fbpx
  • Pepper Featured
    Simple Products...
    Amazing Results!

APi Offers a variety of products for Your Pool & Spa

  • Rick's Remedies: Don't Gamble with Summer Fun!

    When it comes to opening your pool, it is better to start early than gamble with losing any summer fun because of opening issues!

     

    It snowed two days ago...not a lot, but enough to be annoying.  Even so, I say without a moment of hesitation that people should start opening their pools soon if they haven't started yet!

    Now, I know what some of you are thinking...YOU'RE CRAZY! It's still cold out!  

    You're right and that is EXACTLY the point!

    We're still ahead of the curve!  It's cold out meaning all the plants (including algae) haven't been warm enough to kick into high gear.  Typically, 55 degrees and below, algae doesn't do a whole lot in your pool water.  This is a HUGE advantage that should not be wasted.  If we start our chemical programs now, when the water is COLD & CLEAR, we can get ahead of anything that might want to start growing in the pool. 

    Remember the adage, "an ounce of prevention is worth more than a pound of cure?" That absolutely applies here!  If we start our chemical programs now and maintain our pools rather than letting them turn into swamps, we'll save a boatload of time, money, and effort, compared to the time, money, and effort we will lose (by the boatload, nonetheless), if we wait and open to a swampy mess of a pool.

    Don't fall into the trap of thinking, "I'll save money and put off opening until right when i want to swim."  That's a real gamble.  There is no telling what your water will look like at this point.  Not to mention, the amount of effort and cost associated with fixing problems that could have been prevented.  

    This years successful opening started with last years winterization!

    The next steps need to happen soon to ensure your backyard stays an OASIS and not a HEADACHE.

     

    APi has some top-notch programs for pools and spas as well as ways to troubleshoot if the water got away from you. 

     

    If you are looking for ways to simplify your summer, give us a call!

    (877)274-7261

    Read more

  • Rick's Remedies: Why pH Matters

    If your water is aggressive, it can beat up your pool surfaces and equipment, then take things from it! 

     

    Wait!  What?! WATER can be aggressive?  

    Let's Talk About pH

    WARNING:  Science Content Ahead!

    pH is the measure of how acidic or basic your water is.  Generally, the acceptable range of pH is between 7.2-7.6 for pools.  But what do these numbers mean? To oversimplify, the lower the number, the more acidic the water is.  The higher the number, the more basic the water is.  

     

    Don't worry, we're only goin' as deep as kiddie pool today!  laughing

    The human body has a pH of 7.5, which is where most people will feel the best level of comfort in water.  So, to keep it super simple, you want to keep your pool within those ranges to keep the water comfortable for your swimmers.  But in a wonderful stroke of good luck this is also the range where pool chemicals perform their best and last the longest!  

     

    Famous Last Words: "I don't care if I'm itchy!  I've got a big ol' bucket of pool chemicals.  I don't care what my pH does!"

    Well, you should!  pH plays one of the biggest factors in the overall balance of the pool water.  If the water balance isn't maintained, it's not just inefficient and uncomfortable, it can damage EVERYTHING the water touches!  Want to know how?

    If your pH is lower, it is actively trying to break down (beat up-hello Mr. Aggressive Water) and take things away from everything the water is touching.  Pool surfaces, equipment, swimmers...EVERYTHING!

    This action of removing prematurely wears down pool surfaces and equipment causing them to fail.  This means you will have to replace them a lot more frequently.  

    On the other side, if your pH is higher, it can cause water to deposit scales.  Scale deposits can form rough, unsightly surfaces and clog up important components of pool equipment.  The end result?  More rapid wear & tear on your pool equipment resulting in more frequent replacement.  

     

    Notice a trend?

    If you don't maintain water balance, your whole pool gets harder and more expensive to operate.  Think of it as a WHOLE Pool Chemistry, not just water chemistry.  This approach will keep your pool looking AND operating great for years to come!  

     

    Got Questions?

    We've Got Answers!

    Call or Text Us at 877-274-7261!

     

    Read more

  • Rick's Remedies Answers..."What Are Enzymes?"

    What Are Enzymes?

    There are a lot of products for pools & spas that contain enzymes.  We get asked a lot, "what are enzymes and what do they do in my pool/spa?"

     

    WARNING! 

    SCIENCE CONTENT AHEAD!

    Enzymes are proteins that accelerate chemical reactions that speed up metabolic processes. 

    Clear as mud, right?

    Ready for an explanation that makes sense to EVERYONE?

    GOOD!  ME, TOO!

     

    Enzymes break down gunk!

    Think of all the oils, lotions, cosmetics, and other organics that get into your pool or spa.  (We're gonna call this "gunk" from here on out).  Remember the last time you had someone put on half a tube of sunscreen, then get in the pool and cause a rainbow oil slick on the surface of the water? yell That is a PERFECT example of how gunk enters the  pool and forms gross "bathtub rings" at the water line. The gunk also goes through your circulation system and can get clogged in your filter.  This can lead to a poorly functioning filtration system.  YUCKO!  Don't worry!  There are ways to get rid of it! 

    How do enzymes work?

    Left to its own devices', gunk would break down eventually in chlorinated water.  However, it takes a very long time.  Enzymes work by jump starting the breakdown process.  Remember that "accelerate chemical reactions" part up top?  The enzymes give the gunk what it needs to break down faster and more completely.  This not only makes the pool and/or spa look good, but easier to run as well!  

    But if I use chlorine, that should work to keep my pool clean...shouldn't it? 

    Well...Yes & No smile

    Chlorine kills germs that can get us sick from pool and/or spa water.  This is technically the most important reason to have it in the water.  However, chlorine is not good at breaking down gunk like enzymes do.  Gunk uses up chlorine faster causing you to have to add more and more!  

    So, what's the take away? 

    In short, enzymes should be included as part of a proactive pool or spa care program to enhance the overall water quality, ease of operation and break down the gunk that chlorine isn't good at breaking down.

     

    Do you have other water chemistry questions? 

    Want to know more about enzymes? 

    Let us know!

    We LOVE to talk water chemistry!  

    Read more

  • Rick’s Remedies Chlorine – “The Cleanser”

    Thus far in this season of Ricks’ Remedies, we have covered pH-The Ruler, Alkalinity-The Soother, Calcium-The Guardian, and Stabilizer- The Protector. Now comes the biggie… wait for it….Chlorine- The Cleanser!

    There are several misconceptions about chlorine. The most common being, the smell of chlorine coming from your pool means you have too much. The reality is you don’t have enough! What you are actually smelling is something called CHLORAMINES. Chloramines occur when chlorine bonds with contaminates such as sweat, urine or body oils. (ewwww, gross!)

    Chloramines, also referred to as Combined Chlorine (CC), have been known to cause issues such as smelly, cloudy water, burning eyes, etc. Because test strips don’t measure combined chlorine, it must be calculated. To calculate CC, we measure Total Chlorine (TC) and Free Chlorine (FC). TC is a measurement of all types of chlorine present in the water and FC is chlorine that has not bonded with contaminates and is available to do the work of sanitizing your pool and keeping it clear and smelling good! To calculate CC, use the formula TC-FC=CC. All measurements are in PPM (parts per million). The recommended level of FC is 1ppm to 3ppm.

    EXAMPLE:

    Test Strip Reads

    • TC=4 ppm
    • FC=1 ppm
    • 4-1=CC of 3 ppm

    So now you’re asking yourself, “what do I do??” You have 3ppm of CC in your pool and the water is smelly and your eyes are burning! The answer is, shock the pool!   To do it properly, you must reach BREAK POINT CHLORINATION, which means a chlorine level of ten times the calculated amount of CC is required to rid your pool of those nasty chloramines! In the example above, the industry standard and recommended number is  30ppm. When we achieve this, the pool will sparkle and smell good again!

    Pool gallon calculations are not always accurate. With that being said, it is better to error on the high end when adding chlorine to be sure to reach break point.  When using calcium hypochlorite shock (CalHypo) 73%, you must use a minimum of 3lbs to raise the chlorine level to 30ppm.  Put it all in at once, this is no time to be shy!  If enough isn’t used, break point will not be reached, and the problem will be compounded.

    Expected results 24hrs after shocking 

    • TC=4 ppm
    • FC=3.5 ppm
    • CC=.5 ppm

    Other sources of chlorine can be used as well.  For recommendations, and dosage instructions, consult your pool store.  Join us here again for the next installment of Rick’s Remedies and learn about the various types of chlorine and why we use them.  Until then, stay safe and Happy Holidays from our family to yours!

    Ricks Rule of Thumb:

    1lb of calcium hypochlorite raises 10,000 gallons 10ppm

    Next up: Chlorine types and why we use them!

    Read more

  • Rick’s Remedies Stabilizer-“The Protector”

    Thus far in this season of Ricks’ Remedies, we have covered pH-The Ruler, Alkalinity-The Soother, and Calcium-The Guardian. In this installment we will introduce, Stabilizer-The Protector. Ready? Let’s go!

    Stabilizer (also known as conditioner) is the last necessary component of our pool balance team. Think of it as sunscreen for your chlorine. Stabilizer protects chlorine from sunlight. Without it chlorine dissipates very quickly into the atmosphere.

    Both trichlor and dichlor may contain stabilizer as high as 40% by weight. And although stabilizer is necessary, it can also be a deterrent to chlorine’s overall effectiveness causing what is commonly known as a “chlorine lock”. Should you need to reduce the amount of stabilizer in your pool, you would do that by adding more water. With that in mind, it is best to keep stabilizer above 30ppm (parts per million) but no greater that 55ppm. With your pH (The Ruler) at 7.2-7.6, alkalinity (The Soother) at 80-120ppm, calcium (The Guardian) at 250-400ppm and your Stabilizer (The Protector) at 30-55ppm, your pool is in good shape! Stay tuned for our next episode of Rick’s Remedies when we introduce you to Chlorine- “The Cleanser”. Until then, stay safe and enjoy your pool!

    Rick’s Rule of thumb: 10oz of stabilizer raises 10,000 gallons of water 10ppm.

    Read more

  • Rick’s Remedies: Calcium- “The Guardian”

    In our previous installment of Rick’s Remedies, we discussed the moody nature of pH (The Ruler) and how alkalinity (The Soother) helps to keep it in check. The third member of your pools water balance team is Calcium- The Guardian.

    Water and calcium go together like peas and carrots. In nature, calcium is plentiful and can be found in limestone as well as many other underground sources. However, as with any element taken from nature, there are certain sustaining components of that element that are lacking due to its new environment. This is

    the case with your pools water and calcium. If the calcium in your pool falls below the 250-400ppm industry standard range, the water in your pool will begin to aggressively seek what it is lacking. This puts your concrete finish, liner, pipes, and even your filter at risk. The calcium can also act as a buffer for pH, along with the alkalinity, so when your calcium is low the pH may fluctuate more often. If the pH is low, as the water seeks calcium it will attack the concrete in your pool leaving you with a pitted finish. If the pH is high, a scale will form which produces a white, chalky waterline or barnacle like formations on your pool walls.

    This is why we refer to calcium as “The Guardian”. It works alongside pH (The Ruler) and alkalinity (The Soother) guarding your pools equipment and finish. It also gives the water a sparkle due to its reflective property. This is an important aspect of maintaining a well-balanced pool and cannot be overlooked in a weekly pool maintenance regimen. So, remember, keep your pH between 7.2-7.6, your alkalinity between 80-120ppm and your calcium at 250-400ppm. Stay tuned for our next installment of Rick’s Remedies where we will discuss Stabilizer- “The Protector”. Until then, stay safe and enjoy your pool!

    Ricks Rule of Thumb:

    1lb of calcium chloride (CaCl2) raises 10,000 gallons of water 10ppm.

