Swim King Pools

Everyone generally has to add salt to the pool during the spring opening. All pools are different and the amount of salt needed all depends on the pool size and how much fresh water was added to pool. It is also common that after a heavy rainfall, or when you add fresh water to the pool due to splash out or evaporation, that it is time to add salt.

During a water test, we are able to tell where the salt level is at and when a customer needs to add salt. We recommend that you come into Swim King Pools in Rocky Point, NY for a professional water test by our certified employees at least once a month if not more to prevent low salt levels. We are open daily!

The most common amount of DE that must be added to the skimmer is 5 LBs, but not all filters are the same size. The amount of DE that is required to add to the skimmer depends on the filter square footage. For a 24 sqft add 3 lbs, 36 sqft add 4 lbs, 48 sqft add 5 lbs. To find what size square footage your filter is simply go out to the filter and on the outside of a tank will be a sticker that will specify what size it is. So how can I measure out 5 lbs of DE? Well, in the retail store at Swim King we sell a 1 lb DE Scoop specifically designed to only be used for DE. DE is so fine that a 1 lb coffee can is not the equivalent of 1 lb of DE.

Yes, a salt-water pool is still a chlorine pool. The salt system cell takes the salt water that runs through it and by electrolysis converts the salt to chlorine. It is a common misconception that customers do not ever have to shock your pool because they have a salt-water pool. False. The salt chlorinator (hint: the word “chlorinator”) is the sanitizer for the water, very similar to say adding chlorine tabs to the water. A salt-water pool must always have a constant sanitizer in the water (the salt chlorinator) and oxidize once a week, similar to a chlorine pool. What a sanitizer does is kill the bacteria and organic material that can be harmful to swimmers. So therefore that is why you need constant sanitization. Now, what happens to all the dead matter floating around in the water that was killed by the sanitizer? That’s where the oxidizer comes in. The oxidizer removes the dead organic material from the water. That is why it is recommended that a customer oxidizes, or shocks the pool weekly. Questions? Call us today at 631.744.8100!

This is a common question. It is important to first note the temperature of the day (can lead to water loss via evaporation) and bather load (splashing water out) first. If this doesn’t seem to be an issue, we advise doing a 24 hour leak test.

LEAK TEST INSTRUCTIONS

Done in two-24 hour increments (total 2 days for test)

*Take your timer pins out and turn your pump and filter off

1. FILL POOL - Make a mark at water level (with tape or pencil on your skimmer frame) and label it #1.
2. LET POOL SIT FOR 24 HOURS with the pump and filter OFF, then put mark on tape, or the skimmer frame, at water level and label it “O” for “Off”.
3. FILL POOL TO ORIGINAL MARK (#1.)
4. TURN PUMP AND FILTER ON and RUN FOR 24 HOURS. Make mark on tape or skimmer frame at water level and label it “R” for “Running”.

_____________________________________________________________

Based upon the loss results it can be determined if the leak is in the pool itself or in the lines and filtering system. Therefore it is important to do each step in sequence and to be exact.

Space between Mark #1 and Mark “R” :_____________________________

Space between Mark #1 and Mark “O” :_____________________________

Pool opening should begin when overnight temperatures remain above freezing and daytime temperatures remain above 60 degrees. When you are ready, BioGuard® recommends these easy steps:

1. Remove pool cover and drain any accumulated water away from pool.
2. Fill your pool to the middle of the skimmer opening to allow for proper circulation.
3. Check your pump, skimmer basket and filter.
4. Circulate pool water 24 to 48 hours, and then take a water sample to Swim King Pools for testing and analysis. Our computerized water analysis system by BioGuard provides accurate results almost instantly. You receive personalized instructions for starting the pool.
5. Test sanitizer & pH routinely.
6. Routine maintenance is the best way to keep your pool sparkling. And with one of BioGuard’s easy-to-use care systems, it’s as easy as 1-2-3!

For more information, visit Swim King Pools. We can help you choose the right products that will get you and your family enjoying the pool in time for that first warm and sunny day.

