How to Clean Your Hot Tub

Pool Stains and Scaling- The Importance of Water Balance

Stains and scaling can be caused by not keeping your swimming pool water balanced, which means keeping calcium, pH, and total alkalinity at the proper levels. Tile and water line cleaners as well as enzymes help remove scale, grime, oils and other materials that can float on top of your swimming pool water. They help clean those unsightly lines that can form on your swimming pool tile, vinyl liner or even your swimming pool steps.
Rust and scale remover also helps in preventing stains and scaling. We have products called Stain Free and Scale Free. It is especially important to use in areas that have high levels of minerals and metals in the water and areas where consumers are filling their swimming pools with well water. It is very important that you have your pH levels in the proper range when using this product for it to work effectively.
Hardness increaser helps to prevent staining of swimming pool surfaces caused by low hardness (which is calcium) levels. It is important to use hardness increaser to prevent your pool water from becoming corrosive, which can cause damage to your swimming pool heaters and pumps. Parrot Bay Pools & Spas is here to help you with your water balancing concerns.

www.ParrotBayPoolsNC.com

When Do I Start My Inground Pool?

Running through the backyard sprinkler may have worked when you were a kid, but now that you’ve got your own house there are considerably more luxurious ways to beat the heat.
Planning and building a swimming pool isn’t something you should do on a whim. It’s a big-time investment that can both dramatically alter your landscape and lifestyle.
Every year we have people who call us in April, and they want pools built so they can be swimming in them by Memorial Day. Pool building is really more complicated than that. If someone wants a pool by Memorial Day, they’d be smart to start the process now.

Getting Started

That process must start with prioritizing your needs and wants, starting with these questions:

• Is my yard suited to a pool?
• What zoning restrictions do I face?
• What’s my pool budget?
• Am I prepared to care for a pool, or am I in the position to hire help?
• Will this pool be used primarily for exercise, entertaining, kid play or lounging?
• What should I know about safety and insurance?

 inspired by Zillow post 8/21/13

Always here to help at: 

Parrot Bay Pools & Spas

3011 Town Center Drive, Suite 130 Fayetteville, NC 28306

www.ParrotBayPoolsNC.com

910-429-0086

Starting Your Spa on Pristine Blue

STARTING UP ON PRISTINE BLUE

 The Easy Way to Beautiful, Clear, Hassle Free Spa Water

1.  Drain the spa and refill. Replace or clean the filter thoroughly.

2.  Balance the water.

· Total Alkalinity  50-90 ppm

· Ph 7.2 to 7.6

·  Calcium hardness 100- 300 ppm

3.  Add 10 millilters of Pristine Check per 100 gallons of water. Circulate 2 to 4 hours.

4.  Shock with 5 milliliters ( or 1 teaspoon) of PristineExtra per 100 gallons of water. Circulate 2 to 4 hours.

5.  Clean the filter.

6.  Add 6 milliliters of PristineBlue per 100 gallons of water. Run the filter for 1 hour.

After each use of the spa, shock with 5 milliliters (or 1 teaspoon) of PristinePower per 100 gallons of water, not to exceed once per day. (make sure to have the jets on, and run them about 10 to 15 minutes, so the PristinePower will not drop to the bottom)

EVERY 2 WEEKS

1.       Balance the water.

2.       Test the PristineBlue level and add according to the Spa Dosage Chart.

3.       Add 1 mililliter of PristineClean per 100 gallons of water

4.       Add 1 milliliter of PristineClear per 100 gallons of water

5.       Add 5 milliliters (or 1 teaspoon) of PristinePower per 100 gallons of water.

6.       Filter for 4 to 6 hours and then clean the filter media.

7.       Use PristineMist once every 4 to 6 weeks to prevent odor and discoloration to the underside of the spa cover.

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Free Kindle or Mini iPad with Your Inground Pool, Now through Dec. 31, 2013

Will a pool be under your tree for Christmas?

