At Champions Pool Repair & Service, we understand that you want to keep your pool in the best shape possible for swimming season and beyond, so we’ve laid out the top 5 ways pool owners may be damaging their equipment and hindering their swimming season:
The “hardness” of your pool’s water refers to the amount of calcium and magnesium in the water. Pool water that is not hard can damage the plaster, filter system, and fiberglass. By keeping the water in your pool hard, you can prolong the overall health of your pool’s interior and avoid damage that requires costly repairs. Aim for a maintained hardness level of 200-225 ppm and enjoy a healthy, beautiful pool for years to come.
An accumulation of algae can clog your pool’s filters, meaning that the filter cannot function properly and will quickly malfunction. If you notice an algae buildup in your pool, your first response may be to use your automatic cleaner to address the problem. However, this can actually make the issue worse, as the automatic cleaner may spread the algae around your pool rather than removing it. Instead, use your pool vacuum to manually remove the build-up of algae. Be sure to remove the vacuum’s drain plug to ensure the algae is sucked up directly into the vacuum.
A pool with consistently low pH levels will quickly become too acidic. While a highly acidic pool may look healthy and clean, it can actually cause significant damage to:
If the water’s pH level reaches extreme lows, it can cause damage to everything it touches. To ensure your pool’s pH levels are not getting too low, test the water often. Aim for an alkalinity level between 80 ppm and 120 ppm. To ensure the job is done correctly, you may want to enlist the help of a professional pool service company, such as Champions Pool Repair & Service.
To ensure that your pool’s water is clean and safe for swimmers, it should be filtered once a day. Usually, this takes 8-12 hours. If you do not give the pump enough time to filter all the water, it may become dirty and develop damaging algae. However, if the pump is run too often, it becomes overworked and burns out much more quickly. Running the pool pump once a day for a maximum of 12 hours is enough to keep your pool healthy without causing any damage.
At Champions Pool Repair & Service, we understand that your pool is a place to gather with friends and family for fun times that will lead to great memories. However, if you have unintentionally damaged your pool with one of these mistakes, the fun may need to be postponed. If you are noticing that your pool has become damaged, contact Champions Pool Repair & Service. Our professionals will have your pool running like new again in no time.
We all want a sparkling blue pool but should still focus on being environmentally conscious. Check out our list of the top ten ways to be a green pool owner.
1. Make the switch to a solar-powered heater
It's never clear whether or not using a pool heater is environmentally friendly. On one side, the less energy you use, the more environmentally friendly you are. A heater, on the other hand, allows you to use your pool for longer periods of time (or even the entire year).
Using the sun's energy will not only save you energy, but it will also save you money on your monthly electricity bills. Although converting to a solar heater will require an initial investment, the benefits will outweigh the costs. The sun's heat is infinitely renewable, and it will always be free.
2. Make Use of a Pool Cleaning Robot
Robotic pool cleaners are environmentally friendly for many reasons. For one, they minimize the number of chemical cleaners used in your pool. Second, they cut down on the number of times you need to clean and replace your pool filter. Third, they are over 90% more effective than conventional pool filtration systems and operate for less than five cents per hour.
3. Make Your Pumps Work with A Timer
Most circulation pumps work more often than they should, wasting energy and costing you more money than they are worth.
According to Energy.gov, you can only operate your pump for six hours a day, which should be enough if your pump is sized appropriately for the volume of your pool.
However, turning it on and off on a regular basis can be inconvenient. This either causes your pump to run inefficiently or causes your pool's circulation to suffer. Adding an automatic time clock to your pump system is the most efficient way to ensure that your water is filtered on a regular basis without wasting electricity.
Champions Pool – The Eco-Friendly Options
If you’re looking for help with maintaining your pool, then Champions Pool is the way to go. Champions Pool is the eco-friendly, convenient, and affordable route to go when looking for a pool company. Schedule an appointment today!
After a long cold period, everyone is ready for a swim, but you can’t just hop in. An improperly re-opened pool can cause harm to your swimmers. You might now be asking yourself “how to start up a pool for the first time?”, so here are our 8 steps for preparing your pool to open it.
Your pool’s pump is key during the circulation process. Regularly check the pump basket to ensure that there is nothing that could clog the impeller. Additionally, pool owners should check that the pump’s lid is well-lubricated and secured tightly to prevent any air leaks. To maintain clean water, the pump should be allowed to circulate the water for at least 8 – 12 hours per day. If you begin to notice problems, like strange noises coming from the pump, be sure to call a local pool company for a repair. This will help ensure your pool’s water is constantly being circulated properly.
