Green Pool Masters: Celebrating The Champions of Transformation

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When it comes to the world of pool maintenance and restoration, few challenges are as daunting and yet as rewarding as the infamous green pool. In the spirit of showcasing the incredible talents within the industry, Pool Magazine initiated the “Green to Clean” contest, co-sponsored by Natural Chemistry and BlueRay XL. This platform provided pool technicians from across the nation the chance to shine by submitting their most remarkable green-to-crystal-clean transformations. The response was overwhelming, with entries pouring in from dedicated professionals who demonstrated their prowess in turning murky waters into inviting oases. Among these remarkable contestants, the esteemed title of Green Pool Master was bestowed upon Kelly McCaa, a pool pro with a passion for challenges and a track record that speaks volumes.

With a legacy spanning four decades in the pool industry, Kelly McCaa’s connection to the trade runs deep. “My family has been in the Pool Industry going on 40 years,” she shared, illuminating the background that has undoubtedly contributed to her skill and expertise. Her work ethic is no less than remarkable, shaped by a profound sense of pride and dedication. “I take great pride in my work and treat customers’ pools as if they were my own,” she states, proudly owning her reputation as a workaholic.

For McCaa, green pools hold a special allure. “Greens are by far my favorite! I love a good challenge!” explained McCaa. Her passion is evident in her dedication to the craft, as she relishes the transformation process that takes her from algae-infested waters to clear blue perfection. “I do enjoy seeing the customers’ reaction of utter disbelief when I’m finished. It’s very rewarding,” she shared.

Detailing her method, McCaa provides insight into her winning approach. “Starting my greens, I dip the bottom until I can’t feel or see any signs of leaves or debris,” she explains, emphasizing the importance of thoroughness from the very beginning. McCaa’s approach hinges on a relentless pursuit of cleanliness, one that involves extensive brushing, backwashing, and meticulous chemical adjustment.

“On this particular pool, I used Cal-Hypo, Trichlor, phosphate remover, 60% algaecide, a touch of Pool Perfect Total, some elbow grease, and TLC,” she detailed. With this approach, the once-green pool was swim-ready in four days’ time—a testament to her methodical approach and commitment to seeing this green-to-clean project through to its fruition.

In the constellation of green pool mastery, Tanner Loggins secured his place this season as a runner-up with an equally remarkable approach. Loggins’ strategy emphasizes the step-by-step transformation process. “The first step was to remove all big debris from the bottom of the pool, and I scrubbed the entire pool walls, tiles, and bottom floor,” he detailed, highlighting the thoroughness that marks his technique. Logins’ approach extends to chemical balance, filter cleaning, and meticulous vacuuming, ultimately transforming the pool from a dank green pond into a tranquil blue paradise in just a three-day period.

In the contest’s roster of winners, one particular entry stood out for its dramatic before-and-after transformation. Pleatco Perfect PoolGal – Shannon Sellers Noser, representing Jeff’s Pool and Spa Service in Georgia, wowed judges and voters alike. Her entry showcased a neon green swamp turning into a sparkling azure oasis—a transformation that can only be described as night and day.

Swimming pools are complex ecosystems that require a delicate balance of chemicals, filtration, and diligent upkeep to maintain crystal-clear water. The challenge becomes all the more apparent as the warm months approach and the pool becomes a hub of family gatherings, barbecues, and outdoor entertainment. Neglecting even a single aspect of maintenance can lead to a cascade of issues, including cloudy water, imbalanced pH levels, and the dreaded algae bloom—causing the pool to turn green seemingly overnight.

Enter the unsung heroes of the pool industry: professional pool technicians. These dedicated individuals possess a wealth of expertise that extends far beyond skimming leaves and adjusting chlorine levels. They are the guardians of pool health, working tirelessly to ensure that homeowners can enjoy a safe and inviting swimming environment throughout the entire swim season.

Each of the experts here clearly understands the importance of a systematic approach. From removing debris, brushing walls, and vacuuming, to adjusting chemicals and meticulously backwashing, each step is executed with precision.The “Green to Clean” contest not only celebrated the expertise and dedication of pool technicians but also showcased the transformative power of hard work, skill, and a deep passion for the craft. Kelly McCaa, Tanner Loggins, and Shannon Sellers Noser, along with the many other participants, have proven that the world of green pool mastery is a realm of artistry, technique, and applied skill. These cases should serve as an inspiration for all within the industry and a reminder that even the most challenging of pools can be turned into crystal-clear masterpieces with just the right touch.

