Custom Pools and Spas - The Pool of Your Dreams

How To Prepare Pool For Winter

You roll out of bed with the sun shining through the glass pane of the window. You decide to stroll out to the back porch with a cup of hot joe in hand to think. Then boom, it hits you. Another pool season is coming up (YAY) and you haven’t prepared yourself for it. That excitement might be tempered with the unseemly sight beneath the pool cover. Under that pool cover is where your beloved pool once was. You may have rolled the cover over the pool at the start of winter and went about your day. You didn’t know how to prepare pool for winter and now you’ll have to handle the consequences. But, now it’s time to figure out how to keep a pool clean again for the upcoming season.

The act of shutting down your pool for the winter need not be a hassle. If anything, you’ll be able to pick right from where you left off last summer. So, now you are wondering how to prepare pool for winter? Is it easy to start closing pool for winter? If you own a chlorine-free pool, there will not be a need to cough up money for pool chemicals. You won’t need to bring the water back up to standard. Any preemptive actions can add to the design life of your pool infrastructure. We can help answer your question of, “how to prepare pool for winter?” Preparing your pool for winter might take some effort, but it will be worth it. It will pale in comparison to the work that will be needed if you do not close the pool correctly.

Consider Summer Time Usage

Closing is not singularly confined to public pools during winter, contrary to what some might think. For individual inground pools as well as pools without chlorine, this helps preserve the purity of your pool, maintain viability, and keep from spending any more than you have to. It is best to learn how to winterize an inground pool to maintain the integrity of your pool.

Look at it like this. All manner of debris — foliage, insects, twigs — can end up swirling in your pool when you leave it open during the summer. Given the fact that you consistently clean this debris out and readjust the water quality for your personal swimming use, this debris does not get a chance to sit and rot in the water.

Closing Pool for Winter

Now picture your pool open to the elements throughout the winter. Some days you don’t get the chance to go out and clean out all that organic matter. The totality of that material and then some ends up accumulating for weeks. It will settle and begin decomposition, blocking the pathways of the skimming lines. For a pool without chlorine, it will destroy the chemical integrity of the water. Therefore, it is best to learn how to prepare pool for winter before winter hits.

For a pool with no chlorine, the amount of work awaiting you when the swimming season arrives is staggering. Depending on the extent of neglect, you may have to repair damage to the pool equipment. Can you swim in a pool without chemicals? The chemical and pH balance of the murky pool water will need to be restored to the required standard of turbidity and cleanliness.

All that said, you are going to have to spare a pretty penny and a tremendous amount of time to get things back to the way they should be. Something that could have been prevented had the right measures been taken before the winter came. Beyond that, is there another reason to close your pool?

Timing Of Pool Closure

A huge part of pool maintenance is a factor of timing. It is equally as important to understand when to close off as well as why to do it.

Having established that temperature plays a key role in what causes algae in pools, winterization follows suit when the temperature changes. For areas that tend to see local temperatures dip below 65°F (18°C) after swim season, you should close when the temperature goes below that mark. Algae in pools and spas are a prime agent for the decay of water. That being said, temperatures below 65°F make it difficult for algal proliferation. You can easily monitor and clean your pool over time until the right time when you can close.

On the flip side, if you happen to experience many warm days over 65°F (18°C) during your swim off-season, you can proceed with cleaning and testing the integrity of the pool during those warm days in a bid to maintain it until swim season.

How To Close Your Pool

Now to learn how to prepare pool for winter. The pool winterization procedure is dependent on your local climate. However, what is most important is anticipating deterioration and inhibiting damage.

For instance, it would prove most prudent to drain all the water out of the pool to prevent any damage to the pumping, filtering, and skimming mechanisms when the water expands on freezing. Inherent problems due to sub-standard water chemistry in pools without chlorine can be mitigated by administering relevant additives, especially in chlorine-free pools. The use of a safety cover grants protection from unforeseen drowning incidents while a strong winter covering keeps the attrition of the elements at bay during the off-season.

For pool owners in states like Arizona and Florida that keep moderately warm climates during down seasons, it is not that important to figure out how to keep a pool clean during winter. Keeping your pool pump locked in and running is enough to maintain the pool quality.

