FILTER SYSTEMS & FUNCTIONS
SAND FILTERS
Sand is the filter medium for this filter. It utilizes a multi-port valve to operate the filter which can have 6 or 8 functions, depending upon the manufacturer. The functions are as follows:
Filter: Use for normal filtration or vacuuming the pool.
Backwash: Use for cleaning the filter bed.
Rinse: Use for resetting the filter bed after washing.
Waste/Drain: Use for vacuuming heavy concentrations of dirt directly to waste. This action bypasses the filter bed. It also can be used to lower the water level or drain the pool to the bottom of the skimmer.
Closed/Test: Use for shutting off the flow to the filter and pool. IMPORTANT: When using this function, the pump should be in the OFF position.
Recirculate/Whirlpool: Use for bypassing the filter bed. Useful during extended periods away from the pool. (i.e.. Several days vacation). This function permits automatic chlorinating systems to maintain proper chlorine levels while eliminating concern over pressure build-up in the filter.
IMPORTANT: Never move the M.P.V. handle unless the pump is off. The handle must be kept firmly depressed while being moved and in position before the pump is turned on.
Backwash: Backwashing is cleaning the filter bed. The filter should be backwashed, generally, when the pressure gauge reads 8-10 lbs (psi.) above normal. See your filter owner’s manual for mfg.’s recommended frequency of backwashing. Olympic Pools recommends backwashing your filter at least once a week, regardless of whether the pressure gauge indicates to do so or not. It is important to know your starting pressure.
BACKWASH CHECKLIST:
1. Turn pump off.
2. Place M.P.V. is in the closed position.
3. Clean debris from the skimmer basket. Rinse or replace, if necessary.
4. Clean debris in the hair & lint strainer. Rinse or replace, if necessary.
5. Place M.P.V. in the backwash position.
6. Turn pump on.
IMPORTANT: Backwash time should be at least 4 minutes or until the water in the sight glass runs clear.
COMPLETE BACKWASHING BY:
7. Turning off the pump.
8. Putting the M.P.V. in the rinse position and turning on the pump, again, for at least 30 seconds or until the water in the sight glass runs clean.
9. Turn the pump off.
10. Put the M.P.V. back in the filter position.
11. Turn on the pump, again.
Vacuuming: Vacuuming cleans the horizontal and vertical angular surfaces of the pool. Vacuuming is at the discretion of the owner. Olympic Pools recommends once per week.
VACUUM CHECKLIST:
1. Turn the pump off.
2. Place the M.P.V. in the closed position.
3. Remove all debris from the skimmer and the hair & lint baskets. Rinse or replace, if necessary.
4. Affix the swivel end of the vacuum hose to the vacuum head.
5. Affix the stationary end of the vacuum hose to the vacuum plate.
6. Fill the vac hose with water by hand feeding the vac hose into the pool. This is done in a hand-over-hand motion.
7. Put the vac plate in the skimmer, placing it over the skimmer basket. DO NOT REMOVE THE BASKET WHILE VACUUMING!
8. Turn the M.P.V. to the filter position.
9. Turn on the pump.
IMPORTANT: Vacuum pool surfaces utilizing a geometric pattern, to clean all necessary surfaces. When vacuuming is complete, the filter should be backwashed, although optional. Then, continue as follows:
10. Turn the pump off.
11. Put the M.P.V. in the closed position.
12. Remove all vacuuming appliances.
13. Empty all the debris from the skimmer and hair & lint baskets. Rinse and replace, if necessary.
14. Place the M.P.V. in the filter position.
15. Turn the pump on.
Sand Filter
Friday, March 9, 2007
Saturday, March 3, 2007
Be prepared for your new above ground pool!
Though I'd share a few thoughts:
1. Check with your local municipality for zoning regulations, select a site in your backyard where the pool will be installed. An area that will recieve the most sunlight is ideal, also make sure the site can accomodate the size of your pool plus the zoning area requirements.
2. There are certain situations which you must be aware of. Your pool cannot be installed over or under electrical service lines and cannot be installed over a septic system. Also be cautious of installing your pool over underground water lines, sewer lines etc.
3. Your pool is not intended to be installed in the ground. Installing your pool in the ground MAY void your manufacturer's warranty. If you must backfill around your pool take your soil to a local greenhouse to have your soil's ph level tested.
4. Do not use any lawn or garden fertilizers near or around your pool. Many have chemicals that can deteriorate your pool wall.
5. Obtain a building permit and be sure to check municipalities for electrical and fencing requirements.
6.Purchase pool base sand or washed masonry sand that is absolutely stone free, the quality of the sand is very important because it lies directly below the pool liner. Poor sand may damage the pool liner and wouldn't be covered under the warranty.