A New Approach for Algae Prevention & Treatment

Pool News coverage brought to you by Pool Magazine's own Marcus Packer. Marcus Packer is a 20 year pool industry veteran pool builder and pool service technician. In addition to being a swimming pool professional, Marcus has been a writer and long time contributor for Newsweek Magazine's home improvement section and more recently for Florida Travel + Life. Have a story idea or tip you'd like to share with Pool Magazine? Email [email protected] your story idea.

Green Pool Contest – Win Some Green With Pool Magazine!

Dyeing Your Pool Green For St. Patrick’s Day Can Be an Unlucky Mistake

Algae prevention is top priority for pool owners. We discuss ways to prevent or slow an algae outbreak and what to do if one occurs in your pool.

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With estimates of over a million different species of algae in the world, is it any wonder that we occasionally find them growing in our swimming pools? We know that pools are constantly being bombarded by algae from water, land and air, so controlling algae can sometimes be a challenge. Let’s explore ways to prevent or slow an algae outbreak and what you can do if one should occur in your pool.

The most important practice to prevent algae outbreaks is the proper use of an USEPA registered sanitizer. The goal of a sanitizer is to provide continuous protection to the pool against bacteria and algae. Even allowing sanitizer levels to drop for a few short hours enables certain fast-growing algae species to find a hospitable spot in the pool and begin to grow.

Many algae species develop defense mechanisms once established in the pool which can require higher levels of sanitizer or special products or tactics to remove them from the pool. An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure and in this scenario, it is absolutely the case.

A common practice in naturally-occurring bodies of water outside of pools to help maintain water quality and avoid issues such as algae is the monitoring and removal, if possible, of certain nutrients commonly consumed by algae. Algae, like other living organisms, need certain foods to grow. The USEPA lists nitrogen and phosphorous as the “major limiting” nutrients for algae. In properly maintained pools, most nitrogenous compounds eventually break down into nitrate which, realistically, can’t be removed from pools. Certain phosphorous-containing compounds can be very helpful in maintaining pool water since they protect against scale formation and help remove metals that can lead to staining on pool surfaces. The final form for phosphorous-containing compounds in pool water is orthophosphate. These are very different from nitrate as orthophosphate can be chemically changed and physically removed from pool water. Orthophosphates are common in the environment and constantly enter the water from a variety of sources. The goal to eliminate the orthophosphate from pool water is one that is unattainable for an extended length of time. It is possible to remove high levels of orthophosphate which can lead to water quality problems and then maintain lower amounts of orthophosphate with a product designed for that application. A tactical approach to orthophosphate management could include using a product such as Natural Chemistry’s PhosFree or Phosfree Max to reduce high orthophosphate levels followed by a multi-functional maintenance product on a weekly basis to maintain low orthophosphate in the pool. Natural Chemistry’s Pool Perfect MAX with Phosfree is high performance weekly maintenance product designed to remove low levels of orthophosphate while adding other key components to maintain excellent water quality throughout the pool season.

Don’t Forget about Filtration (and Circulation)

When it comes to maintaining great water quality and providing crystal clear results, the filtration and circulation systems of the pool are the unsung heroes. These two often overlooked components are critical in the success of chemical applications, removing unwanted contaminants, troubleshooting exercises, and also play a crucial role in preventing algae. Turnover rate is the term used to describe how long it takes for the volume of water of the pool to pass through the filtration system. The amount of time needed is based on the pump speed and run time of the pool pump. We recommend running your pool pump at least 10-12 hours per day (running it 24/7 is even better). It’s also important to run the pump during daytime hours to allow for proper circulation and filtration when the sun is out and bathers are present. The emergence of variable speed pumps makes the required turnover rate a little more difficult to determine as most run through different cycles by default. Pool owners should keep this in mind and adjust run speeds as required to maintain the necessary level of sanitizer in the pool if they’re using a chlorinator to erosion feed chlorine tablets. A pro tip in this scenario is to increase the pump speed at night.

Bottom line, the goal is to push as much water through the filter as possible while being as energy efficient as possible. Poor circulation can lead to certain areas of the pool becoming stagnant and chemical applications may not be as effective in these areas. This is problematic as dirt and debris provide a perfect home and can lead to certain types of algae growth if proper sanitizer levels are not maintained in those areas. Follow manufacturer’s instructions on keeping your filter clean and use a good filter cleaner like Natural Chemistry Filter Perfect designed for your filter type to maintain optimum performance. When filters become heavily soiled, circulation can be dramatically impacted and flow rates noticeably different with decreased water flow out of the returns.

