FAQ:
Does my monthly payment mean my pool will be cleaned EVERY week?
What are considered additional services?
How do I pay for our pool services?
When should we expect the pool technician to clean the pool?
What should I do between pool services?
What should I do if I am having a pool party?
How often should our pool water be changed?
How did my cyanuric acid levels get so high that I have to change my pool water?
The pool technician did not add any (or not as many as I am used to seeing) chlorine tablets to my dispenser.
During the winter my pool technician is not putting any or enough chlorine tablets in my pool
Why does my salt cell have an error light during the winter?
Can I pause my pool maintenance service or switch to every other week during the winter?
Why am I being charged for filter cleanings? I did not authorize this. I clean them myself.
I do not want to do the recommended repairs or replacements on my pool equipment!
My pool technician keeps telling me the pool water level is too low.
The pool technician was locked out of the pool/yard and did not clean my pool. Can he come back and clean it?
What is considered an ideal range for pool water chemicals?
What are phosphates?
What is TDS?
What is CYA?
What is black algae?
What is included in our weekly pool service?
During our weekly visit, we will do an onsite water test to check the chemical levels, provide chemical adjustments (chlorine tablets and acid), remove the debris from the pool surface and bottom, brush when needed, empty the leaf traps at the skimmer and pump, and inspect your pool equipment to ensure everything is in working order. You will also receive a weekly report of the pool service to include images and GPS location delivered directly to your email! Filter and salt cell cleanings are also part of the program, however, they are billed separately as we do them. Normally, they will be cleaned every 3 to 6 months.
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Does my monthly payment mean my pool will be cleaned EVERY week?
Yes and no. Yes, you pay a monthly fee and we clean every week. However, this is based off a 4-week month. Four weeks times 12 months is 48 services. As you know, there are 52 weeks in a year. Some months have 4.5 – 5 weeks. Our service is for 48 weeks, 4 times a month. We take 2 weeks off during the year and reserve 2 rainy/sick days per year. The two rainy/sick days will be used for times when your pool cannot be cleaned in a particular week. Whether the pool technician is sick, mechanical issues or inclement weather and we are unable to service your pool any time during that week. As a company, we are off for two separate weeks during the year. We do NOT work/service pools the week of Thanksgiving or the week of Christmas. No, you do not get a credit or discount for rainy/sick days or the two holiday weeks as you pay for 48 services a year. You may get a credit/discount if we skipped or missed your pool outside of this scenario.
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What are considered additional services?
Chemical treatments beyond normal maintenance adjustments, adding salt (salt pools), seasonal PoolRx treatments, quarterly & semi-annual filter cleanings, sand filter cleanings, quarterly hot tub drain & sanitization, salt cell flushing/cleaning, phosphate treatments, filter cartridge replacement, repair and replacement of pool equipment (pump, motor, heater, timers, controllers, etc.), diagnostics, changing gaskets & seals, repairing or replacing bad valves or piping, plumbing leaks, pool water drains, special pool cleanings/drains i.e. “mud-slide” / landscape runoff (usually after severe rain storms/flooding), chlorine baths, acid wash, conversion to salt pool, pool light repairs or upgrades, etc. Additional water features will be extra such as fountains or above ground hot tubs. Trip charges to address concerns that are not covered by the weekly pool maintenance visits. Extra time needed on-site to remove/replace and/or work around solar covers or safety fencing. We also charge to to show tenants/AirBNB how to use your pool equipment (spa, heater, etc).
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How do I pay for our pool services?
Billing is done at the beginning of the month and is sent electronically via email. You will be able to pay securely online.
We prefer digital payments but if you are mailing a check please make the check out to:
Las Vegas Pool Cleaning Services LLC
8550 W Desert Inn Rd #102-176, Las Vegas, NV 89117
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When should we expect the pool technician to clean the pool?
The pool technician works a route in a specific area each day. It is at the discretion of the pool technicians on how he organizes and what order he decides to do the route. Times will vary throughout the year according to the season due to daylight and temperatures. During the winter, the technicians will start later in the day when it warms up and the sun is out. During the summer, the technicians will normally start as early as possible, usually at sunrise, while it is still “cooler” outside.
