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Pool Servicing Frequently Asked Questions

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between a traditional filtration system and a sand filter?

All pool situations vary in available space and position for pool hardware, while a sand filter requires a lot more space than a cartridge style filter, the cartridge filter will require more height clearance. Both systems are efficient, so it is generally a personal preference. What is the difference between a salt water pool & chlorine pool? Most modern pools operate with a salt chlorinator, which converts salt to chlorine and provides a much nicer swimming environment, especially for those with allergies etc. It also negates the transportation and storage of chlorine and its inherent safety issues. It is much easier to store a few bags of salt. Chlorine Pools require more monitoring to keep the levels correct and now not as popular for this reason. How often should I have my water tested? During the winter months if you do not use your pool, it should be “shutdown” using an Algaecide. Testing of the water is then suggested every 4 to 6 weeks during this time. During the summer requirements vary greatly from pool to pool. Reasons for this include, the frequency of swimming, rainfall, temperature variance, leaf matter and general care. We recommend that water should be tested at a minimum every two weeks during peak season. How can I stop my eyes hurting when I go underwater? Have your water tested to keep the balance of acid & alkalinity correct, this will reduce this kind of irritation. What simple things can I do to keep my pool looking good? Some tips to keep your pool looking good and save on costs of chemicals, because good pool maintenance is more than scooping leaves and emptying the skimmer basket. It’s a good idea to brush the walls of the pool each week to disrupt any algae, dust as if allowed to accumulate will cause blackspot. Just use your pool pole with brush attachment and walk around the perimeter brushing down to where the walls meet the floor. If you have a cartridge filter give it a hose out with a pressure attachment on your garden hose about once a month, and also annually a 5:1 acid bath. If you have a sand filter, backwash it monthly. Have your water tested regularly in store, or use a test kit.

Pool Maintenance Tips

Getting rid of Blackspot

Blackspot requires treatment with an algaecide such as Hotzone or Blackspot remover. The blackspot must first be scrubbed with a nylon brush to loosen the surface and allow the penetration of the algaecide. We would use a liquid if the stain is on the walls of the pool, or a granular product of the stain is on the floor or steps of the pool. Usually you will get a terrific result within 24 hours. Fixing cloudy pool water Cloudy water can be diagnosed through a water analysis either in store or by booking a service tech on site. The most likely causes are: – Phosphates: (eg. dust, organic matter) from ducks, dogs etc. Phosphates can be corrected simply by using a phosphate remover, or; – High chlorine: levels which can generally be corrected with adjustments to the chlorinator, however if these problems are not present we would suggest the addition of a good quality water clarifier which you can obtain in store. Backwash your sand filter – Turn the system OFF, Remember the system must always be OFF when the handle is going to be rotated. – Rotate the handle to BACKWASH position – TURN SYSTEM BACK ON and backwash for 1 ½ minutes. – TURN THE SYSTEM OFF and rotate the hand to RINSE position – TURN SYSTEM BACK ON, watch the sight glass until it becomes clear, generally takes 1-2 mins. – TURN SYSTEM OFF, rotate handle back to FILTRATION. – TURN THE SYSTEM BACK ON. Operation complete. Discourage birds & ducks Ducks make a mess both around the pool and in the water and are detrimental to the balance of the water pH itself. It is therefore, desirable to deter them from wanting to swim in your pool instead of the lake. The addition of Pool Pro “Duck Off” will make the ducks very uncomfortable swimming in the pool as it causes them to sink slightly into the water, they will usually find an easier alternative. Duck Off will not harm the duck, or the swimmer when used according to the directions.

Remove stains on the pool surface

Staining on the pebblecrete or concrete surface of the pool is most likely to have been caused by the addition of unrefined salt that has not been sufficiently dissolved by brushing immediately. This can only be corrected by the application of a good quality stain remover such as Pool Pro Citric Acid, or Lo Chlor Multi Stain remover. If the stain has been there for a long period of time it may take several treatments to gain a satisfactory result. Fix a pool cleaner that’s only cleaning part of the surface This is generally caused by the hoses getting a “memory”. The first thing to try if your pool cleaner seems to be sticking to a pattern of its own, is to either remove the hoses (after disconnecting the vacuum plate) and lay them out straight in full sun to allow them to soften up in the heat. Then put them back in a different order, connect it all back up according to the manufacturer’s directions. You can also jump in the pool and give each join along the length of hose a little twist in opposite directions, this will do the same job and is much more fun if it’s a hot day. It is not recommended to use a continuous piece of hose, such as that supplied with a manual pool vacuum cleaner.

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