    Read more

  • Rick’s Remedies: Alkalinity-The Soother

    The last time we met, we discussed pH (THE RULER). You learned that this component of water chemistry is important because it has a direct effect on swimmer comfort and chlorine activity. The pH of your water is crucial in providing a pleasant pool experience, however, from time to time it tends to be a bit moody. Changes to the environment, such as an increase in swimmers, rain, organics, other chemicals, or anything else that may enter the pool can trigger the pH to fluctuate.

    This is where Alkalinity (THE SOOTHER) comes into play. Alkalinity is like a shock absorber for pH’s mood swings. It keeps pH more stable and helps to prevent radical changes. Alkalinity says, “Hey, pH there is no need to go to 8 or 6, why don’t you just hang out here with me in the 7 range and relax”. By keeping your alkalinity in the 80-120 ppm (parts per million) you can keep the pH from drifting. In doing so you create a better and safer swimming environment. Enjoy your pool!

    Ricks Rule of Thumb:

    1.5 pounds of alkalinity raises alkalinity 10 ppm in 10,000 gallons.

    Stay tuned for Calcium-The Guardian in our next installation of Rick’s Remedies

    Read more

  • Rick’s Remedies: pH – The Ruler

    Did you know that pH (potential of Hydrogen) is the most significant component of your pool’s balance? That is why we should think of it as “THE RULER”. pH ranges from 0 to 14 with 0 being very acidic and 14 being very alkaline. Most people are aware that acid is very caustic but don’t think of alkaline to be equally offensive. The ideal pH for pool water is generally between 7.2-7.8 to maintain a comfortable swimming environment!

    In pool water the activity of chlorine (ratio of free chlorine to the hypochlorite ion) is directly linked to pH. If pH is too high chlorine will be underactive and not able to do its job, and pool surfaces tend to form a rough scale. On the other hand, if pH is too low the chlorine becomes overactive and burns itself out making it difficult to maintain a chlorine reading. Also, low pH water is corrosive and may cause your heater, pump, etc. to rust. So, keep ‘THE RULER” in the proper range so your pool looks good, smells good and feels good.

    Stay tuned for Alkalinity “THE SOOTHER”

    Read more

  • What’s That Smell?

    “Ewwww, what’s that smell?!”  Have you ever found yourself asking this question poolside?  If so, rest assured you are not alone.  Just like any other body of water, a pool is susceptible to various problems. Typically, it’s nothing too serious and can be fixed with some chemical adjustment.   It is important to note, anytime you feel your water chemistry may be off, take a sample into your pool supply store and let them give you a true water analysis.

    So, what is that smell?  Most likely it is chloramines.  What are chloramines?  Chloramines are created when the chlorine in your pool meets contaminants that contain ammonia and/or nitrogen.  Both can be found in things like urine and sweat, even saliva or rain.  The biggest misconception about the “smell of chlorine” is that it is indicative of a well sanitized pool, when actually, the opposite is true.

    Buckle your seat belt, we are about to have a crash course in basic water chemistry!  Chloramines form by replacing the hydrogen or ammonia atoms with chlorine atoms in certain compounds (urine, sweat, rain, saliva, etc).  As the free chlorine is captured in other compounds, it is no longer available to serve its principle function as a disinfectant.  The end result?  A pool high in chloramines with less sanitary water.

    How can you tell if you pool is high in chloramines?  Outside of smell, you may find that your bathers complain of irritated skin and eyes and even difficulty breathing.  The water may also appear cloudy.  The best way to solve this problem is to do a super shock on your water.  This will initiate something called breakpoint chlorination, which is necessary to eliminate the chloramines. During this process, chlorine is burning up the chloramines through oxidation and removing them from the water.

    To be sure this problem isn’t a recurring one, it is important to keep your water balanced.  In addition to maintaining your chlorine levels, be sure your pH and alkalinity are within the recommended parameters as well.  Finding a reputable and knowledgeable dealer can be the difference between an enjoyable pool season and a miserable one.  If you need help finding someone in your area, visit us online www.apiwater.com and let us send you to one of our many authorized retail locations.  Until we meet again, stay safe and enjoy your pool!

    Read more

  • Hurricane Preparation

    Thus far, 2020 has been…an adventure, to say the least.  And now, for those of us who live on the Eastern and Gulf coasts, it is time to prepare for what is predicted to be a humdinger of a hurricane season.  Experts are predicting as many as 16 named storms, 8 hurricanes and 4 MAJOR hurricanes.  While we are hoping they are wrong, it is wise to prepare.  For those of you who are pool owners, we have compiled a list of Frequently Asked Questions and answers on how to best prepare your pool and patio this hurricane season.

    Q:  I’ve heard that I should place my patio furniture inside my pool during a storm and/or hurricane.

    A:  We advise against this for a couple of reasons.  The items could damage your pools liner and/or finish and can also cause staining.  It is best to store these items in a shed or garage until the storm passes.

     

    Q:  Should I drain my above ground pool prior to heavy rains or storms?

    A:  No.  Keeping sufficient water levels in your pool provides the weight needed to hold the sides and bottom in place during the storm.  Your pool won’t blow away.  On average, filled above ground pool weighs 10,000lbs!

     

    Q: Do I need to do anything to my pools water chemistry before the storm?

    A:  Yes.  It is strongly advisable to super chlorinate your pool water.  Shock your pool in your typical manner.

     

    Q:  How do I prepare my deck and patio?  What about my screen?

    A:  Remove any panels or doors that may be loose or not as secure.  You can also create a vent in your screen frame which will allow relief from high winds and help avoid some damage.

     

    Q:  What about my chemicals?  How should I store them?

    A:  While is always advisable to store chemicals in a well ventilated, dry environment, it is even more important to do so during hurricane season.  Be sure they are in a high, dry and safe area.  Some chemicals can create toxic gasses or even fire when they come into contact with others.

     

    Q:  Should I turn off my electrical and automatic systems?

    A:  Without question, yes! Lightening and electrical equipment are not friends.  You will want to be sure all equipment is turned off at the circuit breaker prior to the storm.

     

    Q:  When the storm is over, do I need to test my water?

    A:  Yes.  The debris that landed in your pool and heavy rain can throw off your levels.

     

    It goes without saying, your safety and that of your family is first.  So do as much pre-storm planning as possible.  Removing patio furniture and umbrellas, pool toys, and any loose limbs that are in or around the pool and patio area can save you time and money when the storm finally passes.  Be sure to stock up on hurricane essentials such as flashlights, water, and candles.  I’d say toilet paper, but don’t want this blog to be the reason for the next national shortage!

    These are just a few of the most common questions asked regarding pool care during this time of year.  If you have a question that we didn’t answer, feel free to text or call us at (877)274-7261.  You can also email us at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

    For more hurricane preparedness information, check out this information from our friends at chooseenergy.com   https://www.chooseenergy.com/news/article/hurricane-preparedness-guide/

    Until we meet again, stay safe and enjoy your pool!

    Read more

  • Pool Party Planning


    If you have a pool, odds are you have hosted a party or two in your family’s backyard oasis.  As you may well know, there are several factors to take into consideration before inviting family and friends over to enjoy an afternoon or evening in and around the water.  We have compiled a short list to make your party prep EZ!

    Clean Up

    The more you do in the days leading up to your party, the more you will be able to enjoy your guests.  A wise person once said, “a man who fails to prepare, prepares to fail”.  Don’t be THAT guy!

    • Call your pool maintenance team several days ahead of your gathering and let them know your plans. They can take the necessary steps to ensure everyone is able to enjoy a well balanced and clean swimming environment.  If you do your own pool maintenance, take a water sample to your pool chemical provider several days before the event.  They will test your water and guide you on what is needed to get your levels to a satisfactory status.
    • Inspect your patio furniture to be sure it is in good repair. There is nothing worse that Uncle Larry plopping down in a chaise lounge and ending up on his back!
    • Wipe down surfaces with antibacterial cleaner to keep everyone safe and healthy.

    Safety Issues

    Nothing ruins a party like an accident.  Double check your accommodations and be sure they are safe and suitable for your guests.

    • Be sure to remove all items that could contribute to someone tripping and falling into the pool and put into place safeguards that will restrict unsupervised access to the pool by children and pets.
    • Assign a “water watcher”. Ask party gatherers to take 20 minutes shifts watching the pool when young children are present.  This person should be sober and undistracted as they dutifully see to it that the children in attendance are safe while swimming.  If no one is up for the task, hire someone who can perform this vital function for you.
    • If your party will run into evening hours, be sure to have adequate lighting to guide party-goers’ paths as they navigate around the pool area.
    • Consider laying down rubber mats to help with the grip of wet, slippery feet to avoid slip and falls.
    • Implement a “no glass by the pool” policy. Broken glass is dangerous and very difficult to remove from a pool.

    Comfort & Conversation

    • Set up cozy conversation friendly areas poolside. Not all guests are water lovers, so be sure to take their preferences and needs into consideration.
    • Shaded seating is important on hot summer days. Open your patio umbrellas and consider a shade awning with seating beneath to provide some relief from warm summer rays.
    • Inevitably, someone will forget their towel or sunscreen. A basket with poolside toys and essentials is a great way to make your guests feel welcome and at ease while visiting.
    • Consider having coolers and other containers full of cold water. Staying hydrated is important.  While we realize there is water in the form of the ice in your mixed drink, nothing replaces the benefits of H2O!

    Back-Up Plan

    No one wants to think about it, but it COULD happen…A summer rain shower can put a DAMPer (pun intended) on your poolside plans.  While there is no fool proof way to avoid this, you can be prepared!

    • Keep an eye on the forecast in the days leading up to your event. If rain is likely, you may consider rescheduling for another time
    • If the show must go on, tents and awnings are a great way to keep the party outdoors and somewhat dry as you enjoy your company
    • Keep the pizza delivery guy on speed dial! BBQ’s aren’t nearly as successful on rainy days.  A menu change may be necessary
    • Pull out the board games. If Marco Polo isn’t an option, maybe Monopoly is!

    After Party

    Last, but certainly not least is after party clean up.  Again, reach out to your pool service provider for maintenance and cleaning.  If you are a DIY’er, head to your pool supply store with a water sample for testing.

    If you are need of a pool service professional or a pool supply store, visit our website or download our app, myAPiWater.  A member of our Customer Experience Team will reach out to you with options in your area.

    Read more

  • Pets and the Pool

    The Dog Days of Summer are upon us.  School is out, nightfall comes later, and the temperatures are warmer.  Naturally, children and pets alike, look forward to taking a dip in the family pool more so now than ever!  But just as we need to be mindful of pool safety for our children, we need to do the same for our pets.

    Contrary to popular belief, not all dogs are good swimmers.  We know your pets are like family, so naturally you want to include them in your summer pool fun.  Before doing so, take into consideration any physical limitations your pet may have.  For example, some breeds of dogs are more “land dweller” than “sea creature” such as English, American and French Bulldogs.  If your pooch is blind, hard of hearing or suffers from arthritis or joint pain, keeping an extra close eye on them while they splash is crucial to their safety.

    Another popular misconception is that is ok for pets to drink pool water.  Chlorine, algae, and some chemicals can be very disruptive to your pet’s gastrointestinal system.  Saltwater pools can cause electrolyte problems if enough is consumed.  This is not to say you should cease using chemicals to maintain your waters balance and sanitization.  Pool chemicals should be used according the instructions on the label to keep you and your pets safe.  Maintaining your pool will ensure that you and your pet are safe from bacteria, including algae, fecal matter and other harmful bodily fluids and contaminants.