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What should I do between pool services?
Remember, this is YOUR pool. Take care of it. We visit your pool once a week. The rest of the week is on your shift.
Periodically check the leaf/debris traps at the skimmer and pump to make sure it is not full and preventing good water flow to your pool pump, especially if it has been windy. If you have a lush landscape that sheds a lot of leaves and debris, you should check your skimmer basket more often. Do not run your pool equipment without the skimmer or pump baskets in place. This could likely result in a blockage in the system as large amounts of debris or objects could be sucked through the skimmer line towards the pump and/or clogs in the pump itself. MAKE SURE YOUR LANDSCAPER IS NOT BLOWING DEBRIS INTO YOUR POOL. The quickest way to a green pool is to pack the skimmer and pump baskets with debris to stop the flow of water.
Check the pool water level. Make sure the water level is at least 2” above the skimmer line. A good rule is to fill the pool to the midpoint of the skimmer box height. If the water is too low your pool equipment will not work properly and could potentially run dry damaging it.
Make sure the pool pump is running enough each day. We enjoy a lot of sun here in Las Vegas. Which means a lot of UV rays. Failing to run the pump enough hours each day could result in problems with your pool water health. During the hot months you should run the pump on high for 6 to 8 hours during the sunniest part of the day (the part of the day the sun is shining directly on your pool). The goal is to keep the water circulating and filtering especially when the sun is directly shining on your pool.
Please check on your pool equipment. If you see any leaks or hear a sound that is not normal report this to us so we can schedule a repair. Sending us a text or email with pictures will help us diagnose and repair the issue.
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What should I do if I am having a pool party?
If you are having a pool party and will have a lot of people in the pool, have a lifeguard or adult supervising the swimmers, have the swimmers rinse off before getting into the pool to minimize the phosphates being introduced via skin and hair products, minimize objects that do not belong in a pool (i.e. towels, clothes, anything that could introduce soaps, detergents, dirt), shock the pool the day before, run the pump on high RPM before/during and after the pool party to keep the water circulating and filtering. If the pool looks dirty the next day then shock it again and run the pump on high RPM for 24 hours.
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How often should our pool water be changed?
Pool water should be changed every 5 to 7 years. However, due to the extremely abundant amount of sun (ultraviolet rays) we enjoy here in Las Vegas, you should expect to change your pool water every 1 to 3 years especially when using dichlor or trichlor chlorine tablets. In harsh cases, you may need to drain the pool as required if CYA and TDS levels are too high as these impact the effectiveness of chlorine allowing algae to grow.
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How did my cyanuric acid levels get so high that I have to change my pool water?
Cyanuric acid (CYA), also referred to as stabilizer or conditioner, is pivotal in maintaining a healthy chemical balance in your pool water. CYA is needed to help the performance and longevity of the chlorine in your pool. If your CYA levels are too low, below 30 ppm, your chlorine depletes faster resulting in unsanitary cloudy water. If your CYA levels are too high, above 100 ppm, the chlorine will be less effective. Adding stabilized (dichlor or trichlor) shock or chlorine tablets to sanitize the pool water is a common practice. Each dosage has a small amount of CYA (stabilizer) to assist the chlorine to perform effectively in sanitizing and fighting off algae. Gradually over time, several months to a couple of years, the CYA levels will build up as the pool water evaporates and chlorine breaks down leaving behind the CYA in the water. CYA does not evaporate or get consumed in any manner. It is cumulative and stays in the pool and levels increase over time. If the CYA levels become too high you will find you are adding more and more chlorine, but it won’t seem to be working and you could see cloudy water, a buildup of contaminants, and algae growth. It will also distort chemical readings for alkalinity and lower your pH levels due to ineffective chlorine throwing off the pH balance. Extremely low pH will eat away at the plaster in your pool.
The quickest and least expensive way to lower the CYA levels is to drain and refill the pool. Or if you do not want to do a full drain and refill, you can dilute the pool water by partially draining a few inches to just above the skimmer line and refilling with fresh water. Test the CYA levels after each dilution to see if you are within acceptable CYA levels. Repeat as needed. In either case you should also clean your pool filter cartridges as CYA is also in the filters.
