs. Please give us a call at 407-699-5588.

We serve all of Central Florida including Casselberry, Altamonte Springs, Winter Springs, Oviedo, Longwood, Maitland, Sanford, and the surrounding areas. Rely on us for all of your pool maintenance and pool repair needs. Please give us a call at 407-699-5588 to see how we can assist you. Call today!

Do you have red eyes after swimming? Chlorine isn’t the culprit! Chlorine is added to pools in order to balance the water and keep it safe for swimmers. However, if chlorine combines with contaminants such as urine, sweat, poop, sunscreen, dirt, or make-up, it can cause a problem.

How can this cause a problem?

These contaminants will bond with the chlorine and form Chloramine. Chloramine is the culprit behind red eyes and a strong chlorine odor. Another factor that could be contributing to red eyes is a poorly managed pH level. Keeping a pool properly balanced can help keep swimmers and their eyes safe.
The Center for Disease Control (CDC) says that health effects associated from Chloramines can include, “respiratory symptoms such as nasal irritation, coughing, and wheezing (especially in those that have asthma), red and itchy eyes, skin irritation, and rashes.”

Why do your eyes turn red?

According to vision doctor, Dr. Arthur Kobayashi, “red eyes occur when blood vessels near the surface of the eye become enlarged and dilated.” He states that “increased exposure to irritants or chemicals may cause your eyes to become irritated.”

How can you prevent Chloramines from forming?
• Use the bathroom before getting in the pool
• Take frequent restroom breaks
• Don’t swim if you are sick or have diarrhea
• Shower before you get in the pool
• Don’t drink or swallow the water
• Don’t urinate in the pool

To help prevent red eyes:
• Don’t swim with contact lenses in
• Wear goggles

If your eyes do become irritated after swimming, then these tips could help:
• Wash your eyes out with water
• Use a cool compress
• Use a saline solution
• Use lubricating eye drops after swimming

Red eyes can be prevented by following the tips above and by keeping the pool chemicals balanced. To remove Chloramines from the water, add a high dose of chlorine and non-chlorine shock to the pool. Re-test to make sure that the pH levels are stable also.

Swim ‘N Fun offers weekly pool maintenance. The trained pool technicians service the pool by testing the pool water, balancing the water chemistry, skimming the pool, brushing the pool walls, emptying the baskets, vacuuming the pool as needed, cleaning or backwashing the pool filter as needed, and checking the equipment to ensure that it is running properly. Routine pool maintenance helps a pool owner to save money and time. A properly balanced pool will also help keep swimmers safe and healthy.

Swim ‘N Fun is fully licensed and insured and has been serving Central Florida since 1986. Our pool company is ready to help you with any pool repairs that you may need such as repairing a broken pool pump, pool filter, pool vacuum, pool filtration system or pool lights. Our pool technicians will arrive at your home in our fully stocked service trucks. They will evaluate the problem and then make the repair. Many times, an extensive or expensive pool repair is not needed. No job is too big or too small!

We service all major brands. Let us help you with your pool repairs. Please give us a call at 407-699-5588.
We serve all of Central Florida including Casselberry, Altamonte Springs, Winter Springs, Oviedo, Longwood, Maitland, Sanford, and the surrounding areas. Rely on us for all of your pool maintenance and pool repair needs. Please give us a call at 407-699-5588 to see how we can assist you. Call today!

Check out our other blogs for more information on pool care:
https://swimnfun.com/blog/pool-definitions-and-terminology
https://swimnfun.com/blog/algae-pools

It feels like summer already with hot days and lots of sunshine. Perfect pool weather! When you are outside either by or in the pool, make sure to use plenty of sunscreen. According to the American Cancer Society, skin cancer is one of the most common cancers in the United States. Swim ‘N Fun wants you to enjoy your time in the sun and in the pool but be safe.

Help prevent skin cancer and stay safe with these tips:
• Apply plenty of sunscreen. The American Dermatology Association recommends a SPF of 30 or higher. Apply at least one ounce (about the size of a shot glass) to your entire body and reapply often (at least every 2 hours or after swimming/sweating)
• Make sure to apply sunscreen to all exposed areas of your body. Common areas that are forgotten include the backs of feet, the tips of ears, back of neck, back of hands, your scalp, and your lips
• Put on sunscreen 30 minutes before sun exposure
• Use sunscreen every time you go outdoors
• Choose a broad-spectrum sunscreen
• A water-resistance sunscreen will help protect you longer
• Add a hat, sunglasses, and protective clothing as well as sunscreen
• Choose shade whenever possible
• Before applying sunscreen, check the expiration date. Use sunscreen that hasn’t expired for the most protection

There are different types of sunscreens to choose from. Chemical sunscreens help prevent damage to the skin by utilizing chemicals that absorb UV rays. Mineral sun blocks, such as zinc oxide and titanium dioxide, sit directly on the skin to form a barrier. Mineral sun blocks are a good option for those with sensitive skin since they cause less reactions. However, they usually leave a white residue and can cost more. There are also different ways to apply sunscreen such as a spray, a gel, a cream, or a lotion. Sunscreens also come unscented and scented. It ends up being a personal choice on what you like the best. Ultimately, the best sunscreen to apply is the one that you will use.

