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The FAQ section on our website provides answers to commonly asked questions, helping users find quick solutions and gain a better understanding of our products and services.
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Our range of swimming pool services includes qualified maintenance technicians, repair technicians, and the capacity to upgrade or restore your pool. We offer cleaning & maintenance services for swimming pools.
We understand that you’re interested in obtaining pricing information for our pool services. However, we do not provide estimates over the phone. Instead, we offer transparent and competitive pricing that is tailored to the specific requirements of your pool.
To provide you with an accurate quote, we would need to assess your pool’s size, current condition, and any specific services or maintenance needs it may have. This approach allows us to offer fair and customized pricing that aligns with your pool’s unique needs.
To proceed, we recommend scheduling an on-site evaluation with one of our experienced technicians. During this visit, we will thoroughly assess your pool and discuss your maintenance or service requirements. Following the assessment, we will provide you with a detailed and personalized pricing proposal.
Please feel free to contact us to schedule an on-site evaluation at your earliest convenience. We look forward to the opportunity to serve you and ensure the proper care of your pool.
Thank you for considering our pool services. If you have any further questions or require additional information, please do not hesitate to reach out to us.
Service holidays can affect your regular pool maintenance schedule, so it’s important to be aware of them. here are the specific dates when service will not be provided by PSOC
It’s important to note that missed visits during these holiday periods will not be made up or revisited, as they are already accounted for in your Monthly Rate. The Monthly Rate is based on 4 visits per month, but certain months may allow for 5 visits without additional charge. To compensate for the missed visits, chemistry adjustments will be made to ensure that your pool water remains balanced and in good condition.
If you have any questions or concerns about how these holidays may affect your pool service, it’s advisable to reach out to PSOC for clarification and to ensure that you are well-informed about their service schedule during these periods.
Payment options and terms for PSOC (Pool Smart OC). It’s essential for customers to understand the payment methods and the timeline for submitting payments. Here’s a summary of the payment details:
Payment Methods:
Payment Timeline: Each monthly payment must be received by PSOC in full within 7 days of the invoice date. Adhering to this timeline ensures timely payment for the services provided.
Merchant Transaction Fee: It’s important to note that credit card payments will incur a merchant transaction fee. This fee is charged by the bank and is a passthrough expense, not credited to PSOC. Customers should be aware of this additional cost when choosing to pay by credit card.
By providing this information, PSOC helps customers understand the payment options and terms, allowing for a smoother and more transparent billing process. Customers can make informed decisions about their preferred payment method while adhering to the payment timeline to ensure uninterrupted pool services.
To ensure your payment for the regular pool service is properly addressed, please follow these instructions:
Payee: Please make checks payable to POOL SMART OC INC.
Mailing Address: POOL SMART OC INC 1439 W. Chapman Ave. PNB 154 Orange, CA 92868
This address can be used for both mailing correspondence and sending payment checks. Please ensure that any checks are made payable to “POOL SMART OC INC”
Email allows you to provide detailed information and attachments, making it an excellent choice for conveying complex issues or inquiries. You can reach us at [email protected] and our team at Pool Smart OC will respond to your messages promptly.
Yes, we have a toll-free number for phone inquiries. However, please be aware that due to our ongoing work commitments, we may not always be available to answer calls immediately. We encourage you to use email for non-urgent matters or to schedule a suitable time for a phone conversation. You can reach us at 833-462-7665
Please note that Pool Smart OC does not accept text messages as a primary method of communication to ensure that we can assist you promptly and accurately. We look forward to serving you through these channels and providing the exceptional pool services you deserve.
* Payment Reminder: We kindly remind you that your regular pool service fee is due by the 5th of each month.
* Early Payment: To ensure your payment is received on time, we recommend sending it with a postmark no later than the 3rd of the month. Mailing it a couple of days prior to this date is advisable.
* Late Fee Notice: Please be aware that a late fee of $35.00 will be applied for payments received after the 5th or postmarked later than the 3rd.
To streamline the payment process and prevent late fees, you may want to consider faster payment methods such as electronic payments or online bill pay. Staying proactive with these new due dates and postmark deadlines will help you effectively manage your pool service commitments.
Increased Evaporation: Hot weather leads to increased evaporation rates. As water evaporates from the pool, it can lead to a rise in the pool’s water level, which may require you to add more water to maintain the proper water level.
Higher Bather Load: Summer often means more people using the pool, which introduces additional contaminants like sweat, sunscreen, and body oils. This can put extra strain on the pool’s filtration and sanitation systems, necessitating more frequent cleaning and chemical balancing.