However, if you expect to be buried in several feet of snow, it is crucial to empty all the water in the pumping system.. Water freezes and expands, often leading to breakage of the pipes and pumps. Other than that, you may not want to empty your pool for winter.

It is important to understand the nuances of closing a pool relative to your local climate and prevailing weather conditions. If you are unsure of chemicals to use, there are several alternatives to chlorine for swimming pools. Knowing what and when to do the needful will prove beneficial for the life of your pool. Now you should know how to prepare pool for winter.

Can You Swim In A Pool Without Chemicals?

If you’re a spa and pool expert, you must have heard the question “can you swim in a pool without chemicals” from many pool owners who wish to have pools without chlorine. Having a chlorine-free pool seems like an excellent choice for people concerned about their health and want alternatives for their pools.

Even though chlorine sounds like a dangerous chemical that you wouldn’t want to expose yourself to, the reality is that it isn’t. Otherwise, you wouldn’t have it in your drinking water. We’ve been drinking water sanitized with chlorine for a long time.

If you’re a pool owner asking the above question, you must retrace your steps and consider chlorine’s pros. Of course, you can have a pool without chlorine, but will the look of it encourage you to take a dip? Probably not! You will definitely need to best pool cleaning tools around.

Moreover, if you’re looking into listing your property, cleaning your pool before selling it is essential. Most buyers will expect to see a clear, blue pool and not the murky waters of a chlorine-free pool. Remember to install a pool gate to attract buyers with young children.

The reasons why we use chlorine in pools include:

– It acts as a sanitizer

– It is an oxidizer

– It is an algicide

– It holds residual value in your pool water

The Results Of Not Using Chlorine In Your Pool

Most people who want a pool without chlorine to conduct swimming lessons think that it’s healthier. But, the truth is, unsanitized, stagnant water can host algae and bacteria that present dangers to you. You most likely won’t die from swimming in a pool without chlorine.

In the same breath, you may also not expose yourself to flesh-eating bacteria from the same pool. The amount of chlorine put in the water is minimal, and it has more benefits that outweigh any risks about which you are misinformed.

Alternatives To Chlorine

There are a few notable alternatives to chlorine for swimming pools. One that you likely are aware of is bromine. It is used mostly in hot tubs and is less popular for use in swimming pools. Even though bromine has all the four chlorine elements, it is much more costly. You can ask for a pool builder quote and compare the prices. If you’re looking at it as a healthier alternative, there’s no difference between bromine and chlorine.

Another alternative to chlorine, although not widely known, is Baquacil. It mostly works as an oxidizer. And, it only meets three of chlorine properties to make your pool water safe. Pool industry experts don’t see eye to eye on the use of Baquacil as a chlorine alternative.

Although the use of Baquacil in residential pools is generally accepted, it isn’t so welcome in commercial pool amenities. Using baquacile in your pool water can result in a white mold that forms as a result of its biguanide compound resistance. Even though it can maintain a clean and clear pool in the first year of its use, it loses the fight to maintain this property over time.

Even though oxidizers such as Baquacil can replace chlorine as chemical sanitizers, they do not hold substantial residual value in pool water. There are many chlorine-free pools, but the technology to maintain them isn’t easy to attain in your regular backyard pool.

Be Smart About Your Pool

The question “can you swim in a pool without chemicals?” gets a bit complex at this point. As mentioned above, the technology to maintain your backyard pool with no chlorine is non-existent. It is essential to note that chlorine is your first defense line in the pool against risks such as illnesses or even death.

Your best bet to achieving a chlorine-free pool would be to use extra equipment and dose your pool with chemical oxidizers rather than chlorine. Using this method, you will reduce the chances of exposing yourself to harmful chemicals without risking your protection and others.

At this point, you must have a clear answer to your question, “is it safe to swim in a pool without chlorine” when looking for an expert to design your pool. The only other way to reduce the amount of chlorine in your water is by adding external hardware to your pool system.

The best are ozone and UV generators. However, you cannot use them alone. You have to combine small amounts of chlorine to achieve an acceptable safety level.

Equipment That Helps You Reduce Chlorine Exposure

There are different external components you can use on your pool to reduce chlorine exposure. One of the systems, as we’ve mentioned above, is the ozone and UV generators. Using them makes it possible to reduce the amount of chlorine you use every year by 90%.

