Why do I need so many chemicals in my pool can't I just add Chlorine?
eIf the water is not properly maintained and the pH, Total Alkalinity and Calcium Hardness are allowed to fall below the recommended levels, the water will turn corrosive and can etch plaster, wrinkle vinyl liners, irritate the eyes & skin, AND corrode any metal components in the filtration system. The effects of this are most noticeable when a heater begins to leak. The corrosive water will eat at the copper in the heater’s heat exchanger. The copper will dissolve into the water and blonde hair will start turning green and you may begin to see stains on the pool walls.
If the levels are kept above the proper ranges, the water becomes scale forming. Scale will build up on the pool walls, the water will remain cloudy, eyes and skin irritation will develop and chlorine will not work as effectively. |
How many hours per day should I run my pump?
There are many factors to consider; bather load, gallons of water, pump horsepower, type and size of filter just to name a few. A good guideline is 8-10 hours a day. On the cooler days and early and late season, you can cut the run time down to 4-6 hours because there is usually less swimmers and cooler water requires less chemicals. In peak season, when it is the hottest, raising the run time to 10-12 hours per day will help to keep the pool clean and circulating during it’s time of heaviest use.
There are many factors to consider; bather load, gallons of water, pump horsepower, type and size of filter just to name a few. A good guideline is 8-10 hours a day. On the cooler days and early and late season, you can cut the run time down to 4-6 hours because there is usually less swimmers and cooler water requires less chemicals. In peak season, when it is the hottest, raising the run time to 10-12 hours per day will help to keep the pool clean and circulating during it’s time of heaviest use.
How do I clean my cartridges?
The cartridges should be cleaned once a season with a degreaser or acid bath, Body oils are the first thing to clog a cartridge element. A degreasing solution should be used to remove oils. If an acid bath is used to remove oils, it will embed these oils into the fabric and make the element less effective. You can use 1-cup detergent to 5 gallons of water. Dissolve the detergent in a bucket of water and soak the element(s) for 24 hours. YOU MUST THOROUGHLY RINSE THE ELEMENTS PRIOR TO REINSTALLING THEM INTO THE FILTER. IF YOU DON’T THE POOL WILL FILL WITH SOAP BUBBLES. |
How long will it take a heat pump to heat my pool?
The initial start up heating time will vary depending on the size of the pool and the outdoor temperature. While there are other factors that will increase or decrease the heat up time, these two factors are most critical. In most situations an initial heat up period of 4 to 5 days can be expected. However, after the pool has warmed to the desired temperature the heat pump should be able to maintain this temperature with a run time of only a few hours per day. |
How do I add D.E. and how often do I need to change my D.E.?
D.E. is added through the skimmer with the pump running. Each filter has a different requirement of D.E. At initial start up or after a thorough cleaning, the filter will need to be pre-coated with D.E. The filter label will state the amount of D.E. required. Start the pump and once the pump is fully primed, measure the D.E. using a D.E. scoop, part # EC10SC. Slowly add the D.E. into the skimmer. The pump will draw in the D.E. and send it into the filter, where it coats the grids or Flex tubes. Once all the D.E. is added, take a reading of the filter’s pressure gauge. This is the clean starting pressure of the filter.
When the pressure rises 8-10 PSI above the starting pressure, it is time to backwash or clean the filter. After the filter is backwashed or thoroughly cleaned, by taking it apart and hosing it out, you will need to pre-coat the filter again with the entire amount of D.E. stated on the filter label.
D.E. is added through the skimmer with the pump running. Each filter has a different requirement of D.E. At initial start up or after a thorough cleaning, the filter will need to be pre-coated with D.E. The filter label will state the amount of D.E. required. Start the pump and once the pump is fully primed, measure the D.E. using a D.E. scoop, part # EC10SC. Slowly add the D.E. into the skimmer. The pump will draw in the D.E. and send it into the filter, where it coats the grids or Flex tubes. Once all the D.E. is added, take a reading of the filter’s pressure gauge. This is the clean starting pressure of the filter.
When the pressure rises 8-10 PSI above the starting pressure, it is time to backwash or clean the filter. After the filter is backwashed or thoroughly cleaned, by taking it apart and hosing it out, you will need to pre-coat the filter again with the entire amount of D.E. stated on the filter label.