We sure hope so. The best gift you can give is family time spent with loved ones. We hope we can be a part of your Christmas gifts this year. All contracts signed between now and December 31st for installation in 2014 will receive a FREE Kindle Fire or Mini iPad gift wrapped for you courtesy of Parrot Bay Pools & Spas. 910-429-0086

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Free Kindle Fire or Mini iPad	with all pool contracts signed and 10% deposit retained between now and December 31, 2013. Valid on new or updated estimates for pools to be installed in 2014. Schedule now, secure your spot, and have a Kindle under the tree! Not valid with any other offers or discounts.
Offer Expires: December 31, 2013

How to Clean Your Hot Tub Filters with Filter Perfect

Directions for a cartridge or Diatomaceous Earth filter grid
Remove cartridge elements or D.E grids from filter tank and hose off loose material. Ina pail, bucket or trash container with 5 to 10 gallons of water, add 1 liter bottle of Filter Perfect.
Place cartridge elements or D.E grids in solution and soak for a minimum of 6 hours, preferably overnight. Remove from solution and rinse thoroughly. Clean cartridge elements should be allowed to dry before reinstalling.

 

Parrot Bay Pools & Spas, Inc.

3011 Town Center Drive, Suite 130

Fayetteville, NC 28306

910-429-0086

www.ParrotBayPoolsNC.com

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Most Common Swimming Pool Building Mistakes

 Most Common Swimming Pool Building Mistakes

1.Shopping like you are buying a car

Swimming pools are custom construction projects, and are built by individuals and pool contractors with different standards. Unlike an automobile, which is manufactured in a factory under controlled conditions, all swimming pools are not built the same. Much of what you do not see will impact the cost and quality of your pool. The more you know and understand about swimming pool construction, the better buyer you will be.

2. Not asking questions about licensure and service after the sale

Is your pool builder a NC licensed contractor? Find out here www.nclbgc.org. What makes them qualified to build your custom swimming pool? Do your homework. Get 3 or 4 estimates from reputable swimming pool companies in the area. Does your pool company also service the pool after the sale? Do they have a dedicated service department for maintenance, repairs, and cleanings?Or do they only install the pool and then it's up to you to find service afterwards?

3.Shopping based on price

Usually, if a deal seems too good to be true, it is. If you shop for price alone, you are destined to be disappointed. Consider the saying, "If you think the cost of a professional is expensive, wait until you hire an amateur!"

4.Shopping over the phone for a swimming pool

It's impossible. Take the time to meet with a swimming pool contractor and have them provide you with an estimate. Go to the store and make sure it is inviting and welcoming. A pool purchase is not a one time buy. You will create a relationship with this company over years to come. Choose wisely.

5. Assuming swimming pools cost less to build in the wintertime

We have seen increases in prices, gas increases, and insurance premium hikes. Pools don't get cheaper as time goes on; building a swimming pool will never be less expensive than it is today.

6. Focusing on the aesthetics and not the mechanics of your swimming pool

Hydraulic design, flow rates, pipe size, pump and filter types, chemical management systems, and many other factors will make a big difference in the ability of your swimming pool to stay clean and sanitized. Do your homework about the way a pool is built, not just the way it looks. Parrot Bay Pools offers upgraded plumbing and energy efficiency.

7. Not thinking about safety

Swimming pools can be a great place to have fun, exercise, and just enjoy the outdoors. They can also be dangerous. Make sure you know what your city/county requires for barriers and fencing. More importantly, make sure you protect the ones you care for, and protect the ones that cannot protect themselves. Parrot Bay Pools offers black aluminum fencing if desired and is available to answer your barrier requirement questions.

As always, Parrot Bay Pools is here to answer your questions.

Parrot Bay Pools & Spas, Inc.

3011 Town Center Drive, Suite 130

Fayetteville, NC 28306

910-429-0086

www.ParrotBayPoolsNC.com

Master Spas Hot Tubs

Parrot Bay Pools & Spas has many hot tub models to choose from. They range from small corner tubs that seat 2-3 people to larger tubs that will seat anywhere from 6-7 people or more. The benefits of a hot tub are numerous. They can help you physically and also it can bring you and your family closer together. 