Using these systems is also a better idea as opposed to going 100% chlorine-free. One disadvantage of these systems is that they cannot hold residual value in water. This means contaminants aren’t affected in any way by these systems and have to go through a filtration system.

Using a UV light in pool water is an excellent way of oxidizing bacteria. These lights are incredibly useful, and you will always find them in use together with chlorine in most public pools. Even though Ozone generators have the potential to work as effectively as UV lights, they need to be in contact with the water for longer times.

Ozone generators’ effectiveness is directly related to the amount of time they’ve been in contact with water. This is why they are usually installed in the pool. Let’s get back to the topic at hand, “can you swim in a pool without chemicals?” Currently, chlorine-free pools are not as reliable as those with chlorine.

If you can learn more about your water chemistry and manage it and the additional methods we’ve mentioned, you can drastically reduce the amount of chlorine you use.

Best Cleaning Tools for Pools

There are some maintenance challenges to face along with the excitement, joy, and long, lost relatives that come with pool ownership. There are many pool cleaning devices and tools available to make your experience as a pool owner less difficult. You will need some basic pool maintenance tools and tips, even if you have an automatic cleaner. If this is the first time you have a pool, you probably have the following two questions in mind: What equipment do I need to maintain a pool? Or at least, what are the basic pool maintenance supplies that I need? Well, telescopic poles, pool brushes, skim nets, and a test kit are required by any pool owner. If you don’t keep your pool clean, it can take an effect on your average swim speed too. To give you a more detailed explanation, here is a list of the best cleaning tools for pools you definitely need:

Telescopic Pole

To skim, vacuum, and brush, the first thing you will need is a good telescopic pool pole. The tele-poles, as they are called, can be found in a variety of quality and lengths. The best pool poles are made from fiberglass, as they are the safest and most durable. However, most are aluminum. Most tele-poles count with two little holes at the attachment end, designed to accept the butterfly clip, which is used to attach a wide variety of accessories that will be discussed below.

Vacuum Heads

If you want to know how to keep your pool clean in an easy way, a good vacuuming is your answer. Hence, a vacuum must be part of your swimming pool maintenance equipment. All pools require to be vacuumed regularly. The vacuum head attaches to the pole, and then a hose is attached to the vacuum head. Then, the pole and vacuum head are lowered into the pool. Adjust the hose and connect it to the skimmer. You should know there are two different types of vacuum heads: one is weighted for concrete pools and has wheels, while the other has brushes and is designed for vinyl lined pools.

Vacuum Hose

You will need a vacuum hose to vacuum debris from the pool walls and floor. It must connect to the vacuum head and tele-pole, and then lowered into the pool. After filling the vacuum hose with water, plug its end into the skimmer suction hole or into a vacuum line in the wall. Debris and water will be pulled into the filter pump basket through the vacuum hose. Small pump baskets clogging can be prevented with skimmer vacuum plates or in-line strainers.

Leaf Traps

Also named Leaf Canister, the leaf trap is connected to the end of the vacuum hose right before the pool skimmer. To connect the other end of the leaf trap to the skimmer or vacuum line, you can use a small 3’ hose. To prevent clogging a small pump basket or skimmer basket, there is a larger basket inside the leaf trap that will hold the debris and leaves. Leaf traps are used to vacuum pools, and they can also be connected to a suction pool cleaner for longer cleaning cycles. There is no need to stop to empty the pump basket.

What Equipment Do You Need to Maintain a Pool

Vac Plates

The Skim Vac or skimmer vacuum plate is a plate with a raised center hose adapter that fits over your skim basket. After preparing the hose with water, connect it to the plate and then place it quickly on top of the skimmer basket. This way you are going to trap debris in the larger skimmer basket which is also easier to clean, instead of vacuuming into the pump basket. Skim Vac plates size is specific to fit particular sized skimmer baskets. They are great to save time while vacuuming messy pools.

Skimmer Nets

Some of the best cleaning tools for pools are the skim net and leaf rake. The skim net is a flat mesh net that is attached to the tele-pole and can be used to remove light debris that floats on the pool surface. The leaf rake is a mesh net as well; however, it has a large, deep debris bag. This tool is great for scooping toys or debris from the pool floor. You might need a replacement for the butterfly clips or “V” clips after a couple of years.

