Category: Pool Tips

When Should You Open Your Swimming Pool?

The month of March means more than just College Basketball, St. Patrick’s Day and spring… It’s March Madness not only for fans of basketball, but also for pool owners!

Why? The month of March is the BEST time to open your swimming pool. If you wait any longer for the temperature to rise higher than 65 degrees algae and other organics will start to grow. And with this unseasonable warm weather we’ve been experiencing in the United States this late winter and early spring, it may already be too late – you may have something growing in your water under that cover! So it’s time to open your swimming pool… Do it now before it’s too late!

Swimming Season is almost here and the warm weather means that it’s time for pool Openings.  At Pools & Spas Service, Inc. our highly trained and professional staff is ready to open, clean and prep your pool for a care free swim season.   This year, before you choose your pool company, we urge you to remember that the cheapest price often results in the worst service.   We guarantee that we have CERTIFIED POOL TECHNICIANS to open your pool properly.  We have been in business for over two decades, have an A+ BBB rating, are fully insured and are open ALL YEAR LONG.    This means you can count on the quality of our pool opening and have the peace of mind that if you have any issue at all, we will be there to help.

POOL OPENING CONSISTS OF

• Client will receive a phone call 2-3 days before scheduled date to confirm opening date
• All services performed by uniformed employees
• Removal of small amounts of water and debris from cover
• Real time managerial oversight of condition of cover and equipment for quality assurance
• Removal of cover
• Folding of cover and water bags (if applicable) and placing by poolside (we recommend allowing cover to dry out before storing for summer)
• Installation of ladders and handrails
• Installation of return fittings, baskets, and sanitation devices
• Installation of all filter, heater, and pump plugs. Priming and starting of all pumps, cleaners, and water features. Inspection of entire system and advising of any visible issues or concerns
• Test firing of the heater
• Adding of opening chemicals if purchased from Pools & Spas Service, Inc.
• Storing of all winterization plugs in a plastic bag left poolside by cover
• Cleaning of pool, filters, or covers is not included
• Customer responsible to check chemicals after 24 hours of filtering and adjust into industry standards if needed

 

BOOK TODAY AND GET $100.00 OFF

When You Book and Prepay Both Opening and Closing.

When Is the Best Time to Remodel Your Pool?

Why is Spring?

According to many pool experts, spring is always recommended as the best time to remodel your pool. Among one of the most obvious reasons: it’s offseason. You don’t want to start repairs and remodels during the peak of summer when your pool is in high demand. Not to mention, while other pool owners may not consider remodeling projects until the springtime, you’d be one step ahead by booking your contractor in the fall.

Is pool remodeling a good investment?

A remodeled pool will be especially attractive during the warm months and can be an excellent investment that will lure in more buyers and boost the value of your property.

Consider The Competition

Waiting until spring to remodel your pool may put you in an unfavorable position. As the weather warms up and pool owners begin to realize it’s time to get their remodeling projects done, everyone in town will be seeking the best contracting companies in town. To avoid having to sacrifice quality and/or time, skip the stress and get it done seasons earlier.

Save Spring for the Green

With any remodeling project, new ideas often arise as progress is being made. Specifically in the arena of pool remodels, it’s very common to want to make changes to your landscaping around the pool as well. Luckily, these additions and new ideas can all be accommodated if you start early. Save the spring for physical changes to the pool and reserve the nice weather and ideal planting conditions of spring to update the yard and design elements around your pool.

As a pool owner, you know how important it is to have your pool in tip-top condition during the summer season. Don’t let busy schedules keep you from enjoying the showpiece of all your summer-fun activities. It’s never too early to start planning for fall, so for remodeling inquiries, call Pools & Spas Services for ideas, prices, and more information.

Renovations Bottom Line

The best time to start renovating your swimming pool is typically between October and April.  These months are perfect to get your oasis up to date and ready before summer arrives.

Removing Leaves and Water from a Winter Pool Cover

New Jersey is known for its trees, winter nor’easter, and snow storms.  During our, winter’s grass clippings, leaves, branches, brush, weeds, flowers, roots, windfall fruit, and other debris fill our yards, driveways, and sidewalks. So, of course, our pools are not spared from the onslaught of falling vegetation. If you have a solid winter pool cover, you almost certainly have a considerable spread of leaves all over it. To make matters worse, autumn rain means puddles or even one large puddle of water on your cover. The combination of leaves and water can seem like a challenge to remove. But removing leaves and water from a winter pool cover is a critical part of winter pool maintenance.