• It’s 15 years or older
• The liner used to be blue
• You need to update with a new design
• There’s so many patches on it now
• You think you have a leak
• You really want the salt water pool and hear it’s great for the life of the liner
• You want to add stairs with a liner change
• Your old white steps have cracks and bubbles
• You want to be ready for the summer season

If you have questions or to place a liner order, call Mark at 631-744-8100 x 115.

We are busy gearing up for the upcoming summer season with a newly renovated Retail Store but we also have some other exciting news: In September 2012, you will need to go no further than our location for all of your Halloween supplies. We will be adding a HALLOWEEN KING store this fall season.

From adult and children’s costumes to wigs, masks, props and makeup, this new addition to our store will be your one-stop destination for all your Halloween needs! A large selection of merchandise and decorations will all be featured at our existing Rocky Point location. Why drive all the way to the mall when you can head right around the corner? Stay tuned to our Facebook page for updates as we get closer to the fall!

Although the cooler weather normally signals an end to the pool season, it doesn’t always have to! Swim King Pools’ masonry department can extend your outdoor season by transforming your patio into a winter oasis. As long as you have a safety cover on your closed pool, you can be assured that the patio is safe and as attractive as it can be in the winter. Create a beautiful and useable focal point to your pool area during the winter months with an outdoor fireplace or fire pit. On a cool fall night, nothing is better then sitting around the fireplace with loved ones enjoying the outdoor air! Have a birthday coming up? Who says fall birthday parties have to be inside? With an outdoor fireplace, you can move the celebration outside with hot-dogs and s’mores cooked over the fire!

Also, cabanas and pool houses are more than just to store pool equipment! Use them to shield your spa from the winter air when you are relaxing in the hot tub on a cold night. Our Masonry division can make your patio into a useable living space in the winter, extending your outdoor season and utilizing your pool investment to it’s maximum. Contact them today at 631-744-8100!

Winterizing is the most important thing you can do to make your spring pool opening as easy as possible. There are many benefits of closing your pool correctly. They are:

• Protecting your pool surfaces and equipment.
• Keeping water looking its best all winter long.
• Protecting equipment from freeze damage.
• Saving money on extra maintenance when you open your pool.

The main purpose in winterizing your in-ground swimming pool is to protect it from the damage that is done by the water freezing in the winter months. Another is to keep it as clean as possible for the next season. Closing your swimming pool properly can save you a lot of work when it comes time to open the pool for the summer.

Here are the most important things to do when winterizing:

1. MAKE SURE WATER CHEMISTRY IS BALANCED: Be sure that your pH, Total Alkalinity, and Calcium Hardness are all balanced. By balancing your water chemistry you are protecting the surface of the pool from staining and etching.
2. ADD A WINTERIZING CHEMICAL KIT: Adding a winterizing chemical kit to your water will help keep it blue and clear for the next season. We recommend the BioGuard Artic Blue Winter Kit, which includes the products you need to winterize correctly. Be sure to follow the manufacturer’s instructions for the kit.
3. CLEAN EQUIPMENT: Make sure to clean all equipment prior to storage in a secure area where rodents, and squirrels will not get to it to chew on or nest in.

Because every pool is different, we suggest that you contact us for directions that will be tailored to your pool equipment. Call us at 631-744-8100 and we will give you instructions for your specific pool.

Long Island is beginning the big clean up from Hurricane Irene. Here are some tips to get your pool back in shape after the big storm.

1. REMOVE DEBRIS - If possible, remove all of the large debris by hand, being careful not to harm the pool lining when pulling large items out of the pool. Using either a pool rake or skimmer, remove as much smaller debris as possible.
2. CHECK AND BALANCE POOL CHEMISTRY - Always test the pool first and then adjust levels. It is very likely that the excess storm water has diluted the chemicals and adjustments will be necessary. Bring a sample down Monday morning for a free computerized water test so that we can get your pool back in tip-top shape in no time!