            If you are looking for a hot tub to help with the daily aches and pains we have one here just for you!  All of our Master Spas have one seat in the hot tub with biomagnetics to give you that extra benefit of Magnetic Therapy to help relieve back pain, arthritis, enhance circulation, reduce swelling and alleviate joint and muscle stiffness. If you couple one of these Masters Spas with our Spazazz Therapy Crystals of either Sport or Muscle Therapy you will be well on your way to a nice relaxing evening with your friends or family.

After relaxing in your Master Spa you do not want to have the added stress of placing your hot tub cover back on the tub and risk tensing up all those muscles you just relaxed, so come by and see our brand new Smartop Spa Covers.

 

 

 

 

 

Parrot Bay Pools & Spas, Inc.

3011 Town Center Drive, Suite 130

Fayetteville, NC 28306

910-429-0086

www.ParrotBayPoolsNC.com

 

 

 

Thinking about Heating Your Pool?

Having a heated pool means having fun year round with your family and friends. Here are a few options for your consideration when investing in a heater for your pool.

1. Gas v. Electric Heater

An electric heat pump is a type of pool heater that will use the warm air from outside and run it through the compressor to heat the pool by converting the air to heated water. The upside of a heat pump is they are usually less expensive to run, the downfall is they can be very slow to heat up the water and do not work well once the outside temperature drops much below 55 degrees.

A gas pool heater is very efficient a quickly heats up the pool water. The downside to a gas heater is the cost of fuel fluctuates and the maintenance on the gas heater is much higher than electric. However, the gas heater works well no matter what the outside temperature is.

The next step for you is to decide which heater you would prefer and remember your friends at Parrot Bay Pools and Spas are here to help insure you have the proper equipment and training for your new heater.

 

Saltwater Swimming Pool Facts

Salt Pool Facts:
• Salt pools, whether they are vinyl swimming pools or fiberglass pools, are still sanitized using chlorine. A salt chlorine generator turns salt into chlorine to sanitize the swimming pool water. Chlorine produced from a salt chlorine generator is less harsh on skin and eyes and has no chlorine odors. Salt pool water is known for its silky-smooth feeling.

• The ocean's salt water has a salt content of approximately 35,000 ppm. The salt in a salt... pool has a low concentration of salt at 3,000 – 6,000 ppm. That is approximately 1/10th the level of salt in the ocean. This means that if you properly maintain your salt pool and keep the salt levels between 3,000 - 6,000 ppm with your control unit, the pool water will not taste salty at all.

• It is very important that you still regularly balance the water in your salt pool. Just like a regular chlorine pool, a salt pool should maintain proper pH, Total Alkalinity, Calcium Hardness and Stabilizer levels in order to prevent scale formations on your salt pool system and maximize sanitizing effectiveness. Test pool water on a weekly basis and use standard pool chemical procedures to adjust the levels.

 

For more information on Saltwater Pools Visit:

Parrot Bay Pools & Spas

3011 Town Center Drive, Suite 130

Fayetteville, NC 28306

www.ParrotBayPoolsNC.com

910-429-0086

Fiberglass Pool/ Spa Combination with Paver Copingstone and Mosaic Tile

 

This project was completed earlier in 2013 by Parrot Bay Pools & Spas. It is quickly becoming one of our favorite pools this year. It has a nice, clean look with some added details to make it look sharp as well as keep the swimming pool easy to maintain. This client requested a smaller pool, with a hot tub, heater, saltwater system, and fencing for safety. The fencing is our standard black aluminum pool code safety fence, but we also added brick columns every 12 feet for a more sophisticated look. The handrails are white rather than stainless steel due to the saltwater system. This project is also equipped with a super quiet variable speed pump for added ease and energy efficiency. Our variable speed pumps can be pre-set to cycle leaving you with a virtually touch-free pool. Add in Parrot Bay Pools Swimming Pool Valet Service and you never need to touch your pool at all.

 

For more information on fiberglass pools or how we can add fun to your backyard visit us at:

3011 Town Center Drive, Suite 130

Fayetteville, NC 28306

910-429-0086

or visit us online at www.ParrotBayPoolsNC.com

 

If it is your first endeavor searching for a swimming pool we highly recommend you call us to make an appointment so one of our staff can set aside adequate time to spend with you when you arrive.