Removing water and debris from your pool covers is very important

Clearing a winter pool cover is still easier and more beneficial than having no cover at all. We’ll see that clearing off a pool cover is actually not that hard. It takes a little time, but it only has to be done occasionally. If you need a pool cover please see our pool covers. 

Tips

    • Remove Large Debris – Use your skimming net. Attach the net to the end of your telescoping pole, and start collecting large debris.
    • Remove Leaves –You could use a brush, a pool cover rake (specifically made not to damage the pool cover), or even a leaf blower.
    • Remove Water from a Pool cover – use a pump specifically designed for solid pool covers. You can find these at any pool supply store.

 

Signs It’s Time to Replace Your Pool Liner

Is your pool’s liner looking a little worn down? A typical vinyl liner lasts between 10 and 15 years, though there are many factors that can affect its lifespan. Living in an area susceptible to ground water problems can reduce your liner’s life, as can not keeping the water in your pool balanced. If your liner was made to incorrect specifications, that will also cause premature wear-and-tear.

4 Signs Your Pool Needs a New Liner

1. Cracking and Tearing

Vinyl liners will deteriorate over time, due to exposure to pool chemicals and the sun’s UV rays. Inspect your liner regularly for cracking or tears, which can be symptomatic of bigger problems (like water leakage). If you find cracks, be sure to keep an eye on the water level for one to two weeks. If the water level drops by more than one inch, you’re likely dealing with one or more leaks.

It’s important to have a pool service expert examine your pool’s liner as quickly as possible to nip problems in the bud. Patching it might be possible, though that depends on its age. As vinyl ages, it becomes brittle, which means a patch will no longer bond to it.

2. Fading and Staining

Your liner will fade naturally over time as it ages and is exposed to chemicals and UV rays. You’ll want to monitor significant rust stains or algae buildups, however, as they can be difficult (if not impossible) to remove.

Another common issue is aesthetics. As liners fade, so too do their patterns. Homeowners looking to replace their pool’s liners are often looking to both brighten up their pool and update its design.

3. Wrinkling, Slipping, and Stretching

Over time, vinyl liners will lose some of their plasticity and elasticity. You might notice your liner beads in several areas or slips out of the track, symptoms that it’s stretching too much. You should also keep your eye out for loose fittings around your pool’s return jets and skimmer.

It’s best not to try to “squeeze” more life out of your pool’s liner. This can damage your pool and necessitate additional, costly repairs.

4. Leaking

If you can find the leak, you might be able to patch it and get a few more seasons out of your liner. If you can’t find it, however, you’ll need to replace your pool’s liner. Failing to do so can cause seeping water to corrode your pool’s walls and wash away the sand beneath, creating dangerous sink holes.

 

See Our Liner Collections

Have Questions?

Thinking Of Getting A Pool Heater?

Sun’s still out. Workday is over. You’re ready for a relaxing dip in your pool. But brrrr, temperatures are dropping and your pool has suddenly gone from a relaxing oasis to a chill-inducing, goose bump-producing pool. Time to close up your pool for the winter? No, time to turn on your swimming pool heater!

How do they work?

Swimming pool heaters work by transferring heat to your pool water through a device called a heat exchanger. Heat exchangers allow your pool water to be warmed by exposing the water to a source of heat as it is pumped through the pool heater. The heat source used to warm the water can vary as there several different types of heating technologies available, such as gas heaters, heat pumps, and hybrid heating technology. Although it seems complicated, choosing the right heating solution for your lifestyle doesn’t have to be. You know you want your pool to be ready when you are, but which heater is sweeter? Let’s dive in….

Three Ways to Swim Warm and Wonderfully.

Gas Pool Heater

Uses either natural gas or propane to generate heat. A great option if you live in an area that has access to low-cost natural gas or propane fuel, high electricity costs, or if you want your pool heated as fast as possible. Also great for pools in colder climates.

The Strengths:
  • Lower initial purchase price
  • Consistent performance in all climates
  • Fast heat-up times
  • Quiet operation
  • Remote control via automation
The Trade-Offs:
  • Can be higher cost to operate
  • Can consume large amounts of gas
  • Lower efficiency compared to heat pumps

Pool Heat Pump

Uses electricity to efficiently move heat from the air to your pool water, but takes longer to heat than a gas heater. Great option if you live in an area with low electricity costs, moderate climate, or do not have access to natural gas or propane.