    Just as you do with your children, set limitations, and put safety measures in place for your pet.  Gates and fences coupled with close supervision around water in addition to training your pet on how to enter and exit the pool, can keep the pool area fun and accident free.

    If you are looking for kid and pet friendly pool products, check out our EZRES Product Line.  We have products for all your residential water care needs.  You can also find us on Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube.  We would love for you to share pictures of your pets enjoying the pool!  Post your pictures and videos with #myapipet so we can share them as well.  Stay safe and have a great summer!

    Read more

  • Water Safety Tips

    Water Safety

    Pools across the country are preparing to open for the season.  Sunny days spent poolside conjure up some of our best summer memories.  To make this season not only memorable but safe, we have complied this list of helpful water safety tips.

    1. Never swim alone. Teach your children to look for the “Lifeguard on Duty” sign.  If they are swimming in a private pool, be sure they understand the importance of the buddy system and how to call 911 should an emergency arise.
    2. Always supervise children when they are in or around water. As a rule of thumb, a responsible adult should always be within an arm’s reach of a young child.  This rule holds true for all bodies of water.  Accidents happen in pools, lakes, streams and tubs.
    3. Do not play games that involve holding breath. This can cause drowning accidents and has several other risks.  If a swimmer holds their breath too long or hyperventilates before going under water, they are at risk of passing out under water.
    4. Always wear a life vest if you are an inexperienced swimmer or a young child. Pool toys such as inner tubes, rafts and pool noodles are not safe substitutes for a life jacket/vest.
    5. Avoid using alcohol. Alcohol impairs judgment and reaction time which can be life threatening if there is an emergency in or around the pool.
    6. Use sunscreen. We all want that kissed by the sun glow, but the suns rays can be damaging.  Be sure to put some protection between your skin and those rays.
    7. Teach children to always ask permission to go near the water.
    8. Even strong swimmers should evaluate their risks and take appropriate steps to insure they are safe in the water.
    9. Be sure every member of your family can swim.
    10. Fence pools and spas with adequate barriers. Keep patio doors locked so as not to be easily accessible by young children.

    This list is by no means inclusive of all the factors to take into consideration when enjoying the water, but it is a good place to start.  For more great tips and information on water safety, visit www.redcross.org In the meantime, continue to be safe and enjoy the pool!

    Read more

  • Live Like Jake

    Warning: This article contains content regarding the loss of a child.

    The month of May is designated as Drowning Awareness month.  In honor of this, APi will share information related to drowning prevention and awareness as well as water safety tips to insure you have an enjoyable and safe summer.  To kick off this month, we would like to spotlight a foundation that we began supporting about three years ago, The Live Like Jake Foundation.  Read on for the Morrison’s story and how they took a parent’s worst nightmare and turned it into an outreach that would help families avoid a similar fate.

    “Our Story:

    A parent’s worst nightmare…

    It was supposed to be a fun Thanksgiving weekend trip that started on Thursday, November 28, 2013 at Keri’s father’s house in Orlando where we ate lots of turkey and stuffing then stayed the night at a hotel on International Drive. We woke up and had a big breakfast at Denny’s with my dad and stepmom. We were going to go play some mini golf but got stuck in serious traffic on I-drive so we decided to skip it. We then headed over to New Smyrna Beach where Roarke’s sister Robin and her husband Jim live to finish off our Thanksgiving weekend. We woke up Saturday morning November 30, 2013 and had a great day. Robin and Jim went and got their beautiful Christmas tree and we just played with all the kids. Then just after 6 pm the last words ANY parent ever wants to hear “where is Jake?” Keri was in the other room nursing our precious little daughter Julia who was 12 weeks old at the time when we heard those words that have forever changed our lives. Jake slipped out the back door in the pitch dark and fell off the dock into the intracoastal. There was so much screaming going on because we knew he was in there, but it was so dark we could not see anything. We have never felt so helpless in our entire life knowing that our baby needed us more than ever and we could not save him. Roarke and Jim were going up and down the docks on the Jet Ski until finally Jim found Jake and the ambulance quickly took him to the hospital, but they were not able to revive him. Roarke and I were in the room with him while they tried so hard to bring him back to us. We still can remember EVERY second so clearly and screaming for our baby to come back all the well knowing that he had gone straight to Heaven. I hope that no parent EVER has to go through what we have gone through and that is why we are so passionate about drowning prevention and also helping other families who have either lost a child or have a child that has had a near drowning and is in hospital care. We wanted to share our story because we know a lot of you only know that Jake drowned but did not know how and where. We do not own a pool and do not live on the water, so we weren’t in a real hurry with the swim lessons although he did take lessons over the summer. He was not really taking to it and we were just going to try again next year when he was a little older and more cooperative. Our situation is different than most drowning cases because it was not a pool so whether his life would have been spared if he had done ISR lessons we will never know and that still makes us so sad every day thinking of it. We beg of you if you have a child that does not know how to self-rescue and is over 6 months old please please please get them in lessons. Also, when you are on vacation in a different environment please be aware of your surroundings at ALL times because it only takes a few seconds for them to sneak away. We have gone to Robin and Jim’s home countless times with Jake and although we were always nervous of the water and made him wear a life jacket while on the dock, we NEVER imagined he would go out there by himself especially at night.”

    (Taken from the Live Like Jake Facebook page)

    The Live Like Jake Foundation was created by Keri and Roarke Morrison after their son, Jake passed away as a result of a drowning accident. One of the foundation’s main missions is to promote drowning awareness and water safety. They do this by offering scholarships to families to provide ISR (Infant Self Rescue) classes. They also help families pay for hospital stays and funeral expenses related to drowning accidents. The money is raised through several community events as well as private donations. One of their largest events is a 5k race traditionally held in May, on Mother’s Day weekend. Due to COVID 19, this year’s race has been postponed to August 2020. Team APi will be in attendance for the 4th year in a row!

    For more information on the Live Like Jake Foundation, follow them on Facebook or visit their website, www.livelikejake5k.com. If you would like to donate, checks can be sent to: Live Like Jake Foundation Inc PO Box 31652, Palm Beach Gardens, FL 33420. Proceeds go to provide scholarships for self-rescue swim lessons for families that cannot afford them as well as provide financial assistance for medical and funeral expenses after a drowning accident.

    Read more

  • Here’s to the Essential Workers

    Our vocabularies have been expanded upon over the past several weeks.  New terms such as “social distancing”, “stay home orders” and “essential workers” have become a part of our daily conversations.  Did you know your pool service tech has been deemed an essential worker by the Dept of Homeland Security?  While they aren’t the only workers reporting for duty during an uncertain and often frightening time, they do hold our special place in our hearts and we’re sure, in yours as well.

    It seems as though times of crisis bring us closer together and we find ourselves wanting to gift those around us with random acts of kindness.  Social media has been inundated with photos showing baskets of beverages, snacks, hand sanitizers and the ever elusive roll of toilet paper being left on porches and door steps for delivery drivers and mail carriers.  We thought it might be nice to give you some suggestions on a similar take for your pool service tech.  While using our products limits your techs time poolside, a special treat to say thank you is always appreciated.  Check out our list below.

    • Fill a small cooler with cold beverages such as bottled water, sports drinks or ice cold cans of lemonade and tea
    • Leave a small basket or container on your deck with extra PPE such as masks, hand sanitizer and gloves (With the shortage on these items, why not add a special and personalized touch by making your own? Follow these links for EZ instructions!)
    • https://www.healthline.com/health/how-to-make-hand-sanitizer
    • A handwritten sentiment is always nice. Why not write a heartfelt thank you to the person responsible for saving your sanity by keeping your pool safe and sanitary?  Feeling generous?  Throw in a gift card to a local small business!

    We are certain no matter what you choose, your gesture will be met with much appreciation.   Did you try this idea?  We’d love to see and hear what you did!  Send your photos and thoughts to us at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

    Read more

  • DIY Dive-In Movie Theatre

    Owning a pool usually means a flawless tan, level “Expert” in the childhood game of Marco Polo, water volleyball and cannon-balling into the deep end.  With families spending more and more time at home, these poolside past times may lose their allure.  Why not step up your aquatic entertainment a notch? We suggest, a DIY Dive-In Movie Night!  You might not be able to go to the movies, but you can bring the movies to you!

    First things first, decide which movie you will view.  You can access a variety of movies: everything from “in-theatre” movies, new releases and classics on streaming apps such as Amazon Prime and Netflix.  You can give your family the full theatre experience by using a dry erase or magnetic board and spelling out, marquis style, the evening’s feature film.  Create a snack bar with your popcorn, candy and your favorite beverages.  Finally, blow up some rafts and inner tubes for in-the-pool seating.

    Now you will need a way to view your movie!  You’re in luck!  We have found instructions that allow you to turn your phone into a movie projector and a bed sheet into a movie screen!

    Don’t forget to take your family’s safety into consideration.  As you will most likely be poolside in the evening to enjoy your DIY Dive-In Movie theatre, you will want to consider lighting.  The folks over at thriftdiving.com had some great ideas that involve a balloon and glow sticks!

    If you happen to give this idea a go, we’d love to see your pictures.  Email us your photos at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.  Stay safe and enjoy your pool!

    Read more

  • Is My Pool Safe?

    As summer approaches, several of us are forced to change our vacation plans.  Honey-do lists are slowly but surely getting checked off, and like it or not, summer vacation has turned into summer staycation.  But that doesn’t mean you can’t still catch some rays and enjoy your pool!

    The CDC has determined that there is no evidence that COVID-19 can be transmitted through a properly maintained pool and/or hot tub.  A well-maintained pool is a great way to exercise and release stress and tension, not to mention a way to pass the days and nights of your local “stay at home” order during these unprecedented times.  But don’t take our word for it, check out what the CDC has to say about COVID-19 and your swimming pool here.

    If there is one thing that we have learned during times like this, it is that the human spirit is adaptable.  Our network of authorized dealers certainly proves  their dedication and resolve to continue to provide their customers with chemicals, supplies and toys so that they can continue to enjoy their investment.  Because the Department of Homeland Security deemed pool services essential, several dealers can offer curbside service and water testing.  Well thought through precautions and revisions have been made to the normal way of doing business to make the necessary concessions due to our current situation.

    So, all is not lost!  Slip into your favorite trunks and get ready to enjoy some time by the pool.  Don’t forget your sunscreen!  And if you need an authorized dealer, visit our website apiwater.com, or call us at (833) 781-6622 and let us help you!

    Still have questions and concerns about the safety of your water?  We understand.  Check out these resources for reliable information from industry leaders.

    Read more

  • Covid-19 (Coronavirus) and Swimming Pools: What You Should Know

    For most of us throughout the country, signs of Spring are making an appearance, and swimming pool season is right around the corner. Amidst the global Pandemic of Covid-19, homeowners and pool owners alike are concerned for the health of their families and loved ones. Luckily for pool owners, quarantining at home seems much more tolerable with a swimming pool in your backyard.

    The concern of Covid-19 spreading remains top of mind for most. At this point we’ve heard about how rapidly the virus can spread with human contact, so what does this mean for transmission via pools and hot tubs?

    Thankfully, according to the CDC, there is no evidence that Covid-19 is transmitted through, or by, water. Hence, along with our water supply, properly balanced and sanitized swimming pools that are treated with chlorine or bromine coupled with EZPool provide a safe swimming experience for quarantined families.

    Many studies have shown that Vitamin D is a leading defense mechanism in your body’s fight against respiratory infections, and the sun provides the most fun way to absorb that incredibly important vitamin. Therefore, while combining fun in the sun with social distancing- you can create safe and enjoyable memories in your properly maintained pool.

    APi Water recommends that you abide by the safe social distances set forth by the CDC, and that you limit the number of total attendees to their current recommendations. We also recommend that you make every effort to safely enjoy your pool to the fullest extent possible.

