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Calculating Pool Pump Run Time

12/20/2019

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Every pool has a pool pump, the big question is: How long should I run my pool pump? The pump can be one of the largest energy consumers in your home, especially in peak season. So you don’t want to run your pump longer than you need to. Let’s look at why the pool pump is important and then how to calculate how long to run the pump for your particular pool.  ​

What the Pool Pump Does 
Understanding what the pool pump does for your pool and how it is important will help you to understand why/how long you need to run the pump. A pool pump is akin to a heart, it circulates water out of and back into the pool. As it circulates or pumps the water it distributes water balancing chemicals and filters the water. It is recommended that the pool water is completely turned over (all of the water is fully circulated) at least once throughout the course of the day. Full circulation helps to ensure that your pool water stays clean and clear as the chemicals get evenly distributed. Not having a full circulation is high risk for unbalanced water and algae growth leading to unsafe swimming conditions and pool surface damage.  

Calculating Pool Pump Run Time 
To get to the calculation of how long to run your pool pump you must find the volume of your pool and the turnover rate of your pump first.  

  • Finding the Volume of Your Pool 
You need to know how many gallons of water are in the pool to help determine your pump run time. To find the volume of your pool:  
For Square and Rectangle Single-Depth Pools: Multiply the length, width, and depth by 7.5 (length x width x depth x 7.5= volume) 
For Square and Rectangle Pools with Varied Depths: First determine the average depth then multiply the length, width, and average depth by 7.5 (length x width x average depth x 7.5= volume) 
For Round Pools: Multiply 3.14, the radius of the pool squared (radius x radius), and the average depth by 7.5 (3.14 x radius squared x average depth x 7.5= volume) 

  • Finding the Turnover Rate 
Once you know your pool’s volume, you can then find the turnover rate. To do this you want to find the gallons per minute (GPM). Here is how you calculate it.  

First divide the total pool volume by 8 to get the gallons per hour 
Next take the gallons per hour and divide it by 60 to get the gallons per minute 

  • Finding the Pool Pump Run Time 
Now that you have the volume and gallons per minute (turnover rate) you can find out how long you should be running your pool pump every day.  

First you can either take the turnover rate (GPM) and multiply it by 60 to get the GPH or  if you remember the GPH from earlier calculations you can just plug it into step two 

Next divide the total volume of the pool by the GPH to get the total run time of your pool pump.  

Example: 20,000 gallon pool with a 40 GPM turnover 
40 x 60= 24000 gallons per hour (GPH) 
20,000/ 24,000= 8.3 hours or the hours per day the pump should be run  

Now you are all set to run your pool pump for the proper amount of time to help keep your pool water balanced. For more pool care help and tips please browse our website or contact us anytime.  
 
 
 
 
 

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Burn Off Those Holiday Calories in Your Swimming Pool

11/21/2019

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The Holiday season is here and so are all of those delicious treats and rich decadent celebratory foods we love to eat this time of year. Why not help burn off some of those extra calories and have fun doing it by getting out in your swimming pool?  ​

There are many reasons why using your pool is a great way to stay in shape. Here are just a few: 

  • Swimming is a Low Impact Exercise 
Unlike other popular forms of exercise, such as running, swimming is very  easy on your joints. Swimming is an ideal form of exercise for anyone with joint issues like arthritis, inflammation, or recovering from an injury.  

  • Swimming is a Great Whole-Body Workout 
It may not seem like it, but when you swim you are working the entire body both upper and lower as well as core. For a  nice whole-body challenge to help speed up getting into shape try starting with a warm up like a lap or two of easy slow paced swimming then work  up to a lap of faster swimming with a more difficult stroke, rest for 30 seconds then do another few laps of higher energy strokes like butterfly and  finish off with a few slower cool down laps.  

