Frequently Asked Questions

Chemical Safety

Pool chemicals are very dangerous and can lead to serious problems if not handled properly. Here are some tips to safeguard against chemical accidents.

• Always read and follow label directions.
• NEVER mix pool chemicals. To do so is unsafe under any circumstances.
• Identify the chemical you are using. All chlorine is not the same. Some chlorine products are incompatible. Don't mix products in the same container of feeder; fire and/or and explosion can result.
• Always add chemicals separately to the pool water, and never add water to the chemicals.
• Carefully seal chemicals containers after each use, and store them in a cool dry place out of the reach of children.
• Never smoke when handling pool chemicals.
• Keep chemicals away from your lawn, shrubs and trees.
• Carefully dispose of ant spilled chemicals as directed on the label, and never try to clean chemicals with a vacuum.
• If chemicals come in contact with your skin, immediately rinse in cold water for at least fifteen minutes; if irritation persists, seek medical attention.
• If chemicals are accidentally swallowed, follow the directions on the product label and immediately call a doctor or your local poison control center.
• Poison Control Center
  Samaritan Regional Poison Center*
  Good Samaritan Medical Center
  1111 East McDowell Rd.
  Phoenix, AZ 85006
  Business: 602-495-4884
  Emergency: 602-253-3334

Backwash Procedure

To be performed when pressure gets approx. 10lbs above starting pressure or every 3 months (whichever comes first).

DE Filter

1. Turn off pump
2. Lay out hose to where backwash water should be directed
3. Put backwash valve into backwash position
4. Turn pump on
5. Let pump run approx. 30-45 seconds
6. Turn pump off
7. Put backwash valve back into filter position
8. Turn pump back on and let run for 15-30 seconds while in filter position
9. Roll up backwash hose
10. Turn pump on
11. Add proper amount of DE to filter by feeding slurry through skimmer while filter is running
12. Note #1 ratio for DE is 1 pound of DE for every 10 sq. ft of filter area
13. Note #2 Filter should be completely disassembled every year to rid filter of accumulated dirt and DE which is not removed through normal backwash procedure

Sand Filter

1. Turn heater off (if so equipped)
2. Turn pool cleaner pump off (if so equipped)
3. Turn filter pump off
4. Press handle on backwash valve down folly, rotate to "backwash" and release
5. Turn filter pump on
6. When water is "sight glass" becomes clear, turn filter pump off
7. Press handle on backwash valve down fully, rotate to "rinse" and release
8. After a minute or so, turn filter pump off, press handle down, rotate to "filter"
   and release
9. Turn pump on - if heater was turned off at step I, it may now be turned on
10. If pool cleaner pump was turned off at step 2, it may now be turned off

Chemical Balance

There are 5 steps to balance pool and spa water.

Total Alkalinity- Test for total alkalinity weekly and adjust it into the proper range. To decrease alkalinity, poor acid in deepest part of pool at a rate of 1 quart per day until desired level is reached.

PH Control- Test for pH levels 2-3 times per week and adjust it into the proper range. (pH is much easier to maintain when total alkalinity is in balance.) To decrease pH, add acid gradually to pool while walking around pool perimeter.

Chlorination- Test for chlorine 2-3 times per week. Add chorine or an appropriate sanitizer for sufficient disinfecting.

Water Hardness- Test water hardness monthly and periodically drain water from pool to keep water hardness at proper levels.

The importance of maintaining proper chemical levels and following the preceding instructions cannot be stressed enough. Improper chemical balance is the #1 reason for plaster problems and can also lead to numerous other problems. It is so easy to neglect testing the pool and can cost so much to repair in the long run. Try to set up a schedule for someone in the house to take care of the pool. As long as the pool is maintained consistently, it shouldn't take more than 1/2 hour per week to do a good job. If you have any questions at all regarding chemical balance or if you just feel unsure about something, don't hesitate to contact us. A five minute phone call can save your pool from major damage.