1. Call a reputable swimming pool maintenance company such as Veldon A Limited that possesses the Certified Pool & Spa Operator (CPO®) Certification.

2. Call a ‘run off the mill/ fly by night’ pool man who may make a lucky guess. Or,

3.Try to figure it out yourself.

For those of you who chose number 3, take a closer look at what may cause cloudy pool water and how to treat with it.

• The Environment. It may be after heavy rains and the surface ‘run off’ entered the pool. Leaves and insects may get trapped in the pump and skimmer baskets preventing the filtration system from working efficiently.

The Fix

Remove all foreign particles from the pool water by scrubbing, vacuuming and netting. Also, empty all pump and skimmer baskets of debris.

• Water Chemistry is Unbalanced. Your alkalinity, pH and chlorine levels may be too high or too low. Imbalanced chlorine and pH may usually cause cloudy water. When the pH level is not balanced it causes the free chlorine to be ineffective. When free chlorine is too low, it forms chloramine and is unable to kill bacteria, algae and other living organisms causing water to be cloudy. Also, high levels of Total Alkalinity can cause calcium scaling resulting in cloudy water.

The Fix

Test your water chemistry by investing in a reputable test kit such as Pool Style 5-way Test Kit or the more advance Taylor Test Kits K-2005/K-2006 both sold at Veldon A Limited and calculate the volume of your pool using the Pentair Pool Volume Calculator. For beginners I would recommend the Pool Style Test Kit as all instructions are listed, easy to follow and it is very affordable. For the more advanced user, the Taylor test kit will do the job by giving you a more in-depth view of the pool water chemistry such as testing for calcium hardness, bromine and Cyanuric Acid (CYA). These tests are also necessary to conduct because for instance, when CYA is too high or low, it prevents the chlorine from sanitizing the pool water thus resulting in pool water cloudiness.

• Poor Filtration and Circulation- I have had clients in the past tell me that they only turn on the pump when they are using the pool or, turn on the pump for short periods of time such as one hour per day . Larger pools hold more water and would take longer to turnover the body of water through the filtration system.

The Fix

Proper filtration requires the pump and filter system to be turned on long enough for there to be a complete water turnover. The length of time depends on the pool gallon age, and the equipment used.

The filter should be clean and in good working condition. Back wash sand filters until the water runs clear. Cartridge filters should be washed regularly and should be replaced when torn.

Because there are many different factors which affect the clarity of pool water, it is important to develop a schedule for regular maintenance of the pool and or spa. Weekly chemical balancing, vacuuming, brushing. netting and equipment checks will ensure continued crystal clear inviting water.

If you believe that you may have a leak you can conduct the bucket test. Depending on the result of the bucket test, you may want to call your pool guy. He may then locate the leak using leak locating dye for pool structural leaks, or do a pressure test for pipe/plumbing leaks.

Fixing minor leaks can prevent concrete decks from falling, water wastage, soil erosion, chemical wastage.

                                         BEFORE                                                                            AFTER

Your resolution this year may also include larger projects such as updating your waterline tiles for older model pools, changing your liner, or re-doing the pool plaster as well as your deck. It is recommended that you speak to a professional and discuss your budget to gain knowledgeable insight into to process, timeline, cost and overall outcome you wish to achieve.

Another resolution may be to invest in some toys for your pool. Make the entertainment a lot more interesting and allow your guests more options when they come over. Loungers, floats, water games create a fun atmosphere. A great time to purchase these items is at the end of the summer when most summer items go on sale.

Always remember that minor issues turn into larger problems if left unattended. Pay attention to strange pump noises, skimmer parts, changing of the filter sand and cartridges. Main drain covers should be secured and regular checks are necessary. If anything seems too difficult, consult the pool professional.

You save a lot more in the long run by conducting minor preventative checks and fixes in a timely manner.

Myth #1: It utilizes a lot of water.

Not true. The initial filling of a swimming pool /spa is the most water you would consume during the life of a swimming pool. The pool is filled and chemically treated weekly to maintain the water’s health and clarity.

Myth #2: It is costly to maintain.

NO. Anyone who can own a vehicle can own a swimming pool. Gone are the days when it would cost a year’s electricity to run your pump and filter for a weekend. Manufacturers have significantly improved on the energy consumption of all operating equipment.

Myth #3: Your swimming pool can be left without cleaning for long periods of time.

Absolutely NOT. Your swimming pool must be cleaned and chemically balanced at least once per week to ensure the life of your swimming pool and your physical health.

Myth #4: Chlorine kills everything in the pool. Chlorine kills some bacteria and can help prevent the spread of some waterborne diseases, but chlorine does NOT effectively kill recreational water illnesses (RWI’s) like Cryptosporidium (Crypto) and guardia at the levels typically found in a public pool. Swallowing pool water with such bacteria may lead to gastrointestinal diseases.

Myth #5: A heavy chemical smell is an indication of a clean pool.

A strong chemical smell is usually an indication of chloromides in the pool which are a mixture of chlorine and pool contaminants such as urine, body oils, sweat and any foreign chemical substance brought into the pool by the users. This reason explains why it is necessary to rinse your body from head to toe with clean fresh water before entering a swimming pool.

