During weekly service, we net, brush steps and benches, empty baskets, check for leaks and issues around equipment, and test and balance chemicals. If needed, we will brush the walls of the pool and/or vacuum the pool. Pools with cleaners will not be vacuumed unless there is a unusual issue with the cleaner. However, we will vacuum a connected spa when needed. For more information about our services, see our terms of service.

Our goal is to provide you with premium pool service in an efficient manner. Our average service stop usually takes 15 minutes for average size pools with some smaller pools/spas taking less time. If it feels like service is fast - that’s a good thing. Happy pools are well balanced and require less time spent. Check your service email every week to see how we cared for your pool. If you feel your pool cleanliness does not meet your expectation, please do not hesitate to contact us so we can address your concern.

To protect swimmers, the equipment, and the surface of the pool, it is best to run the pump after we add chemicals to the water. Most pool systems have a "timeout" mode which runs the pool for 3 hours based on selected settings and return to "auto" mode once the timeout cycle has finished. Your tech may have left your system in "timeout" to make sure the chemicals are sufficiently mixed throughout the pool. If you use a phone app or have an indoor panel, there maybe a message stating that the system is in "service" mode. Unfortunately, it does not distinguish between "timeout" and "service" mode. To know for sure what mode the system is in, you will have to check the outdoor panel. If your tech accidentally left your system in "service" mode, a simple press of a button on the panel will get it back to "auto" mode. If you are not sure how to set the system back to "auto" mode, please don't hesitate to call so we can either walk you though it or come back to the property set the system back to "auto."

Contrary to some manufacturers’ claims, it is almost always necessary to add chlorine to a salt water pool in order to maintain proper chemistry. Saltwater pools use a salt chlorine generator to convert salt into chlorine through a process called electrolysis, reducing the need for the addition chlorine products. A salt generator can keep chlorine level throughout the year, however, we may need to raise the free chlorine level higher than the salt cell can produce to destroy contaminants like algae, bacteria, and chloramines

Our technicians are instructed to not turn on hoses or manual fill lines without an automatic shut off valve being present and functioning. Accidents happen where our techs may forget to turn off the water which may result in an increased water bill and/or cause damage to landscaping and/or the home. Pool owners without this equipment will need to monitor their water level to ensure the cleaning equipment can function all week long. Having the water level drop below the skimmer can cause equipment damage and the pool to turn green. If we arrive for service and the water level is too slow to safely function we will turn off pool equipment and notify you. Depending on the severity, we may not be able to complete a full service either. If additional visits are needed to reactivate the pool equipment, you may be charged.

If a tech didn't vacuum and you don't have a cleaner, it could be because he felt the pool was in great condition that it didn't need to be vacuumed for that day's service. Please be assured, that all other service steps were performed, and when necessary your pool will be vacuumed. However, if you feel the tech has done an unacceptable job, please don't hesitate to contact us to come and reservice the pool. Pools that have working cleaners have a lower service rate since the machine does the vacuuming. Occasionally, the tech will vacuum the pool and/or spa if there is excess debris or if the cleaner stopped working. Unless the cleaner is repaired in a reasonable amount of time, your service rate may increase.

Since we charge a rate based on 4 cleanings per month, we balance the months with 5 weeks by taking off 4 weeks each year. We will not service pools on President’s week, the week of Thanksgiving, the week of Christmas, and one other week to be determined. We will remind you of the weeks of no service at least a week in advance. If you would like an extra service stop during a skip week, please contact the office for availability and pricing. We will service your pool on all other holidays.

Occasionally, things happen. Your regular tech may have called out sick or a vehicle may have mechanical problems. If we are not able to service your pool, your tech or one of our other techs may complete service on the same day or may need to service on the following day. Either way, we will attempt to send you an update of an adjustment and will commit to completing your weekly service in a timely manner.

If you need a one time reschedule of service, please let us know as soon as possible so we can try our best to accommodate and complete service on a different day or time. If this is a recurring issue, you may still be invoiced for service even if we cannot service the pool. If you need a pchange pool service days or need service at a certain time, please contact us to see how we can accommodate your request.

To prevent damage, we are unable to remove or reapply pool solar covers or netting on a customer's pool. We will remove/replace hard covers off of small spas, and open/close automatic pool covers. Your are expected to have the pool uncovered for service, and to recover after. In the event that a pool cover is on for our service stop, we will still do a chemical and basket check, but will not be able to modify the cover to brush, vacuum, or skim the pool.

Payments will only be accepted by credit, debit or ACH. By providing us with your credit card, debit card, or ACH information, you allow us to keep your payment information on file for automatic payments. On occasion, we may except cash, check, or P2P payment (Zelle, or Venmo) on a case by case basis.

Autopay will only work with invoices that include your monthly rate for the current month, chemicals from the prior month, and any installed items under $75. This invoice will be created on the first, and charged automatically to your card on file. Any work orders that need approval, mostly work orders over $75, are not able to be paid automatically. However, your card information is stored by our servers, and you are able to approve a work order charge electronically or you can contact customer service and they can charge your stored card for you. If you ever need to add or change a card on file, please call our customer service team to assist you. To sign up for autopayment, check the box for autopay after entering your credit card information when you pay an emailed invoice, or call our customer service team to set up autopay for you.

