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Question of the Week

Question: Hey Kyle, it’s been kinda windy. I hear you have aluminum awning kits, is that true?

Answer: Well, here’s what people say about our awning kits. "They are the best in the West and none better in the East." We sell them at a very good price. Ours come as a complete kit. You can Install them yourself, or hire a handyman or contractor to do it for you.’s very easy. Check our corporate website awning page for details.

Frequently Asked Questions

Question: Can the chemicals in my test kit go bad?

Answer: Well, you should replace your testing agents once a year. This includes the strips and the solutions.

Question: Now that it is frosty in the mornings again, when should I be running my pool pump?

Answer: Well, a good time to run your pump would be between the hours of 5:30 a.m. and 7:30 a.m. Remember, it's pretty hard to freeze moving water....... Kyle.

Question: I just opened up my spa for the season. I am using bromine as a sanitizer and I seem to be having an allergic reaction from it. What can I do about this?

Answer: Well, there are a couple of ways to go about this. First, drain the spa and refill it with fresh water. Then, switch from bromine to granular chlorine, you might be allergic to just bromine. If that doesn’t work, then I would switch to a chlorine free system using a nature 2 stick and non-chlorine shock on a weekly basis. I’m sure this will take care of the problem. ...... Kyle.

Question: What kind of deal can you make me on a new spa?

Answer: Well, how does 10% off any in stock spa sound. ...... Kyle.

Question: It is Spa season, time to restart my spa. What should I do?

Answer: Well, the first thing is to drain the spa if you haven’t already done so. You can use “Spa Cleanse” to clean the spa. Next, you should clean, or replace the filter if necessary. Once you have refilled the spa, you will need to add 2ozs. of a non chlorine shock powder. Heck, we will sell you a 2 oz. pack for only $2.95. The Ph balance in your spa should be between 7.4 and 7.6. You can use Spa Up or Spa Down to adjust the Ph level. We sell Spa Up for $6.95 and Spa Down for $5.95. That’s all there is to it! Now you can enjoy your spa!! ...... Kyle.

Question: When should I shut down my salt generator?

Answer: Well, when the pool water temperature decreases to 55 degrees (F) it's time to turn off your salt generator....... Kyle.

Question: Do you install "Swim All Year" pool domes?

Answer: Well, does a bear sleep in the woods? Of course we do. Give us a call for the details. 530-534-6802 ask for, you guessed it,...... Kyle.

Question: I’m closing my pool. What are the main things I should be aware of?

Answer: Well, #1. try not to run your pool pump too much. An hour a day is fine with Kyle. #2. Do Not over chlorinate your water. Too much chlorination can cause algae growth to become immune to the chlorine. .

Question: How long does it take to get a custom pool cover?

Answer: Well, currently we’re running about 2 weeks. .

Question: My spa water is cloudy, what should I do?

Answer: Well, it depends. If it’s cloudy and there are unpleasant odors, I would recommend draining, cleaning, and then refilling. It also depends on how long the water has been in the spa. If it is 4 to 6 months old, then drain it. But if it’s only a few weeks to a couple months old, then clean the filter, bring the chlorine level to 3 ppm, and simply add a spa clarifier. .... Kyle

Question: Do you have wood pellets for my pellet stove in stock ?

Answer: Yes, right now our supply is pretty good. We're selling them for $5.50 per 40 lb. bag. It's probably a good idea to stock up now while they're available.

Question: What are the differences between a mesh and a solid pool cover ?

Answer: Well, it’s simple really. Mesh Covers are much lighter and allow water to drain through. They are a true “safety” cover. Vinyl covers are heavier and keep everything out of the pool. However, they are not recommended if you have children or small pets. Visit our website to see what you get with your Ameri-Cover. .... Kyle

Question: I need help winterizing my pool. Do you offer such a service?

Answer: Yes, we’re offering a special on pool closings and winter pool covers. We also offer a winter closing kit for the “Do it Yourself” pool owners. Please call or stop in for more details.

Question: How can I find a winter cover for my pool?

Answer: It’s very easy. Check out the pool cover section of our corporate website for details.

Question: I want to swim all year around. How can I do this?

