Ask the Pool Queen · Pool Questions Answered in St. Petersburg, FL
Real Answers. No Sales Pitch.
Hi, I’m Colleen with Blu Wtr Pools. Ask me anything about your pool: resurfacing, leaks, tile, decks, equipment, or what a remodel really costs. There are no silly pool questions here.
Three steps. That’s it.
1
Ask your question.
Text, call, or send me a message with a photo of your pool. No question is too small.
2
Get a straight answer.
I’ll tell you what your pool really needs, and what it doesn’t. No sales pitch.
3
You choose.
Want me to come take a look? Book a free visit. Not ready yet? That’s okay too.
Before & After: My Recent Projects
Swipe or drag to see more of my recent pool makeovers.
When you call Blu Wtr Pools, I’m the one who shows up.
A pool remodel is a big decision, and it shouldn’t feel like a guessing game. Blu Wtr Pools is a family-owned, licensed pool contractor in St. Petersburg, and we’ve been fixing up pools since 2018. My job is to walk your pool with you, explain what it really needs (and what it doesn’t), and keep you in the loop from the first visit to the last day of work.
- Reach out. Text or call me, or book online. Online openings are often available within 24 hours.
- I come to you. In most cases I can come out for a consultation the same day you call.
- We walk your pool together. I look at the surface, tile, deck, and equipment with you and explain what I see in plain English.
- You decide. You get a clear estimate and honest advice on what your pool really needs. No pressure, ever.
Colleen
Clear updates
You’ll always know what’s happening with your pool and what comes next.
Honest answers
If your pool doesn’t need it, I’ll tell you. No upsells, no runaround.
A team that actually cares
We’re a family business, and we treat your backyard like it’s our own.
Keep Your Pool Ready Year-Round
Most pool problems start small: a dirty filter, water that’s a little off, or a pump that’s working too hard. This free checklist walks you through the 10 simple habits I recommend to every homeowner, so your pool stays clean, safe, and ready to swim in every season.
- How long to run your pump and filter each day
- What to test in your water every week
- When to clean your filter and vacuum
- How to spot equipment problems before they get costly
- When to shock your pool
- How to adjust your care for each season
Your Easy 10-Step Checklist for Keeping Your Pool Ready Year-Round
Follow these simple steps and dive in with confidence.
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Run the Filter Properly
Run your pool pump and filter 8 to 12 hours a day to keep the water moving and clean. Adjust the run time based on how much you use the pool and the weather.
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Test Your Water Weekly
Check your pool’s pH, chlorine, alkalinity, and calcium hardness at least once a week. Balanced water keeps swimmers safe and protects your pool’s interior finish.
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Skim and Clean Daily
Remove leaves, bugs, and debris with a skimmer net. This simple daily habit keeps your pool looking clean and takes strain off the filter.
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Inspect Your Pool Equipment
Check your pump, heater, and other equipment for leaks, strange noises, or wear and tear. Catching problems early prevents costly repairs.
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Clean the Filter
Backwash or clean your filter as recommended, usually every few weeks, so it keeps working well and your water stays clear.
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Vacuum Regularly
Use a manual or automatic pool vacuum to remove debris that sinks to the bottom. Aim to vacuum at least once a week.
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Brush the Walls and Floor
Brush your pool surfaces weekly to stop algae and dirt from building up, especially in corners and on steps.
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Keep the Water Level Right
Keep the water level at the middle of your skimmer opening. Too low or too high can hurt how well your filter works.
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Shock the Pool When Needed
Shock your pool (add a high dose of chlorine) after heavy use, storms, or when the water looks cloudy, to kill bacteria and contaminants.
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Adjust Care for the Season
In warmer months, clean and test more often. In cooler months you can ease up a little, but never stop completely. Steady care is the key all year.
Something not looking right? Text Colleen a photo and I’ll tell you what I see.
Ask Colleen Your Question
Pick the way that’s easiest for you. I pick some questions to answer in upcoming posts and videos.
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Questions Homeowners Ask Me Most
Tap a question to see my answer. Don’t see yours? Send it to me.
How do I know if my pool needs resurfacing?
Run your hand along the walls and floor. If it feels rough, you see stains that won’t brush away, the color looks blotchy, or you find hollow or flaking spots, the surface is wearing out. A new surface fixes all of that and makes the pool feel smooth again.
Learn more: Pool resurfacing
Plaster, quartz, or pebble: which pool finish is best?
Plaster is the classic smooth white finish and costs the least, but it wears out the fastest. Quartz adds color and lasts longer. Pebble is the toughest and lasts the longest, with a natural, slightly textured feel. I’ll bring samples so you can see and feel each one.
Learn more: Pool finish upgrades
How long does a pool remodel take?
It depends on the job. A resurfacing is much quicker than a full remodel with new tile, coping, and decking, and weather can move things a few days. I’ll give you a real timeline at the visit and keep you updated every step of the way.
Learn more: Pool renovation
How can I tell if my pool is leaking?
Try the bucket test. Set a bucket of water on the pool step, mark the water line inside the bucket and on the pool, and check both after 24 hours. If the pool drops more than the bucket, you are losing water to more than evaporation, and it’s time for a leak check.
Learn more: Leak detection
Is switching to a salt pool worth it?
For most families, yes. Salt water feels softer on your skin and eyes, and you stop hauling jugs of chlorine. A salt system still makes chlorine, it just makes it for you. The salt cell needs to be replaced every few years, so plan for that.
Learn more: Salt conversion
Should I replace my tile and coping when I resurface?
Usually, yes. The pool is already drained, so it’s the best time to do it. If your tile or coping is cracked, loose, or dated, doing it together saves you from draining the pool again later.
Learn more: Pool tile
Pavers or travertine for my pool deck?
Both look great. Travertine stays cooler under bare feet, which matters in Florida. Pavers come in lots of colors and patterns and usually cost less. I’ll show you both at your home so you can see what fits your style.
Learn more: Pool deck pavers
Can I finance my pool remodel?
Yes. We offer financing through Hearth. Checking your options is a soft credit check, so it won’t hurt your credit score.
Learn more: Pool remodeling financing
Do you charge to come look at my pool?
No. The visit and the estimate are free, and there’s no pressure. I’ll look at your pool, answer your questions, and tell you what it really needs.
Learn more: Book a free visit
Want Me to Come Look at Your Pool?
Pick a day and time that works for you. Openings are often available within 24 hours. The visit is free, and there’s no pressure to buy anything.