Water Chemistry Changes: Hot weather can affect the pH and alkalinity levels of pool water, making it more prone to fluctuations. Regular testing and adjustments of these parameters are essential to keep the water balanced and safe for swimming.
Increased Risk of Algae Blooms: Pools that receive a lot of direct sunlight are at a higher risk of experiencing algae blooms during hot weather. Proper circulation, filtration, and algae prevention strategies are crucial to combat this.
Water Temperature: In extremely hot weather, the pool water temperature can become uncomfortably warm. While this may not necessarily affect water quality, it can impact the comfort of swimmers.
Adjust Pool Pump Schedule for Daytime Operation:
While we understand the desire to save on electricity costs by running your pool pump at night, we strongly recommend adjusting the schedule to operate during the daytime. Here’s why:
Prolonged exposure of pool water to extreme heat without proper circulation can lead to the formation of algae. Managing algae not only incurs additional chemical costs but also consumes valuable time. Running the pump during the day allows for more efficient filtration and helps prevent the growth of algae, maintaining healthier and safer pool water.
To combat the effects of summer heat on your pool water, it’s important to maintain a diligent and consistent pool maintenance routine. This includes regular testing of water chemistry, adjusting chlorine levels, cleaning and backwashing the filter, and ensuring proper circulation. Additionally, using a pool cover when the pool is not in use can help reduce evaporation and limit debris and sunlight exposure, helping to maintain water quality.
there isn’t a universal formula for adding chemicals. Pool maintenance is indeed a nuanced process that takes various factors into account.
Multiple Factors at Play: Maintaining the proper chemical balance in a pool involves considering multiple factors, including physical characteristics (e.g., pool size and shape), chemical variables (e.g., pH, chlorine levels), biological influences (e.g., algae growth), and environmental conditions (e.g., temperature and sunlight exposure).
Unique Pool Requirements: Each pool is unique and may have different requirements for chemical treatment. Factors such as water source, bather load, and local climate can all impact the chemical balance of the pool water.
Customized Approach: To ensure safe and enjoyable swimming conditions, pool owners and maintenance professionals must adopt a customized approach to chemical treatment. This involves regular testing of water parameters and adjusting chemical additions accordingly.
Professional Expertise: For complex pool systems or challenging water conditions, seeking the expertise of a professional pool service can be invaluable. Experienced technicians can accurately assess and address the specific needs of the pool.
Observation regarding the various factors that can influence chemical consumption in a pool. Understanding these influences is crucial for maintaining proper water chemistry and ensuring a safe and enjoyable swimming experience.
Increased Pool Activity: A rise in pool activity, such as more swimmers using the pool, can lead to higher chemical consumption. Additional contaminants introduced by bathers, such as sweat and sunscreen, can affect water chemistry and may require adjustments to chemical levels.
Higher Water Temperature: Warmer water temperatures can accelerate chemical reactions and increase the rate at which chemicals break down or evaporate. This can necessitate more frequent monitoring and adjustments to maintain chemical balance.
Weather Conditions: Weather conditions, including sunlight, wind, and rain, can impact pool water chemistry. For example, direct sunlight can increase chlorine depletion, while rainwater can dilute pool chemicals, affecting their concentration.
Physical and Environmental Factors: The physical characteristics of the pool, such as size, depth, and shape, can influence chemical distribution and circulation. Environmental factors, such as the presence of nearby trees or plants, can introduce debris and organic matter into the pool, affecting water quality.
Local Climate: The climate in your region plays a significant role in pool maintenance. Different climates have varying temperature ranges and weather patterns that can impact chemical usage.
We highlighting these factors, you underscore the dynamic nature of pool water chemistry. Pool owners and maintenance professionals should be aware of these influences and adapt their chemical treatment and testing routines accordingly. Maintaining proper water chemistry requires vigilance and responsiveness to changing conditions, ensuring that the pool remains safe and inviting for swimmers.
our insight into achieving pool clarity is valuable, as it emphasizes the need for a comprehensive approach to pool maintenance and the importance of addressing underlying issues.
Varied Underlying Issues: Achieving pool clarity depends on identifying and addressing the specific underlying issues affecting water quality. This might involve multiple treatments over several days to effectively resolve the problem.
Different Factors, Different Treatments: Factors like the presence of metals and phosphates in the pool water require distinct and targeted treatments. Pool owners and professionals must accurately diagnose the issue to apply the appropriate remedy.
Ongoing Maintenance and Service: A clear-looking pool should not be mistaken for a pool that is maintenance-free. Continuous maintenance and regular service are essential to keep the water quality in check, prevent issues from reoccurring, and ensure a consistently safe and enjoyable swimming environment.