Answer: We also sell inflatable pool domes you can swim under all winter long .... Kyle

Question: My pool water is cooling off due to the cooler weather we are having in the mornings and evenings. Is there anything I can do about this?

Answer: Yes, a good way to help retain the heat in your pool water is to use a solar blanket. By using this, you will retain the heat that your pool water has gained during the day. This could be up to 15 degrees.

Question: I have an above ground swimming pool and my PH level always reads low. Is this a problem?

Answer: Yes, if your PH level is low for a long period of time, your liner will only last a few years instead of 7-10 years. This is because your pool water is acidic and burning your liner from the inside out. This is why it is important to keep up on the PH level in your pool. At Ameri-Brand we offer Alkalinity or PH Up to help raise your pool?s PH level.

Question: Do you offer pool maintenance service? If so, how much?

Answer: Yes, we do. There are a few things that would affect the cost of the service such as the size of the pool, driving distance, chemicals needed, etc. Please call the Pool Store for a free quote. Sign up now as we only have a few trucks and are limited to a few hundred customers. .... Kyle

Question: Could my pool freeze over with the cold temperatures we have been having in the Oroville area?

Answer: It could; however, the way to prevent this is to run your pump at least 2 hours every day in the early morning hours. This will also keep your pipes from freezing.

Question: Should I keep my chlorine at 3.0 PPM in the winter like in the summer?

Answer: No. Your Pool will become used to having a high chlorine level all winter. If you leave the level the same year around, your pool will become “immune” to the chlorine. You should drop the level to .6-1.0 PPM in the winter and then raise it back up to 3.0 PPM again in the summer.

Question: Should I be running my pool filter as much in the winter as I do in the summer (4-6 hours daily)?

Answer: No. Because the water is colder in the winter, 1-2 hours a day is sufficient.

Question: Should I use floating chlorine tabs in the winter?

Answer: No, it’s not a good idea. Chlorine tabs are designed to help your pool hold a chlorine level on hot summer days when liquid chlorine and granular chlorine alone are just not enough. .... Kyle

Question: Should my pump and filter be covered in the winter?

Answer: Yes. Your pump and filter will last longer if they are covered in the winter as well as in the summer.

Question: Is it ok to neglect my pool in the winter since I’m not using it?

Answer: No, it is not a good idea. It will cost you more to “un green” your pool and get it ready to swim in again. If it gets too bad, it could cost somewhere between $200.00-$500.00 to restore it.

Question: I have noticed that my pool sweep hose tangles much easier in the cold weather. Do you have any suggestions?

Answer: Yes. First, take the pool sweep hose off the cleaner and pool wall fitting. Next, stretch it across the pool deck or flat surface. Then, place a cinder block or heavy object on each end of the hose with tension on the hose. Leave it this way for 2-3 days, then hook it back up to the pool sweep and pool wall fitting.

Question: Should I fire my pool guy if he wasn’t trained by “ask Kyle”?

Answer: Yes, he knows nothing. Not really, but you do want to be sure that he has been trained properly and is knowledgeable with general pool maintenance and chemicals in our area. It’s a good idea to ask for long term references. .... Kyle

Question: Why should I run my pool filter?

Answer: Running your pool filter will keep your pool water clean and algae free.

Question: Is it true that you offer free water chemical analysis?

Answer: Yes, just stop in with your pool water sample and we will be happy to do a free chemical analysis for you. To assure accurate results, be sure to stop in for your free, brand new sample container. The sooner you do this, chances are, there will be less chems needed to bring your pool to proper balance. This will save you time and money in the long run. .... Kyle

Question: Why is it important to get my filter ready for summer?

Answer: To prevent bacteria and assure a healthy swimming environment, filter maintenance is a necessity. A plugged or obstructed filter system does not allow sufficient water flow to cleanse your pool water. As the outside temperature increases, your pool water temperature increases, which will cause bacteria to grow at a faster rate. We offer a full line of filter maintenance products for all filters. The three types of filters and the products you would need for them are as follows: For a Sand filter you would use Filter Rinse, for either a Cartridge filter or a DE (Diatomaceous) Filter you would use Minute Rinse. Feel Free to call and ask us any questions you might have.

