Answers to your pool questions

Find quick answers about our pool and spa services, maintenance schedules, and support for vacation homes in Gallatin County.

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What services are available?

We handle cleaning, maintenance, and repairs for pools and spas at residential properties across the region.

How often is service needed?

Weekly or bi-weekly visits are best to keep your pool or spa clean, safe, and ready for use.

Do you service vacation homes?

Yes, we manage pools and spas for second homes, ensuring everything is guest-ready year-round.

Is emergency support offered?

We provide fast repairs for urgent issues. Reach out for prompt assistance to protect your pool or spa.

How often should you test and balance pool or spa water?

You should test your water at least weekly during the swim season and adjust pH, alkalinity, sanitizer, and calcium hardness as needed. This keeps water clear, safe, and protects your equipment.

How often should the pool pump run?

For most pools, 8 hours per day is sufficient to achieve full turnover. If you have a variable-speed pump, you may run it longer—but at lower energy use.

How often should you clean or backwash your filter?

Sand filters: Backwash when the pressure is 8–10 psi above clean reading, or about once a month.

Cartridge filters: Clean when pressure spikes, and more frequently if usage or debris is high. We clean cartridge filters every visit.

Why is brushing the pool important?

Brushing at least once a week helps prevent algae, waterline buildup, and stains. It’s essential even when using an automatic cleaner or pool robot because some areas don’t get adequate circulation.

What’s causing cloudy water—and how do you fix it?

Cloudiness usually stems from improper water balance or poor circulation. To clear it up: test and balance water, shock if necessary, clean/replace filters, and ensure proper pump and skimmer function.

How do I know if my pool is leaking?

Use the bucket test: Fill a bucket to match the pool’s water level, and set it on a step (so the water levels line up) and leave it for a week. If the pool drops more than the bucket, you might have a leak.

Do pools need maintenance during winter?

Yes—year-round care is advised. Winter tasks include balancing chemical levels, protecting equipment, and ensuring nothing freezes or gets damaged.

How do I remove algae if it appears?

Prevention is key—maintain clean, balanced water, good circulation, and regular brushing. If algae blooms, use the proper algaecide and follow up with shock treatment if needed.

What’s the difference between free chlorine and total chlorine—and why does it matter?

Free chlorine is active disinfectant.

Total chlorine includes both free chlorine and chloramines (used-up sanitizer). Chloramines should stay under 0.4 ppm—if they exceed that, shock the pool.

What's pool sanitation, and how is it maintained?

Sanitation combines filtration (removing debris via skimmer and filters) and disinfection (typically with chlorine or bromine) to protect against pathogens. Proper chemical balance (pH7.2–7.8; alkalinity 80–120 ppm; calcium hardness 200–400 ppm) is critical.

How can I make my pool system more energy-efficient?

Install a variable-speed pump.

Use a pool cover to reduce heat loss and evaporation

Should I drain the pool annually?

Not typically. Keeping water in the pool through winter is protective. Use a quality cover and follow best practices to avoid freeze damage.

Still Have Questions? We’ve Got You Covered.

Triton Pool and Spa is committed to responsive, high-end service and expertise. Whether it's an obscure chemistry question or an equipment failure before a holiday visit, we're here to address your needs swiftly.