Phosphates… What are They and Why Should You Care?

Phosphates… What are they and why should you care?

What are Phosphates?

Phosphates are a natural mineral that is mined and used in many of today’s off the shelf products, including some pool treatment chemicals, personal hygiene products (deodorant, shampoo, etc), and even some food products.

How Do Phosphates Affect Pool Care?

Phosphates are food for algae. The higher the level of phosphates in a pool, the more microscopic algae that you’ll also have in the pool. Since more of your free chlorine is then occupied killing algae, less is available to form a sanitizer residual. High phosphate loads, when left untreated, will generally result in higher chlorine demand and can even lead to algae blooms in your pool. A higher chlorine demand can tax, or even overwhelm, the production capacity of a chlorine generator. For operators using granular or liquid chlorine, for example, high phosphate levels can result in unnecessarily high chlorine bills, due to using more chlorine than otherwise would be necessary to kill the algae in the water.

 

How Do I get Rid of Phosphates?

 

You need a phosphate remover. Bring your water to Parrot Bay Pools or your local pool store and ask them to test it for phosphates and depending on the level in the water they can tell you how to treat your water to keep it algae free!

 

You can view our Video Resources section of our website http://www.parrotbaypoolsnc.com/video-resources for more discussion on phosphates.

 

Parrot Bay Pools & Spas

3011 Town Center Drive, Suite 130

Fayetteville, NC 28306

910-429-0086

 

Fall Hours M-F 10-6:30, Saturday 10-6

or visit us online at www.ParrotBayPoolsNC.com

 

How to Winterize Your Inground Pool

How to Winterize Your Inground Pool

 1. One week prior to closing your pool, add 14 fluid ounces of Pool Magic + PHOSfree for every 10,000 gallons of water directly into the skimmer.
2. Brush and vacuum the pool thoroughly to remove all dir...t, leaves and debris.
3. To prevent metal stains, add MetalFree and Stain and Scale For every 20,000 gallons, add 1 liter of MetalFree and 1 quart (32 ounces) of Stain and Scale 2 by pouring around the perimeter of the pool.
4. Adjust the pH to the proper level. For all pools, pH should be between 7.4 and 7.6.
5. Adjust the Total Alkalinity to the proper level.
6. To help protect your pool, adjust the Calcium Hardness to 200-400 ppm
7. Add 1 quart (32 ounces) of Algae Control per 25,000 gallons by mixing with water in a large bucket and pouring around the perimeter of the pool. Wait one hour before following next step.
8. Shock the pool at the rate of 2 pounds per 10,000 gallons by broadcasting the product around the perimeter of the pool.
9. Bring the chlorine or sanitizer of choice to an appropriate level.
10. Let the pump run for at least one complete cycle after adding chemicals. Backwash or manually clean the filter.
11. Lower the water level below the skimmer and all return lines (normally about 18 inches below the tile line). Alternatively, you can blow out the lines to remove water from the lines and then use our plugs so you don’t have to drain the water level down.
12. Remove the drain plugs from the pump strainer basket housing, the pump volute, the filter tank, and the heater. Keep the drain plugs handy, they will be used in Step 16.
13. Drain the automatic pool cleaner’s booster pump and the automatic chlorinator, if you use one.
14. Turn off the main power supply and remove the ON and OFF trippers from the time clock.
15. Position the multi-port valve handle between any two settings. This will ensure all ports are partially open to allow for freeze expansion.
16. Place all the drain plugs in the strainer basket of the pump and replace the strainer cover.
17. When the water has completely drained out of the plumbing lines, put Winterizing Plugs into the return line and skimmer lines.
18. Place a Gizzmo into the skimmer to seal the skimmer pipe and absorb any ice pressure.
19. Refill the pool back to between 4-6 inches below the skimmer inlet in vinyl-lined pools or 4-6 inches below the tile line plaster pools.
20. Remove all non-permanent articles such as ladders, hoses, over-the-top skimmers, etc. If you have an automatic pool cleaner, remove it and drain it completely. Lay the hoses out straight in a non-freezing location.
21. Inflate and tie Air Pillows to a stationary object. An average-sized pool, 16’ x 32’, typically requires 4-6 air pillows. If you are using multiple pillows, tie them together using the grommets located on the pillow’s corners.
22. Cover the pool using a Safety Cover or Winter Cover and Leaf Net Cover.
23. If necessary, fill and place Water Bags around the edge of the pool. In normal conditions, these can be placed 18 inches apart, but in windy areas, they should be placed end-to-end.
24. During the winter season, check the chemical balance every two-three weeks, and inspect the pool water by pulling back the cover slightly. If staining or scaling is beginning to develop, bring a sample of your water in to be tested.
If you need any help or would like us to winterize for you. Please call us anytime at 910-429-0086. Visit us at 3011 Town Center Drive, Suite 130 Fayetteville, NC 28306 or

