Scale Deposits in Your Center Barnstead Above Ground Pool

An unincorporated community that’s part of the town of Barnstead in Belknap County, New Hanpshire, Center Barnstead is the largest of several villages in the town.

Though the state of New Hampshire has a changeable climate, meaning there are wide variations in seasonal temperatures, warm weather is not that common. But when it does occur, locals take the opportunity to cool off in a pool.

But while hot weather is not as common, many still own their own above ground pools in the area, albeit with a heater installed. No surprise since swimming is a good overall form of exercise.

For pool owners, have you ever had scale deposits appear, but have no idea what they are and how to deal with it?

For starters, scale deposits are usually found as white, gray, or brownish chalky deposits that manifest on the pool walls and fixtures. These occur due to unbalanced water, whether it is because of high pH, high TA, high calcium hardness, or a combination of two of more.

To deal with these scale deposits, take a sample of your pool water and bring it to Ambassador Pools for a proper analysis. Once the source has been determined, Ambassador Pools will help balance your water, as well as recommend the proper chemicals to use.

The next time you have scale deposits, call Ambassador Pools right away for fast and reliable above ground pool support!

Eye and Skin Irritation in Your Above Ground Pool? – York Harbor, ME

A census-designated place in York County, Maine, York Harbor has a population of about 3,000 and is known for its resort architecture. A summer colony, it is also part of the Portland–South Portland–Biddeford metropolitan statistical area.

As a summer colony, swimming is a popular pastime here. However, many locals prefer to swim in the privacy of their own homes, thus prompting many of them to purchase their own above ground pools.

Above ground pools are more affordable and easier to maintain than inground pools, which explains its popularity. But like any other pool, it has its own share of problems.

Every once in a while, have you ever encountered getting irritated skin and eyes while swimming? Despite what many people think, the cause for this is not too much chlorine in the pool, but rather, it could be that the pool has too little free available chlorine and an incorrect pH.

To solve this problem and give you a more pleasant swim, there are two simple steps to take:

First, you should check the pH and alkalinity of your pool, and adjust it as needed.

Second, shock the pool using shock treatment chemicals. Once done, re-check the alkalinity and pH and adjust as needed.

That’s it! Oh, one more thing, be sure to keep your chlorine levels between 1 to 4 ppm.

Simple enough? Of course it is. But if ever you need help with the maintenance of your above ground pool, be sure to contact Ambassador Pools. They not only can help you with your problem, but they can also provide you with the chemicals and materials you need for a stress-free pool experience!

Discolored Above Ground Pool Water in York Beach, ME

An unincorporated beach community, York Beach in Maine consists of Long Sand and Short Sands beaches in the Gulf of Maine. The town has a population of about 13,000 though, being a popular summer destination, the number spikes up to 52,000 in the summer months.

Obviously, swimming in the beach to cool off is popular among the locals here, however, the summer months makes it difficult to relax given the number of people around. Thus, locals have been turning to above ground pools to get their daily swim routine while avoiding the crowded beaches.

While above ground pools are growing in popularity due to its affordability and ease of maintenance compared to inground pools, the same pool problems still arise of course. One of these is having colored water.

If you find your above ground pool having colored water, this is most likely caused by dissolved metals or a high organic content. Given that there is no algae present, colored water usually has a clear green/brown/yellow tint to it.

To get your pool back to having sparkling clear water, get a water sample and bring it to Ambassador Pools for a full analysis.

If metals are found to be the cause, a metal control agent can be used to control it. But if a high organic content is detected, you can shock the pool using the proper shock treatment chemicals.

You can ask Ambassador Pools where to find the proper chemicals you need, and they will be glad to assist you.

By the way, before you enter the pool again, be sure that the free chlorine level has returned to between 1 to 4 ppm.

To find out more about proper pool maintenance, be sure to ask Ambassador Pools for help. Aside from providing above ground pools, Ambassador Pools are also experts in above ground pool care.

Does Your Above Ground Pool Have a Strong Chlorine Smell? – York, ME

Lying near the southern tip of the state of Maine, York is a town with a population of about 13,000 and is a well-known summer resort. Home to three full golf courses, four sandy beaches and Mount Agamenticus, many tourists flock to the place to spend summer in style.