    Here’s to ringing in a safe and healthy summer together!

    Links:

    Read more

  • 5 Tips for Spring Openings

    Thoughts of swimming in crystal clear water or laying by the pool in the warm sun can make you long for Spring’s arrival. Many people spend the Winter months dreaming of Spring, but unfortunately there might be one or two nightmares in there, too. For pool owners, dealing with a slimy pool cover and worrying about what they’ll find underneath it can be scary. Figuring out what chemicals to use to get your pool up and running can be confusing, too. Spring openings don’t have to be scary or confusing; they can be EZ with simple products, a little guidance, and advance planning.

    Click on the link below for a printable version.

    Download PDF

    Click these links for more information on Revive!® START UP / CLEAN UP and E-Z POOL®.

    Read more

  • Poolside Weddings

    The perfect wedding day is a day that you’ve probably dreamed of a time or twenty, long before it was on the horizon. There may have been a few nightmares about how to pay for it, too. Hosting weddings and the accompanying events like rehearsal dinners and bridal showers at home has become much more than an affordable alternative to high priced resort venues. It’s on trend to host the big day at home and even more so to host it poolside.

    Tips from a former wedding coordinator

    Any outdoor event should have a backup plan in case of bad weather. You wouldn’t settle for the old “it doesn’t rain that time of year” pitch from a fancy resort venue, so don’t do it with your poolside wedding at home. Whatever the worst-case scenario is for you, plan that out as thoroughly as you will your plan A.

    Pro Tip: If you’re renting a tent to hold the reception, consider also using it as the ceremony location in the event of rain. If a tent is not in the picture, think about possibly removing furniture from the house to accommodate the reception. It’s best to plan ahead and keep an eye on the weather in the days leading up to the big day so these decisions can be made before the tables and chairs are already setup.

    You may think that none of your guests will end up in the pool at your reception, but please plan on it happening. It may be a good idea to have some towels on standby (keep them out of sight; no need to give anyone ideas). Think of them as insurance and pray you won’t need to use them, but if you do, you won’t be running around to get Uncle Bill a towel in the middle of the celebration.

    Pro Tip: For evening weddings, line the perimeter of your pool with flowers and candles to define the edge of the pool at night. This may help avoid some accidental plunges. I recommend using acrylic candle holders in case of capsize or collision. No one wants to pick up broken glass from the bottom of the pool. Floating arrangements alone won’t define the pool’s edge, but they are a beautiful addition to poolside wedding décor.

    Pool Safety: Consider having at least one designated sober adult watching the pool, especially if you are inviting children or serving alcohol at your event. It takes less than a minute for tragedy to strike and nothing ruins the magic of a wedding faster than a loved one getting injured or worse.

    I’m sure you are focused on the wedding décor and looking up every YouTube video and Pinterest board to make it a dream wedding. Make sure you put that same effort into getting your home and pool area in tip top shape.

    Consider the outside of your house and how it will look to guests and in wedding photos. Does it need to be pressure cleaned or painted? Is your lawn and landscaping up to the challenge of being the wedding backdrop? The pool is an area where photographers love to center wedding photos. The reflective quality that a pool provides can add an unmatched artistic flair to your wedding photos. Is your pool crystal clear, algae free, and camera ready?

    Pro Tip: If your pool is not in wedding shape, use Revive!® and E-Z POOL®; a match made in heaven (or at least Florida).

    Links:

    Pinterest – Pool Wedding

    https://www.pinterest.com/search/pins/?q=pool%20wedding&rs=typed&term_meta[]=pool%7Ctyped&term_meta[]=wedding%7Ctyped

    Read more

  • Aquatic-based Exercise

    When you hear “water exercise,” chances are you picture a grandma in a pool with a hair cap doing water aerobics; there may or may not be flowers and floaties involved. But pool fitness isn’t just for Grandma anymore. Today, people of all ages are taking to the pool to help reach their fitness goals. Even professional athletes and collegiate sports teams are enjoying the benefits of aquatic-based exercise. They’re using pools and swim spas to not only rehab injured athletes but also diversify their everyday training programs both during and off season.

    There are many forms of aquatic based exercise available including aqua yoga, water walking, water aerobics, and swimming. The techniques may vary, but they all take advantage of the buoyancy and resistance provided by the water to help you achieve your fitness goals.

    Like most people, I’m not quite on the level of a professional athlete. Let’s just say that I’m more likely to tear my ACL walking my dog than I am being taken down by a linebacker. With reported benefits like increased circulation, flexibility, balance, and muscle tone, decreased joint stress and improved heart health, aquatic-based exercise is a great way to improve overall health for people of all ages and abilities. I hope you’ll give it a try.

    Pro Tips:

    • Regardless of which aquatic-based exercise you choose, be sure to drink plenty of water to avoid dehydration. Just because you’re in a pool, that doesn’t mean you’re not sweating.
    • Remember that increased organic debris (in this case sweat) can throw off your pool’s chemistry. APi offers products that work to break down and rid water of unwanted organic debris. Revive!®, EZymePRO®, RevivePRO®
    • These products can be used in your own personal pool or spa and are also available for use in fitness facilities, community centers, hotels and the like. Ask about them the next time you’re headed to the pool!
    • Consult your physician before starting any exercise program. Avoid swimming alone for safety reasons.

    Links:

    Read more

  • Top 5 Pool Gift Ideas

    ‘Twas less than a month before Christmas and all through the house
    People were worrying and getting stressed out.
    No stockings were hung, no presents with bows.
    The tree wasn’t purchased; you know how that goes.
    What to buy for loved ones, was the number one worry.
    Then, to make sure it’s delivered in time, you really must hurry.
    We put together our Top 5 Pool Gift Ideas for this gift giving season.
    So, you can sit back, relax, and remember the reason.

    Catchy poem aside, trying to come up with new gift ideas each year can be a challenge. Most people have someone on their shopping list that they can’t think of gift ideas for. We’ve put together our Top 5 Pool Gift Ideas to help you narrow down the vast choices out there. Hopefully this will help you mark one or two people off your shopping list and help you enjoy a little more of this holiday season.

    (Please note that we are not affiliated with these products or businesses.)

    1. Whether you’re still swimming in your pool during the winter or need to wait until next pool season to use these, LED Ball Lights bring color and light to your pool. I think these would be a great addition to any evening poolside party even if the water is too cold to swim.
    2. There always seems to be a shortage of hooks or chairs to hang wet towels on. The Pool and Spa Valet not only gives you more towel hanging space, but also offers you a place to put your sunscreen so it’s easily available. The best part is that you can place it front and center on the pool deck or move it out of the way. It’s freestanding.
    3. These days everyone is monogramming just about everything: their purses, key chains, door mats, and more. Why not monogram your pool? The Monogrammed Pool Mat is an easy way to personalize your pool and is easily removable when you decide you need a change in style or a deep clean.
    4. In case you needed a reason to never leave your pool again, the Floating Mesh Pool Chair might just be it.
    5. The Froglog is a lily-pad-like float that helps frogs rescue themselves from your pool by offering them an escape route. Who doesn’t want to save the frogs?

    Pro Tip: Have you ever noticed a ring of crud on the bottom of your pool floats and toys? Regardless of which pool gift you purchase, you should maintain your pool water chemistry to help your new items have a longer life and keep them from developing that gross ring on the bottom. The easiest way to care for your pool is to start with Revive!® START UP / CLEAN UP and maintain it with E-Z POOL®.

    Read more

  • 30 Days of Giving

     

    This time of year is filled with opportunities to sit back, count our blessings, and hopefully pay those blessings forward. At APi we are taking the 30 days of November to focus on some of the opportunities that we’ve been given to help our communities, whether they are local, national, or international. We’re looking at how our employees and our company give back with hope that it will inspire you to help your community, in whatever way you can.

     

    Life can be hectic. There are days where I just can’t imagine adding one more thing to my to do list. I’ve found that making time to give back to others helps me appreciate my own blessings that much more. I read once that if you are in a state of gratitude, you can’t be anything else at the same time. I don’t know if that’s true, but I do know that the more I focus on being grateful for the people and things I have in my life, the more I want to pay those blessings forward and help others. The more that I help others, the more grateful I feel and the less overwhelmed I feel by my life.

     

    We’ve compiled a list of ways that our company as a whole and our team of individuals give back to our communities. We’ll be sharing tips on our Facebook page each day of November, with ways we give back to our community including random acts of kindness, volunteer opportunities, and charities that are near and dear to us.

     

    One such organization is Aquatics Empowered, an association to help rural towns and their citizens gain access to aquatics facilities for water therapy. Their first worldwide fundraising event, Hot Tubbing for Hope, is being held November 15th and 16th at a pool or spa near you. They are asking everyone to spend time in a hot tub or pool, share pictures of family, friends, and pets participating, and donate to their organization. Donations received will go towards helping individuals with disabilities, seniors, veterans, children, and other charities in need of aquatic therapy resources. Pro Tip: Our EZ SPA® line of products can help make your hot tub picture-perfect in time for the Hot Tubbing for Hope fundraising event.

     

    We hope that you will join the APi family and participate with your own 30 Days of Giving, but even 1 small act of kindness can make a huge difference in someone’s life and in your community.

    Read more

  • Swimming Pool Closing Chemicals Made Easy

    Guest Blogger: Laci from Royal Swimming Pools

    While preparing to close your swimming pool at the end of Summer you may be wondering what chemicals you put in the pool? There's an easy way to close your pool for the Winter that even makes opening it back up the following Spring easier and faster!

    When to Close (and Open) Your Swimming Pool

    When should I close my swimming pool for the winter
    Before discussing how to make closing your pool easier than you ever thought possible (just wait, it really is so easy), it's a good idea to understand WHEN to close your pool.

    Algae is less active in colder water and more active in warmer water.

    For this reason, it is always better to close your pool later in the season when it's already getting colder out, rather than earlier in warm weather.

    Think of early-season closing as an invitation for algae having a late-season party in your pool just to trap it in there all winter. In case you didn't know, algae is a party animal; the-more-the-merrier type. So that party is just going to get bigger and bigger until it's time for Spring cleaning.

    The earlier you close a pool the more likely the pool is to open up with algae issues, especially if there's a good bit of warm Autumn weather after your pool is closed.

    This is important to be aware of in reverse as well. Open your pool early, not late, to help avoid having a closed pool during an early spring heatwave. A good guideline is: if you can plant your garden, your pool should be open.

    Winterizing Chemicals: 3 Easy Steps

    Okay, here it is! Are you excited?! Pool chemicals made easy!

    1. Simply use 1lb (or 2 scoops) of E-Z POOL® for every 5k gallons of water in your pool. Use our handy dandy Gallon Calculator to help out!
    2. Circulate the pool for 30 minutes before to closing it.
    3. Enjoy your winter and when Spring rolls around, open your pool! For best results, use Revive!®, vacuum, and clean your pool.(See before and after Revive!® images here).

