Frequently Asked Questions
- How often should I be backwashing my filter?
- How often should my filter be chemically cleaned?
- How often should the sand in my filter be changed?
- How often should I run my pump and filter?
- My Polaris is not moving. What is wrong with it?
- If I am loosing 1/2" of water a day in my pool should I be concerned that I might have a leak?
- What is the difference between an overlap and a beaded liner?
- If I have an automatic pool cleaner do I still have to brush my pool?
- When should I open my pool?
- Why won't my pool hold chlorine?
- I am having trouble keeping my pool clear. What should I do?
- When I shock my chlorine pool it turns a clear green. Why?
- Why does my pool have a very strong chlorine odor? Did I add too much chlorine?
- How do I calculate my pool volume?
- Why is the water coming out of my backwash hose when my multi-port valve is in the filter position?
- How often should my reagents and/or test strips be replaced?
- When using a salt system how much salt will be in my pool?
- What type of salt should I use?
- Will I need to add salt again after the initial dose?
- What if my salt levels are too high or too low?
How often should I be backwashing my filter?
After backwashing, take note of the pressure reading after returning
the valve back to the filter position. Once the pressure reaches 10-12
psi over your normal operating pressure, backwash your filter. Backwashing
your filter too frequently can cause your pool to become cloudy, as
well as decrease the effectiveness of your filter.
How often should my filter be chemically
cleaned?
We recommend chemically cleaning the filter at least twice a season.
If you did not clean the filter when you closed the pool, clean it at
the beginning of the season. However, if the filter was cleaned at closing,
the first cleaning should be done around the 4th of July.
How often should the sand in my filter be changed?
We recommend that you replace the sand every 3-4 years.
How often should I run my pump and filter?
We suggest you run your pump and filter 24 hours a day or at a minimum
of 8-12 continuous daylight hours.
My Polaris is not moving. What is wrong with
it?
Check the screen in the universal wall fitting. A dirty screen restricts
the water flow that pushes the Polaris. Bad bearings can also be the
culprit of a slow moving Polaris.
If I am loosing 1/2" of water a day in
my pool should I be concerned that I might have a leak?
No. Normal evaporation during the hot summer days is about 1/2"
or less a day. Anything more than 1/2" a day may indicate a leak.
What is the difference between an overlap and
a beaded liner?
Overlap liners fold over the top of the wall and are held in place by
coping and metal rods. A beaded liner fits into a groove on the inside
of the pool wall.
If I have an automatic pool cleaner do I
still have to brush my pool?
Yes! Brushing is an excellent way to prevent algae and other unforeseen
problems. Automatic pool cleaners do not provide as much scrubbing action
as brushes.
When should I open my pool?
Early spring is the best time to open your pool. Opening early allows
adequate time to replace any faulty equipment as well as correcting
water chemistry before swimming weather arrives.
Why won't my pool hold chlorine?
You most likely have a chlorine demand. Double shock with Burn Out every
3 hours until you can hold a free chlorine reading of 1.0 ppm or higher
for at least 24 hours. This process will satisfy the demand of chlorine.
I am having trouble keeping my pool clear. What
should I do?
Water clarity is 50% water balance and 50% filtration. If the filter
is not being run as often as it should be or if the filter is not working
efficiently, then proper water balance will not solve your problem.
Filter aids, such as, Sparkle Up and Baquacil Flocculent, can be added
to help improve filtration. Clarifiers can be used in conjunction with
filter aids to increase the size of the particles so they can be filtered
more easily. In addition to chemical remedies, proper water circulation
inside the pool is vital. Your returns should be pointed downward at
a 45-degree angle and away from the skimmer to create a circular motion.
When I shock my chlorine pool it turns a clear
green. Why?
Clear green water usually indicates a presence of copper in the water.
A chelating agent, such as, Pool Magnet Plus, can be added to remove
the metals.
Why does my pool have a very strong chlorine
odor? Did I add too much chlorine?
Chloramines are the cause of the strong odor of chlorine. Chloramines
are created by swimmer waste, perspiration, oils, and other contaminants
that often enter the pool. Super-chlorinating your pool will alleviate
this problem.
How do I calculate my pool volume?
There are two formulas you can use to determine the volume of your pool.
The first formula is for a round pool and it is as follows:
Diameter x Diameter x Average Depth x 5.9
Example: a 24' round pool that was 4 ft. deep would look like this:
24 x 24 x 4 x 5.9 = 13,600 gallons (rounded up)
The second formula is for a rectangular pool:
Length x Width X Average Depth x 7.5
Example: a 20' x 40' pool that went from 3' to 8' in depth would look
like this:
20 x 40 x 5.5 x 7.5 = 33,000
Why is water coming out of my backwash hose
when my multi-port valve is in the filter position?
This problem usually indicates that the spider gasket inside the valve
has gone bad.
How often should my reagents and test strips
be replaced?
We recommend that you replace your reagents and test strips at the beginning
of each season.
When using a salt system how much salt will be in my pool?
On any salt system, the optimum chlorine production occurs between 3200 and 4000 parts per million of salt. Zodiac (the salt generator we offer) recommends a salt level of 4000 ppm so that the addition of salt is not as frequently required. Allowing the salt level to fall below 2800 ppm may reduce the life of the cell. 4000 ppm is barely detective, the taste threshold is 3500 ppm for most people. In comparison, a teardrop is about 7200 ppm and ocean water is about 36, 000 ppm.
What type of salt should I use?
High purity salt. It is important that the salt does not contain additives. Any common salt (like table salt) usually has an additive that may have straining properties. Consult your pool professional. They will make sure you use a suitable salt.
Will I need to add salt again after the initial dose?
Salt is lost only through splash-out and backwashing. It is not lost through the chlorination process or evaporation. So, you'll only have to add a small amount each year.
What if my salt levels are too high or too low?
Your salt system will continue to operate. However, if the salt dips below 2800 ppm, it can be damaging to the cell, possibly reducing its life.