CALIFORNIA POOL & SPA SPECIALISTS SINCE 2014

Frequent Asked Questions

We have been providing pool and spa leak detection, leak repairs, pool system installs/upgrades, complete pool plumbing and pool renovation services in California since 2014. Call us today if you have any questions!

What do I do if I think I have a leak in my swimming pool?

A leaking swimming pool can cost a pool owner hundreds, if not thousands of dollars. If you think you have a leak in your pool you can conduct a bucket test to determine if it is a true leak or if it’s merely evaporation. There are also some other hints to identify leaks on our At Home Diagnostics page.

What is the bucket test?

WARNING: CHILDREN CAN FALL INTO BUCKET AND DROWN. KEEP CHILDREN AWAY FROM BUCKET WITH EVEN A SMALL AMOUNT OF LIQUID.

  1. Bring the pool water to normal level. Fill a 5-gallon bucket with pool water to about two-thirds from the top.
  2. Place the bucket on the first or second step of the pool. Ensure the bucket is immersed in the pool at least five inches.
  3. Mark the water level inside the bucket.
  4. Shut off the pump and all pool systems and close the pool during the administration of the test; mark pool water level on the outside of the bucket.
  5. Resume normal pool pump operation.
  6. After 24 hours, compare the two water levels. If the pool water (outside mark) goes down more than the bucket’s water level, there is probably a leak. If levels are the same, only evaporation has occurred.

In case of rain, repeat the bucket test. Expect water loss from normal evaporation. Test is invalid after 24 hours. Typical evaporation a quarter inch of water loss per day is most likely evaporation. The evaporation rate in your area will depend on humidity, sunlight intensity, barometric pressure, wind and the level of activity in the pool or spa.

Call us today if you have any questions or would like to schedule an appointment!

You can find the leak in my pool, but can you fix the leak too?

Yes! We not only find the leaking area of swimming pools whether it be underground, under the concrete deck, in the waterfalls or even near the system but we also perform the leak repairs! We can also replace your pool skimmer and swimming pool drain cover.

How can my pool’s water use be reduced?

The EPA WaterSense Pool Water Efficiency report listed pool covers, maintaining proper water quality, upgrading to a high-performance filter, replacing your gas heater with solar or an energy efficient heat pump, and recognizing and immediately fixing any leaks. A modern pool design, newer surface and upgraded filter system will also be more efficient.

My automatic pool cleaner isn’t working as well as it used to. What’s wrong?

In cases where the automatic pool cleaner is less efficient, the condition is typically due to incorrect pressure (which leads to incorrect waterflow) or the cleaner filter is dirty, which reduces the water flow for optimal performance. If everything is in good order, yet still failing then a new part of replacement unit may be needed.

Why is the pH of the water so important?

The pH is the measure of acidity in the pool water.  The pH only ranges between 0 – 14, so even a slight change in the pH of your water can greatly affect various elements in your pool. A pool’s pH should be maintained between 7.2 and 7.6. A low pH means that the water is acidic and will dry out your liner, eat away at any stainless steel and copper parts of your pool, as well as cause irritation to swimmer’s eyes and skin.  The pH can be easily tested for and is inexpensive to adjust.

Why do I need to shock my pool?

Shocking your swimming pool is a very important element in maintaining your pool water’s clarity and balance. Using chlorine tablets alone will not kill off all bacteria and algae that grow in the pool water. Also, the chlorine tablets have a very low pH level, and their overuse will lead to a low pH, which is very dangerous to the pool, and its users. By shocking the pool, you will be quickly raising the chlorine level, which will rid the pool of contaminants, without lowering the pH of the pool water.

Why do I need to backwash?

Backwashing your filter removes debris that gets caught up in your sand or DE so that your filter can continue to work effectively in cleaning your pool. Backwashing should be done whenever the filter pressure increases approximately 10 psi over normal pressure, and the water pressure returning to the pool decreases. Follow your filter system’s instructions or contact Pinnacle Pool and Spa Services.

Why do I need to have my water tested professionally?

Testing at home with your strips or drop test kits give you only a limited reading of your balancing chemical levels of your pool water. The average home test kit only reads pH, chlorine, and sometimes alkalinity. There are various other levels that are important to your pool that need to be tested on a regular basis to ensure water balance and safety for the swimmers. Also, having a profession can be far more accurate than home tests, leaving you with added security that your pool water is safe and balanced.

What areas do you serve and how do I get a free quote?

We service the residential and commercial pool and spa communities of Walnut Creek, Concord, Danville, San Ramon, Dublin, Pleasanton, Pleasant Hill, Martinez, Lafayette and Orinda as well as Fairfield, Vacaville, Davis, Folsom, Roseville, Granite Bay, Loomis, Auburn, El Dorado Hills, Placerville, Rancho Cordova, Sacramento, CA! Call us today to schedule an appointment! Bay Area: (925) 849-6545 | Sacramento Area: 916-530-2096 | Toll Free: (888) 994-7665 (POOL)

Do you provide complete pool renovation and remodeling services?

Yes, we can handle all aspects of your pool remodeling project from beginning to end! We can’t wait to learn more about your pool project!

What are the payment and financing options?

We accept most major credit cards.  You might find that financing the cost of your pool renovation makes the most sense.  There are a number of reputable lending institutions that can provide you with various lending options.  Please contact us for additional information.

Sacramento Area: (916) 530-2096 | Bay Area: (925) 849-6545 | Toll Free: (888) 994-7665 (POOL)

We serve the residential and commercial pool and spa communities of greater Sacramento to the Bay Area,
including Walnut Creek to Orinda, El Dorado Hills, Granite Bay, and Hwy 50 down to the 680 corridor.

How can we help you with your pool project?

Contact us! (888) 994 -7665 (POOL) to speak to a member of our team!

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Swimming Pool & Spa Services

Pinnacle Pool and Spa Services, Inc is your trusted advisor when it comes to the efficient, reliable and cost effective approach to creating the pool of your dreams and maintaining your valuable resource!  Competitive prices with friendly, reliable, and professional service. Contact us today!