Yes, we are licensed and bonded C-53 Swimming Pool Builders and Contractors as well as D-35/C-61 Specialty Contractors for Pool and Spa maintenance, equipment installation, replacement, and repairs.

Our technicians hold IPSSA Water Chemistry Certification and are NSPS Certified Pool and Spa Operators. These credentials reflect a commitment to industry best practices in water safety, chemical management, and equipment standards — so you can trust your pool is in qualified hands.

You can contact us by email or by phone at (888) 994 -7665 (POOL). We’ll ask a few questions about your pool and schedule a convenient time for service or an on-site inspection.

We aim to respond as quickly as possible with prioritization of hazardous, emergency leaks or critical equipment failures being accommodated on an emergency, on-call basis, existing calendar, and technician availability permitting.

Yes. We provide weekly service plans that are designed to keep your pool sparkling clean and worry-free all year.

Yes — we service backyard residential pools, apartment complex and HOA pools, and commercial facilities. Whether it’s routine maintenance or a complex repair, we tailor our approach to the size, usage, and regulatory requirements of each property.

We accept major credit cards, personal checks, and electronic payment options. If you have a question about a specific payment method, just ask when you’re scheduling your service.

You might find that financing the cost of your pool renovation makes the most sense. Many homeowners use a home equity loan or HELOC, which often provide lower rates but use your home as collateral. Others roll the cost into a cash-out refinance, take out an unsecured home improvement loan, or work with specialized pool-financing companies that offer long fixed-term loans. Your city may even offer low-interest or deferred home improvement programs if you qualify. The right option depends on your equity, credit, project size, and comfort with risk—fixed loans provide predictable payments, while HELOCs offer flexibility but can carry variable rates. There are a number of reputable lending institutions that can provide you with various lending options. Please contact us for additional information.

Skim the surface daily when possible to prevent debris from breaking down and affecting your water chemistry. Brush the walls, steps, and floor at least once a week and vacuum on the same schedule — consistent care is your best defense against algae buildup and surface staining.

Duration varies, with many environmental, pool usage and equipment factors that determine the perfect pump run time. Typically, 8–12 hours per day in summer, and 4–6 hours in cooler months with adjusting based on pool size, equipment, usage and surrounding landscape.

Weekly at a minimum with a professional grade testing kit, and results assessed by a trained technician. During Sacramento’s hot summers, home test kits every few days are recommended to identify early stages of algae colonization and prevent blooms forming between weekly scheduled visit.

Cloudy pools are a safety concern that requires immediate remediation as it obscures visibility of the bottom of the pool and delays identifying and employing time sensitive, lifesaving emergency recovery efforts of impaired or distressed swimmers. It can also be a sign of bacteria or algae growth due to insufficient sanitation or improper water chemistry, making it unhealthy for swimmers. It’s imperative to monitor your pool water clarity frequently between your weekly visits to manage the pool clarity and at the first sight of cloudiness, immediately employ daily debris removal, brushing of the walls and floor and assess the filter hygiene until your next service appointment. We are available to create a treatment plan and can work with you to incorporate additional treatment appointments until the cloudiness resolves. Pricing may vary.

Low circulation, poor brushing, or phosphate levels; more often, older, and lovingly-worn pool surfaces that become porous, develops tiny cracks, and microscopic pores and crevices that provides algae spores, especially black algae, with sheltered places to hide from the pool’s sanitation chemicals. Consistent brushing, targeted algaecides, enhance circulation and chemical balancing between weekly visits are key. At the first sign of algae, we are available to create a treatment plan and can work with you to incorporate additional treatment appointments until the algae bloom resolves. Pricing may vary.

No — even a pool that sits unused through the winter still needs regular attention. Without chemical balancing, debris removal, and periodic equipment checks, you risk algae blooms, surface damage, and costly repairs come spring.

Yes. Sacramento’s summer heat and intense sun accelerate chlorine consumption and create conditions where algae can take hold quickly. Extending your pump run time during these months improves circulation and helps your sanitizer work more effectively across the entire pool.

Yes — leaves, dirt, and organic material introduce phosphates into the water, which serve as a food source for algae. Frequent skimming removes this debris before it breaks down and throws your water chemistry out of balance.

Wait at least 30 minutes to a few hours depending on the chemical added. After shocking, wait 24 hours and confirm safe chlorine levels.

