Question 1

Are you a licensed pool contractor?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Ministering Hands is a state-certified Pool & Spa Contractor (License #CPC1461519). Unlike a 'pool service' license which is limited to cleaning, our CPC license authorizes us to build, renovate, repair equipment, and perform structural work statewide.

Question 2

What areas do you service?

Accepted Answer

For weekly maintenance routes, we strictly serve Indian River County (Vero Beach, Sebastian, Fellsmere). For construction, renovations, and major equipment repairs, we serve the entire State of Florida.

Question 3

Do you offer free estimates?

Accepted Answer

Yes. We offer free estimates for repairs, renovations, equipment installs, and new construction. For weekly maintenance, we can often give a quote over the phone using satellite imagery to size your pool.

Question 4

Are you insured?

Accepted Answer

Absolutely. We carry comprehensive General Liability and Workers' Compensation insurance to protect both our team and your property.

Question 5

Do you work on commercial pools?

Accepted Answer

Yes. We are licensed for commercial pool construction, repair, and maintenance. We understand the specific DOH (Dept of Health) requirements for commercial bodies of water.

Question 6

Can you inspect a pool I am buying?

Accepted Answer

Yes. We offer comprehensive pre-purchase pool inspections. We check the equipment, structural integrity, surfaces, and safety features to give you a clear picture of what you are buying.

Question 7

Do you offer financing?

Accepted Answer

We work with third-party lenders for major construction and renovation projects. Ask us during your consultation for current options.

Question 8

My pump is making a loud screaming noise. What is it?

Accepted Answer

This is usually the motor bearings failing. It often happens after a seal leak allows water into the motor. We can replace the motor, but we often recommend upgrading to a quiet Variable Speed Pump.

Question 9

My pump is humming but not moving water.

Accepted Answer

The capacitor may be blown, or the impeller might be jammed with debris. We can diagnose and repair this quickly.

Question 10

I think my pool is leaking. How can I tell?

Accepted Answer

Perform the 'Bucket Test'. Fill a bucket with pool water, place it on a step, and mark the water level inside and outside. If the pool drops faster than the bucket over 24 hours, you have a leak.

Question 11

Do you do leak detection?

Accepted Answer

Yes. We use specialized electronic listening devices and pressure testing equipment to pinpoint leaks in plumbing, lights, skimmers, or the shell.

Question 12

My pool light is out. Can you fix it?

Accepted Answer

Yes. We can replace the bulb if it's an older incandescent fixture, but we highly recommend upgrading to a sealed LED fixture for safety and energy efficiency.

Question 13

My heater won't turn on.

Accepted Answer

Common issues include a bad pressure switch, rodent damage to wires, or a failed control board. We troubleshoot all major brands (Pentair, Hayward, Jandy, Raypak).

Question 14

There are bubbles coming out of my returns.

Accepted Answer

This indicates a suction-side air leak. It's usually a bad O-ring on the pump lid, a loose union, or a leak in the plumbing before the pump.

Question 15

My spa drains down when the pump turns off.

Accepted Answer

This is a check valve failure. The water is draining back into the pool through the return lines. We can replace the check valve internals.

Question 16

My automatic cleaner is moving slowly.

Accepted Answer

Check the filter screen in the wall fitting and empty the pump basket. If that doesn't work, the cleaner may need a tune-up kit (tires, bearings, or diaphragm).

Question 17

Can you fix a cracked skimmer?

Accepted Answer

Yes. We can inject epoxy for minor cracks or perform a full skimmer replacement, which involves cutting the deck and plumbing in a new unit.

Question 18

My DE filter is putting powder back in the pool.

Accepted Answer

This usually means you have a torn grid or a cracked manifold inside the filter. We will disassemble it and replace the broken parts.

Question 19

My time clock is broken.

Accepted Answer

We can replace mechanical Intermatic timers or upgrade you to a digital automation system.

Question 20

Can you move my pool equipment to the side of the house?

Accepted Answer

Yes. We perform complete equipment pad relocations. This involves extending plumbing and electrical to a new location to reduce noise or free up deck space.

Question 21

What is a Variable Speed Pump (VSP)?

Accepted Answer

A VSP allows the motor to run at lower speeds for filtration, which consumes up to 90% less electricity than a single-speed pump. It is much quieter and pays for itself in energy savings.

Question 22

Should I switch to a salt system?

Accepted Answer

Salt systems provide softer feeling water and eliminate the need to buy chlorine tabs. The 'cell' turns salt into pure chlorine. We highly recommend them for daily maintenance ease.

Question 23

Can I control my pool from my phone?

Accepted Answer

Yes. We install pool automation systems (like Pentair IntelliCenter or Hayward OmniLogic) that let you control pumps, lights, heaters, and water features from an app anywhere in the world.

Question 24

What is the difference between a Heat Pump and a Gas Heater?

Accepted Answer

Gas heaters heat fast and work in any weather but are expensive to run. Heat pumps work like reverse air conditioners—they are very efficient and cheap to run, but rely on ambient air temperature (usually need 50°F+).

Question 25

Do you install UV or Ozone systems?

Accepted Answer

Yes. These are 'secondary sanitizers' that kill bacteria and viruses that chlorine might miss (like Crypto). They allow you to run a lower chlorine level for a better swimming experience.

Question 26

Can you install a chiller?

Accepted Answer

Yes. In Florida summers, pools can get like bathwater. We install Heat/Cool pumps that can cool your pool down to a refreshing temperature in August.

Question 27

What is a robotic cleaner?

Accepted Answer

Electric robotic cleaners run independently of your pool pump. They are energy efficient and scrub the tile line. We recommend them over old-style suction cleaners.

Question 28

Can you add a sheer descent waterfall?

Accepted Answer

Yes, we can retro-fit water features, deck jets, and waterfalls, though it may require some deck modification and additional plumbing.

Question 29

Do you install handrails?

Accepted Answer

Yes. We install ADA-compliant handrails and safety rails. We can core-drill into existing decks to add them securely.

Question 30

How long does it take to build a new pool?

Accepted Answer

Typically 12-16 weeks from permit approval to swimming, weather permitting. Complex features or supply chain issues can extend this.

Question 31

What is gunite?

Accepted Answer

Gunite (or shotcrete) is a concrete mixture sprayed over a rebar framework. It allows for completely custom shapes and extreme durability.

Question 32

Can you resurface my pool?

Accepted Answer

Yes. We offer several finishes including standard marcite, quartz, and pebble finishes. Pebble is the most durable and comes in many beautiful colors.

Question 33

My tiles are falling off. Can you fix them?

Accepted Answer

Yes. If it's just a few, we can re-set them. If the bond beam (concrete behind the tile) is cracked, we may need to perform a structural repair before re-tiling.

Question 34

Can you add a sun shelf (tanning ledge) to my existing pool?

Accepted Answer

Yes. This is a major renovation that involves shooting new concrete inside the existing shell. It's a popular upgrade during resurfacing projects.

Question 35

Do you install pavers?

Accepted Answer

Yes. We install travertine, brick, and concrete pavers. We can overlay your existing concrete deck or rip it out and start fresh.

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