  • Swimming Burns a lot of Calories 
The actual calories you burn in a workout is dependent upon your personal factors of weight, gender, body type, age, metabolism, and other things. The actual amount of calories burned during swimming will also change with the length of time you swim and how hard the stroke you do is, along with the speed you swim. All that being said you can burn a lot of calories by swimming. For example the average 155 pound person can burn 233 calories an hour at a normal pace, 372 calories an hour at a vigorous pace, and 409 calories an hour doing the breast stroke.  

  • Swimming is Both Cardio and Strength Training 
Swimming is of course great cardio work that strengthens the heart and the rest of the cardiovascular system, but it is also great resistance work that strengthens a number of muscles. Though water doesn’t  seem super tough to move through, it is 780 times denser than air, so swimming is like running but with weight constantly pulling at you.   

  • Water is a Mood Booster 
All types of exercise have the ability to boost our mood, but in addition to the mood boosting adrenaline swimming can boost mental health as well. Since the time of Hippocrates, hydrotherapy has been recommended to sooth stress and anxiety. You will be surprised at how rejuvenating even a quick swim in your own backyard pool can be. We can all use a little less stress during the holidays.  

  • You can do More than Just Swim in the Pool to Burn Calories 
Maybe you are not in the mood to do laps today, that’s okay there are many other  water activities you can do that are fun and will have you forget you are even exercising. Some of these activities include sports like volleyball and water polo, you can work in some water aerobics, or even get out he paddleboard and do some pool yoga.  

If you plan to spend more time burning off those holiday calories and enjoying your pool, you will want to make sure the water is balanced and clean.  Spend more time enjoying your pool and less time cleaning it by hiring a pool maintenance professional. For pool care in Lake Havasu City contact the team at EverClear Pool.  

Burn Off Those Holiday Calories in Your Swimming Pool

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That Strong Chlorine Smell Might be a Red Flag

10/22/2019

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Generally, when we are around a pool and we smell chlorine thick in the air, we don’t think anything of it. We think that pools use large amounts of chlorine to keep the water clean and free of germs and that the stronger chlorine smell is a sure sign that the water is in fact clean.  

A strong chlorine smell is actually an indicator that there is something off with the chemical balance and/or cleanliness of the pool. A pool should actually not carry a chlorine smell at all. This odor is actually not caused by chlorine, but by chloramines.  

A chloramine is formed with an over-abundance of ammonia containing things in the pool including perspiration, body oils, and urine from swimmers. These chloramines are formed when ammonia from bodily fluids reacts with hypochlorous acid in the water and reduces the amount of free available chlorine in the water. This reduces the effectiveness of chlorine to kill germs in the pool.  

How to Reduce Chloramines in the Pool 
The best way to keep the pool water from getting out of balance and taking in that chlorine smell is to shower before entering the pool. A quick rinse in the locker room, at the showers next to a pool, or in your bathroom at home will do wonders to reduce the amount of body oils that enter the pool. Additionally, if you have little ones in the pool have them use the restroom frequently. ​

How to Determine if a Pool is Truly Clean for Swimming 
 
The easiest way to do a quick test of the cleanliness of pool water without a testing strip is to use the “SENSE-ABLE” Swimming Check List.  
 
  • Sight: Is the pool water a bright blue and clear enough to see to the bottom? You should be able to see the drain in the deepest part of the pool with no problem when you are standing on the pool deck. If you can’t don’t go swimming.  
  • Touch: Take a quick feel of the pool wall just below the water line. If the wall feels at all slimy at the water line the water is dirty, do not go in. 
  • Smell: If there is a strong chemical smell of any kind, the pool water is in need of treatment and you do not want to swim in it.  
  • Listen: If you can hear the pool filter working that is a good sign.  
 
Treating a Pool with a Strong Chlorine Smell 
A pool with a strong chlorine smell is lacking in free available chlorines and therefore needs to be super-chlorinated or given a shock treatment. This is the practice of adding extra chlorine to the water to destroy the ammonia and other organic compounds causing the odor. If you need help doing this in your pool it is a good idea to call in a pool care professional. 
 