The Strengths:
  • Highly efficient; lower cost to operate
  • Environmentally friendly
  • Long service life and dependable operation
  • Remote control via automation
The Trade-Offs:
  • Heating performance is related to air temperature and humidity
  • Higher initial purchase price
  • Sound level may be higher than a gas heater

Hybrid Heating Technology

Combines the fast heating ability of a gas heater with the efficiency of a heat pump. And Pentair has the world’s first and only hybrid heating solution.

The Strengths:
  • Faster heat-up time than a heat pump
  • More efficient than a gas heater
  • Can operate at low air temps
  • Environmentally friendly
  • Long service life and dependable operation
  • Remote control via automation
The Trade-Offs:
  • Higher initial purchase price
  • Larger footprint than a gas heater
  • Installation requires both gas and electrical connection 

Choosing the Right Heating Solution for You

Now that we know the strengths and trade-offs of each pool heating technology, you may be asking, ‘but how do I choose the right heating solution that is right for me?’ We are glad you asked…

First things first, there are a number of factors that go into selecting the right heating technology for your pool and lifestyle, but do contact and work with your trusted local pool professional. Pool heaters and heat pumps are highly technical and should never be installed by anyone other than your handy-dandy, licensed pool pros at Pools And Spas Service, Inc.

3 factors to consider in your heating solution purchase:

  1. Size of Heater. Pool heaters and heat pumps are sized based on their heating capacity which is measured in British Thermal Units (BTUs). A BTU is a measure of how much energy is required to heat 1 gallon of water by 1F. Most heat pumps can deliver between 100,000 – 150,000 BTUs depending on their size and most gas pool heaters are sized between 175,000 – 400,000 BTUs.
  2. Geographic location, availability of gas, and electricity costs in your pool location are all factors in selecting a pool heater or heat pump. In general, heat pumps thrive in areas with mild to warm climates where electricity costs and low to moderate. Gas heaters aren’t heavily impacted by environmental conditions and can be a great option in cooler climates where gas prices are low to moderate.
  3. Size and features of your pool. The size of your pool may dictate which system you need. We recommend working with your pool professional to identify the right pool heater for your backyard oasis.

Will adding a pool heater break my bank?

We won’t hang you out to dry: having a pool heater can be a significant investment, but you built your pool to enjoy it when you want to, right? One of the biggest factors associated with expenses associated with operating your pool heater is efficiency.

The more efficient a gas pool heater is, the lower the cost is to operate it, and the less time it needs to run to deliver the same amount of heat for your pool water. What does this mean? If you buy $1.00 worth of gas and your heater is 82% efficient, your heater puts $0.82 worth of heat into the water. Likewise, at 96% efficiency, the ETi 400 would put $0.96 worth of heat into the water for the same price. The more efficient the heater is, the less it costs to operate.

Have Questions?

Signs Your Pool Pump Needs Repair Or Replacement

With summer season here, and now is a great time to get outside and enjoy your pool. With regular pool service, you can ensure that your pool is in great shape for all of your summer recreation needs. One common pool problem that you may encounter is a broken or failing pool pump. By hiring a professional pool service company in Monmouth County NJ that specializes in pool pumps, you can make sure that your swimming pool is ready for you to take a dip. To help you recognize when it is time to schedule pool services for your home, here is a look at some of the top signs that your pool pump needs repair.

  • The Pool Pump is Making a Loud Screeching Noise or Sounds Like it’s Full of Rocks
  • The Pool Pump is Leaking Water
  • The Pool Pump Basket Does Not Fill with Water
  • The Pool Pump is Making a Humming Noise and will not Start
  • The Pool Pump is Sucking in Air
  • The Pool Pump Motor is not Working or Turning Off while Running
  • The Flow Rate of the Pool Pump is Low

Whether this is familiar, or your pump just suddenly died, or you need a new pump for a new pool, you want to choose the best one for your pool and your budget. And remember, you’re making a long-term investment in your pool’s health. Pools & Spas Service Inc.  offers many pool pump options that can fit within your budget.

If you can repair it, you have the tools you need to do it properly, and you’re comfortable taking apart a pump motor or working with an electrical system, by all means do it. The DIY approach can save you money, plus you get the satisfaction of fixing something yourself.

