How do I maintain my pool filter?
The filter system removes debris by trapping small particles that get into the
pool and do not dissolve. The filter system components are the pump and the filter.
The pump is the electrical component that drives the pool water through the filter.
Your swimming pool filter must operate for a sufficient length of time each day
in order to completely circulate the water. Circulating pool water is what brings
debris to your pool filter, where it is removed from the water. Over time, the
pool filter can become clogged with this debris. This results in built-up pressure
and decreased productivity. When this occurs,
Liquid
Sand Filter Cleaner can be added to the skimmer to bring your filter back
to its normal operating efficiency. Adding 8 oz. of
Liquid
Sand Filter Cleaner weekly can be used to prevent clogging. Note: DE and cartridge
filters should also be cleaned regularly with
Granular Filter Cleaner.
How do I maintain my pool water?
Your swimming pool water must be in balance for the most effective use of chemicals.
Swimming pool water should be tested everyday to ensure that the water’s components
are within the desired levels (see chart below for desired readings). There are
two types off water testing methods that test for sanitizer (chlorine or bromine),
pH, total alkalinity, calcium hardness and cyanuric acid.
- Liquid
Drops Method: Although more time consuming than the test strips, the drop
method can accurately determine the amount of chemical adjuster required to establish
the desired water component levels.
- Test
Strip Method: Simply dip the strip into the swimming pool water and compare
the results to the color chart on the bottle.
| POOL COMPONENT REFERENCE
CHART
|
| Component
|
| Desired Reading
|
| pH
|
| 7.2 - 7.6
|
Free Chlorine
Bromine
|
| 1 - 3 ppm
2 - 4 ppm
|
| Total Alkalinity
|
| 80 - 120 ppm
|
| Calcium Hardness
|
| 200 - 350 ppm
|
| Cyanuric Acid
|
| 30 - 60 ppm
|
How do I shock my swimming pool?
How?
Add shock by broadcasting it over the swimming pool’s surface. Keep the solar
cover off during shock treatment because the concentrated chlorine content will
make the cover brittle and susceptible to tearing.
TIP - To prevent bleaching your pool liner, it is best to dissolve shock
in a bucket of water before broadcasting it into your swimming pool.
When?
A good rule of thumb for pool shocking is once every week under normal conditions
and twice a week during prolonged periods of warm weather, heavy rainfall and
heavy bather loads. The best time to shock your pool is at night because during
the day, the sun’s rays quickly reduce the effectiveness for the shock. Additionally,
shocking your swimming pool overnight will allow the chlorine level to decrease
by morning, preventing irritation of swimmer’s skin and eyes.
Which pool shock should I use?
- Super
Pool Shock is a super powerful chlorine-based shock that is excellent for
killing algae. This concentrated shock must be diluted with water before it is
added to your pool.
- Pool
Shock should be used when high levels of chlorine are required. Swimming is
not recommended for 12-24 hours after use.
- Chlor-Free
Shock is a powerful non-chlorine oxidizer that destroys chloramines and allows
swimming during use. Chlor-Free Shock is the same quality as Oxy Brite®
and Shock Brite®.
- Lithium
Shock is a chlorine-based shock with lithium as its active ingredient. Same
quality as Burnout 35®, Fast Shock® and Super Chlorinator
35®. Lithium Shock is 35% available chlorine and will not bleach your
pool liner.
Note: To make sure your pool is safe for swimming, be sure to follow
all directions for use on the shock treatment you choose.
When should I vacuum and skim my pool?
Another step to keeping your swimming pool water crystal clean and clear is vacuuming
and skimming on a regular basis. Keeping your pool free of debris allows your
chemicals to effectively sanitize your pool water. Vacuuming can be done manually
or with one of the reliable
Automatic
Pool Cleaners.
Most manual pool vacuums attach to the skimmer and use the pump pressure to bring
debris off the bottom of the pool through the filter system.
Note: There can be no air in the vacuum hose when using a manual vacuum.
Air can be driven out of the vacuum hose by either submersing the vacuum hose
and head under the water or by placing the vacuum hose over one of the return
fittings before hooking it up to the skimmer.
C
lean your Skimmer and or Pump Basket
Your skimmer and pump basket are designed to collect large debris before it reaches
the filter. You should empty out and clean these baskets frequently. Failure to
remove collected debris often results in poor water circulation, inhibiting maximum
filtration efficiency.
Brushing.
Use a
wall
brush to clean and scrub pool walls and bottom. Brushing the pool will allow
debris and dirt to be caught in your pool's filtration system as well as prevent
algae growth and staining due to stagnant dirt. Brush your pool as needed or as
part of weekly maintenance.
.
Keep surrounding deck areas clean
A good practice in maintaining a clean pool is to keep the deck and surrounding
areas free from loose leaves, dirt and debris. This dirt and debris will either
be brought into the pool by the users or blow into the pool where it will have
to be cleaned out. A regimen of regularly hosing down the deck or raking the surrounding
yard is recommended to prevent needless pool water cleaning.
