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11) When should I buy a replacement motor versus
an entire new pump system?
12) How would you sanitize or prepare my water for
swimming?
13) What are the basic maintenance steps for spa water?
14) How large should my pump system be in order to
clean my size pool?
15) How large should my pool heater in order to
effectively heat my pool?
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How can I determine the number of gallons in my pool?
First, you must determine the average depth of your swimming pool. To do this, add the deepest end of your pool (in feet) to the shallowest end
of your pool and divide the sum by 2. This number is the average depth and will be used in one of the following equations to determine the total
gallons of your swimming pool. Use the equation that best describes your pool:
- Rectangular or Square -
Length (in feet) x Width (in feet) x Average Depth x 7.5 = Total Gallons
- Circular -
Diameter (in feet) x Diameter x Average Depth x 5.9 = Total Gallons
- Oval -
Long Diameter (in feet) x Short Diameter (in feet) x Average Depth x 5.9 = Total Gallons
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How often do I need to run my filter, or need a new
pool filter?
The filter is the most important component in keeping your swimming pool clean. Ideally, a filter should run
all the time for maximum circulation and debris removal. A minimum of
8 hours a day is highly recommended.
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When should I vacuum the pool's bottom, do pool
cleaners help?
The swimming pool walls and bottom should be brushed and vacuumed weekly to remove dirt and other sediments that have not been filtered out.
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What is pH and how does it affect my pool water?
pH is the most important
factor controlling water balance. If pH is too high (above 7.8 ppm), cloudy
water will result. If pH is too low (below 7.2 ppm), corrosion of metallic
pipes, etched plaster and rapid loss of chlorine residual and irritation to
swimmers may result.
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What determines or affects the pH level in my pool?
Alkalinity, sun, rain and
bather load all affect pH levels. It is important to maintain proper pH levels
to prevent loss of chlorine and irritation to swimmers.
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What causes algae and how do I get rid of it?
Algae are microscopic aquatic plants which are introduced to the swimming pool water from the atmosphere.
Algae growth is usually established during times when the disinfectant level or
algaecide content in the water is low or neglected. There are different types of
algae, each with a different treatment:
- Green Algae - most common, identified by cloudy green water appearance.
Treatment - Lower pH to at least 7.0 ppm, shock pool at a rate of 1 pound per
10,000 gallons. Add Algaecide or Algaecide 50 (for plaster pools) according to
bottle directions.
- Mustard Algae - difficult to control, identified by a cloudy greenish-yellow water color.
Treatment - Lower pH to at least 7.0 ppm, shock pool at a rate of 1 pound per
10,000 gallons. Add Yellow Out according to bottle directions.
- Black Algae - very dark,
green slippery patches clinging to walls and floors.
Treatment - First, brush heavy algae spots, lower pH to at least 7.0 ppm, shock
pool at rate of 1 pound per 10,000 gallons.
- Pink Algae - frequently called "red" algae, this is actually a bacteria that comes from salt water or pools
sanitized with biguianides. The best prevention is to thoroughly wash with
bleach all items that have come in contact with salt water before allowing them
in your pool area.
Treatment - Lower pH to at lest 7.0 ppm, shock pool at rate
of 1 pound per 10,000 gallons until bacteria disappears.
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A. - |
What is backwashing and why is it necessary?
Backwashing is the process which cleans sand filters. The first step in backwashing is to unplug power to
the motor. Then, turn the handle on the top of the valve from "filter" to
"backwash." This reverses the flow of water and instead of spraying water over
the sand, it pushes water down the standpipe, which forces the sand to be
flooded with water, essentially lifting all debris out of the sand and filter.
During this process, you should watch the sight glass carefully; you will first
notice dirty water in the sight glass, then, after about 3-4 minutes, the water
should be clean. This means that all the debris is out of the tank. Then, unplug
the filter, rotate the handle from "backwash" to "rinse." Allow water to
circulate approximately one to two minutes. This will clean all debris out of
your valve. Then, rotate handle from "rinse" to "filter" and you're on your way!
Keep in mind that sand filters rely on pressure gauges to notify you when the
tank should be cleaned. It is a good idea to change your pressure gauge once per year.
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What does "shocking my pool" accomplish?
"Shocking" means
super-chlorinating. This process helps to rejuvenate pool water by burning off
chloramines or bromamines, which are sanitized, or "dead" particles. This helps
to kill bacteria and algae, which cause your pool water to become cloudy. You
should shock your swimming pool one time per week, or more often during periods
of heavy bather use or when combined chlorine is .7 ppm.
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How often should I clean or replace my filter?
It depends on what kind of
filter you have. Sand filters should be cleaned (backwashed) approximately every
10 to 14 days, check the pressure gauge to be sure. D.E. (diatomaceous earth)
filters need to be "bumped" every 10 to 17 days, and the filter should be
cleaned approximately once per month. Cartridges in cartridge filters should be
hosed off about once per week.
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How do I select a filter, and what are the pros and
cons?
There are a few different kinds of filters and each is
outlined below with a short description. For more information on what might be
right for your application please give us a call.
- Sand - This is the most common filter and it's very easy to use, however backwashing, which is necessary to
clean the sand in the filter, uses a lot of chlorinated water, which essentially wastes the chlorine.
- DE - This filter provides the best water quality, however, it is the most difficult filter to use and requires
a lot of attention.
- Cartridge - This is the most user-friendly filter and provides water clarity close to that of a D.E. filter,
however the replacement cartridges for the filter are expensive and can tear easily.
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When should I buy a replacement motor versus
an entire new pump system?
If your pump is 1 to 5 years old, it is more efficient to buy a replacement motor. When buying a replacement
motor, you should take the following factors into consideration: horsepower,
shaft style and profile (round or square). However, if your pump is more than 5
years old, it is better to just replace the pump. SPE features a variety of
"full rated" replacement swimming pool motors that will save you money if
replacing the motor is an option for you!
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How would you sanitize or prepare my water for
swimming?
It is necessary to remove all metals, balance the pH, alkalinity and calcium levels, introduce algaecide and
shock products, and most importantly, run your filter and chlorinator when pool is filled.
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What are the basic maintenance steps for spa water?
Spa care is very similar to pool water care - maintaining pH and sanitizer levels is most important. Rather
than chlorine, the sanitizer that should be used in spas is bromine. Maintain your pH, alkalinity and calcium
levels as suggested. Be sure to remove metals on a regular basis!
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A. - |
How large should my pump system be in order to
clean my size pool?
Here are basic guidelines for proper pump filtration.
- 17" System for up to 17,000 gallons.
- 19" System for up to 21,000 gallons.
- 23" System for up to 30,000 gallons.
- 30" System for up to 40,000 gallons.
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How large should my pool heater be in order to
heat my pool?
There are two types of pool
heaters available: conventional heaters and solar heaters. Generally, the number
of square feet determines the best size heater:
Conventional Heaters
up to 450 sq. ft.
450 - 600 sq. ft.
600 - 800 sq. ft.
800 - 1000 sq. ft.
1000 - 1200 sq. ft. |
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125,000 BTU
175,000 BTU
250,000 BTU
325,000 BTU
400,000 BTU |
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