While tourists cool off in the sandy beaches, many locals are left to either endure the crowds or stay at home. While socializing in the beach may be fun for some, many prefer taking a swim in private.

Because of this, many locals have their own above ground pools so they can cool off any time without having to jockey for position in a crowded beach. However, sometimes pool owners have to deal with routine pool problems, one of which is a strong chlorine smell.

While chlorine is equated to having a clean pool, ironically, a strong chlorine smell coming from your pool means it doesn’t have enough. The smell comes from chloramines and these are usually formed when the level of free available chlorine is not enough.

To be sure, you can calculate the the free available chlorine and total chlorine to get the measure of unwanted combined chlorine compounds that cause the smell using the following equation:

combined chlorine = total chlorine - free chlorine

If you find that the combined chlorine levels is higher than the free available chlorine, you might need to shock treat your pool or use other pool water sanitizers. You can also use a non-chlorine shock if you want to minimize the use of chlorine.

To learn more about chlorine in your pool, feel free to contact Ambassador Pools. The best provider of above ground pools in the area, Ambassador Pools can also help you with maintenance, as well as offer the proper chemicals you need to keep your above ground pool clean and healthy. 

Proper Above Ground Pool Water Balance in West Newfield, ME

A town in York County, Maine, Newfield is home to Willowbrook Museum Village and is part of the Portland–South Portland–Biddeford statistical area.

Because of the hot and humid summers here, many West Newfield residents take a dip whenever the weather gets hot. But since not everyone has the means and time to visit a swimming hole everyday, getting an above ground pool for the home is slowly becoming a popular choice for many.

But owning an above ground pool is not all fun and games. While requiring less maintenance than inground pools, you still need to make sure your pool is working in peak condition. Perhaps the most important is the water, so it’s best to understand proper pool balance, and besides, a balanced pool is more easy to take care of.

Problems can arise when pool water becomes unbalanced, so be sure the total pool water balance is at the ideal levels. Taking into account pH, calcium, and total alkalinity, below are the ideal ranges and the frequency of the tests you should take.

Alkalinity should be tested monthly with an ideal range from 125 to 150 ppm.

Calcium hardness should be tested bi-monthly, and should have an ideal range of 175 to 225 ppm.

While pH should be tested twice a week, and the ideal range should be within 7.2 and 7.6.

By maintaining the correct levels, the bacteria-fighting chemicals in your pool will be at their peak strength; corrosion won’t build up on the pool and its parts; and you will get fewer cases of eye and skin irritations.

If levels are above or below the ideal ranges, be sure to contact Ambassador Pools. Ambassador Pool can help give you advice on what to do while offering the proper chemicals needed to ensure your pool stays balanced.

When Your Wells, ME Above Ground Pool Over-Stabilizes

A popular summer destination, Wells is a town in York County, Maine with a population of about 10,000. It is the third-oldest town in the state, being founded in 1643.

Situated near the sea, residents here have an affinity for the water, preferring to swim to cool off when the weather gets hot. Summers in Wells can become hot and humid, which makes it the time when locals start dusting off their swim wear and head on down to the nearest swimming hole.

But not everyone can visit the nearest swimming hole anytime they want, which makes above ground pools one of the more popular purchases of those who love to swim. While easier to maintain than above ground pools, it still requires some care.

So what should you do when your pool becomes over stabilized?

First, you must understand what over stabilization is. It is the build-up of cynauric acid, and is the result of the extended use of stabilized sanitizers along with stabilized shock products.

What over stabilization does is limit the effectiveness of the chlorine in your pool, thus decreasing its effectiveness in killing germs, bacteria and algae. While small levels of cynauric acid protect chlorine form degradation by sunlight, too much will negate its abilities, and can cause problems.

The recommended levels for cynauric acid in pools are between 40 and 60 ppm.

To learn more about over stabilization, how to handle it, and how to prevent it, be sure to consult Ambassador Pools. Not only is Ambassador Pools the best above ground pool provider in the area, it is also the best place for everything you need when it comes to above ground pools.