Pool Brushes

Pool brushes are some of the main pool maintenance tools you will need as a pool owner. Swimming pools should be brushed at least once per week to remove films, algae, and dirt that cannot be removed by vacuuming. Due to the importance of brushing your pool, there are several types of brushes that will be useful for different types of pools. For instance, the stainless-steel brush is excellent for plaster or concrete pools, but it should not be used for vinyl pools. On the other hand, it is possible to use plastic bristle brushes with any type of pools, being perfect for vinyl and above ground pools. Combination plastic bristle and steel brushes are only recommended for plaster pools.

Leaf Bagger

Since the invention of the telescopic pole, one of the best cleaning tools for pools ever created is the leaf bagger. It is ideal for cleaning a pool floor full of leaves or for a quick spot clean. The leaf bagger uses water pressure from your garden hose to vacuum, pulling the debris up from the floor into a large bag, which can be a mesh leaf bag o a very fine mesh bag.

Stain Master

The Jandy Stain Master is a siphon device that can suck muriatic acid from a gallon bottle to clean tile stains on the pool surface. It is perfect for small, localized stains on plaster pools, especially rust stains, mineral deposits, or metal stains. The head unit can be attached to any pool pole, and the 30’ hose will deliver liquids such as acid or chlorine right on the stain. Only when the 4’’ cup is held flat on a surface; a push-button valve releases the chemical over the area.

Pumice Stone

Another method for keeping the pool clean from localized deposits or stains on concrete pools is the pumice stone. Pumice is a light, porous, and glassy lava stone that can remove a pool stain by rubbing it. The pumice blocks are pumice stones that can be attached to a tele-pole or a stone with a handle that lets you swim with it. It can be perfectly used on berry stains, cement stains and calcium deposits on tile or plaster, as well as on black algae heads on pool surfaces.

Pool Scrubbing Mitt

At busy commercial pools, the tile band and the inside of the skimmer are scrubbed well with a chlorine-based abrasive cleanser like Comet™ or Soft Scrub™; however, our pool scrubbing mitt is excellent for water line stains and scum or applying a chlorine paste or pH reducer to stains located underwater. Chlorine or acid-based cleansers should be avoided when cleaning vinyl pools, and a Tile & Vinyl Cleaner should be used instead.

What Are the Basic Pool Maintenance Supplies

Skimmer Weirs

Despite is not regularly considered as part of pool cleaning devices, the skimmer weir plays an essential role in the skimming action of your skimmer. A pool skimmer will lose most of its effectiveness when weirs are misaligned, broken, or missing. However, skimmer weirs are easily replaced with spring-loaded generic replacements, or a new dual door skimmer weir can be installed.

Return Eyeballs

When return eyeball fittings are properly aimed, they help to direct the pool water in a circular fashion, creating a slight surface ripple that transports the floating leaves around in front of the skimmer. To give a more precise aim, new venturi return fittings increase water volume. Eyeball fittings are also relevant to keep the right amount of back pressure in the filter system, as well as to balance flow among wall returns. Use smaller eye diameters close to the pump and larger eyeball fittings far away from it.

How To Design A Patio

Summer is just around the corner and many people are starting to take a critical look at their backyards and outdoor spaces. One of the best ways to make use of free outdoor space is to design and build a fire pit patio with pavers.

But there are many things to consider when designing a patio layout. Factors such as your budget, the space available, and the purpose of your patios will all affect patio design plans. Read on for 5 tips on how to design a patio that your family and visitors will love.

1. Design According To The Purpose Of The Patio

The first thing you should keep in mind when looking at patio plans is the main purpose that your patio will serve. A patio design for a barbeque area will be vastly different from a pool bar lounge. Additionally, a patio being built to increase the value of your home may look quite different from a patio garden meant for your family to relax in.

2. Make The Best Use Of Your Setting

Another consideration to make when designing your patio is the setting in which the patio will be built. What part of your backyard is best for the patio? Where does the sun rise and set? How will the patio integrate with the home? How is the drainage and where are the manholes located? Where will you get the best view? Which corner offers the best privacy? Try and get the best location for your patio according to what it will mainly be used for.