Question: Now that summer is approaching, should my pool pump be running more often?

Answer: Yes. As the weather warms up and you start to use your pool, it’s important to run your pump more frequently. It should be running anywhere from 4-6 hours a day. This is determined by how many gallons of water your pool has. Just give us a call with your pool size and shape and we will be happy to calculate this for you.

Question: My pool sweep just isn’t working like it used to. It seems to be slowing down and not picking up debris. What can I do?

Answer: I would start by checking the wall fitting where the pool sweep attaches to the pool. There is a finger screen inside of the wall fitting that might be clogged with debris. If this happens it will not allow enough water to pass through to properly run your pool sweep. .... Kyle

Question: Will a solar blanket allow me to open my pool early?

Answer: Absolutely! A solar blanket helps to gain heat during the day and helps to retain heat in your pool when the sun is not shining. Use of a solar blanket may allow you to open your pool a month or so earlier than normal and keep it open a month or so later. Solar blankets are inexpensive and easy to install. The use of a portable reel is helpful. Come in and see us or call us for more details.

Question: When will your new Phoenix Spa inventory be arriving?

Answer: Our new inventory will be arriving May 10th. So, come down and see the latest in spa technology and design. And that’s not all, with our new Splash Card financing you can make your spa dreams a reality. .... Kyle

Question: I seem to be adding a lot of water to my pool but I just can’t seem to find where it is leaking. Any advice?

Answer: Fill your pool up to the operating level, and with a pencil, place a water level mark on the skimmer face. Next, shut the pool filter off for one week and see how much water it has lost. If the pool hasn’t lost any water, then you will know that the leak will be in the plumbing of the pool and not in the main body of the pool. If the pool is still losing water, then the leak is in the pool’s body. This works for many types of pools.

Question: What can I do to avoid cleaning my pool daily?

Answer: Ameri-Brand Carries automatic pool cleaners for both above ground and in ground pools. We carry Aqua Bugs and Pentair E-Z Vacs for all types of above ground pools and Pentair Letro Legend and Polaris 180, 280, and 380 for all types of in ground pools. With any of these self cleaners, your daily “pool chore will become no more.”

Question: My pool is cloudy, what should I do?

Answer: To fix this condition, you will need a bottle of our Clear Blue. You will add this with two gallons of our Liquid Chlorine and your pool will clear up within a couple of days.

Question: Can I watch TV or DVD’s in my new Phoenix Spa?

Answer: Well, you won’t believe what I’m about to tell you. You really can watch TV or your favorite DVD as you relax in your new Phoenix Spa. You really need to stop in and check these out to appreciate their beauty and all the little extras they offer. .... Kyle

Question: “I am tired of cleaning my own pool, can you help me?”

Answer: “Yes, we are currently adding new pool route customers. Just give us a call and we would be happy to give you a quote for your pool.”

Question: Do you have any awesome pool toys for my grandkids?

Answer: You are so in luck. Bring your kids and stop in to see our new shipment that has just arrived.

Question: My pool liner has a hole in it. Is there a way to fix this?

Answer: Yes, we have patch kits available at our pool store. We can also customize a patch kit for you if you have a larger tear. Just stop in and we would be happy to show you how you can repair this yourself. .... Kyle

Question: My skimmer basket is broken, can you help me?

Answer: Yes, the main thing to watch for is the size and shape of the skimmer basket. We carry many different types of baskets for your skimmer or pump. Stop in and we would be happy to help you find the right model for your pool.

Question: Every day I need to put water in my pool. Is there a way to “top it off” automatically?

Answer: Yes, we have an automatic pool filler for both in ground and above ground pools. It automatically adds water to your pool and protects your equipment from damage caused by running “dry”. Very convenient and affordable! .... Kyle

Question: Should I be afraid to use floating chlorine tablets in a vinyl liner pool?

Answer: Yes, there are better ways to use chlorine tablets with a vinyl liner pool. You could install an auto-chlorinator and use this as the dispenser for your chlorine tablets. This will prevent swimmers from coming in contact with the chlorine tablets and prevents the deterioration caused by tablets lying directly on your vinyl liner.