It's important to know if your swimming pool or hot tub filter is working because without knowing you could spend several tries clearing your pool water only to realize that the dirt is recirculating back into the pool. Not only could you waste a lot of time but you could spend endless amounts of money on chemicals and clarifiers to get the water back on track. So, how do you know if your pool filter is working correctly?

There are two main methods to figure this out. You could try adding some diatomaceous earth or a sand filter to test it. Just a scoop or two will do it into the skimmer. Immediately after adding it look at the pool jets and returns to see if you can physically detect cloudy water coming back in. If you can, then you probably have a filter issue and will need to address it in a different way. Make sure you don't add diatomaceous earth to a cartridge filter. A little bit of cellulose fiber-based filtration powder can work if you want to see if anything comes through but diatomaceous earth can pack into the cartridge fold and cause excessive strain on fabric elements so you want to use that with caution.

Another method is to test the filter by connecting a vacuum hose and skimmer suction port. You could see if the Jets or returns show any cloudy water coming back through. Of course, you actually have to have dirt on the floor of your pool to see if this method works.

The first method assumes you have a pressure base sweep that uses unfiltered water and if you have a backwash valve it's possible that the valve seal or diverter could be failing, which will allow dirty water to bypass the filter and recirculated back into the pool. However, it's more common for the filter to have an internal problem then a failed valve.

If the pool filter shows dirt coming back through it's important to clean the filter and backwash valve thoroughly. The filter cleaning should be a full disassembly and inspection of each internal part, which is something a professional pool service company can do for you. If you have a sand filter blowing dirt back into the pool, check to see if the sand is more than 3 to 4 inches old. If so, it could be ready for a sand change. Over time, water going through these particles tends to round them out and lose their sharp edges making the sand like small marbles.

Replacing the sand typically cost several hundred dollars and can put you at about 50% of the cost of a new filter. If your residential pool owner you may not need your filter running 24 hours a day and a cartridge filler can do the same job in half the time. There are different filters for different needs so it's important to talk to your pool specialist about the needs of your pool and the filter requirements.

While the rest of the country is feeling the full on effects from winter, we are warm and toasty here in Lake Havasu City. Okay, maybe not as toasty as it could be. But with the weather being in the midst to high 60s, it's pretty comfortable, albeit many of us are putting on that jacket as we head out. But, this is the perfect time to consider cleaning your swimming pool.

You may not be using it as much as you would in the summer, so it's a good time to service it, refresh it, make sure the chemicals are correct and balanced, and get it ready for the spring and summer when the real high temperatures hit.

Give us a call to find out about discounts, coupons, and specials we have going on for the month of December. Do yourself a favor and give yourself the gift of a pool cleaning this year.

CHECK OUT THE VIDEO ABOVE FOR A FUN CHRISTMAS TIME IN THE SAND SONG! WE LOVE IT! 

When it comes to pool maintenance and weighing the costs, you may be debating on whether to go with a pro, or try to do it yourself. A pool can be the most difficult and expensive feature of your home and when it comes to deciding between pool care and using a professional what can you do and what can you leave to the pros.

Generally, professional pool maintenance can run a few hundred dollars a month depending on the size of your pool and needs. Pool care usually involves skimming the surface, vacuuming and brushing, emptying the skimmer baskets and automatic cleaner bags. The waters typically tested and balanced with chemicals if needed. Sanitizer levels are checked and water treatment chemicals applied. Equipment such as filters, pumps, heaters, and coordinators are also checked and cleaned if necessary. This is a lot of work to do monthly and it may be too time-consuming for the average homeowner.

What you can do is check the pressure gauge every few days. If it rises 5 pounds or more, the water flow rate may slow down making filtration in efficient. Filters should be cleaned anywhere from 3 to 7 weeks depending on their size but you want to wait until this pressure gauge has risen at least 5 to 10 pounds. When the pressure gauge is lower than normal it can mean that the pump basket or skimmers are full. To empty the pump basket you must first shut off the pump, remove the lid and pull out the basket. Other pool maintenance items could include annual lubrication of rings, replacement of the filters, and pump and heater replacements, which can be replaced every 5 to 10 years.

Basic pool cleaning and skimming can be a DIY project if you have the time. It can be extremely difficult after storms when palm fronds litter the backyards and the water. You'll first want to clean off the deck so that it is safe to walk around and attach a leaf rake to a pool pole and walked briskly around the entire edge of the pool with the leaf rake or net touching the edge of the pool. Pool vacuums can make this job a lot easier but they can be expensive.