3. Think About The Space Available And Patio Size

The next thing you should think about is how much space you have available and how big your patio should be. Ensure that the patio is big enough to accommodate the activities you intend for it. If you will be entertaining many people, then there should be enough space for everyone as well as furniture and equipment. If you only have a small space, then you will be forced to build a patio that fits into the space.

4. Consider Your Preferred Your Style

When looking at patio garden ideas pay attention to the styles that appeal to you. You will be spending a lot of time relaxing in your patio so it should be in a style that you feel comfortable with. Also, consider the style of the main house and make sure that your patio design matches with it.

If the home is an old period home, then the patio could be built with traditional pavers. You could also consider growing moss around the pavers. For modern homes or if you want to keep up with design trends, contemporary style patios would be more suitable.

5. Stick To Your Budget

Finally, you should think about your budget when designing a patio. Setting a budget before you start the patio building process will ensure you finish the project without getting into debt. The materials you use to build the patio and the furniture you buy will be determined by how much cash you have available. Your budget will also determine whether you can hire professional builders and landscapers to assist you or if the project will be largely DIY.

These 5 steps should help you come up with a beautiful patio. Once you have an choose a patio design make a drawing of it. Having a plan on paper will help you build your patio more effectively. For more tips on home improvement projects such as how to keep a pool clean and how to remove calcium from a pool, read the rest of our blog.

Are Beach Entry Pools More Expensive?

Pools are dream come true for a lot of homeowners. They not only make your home a haven, but also increase your property’s value. One good thing with pools is that there is no limit of choices. You can choose an inground or above-ground pool of whichever size or design you want. Even better, you can decide to go with a beach entry pool. But before you do that, there is an important question you have to answer. Are beach entry pools more expensive?

If you are hearing about beach entry pools for the first time or you want to have one, you came to the right place. This post has everything you need to know. It will tell you what a beach entry pool is, as well as factors that determine its cost.

What is a Beach Entry Pool?

The zero, or beach entry pool, is the newest innovative design that everyone is talking about. The design takes an approach that places the pool on the shallow end. There is a gradual slope that gives the pool a much deeper end. In particular, this kind of pool is suitable for kids, people recuperating from injuries, and the elderly. It is also the best pool choice you can make if you want to swim as well as sunbathe from the same spot.

Another structural feature of beach entry pools is that they do not require steps, the zero entry covers for that. You can also add other decorations on the sides to give your pool an aesthetic edge.

How Much it Costs to Build a Beach Entry Pool

Pools are not cheap. You need quite an amount to build one. Zero entry pools are more expensive than the regular types. However, the final cost is determined by several factors as discussed below;

Materials Used

Typically, zero entry pools use concrete because it is relatively cheap. Those who are looking to go with something other than concrete could use fiberglass or vinyl. Make sure to check what material works best for you since fiberglass and vinyl could cost you more money.

Pool Size

The larger the pool, the more you will spend. A large pool means covering a lot of ground and you will need more materials. If you want to spend less, it may be advisable to go with a small size pool. The size and depth are things to consider since they both play into the pricing of the pool.

Pool Style and Design

Your pool design and style plays a central role in the amount of materials you use. It will also affect the size of your pool. It is also true that customized styles will cost more than regular pool designs. You should talk to your contractor to help you estimate the cost of each design before starting. Also, the more aesthetics you add to your pool, the more you will spend.

Maintenance of the Pool

You will have to keep in mind that there will need to be maintenance and proper cleaning to keep your pool looking clean and functioning. So you will need to ensure you get the right size pump, cleaning materials, and ensuring the water is tested frequently to keep it free of bacteria.

Is a Beach Entry Pool the Right Choice For You?

For those asking: are beach entry pools more expensive? Yes they are. Thanks to their unique structure, they will cost you more than the conventional pools. Factors like size, design, and materials will have the most sway on how much you spend. At the end of the day, a pool would be a great investment since there are so many benefits with having a pool.

What Would Cause Air Bubbles in Pool Pump Suction Basket? – What to Know

Having a pool in your backyard is a dream come true. You now have the space and place to kick it in and enjoy a lazy weekend. It never gets better than that. But with all that beauty, you probably forget to put in a system to deal air bubbles once the pool water hits the walls. Now that is a constant problem taking away your peace of mind. A good place to start would be asking: what would cause air bubbles in pool pump suction basket?