Swim ‘N Fun offers tips on choosing sunscreen. Before taking a dip in your pool, make sure that it is in tip top shape. If you’re tired of maintaining your pool and battling the green, let us help. Swim ‘N Fun offers weekly pool maintenance. Routine maintenance is provided by our pool techs as well as a check of equipment.

If your pool is blue but having issues with items such as pool lights, pool pumps, or pool filtration systems, please give us a call at 407-699-5588. We offer pool repairs for those items and more. We have been serving Central Florida since 1986. Rely on Swim ‘N Fun for all of your pool maintenance and pool repair needs. Please call us today at 407-699-5588!

Are you a new pool owner? Have you been taking care of your pool for years? Either way, owning a pool means that you need to know pool definitions and terminology especially when you need repairs, its easier for you to explain what needs to be fixed.

Swim ‘N Fun can help. Check out our important list of pool terms:
• Acid – This is used to help reduce the pH level in your pool

• Algae – A plant-like organism that contains chlorophyll. It enters the pool from rain or wind. It grows quickly and can turn your pool various colors such as green, black, and yellow, most often green

• Algaecide – This is a chemical used to combat algae

• Automatic pool cleaner – a cleaner that vacuums your pool automatically

• Backwash – Where you clean the filter by reversing the flow of water. This is done to get rid of debris that is in your filter

• Cartridge filter – a filtration method to help keep the water clean

• Chlorine – A pool disinfectant, it can be used in liquid form or tab form. It keeps the pool clean and safe for swimmers

• D.E. filter – a type of filter, this filter can filter out the smallest of particles and is the most effective filtration system. This filter system uses D.E. which is Diatomaceous Earth. This is a white fossil powder which is used in the filter

• Hand skimmer –a screen attached to frame that is on a pole. The skimmer is used to remove debris from the pool such as leaves and bugs. Oftentimes, the skimmer is on a telescopic pole

• Oxidizer – a non-chlorine shocking compound that removes contaminants without raising the chlorine level of the pool

• pH – abbreviation for potential hydrogen. This is used to know the level of acidity or alkalinity of the pool water

• Pool pump – mechanical device that’s purpose is circulation and filtration of the pool water. The pool pump works in tandem with the pool motor.

• Shock – an oxidizing chemical that destroys contaminants such as bacteria and algae in the pool

• What are the different parts of the skimmer? The skimmer is the most vital part of any swimming pool. Most common skimmer parts include the skimmer cover, skimmer baskets, and skimmer weir flap that water flows over

• Gas heaters – while they require more maintenance, a gas heater is lower in cost to purchase. A gas heater is known for heating your pool up quickly despite the temperature outdoors.

• Main drain – there are typically 2 main drains at the bottom of most residential swimming pools. The purpose of these drains is to remove any dirt and debris that sinks to the bottom of the pool. These drains serve as suction devices and aid in keeping the pool clean. There are covers over these drains or grates to prevent people, their hair or other objects from getting trapped in the drain.

Knowing your pool lingo will help when communicating with our pool technicians in the event you need a repair. Our team of highly trained pool maintenance and repair technicians look forward to assisting you with your pool needs. We have been in business since 1986 and serve all of Central Florida. For all of your pool service needs, please contact us at 407-699-5588. We are ready to serve you!

The weather is heating up and spring is near! Families will be spending even more time in and around their backyard swimming pool. Before heading out to the pool, make sure everyone including children are safe around the pool. This may mean putting up safety features around your backyard swimming pool, and getting your kids swim lessons. Our team at Swim ‘N Fun emphasizes the importance teaching children how to swim, whether they like the water or not! Swim safety is essential for kids.

Knowing how to swim adds a layer of safety around pools and other bodies of water. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, “drowning is a leading cause of death for children. In the United States, more children ages 1 -4 die from drowning than any other cause of death except for birth defects. For children ages 1-14, drowning is the second leading cause of unintentional injury death after motor vehicle crashes.”

Safety in and around water is the number one priority of teaching children how to swim. However, there are other benefits that come with knowing how to swim that children will appreciate as they get older. A few of those benefits include:
• Getting exercise
• Helping to improve your endurance
• Builds up muscle
• Helps with your cardiovascular health
• Improves sleep
• Reduces stress levels and anxiety
• Is fun

While swimming is an important skill and can prevent drowning, it is only one layer of safety. To help keep children safe around the pool, it is important to always have focused supervision, never let kids swim alone, make sure to block access to the pool during non-swimming times, and know CPR.

