Acid Washing

12/22/2008 5:53:13 PM

Also called a drain & clean, an acid wash becomes necessary if the pool has turned into the "black lagoon". This may occur if the winterizing process is not done properly, or if the pool has been stagnant for a period of time so that algae has taken over. If you notice scaly, man-phibian creatures splashing around out back, it's probably time to drain & clean.

Vinyl Liners - Part II

12/20/2008 10:23:11 PM

Floor work is the final step before "dropping" the new liner and setting with a vacuum. If the floor is sand, we will remove contaminated sand, and replace with new sand. The floor is hand troweled to remove any irregularities and achieve design specs for which the liner was manufactured. Pebbles and sand balls are removed while we back out of the pool very carefully. If the floor is cement or vermiculite, it is swept and cleaned. Irregularities such as cracks and divots are repaired.

Vinyl Liners - Part I

12/20/2008 10:20:59 PM

A vinyl liner pool has a custom made sheet of vinyl between the water and the pool structure. This is in contrast to a gunite or shotcrete pool which uses plaster as its waterproofing membrane. Vinyl liners typically lock their top edge, called a bead, into a track located on the bottom of the coping, which is at deck level. Underneath the liner is a sand or cementitious floor, specified in dimension to the "cut" of the liner that is to be used. The floors come up to meet the walls, which are commonly 3 ft by 8 ft panels made of galvanized steel or thermoplastic. These walls are supported from behind so that they won't bow out against the weight of the water. All of the wall panels are secured together to make up the perimeter shape of the pool. For this reason, there are some limitations to the possible shapes of a vinyl liner pool.

Vinyl Liner Pool Repair and Patching

12/20/2008 10:17:03 PM

Most rips and tears in vinyl lined pools can be patched with a simple vinyl patch kit. Today, most pool vinyl patch kits can be used underwater or above the water level. If you can drain the pool down to patch the leak, it will be easier to make the patch. The following is a step by step guide to patching your vinyl pool liner.

Types of Backwash Valves

12/20/2008 10:09:54 PM

Push-Pull Valves use a plunger with two disks (see diagram above). The only action is to either pull the handle up, or push the handle down. Sand filters usually operate in filter mode with the plunger in the up position, and backwash by pushing the handle down (always shut off pump before changing a backwash valve). D.E. filters are usually in filter mode when the plunger is down, and backwash by pulling up on the handle.

Tile Repair

12/20/2008 9:52:12 PM

Tile patterns have come a long way from the 6" x 6" blue standard. Tiles from all over the world give us an endless palette of color, shapes and sizes. Pool tile differs from bathroom tile in that it is formulated to be frost free. It is more than likely that your tile is six inches in height, although it occasionally is installed in 12" depths. Sometimes, they just continue it down and all the way across the pool or spa. Tile provides an attractive accent to the pool's edge while allowing for an easily cleanable surface to catch oil and dirt. Without tile, there would exist a difficult to remove bathtub ring. Vinyl pools don't have tile, but it can be added with a special hanger piece.

Test Strips vs Liquid Test Kits

12/20/2008 9:51:03 PM

You don’t have to be a chemist to keep your pool sparkling clean. To keep things simple, use a testing method that you find fast, easy and convenient. That way you’ll be more likely to stick to your testing regimen. There are two basic types of testing method used by most consumers: test strips and liquid kits.

Swimming Pool Paint

12/20/2008 9:44:26 PM

One of the most common pool surfaces is paint. Pool paint comes in many different colors, and is an inexpensive coating compared to other surfaces. There are three types of pool paint. Epoxy paint, for new construction, fiberglass pools, and pools painted previously with epoxy paint. It is long lasting, durable and will stand up to UV rays, automatic pool cleaners and chemical treatments. Epoxy paint will last about 7 - 10 years. Another type of pool paint is chlorinated rubber base. Rubber base is not as durable or expensive as epoxy paint, but is a dependable, easy to use, inexpensive pool paint. It is easy to apply, comes in many colors and will last about 3 - 5 years. Last but not least, is water based acrylic pool paint. This paint can be used on any type of surface, is easy to apply, and cleans up with water. This type of pool paint is ideal for commercial applications that are repainted on a regular basis. It should last about 2 - 3 years.

