Blue Thumb Pool Service https://bluethumbpoolservice.com The Best Pool Cleaning in Plano Wed, 20 Jul 2016 13:26:46 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=6.6.2 A Nifty Guide to Purchasing a Filter for Your Pool https://bluethumbpoolservice.com/a-nifty-guide-to-purchasing-a-filter-for-your-pool/ Wed, 20 Jul 2016 13:26:46 +0000 http://bluethumbpoolservice.com/?p=2973 Think of pool filters as kidneys for your pool. Filters are important if you want to keep the water clear and free from all forms of debris. They are essential in every way, considering the significant role they play in protecting it from unnecessary wear and tear. After all, nobody wants to swim in murky and dirty-looking pool.

If you are interested in getting a filter for your pool but are confused on which one you should get, then you’re definitely in luck! To help you out, we’ve put together this short guide containing a number of proven tips that should  help you decide on what’s best for your pool.

Types of Filters

Generally, there are three types of filters you can purchase:

  • Sand Filters
  • Cartridge Filters
  • Diatomaceous Earth Filters

Although they differ in their methods of filtration, they more or less have the same purpose: to keep your pool water crystal clear.

Sand Filters

As the name implies, sand filters use sand to filter out impurities in water, coursing debris through fine grains to keep the pool clean. However, they don’t just  use any sand, but varieties which are specifically designed for pool use. These pool-safe varieties are made from either silicon, glass, or other materials. Sand filters require the least maintenance of all the enumerated filters, and with it, you only need to open the tank every few years or so.

Cartridge Filters

If you are more concerned with ease of installation, cartridge filters are probably your best pick. Not only are they easy to use, but they also take up less space. Many cartridge filters are tall and slender in build, with tanks consisting only of two pieces. Although maintenance for cartridge filters isn’t as infrequent as that of sand filters, they are, by far, easier to use, due to their minimal design and build.

Diatomaceous Earth Filters

Diatomaceous earth filters or DE filters involve the use of diatomaceous earth or soft sedimentary rock harvested underground. While that may not sound appealing to you, the high porosity of the material makes it excellent for filtration. In terms of effectiveness, DE powder is fine enough to allow water to pass through, without even the tiniest of debris sneaking in. DE filters may require periodic maintenance, but it does its job far better than the rest.

Filter needs vary for every homeowner. Although the type of filter you should use mostly depends on your preference, it’s always good to know which one works best for you in the long run, especially when it comes to function and efficiency.

]]> Five General Pool Maintenance Tips for Beginners https://bluethumbpoolservice.com/five-general-pool-maintenance-tips-for-beginners/ Wed, 20 Jul 2016 13:25:16 +0000 http://bluethumbpoolservice.com/?p=2971 Did you just have your pool built? That’s great! Congratulations on your investment. We’re sure that it looks wonderful in your backyard. But if you’re like most other homeowners, you’ve probably started asking yourself a few very important questions like “How do I maintain my new pool?” or “What can I expect in the following days, weeks, or months to come?” Well, don’t fret! We’re here for you. Though keeping your new investment properly maintained is definitely hard work, having the right knowhow will significantly ease your troubles.

So where should you start? You don’t want to end up with a grimy, algae-filled pool after all. Below are a few ways you can save time and money while maintaining your pool.

  1. Skimming Debris

You need to regularly skim debris out of your pool. Remember that you need to do this while the debris are still floating, because once they reach the bottom, they’ll be much harder to remove. If you really want your pool to look as pristine as it should, you do this once a day while using a leaf or hand skimmer. You’ll also need to scrub the sides of the pool to get all that pesky algae out.

  1. Cleaning Out Baskets

It’s advisable that you clean out cleaning baskets at least once a week to help circulation. Take out the strainer baskets located at the sides of the pool and give them a little shake. You may also use a hose to spray water on them and push the debris out.

  1. Keeping Chemical Levels Consistent

Adding too much chemicals to the pool water can potentially irritate skin and, in some cases, be harmful to the health of swimmers. On the other hand, adding too little could reduce their effectiveness and encourage bacteria buildup. Keeping the chemical levels balanced can be very tricky, so you might want to check with a professional to help you out with this one.

  1. Cleaning the Filter

Whether you’re using sand, cartridge, or diatomaceous earth filters, cleaning them out is vital to proper pool maintenance. Filters are responsible for keeping the water clean and as such, they also need periodic cleaning. Generally, it’s can be as simple as turning off the filter, taking the basket out, and ridding it of debris.

  1. Get Professional Help

When in doubt, you can always look into professional pool services that offer a wide variety of services. It’s best to go for professional help, especially when you don’t have the time or the capacity to maintain the pool yourself. Although it may cost you a bit more, the investment is well worth it.

To learn more about professional pool services, you may browse through our website or contact us at 972-896-1725 or 972-896-1237.

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