What Would Cause Air Bubbles in Pool Pump Suction Basket?

This post is what you need to solve the problems of air bubbles in your pool pump suction system. It will tell you how the bubbles are formed and how the problem manifests itself. You will also learn how to solve the inground pool problem whenever it happens.

How Air Bubbles Happen in Pool Pump Suction System

The formation of bubbles is simply the consequence of air sucked into the suction pump line. This is as a result of opening the pool internal system for the first time. A lot of undesired things, including air, find their way in and cause a nightmare. The good news is that the problem is only above the ground and that means you will not need to do any digging to fix the problem.

Common Causes of Pool Air Bubbles

Much like how there are several reasons why algae grows in a pool, there are also several reasons why air bubbles form in the pool’s pump suction line. Here are a few of them:

Faulty or missing O-ring
Loose strainer pot lid
Too low water level
Improper connection between the pump and valves

How to Solve the Air Bubble Problem

Now that you know why you keep getting the air bubble problem, it is time you learn how to solve it and never miss a day of fun in your backyard.

Check and maintain the correct water level: It could be your water level is too low. When the water is far down the skimmer, air will be sucked in and directed to the pump line. Keep the water level at half or three-quarter level above the skimmer.
Tighten the pump-valve connection: This is the most common cause of air bubbles in pool line systems. Inspect the connection and ascertain if it is tight. Check if the O-ring is well placed and in healthy condition. Remove any grit and other debris you may notice. Make sure the pool pump is off when you do all these.
Loose strainer lid: The lid should be tight at all times. A little snugness will let air in and that will be the beginning of your bubble problems. Start your inspection by turning off the pump then opening the lid. Check the O-ring condition and remove any debris. If you see nothing out of place, return the lid and tighten it.

Bottom Line

Now you know what would cause air bubbles in pool pump suction basket. Make sure you keep every joint airtight. Closely inspect the O-rings to make sure they are in good condition. Always stay vigilant when it comes to taking care of your pool so that you can enjoy the benefits of having a pool in the first place. Worst comes to worst, you can also reach out to a pool professional for expert services.

Is it Safe to Swim in a Pool with Algae – How to Get Algae Off

Swimming pool can be an interesting addition to your house, but one thing that you have to keep in mind is that it is clean and properly maintained. The algae can grow where the moisture quantity is more, so, there is no other place better than a pool for the growth of algae. Presence of algae in the water can make the water look green. But the main question is whether or not is it safe to swim in a pool with algae?

Is it Safe to Swim in a Pool with Algae

We will discuss everything related to pool with algae and if you can swim in the pool that has algae. You need to know and understand that pools with algae can be dangerous for your health. If you want to know why it is harmful, read on.

Algae Water Contains Bacteria

One of the facts about the algae in the pool is that where there are algae, there are bacteria. Though algae are itself not harmful for the skin or health, it means that the chlorine content in the pool water is not enough, and that the ph needs to be balanced. When the chlorine content in the pool is less, it can give rise to the growth of bacteria in it. Chlorine can kill the bacteria and it is not enough then it cannot kill the bacteria as well as the germs, viruses and parasites in the pool water. All these harmful microorganisms can enter into the body through ears, eyes, throat and nose or even through any small cuts in your skin. So, if you are swimming in a pool full of algae, it can cause fever, ear infection, summer bummers and diarrhea too.

When You can Swim?

If the pool water is looking green, or you’re noticing black stains on the pool liner, then you have to treat the algae first. The green tint of the pool water will reduce with the chlorine shock treatment. This shocking treatment of the pool can kill and destroy most of the algae. You have to ensure that the chlorine level is at a constant range in your pool. The range must vary from 1 to 5 ppm, whereas the chloramine level should be at zero. Once the pool is shocked, it will successfully decrease the algae content in the pool water. Also, make sure that the filtration system is working perfectly. Without that it is impossible to maintain the quality of the pool water and keep it completely clean and purified.

