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Pool Opening
Pool Opening
Pool Closing
Service Call
Weekly Maintenance
Pool Vacuuming
D.E. Filter Maintenance
Filter Sand Change
Liner Quote
Safety Cover Quote
Equipment Quote
Salt Water Conversion

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(908) 236-7665

Sahara Pools, LLC

1160 US Highway 22 West

Lebanon, NJ

Summer Store Hours

Mon-Fri: 9:30AM - 7:00PM

Sat-Sun: 9:30AM - 5:00PM

Sahara Pools Service FAQs

Pool Opening FAQ

How do I know when my D.E. filter needs to be serviced/cleaned?

D.E. filters usually need to be serviced or cleaned once a season. The most common way to identify that your filter needs to be taken apart and cleaned is if the pressure stays high right after backwashing. This indicates the filter is clogged. If you notice that there is debris coming through the return jets, this means there is probably a crack in the manifold, or a tear in one or more of the grids. If there is any blowback into the pool, the filter needs to be taken apart and inspected to diagnose the issue.



Is the cost of D.E. included in the maintenance service?

Most of our customers with D.E. filters have D.E. available for us to use during filter maintenance visits. However, if the customer does not, we will leave them a brand new bag of D.E. which is an extra charge.



Why am I having to backwash more frequently?

If the filter pressure does not decrease after a backwash and you have to backwash again, the filter is probably clogged and flow is restricted. In this instance, the filter needs to be taken apart and cleaned in order to clear the blockages.



What does it mean when I'm experiencing weak suction from my skimmers?

Weak suction from the skimmers is indicative of high filter pressure. High filter pressure means that the filter is packed with debris and water is not flowing as powerfly through the pipes as it should be. First, try thoroughly backwashing your filter to clear any loose debris. If backwashing does not solve the issue, a deep cleaning is needed.



What is the average life expectancy of the internal filter grid assembly?

Filter grids have an average life of 5-7 years.



Do I need to be home at the time of my service?

No you do not need to be home. For a D.E. filter maintenance call, all we need is access to the filter itself and a hose or spicket outside so we can properly clean the internal elements of the filter.



Pool Closing FAQ

Do I need to balance my pool water chemistry prior to the pool closing?

Yes, we strongly recommend to have your pool properly balanced at the time of your
pool closing. Improper levels of Calcium, pH and Total Alkalinity can
severely damage your pool finish during the winter months while the pool
water is dormant.



Do I need to lower my water level prior to pool closing?

Vinyl pools do not need to lower water level. Liner manufacturers
recommend normal water levels to be maintained during the winter. Only concrete pools WITH TILE will need to lower water apx 6 inches below
the tile line. Concrete pools with no tile do not need to lower water level.



Do I need to be home at the time of my scheduled pool closing?

No! Sahara Pools can close your pool since everything is outside, as long as the electricity to the pool is on. We do need access to your pool cover and pool closing accessories, which may be left on the pool patio or unlocked pool shed prior to your closing. We also need the gates into the pool unlocked as well as the water level of the pool filled to operating level.



Do I need to winterize my pool heater even though I do not use it?

YES! Your pool heater still needs to be winterized since there is still water
flowing through it. If you want to remove a non-working heater, we can
bypass the plumbing for the heater as well as remove and dispose of the old heater for
$175.00.



Why is Sahara Pools asking for a credit card?

Prior to preforming any service, we require a valid form of payment on file. You will not be charged for the service until it is completed, at which time you will receive a copy of your paid invoice via email.



Will Sahara Pools vacuum my pool at time of my closing?

No, vaccuming is not available at the time of pool closing. If you would like a vacuum service, please arrange for a one time vac visit through our website prior to pool closing.



Service Call FAQ

Do I need to be home at the time of my service call?

No, Sahara Pools just needs access to the pool or the pool equipment depending on the type of service call that has been scheduled.



Can I request Sahara Pools perform the service call on a specific date and time?

Unfortunately, we are unable to guarantee a specific date and time.. We will do our best to accommodate your schedule and we will tell you what day your service call is going to be beforehand.



What if my pool issue requires an additional part that you do not have?

If your service call requires a repair or part that our technician does not have or that the store does not have in stock, a quote will be sent to the customer regarding how much the specific part will cost in addition to the cost for the repair itself. Once approved by the customer, Sahara Pools will order the part and complete the repair upon its arrival.



How long will a general service call take?

It depends on the type of service call, some service calls are merely for diagnostic purposes when the source of the issue is going to be costly to repair. Sahara Pools will then come back with all of the possible options the customer has with the corresponding costs for each option. Some service calls are simple and take less than an hour. A customer can expect a general service call to take around an hour.



