We love helping our customers! We’ve put together a quick and easy resource of questions our customers commonly ask us. Check out our FAQ to see if we can answer any of your questions.
Call us at (209) 583-9709 for assistance if you don’t see your question here, or would like more information. We would love to help you out with your project!
Your building department may require a site plan to be submitted with your application for permit along with the swimming pool plans. It must show all property lines, any structures and the proposed swimming pool or spa. It has to be to scale and dimensioned. It also has to show other details such as your fence, gates, electric and gas meter location.
Building a gunite pool is a major construction project. In addition to excavating where your pool will be there also needs to be trenches that go from the pool to the pool equipment, from the pool equipment to the main electrical panel, from the pool equipment to the gas meter and if necessary from the pool equipment to any controller locations. This often results in the entire yard being dug up.
A homeowner should expect existing landscaping to be disturbed.
You should always agree on a detailed budget and estimated timeline before you sign a contract with a professional pool builder. Obviously, unforeseen factors can alter the schedule and sometimes impact the budget. For example, weather, customer change requests, permit delays, etc. can all affect the project, but a good builder will communicate and coordinate with you throughout the project to ensure successful pool construction and complete customer satisfaction.
The American Red Cross suggests that 78° is the most healthful swimming temperature. By setting the thermostat to 78°, you will also be conserving energy.
You should expect that your pool professional will orient you to your equipment, share safety concerns, and notify you of any issues that can become costly repairs later. True professionals will strive to provide you quiet enjoyment of your yard and swimming pool or hot tub during service calls. Your professional is not a pool cleaner today – he is an equipment specialist and a water chemist.
You should expect clean, chemically balanced water, and quiet, efficient running equipment. They should always be available to assist you with any warranty concerns and be available to you by phone during business hours to answer your concerns directly, or return your call promptly. Finally, you should always receive detailed estimates and invoices.
Here at Thomas Pools and Spas, Inc. upon the completion of our customer’s pool and spa, after “Start-up & Balance”, we take customers through what we call “Pool College” which is an extensive systems and maintenance instructional tutoring session to be sure customers are completely knowledgeable and comfortable with all aspects of their pool and spa.
Weekly service is essential to maintain a great looking, healthy, sparkling pool. Consistency is vital to your pool’s overall health.
Taking care of your pool yourself is always an option. Proper pool maintenance does however, require weekly supervision. All of the chemical levels such as; Chlorine, Alkalinity, Free Chlorine, P.H. and T.D.S must be consistently maintained to have a safe swimming environment. In addition, pool professionals are trained to notice any changes in the performance of the pool. They can then immediately troubleshoot any problems and put into action a repair plan to bring your pool back up to 100%.
With the recent rise in the cost of chemicals, the monthly expense of chemicals will average $50 – $60. There is also the extra cost of your time – putting aside time every week to clean the pool, making trips to your local pool supply store, when you would probably rather be spending time with your family. Your time is too valuable, so let a pool professional do the work, and spend the time in your pool.
With every product or service, price is always a consideration. However, you should consider value for your dollars spent, as opposed to the simple bottom line. Ensure that any pool professional you consider hiring is properly licensed and insured for your state or municipality, and is water chemistry trained or certified. Look for members of professional affiliations that offer continuing educational opportunities.
Interview your prospective renovation company carefully. What is the main focus of their work? Do they have references? Hiring a pool renovation contractor requires careful thought and consideration if you want the job done to perfection within your budget.
Make a list of contractors of who your friends and associates have referred. Get all estimates from each pool renovation contractor separately, with as much details as possible. Ask them to break down each work schedule detailing the labor and material involved with cost for each component of work involved to give you an overall picture of what lies in store.
Ask the contractor about his labor pool and who will be supervising the work on daily basis. This is very important because a professional pool renovation contractor will have an experienced team of labor specializing in different areas of the work, like concrete lining, lighting, and chlorination specialist. If the contractor cannot satisfy you about his labor force, stay clear off him or you will have cost and time overruns.