We emphasize the complexity of pool water maintenance and the importance of a holistic approach. Pool owners should remain vigilant, address underlying issues effectively, and prioritize ongoing maintenance and service to keep their pools crystal clear and inviting for swimmers.
Absolutely, you can supply your own chemicals, provided they are the appropriate type and stored securely in an area accessible to our technicians. It’s worth noting that the effectiveness of pool chemicals can differ. If you opt to use your own chemicals, we can’t ensure the same level of water clarity.
The presence of green color in your pool could stem from various factors. Algae growth due to phosphates or metals in the water could be contributing to this issue.
Accumulated dirt, debris, and various contaminants such as iron, phosphates, and calcium can hinder the efficiency of your system. Elevated pump pressure due to these elements can compromise optimal performance and result in increased equipment strain. Consistently cleaning and maintaining your cartridge filter prevents these issues.
While we ensure balanced pool water and proper system function during our visits, it remains the customer’s responsibility to conduct physical checks in our absence. This includes maintaining water levels, identifying any potential circulation obstructions, and emptying skimmer baskets. Regular checks (daily or after storms) contribute to sustained performance, prolong the pool’s lifespan, and prevent numerous maintenance issues. Running the heater for around 30 minutes weekly, even when unnecessary, aids in drying it out and discouraging pest infestations like mice and spiders.
It’s essential to consistently maintain the water level, ensure clean skimmer baskets, and physically inspect the pool on a daily basis. For those with an automatic cover, keep it free of water and debris to prevent potential damage. During heavy storms, leaving the cover open is advisable to avert harm. Bear in mind that removing debris from the pool cover is typically more cost-effective than repairing or replacing a damaged automatic cover.
Skimmer baskets, when clogged, obstruct water flow, leading to potential pump motor burnout and heater malfunction. Regularly cleaning the skimmer baskets is crucial to maintain proper water circulation and prevent equipment damage.
Urine, perspiration, feces, as well as products like shampoo, soap, lotions, and oils, introduce organic and inorganic substances that affect the pool’s balance. These substances strain the pool’s functioning and disrupt water equilibrium, necessitating additional chemicals or treatment. Showering helps prevent these issues and reduces the pool’s workload. A small step like using soap before pool entry yields significant benefits.
Toys can frequently obstruct water flow and circulation, potentially leading to damage in pumps and heaters.
Maintaining a water level that reaches half the skimmer mouth (or halfway up the tile line) is essential for effective skimming, filtration, and proper heater operation. Allowing the water level to drop significantly, causing the pump to draw air, can generate heat that potentially harms the pump and piping.
There’s typically a natural evaporation of around 1/4″ or more, which varies with water temperature and pool usage throughout the year. However, a notable water loss could indicate a potential pool leak. If you’re an existing customer experiencing significant water loss, please feel free to contact us via email.
Before seeking service for your heater, here are a few things you can check:
During winter, a mesh cover can collect sediment from loose debris and storms. It’s crucial to inform your landscapers not to blow grass, leaves, or debris under or onto the pool cover when using a leaf blower. Additionally, fertilizer can contain phosphates that promote algae growth. Ensuring fertilizers are kept away from the pool area is essential. All these factors can permeate a mesh cover, leading to sediment, dirt, and debris accumulation on or in the pool before opening.
You should wait until your pool is thoroughly cleaned, the water is properly balanced, and the temperature is suitable for swimming.
During drought conditions, well water levels can drop, stirring up debris and metals like iron, manganese, and copper. These elements can significantly impact your pool’s chemistry and water balance.
Spas, being smaller than pools, are prone to contamination from body oils, lotions, and bacteria. The higher temperature in spas accelerates bacteria growth, potentially leading to skin irritations and rashes. High Total Dissolved Solids (TDS) levels are also common, indicating chemical saturation that hinders water cleanliness, sanitization, and clarity. Regular draining and cleaning are necessary to address these issues and maintain a healthy spa environment.
Over time, pool drain grates or covers can deteriorate, making replacement necessary. This ensures continued safety and proper functioning of the pool’s drainage system.
If your pool exhibits signs of being scaly, sharp, or visibly dirty, or if the total dissolved solids (TDS) level in the water exceeds 1500 ppm, it’s essential to drain and clean the pool. A recommended period for this process is early spring, ensuring optimal pool condition and water quality.
High pH Levels in Newly Plastered Pools: It’s common for newly plastered pools to have high pH (alkalinity) levels initially. This can be due to the plaster curing process and the release of calcium hydroxide.
Stabilization Over Time: Achieving a stable pH level in a newly plastered pool can take some time, often an entire season. During this period, the pH levels may fluctuate.