I want to be home for my scheduled time of service. Will Sahara Pools contact me prior to their arrival at my home?

You can request that we call you before our arrival and our service technicians will give you a call when they are leaving their previous job and on the way to your service call. We cannot guarantee a specific time however because our technicians do not know exactly how long each job beforehand is going to take. The only service call that we can guarantee a time is the first appointment of the day.



How do I know how much my service call will cost me?

Pricing for our various service calls are listed directly on the website under the Service Requests tab after clicking Service Calls. Any major repair will be quoted and approved by the customer before the job is started.



What if the issue I am having with my pool is not listed as an option for service?

If the issue that you are experiencing is not listed, you can then select the 'Other' option and provide a detailed explanation of the issue that you are facing to better help us try to fix it. For any service call, we even have a section where you can upload photos to better help us prepare for the visit.



Why should I trust Sahara Pools to help fix my issue?

Sahara Pools has been doing this for 48 years and has yet to come across an issue that we cannot handle. We are proud to offer all possible options for our customers where the repair can be a little costly instead of just offering the most expensive option.



Weekly/BiWeekly Maintenance FAQ

Do I need to be home at the time of my service call?

No, Sahara Pools just needs access to the pool or the pool equipment depending on the type of service call that has been scheduled.



Can I request Sahara Pools perform the service call on a specific date and time?

Unfortunately, we are unable to guarantee a specific date and time.. We will do our best to accommodate your schedule and we will tell you what day your service call is going to be beforehand.



What if my pool issue requires an additional part that you do not have?

If your service call requires a repair or part that our technician does not have or that the store does not have in stock, a quote will be sent to the customer regarding how much the specific part will cost in addition to the cost for the repair itself. Once approved by the customer, Sahara Pools will order the part and complete the repair upon its arrival.



How long will a general service call take?

It depends on the type of service call, some service calls are merely for diagnostic purposes when the source of the issue is going to be costly to repair. Sahara Pools will then come back with all of the possible options the customer has with the corresponding costs for each option. Some service calls are simple and take less than an hour. A customer can expect a general service call to take around an hour.



I want to be home for my scheduled time of service. Will Sahara Pools contact me prior to their arrival at my home?

You can request that we call you before our arrival and our service technicians will give you a call when they are leaving their previous job and on the way to your service call. We cannot guarantee a specific time however because our technicians do not know exactly how long each job beforehand is going to take. The only service call that we can guarantee a time is the first appointment of the day.



How do I know how much my service call will cost me?

Pricing for our various service calls are listed directly on the website under the Service Requests tab after clicking Service Calls. Any major repair will be quoted and approved by the customer before the job is started.



What if the issue I am having with my pool is not listed as an option for service?

If the issue that you are experiencing is not listed, you can then select the 'Other' option and provide a detailed explanation of the issue that you are facing to better help us try to fix it. For any service call, we even have a section where you can upload photos to better help us prepare for the visit.



Why should I trust Sahara Pools to help fix my issue?

Sahara Pools has been doing this for 48 years and has yet to come across an issue that we cannot handle. We are proud to offer all possible options for our customers where the repair can be a little costly instead of just offering the most expensive option.



Pool Vacuuming FAQ

Can any pool be converted to a salt water pool?

Yes!



What are the main benefits of converting my pool to saltwater?

Salt water pools have many benefits over chlorine pools. The water is more natural to swim in and is better for the hair and skin. You can open your eyes underwater. The operating costs are lower for saltwater pools as well.



How salty does the pool water become? Is it comparable to the ocean?

No the salinity of the ocean is over 10,000 ppm. A saltwater pool has a salinity of around 3,200 ppm which is equivalent to the salinity of your tears. This is why you’re able to open your eyes underwater!



What maintenance is needed after my pool is converted to a salt water system?

Much less maintenance than a chlorine pool. Saltwater pools naturally have a more stable pH and Alkalinity level. Adding chlorine tabs on a regular basis is completely taken out of the equation. As long as the salt level is within the proper range, the salt system will generate the chlorine naturally. The customer just needs to watch the salt level of the pool. Heavy rains can affect the salt reading and thereby affect the chlorine production



How does salt water sanitize my pool?

The chemical makeup of salt is Sodium Chloride (NaCl). How the salt system sanitizes the pool is by splitting up the Chlorine molecules from the Sodium molecules. This in fact produces Chlorine naturally, unlike the addition of chlorine tabs.



Do I need to install a new pool pump and filter in addition to the salt generator?

No, a salt system can function with any type of pump or filter.



How long does a salt conversion take?

