There’s no doubt about it, operating a pool, whether in the Twin Cities, MN area or anywhere for that matter, is going to be expensive. From replacing pumps and heaters to balancing your it with even the most inexpensive pool supplies, poos are just plain expensive. but one of the easiest and oftentimes most affordable pool repair is to simply stop leaks.

Visible Water Leaks

Even the smallest water leak in the pool or equipment can cause a water bill to skyrocket. So, it’s important to make the necessary repairs right away to avoid literally flushing money down the drain. While a visible leak is easier to find, it is generally the most damaging. A leaking pump for example, when left unaddressed, will grow from a simple gasket (go-kit) repair to a total pump and motor replacement. What’s more, is that in nearly all cases, replacing only the pump motor is more expensive than simply replacing the pump and motor. You can thank the pool supplies manufacturers for that!

Invisible Water Leaks

As for the “invisible” leaks, while they may be a little more difficult to find, they are typically less damaging. If the leak is underground, yes over time it may create enormous problems. Generally though, the only damage noticed will be to your water bill. Something as simple as a leaking gasket on a multi-port valve can waste hundreds of dollars but will oftentimes go unnoticed by even vetran pool operators.

A Quick Check for Pool Water Leaks

To detect a leaking multi-port valve, follow the discharge line and look to see if it is leaking into the vertical pipe which leads to your sewer system…or drainfield…or parking lot . Even if it is only a small leak it will add up fast. So, fix it as quickly as you can. Left unchecked, the multiport valve gasket will leak more over a period of time until you start noticing that you are adding water on a daily basis. A 20′ X 40′ pool losing an inch of water per day equates to 500 gallons per day! At 15,000 gallons per month you will see an increasee of about 20 units of water on your utility bill. $5.52*20 = $110.40! At that rate, you can buy a lot of $32 multi-port gaskets!

Sodium bicarbonate, also known in the commercial pool business as sodium bicarb, is used to raise alkalinity and pH. Sodium bicarbonate is also known as baking soda, an ingredient used in the baking industry to help dough rise. Additionally, sodium bicarb is also used in fire extinguishers as a less corrosive means of putting out fires, but in the commercial swimming pool industry, we use it primarily to raise alkalinity levels.

Pool Supplies Minneapolis, MN

As the leading distributor of commercial pool supplies in the Minneapolis, MN area we were recently called out to a Twin Cities community center to help the CPO (certified pool operator) determine the reason for suddenly using so much sodium bicarbonate. Earlier this year his old pool had been demolished and replaced with 3 pools including a lap pool, diving well and wading pool with swim features for the kids. He explained that in the past he never had problems controlling his alkalinity, but now was adding bags of it on a daily basis. He was wondering if the humidity (or lack thereof) played a role in the excessive consumption of sodium bicarbonate he was experiencing.

Low Humidity Will Cause Evaporation of Pool Water

When we tested the humidity we found it to be at only 27%! When the building was remodeled, a new air handler had been added and was now creating such dry conditions in the pool area he was losing a lot of water to evaporation. Because the air was so dry and there was so much surface area between all three bodies of water, he was losing hundreds of gallons of water to evaporation every day. Because there was an auto-fill valve designed to add water automatically as needed, he was not able to see all the water being added to the pool on a daily basis.

Control Evaporation and Use Less Pool Chemicals

As the balanced pool water evaporated, new untreated city water would come in with very low alkalinity which would need to be treated. Our suggestion was for him to work with their HVAC (Heating Air Conditioning) people to raise the humidity. We also reminded him of the importance of having the air temperature 1-2 degrees warmer than the pool water. This will also help minimize evaporation. Additionally, they already had plans on installing a sliding window in the concession area so humidity isn’t escaping out to the front lobby area.

You Can Count on Horizon for Commercial Pool Supplies in Minnesota

If you need pool supplies or pool related equipment for your Twin cities commercial pool, give me a call 651-303-4261. My Name is Dave Trosdahl and I would be happy to come out, test your water and offer consulting advice for free.

It happened so fast! One day our swimming pool was fine, the next day it was green! - As a commercial pool supplier in the Twin Cities, MN we hear that a lot during the summer months.

First, Can You Still See the Main Drain in Your Pool?

If you look in the deep end and are able to see the main drain, you might be able to QUICKLY treat it, and not have to close your pool. IF YOU ARE UNABLE TO SEE THE MAIN DRAIN - CLOSE THE POOL IMMEDIATELY! For obvious safety reasons, anyone near the pool must be able to see all the way to the bottom at all times.

To get rid of green algae, you need to have a basic understanding of what causes algae in the first place.

6 Ideal Conditions for an Algae Bloom in Your Pool:

Low chlorine levels

High phosphate levels

High pH levels

High cynauric acid levels

Low flow rate

Dirty, old or inadequate filtration

Chances are, if you have green algae, one more of the conditions are present in your pool.

Dave’s “Green Algae Quick Fix” for Commercial Pools:

Address the problem - One or more of the conditions mentioned above, played a part in your algae bloom. Make the neccessary adjustments to balance your pool.

Shock the Pool - Ideally with a non-chlorine shock such as oxone monopersulfate. If you don’t have any on hand, use liquid chlorine. It is important to reach breakpoint by raising FAC (Free and Combined Chlorine) to 10 ppm above the current level..

Eliminate phosphates - Sea Klear has a very effective phosphate remover. Think of phosphates as “algae food”.

Bring the pH down - Use muriatic acid to lower the pH. If the pool is closed, lower it to 7.0

Partially drain the pool - Lower cynauric levels by adding fresh water.

Backwash the filter - If there is a lot of algae, it will plug up your filter fast, so keep an eye on the filter pressure.

It is imperative that you act quickly. Waiting will only make the situation worse. Call your commercial pool supplies vendor and ask them to come out to give you additional ideas. If your pool is in the Twin Cities and you don’t have a pool supplies vendor, call me. I will gladly come out FREE OF CHARGE to help you get things straightened out.