Frequently Asked Questions about pool ownership
Is pool maintenance difficult and time consuming?
Not at all! Taking care of your pool can take as little as 10 minutes a week. With today’s ever-advancing pool technology, taking care of your pool is faster, safer, and more cost-effective then ever.
How do I maintain a properly balanced pool?
The best way is to test the pool’s water often and make small adjustments when needed. When a pool is unbalanced, it may take several weeks to reach a desired balance. Testing often and adjusting the water in small increments prevents problems from growing.
What is pH? At what range should I keep my pool’s pH?
PH, the most important factor in swimming pool water chemistry, affects every other chemical balance in pool water. pH measures how acidic or basic the pool water is. If pH is too low, the chlorine will dissipate rapidly, leading to eye irritation, equipment corrosion, and rapid loss of alkalinity. If pH is too high, chlorine activity slows, leading to scale formation and discoloration of pool walls, and eye irritation. Test pH every day or at least 2-3 times a week. (Always follow directions listed on manufacturers’ containers when adding chemicals to your swimming pool.)
Raising pH—Use soda ash (sodium carbonate)
Lowering pH—Use muriatic acid or sodium bisulfate
Ideal Range—7.4 to 7.6
What is the optimum chlorine range? How do I adjust it?
Chlorine is the most commonly used swimming pool disinfectant. If the chlorine level is too high, swimming becomes uncomfortable. Too low, and bacteria begins to grow. The ideal chlorine level is between 1.0 and 3.0 parts per million. If an inline chlorinator is used, make sure the canister is full of chlorine tablets, and turn the chlorinator up or down to adjust the output of chlorine. If a salt generator is used, make sure that the salt is in the proper range, and adjust the chlorine output at the panel. Adjustments need to be rechecked daily until the desired range is met.
Is there a quick reference chart I can use to regulate my pool chemicals?
Free Chlorine: 1.0-3.0 parts per million
Total Alkalinity: 80-100
Calcium Hardness: 200-400
Cyanuric Acid: 30-50
How will a swimming pool affect my utility bill?
Your utility bill will vary depending on certain factors (air temperature, water temperature, use of a pool cover, and pool maintenance). With the heater on throughout the summer, you can expect about a $200 increase in your utility bill throughout the summer months.
What kind of benefits does an automatic cover provide?
An automatic cover is the most important swimming pool safety feature. In addition to keeping your loved ones safe, an automatic cover allows you to open your pool in less than a minute with the touch of a finger. An automatic cover can also save you money, cutting water loss (up to 90%), reducing chemical use (up to70%), and cutting electricity use (up to 50%).
If I have an automatic cover, should I also have a winter safety cover?
We recommend a winter safety cover if you have an automatic cover. Although an automatic cover is rated to survive our harsh winters, a winter safety cover extends the life of your automatic cover.
Why should I get a vinyl liner compared to a plaster pool?
A vinyl liner is easier to keep clean than a gunite poo, and it’s a more affordable option. Also, the surface of gunite pools tend to be rough on swimmers’ feet. With a vinyl liner, and padding we use before its installation, the surface is very smooth and comfortable.
What kind of accessories can I get with my pool?
We offer a wide range of accessories including basketball hoops, volleyball sets, slides, handrails, various cover options, and a full line of automation accessories.
How do I backwash my sand filter?
Turn off your pump. Turn the valve on the top of your filter to backwash. Turn your pump back on and run it until the water coming out of the filter is crystal clear (about two minutes). Turn the pump off. Turn the valve to rinse. Turn the pump back on and watch the glass window until it clears up (about 30 seconds). Turn the pump off and turn the valve back to filter. Turn the pump back on.
How do I clean my cartridge filter?
A cartridge filter needs to be cleaned about twice during a Wisconsin pool season. Loosen the nut holding the filter in place. Remove the top of the filter. Take out the cartridges and wash them with a garden hose. If using chemical cleaners, make sure that they are recommended for cleaning cartridge filters. After the cartridges are dry, replace them in the filter, replace the top of the filter, and re-tighten the nut. NEVER USE A PRESSURE WASHER TO CLEAN YOUR CARTRIDGE.
How much water will I lose to evaporation?
Evaporation depends on several factors including air temperature, water temperature humidity, and how often the pool is being used. To determine if the pool water is evaporating or if you have a leak, fill a bucket of water and place it on the top step. Mark the inside and outside of the bucket at the water level. Wait 24 hours and recheck. If the outside of the bucket went down farther than the inside, there is probably a leak.
How often will my vinyl liner last?
A vinyl liner will last about as long as the surface of a gunite pool. With a well maintained pool, this can be up to 10 years. When it is time to change a vinyl liner, you can get a completely new one that makes your pool look brand new again.
How can I maintain my automatic cover?
Visit www.coverstar.com/support to watch a video on keeping your automatic cover in tip-top shape.
Where should I maintain my water level?
Your water level should be maintained about one inch above the center of your skimmer. This keeps your equipment running smoothly.
