Monday, June 30, 2014

Dealing With The Chlorine Smell of Your Above Ground Pool in Newfield, ME

Newfield is a town in York County, Maine. Known for being the home of the Willowbrook Museum Village, Newfield has a population of about 1,500 and is part of the Portland–South Portland–Biddeford metropolitan statistical area.

Summers in Newfield can be uncomfortably hot, and swimming is one of the more popular ways to cool off. However, not everyone has the time nor means to visit the local local swimming hole, so many opt instead to have one in their own backyard in the form of an above ground pool.

One of the things above ground pool owners have to deal with though is the chlorine smell. While not really that offensive, it can still cause others to become uncomfortable. So, how do you deal with it?

While some might think that the smell of chlorine means that the pool is properly disinfected, strangely enough, if you smell the chlorine it means that the pool hasn’t got enough of it. The smell actually comes from chloramines, which are formed when there is not enough levels of free chlorine to react with ammonia and nitrogen-containing compounds.

To make sure this is the case, you can measure the level of free and total chlorine using the following formula:

Combined chlorine = total chlorine - free chlorine

When there is very little or no free available chlorine, you can deal with this with a chlorine shock treatment or the use of a pool water sanitizer.

To find out more above combined chlorine and how to deal with it properly, call Ambassador Pools. while being one of the leading above ground pool providers in the area, Ambassador Pools can help you with all your pool related issues.

Friday, June 27, 2014

Scale Deposits in Your Above Ground Pool in Wells, ME

A popular summer destination for tourists, Wells in York County, Maine is also the third-oldest town in the state. With a population of nearly 10,000, the town is part of the Portland–South Portland–Biddeford metropolitan statistical area and has a total area of 73.61 square miles.

While Wells Beach is a popular spot during the summer, there are some residents who want a place all for themselves to cool off in. Which is why above ground pools in the area have become quite popular. More affordable, more practical, and definitely more easy to maintain than inground pools, many residents in and around Wells are intrigued with the prospect of owning one, if they don’t already.

For those who own one, have you ever wondered why sometimes there are white, gray, or brownish chalky deposits on your pool’s walls and fixtures? These are called scale deposits and they happen regularly.

Scale deposits are the precipitates that form due to unbalanced water. Whether its a high pH, high TA, calcium hardness, or a combination of the three, scale deposits happen. While the pH, calcium hardness, and TA are easily controlled and stabilized by a few treatments, when left for a little while, scale deposits can occur.

Fortunately, these are easily taken care of with a simple call to Ambassador Pools. A pool expert can come in to do a full analysis, and based on his or her findings, you will need to balance your water to ensure the scale deposits are controlled.

So if you are experiencing scale deposits in your pool, call Ambassador Pools today. Ambassador Pools aren’t just purveyors of quality above ground pools, but they can help you with your existing one as well. 

 

Thursday, June 26, 2014

Dealing With Colored Water in Your Limington, ME Above Ground Pool

A town in York County, Maine, Limington is a popular tourist destination with historic architecture. Part of the Portland–South Portland–Biddeford, Maine metropolitan statistical area, Limington has a population of about 3,800 with an area of 43.29 square miles.

A few hours drive away form the sea, many residents in Limington often visit the sea to cool off when the weather gets hot. But since not everyone has the time to spare to go to the beach, many residents instead opt to get their own above ground pool.

While above ground pools are easier to maintain than inground pools – and more affordable – the fact remains that maintenance is still required. But despite your maintenance, sometimes the water still changes color. So how do you deal with colored water in your above ground pool?

There are two causes for colored water in a pool: dissolved metals or a high organic content. If you have colored water, you can do the following to make it crystal clear again:

1. Bring a sample of the pool water to Ambassador Pools to have it analyzed
2. If the results show dissolved metals, you can add a sequestering agent or metal control to the pool. Be sure to follow the dealer’s instructions.
3. If the analysis yields high organic content, you can shock treat your pool with the proper chemicals. Ask your dealer which chemicals to use and again, follow their instructions.

Simple as that, you can turn your colored water pool back to its crystal clear glory. BE sure to ask Ambassador Pools for advice if you are not sure about the treatment.

After treatment, make sure the free chlorine level drops down to 1 to 4 ppm before you enter the pool.

For more information about proper above ground pool maintenance, feel free to call Ambassador Pools. Whatever your above ground pool needs are, you can trust Ambassador Pools to help you out.

Wednesday, June 25, 2014

Can You Overstabilize Above Ground Pools? – Limerick, ME

Part of the Portland–South Portland–Biddeford, Maine metropolitan statistical area, Limerick in York County, Maine has a population of about 3,000 and was named after Limerick in Ireland.

Limerick is set among hills and lakes, and many residents who feel hot, especially during summer, have no qualms taking a dip to cool off. However, not everyone has easy access to a swimming hole, so many have invested on an above ground pool instead.

Above ground pools are a more affordable, more practical, and easier to maintain alternative to inground pools. Both serving the same function, it’s no surprise why above ground pools are growing in popularity.

If you are an above ground pool owner, you’ve no doubt spent some time stabilizing your pool as part of your maintenance routine. However, is it possible to over stabilize it? The answer is yes.