A supervisor to direct the work is also essential and advisable and you should insist on it. Check whether permits, if required are already built into the estimate or an additional cost to be incurred by you. Also ask whether he will get all the necessary permits on your behalf before the work begins and how much time is required for all these permits. Selecting the right pool renovation contractor will give you peace of mind and a sparkling new pool to be proud of.
You should always agree on a detailed budget and estimated timeline before you sign a contract with a professional pool builder. Obviously, unforeseen factors can alter the schedule and sometimes impact the budget. For example, weather, customer change requests, permit delays, etc. can all affect the project, but a good builder will communicate and coordinate with you throughout the project to ensure successful pool construction and complete customer satisfaction.
Never be afraid to ask your builder:
The majority of pumps last longer if they are run constantly. It is the stopping and starting that is tough on the motor.
There are a few reasons why you could lose water in your pool over the winter:
We highly recommend a solid safety cover to help prevent this problem from reoccurring.
Weekly, seasonal, and long-term maintenance is recommended to keep your pool functioning properly. With maintenance, your pool can last for decades.
Weekly: Chemical maintenance, addition of water, cleaning out debris from baskets and pumps, scrubbing tile.
Seasonally: Proper winterization for pool closing and opening, as well an occasional acid wash of entire plaster surface is required for heavy staining.
Long term maintenance: We recommend that re-tile, re-plaster, and re-set coping stones should be done every 15-20 years. Some tile needs to be redone more often in particularly harsh microenvironments.
Automatic cleaners increase the opportunity that your pool will always be “swim ready.” Automatic cleaners today are sophisticated and reliable. There are many different types for all applications depending on the type of pool and your locality to suit your needs and existing equipment.
Since it is not possible for your pool professional to be in your yard every day to ensure all debris is cleared, this is an excellent option to ensure that algae does not have a good chance of getting hold of your pool’s finish. The most common types of algae are caused botanical debris settling in your pool. Algae is unsightly, unhealthy for both swimmers and the longevity of your pool’s finish (plaster). Automatic cleaners are a very good option in avoiding algae and staining of your pool’s finish.
These unpleasant conditions indicate that the pool water has not been properly treated. A common cause is high levels of chloramines, formed when chlorine combines with body oils, perspiration, urine and other contaminants brought into pools by swimmers.
Contrary to what most people think, a strong chemical smell is not an indication of too much chlorine in the pool. In fact, the pool may actually need additional chlorine treatment to get rid of chloramines and sanitize the water.
Brushing your pool will keep dirt from occupying the small pores and starting small organic farms. Steel bristled brushes, called algae brushes, are very effective. Done regularly, brushing can also reduce the time spent vacuuming. Brush from the shallow end towards the deep end in overlapping strokes. Circle the pool towards the main drain, and much of the dirt will be swept up into the filter in this manner.
Dirt, rust and other minerals can stain the finish of your plastered pool. If the stain is organic; from leaves for example, a small amount of granular chlorine added at that location and allowed to settle on the stain will usually remove it instantly. Other non-organic stains will not be removed by chlorine.
Do not place chlorine tablets directly into the pool. They will stain and etch the pool plaster. If chlorine doesn’t work, acid usually will. Draining and acid washing will remove a thin layer of plaster (and stains), exposing fresh, new looking plaster beneath. Stains can also be sanded with pumice stones or wet/dry sandpaper.
Chlorine in swimming pools kills the germs that may make people sick, but it takes time. Chlorine in properly disinfected pools kills most germs that cause RWIs within minutes. However, it takes longer to kill some germs such as Cryptosporidium that can survive for days in even a properly disinfected pool.
Also, many things can reduce chlorine levels in pool water. Some examples are sunlight, dirt, debris, and material from swimmer’s bodies. Healthy swimming behaviors and good hygiene are needed to protect you and your family from RWIs and will help stop germs from getting in the pool.
Yes, a pool fence should also enclose the area around a spa or hot tub.