Sanitizing the pool is essential to prevent potentially harmful bacteria from building up in your pool. Typically, chlorine tablets are the sanitizer of choice for pool owners. You should add enough chlorine to maintain a level of 1.0 – 2.0 ppm, which you can confirm by using a water testing kit purchased from your local pool supply store. It is also essential to shock the pool every so often. This is essentially a super-dose of chlorine that eliminates any residual bacteria or algae. Chlorine conditioner will also be needed as a part of the sanitation process to protect the chlorine from degrading in intense sunlight. Make sure to let any chemicals sit for a week before hopping in. A trusted pool company will be able to give first time pool owners advice on what products are needed to maintain clean water.
The filter helps keep your water clean by trapping debris and particles that can quickly lead to a dirty pool. However, for the filtration process to be correctly carried out, a clean and well-maintained filter is necessary. Whether you choose a sand filter, DE filter, or cartridge filter, each one requires a certain cleaning schedule. Talk to trusted pool experts to learn the cleaning and maintenance needs for your filter.
At Champions Pool Repair & Service, we provide expert pool repair and maintenance services for Spring, Texas, to help keep your pool healthy. Give us a call at (281) 355-8504 or visit us at https://championspools.com/pool-services/.
With ice laying on the ground for multiple days in Houston, the freeze was very damaging. Champions Pool hopes that everyone has remained safe and well. As you assess the damages to your home, please, be sure to check your pool as well. Here is a helpful guide on what to check for when it comes to your pool.
If you removed these items prior to the freeze, this would not apply to you. Plastic materials do not hold up well in freezing cold temperatures. When left in water that reaches a freezing temperature, the expansion inside of the skimmers, baskets, or other plastic components can cause them to crack and break.
Things to check for: Cracks, breakage, stressed or bulging areas
2. Pool Pump
Frozen water inside of your pool pump can easily break components. Even if you left the pool pump running, during this hard freeze, it is possible that the water still froze. If you lost power during the outages for a prolonged period of time, this would also indicate possible damage due to the water not circulating continuously and potentially freezing within the pump and equipment.
Things to check for: Strange noises, changes in functionality, visible damages such as cracks, breakage, loss of pressure to the pump, water not circulating
3. Pipes
During this trying time in Houston, plenty of pipes have burst due to the hard freeze. Check all of your pool pipes to ensure that they are intact, and you don’t see a significant loss of water to you pool or any large puddles of water around the pool or equipment.
Things to check for: Leaks, cracks, chipping, loss of water in the pool, large puddles of water around pool or equipment
4. Pool Heaters
The freeze can damage a pool heater with a cracked rear header due to the temperatures, but other portions are susceptible to breakage as well. Be sure to do a thorough evaluation of all the parts and connections to assess for any damage or breakage.
Things to check for: Changes in sound or functionality, cracks, breakage
5. Tile (If Applicable)
Tiles in the pool can expand, crack, and fall apart when it freezes. While pool tile breakage is usually common and not the biggest item on this list, it is the most visible and could lead to injury once you are back to enjoying the pool.
Things to check for: Broken or chipped off tile, small cracks, loose tiles
Champions Pool – Serving Local Houstonians
We know it’s hard to know for sure if an appliance is broken which is why we’re here to help. Champions Pool is servicing Houstonians during this hard time by coming out to your location to check up on your equipment while keeping up with CDC COVID-19 guidelines. To schedule an appointment, contact us (link to contact form).
Winter pool care in Texas is unlike other states, as pools do not need to be closed or winterized. Instead, Texas has an off season. Winter pool care in Texas consists of lowering the run time, and adding less chemicals.
For a more in-depth explanation of how to care for your pool in the winter, read our previous article: HERE
Pool chemicals in the winter do not vary much from summertime chemicals. The primary chemicals not commonly used in the summertime are oxidizer, sanitizer, and algaecide. Of course, the regular chemicals used in balancing water chemistry are still necessary to care for your pool.
Oxidizer preforms the same duties as chlorine, and is in fact safer than chlorine. It is preferable in winter, since chlorine takes longer to dissipate in cold water, making oxidizer the more effective way to kill off germs.
Sanitizer preforms the same function as oxidizer but also prevents the growth of viruses, as well as staving off algae and other organic contaminants brought in by the weather.
Algaecide is an important addition to the winter chemical list, as it kills any growing algae. In addition, it adds an extra preventative barrier against algae growth alongside sanitizer.
It’s no surprise that BioGuard is one of the most renowned names in the pool industry. Champions Pool gives you easy access to these excellent pool products both online and in store. Not only does Champions provide easy access to these products, we will also maintenance your pool for you! For more information about pool products, pool maintenance, or any general pool care questions Contact Us.
