How to Test your Water with a Testing Strip

Testing your pool is a regular and integral part of pool ownership. It’s essential to maintaining water that is crystal clear and algae free. It’s also important to maintain a good balance of chemicals in your pool because improper water chemistry can cause damage to your pool and equipment. Beyond that, imbalanced water can cause eye irritation and hair discoloration.

Test at least once each week, more if you are using the pool heavily. You may want to test 2-3 times a week if you are new to pool maintenance until you get used to the fluctuations. It can help to pick one day a week to routinely test your water.

Process:

1. Use a clean, empty cup

2. Take the sample in the middle of the pool away from jets and skimmers

3. Dip container upside down until elbow deep, then take the sample

Luckily, our 4 retail locations (Hamburg, Clarence, Fredonia and Erie, PA) have complimentary, computerized water testing stations so you don’t even need to worry about doing your own water tests! Come in with a water sample and get your water tested by our state-of-the-art ALEX water testing system! An added bonus when bringing your water sample in to one of our retail stores for testing is that a knowledgeable staff member will help you select the chemicals you need to properly balance your pool. As an added incentive, 4 times a year we run a special that is 10% off needed balancing chemicals when you bring your water sample in for testing!

UV and Ozone Systems

What is a UV System and What Does it Do?

A UV system is a sanitation system that uses an ultraviolet light (UV) to eliminate chlorine-resistant micro-organisms with a kill rate of 99.9%. In essence, the UV system uses a powerful lamp to produce UV radiation inside a light chamber.

What is an Ozone System and What Does it Do?

Similar to the UV System, an Ozone system is also a sanitation system. It kills or removes viruses, bacteria, spores, mildew, and fungi. It actually oxidizes the water, which is a safe alternative to chlorine. Ozone systems draw oxygen into the ozone chamber that comes across a high output UV germicidal bulb which results in what is called ozone generation. Simply put, ozone quickly kills the germs it comes in contact with at the molecular level by ways of oxidation. After oxidation is complete, or if the ozone finds nothing to oxidize, it returns to molecular oxygen and dissipates. Using a tube injection method, the ozone flows back into the pool’s equipment, mixing the water with ozone and sanitizing.

Combining UV and Ozone

When combined, you get a sanitation system that works together in attacking and eliminating bacteria, viruses, and even those nasty water-born illnesses. When it comes to traditional chlorine pools vs. UV/Ozone pools, the only major difference is that you typically use about 80% less chlorine in a UV/Ozone pool.

If you are considering a UV/Ozone system it is best to consult your local Colley’s location with any questions or inquiries!

Seasonal Pool Maintenance and Security Tips

The leaves are turning, and the air is cool and crisp. It's a sure sign that fall is here and winter a close step behind. In Western New York, this marks the end of the 2022 swim season. Here are a few basic tips to prepare your pool for its closing:

1. Remove Debris: Most homeowners take extra care to remove leaves and other surface debris (toys, floats, etc) from the pool. If there are leaves at the bottom of the pool, we suggest removing them as soon as possible because they could stain or cause algae growth.

2. General Cleaning: Once debris and pool toys have been removed, you should scrub the walls and tiles (if you have tiling) and use the pool vacuum to ensure the bottom of the pool has been thoroughly cleaned.

3. Filter Check: Clean filters after a busy summer pool season to keep them working into the fall, even if they plan to close the pool. No one wants to open the pool in the spring with dirt and grime from the last season, especially if you’re the one opening the pool.

4. Chemical Check: As you would during peak swim season, please ensure your water is properly balanced, especially going into your pool closing. If you need help balancing the pool, bring a water sample in to your local Colley’s retail store, or give them a call!

5. Perimeter Security: For pool owners, protecting the backyard and the pool area is year-round. It is not unheard of, especially locally, to have animals such as deer fall into pool and cause damage to the cover and/or pool during the fall/winter. A fence or secure perimeter may help to mitigate any unwanted guests from entering the pool area.

PebbleTec Application Process

Having a new gunite pool installed or having your existing gunite pool re-finished and wondering how the PebbleTec application process works? This blog is for you! We’ll also be updating the website with the latest finish options that PebbleTec offers!

Step 1: Prep the Pool for Application

For pool remodels, the existing surface finish would need to be stripped off to create a smooth, blank canvas for the new finish.

Step 2: Mix it Up

After the pool surface has been prepped, your applicator will mix up your desired finish.

Step 3: Spray 

In this step, we will use a pneumatic spray applicator or other specialty equipment to shoot the PebbleTec material through a hose and onto the pool surface. This application technique ensures even, consistent coverage. Immediately after application, your authorized applicator will hand trowel the material to properly secure the pebble mixture.

Step 4: Expose the Finish

Next, we will spray the pool with water or wipe it down to remove any excess cement from the surface. This process may vary depending on your finish type (PebbleTec, PebbleSheen, PebbleBrilliance or PebbleFina). For example, glass finishes typically require different exposure methods compared to pebble finishes. Whatever finish you’ve chosen, as PebbleTec authorized applicators, we are trained to apply each finish using the most effective techniques to ensure the best possible result.

Step 5: Set & Harden

The finish is left to set and harden. The specific details for how long the material needs to sit will depend on the type of finish you’ve selected.

Step 6: Pressure Wash & Detail

A special acid solution is used to create a clean finish free of any excess residue or film left behind by the application process. Once detailing is finished, the application process is complete and it’s time to fill up the pool. Be sure to properly balance chemicals prior to diving in! It is always best to consult your project coordinator to determine best steps for ensuring your pool is ready to be used!