Below we have provided answers to the most frequently asked questions regarding swimming pools and pool care. If you live in the Minneapolis, MN region and have a question that is not yet addressed on our website, do not hesitate to reach out to us by contacting us online or by calling 763-546-1651.
How often should I test the chemicals in my pool?
A residential swimming pool should have the basic chemical levels tested at least once each week. Checking the levels on a regular and consistent basis will help keep the water safe for swimming. It is also wise to test the water a full day prior to high usage.
What chemical levels should I check for?
Test your pool water for total alkalinity and pH levels first. Keep the pH between 7.4 and 7.6 and keep the alkalinity between 100 and 150 ppm. Next you should test the free chlorine level followed by the total chlorine. Ideally these two tests will yield the same number. Keeping the free chlorine at 2-4 ppm should be your goal. If there is a difference between the free and total then there are chloramines present and they need to be treated. The next test will be for calcium hardness. Try to have the hardness at 300 ppm. Finally check the stabilizer level in the pool water.
How often should the sand be changed in my filter?
The sand in your high rate sand filter should be changed every 3-4 years. After that the sand may be too broken down to do a proper job filtering the pool water. Contaminates will not be removed and problems will arise.
Is an automatic cleaner a good idea?
The use of an automatic pool cleaner is helpful. It keeps the water moving in areas of poor circulation and removes unsightly debris. Most automatic pool cleaners don’t remove the fine particles or algae that clings to the bottom and sides. A thorough and hand vacuum is generally necessary to fully clean a pool!. Then brush the entire pool to loosen anything that remains.
What should I do if there is algae in my pool?
Algae are one-celled plants that are a major concern. There are several thousand species of algae that can populate a swimming pool. Algae is most commonly grouped by color into three groups; green, black and yellow or mustard. Disinfectants that chlorinate the water kill and prevent the growth of algae. Depending on the type of algae present will determine the type of algaecide to treat the pool with. The most common algaecide is a quaternary formula.
What should be done if a young guest poops in the pool?
Fecal discharge into a swimming pool is more common than you would like to think. The best and fastest way to treat your pool for this type of accident is to treat the water correctly. First, remove as much of the fecal matter as possible. Raise the free chlorine level in the water to 20 ppm. Keep the level there for 13 hours. Maintain the pH level at about 7.5. Lower the chlorine back to a safe level. Your pool is ready for use.
How will I know if a new vinyl liner is needed?
Vinyl pool liners typically last 10 to 12 years. After that age the vinyl becomes brittle and can crack, split or tear easily. While newer liners are made better than ever, they do fade. If the liner is badly faded or has pulled away from the coping in the corners due to shrinkage, it indicates that a new liner should be installed. Call the pool professional to be sure.
What if the pool stops circulating?
There are several easy steps to take. Check to make sure the water depth is not too low. If the water is below the skimmer openings make sure to fill the pool. Check the power to the pool. Is the switch in the on position? Is the breaker to the pool equipment popped off? If these are all ok then check if the motor is overheated. Now it is time to call the pool professional.
What area does your company cover, geographically?
We cover the entire Minneapolis – St. Paul, MN region but will certainly take on projects outside of this area.
What type of pools does your company build?
We install vinyl liner swimming pools. They are steel wall construction with a vinyl liner. We use rigid 1.5″ and 2″ rigid piping for the circulation system. We pour a concrete footing around the entire pool shell.The steel walls are reinforced with steel supports. We use steel steps with the vinyl over the steel on the steps. Our pools have LED color pool lights, sand filters with crushed glass media and we always install dual main drains.
We also install concrete swimming pools. These pools have a shotcrete concrete pool shell with a plaster interior. We form and shotcrete the pool with number #5 rebar running vertically and horizontally every 6 centimeters. The interior plaster is hand-troweled. We use 1.5″ and 2″ rigid piping for the circulation system.
Does your company sell or recommend any particular pool chemical?
We sell and recommend all major brand recommended swimming pool chemicals. They are tested and approved as safe for the pool types that we build for our customers.
Do you offer financing services for your swimming pool building projects?
Absolutely, we can finance your swimming pool project, either partially or fully, according to your needs. This is possible and can be done by simply contacting us.
There is a trend with other pool companies to service/work only on their own pool projects. Is that the same case with your company?
Our company will work on both pools that we have constructed and pools that other companies have constructed.
Does your company carry out pool water testing?
Yes, we offer computerized analysis for pool water testing for all of our customers. This makes us unique as we are among the few pool service companies who offer this service. This is because we are happy assisting our customers with maintaining their swimming pool properly. Contact us for further consultation.
What is the average cost of building an in-ground pool such as those show-cased in your website?
This question has no specific quote amount as the answer. This is because every pool is custom-built uniquely for each individual’s needs. There are also many price factors involved including the specific pool features, site condition and the requested design. These are the key factors that greatly determine the project cost.
Generally, vinyl swimming pools start at $30,000 and concrete pools start at $50,000.
Assuming that I request and approve a swimming pool project today, how long will it to complete the entire project?
We normally complete most projects in a 1 to 2 month period after receiving the necessary project feedback or permits from the town inspectors. To be more specific, our vinyl liner pool type has an average completion period of about 3 to 4 weeks after the project commencement. Our concrete pools take more time, with a duration of about 4 to 6 weeks. If there is a case of project delays beyond the provided time frames, it is due to the influencing factors which are beyond our control. These may include, but are not limited to, the weather, and delays and the completion of the inspection process. Although these factors are beyond our control, we usually make an effort to complete each and every project on the agreed time. We always ensure that during the construction process, we provide you with an estimated project completion period.
What makes your company unique from the others that offer similar services?
Once you become our client, we are not only building or creating a holiday or vacation space on your property; we build a long-lasting professional relationship with you. Unlike our competitors, we continue maintaining our relationship with all of our customers, even after the construction is complete. In addition, we have pool maintenance personnel in our office, fully equipped and ready to answer all of your pool services questions.
Our business methods allow you to enjoy the water without worry or work. Put simply, our work is a reflection of our work ethic.
Annually, how many pools does your company build?
On average, we construct more than 20 pools per year. The number is not fixed and we build as many pools as possible, according to the schedule.
Is it a requirement that I have a permit for my new pool?
The law requires that all swimming pools to be constructed under a permit. In most towns, the process will include seeing several departments including the Health, Conservation, Building and Zoning departments. For our clients, this can be an inconvenience and for that reason, we handle he permit process on their behalf. Because pool building is our life, we have establishment a positive relationship with town inspectors and office personnel from various departments. We also do not charge our customers for the permit, although it is required that they reimburse our company for any fees charged. Some towns have a different permit scale and may differ.
What is the procedure if am interested in owning a pool?
Once you decide that you would like to obtain a swimming pool, consider the project scope and the size of your desired pool. The next action is to determine the location of the pool site and to try and fit your ideas into the constraints. After that, you should contact us and set an appointment date so that we can come and visit your planed pool’s site.
When we visit you, we will share our ideas provide feedback on your proposed ideas using the available parameters. We will then share our plan on how we will help you transform your allocated space into your dream swimming pool.
