Hot Tub Questions:
Q: How often should I drain my hot tub?
A: This depends on how muchuse the hot tub gets. The heavier the usage the sooner it will need to be drained. A general rule of thumb is every 3 months. Another way to measure when the spa should be dumped is when the TDS ( Total Dissolved Solids ) reach 1500 ppm. We can test the TDS when you bring us a sample of your water for testing.
Q: Why is my hot tub water cloudy?
A: You need 3 things to have clear and sparkling water: 1. Good circulation. This means the water is being moved reguarly with out any restriction by your pump. 2. Good filtration. If your filter hasn't been hosed off in the past week that is the first place to start. If the filter is dirty, your water will look dirty too. 3. Proper water chemistry. Most times the hot tub needs to be shocked if the water is cloudy. Also, if the pH or other minerals are out of balance this will cause clouding. Think of a 3 legged stool... if any one of the legs is missing the stool falls down.
Q: How do I clean my cartridge filter?
A: Click here for the easy instructions.
Q: How do I know what the ideal chemical levels are for a hot tub?
A: The simple method is to use test strips. They will show you if your levels are low, ok or high. Click here for a chart with the ideal ranges.
Q: How can I calculate dry and liquid measurements when adding my hot tub chemicals?
A: If you are using SpaGuard products it's easy. The small liquid caps hold 10 ml. and the large dry caps hold 100 grams when completely filled. We also have a conversion chart to help you out.
Q: Why am I always replacing my heater element and pump seal?
A: Water chemistry! Water chemistry is the number one factor when it comes to the life of your equipment. Some pool/spa owners have had to replace their euipmentt after only 4 weeks because of low mineral levels. On the other hand if the water is properly balanced, it's not uncommon for many people to get 5 years or more out of their heaters, pumps and other equipment.
Swimming Pool Questions:
Q: How much does an inground pool cost?
A: There are many variables. The size of the pool, type of pool, the location, accessories ( such as stairs, slide, diving board, heater, salt system ) will impact the price of the pool. It may cost any where from $30,000 - $100,000. Contact us for a free home estimate and we will be happy to find the right pool for you.
Q: How long does it take to build an inground pool?
A: There are several variables including weather, building permits and the scope of the project. In general a fiberglass pool is about 3-4 weeks, a vinyl liner pool is about 5-6 weeks and a concrete/gunite pool is about 10-12 weeks.
Q: How long should a heater or other pool equipment last?
A: Water chemistry is the number one factor when it comes to the life of your equipment. Some pool/spa owners have had to replace their euipmentt after only 4 weeks because of low mineral levels. On the other hand if the water is properly balanced, it's not uncommon for many people to get 5 years or more out of their heaters, pumps and other equipment.
Q: What are the ideal chemical ranges in a swimming pool?
A: Click here for a chart with the ideal ranges. Be sure to use test strips every week.
Q: What's the best time of year to install a swimming pool?
A: If water collects in your yard in the spring, you are best to install in the summer or fall. Reputable pool installers are usually booked well in advance, so the best time to install is whenever you can get scheduled. You will have your pool for years to come. If you do not have use of your pool for the entire season during he construction, rest assured you will have full use the next year. It's impossible for all pool construction to happen in the spring.
Q: How do I winterize my swimming pool?
A: Click here for detailed instructions. Also ask about our winterizing seminars.
Q: When should I winterize my pool and when should I open it up again?
A: It really depends on the weather. If the pool sits dormant for too long it will begin to grow algae, especially if it's warm out. The sooner the pool is open the better. You can save costs by keeping the heater off and just running the pump and filter to keep the water clean.
Q: How do I open my pool in the spring?
A: Just do the reverse of what you did last fall! Click here for full instructions. Be sure to ask about our pool opening seminars.
Q: How many solar panels do I need to heat my pool?
A: The size of your swimming pool is the determining factor. Check out our sizing guide to find out how many panels your pool needs.
Check us out on the Viking Pools 'Ask The Expert' web page http://www.vikingpools.net/ask-the-expert.php
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Vantage Pools and Spas is located at 20167 96 Ave. Langley (Walnut Grove) BC 604-888-1736
Maple Ridge Pitt Meadows location 20503 Lougheed Hwy. Maple Ridge BC 604 460-1779 (inside Triple Tree Nurseryland)
