FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
We
offer two types of in-ground vinyl swimming pools that are sure to match
your needs as well as your budget
Anyone looking to have an in-ground swimming pool built is expected to have lots of questions. For your convenience, we have listed answers to the most commonly asked questions that we receive.
We still encourage you to contact a Pete Alewine Pool representative even after you have reviewed our website. We still like to do business the old fashion way so you'll always have the opportunity to talk to a knowledgeable representative.
Water Chemistry
The following are the most common questions that we receive. If you can't find an answer to your water chemistry question, please send an email to our pool expert: waterchemistry@petealewinepools.com .
*We also offer FREE chemical analysis at our store location.*
How often should I shock my pool?
What is the difference between shock & chlorine?
What level of chlorine should I maintain in my pool?
Can I just use Clorox™ instead of chlorine?
How soon can I swim after I shock?
Why does my pool smell like chlorine?
Why should I use a maintenance algaecide?
How often should I backwash and why?
How often should use a sand filter cleaner?
How often should the sand be changed in my sand filter?
- How often should I shock my pool?
- Your pool should be shocked at least once every 2 weeks, after large bather loads and after any heavy rain.
- What is the difference between shock & chlorine?
- Chlorine is a sanitizer that kills bacteria. It is available in many forms. Shock is a granular form of chlorine. When added to the pool, oxidation of contaminates and sanitization takes place at the same time. Pool contaminates are introduced by swimmers, rain and wind.
- What level of chlorine should I maintain in my pool?
- 1.0-3.0 parts per million (ppm) is recommended at all times.
- Can I just use Clorox™ instead of chlorine?
- No. Clorox™ is not stabilized. Clorox™ has only a small amount of free chlorine. It also causes buildup of total available dissolved solids which causes cloudiness.
- How soon can I swim after I shock?
- Usually within 2 hours. Check Chlorine level to make sure it is not too high.
- Why does my pool smell like chlorine?
- This smell is usually a good indication that chlorimines have builtup in your pool which requires it to be super shocked. Bring in a water sample to the lab for exact recommendations.
- What is chlorimine?
- When chlorine is combined with contaminates (nitrogen) it forms a chlorimine which is an inactive form of chlorine. Please bring in a water sample so the lab can run an analysis to determine the proper treatment.
- Why should I use a maintenance algaecide?
- Adding a maintenance algaecide weekly to your pool helps keep algae from growing.
- What is mustard algae?
- Mustard algae is a fine, yellow/brownish algae that looks like sand. When brushed, it disperses freely. Our pool professionals will recommend an appropriate solution.
- What is stabilizer?
- Stabilizer (cyanuric acid) keeps the sun and heat from evaporating the chlorine from your pool. This is very important in salt systems.
- How often should I backwash and why?
- Backwashing reverses the flow of water through the sand filter. This backflow loosens and removes debris from your sand. Backwashing should be done at least once a week. Let the water flow until is runs clear (about 3-5 minutes).
- How often should I use a sand filter cleaner?
- About every 6 months.
- How often should the sand be changed in my sand filter?
- About every 3-5 years. Particles of sand become rounded over time causing the water to channel through the sand instead of being filtered.
Sales Questions
Have a question that isn't addressed in the following, please send an email to sales@petealewinepools.com or drop us a line at 803-863-1207.
- How is the Pete Alewine Pool Company different from other pool builders?
- The company is a family owned and operated business lending itself to a personal approach to each and every customer that contacts us. Our goal is to build the best swimming pool possible at affordable prices, then to back it up with the Best service you'll get anywhere - BAR NONE. We stand behind every pool we build, without exception! Pete and Toni have strong roots in Augusta, as both are native Augustans. They are raising 3 children who are involved in school and sports in the Columbia County area. When you've lived in the same town all your life you know many people, are involved in your community and want to put a product out there that you're not ashamed of. We have the confidence that wherever we go, we won't have to duck our heads because we run into a customer that we haven't satisfied.
- How does a custom poured concrete wall differ from other types of pool construction?
- Custom concrete wall pools are more structurally sound than other wall types on the market. Once we pour the concrete walls on our pools and the forms are stripped away, we backfill with dirt in lifts -(6 inches of dirt at a time worked in and compacted to insure stability for the concrete decking to prevent settling) Other wall types are either steel, plastic, or wood. In most situations, dirt around the walls cannot be compacted around the pool as described above, unless there is water in the pool. We don't believe water in your pool should be a requirement to insure sound walls. Some companies will pour concrete collars around their kit pool walls to help stabilize them. We ask, why not just pour all concrete walls? Additionally, steel walls will rust and wood walls will delaminate.
- Should I choose a vinyl lined or gunite pool?
- The construction of our vinyl lined pools is just as sound as any gunite pool available. The difference really lies in the design options available to you.
- How much maintenance does a pool require?
- Maintenance of your pool is extremely important. It shouldn't be labor intensive, but just like you can't ignore your car or HVAC system in your home, the pool does require some attention. The way that we package our pools is designed to make the care of your pool the least time intensive possible. Dual timers, automatic chlorinators, chlorine generators and automatic pool cleaners aid you in this.
- What area of the CSRA (Central Savannah River Area) do you service?
- We service a 60 mile radius. We've built pools in Aiken, Lake Oconee, Lincolnton, Sardis, Tignall, Rayle, Washington, Thomson, Edgefield, Trenton, Warrenton, Harlem, Appling, Hephzibah and of course in Martinez, Evans, and Augusta.