Pool maintenance during winter is an essential pool care step to maintaining a healthy pool year-round. Incorrectly done pool maintenance during winter can cost you money by sucking up unnecessary resources or can even cause pool damage. Follow these steps to ensure your pool is properly maintained. Please note that there are small differences when maintaining inground, above ground, and saltwater pools, and that these are general tips.
The first step of pool maintenance during the winter is maintaining the pool water itself. Pool water maintenance consists of two key things: water chemistry, and water cleanliness.
The first step is cleaning out your pool. Any left-over dirt or debris can mess with the balances of the pool chemicals you will add in. Make sure to scrub the walls thoroughly, preferably with a brush and not with a robot cleaner. Shock the pool if necessary.
After you have cleaned out your pool, balance your water chemistry. Key things to check for when balancing water chemistry are pH, alkalinity, and calcium hardness. Pool chemical kits & products will come with a guide on the back of the product or on a separate instructional sheet. Pool chemical usage is reduced during the winter, and if you have any questions contact the experts at Champions Pool.
Pool accessories left in the pool can be damaged, and since they are unused during the winter, it is best to take them out. These accessories include any external ladders, handrails, fill spouts, eyeball fittings, pool cleaners, and basket skimmers.
Since the pool won’t be used in the summer, the run time of the pool should be reduced from 9-12 hours to 8 hours. This time varies, so if you are unsure of the proper time to run your pool contact our experienced team at Champions Pool.
At Champions Pool, we understand that pool maintenance in winter is tedious, time consuming, and strenuous which is why we offer excellent pool maintenance services. If you close your pool for the winter, bring a sample of your pool water in to one of our locations for testing before beginning the chemical process. Our pool experts can thoroughly test your water and ensure a proper pool maintenance every time, to save you time, energy, and money. With years of experience, there’s no risk of errors that could damage your pool. Let Champions clean up during the off season, so you don’t have to.
If you’re missing that summertime swim, a pool heater is the solution. Many know the joys of having a warm pool to swim in during the summer, but don’t know that like every other pool appliance, a pool heater requires regular maintenance and check-ups. If your pool heater is no longer keeping your pool warm during the winter, it may be time for maintenance or a replacement.
More than likely if your pool is no longer being heated to the optimal temperature, the pool heater will only need a repair. While it may appear easier to replace it than having a company such as Champions service the heating unit, the price of a new heater is significantly steeper than that of maintenance. The cost of a new heat pump usually starts at around $2,000 but can go up to $5,000 depending on what type of unit you may need. Make note, this price doesn’t include installation, because installing it yourself won’t be a cakewalk.
Professional pool heater repair doesn’t just help you save money upfront; it prevents costly problems from happening down the line, too. For example, if your heater’s sensor isn’t working properly, the other parts of the heater will overwork to compensate for the deficiency. Overtime this overworking of parts can caused it to break down faster, potentially ruining almost the entirety of the unit meaning you’ll need to buy a new one anyway.
Your heater is probably the part you think about the least since it has seasonal use, but just like the rest of your pool it still needs to be maintained. Some other things to think about when it comes to pool maintenance is your water chemistry. Imbalances such as the pH balance being off can lead to chlorine dissipating quickly potentially leading to corroded metal equipment and can even put your swimmers in danger. (If your swimmers are experiencing irritation and dryness of the skin and stinging to the eyes, contact Champions Pool immediately to have your water chemistry checked.)
Champions Pool Repair and Services is Houston’s leading pool repair company. With convenient servicing around your schedule, COVID safety procedures, and knowledgeable, skilled, and polite technicians. Champions Pool is ready to service all Houstonians in need of pool help. Let us maintain and service your pool, protecting it from irreparable damage by scheduling an appointment, call us at our Kuykendahl location (346) 336-6713, or our Louetta location (281) 355-8504 to schedule an appointment.
The downside of having your own pool is that it requires a large amount of maintenance. That’s why residents in Houston, Texas, and the surrounding areas leave the work to Champions Pool Service and Repair. And now it’s even easier to hire our services. The Louetta location in Spring, Texas, is still thriving, but we have opened a new location on Kuykendahl Road in Tomball, so existing and new customers in this area can utilize Champions for their cleaning pool service near you, as well as help you if you are in need of a pool repair.
It is imperative to keep up with regular maintenance and care to maintain the life and enjoyment of your pool. With so many boxes to check when it comes to keeping up with your pool, it can become difficult and time consuming. While for some it may be an option to spend the time cleaning and keeping up with maintenance, for most others outsourcing the job to a reputable pool cleaning and maintenance company saves them time and energy ensuring the job is done correctly every time.
