Dave's Pool Tips

Dave Says:

"If your pool water looks like a science experiment, it's time to call us. I've seen people try to fix a green pool with bleach from the grocery store — don't be that person!"

• Cloudy or milky water that won't clear
• Green tint or visible algae
• Strange pump or motor noises
• Staining on walls or floor
• Water level dropping unusually fast

Key Tips:

• Check pool fence and gate locks monthly
• Never swim alone — Arizona heat makes drowning risk higher
• Keep chemicals stored properly (heat accelerates reactions)
• Install a pool alarm for extra protection

Dave's Rule of Thumb:

"If the repair costs more than 50% of a new pump, and the pump is over 8 years old — replace it. You'll save more in energy costs with a new variable-speed pump anyway!"

Phoenix metro area water hardness levels are among the highest in the nation — often 300-500+ ppm. This means calcium deposits form faster than in most other states.

"Most people wait until it's already 100 degrees to think about their pool. Get ahead of the game — March is the perfect time to schedule your spring startup!"

LED lighting, automation systems, energy-efficient pumps, pebble finishes, and water features top the list for ROI in Arizona homes.

Dave Says:

"A green pool is almost always a chlorine + stabilizer problem. Triple-shock it, run the pump 24/7, brush daily, and you'll see results in 48–72 hours. Draining is a last resort — and in Arizona, that's a ton of money down the drain."

Key Rule:

"Always fix alkalinity first, then pH, then chlorine. If you do it out of order, you'll chase your tail all day. And always add chemicals to water — never water to chemicals."

• Saltwater feels softer on skin and eyes
• Lower ongoing chemical costs
• $1,500–$3,000 upfront conversion cost
• Salt cells need replacing every 3–5 years

Before the Storm:

"Shock your pool the evening before a storm is forecast. Run the pump through the night. After the storm, brush everything, clean the skimmer basket, and retest your water. Phosphate levels can spike massively — treat them fast or you'll be fighting algae for a week."

Dave Says:

"If you're running a variable-speed pump, a heater, and lights — automation pays for itself in energy savings within 2 years. Being able to turn your heater on from the restaurant so the pool is ready when you get home? That's just living right."

The Numbers:

A single-speed pump running 8 hours/day costs ~$600–$900/year in electricity in AZ. A variable speed pump running the same pool costs ~$80–$150/year. Payback period: 12–18 months. Most now also qualify for SRP and APS rebates.

Dave's Recommendation:

"In Queen Creek, I recommend a partial drain or full drain every 3–5 years depending on water usage, bather load, and TDS levels. Never drain in summer — the heat can pop your pool shell right out of the ground. October through March is ideal."

• Squealing: Worn bearings — replace soon
• Grinding: Debris in impeller — stop pump now
• Humming (no spin): Capacitor failure
• Gurgling: Low water / air in lines — check level

Quick Comparison:

Gas: Fastest heat-up, highest operating cost. Heat pump: Efficient, works well in AZ winters (50°F+). Solar: Free to run, slower, great for extending the season by 4–6 weeks each end. Dave's pick for most AZ homeowners: solar + heat pump combo.

Dave's Golden Rules:

• Always shock at dusk — UV destroys it in daylight
• Use calcium hypochlorite (granular), not liquid bleach
• Run the pump all night after shocking
• Pre-dissolve in a bucket of water before adding to pool

Dave Says:

"Phoenix metro water hardness runs 300–500 ppm — some of the hardest in the country. Calcium scale forms constantly. Don't use a pumice stone — it scratches tile. Professional bead blasting removes it cleanly without any damage. We do it every year for most of our clients."

• Keep calcium hardness at 200–400 ppm
• Maintain pH at 7.4–7.6 to slow scaling
• Schedule annual tile cleaning before scale hardens

• One adult water-watcher at all times — no phones
• No running on the deck — ever
• No swimming alone — always bring a buddy
• No diving in shallow end
• Non-swimmers must wear a life jacket
• No glass near the pool
• Know where the nearest phone is — every second counts