Q: Why does my pool get cloudy?
A:  Cloudy swimming pool water is most often caused by inadequate filtration, it’s either that your daily filter is not running long enough or it’s simply dirty. The solution to this problem is very obvious. First check the filter grids for holes or seams that have been separated, then check the PH and total alkalinity. Sometimes high readings can result in cloudy water.

Q: Why does my pool look green?
A: If your pool looks green it’s probably very acidic, you need to balance the PH. At times the pool can look blue-green, which means copper. The copper could have come from either heater or plumbing components, it can be stripped away by acidic water and deposited on soft plaster walls.

Q: Why is filtration important to the quality of swimming pool water?
A: Filtration is a key element to maintaining a pool. Filters are designed to remove any visible debris. Without a good filtration system your pool can tend to look hazy or cloudy.

Q: How many times a week should my pool be cleaned?
A: While this is a subjective question we believe at Hire Standards in a minimum of two times weekly service. This high frequency allows our staff to remain at the cutting edge of pro-activity. With eyes on your pool several times a week a higher likelihood of successful operations exists.

Q: Why does my pool sometimes have a very strong chlorine odor?
A: Your pool has two types of chlorine, the first one is the Free Available Chlorine (FAC), which is the chlorine used to sanitize your pool. This type of chlorine does not have an odor. Then there’s Chloramine, which is only residue from chlorine that already expended. Chloramines tend to have a strong chlorine odor. If your pool water has a very strong chlorine odor, it might be time to have a shock treatment.

Q: Is it safe for my dog to play and drink swimming pool water?
A: It is safe for your dog to play and drink swimming pool water, the chlorine levels are harmless if your dog on occasions drinks the pool water, but algaecides can be harmful so as long as your dog is not just drinking pool water he will be fine.

Q: What is the difference between a salt water pool and a chlorine water pool?
A: A salt water pool is not a chlorine free pool. Salt water pool utilizes a salt system that through a chemical process changes salt into chlorine, and from that point it becomes the same process. Salt water pool tends to be softer on skin, compared to chlorine pools.

Q: What does pH stand for?
A:  [p (otential)] of [h (ydrogen)], pH is a way to assess the relative acidity or alkalinity of water.  The neutral level for pH is 7.4, if the level of pH is too low it becomes too acidic and can be very corrosive. If the pH get too high it can dissolve metals it comes in contact with. Not only is pH used to balance the acidity and alkalinity in your pool but it also determines the effectiveness of the sanitizer.