hot tub automation

What is pool or hot tub automation?

Pool and hot tub automation is simply using technology to your advantage. Pool automation systems control and manage the various functions and features of swimming pools and hot tubs, such as temperature control, water filtration, lighting, spa jets, and more. Automated systems allow for convenient and efficient operations, often through the use of a control panel, smartphone app, or other remote-control devices. By automating these systems, you can save time, energy, and resources, while also enhancing the overall enjoyment of your pool or hot tub.

Why should I use an automated pool and hot tub system?

There are several reasons why you may want to use an automated pool and hot tub system, including:

• Convenience: Automated systems allow you to control and monitor your pool or hot tub from a single, central location, often using a smartphone or tablet. You can adjust water temperature, turn on lights or spa jets, and manage other functions without having to physically be near the pool or hot tub.

• Energy efficiency: Automated systems can help you conserve energy and reduce costs by controlling water circulation, heating, and filtration. Some systems also feature timers and schedules that allow you to optimize energy usage based on your specific needs.

• Improved safety: Automated systems can help you maintain a safe and healthy swimming environment by monitoring water chemistry, temperature, and circulation. Some systems also have safety features such as automatic shut-off in case of an emergency.

• Enhanced user experience: Automated systems can enhance your overall enjoyment of your pool or hot tub by providing customizable features such as lighting, spa jets, and temperature control. With the touch of a button, you can create the perfect swimming environment.

• Ease of maintenance: Automated systems can help simplify pool and hot tub maintenance by automating tasks such as water circulation, filtration, and cleaning. This can save you time and effort, while ensuring that your pool or hot tub is always in optimal condition.

When is the best time to install an automated pool or hot tub system?

The best time to install an automated pool or hot tub system depends on several factors, including your climate, personal schedule, and budget. However, there are two times when planning to implement an automation system is the easiest.

• During construction or renovation: If you are building a new pool or hot tub, or renovating an existing one, this is an ideal time to install an automated system. This allows you to integrate the system into the design and construction of your pool or hot tub, making it easier and more cost-effective to install. We would love to make recommendations if you’re in this situation to help you make the most of your time in the water.

• Before the spring season: Spring and summer are the busiest swimming season as the weather warms, and we recommend installing your automation system before the season starts to give you time to test and make any necessary adjustments.

Ultimately, the best time to install an automated pool or hot tub system depends on your individual needs and circumstances. Call us at 407-699-1952 for a personalized recommendation.

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.

person cleaning a pool

Unpredictable winter and spring temperatures should not keep you from enjoying your outdoor swimming pool year-round! We have several tips to make sure you are maintaining your Florida pool during the winter months so you can keep using it now and in the summer.

With proper planning and preparation, there’s no need to stop using your Florida pool just because the temperature dropped. With a few important tips and maintenance tricks, you can make sure your pool is ready to swim – even when it’s not extremely hot and humid!

Check and Adjust Your Chemical Levels Regularly.
We say it a lot because it is the most important to make sure you regularly test your chemical levels. This is particularly critical to do when the temperatures dip and then spike back up. The main levels to keep an eye on are chlorine, pH level, alkalinity, and calcium hardness. We suggest weekly testing year-round and if you plan to continue using your pool in the cooler months, our recommendation doesn’t change.

Keep Leaves and Debris Out of the Pool.
During fall and winter months, leaves can often be the biggest nuisance when it comes to pool maintenance in Florida. Taking the time to properly cover your swimming pool when not in use will go a long way toward keeping debris and leaves out of your pool. Additionally, it’s a good idea to check your pool’s skimmer basket regularly to make sure no extra debris accumulates in the filter system. Debris doesn’t just make a pool less inviting it can throw off your chemicals and promote algae growth.

Regularly Monitor for Algae Growth and Stains.
Even during the cooler months, algae growth and pool staining can occur if your pool is not properly maintained. This is another area where weekly maintenance can prevent this from occurring. If you have already noticed signs of algae in your pool, taking steps such as adding extra sanitizer or reducing your water’s alkalinity can help keep your swimming pool stay clean and crystal clear all winter long.

