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Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How long should I run my System?
The length of time that you need to run your pool pump and filtration system all depends on what season of year you are in. During warmer temperatures (Apr-Oct) your pump should run from 8-10 hours a day during the day. This will prevent the water from sitting still making it easier for algae to grow. In the late fall and winter (Nov-Mar) you can run your pool 4-6 hours a day any time of day. This way if you are looking to save some money (especially during the winter) you may run your equipment at night to prevent the system from running non-stop during freezing conditions. During the fall and spring when leaves, debris, and heavy rain are at a premium it may be a good idea to keep run times at the 8-10 hour range.
Q: What is the normal pressure for my filter?
Every filter is different, the best way to find the normal pressure of your filter is to either backwash your filter or have it cleaned showing the startup pressure. Most filters can have pressure that fluctuates anywhere from 8-12 lbs. and still run at a normal pressure, many filters when they get above 13 lbs. over startup or over 30 PSI total it is either time to backwash or have the filter cleaned.
Q: How often should I backwash my filter? How do I backwash my filter?
As a general rule of thumb it is good to backwash a filter every 6 weeks unless your filter pressure is staying continually high then it is time to have the filter cleaned. Whenever your backwash your pool whether it has a push-pull valve or a multi-port valve (MPV) the equipment needs to be off whenever you move the valve. If you have a push-pull you turn it to unlock it and either lift straight up for a DE filter or push straight down for a sand filter. Turn the equipment back on and wait for the water going out the backwash line to turn clear. Turn the equipment back off and return the valve to its normal position. For a MPV turn the valve to filter, turn the pump on and wait for the water in the sight glass to turn clear and turn off the filter. Move the valve back into the filter position and turn back on the equipment. For DE filters only prior to adding DE ensure the pump basket is empty of debris (this will ensure the DE will not get stuck in the basket causing DE to leak back into the pool), prepare the DE 2-3 large scoops will do(many people use 6-10 large scoops of DE in my experience this is way too much), and put it into the skimmer, this will naturally run back into the filter.
Q: My pool is loosing water! What should I do?
You can expect water loss due to evaporation and splashing during swimming season and depending on how often you are running your water features. If you feel as though you are loosing and extreme amount of water you can check around your pool for leaks at the equipment or plumbing, water bypassing a bad seal in the backwash line, or cracks in the pool plaster. If you need any help with this you can always call to see what the next steps are in the leak detection and repair process.
Q: How important is water chemistry for my pool?
Contrary to many beliefs the water chemistry is the most important part of the pool. An imbalanced pool can not only have nasty looking water, but can make you sick, and cause damage to the interior of the pool and the equipment.
FREEZING WEATHER PROCEDURES
When the temperature outside gets to 32 degrees or below costly damage can occur due to freezing.
Follow these steps:1. Ensure that all pool pumps are running continually (except Booster/pool sweep pump) this will keep the water moving to make freezing more difficult.
2. If your pool has a freeze guard it should turn on automatically when the temperature gets to a predetermined temperature causing the equipment to run until the air temperature gets above the set temperature.
3. If for some reason the sun is sitting directly on the sensor it can fool the system into thinking it is warmer than it actually is. If this occurs pull the off timers off the pool clocks or put the pool into service mode and ensure that the equipment is running (when a pool is in service mode it will not change it's setting until you either change it or take it out of service mode).4. Maintain the proper level of water in the pool (halfway up the tile line) and breakup and ice that may start to form on the surface of the pool or in the skimmers.
5. If the water level gets too low of the skimmers freeze up the equipment will start sucking air increasing the probability of damage.6. Do not backwash the pool, this can cause lines to get stuck or gauges to freeze. Also do not turn on the heater unless the heater was on before the freezing temperatures started, the rapid temperature increase can cause extensive damage to the heater, equipment, and plumbing.
POWER FAILURE PROCEDURES DURING FREEZING WEATHER
If for some reason the power fails during freezing weather follow these steps to reduce or eliminate damage to the pool:1. Turn off the breakers to the pool equipment2. Open the air bleed on the filter (if frozen pour warm water over it to help free it up)3. Remove the drain plugs for the the pumps and the filter and put them in a safe place (I put them back into the pump basket)4. Remove the heater plugs or open the heater valves5. Put all 3 way valves into the all open position to allow water to flow freely between and back into the pool.6. To prevent skimmer damage put a one-liter bottle half filled with anti-freeze into the skimmer, this will help prevent expansion.7. Any pipes that cannot be drained need to be wrapped with electrical heat strips available at any hardware store.
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