    Additional Winterizing Tips When Closing Your Pool

    • Begin by testing your water and making sure that your pH, Total Alkalinity, and Calcium hardness is all balanced.
    • Add a winterizing chemical kit to your pool. Make it easy!
    • Make sure that you have drained all of your pipes and pool plumbing as water expands when it freezes and can cause your pipes to burst. You can blow the water out from these plumbing lines by using a shop vac or by back washing the pool filter.
    • Lower the water level below the skimmer and plug the return lines.
    • Make sure all pool equipment is removed from the pool and cleaned.
    • Place a winter cover or safety cover over your pool. Here's more information on winter pool safety!
    • Add air pillows to protect your pool walls as needed.
    • Place a cover pump in the middle of the pool cover to drain any water that might accumulate on the cover.
    Click HERE for Laci's Blog at Royal Swimming Pools

    Read more

  • 5 Tips for a Simple and EZ Pool Party

    For most of the country, the end of pool season is quickly approaching. Picture-perfect pool parties can take a lot of time to plan and execute. Not everyone has that kind of time. If you haven’t had time to host a pool party this season, it’s not too late. Create a simple and EZ party plan where spending time with your friends and family is the focus. There might be time to recreate those picture-perfect party ideas in the future, but in the meantime, start enjoying your family, friends, and one of your largest investments, your pool. Here are 5 tips for a simple and EZ Pool Party that will allow you to sit back and enjoy the party instead of being a slave to it. 1. Invitations Unless it’s a formal occasion like a graduation party or wedding, the days of sending invitations in the mail are pretty much over. That doesn’t mean that you have to take the time to call each person on your guest list and personally invite them. There are tools available to help save you time getting the word out to everyone. If you are part of the Facebook community, you can create an event page and invite your Facebook friends to attend. Evite is an app that helps you send and manage invites via text and email. You can also track RSVPs and even share photos with guests after the event. 2. Food Who doesn’t love the idea of slow smoked pork sandwiches and homemade macaroni and cheese at a pool party? I’m hungry just thinking about it. If you don’t have the time to spend on buying, prepping, and cooking a BBQ masterpiece or even pool party mainstays like hamburgers and hot dogs, consider these alternatives to slaving over a hot grill. Sub sandwiches cut up in individual servings can be an EZ and refreshing option in the heat of the day. Guests can eat them as they want and don’t have to try to squeeze into limited seating at the same time. When in doubt, order pizzas. It’s a simple solution that gives you more time to enjoy during the party, and cleanup is a breeze. Don’t forget to keep your guests hydrated. Have an array of cold drinks on hand including water to help balance out any caffeinated or alcoholic drinks you may be serving. 3. Decorations There’s no need to waste time and money buying disposable decorations for your pool party. Pool essentials like colorful towels, pool floats, water toys, and even sunscreen can be your party decor. Chances are you have most if not all of these items on hand already. Place smaller items in colorful buckets, pails or bins and scatter them around your pool area. Pro Tip: Air compressors or hand pumps make blowing up all of those toys and floats a breeze. 4. Safety If you plan on serving alcoholic beverages at your party, designate a sober adult to watch over the kids (and intoxicated adults) in the pool. There is nothing fun about a loved one be injured or worse while everyone else is busy getting their party on. Sunburn isn’t fun either, so make sure to have plenty of sunblock on hand for the guests who forgot to bring their own. Pro tip: Beach front hotels often store their sunscreen on ice so that it cools you off when you reapply. It sounds like a refreshing idea for a pool party too. If your pool area doesn’t have a covered patio nearby, consider setting up a pop-up tent so that your guests can have a break from the sun and still be a part of the festivities. Shade and staying hydrated help keep heat stroke away. 5. Pool Don’t think that because this is the last tip on our list that it’s the least important. That couldn’t be any further from the truth. It is a pool party after all. The best food and decorations won’t mean a thing if your pool is smelly, cloudy, or even green, because no one will want to go in it. Make sure you leave yourself enough time before the big day to get your pool party-ready. For solutions to your pool water problems, click on the following video links. Green to Clean Pool Cloudy Murky Water Foul Smelling Water

    Read more

  • Hurricane Preparedness Tips for POOLS and SPAS

    june is synonymous with summer fun! Unfortunately, if you live in a coastal state, so are hurricanes. A hurricane means something different for everyone.  For some, it’s a reason to throw a party, because there ain’t no party like a hurricane party. (Sorry- got carried away there) Others take a more serious approach (not to mention, less lyrical) by doing research and creating a checklist. Whatever your take on hurricane preparedness is, we know your pool and spa is an investment.  An investment you want to protect. If you prepare in advance of the storm, you may even have time to enjoy a hurricane party, too. To help, we have collected a list of tips from our colleagues in the industry of the do’s and don’ts for preparing your pool and/or spa for a storm.

    Photo by NASA on Unsplash

    Before you begin your pool and spa preparations, be sure your family and home are as ready for a storm as they can be.  For information on preparing your family and home for hurricane season, visit Red Cross, FEMA, or National Hurricane Center.

    Remember, it is always best to get started early!  The idea is to prepare as much as you can now and then finish the remaining tasks PRIOR to the arrival of the storm. For your safety, do not attempt to “prepare” during the storm. 

    Click on the link below for a printable version.

    Download

    This list is not meant to be all inclusive.  It is a list of tips, collected by us and presented to you, as a tool and resource to help you prepare for hurricane season.

    What do you do to get your pool and spa ready for hurricane season?  We’d love to hear from you.  Send your checklist and suggestions to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

    In addition to our own pool and spa experts, Matt Ribar and Rick Hamilton, we used the following resources to create this post: Florida Swimming Pool Association, Aqua Rest Spas, Master Spa Parts, Leslie’s Pool, Hot Tub Works, America’s Swimming Pool Co., Pinch a Penny, PoolCenter.com, Pool and Hot Tub Alliance

    Read more

  • May is Drowning Prevention Month: 5 Water Safety Tips

     

    Drowning is the cause of approximately 10 deaths a day in the United States, with 2 of those 10 deaths being children under the age of 14. Of the leading causes of unintentional injury death, drowning ranks 5th. Read these 5 Tips on Water Safety and learn how you can prevent drowning deaths.

     

     

    1. Adult Supervision: If you own a pool, supervision both indoors and outside is crucial to preventing water related tragedies. No level of water safety training is a substitute for adult supervision. If you are unable to locate your child in your home, the first place you need to look is the pool. Time is of the essence.
    2. Pool Fences: Some areas are requiring pool fences by law, sometimes it just lowers your home owners insurance, but regardless of why, fences are always a key to drowning prevention. Make sure the fence comes equipped with a self-locking gate.
    3. Home Alarms: Alarm systems are for more than just keeping intruders out. A properly configured alarm system can alert a parent if a child exits through a door leading to the pool area, providing extra life-saving minutes of time to prevent drowning.
    4. Infant Swimming Resources(ISR)-Self Rescue: Training your child for what to do if they end up in the water is a last line of defense in drowning prevention. Floaties, inner tubes, and the like only serve to inhibit a child’s ability to survive in the water on their own. Avoid using these and instead teach your child survival skills in a safe environment. You can find ISR-Self Rescue Training Programs here.
    5. CPR: In the event of an emergency, parents need to be prepared for how to react and administer CPR. Local CPR classes are available to teach life-saving skills for both adults and children and these classes should be updated regularly.

     

    APi supports a local charity called the Live Like Jake Foundation. LLJ was founded after a family experienced a drowning tragedy. They’ve dedicated their child’s memory to preventing other such tragedies. This year marks the 5th Annual Live Like Jake 5k which will be held on May 11th in Jupiter, Florida. Participants raise money for ISR swim lesson scholarships, as well as providing financial assistance for families who have lost a loved one to drowning or have a child with critical care needs due to a drowning related accident.  

    Read more

  • Real Customer Results with Revive!®

    The start of pool season is like our Christmas here at APi and there is nothing we love more than hearing our customer pool opening success stories! Randy Watson of Neosho, Missouri helped Christmas come early for us by sharing these amazing photos of his pool opening using Revive!®

    Before Revive!®

    During Application

    After Revive!®

    Here is what Randy has to say about his experience with Revive!®

    I would like to say that your Revive!® is everything it lives up to be. Used it yesterday and here’s a before during and after. Finished my pool today. I was skeptical at first but your product made a believer out of me. Made it so easy to use and the next day the water was crystal clear and easy to vacuum.

     

    Randy went on to tell us that at almost 70 years old, he values products that make pool maintenance as easy as possible and was so glad that he tried Revive!® for the first time this year.

    Randy has owned his beautiful pool for 7 years and said he wishes he knew about Revive!® in years past for opening. Haven’t tried Revive!® for yourself yet, read more about how it can help you here. 

    Do you have awesome photos of your pool opening? We want to see them! Share them on our Facebook Page or email them to us at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

    Read more

  • Is Your Spa Ready for Fall?

    Fall is officially here, and although pool season is over for most areas, spa and hot tub season is just getting started. Here at APi we provide products to help you maintain your spa throughout the colder months so that you can spend more time enjoying your hot tub and less time cleaning it! A nice spa after a long day of skiing or even working is a wonderful way to unwind. What's not a nice way to unwind is spending hours maintaining and cleaning your spa. hot tub spa Here at APi, we want to make sure you spend more time enjoying your hot tub and less time maintaining it. Our EZ3® Spa Care Kit makes spa care a breeze with 3 simple steps. The kit includes:

    • START to prepare the water by removing phosphates, metal, and debris
    • E-Z BOOST to sanitize and disinfect
    • TOTAL CARE does the rest with a clarifier, stable oxidizer, stain and scale inhibitor, water conditioner and balancers (pH, TA and CH) to keep spa water clean, clear and trouble free.

    The kit also includes test strips and a measuring scoop. These products only need to be used once a week, minimizing time and cost compared to some other spa care products. APi's EZ3® Spa Care Kit is superior to other care products because our products are based on the idea of prevention, rather than the idea of reaction. Don't wait until you have a problem with your spa, use our spa products regularly to avoid problems altogether. Not only will you save yourself peace of mind, you will also be able to spend more time relaxing in your spa and less time at pool supply stores trying to diagnose the issue. Here are some great testimonials from satisfied EZ3® Customers!

    “I have used the EZ Spa® now for four years. It is the best spa treatment I have ever used. It makes the water feel really soft and refreshing. I use it once a week and forget it. My spa stays crystal clear. I love this stuff. Not to mention when you use EZ Spa® you don’t have to buy so many other chemicals. I also noticed that EZ Spa® is extremely gentle on the skin. I can’t say enough about how good this stuff is. Try it, you’ll love it!” – Terri G., NJ “We are very happy with this product…We were using Baqua spa and anticipated some problems because of the chemical change but now the water is as fresh and clear as the day we first filled our tub!”– Lori K., Kentucky “We run our spa year-round and EZ Spa® has worked for us. Works great to keep the spa clean!”– Barbara S., Minnesota “I am using EZ Spa® and I love it!”– Cathy, Florida

    To find an APi distributor near you, Click Here. 

    Read more

  • 5 Things to be Aware of When Winterizing a Swimming Pool

    1. Putting chlorinated shock in too soon after algaecide or stain & scale products lowers the effectiveness of all three products.
    2. Algae is less active in colder water, more active in warmer water. It is always better to close your pool later in the season rather than earlier. The earlier you close a pool the more likely the pool may open up with algae issues.
    3. Be mindful of Autumn warm weather. The longer an autumn heat wave goes, the more your pool will heat up and the more issues you will have during a spring opening.
    4. Open early, not late. A good rule of thumb is that if you can plant your garden your pool should be open. Besides, a clear beautiful pool is more aesthetically pleasing than a big ugly tarp. You paid for the pool, enjoy it longer.
    5. Non-Chlorine Shock is included in newer style Winterizing kits, it is not effective against algae but it is effective against bacteria. If your pool has algae in it, take care of it before you close, this will make your opening easier.
    6. There are new 'long life' algaecides available. These algaecides work better and longer for closing your pool, and they do not foam!
    7. There are multi-use products available now that have everything a traditional closing kit has but blended to last longer and work better also providing for an easier closing and opening, ask your local dealer about chemical alternatives to traditional closing kits rather than enduring the traditional opening issues again next year.

    Read more

  • Got Salt? Don’t forget the PEPPER®!

