Potomac Pool Service

Spring Opening 1

• mesh safety cover removal     
• filter reassembly
• filter/pump start up
• debris removal from decks
• on-site water analysis and treatment

***solid safety covers may incur additional labor charges due to size and/or weight***

Spring Opening 2

• safety cover removal
• filter reassembly
• filter/pump start up
• debris removal from decks
• on-site water analysis and treatment
• pool vacuuming (up to 1/2 hour)
• waterline tile cleaning

***solid safety covers may incur additional labor charges due to size and/or weight***

Spring Opening 3

• All item from Spring Opening #2 Plus:
• Revisit to pool 1-3 days after opening for additional vacuuming (up to 1/2 hour)
• Re-test and treatment of water chemistry (chemicals included)
• Backwashing of DE or sand filter filter (cartridge filter or DE grid manual filter disassembly and cleaning available upon request for $275)

***solid safety covers may incur additional labor charges due to size and/or weight***

Main Pool Drain and Cleaning

Sometimes a full drain and acid wash of pool is required to remove stubborn stains from an improperly winterized pool. In a residential environment, a drain and clean with an acid washing of the pool will rarely, if ever, be required. Careful and complete winterization will allow the pool to be filled and started year after year. In the event of major repair work requiring draining of the pool,improper chemical treatment for the winter, or the lack of a high quality cover, staining may occur that can only be removed through a thorough drain and clean.

Spa drain and clean

Full drain and acid wash of spa to remove stubborn stains.

Water bag cover removal, water and debris removal

We will remove the cover, empty the water bags, and clear the cover of any debris before folding and storing it on the customers property.

Real Estate Inspection

When buying or selling a home it is important to know the condition of the swimming pool. As a seller, an inspection showing that your pool is in sound mechanical condition can be a valuable addition to your marketing. As a buyer, having a professional inspection can give you the information required to help make an informed decision. Our inspections are unbiased verbal appraisals of the each major part of the swiming pool, and will communicate estimated age of item, remaining lifespan, and estimated cost to replace.

Weekly Visit w/Chemical Treatment

• vacuum pool up to 1/2 hour
• clean skimmers
• clean waterline tile
• backwash filter
• supply and apply chemicals to balance water
• debris removal from decks
• on-site water analysis
• water balancing
• advising homeowner of necessary adjustments

Solid or Mesh Safety Cover Sales and Installation

Step up to the superior aesthetics, ease of use, and safety of an anchored safety cover.

Winterization

• Lower Pool Water Level (12" - 18")
• Air Blow Lines and Plug Inlet Fittings
• Install Skimmer Protection Expansion Devices
• Supply and Apply Winter Chemicals
• Winterize Filtration System and Pumps
• Install Owner's Winter Pool Cover

Winterization 2

• Lower Pool Water Level (12" - 18")
• Air Blow Lines and Plug Inlet Fittings
• Install Skimmer Protection Expansion Devices
• Supply and Apply Winter Chemicals
• Winterize Filtration System and Pumps
• Install Owner's Winter Pool Cover
• Up to 1/2 hour of vacuuming

Winter Inspection

Winter can be a very damaging season for a swimming pool. Water that seeps into the wrong place and then freezes can bend steel and pulverize concrete. The weight of snow, ice and debris can tear or shift a pool cover. A solid preventive maintenance plan includes winter inspections to catch damaging situations before they take their toll.

Renovation Procedures & Processes

Step 1 - Initial Consultation

During our first meeting we will meet in order to understand the scope of the project you envision. We can manage anything from a basic reaaplication of whitecoat, to a re-imagination of your backyard living space, with new landscaping, new deck, new finishes and materials for the pool, and in some cases even re-shaping the structure of the pool itself! We will share some samples of materials available to give your pool a fresh and modern appearance.

 

Step 2 - Selections

Once you have made your selections we will document the specifics of your choices, set a date for the to begin, ratify the contract, and collect a 20% deposit.

 

Step 3 - Drain and Cleaning

In preparation for tile, coping or interior replacement we will start by removing the cover (if applicable) and draining the pool. We will remove any debris and acid wash the interior. Draining may involve the use of gasoline driven pumps, or electric pumps placed the day before. When the pool is drained we will remove the hydrostatic plugs to relieve any grounwater pressure, should it be present. 

 

Step 4 - Demolition/Prep

If you are replacing your tile and coping, our removal team will remove the tile and coping as needed. If getting a new interior we will cut and chip the existing finish around any fitting or tile, to allow the new finish to be feathered into place at the same level.

 

Step 5 - Tile/Coping Installation

The first piece put back in place will be your new tile and coping. At this point you will begin to see your vision turning to reality!

 

Step 6 - Interior Preparation

If you are re-plastering your pool, we will apply a bonding agent to your existing interior, to allow the new surface to chemically adhere to the old.

 

Step 7 - Interior Installation

This is an interesting day to observe. Plaster is mixed in a large truck in the driveway, and then pumped via hose using high pressure air and "shot" on to the surface of the pool shell. It is then hand troweled smooth. Trowling plaster is something of an art, and it is what these crews do all day, every day, during the summer season. Pebble interiors are even more complex to apply and have their own special crews as well. The backyard is temporarily transformed into a whirlwind of ropes and tools. If plaster is being applied, the pool will be left filling b y the plaster crew. It is very important at this stage that the water remain on and constantly filling the pool. To allow the water line to remain static would create a permanent ring on the plaster. If a pebble interior is installed the pool will not be filled yet - one more step remains.

 

Step 8 - Interior Installation

The pebble interior will now be lightly acid washed, buffed to a smooth finish, and then the pool will be filled.

 

Step 9 - Caulk

If required, our team will arrive to the property to install new caulk between the coping and expansion joint. 

 

Plaster Renovation Start-Up Procedures

The pool finish will start to hydrate immediately after mixing, with the majority of hydration taking place within the first 28 days. This critical time period is when a plaster finish is most susceptible to staining, scaling and discoloration. A proper start-up procedure including timely brushing and constant monitoring and adjusting of the pool water is mandatory. The following are partial recommendations taken from the National Plasters Council. Please ask contractor for a complete list of instructions.

 

Step 1

Make sure the filtration equipment is operational.

 

Step 2 

Remove all floor return heads and directional eyeballs (if appropriate and recommended in your geographical area).

 

Step 3 

Based on temperature and type of finish, fill the pool to the middle of the skimmer or specified water level without interruption as rapidly as possible with clean potable water to help prevent a bowl ring. Place a clean rag on the end of the hose, always placed in the deepest area, to prevent damage to the surface material. If a water truck is required, 25 inches (60 cm) of water should be placed at the deepest area for a water cushion. Wheeled devises should not be used in the pool until after 28 days.

 

Step 4

At no time should any person or pets be allowed in the pool during the fill. Do not allow any external sources of water to enter the pool to help prevent streaking. It is recommended that you do not swim in the pool until the water is properly balanced. Test fill water for pH, alkalinity, calcium hardness and metals. Record test results.

 

Step 5

Start the filtration system immediately when the pool is full to the middle of the skimmer or specified water level.

 

• Do no add chlorine for 48 hours
• Operate filtration system continuously for a minimum of 72 hours
• Do not turn on pool heater until there is no plaster dust in the pool
• Add a quality sequestering agent
• Brush the entire pool surface thoroughly at least twice daily to remove all plaster dust
• Make sure to adjust the pH, alkalinity and calcium hardness to the recommended levels. *Read your warranty, or the NPC Start Up Instructions, or ask your pool professional.

 

If you are looking for a contractor that cares about you understanding the process please look no further, and call our office to schedule an appointment for a pool renovation professional to assist you.