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POOL MAINTENANCE BATON ROUGE
Pool maintenance is one of the most essential things that you need to do in order to enjoy a safe and clean swimming pool. A swimming pool provides the perfect relaxation and entertainment. In fact, swimming is a fun activity and you will be able to get a full-body workout anytime you want to. However, if you want to enjoy doing the activities that you love in your swimming pool, you will need proper maintenance.
Pool Water Circulation
Pool water circulation plays a major role when it comes to safe and clean pool water. This is the most important process that you will need to check. When there is proper water circulation in your pool, the water is filtered effectively and when you put chemicals in it, the circulation distributes the chemicals evenly throughout the water.
Apart from this, good water circulation also prevents algae and other harmful microbes from building up in your pool. In fact, algae can spread easily during the summer or in hot weather. In relation to this, you have to make sure that the pump basket and skimmer should be cleaned regularly to remove debris and to prevent the filter from clogging.
One of the best approaches to achieve the best pool circulation is to make sure that you are running your pump and filter at least 8 to 12 hours a day especially during the summer season and at least 4 to 6 hours a day during the winter. Make sure to position your jets diagonally and to achieve the best results, set them at the 7 o’clock or 8 o’clock position. However, if your pool has only one jet, you can simply point the jet to the opposite side of the skimmer and make sure that it is pointing downwards. This will allow the water on the bottom of the pool to go to the surface.
Apart from this, good water circulation also prevents algae and other harmful microbes from building up in your pool. In fact, algae can spread easily during the summer or in hot weather. In relation to this, you have to make sure that the pump basket and skimmer should be cleaned regularly to remove debris and to prevent the filter from clogging.
One of the best approaches to achieve the best pool circulation is to make sure that you are running your pump and filter at least 8 to 12 hours a day especially during the summer season and at least 4 to 6 hours a day during the winter. Make sure to position your jets diagonally and to achieve the best results, set them at the 7 o’clock or 8 o’clock position. However, if your pool has only one jet, you can simply point the jet to the opposite side of the skimmer and make sure that it is pointing downwards. This will allow the water on the bottom of the pool to go to the surface.
How To Clean A Cartridge Filter
To save time and money, it is more efficient to clean your pool filters instead of purchasing a new one. Technically, there are three types of filters such as cartridge filters, sand filters, and D.E. filters. However, we will be discussing more on cartridge filters and sand filters. It takes approximately 30 minutes to completely clean your cartridge filter. The first step that you need to do is to check the pressure gauge. This will help you determine if your cartridge filter needs to be cleaned. When the pressure gauge shows a reading of 8 to 12 psi, then it means that you will need to start cleaning your cartridge filter.
Before you start, you have to make sure that your pool’s filtration system is completely turned off to avoid damage to the filtration system as well as avoid contaminating the clean water. The next thing you would want to check is if the automatic setting of your filtration system is completely turned off as well. You have to make sure that both settings are turned off during the whole cleaning process.
The next step that you would need to do is to remove the trapped air from the filter and all you need to do is to turn the air relief valve slowly.
Once you have confirmed that the air has been completely removed, turn your attention to the tension clamps and unlock them. The tension clamps hold the filter in place. Just to set your expectations, you might observe that the locking mechanism may be different from other cartridge filters, the best option that you will need to do is to follow the instruction manual that came with the package of your filter to avoid damage to the tension clamps.
Once you have determined how to remove the tension clamps, set them aside so you can reinstall them later. Now, check the cartridge filter and try to look for visible damages such as tears or cracks. If you discover that there are large cracks then you might need to replace your cartridge filter. However, if there is no visible damage, cracks, or tears, then proceed to the cleaning process. Take note that heavily damaged cartridge filters will not function properly and most likely will not be efficient in cleaning the water and filtering dirt and debris.
For better results, use a pressurized water hose to clean the cartridge filter. The pressure will push hard-to-reach debris and other materials away from the cartridge. Always start cleaning the filter from the top slowly going down to the bottom part of the filter. The most important part that needs cleaning is the space between the pleats. You can also use a cartridge cleaning tool if you have one.
Cartridge filters are often filled up with oils and other chemicals in the water such as sunblock. What you need to do is to soak the cartridge elements into a filter cleaner and let it soak for a few minutes. You can also use dishwashing detergent to clean your cartridge filter from oils. After soaking, make sure that you rinse the cartridge properly and then reinstall the cartridge filter.
After cleaning the cartridge filter, make sure that you apply a silicone-based lubricant to the O-ring before installing the cartridge filter. The silicone lubricant will help extend the lifespan of the O-ring. Reinstall the cartridge filter and make sure that it is secure and put the tank lid back. Once you have determined that everything is in place, turn on the filtration system and keep the air valve open to release extra air inside the tank.
Check then pressure gauge if it is working and if you do not see any PSI reading, turn off the filtration system and realign the filter position. Make sure everything is secure then recheck. Once the gauge is working it should show a PSI reading of 10 to 15. This means that the reading is normal and that your filter is clean.
Once you have confirmed that the air has been completely removed, turn your attention to the tension clamps and unlock them. The tension clamps hold the filter in place. Just to set your expectations, you might observe that the locking mechanism may be different from other cartridge filters, the best option that you will need to do is to follow the instruction manual that came with the package of your filter to avoid damage to the tension clamps.
