FAQ
Good pool owners ask questions, which is why we’ve compiled a listed questions we’ve often heard from our customers over the years! If you don’t find your answer here, contact us and we’ll do our best to help you.
NEW POOLS
Q. I am interested in a new pool - What’s the first step?
A. The first step is to contact our office and schedule a free consultation with one of our salesmen. You may choose to have a salesmen come out to your home or to meet with them at our showroom in Rocky Point. You may contact us by phone (631) 459-4983 or fill out a contact form here.
Q. Does Swim King install above-ground, semi inground, or gunite pools?
A. No. We install fully inground pools (vinyl-lined or fiberglass).
Q. When is the best time of year to install a pool?
A. We install pools year-round! However, frozen ground can impede our digging process. We recommend you choose to begin the project based on your personal preferences and desired completion date.
Q. How long does it take to install a pool from start to finish?
A. Approximately 3-4 weeks after the permit is issued.
Q. About how much does a new pool cost?
A. Swim King builds custom pools for each of our customers; therefore pricing can vary greatly depending on size, features, materials, and complexity of a job. For an accurate quote, we recommend contacting our office to speak with a salesman. Learn more about financing options available for new pools here.
Q. What percentage of payment do I have to put down before construction?
A. We require customers to put 10% of the total payment down upon signing a contract with us.
Q. Does Swim King do masonry and landscaping in addition to pool construction?
A. Yes, our in-house professionals provide landscaping and masonry services to help you create the backyard of your dreams. Learn more here.
Q. Does Swim King handle building permits?
A. Yes, with your compliance, our salesmen will help you compile all the necessary documentation, and our professional expediters will handle all of the steps to file for and acquire the necessary building permits..
Q. I’ve never owned a pool, how will I learn how to use and maintain it?
A. Upon completing your pool, we will schedule an expert technician to come to your house and provide a free, 30-minute demonstration on how to work your equipment and care for your pool. In addition, we recommend that customers read and save all instruction manuals provided by our manufacturers. Last but not least, our full-time staff is trained and available year-round to answer any important questions that may arise!
MAINTENANCE & WARRANTIES
Q. Does Swim King do weekly maintenance or pool openings and closings?
A. No, Swim King does not offer pool maintenance or regular pool service.
Q. How much DE do I add after I backwash my filter?
A. This amount differs with each filter. Filters will specify the amount of DE necessary either in the owner’s manual or on a sticker affixed to the actual equipment.
Q. How do I clean my filter?
A. DE Filters: We recommend backwashing any time the filter’s pressure gauge reading exceeds 30 PSI. In addition to backwashing, we suggest you have a professional, or other experienced individuals take apart your filter manually clean the grids at least once a season. You may use a hose or a chemical filter-cleaner to do this. We also suggest manually cleaning the grids after filtering out a large amount of algae or debris from the water. For backwashing instructions, click here. Cartridge Filters: When your filter’s pressure gauge reading exceeds 30 PSI, we suggest having professional or other experienced individual take apart your filter manually clean the cartridges. You may use a hose or a chemical filter-cleaner to do this.
Q. I think I have a leak in my pool, what do I do?
A. Surprisingly, it can be normal to lose up to an inch of water per day. Certain causes may include splash-out, wind, and evaporation. Warmer water and cooler nighttime temperatures make pools especially susceptible to evaporation-loss. To test for a leak, it is vital that you first perform a leak test [link to instruction doc]. This will help you to determine the presence of a leak and troubleshoot its origin. Once you’ve completed this test, contact Swim King or a pool service professional to discuss next steps. *Swim King does not offer maintenance or repair services and thus does not repair leaks outside of warranty.
Q. How many hours a day should I run my pump?
A. We recommend you run your pump for at least 12 hours each day. The longer you run the pump, the more the water is filtered and the clearer it will be. Variable-speed pumps are a new and popular option for those looking to conserve energy and maintain optimal water circulation. Learn more about variable-speed pumps here.
Q. What is the warranty on my ___?
A. All of our warranties are based upon the manufacturer’s warranty. Consequently, terms are different for each product. In all cases, we stand by our workmanship and guarantee expert installation. In the case of outstanding circumstances, we will work with manufacturers and advocate for our customers to the best of our ability.
WATER CHEMISTRY
Q. Why is it so important to keep the chemicals in my pool balanced?
A. Properly-balanced pool water is necessary to prolong the life and quality of your liner, plumbing and equipment. Water chemistry is also vital in order to keep water clear and to provide a safe, comfortable swimming environment.
Q. How often should I get my water tested?
A. We recommend having your water tested professionally once a week during the swimming season. We offer free, computerized water testing using at our retail store in Rocky Point.
Q. How often should I shock my pool?
A. We recommend shocking your pool approximately once a week during swimming season. Additionally, you may want to shock after having a pet or a large amount of bathers in the pool.
Q. How do I prevent my pool from turning green?
A. Maintaining proper water chemistry, a clean filter and an adequate amount of water circulation (hours with the pump running) are all necessities for a clean and clear pool. If you still battle algae despite meeting all of the above criteria, we recommend shocking the water and adding a preventative dose of algaecide each week.
SALTWATER POOLS
Q. What is a saltwater pool and how does it work?
A. Saltwater pools utilize a chlorine generator, comprised of a power supply (which is wired at the equipment site) and a salt cell (which is plumbed inline with the pipe returning water to the pool). Inside the salt cell are coated metal blades which receive a low voltage current. Salt is added directly to the pool and as saltwater passes through the cell, electrolysis occurs, creating hypochlorous acid. This acid sanitizes the pool, replacing traditional chlorine tablets.
Q. What are the benefits of a salt system?
A. The chlorine produced by chlorine generators (salt systems) is less harsh than the traditional chlorine used for pools. Chlorine created from salt has less of a “bleach” scent, and is more gentle on eyes, skin, hair and swimsuits. With salt water, the water has a “softer” feel. Other pros include not having to buy, handle or store buckets of chlorine. Over time, salt systems help customers save money on expensive chlorine.
Q. Do I still need to balance my saltwater pool?
A. Yes, saltwater pools must still be adjusted for pH, alkalinity, calcium hardness, CYA and other important balancers. Additionally, we recommend customers with saltwater pools continue to use an oxidizing shock periodically. In short, salt systems only replace the sanitizing component of pool water maintenance.
Q. How do I clean my salt cell?
A. It is important to maintain a clean, scale-free salt cell. The best way to clean your cell is to purchase a specially designed cleaner, such as BioGuard’s Cell Cleaner, from a trusted pool store and follow the directions on the bottle carefully.
Q. Can I still shock a saltwater pool?
A. Yes, saltwater pools still require an oxidizing shock. We recommend shocking your saltwater pool approximately once a week during the swimming season. You may shock manually or through an option on your chlorine generator (for example, a “super-chlor” or “boost” button).