Poolside FAQ

Maintaining the proper water level in your pool is crucial for optimal performance and water quality. Here’s a more detailed breakdown:     1.           Low Water Level:                 •             Pump Strain: When the water level is too low, the pool pump may draw in air, causing it to run inefficiently and potentially leading to damage. This can result in decreased water circulation and filtration.                 •             Skimmer Performance: A low water level can also affect the skimmer’s efficiency. Skimmers work by pulling debris from the pool’s surface, and if the water level is below the skimmer opening, it won’t be able to effectively skim off leaves, bugs, and other debris.   2.           High Water Level:                 •             Skimming Efficiency: If the water level is too high, the skimmer door may not function correctly. This can reduce the skimmer’s ability to capture floating debris. As a result, you might notice more debris settling to the bottom of the pool, affecting water clarity.                 •             Overflows and Equipment Damage: Excessively high water levels can lead to overflow, potentially flooding the pool deck. It can also cause damage to pool equipment, such as the pump and heater, if they are not designed to handle water levels above a certain point.   3. Adjusting the Water Level:                   •             Refill when Low: Use a garden hose to add water when the level is too low. Ensure the water reaches the middle of the pool skimmer opening or the waterline tile for optimal pump and skimmer performance.                 •             Drain when High: If the water level is too high, consider using a submersible pump or your pool’s drainage system to lower it to the recommended level.   Regularly monitoring and maintaining the correct water level helps keep your pool equipment functioning efficiently, promotes effective skimming, and contributes to overall water clarity and quality.

Cleaning your pool filter is essential to keep your pool water clear and safe. The type of filter you have will determine how you should clean it. There are three main types of pool filters: sand, cartridge, and diatomaceous earth (DE). Here are some general steps for each type: • Sand filter: This filter uses sand to trap dirt and debris. To clean it, you need to backwash it regularly, which means reversing the water flow to flush out the accumulated dirt. You also need to chemically clean it once or twice a year, using a filter cleaner that dissolves oils and minerals. To backwash and chemically clean a sand filter, follow these steps: 1. Turn off the pump and set the valve to “backwash”. 2. Run the backwash until the water clears, usually for 3 to 5 minutes. 3. Turn off the pump and set the valve to “rinse”. 4. Run the rinse for about 30 seconds to settle the sand. 5. Turn off the pump and set the valve to “filter”. 6. To chemically clean the filter, add the filter cleaner to the skimmer or the pump basket, following the manufacturer’s instructions. 7. Run the filter for a few hours, then backwash and rinse again • Cartridge filter: This filter uses pleated polyester cartridges to capture dirt and debris. To clean it, you need to remove the cartridges and rinse them with a hose or soak them in a filter cleaner. You also need to replace the cartridges when they are worn out, usually every 2 to 3 years. To rinse and soak a cartridge filter, follow these steps: 1. Turn off the pump and open the air relief valve to release the pressure. 2. Open the filter tank and remove the cartridges. 3. Rinse the cartridges with a hose, using a nozzle with a jet spray. Avoid using a high-pressure washer, as it can damage the cartridges. 4. To soak the cartridges, fill a large bucket with water and add the filter cleaner, following the manufacturer’s instructions. Submerge the cartridges in the solution and let them soak for at least 8 hours or overnight. 5. Rinse the cartridges again and reinstall them in the filter tank. 6. Close the filter tank and the air relief valve, and turn on the pump. • DE filter: This filter uses a fine powder made of fossilized algae to coat a grid of fabric-covered plastic. To clean it, you need to backwash it regularly and recharge it with fresh DE powder. You also need to disassemble and soak it once or twice a year, using a filter cleaner that removes oils and algae. To backwash and recharge a DE filter, follow these steps: 1. Turn off the pump and set the valve to “backwash”. 2. Run the backwash until the water clears, usually for 2 to 3 minutes. 3. Turn off the pump and set the valve to “filter”. 4. Add the DE powder to the skimmer, following the manufacturer’s instructions. The amount of DE powder depends on the size of your filter, but usually it is about 1 pound per 10 square feet of filter area. 5. To disassemble and soak the filter, open the filter tank and remove the grid assembly. 6. Rinse the grids with a hose and inspect them for tears or cracks. Replace any damaged grids. 7. Fill a large bucket with water and add the filter cleaner, following the manufacturer’s instructions. Submerge the grids in the solution and let them soak for at least 8 hours or overnight. 8. Rinse the grids again and reinstall them in the filter tank. 9. Close the filter tank and add the DE powder as before

A pool cleaner is a device that helps you remove dirt, debris, and algae from your pool floor and walls. There are different types of pool cleaners, such as manual, automatic, and robotic. Here are some general steps on how to use a pool cleaner: • Choose a pool cleaner that suits your pool size, shape, and type. Manual cleaners are cheaper but require more effort and time. Automatic cleaners are more convenient but less effective. Robotic cleaners are the most efficient but also the most expensive. • Connect the pool cleaner to your pool’s filtration system, power source, or remote control, depending on the type. For manual cleaners, you will need to attach a vacuum head to a telescopic pole and a hose. For automatic cleaners, you will need to attach the cleaner to the skimmer or a dedicated suction line. For robotic cleaners, you will need to plug the cleaner into an outlet and place it in the water. • Move the pool cleaner across the pool floor and walls, either manually or automatically. For manual cleaners, you will need to push the vacuum head along the pool surface, making sure to cover all areas. For automatic cleaners, you will need to adjust the settings and let the cleaner run on its own. For robotic cleaners, you will need to use the remote control or the app to guide the cleaner or set a cleaning program. • Empty and clean the pool cleaner’s filter, bag, or basket regularly. This will prevent the cleaner from getting clogged or losing suction. For manual cleaners, you will need to detach the hose and the vacuum head and rinse them with water. For automatic cleaners, you will need to remove the cleaner from the pool and empty the debris from the filter, bag, or basket. For robotic cleaners, you will need to lift the cleaner out of the water and clean the filter, bag, or basket.