Clean or Replace the Filter Regularly.
Replacing or cleaning your pool filters regularly is an important part of effective pool maintenance. A dirty filter allows debris and algae to remain in the water, causing congestion, cloudy water, and staining. Every few weeks during winter months, it’s important to make sure you are changing out the cartridge or Diatomaceous earth (an effective, natural way to kill algae in swimming pools) filter for your pool output pipes and preventing any dirt or grime from entering your swimming pool. We offer D.E. filter cleaning, which includes carefully removing the filters and cleaning them, as well as cleaning out the bottom of the filter and removing the used D.E. and cleaning the backwash the filter, which means using the extra hose line to push the dirt out.

Check for and Treat Pipes, Lines, Plumbing Leaks and Cracks.
There’s nothing like a freeze-thaw cycle or quick temperature decrease to put extra pressure on pool lines and pipes. Your pool’s pipes, lines, and plumbing should be checked each season to make sure they are free from cracks and leaks which can cause a significant amount of damage if left untreated. Be sure to inspect the inside of your walls for any loose or broken pipes before adding any more water. Once you’ve identified the areas of your pool where repairs are needed, it’s important to address them quickly in order to prevent further damage. Sealants and epoxies can be a good option for repairing small cracks and holes as well as keeping larger ones from becoming major problems.

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.

pool pump

Your pool pump is one of the most important pieces of equipment in your backyard. It helps keep your pool clean and safe. But sometimes, your pool pump loses pressure.

Pool pumps lose pressure when running too long without being turned on. This causes water to back up into the filter system, which can cause damage to the pump itself.

Why does it lose pressure?
If you notice that your pool pump has lost pressure, turn off the power to the unit and wait at least 30 minutes before turning it back on. Then, check the filter to make sure there isn’t any debris blocking the flow of water through the filter. If there is, remove the blockage by hand and try turning on the pump again.

The filter is full
Once you’ve checked the filter, you’ll need to replace the filter media. You should replace the filter media at least every three months, even if the filter looks clean. This will help ensure that your pool pump runs smoothly.

You are using the wrong amount of water
If you notice that your pool pump isn’t producing enough water, there are several things you can try to fix the problem. Then check the filter for any clogs. If you find a clog, you’ll need to remove the filter and replace it with new media. After you’ve cleared the clog or confirmed that one was not present, make sure that the motor is running properly. After that, check the electrical connections. Are they loose? Fourth, check the wiring. Does it appear damaged? Fifth, check the power source. Is it plugged into an outlet that has adequate voltage? Sixth, check the water level. If it’s too low, you might need to add more water to the tank. Finally, check the float switch. If it’s not working correctly, you’ll need to adjust it.

There Are Problems with the Motor or Pump
If you find that your pool pump isn’t producing enough water, there could be several reasons why. A faulty pump motor could cause the issue. In addition, a bad connection between the pump and the electrical system could also cause a problem. Another possible reason is that the pump is losing pressure. This could happen because the pump is worn out or because the filter needs cleaning.

The Electrical System Is Faulty
To determine whether your electrical system is causing the loss of pressure, check the following areas:

  1. Check the wiring connections.
  2. Make sure the power source is connected properly.
  3. Test the circuit breaker.

By actively monitoring your pool pump on a regular basis you can avoid the last minute break downs and potentially expensive repair costs. Maintenance is key to a solid running pool pump! If you have repairs please give us a call at 407-699-5588. Read more about all the repairs we can make on your backyard swimming pool.

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.

person cleaning a pool

When looking for a pool service contractor, here are some things to keep in mind.

Pool owners should always hire a reputable pool service contractor with experience working on your type of pool. They should also ask for references and read reviews online before choosing to hire a company and be prepared to evaluate after the first few services.

