Drain Terms and Release

DRAINING AND/OR ACID WASH TREATMENT OF A SWIMMING POOL'S FINISH ARE MAINTENANCE PROCEDURES. USUALLY NEEDED PERIODICALLY THROUGHOUT THE LIFE OF A SWIMMING POOL. HOWEVER, SINCE THESE PROCEDURES INVOLVE DRAINING THE SWIMMING POOL AND APPLYING CHEMICALS TO THE PLASTER, THERE ARE CERTAIN RISKS INVOLVED NOT NORMALLY ASSOCIATED WITH DAY TO DAY MAINTENANCE PROCEDURES AND WHICH ARE NOT WITHIN THE CONTROL OF THE POOL SERVICE TECHNICIAN. THE PURPOSE OF THIS STATEMENT IS TO PROVIDE, YOU, THE CUSTOMER, WITH ADDITIONAL INFORMATION CONCERNING THESE PROCEDURES AND INFORM YOU OF SOME OF THE RISKS INVOLVED AND OF WHAT THE TYPICAL RESULTS OF SUCH PROCEDURES ARE.

DRAINING

Periodic draining swimming pool water is a common maintenance practice. It is routinely performed to remove water that has become hard or laden with excessive minerals, or to perform the needed repairs to a pool. Normally, removal of water from a pool causes no problems. however there are a few things that can happen of which you should be aware.

County codes and regulations should be carefully reviewed before draining a swimming pool. Improper discharge of swimming pool water will result in fines and penalties. Never discharge water to our Bay, Lakes or Streams. Discharging neutralized pool water to your household sewer line is normally the proper method of emptying the pool. The water must fall within proper chemical parameters before draining.

When the water is removed, the gunite shell of the pool may raise out of the ground, a condition often times caused by hydrostatic pressure (i.e., too much moisture in the soil). However, the possibility of this problem can be reduced by not draining the pool during the wetter times of the year. Structural cracks or noticeable movement should be addressed by the Original Pool Builder, as part of the original contract agreement and warranty.

The surface coat is a cement product combined with aggregates and is extremely durable. A surface properly maintained should last up to 15 years. If the plaster has reached the service life and is in need of replaster, it cannot often be detected with the water in place. Once exposed, one can usually determine if the plaster surface has delaminated from the existing gunite shell or the integrity of the cement and aggregate bond has been impaired from duration of use. The length of time in service and a history of improper chemical water balance are important factors that will cause the plaster to shrink, expand, crack, blister, flake or pop off, etc. when drained. These problems do not normally occur, especially if, the original surface was prepared, applied and maintained properly. These conditions are beyond the control of the person who has simply "drained the water". Pool Chlor is not responsible for a pool that may need to be replastered if these circumstances are uncovered. Repairs that require the draining of a pool should be made as quickly as possible and the pool refilled as soon as possible.

ACID WASHING/ACID TREATMENTS

Bay Area Pool Chlor does not believe in acid washing plastered swimming pools except as a last resort to try to enhance the former beauty of the pool's surface. We do not actively seek this business and will perform it for our customers only after they have been fully informed and are aware of the possible deleterious effects it may have on the pool's cement surface. The decision to use acid procedures to remove stains and mineral buildup from a pool's surface should be very carefully considered and is the responsibility of the Pool Owner. Under most circumstances staining or mineral buildup takes many months or years to accumulate. While acid treatments are recognized as a common procedure for removal, there are several problems that may occur. Acid washing the plaster of swimming pools eliminates stains by removing some of the cement surface. The process of applying acid to plaster surfaces can have a very injurious effect on the plaster and can cause problems which are even more undesirable and unsightly than before. Some of the problems may become visible immediately after or as long as 1 year later following the washing of the plaster surface using an acid to water mix of any ratio. To what degree this occurs depends on the concentration of acid, the temperature of the stain being removed and the quality and condition of the plaster itself. In addition to the points previously addressed, other possible adverse effects are: 1) The surface may etch, become rough or expose the aggregate in the plaster mix. 2) Random areas of chipping and breaking away of a thin veneer layer of plaster may become evident. 3) Some areas may take on a yellow or tan appearance which cannot be removed even by excessive removal of surface plaster. 4) Other stains may appear at a later date because of the residual acid left in lines or equipment and main drain following the acid application.

Please Note: In some cases cracking, thinning or delamination of the tile and plaster could be a preexisting condition and is beyond the control of the acid wash applicator and is difficult to detect when the pool is full of water. Consideration should be given to the experience and recommendation of the applicator and if you have any doubts, seek a second opinion and/or additional information.

PRESSURE WASHING/CHLORINE TREATMENTS

This process is considered when the pool has been left untreated or unfiltered for an extended period of time and algae has developed beyond the control of using hand fed chemicals. The pressure wash and light use of a chlorinated product will not be as harsh to the surface. Mineral stains most likely will not be removed with this process. The algae infestation can be quickly removed and any spores left behind killed instantly. Note: If the water has been left untreated for an extended period of time it will become very aggressive. This condition may have damaged the plaster beyond our attempts to revitalize. Pool Chlor is not responsible for a pool that may need to be replastered if these circumstances are uncovered. Some Black algae spores may require additional treatment after the pool is initially refilled.

An evenly colored, smooth texture after an acid procedure or a chlorine wash is a totally unrealistic expectation. The stains most likely took a long period of time to develop, and could be embedded deeply into the plaster material. At best the consumer can expect the pool's appearance to look "brighter" than before, with some stains remaining. Sanding will aid in the restoration of the pool's surface texture.

Before Bay Area Pool Chlor will Drain your pool, pressure wash or apply any chemical treatments to your pool's plaster it will be necessary for you to sign a printable waiver and release. This statement indicates that you have been informed of the possible adverse effects such procedures may produce. Please return by Fax 925-449-4785 or mail 291 Rickenbacker Circle, Livermore,Ca. 94551.

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