There are several safety precautions parents can implement around their pool to prevent an accidental drowning. Many people have relied on these types of safety measures:

• Pool netting
• Pool fencing
• Added locks on doors going from the house into the pool area

A backyard oasis can be both relaxing and entertaining for the entire family but before heading back into the pool this summer we encourage all parents to keep safety top of mind.

If you haven’t run your pool filter or pool pump in a while or you notice your chlorine or salt water system is malfunctioning give us a call at 407-699-5588. We handle all types of jobs, large and small.
We are fully licensed and insured and have been serving Central Florida since 1986. Our family owned and operated pool service is looking forward to helping you get more out of your pool this summer!

Florida may be the sunshine state but you can still experience freezing temperatures during the winter months. Recently, Florida had temperatures that were in the 30’s. Due to these low temps, many people have asked us how to maintain their pool during freezing temperatures. During low temperatures like the ones that just occurred, it is important to keep your pool and pool equipment safe.

Swim ‘N Fun offers these tips to help protect your pool during a freeze:
• Make sure to maintain proper water levels in your pool
• Keep the pool chemicals balanced
• Run your pool pump continuously to keep the water in the pool moving (to prevent the water from freezing)
• You do not need to run your pool heater during freezing temperatures
• Clean skimmer and pump baskets
• Double check to see that all of your valves in the pool plumbing system are open

Occasionally, a winter storm could cause power outages. If this occurs, then follow these tips:
• Turn off the circuit breakers to your equipment and make sure that all of the equipment has been shut off
• Open the air relief valve on the pool filter
• Remove lid and drain plugs from your pump
• Remove plugs and lids from chlorinators, filters, motors, and heaters

What do do if my pool is damaged?

Call Swim ‘N Fun, we can help. Pumps, filters, heaters, and more can be affected by freezing temperatures. For example, frozen water could cause pipes to break. During a freeze valves can break, knobs can break off from your water lines. There are multiple issues that can result during a hard freeze in Florida. Homeowners don’t realize the severity a freeze can play on a backyard swimming pool.

If you have any concerns about your pool equipment after a freeze, please give us a call at 407-699-5588 for help. Swim ‘N Fun is fully licensed and insured. We have been serving Central Florida since 1986. Our pool repair technicians are qualified to make repairs on all types of pool equipment such as pool heaters, pool chlorinators, pool filtration systems, pool pumps, pool lighting, pool vacuums, and more. If you have damage from our recent freeze, we invite you to give us a call at 407-699-5588 or fill out our online form.

Read our other blogs:

Keeping your pool maintained in the winter months

Best Pool Repairs

Algae in Central Florida Pools

Swimming in your pool can do this!

Swim ‘N Fun is ready to help you achieve your goals. We offer pool repairs to make sure that your pool is ready for you. We are fully licensed and insured and our pool repair technicians can repair items such as pool heaters, pool lighting, pool vacuums, pool pumps, pool chlorinators, and more. Before getting in the pool, make sure that it is in tip top shape.

With the stress of COVID, jobs, schooling if you have kids life can be stressful. It’s still important to keep physically and mentally fit. Swimming is a great way to achieve this not to mention the added health benefits including:

• Low-impact exercise with less stress on your joints
• Will keep your heart rate up
• Helps you to build up your endurance
• Can help you maintain a healthy weight or lose weight
• Releases endorphins which can help reduce stress, anxiety, and depression
• Let’s you exercise without sweating! A big bonus since we live in Florida
• Is a full-body workout since it uses many muscles in your body
• Swimming is a great option for rest days (days between other types of workouts)
• Swimming uses deep breathing which can help stimulate your brain to help promote nerve cell growth as well as releasing endorphins
• Swimming keeps you away from screen time. Too much time in front of screens can add to your stress level
• Swimming is great for all ages, abilities, and disabilities
• Improves flexibility
• It’s just fun to swim!

Swim ‘N Fun has been helping families keep their pools fine tuned and in repair since 1986. We serve all of Central Florida including Winter Springs, Lake Mary, Longwood, Oviedo, Altamonte Springs, Sanford, Maitland, and surrounding areas. If you have a pool repair such as a clogged drain line, a clogged skimmer, leaking hoses, pool heater not working, pool lights flickering, or other repairs, then give us a call at 407-699-5588.

Pool repairs can be big or small. Our pool techs are ready to help. We service all major brands of automatic pool cleaners, pool pumps, pool heaters, pool lights, and more. Keep your New Year’s resolutions this year by getting in shape and let your backyard oasis help you get there! Call 407-699-5588 and let us know how we can help you!