Saltwater pools use an electrolytic generator to convert dissolved salt into chlorine, which tends to be gentler on skin, eyes, and swimwear than traditional chlorine dosing. That said, saltwater systems still require regular monitoring of pH, alkalinity, and salt levels — they’re not maintenance-free.

Sand and DE filters should be backwashed when the pressure gauge reads 8–10 psi above its clean baseline — a sign that trapped debris is restricting water flow. Cartridge filters don’t backwash; instead, remove and rinse them every 4–6 weeks, or more frequently during heavy use or after storms.

Every pool is unique, and factors such as pool usage, size, regular maintenance, existing pool equipment and age contribute to the filter life span; in general, the life span of a filter is:

• Sand: every 5–7 years
• DE grids: every 7–10 years
• Cartridges: every 3–5 years

In cases where the automatic pool cleaner is less efficient, the condition is typically due to incorrect pressure (which leads to incorrect waterflow). It may be clogged, the hose may be tangled, or suction/pressure could be low. It’s also important to check if 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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

Place a bucket of water on a pool step, mark the levels inside and outside, and compare after 24 hours. If the pool level drops more, you likely have a leak. The specific steps are below:

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!

We use a combination of methods to pinpoint leaks precisely — including electronic listening devices that detect the sound of escaping water, dye testing to trace movement around fittings and cracks, and pressure testing of plumbing lines to isolate underground issues. This multi-method approach lets us locate leaks accurately before any repair work begins.

Most leak detection inspections are completed within a few hours, though the timeline can vary depending on pool size, plumbing complexity, and how many potential sources need to be tested. We’ll give you a realistic estimate when you schedule.

No — in most cases, leak detection is performed with the pool full of water. Keeping the water in place actually helps us use dye testing and listening equipment more effectively to trace where the leak is occurring.

Yes, many cracks, fittings, and light niche leaks can be fixed underwater. Larger issues may require draining.

The most common leak sources include skimmers, return line fittings, light niches, the tile line, and underground plumbing. Skimmer bodies and light niche seals are particularly prone to cracking over time, especially in older pools or those exposed to shifting soil.

Once we’ve located the leak, we’ll walk you through your repair options and what each involves. Many leaks can be addressed the same day; others — such as those involving underground plumbing or structural components — may require a follow-up appointment.

Leak repair costs vary depending on the severity, location, and complexity of the repair — a simple fitting or seal fix is considerably less involved than a plumbing line buried beneath the deck. We’ll provide a clear estimate once the source has been identified.

Leaks should always be located and repaired before any resurfacing work begins. Applying a new finish over an active leak risks trapping moisture behind the surface, which can cause premature bubbling, cracking, or delamination — undoing the investment before you’ve had a chance to enjoy it.

Yes. Soil movement from settling, heavy rain, or encroaching tree roots can shift or crack underground pipes and structural components. If your pool is showing signs of a leak and has mature trees nearby or sits on a slope, soil movement is worth factoring into the diagnosis.

While waiting for your repair appointment, keep the water level topped off with a garden hose to prevent the pump from running dry. If the water level is dropping rapidly, avoid running the pump — and never let the pool go completely empty, as the exposure can cause surface cracking in plastered pools.

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.

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.

Yes, the pool must be fully drained before resurfacing can begin. This allows our team to properly prepare the existing surface, address any underlying repairs, and apply the new finish under the right conditions for a long-lasting result.

• Plaster: smooth, affordable, 7–10 year lifespan
• Quartz: durable, color options, 10–15 year lifespan
• Pebble: longest-lasting, textured look, 15–20 year lifespan

The lifespan of your finish depends on the material and how well water chemistry is maintained over the years. Standard plaster typically holds up for 7–10 years, quartz aggregate for 10–15 years, and pebble finishes — the most durable option — can perform well for 15–20 years or more with proper care.

Keeping your water chemistry properly balanced is the single most important factor in protecting a new finish. During the startup period, daily brushing is essential to help the surface cure evenly, and you’ll want to avoid harsh chemicals or abrasive cleaning tools that can cause premature wear.

Yes. Along with resurfacing, we install new waterline tile and coping to give your pool a finished, cohesive look. We can also assist with deck upgrades and decorative features if you’re looking to refresh the overall appearance of the pool area.

Yes — we handle full custom remodels from start to finish. Whether you’re looking to resurface, add LED lighting, build in benches or steps, or incorporate a spa, we can design and execute the project to match your vision and your backyard.

