What is Planet Pools’ rating with the Better Business Bureau?
We at Planet Pools are very proud of our hard-earned A+ rating with the Better Business Bureau as we understand the importance of keeping our amazing customers happy. We highly encourage all of our potential customers to visit the BBB’s website before committing to a pool builder to build your pool or a pool store to shop at.
Visit www.BBB.org today.
How long does it take to build a custom gunite pool?
Most gunite pools will take approximately 4-6 weeks to build depending on the size, the amount of detail, the availability of materials, and of course the unpredictable SW Louisiana weather.
Is it OK if my dog swims in my pool?
We all know that the amount of swimmers in a pool has a direct effect on the conditions pertaining to water chemistry. But if you’ve thought of letting your dog swim in your pool, think again! One dog swimming in a pool is equivalent to 50 people swimming in your pool at one time.
What are the benefits of a salt pool? (video)
Do salt pools have chlorine in them?
Yes. The basis of a salt water pool system is the formation of hypochlorous acid (free available chlorine) through the electrolysis of salt in water. Electrolysis occurs through a device called a salt cell that is installed on your pools system. Salt pools are chlorine pools and a cell is the equipment through which salt is converted into chlorine. Proper free available chlorine residual should be maintained at all times for adequate sanitation.
Is all pool salt the same?
No. When it comes to the quality of salt, there are significant differences. Some “pool salt” can contain impurities such as iron or organic material. Even though these impurities may be present in only trace amounts, once enough salt is added to reach the recommended level, these impurities can build up enough to cause a problem. Planet Pools’ Aqua Salt that is of highest quality and will not add unwanted “extras” to the pool water.
Is salt all I need for a saline pool?
Pools equipped with a chlorine generator MUST be balanced just as any other pool. The salt cell produces chlorine but does not provide any other means of balancing the water. In fact, the by-products produced during electrolytic chlorine generation can cause the pH to rise. High pH in pool water can contribute to cloudy water, scaling and decreased chlorine efficiency. This pH drift will need to be offset in order to keep the pH in the proper range. Your Planet Pools lab analyst can test your water weekly to treat all important areas including pH.
In addition, the chlorine produced by the salt cell is unstabilized. Especially in outdoor pools, stabilizer (cyanuric acid) is required to prevent chlorine degradation by sunlight so that it lasts longer in your pool and it protects the chlorine being produced by the salt cell from sunlight degradation.
My pool is equipped with a chlorine generator. Does it require any other source of chlorine?
There are some instances where the chlorine generator may not be able to produce enough chlorine to overcome the contaminant burden in the pool. Pools equipped with a salt cell can often struggle with chlorine demand just as any other chlorine pool might. In these instances, a larger than normal amount of chlorine may be required for treatment.
If a chlorine demand is suspected, the water can be tested by a Planet Pools lab analyst and treated per instructions from their computerized analysis. Also, keep in mind that these pools require routine oxidation or “shocking” just as any other chlorine pool does. Many times this can be accomplished by using a boost setting on the chlorine generator itself. And, as with any pool, additional oxidation will be needed after heavy bather loads, rain or if contamination is suspected.
Can copper based algicides be used in pools equipped with a chlorine generator?
It depends on the product. Many copper based algaecides contain copper triethanolamine. Triethanolamine is a nitrogen containing compound which is not very chlorine tolerant. Therefore, once inside the chlorine generator cell, this compound will break down resulting in free copper which has the potential to stain. This condition can result in copper based scale on the chlorine generator cell plates. In addition, because triethanolamine contains nitrogen, as it breaks down it has the potential to contribute to chloramine formation. Just as with certain sequestering agents, the use of these types of compounds will cause the active ingredient to be destroyed and could result in problematic compounds being formed.
Always check with your Planet Pools lab analyst before adding any chemicals to your pool water that they do not recommend when performing their water analysis on your pool water.