Problem Solver

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Why is my pool water green and how do I put it right?

Green swimming pool water is mainly caused by a build-up of algae and the lack of chlorine, to rectify this problem a shock treatment of un-stabilised chlorine is necessary with the filtration system left running. An added flocculant with help to clear the water. A high stabiliser level could be a concern. Follow this link to read more about chlorine and stabiliser.

Why is my pool cloudy and how do I rectify it?

The main reasons a swimming pool goes cloudy are poor filtration, low chlorine or a wrong Ph level. To rectify this, check your filtration system is working efficiently (when was the filter media last changed?) and your chemicals are balanced by using a good quality test kit or test strips and add the necessary chemicals to balance Ph and Alkalinity, then check the free chlorine level. Once these things are completed then an un-stabilised chlorine shock treatment with the help of an added flocculant maybe necessary. Follow this link for more information on chlorine and stabiliser.

How do I clean a really dirty swimming pool floor?

If the bottom of your swimming pool gets really dirty with leaves and debris, then the best thing to do is net out the leaves and as much debris as possible, then vacuum the bottom of the swimming pool via the waste setting on your multiport valve. This will by-pass the filter and send the dirt directly out to waste. 

Why do I need to check for chemicals other than chlorine?

Checking for chlorine alone is not enough. The PH, alkalinity & stabiliser all play an important part in keeping your water clean and clear. Click this link for more information on swimming pool chemicals.

What are the correct chemical levels for swimming pools?

This chart below shows the correct chemical levels for swimming pools

Chemical Ideal Level
Free Chlorine 1-3
PH 7.2 - 7.8
Alkalinity 80 - 120
Calcium Hardness 250 - 500
Stabiliser 30 - 50

 

How often should I test my swimming pool water?

Swimming pool water testing should be done at least once a week, or after a heavy bather load or after bad weather. 

How do I regulate the PH in my swimming pool water?

To regulate the PH in swimming pool water either PH plus (sodium carbonate) or PH minus (dry acid) should be added. For dosing rates follow this link

How do I regulate the alkalinity in my swimming pool water?

Alkalinity can be regulated by adding alkalinity plus (sodium bicarbonate) or alkalinity reducer (dry acid). For alkalinity dosing rates follow this link.

Why does my swimming pool water smell?

Contrary to popular belief, it’s not the chlorine that smells it’s the chloramines. Chloramines are the used chlorine still left in the swimming pool water (The Combined Chlorine) To illuminate the chloramines a shock treatment is used. Click here to learn more.

Do I need to drain my pool and why?

If the chemical levels are kept correctly, then there will be no need to regularly drain your swimming pool other than when lowering the water level to just below the skimmer when winterising the swimming pool. The other times would be when refurbishing your pool or fittings or if the stabiliser (cyanuric acid) level is too high. There are no chemicals to lower this level and so draining off some water will be necessary. Follow this link for more information on swimming pool stabiliser.

How long should my filtration system be running for?

Filtration run times depend on the size of your filter and pump, but other factors like bather load, oils & lotions, debris & leaves and the temperature of the water can also affect the amount of time your filtration needs to run for.

Why should I brush the sides of my swimming pool?

Brushing the sides and bottom of the swimming pool will reduce the build-up of algae. It will brush the algae and bacteria into the water allowing the free chlorine to kill it.

When should I change the media in my swimming pool filter?

Sand media in a swimming pool filter can last up to five years and glass media can last up to 10 years. 

Why is sand coming back into my pool?

 The main cause of sand being filtered back into the swimming pool is due to broken laterals. If this is the case, then the sand/pea gravel will need to be emptied out of the filter and the laterals in the bottom will need to be replaced and then sand/pea gravel put back into the filter again taking care not to brake the new laterals. 

Why is dirt coming back into my pool?

When dirt comes back into the swimming pool through the filtration system it is normally due to the filter needing to be backwashed and then rinsed or because the media might need to be replaced. 

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Walkmills Farm, A38 Wychbold, Nr Droitwich, (100 yds off junction 5, M5 Motorway), Worcestershire, WR9 0DH, United Kingdom.

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