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.

Pool Decking: What fits your needs

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For many people who are looking at building a pool, the main concern is what goes into the pool, concerning the filtration system and the interior surface.  But another aspect of serious importance is the pool deck itself.  There are several different options for pool decking.  The important things to consider when choosing which one to use is your budget and your aesthetic needs. [Read more…]

Pool Surfaces: Wading through your options

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A swimming pool is one of the largest investments a homeowner can choose to make to his or her existing home.  As such, you want to make sure that everything, from the filtration system to the decking surrounding the pool is top quality and fits not only the aesthetic plan for your backyard but also your budget as well.  Here are some of the best choices for swimming pool surfaces so that you can find the options that fit your lifestyle. [Read more…]