Frequently asked questions.
Welcome to our FAQ page! We've compiled answers to our most common questions below. If you can't find the answer you're looking for, please don't hesitate to reach out. You can email us at info@elementalpoolorlando.com or send a message to 321-351-5841.
Do you have any Customer reviews or References?
Yes, we are proud of the relationships we've built with our clients. We encourage you to read reviews from our satisfied customers on our Google Business Profile
My pool is green! Can you fix it?
Yes, we specialize in green pool cleanups. A green pool is caused by a major algae bloom, but it's almost always recoverable. This requires a multi-visit process involving special chemicals and filtration cycles. Contact us for a quote, and we can get your pool sparkling blue again.
What specific tasks are included in your Monthly cleaning service?
A comprehensive weekly service goes far beyond simple skimming and chemical addition; it is a systematic process designed to ensure the health, safety, and aesthetic appeal of the pool
The core components of a typical professional weekly service include:
Comprehensive Water Testing: Technicians use advanced testing kits to analyze key chemical levels, including pH, free chlorine, total alkalinity, calcium hardness, and cyanuric acid.
Chemical Balancing: Based on test results, all necessary chemicals are added to bring the water into the ideal ranges for sanitation, comfort, and equipment protection.
Surface and Debris Removal: The pool surface is skimmed to remove floating debris, and the pool floor is thoroughly vacuumed to remove sediment and sunken debris.
Physical Brushing: The pool's walls, steps, tile line, and other surfaces are brushed to dislodge algae spores and prevent buildup.
Basket Cleaning: Both the skimmer baskets and the pump strainer basket are emptied to ensure proper water flow and prevent strain on the pump motor.
Equipment Inspection: A visual inspection of all accessible pool equipment is conducted. This includes checking the filter pressure, looking for leaks, ensuring drain covers are secure, and verifying that pumps, heaters, and salt chlorine generators are functioning correctly.
Visit Summaries - Detailed visit summaries including photos, tasks completed and chemical readings.
What areas do you service?
We proudly service pools throughout the east Orlando area, including Alafaya, Avalon Park, Rio Pinar, Valencia College, UCF and surrounding communities. If you're unsure if you're in our service area, please ask! If you live in zip codes: 32828, 32825, 32822, 32807, 32815, 32826 or 32829 - You’re probably in luck!
Do I need to be home for the service?
No, you do not need to be home. As long as our technician has safe access to the pool area, we can perform our full service. We ask that you ensure any gates are unlocked on your service day and that pets are friendly towards strangers or secured indoors. Our technicians are trained to always secure the gate before they leave your property. All technicians are also background checked and will attempt to leave the pool area as they found it.
How often will you service my pool?
The ideal service frequency depends on several factors, including pool usage, environmental conditions, and the time of year. Most of our pools are serviced once a week, but some can get by with biweekly (2 visits a month) during the winter or with some limited cleaning by the homeowner.
How is your pricing structured, and what is included in the monthly cost?
The monthly service plan includes the labor for all routine cleaning tasks (testing, balancing, skimming, vacuuming, brushing, basket cleaning, salt cell cleaning, cartridge filter cleaning, and equipment inspection) and the cost of all standard balancing chemicals required to maintain water health, such as chlorine, muriatic acid, and sodium bicarbonate.
Do I need to sign a long-term contract?
No. We believe in earning your business every month. Our monthly service plans operate on a month-to-month basis, and you can cancel at any time with a 30-day notice.
How does billing work?
We offer a flexible and straightforward billing system. You can choose to be invoiced up-front on the 1st of the month or after your service period at the end of the month. We provide multiple payment options, including credit/debit cards through Stripe, Zelle, cash, or check. To make it even easier, a secure autopay option is also available.
What are common extra charges I should be aware of?
Common additional charges include:
Specialty Chemicals: Treatments for specific issues like severe algae blooms (requiring large amounts of shock and algaecide), phosphate removal, or stain treatment are typically billed separately. There may also be once-time startup chemicals charges such as calcium hardness or mineral sanitizers if these are not correct at the start of service or by request/recommendation.
Equipment Repairs and Parts: Any repairs to pool equipment, such as fixing leaks, replacing seals, or installing new parts, are billable services that include both labor and the cost of the parts themselves
Emergency or Off-Schedule Visits: Requests for service outside of the regularly scheduled day, such as a last-minute cleaning before an event, may but not always incur an additional fee
Complex Filter Cleanings: The periodic deep cleaning of complex pool filters (quad cartridge filters, sand, or D.E.) is more intensive and time consuming than regular single cartridge filters and therefore are usually considered their own service and are often billed separately.
