FAQ

Q. I have a sand filter, should I ever change the sand?
A. Absolutely! The question is, how often? A rule of thumb we use is 3 years, but no longer than 5 years between changes. A good indicator is the amount of time elapsing between backwashes. If you are noticing your pressure is climbing those 8-10 pounds faster than it use to, it is time to change the sand.

Q. I have a cartridge filter. How do I maintain the elements?
A. Your best answer comes from the manufacturers of those elements. You can find links to their sites on our helpful LINKS page. Generally speaking you rinse them once your pressure climbs 8-10 pounds from your ‘clean’ reading being careful not to force the dirt into the filter pleats as your rinse them. You may also need to periodically acid wash the element to release dirt trapped within the fibers of the cartridge. (Acid washing information).

Q. Why is my pool water cloudy?
A.  Several things can cause a pool to lose its clarity – inadequate water circulation, chemical imbalance, poor filtration, low sanitizer levels or lack of oxidation. A complete check of the water chemistry should reveal the cause and lead you to the proper course of treatment.

Q. Can algae really hurt my pool?
A. Yes! If left unchecked, algae can grow in free-floating patches or cling to pool walls. Not only can algae clog filters, it eventually can cause pool surface damage and impact swimmers’ health.

Q. Why does my pool have a strong chlorine smell?
A.  Chloramines. “Used up” chlorine that has lost is bacteria killing power but has not fully oxidized out of the water causes the strong odor. Ironically, the cure is a proper dose of shock. If you under shock or try to shock in several small doses, not only will the smells persist but you will have wasted your money on the treatment. Take your pool to breakpoint chlorination to eliminate this problem.

Q. Ok, what is break point chlorination?
A. Raising your Free Chlorine level high enough and fast enough to break apart molecular bonds; specifically the combined chlorine molecules.  Once breakpoint is reached you will have oxidized those molecules and restored the ‘killing power’ of your available chlorine.

Q. Can I experiment with chemicals till I get the water quality I want?
A. NEVER experiment! Improper measuring and mixing of chemicals – whether diluted or concentrated – can create both unwanted reactions and potential health hazards. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions with special attention to safety gear, clean up and storage.

Q. What is RWI?
A. RWI stands for recreational water illnesses that are caused by bacteria found in water, such as pools and spas. RWI usually involves diarrhea-type illnesses, but also can cause skin rash and ear, eye or respiratory infections. Pool and spa water requires proper chemical treatment to lessen the incidence of RWI. Also, people should avoid swallowing pool water and not swim while sick. Contact a professional pool service technician for additional guidance on these and other pool care issues.

 

Q. What are the charges?
A. A flat service call charge applies to all service calls in our area. We charge an hourly rate in addition to that and bill in ¼ hour increments. All repairs are quoted on a time and material basis. Estimates that require labor to troubleshoot equipment are generally capped at one hour for the inspection labor and are included as part of the quoted price.

Q. How fast can you get here?
A. Generally within 12 - 48 hours. Once a service call is requested either by phone or through this form on our website, you will receive a date and time window we can agree to.

Q. Do I have to be home?
A. Only if you want to. We often service pools with no one present as long as we have your permission to enter the property. Payment terms under these conditions need to be made in advance.

Q. Will you service or install items purchased elsewhere?
A. Yes. Please contact us to set up a service call or an appointment for an estimate.

Q. What if my repairs are covered by a manufacturers or home warranty?
A. No problem! We perform warranty repairs for just about all pool manufacturers out there and deal with several home warranty companies.

Q. Why should I pay for service when I can try and fix this myself?
A. Loaded question but a simple answer. If you have doubts about doing the repair in the first place, Don’t! If I had a nickel for every time I heard “I wish I would have just called in the first place…”well, I’d have a lot of nickels. Contact a professional pool service technician for additional guidance on these and other pool care issues.

 

Q. What replacement pump should I buy? Does it have to match my old one exactly?
A. Pumps are sized based on the volume of water and the circulation needs to keep that water clean. They need to match the pool and any existing filter, not to mention the plumbing. It is NOT a good idea to arbitrarily increase pump horsepower without understanding how it will affect the hydraulics of your system. Let our professionals guide you through the process.

Q. What filter system do you recommend?
A. Sand; hands down, the best way to go in our opinion. Once installed, sand filters are the easiest and least costly to maintain. Earth and cartridge filters are great and in certain situations even preferred, but for the average pool and the average pool owner, sand is the way to go.

Q. Are salt systems worth all the money?
A. How much do you value your time? Salt is great when it comes to maintaining a chlorine presence in your pool. It does not make your water “salt water” in the same way as an ocean. It merely increases the level of salt high enough to allow for a process of ionizing the salt into a form of chlorine. The salt level is still so low that you would not taste it in the water. You still need to monitor your pool water chemistry and will still need to shock on occasion. What you will not need is a bucket of tablets or cases of liquid chlorine at the ready to maintain your pool.

Q. Can I buy parts from Arrow to fix my own equipment?
A. We do sell parts over the counter however once opened, and all electronic parts once purchased, are not returnable. Review our terms & conditions for more information.

Q. What size heater should I put on my pool?
A. Heater sizes are generally matched to a pool based on the surface area of the water. Indoor pools are usually dropped down a size due to a more controlled environment. If on the other hand you are trying to open a pool early and close it late once the snow has come or gone, you will want to increase the heater size. You also need to account for termperature rise requirements, especially if a hot tub is in the mix. Contact a professional pool service technician for additional guidance on these and other pool care issues.