Use of Acid to Stabilize pH: Acid is a useful tool for stabilizing pH in newly plastered pools. It helps lower the alkalinity and promotes a more balanced pH level.
Proper Balance: Maintaining the proper pH balance is critical for the health of the pool surface. Extremely high pH levels can lead to scaling and damage to the plaster, while very low pH levels can corrode equipment and irritate swimmers.
Regular Monitoring: It’s essential to regularly monitor the pH levels in a newly plastered pool and make necessary adjustments using acid or other pH-balancing chemicals to keep the water within the recommended range.
Proper pH management is essential to protect the pool surface and maintain water quality, ensuring a beautiful and durable pool for years to come.
Sanitary Sewer Drainage (Preferred Method): In most cases, draining pool water into the sanitary sewer is the best option. In-ground pools usually have a drainage inlet near the pool equipment for this purpose. Pools without such plumbing can be drained into a sanitary sewer line connected to your home. If uncertain, consult a licensed plumber or pool professional.
Street Gutter or Storm Drain (if permitted): If allowed by local regulations, you can drain pool water into the street gutter or storm drain. Ensure the water is dechlorinated first. Test the water using a pool test kit to confirm chlorine levels below 0.1 ppm and pH between 6.5 and 8.5. This method is suitable only if it meets specific criteria and doesn’t cause issues like erosion or flooding.
Reuse for Irrigation: Drained pool water, if dechlorinated, can be used to water robust plants, saturate dry ground, or dampen rock/mulch areas. Manage the discharge rate to prevent downstream problems.
Remember, proper dechlorination is crucial before draining. If you’re unsure, consult professionals to ensure responsible pool water drainage. We offer expert assistance in Pool Drainage and other pool-related services.
Start by checking the water level. If your pool is experiencing gurgling sounds, try to pinpoint the source of the noise. Once you’ve identified the source, don’t hesitate to contact us. Our pool technicians can assess the situation and provide appropriate assistance.
For any pool-related concerns or inquiries, feel free to reach out. We offer a range of services, including Pool Inspection and Maintenance.
Pools with salt chlorine generators use sodium hypochlorite, which has a high pH level (typically 12.5 – 13.5 on a scale of 14). Since pool water needs to maintain a pH level between 7.2 and 7.6, the addition of acid helps achieve and sustain the appropriate pH range. If the pool water surpasses 7.6, it becomes alkaline, leading to scaling (rough and sharp surfaces) and salt cell calcification. Conversely, a pH level below 7.2 can make the water corrosive, causing damage to metals and equipment. Achieving the proper balance is vital for your pool’s health, your safety as a swimmer, and the longevity of your pool equipment.
We offer an array of swimming pool services, including Cleaning & Maintenance.
While maintaining balanced pH levels is crucial, regular cleaning of salt cells every 2-3 months is essential to prevent the accumulation of contaminants, calcium buildup, and phosphate fallout. Even iron can accumulate despite balanced pH levels. Without consistent cleaning and maintenance, these contaminants can accumulate and hinder the optimal performance of your swimming pool.
For comprehensive pool care, we offer an array of services, including Cleaning & Maintenance.
Future Developments: The emergence of self-adjusting salt chlorinators is an exciting development in the pool industry. These advanced systems can autonomously assess and regulate chlorine levels, offering convenience and peace of mind to pool owners.
The ideal pH level for your pool should be between 7.4 and 7.6. This range ensures that the water is comfortable for swimmers and allows chlorine to work effectively as a sanitizer.
It’s recommended to test your pool water at least twice a week during the swimming season. This helps maintain balanced water chemistry and ensures a safe swimming environment.
The primary chemicals needed include chlorine or another sanitizer, pH increaser and decreaser, alkalinity increaser, calcium hardness increaser, and cyanuric acid (stabilizer). You may also need algaecides, clarifiers, and shock treatments depending on your pool’s condition.
Chlorine is a chemical sanitizer used to kill bacteria, algae, and other harmful microorganisms in your pool water. Maintaining the proper chlorine level is crucial for keeping the water safe for swimmers.
To raise the pH, you can add a pH increaser (usually sodium carbonate). To lower it, use a pH decreaser (commonly muriatic acid or sodium bisulfate). Always add these chemicals slowly and test the water after each addition to avoid overshooting the desired range.
Total alkalinity is a measure of the water’s ability to resist changes in pH. It should be kept between 80-120 ppm (parts per million). Proper alkalinity prevents pH fluctuations and helps maintain water balance.
Calcium hardness measures the amount of calcium dissolved in your pool water. The ideal range is 200-400 ppm. Low calcium hardness can cause water to become corrosive, damaging pool surfaces and equipment. High calcium hardness can lead to scale formation and cloudy water.