A pool can get dirty and unsanitary from algae growth or with just the wind blowing, shaking off leaves from nearby trees and falling into the water. Anything blown from the wind will impact the quality of your pool water, such as insects, debris, dust, and leaves or twigs that fall into the pool. It is especially important to get the balance right with chemicals to fix the damage done by these conditions. You need to check your pool chemicals a few times within a week, ensuring you sanitize the pool with chlorine and make sure to keep your pH balanced.
If your pool is not working properly and you are unable to fix or identify the issue, you should contact a pool repair service immediately. A professional pool inspector can walk you through identifying the problem or designate the source.
If the operating equipment is not in good condition, this can cause more expensive damage in the future. The inspector can test the equipment—such as the filters, pumps, and heaters for proper functionality and overall performance.
Outside elements like falling insects can cause a pool to deteriorate sooner than expected. Even just the wear and tear from regular enjoyment of the pool can cause damage. A pool inspection will check out the interior finish, the tile and decking near or around the pool, and any concrete flooring or pavers to ensure that everything is safe and up to standard.
Lastly, the working order of the plumbing and the electrical systems will be looked at. The most common items tested are signs of leaking and proper drainage.
It’s not unheard of to remodel your pool or make renovations when you already have a pool, but sometimes the pool in your backyard needs a change-up.
Pool remodeling companies can completely overhaul your pool. They can resurface dull or damaged pools with new plaster, upgrade your old pool equipment, or install energy-saving solar heating.
Many choose to remodel because the pool length is too short, and you can’t do laps. Others want additions to the pool, such as a waterfall or custom rock feature or bringing in custom lighting and adding a spa to the pool area.
Whatever the reason, giving your pool a whole new makeover can make you and your family their own private getaway. Before a reno, your pool was a place to hang out. After a reno, your pool will become your backyard private resort.
Your pool may need a repair if it’s showing age or if its deteriorating due to normal wear and tear. The most common pool repairs are cracks and leaks. If you see cracks, it is time to resurface your pool.
If the pool is leaking and losing water, this is serious, and you should not attempt to fix the problem. Call a pool repair company immediately before more costly damages take place.
If the pool has leaks in the plumbing, this may mean the plumbing has overextended its life and must be completely replaced.
We are a proud distributor of Bioguard Pool Supplies and use these pool chemical and pool supply products on every house call when performing pool maintenance and cleaning. We trust that these products are of the highest quality to ensure the longevity of our client’s pools. Our Bioguard supplies are professional quality pool care products from a trusted name in the industry.
Bioguard designs products for pool owners who are looking for affordable pool chemical supplies without having to skimp out on performance and value. Using Bioguard products regularly can ensure your pool is always safe and enjoyable to swim in.
If the pool has leaks in the plumbing, this may mean the plumbing has overextended its life and must be completely replaced.
As the rain falls, it collects dust from the air, leaves from trees around the pool, pollen, mud, oils, and algae spores. When there is a heavy rain, the water will collect algae spores from the air which could potentially contaminate your heater and pump during circulation causing your pool to become chemically unbalanced and begin to lose its beautiful blue.
Rain can also soften the water and lower the calcium hardness. Calcium hardness should be regularly monitored and maintained so the water in the pool has a complete proper chemical balance. The lower the calcium hardness, the higher the chance that the water can corrode the surfaces of your pool causing damage that can lead to a costly repair.
In addition, rain can also disturb the pH level in your pool. The pH level is the measure of the water’s acidity. Acids and alkalies need to be as balanced as possible at all times. If these levels are too high or low, the chemicals in your pool will become unbalanced and require immediate attention to keep the water clear, clean, safe, and swimmable.
As an added safety measure, we always recommend any loose items outside the perimeter of your pool—such as chaise lounge chairs, umbrellas and tables—be removed and stored away when not in use. These can become dangerous projectiles during high winds and rain.
It’s wise to prepare your pool before a storm. Here are the top three things that should be done when a heavy rain is expected.
All electrical power should be turned off. Circuit brakers at the main electrical panel should be shut down. The pool’s pump motors, lighting, chlorinators and heaters should also be turned off. The motors for the pumps can be tightly covered by some material, such as painter’s tarp.
To prevent debris and storm water from causing extensive damage to the pool, take some preventative measures by ensuring the chemical levels are balanced before the storm and adding extra algae treatment. These steps can help protect the water from contaminants as well as make the clean-up process a lot less work once the storm has subsided. Also consider cleaning the areas around the pool for any debris that could be blown into the water or any low-hanging branches from nearby trees.