But if you don’t have the necessary knowledge or skill, or you’re uncomfortable tackling a repair on your own, by all means, call in a professional.

After all, this is the heart of your pool’s plumbing system. If you aren’t confident in your ability, you could actually do more harm than good. Call in a pool pro to take care of the repair the right way the first time.

And hey, you can watch what they do so you might be able to take care of the problem on your own next time.

Schedule A Service Call

Make the Most of Memorial Day Weekend With These Pool Party Tips

Memorial Day weekend is drawing near and bringing the official start to pool season with it. For pool owners everywhere, Memorial Day serves as the first pool party of the season. That’s a lot of pressure for one event! However, with the proper theme, decor, and food, the first party of the season is sure to be one to remember. Read on to learn how to make the most of Memorial Day weekend with these pool party tips.

  1. Select a party theme. Everyone loves a good theme party (don’t knock it until you’ve attended one!). Stir up excitement for the summer ahead with a cliché party theme. Choosing a theme will not only boost the status of your pool party, but it will also help you decide on decorations and party accessories (luau themed flatware is always a good idea).
  1. Make your party exclusive with a guest list. While text messages are a great way to get the word out about a party, invitations make the event special. Whether they are mailed or sent online, an invitation will get your guests excited for the big day. Invitations can even tie into the theme of your party. This is also a great tool to remind guests to bring a bathing suit and other pool accessories as needed. After all, no one enjoys a pool party where they can’t swim.
  1. Set up your backyard for success. The theme is chosen, the invitations are sent, now it’s time to decide on the perfect outdoor setup. You’ll want to make sure that furniture is organized in a manner that allows people to easily communicate with each other, move around the space, and relax in the sun as necessary. There is no better way to spend a pool party than soaking up the sun with friends.
  1. Perfect your menu. Be sure to offer food and beverages to your guests. They’ll be working up an appetite from swimming so be sure to offer snacks that will keep their energy up. If you are unsure of what exactly to serve, let the theme of your party help you decide. Traditional barbeque food is also an excellent choice. Whatever menu you decide on, be sure to speak with guests about dietary restrictions and allergies to ensure you have something for everyone.
  1. Don’t forget the pool toys. People of all ages enjoy playing in the pool and you better believe that the pool will be the center of attention on Memorial Day. Be sure to have the trendiest floats and fun pool games such as water basketball or volleyball on hand. Your guests will be so impressed by all your pool has to offer, they won’t know which game to play first.
  1. Find your summer anthem. All winter long, there are songs that are released that would be “just perfect” for the warmer weather. Well, the time to test that theory has arrived. Be sure to create a playlist that both you and your guests will enjoy. Remember, music can set the vibe for the entire event, so think carefully before making any final decisions.
  2. Make sure your pool is ready to go. Pools & Spas Service Inc. is here to help with all your pool needs.

Memorial Day weekend will be the first in a long line of summer pool parties. Start the season off with a splash by using these tips to make the most of your pool party.

NEED YOUR POOL CLEANED/OPENED BEFORE MEMORIAL DAY? CONTACT US TODAY

Pool Service Maintenance Millstone NJ

Why Is Swimming Pool Maintenance Important

A pool is an investment. And like any investment, you want to keep it functioning for as long as possible. You wouldn’t let your car go without oil changes. Or let your pet go without grooming. Putting off pool maintenance can be just as harmful. With a little knowledge and some elbow grease, you can keep your pool clean and functioning for many years. If you don’t have the time to keep it clean, You can give Pools & Spas Service Inc. a call, because swimming pool maintenance is important.

No more buying chlorine and skimming the pool. Just pick your package from the ones below and you will experience a hassle free pool that will be more enjoyable and relaxing.

These programs are for customers who would like their pool maintained on a weekly basis. This would include manual vacuuming, water testing, filter back washing, cleaning skimmer baskets and adding chemicals as needed. Note: Chemicals are not included in price.

Many of our clients want to enjoy their pools without the hassle of routine maintenance and we are always ready to help. As part of our portfolio of pool service maintenance, we would be happy to give you a FREE ESTIMATE on cleaning and maintaining your pool on an regular basis. You can sit back and let our highly trained pool cleaning techs visit your home, vacuum your pool, clean the skimmers, balance the chemicals and leave you with a week of hassle free swimming.

