Helpful Hints
Pool Chemical Tips
- Shock treatments with 68% or greater available chlorine will lead to better results
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- Aquasilk chemicals treat a pool up to one month. These chemicals should not be added weekly
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- A pool may need shocked more than once a week if the weather is rainy or extremely hot
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- Alkalinity and pH work together. Alkalinity must be balanced to keep pH stable throughout the season
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- A chlorine tablet should be in a pool at all times
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- Testing pool water regularly (at least once a month) is important
Backwashing
How To: Sand Filters
With the filter running, switch the handle on the top of the filter from the filter setting to the backwash setting. Let the water spray out of the backwash at least 30 seconds after the site glass on the side of the filter runs clear. Change the setting from backwash to rinse. Run for another minute. Then switch back to the filter setting
How To: Earth Filters
Turn the filter off. Turn the valve on the bottom to open. This will allow water to flow out. Bump the top handle 15-20 times and note the color of the water coming out of the backwash. If it is green, continue bumping until it flows white. Close the bottom valve. Turn the filter back on and add about 1/2 to 1 lb of earth
Pool Filter/Motor Tips
- When your pool is cloudy or green, it is best to run your filter 24 hours a day and backwash your filter every 4 hours
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- Pool filters should normally run, if the water is clear, 5 - 8hrs a day. Mostly during the morning and afternoon
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- Filter sand should be changed at the beginning of every pool season
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- Earth must be added back into a filter after each backwash. A half a pound to a pound will be sufficient. Earth can be easily added through the pools skimmer when the filter is on
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- Pressure gauges should read between 12 - 20 PSI
General Tips
- Avoid leaving solar covers on for a long period of time. They are a huge culprit for turning a clear pool to green
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- Use an algaecide that is non-foaming and has at least 30% active ingredients
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- Putting too many chemicals in your pool when it's cloudy or green can actually make things worse. Test your water!
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- Vacuuming a pool weekly can easily prevent algae growth
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- Use a wall brush to remove green spots from the floor and walls of the pool. Moving it around makes it easier for the filter to get rid of it