Understanding TDS – Waterboro, ME

Waterboro in Maine is a town in York County with a population of about 8,000. Part of the Portland–South Portland–Biddefore metropolitan area, it is was once called Massabesic by Abenaki Indians, which means “the place of much water.”

Summers in the area can be hot and humid, and since many locals love to cool off by swimming, it is still a place of much water, albeit found in above ground pools.

Above ground pools are rising in popularity over its inground counterparts, especially since these are much more easier to maintain. However, while easy, it still needs maintenance and one of the things an above ground pool owner should understand are TDSs or total dissolved solids.

TDS is the amount of dissolved matter in the water and can be cause by several factors; from the chemicals used to adjust pH, the chlorine, water hardness, alkalinity, dust, dirt, and even human waste.

For any pool, the max acceptable level is 1,500 ppm, if the TDS levels reach above this, stains can appear in the pool. It will also render any chemicals used to be less effective, which in turn can make the water cloudy.

If TDS levels become too high, there’s not much any pool owner can do except replace the water. One can drain half the water and replace it, or a pool owner can just outright replace all the water. To help prevent TDS from rising above acceptable levels, regular backwashing should be done.

To learn more about TDS, how to control it, and other general above ground pool maintenance tips, feel free to call or visit Ambassador Pools.

Dealing With Cloudy Water – Springvale, ME

A village in York County, and once a cesus-designated place in Sanford, Springvale in Maine is part of the Portland–South Portland–Biddeford metropolitan area.

The climate in the area is classified as a humid continental climate, meaning summers can be hot and humid. Because of this, many residents look for various ways to cool themselves under the sun, and one of the more popular is swimming. While not everyone can visit a swimming pool whenever they want, many get their own above ground pools instead.

Above ground pools may be easy to maintain, but every once in awhile, the water can become cloudy. This can be caused by an incorrect pH, incorrect TA, or improper filtration. To fix the cloudy water, make sure your pH and TA levels are in the ideal ranges before you adjust your filtration system.

Once levels are set, be sure the filtration system is smooth and run it for 8 - 12 hours non-stop. If the filter needs backwashing, do so and replace it.

If filter pressure does not normalize after backwashing, the filter might need to be cleaned chemically.

Be sure the pump strainer baskets and skimmer baskets have been emptied, and make sure that the pH and alkalinity are within the ideal range.

You can also shock the pool with appropriate shock tools.

Remember, before you enter the pool, be sure the chlorine levels have dropped between 1 and 4 ppm.

If you need to learn more about maintaining your pool and keeping the water clean, be sure to contact Ambassador Pools.

Calculating Your Above Ground Pool’s Volume – South Berwick, ME

A town in York County, Maine, South Berwick is home to Berwick Academy and has a population of about 7,300. Part of the Portland–South Portland–Biddefor metropolitan area, the town was first settled in 1631 and was known as Kittery Parish.

Summers in Maine can be hot humid, which makes swimming one of the top pastimes locals partake in when the weather gets hot. While trips to swimming holes and the beach can be time-consuming and sometimes stressful, many locals prefer to swim in peace and in private. This makes above ground pools one of the more popular alternatives to staying cool.

But to keep a pool clean and crystal clear, one must learn how to properly maintain it. With the help of chemicals, a pool’s water can be made clean and free from algae and bacteria. However, before one can start mixing chemicals in, pool owners should first be able to calculate their pool’s volume.

First, to calculate pool volume, one should first use measurements in feet.

Now, to know the average depth of the pool, you can use the following formula:

(depth of deepest end) feet + (depth of shallow end) feet = ______ feet / 2 = average depth feet

To calculate the capacity of your pool, the formula differs with each pool shape.

For rectangular or square shaped pools:

length in feet x width in feet x average depth in feet x 7.5 = pool capacity in gallons

For oval pools:

length in feet x max depth in feet x average depth in feet x 5.9 = pool capacity in gallons

Finally, for circular pools:

diameter in feet x diameter in feet x average depth in feet x 5.9 = pool capacity in gallons

While keeping your pool clean is easy, many might not have the time to do it. If so, call Ambassador Pools to help you keep your pool and its water in tip top condition.

