Swimming Pool Tips and Questions
Technical Questions
How Long Should My Pool Filter Run Each Day?
Since pool cleanliness depends upon numerous factors, such as bather load, pool size, pump horsepower, filter type and backyard environment, each pool will have different appropriate filtering needs. Most major manufacturers of pool equipment, including Hayward Pool Products, recommends that a pool filter run 10 to 12 hours per day during the peak season when the weather is hot and the pool receives a lot of use. During cooler weather, such as early and late in the season, 4 to 6 hours per day should suffice.
What part of the day is the best to run my pool filter?
To impede chlorine evaporation, maximize water clarity, and prevent algae blooms, your pool filter should run during the hottest part of the day.
My pump is making a loud noise, what should I do?
The first thing you should do is check your water levels. If your water has fallen below the skimmer, it will cause your pump to fill up with air and it usually makes it louder. You just need to add water to your pool.
If that’s not the problem, then you should call a professional pool repair company like us and schedule an appointment. Loud noises are usually an indication of bearings failing in a motor or possibly an obstruction at the impeller.
My filter pressure is high, what should I do?
High filter pressure is usually an indication of a dirty filter. You can backwash a DE Filter to temporarily alleviate some of the pressure on the system, until you have a complete filter cleaning done. Cartridge filters however, cannot be backwashed and must be broken down and properly cleaned to get pressure readings back into normal range.
How often do I need to clean my pool filter?
Several factors such as the size of your pool, size and type of your pool filter, bather and contaminant loads will have an impact on how often you need to perform a filter cleaning. Most manufactures recommend a minimum of twice a year complete filter tear down and cleaning, although depending on the factors above three or four times a year may be necessary.
To learn more about this, read our article about How Often Do I Need to Clean My Pool Filter?
Water Balance Questions
What all should my pool service be testing each week?
Your pool service should analyze the pH, chlorine, and alkalinity each week. Every two to three weeks they should analyze for stabilizer and calcium. Every four to six weeks they should check for iron and copper buildup, as well as the Total Dissolved Solids (TDS)
I only test for ph and chlorine, why is Alkalinity important every week?
Alkalinity is the water’s ability to withstand changes in pH. Additions of chlorine can cause swings in pH, as can rain water, acid additions and other chemical additions. When the alkalinity is within a very specific range, the water has the ability to buffer these pH changes, thereby allowing a more steady- state pH.
Read about How to Manage Pool Chemicals Effectively
Can algae really do damage to my pool?
Absolutely. The most resilient and stubborn algae is black algae. This particular type can actually root into the plaster and cause significant damage requiring you to replaster the pool.
There are different types of algae and how to treat each kind can be read about in our article, Can Algae Damage My Swimming Pool?
Can my salt water pool be chemical free?
Unfortunately not. You have a chlorine pool, as salt is sodium chloride. The salt water system splits the salt into its two separate components, sodium and chloride. Chloride being the 100% free available chlorine, the good chlorine. So when you have a salt system, what you actually have is a mini-chlorine production plant in your backyard.
Please don’t hesitate to contact us for any other questions about your swimming pool. We’re here to help you.