Roadrunner Pool Service

Phoenix Pool Cleaning & Repair Service

How to Care for Your Pool After a Storm

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Summer Lightning If you live in the Phoenix area, you are aware of the damage monsoon storms can cause. When a monsoon does hit, do you know the best way to care for your pool? In preparation for the monsoon season, here are some tips for taking care of your pool after a storm.

Before the Storm

• Cut the power. When a monsoon storm warning comes through, turn off the power to the swimming pool’s equipment, including the filter and pump. If a power surge happens from a lightning strike, it could serious damage or destroy your pool’s equipment.
• Invest in a pool cover. If you cover the pool, not just during a storm but all the time, it will prevent objects from blowing in including dirt and sand. Use a mesh cover since safety covers can fill with rain water and damage the pool.
• Secure anything that might blow into the pool. When a monsoon storm in approaching, you should secure anything that could possibly become airborne. It may not be feasible to prevent all forms of trash from landing in the pool, but it is possible to secure things such as patio furniture and umbrellas. If there is a warning of an impending storm, be sure to move them into the garage or some other covered area where they cannot take flight.

After the Storm
• Call your pool contractor. After a storm hits the area and you have made sure everyone is safe, your first call should be to whoever services your pool. Schedule a full cleaning and service to get your pool’s chemicals balanced. A pool contractor will also:
• Skim out the tree branches, leaves and other debris;
• Clean the skimmer baskets and pump strainer to keep it from getting blocked;
• Inspect the electrical equipment before the power is turned on in order to make sure that the pump is working;
• Vacuum the pool; and
• Shock the pool and balance the chemicals.

A swimming pool is a huge investment that you want to protect. Taking the time to prepare for monsoon season will allow you to rest easy when a storm hits.

National Safety Month – Water Safety

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swimming-pool-317449_640Summer is here and it is time to break out the grills and the swim suits for some summer fun around the family pool. Keep in mind that having a pool comes with great responsibility. Pools can be wonderful places for entertaining and relaxing during the summer months, but they can also be deadly. That is why June has been designated as National Safety month. Before cooling off in your pool, it is important to soak up some safety tips to protect you and your loved ones.

• Be alert—One of the most important responsibilities of owning a pool is watching your kids while they are swimming. You should always watch your children when they are in the pool area. It only takes a few seconds for something to happen that can lead to tragedy. You should also be sure to keep the kids away from pool drains and pipes.
• Be proactive—Another way to protect your children around the pool is to be proactive. Teach your children basic water safety tips and behaviors that will keep them safe. Be sure to model these behaviors as well so that they see you being safe and decide to follow. Also, if you have friends over, don’t assume they know how to be safe; instead, share the safety instructions with them.
• Keep a phone handy—Always keep your cellphone or a portable phone nearby when you are by the pool in case you have to dial 911 for a serious emergency.
• Check the pool first—If you are working around the house and notice that you haven’t seen or heard your child, check the pool area first. Don’t waste valuable time checking in their bedroom or playroom, but look for them in the pool in case the worst has happened.
• Take a swimming course—If you own a pool, it is important that you know how to swim and that your children learn as soon as possible. In addition, you should take a course in CPR so that you can perform life-saving techniques should an accident occur. Check with your local YMCA or with the American Red Cross for information on these types of courses in your area.
• Fence it in—Be sure to keep kids out when they aren’t being supervised by installing a safety fence around the pool. The fence should be at least four-feet tall and should be self-closing with a self-latching gate. Also, consider putting in a locking safety cover for when you are not using the pool or spa.
• Invest in alarms—Installing an alarm that makes a chiming sound whenever the door is opened will give you peace of mind. It will alert you if your children are trying to sneak out to the pool area unsupervised. You can also install pool alarms that will go off if the surface of the pool is disturbed by someone jumping or falling in.

Protecting Your Investment – Types of Pool Fencing for Your Home

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Pool FenceSo you have decided to install a pool in your backyard? You know you need to safeguard it, but don’t know where to start. There are several things you need to consider about how you will secure your investment and ensure everyone’s safety. Your best bet is to look at your options before you have to make a decision about pool fencing , so you can make an informed decision.

Know the Regulations — The first thing you need to do before you install a pool fence is the regulations in your area. There are no federal laws governing pool fences. Those laws are left to the state and local governments. In Arizona, for instance, you must have a fence around your pool, but only if you have a child under the age of six. However, if you live in certain cities in Arizona (including Scottsdale and Glendale), you must have a fence regardless of the age of your children. You also have to consider homeowner’s association rules. Many HOA’s have specific guidelines regarding pool construction and fencing types to maintain a standard through the neighborhood. Be sure to check with your HOA to find out their requirements as well.

Suggested Minimums — The U. S. Consumer Product Safety Commission in conjunction with legal requirements in many states, has put together a list of suggestions for pools to maintain a safe area. They include:

• The fence should be a minimum of 4  feet or higher and should be designed so that children cannot climb it
• The fence should be permanent as temporary or “portable” fencing can be easy to get through
• The fence should have a gate that opens outward and is both self-latching and self-closing
• The fence should be made of a material that is durable and fits with requirements based on your local government and your HOA

Materials and Styles — The most popular materials for a pool safety fence are wood, vinyl, aluminum, mesh and glass. Each material has its own pros and cons concerning durability and appearance. The three most popular types that are:

• Glass panel fencing — These are very trendy right now, especially for West Coast homeowners. These panes of fencing are transparent, so you don’t take away from the beauty of the pool and the surrounding landscaping. They are also very durable since they are made from tempered glass that will not shatter, except under the most extreme of circumstances.
• Mesh pool fencing — This is another popular choice because, although it is portable and can be taken down easily, it is ultimately very sturdy and durable. Just be sure that the material you choose for this type meets or exceeds the strength standards for your locality.
• Vertical bar fencing — This option can be manufactured in a variety of materials, but one of the best is wrought iron. Panels of bars are placed standing straight up to give a feel of a wrought iron gate all around your pool. Just make sure that the bars are spaced four inches (or less) apart so that a child cannot slip through the bars.

All homes with pools should also include rescue equipment like a safety flotation device for emergencies. Homeowners can go the extra mile for security and peace of mind, with additional features such as pool alarms and automatic rigid pool covers. Regardless of what you choose, be sure to pick the type that is right for your home and that meets the requirements of your community.

Water Safety Tips for the Whole Family

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swimmerPools are a great addition to any home and a wonderful way to bring families together for fun activities.  But one of the fears of any homeowner with a pool is the possible dangers associated with water safety.  That is why it is important to look at a variety of pool safety tips and to institute a plan for maintaining a safe and orderly area around and in your pool. [Read more…]