Understanding Free Available Chlorine in Your Above Ground Pool – Shapleigh, ME

A town in York County, Maine, Shapleigh (pronounced “SHAP-lee”) was incorporated in 1785 and has a population of about 2,700. Part of the Portland–South Portland–Biddeford metropolitan statistical area, it is served by state routes 11 and 109.

Above ground pools have slowly gained in popularity in the area, especially since summers can be hot and humid. While easier to maintain than inground pools, owners of above ground pools should still make sure their pool is chlorinated properly. For healthy pool water, a chlorinator must be used to kill bacteria, algae and other organic contaminants.

Understanding free available chlorine, or FAC is a good start. In essence, it is the amount of active chlorinator in the water. The correct amount of FAC in a pool should be between 1.0 and 4.0 ppm. If the amount is less, this can cause algae problems and cause the water to get cloudy, as well as cause rashes.

When the level of chlorine is lower than 1.0 ppm, be sure to add the proper chlorinators or shock treatment until you achieve the proper FAC levels.

When testing for FAC, the ideal frequency is daily, though you can get by checking it once every two weeks.

To learn more about FACs and how to properly maintain your above ground pool, be sure to contact Ambassador Pools for more information.

Above Ground Pool Algae Types in Sanford, ME

A city in York County, Maine, Sanford is the seventh largest municipality in the state with a population of about 21,000. Nestled on the Mousam River, Sanford features many lakes in wooded areas which make it attractive to campers.

While lakes abound in Sanford, when summer comes around, many residents don’t feel like traveling to the woods just to take a swim. This is one of the reasons why many choose to get their own above ground pool.

While easy to maintain, above ground pools are still as susceptible to algae as inground pools. But do you know the types of algae that might infest your pool? Here are the more common types:

Green Algae
 

Usually floating in the water or forming on the side, green algae takes on a dusty green appearance. If left unattended, this can completely render your pool opaque.

Yellow Algae
 

With an appearance that’s mustard in color, this is also called mustard algae and usually form on the shady sides of your pool

Black Algae
 

Also appearing in a blue-green color, this type of algae usually forms in about inch or so sized spots just on the pool’s surface

Proper chlorination is your best defense against algae. However, if they start forming, normal levels won’t be able to control it and the water must be treated with 30 ppm of Free Chlorine.

To learn more about algae types and how to fight them, call Ambassador Pools. Ambassador Pools provide its customers with quality service no matter your above ground pool concern.

Safe Behavior Around Above Ground Pools - Saco, ME

Saco, a city in York County, Maine, is home to Ferry Beach State Park, Funtown Splashtown USA, Thornton Academy, and General Dynamis Armament Systems. A tourist spot in the summer months, Saco is also part of the Portland–South Portland–Biddeford metropolitan statistical area.

Summers can be hot and humid and while swimming is the most popular way to cool off, the number of tourists turn many locals off, which makes them think of other ways to take a swim. The most popular way is by getting their own above ground pool.

While generally safer than inground pools given its raised profile, there are still general safety rules one should follow around above ground pools. These are:

• No diving
• No alcoholic beverages
• Keep the water clean
• No swimming after dark
• No slides of boards
• No horseplay
• No standing on ledges

While the list is in no way comprehensive, be sure to err on the side of safety always. Use common sense and remember, there’s no such thing as being overly safe.

For more information on pool safety and above ground pools in general, call Ambassador Pools. Ambassador Pools are your one-stop for everything about above ground pools, from the pools themselves, to chemicals, to maintenance and safety, and everything in-between.

Above Ground Pool Safety Equipment – Parsonsfield, ME

A town in York County, Maine, Parsonsfield is also part of the Portland–South Portland–Biddeford metropolitan statistical area and has a population of about 1,900. With a topography that’s rough and hilly, and only 1.02 sq miles of its total 59.91 sq miles being water, swimming in Parsonsfield is a luxury.

To beat the lack of swimming holes in the town, many residents are taking matters into their own hands by getting their own above ground pool. While more affordable, practical, and relatively safer than inground pools, owners should still practice due diligence in the maintenance and safety features of their pool.