When stabilized sanitizers and stabilized shock products are used too often, there will be a build-up of cyanuric acid which is the chief sign of over stabilization. This is a concern because an over stabilized pool will lessen the effectiveness of chlorine in killing germs, algae, and bacteria. While cyanauric acid in small levels protect chlorine from deteriorating under sunlight, too much will render the benefits of chlorine useless and can cause more problems. Recommended levels of cyanauric acid are from 40 to 60 ppm.

If you are concerned about pool stabilization, and need help in the proper maintenance of your pool, feel free to contact Ambassador Pools. The premiere provider of above ground pools in the area, Ambassador Pools can help you in all above ground pool related things, whether you are a prospective buyer or an experienced owner.

Don’t let your pool get over stabilized. Call Ambassador Pools for help today.

Tuesday, June 24, 2014

Cloudy Water in Your Lebanon, ME Above Ground Pool

A town in York County, Maine, Lebanon is part of the Portland–South Portland–Biddeford, Maine metropolitan statistical area and has a population of about 6,000.

Summers in Lebanon can be hot and perfect for swimming. Instead of taking the trip out to local swimming holes, many residents have their own above ground pools for easier access to the water. Why above ground pools? Aside from being more affordable than inground pools, above ground pools are more practical and easier to maintain, making them the smarter choice.

For those who own an above ground pool, keeping the water clean is important for your health and for the overall maintenance of the pool. So, what do you do if you have cloudy water?

While the causes for cloudy water are numerous, it is usually due to an incorrect pH, incorrect TA or improper filtration. After making sure the pH and TA are the right level, check your filtration system and adjust it accordingly.

Be sure that the filtration system runs smoothly and that it is turned on at least 8 to 12 hours a day. Also check if the filter needs to be backwashed. After backwashing, check if the filter pressure normalizes, if not, it might need to be cleaned chemically.

Be sure that the pump strainer baskets and skimmer baskets are emptied, and test your water's pH and alkalinity levels to see if they are in the ideal range. You can also shock the pool using the proper chemicals.

If you need help in acquiring the chemicals needed, call Ambassador Pools for help. Aside from providing the best above ground pools in the market, Ambassador Pools can also help in maintaining them.

Owning an above ground pool can be fun, and if maintained properly, it can give you years of service and comfort. For more information, call Ambassador Pools today.

Monday, June 23, 2014

Kittery Point, ME Above Ground Pool FAQ – Free Available Chlorine

A census-designated place in York County, Maine, Kittery Point is part of the town of Kittery and has a population of about 1,100. Located just beside the Atlantic Ocean, Kittery Point is also part of the Portland–South Portland–Biddeford, Maine metropolitan statistical area.

With its proximity to the ocean, it comes as no surprise that most Kittery Point residents have a love affair with the water. When the weather gets too hot, many would rather cool off by swimming than just sit in an air conditioned room. Because of this, many residents have their own above ground pool to cool off in anytime they want.

While significantly easier to maintain than inground pools, above ground pools still needs a degree of maintenance to keep them safe and healthy. One of the more frequently asked questions by above ground pool owners though is with regards to proper pool chlorination. Specifically, Free Available Chlorine or FAC.

First off, what is FAC? In a nutshell, it is the amount of active chlorinator in the water. What a chlorinator does is kill bacteria, control algae, and eliminate organic contaminants to achieve healthy pool water.

The correct amount of FAC in a pool should be in the 1.0 – 4.0 ppm range. If the level is below 1.0 ppm, algae problems, cloudy water, swimmer rashes, and bacteria problems can occur. To raise the ppm, chlorinator should be added or shock treatment done until the desired FAC level is achieved.

To ensure proper FAC levels, above ground pool owners should test the water at least twice a week during the summer season, though daily is best.

To find out more about FAC and above ground pool maintenance, feel free to contact Ambassador Pools and its pool experts. Whether you are an above ground pool owner, or planning to become one,  Ambassador Pools can help you with all your above ground pool needs.

Friday, June 20, 2014

Above Ground Pool Water Chemistry – Kittery, ME

A town in York County, Maine, Kittery is a tourist destination that’s known for its many outlet stores. With a population of around 9,500, the town is also home to the Portsmouth Naval Shipyard. Kittery is also part of the Portland–South Portland–Biddeford metropolitan statistical area.

The town is built around a natural harbor, which makes many of its residents quite fond of the water. When the days get hot, swimming is the most popular way to cool off. While many residents have their own above ground pool, with many more planning to get one, pool owners should be aware of proper pool water chemistry.

When pool water is balanced, pool maintenance becomes easy.

Alkalinity must be tested once a month with the range being 125-150 ppm. Calcium hardness should be tested bi-monthly and should be in the range of 175-225 ppm. Finally, pH should be checked twice a week with a range of 7.2-7.6.

If the levels of the above are correct, the levels needed to fight bacteria are correct, corrosive build up will be prevented, and eye irritation won’t be as rampant too.

If the levels tested are too high or too low the accepted range, you can add the proper chemicals to bring it to the right levels. If pH is high or low, you can add a pH Minus or pH Plus product respectively. If calcium is low, you add a water hardener agent; but if it’s high, a sequestering agent it needed. For alkalinity, if the levels are too high, an Alkalinity Decreaser should be used, and if it’s too low, an Alkalinity Increaser should be added.

It’s all pretty straightforward, but if you need help with your above ground pool’s water balance, feel free to call Ambassador Pools – the best above ground pool provider in the area doesn’t just help you get your own pool, they can also help you maintain it.