For pool maintenance in Lake Havasu City contact the team at My Everclear Pool.  

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Why is the Pool Water Cloudy?

9/20/2019

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There are few things more beautiful than a crystal clear pool on a very hot day, and according to pool industry standards, your pool should be just that, crystal clear. If your water does not carry the same clarity as drinking water, there is probably something wrong.  ​

Why is Cloudy Pool Water an Issue?  
Not only is cloudy water in the pool unsightly, it is a safety issue, and sign of dirty water. If you cannot see clearly through to the bottom of the pool you will not be able to notice if all swimmers are safe at all times in your water.  The CDC ( Center for Disease Control and Prevention) recommends that you are able to see the drain at the bottom of the deep end of the pool when you are standing on the pool deck.  

Why is the Pool Water Cloudy?  
Though it seems like cloudy water may be the result of unbalanced chemicals in the water, it is actually a physical problem not a chemical one. Cloudiness can be caused by a few different things including particles in the water that entered from the air such as dust and pollen. It can also be caused by things that bathers bring in with them for example, deodorant or even hair, skin can even be a culprit.  

To Fix Cloudiness, First Check the Filter 

There are three main types of pool filters: sand, cartridge, and Diatomaceous Earth (DE). Sand filters can become clogged and trapped with debris or may need additional sand to continue working at the capacity in which it needs. Periodically, a sand filter will need to be backwashed to remove a buildup of trapped particles. This is done by reversing the flow of the water through the filter. DE filters can become overly dirty by, or slow down with, scale. Additionally the holding grid could be torn or broken. A cartridge filter can get dirty, worn, calcified, or scaled. A cartridge filter can be fixed by pulling the cartridge and cleaning it according to the manufacturers recommended instructions.  

It is also good to check on the pump after checking the filter. Make sure that the pump has proper flow rate sizing and check the pump impellers to make sure they are in good working condition.  

What if Checking the Filter Doesn’t Fix the Cloudiness?  
If your cloudiness is possibly the result of a large party or influx of use, you may need to use a chemical remedy.  Swimmers contribute a number of different contaminants to a pool such as sweat, deodorant, makeup, hair, shampoos, soaps, and other things. Animals can also contribute; one swimming dog is the equivalent of 50 human swimmers.  

In the case of a large amount of particle contaminants where a filter cleaning does not do the trick to clear up the cloudiness, a super chlorination or non-chlorine shock oxidation can help to break down excess particles. This process is called super chlorination, it not only kills germs and breaks down particles it also destroys combined chlorine. This is a clump of chlorine compounds, or disinfectant, and nitrogen from swimmers. Combined chlorine forms in the water and gives off a harsh odor that smells like the pool has too much chlorine.  

To super chlorinate the pool, 10 times the amount of the combined chlorine that has been measured should be added to the water. No swimmers should be allowed in the water after super chlorinating until the free chlorine level drops between 1 and 4 parts per million.  

What if the Water is STILL Cloudy?  
Cloudy pool water that is still around after filter cleaning and super chlorination is probably due to particles in the water that are too small to be held in the filter. To fix this a clarifier can be added to the water. A clarifier will attract the tiny particles and stick to them creating larger ones that will then get trapped inside the filter.  

If you need help getting your pool water crystal clear again it is a good idea to call in a pool care specialist. For professional pool care in Lake Havasu City contact Everclear Pool Service today.

More Great Tips for Pool Owners:
  • How do you know if your pool filter is working?
    Why you need a cover on your pool or hot tub
    The best way to care for your pool in hot weather


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Signs a Swimming Pool Isn't Safe

8/23/2019

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Swimming has been one of the most popular ways to cool down in the summer heat for many, many years. When summer is on the horizon some of us dream of the bright blue waters of the swimming pool, but not every pool provides a safe place to cool down and have some fun. Some pools can be very unsafe and may end up in a trip to the hospital or even worse. So before you put on your suit, grab your goggles and pool toys, and hop in the pool; look for these warning signs to keep you and your loved ones safe.  