Conclusion

So, you have probably got the answer to the question – is it safe to swim in a pool with algae? It is not okay to swim in pool water which has algae in it, or which looks greenish and cloudy in nature. You need to take required measures and steps to ensure that the algae are completely eliminated from the pool water before you jump into it. If it is not possible for you, then you can also call a professional pool maintenance service to ensure that the pool is free from algae and other harmful microorganisms in the pool.

Is It Ok to Run Pool Pump Without Filter Cartridge – How often do you need to replace pool cartridge filters?

Is it ok to run pool pump without filter cartridge? When should I replace my filter cartridge? What is the basic filter cartridge maintenance? So, you are a bit confused about your pool filter cartridge. This is obvious when you do not understand filter cartridge requirements. Any wrong step might make you spend more.

Is It Ok to Run Pool Pump Without Filter Cartridge

Whether you are trying to prevent your pool from freezing in the winter or searching for the benefits of a pool, it is important you understand everything there is to know about swimming pools. In this article, we will help you to know more about filter cartridge and a few other things that might help you to get the most out of your investment. Keep reading to boost the efficiency of your pool filter.

Can I Run Pool Pump without Filter Cartridge?

You can run your pool pump without a filter cartridge. You can do this to maintain the circulation when the cartridge is dried up. However, you will have to ensure that you have removed the internal parts and the tank is properly reassembled. Also, you can remove the cartridge while cleaning the filter.

When Should You Replace Your Cartridge?

When it comes to the replacement, you need to replace your filter cartridge every three to five years depending on the frequency of usage. If you are using an undersized filter, then it might not last for long. As a result, you might need to replace it every one or two years. However, you can clean your nicely sized cartridges every six months to use it for around five years.

Small filter cartridges should be cleaned more frequently. You might need to clean it every month to get optimal performance. Therefore, it is also suggested to buy a large size to minimize the maintenance and to get a durable result. For cleaning, you will have to check the pressure gauge. When it will rise eight to ten lbs above the recommended clean pressure, you can consider filter cartridge cleaning. The same is about the flow rate. When the flow rate is diminished noticeably, you will have to clean your filter cartridge.

Is There Any Other Post Cleaning Requirement?

After cleaning, you can dry your filter cartridge. Keep the cartridge in a warm place for twenty-four hours to dry it up completely. During the drying process, the microscopic organisms will be dehydrated and expired. However, make sure that you have a second set of the cartridge so that you can use your pool during this period.

Can I Run My Cartridge Pool Filter Whenever I Need?

Yes, you can run your cartridge pool filter whenever you want. However, you will have to be a bit careful depending on the water temperature and the time of the year. People normally run their cartridge pool filter twelve to sixteen hours a day. But you will have to consider the cartridge size and water quality as well.

Last Words

Is it ok to run pool pump without filter cartridge? Yes, you can occasionally run your pool pump without filter cartridge. But take extra caution to avoid any damage. Reassemble it properly and tightly. Also, maintain your filter cartridge regularly and replace it whenever you notice any of the signs mentioned above. This will ensure that your pool is cleaned properly and you don’t with a green pool.

How to Lower the pH in a Pool – What happens if pool pH is too high?

Your pool’s pH is a measurement of the hydrogen ion concentration in the water. The pH is important because it not only affects pool maintenance but also the comfort of swimmers. pH stands for “power of hydrogen”. Since water is easily ionized and conducts electricity, it will always contain some hydrogen ions. The pH scale is set up so that the higher the pH number measured in the water, the more alkaline it is and the smaller the pH number, the more acidic it is. As part of pool maintenance, it’s important to learn how to lower the pH in a pool.

How to Lower the pH in a Pool

In this post, we’ll discuss why it’s important to keep your pool’s pH balanced and how to lower the PH of your pool. Controlling the pH is crucial to ensure your pool is comfortable for swimming and also to prolong the life of materials that make up the pool.

Why Does Your pH Need to be Balanced?

Teardrops from the human eye have a pH of 7.5, as such, having a pH close to that number will make swimming in your pool more comfortable. Sometimes, swimmers complain that their eyes are hurting because the chlorine levels are too high. However, in most cases, this is caused by an unbalanced pH rather than a high chlorine level.