Cyanuric acid, also known as a stabilizer, protects chlorine from being broken down by the sun’s UV rays. The ideal CYA level is between 30-50 ppm. Levels above this can reduce chlorine’s effectiveness, while levels too low may lead to rapid chlorine loss.
Algae can grow in your pool when chlorine levels are too low, or when pH is imbalanced. To prevent algae, maintain proper chemical levels, ensure good circulation, brush the pool walls regularly, and use algaecide as needed.
Cloudy water can result from poor filtration, high pH, high calcium levels, or inadequate sanitizer levels. To clear it up, check and adjust your water chemistry, run the filter continuously, and consider using a clarifier.
Pool chemicals should be stored in a cool, dry, and well-ventilated area, away from direct sunlight and out of reach of children and pets. Always keep chemicals in their original containers with labels intact.
A saltwater pool uses a salt chlorine generator to convert salt into chlorine, which then sanitizes the pool. The process creates a gentler swimming experience with less chlorine smell and fewer harsh chemicals.
The ideal salt level for a saltwater pool is typically between 2,500 and 3,500 ppm (parts per million). Check your salt chlorine generator’s manual for the specific range recommended for your system.
Salt levels should be checked at least once a month, and more frequently during heavy use or after significant rainfall, as dilution can lower the salt concentration.
Yes, even in a saltwater pool, it’s essential to maintain balanced pH (7.4-7.6) and alkalinity (80-120 ppm). Proper balance ensures the chlorine generated is effective and prevents corrosion or scaling in your pool.
To prevent scaling, regularly monitor and maintain calcium hardness levels (200-400 ppm), and consider using a scale inhibitor if you live in an area with hard water. Additionally, keep the pH and alkalinity within their ideal ranges.
The salt cell typically lasts 3-7 years, depending on usage and maintenance. Regularly inspect and clean the cell to extend its lifespan and ensure efficient chlorine production.
Yes, you can convert a chlorine pool to a saltwater pool by installing a salt chlorine generator. This process involves adding the appropriate amount of salt to the pool and connecting the generator to your pool’s circulation system.
Saltwater pools offer a softer, silkier feel, reduce the need for storing and handling chlorine, and typically require less maintenance in terms of chemical balancing. They also have fewer chloramines, which are responsible for the strong chlorine smell and eye irritation often associated with traditional pools.
New water, freshly added to your pool, has a more balanced chemical profile, making it easier to manage and maintain. As water stays in the pool over time, it accumulates dissolved solids, organic contaminants, and by-products from sanitizers like chlorine. These elements can make the water more challenging to balance and can affect the effectiveness of sanitizing chemicals.
Maintaining newer water in your pool is crucial because it helps ensure that the chemical balance is more manageable. As pool water ages, the build-up of dissolved solids, such as calcium, metals, and salts, increases the total dissolved solids (TDS) level. High TDS can lead to issues such as cloudy water, scaling, and difficulty in maintaining proper chlorine levels, which can compromise water clarity and safety.
It’s generally recommended to replace 5-10% of your pool water every month or fully drain and refill your pool every 3-5 years, depending on usage and local water conditions. Regular partial water replacement helps dilute and remove accumulated contaminants, making it easier to maintain water balance.
Newer water starts with a clean slate, free from the excess contaminants that can accumulate in older water. This makes it easier to adjust and maintain chemical levels such as pH, alkalinity, and calcium hardness. With fewer dissolved solids, chemicals like chlorine are more effective, reducing the need for frequent adjustments and making the water more comfortable and safer for swimmers.
Signs that your pool water may be too old include persistent cloudy water, difficulty maintaining chemical balance, frequent algae blooms, increased scaling on pool surfaces and equipment, and a strong chlorine smell. If these issues persist despite regular maintenance, it may be time to consider replacing the water.
Not refreshing your pool water regularly can lead to a range of problems, including an increased risk of bacterial growth, algae blooms, and chemical imbalances that can cause skin and eye irritation for swimmers. Additionally, high levels of TDS can lead to the formation of scale on pool surfaces and equipment, reducing the efficiency of heaters and filters, and increasing maintenance costs.
Yes, you can improve the quality of older pool water by performing partial water replacements, using chemical treatments to remove dissolved solids, and ensuring regular filtration and circulation. Adding a clarifier or using a flocculant can help remove particulates, while specialized chemicals can help reduce TDS. However, these methods may only offer temporary relief, and full water replacement might eventually be necessary.
We’re a family owned small business here to make sure that
our members’ sparkling pools stay pristine and ready
for any aquatic adventure.