  • The pool staff never test the water 
Safe and swimmable water requires just the right balance of chemicals and to ensure those chemicals are staying in balance the water needs to be tested frequently. The more a pool is used the more it needs to be monitored. So if you are at a public pool for a long period of time and have not seen the staff test the chemical levels, especially the chlorine, in the water you might want to find cleaner waters. Ideally a public pool should be checked about twice a day. Pools without the right balance can be a harbor for nasty germs and viruses.  

  • The Water is Cloudy or Looks Dirty 
If pool water is anything but crystal clear this is a loud and resounding red flag to not get in. This is an obvious sign that the pool is not well taken care of, and poor visibility is a big swimming safety hazard.  

  • Broken or Missing Drain Covers 
Drain covers are partly there to reduce entrapment from the suction of the water circulation system. Uncovered drains or broken drain covers have caused swimmers to become trapped underwater.  

  • Algae 
Poorly sanitized pools grow blue-green algae.  Algae produces toxic cyanobacteria. Look for a smelly and slimy green film on the water’s surface. If the water smells funny like anything other than chlorine don’t jump in and don’t let the dog do it either. 

  • A Large Number of Infants in the Pool 
Babies are no doubt adorable, especially when they are splashing and enjoying the water, but un-potty trained kids do not make the best swimming pals. Swim diapers do nothing to keep  germs from entering the water.  Even trace amounts of fecal matter can harbor the parasite Giardia lamblia, if you accidentally ingest some of the water you can end up with miserable consequences including serious diarrhea and vomiting. So if the pool has a large number of diaper wearing swimmers, you may want to think twice.  

  • The Pool is Crowded 
If the pool seems way too crowded it probably is, listen to the warning signs of the small voice in your head and don’t get in. More people means less ability of the lifeguard to have eyes on everyone, more chances for accidents, and more germs with more bodies.  

  • There are No Safety Fences 
Every pool should have proper fencing for the safety of young swimmers. Public pools with no safety measures to ensure small children cannot access the pool without an adult  are big red flags. The suggested height of pool fences is no shorter than four feet high and should surround the pool on all sides. These fences should also not be easily climbable.  

For professional pool care in Lake Havasu City call My Ever Clear Pool.  

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How to Care for Your Pool in Hot Weather

7/22/2019

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It is the middle of summer, and the hottest days of the year are here. Extremely hot weather can demand extra care for your pool. When not cared for properly a pool under high heat conditions can become out of balance and a whole host of other problems can occur.  

The best way to prevent hot weather pool problems is to be proactive about caring for your pool when the thermometer goes up. Here are five great hot weather pool care tips to keep your pool in great shape during summer here in Lake Havasu City.  

  1. Circulation- You will want to have the main pump in the pool circulating the water for at least 8-12 hours per day. For salt systems you will want the pump to run for longer periods of time because the salt system does not do its work unless the pump is on. Any pool needs the pump to be operating well for the water to remain clear.  
  2. Filtration- Keep the filtration system, including the filter, skimmer baskets, and the pump basket, clean (backwashed) and free from debris. Also make sure to check that the filtration is operating correctly on a regular basis. 
  3. Brushing- Keep the walls and floor of the pool brushed and clean to prevent algae build-up and bacterial growth. Pay special attention to areas of low circulation like the corners, steps, and benches.  
  4. Frequent Testing- The water in the pool should be tested at least once a week, but more often in harsh weather. If you do this on your own, you should have a full water analysis done once a month. This will help to determine what chemicals should be added to the pool to balance it out.  
  • Chlorine should be at 2.0 to 4.0 parts per million 
  • pH should be 7.2 to 7.4 
  • cyanuric acid should be at 30 to 50 parts per million 
  • salt level (for salt system pools) should be at 2700 to 3500 parts per million 
  • alkalinity should be at 80 to 100 for calcium hypochlorite, salt pools, and liquid chlorine pools and 100 to 120 for dichlor and trichlor pools 
  • calcium hardness should be at 200 to 400 parts per million 