Visit us online at www.ParrotBayPoolsNC.com

Variable Speed Pumps

How would you like to spend 90% less than you are now on pool energy costs? You can do just that and help save the environment by upgrading your current pool equipment. For new pool owners, the investment can seem huge compared to a traditio...nal pump, but it will pay for itself in no time. The uniqueness of variable speed pumps is that the pump matches the speed with the pools needs, eliminating the pump having to run at 100% all of the time. Running a pump at lower speeds for a long period of time uses significantly less power than running on high speed for even a very short period.

To learn more visit www.parrotbaypoolsnc.com or call us for more information at 910-429-0086.

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New Location for Parrot Bay Pools Fayetteville, NC

New Location Opens Mid January 2013

Visit us at 3011 Town Center Drive, Suite 130 Fayetteville, NC 28306. We are excited to share our favorite things with you in our new retail store. It makes living the Parrot Life easy. Like us on Facebook for Grand Opening Specials and Promotions! www.facebook.com/parrotbaypools
Visit our website at www.ParrotBayPoolsNC.com

Cost of Aboveground and Inground Pools

When deciding to add a pool to your backyard, the first question is most likely going to be, how much will an inground swimming pool or an above ground swimming pool cost? Pool prices can vary depending on the type of pool you want (vinyl liner swimming pool, fiberglass swimming pools, above ground swimming pool or gunite swimming pool), so we thought we'd help provide you with a quick overview of what to expect with the cost of your swimming pool.

Above Ground Pools:

There are two pricing components in purchasing an above ground pool, and that is the ‘kit' and the ‘installation'. Many swimming pool companies only sell above ground pool kits, and do not actually do the installation. The average above ground swimming pool kit will cost between $1500 and $4500, depending on the quality of the pool. Typically, the more resin and less metal the pool has, the higher the price will be and the longer it will last. It will also have a longer warranty period. The installation costs of above ground pools usually run $1500-$3000, depending on the size and type of pool. Keep in mind that oval pools normally cost more to install than round pools, and the kits are also more expensive. Also, be sure to ask what comes with your above ground pool. Most good swimming pool companies will include your ladder, winter cover, pump and filter system, and a maintenance kit.

In recent years, big box stores like Wal-Mart and others have started selling aboveground pools also. The main manufacturer of these pools is Intex. Such ‘set and fill' pools are very inexpensive, usually costing $100-$800 and in most cases last 1-2 summers before they need to be replaced. If you expect your investment to last longer you will definitely need to purchase it from a pool company such as Parrot Bay.

Vinyl Liner Inground Pools:

Vinyl Liner pools are the least expensive inground pool option. This is mainly due to the fact that the cost of materials for a vinyl liner are cheap. For a very basic, medium sized vinyl liner pool with a patio one can expect to spend between $20,000-$30,000, although other options such as heaters, covers, decking, water features, etc will certainly escalate this price.

Fiberglass Pools:

Fiberglass Pools cost more than vinyl liner pools to install because a fiberglass shell and shipping cost so much more than the cost of a vinyl liner pool kit in terms of raw materials. If a consumer were to buy just a fiberglass pool shell w/shipping, they will likely spend $12,000-$20,000 depending on the size of the pool. To have a pool contractor install the pool, one can expect to spend in the neighborhood of $25,000-$40,000 with the pool and installation. Again, options such as heater, lights, water features, type of patio, and other accessories will escalate this price.

