Fox Pools - 6411 Alpine Ave. - 616.784.1270 - foxpools@earthlink.net

FAQ

Welcome to Pool School 101

I think my pool is leaking?

Pools can leak in a myriad of ways...equipment, liner, light niches, steps or the liner itself, making it fairly easy to check if a pool is leaking.  Check the water level at night when everyone is done swimming, then check again first thing in the morning.  Check with equipment running one night and then turn the equipment off the next night.   If the water is warm and the night is cold, you will probably lose a little water through evaporation. (Covering your pool at night will lessen water loss).  If you think the pool is leaking, put on a snorkeling mask and dive down to inspect the liner, but always check the equipment first.  After exhausting every option, we can provide a professional diver to search for leaks in your vinyl lined pool.

What Causes Leaks?

1. Ladders of steps improperly installed or misuesed.
2. Vacuum equipment which is not in good shape or broken.
3. POOL BRUSHES! Take the push brush you paid for and trash it!  Most pool brushes have extremely sharp edges and when you run them by the wall they can easily cut the liner...check it out and avoid the headache.
4. Bugs...Bugs can eat and put small holes in vinyl liners in above and inground pools...they all taste the same! 

No one really knows what causes the bugs to attack, but IT HAPPENS!  Spraying for termites or other bugs can help, and proven to be an effective tool for preventing this from happenings.  There is no one to our knowledge, that offers any kind of warranty against bug damage.  Fortunately, this is only the case about 5% of the time.

Can I Patch My Viynl Liner?

If you have a leak in your liner, you can patch it right under the water.  NEVER drain a vinyl liner pool below 1 foot of water in the shallow end.  You can damage your liner beyond repair.

Liners:

Liners come in all differend patterns and thicknesses...From 15 gauge to 25 gauge, from 10 mils to 28 mils.  The only real measurement that is important is the mils.  That is the question to ask about the liner you are considering:  How many mils thick is the material?  Will the 20 mil be better than the 28 mil?  My experience is that anything that will eat through, puncture or damage a 20 mil liner will do the same on a thicker one.  Liners also come in all sizes as well.  For example, a 28 round liner will only fit a 28 round pool, an 18 x 39 oval liner will only fit a 18 x 39 oval swimming pool.  Liners are not a one size fits all product and require a specific sized corresponding liner for your pool. 

Is There A Warranty On My Liner?

There are Two Types Of Warranties:

1. The regular pool liner warranty comes with your liner.  A limited warranty liner covers manufacturer's defects or liner seam separations.  Some of these warranties are good for longer than you will live.
2. There is an insurance liner warranty you can purchase for 3 years to help cover your cost of labor and water to replace a liner if there is a manufacturer's defect.  If you puncture the liner, or it is an Act of God, such as a branch punctures the pool, it is NOT covered.

How Often Should I Run My Filtration Equipment?

Regular filtration is the key to maintaining clean water in your swimming pool or spa.  Your pool pump and filter system should be run a minimum of 6 - 8 hours a day based on the size of your pool.  The more you run your system, the cleaner and clearer your water, the less you pay for chemicals.  Keeping the water filtered is more than half the battle of maintaining clear water.

Pool and Spa Tips

1. Help conserve water by covering your pool with an evaporative pool cover, such as a Solar Cover or Hear Savr Solution at night or during cool times.
2. Conserve energy by turning down or turning off the heat when your pool will be unused for long periods of time.
3. Follow a regular preventative maintenance schedule to help eliminate costly repairs in the future.  (Your unbalanced water chemistry could potentially cause equipment corrosion or failure).
4. Always ensure that your pool is clean enough to see the main drain in the deep end.  A preventative algaecide helps to ensure a clean pool and reduces the cost of chemicals.
5. Depending on where you live, reduce your chemical use in the winter when cooler pool temperatures mean that bacteria grow at a slower rate.
6. As rain slowly increases the level of your pool, remember to drain it to maintain a mid tile level.
7. Always clean your pool on a regular basis and add chemicals in the recommended doses.

Inground Pools 101

Should I buy a liner or pool equipment off the Internet?

Everyone wants the best deal they can get for their money and the INTERNET has proved to be a valuable tool for finding "great buys" and resourceful tools.  But, is it the wisest way to go for you and your family?  You may find a cheap price, buy can you really judge the quality of the product via the INTERNET? 

Questions to ask when purchasing off the INTERNET?

1. What happens if the liner or equipment is damaged in shipment?
2. Who will warranty the product if something happens?
3. Who is responsible for shipping the liner or equipment back?  This can cost anywhere from $50 - $100 to reship.
4. How long before you get a new unit?  They already have your money, so the burden will normally fall on your shoulders.  It is a lot easier to bring the liner or equipment into the store where you purchased it and immediately get it replaced!

Still Have Questions?  We Have Answers!

Just like anything else, practice makes perfect.  Don't expect to become a pool expert overnight.  Whether it be the equipment, the water chemistry, or anything else that relates to your pool, be patient.  It's definitely not rocket science, but can be tricky at times.  The more you take care of your pool the easier it will become.  The PC Pool Pal is an instructional CD that you can play in your computer right at home that gives you the tools you need to care for you pool, equipment, and water.

This CD is a great way for new pool owners to become firmiliar with thier new purchase and be able to maintain it without asking yourself, "Where do I start?".  Stop into our retail store and pick up a copy of PC Pool Pal.

Only $15.00

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