To keep your service running smoothly, our technicians are authorized to handle minor, on-the-spot repairs or apply necessary chemicals up to a cost of $10 surcharge per month. These charges are rare and will simply be added to your following invoice. We will always contact you for authorization before proceeding with any work that exceeds this amount. If you'd prefer to approve all charges, you can easily opt out of this feature by request
Why is "balanced" water chemistry so important?
Think of your pool water like a delicate recipe. When all the chemical "ingredients" are in balance, the result is water that is safe, comfortable, and beautiful. Proper balance is crucial for three reasons: it ensures your sanitizer (chlorine) is effective at killing germs, it prevents uncomfortable skin and eye irritation for swimmers, and it protects your expensive pool equipment and surfaces from corrosion and scaling.
What are the key chemical levels you monitor, and what do they do?
We consistently monitor five key factors to keep your pool water perfectly balanced:
pH (7.2-7.8): Controls acidity and ensures chlorine works effectively.
Free Chlorine (2-4 ppm or at least 10% CYA): The sanitizer that kills bacteria and algae.
Total Alkalinity (80-120 ppm): A buffer that helps prevent wild pH swings.
Calcium Hardness (200-400 ppm): Protects your pool's plaster and tile surfaces.
Cyanuric Acid (30-100 ppm): Acts like sunscreen for chlorine, protecting it from the sun.
We also periodically check the water for phosphates, metals, total dissolved solids & salt.
How Often should I run my pool pump?
A good rule of thumb is to run your pool pump for one hour for every 10°F of the average outside temperature. For example, if the average temperature in Central Florida is 80°F, you should run your pump for about 8 hours. However, please remember this is a general guideline, and your pool's specific needs may vary.
How often does my pool filter need to be cleaned?
Your filter traps dirt and debris, and it needs to be cleaned periodically to work effectively. The general rule is to clean the filter when its pressure gauge reads 8-10 PSI higher than its clean starting pressure. Depending on the type of filter you have (cartridge, sand, or D.E.), this typically translates to a deep cleaning cycle between once a month to twice a year.
What is your policy for service during inclement weather?
Your technician's safety is extremely important to us. Here's how we handle service during bad weather:
Light to Moderate Rain: In most cases, we can safely perform our full service.
Severe Weather (Heavy Rain, Lightning): For safety, we will perform an essential "no-pole" service. This includes:
Testing and balancing the water chemistry.
Emptying the skimmer and pump baskets.
Filter cleaning as needed.
Why We Still Come: It's critical to service your pool after rain, as rainfall can disrupt the water's chemical balance and lead to algae growth.
Communication: We will always inform you in your after-visit summary if the service was modified due to weather.
Are the pool chemicals you use safe for my children and pets?
Yes. Once the chemicals are added to the pool and properly diluted, the water is safe for your entire family, including pets. The real danger with pool chemicals lies in their concentrated, undiluted form. A major benefit of our professional service is that we handle and transport these hazardous materials, so you don't have to store them on your property. This makes your home a safer place for curious kids and pets. If the pool is ever not safe to enter for any reason - we will always alert you in the after-visit summary or via direct contact.
What should I do if I have a pool problem between service visits?
If you notice anything unusual with your pool—such as cloudy or discolored water, strange noises from the equipment, or a potential leak—please contact us right away. If you hear loud noises from your pump, turn it off at the circuit breaker to prevent further damage. We are always available to offer advice or schedule a special service call to resolve the issue quickly.
Will my pool be serviced every single week? How do you handle holidays?
To provide our team with well-deserved time off and to account for major holidays, our service is based on a standard 48-week year equating to an average of 4 visits a month for 12 months. This structure allows for four planned "off-weeks" during the year, which we schedule in advance.
Don't worry as we always prepare for these short breaks. Before a planned off-week, we will ensure your pool is perfectly balanced and treated to remain clear and healthy. You will always be notified 2-4 weeks in advance of any change to your schedule.
I have more questions. How can I contact you?
We're happy to answer any other questions you may have! The best way to reach us is by emailing info@elementalpoolorlando.com or by sending a text message or calling us at 321-351-5841.