Concrete/Gunite Pools:

In most cases, but not always, concrete pools will have the highest initial cost, and will vary greatly depending on the size of the pool and the material used for the pool's surface (ie white plaster, quartz, pebbletec, etc). The reason why concrete pools tend to cost more is due to the labor involved with their installation. In the majority of cases, a normal sized concrete pool will cost between $30,000-$60,000.

To find out more visit us at: www.parrotbaypoolsnc.com

Green Swimming Pool Water? – Treat It With Four Simple Steps!

Let’s face it, every pool will experience green water at one point or another. With the unusually high temps we have been experiencing these last few days it can happen quickly if you have neglected your pool. The main mission is to get it as clear as possible as quickly as possible. The second item that needs attention is we want to make it happen without breaking the bank.  There’s more shocks, phosphate treatments and water clarifiers than one knows what to do with. Not to mention the countless “novelty” chemicals that are available that can cost an arm and a leg! Let’s focus on the basics first.

When treating green swimming pool water, there are 4 key steps that need to be addressed. Let’s begin!

Treating green swimming pool water step #1: Circulation. Water circulation is an absolute must. You can add all the shock and other chemicals you want, but if water movement isn’t taking place, it won’t change the look of the water. While you’re turning the pool around, run the equipment 24/7. For most standard residential swimming pools, this will allow for about 3 full water rotations. Meaning, that all of the water will have gone through the filter about 3 times.

Treating green swimming pool water step #2: Shock treatment. Ideally, shoot for a granular shock because it has the fastest reaction time The more available chlorine, the more effective (and faster) it will be in the pool water. It’s important to stress that one cannot over shock a swimming pool. Depending on how green the water is, I’d recommend starting with 3-4 lbs of shock, wait 2-3 hours, then check what the water looks like. There’s no need to test the water at this point using a test kit as the results will be meaningless…regardless how much “free chlorine” it’s showing present.

Treating green swimming pool water step #3: Filtration is key. The more effective the filter is throughout this process, the faster the water’s going to get clear again. The best way to ensure this is taking place is to backwash/clean your filter several times a day. If you’re using a sand filter, place the multi port valve in the backwash position and let it run for around 90 seconds or until the water is clear. This may take a bit longer depending on the duration of time between backwashes. If you have a cartridge filter, remove the dome of the filter, lift the cartridge filter(s) out of the filter unit and thoroughly clean it.

Treating green swimming pool water step #4: As the water begins turning clear (still may be cloudy, but blue (not green), begin administering a quality water clarifier. This will speed up the process to getting clear water again. I’d recommend adding it the first time immediately once you notice the water is blue and not green, then again about 12 hours later. During this process continue running the equipment nonstop. During this time you should also be stabilizing the pH and Total Alkalinity levels. I wouldn’t worry about testing or adjusting free chlorine as it’s likely going to be elevated for a few days while the water adjusts, but it is important to test and adjust your pH and TA levels.

Using this system, it’s possible to turn your green swimming pool water around in a few days. We hope this helps! If you need our help feel free to call us as we offer weekly, bi-weekly, and monthly pool cleaning service.

Visit us at www.parrotbaypoolsnc.com or call 910-429-0086 today!

Easy Hot Tub Start Up

It's that time of year, cooler weather has arrived and thoughts begin to turn to firing up your hot tub for the season. We would like to give you some easy tips to make the start up as trouble free as possible.

1. Filling Your Hot Tub: One of the most common mistakes when filling a hot tub is not purging the air out of the plumbing. Remember to place your garden hose directly into the bottom of the skimmer and fill the hot tub through the lines. This purges the air as you fill.

2. Install a Clean Filter: A clean filter is vital to keeping the impurities out of your hot tub water. Always start with either a new filter or a filter that has been chemically cleaned and your hot tub will stay sparkling. It's also a good idea to always keep a second filter on hand for uninterrupted hot tub use.

3. Hot Tub Covers: Covers are notorious for producing a musty smell after a while. Instead of purchasing a new one be sure to wipe down the inside of the cover at least every 90 days with a bleach and water solution.

 

Visit us at www.ParrotBayPoolsNC.com for more information