Frequenty Asked Questions
Blue Bear Pool Solutions seeks to answer your most common questions about your pool and our service. If you have any additional questions, feel free to contact us at any time.
Pool Filters
What is the best pool filter?
When is comes to selecting a pool filter there is a lot to consider. Let’s begin by considering the filter media. Pool Filters are measured by their ability to filter in microns. A micron is one-millionth of a meter. The smaller the number, the better the filtration.
There are three main types of filters: sand filters, cartridge filters and diatomaceous earth (D.E.). Each type has positive and negative aspects.
Sand Filters
Sand filters around 20 to 40 microns. That is about the size of a human hair. Sand filters contain an average of 4 square feet of filtration surface.
- Positive: Sand filters are the most inexpensive and can be cleaned by backwashing.
- Negatives: Sand filters do not filter down to the smallest particles. Sand filters can form sand tunnels and let dirty water and debris pass through the filter.
Bottom line: NOT SO GOOD
Cartridge Filters
Cartridge filters around 10 to 20 microns. This is about the size of a human blood cell. Cartridge filters have an average of 150 square feet of filtration surface.
- Positives: Cartridge filters are good for crowded residential areas and small backyards. Good for low speeds, such as variable speed pumps.
- Negatives: Cleaning a cartridge filter requires opening the filter tank. Cartridge filters are not practical for large pools.
Bottom line: GOOD
D.E. Filters (Diatomaceous Earth)
D.E. filters around 1 to 5 microns. This level of filtration is about the size of a protozoan (Cryptosporidium & Giardia). These filters contain an average of 60 square feet of filtration surface.
- Positives: D.E. filters down to the smallest particles and can be cleaned by backwashing.
- Negatives: Cleaning the D.E. filter requires an area to backwash the dirty white powder. Most costly of the filters.
Bottom line: VERY GOOD
Winter Guard Service
What is Winter Guard Service?
A Winter Guard Service visit starts by cleaning the pool cover, then partially peeling off part of the cover. At this point if we check the pool water level. If it is too high some water will be pumped out. Then we brush the deep end walls, creating a vertical disturbance on the stagnant water and circulating the pool water with a portable gas pump. This moves the water in a horizontal, whirlpool-like motion for about 10 minutes. The water is tested and any necessary pool chemicals are added. Finally, the pool cover is put back in place.
What are the benefits of a Winter Guard Service?
There are three significant benefits to Blue Bear’s Winter Guard Service:
- The pool cover: Removes debris and extra weight from the cover. A pool professional inspects the cover during the visit.
- The pool structure: It is extremely important to keep an eye on the water level, more so during harsh winters. If the water is too high during the winter can damage your tile, coping and pool wall. The top of the pool wall is the most vulnerable part of the pool. It is where everything is bonded together using five different adhesives.
- The pool water: Moving the water helps the water balance and keeps pool the finish in good shape, thereby avoiding future stains.
Weekly Maintenance Service
What is a Weekly Maintenance Service?
During the pool season, from Memorial Day to Labor Day, we visit once a week to maintain your pool. All you do is enjoy the pool and we will take care of the rest. For more details and pricing please give us a call or contact us.
Pool Opening
What is the cost of a pool opening?
A normal pool opening consists of three parts and each part is billed individually. The three parts consist of the pool Summerize, cover removal and vacuuming. Extra features may be necessary and are charged accordingly.
Premier Customers
What is a Premier Customer?
A Premier Customer is someone who chooses us for all of their pool needs from pool opening and closing, weekly maintenance service, repairs, upgrades and winter guard service.
What are the benefits of being a Premier Customer?
As a valued Premier Customer your benefits include:
- No dispatch fee
- 24 hours emergency service (during pool season)
- Priority schedule
- Exclusive special offers
- Same technician on premises
Other Services
What other services do we provide?
We do it all, except complete pool builds and above ground pools. If you have any additional questions or needs, feel free to contact us at any time. We would love to hear from you!