Declining or refusing to do a pool drain in order to address the issue does mean we are obligated to spend extra time and use extra chemicals in your pool as a solution. It is best to address the problem with the proper solution.
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The pool technician did not add any (or not as many as I am used to seeing) chlorine tablets to my dispenser.
If your chlorine levels are too high, the pool technician will reduce the number of tablets in your dispenser in an effort to reduce it. During the winter, you may not see any tablets or only a single tablet for weeks or for the duration of the season. The absence of chlorine tablets in your dispenser is not an indicator that your pool was not cleaned.
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During the winter my pool technician is not putting any or enough chlorine tablets in my pool
If your chlorine levels are too high, the pool technician will reduce the number of tablets in your dispenser to lower it. During the winter, you may not need any tablets or only a single tablet for weeks or for the duration of the season. Once the pool water temperatures get down to 51 degrees and under, chlorine is not as critical as algae will not bloom at these lower temperatures. During the winter, the amount of daylight hours is reduced, the suns angle is lower, and the amount of ultraviolet ray exposure is significantly lower. The absence of chlorine tablets in your dispenser is not an indicator that your pool was not cleaned.
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Why does my salt cell have an error light during the winter?
Your salt cell will stop generating chlorine when the water temperatures get under 60 degree. The error light is an indicator that the temperature is low. When the pool water temperatures get down to 51 degrees and under, chlorine is not as critical as algae will not bloom at these lower temperatures. This creates an approximate 10-degree window, between 60 and 51 degrees, where chlorine is not being generated but algae can still grow. It is a good idea to use a floating chlorine dispenser to add a single chlorine tab during the winter to help protect the pool water.
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Can I pause my pool maintenance service or switch to every other week during the winter?
Unfortunately, no. The first reason, our system does not have the ability to schedule service every other week. The second reason, we need the balance of both the summer and winter seasons to be profitable. During the summer we use an exorbitant amount of chemicals to treat your pool water. During the winter we use less chemicals. Our maintenance plan is for 12 consecutive months, with allowances for a pause for pool renovations. We do not do summer only pool services.
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Why am I being charged for filter cleanings? I did not authorize this. I clean them myself.
Filter cleanings are part of our pool maintenance program. We charge for the service as we do them. If you insist on doing your own filter cleanings . . . we prefer that you don’t. If you really want to do them yourself then we must receive this in writing. Any issues with the pool relating to filtration, flow, dirt kicking back will be up to you to resolve as you would be part of the maintenance program. You must clean the filters when the pool technician indicates it is needed. You will also be the one to determine if the filter cartridges are in bad condition or are saturated and need to be replaced.
Declining or refusing to do filter cleanings or replacing filter cartridges when needed does not mean we are obligated to spend extra time and use extra chemicals in your pool as a solution. Your pool water health requires proper working filtration for good water flow and circulation.
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I do not want to do the recommended repairs or replacements on my pool equipment!
It is our job to clean and maintain your pool water and monitor your pool equipment condition. We will report to you when there is an issue that needs your attention. At times pool equipment repairs or replacements may be required. Declining or refusing to do these repairs or replacements when needed does not mean we are obligated to spend extra time and use extra chemicals in your pool as a solution. Your pool water health requires good working pool equipment for proper water flow, circulation, and filtration.
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My pool technician keeps telling me the pool water level is too low.
Many pools have an auto-fill line that will maintain your pool water level for you. Unless you are doing repairs that require you to turn this off you should always leave it on. Other pools do not have an auto-fill and will require it to be filled manually. Or you can add an over-the-side auto-fill. In any case it is your responsibility to make sure your pool is at a proper water level.
Your pool water level needs to be above the skimmer line in order for your pool equipment to get water to run properly. A good rule is to fill the pool to the midpoint of the skimmer box height. If the water is too low your pool equipment will not work properly and could potentially run dry damaging it. If the pool pump is not able to run then there is no flow meaning no suction. This also means the pool technician will not be able to vacuum your pool with the suction-side vacuum that is used.
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The pool technician was locked out of the pool/yard and did not clean my pool. Can he come back and clean it?
