POOL MAINTENANCE
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POOL MAINTENANCE
At Pool Builders Cincinnati, we offer top-notch pool maintenance services! Pool maintenance is essential if you want to enjoy a safe and clean swimming pool. It is a known fact that a swimming pool provides the perfect entertainment right in your own backyard.
Swimming is a fun activity and you can have a full-body workout at any time of the day, but for you to enjoy your pool for years to come, you will need to maintain it.
MAINTAINING YOUR POOL
Pool Circulation
Pool water circulation is perhaps one of the most important aspects that you will need to consider. When there is proper water circulation in your pool, it will prevent algae, pollen, and other harmful microbes from building up in the water, specifically in hot weather.
You will need to make sure that you clean the pump basket and skimmer regularly to remove debris and prevent them from clogging.
To achieve the best pool circulation, you need to make sure that you are running your pump and filter at least 8 up to 12 hours a day during the summer season and at least 4 up to 6 hours a day during the winter.
One of the best approaches is to angle your jets and position them diagonally. It would be best to set them at 7 o’clock or 8 o’clock position so that you can achieve the best circulation.
How To Clean A Cartridge Filter
It is more efficient to clean your pool filters rather than buying a new one. There are three types of filters but we will look into cleaning cartridge filters and sand filters. Typically, it would take at least 30 minutes to clean your cartridge filter.
The first thing that you will need to do is to check the pressure gauge. This will tell you if your cartridge filter needs cleaning. Now, If the gauge shows a reading of 8 up to 12 psi then you will need to start cleaning your cartridge filter.
Make sure that the filtration system is turned off before you start removing the cartridge filter. This will also avoid contaminating the pool water as well as damaging your filtration system.
The next thing that you will need to do is to make sure that the automatic setting of your filtration system is turned off completely until you finish cleaning the filter cartridge.
The first step is to remove the trapped air from the filter by slowly turning the air relief valve. Once the air is completely removed, start unlocking the tension clamps that hold the filter in place.
However, you might find that the locking mechanism may be different from other cartridge filters. What you can do is to follow the instruction manual included in the package of the unit. This will avoid damage to the tension clamps.
Once you are sure about how to remove the tension clamps completely, set them aside. Check the cartridge filter and look for visible damages such as cracks or tears.
If you find that there are excessive cracks or that the whole cartridge needs replacement, then you might as well replace them with a new one.
However, if there are slight cracks or tears or no damage at all, then you can start the cleaning process. Keep in mind that the performance of your cartridge filter will not be efficient in filtering debris if it is completely damaged.
Always use a pressurized water hose to clean the cartridge filter. This will push the debris and other materials away from the cartridge.
Start by working your way from the top and gradually moving to the bottom. Make sure to clean the space between the pleats when cleaning the cartridge. You can use a cartridge cleaning tool to clean the cartridge easily and effectively.
Cartridge filters are usually filled up with oils and other chemicals in the water. All you have to do is to soak the cartridge elements in a filter cleaner for a few minutes and you can use dishwashing detergent.
You will have to make sure that you rinse the cartridge filter properly after soaking and before you reinstall the cartridge filter.
Once you are done cleaning the cartridge filter, you will need to apply a silicon-based lubricant to the O-ring before you install the filter. This is essential to help extend the lifespan of the O-ring.
Next, install the cartridge filter and make sure it is in place and secure the tank lid. Once everything is secure, turn on the filtration system while keeping the air valve open. This will help release the excess air in the tank.
The next thing you would want to do is to make sure that the PSI gauge is working. However, if you do not see any PSI reading, you will have to turn off the filtration system and recheck the filter position. Make sure that everything is in order. When everything is working, it should show a reading of 10 to 15 PSI.
How To Clean A Sand Filter
When it comes to inground pool filtration systems, many homeowners choose sand filters as their top choice. The reason is that it is very easy to maintain and it is also affordable.
To keep them working properly, you will need to clean and maintain them regularly. Cleaning sand filters are fairly simple and easy and you can do it yourself.
Just like cleaning cartridge filters, you will need to determine the PSi reading. This will tell you when it is about time to clean your sand filter. The normal PSI reading should show 10 to 15 PSI.
However, if the reading shows you 20 up to 25 PSI, you will need to backwash your sand filter. You might also observe that the pool water is cloudy. Backwashing is a cleaning technique that reverses the flow of water back to the sand filter through a hose to eliminate debris.
To start the backwashing procedure, make sure that the pump and pool power is completely turned off. The next thing that you will need to do is to check the valve. You might see different valve options such as rinse, waste, recirculate, closed, and backwash.
Switch the lever to the backwash setting. Turn the power back on and you will need to run the pump for at least 2 up to 3 minutes and then turn the power off.
Next, you will have to make sure that the loose sand will resettle then choose the rinse setting. Switch the power back on and let it run for approximately 2 to 3 minutes.
Turn your attention to the waste setting. This is essential if you want to reduce the amount of water in the pool so you can clean and vacuum the pool floor.
The waste setting is also useful if you do not want the water recirculating back into the pool. The flush setting can be used to drain the water from the pool. Always make sure that you clean the pump basket to avoid debris or dirt from clogging the basket.
Skimming
Skimming is an easier process as compared to vacuuming. You will just need to clean the top of the pool so debris it will not reach the pool floor. Skim the pool water regularly to avoid the daunting task of vacuuming. Skimming will also avoid large debris from clogging your pool filters.
Brushing
Brushing your pool helps remove algae and pollen build up. Make sure that brush hard-to-reach areas when you are brushing your pool. Also, make sure to brush the pool ladders, walls, and steps.
Vacuuming
You can either manually vacuum your pool or you can invest in an automatic pool cleaner. It is essential to vacuum your pool at least once a week.
Water Chemistry
Water chemistry, specifically the pH levels and alkalinity is essential to maintain your pool water at optimum levels.
The normal pH level of your water should be between 7.2 up to 7.6, water alkalinity should be around 100 to 150 ppm, and chlorine should be at least 1.0 to 3.0 ppm. In terms of Biguanide, the ppm should be around 30 to 50 ppm and Cyanuric acid must be approximately 25 up to 50 ppm.
