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pH
level:The
relative proportion of acids and alkalis in the water.Simply put, water
that is either too acidic or too alkaline will cause undesirable chemical
reactions. If the water is too acidic, it will corrode metal equipment,
cause etching on the surface materials and cause skin irritation. If the
water is too alkaline, it can cause scaling on the pool surface and plumbing
equipment and can cloud the water. Additionally, both high acidity and
high alkalinity alters the effectiveness of the chlorine. The chlorine
won't destroy pathogens as well if the water is too alkaline, and it will
dissipate much more quickly if the water is too acidic.
pH scale: zero indicates extreme acidity, 14
indicates extreme alkalinity and 7 indicates
a neutral state. Most pool experts recommend a pool pH between 7.2
and 7.8. To raise or lower pH, a pool custodian simply
adds acids or alkalis into the water. For example, adding sodium carbonate
(soda ash) or sodium bicarbonate (baking soda) will generally raise the
pH, and adding muriatic acid or sodium bisulfate will lower the pH.
Maintaining: proper balance of chemicals in the pool
is a continual process, because any new element -- oils from a swimmer's
body, a shot of chlorine, stuff that falls in the water -- shifts the
water's total chemical makeup. In addition to pH, pool custodians also
monitor total alkalinity, calcium hardness and total dissolved solids.
Set your pool up before the heat arrives - Special situations
-
In very cold areas, some you you will have had your pipes drained and
plugs inserted in to the fittings to keep them frost free, these have
to be removed before you can start your pool for the summer. If you have
had a cover on the pool, make sure to remove all the leaves and
rubbish from the cover so it does not go in to the pool when you remove
the cover.
Step by Step (Some of the following points may not apply
to your pool but we like to include all of them.)
1. Rubbish Removal Remove all leaves and
rubbish in the pool using a swimming pool leaf rake. (Never try to vacuum
these out)
2. Brushing If there is algae or any other growth attaching
its self to the walls and
floor, you should brush the walls & floor with a pool broom. If it is
stubborn, you may have to buy a stainless steel pool broom to remove it.
(Be careful using on a vinyl liner pool).
3.Settle or Floc After you have removed the leaves and
brushed the walls and
floor, you will find a lot of fine rubbish has been stirred up, you will
need to let this settle or use a floc or settleing agent to drop it to
the floor for vacuuming.
Remember, it is much less costly to physically remove
as much solids as possible before using chemicals.
4. Top up Pool Fill the pool to about 3 to
4 inches higher than normal running level. Do this before
you add the settling agent. You are going to use this extra water to remove
the heavy rubbish from the pool.
5. Skimmer Box and Pump Straner Check the skimmer box
in the side of the pool to make sure that all the leaves are removed from
the skimmer basket. If the basket has tipped over (happens often) make
sure to dig all the leaves out of the bottom of the skimmer so they dont
get sucked down the pump suction line, they could become blocked on the
way. (A bit cold on the hands and watch out for frogs)
Clean the basket in front of the pump and run some water down the pipe
to the skimmer box to make sure it is clear and to make sure the pump
is primed, ready to start.
6. Check Pump and Filter Especially if the pump has not
been operated over the winter, then you need to: Set the filter valve
to the Waste Position or if you dont have a waste position
then Drain, if you only have Filter and Backwash
positions, then you need to disconnect the line between the pump and filter
and direct the pump outlet to go to waste.
Switch the pump to the On position for a few seconds,
The pump should start to operate and begin pumping water to waste, if
there is just a Hummmmm from the pump, switch it off straight away. This
normally means that the motor bearings have become seized over the winter,
the pump and motor would need to be taken to a pool shop to have new bearings
set in or call your local pool service company.
If the pump runs ok and starts to pump water, then let it run for 30
seconds and switch off.
During the 30 seconds, check for leaks between the pump
and motor, normally out of the bottom, if you do have a leak here, then
the mechanical seal which stops water moving back along the shaft has
become stuck or worn and needs replacing. The pump and motor would need
to be taken to a pool shop to have a new mechanical seal fitted or call
your local pool service company.
7. Vacume to Waste Now that you know your pump is operating
ok and you have settled the fine rubbish to the floor you will need to
vacuum that fine rubbish to waste. (Never vacuum this type of rubbish,
especially if it contains live or dead algae through your filter, never,
never, never.) Connect the vacuum as you normally would being careful
not to stirr up the fine rubbish when you set your vacuum head on to the
floor. Switch on the pump and start vacuuming. You will find that you
will be able to move the vacuum head quite quickly with out stirring up
the fine rubbish. You may need to repete this process if the rubbish or
debri is heavy.
8. Primary Chemical Addition If you find that
the pool is looking reasonably clean on the walls and floor and the water
allows you to see the bottom, then go straight to step 9.
9. Filter Cleaning Leaning: Sand Filter If the filter
has not had the sand changed for more than five years, then consider getting
new sand put in the filter. After you have finished vacuuming to waste,
and all the heavy rubbish is out of the pool, set the valve to the Backwash
position and run the pump to backwash the filter sand. Run until the backwash
water is clear, then use the Rinse position for 30
seconds and then move to the Filter position. (Remember
to never move the filter valve position while the pump is running, always
switch off the pump first). Diatomaceous Earth Filter
Dismantle the filter tank and remove the internal filter pads and give
them a good clean with a very light dish brush and detergent, rinse well
in fresh water after. Check for any holes in the pads and repair (after
letting them dry) using fingernail polish. (Color does not matter). Replace
pads back in to filter, make sure valve is on the Filter
position. Mix the required amount of DE powder with water
and have it ready to pour in to the skimmer box after you start the pump.
Cartridge Filters Remove the filter cartdidge from the
tank and give it a good soak for 24 hours in cartridge
cleaner which you can get from your local pool shop. Blast the cartridge
clean with a good high pressure hose, (I have found the pressure hoses
they have at car washes very handy). Rinse with clean water and place
back in the filter tank. If the cartridge is torn or collapsed at one
or both ends or more than two years old, then replace it.
10. Chemical Setup Make sure to set your chemicals correct
in the following order. If you have a local pool shop then get them to
check a sample of the water but only buy those chemicals you don't have
on hand.
Correct as follows: Calcium hardness first, set to 150
PPM if it is not that high naturaly.
Total alkalinity next, correct to 80 to 100
for normal pools and 120 to130 for pools
using salt chlorinators.
pH next set to 7.4 to 7.6
when all thease are done, then add chlorine.
11. Starting Equipment Now you can start your filter
pump and make sure to run it for 24 hours straight to
give it a good chance to clean the fine rubbish in the water, then go
back to your normal daily running 6 to 8
hours.
Chemical
safety tips: Some chemicals used in swimming pools may be hazardous
if used improperly. Read and follow all directions and cautions listed
on the labels. Or, ask your pool chemical supplier for help.
Do not use quantities in excess of the recommended dosage
on the label.
After super chlorinating , you must wait until the free
residual chlorine is at the level recommended by the label instructions.
Keep all chemicals out of the reach of children.
Containers should always be kept closed when not in use.
Do not use contents of unlabeled containers.
Never mix chemicals together. Add them to the pool separately.
Never add water to chemicals. Always add chemicals to
water.
Wash out the container when empty, then dispose of it.
Wash your hands thoroughly after handling any chemicals.
Store chemicals in a cool, dry, clean place. Maintain
good housekeeping procedures.
Use only clean utensils to handle chemicals.
Use separate, clean metal or plastic measuring cups for
each chemical.
Now check out pool tips
for safety reminders and enjoy your pool!
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