Once you have determined how to remove the tension clamps, set them aside so you can reinstall them later. Now, check the cartridge filter and try to look for visible damages such as tears or cracks. If you discover that there are large cracks then you might need to replace your cartridge filter. However, if there is no visible damage, cracks, or tears, then proceed to the cleaning process. Take note that heavily damaged cartridge filters will not function properly and most likely will not be efficient in cleaning the water and filtering dirt and debris.
For better results, use a pressurized water hose to clean the cartridge filter. The pressure will push hard-to-reach debris and other materials away from the cartridge. Always start cleaning the filter from the top slowly going down to the bottom part of the filter. The most important part that needs cleaning is the space between the pleats. You can also use a cartridge cleaning tool if you have one.
Cartridge filters are often filled up with oils and other chemicals in the water such as sunblock. What you need to do is to soak the cartridge elements into a filter cleaner and let it soak for a few minutes. You can also use dishwashing detergent to clean your cartridge filter from oils. After soaking, make sure that you rinse the cartridge properly and then reinstall the cartridge filter.
After cleaning the cartridge filter, make sure that you apply a silicone-based lubricant to the O-ring before installing the cartridge filter. The silicone lubricant will help extend the lifespan of the O-ring. Reinstall the cartridge filter and make sure that it is secure and put the tank lid back. Once you have determined that everything is in place, turn on the filtration system and keep the air valve open to release extra air inside the tank.
Check then pressure gauge if it is working and if you do not see any PSI reading, turn off the filtration system and realign the filter position. Make sure everything is secure then recheck. Once the gauge is working it should show a PSI reading of 10 to 15. This means that the reading is normal and that your filter is clean.
How To Clean A Sand Filter
Many homeowners choose sand filters over the traditional cartridge filters. One of the main reasons why they prefer sand filters is because it is very easy to maintain and at the same time, it is affordable. In order to keep your swimming pool water in pristine condition, you will need to clean your sand filters regularly. As a matter of fact, it is very easy to clean sand filters and you can do it on your own.
The first thing that you will need to do is to read the pressure gauge and this will provide you the information if your sand filter needs cleaning. A clean sand filter will show a reading of 10 to 15 psi. On the other hand, if it shows a reading of 20 to 25 psi, then you will need to backwash your sand filter. Another sign that your filter needs cleaning is that the pool water is cloudy. Backwashing helps reverse the water back to the sand through a hose to eliminate debris.
The first thing that you will need to do is to read the pressure gauge and this will provide you the information if your sand filter needs cleaning. A clean sand filter will show a reading of 10 to 15 psi. On the other hand, if it shows a reading of 20 to 25 psi, then you will need to backwash your sand filter. Another sign that your filter needs cleaning is that the pool water is cloudy. Backwashing helps reverse the water back to the sand through a hose to eliminate debris.
Before you start the backwashing procedure, you have to make sure that the pump and the pool power is completely turned off. Next, read and check the valve options. Typically, you will see options such as backwash, rinse, recirculate, and closed. What you need to do is to switch the lever and set it on the backwash setting. Turn the power on and run the pump for at least 3 minutes and turn the power off again. You will have to wait for the sand to settle first. Once the sand has settled, the next thing that you would need to do is to switch the valve to the rinse setting. Turn the power on and wait for at least 3 minutes.
After the rinse process, the next thing that you would need to do is to select the waste setting. This is also useful if you want to reduce the amount of water in your swimming pool especially if you would like to clean and vacuum the floor of the pool. The waste setting is also useful if you want to flush the water. This will also prevent the water from circulating back into the pool. You can use the flush setting to drain the water from the pool. Lastly, make sure that you clean the pump basket to prevent clogging.
After the rinse process, the next thing that you would need to do is to select the waste setting. This is also useful if you want to reduce the amount of water in your swimming pool especially if you would like to clean and vacuum the floor of the pool. The waste setting is also useful if you want to flush the water. This will also prevent the water from circulating back into the pool. You can use the flush setting to drain the water from the pool. Lastly, make sure that you clean the pump basket to prevent clogging.
Brushing
Brushing effectively removes algae and other harmful microbes. You have to make sure that you brush the areas that are very hard to reach such as the walls, steps, and behind the pool ladders.
Vacuuming
You can invest in an automatic pool cleaner if you do not want to manually vacuum your pool. Keep in mind that you will need to vacuum your pool at least once a week.
Skimming
Skimming will help avoid large debris from clogging the pool filters. In fact, skimming is easier to do rather than vacuuming your pool and you just need to clean the pool surface. Try to skim the water every day to avoid the tedious task of vacuuming.
Water Chemistry
Water chemistry needs to be balanced in terms of pH levels and alkalinity. This will keep your water in pristine condition and at optimum levels. Your water alkalinity levels should range from 100 to 150 ppm. On the other hand, the normal pH level should range from 7.2 to 7.6. In terms of other chemicals, chlorine should be within the ranges of 1.0 to 3.0 ppm. Cyanuric acid should range from approximately 25 to 50 ppm and Biguanide must range from 30 to 50 ppm.