Helpful Tips

FILTRATION

Filtration of your pool is extremely important. To be assured that all of your pool water has been filtered, the total gallonage of the pool must be pumped through the filter three times. One long continuous run of your filtration system of 24 hours or more is far more effective than short filtration cycles. Your filter should be cleaned when the pressure indicated by the pressure gauge on top of the filter indicates seven to ten pounds increase in pressure above the clean pressure.

If you have a DIATOMACEOUS EARTH FILTER, (uses white powder):

• After cleaning your filter it is necessary to add one 2lb coffee can of DIATOMACEOUS EARTH (D.E.) for every 10 feet of filter grid that the filter contains. EXAMPLE: 50 sq ft filter = Five 2lb coffee cans of D.E.
• Filter grids should be acid washed annually as preventive maintenance to prevent the accumulation of calcium which restricts water flow through the filtration system.

If you have a CARTRIDGE filter:

• The cartridge should be replaced or acid washed annually.

If you have a SAND filter:

• Change sand every 4 to 5 years. Tanning oils and lotions quickly contaminate sand to the point that NO filtration occurs. The pump continues to circulate the water, but without accomplishing proper filtration.

PLEASE NOTE: THOSE WHO ENCOURAGE REDUCTION IN POOL FILTRATION HAVE A MOTIVATION THAT IS NOT IN YOUR BEST INTEREST! PROPER FILTRATION IS EXTREMELY IMPORTANT FOR PROPER POOL CARE!

POOL COVERS
If you use a cover, you should expose the surface of your pool water to the air 50% of the time. OTHERWISE, THE CHEMICALS DO NOT REACT NORMALLY AND PROPER BALANCE CANNOT BE ATTAINED. Please be sure your pool cover is off on your service day. If you install a safety cover, please provide operating instructions for the service person.

CLOUDY WATER
This condition is a result of insufficient filtration or an indication of a problem with your filtration system. Cloudy water can also occur when pool covers are left on for extended periods of time.

ALGAE
Because some strains of algae are more resistant than others, please allow us a reasonable period to completely eradicate it. The more resistant black algae will turn gray as it starts to die and will eventually disappear. Your keeping the pool clean and brushing with your algae brush will aid in the treatment of the algae.

AUTOMATIC POOL SWEEPS
Customers who have automatic pool sweeps combined with our service tell us nearly all that remains is filter maintenance. If your pool is not equipped with one, you must brush and vacuum your pool.

SPAS AND HOT TUBS
Our service does not include treatment of spas or hot tubs. However, if the plumbing of your pool is connected to your spa, the chemicals should automatically circulate into the spa. IMPORTANT: Set your control valves so that spa water overflows the dam when spa is not in use.

SPARKLING SANITARY SWIMMING POOL WATER
Swimming pool water requires proper water chemistry and proper filtration. Our service provides the proper water chemistry. You must provide the proper filtration. It is in your best interest to follow our filtration recommendations. Organic matter, dirt, urine and perspiration in your pool water are the cause of eye irritation.

SOLUTION TO EYE IRRITATION

1. Keep your pool clean.
2. Clean your filter as instructed under paragraph on filtration.
3. Take necessary steps to keep urine out of your pool (SIGNS HELP!)
4. Swimmers who have been perspiring should shower before swimming.
5. Follow our recommended hours of filtration.
6. Keep filter in good repair.
7. Follow our instructions for use of pool covers.
8. Water should be added AFTER you swim, NEVER BEFORE you swim!

High chlorine levels in your pool are an ADVANTAGE to you, and do not create eye irritation. Some people associate the smell of chlorine (which isn’t actually chlorine, but rather “chloramines” that give off the odor) and eye irritation with too much chlorine in the water. Generally the opposite is true and super chlorination is a requirement.