CHLORINE, ITS
PURPOSE AND APPLICATION?
Disinfection is the most important single factor
in maintaining a swimming pool, which is safe and healthy. Chlorine
is the most widely applied disinfecting agent.
WHAT IS
CONDITIONER?
Conditioner or stabilizer is an essential
chemical used in the proper disinfection of swimming pools. Its
chemical name is cyanuric acid and it forms a protective bond around
the chlorine, making it more resistant to being burned off by the
sun. This chemical is typically added during the spring months, but
pools with high water loss will also need to be reconditioned
throughout the summer. This is a very expensive chemical and we ask
that you DO NOT backwash or clean your filter for five days after
this chemical has been added. Pools should also be stabilized
whenever large amounts of fresh water are added. It will sometimes
appear as a white powdered substance on the bottom of the swimming
pool, but will dissipate after a few days (brushing helps).
ALGAE... WHAT
CAUSES IT?
Northwest Pools and Spas water treatment
system guarantees a crystal clear, algae free swimming pool.
However, even when chemical levels are properly balanced, if
phosphates levels are too high algae outbreaks will occur.
Futhermore, algae will occasionally appear in a customer’s swimming
pool. Algae comes in a variety of forms, and appears for various
reasons, meaning high phosphate levels or filtration problems.
Algae spores are everywhere: these microscopic
single-cell structures are blown into the pool by the wind, washed
into the pool by rainfall, or carried into the pool on swimmers'
skin or bathing suits. Under the right conditions, tiny spores will
bloom into those dreaded bright green, mustard yellow, or black
discolorations.
Here are the key factors in algae growth:
Inadequate filtration will often
lead to algae growth.
Water clarity depends on daily circulation and
filtration. Anything that impedes water flow from the pool to the
filter -- clogged skimmer baskets by to much vegetation (leaves,
grass etc.), a dirty or damaged filter, a defective pump motor, or a
failure to run the pump for an adequate amount of time each day --
will encourage algae growth. The first warning sign of a filtration
problem is hazy or cloudy water. Left unchecked, cloudy water can
quickly lead to a full-fledged algae bloom.
Algae can develop when little or no
chlorine is present.
Sunlight, rainfall, temperature, number of swimmers
and frequency of pool use affect the rate of chlorine loss. The
lower the chlorine level, the more likely algae will bloom. Weekly
super-chlorination, coupled with the application of conditioner or
stabilizer designed to shield residual chlorine from the effects of
heat and sunlight, helps ensure that there is always sufficient
chlorine in the pool. Spas, which are often heated to temperatures
well above 90 degrees, are especially susceptible to algae growth.
Algae loves a dirty pool!
Leaves and dirt left on the bottom
of the pool for an extended period of time, not only promotes algae
but also causes pool staining. As we all know in the Emerald coast
area well water can leave stains on your walks leaves contain metal
from well water, typically iron, which will cause stains if left for
a period of time. The longer you allow leaves and other debris to
sit on your pool floor, the more likely that you'll see algae, and
staining. In an extremely dirty pool, algae will continue to bloom,
even when the water chemistry is properly balanced.
WHAT CAN YOU DO TO
PREVENT ALGAE?
Immediately after using the spa, adjust the
valves so that the pool water will flow through the spa (if spa is
on same filtration system as pool) when the filtration system is
running. This will replenish chlorine-dissipated spa water with
chlorinated water from the main part of the swimming pool.
Remove your pool cover one day per week (if covered) to allow the
water to "breathe". For best results, uncover the swimming pool on
your regular scheduled service day.
Periodically check to make sure the water is circulating adequately.
Clean or backwash your filter if necessary.
Make sure the pump timer is set to run for at least 4 to 5 hours
each day in the winter, and 10 or more hours daily during the summer
months.
Contact Northwest Pools and Spas customer service department --
we'll dispatch a service technician to double check chemical levels
and, if necessary, re-treat the pool! There is never a charge for
this service!
Make sure your filter is clean and your return lines have strong
water flow.
Some spots of dead algae may remain on your pool walls, even after
chemical treatment. Brushing the pool walls with a nylon bristle
pool brush will remove dead algae, and help keep live algae from
forming. A stainless steel brush should be used when dealing with
black algae; it is made for this purpose and works great!!
HOW OFTEN SHOULD I
RUN AND CLEAN MY FILTER?
Water clarity depends on three factors: proper
chemical balance, adequate daily circulation, and quality
filtration. Your swimming pool water needs the combination of these
three variables to stay crystal clear, algae free, phosphate free
and ready for swimming enjoyment. The filter is designed to trap
small particles suspended in the pool water. These small particles
are what make inadequately filtered pool water look hazy or milky.