One of the best pool area remodeling projects is the addition of a hot tub. Hydrotherapy, or warm water therapy in hot tub, consists of three main healing ingredients; heat, buoyancy, and massage. Together, they create an experience that is both relaxing and healthy. Hot tub hydrotherapy on a regular basis provides physical health benefits that go much deeper than just relaxation and pleasure.
Water is so pure and simple, yet it can do the most amazing things. Whether you are experiencing joint or muscle pain, having trouble sleeping, or are just plain stressed out, spending time in hot tub can provide therapeutic benefits for just about everyone.
Another way to promote your health and fitness by remodeling a pool area is to add resistance jets to a lap pool. This provides an “endless” current that a swimmer can swim against. Swimming is an activity that can be done at any age and provides an excellent workout of all muscle groups.
The material you ultimately choose often depends on a number of factors including your surrounding landscape, space availability, how much traffic the pool deck will receive, budget, and how much time and effort you want to devote to care and upkeep. We offer an array of options and materials to enhance your pool deck area.
The benefits of sealing your pool pavers cannot be underestimated. Sealing them will intensify the colors and help you manage the everyday stains that may occur. This will ensure you can enjoy your pool for years without the need for constant repair and maintenance.
Chlorine in swimming pools kills the germs that may make people sick, but it takes time. Chlorine in properly disinfected pools kills most germs that cause RWIs within minutes. However, it takes longer to kill some germs such as Cryptosporidium that can survive for days in even a properly disinfected pool.
Also, many things can reduce chlorine levels in pool water. Some examples are sunlight, dirt, debris, and material from swimmer’s bodies. Healthy swimming behaviors and good hygiene are needed to protect you and your family from RWIs and will help stop germs from getting in the pool.
The main reason that you should purchase chemicals from a professional pool store instead of a big box retailer is the knowledge and expertise of the pool professionals. Your swimming pool is a huge investment. You want to be sure that you are purchasing the right chemicals and treatment to prevent problems in the future.
In addition, professional pool retailers offer reputable brands that are proven in the industry to function consistently and efficiently. You can damage your liner or gunite pool or hot tub by using poor quality chemicals, which can cost you much more money in the long run. Not to mention the ill effects some of these can have on your skin, hair, and eyes!
In order to prevent scaling or corrosive action and to achieve maximum swimmer comfort, pool water should be balanced to the following levels:
| Test | Range |
| pH | 7.2-7.6 |
| Total Alkalinity | 120-150 ppm |
| Calcium Hardness | 200-250 ppm (Gunite) |
| Calcium Hardness | 175-225 ppm (Vinyl) |
| Free Chlorine | 1-3 ppm |
| Free Bromine | 3-5 ppm |
| Copper | 0 ppm |
| Iron | 0 ppm |
A common misconception, even among some pool and hot tub “technicians,” is that the strong odor of chlorine means there is too much chlorine in the water. This is absolutely incorrect and in fact, the opposite is true. There is not enough chlorine to neutralize the ammonia in the water. More chlorine-based product should be added to solve this issue.
These unpleasant conditions indicate that the pool water has not been properly treated. A common cause is high levels of chloramines, formed when chlorine combines with body oils, perspiration, urine and other contaminants brought into pools by swimmers.
Contrary to what most people think, a strong chemical smell is not an indication of too much chlorine in the pool. In fact, the pool may actually need additional chlorine treatment to get rid of chloramines and sanitize the water.
Dirt, rust and other minerals can stain the finish of your plastered pool. If the stain is organic; from leaves for example, a small amount of granular chlorine added at that location and allowed to settle on the stain will usually remove it instantly. Other non-organic stains will not be removed by chlorine.
Do not place chlorine tablets directly into the pool. They will stain and etch the pool plaster. If chlorine doesn’t work, acid usually will. Draining and acid washing will remove a thin layer of plaster (and stains), exposing fresh, new looking plaster beneath. Stains can also be sanded with pumice stones or wet/dry sandpaper.
Yes, the depth of your pool can be changed. There are pool owners who want to raise their deep end to match the shallow end and there are owners that want the shallow end made deeper. Either one is possible but must be done in conjunction with a new liner or pool finish.