Suction Side Cleaners: All Pool Types

12/20/2008 9:41:12 PM

The automatic pool cleaner is a device that leapt right into the hearts of pool owners and service technicians alike. In a genesis similar to that of human air flight, engineers and inventors have produced gadgets of fancy in the hopes of finding one that will fly. Several have achieved wide-spread use and acceptance by consumers and the service industry. These are described below and are broken into three categories; suction side cleaners, pressure side cleaners and robots.

Stains & Scale - Part II

12/20/2008 9:31:37 PM

A frequent source of copper discoloration and staining is the heat exchanger in the heater. Water rushing through the 8 or 10 tube, copper finned heat exchanger, at possibly higher than normal flow because of an oversized pump or faulty bypass valve, or containing corrosive water with high chlorine levels and/or low pH, will strip the copper right out. Corrosion and scaling conditions are dramatically increased by the high temperature found in heaters. As heat exchangers erode, the pool becomes stained and the exchanger tube walls become thin and begin to leak.

Stains & Scale - Part I

12/20/2008 9:30:21 PM

Organic problems such as algae and bacteria can discolor the water and deposit themselves on pool surfaces in a rainbow of greens, blacks, yellows, pinks. Algae deposits are distinguished from stains in that they are on the surface and not impregnated into the plaster. A more detailed discussion of their genesis and eventual destruction is covered in the algae page. Other organic materials such as leaves, worms, or other vegetable matter can also stain pool plaster. An organic stain can usually be removed by sprinkling granular chlorine over it. If it doesn't, its probably some other type of stain.

Spring Pool Openings - Part II

12/20/2008 9:26:28 PM

Always read instructions on packaging for proper handling, treatments and application of the pool chemicals. Distribute them broadly and never mix chemicals. Brushing pool after adding chemicals is helpful to distribution. Re-test water daily and readjust if needed. Backwash filter after 24 hrs. If algae is still present, re-shock pool, or add "kill" dosage of quality algaecide. Your pool is ready for use when chlorine level drops below 3.0 ppm, and water is clear. It may be a good move to have an annual check-up to your pool by a pool professional, which is why many people use pool companies to open the pool. If there is a pool store nearby, you should at least take a water sample in to be tested by another test kit.

Spring Pool Openings - Part I

12/20/2008 9:24:20 PM

Once system is started, adjust valves and return fittings for proper flow. Check for leaks around pump and filter; repair as needed. Note start-up pressure on filter gauge. When psi is 10 lbs above this number, backwash the filter. Empty pump basket also at this time, or earlier if you notice a drop in filter pressure. If you have a heater, follow pilot lighting and test firing instructions, usually printed on back of front heater door. Operate to test and adjust all other equipment.

Solar Pool Heating Systems

12/20/2008 9:21:34 PM

Solar heating systems require very little maintenance. It is important to keep your water chemistry balanced and your filter in good operating condition. Since the water that goes into the solar collector comes straight from the filter, if there is anything that bypasses the filter, it can potentially clog the solar collector. Water chemistry is just as important. Improper pH and calcium hardness can cause mineral build up in the solar collectors, and can also cause the plastic to become brittle. It is a good idea to use scale inhibitor on a regular basis to prevent build up in the solar collector.

Solar Heating & Blankets

12/20/2008 9:20:08 PM

Solar heating is a very desirable way to heat your pool and spa for one simple reason; It’s free heat. After the initial investment, the heat that raises the water temperature in your pool or spa is free. The sun provides the energy to generate the heat through the solar panels or solar blanket. Solar blankets also prevent massive heat loss. When a pool or spa is covered with a solar blanket, the heating cost can drop by 70%.

Sodium Tetraborate

12/20/2008 9:17:40 PM

A chemical called sodium tetraborate sold under the name Proteam Supreme, this chemical is a EPA registered algaestat that also reduces eye and skin irritation. Proteam also claims to give water a softer feel and prevent pink algae, which is actually a bacteria. ProTeam is a helpful ingredient in a chlorine-free program, utilizing Nature2 Technology.

Safety Fencing FAQ

12/20/2008 9:04:23 PM

Cantar's new removable Protect-A-Pool® fencing system is the easiest way to make your pool safe from unwanted intrusion of children, pets or stray animals. While easy to install and remove, our patent pending pole design can withstand over 200 lbs. of pressure - stronger than the competition! Swimming pool safety fencing is a popular method of keeping pools safe. It is removable when needed, and for as long as needed. And when in use, the Protect-A-Pool Inground Removable Safety Fence provides an extremely strong and sturdy pool barrier to provide the best in pool safety.