Swimming Pool
1. Check with your local municipality for zoning regulations, select a site in your backyard where the pool will be installed. An area that will recieve the most sunlight is ideal, also make sure the site can accomodate the size of your pool plus the zoning area requirements.
2. There are certain situations which you must be aware of. Your pool cannot be installed over or under electrical service lines and cannot be installed over a septic system. Also be cautious of installing your pool over underground water lines, sewer lines etc.
3. Your pool is not intended to be installed in the ground. Installing your pool in the ground MAY void your manufacturer's warranty. If you must backfill around your pool take your soil to a local greenhouse to have your soil's ph level tested.
4. Do not use any lawn or garden fertilizers near or around your pool. Many have chemicals that can deteriorate your pool wall.
5. Obtain a building permit and be sure to check municipalities for electrical and fencing requirements.
6.Purchase pool base sand or washed masonry sand that is absolutely stone free, the quality of the sand is very important because it lies directly below the pool liner. Poor sand may damage the pool liner and wouldn't be covered under the warranty.
Swimming Pool
Shocking the pool
By making this post I am in no way excepting liability for actions that may occur, I always reccomend having an expert treat your pool with chemicals, regardless....
I'm always being asked how much shock to use in an A.G. pool because of the various sizes.
I'll make it easy
15' pool 1-2 lbs
12x24 pool 2-3 lbs
18' pool 2-3 lbs
15x24 pool 2-3 lbs
21' pool 3-4 lbs
15x30 pool 3-4 lbs
24' pool 3-4 lbs
18x33 pool 4-5 lbs
27' pool 4-5 lbs
18x45 pool 6-7 lbs
30' pool 6-7 lbs
21x41 pool 7-8 lbs
33' pool 9-10 lbs
Recommendation: Do not add shock directly to the water.
Either dissolve in a pail of water or add slowly through the skimmer.
Note: Do not mix shock with Trichloro-s-triazinetrione (stabilized chlorine tablets). An explosion may occur!!
Note: Biguanide treated pools will require different chemical treatments.
Shock
I'm always being asked how much shock to use in an A.G. pool because of the various sizes.
I'll make it easy
15' pool 1-2 lbs
12x24 pool 2-3 lbs
18' pool 2-3 lbs
15x24 pool 2-3 lbs
21' pool 3-4 lbs
15x30 pool 3-4 lbs
24' pool 3-4 lbs
18x33 pool 4-5 lbs
27' pool 4-5 lbs
18x45 pool 6-7 lbs
30' pool 6-7 lbs
21x41 pool 7-8 lbs
33' pool 9-10 lbs
Recommendation: Do not add shock directly to the water.
Either dissolve in a pail of water or add slowly through the skimmer.
Note: Do not mix shock with Trichloro-s-triazinetrione (stabilized chlorine tablets). An explosion may occur!!
Note: Biguanide treated pools will require different chemical treatments.
Shock
Ideal chemical ranges
In case anyone isn't sure: PPM means Parts Per Million
Chlorine-1.5-3.0 Low Chlor-.5-1.0
PH-7.2-7.6 ppm
Alkalinity-80-120 ppm
Calcium Hardness-200-500 ppm
Cyanuric Acid-30-50 ppm
Copper-0.00 ppm
Iron-0.00 ppm
All of this information and more can be found @ www.poolquestion.com
Ideal Ranges
Chlorine-1.5-3.0 Low Chlor-.5-1.0
PH-7.2-7.6 ppm
Alkalinity-80-120 ppm
Calcium Hardness-200-500 ppm
Cyanuric Acid-30-50 ppm
Copper-0.00 ppm
Iron-0.00 ppm
All of this information and more can be found @ www.poolquestion.com
Ideal Ranges
Water Chemistry problems
Total alkalinity problems
Pool water problem - total alkalinity
Total alkalinity is a measure of the total alkaline substances found in the pool water. For swimming pool purposes we usually determine the carbonate content of the water by measuring the level of calcium carbonate.
Total Alkalinity, or TA, should usually be kept at 80 - 120 ppm, though in high alkalinity waters this is often hard to achieve without resulting in an abnormally low pH.
Low Total Alkalinity
The results of a low TA may be one or more of the following:
1.etching of the plaster, marbelite, marcite or tile grouting
2.corrosion of metal parts
3.staining of the pool's surfaces
4.green water
5.burning eyes and itchy skin
6.pH bounce (rapid fluctuations in pH)
Raising low total alkalinity
Sodium bicarbonate (bicarb) will raise the TA without excessively raising the pH. Regular pH-up will raise the pH as well as the TA and should not be used. Care should be taken to increase the TA over a period of time, adding a maximum of 1 pound of bicarb for each 6,000 gallons of water. The bicarb can be added at this rate every 4 days, until the required level is reached.