Here then, are some safety tips above ground pool owners should know:

Use a fence
 

A fence around a pool may not be crucial, but adding at least a 4-foot tall enclosure around it can greatly improve safety. Be sure that the gates are self-latching and is equipped with permanent locking to help keep wandering toddlers out. Also, check with your local and state building codes as well to ensure the installation complies with the law.

Pool covers
 

When getting a pool cover, be sure it complies with the CPSC Standard ES13. Covers must have a positive tamper-proof loving retainer cable to keep it in place, and never let anyone, most especially small children, walk or play on top of the pool cover.

Electrical hazards
 

When something is wrong with your filter or other electrical equipment nearby, be sure to never handle it when your body or the ground is wet. To avoid any hazard, electrical power sources should be protected by a Class A (5 milliampere trip) Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter (GFCI) as stated in the National Electrical Code Section 680.

These, any many more safety tips and equipment can be gleaned from Ambassador Pools. If you are looking to improve the safety features of your above ground pool, be sure to contact the pool experts at Ambassador Pools – where above ground pool experts are ready and willing to help you any time with all your above ground pool needs.

Cleaning Your Above Ground Pool – Old Orchard Beach, ME

A census-designated place and town in York County, Maine, Old Orchard Beach is part of the Portland-South Portland-Biddeford metropolitan statistical area and has a population of about 9,000.

The town has a number of tourist-oriented businesses and its long stretch of beach is  lined with beach homes, condos, motels and more.

Summers in Old Orchard Beach can be hot and humid, and while the beach is a great place to cool off, the number of tourists can cause issues with privacy. This is why many residents have opted to get their own above ground pool to cool off in whenever they want, without having to deal with other people.

While easier to maintain than inground pools, above ground pools still require some TLC. Here is a checklist you can use whenever your above ground pool needs some cleaning:

1. When cleaning the pool, you can use a portable leaf skimmer to hep you
2. Be sure to clean the strainer baskets in the skimmer and pump
3. When cleaning the walls of your pool, the proper way to do so depends of the material. Be sure to consult your pool’s manufacturer
4. Your pool should be vacuumed at least once a week
5. Be sure to test the water as often as possible and add the proper chemicals as needed
6. Your pool’s deck (if you have one) should be clear of debris to avoid accidents

While this list if by no means comprehensive, it can be a good starting point for you. For more information about cleaning your pool and above ground pools in general, call Ambassador Pools today.

Test Kits and Balancing pH for Above Ground Pools – Ogunquit, ME

Literally meaning “beautiful place by the sea,” Ogunquit is a town in York County, Maine with a population of about 1,500. It is a summer resort place that’s part of the Portland–South Portland–Biddeford metropolitan statistical area.

The climate in the area is classified as humid continental, meaning winters are cold, with summers being hot and often humid. As a resort town, you can safely assume that many residents like to cool off from the summer heat by swimming. However, not everyone has the time to go to the beach, with others not caring for salt water. These are the ones who have their own pools in their homes.

Being more practical and affordable than inground pools, above ground pools are the popular choice of many. But while easier to maintain, every once in awhile an above ground pool has to be tested and it’s pH level balanced.

Chlorine is added in a pool to protect it from algae and kill germs from living in it. It also keeps the water clean and clear. When using a test kit, be sure to get water from below the surface to get a more accurate reading, always at the same time of day.

When the water has been tested, refer to the chart in your testing kit to indicate your pool’s water pH balance. Ideally, the pH level should be between 7.2 and 7.6 Anything above 7.6 and deposits can form in the piping and pool surface.

If the level is lower, the water becomes acidic and it can damage the piping and pool surface. By keeping the pH level within the ideal range, you disinfect the pool properly while keeping any scales from forming, and prevent corrosion.

To find out more about test kits and your pool’s pH balance, call Ambassador Pools today. Not only the finest above ground pool providers in the area, Ambassador Pools can help you with all your pool-related problems.

Solutions for Eye And Skin Irritation in Above Ground Pools - Ocean Park, ME

An unincorporated community in York County, Maine, Ocean Park is also known as Temple Square or Chatauqua-By-The-Sea. It is an historic family-style summer community located in Temple Avenue on Saco Bay and was mainly constructed in the 1880s.