Pool chemical management is also something that may or may not be in your wheelhouse. Pools require frequent chemical testing to verify their cleanliness and chemical balance. Altering the pH levels may consist of adding acid to lower it or a base to raise it. You should also check the hardness, alkalinity, and cyanuric acid levels on a regular basis. Your pool may benefit from chemicals to control the metal and minerals in the water, oils and organics or to control algae.

It's important to weigh all the factors as well as your time. Maintaining a pool is extremely time-consuming but the benefits of enjoying the pool far outweigh the cost of maintenance and time if you use it on a regular basis. If this seems like overkill or you just don't have the time, give Everclear Pool Service a call and schedule your pool service cleaning or maintenance today.

Pool light replacement is not something that everyone does. If you've been having trouble finding someone to replace the bulb in your swimming pool or hot tub, you're not alone. There are many pool service companies that will replace a pool light… But we do!

The reason a lot of people don't replace the light is about one in five pool bulbs may let water leak into the fixture within about a year. Once water gets inside the pool fixture housing, you have to replace the entire fixture for safety purposes. This is can get kind of expensive. Typically a pool lightbulb sells for $30-$40 but an entire new fixture is about $200-$300 minimum. However, we have replaced enough that we can almost guarantee that the light won't leak. The callback percentage for us is so rare that we've chosen to take this on as one of our services. We have perfected the way that we replace these bulbs. Now, a normal pool light, like I said is between $30 and $40 but an LED light are much more expensive. Replacing a traditional haulage and light with an LED light could be upwards of $500,, which is well worth it in the long run.

If you have a pool built prior to 1968, there's probably some substandard electrical design systems for your underwater lighting and the pump. It's important to update these for safety issues. Underwater lighting has become a common practice in most pools. At first, all pool lights used in our 40 bulb and in the 1980s, halogen pool bulbs begin to gain market. Today, most pools and hot tubs have LED bulbs. There brighter, they last longer, and the economical savings is tremendous.

Most incandescent bulbs will burn for about 1000 hours before you need to replace the bulb. However, LED bulbs last for 25 years or more. That's a huge savings!

Can you replace it yourself?

Anyone can do just about anything themselves but should they? We highly recommend having a professional replace your pool lightbulb. A pool light fixture has a sealed gasket around it to prevent water from reaching the ball behind the lens. However, water surrounds the entire fixture, keeping it cool. You don't want to operate the light without it being fully submerged. It requires submersion to prevent overheating. If operated without being submerged, the lens could shatter in under a minute. This alone should be enough of the safety issue to have someone professional replace the bulb.

When we replace lighting we make sure to shut off all the power to the pool lighting. Next we remove the single screw at the top of the lighting fixture. We will pull the lighting fixture up onto the pool deck, unscrew the lens, and replace the bulb. But again, this is a very time sensitive procedure and if not done correctly, the bulb and lens could shatter.

If you are unsure of how to replace the lightbulb in your swimming pool or spa simply give us a call. We can offer some tips and suggestions and a free quote on replacing the bulbs in your pool. 928-453-5819

Looking for the right pool cleaning service around the Lake Havasu City area? My Ever Clear Pool is an experienced a professional pool service that has been serving both residential and commercial properties in Lake Havasu City, Desert Hills, Havasu Palms, and surrounding communities for years. But don't take our word for it, here's what customers have to say.

"So much better than "the other guy". Don's company services the pools at 2 of our rentals. His service and his crew are top notch. He really does "go beyond the water line". - Dan E.

There are so many factors that need to be considered when maintaining a swimming pool or hot tub. PH levels, chlorine levels, filtration, and chemical balance are just a few. The last thing you want to do is constantly check, monitor, and test your pool for cleanliness and the right balance. You never have to worry about any of these things as My Ever Clear Pool will clean your pool on a regular basis and make sure the balance and chemical levels are appropriate. Depending on your needs, you could choose a customized schedule for cleanings so that you have a sparkling clean pool or hot tub at all times.

"Don handles the weekly maintenance for our older pool. He is an owner with the right attitude; he has stopped over multiple times to make sure everything was to our liking. His techs have our pool looking beautiful!!" - Joanne S.

It's also not as expensive as you might think. For a residential clients, you can receive special pricing for weekly basis cleaning. There are different discounts, free add-ons, or even special offers for those that maintain a cleaning schedule.