Whether you’ve had your swimming pool from its original installation or if you’ve just purchased a home with a swimming pool, you may be in the market for a remodel. A swimming pool remodel can encompass updating pool tiles and the surrounding deck and patio area, installing energy saving swimming pool pump systems, refurbishing cracked or stained gunite or adding lighting or a hot tub area. You also want to be sure that when you remodel, that you complement your home’s architectural design to create a beautiful landscape.
There are several additions that you can make to a pool area through a remodel to make your backyard a year-round vacation spot. Update your pool with a walk-in beach entry as a wading area for small children. You can also add water spraying features to the wading area that will make playtime in the pool even more fun!
Also, you can install a bar right at the edge of your pool so that you can enjoy a cool drink without even getting out of the pool. In addition, sunken bar stools add a resort style feel and allow for a comfortable place to have lunch or just sit and enjoy the pool.
And of course, there can be no denying the fun a swimming pool water slide can bring to your swimming pool area. Pool slides are designed specifically with fun in mind, and whether you’re young or just young at heart, people of all ages find swimming pool slides to be a great addition to their swimming pool area.
Interview your prospective renovation company carefully. What is the main focus of their work? Do they have references? Hiring a pool renovation contractor requires careful thought and consideration if you want the job done to perfection within your budget.
Make a list of contractors of who your friends and associates have referred. Get all estimates from each pool renovation contractor separately, with as much details as possible. Ask them to break down each work schedule detailing the labor and material involved with cost for each component of work involved to give you an overall picture of what lies in store.
Ask the contractor about his labor pool and who will be supervising the work on daily basis. This is very important because a professional pool renovation contractor will have an experienced team of labor specializing in different areas of the work, like concrete lining, lighting, and chlorination specialist. If the contractor cannot satisfy you about his labor force, stay clear off him or you will have cost and time overruns.
A supervisor to direct the work is also essential and advisable and you should insist on it. Check whether permits, if required are already built into the estimate or an additional cost to be incurred by you. Also ask whether he will get all the necessary permits on your behalf before the work begins and how much time is required for all these permits. Selecting the right pool renovation contractor will give you peace of mind and a sparkling new pool to be proud of.
Creative landscape lighting is another feature to highlight and accent your outdoor experience in the evening. Many homeowners like to ease the tensions of the day by relaxing outdoors after the evening meal. A creatively designed lighting system will dramatically accent landscaping and artistic features of your swimming pool area.
Dramatic effects can be achieved that are visible from indoors as well as out. You can create a climate that extends your living area rather than separating it. Lighting options are more flexible than ever. Adjusting the ambiance to suit your mood; from entertaining to romance gives you greater flexibility of feel.
No. Chlorine in a pool is one parts-per-million (1ppm). This is very similar to the city water that comes out faucet, and people have been watering their gardens with this for years.
Taking your cue from nature, the idea is to make it appear that the stone in your rock garden is merely the exposed fraction of a massive underground formation. To achieve the look of natural stones, each stone should appear firmly grounded. Each stone also should appear as if connected to its immediate neighbors, separated only by the crevices in which you’ll be growing the plants of the rock garden.
As in the natural world, stay away from constrained stone patterns and even distribution, striving instead for a feel of randomness in your rock garden. Have a massive grouping of stones here, a smaller grouping there, and mulched areas in between. Arrangement is crucial in achieving the look of natural stones.
Head lice are unlikely to be spread through the use of swimming pools. Head lice survive by holding onto hair, and, although pool chlorine levels do not kill lice, the lice are not likely to let go when a person’s head goes under water.
Head lice can be spread by sharing towels or other items that have been in contact with an infected person’s hair. To protect yourself from head lice at the pool, do not share towels, hair brushes, or other items that come into contact with someone else’s hair. If you already have lice, do not swim or wash your hair within 1–2 days of treating it with anti-lice shampoo — these actions will make the treatment less effective.
These unpleasant conditions indicate that the pool water has not been properly treated. A common cause is high levels of chloramines, formed when chlorine combines with body oils, perspiration, urine and other contaminants brought into pools by swimmers.