Physical Cleaning of Pools

Although a therapeutic retreat for some, routine vacuuming and brushing of pool surfaces are important tasks that often go ignored for long periods of time which can lead to bigger problems with water quality. Dead spots, areas with no or very poor circulation, and pool walls are common places where signs of an algae outbreak or biofilm accumulations first appear. Vacuuming and brushing are two physical tasks of pool maintenance that can help disrupt these areas of poor circulation, dislodge accumulations, and bring treatment chemicals into the area to prevent an algae outbreak. Without proper physical maintenance the dirt and debris that accumulates over time can present an issue. Dirt, debris, and even sand can be brought into the body of the pool from wind, the feet of pool users, pets that enjoy a swim, or even the sand from cracked or loose laterals in a sand filter getting in the pool. There are some types of algae, particularly diatoms, that use the silica found in dirt and debris as building blocks to help build colonies in your pool. They often take on the appearance of and are misdiagnosed as mustard algae. Once these colonies start, it becomes much harder to kill them. Regular vacuuming can help to eliminate this nutrient source.

An Ounce of Prevention

In most pools, aside from maintaining an appropriate sanitizer level, using a good preventative algaecide as a weekly maintenance is the best way to ensure your pool is protected from algae. This is especially true if you live in an area prone to algae or have a pool with high bather loads where sometimes the sanitizer needs time to build back up after use. Be sure to choose an algaecide that works independently from the sanitizer and does not interfere with the ability to maintain sanitizer residuals. Also look for algaecide that does not negatively impact water quality. Some algaecides can be effective but may lead to issues like staining or water discoloration if label instructions are not followed properly. Lastly, look for an algaecide that can be effective against many types of algae. Since the algae type in the pool may or may not be the one that you think it is, a good combination of actives can be a useful tool against many types of algae. Additionally, algae outbreaks are often more than one type of algae. A multi-active product can help treat various algae types and allow for a much faster turnaround of the pool. Whichever algaecide you use, ensure that it has a USEPA-registration number on the label. This will ensure that when used as directed, it has been properly tested against the algae types listed on the label and shown to be effective as well as safe to use. Pro Series Dual-Action Algaecide is a multi-functional dual-active algaecide that contains both a copper-based active ingredient and a polymeric algaecide that kills many different types of algae. It is a non-staining, non-foaming algaecide that can be used as a preventative algaecide or to remediate even the most stubborn types of algae. Pool Professionals should always have this tool in their arsenal to treat and prevent algae.

Algaecides can work in various ways to control algae. The more popular choices are quats, polyquats and copper. These work in different ways to disrupt cell membranes as well as enzymatic functioning of the cell, leading to cell death and cell wall rupturing. Some algae, even within the same classification, can be controlled differently with different algaecides, so if one treatment doesn’t seem to work, try a different approach. What worked one time, may not necessarily work every time, since the type of algae you have may be different (although they may visually look the same), or the conditions in the pool could be different. A multi-active approach may be the key to treating more algae types to, in turn, have a more successful swimming season.

About BioLab/ KIK Consumer Products

Based in Lawrenceville, GA., Bio-Lab, Inc, the Pool Division of KIK Consumer Products Company, has been supplying water treatment products for recreational applications on a global basis for over 60 years. Bio-Lab PRO brands include BioGuard®, Natural Chemistry®, SpaGuard®, SeaKlear®, Pro Series®, ProGuard®, Coral Seas®, AquaPill®, & Spa Essentials®.

Show us the before & after photos of your green pool clean up and win!

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Think you’re the GREEN POOL MASTER? We love to see the transformation from an unsightly swamp to a sparkling blue oasis. Pool Magazine is excited to announce a new social media contest for pool owners and pool professionals. Our “Win Some Green” contest invites followers and readers to submit before & after photos of a green pool they’ve successfully cleaned and turned blue again. The aim of this contest is to promote the importance of maintaining a healthy pool environment and to encourage pool owners to start thinking about getting their pools ready for summer!

How To Enter:

The contest is open to all Pool Magazine subscribers as well as followers on Facebook. To enter for a chance to win, participants must submit before & after photos of their green pool along with a brief description of the steps they took to clean the pool. You can submit right here on our website or on social media with the hashtags #winsomegreen #poolmagazine. We’ll let our readers vote on who had the “Best Green to Clean” and select a winner to be profiled in a future article in the print version of Pool Magazine. Entries are now closed (updated 5/16/23).

Prizes:

The 1st place winner will receive a $250 Visa Gift Card courtesy of your friends at Pool Magazine. The 2nd place winner will receive a $200 credit to your distributor of choice for the Natural Chemistry product of the winners choosing (up to $200). The 3rd place winner will receive a six-pack of Blueray XL.

Entry Rules For Social Media:

Like and follow Pool Magazine on Facebook. Post your before and after photos in the comments.