Don’t empty or lower the pool’s water. The weight of the water is what helps keep the pool securely in the ground. If you do, your pool can potentially “pop out” of the ground due to hydrostatic pressure and a rising water table, causing severe structural damage that would require an immediate repair. It is also never a good idea to cover the pool, as covers can become dangerous and cause more damage in a storm with high winds.
After the rain passes, it’s now time to see if your pool needs repair. Check the skimmer and the pump baskets for debris and potential damage. Empty both and turn on the pump to start filtering out the debris. If the rain caused excess water, drain the water until it reaches the half-way mark of the skimmer. Then run a test of all your pool chemical levels and assess what needs to be corrected with the appropriate chemicals.
If your pool has a leak, it can damage the property or landscaping around it. A crack in the concrete and tears in vinyl liners are two common causes of a leak that signal the need of an immediate repair. If the heavy rain caused any malfunctioning of the pool pump, it will most likely require a repair from a professional pool serviceman from Champions Pool Repair and Service.
Since it is officially Hurricane Season in South Texas, it’s in your best interest to protect your pool and know the best tips to be prepared. Here’s what you can do:
Pool maintenance is an arduous task. This is why it’s important to hire pool professionals who can maintain, clean, and assess any damages to your pool and equipment. Proper maintenance and care will increase the life and enjoyment of your pool making sure you get the most out of your investment.
Don’t settle for a sub-par pool repair. Get with the leading experts at Champions Pool Supply & Service for top-notch service. Contact us by calling us at (281)355-8504 for our Louetta location or (346) 336-6713 for our Kuykendahl location and schedule a time that works for you.
Having a pool makes a world of difference during the hot lazy days of summer. Families who have a pool are often hosts to relatives and friends when the months start to heat up. You can relax in your pool after a hard day at work, or you can watch your children have fun playing on a weekend while enjoying dinner outside.
Pools are fun but require a lot of maintenance. You must consistently check the water’s chemicals to ensure all levels are balanced and safe for swimmers. If the chemicals are not at an optimal level, you may have to use specific chemical balancing products other than just chlorine. Adding agents to your pool to correct something like a pH issue requires the use of sodium bisulfate or muriatic acid. If not done by a trained professional, adding these chemicals can be dangerous to your health. The sodium powder particles can float through the air when adding to the water and get into your eyes and onto your skin, causing irritation. Muriatic acid can also cause issues such as burns to your skin if you are not careful. The acid’s vapor, if ingested, can lead to severe respiratory problems.
Hiring a professional like Champions Pool Service & Repair is your best bet for quality pool care and service to keep it swim ready all year round. It’s always better for the health and lifespan of the pool, as well as your investment of time and money, to hire a swimming pool service or pool service professional. Leave it to the pros at Champions for regular maintenance to keep your pool a beautiful centerpiece to your backyard.
Champions professionals will routinely clean and maintain your pool on a schedule that works best for you at a price you can’t beat. We pride ourselves on always using professional quality cleaning products, equipment, and supplies from the trusted brand Bioguard. Our service professionals will make sure to scrub down all the walls and tiles of your swimming pool to ensure it is free from algae and debris before vacuuming to leave beautifully blue sparkling water.
We provide more than just cleaning! As a leader in swimming pool services in Spring, Tomball, and The Woodlands, Texas, areas, Champions Pool Repair & Service also performs most all repairs as a result of damages or leaks. After an assessment from one of our pool professionals, we will either recommend a repair or a replacement to get your pool back to blue.
Champions started in Spring, Texas, and is still going strong because we tackle any job related to your pool and even do pool remodeling and renovations near you. We have a large stock of all the Bioguard pool supplies you need that never skimp out on performance and value.
We are excited to inform you we have expanded our store to a new Champions Pool Repair and Service location! We’re still open and thriving at our Louetta location in, Spring, Texas, but now have a second store open on Kuykendahl Road in Tomball, Texas, for quality pool care. Our expansion means that we are able to cover larger areas outside of Spring and Tomball for all your pool needs.
Our new store in Tomball has all the same great products as our Spring location with the same amazing prices. We have the best technicians for repairs and maintenance, so every day and all season long, your pool will be beautifully clear and clean.
If you’re interested in any of our pool services, come in and visit one of our Champions Pool Repair and Supplies locations in the Spring and Tomball areas. As a welcome to the neighborhood, we are offering a 10% discount on all first-time purchases at the NEW Creekside store. To place an order or speak to a member of our staff, you can reach the Louetta store at (281) 355-8504 or our new location in Tomball, Texas, at (346) 336-6713.