Outer Banks Pools & Spas - Articles #Pool Service

Riptide Named Best Pool & Spa Service Company

Sat, 28 Jan 2023 10:27:57 -0500

OBX Best of the Beach

Riptide Pool & Spa Service has won the title of Best Pool & Spa Service Company out of businesses from the entire Outer Banks from Carova/Corolla through Hatteras and Ocracoke Islands. More than 49,000 ballots and over half a million individual votes were cast for OBXToday.com and JAM Media Solutions Best of the Beach 2022 contest. This is the second year in a row Riptide has placed for Best Pool & Spa Service Company, receiving honorable mention as the 3rd place winner for 2021.

Since 2000, we have grown our services and business structures to better serve Outer Banks homeowners from Corolla to Nags Head. Many of our owners have been with us for over 20 year and we have had the privilege to watch their families grow. We would like to thank all of our homeowners, guests, family, and friends who took the time to vote for our hard working crew. We are extremely grateful and look forward to providing exceptional service for our Outer Banks community for years to come.

Riptide Pool and Spa Service was founded in 2000. Since then our team of experienced service technicians and mechanics have been ensuring Outer Banks vacationers from Corolla to South Nags Head are greeted with clear and healthy pool and hot tub waters. As a small, locally owned and operated business—you can expect professional, yet personalized service and communication.

Speciality Treatments

Fri, 08 Jan 2021 15:57:00 -0500

Keeping Pools Clear & Blue!

Did source water stain your pool or did it turn green over the winter? We stock an essential range of speciality chemicals to help with the upkeep of our pools, and our team has the knowledge and experience to correct serious water chemistry issues.

Green to Clean...

We received a call to take over service when a pool turned green during the off season, no problem! I use chlorine and algaecides to destroy the algae, and flocculant to drop it to the bottom. Once debris has settled, I use an external pump to remove it from the pool. Using this process, I keep from unnecessarily clogging the filter and have the pool clear in 24 hrs. One more day of water balancing and thorough cleaning and you're ready to swim! Pools in my service program are treated during winterization and checked during the winter to keep this from happening to begin with. During the season, in addition to the usual oxidizers, I treat with maintenance doses of algaecides and phosphate removers to prevent algae growth. As they say, "An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure."

Stains Away...

Pool staining is common and can be caused by a variety of issues. Most common on the Outer Banks are stains from metals in source water (straight out of the spigot) and/or from live oak leaves resting on the bottom of the pool during the winter (if you do not have a cover). Stains are difficult and can require more than a basic understanding of water balancing to treat effectively. Step one is understanding what is causing the stain, this will determine the course of action. Treatments can be expensive and disrupt water balance, which is why sometimes it's best to call a professional when faced with discolored pool walls. Stains, like algae, are more easily prevented than treated. Pools in my service program with staining issues are treated in the spring (after opening/before swimming) and receive maintenance doses of stain prevention during the season. Filtering the source water before it goes into the pool can help too!

Cloudy to Clear...

During hot summer months, cloudy pool water is a common problem. Cloudiness is almost always caused by "heavy bather load". Simply put, this means that there are too many bodies in the water. The equation: heavy bather load + sunscreen = clogged pool filter = no chlorine going into water = cloudy pool. Fortunately this problem can be easily fixed, especially if you act quickly. Cleaning the filter, chlorinating the water, along with enzymes and clarifiers will clear the water usually in a matter of hours. I use high quality, organic treatments to speed up the process, which is important when it's 95F out and the kiddies are begging to get back in! During the season my pools are treated with maintenance doses of these oil-fighting enzymes, increasing pool filter efficiency and controlling the "scum line".

These images show a pool cloudy from heavy use and oils

Storm Cleans & Prep

Mon, 04 Jan 2021 12:02:00 -0500

Hurricane Ready on the Outer Banks!

Unfortunately our beautiful barrier islands are prone to heavy winds and rains due to nor'easters and hurricanes. We offer our customers a Hurricane Preparation service and are fully equipped with a variety of commercial pumps to handle all after-storm cleanings.

Hurricane Preparation Tips:

Stack furniture and secure loose items

In preparation for storm force winds, furniture should be stacked away from the pool and secured when necessary - NOT thrown in the pool. Throwing furniture in the pool risks damaging the pool and also makes cleanup more difficult and time consuming. Furthermore, it is important to store loose items such as umbrellas, floats, cushions etc. to prevent damage to property.

Pool Safety Supplies

Fri, 18 Dec 2020 16:07:00 -0500

Keeping guests safe in the pool area:

Nothing is more important than safety at a rental home. Proper signage is necessary to keep guests safe and protect homeowners from potential liabilities. It is our duty to make sure each home is equipped with proper signage and lifesaving device in plain view to guests. Other suggested supplies include a pool pole, leaf net and pole hangers. These items are replaced when necessary.

Signage: Pool Rules, No Diving & Spa Rules posted in highly visible area.

Life Saving Rescue Device: shepherd's hook and pole or USCG approved ring or buoy.

Handrails should be secure and ladder steps and bumpers in good condition.

Sanitation is key to swimmer's safety. A properly functioning chlorine feeder or salt generator is a must.

Bonding and grounding work together to provide an important element of pool safety.

Pool skimmer covers are used to prevent debris and people from falling into the skimmer well.

Functioning gate latches are the primary defense to keeping unsupervised children and pets out of the pool area.

VGB approved pool drain covers protect swimmers from being caught in the drain's suction.

Warning Signage: Do Not Sit/Climb, Slippery, Pool Closed, Depth Markers

Nets, poles and hangers should be in good working condition.

Skimmer baskets prevent debris and pool toys from clogging and/or damaging plumbing and equipment.

Replace winter cover anchors that no longer screw flush with the deck to avoid potential injury.