A complete salt conversion takes 1-2 days. It is an extremely easy process. We plumb in the salt system, hook up the electrical, add the required amount of salt into the pool, and allow that to circulate for 24 hours before turning the salt cell on for the first time. Once that cell is turned on after the 24 hours, your pool has officially been converted into a saltwater pool.



D.E. Filter Service FAQ

How do I know when my D.E. filter needs to be serviced/cleaned?

D.E. filters usually need to be serviced or cleaned once a season. The most common way to identify that your filter needs to be taken apart and cleaned is if the pressure stays high right after backwashing. This indicates the filter is clogged. If you notice that there is debris coming through the return jets, this means there is probably a crack in the manifold, or a tear in one or more of the grids. If there is any blowback into the pool, the filter needs to be taken apart and inspected to diagnose the issue.



Is the cost of D.E. included in the maintenance service?

Most of our customers with D.E. filters have D.E. available for us to use during filter maintenance visits. However, if the customer does not, we will leave them a brand new bag of D.E. which is an extra charge.



Why am I having to backwash more frequently?

If the filter pressure does not decrease after a backwash and you have to backwash again, the filter is probably clogged and flow is restricted. In this instance, the filter needs to be taken apart and cleaned in order to clear the blockages.



What does it mean when I'm experiencing weak suction from my skimmers?

Weak suction from the skimmers is indicative of high filter pressure. High filter pressure means that the filter is packed with debris and water is not flowing as powerfly through the pipes as it should be. First, try thoroughly backwashing your filter to clear any loose debris. If backwashing does not solve the issue, a deep cleaning is needed.



What is the average life expectancy of the internal filter grid assembly?

Filter grids have an average life of 5-7 years.



Do I need to be home at the time of my service?

No you do not need to be home. For a D.E. filter maintenance call, all we need is access to the filter itself and a hose or spicket outside so we can properly clean the internal elements of the filter.



Filter Sand Change FAQ

How do I know that I need to have my filter sand changed?

On average, filter sand must be changed every 3-5 years. If you are experiencing issues such as algae growth even with the right chlorine level, poor water clarity, constant high filter pressure, or you can’t remember the last time the sand was changed, it is probably time to change the sand.



What is the difference between traditional filter sand and the new Activate Glass Media?

Activate Glass Media is permanent while traditional pool filter sand lasts only about 3-5 years. Also, Activate Glass Media greatly enhances water clarity and redeces the need for clarifying chemicals.



How many bags of sand does my filter require?

An average size in-ground sand filter requires about 300 pounds of sand which equates to 6 bags of sand. Some filters for bigger pools require 400 pounds of sand which equates to 8 bags of sand.



When will I be billed for my service?

You will be billed for a sand change after the service has been completed.



I have leftover sand from the hardware store, can Sahara Pools use this instead?

No, the quality of the sand is not the same as pool filter sand. Pool sand needs to be a certain coarseness in order to ensure proper filtration. If the filter sand is too fine, the water pressure will just pass the sand right back into the pool.



Do I need to be home at the time of my service?

No, all we need for a sand change is access to the filter itself.



Liner Replacement FAQ

How do I know when my D.E. filter needs to be serviced/cleaned?

D.E. filters usually need to be serviced or cleaned once a season. The most common way to identify that your filter needs to be taken apart and cleaned is if the pressure stays high right after backwashing. This indicates the filter is clogged. If you notice that there is debris coming through the return jets, this means there is probably a crack in the manifold, or a tear in one or more of the grids. If there is any blowback into the pool, the filter needs to be taken apart and inspected to diagnose the issue.



Is the cost of D.E. included in the maintenance service?

Most of our customers with D.E. filters have D.E. available for us to use during filter maintenance visits. However, if the customer does not, we will leave them a brand new bag of D.E. which is an extra charge.



Why am I having to backwash more frequently?

If the filter pressure does not decrease after a backwash and you have to backwash again, the filter is probably clogged and flow is restricted. In this instance, the filter needs to be taken apart and cleaned in order to clear the blockages.



What does it mean when I'm experiencing weak suction from my skimmers?

Weak suction from the skimmers is indicative of high filter pressure. High filter pressure means that the filter is packed with debris and water is not flowing as powerfly through the pipes as it should be. First, try thoroughly backwashing your filter to clear any loose debris. If backwashing does not solve the issue, a deep cleaning is needed.



What is the average life expectancy of the internal filter grid assembly?

Filter grids have an average life of 5-7 years.



Do I need to be home at the time of my service?

No you do not need to be home. For a D.E. filter maintenance call, all we need is access to the filter itself and a hose or spicket outside so we can properly clean the internal elements of the filter.



Safety Cover Replacement FAQ

Can any pool be converted to a salt water pool?

Yes!



What are the main benefits of converting my pool to saltwater?

