POOL MAINTENANCE
Pool maintenance is one of the most important aspects that a healthy pool would need. if you want to enjoy a safe and clean swimming pool. A swimming pool provides the perfect entertainment right in your own backyard. Swimming is a fun activity and you can exercise or have a full-body workout at any time of the day, but in order for you to enjoy your pool continuously, you will need proper maintenance.
POOL MAINTENANCE LITTLE ROCK, AR
Pool Circulation
When there is proper circulation in your swimming pool, this will prevent algae and other harmful microorganisms from building up in the water especially during the summer or on hot weather. Water circulation also involves cleaning your skimmers and baskets regularly to avoid debris from clogging the filters.
If you want to achieve the best circulation for your swimming pool in any season, make sure that your pump and filters are running 4 to 6 hours a day during the winter season and during the summer season, run your pump and filters at least 8 to 12 hours a day. The next thing that you would want to do is to angle your jets and make sure that you position them diagonally to achieve the best results. Set them at 7 o’clock or 8 o’clock position to achieve the best water circulation.
How To Clean A Cartridge Filter
There are different types of filters used in swimming pools and the most common filters used are cartridge filters and sand filters. Cleaning your filters will be a lot more efficient than buying a new one. For cleaning cartridge filters, always check the pressure gauge first. This will indicate if your filters need cleaning. If the pressure gauge shows 8 to 12 psi, this means that you will need to clean your filters.
Before you proceed, make sure that the filtration system’s power is turned off. The next thing that you will need to do is to make sure that the automatic setting of your filtration system is completely turned off for the entire duration of the cleaning process. This will avoid damage to the filtration system. Start by removing trapped air in the tank by slowly releasing the air relief valve.
Once you have confirmed that the excess air has been removed, unlock the tension clamps. These clamps hold the filter in place. The locking mechanism might look different from other tanks and if you are not sure how to remove them, refer to your user manual to prevent damaging the locking mechanism.
After removing the tension clamps, set them aside. Remove and check the cartridge filter and check for visible damages such as cracks or tears. If there are excessive cracks or tears, then you might need to replace your filters. A cartridge filter will not function properly if damaged. If there is no visible damage, then start cleaning the cartridge filter. Use a pressurized water hose and start on the top of the filter gradually working your way down to the bottom of the filter. Make sure that you clean in between the pleats of the filter. You can also use a cartridge cleaning tool if you have one.
Cartridge filters are also filled up with oils such as sunblock residue and other chemicals in the water. If this is the case, soak the cartridge elements in a filter cleaner or you can also use dishwashing detergent to remove oil that has stuck on the filter. Before you install the cartridge filter back to the tank, make sure to rinse it properly.
After cleaning the cartridge filter, apply a silicone-based lubricant to the O-ring to help extend the lifespan of the O-ring. Install the cartridge filter and properly secure it in place. Put the tank lid and the locking mechanism back. Once everything is secure, keep the air valve open and turn the power on. The air valve will release excess air in the tank.
Check the pressure gauge and see if there is a reading. If you do not see a reading, it means that the filter is not properly positioned. Turn off the power and reposition the filter. The pressure gauge should show a reading of 10 to 15 psi if it is working properly.
How To Clean A Sand Filter
Sand filters are among the top choices for inground pool setup. Sand filters are very easy to maintain and many homeowners choose sand filters because they are also affordable. To make sure that they function efficiently, you will need to clean them regularly. Cleaning sand filters is an easy process.
The first thing that you need to do is to check the pressure gauge and typically, a reading of 10 to 15 psi means that the filter is still clean. However, if the pressure gauge provides a reading of 20 to 25 psi, then you will need to backwash your sand filter. Another way of checking if the filter needs cleaning is if the water is cloudy. Backwashing will reverse the flow of water back to the sand filter through a hose and eliminate debris.
Make sure that the pool power and pump are completely turned off. On the valve settings, select backwash. You might see different settings such as flush, rinse, recirculate, closed, and backwash. Slowly switch the lever to the backwash settings. Turn the power back on and you will need to run the pump for 3 minutes and then turn the power off. Make sure that the loose sand will resettle first then choose the rinse setting. Switch the power back on and let it run for approximately 2 to 3 minutes.
The waste setting is useful if you want to reduce the amount of water in the pool so you can manually vacuum the pool floor. This setting is also useful if you do not want water recirculating back into the pool. The flush setting can be used to completely drain the water from the pool. Do not forget to clean the skimmers and baskets to avoid clogging the filter.
Skimming
Skimming is an easier process as compared to vacuuming. You will just need to clean the top of the pool so debris it will not reach the pool floor. Skim the pool water regularly to avoid the daunting task of vacuuming. Skimming will also avoid large debris from clogging your pool filters.
Vacuuming
You can either manually vacuum your pool or you can invest in an automatic pool cleaner. It is essential to vacuum your pool at least once a week.
Brushing
Brushing will help prevent algae growth and buildup. Always make sure that you brush the steps, walls, and pool ladders and other hard-to-reach areas.
Water Chemistry
Alkalinity and pH levels are essential to maintain balanced water chemistry in your pool. A reading of 7.2 to 7.6 pH means the water has normal pH levels.
In terms of alkalinity, the normal reading should be 100 to 150 ppm and for chlorine, the reading should be 1.0 to 3.0 ppm. Other chemicals such as Cyanuric acid must be at 25 to 50 ppm and Biguanide should be at 30 to 50ppm.
Hire Pool Builders of Little Rock, AR
Save yourself the hassle of maintaining and cleaning your inground pool. At Pool Builders of Little Rock, AR, we go the extra mile to provide high-quality services at reasonable rates. You can count on us for experienced professionals and premium cleansing agents. Reach out to our team today to learn more about our pool maintenance and pool cleaning solutions. We look forward to working with you!