    5. pH is Very Important- It is extremely important to keep the pH levels at the right number. Chlorine is much more effective at doing its job when the pH level is at 7.2 to 7.4. Just a few points higher and you will end up having to do more work to correct pool issues than wanted.   
If you need help getting or keeping your pool in balance during times of peak temperatures consider the pool services in Lake Havasu City at My Everclear Pool.  

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5 Easy Upgrades to Your Pool

6/24/2019

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​If you've had your swimming pool for a while and you're considering an upgrade, there are some things you might want to add to it that will not only extend the life and health of your swimming pool but be a benefit to you and your family as well. Here are five great upgrades to consider with your swimming pool.

1. Automation

Timers are in the digital age and whether you're simply activating your security system or turning on the heater in your pool, timing and automation can be a great upgrade to your swimming pool. Older units can be converted to incorporate digital timers so the pool equipment can operate when you wanted to saving you both time and money.

2. Automatic robotic cleaners.

Robotic cleaners are now available as stand-alone units so if you have an older one or maybe not want it all, these are a great upgrade and there's no need to run the pool pump is often. Many of these robotic cleaners have scheduled cleanings, are enabled with Bluetooth, and can be remote-controlled. You can simply plug it into a GFCI 110 outlet and to save on your electrical bill as well.

3. Chemical monitoring.

Did you know that you can remotely monitor your pool water's chemicals? By connecting the system to your home network you can drop the chemical monitoring system into the pool, download the app, and it will send you notifications when your water chemistry needs attention.

4. LED lights.

LED lights will brighten up the pool and save you money over the long run when it comes to your electrical costs. You can swap out any haulage and or incandescent lights to LED bulbs, which will make a significant upgrade to your swimming pool.

5. Chlorinator.

Tired of waiting for that tablet of chlorine to dissolve? An off-line chlorinator could be a great addition. By installing a chlorinator to the equipment pad, you can efficiently dose your pool with chlorine when it needs it without having to wait for that tablet to dissolve.

For more information on upgrading your pool, pool repair, service, automation, or integration of any of these items please give us a call.

These posts might be informative too!

Things to Consider Before Putting in a Pool Slide

Do you need a cover on your hot tub?

How to know if your pool filter is working

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Things to Consider Before Putting in A Pool Slide

5/30/2019

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A slide can up the fun factor of your pool, who doesn’t get excited when they see a pool slide? From the youngest adventure seekers to the youngest at heart.  ​

Before you get too excited and start dreaming about a new pool slide, there are some things to consider before adding a slide to your home pool. If you are considering a slide for your pool you may want to consider the follow things before you pick one out.  

Size of Your Pool 
To start your slide addition process you want to first consider the size and type of pool you have. A slide in a long and narrow lap pool for example would defeat the main purpose of the pool and may not pass building regulations. This is where the help of an experienced pool contractor can help immensely to determine if your pool is the right size/depth/style for the slide you wish to get.  

Good Questions to Ask About Your Pool’s Size 
  • Is the pool deck large enough to accommodate the size of slide you want? 
  • Is the type of slide within building restrictions/recommendations for you pool?  
  • Will the slide look monstrous next to the pool even if it does work?  
Where is the Slide Going to Go 
Most slides take up an area about 8 feet by 15 feet and vary with the type. You want to put the slide in an area that has plenty of room so that you and anyone else using the slide has ample room to get around the slide and up the ladder. You also want to consider where the ladder is going to end up. You don’t want to stick it in the center of a patio that is typically used for seating and hanging out or next to a fence so people have to walk under it to get around.  