Being a seaside community, residents in the area love the water. Especially when the days get warm in summer, locals would rather take a swim to cool off than sit around in an air conditioned room. While the ocean may be close, many would rather take a dip in the privacy of their own home, which makes above ground pools especially popular.

More practical and affordable than inground pools, above ground pools tend to be a popular alternative choice for many would-be pool owners. However, like any other pool, there are times when eye and skin irritation occurs due to the chlorine.

High levels of chlorine are the chief cause for eye and skin irritation and the reasons may be because of too little free available chlorine or an incorrect pH balance. If this happens, you can do the following.

First, you can check the pH and alkalinity levels of the pool and adjust it accordingly. Or, you can shock the pool using shock treatment chemicals. When you shock the pool, you’ll have to check the pH and alkalinity again after a few hours and readjust. Take note that chlorine levels should be between the 1 – 4 ppm range.

Don’t let eye and skin irritation ruin your pool for you. If you need help in handling above ground pool problems, feel free to call Ambassador Pools. The leading provider of above ground pools, Ambassador Pools can also assist you with maintenance and offer solutions for common pool problems.

Dealing With Birds Around Your Above Ground Pool – Waterboro, ME

Waterboro is a town in York County, Maine with a population of about 7,693. It is part of the Portland–South Portland–Biddeford metropolitan statistical area and includes the North, South, and East districts.

Early Indian settlers called the place Massabesic, which means ‘place of much water’ because of the number of lakes in the region. As such, locals in the area are fond of swimming to cool off in the summer. Today, people are more busy than ever, thus traveling to the nearest swimming hole isn’t as feasible as it once was. Because of this, many install above ground pools in their homes to have easy access to a place they can cool off in, anytime.

While the maintenance of pools have lots of factors to consider, one of the more irritating issues a pool owner has to face are birds. Birds flying around tend to leave droppings everywhere, and that includes your pool’s water. And with the threat of bird flu, making sure your pool is free from any bird contaminants is all the more important. While chlorine can kill off most bacteria and are sufficient enough to handle bird droppings, sometimes it’s not enough.

Here are some things you can do to chase away birds.

You can install a dummy own with a movable head near your pool to chase away birds. Make sure you move the owl figure every couple of days to keep other birds from nesting in a particular area.

Old CDs can also be hung from trees and other outcroppings. The reflected light keeps birds away.

Toy rubber snakes can also be placed in the pool. It also doubles as a pool toy for kids.

You can also place a weaved grid of fishing line over the pool, but make sure it is out of reach of kids.

Finally, always cover your pool when it is not in use.

These are but a few solutions to keep birds away, and I’m sure you can come up a few yourself now that you get the idea. All it takes is a little creativity and trying to think like the birds do.

For more information about above ground pools and pool safety, check out Ambassador Pools today!

Fixing Your Above Ground Pool’s Algae Problem – North Berwick, ME

Named after the Berwick in England, North Berwick is a town in York County, Maine with a population of about 5,000. Part of the Portland–South Portland–Biddeford metropolitan statistical area, North Berwick was first settled in 1693 and incorporated in 1831.

When summer in North Berwick hits, the days get hot enough to merit a swim in a pool. While public pools can be used, not everyone has the time nor money to travel all the way to a public pool to cool off. This is why above ground pools are rising in popularity. Being more affordable and easier to maintain than inground pools, it’s no surprise that a number of residents in North Berwick own, or are planning to own, an above ground pool of their own.

Despite being easier to maintain, above ground pools still require maintenance. This includes shock and algaecide to control the growth of algae. However, there are times when algae still finds its way to your pool. What do you do then?

To treat the algae in your pool, first adjust the pH to about 7.2 to 7.4. Then, you brush the pool walls thoroughly. Use a shock treatment solution, followed by an algae-treatment formula. You then run the filter for a day or two, all while frequently brushing and vacuuming.

If after the steps above, algae is still present, call Ambassador Pools. Aside from being the best above ground pool provider in the area, Ambassador Pools also have their own pool experts to help you maintain your pool.

If you want to know more about the chemicals used to keep your pool clean, or if you need help in its maintenance, call Ambassador Pools today.