Every pool is different. Many factors go into the decision on how much of a chemical our techs choose to use in your pool. During the summer, the increased bather loads add more contaminants to the water, the UV from the sun breaks down chlorine quickly, and the warmer waters are a breading ground for algae. To combat many of these issues, our techs must add a variety and increase the amounts of chemicals to prevent algae growth and keep the water clear. Other increases of chemical usage that may occur any time of the year, could be because the pool equipment isn't performing at its peak. The filtration pump may not be running long enough, the filter may need to be cleaned, pool could be leaking, or a salt cell may not be working anymore. If these issues are not resolved, our techs will need to compensate with an increased use of chemicals. Another reason chemical cost could be higher is because of the water quality. Partial or full draining of you pool will lower the Total Dissolved Solids (TDS) and Cyanuric Acid (CYA) that increase over time. Chlorine becomes ineffective as these two readings increase, and an increase of sanitizer in required to keep your pool clear is needed. Most of the time, the costs come from the above mentioned issues, but occasionally it may be a mistake on our end. Please feel free to contact us if you feel your chemical charges are higher than expected. We can analyze your invoices to look for mistakes or come out to make sure there are no issues with your pool or equipment. From there, we can give you some insight on how to find solutions to any issues that have resulted in the higher costs. Our chemicals we use are higher quality or better than you can get from the store, and usually at a better price. If our price is higher, it is because we are using a professional chemical better than what is available at the local pool store or online. If you would ever like to compare prices, a chemical price list will be provided upon request.

Filter cleanings and salt cell inspections/cleanings (if applicable) are an important part of maintenance and upkeep of pool and/or spa. We send advance notice of a filter clean and/or salt cell inspection/cleaning scheduled for your pool or spa. Unless specifically instructed, we will perform the cleanings without approval. The costs of these services are in addition to your regular maintenance. Most filter cleanings are performed at a rate of $120 per filter usually every 6 months. Salt cell inspections are inspected every 3 months at a rate of $12.50 per cell and an additional $12.50 per cell is added if a cleaning is necessary.

Repairs that cost under $75 that affect the performance of your pool equipment or chemical dosing will be done without authorization. These minor fixes can waste time to be communicated back and forth while your pool or pool safety is compromised. Therefore, we will take care of these items for cheaper than the cost of going to the store to replace yourself. This includes services for O rings, chlorine floaters, water levelers, replacement lids and baskets, and some vacuum repairs. Items that are more than $75 or require an extra labor charge will need to be authorized first.

Our billing method is to charge a flat rate for the labor of our experienced technicians, and then a separate chemical cost for what your pool needs! We chose to use this method as we found that many customers were subsidizing those that heavily use their pools. This method makes invoicing more fair for everyone and can even save the majority of homeowners money. Our labor rate comes at the beginning of the month and is paid in advance, while the chemical portion comes at the beginning of the following month after we know what chemicals were needed in your pool. Your first bill from us will be labor only, and each subsequent bill will have the charge for the previous month of chemicals and the future month of service.

Swimming pool pumps should run long enough to circulate your entire pool volume of water at least one time a day, usually 8 hours. The number of hours can be calculated using the pool volume and dividing by the set GPM of your pump. A simpler general rule of thumb is to run the pool one hour for every 10 degrees of the air temperature. For example, if its 80 degrees outside then the pump should run 8 hours. Another suggestion is to run the pump for 1/2 hour for every hour of daylight. Using this method, during the summer, run the pump for 8 hours, during the winter for 4 hours, and during spring and fall, run the pump for 6 hrs. Failure to circulate your pool water completely, can result in algae growth and unsanitary water. We can help you decide how long to run your pump(s) and help you adjust the schedule accordingly.

Pools can lose 3 inches of water or more per week due to evaporation. To help decide if you have a leak, try a bucket test. Fill a bucket with water about half way and set it on the first step inside your pool. Mark the water line inside the bucket and the water line outside the bucket to mark the pool water line. Turn off your equipment and let the bucket sit for 24 hours. Compare the water loss in the bucket to the pool. If the water levels are the same, it's simply evaporation. If the pool water level is much lower, it is likely a leak. If you can't physically see a water leak at the pool equipment, it's best to hire a professional leak detection company. Contact us if you would like us to do a bucket test for you.

To help protect the pool equipment, it is important that the water level is maintained. Usually filling the pool once a week is sufficient, but may require filling more frequently. If you are having a hard time keeping enough water in the pool, we can help come up with some solutions to make the fill automatic. We highly recommend that you make sure your home insurance covers any unforeseen damages from any pool flooding. Since, we do not want to be held responsible for any damage caused by water overflow, our pool maintenance services does not include regular filling unless there is a automatic shutoff device.

