Frequently Asked Questions
Why does my pool go green occasionally?
Swimming pools will go green due to a proliferation of Algae or “Algae Bloom”. Algae are present in all water but the trick with a swimming pool is to keep the levels under control by use of chemicals and filtration. You will find lots more information on this subject in our “Technical Articles” section. If you are plagued with algae blooms, whether they be green, yellow (mustard) or black and would like us to provide further assistance, just give us a call.
I have started to build my own pool but hadn't realised how hard it would be/how much time it would take. Would you finish it for me?
Yes, we have finished several pool constructions where either the pool company ceased trading before it was finished or the owners found it too much to complete. Give us a call and tell us where you’re up to and we’ll finish it for you.
Can I put chlorine tablets in the skimmer or pump basket?
NO, NO, NO! We encounter this issue dozens of times every season and our response is always the same, “Please do NOT put your chlorine tablets into your skimmer or pump.” Your pump and filter are the two driving forces that keep your pool clean and healthy. Let’s say you decide to put your chlorine tablets into your skimmer. Once your pump and filter turns off, the tablets keep dissolving in your skimmer, forming highly acidic water. Once the pump is turned back on, this same acidic water goes straight into the pump, filter and then heater. This can compromise the internal parts of your filter – cartridges, o-rings, and gaskets – forcing you to replace them earlier than normally necessary. Even when the pump is running, the ph value of the dissolving tablets is 3 which is highly acidic. This acidic water is then passing straight through your pool plant and is causing damage. More importantly it will lead to premature failure of the heat exchanger in the pool heater. ALL manufacturers of pool heaters say that putting chlorine tablets in the skimmer or pump basket will invalidate your warranty.
Instead of putting chlorine tablets in your skimmer or pump, we recommend using a chlorinator. A chlorinator will automatically disperse chlorine into your pool according to an adjustable setting on the unit. Chlorinators work with your existing pump and filter and are usually very easy to install. Another option is a floating chlorinator which is just a plastic vessel that holds tablets and floats in the pool. Whatever you use, please do not put chlorine tablets into your skimmer or pump!
If i buy a pump or heater from the internet, how much will it cost to install it?
We will not fit any parts not supplied by us or that are bought from the internet
If I buy a Certikin Genie Pool Heater on the internet, will you fit it for me?
No! The implication of that question is you think that you will save money by buying it direct and having someone fit it. Generally you won’t save money and if you do, it will probably be a false economy.
The wonder of the internet is that it’s easy to look up prices for ‘boxes’ but what it does not show is all the extra items that need to be fitted when for example, we change a heater. The additional items that need to be fitted to a professionally installed heater come to a not inconsiderable sum. In addition, the source of a heater is quite important. We only supply factory fresh units which are shipped direct from the manufacturer, not old stock or reconditioned units.
As part of our package, we offer an upgraded first year warranty and include a free second year warranty. We are able to do this because we are experts in the fitting and repair of these heaters and know from experience that heaters we fit rarely have any faults occurring. In contrast to this, when we are carrying out warranty repairs on behalf of Certikin, we see that 80% of faults that occur under warranty are caused by incorrect installation or commissioning.
We offer this heater at a fixed price to include all materials and labour and have done for several years. During this time we have fitted more pool heaters than any other company and this is confirmation that our pricing is fair and widely accepted.
We pride ourselves of carrying out a professional job with first class backup should it be needed and not doing the cheapest job possible. Like in many things in life, you get what you pay for.
The same rule applies for any equipment or parts that have been bought from the internet
How long is the warranty of a pool heater?
The most popular heaters at the moment, the Certikin Genie and COH series come with a 1 year manufacturers parts warranty. If the heater is supplied and fitted by us, we upgrade this to a 2 year parts and labour warranty free of charge.
Are you insured?
Yes, we carry £5,000,000 of public liability insurance. Should you require evidence of this prior to us starting work, just call the office and we’ll send you a copy of our Insurance Certificate
What areas do you cover?
For work in our specialist areas of pool heating, control panels, leak detection, new builds and refurbishement we cover the entire South of England and on occasion the whole country.
For regular pool maintenance such as weekly cleans, we primarily cover the Surrey/Kent/Sussex borders, but again give us a call if you’re outside that area and we’ll see what we can do.
Do I have to pay a deposit?
Depending on the work we are going to carry out, the length and total cost of the work and whether you are a new customer, we may ask for a deposit. We will make this clear in our quote