High Total Alkalinity
The results of high TA may be one or more of the following:
1. pH keeps going up despite regular addition of pH-down
2. cloudy water
3. burning eyes and itchy skin
4. reduced chlorine efficiency resulting in algae growth.
Lowering high total alkalinity
Regular small "acid shocks" with pH-down will reduce the pH while lowering the TA. This can be an extremely slow process and it may take weeks or longer to reduce high TA. One suggested method is as follows:
turn off the pumps and allowing the water to settle;
slowly add the pH-reducer into one spot in the deep end of the pool;
allow the chemicals to "burn off" some of the alkalinity for 15 - 30 minutes (You may notice some bubbles rising to the surface. This is carbon dioxide and is indicative of the destruction of excess alkalinity.);
turn the pumps back on and allow the water to mix thoroughly.
The above method should be used only when the pH is high and your pool requires pH-reducer. If the pH is normal, adding a shock will reduce the pH to undesirable levels resulting in further pool problems.
Care should be taken not to let the pH-reducer sit for too long as it will begin etching and softening the plaster, marbelite, marcite or tile grouting. It is also recommended to dilute the pH reducer in a bucket of water before adding to the pool to prevent this problem from occuring.
Total Alkalinity
Pool water problem - total alkalinity
Total alkalinity is a measure of the total alkaline substances found in the pool water. For swimming pool purposes we usually determine the carbonate content of the water by measuring the level of calcium carbonate.
Total Alkalinity, or TA, should usually be kept at 80 - 120 ppm, though in high alkalinity waters this is often hard to achieve without resulting in an abnormally low pH.
Low Total Alkalinity
The results of a low TA may be one or more of the following:
1.etching of the plaster, marbelite, marcite or tile grouting
2.corrosion of metal parts
3.staining of the pool's surfaces
4.green water
5.burning eyes and itchy skin
6.pH bounce (rapid fluctuations in pH)
Raising low total alkalinity
Sodium bicarbonate (bicarb) will raise the TA without excessively raising the pH. Regular pH-up will raise the pH as well as the TA and should not be used. Care should be taken to increase the TA over a period of time, adding a maximum of 1 pound of bicarb for each 6,000 gallons of water. The bicarb can be added at this rate every 4 days, until the required level is reached.
High Total Alkalinity
The results of high TA may be one or more of the following:
1. pH keeps going up despite regular addition of pH-down
2. cloudy water
3. burning eyes and itchy skin
4. reduced chlorine efficiency resulting in algae growth.
Lowering high total alkalinity
Regular small "acid shocks" with pH-down will reduce the pH while lowering the TA. This can be an extremely slow process and it may take weeks or longer to reduce high TA. One suggested method is as follows:
turn off the pumps and allowing the water to settle;
slowly add the pH-reducer into one spot in the deep end of the pool;
allow the chemicals to "burn off" some of the alkalinity for 15 - 30 minutes (You may notice some bubbles rising to the surface. This is carbon dioxide and is indicative of the destruction of excess alkalinity.);
turn the pumps back on and allow the water to mix thoroughly.
The above method should be used only when the pH is high and your pool requires pH-reducer. If the pH is normal, adding a shock will reduce the pH to undesirable levels resulting in further pool problems.
Care should be taken not to let the pH-reducer sit for too long as it will begin etching and softening the plaster, marbelite, marcite or tile grouting. It is also recommended to dilute the pH reducer in a bucket of water before adding to the pool to prevent this problem from occuring.
Total Alkalinity
Sunday, February 25, 2007
Dressing up an above ground pool?
Hello again, lately I have been talking to many above ground pool owners about ways to increase the beauty of their yard.
This seems like a daunting task....
with an abnormally large grey cylinder sticking out of the ground. There are some ways to improve the aesthetic value of this mammoth!
To get started, let's try some simple landscaping, maybe some shrubs or even flowers, this will help to hide the equipment and possibly even make the pool look inviting.
Lately a lot of companies have been introducing new gadgets to offer the above ground consumer some options.
One that recently caught my eye was Smartpool's new underwater nightlighter light, it is an addition to their existing nightlighter line only it changes colors!! this light is automatic, I think it rotated in four colors, and also has an automatic 3 hour shut off, so if you leave it on don't worry!
If you visit their website they have a dealer locator so you can easily find this product at a local pool store.
Speaking of Smartpool they also have a product that will allow you to eliminate that ugly solar cover!, it's called the solar pill, you place it in the water once a month, it stops evaporation which is what makes your pool get cold!
The stuff works, if you get a steaming cup of coffee and add a couple drops it no longer steams!
