INDOOR POOLS - FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

1. WHY DOES THE AIR FEEL HEAVY IN THE AREA AROUND MY POOL?
2. DO I NEED TO USE A SOLAR BLANKET ON THE WATER??
3. WHAT SHOULD THE TEMPERATURE BE IN MY POOL OR ROOM?
4. CAN I USE HOCKEY PUCK TYPE CHLORINE IN MY POOL?
5. IM ADDING WATER WEEKLY TO MY POOL. DO I HAVE A LEAK?
6. CAN I INSTALL MY OWN FILTER?
7. WHY WON'T MY WATER CLEAR?
8. WHAT IS THAT LOUD SOUND COMING FROM MY POOL MOTOR?
9. CAN I REMOVE STAINS FROM MY LINER UNDER THE WATER?
10. DO I NEED TO ADD CHEMICALS OTHER THAN CHLORINE?
11. DO I NEED TO RUN MY POOL MOTOR 24 HOURS A DAY?
12. DO I NEED TO TEST THE WATER?
13. DO I NEED TO TEST THE WATER?

WHY DOES THE AIR FEEL HEAVY IN THE AREA AROUND MY POOL?
This is a dehumidification issue. Usually many systems installed for indoor pool are inadequate to remove the excess humidity caused by a large body of water enclosed in a room space. Water dripping off the walls is a sure sign of problems related to indoor humidity problems. Dripping water is not normal but is often the situation with many systems. Just think of what's going on behind the walls.

DO I NEED TO USE A SOLAR BLANKET ON THE WATER?
Yes, especially in the winter. Almost every indoor pool gives off tons of humidity into the air. Solar blankets eliminate that problem.

WHAT SHOULD THE TEMPERATURE BE IN MY POOL OR ROOM?
Generally, when you find an acceptable pool water temperature to swim in, you should follow by room temperature 2 degrees warmer. This is for swimmer comfort and reduced evaporation.

CAN I USE HOCKEY PUCK TYPE CHLORINE IN MY POOL?
The chemical name is Trichloro-s-triazinetrione. This tablet contains 56 percent Cyanuric acid. The use of that tablet increases the Cyanuric Acid PPM to unacceptable levels in due time. Try switching off pucks and try Liquid Chlorine or unstabilized chlorine.

IM ADDING WATER WEEKLY TO MY POOL. DO I HAVE A LEAK?
Generally, 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 result from leaks not repaired. Settling decks and pipes breaking due to settling are common problems associated with leaks.

CAN I INSTALL MY OWN FILTER?
If you are have knowledge, handy and have an understanding of hydraulics the answer is yes. 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 The Pool Doctor supplies. Making 5 trips to the Home Depot usually can be aggravating.

WHY WON'T MY WATER CLEAR?
It's not magic! There are only 2 things needed to make and keep pool water crystal clear. Proper water Chemistry and adequately 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 will cut the life of the pool motor because of extreme temperature swings causing condensation that is bad for the motor.

CAN I REMOVE STAINS FROM MY LINER UNDER THE WATER?
Depending on what type of stain, yes and No. Black algae, for example is a 3 to 4 week process. It embeds the liner and needs constant brushing. Metal staining in concrete pools can be removed by acid washing.

DO I NEED TO ADD CHEMICALS OTHER THAN CHLORINE?
Most of the chemicals used in treating pool water are in many of the foods we eat. Sodium Bicarbonate, Calcium Chloride and many acids are just a few. For instance, look for calcium chloride in pickles the next time you go shopping. Like anything else, too much can have a negative outcome. The water you swim in needs minimal amounts of basic chemicals. Sanitizer and ph are the most important. 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 I know of and that is electric costs. You may save a few dollars by running your system on a time clock, but just one 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's appearance will sparkle.

DO I NEED TO TEST THE WATER?
Testing precludes most problems. With few exceptions, when I'm on a service call and the water is algae green, the first thing I know is that the customer hasn't tested the water in at least a week. Lets say you are out of chlorine on Sunday. Generally, the water won't start to turn cloudy or green until Thursday or Friday. Just in time for your weekend party!

WHEN GOING AWAY FOR A WEEK, WHAT SHOULD I DO?
Generally, if leaving for a week, just before leaving, test the water. If all is in order, super-chlorinate, clean all baskets, vacuum, clean the cartridge filter, backwash or change the Diatomaceous Earth in the filter and have a friend or The Pool Doctor check up on it every 2-3 days. If going away for more than a week, definitely have it serviced Professionally. If you use a solar blanket, put it on the pool after super-chlorinating.