Contrary to what most people think, a strong chemical smell is not an indication of too much chlorine in the pool. In fact, the pool may actually need additional chlorine treatment to get rid of chloramines and sanitize the water.
One of the best pool area remodeling projects is the addition of a hot tub. Hydrotherapy, or warm water therapy in hot tub, consists of three main healing ingredients; heat, buoyancy, and massage. Together, they create an experience that is both relaxing and healthy. Hot tub hydrotherapy on a regular basis provides physical health benefits that go much deeper than just relaxation and pleasure.
Water is so pure and simple, yet it can do the most amazing things. Whether you are experiencing joint or muscle pain, having trouble sleeping, or are just plain stressed out, spending time in hot tub can provide therapeutic benefits for just about everyone.
Another way to promote your health and fitness by remodeling a pool area is to add resistance jets to a lap pool. This provides an “endless” current that a swimmer can swim against. Swimming is an activity that can be done at any age and provides an excellent workout of all muscle groups.
Chlorine and pH are the first defense against germs that can make swimmers sick. Swimming pool operators should vigilantly monitor chlorine levels and pH, and make adjustments accordingly. The chlorine level in a pool should ideally be maintained between 2 and 4 parts per million (ppm), and should never fall below 1 ppm. The pH should be maintained between 7.2 and 7.8. Keeping the pH in the proper range will help maintain chlorine’s germ-killing power while minimizing skin and eye irritation.
Pool operators should also keep pool cleaning equipment running properly. Filters help remove debris, while pumps circulate clean, chlorinated water to all parts of the pool. In addition, periodic replacement of pool water helps reduce contaminants that are not removed in the treatment process.
There are additional steps you can take to protect yourself and your children from swimmer’s ear. This is a focus of the Center for Disease Control and Prevention this year and there is great information on the CDC website.
http://www.cdc.gov/healthywater/swimming/rwi/illnesses/swimmers-ear.html
While you can’t see germs that cause RWIs, you can use your senses to help recognize the difference between a healthy pool and a potentially risky one. Look for water that’s clean, clear, and blue – free from algae and unclouded. From the perimeter of the pool, you should be able to clearly see the drain or painted stripes on the pool floor. Also, look for drainage grills at the top of pool walls. Water should be constantly lapping over the grills to be filtered.
Check for tiles that feel smooth and clean. Sticky or slippery tiles are caused by algae and other unwanted organisms. Chlorine helps keep pools healthy, and will not cause a strong chemical odor in a well-maintained pool. Strong chemical odors, as well as skin, eye or respiratory irritation, are caused by the high levels of chloramines, formed when chlorine combines with contaminants brought into pools by swimmers.
To protect yourself, your children and other swimmers from RWIs, follow these six recommendations from the CDC:
Chlorine in swimming pools kills the germs that may make people sick, but it takes time. Chlorine in properly disinfected pools kills most germs that cause RWIs within minutes. However, it takes longer to kill some germs such as Cryptosporidium that can survive for days in even a properly disinfected pool.
Also, many things can reduce chlorine levels in pool water. Some examples are sunlight, dirt, debris, and material from swimmer’s bodies. Healthy swimming behaviors and good hygiene are needed to protect you and your family from RWIs and will help stop germs from getting in the pool.
Most dead animals in pools do not pose a health risk to swimmers. Many germs carried by animals infect only those animals, though a few of the germs they carry can infect people.
Most germs carried by animals are killed by chlorine within minutes in a well-maintained pool.
Swimming is a fun and healthy activity. However, contaminated water can still spread germs that cause recreational water illnesses (RWIs). RWIs cause a wide variety of symptoms, including skin, ear, respiratory and eye infections. The most commonly reported RWI is diarrhea.
The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) report that the number of RWI outbreaks has increased over the past decade. The CDC also warns that children, pregnant women and people with compromised immune systems are particularly at risk of more severe illness if infected.
The CDC provides state specific healthy swimming resources.