A dirty filter can have a dramatic effect on
circulation. As water passes through the filter, millions of tiny
particles cling to the filtration elements. Eventually, these
accumulated particles make it difficult for water to pass through
the filter. A dirty filter can reduce pump efficiency by up to 80
percent. In other words, circulating your water for 10 hours a day
when the filter is dirty is the equivalent of circulating the water
for 2 hours a day when the filter is clean. Many times, a homeowner
will find their water is cloudy and greenish, even though the
chemical levels are fine, and the pump is running for an adequate
amount of time each day. A dirty or damaged filter is usually the
source of the problem.
Since filtration and circulation play such an
important role in keeping your swimming pool water clear and
properly maintained, we have included the following standard
instruction for the three types of filter systems. Following these
instructions will assist you in keeping your filter system working
efficiently and effectively.
1.Sand Filters
Run filter system
Summer 8 to 10 hours per day during daylight hours
Winter 4 or more hours per day
(If pool looks cloudy, run filter until pool
clears)- then go back to your regular schedule)
"Most filter manufacturers recommend backwashing
after a clean filter has built up 5-10 PSI of pressure as indicated
on the pressure gauge". Sand filters take 1 to 4 weeks. Over
backwashing can lead to algae problems in the heat of the summer.
2. Diatomaceous Earth Filters Run
filter system
Summer 8 to 10 hours
per day (during sunlight hours)
Winter 4 hours per day, 4am to 8am
"Most filter manufacturers recommend backwashing
after a clean filter has built up 5-10 PSI of pressure as indicated
on the pressure gauge". D.E. filters typically build up these
pressure levels in approximately 1 to 3 months. Over backwashing can
lead to algae problems in the heat of the summer. Please perform
major water exchanges in the cooler months." Report any major water
exchanges to your local servicing branch immediately in order to
ensure that the necessary additional chemicals are added.
Even with regular backwashing, D.E. filters
accumulate debris and it is a good idea to have your filter
dismantled and acid washed at least once a year. This affords an
opportunity to check internal elements for wear and tear, and to
ensure that the filter is working at peak efficiency.
3. Cartridge Filters
Run filter system
Summer 8 to10 hours per day during daylight hours
Winter 4 hours per day, 4am to 8am
"Most filter manufacturers recommend cleaning
cartridges when filter has built up 5-10 PSI of pressure as
indicated on the pressure gauge". Clean filter cartridges every 4-8
weeks, depending on dirt accumulation and filter size (The day
before scheduled chemical service).
For those of you with cartridge filters, you can
improve your filtering efficiency up to 50% by adding 2 coffee cans
worth of Diatomaceous Earth to your filter. Adding the DE through
the skimmer with the pump on, and stirring it in the skimmer until
it is totally dissolved accomplish this. Each time you hose down the
filter cartridges, you'll have to replenish the DE. Even with DE
coating the cartridges, it's perfectly safe to hose down the filter
elements on your lawn. DE is safe for grass and plants.
STAINING
Metals like copper and iron over time will
discolor plaster or vinyl liner pools.. You may notice discoloration
in your pool return or main drain. Although pools with dark surfaces
may occasionally show signs of calcium or magnesium deposits, the
real culprit to staining is dissolved metals. Dissolved metals like
copper and iron can discolor a swimming pools surface and combine
with calcium, magnesium and each other to leave various colorations.
With higher hardness, more discolorations can occur.
One way to prevent metals from staining your pools
surface between draining is to use a sequestering agent on a regular
basis. Sequestering agents (metal removers) keep metals dissolved
“in solution” so they have less tendency to deposit on your pools
surface. Call our office. Our customer service representatives can
offer additional information about stain preventing sequestering
agents.
WHAT ARE THE
ADVANTAGES AND DISADVANTAGES OF SOLAR COVERS?
Solar pool covers can be very effective in
warming the pool water, thus extending the swimming season. Covering
the pool in the early spring will allow you to use the pool sooner.
Covering it again in the early fall will allow the pool to maintain
a comfortable temperature longer, thus lengthening the swimming
season.
We do not recommend using solar covers during the
summer months. Water temperatures in excess of 90 degrees can
deplete the chlorine levels and promote algae growth. The intense
heat of the summer sun will also dramatically shorten the life of
the cover.
Nothwest Pools and Spas Service recommends that
solar pool covers be removed completely for the entire service day.
This allows the swimming pool to “breathe” and the chemicals to be
more effective, If a swimming pool is covered when our service
technicians show up to service the swimming pool, it is our policy
to pull back the pool cover approximately four feet from the area
where we are to dispense the chemicals. We will leave it uncovered
and ask that is keep that way for at least the entire service day.
The disadvantage of a bubble cover is that they can
blow off or away in heavy winds. Also, as you remove the cover the
dirt either falls into the swimming pool or stays on the cover,
meaning you have to spread the cover out and clean the cover as well
as the pool. Taking the cover off and putting it back on can be a
real chore. Sunlight and chemicals make the plastic brittle, causing
the bubbles to collapse and sending little bits of blue plastic into
the pool and circulation system. Bubble covers are only good for
their thermal properties and should not be expected to last for more
than 1-2 years.