Most pools are ready for swimming within 7–10 days after resurfacing, once the startup process is complete and the water chemistry has been balanced to the correct levels. Rushing this window can affect how the surface cures, so we recommend following the startup schedule closely.

Surface cracking and peeling are typically caused by age, prolonged water chemistry imbalance, or improper application during the original installation. Once damage becomes widespread rather than isolated, a full resurfacing is usually the most cost-effective and lasting solution.

Small, isolated damage can sometimes be patched as a short-term fix, but patches rarely blend seamlessly and won’t stop the underlying deterioration. When surface issues are spread across multiple areas, a full refinish delivers a uniform result and a fresh starting point for the surface’s lifespan.

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!

Green water is almost always the result of an algae bloom, typically triggered by low chlorine, poor circulation, elevated phosphate levels, or — in older pools — a porous surface that gives algae spores places to shelter. The sooner it’s addressed, the easier and less costly the remediation.

That white or grayish crust on your tile is calcium scale, a common issue in Sacramento given the area’s naturally hard water. It’s cosmetic in the early stages, but heavy buildup can become increasingly difficult to remove and may eventually require professional cleaning or tile replacement if left unaddressed.

Rough or peeling plaster is usually the result of age compounded by water chemistry that’s run too acidic or too alkaline over time. Once the surface is compromised across multiple areas, resurfacing is typically the right call — patching provides only a temporary fix and rarely blends well with the surrounding finish.

Skimmer bodies and light niche seals are among the most common leak points in residential pools, particularly in older construction where materials have had years to contract, expand, and crack. These are repairs we handle routinely, and in many cases they can be completed without draining the pool.

High filter pressure is most often caused by a dirty or clogged filter restricting water flow — a backwash or cartridge cleaning usually resolves it. If pressure stays elevated after cleaning, a blockage elsewhere in the plumbing or a failing component may be the cause.

If your automatic cleaner has stopped moving, the most common culprits are a clogged intake, a tangled hose, or insufficient suction from the pump. Check the cleaner’s filter basket first, then inspect the hose and connections before assuming a larger mechanical issue.

A heater or pump that won’t run can stem from an electrical fault, a mechanical failure within the unit, or a plumbing issue affecting water flow. Because the root cause isn’t always obvious, professional diagnosis is the best first step — it avoids misidentification and unnecessary part replacements.

Eye irritation after swimming is often blamed on chlorine, but in most cases low pH is the actual culprit — water that’s too acidic disrupts the eye’s natural chemistry. Testing and adjusting your pH to the correct range of 7.2–7.6 typically resolves the problem quickly.

Pool stains come from a variety of sources — metal ions, algae, leaves and organic debris, or inconsistent chemical maintenance — and the right treatment depends on what caused the staining in the first place. Accurate identification is the critical first step, since using the wrong treatment can make the discoloration worse.

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.

Sacramento’s water supply has relatively high calcium hardness, which means scale can accumulate on tile, fittings, and pool surfaces more quickly than in softer-water regions. Regular water testing, proper chemical balancing, and periodic descaling keep the buildup manageable before it becomes a larger problem.

Sacramento’s hot, dry summers significantly increase chlorine demand and evaporation, requiring more frequent chemical adjustment and longer pump run times. Winter brings cooler temperatures and less usage, but the pool still needs periodic chemical balancing and debris management to stay in good shape heading into the next swim season.

During winter, run your pump for a few hours each day to maintain circulation and prevent stagnation. Keep up with basic chemical balancing and remove debris promptly — algae doesn’t need warm weather to take hold if chlorine levels slip.

A properly maintained pool actually loses less water overall than an equivalent area of lawn, particularly when covered. We follow local water-use guidelines during service visits and repairs — and fixing any active leak promptly is one of the most effective water-conservation steps you can take.

Yes — given Sacramento’s intense summer heat and high UV exposure, we lean toward quartz aggregate and pebble finishes for most clients. These materials hold up better under prolonged sun exposure, resist staining, and maintain their appearance longer than standard plaster in our climate.

Yes. Many Sacramento-area pools were built decades ago, and age brings a predictable set of issues: worn plaster, outdated equipment, aging plumbing, and tile that’s seen better days. Resurfacing, re-plumbing, and equipment upgrades can extend the life of an older pool significantly and bring it up to current safety and efficiency standards.

Yes. We’re experienced working within HOA frameworks, including coordinating with association management on project approvals, scheduling, and compliance with community guidelines. If your HOA requires specific documentation or has a formal review process, we can help facilitate that as part of the project.