Common Problems Caused by a Low pH

Skin and eye irritation
Wrinkles in vinyl layers
Chlorine loss
Staining
Metal corrosion
Etching of the pool surface
Algae can begin to form in the pool

Common Problems Caused by a High pH

Eye and skin irritation
Chlorine inefficiency
Cloudy water
Scaling (which can result in reduced circulation, clogged heater elements and clogged filters)

Controlling Your Pool’s pH

Industry experts say to raise the pH: sodium carbonate (soda ash) is normally used. Baking soda (sodium bicarbonate) can be used to raise pH if the pool water has low alkalinity but it’s more commonly used to raise alkalinity.

To lower pH: The most commonly used liquid to lower pH is muriatic acid (hydrochloric acid).

Lowering the pH In A Pool

The amount of acid you’re supposed to add to your pool to lower the pH depends on the size of the pool and the pool’s pH reading. If you’re using a test strip, determining exactly how high your pH level is can be tough, all you know is that it’s just high. Consider using a better test kit, such as a DPD drop test kit that will give you a better idea of the true pH reading.

If you have a pH reading of 7.8 or higher, you need to add about a quart (1/4 gallon) of muriatic acid to an average-sized in-ground pool (15,000 gallons). You should then retest the water after it has circulated for an hour. If you have an above-ground or smaller pool, start with a cup of acid and re-test and add more if needed.

Bottom Line

Now that’s how to lower the pH in a pool. When adding acid, be sure to pour it in the deepest part of the pool while the pump is running so the water can circulate. Wait at least an hour before using the pool; but if you added a lot of acid, give the pool for about 24 hours for the water to circulate then retest the pool before using it. Remember to also clean your pool and maintain it regularly.

How to Remove Calcium from Pool Water

For pool owners, you may have to deal with calcium buildup. It is not an easy task to deal with this kind of pool buildup, but it is doable if you know how to remove calcium from pool water. The buildup results from imbalanced pH and high calcium levels. Therefore, the secret to dealing with the calcium problem is balancing pH and the chemicals.

How to Remove Calcium from Pool Water

This post will be talking about calcium in pool water. You will learn about the two main types of calcium buildups and how to remove them. You will also learn how to prevent the problem in the future by learning how to keep your pool clean.

Common Types of Calcium Buildups

Calcium buildup in pool water commonly happens in two forms and is a common inground pool problem. They are calcium silicate and calcium carbonate. Calcium silicate is the more stubborn of the two. It takes longer to form, but it will make you sweat when you remove it. It is often recommended to get a professional if you are dealing with calcium silicate buildup. Calcium carbonate is easy to form and equally easy to remove.

So, how do you know the kind of buildup is in your pool? Get muriatic acid and add a few drops on a section of the buildup and give it a short while. If it is calcium silicate, you will see no reaction. On the other hand, calcium carbonate will react and leave a foam-like substance floating.

Removing Calcium Buildup from Pool

Since the buildups are different in composition, removing them will follow different procedures as below:

Removing Calcium Silicate Buildup

Calcium silicate is deeply attached to the pool surface. You will need pumice and thorough scrubbing to remove it. It is hard work, and you will find yourself sweating. If you have fiberglass walls, then the pumice option is off the table.

You may try additives known for breaking down calcium silicate, but they do not work fast. It is going to take a long time for the buildup to go. Your best option is getting professionals to remove the buildup once and for all.

Removing Calcium Carbonate Buildup

Commercial stain erasers will do a great job breaking down calcium carbonate. There are plenty of them; thus, your decision should not give you any trouble. You can as well use pumice if your pool has hard and scratch-free surfaces. Calcium carbonate goes down easily, and it should not be a hard job getting the buildup out.

Preventing Calcium Buildup in the Future

When you remove the calcium buildup, you do not want the same problem to recur. One of the things you should do is stabilize the pH level and keep it at its recommended level. Of course, there is calcium in your water, and you should remove it through reverse osmosis. Finally, get an automatic pool cover to prevent evaporation that leaves behind calcium. You should also look into pool cleaning tips to ensure that your pool is clean at all times.

Bottom Line

It is a crucial skill to know how to remove calcium from pool water. Even better, you can prevent the problem by keeping your pool at the optimal pH level and making sure all other chemicals are balanced. Worst comes to worst, you can always reach out to pool professionals to get your pool serviced.