Cleaning your pool filter is a crucial part of ensuring your pool is both balanced and safe for use. A pool filter should be cleaned when the filter pressure raises 10 psi over the starting psi after the last filter clean was completed. Although this does not always occur within 6 months of the last filter clean, it is recommended to still deep clean the pool filter every 6 months. While the filter is being cleaned, it can be inspected for any damage which may prevent efficient filtration. Overly used pools, undersized filters, pools with excessive pet use, or pools that get a lot of debris or dirt may need the filter cleaned more often. Our experienced technicians are ready to give your pool filter the deep clean it needs in order to keep your pool running smoothly.

Having a dog swim in your pool can be great fun, but it's important to be aware that a dog swimming is said to be equivalent to up to 50 people swimming. This extra activity can affect the balance of your pool water and make it more difficult to maintain. It may also result in extra chemical costs. If your dog(s) regularly swim, your pool filter may need to be cleaned more than the recommended 2 times a year to ensure your pool remains healthy and clean, . With proper maintenance and care, you and your pup can enjoy the pool together!

Salt cells are a great way to maintain a swimming pool, as they generate chlorine to sanitize the water and make it safe for swimming. However, it is important to note that a salt cell pool is still a “chlorine” pool. In addition, it is important to regularly check the salt cell for issues such as calcium buildup, or a corroded or dirty cell, and to clean or replace it as needed. With proper maintenance, a salt cell can provide a refreshing and comfortable swimming experience.

Short answer, yes, variable speed pumps can save money. By allowing you to adjust the speed of the pump, you can use less energy and reduce your electricity costs. Variable speed pumps also allow you to customize the operation of your pool to ensure the most efficient water circulation and filtration. Additionally, these pumps last longer than single-speed pumps, saving you money on replacement costs. However, if the pump or the pump controller is not set properly, you may be losing out on the savings.

Yes, scale buildup is common on the tile line and spillways of a pool. This is due to minerals like calcium and magnesium that can accumulate over time. Regular brushing, maintaining proper chemical balance, and addition of scale inhibitors are the best ways to keep scale buildup in check.

There are opposing thoughts on this topic. Phosphates enter the pool through sources such as fertilizers, environmental debris, and even swimmers. It is a major food source for algae. Some experts do not believe in phosphate treatments. They believe that if algae doesn't start to grow in the pool, then it doesn't matter if there are phosphates. They feel with proper water chemistry, algae will not start to grow so there is no need to remove the phosphates. Other experts feel that phosphate treatments are necessary when the phosphate levels raise above 100 ppb. Unfortunately, there are times when the chemistry can go out of balance due to high use, rains, or high winds, causing algae to enter the pool before there is a chance to perform weekly service. If a lapse occurs, an algae bloom can happen quickly. At Fallbrook Pool Professionals, we believe that phosphates over 500 ppb makes it difficult to keep algae at bay. We are currently exploring options to add phosphate treatments during our regular service stops to prevent phosphates from raising over 500 ppb, however we currently offer a Phosphate Treatment Service if the phosphates get above 100 ppb. We only recommend a Phosphate Treatment service as one of the last options if there is persistent algae in your pool.

Depending on your equipment, white flakes or dust could be a variety of things. If you have a DE filter, it could be DE that has blown by the filter and into your pool. If this is the case, there may be some damage to your filter and repairs may need to be made. If you have a salt cell, it could be calcium scale. The chlorine generator (also known as salt cell, salt generator, salt chlorinator, or SWG) uses electrolysis in the presence of dissolved salt to produce chlorine gas or its dissolved forms, hypochlorous acid and sodium hypochlorite, which are already commonly used as sanitizing agents in pools. During the process other minerals such as calcium may solidify and form on the blades of the salt cell. The SWG will reverse polarity during its cycle to attempt to remove the built up calcium from the blades. When it does this, the calcium will return to the pool or spa either as a flake or as a white powdery substance. Regular cleanings and an addition of a scale preventative will help reduce the issue.

Most likely the cause of a colored surface turning white is the buildup of calcium from a salt cell. Please see previous FAQ about pool/spa flakes for an explanation of where the calcium comes from. When the scale or calcium dust sits too long it binds with the surface and turns it white. Regular brushing and vacuuming, maintaining proper water chemistry, and the addition of a scale preventative will help prevent the buildup of calcium. An acid wash would be the most likely solution to removing calcium that is already bound to the surface.

Depending on the size of your pool, the frequency of water replacement may differ. For the average size pool, a full or partial water change should be performed every 5 - 7 years. If your pool is heavily used, water changes may be needed more frequently. Smaller bodies of water like a swim spa or a spa only, may need to be changed every month with heavy use, or every year with light use. Over time, as levels of natural contamination, minerals, CYA (cyanuric acid), and TDS (total dissolved solids) increase, the effectiveness of the pool sanitizer reduces. Changing the water will help reduce the amount of chemicals needed to maintain a balanced and healthy pool. If you don't want to replace the water, another option is a RO (reverse osmosis) treatment. This process will use your current water but will filter out all impurities leaving the chemicals needed for a healthy pool. We can help you determine if and when your water needs to be changed.