Repairs
According to
equipment manufacturers and industry standards, the following
procedures should be performed regularly to help ensure a safe,
efficient and long lasting pool environment.
D.E. Filter Grid Cleaning -
Frequency: 1x - 2x / year - Cost:
$90/hr - Typical filter is cleaned in 1 - 2 hours
Diatomaceous Earth Pool Filters
should be carefully disassembled and thoroughly cleaned every
year (more often on pools with heavy usage (pets, parties, etc.)
or high foliage/debris levels). We inspect the grid fabric and
structure, the manifold, the air relief screen, the tank clamp
and o-ring, and the air relief assembly.
It is always recommended to
replace all the grids at the same time since the failure of one
grid is an indication that the other grids will also soon need
replacement.
Cartridge Filter Cleaning - Frequency: 3x - 4x / year - Cost: $90/hr
- Typical filter cleaned in 1 hour
Cartridge Filters
should be carefully disassembled and thoroughly cleaned 3 - 4
times per year (more often on pools with heavy usage (pets,
parties, etc.) or high foliage/debris levels). We inspect the
fabric and structure, the air relief screen, the tank clamp and
o-ring and thoroughly clean the elements and re-assemble the
filter. Keep in mind that cartridges only have an expected life
of 2 - 3 years with proper maintenance and should be replaced
accordingly.
Sand Filter Sand Replacement - Frequency: Every 5 years - Cost: $1
per pound (Price Includes Sand Disposal)
Sand Replacement should
be performed every 5 years. Suntan lotion, body oils, dirt,
hair and chemical residues cause the sand to become thick or
clump together with buildup which prevents the sand from
efficiently filtering the water. When this occurs the sand
filter will usually operate at a higher than normal psi level,
the water will be cloudy and/or algae will form. Please call
Arizona Pool Pros to have us come out and check the condition of
the sand in your filter.
Backwash Valve Service - Frequency: 1x - 2x / year - Cost: Price
varies see service description below
Plunger Backwash Valves
should be disassembled and lubricated twice per year. We take
apart the valve, install new piston o-rings and lubricate the
internal assembly. Cost: $90 (includes
o-rings)
Multi-port Backwash Valves
should be disassembled and lubricated at least once each year.
We take apart the valve, inspect the diverter, gasket and valve
body and apply lubricant to the diverter and gasket. We also
check the valve body o-ring for deterioration. Cost: $90 +
parts
Jandy Valve Service - Frequency: 1x / year - Cost: $10 each +
Labor
Jandy Valves
should be disassembled and lubricated once each year. We take
the valve apart and clean and lubricate the internal diverter
with silicone lubricant. We also replace internal o-rings as
needed. This is not necessary with the
newer Jandy Never Lube valves.
Pool Vacuums - Frequency: 1x - 2x / year or as needed - Cost: Varies
per model and parts needed
Hayward Pool Vac Ultra &
Navigator are the two most popular pool vacuums installed in
Maricopa County. To prolong the life of your vacuum make
certain that all rocks, bottle caps, etc. and other debris are
kept off the bottom of the pool.
Pool Draining - Frequency: Every 2 - 3 years on average - Cost: $225
for
Typical Play Pool - Price Increases for larger pools (includes
chemicals (Except Salt))
Pool Draining should be
done every 2 to 3 years in Maricopa County. The purpose of
draining a pool is to lower the level of Total Dissolved Solids
(TDS), Calcium Hardness and Cyanuric Acid. Chemicals, including
chlorine and other sanitizers, find it more difficult to do
their job when TDS is high. Elevated TDS levels also cause
corrosion of equipment and fixtures, as well as scale build-up.
Our process for draining a pool is as follows:
-
Day 1 (Part 1) – Drop pump into
the pool and run drain hose to the sewer cleanout for your
home. We use a special attachment to connect the hose to the
cleanout which prevents the hose from coming out of the cleanout
and possibly damaging your front yard. City code requires that
pool draining be done in this matter. The average play pool
will drain in approximately 10 - 12 hours.
-
Day 1 (Part 2) – Return to your
home and remove the pump. Any additional services (acid wash,
etc.) are performed at this time. Then the filling process is
started and performed solely by us meaning that the
resident/tenant is not responsible for shutting off the water.
The average play pool will refill in 24 – 48 hours.
-
Day 2 or 3 – Once the pool is
completely refilled we will return and add all the necessary
chemicals to properly balance the water.
Due to the cost, quantity required
and time needed to properly dissolve salt needed for salt pools
it is not included in the service price and is charged at a flat
rate of $15 per bag needed.
