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Cloudy water?
There are several things that you can easily do to
discover why your pool has cloudy water
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Check to make sure the pH levels are in proper range
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Check the pool filter. Clean or replace if needed.
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Check the pool sanitizer’s level. If it’s low, raise the
level
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Call your local dealer from Pool People USA for additional
help
for chlorine stabilization, alkalinity, calcium hardness and heavy
metals.
Test frequently
Depending on your usage, you should test the water frequently. Some users test
the pH and chlorine every other day - others test once a week. During heavy
usage and summer months, you can perform a daily test. And anytime you notice a
change in water quality, get your test kit out and check the water quality.
When to clean, when to replace
Periodic backwashing will remove most dirt from a clean filter, however, over a
period of time, grease, oils and scale can attack and build up on the elements.
When this occurs, you should clean or replace your filter depending on the type
of filter. NOTE: Check the filter if water is murky or water quality decreases.
Water clarifiers
A clarifier is designed to aid efficient filter operation by
coagulating most materials that cause cloudy and hazy water. Because the
presence of these materials increases the disinfectant demand, the use of a
water clarifier can decrease pool maintenance costs.
Why filtration is important
Filtration is the mechanical way to remove visible matter from the
water. The filter medium is designed to remove hair, dirt, tiny skin flakes,
metal or calcium precipitates and other visible debris that would otherwise
cause the water to be hazy and cloudy.
What does "Vacuum to Waste" mean?
When you “Vacuum to Waste” you are pumping the debris you vacuum out
of the pool and sending the water to the waste line, and not through the pool
filter. This method removes a large amount of water from the pool in a short
time so be sure the pool is full before you begin. Vacuum to waste is used for
large amounts of debris and dirt.
The proper way to get rid of algae
First, you must add the algaecide according to the directions. If you don't add
the correct dosage amount, it won't kill any of the algae. Also know that using
the entire bottle of algaecide is ineffective. Not only will you spend
additional money, large doses can lead to staining and foaming in your pool.
In addition to properly dosing your water, it is also recommended that the
algaecide be added in the morning on a bright sunny day for best results. Algae
grow in the presence of sunlight. Adding algaecide during algae's best growth
time will increase intake of the algaecide and make it more effective. If black
algae is present, brushing the algae at least once daily will also help
expedite algae removal. Brushing the dead cells away makes the living algae
more vulnerable to the algaecide.
Shock Treatment
Pool water composition always includes some undesirable elements that
actually contaminate the water and reduce the efficiency of the disinfectant or
sanitizer. Material such as hair spray, suntan oil, cosmetics, perspiration and
other organic material react to combine with the chlorine in the water to form
“combined chlorine.”
Once “combined chlorine” forms, it acts as a very poor disinfectant,
contributing to eye and skin irritations and the forming of unpleasant chlorine
odor. Pools with this problem are often inaccurately accused of having too much
chlorine.
Routine shock treatment is necessary to destroy combined chlorine compounds and
restore the chlorine sanitizer to “free chlorine” efficiency. A pool can be
shock treated by adding large doses of chlorine, commonly referred to as
superchlorination, or by adding a non-chlorine shock such as GLB OXY-BRITE or
Applied Biochemists SHOCKTRINE.
Knock out the chlorine smell
Most pools contain both good chlorine and bad chlorine. The good chlorine is
called free chlorine and is capable of killing germs. Bad chlorine, on the
other hand, is called “combined chlorine” and is a poor germ killer.
Too much combined chlorine in your pool causes the strong chlorine odor. When
the combined chlorine level reaches 0.2 ppm or more, it is time to shock your
water. Shocking will eliminate the odor.
How long before I can jump in?
With the exception of superchlorinating (which requires waiting until
the chlorine level drops to recommended levels), you generally can use your
pool when the chemical is dispersed. Fifteen minutes to one hour should be
about right.
What is algae, and how do I treat it?
Algae are aquatic organisms that use photosynthesis to convert inorganic
substances into organic matter.
There’s always a potential for algae in pools, and if your pool is affected, it
could mean the presence of one of several water deficiencies. In some cases,
the cause is obvious. If not, check:
• Whether your pool equipment, pump and filter are operating properly
• Whether the circulation pattern minimizes dead spots
• Whether the pH and free available chlorine are in recommended ranges
How often should I test my pool?
Owners of residential pools should check their pH and chlorine levels at least
two to three times a week. Commercial pools are required to check chlorine
levels every hour and record their findings in a log.
My pool has stains. What caused it, and how to I treat it?
Most stains are caused by improper water balance or foreign substances like
metal objects and fertilizers. Pool water may also contain minerals and metals
that cause stains, even when your water is in balance.
If you notice staining, the first step is to determine what caused the stain.
Consult a local dealer or service professional to
test the pool water for metals. If metal is the issue, the pool professional
may recommend either a sequestering agent or clarifier to treat the problem. If
the problem persists, you can add a sequestering agent or clarifier that
chemically binds the metals so they can be filtered out before they cause more
staining problems.
My pool has foam in it. Is that bad?
What do I do? Improper algaecide use in chlorinated pools can cause
foaming. Typically, foam appears when the water is agitated and will dissolve
when the agitation is stopped.
In pools maintained with chlorine, you should stop using algae inhibitors until
the problem stops. You can also increase the level of calcium in the water and
check the filtration system for leaks or other issues.
Is it possible for algae to grow in the winter?
Short answer: Yes. But you can prevent conditions conducive to algae growth by
making sure you properly balance the water and clean your pool before closing
it for the winter.
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