The right pool cleaning service is more than just routine cleaning support. You want to choose a company that provides maintenance, repairs, and installation assistance when you need it. Maintaining your water is just important as keeping it clean. Because this is what we do and what we love, we can guarantee accurate service, on time repairs and maintenance, and years of sparkling clean water to enjoy in our beautiful sunny weather. Give us a call today for a free quote.
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Fourth of July is just around the corner. Hosting a holiday party at your home takes a lot of preparation to ensure you provide a fun and comfortable environment for all of your guests and yourself to have a fun time celebrating the big day. From deciding what to serve and grocery shopping, to decorations, to getting plenty of ice and planning activities. There are many things to remember, but you don’t want to forget about prepping your pool for the party.
 
At a pool party the pool is the main event (pre-fireworks that is). You will want to make sure your pool is prepped and ready to receive your guests. Use these pool prepping steps for your Fourth of July pool party.

• Pull the Cover Off

If you live in a warm climate it is safe to remove the cover of your pool a day or two before your party. This is a good strategy to prevent the pool from being steaming hot when your guests are ready to dive in.

• Check the pH Levels

In warmer weather, the pH of a pool can easily become out of balance. It is best to check levels every day. Ideal pH balance is between 7.2 and 7.6 so that it is just slightly on the alkaline side.

• Balance the Chlorine

When the level of chlorine is not perfectly balanced you can easily have a pool that is a home for algae.  With a large number of swimmers in your pool, you want the chlorine level just right. Too much chlorine will burn eyes and too little will begin to bread yucky germs.

• Clean the Filter

A clean filter free of debris is very helpful with a gangle of swimmers. After checking out the filter make sure the pump is up and going.

• Have Toys Ready

Keep guests entertained in the pool with a variety of activities to do in the pool. Have some floaties on hand, pool basketball/volleyball/polo, diving rings and toys, etc.

• Provide a Stack of Fluffy Towels and Sunscreen

Up the welcoming and comfort factor of your party by making sure guests have everything that they need. Have some extra clean and fluffy pool towels available in case someone forgets theirs. Also provide plenty of sunscreen for guests who may not have thought to apply any or need to reapply and did not bring any with them. (Some soothing burn gel with aloe may come in handy if the weather is scorching.)

• Cover it Up Before the Fireworks Begin

After a full day in the pool you will want to cover the water back up as the fireworks begin and everyone is out of the pool ready to spectate the fireworks. This will help to keep the flying debris from fireworks out of your water, saving you the work of removing it from the water later.
 
Follow these easy steps and your pool will be ready for the best Fourth of July party on the block. Make preparations even easier with professional pool cleaning and care. If you are looking for professional pool care in Lake Havasu City contact Everclear Pool Service.

We often want to beautiful tropical paradise around our swimming pool but are there some plans that are either hazardous or just is not designed to be around a swimming pool? Here are some of the best and worst plants and trees to have around your pool or hot tub.

Choose plants that bring color, create privacy, and add texture. Lush plants can really transform the pool area and there are a variety of full sun perennials, perfect for our climate, that will provide color and greenery after they've bloomed.

Bamboo is a great plant or tree to use around a swimming pool but you do have to be careful because it can get out of control rapidly. Palm trees, hedges, and bamboo can create a natural fence for privacy and give you some shade when needed.

Consider creating different layers of sizes and styles combining grasses with leafy and flowering varieties.

Place taller plants towards the back for middle of the bed and tier them down from offense or from the center of the garden. Use at least three of each plant unless it's a large focal point like a large tree.

Use plans that are native to your zone and those that won't litter your pool with needles or leaves. Here in Arizona we are a 9B gardening zone so the Queen Palm is a good tree to start with. Red Justicia , Weeping Dalea, and Golden Euonymus are good shrubs to use. Octopus Agava and bird of paradise also were good in our zone for succulents and different accents.

For perennials, the Blackfoot Daisy, Midnight Blue Agapanthus, and the Fortnight Lily make great flowering and leafy plants. Ornamental grasses can be found in places like Home Depot or Lowe's and groundcovers such as Yellow Dot and Azure Bush Germander.

Related Post: Why should you keep plants away from the house?

Some plants you don't want to use are those that have two characteristics, they drop leaves, and they thrive in shade. These might include azaleas, Bougaiinvillea, honeysuckle, Evergreen Elms, Mesquite, Arborvitae. Not only will these shed some of their foliage, but many pools are installed in direct sunlight, so these plants should be designed for sunlight. Sometimes the air around the pool can almost act like a microclimate, so your plants should be able to handle it.

For more information on the types of plants that are most common around your pool in Havasu City, give us a call and I would love to talk with you about the right plants, what we've seen around here, and what drives.

How to get your pool ready for the summer