Winner Drawing:

The giveaway starts on May 5th, 2023 at 12:00 pm PST and ends on May 12th at 5:00 p.m. PST. On May 15th we will post the top photos for voting. The photo with the most likes on May 19th at 5:00 pm PST will be the 1st prize winner, the 2nd photo with the 2nd highest likes will win 2nd place, and 3rd place will be the third highest amount of likes. US entries only. Must be 18 or older. Winners will be notified by email or on social media. This giveaway is sponsored by Pool Magazine, Natural Chemistry, and BluerayXL and is not associated with Facebook.

Terms & Conditions:

By entering you agree that you own the photos submitted. Entrants agree to allow Pool Magazine to use their photos and name in publication on our website, marketing materials, and in our print publication. Photos submitted may be disseminated on social media channels, videos, and in future articles not pertaining to this specific contest. Entering this competition does not guarantee a prize. Only one prize per household. Employees of Pool Magazine, Natural Chemistry, and Blueray XL are ineligible to enter this contest.

We provide a few pool maintenance tips to help you keep your pool clear all summer long.

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Summer is the perfect time to open your pool and enjoy a refreshing swim. However, keeping your pool clean and clear requires regular maintenance and care. Different factors, such as the climate, environment, and usage patterns, can impact the cleaning and maintenance needs of your pool. In this article, we will provide you with a list of pool maintenance tips of what you need to know for keeping your pool clean this summer, no matter where you are located.

Before diving into cleaning your pool, it’s important to have the right tools to keep the water clean and clear. Here are some essential tools you’ll need:

Regular maintenance and cleaning are necessary to keep your backyard pool in top condition for fun and relaxation during the hot summer months. To help you achieve this goal, here is a step-by-step guide on how to clean your residential pool:

To maintain a clean and hygienic pool, it’s crucial to remove any debris floating on the water’s surface using a pool skimmer net. Here are the main pool maintenance tips to remember:

Skimming your pool surface before cleaning is an essential first step in pool maintenance. This initial process helps to remove leaves, insects, and other debris from the water’s surface, preventing clogs in your pool cleaning equipment. Furthermore, debris left in the pool can lead to the growth of bacteria and other harmful organisms, posing a health risk to swimmers. Additionally, a pool with debris floating on the surface looks uninviting, and regular skimming can help to maintain the pool’s appearance.

Recommended Products:

To remove any algae or dirt buildup from the pool walls and floor, use a pool brush to scrub the surfaces thoroughly. Areas that are shaded or not well-circulated need extra attention as they are more prone to algae growth. Consider the following pool maintenance tips when choosing the right brush for your pool:

Selecting the right brush for your pool surface is critical to effectively remove debris, algae, and other buildup, ensuring a clean and clear pool.

When brushing your pool, here are three things to keep in mind:

Recommended Products:

To remove any debris or dirt that has settled on the pool bottom after brushing, use a pool vacuum. If your pool has a built-in vacuum system, follow the manufacturer’s instructions for proper use. If not, you can use either a manual or a handheld pool vacuum that attaches to your pool’s filter system.

Here are some important pool maintenance tips to keep in mind when vacuuming your pool:

Manual and automatic pool vacuums are the two most popular options consumers will choose for vacuuming their pool. A manual pool vacuum requires more effort and time to clean the entire pool, while an automatic pool vacuum moves around the pool and cleans the surfaces, saving time and energy. Both options can be effective, but the choice ultimately depends on personal preference and budget. Automatic pool vacuums are generally more expensive, but they save time and energy, while manual pool vacuums are more affordable and give you more control over the cleaning process. Ultimately, one of the smartest pool maintenance tips we can offer here is to choose the option that works best for your specific pool cleaning needs.

Recommended Products:

Regular maintenance of your pool’s filter is important for keeping the pool water clean and free of small particles. Depending on the type of filter, you may need to clean or replace it periodically. Some filters can be backwashed or hosed off to remove debris, while others require replacement. It is essential to check the filter regularly and take appropriate action when necessary to keep your pool in top condition.

Checking and cleaning the pool filter is an essential step in keeping the pool clean and safe to swim in. The pool filter is responsible for removing small particles, debris, and contaminants from the water, which helps to prevent the growth of harmful bacteria and algae. Over time, the filter can become clogged with debris, which reduces its effectiveness and can lead to poor water quality. A clogged filter can also put a strain on the pool’s pump, which can lead to costly repairs.

By regularly checking the filter, you can catch any problems early on and address them before they become more serious. This can help to extend the life of the filter and keep the pool water clean and healthy.

Follow these helpful pool maintenance tips for cleaning your pool filter:

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Green Pool Masters: Celebrating The Champions of Transformation