Safety Requirements for Pool Slides 
Safety codes can and do vary from area to area. These are the basic safety requirements for pool slides. Make sure to look up the local codes specific to your area.  
  • The higher the slide, the deeper the pool needs to be.  
  • Ladders, steps, ramps, or stairs need to have treads instead of rungs if they are at an angle of incline 15 degrees or larger.  
  • A slider’s center of gravity must be fully balanced on each step or ladder rung during use. The angle of the steps or ladder must allow for this. 
  • Slide steps need to meet dimension, tread, curvature, slip resistance, and performance requirements. This is a great one to check local regulations for.  
  • Fasteners must be sturdy and not susceptible to cracking, coming loose, or breakage. 
  • Minimum dimensions apply to ladder platforms with a slip-resistant surface at the top of the slide including the handrails. 
  • Must have a load capacity of at least 300 pounds without sustaining damage.  
  • Hand rails need to meet positioning, extension, height, design, and length requirements. 
  • Bolts should be rust free. 
  • Slides should be kept wet for safe sliding. 
Maintenance 
Periodically the slide should be tested by shaking to determine if there are any loose bolts or fasteners. With time a slide can discolor in the sun, use a glaze or polish kit to bring your slide back to life.  

The best way to enjoy your pool is to ensure it is safe and the water is properly balanced. For routine pool care in Lake Havasu City contact EverClear Pool Service.  

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Do I Really Need a Cover on My Pool or Hot Tub?

4/17/2019

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Pool covers can be a great asset to your home pool for many reasons. Here are a few great ones for putting a cover over your personal pool!  

  • Slow Down/Stop Evaporation 
Yes the weather is perfectly sunny and very warm, so warm that diving into your pool sounds like the perfect thing to do. Though the weather is great for swimming it is also great for sucking the water out of the pool and into the air. A pool cover will limit the evaporation, in fact it will stop it as long as the pool is covered, cutting down on the need to add more water more often in the heat. 

  • Use Less Chemicals 
Using a pool cover can cut down on chemical consumption by 35% to 60% and using less chemicals means using less money.  

  • Keep the Heat 
If your pool is heated, covering it will reduce heat loss. It will keep the heat that you pay to put into the water, in the water.  

Pools that are not heated and rely on the sun to keep them warm also benefit from a cover at night, as the cover will trap the heat in the water from the day.  

So, in short pool covers trap in heat and keep the cool temperatures of the night from dropping the water temperature. The cover does not have to be a fancy expensive one for this to work.  

  • Keep Out the Gunk 
This is probably the most easily guessed reason to keep a cover on your pool. Stuff from your yard and garden/flower beds, the trees, insects that want to cool off, other animals needing to get out of the heat will all end up in an unattended pool. Spend much less time with that telescoping pole fishing out every little bit and piece making your water dirty. Use a cover to keep all of that stuff out of your pool while you are not using it.  

  • Saves Money 
This was referenced before but it is so beneficial that we thought it needed its own number on the list. Purchasing a pool cover pays for itself in the long run because you will be using less heat, less chemicals, and less water; which all mean spending less money. An added bonus to saving money is conserving energy and who doesn’t want to do something to help keep our planet healthy?  

  • Some of them Help with Safety 
A quality fiberglass mesh cover can prevent someone from falling into the water. As long as the cover is installed and attached properly it can hold up to 400 pounds per square foot. These are the heavy duty covers that require a manual or automatic track system, not a tarp or solar cover. We can all agree that any device that prevents little ones from falling in while parents are busy and not able to watch are worth the investment.  

Would you like some advice on finding the best pool cover to fit your pool? We can help you do that! We provide excellent pool care for your pool and have a wealth of knowledge about keeping your home pool in top shape. Give us a call anytime for the best pool care in Lake Havasu City! 
 
 

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April 17th, 2019

4/17/2019

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    Don Reinhard has been a Havasu City resident for several years and loves the sun and warmth of this area. He has brought both of these together being in the pool industry. Call him today for quotes on pool and spa maintenance and service.

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