Salt water pools have many benefits over chlorine pools. The water is more natural to swim in and is better for the hair and skin. You can open your eyes underwater. The operating costs are lower for saltwater pools as well.



How salty does the pool water become? Is it comparable to the ocean?

No the salinity of the ocean is over 10,000 ppm. A saltwater pool has a salinity of around 3,200 ppm which is equivalent to the salinity of your tears. This is why you’re able to open your eyes underwater!



What maintenance is needed after my pool is converted to a salt water system?

Much less maintenance than a chlorine pool. Saltwater pools naturally have a more stable pH and Alkalinity level. Adding chlorine tabs on a regular basis is completely taken out of the equation. As long as the salt level is within the proper range, the salt system will generate the chlorine naturally. The customer just needs to watch the salt level of the pool. Heavy rains can affect the salt reading and thereby affect the chlorine production



How does salt water sanitize my pool?

The chemical makeup of salt is Sodium Chloride (NaCl). How the salt system sanitizes the pool is by splitting up the Chlorine molecules from the Sodium molecules. This in fact produces Chlorine naturally, unlike the addition of chlorine tabs.



Do I need to install a new pool pump and filter in addition to the salt generator?

No, a salt system can function with any type of pump or filter.



How long does a salt conversion take?

A complete salt conversion takes 1-2 days. It is an extremely easy process. We plumb in the salt system, hook up the electrical, add the required amount of salt into the pool, and allow that to circulate for 24 hours before turning the salt cell on for the first time. Once that cell is turned on after the 24 hours, your pool has officially been converted into a saltwater pool.



Salt Water Conversion FAQ

Can any pool be converted to a salt water pool?

Yes!



What are the main benefits of converting my pool to saltwater?

Salt water pools have many benefits over chlorine pools. The water is more natural to swim in and is better for the hair and skin. You can open your eyes underwater. The operating costs are lower for saltwater pools as well.



How salty does the pool water become? Is it comparable to the ocean?

No the salinity of the ocean is over 10,000 ppm. A saltwater pool has a salinity of around 3,200 ppm which is equivalent to the salinity of your tears. This is why you’re able to open your eyes underwater!



What maintenance is needed after my pool is converted to a salt water system?

Much less maintenance than a chlorine pool. Saltwater pools naturally have a more stable pH and Alkalinity level. Adding chlorine tabs on a regular basis is completely taken out of the equation. As long as the salt level is within the proper range, the salt system will generate the chlorine naturally. The customer just needs to watch the salt level of the pool. Heavy rains can affect the salt reading and thereby affect the chlorine production



How does salt water sanitize my pool?

The chemical makeup of salt is Sodium Chloride (NaCl). How the salt system sanitizes the pool is by splitting up the Chlorine molecules from the Sodium molecules. This in fact produces Chlorine naturally, unlike the addition of chlorine tabs.



Do I need to install a new pool pump and filter in addition to the salt generator?

No, a salt system can function with any type of pump or filter.



How long does a salt conversion take?

A complete salt conversion takes 1-2 days. It is an extremely easy process. We plumb in the salt system, hook up the electrical, add the required amount of salt into the pool, and allow that to circulate for 24 hours before turning the salt cell on for the first time. Once that cell is turned on after the 24 hours, your pool has officially been converted into a saltwater pool.



Equipment Upgrades FAQ

How do I know that I need to have my filter sand changed?

On average, filter sand must be changed every 3-5 years. If you are experiencing issues such as algae growth even with the right chlorine level, poor water clarity, constant high filter pressure, or you can’t remember the last time the sand was changed, it is probably time to change the sand.



What is the difference between traditional filter sand and the new Activate Glass Media?

Activate Glass Media is permanent while traditional pool filter sand lasts only about 3-5 years. Also, Activate Glass Media greatly enhances water clarity and redeces the need for clarifying chemicals.



How many bags of sand does my filter require?

An average size in-ground sand filter requires about 300 pounds of sand which equates to 6 bags of sand. Some filters for bigger pools require 400 pounds of sand which equates to 8 bags of sand.



When will I be billed for my service?

You will be billed for a sand change after the service has been completed.



I have leftover sand from the hardware store, can Sahara Pools use this instead?

No, the quality of the sand is not the same as pool filter sand. Pool sand needs to be a certain coarseness in order to ensure proper filtration. If the filter sand is too fine, the water pressure will just pass the sand right back into the pool.



Do I need to be home at the time of my service?

No, all we need for a sand change is access to the filter itself.



 

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Contact Us

(908) 236-7665

Mon-Fri: 1:00PM - 6:00PM

Sat-Sun: 10:00AM - 5:00PM

1160 US Highway 22 West

Lebanon, NJ 08833

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