POOL - FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
- Do I need to add chemicals other then chlorine?
- Do I need to run my pool motor 24 hours a day?
- Do I need to test the water?
- How do I vacuum heavy debris from the pool bottom?
- Can I remove stains from my liner under water?
- What is the best way to remove leaves from the bottom of the pool?
- I'm adding water to my pool. Do I have a leak?
- Can I install my own filter?
- Why won't my water clear up?
- What is that loud sound coming from my pool motor?
- What's the best way to remove leaves from my pool cover?
- How long does it take to get my pool water clear?
DO I NEED TO ADD CHEMICALS OTHER THAN CHLORINE?
We need to maintain water chemistry that's good for swimmer comfort and longevity of operating equipment and pool interior. The water you swim in needs minimal amounts of basic chemicals. Sanitizers such as Chlorine or Bromine and Ph are the most important. Many of the chemicals used in treating pool water are in many of the foods we eat. Sodium Bicarbonate, Calcium Chloride and several acids are some. Look for calcium chloride in pickles the next time you go shopping. Remember: The average in-ground pool capacity is between 20 and 30 thousand gallons. That's a lot of water.
DO I NEED TO RUN MY POOL MOTOR 24 HOURS A DAY?
The benefits of 24-hour operation out-weigh the only negative which is electric costs. You save a few dollars by running your system on a time clock, but just one water chemistry problem during the summer usually will negate that savings along with some free aggravation. With 24-hour operation, your pool will stay cleaner, will need less vacuuming, your motor will last longer, (designed for continuous operation-on motor label) and your pool water's appearance will sparkle and be healthy.
DO I NEED TO TEST THE WATER?
Testing prevents most problems. With few exceptions, when I'm on a service call and the water has algae, the first thing I know is that the customer hasn't tested the water in at least 7 days. Let's say your water test shows no chlorine in the pool water. Generally, the water won't start to turn hazy or cloudy until Thursday or Friday. Just in time for your weekend party! If that happens, use chlorine shock immediately.
HOW DO I VACUUM HEAVY DEBRIS FROM THE POOL BOTTOM?
The best way to vacuum heavy debris is to waste. Start by filling your pool up to the very top. Then vacuum to waste. This procedure bypasses the filter system. Most all filters we sell allow you to vacuum to waste. Pool Spa Doctor has heavy duty equipment and know-how to vacuum to waste. Some pools may need to be emptied and refilled if extremely heavy debris is present.
CAN I REMOVE STAINS FROM MY LINER UNDER THE WATER?
Most stains can be removed from pool interiors. What needs to be determined is whether the stain is animal (algae) or mineral (iron, copper). For example, Black algae typically is a 3 to 4 week process. It grows through the liner and needs constant brushing. Metal staining in concrete pools can be removed by acid washing. Its better to prevent all types of staining.
WHAT'S THE BEST WAY TO REMOVE LEAVES FROM THE POOL BOTTOM?
The best way is to use a large leaf rake. Scoop leaves slowly for 20 minutes and then wait 20 minutes 3 times in a row. That should allow you to remove most all the leaves. Another way is to call The Pool Doctor. We use heavy duty canisters for large amounts of leaves.
IM ADDING WATER WEEKLY TO MY POOL. DO I HAVE A LEAK?
If you are adding water to your pool once a week, you have a leak. Remember: The leak will not fix itself and from my experience, other problems much more costly will occur from leaks ignored. Decks settling and pipes breaking due to settling are common problems associated with leaks.
CAN I INSTALL MY OWN FILTER?
Yes, If you have the knowledge are handy and have an understanding of hydraulics. Usually its better to have a complete supply of any fittings, pipe, adapters, valves or anything else you need to make is a great installation that Pool Spa Doctor supplies. Making 5 trips to the Home Depot usually can be aggravating.
WHY WON'T MY WATER CLEAR UP?
It's not hard! There are only 2 things needed to make and keep pool water crystal clear. Proper water chemistry and a properly sized filtration system running 24 hours a day. With both of those correct, you will never experience unclean water.
WHAT IS THAT LOUD SOUND COMING FROM MY POOL MOTOR?
The bearings usually last from 7-10 years. After that they can become very loud. Running on a time clock cuts the life of the pool motor because of extreme temperature swings causing condensation that is bad for the motor.
WHAT'S THE BEST WAY TO REMOVE LEAVES FROM MY POOL COVER?
The ONLY WAY IS TO FOLLOW THIS PROCEDURE. 1 pump ALL water from the top of the pool cover, brushing the pockets of water toward the pump. Once all water is removed, brush the leaves toward the pump. Using a dirt shovel, come in sideways to scoop the leaves into a wheel barrel and then discard. NEVER try to remove a solid pool cover fiull of leaves and water. You will be sorry.
HOW LONG DOES IT TAKE TO GET MT POOL WATER CLEAR?
Within 3 days, you should see greatly improved water clarity. If NOT, do not wait. That means something is wrong. I have had custiomers wait until August to call because their water hasent cleared yet!