When should I backwash or clean my filter?

Backwash your filter once a week after vacuuming, or when the pressure gauge reads 5psi higher than your clean filter pressure.

How do I clean the basket inside the pump?

Turn the pool equipment off – but before you do so, you must ALWAYS MAKE SURE that your heater has cooled down for about 15 minutes before you turn off any equipment. Remove the pump lid and empty out the pump basket by spraying it down. To dislodge the debris, use a hose to spray it out or gently tap the basket. You must make sure that the basket is put back into the pump the same way you took it out. Lastly, re-prime the pump.

Why is there a strong smell of chlorine coming from my pool?

A strong smell of chlorine is actually a sign that the pool needs to be shocked. You are smelling “chloramines” which is spent chlorine which is no longer useful in killing bacteria.

How do I know how many gallons of water my pool holds?

This is important information to know, so that you can apply the proper amount of chemicals to your pool. Follow the formulas below to estimate your pool volume:

Round: diameter X diameter X average depth X 5.9 = gallons
Rectangle: length X width X average depth X 7.5 = gallons
Oval: long diameter X short diameter X average depth X 5.9 = gallons

Why is balancing my pool’s chemistry so important?

If your pool water is not chemically balanced properly, it can lead to eye and skin irritation as well as harm the equipment and surface of the pool.

How often should I test my pool water?

You should test your pool water at least once a week. Once you get to know your pool’s chemistry, you will be able to develop a routine that fits your pool.

What is shocking or superchlorinating?

These terms mean that you are oxidizing everything in your pool. The purpose of shocking or superchlorinating your pool is to subdue a problem such as algae growth. This means that you are giving your pool a chlorine overdose to kill anything that is growing in there.

Why is my pool losing water?

Losing water could mean one of two things: either you have a leak or it may just be evaporation. Here is a simple test you may want to try. Fill a 5 gallon plastic bucket with pool water 3/4 to the top, and put it on the top step of the pool. Put a mark at the water line in the bucket, and a mark at the water line in the pool. Check to see how much water has evaporated from the bucket in 24 hours, and how much has evaporated from the pool. If the water level drops from the pool at the same rate as the bucket, then the water loss is due to evaporation. If the pool loses more water than the bucket, then you may have a leak. It is important to call us to assist you if you believe that you have a leak. This can happen in the piping, the pool structure, or can be a problem with the equipment. 

Safety Tips

• Never leave a child unsupervised near a pool.
• Never dive into the shallow end, or into an above-ground pool. Most diving injuries occur in six feet of water or less.
• Never use a flotation device as a substitute for supervision.
• Learn CPR! It is a good idea for all members of the family, and the child care provider to become familiar with CPR and first aid.
• Keep rescue equipment by the pool.
• Install a fence or other barrier, such as a wall completely around the pool. It should be at least 4 feet tall. Fence gates should be self-closing and self-latching and the latch should be out of a child’s reach. Keep the gate locked at all times when you are not in the pool area.
• It is a good idea to keep a telephone in the pool area for emergency purposes.
• Always keep pool chemicals out of the reach of children.
• Don’t allow anyone who has been drinking alcohol to use the pool.
• Stay out of the pool during rainstorms.
• Keep all electrical devices away from the pool.

Chemical Glossary

CHLORINE

Chlorine is necessary for the control of bacteria and algae. The chlorine in your pool should be maintained at a reading of 1.0 to 2.0 on your test kit to prevent the growth of algae and bacteria.

HOW ACIDIC OR BASIC YOUR POOL WATER IS

It is recommended that pH levels should read between 7.2 and 7.6 on your test kit, but the ideal reading is 7.5. PH is the level of how acidic your pool water is. If you maintain a good pH level, then your chlorine will work effectively. If PH adjustment is required, muriatic acid can be used to lower it, and soda ash, may be used to raise it. Never add acid at the same time that you add the chlorine, so if you are shocking your pool in the evening, it is advised that you add acid to the pool in the morning.

ALKALINITY

Alkalinity is the key to water balance. Pool water depends on alkalinity and pH to maintain the balance needed for sanitizers to work. Alkalinity is a pH stabilizer and helps to keep the pH within the proper levels so that the chlorine can work properly. A low alkalinity reading on your test kit can result in a build up of scale (a hard white formation) and can cause damage to your pool equipment. The level of alkalinity should read between 100-150 on your test kit.

STABILIZER (Cyanuric Acid)

Stabilizer (also called conditioner) keeps the chlorine in your pool longer. It protects the chlorine and makes it more resistant to being burned off by the sun. Stabilizer should be added, and the level should be 35 ppm, whenever large amounts of water are added to your pool.

The result of good pool chemistry is a Crystal Clear pool!