Pool Water

Water in your pool is key to lasting pool happiness. Keeping it clean, clear, and balanced protects you and your family from contaminants and pollutants. It also helps you avoid costly hardware repairs due to corrosion or mineral build-up, and helps your whole pool last longer.

Pool Interior

The walls of your pool liner are in constant contact with pool water, and everything that enters it. Keeping these surfaces in good repair, and clear of algae, mold, and debris, will help keep your pool clean and safe.

Pool Filter System

The pumping heart of your pool is also its liver. OK, that sounds a little weird. But think about it: your pool pump draws water keeps your water circulating, like your heart does with your blood. Your pool filter clears dirt and other contaminants from your water just like your liver filters last night’s cheese fries from your blood.

Both protect you and your pool from harm. Without a functioning filter system, your pool will soon be a cloudy, polluted, and unswimmable mess.

Depending on your setup, you might have a cartridge filter, a sand filter , a diatomaceous earth (D.E.) filter. Or, if you have a salt water system, a salt water chlorinator.

If you have any questions please feel free to contact us at 732-761-0061 or fill out the form below

 

Connected Energy Efficient Innovation for your Pool

Enjoy – Pentair’s industry-leading smart innovations provide the ultimate in convenient control, allowing pool owners to sit back and enjoy. The latest automation innovation, the IntelliCenter® Control Center for Pool and Spa, easily and intuitively allows users to manage pool and spa features including lighting, temperature, chemistry and water features from anywhere in the world. For more basic automation needs, the IntelliConnect™ Control and Monitoring System allows monitoring and control of up to four pool functions conveniently and easily with your smart device.

Improve – Pentair’s technologies are engineered to filter, clean and sanitize water, while innovative heating solutions create a comfortable, relaxing experience. Pentair recently introduced hybrid technology with our UltraTemp ETi™ Hybrid Heater combining a pool heat pump and an ultra-high-efficiency gas-fired heater in the same unit. With four distinct operating modes, the innovative pool heater delivers superior energy efficiency.

Move – Pentair’s innovative equipment is designed to move water with improved energy efficiency and performance. As the first manufacturer to introduce variable speed technology to the pool industry, Pentair’s energy efficient pool pumps have helped pool owners save $1.98 billion in energy costs since 2005.*

 

Protect Your Pups With These Pet Pool Safety Tips

Throughout the entire month of May, there has been a focus on water safety. Keep in mind though, we (humans) aren’t the only ones who enjoy a dip in the pool every now and again. Our poolside pets also enjoy splashing around in the water with us and their safety is also important.

Teach your dog how to swim. This task may seem daunting, but swimming can be taught to pets, much like any other command they know. In fact, pets that live in homes with a pool should be taught to swim for their safety. Dogs that are more comfortable around and in water are less likely to have accidents. If you feel that your pup is resistant or hesitant about your training techniques, try hiring a professional. Not all dogs were meant to be Olympic swimmers, but they should feel comfortable jumping in the pool and paddling around when the time comes.

Get your pup the necessary swim gear. Safety swim gear isn’t only for humans. Dogs can also wear life vests (they’ll look much cuter than us) when they need help in the swimming department. If you find your canine companion just isn’t into swimming, a life vest or jacket may be the pawfect solution for them. They will be able to enjoy a day by the pool with you, keeping your mind at ease knowing they are safe even if they take an unexpected dip in the pool.

Keep an eye on swimming pets. Much like children, pets should be supervised when they are swimming. Be sure to closely monitor your pup when swimming to judge their mood. If you notice your pet tiring it may be time to have them take a break. Also, be ready to spring into action when necessary since there are many pet pool hazards that can affect your dog’s time in the pool. Be sure to know the signs of a pet pool accident and take the steps necessary to avoid them when possible.

Cool your pet down. The summer months are hot, and the heat only intensifies near water. Be sure to keep your poolside pet hydrated with easy access to shade when the heat becomes too much for them. Remember that your pet cannot communicate discomfort in the same way as their human counterparts. Keep a close watch over your furbaby and ensure their safety when it comes to the summer sun.

Company Info

Company Info

4 Ikes Ln suite A-1, Manalapan Township, NJ 07726

Hours Of Operation

9 AM To 4 PM M-F

732-761-0061

E: info@poolsandspasnj.com

© Pool & Spas Service Inc. 1999 - 2021