By the way, I receive no payment from anyone clicking on the Smartpool link, I just think they have some cool products
Above ground swimming pools
This seems like a daunting task....
with an abnormally large grey cylinder sticking out of the ground. There are some ways to improve the aesthetic value of this mammoth!
To get started, let's try some simple landscaping, maybe some shrubs or even flowers, this will help to hide the equipment and possibly even make the pool look inviting.
Lately a lot of companies have been introducing new gadgets to offer the above ground consumer some options.
One that recently caught my eye was Smartpool's new underwater nightlighter light, it is an addition to their existing nightlighter line only it changes colors!! this light is automatic, I think it rotated in four colors, and also has an automatic 3 hour shut off, so if you leave it on don't worry!
If you visit their website they have a dealer locator so you can easily find this product at a local pool store.
Speaking of Smartpool they also have a product that will allow you to eliminate that ugly solar cover!, it's called the solar pill, you place it in the water once a month, it stops evaporation which is what makes your pool get cold!
The stuff works, if you get a steaming cup of coffee and add a couple drops it no longer steams!
By the way, I receive no payment from anyone clicking on the Smartpool link, I just think they have some cool products
Above ground swimming pools
Saturday, February 24, 2007
Why buy from the local guy?
Ok, you heard it here first!
This little article might just tick off a few bloggers
because I'm actually encouraging you to buy from brick and mortar pool stores
rather that ordering from the internet!
Wow, what a concept an internet guy telling you to avoid the internet?
Well not totally, but I at least advise you to think your purchases through a bit!
I guess in my opinion it all starts with service!
Say you buy a new pool pump from a shady website on the internet,
now lets assume you take it home, install it and it doesn't work,
I highly doubt the internet store is going to
come to your residence and provide the help you need!
On the other hand, your local mom, and pop shop
will be more than willing to come out and make the repairs that are necessary,
or at least send you in the right direction.
If you purchase it on the internet you will more than likely get stuck with the freight to send it back, if you get anywhere at all!
THIS DOESN'T JUST PERTAIN TO THE INTERNET!
What happens when you have a problem with your water,
no matter what you do you just can't get the pool crystal clear.
Well there are a couple of options, you can go to a department store and play a guessing game of what to add next, or
you can go to your local swimming pool dealer, get a professional test done, and... possibly even have them come clear the problem.
Often times consumers think that the local shop is more expensive,
partially this is due to cost of service,
but most importantly, what many people don't realize is that the concentration of the chemicals is often times stronger at the local pool shop.
Read the label, notice the concentration of sanitizers, inform yourself.
You may soon realize that the deal you thought a big box store was giving you really wasn't a deal at all.
All of these reasons arrive me to my current thinking, I always go to the local pool shop, I know what I'm getting, I am sure their advise is in my best interest. A good company is not off to rip a consumer off, they realize the importance of relationships.
Sorry if I seem to be getting off on a rant, but I keep this issue close to my heart, I feel we should all support privately owned business!
If it seems to good to be true, it probably is!
Pool Stores
This little article might just tick off a few bloggers
because I'm actually encouraging you to buy from brick and mortar pool stores
rather that ordering from the internet!
Wow, what a concept an internet guy telling you to avoid the internet?
Well not totally, but I at least advise you to think your purchases through a bit!
I guess in my opinion it all starts with service!
Say you buy a new pool pump from a shady website on the internet,
now lets assume you take it home, install it and it doesn't work,
I highly doubt the internet store is going to
come to your residence and provide the help you need!
On the other hand, your local mom, and pop shop
will be more than willing to come out and make the repairs that are necessary,
or at least send you in the right direction.
If you purchase it on the internet you will more than likely get stuck with the freight to send it back, if you get anywhere at all!
THIS DOESN'T JUST PERTAIN TO THE INTERNET!
What happens when you have a problem with your water,
no matter what you do you just can't get the pool crystal clear.
Well there are a couple of options, you can go to a department store and play a guessing game of what to add next, or
you can go to your local swimming pool dealer, get a professional test done, and... possibly even have them come clear the problem.
Often times consumers think that the local shop is more expensive,
partially this is due to cost of service,
but most importantly, what many people don't realize is that the concentration of the chemicals is often times stronger at the local pool shop.
Read the label, notice the concentration of sanitizers, inform yourself.
You may soon realize that the deal you thought a big box store was giving you really wasn't a deal at all.
All of these reasons arrive me to my current thinking, I always go to the local pool shop, I know what I'm getting, I am sure their advise is in my best interest. A good company is not off to rip a consumer off, they realize the importance of relationships.
Sorry if I seem to be getting off on a rant, but I keep this issue close to my heart, I feel we should all support privately owned business!
If it seems to good to be true, it probably is!
Pool Stores
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