    PEPPER® is the answer for maintaining your salt water pools this summer. It is specially formulated for the unique needs of a salt water pool.

    Use PEPPER® regularly to:

    • Increase the life and performance of the salt water generator
    • Improve sanitizer effectiveness
    • Greatly enhance water clarity
    • Limit troublesome pH fluctuations
    • Prevent scale buildup on the generator cell, pool equipment and surfaces
    • Help maintain low phosphate levels

    What PEPPER® does for your pool:

    • Greatly enhances water clarity – oxidizes debris and enhances filter performance
    • Provides extended protection for pool equipment and the generator cell
    • Significantly reduces pool maintenance – fewer chemical balance adjustments and less cleaning

    Read more

  • Getting Started with Revive!®

    Start-up: New pool construction or renovation (unfilled pool) Remove spray applicator and pour Revive!® into the deep end of the pool as filling begins (32oz per 24,000 gallons). As the water level rises, Revive!® will treat the pool surfaces and source water. When filling is complete, brush/vacuum any settled debris and begin regular water care program.  

    Clean Up: Phosphate build-up, severe algae, metals, or scaling (filled pool) If algae is present, brush walls and shock pool prior to application (for best results, circulate for 60 minutes). Turn off pump/filter system. Attach a garden hose to Revive!® bottle and spray entire contents over pool surface (5-7 minutes). Wait 24-48 hours for debris to settle to pool bottom then slowly vacuum to waste. After vacuuming, run filter for 24 hours.

    TIPS: Highly contaminated pools typically require two or more bottles. Allow additional time for Revive!® to work in cold water. Revive!® cannot be overdosed – the more it’s used, the more contaminants are removed. Rarely, particles may collect on the surface – just spray with a garden hose to break them up. Spraying REVIVE® on green pool Green to Blue Vacuuming Evolution Pool Service

      Maintain: Routine problem-solving and preventative maintenance With filtration system running, attach a garden hose to the Revive!® bottle and spray over the pool surface twice. Revive!® will work with the pool filtration system to remove clouding particles, phosphates, metals, and other debris. Reapply weekly for best results.

    Read more

  • 5 Common Pool Care Mistakes

    Proper pool care requires an equal amount of science and routine. The problem is that some people rely too much on one, but not the other. In order to keep your pool in perfect shape all summer long, you will want to balance the two and avoid these 5 key mistakes that people make in caring for their pools.

    1. Not brushing your pool: Most pool owners are pretty vigilant about vacuuming their pool, but vacuuming your pool is only half the battle. Pool brushing is crucial to reach hard to get to areas like corners and behind ladders. Proper brushing eliminates the possibility of things like algae creeping up in your pool.
    2. Not properly handling algae problems: Make sure you are dealing with algae issues properly. Don't make the mistake of attempting to use your automatic pool cleaners to vacuum algae. Automatic cleaners will end up being counterproductive in the algae removal process because they will recycle the algae back through your pool. If you have to use a manual vacuum to remove algae, make sure your filter is set to waste so that the water doesn't come back into the pool. While you will lose more water this way, it will ensure the algae is indeed leaving your pool.
    3. Not running your filter enough: Make sure you are running your filter for no less than 8 hours a day. This is a critical step to avoiding water problems within your pool. Avoid the tendency to skimp on the full 8 hours, or you will end up costing yourself more time, in the long run, having to fix the problem.
    4. Not testing the water regularly: Remember that we said routine and science are key ingredients to maintaining a beautiful pool. This mistake is the confluence of both of those keys. Ensure that you are testing your water on a weekly basis as part of your routine checkup on the scientific health of your pool.
    5. Adding chemicals at the wrong time of day: Whatever combination of chemicals you are using, make sure to follow the usage instructions on the packaging. Don't be tempted to add chemicals at a time that fits best into your schedule if it isn't what is recommended on the packaging.

    If you avoid these 5 common mistakes in pool care, you will be well on your way to enjoying a beautiful, sparkling pool all summer long!

    Read more

  • Live Like Jake & APi Team Up Again for Drowning Prevention

    On May 12, the 4th Annual Live Like Jake 5k will kick off from Abacoa's Town Center. For the second year in a row, APi has partnered with Live Like Jake to support their efforts for drowning prevention. This event offers both a walk and a run, as well as a fun run for kids and lots of family friendly activities throughout the day.  Live Like Jake was founded by Keri & Roarke Morrison after the passing of their son Jake in November of 2013. Over the last 4 years, LLJ has worked to raise both money and awareness on drowning prevention. Live Like Jake encourages children to learn Infant Swim Resource (ISR) Self-Rescue and has provided scholarships assisting hundreds of children to take lessons in ISR.  If you are interested in participating in the 4th Annual Live Like Jake 5k, click here. Don't forget to stop by and say HI to our APi Team during the event!

    Read more

  • Revolutionizing Commercial Water Care with EZ PRO

    With so many challenges in maintaining commercial pools and spas, APi found the need to help revolutionize the commercial water care industry. Hence, the development of EZPRO Commercial Water Care. We have truly simplified the way to maintain commercial pool and spa water while providing the highest water and air quality ever seen in the commercial arena. All 5 EZPro products have received NSF 50/ANSI 50 certification. This technology is designed to remove TDS in pools and spas thru filtration while infusing the water with stabilized oxygen in order to provide the best water quality the industry has ever experienced. Our technology requires no conversion and is compatible with all commercial equipment systems. This oxygen based technology is ORP detectable and will allow up to a 25% reduction/savings in chlorine and acid usage.


            

    Our goal when developing the EZPRO commercial water care program was to design a simple and cost-effective way to eliminate all of the issues associated with indoor and outdoor commercial pools and spas. We are looking for commercial water care management and service companies who want to become part of the newest revolution for cleaning up commercial water care in your community.  If you are interested please reach out to APi HERE and we will be happy to forward you the 8 minute EZPRO Commercial Water Care video so you can learn more about joining our team of EZPRO Champions.  Make this summer the best year of your career!

    Read more

  • How to Prepare Your Pool for a Hurricane

    Hurricane season begins on June 1st and ends on November 30th, peaking in late August or early September. With much of the country either feel the aftereffects of a Hurricane Harvey or preparing for the impending Hurricane Irma, we at APi wanted to take some time to discuss some helpful tips for how to prepare your pools for hazardous weather conditions. hurricane preparation for your swimming pool Many people fallaciously believe that you should drain your pool to prepare for an incoming hurricane. It is important to keep sufficient water levels in your pool so that the weight of the sides and bottom is kept in place by the water. Empty pools are more susceptible to being lifted from their foundation during heavy storms when there is not a full load of water holding them in place. So, what is the proper water level for your pool during hurricane conditions? Well, if your pool has adequate drainage systems and the surrounding property is drained appropriately, you can leave your water levels as is, without adjusting them. However, in the circumstance where the area directly around your pool could be damaged by water, it is suggested that you lower your water level by one to two feet. Experts also suggest that you super chlorinate your pool water in preparation. Special attention should be given to electrical equipment surrounding your pool. Ensure that all electrical power is turned off at the circuit breakers well in advance of the storm. If you have exposed electrical equipment, consider covering these areas with plastic wrap. In the event of flooding, pumps and motors may be disconnected and removed in preparation. Tending to the areas surrounding your pool, like decking and screening is something to consider as well. You may consider having a vent for wind to travel through, while some choose to remove panels from screens on either side of the pool area. Many experts also suggest removing any doors to screened in areas, which are typically more susceptible to damage from high winds. Ideally, pool furniture such as tables, chairs, and pool cleaning equipment should be stored in a secured building. If you do not have such a structure, you can place them in your pool to help shield them from high winds. When placing the items in your pool, ensure that you do so gently as to not damage the finish of your pool. Pool toys should also be removed, as even these can be dangerous with high wind speeds. We hope these recommendations help you to secure your pool area, ride out any potential storms in safety, and minimize damage to your property after the storm clears.

    Read more

  • Tell Us Your PEPPER® Story & Win

    APi loves to hear how happy our consumers are with their pool and spa products.  Share your PEPPER® story with us for a chance to win a prize package. Entries will be accepted through the month of June with one winner to be selected at the end of the contest.  If your entry is chosen, we will highlight your story on our social media sites (Facebook, LinkedIn, Instagram and YouTube), as well as our website.  As a token of our appreciation, you will receive a Chef Specialties Burnished Copper Pepper Mill and Salt Shaker gift set for your kitchen and a 2 lb bottle of PEPPER®. To submit your PEPPER® story, simply CLICK HERE. 

    Read more

  • May Contest Alert! Buy PEPPER®, Win Steak!

    ATTENTION SALT WATER POOL OWNERS! We are giving away an Omaha Steak Package valued at $234. To win, simply purchasePEPPER®, the perfect product for managing your salt water pools, from your local authorized dealer and you will be entered into our raffle! Make sure to purchase by May 31st! HOW TO QUALIFY FOR THE DRAWING: Bring this flyer into your Authorized Pool Retailer Purchase any size PEPPER® Your Authorized Retailer will Register you for the drawing of the Omaha Steak Package valued at $234 Winner will be announced on June 1, 2017 via email and Facebook A valid phone number and email address must be submitted in order to be entered *Your information will not be used for solicitation purposes, nor will it be sold for such purposes.

    Read more

  • APi Partners with the Live Like Jake Foundation

    APi is proud to announce that we are sponsoring the 3rd Annual Live Like Jake 5k Walk/Run on May 13th, 2017. The Live Like Jake Foundation has a goal to bring awareness to drowning prevention through providing information and scholarships for infant swim rescue classes. Here at APi, we have a strong commitment to charitable giving, especially for a cause that hits so close to home, both geographically and topically. Here at APi, we have a strong commitment to charitable giving, especially for a cause that hits so close to home, both geographically and topically. The APi family wants your pool to be a fun place for the whole family to enjoy, but safety must always come first. The Live Like Jake Foundation puts a spotlight on the importance of swim safety and drowning prevention by providing community awareness around the benefits of Infant Swim Rescue (ISR).  ISR is an amazing resource for those with young children who are looking to teach their children the necessary skills to protect themselves around the water. If you are interested in donating to the Live Like Jake Foundation, please click here.  If you are interested in participating in the Live Like Jake Foundation 5k Walk/Run, please click here.   

    Read more

  • How Often Do You Change the Water in Your Hot Tub?

        Your hot tub is a place of relaxation where you can forget about the cares of the world. If you’re using APi products to maintain your spa, you have even more time to enjoy it. But how often are you changing the water in your hot tub?  Is it enough, too much, or have you just flat out never done it? In this article, we will discuss some ways to determine how often you need to drain and refill your hot tub. The process of changing the water in your hot tub is quite simple as the formula to determine how often you need to change it. Many people believe that the frequency for changing the water in your hot tub is most directly related to the frequency of usage. While it is true that if you use your hot tub less, you should change the water less, this is not the end of the discussion. It does play a part in determining how often you change the water, but there is another important formula to consider. The general rule of thumb when it comes to calculating how often to change the water in your hot tub is to divide the total number of gallons of your hot tub by 3, and then divide it again by the number of daily users. This formula will give you an approximation of the number of days that you can go between changing the water in your hot tub. For example, if you have a 480-gallon hot tub and have 3 average daily users, you should be changing the water in your hot tub approximately every 53 days. This formula is not a hard and fast, set in stone rule when it comes to changing your hot tub water. There are some other things that you should look out for to keep your spa in optimal operating order throughout the year. If you notice that the water in your spa is cloudy and shocking it doesn’t seem to clear it, it’s time to drain and refill. If you are developing a lot of foam and the defoamer isn’t having an effect, it is also likely time to change the water. The most noticeable sign that it is time to change the water in your hot tub is if the water begins to smell. A foul smell is a sure sign that you are overdue for changing out the water. We hope that these guidelines help you to keep your hot tub clean, clear, and inviting all year. Another great way to do that is by using the EZ Spa® Care Kit line of products to maintain your hot tub. You can learn more about how these products can save you time and money here.

