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When dispensing any chemicals, especially chlorine, always add it to plenty of water and not vice-versa. Use a non-metal container and paddle for mixing.
X CAUTION
When people start complaining of burning eyes and that “chlorine smell”, realize it is most likely because there is too little free residual chlorine in the water, not too much.
X CAUTION
CHLORINE SAFETY – Always store chlorine in a cool, dry place away from other chemicals and out of reach of children. Never mix chlorine with any other chemicals, including other types of chlorine. A chemical reaction could occur which can lead to fire or explosion. Never dispense chlorine in an indoor area. Always follow the instructions on the product labels.
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Do not super-chlorinate or shock-dose when the pH is too low. If you do, any copper dissolved from the pool equipment or plumbing by the acidic water may be oxidized by the large dose of chlorine and cause black stains on the pool finish.
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The best time to super-chlorinate or shock-dose is after sundown, to avoid chlorine waste through dissipation by the sun’s ultra-violet rays.
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Always take water samples from at least 30 cm below the water level. Many substances tend to float in the top layer of the water and can cause false readings.
X CAUTION
Never add acid through the skimmer – the high concentration levels can damage pipes, fittings and equipment.
Never add granular or liquid chlorine through the skimmer – the high concentration levels can damage pipes, fittings and equipment.
@ FACT
The amount of calcium in the water determines whether water is hard or soft. With too little calcium, water becomes soft – corrosive to plaster and equipment. Too much calcium can lead to the formation of scale on pool surfaces and inside pipes, heater coils, and filters.
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Once your pool is balanced, it is much easier to maintain it that way than if the water is unbalanced, since you are giving the water what it wants, naturally. Water balance can be upset by rain, or greater use of chlorine due to heavy pool activity.
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Keeping pH at acceptable levels and maintaining the recommended levels of free chlorine will minimize the chances of algae growth.
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Once established, algae will foster the growth of bacteria.
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Algae is easier to kill when it is immature. It gets progressively harder to remove the longer it is allowed to grow.
Filtration Systems
X CAUTION
The filter circulation system must be kept running during treatment so that the chlorine and algaecide reach all parts of the pool and inside pipes and equipment.
X CAUTION
Backwash sand filters before the pressure reaches the manufacturers stated maximum level. Cartridge filters will need to be washed down and soaked in a cartridge cleaning solution. They need to be replaced periodically.
X CAUTION
Do NOT change the function of a multi-port valve when the filter pump is running.
X CAUTION
Always ensure the skimmer operates with a weir door. It is the function of the door to enable surface skimming of the pool water to remove debris and also keep trapped debris from re-re-entering the pool.
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The basic rule is to size the pump and motor to the pool capacity (and desired turnover rate), then size the filter (its flow rate and capacity) to the pump size. Always size the filter to err on the big side.
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The formation of mud balls in a sand filter generally results from seriously imbalanced water or insufficient backwashing.
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An indication of mudballs is that the filter needs backwashing more frequently.
X CAUTION
When starting a pump after repair or maintenance work, or if the pump has been off for some time, always make sure there is water in it.
X CAUTION
If the pump motor is allowed to run with noisy bearings, they will eventually seize, melting the collar, and the only answer will be a new motor.
@ FACT
Pump cavitation, put simply, is when the pump is trying to circulate more water than is available in the pipe.
Heating
@ FACT
The recommended temperature for swimming is 24 deg C. Remember, that for each degree above this temperature, the energy requirement jumps significantly.
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If vacationing for more than 2 weeks, turn the heater off completely, including any pilot light, if so equipped.
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Good ventilation is essential to safe and efficient operation of a heater.
Pool Covers
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Solar covers prevent heat loss overnight and on cooler days, they heat the water on sunny days, and they cut down on total water and chemical loss.
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Never use the pool with a blanket or cover partially or completely in place.
Pool Cleaning
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Because it is so much easier to remove debris while it is on the surface, make it a habit to skim the pool surface daily.
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If dirt accumulation in the pool is light, an alternative to vacuuming is to brush the pool walls the day before you intend to vacuum. The brushed dirt will settle on the pool floor, and you may be able to brush the dirt into the main drain while the filter system is on.
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If the water pressure is too low, the vacuum unit will tend to rise up from the bottom; conversely, if the pressure is too high it can cause the vacuum head to bounce off the bottom or move too fast to pick up dirt.