For more swimming pool facts visit our blog

Most pool experts give you a step by step process on how to maintain your swimming pool. Seemingly, these steps are to be simple, and should result in crystal clear water that is inviting and calming. However, what they fail to explain is that if you are not in the pool covered from the neck down with a temperature of 32 degrees in the shade you will build a sweat so intense that you will quickly realise that your gym membership is a waste of time. Save your gym membership fees and Clean Your Pool!

I have had the privilege of treating one of the worst green algae infested pools I have ever seen during the 1st week of June 2016…I was very excited because l thought I that it would have been a simple task. I know that pools get dirty as I have seen (in my humble opinion) my fair share of pools. However, I was not prepared for this challenge. The Above Ground Swimming Pool monster is 24’ in diameter and 54” tall. It was the monster that haunted my dreams.

Mosquito larvae infested the water, the green algae slime was thick as it tried to protect itself from the environment. It smelled like sweat filled gym socks and housed many creatures of the swamp. “Oh my God” I thought “if any it of this water touches my skin I am dropping everything and heading directly to the emergency room. My mind raced as I thought about what I had gotten myself into. “Am I an idiot, why would I agree to something like this?” at the same time looking at my trainee pool operators’ face whose expression read “You had better not ask me to touch the contents of this pool, Helllll Nooo!” I shook my head and whispered a prayer.

Due to an undependable water supply, emptying the pool was not an option. I re-grouped and used the following steps to treat the pool;

1. Net the pool. Try to scrape the bottom as much as possible
2. Brush the walls and the floor trying to remove all plant like substances from growing on the pool.
3. Test the water. Check to ensure that the balancing agents are optimal and pH is between 7.2-7.6 to allow chlorine and chemicals to work at 100% efficiency. Check free chlorine.
4. Clean filter and baskets to optimize circulation and filtration. Adjust pH and balancing chemicals. Let pool run for approximately 3 hours to mix chemicals. Remove debris again using a leaf net.
5. Shock the pool using 3 times the normal amount and add algaecide. Use algaecide only if the pool is very green.

6. Brush the pool the mix the algae with the chemicals.

7. Let the pump run for approximately 24 hours. Vacuum and net the pool.

8. Clean the filter twice per day until pool clears. Stay out of the pool until pool clears.

The Easter Break is fast approaching and Summer is around the corner, if we are anything alike, you are deliberating what fun activities you can engage in. There are numerous options but how convenient, affordable and long lasting are they? There maybe some of you who, like me, have children and feel guilty when we have to ship our kids off to some mundane camp while we toil the entire break away at our desks.

Before my passion grew for the swimming pool business I thought that I had no options. I believed that I had to spend a fortune to get an in-ground swimming pool or purchase one of those blown up pools at our local department stores. One of them I could afford, but had to risk my neighbor catching me with my 5’7” frame coveting the six feet or less of restricted space allocated to my 3 eager children without looking absolutely ridiculous.

Classy above ground Swimming Pools

Above ground swimming pools have been in existence for approximately 70 years but it has not gained much popularity in the Caribbean. There has been a misconception about the cost and the durability of the above ground swimming pool. The main benefits of an above ground swimming pool are listed below;

1. Cost – The same sized above ground swimming pool is a small faction of the cost of its counterpart the in-ground swimming pool.
2. Shorter Installation time – when compared to the in-ground swimming pool which takes approximately 6-8weeks the above swimming pool installation takes approximately 5-7 days.
3. More location choices – it is possible to have more choices of areas to put down the pool in your backyard as the swimming pools come in a variety of sizes.
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                                   Go From THIS                                          TO THIS in 7 days or less

1. Portability – Just imagine you may have to move from your current home and your swimming pool can move with you to your new house. You can also decide on shifting the pool the location right in your backyard with little assistance.
2. Takes up less space. There is a size to suite every available space, without the mess!
3. All features available – Above ground pools are available with ladders, steps, diving board ad L.E.D lights. Every accessory available for the in-ground pool is available for the above ground and semi-inground pool.
4. Reuse your yard – it allows you the flexibility to empty and disassemble the entire pool if you need to, or covers can be purchased to ensure that leaves and debris does not fall into it when not in use.

Veldon A. Limited knows that a majority of customers are price conscious and want the best price for their investment. NEVER let price alone be the determining factor. Your amazing deal today will definitely cost you a lot more in the near future.

Some contractors are able to offer you attractive pricing by cutting back on materials and by purchasing inferior parts. This is a lifetime investment therefore in order to ensure longevity the best parts, materials and craftsmanship must be utilized.

We at Veldon A Limited believe in utilizing the best quality parts and materials on the market at the same time ensuring that our contractors are specialized in their area will result in lifetime savings and guaranteed satisfaction at the end of your project. The utilization of quality parts and specialist contractors reduces your maintenance cost in years to come.

Here are a few important tips to consider before hiring your contractor;

1. Get recommendations- Know anyone in the neighbourhood who has an in ground pool? If so, ask them about their experience – most pool owners are more than willing to talk about it. They may be able to steer you toward – or away from – a particular contractor.
2. Get references – If your potential contractor is unwilling to provide a references stay away!
3. Ask about warranties on equipment.
4. Does the contractor have adequate resources at their disposal- Do they come with a strong network of subcontractors that they work with regularly and adequate staff for larger jobs?
5. Go with your gut. Sometimes it really is too good to be true.

All in all, you cannot control every aspect of the client contractor relationship however, you can try to limit the possibility of a lifetime of stress and unexpected expenses.