Ask about their experience.
A good pool service contractor will have extensive experience working with your type of pool. Some pool companies focus only on inground pools, some focus solely on leak detection and maintenance, others like Swim N Fun provide comprehensive pool maintenance. Figure out what you are looking for in a pool service company and then match your needs with a reputable company.

Look at their credentials.
Once you’ve narrowed down your search to a few companies, the very next item on your list, even before checking reviews, should be to make sure they have the proper certification and licenses. A good pool service company has extensive training for their technicians and has the proper coverage to handle the chemicals. In Florida, this is a Certified Pool/Spa Contractor license from the Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation. A licensed person or company has completed the required education, experience, insurance and qualifications to obtain a license and has passed a two-part competency test. Before hiring any pool service contractor, check the status of their licensure at MyFloridaLicense.com.

Review their insurance coverage.
Pool service contractors and pool service companies should have insurance that cover people, property and operations. You can learn more about what kind of insurance they carry by asking them and you can also request a copy of their insurance coverage if they don’t offer it at your initial meeting or have it available online. It’s important to make sure they have enough coverage to protect themselves against any accidents that might occur while they are working on your property. If you hire a pool service contractor who does not offer liability insurance, you will need to purchase additional coverage through your insurance company, which may mean you could pay more money out of pocket when there is an accident.

Check out their reviews online.
Once you have verified the pool service contractor or pool service company has the required experience, licensures, and insurance coverage, now is the time to start learning more about what their customers think about their work. You can look for reviews on their social media pages, testimonials on their website, Google reviews and other locations. The best place to start is by going to your favorite search engine and typing in the name of the company and reviews. This will help you determine whether they are reputable and trustworthy. You should also ask for references, particularly if the online reviews are limited.

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 also 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.

leaves in netting

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.

pool pump

Diatomaceous earth is a safe, non-toxic, environmentally friendly alternative to chlorine and bromine-based chemicals.

What Is Diatomaceous Earth?
Diatomaceous Earth (D.E.) is a naturally occurring mineral composed of fossilized remains of marine planktonic algae called diatoms. Diatoms live in oceans and lakes and are responsible for making up more than half of the world’s total biomass. D.E. has been used as an insecticide since ancient times. In fact, diatomaceous earth was one of the first natural pesticides ever discovered. If you looked at D.E. under a microscope, it would look like a super tiny sponge.

How is D.E. Used in pools?
Diatomaceous earth is an effective, natural way to kill algae in swimming pools. It works by absorbing water and releasing tiny particles that clog the pores in microscopic organisms such as algae, bacteria, viruses, protozoa, and other pathogens, killing them. D.E. pools provide excellent water quality while saving energy and ultimately reducing maintenance costs. D.E. works by coating the filter and as water passes over the grids, the DE particles capture even the smallest suspended dirt particles and pathogens but lets the water through.

Do I just pour some D.E. into my pool?
No. The best way is to use a diatomaceous earth pool filter. The D.E. filter works by using diatomaceous earth as a filter medium. This material absorbs water and releases small particles that block the pores in the skin, killing algae. D.E. filters are safer than other methods of pool filtration and have been shown to be more effective at filtering out debris and bacteria compared to sand filters and cartridge filter systems.

What else should I know about the D.E. filters?
D.E. filters come in sheets, called grids. Each grid has a fine material to catch the dirt and algae as it goes through the filter. Sunscreen, body oils and more also get trapped in the filters along with the algae and dirt.

Ick! How do I clean my D.E. filter?
Cleaning these filters requires a professional to prevent accidental tearing. For the month of September, Swim ‘N Fun is offering customers a special on D.E. filter cleaning. The 2022 Fall D.E. Filter cleaning includes carefully removing the filters and cleaning them, as well as cleaning out the bottom of the filter and removing the used D.E. and following the cleaning Swim ‘N Fun will backwash the filter, which means we will use the extra hose line to push the dirt out. We do all of this and inspect each piece at every step prior to putting it all back together. Our sale price is $250 for the D.E. filter cleaning.

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.

dog in pool

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!

algae in a swimming pool

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!

pool contaminants

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

sunscreen

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!