Providing safe access to the pool is your responsibility. If we cannot get to the pool because the community gate code did not work, community security did not allow us through, yard gate or pool equipment gate was locked, a pet/dog was left in the yard, or otherwise inaccessible we will call/text you and wait up to 10 minutes. Unfortunately, your pool technician is on a route which requires that he continues to the next pool so he can finish his pools that day. He cannot circle back for a second visit to your pool. There is no discount/credit for pools that are inaccessible.
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What is considered an ideal range for pool water chemicals?
Chlorine (free chlorine): 1 – 4 ppm (during the spring and summer 5 to 6 ppm may be needed to last the week)
pH: 7.2 – 7.8 (Salt pools can be as high as 8.0)
Phosphates: 0 – 100 ppb (ideally 0)
Salt: 2700 – 4000 ppm (ideal 3200 – 3600 ppm but check salt cell requirements)
TDS: 0 – 2500 ppm (OVER 2500 REQUIRES A POOL DRAIN)
Cyanuric Acid (CYA/conditioner/stabilizer): 30 – 100 ppm, 30 – 50 ppm ideal for traditional chlorine pool, 50 – 80 ppm ideal for salt pool (OVER 100 ppm REQUIRES A POOL DRAIN)
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What are phosphates?
Phosphates are basically food for algae. Once it gets over 100ppb the algae growth could get out of hand and the pool will start to turn green. Phosphates are introduced into the pool from skin and hair products used by swimmers, soap and detergent from swimmers clothes and towels or other objects put into the pool, leaves/debris, pollen, run off from landscape and garden.
Phosphates require a special treatment solution and process (running pump on high and filter cleanings).
They are not treated by normal maintenance chemicals like chlorine or acid.
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What is TDS?
Total dissolved solids, or TDS, is a measurement of everything that has ever dissolved in your pool water. This includes minerals that separate from pool chemicals (i.e. calcium, sodium), dissolved dust, pollen, swimmer’s waste, dead algae, so basically everything and anything! Swimming pools have a maximum TDS value of around 2,000 to 2,500 ppm. High TDS, over 2500 ppm, can cause eye and skin irritation and impact chlorine effectiveness which could permit an algae bloom. As you can see, TDS does not get high overnight. It occurs over time (i.e. a few years).
In some cases, treating for phosphates or changing filter media (cartridges) can help solve the problem, but in most cases replacing some or all of the water is needed to reduce the TDS level.
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What is CYA?
Cyanuric acid (CYA), also referred to as stabilizer or conditioner, is pivotal in maintaining a healthy chemical balance in your pool water. It forms a weak bond with free chlorine in the water, protecting it from ultraviolet rays to reduce chlorine loss and maintain chlorine effectiveness. CYA is critical to helping the performance and longevity of the chlorine in your pool. If your CYA levels are too low, below 30 ppm, your chlorine depletes faster resulting in unsanitary cloudy water. If your CYA levels are too high, above 100 ppm, the chlorine will be less effective. Once the CYA levels are above 100 ppm a pool drain is needed.
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What is black algae?
Black algae is actually not an algae. It is a bacteria. A cyanobacteria to be specific. Black algae comes from natural bodies of water like rivers, ponds, lakes or the ocean. Also, can be found in pools that are filled with well water. It is usually introduced into your pool by someone, something, or an animal (pet, bird) that has touched your pool water after previously being in a natural body of water without washing. Like, for example, a duck, dog, inner tube, ball, underwater diving mask, swimming suit, shorts, sandals etc. entering your pool without washing after being at the lake. Swimming in water that has been infected with black algae won’t hurt you but it could cause some illness if you accidently ingested the infected water. It is easier for black algae to form and stick in pools with porous surfaces like plaster, concrete and gunite pools. It is rarely found in fiberglass or vinyl liner pools.
Treatment of black algae takes a lot of time and effort. It is not treated one day and gone the next day. It will take a series of sessions consisting of black algae treatments, shock, brushing and filter cleanings and good water circulation and filtration normally over a few weeks. Sometimes shorter and sometimes longer periods of time depending on how infested the pool is and when action was taken to treat it.
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