“It’s a fact, keeping your commercial or residential pool well maintained will extend the life of the pool,” said Lea Stokes, Vice President of Vesta Property Services Northeast, formerly Preferred Management Services. “A pool is a big investment and having a consistent maintenance plan in place will help protect your investment,” advised Lea Stokes.
Questions about Vesta Property Services Northeast pool maintenance services? Call us for a free estimate at 386-439-0134.
The Northeast Region of Vesta Property Services is the leading Property Management company for Northeast Florida. The region was expanded by the purchase of the successful and reputable Flagler Beach based Preferred Management Services, built from the ground up by Lea Stokes. “We provide full-service on-site and portfolio association management services to communities in Jacksonville, Palm Coast, Flagler Beach, St. Augustine, Ormond Beach, Daytona Beach, Bunnell, Crescent Beach and New Smyrna,” said Lea Stokes. Lea started the maintenance division to add a top-notch level of service and broaden the scope of services to her HOA and COA clients.
One major factor in keeping your pool well maintained, is to prevent bacterial growth. A past government report revealed that every year there are up to 20 stomach bug outbreaks blamed on pools — and they’re on the rise. Both public and backyard pools are supposed to be maintained with certain chemicals to keep them clean, but pools can contain bacteria like e. coli, cryptosporidium and shigella, which can cause dangerous intestinal issues plus pseudomonas, which are the culprit behind swimmers ear. One of the things that usually lurks is bacteria related to human waste (yuck!).
The area we live in requires special knowledge about pool maintenance. Areas of Jacksonville, Palm Coast, Flagler Beach, St. Augustine, Ormond Beach, Daytona Beach, Bunnell, Crescent Beach and New Smyrna have ocean front and intracoastal pool challenges, rain, pine tree and tree debris, and of course the human factor – suntan oils and lotions. Some of these factors may require special knowledge to optimize pool care. The maintenance team at Vesta is equipped to manage these factors.
Scott Clement, a Certified Pool Operator with Vesta Property Services Northeast since August 2016, takes pride in ensuring all of the pools that the company takes care of stay clean and healthy. “Scott, as well as all three Vesta maintenance team members are CPO® certified.” said Lea Stokes. “This certification provides individuals with the basic knowledge, techniques, and skills of pool and spa operations,” Lea Stokes added. This training has helped protect millions of swimmers by reducing hazards at aquatic facilities. The NSPF® Certified Pool/Spa Operator® (CPO®) Certification program, the world’s leading verifiable pool and spa training credential, is a blended training program.
Some key pool maintenance services that Scott and the Vesta Property Services Northeast team provides are:
Pool Skimming – Routine pool skimming is a task that should be done as often as possible. If not, debris will clog filters and/or sink to the bottom of the pool where it can leave stains. In addition, debris build up diminishes the efficiency of a pool’s circulation system. It’s important to remove ‘gunk’ from the pool’s strainer basket at least once a week.
Cleaning Filters – There are three types of pool filters; sand, cartridge and DE (diatomaceous earth). All three have unique cleaning requirements. Sand filters are “backwashed” and treated with a special sand-cleaning chemical. Cartridge filters are removed and sprayed out with a hose. DE filters are backwashed, but more DE must be added. Many people like DE filters because they trap much smaller particles.
Maintaining a Proper Water Level – There are several ways pools lose water – through natural evaporation (it’s hot in Florida!) and from people splashing and getting in and out of the pool. The water level should be checked every time you skim the pool and clean the baskets. If the water levels fall below the skimmer basket intake tubes, it can ruin the pump.
Vacuuming – Pool skimmers can’t get everything. Even with regular skimming, fine particles like dust and dirt eventually settle to the bottom of the pool, where it needs to be vacuumed out. There are automatic and manual vacuums. Just as they are named, automatic vacuums automatically run along the bottom of the pool and generate suction to clean the bottom of the pool, whereas manual vacuums attach to a long pole that allows you to steer the suction yourself.
Brushing Pool Walls – To keep the walls of your pool clean, they will need to be brushed. Depending on what your pool walls are made of will determine what type of brush will be used. A stiff-bristled brush will be best on a plaster-lined concrete wall, whereas vinyl, tile and fiberglass walls require a soft-bristled brush. In some cases, a pumice stone, a putty-knife, or a 50/50 mix of water and muriatic acid may have to be used.
Pool Chemical Balance – Maintaining pH – Do you ever walk out and look at your pool and the water is cloudy? Your pool water’s PH level determines its acidity and alkalinity. A certain level of acidity must be maintained in your pool. Acidic water can damage your pool liner, your pool equipment and yes, even your skin. Water that is too alkaline can clog filters and cloud the water. Too much alkaline can cause your eyes and nose to burn and cause dry and itchy skin. Adding chemicals to neutralize your pool water will balance your PH making the water enjoyable and safe to swim in.
Pool Leak Detection – If we notice that we are adding water to your pool frequently, we will check the pool for a leak. It may be normal summertime evaporation and pool party fun, but if it turns out to be more than that, we will test for a leak and assist you in finding a reputable pool repair company to work with you to get it fixed and get you swimming again soon!
If you have any questions about Vesta Property Services Northeast pool maintenance services, call us for a free estimate at 386-439-0134.