Robot Cleaners: All Pool Types

12/20/2008 8:56:28 PM

These are self contained electric cleaners which are put into the pool when there is a need for cleaning. Common brand names include Aquabot, Dolphin, and AquaVac. Please visit our swimming pool cleaners page for a complete list of robot cleaners. A transformer is plugged into a wall outlet and a long (around {cord length varies by cleaners} 50 ft ) cord from the unit plugs into the transformer receiving low voltage power to operate the cleaner. This power operates two motors; a pump motor which draws debris into the unit's filter, and a drive motor which moves the unit around the pool.

Pumps & Motors - Part V

12/20/2008 8:48:08 PM

If that didn't work, you can do this...buy a Drain King at your local hardware store (or we can send one for $20.95 + S & H). This connects to a garden hose and puts the line under pressure. Putting this in the skimmer, you can turn on the hose and pressurize the line backwards (Also Great for clearing clogged pipes). Remove the pump lid and use a plug at the pump entrance. This will allow pressure to build up in the line and squirt out at the leak. Many suction side leaks found in this manner are then repaired with pool putty, or a more permanent plumbing repair / pipe replacement can be made.

Pumps & Motors - Part IV

12/20/2008 8:45:19 PM

In some pumps where the parts are assembled differently, you follow the same steps. The clamp is removed to disassemble the pump halves, and you must remove the diffuser to get to the impeller. To remove the impeller you can grip it with your hand and twist it off, but the trick with these units is to stop the shaft from spinning as you twist off the impeller. There are air vents in the motor on the end closest to the pump itself. Look in and you will see the motor shaft. Place a flat-blade screwdriver in one of the air vents and wedge it against the shaft to keep it from turning.

Pumps & Motors - Part III

12/20/2008 8:44:10 PM

If the motor runs for a short while, shuts itself off, and turns itself back on later, it may be overheating. Normal motor temperature is over 140 degrees, so all motors run hot. But a cycling motor may indicate that the thermal overload is kicking it off. If this motor was just replaced, make sure that the electrical supply connections are correct and the wire size is correct for the voltage it is carrying. Low voltage can cause overheating. Inadequate ventilation can cause overheating, so make sure that the air vents are unobstructed. Usually, old motors that suddenly begin to overheat will need to be replaced. They usually have a short inside, across the windings. And motors are just not rewound anymore like they were in the old days.

Pumps & Motors - Part II

12/20/2008 8:41:34 PM

A very common problem is the threaded fitting carrying water out of the pump shrinking and allowing water to drip, run and then spray. This can be replaced with a high temp fitting to prevent its reoccurrence. Approximately $10 parts and one hour labor. Water may also leak from a worn out mechanical seal. This seal is the separation between the wet end and the dry end (motor) of the pump. This mechanical shaft seal should be replaced. Approximately $12 for the seal and one hour labor.

Pumps & Motors - Part I

12/20/2008 8:40:05 PM

All of the manufacturers of pumps represented are Major Manufacturers; well respected, very large, international market leaders. The motors used on the pumps are all nearly the same. There has not been any really astounding inventions in pump technology in the last few years, so all innovations have been implemented by most in one way or another. Each pump is slightly different in its hydraulics, shape, basket and lid, and colors. But these may or may not matter a whole lot. Read on for more substantial ways to discern between pumps.

Pressure Cleaners: In-Ground Pools

12/20/2008 8:31:39 PM

These cleaners are those that attach to the pressure side (return) of your circulation system. The water that is being pumped or "pushed" back to the pool powers these units which have their own hydraulic power plant inside. Being on the pressure side, these units have distinct advantages. They are helpful in distributing clean filtered water around the pool and having their own debris bag means that they don't compromise the filter system. Even with the bag full, a pressure cleaner still operates, stirring debris up; it just won't suck up any more debris until the bag is emptied.

Pool Painting - Part III

12/20/2008 8:26:53 PM

I would discourage this. Plastering is nothing short of an art and science. Experienced plasterers know how to get the mix right, with numerous variables that can affect the finished product. They also work in a team of 4 - 6 workers, to get it up before it sets (and cracks). Small patches? OK, but re-plastering the entire pool? I would leave that to plasterers. If YOU prep the pool for plaster, however, you could save 25% or so on the job. Remember, it is impossible to paint your pool by pouring it into the skimmer!

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