Frequently Asked Questions About Pool Services in Hampton Roads

A properly working pool pump should run quietly and consistently. Signs that your pump may have a problem include: unusual grinding, screeching, or humming noises; the pump losing prime (losing suction and running dry); the pump basket not filling with water; reduced water flow from the return jets; or the pump tripping the circuit breaker. If you notice any of these signs, contact HCJ Pool Services for an equipment inspection.

A pool opening (also called a Kickstart service at HCJ) is the process of preparing your pool for the swimming season after winter. It includes removing and storing the winter cover, reconnecting and starting all equipment, and performing an initial water chemistry treatment. A pool closing (winterization) is the reverse process, performed at the end of the season to protect your pool from freeze damage and prevent algae growth over the winter. Both services are essential for protecting your pool investment and ensuring a smooth, cost-effective transition between seasons.

Preventing algae requires maintaining proper water chemistry at all times, including adequate free chlorine levels (typically 1 to 3 ppm), a pH between 7.4 and 7.6, and consistent circulation and filtration. Running your pump for at least 8 hours per day during the swimming season, brushing your pool walls and floor weekly, and maintaining your stabilizer (cyanuric acid) levels between 30 and 50 ppm are all essential steps. Regular professional maintenance is the most reliable way to prevent algae, as our technicians test and balance your water on a consistent schedule.

HCJ Pool Services provides pool maintenance, opening, closing, and repair services throughout the Hampton Roads area, including Virginia Beach, Norfolk, Portsmouth, and Chesapeake. Additional transport charges apply for service in Chesapeake and Suffolk. Please contact us at 757-271-8822 to confirm service availability in your specific area.

The ideal pH range for a swimming pool is between 7.4 and 7.6. At this range, the water is comfortable for swimmers (human tears have a pH of approximately 7.4), chlorine is most effective as a sanitizer, and the risk of equipment corrosion or scale buildup is minimized. A pH below 7.2 can cause eye and skin irritation and corrode metal equipment. A pH above 7.8 reduces chlorine effectiveness and can cause cloudy water and scale deposits.

The frequency of filter cleaning depends on the type of filter you have. Sand filters should be backwashed when the pressure gauge reads 8 to 10 psi above the clean operating pressure, typically every 1 to 4 weeks during the swimming season. Cartridge filters should be cleaned every 2 to 6 weeks and replaced annually or when they can no longer be cleaned effectively. DE (diatomaceous earth) filters should be backwashed when the pressure rises 8 to 10 psi above normal and recharged with fresh DE after each backwash.

Total alkalinity measures the water’s ability to resist changes in pH. It acts as a buffer, keeping pH stable. The ideal range for total alkalinity is 80 to 120 ppm (parts per million). When alkalinity is too low, pH becomes unstable and can swing dramatically, making it difficult to maintain proper water balance. When alkalinity is too high, it can cause cloudy water and make it difficult to adjust pH.

A properly winterized pool will have all return lines and skimmer lines blown out and plugged, the water level lowered to the appropriate winterizing level, all removable equipment (ladders, handrails, return fittings) removed and stored, a winterizing chemical treatment applied, and a properly secured winter cover installed. If you are unsure whether your pool was properly winterized, HCJ Pool Services can perform an inspection at opening time to assess the condition of your plumbing and equipment.

All HCJ Pool Services technicians are certified by the Pool and Hot Tub Alliance (PHTA) as Certified Pool and Spa Service Technicians and Certified Pool and Spa Maintenance Specialists. Our technicians are also certified as Certified Pool and Spa Operators (CPO) through the Pool and Hot Tub Alliance’s CPO program, which is the world’s leading education and certification program for pool safety and operation, with over 400,000 students trained since 1972.

For optimal water quality, it is recommended to run your pool pump continuously (24 hours per day) during the swimming season, particularly when water temperatures exceed 80 degrees Fahrenheit. If running the pump continuously is not practical, running it for a minimum of 8 to 12 hours per day is generally sufficient for most residential pools. The pump should run during the hottest part of the day to maximize the effectiveness of your sanitizer.

Your pool water is safe to swim in when the free chlorine level is between 1 and 3 ppm, the pH is between 7.4 and 7.6, the total alkalinity is between 80 and 120 ppm, and the water is clear and odor-free. A strong chlorine smell is actually a sign of low chlorine, not high chlorine. It indicates the presence of chloramines (combined chlorine), which form when chlorine reacts with contaminants. If your pool has a strong smell, it likely needs a shock treatment.

A well-maintained pool pump typically lasts 8 to 12 years. The key factors that affect pump longevity are running the pump dry (without water), operating with a clogged or dirty filter (which increases back pressure), and neglecting regular maintenance. HCJ Pool Services inspects your pump at every maintenance visit to identify potential issues before they cause a failure.

The HCJ digital service report is our signature post-service communication sent to every customer after every service visit. The report includes photos of your clean pool, a detailed summary of all services performed during the visit, and your exact water chemistry readings before and after chemical treatment. This level of transparency is unique in the Hampton Roads pool service market and gives you a complete historical record of your pool’s health. You can use these reports to track trends in your water chemistry over time and to verify that every service was performed as promised.

Pool School is a unique educational service offered by HCJ Pool Services for new pool owners or homeowners who want to take a more active role in understanding their pool. During a Pool School session, one of our certified technicians will visit your home and provide a comprehensive, hands-on education covering your specific pool equipment, water chemistry basics, how to read your chemical test results, how to perform basic maintenance tasks, and when to call a professional. Pool School is an investment in your knowledge that will help you make better decisions about your pool for years to come.

Pool shocking is the process of adding a large dose of chlorine (or a non-chlorine oxidizer) to the pool to break down chloramines, kill algae, and restore water clarity. You should shock your pool at least once per week during the swimming season, after heavy rain or a large pool party, when the water becomes cloudy or develops an odor, and at the beginning and end of the swimming season.

Cloudy pool water is most commonly caused by imbalanced water chemistry (particularly high pH or alkalinity), inadequate filtration, or the early stages of an algae bloom. To fix cloudy water, first test and balance your water chemistry, then run your filter continuously for 24 to 48 hours. If the water does not clear, a shock treatment and flocculant (clarifier) may be needed. If the cloudiness persists, contact HCJ Pool Services for a professional assessment.

HCJ Pool Services rewards customers who refer their friends and neighbors. When you refer a new customer who signs up for a maintenance service, both you and the new customer receive a credit toward your service. Please visit our Referral Program page or call us at 757-271-8822 for the current referral reward details.