    Read more

  • Looking Back: The 2017 PoolCorp Retail Summit

    One of our favorite ways to kick off the new year in the PoolCorp Retail Summit. PoolCorp is a wholesale distributor providing pool equipment and other backyard related products to it’s more than 100,000 customers worldwide.  The company boasts over 300 locations and employs nearly 4,000 people. The Annual Retail Summit is a chance for Pool Supply Retailers to check out the latest and greatest products from around the Pool & Spa Industry. APi participates in the show by speaking directly to suppliers about the benefits of offering products like EZ Pool, EZ Spa®, and Revive at their stores and to their customers.

    Here are some highlights of the 2017 PoolCorp Retail Summit.

    Read more

  • The Season of Giving: ChildFund International

    Here at APi Water, we know the importance of giving back to those who are less fortunate. Throughout the year, we work with several different charity organizations, but all year long we work to support the amazing work that ChildFund International  does for those in need. ChildFund International works to help deprived, excluded and vulnerable children have the capacity to improve their lives and the opportunity to become young adults, parents, and leaders who bring lasting and positive change in their communities. They also strive to promote societies whose individuals and institutions participate in valuing, protecting and advancing the worth and rights of children and enrich supporters’ lives through their support of our cause.

    Photo Courtesy of ChildFund International

    Here at APi we have sponsored children at ChildFund International for several years. Each of our staff members has a child whom they sponsor throughout the year. We even get updates, pictures, and letters from our kids. If you are looking for a great charity organization that truly makes a difference, look no further than ChildFund International.

    Read more

  • The Power of Revive!®

    Revive is one of the most powerful tools in the APi line of products.Revive is a multi-action product that removes phosphates (algae food), metals including copper and iron, scaling carbonates, organic debris and other contaminants that cause cloudy water. It is formulated for use on new pool startups, replaster / remodel / refills, spring openings, abandoned pools, severe algae cleanups and ongoing maintenance of all swimming pools. Revive is compatible with all types of pool chemicals, finishes, and sanitizers and it doesn’t cloud the water in your pool or stain the pool during treatment! Get rid of that pile of products that you use to treat your cloudy pools and replace it with just one, Revive!®

    Here are some amazing before and after photos that illustrate the true power of Revive!®

    Before:

    During Treatment: 

    After:

    Before:

    During Treatment: 

    After:

    Before & After: 

    Before:

    After:

    Before:

    After:

    Before:

    After:

    To find an APi distributor near you, Click Here. 

    Read more

  • It’s Time to Winterize Your Pool

    It seems like only a week ago that we were talking about the best way to open your pool. In the blink of an eye, summer has ended for many of you and it’s time to close your pool for the approaching winter. Here at APi, we strive to make winterizing your pool an easy, safe, and efficient process. That’s why we tell all of our customers and dealers to use E-Z POOL® to winterize their pool!

    winterize your pool

    Why E-Z POOL®

    E-Z POOL® simplifies seasonal pool closings / winterizing for traditional CHLORINE, BROMINE, SALT WATER, or E-Z POOL® treated pools in one E-Z application.

    No pre-treating or other chemicals needed — just add E-Z POOL® to oxidize contaminants, prevent algae and control stain and scale through the winter season. Spring openings are faster, water is clearer and most importantly you can swim sooner when the time finally comes!

    E-Z POOL® is faster and more effective than multi-product winter kits. Save yourself time and money by only having to use one product to winterize your pool. E-Z POOL® is effective for chlorine, bromine, salt, mineral, UV and all pools that are treated with E-Z POOL®.

    How to Winterize Your Pool with E-Z POOL®

    To start the process of winterizing, simply use 1lb or 2 scoops of E-Z POOL® per every 5k gallons of your pool. For best results, circulate the pool for 30 minutes prior to closing. Then, patiently wait for spring to roll around, and be sure to use Revive!® for best results upon opening your pool again! How easy is that!?

    For more information on where to find the closest APi dealer, CLICK HERE.

    Have more questions about how to winterize your pool with E-Z POOL®, CLICK HERE. 

    For some do’s and don’ts on how to winterize your pool, see our previous blog post HERE.

     

     

    Read more

  • APi & CASTLE Partner for Swim Safe 2016

    poolsafety2 (1)

    Summer is in full swing and nothing says summer more than time by the pool. Kids and parents alike love cooling down on these hot summer days with a nice swim. While pools provide a lot of fun, there is more to be aware of than just applying a high SPF this summer. Before you take the family for a dip this Fourth of July, make sure that you know the basics of water safety.

    In many parts of the country and right here at home, water safety does not get enough attention. Whether it be the pool or at the beach, children need to be properly prepared prior to enjoying the fun to be had.  Recent estimates suggest that 1,000 children die each year from drowning and drowning is the leading cause of unintentional death in children ages 1-4.

    The Pool Safely organization works to provide safety tips for parents and children. Here are a few things that they suggest for water safety:

    1. Never leave a child unattended in or near the water.
    2. Teach children how to swim.
    3. Teach children to stay away from drains.
    4. Ensure all pools and spas have compliant drain covers.
    5. Install proper barriers, covers, and alarms on and around your pool and spa.
    6. Know how to perform CPR on children and adults.

    The Florida Department of Children and Families suggests similar steps for child pool safety, noting that while the American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that children 4 years and older receive swim lessons, parents of children ages 1-3 are also encouraged to seek swim instruction for their children.

    Here in South Florida, where APi is based, there is an amazing organization that promotes drowning prevention through providing swim lessons scholarships to those who cannot afford them is the Live Like Jake Foundation. The Live Like Jake Foundation also holds an annual 5k run/walk to raise funds and awareness for drowning prevention.

    Martina, a mother of 3 from Jupiter Farms, FL, was awarded a scholarship for her children to take Infant Swimming Resource (ISR) through the Live Like Jake Foundation. When asked why she applied for the scholarship, Martina said, “There are so many things that we can’t prepare our children for in today’s world. We can’t always be with our children 100% of the time. As a mother, I want to provide my children with the skills they need to protect themselves in all aspects of life, including water safety.”

    An organization that works closely to promote child safety is CASTLE, based on the Treasure Coast of Florida. CASTLE was founded in 1981 and promotes the teaching of safe parenting to prevent child abuse and neglect. This amazing organization has a direct impact on the lives of children and their parents, with a mission of preventing child abuse and neglect through education and awareness, CASTLE has developed evidence based programs which are now used nationwide. With a 98% success rate and 2 National Accreditations, parents come to CASTLE to receive the tools to raise their children in a safe and nurturing environment.

    This summer, CASTLE is partnering with APi Water Care to raise money for our greatest gift, the children. Our campaign is called “SwimSafe2016” and it will run through the end of July. Not only are we raising funds for CASTLE, but we will also be giving away a Swim Safely Gift Basket valued at $100.  We are asking parents to post pictures of their children swimming with the hashtag #swimsafe2016 to promote CASTLE’s mission for child safety. One lucky winner will be selected to receive the gift basket so make sure to share your photos on Facebook or Instagram and include the hashtag #swimsafe2016. We are also encouraging those who are able to make donations to CASTLE via their website donor page here. Donations will be accepted on the CASTLE website and APi has pledged to match donations up to $1,500. We are looking forward to raising awareness and funds for this amazing organization.

    Read more

  • 10 Easy Steps to Opening A Pool for Summer

    1. Clean the Pool Surroundings Before taking the cover off of your pool and exposing it to the elements, make sure the pool deck and pool cover are clean.  Take the time to get all of those pesky leaves, branches, and stones off of the cover. The last thing you want is to introduce additional debris into the pool.
    2. Check your Supplies Do a short inventory of your chemicals so that you know what you may need to purchase before you start the pool opening process. When taking this inventory, be sure to check for expiration dates as products become less effective after their expiration date.
    3. Take off the Cleaned Cover After making sure your pool cover is free of debris, go ahead and remove the cover and store it in a safe place. Be sure the cover is dry, or else it is likely to mildew.
    4. Check the Pool for Damage Make sure that your pool was not damaged during the months it was closed.  Check the lining of the pool to make sure it is free of tears or rips. Make sure there are no chips or cracks in the plaster of the walls. Also look for any areas that seem to be bowed out around the walls or depressed down in the pools floor.
    5. Pop the Plugs Take out plugs that may have been installed in preparation for freezing or expansion. For winterized pools that use antifreeze, drain the water level and then remove and drain the antifreeze into a container.
    6. Replace Skimmer Baskets Reattach the hoses from the pump and filter to the skimmer and return jets and make sure everything is tight.
    7. Reattach the Hardware Reattach filters, pumps, and/or heaters after making sure they are still in working order. This includes making sure everything is clean, free of rust, tight fitting, and lubricated where necessary. Replace any ladders, diving boards, or railings that we removed at the pool’s closing.
    8.  Fill ‘er Up Replace the water to the waterline necessary for proper circulation. Try to get any bits of debris out as the water level rises. Almost time for a dip!
    9. Filter, Vacuum, & Test Start your filtration system and vacuum the pool to remove any dirt or debris that has gathered at the bottom of your pool. Allow the filtration system to run for 24-48 hours and then test the water. Make adjustments as needed and directed by your pool chemical directions.
    10. Enjoy! Time to relax and enjoy your pool again. Summer will be gone before you know it! Host as many BBQ’s and pool parties as you can before it’s time to winterize and close the pool again for the fall.

     

     

    Read more

  • Fix Your Green Pool in 8 Easy Steps

    It’s time to open those pools for summer! Many people will find opening their pool an extra hassle when they discover a green, murky pool.  Have no fear, APi Water is here! Follow these steps, using some of our amazing APi products and your pool will be in shape for summer in no time!

    1. Net as much organic matter as possible from the bottom of the pool (even if you can’t see the bottom)
    2. Brush all walls to break algae lose from the walls.
    3. Shock pool at a rate of 4# per 10,000 gallons or 4 gallons liquid per 10,000 gallons with the pump running on recirculate.
    4. Add 1 gallon of muriatic acid per 20,000 gallons of pool water by pouring around the perimeter of the pool.
    5. After 30 minutes of circulation, turn off pool pump, spray a double dose of Revive!® (2 quart bottles for 24,000 gallons) over the surface of the pool.
    6. Manipulate timer to not turn the pump on while treating with Revive. If the pump comes on the cleanup will be delayed.
    7. Return to pool in 24 to 72 hours (depending on temperature of the water, debris drops slower the colder the water temperature, 24-30 hours is normal) and vacuum debris to waste.
    8. Balance pool ASAP  and introduce EZ-POOL per instructions on Pail.

    Read more

  • The Secret to Whitefly Honeydew Pool Cleanup

    Whitefly infestations have recently become a growing concern in South Florida and other markets. Along with attacking the landscape and damaging agriculture, whiteflies are causing quite a mess with their honeydew excrement. Plants, walkways, cars, outdoor furniture and

    even swimming pools have become covered with this sticky substance and the sooty mold it promotes. But it’s not just the pool’s appearance that is affected. This residue drastically affects the chemical balance of the pool water by extremely decreasing sanitizer effectiveness. Almost overnight the water becomes cloudy and green and continues to deteriorate until treated while the sticky substance clogs up the filter.

    Unfortunately these infestations are NOT seasonal, whiteflies breed year-round and their population is expected to increase and spread. While they should dissipate with time, these pests will likely never go away completely. With that being said, it is important to know how to control these Whiteflies and their effects.