Acid Wash - Frequency: Every 3 - 5 years on average - Cost: $450 for
Typical Play Pool - Price Increases for larger pools (includes
chemicals)
Acid Wash should be performed
every 3 to 5 years. However, poorly maintained pools may
require an acid wash as frequently as every 1 - 3 years. An
acid wash will remove a very thin layer of plaster from the
pools surface to bring out a brighter,
whiter finish. Mineral stains and/or deposits, chlorine stains,
even dirt stains...an acid wash is always a dramatic aesthetic
improvement. Refer to Pool Draining for process details. An
Acid Wash can also be performed on Pebbletec and other brands
of pebble pool surfaces to remove stains, deposits, etc. and
will have the same revitalizing effect as when done to plaster
pools. The price of this service varies based on the size of
the pool and complexity of the pool design.
Chemical Wash - Frequency: As needed to remove algae from pool walls
- Cost: Minimum $350 (includes chemicals)Chemical Wash
is normally
performed when the pool has had a significant algae bloom
requiring the pools entire water capacity to be drained,
refilled and rebalanced. Refer to Pool Draining for process
details.
Calcium / Scum Line Removal - Frequency: As needed - Cost: Varies
Calcium / Scum Line Removal
is
best done through a process called glass beading. This process
is similar to a miniature sand blaster that gently removes the
calcium buildup from the pool's tiles and other surfaces. We
outsource this service to
Arizona Bead
Blasting since they are experts on this aspect of pool
service. Since there are several different types of bead
available (some of which can damage your pool's tile / surface)
we highly recommend that you contact
Arizona Bead
Blasting at (602) 692 - 4913 with any questions.
Automatic Chlorinators - Frequency: 1x / year - Cost: $90 + Parts
Automatic Chlorinators should
have preventative maintenance done at least once per year. We
replace the tubing and cap o-ring. We check the operation of
the control valve and the check valve and replace if needed.
Price includes tubing and o-ring, other parts extra.
Salt Cell Service - Frequency: 3 - 4x / year - Cost $90
Salt
Cell Chlorine Generators should be disassembled and given an
acid bath every 3 - 4 months or when calcium buildup becomes
visible on the plates within the salt cell. Failure to perform
this service regularly will result in the premature failure of
the salt cell.
Pool Heater Minor Service - Frequency: 1x / year - Cost: $90 + Parts
Pool Heaters
should be cleaned and tested at least once per year. We clean
leaves and debris out of the heater cabinet and inspect the
flame pattern on the burner and check the heat exchanger for
sooting (poor combustion).
Pool Heater Major Service - Frequency: Every 5 years - Cost: $180 +
Parts
Pool Heaters
should be subjected to a very thorough inspection and service
every five years (or annually under heavy service). We perform
all the elements of the annual tune up (above) plus we test the
heat rise, and measure and adjust the manifold gas pressure. We
test the safety circuits and pressure switches and test and
calibrate the temp settings.
Electronic Controls - Frequency: 1x / year - Cost: $90 + Parts
Electronic Control Systems
should be serviced once each year. We check all the time
settings. We check the water temp sensor for accuracy and do an
ice water test on the air sensor to insure proper freeze
protection. We check all the functions of the spa remote and
check the heater operation from the indoor panel. We also
install a new backup battery if needed in the system.
Pool "Start-Up" - Frequency: As Needed - Cost: See Below for Details
- Pool "Start-Up" is
performed after a pool has been drained and refilled. This
Basic "Start-Up" includes ALL "Start-Up" Chemicals and
Labor. Cost: $180
- Salt (if needed) is
charged additionally @ $15 per 40 pound bag.
-
Notice: If the pool is Brand New and requires a
Complete "Start-Up" then the following additional prices
will be assessed as needed.
- D.E. Filter "Start-Up"
- Cost: $25
- Purge Air from System -
Cost: $15
- Set Manual Valves -
Cost: $15
- Set Automatic Valves -
Cost: $35
- Random Cleaner Setup -
Cost: $20
- Program Aqualink or
Similar Electronic Control System - Cost: $35
-
Notice: The most common mistake made by service
technicians when performing a "Start-Up" is that they DO NOT add
Cyanuric Acid to the pool. Cyanuric Acid prevents the Chlorine
from being broken down by sunlight and heat. Without Cyanuric
Acid your pool will NOT be able to maintain a Free Chlorine
Residual and subsequently NOT be able to kill off Germs &
Bacteria in the water. This if not corrected will create an
unsafe swimming environment.
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