    While the plants are best treated by a licensed exterminator or by using approved products from your garden center, we have a simple solution for your swimming pool:

    1. Thoroughly clean the pool filter.
    2. Shock the pool with a granular or liquid chlorine.
    3. Apply a full bottle of 32oz Revive!® (pools up to 24K gallons) over the pool surface and set the pump/filter to run continuously.
    4. After 48 hours thoroughly clean the filter and skimmer basket. You may also need to vacuum the pool bottom.
    5. Maintain clear water by applying 8oz of Revive!® weekly and cleaning the filter every 2 weeks.

    For more information please visit University of Florida’s Whitefly website:www.flwhitefly.org/.

    Read more

  • All Pool Chlorine is not the same.

    There are many styles of chlorine used in swimming pools, although they all belong to the same class of product, they do their jobs differently.

    1. Pool Liquid Chlorine and Laundry Bleach are different. Pool liquid chlorine (10-12.5%) is fresher and stronger than laundry bleach (3-4%). This difference may not seem like much, but pool liquid chlorine is approximately 4x stronger than laundry bleach, thus requiring much more laundry bleach to do the same thing.
    2. Different chlorines have different strengths and a wide variance of pH levels. Liquid Chlorine has a pH close to 13 while chlorine tablets have a pH close to 3. Other “shocks” vary throughout that range. This means a lot due to pH levels having an affect on the effectiveness of the chlorine within your pool water.
    3. Shock bags and chlorine tablets do different things. Chlorine tablets are used to create a low level of constant chlorine in the water (sanitization) while bags of shock or liquid chlorine are meant to create a temporary high level of chlorine in a pool (oxidization).
    4. All chlorine can be ‘stabilized’. Stabilizer/Conditioner are nomenclature for cyanuric acid (abbreviated CYA). CYA can get too high (>80ppm) in pool water which decreases chlorine effectiveness, the higher the CYA level the less effective chlorine becomes. Chlorine tablets have CYA built into them which helps with low level chlorine sanitization. Sodium dichlor, sometimes used as a ‘shock’ product also has cyanuric acid built in. Too much use of either of these products may cause an increased CYA level. Calcium Hypochlorite, Lithium Hypochlorite, and Sodium Hypochlorite (liquid chlorine) have no CYA in them at all, thus allowing them to create a temporary high chlorine (>10ppm) for traditional oxidizing without leaving behind any cyanuric acid.
    5.  Liquid Chlorine (sodium hypochlorite) is generated in a salt pool, this is part of the reason why pH levels in salt pools tend to fluctuate on the high side and why salt pool chlorine generator manufacturers tend to suggest having a cyanuric acid level of 70-80ppm.

    Read more

  • 6 Misconceptions of Salt Pools

    Gone are the days of all pools being maintained with chlorine. The pool market of the 21st century offers consumers numerous options on how they wish to maintain their pools.  Salt pools (or saltwater pools) are becoming increasingly popular in the pool community.  Here are a few misconceptions that many people have about salt pools:

    1. Salt pools do not use chlorine. Salt Pools use a cell (Electrolytic Chlorine Generator or ECG) that generates chlorine from salt. A salt pool is a chlorine pool, you just don’t have to dose the pool with chlorine as you do with traditional chlorine usage.
    2. Salt Pools do not need maintenance. When chlorine is generated in a salt pool so is scale and an increased pH. Scale causes the ECG cell to be less effective. Higher pH causes the chlorine to be less effective.
    3. Salt pools do not need water balancing. ECG’s only make chlorine, they do nothing for the other balance requirements (calcium hardness, cyanuric acid/stabilizer level, total alkalinity). Nor do they provide an algaecide or scale inhibitor.
    4. Salt Pools provide a ‘Set it and Forget it’ pool. Even though ECG’s create chlorine, they do it only at a steady pace, when there is rain or environmental issues (pollution, wind, pollen season, etc) or when there is a high bather load (more swimmers than normal), salt pools need to be boosted or shocked to maintain sanitized water, even needing the addition of store bought chlorine, depending on the need.
    5. Salt Pools are foolproof. Salt can be disruptive to the pool area, think of how salt treats your car during the winter. Pools with natural stone accompaniments are not recommended to use salt because the salt remaining from evaporated water from splash out can damage the service of the stone and make it not look as nice as you’d like it.
    6. All salt is not the same. Pools have their own needs and environment. Salt used for water softeners or ice melt is not conducive to balanced water and can actually cause chlorine demand within the pool which means that it can take more chlorine generation to achieve proper sanitization levels. Some salt styles also use iron based anti caking agents which, when put into a chlorine environment can cause staining of the pool surface and unnatural coloring of the water.

    Read more

  • How to Fix a Green Pool

    If the pool is free of algae, the green tint indicates that something is slightly out of balance or there is a presence of a high level of phosphates that can also lead to redundant algae problems. Typically the bleaching effect of chlorine compensates for an out of balance condition, keeping water blue in spite of possible problems. Since one of the benefits of E-Z POOL® is that it does not contain bleach, the following is a list of things to check when troubleshooting a pool with green tint:

    1. Check the filter. A clean filter is always the first step in correcting a problem with E-Z POOL®.

    2. Test sanitizer level. If the pool is lacking sanitizer, there may be a tendency for the water to get a green hue. If the sanitizer is too low, the pool may take on a flat look and then turn a light green tint. When experiencing a green tint from low sanitizer level, try increasing the sanitizer level to at least 3.0 ppm with the addition of a dichlor shock.

    3. Test for phosphates. A high phosphate level is often the cause of stubborn green tint in E-Z POOL® water. Use Revive!® to resolve this problem quickly and effectively.

    4. The level of calcium contributes to the “body” of the water. If the pool water lacks body, it may not effectively reflect the UV rays of sunlight to produce the blue tint most commonly associated with swimming pools. Here again, if the green tint is due to chemical imbalance and sufficient oxidizer is present, the calcium level may be too low.

    Calcium level should be adjusted to 350 ppm. Always adjust balance before dosing with E-Z POOL® and allow water to reach new calcium balance prior to E-Z POOL® application.

    5. Test copper level. Excessive copper levels may contribute to a green hue or tint. Check the copper level and if it exceeds 0.8 ppm, treat with Revive!® to reduce.

    6. Test pH and total alkalinity. If pH is high or low relative to calcium, and total alkalinity is too low relative to pH and calcium, this could result in a green tint. Adjust to recommended levels.

    Read more

  • How to Fix Brown Staining in Your Pool

    The brown staining in your pool is caused by oxidized iron, which is probably getting in your pool from the well. The oxidizer in E- Z POOL shocks out more contaminants than regular chlorine shock. Sometimes, especially pools filled with well water, this can cause an issue that was previously unknown while on chlorine because it is not as versatile as the E-Z POOL®. In most cases, the problem can be fixed rather easily.

    When you used ascorbic acid before, it was the right thing to do, unfortunately you weren’t told that the job was only half done. Ascorbic acid removes the stain rather easily BUT once the stain is removed, the molecules that formed the stain are still in the pool water. They have just been dissolved. Unfortunately sand filters only filter out particles that are 20-25 microns and larger, oxidized iron is in the 2-4 micron range. So, your filtration system needs help removing the particles that caused the stain out of the pool water. The fastest and easiest way to do this would be to:

    1. Treat your pool with ascorbic acid, you shouldn’t need more than a pound. It should work within an hour or two. Once it has been circulated throughout the system.

    2. Once the brown stain has been lifted, turn off the pool pump.

    3. Spray a 16oz bottle of Revive (removes the iron particles by dropping them out of solution and in to a sediment on the bottom of the pool so you can vacuum it to waste, removing it for good) over the top of the pool.

    4. Leave the pool off for at least 24 hours.

    5. Vacuum the debris out of the bottom of the pool while your sand filter valve is on waste.

    6. Follow the weekly directions for the E-Z POOL®  that your local store has given you.

    You should also have a bottle of Revive!® at the house for whenever you fill up your pool due to evaporation or splash out. Simply attach the Revive to the end of your fill hose and spray the product over the top of your pool water, covering the pool twice, Revive!® will capture the particles from your well water that shouldn’t be in your pool water and send them to your filter for you so that you do not have to go through this huge procedure over and over.

    Read more

Written by Stacey Cook. Posted in Blog

If your water is aggressive, it can beat up your pool surfaces and equipment, then take things from it! 

 

Wait!  What?! WATER can be aggressive?  

Let's Talk About pH

WARNING:  Science Content Ahead!

pH is the measure of how acidic or basic your water is.  Generally, the acceptable range of pH is between 7.2-7.6 for pools.  But what do these numbers mean? To oversimplify, the lower the number, the more acidic the water is.  The higher the number, the more basic the water is.  

 

Don't worry, we're only goin' as deep as kiddie pool today!  laughing

The human body has a pH of 7.5, which is where most people will feel the best level of comfort in water.  So, to keep it super simple, you want to keep your pool within those ranges to keep the water comfortable for your swimmers.  But in a wonderful stroke of good luck this is also the range where pool chemicals perform their best and last the longest!  

 

Famous Last Words: "I don't care if I'm itchy!  I've got a big ol' bucket of pool chemicals.  I don't care what my pH does!"

Well, you should!  pH plays one of the biggest factors in the overall balance of the pool water.  If the water balance isn't maintained, it's not just inefficient and uncomfortable, it can damage EVERYTHING the water touches!  Want to know how?

If your pH is lower, it is actively trying to break down (beat up-hello Mr. Aggressive Water) and take things away from everything the water is touching.  Pool surfaces, equipment, swimmers...EVERYTHING!

This action of removing prematurely wears down pool surfaces and equipment causing them to fail.  This means you will have to replace them a lot more frequently.  

On the other side, if your pH is higher, it can cause water to deposit scales.  Scale deposits can form rough, unsightly surfaces and clog up important components of pool equipment.  The end result?  More rapid wear & tear on your pool equipment resulting in more frequent replacement.  

 

Notice a trend?

If you don't maintain water balance, your whole pool gets harder and more expensive to operate.  Think of it as a WHOLE Pool Chemistry, not just water chemistry.  This approach will keep your pool looking AND operating great for years to come!  

 

Got Questions?

We've Got Answers!

Call or Text Us at 877-274-7261!

 

Print

 
Follow Us
  • "Just wanted to thank you for a great product. After four weeks of trying several different products and also adding way to much chlorine, we can finally see the bottom of our pool. Added Revive!® at 6PM last night, by the time we went to bed, we could notice a difference and when I got up this morning everything had settled to the bottom. Used the vacuum for about an hour this morning and were swimming this afternoon. Will probably have to vacuum once more, but so glad this product was recommended to us."
    - Donna, Ohio
  • "Easy, simple, worry free…these all describe how my pool maintenance has been since I started using EZ POOL! I have a big pool and it is not a big job with E-Z POOL®, just once a week. Once the pool is open and clear in the spring, I just have Caryl’s experts test my pool sample once a week to make sure the balancing chemicals and pH are good. Algaecides are not needed. Brush, brush, brush, as Caryl recommends and my pool is beautiful all summer! Also, it is gentle to the skin and does not effect your hair color. I highly recommend E-Z POOL®!"
    - Trish, Greensboro, NC
  • “I have used the EZ Spa® now for four years. It is the best spa treatment I have ever used. It makes the water feel really soft and refreshing. I use it once a week and forget it. My spa stays crystal clear. I love this stuff. Not to mention when you use EZ Spa® you don’t have to buy so many other chemicals. I also noticed that EZ Spa® is extremely gentle on the skin. I can’t say enough about how good this stuff is. Try it, you’ll love it!”
    - Terri G., NJ

Quick Contact

This field cannot be blank.

Invalid Input