Equipment specifications vary widely from one pool to another; however, the vast majority of Above Ground pools will share the same mechanics: Pool water is drawn from your swimming pool via an outlet, usually a surface skimmer, by your pool circulation pump. The circulating water is then pumped through the filter (either a Cartridge Filter or Sand Filter). Suspended particles of debris will be trapped during this process. If your pool incorporates a heating system, the filtered water is then passed through the heater before being returned to the pool via a return inlet.
To enable your filtration system to operate efficiently it is essential that you carry out the following tasks on a regular basis:
1. Regularly remove any debris that has collected in your pools skimmer basket. The vast majority of pollution in pool water is in the top few inches of pool water. To combat this, your surface skimmer needs to work efficiently.
2. Your pool circulation pump may also incorporate a basket. Your filtration system will not work effectively if the pump strainer basket becomes blocked. As with the skimmer basket, it needs to be cleaned regularly. Before removing the pump strainer basket, switch off the pump motor before using the two valves to isolate the water flow on both sides of the pump. If your pool filter incorporates a multi port valve, you should put it in to the "closed" position, close the valve on the suction side of the pump before removing the lid of the pump strainer basket. Remove, clean and replace the strainer basket, fully tighten the pump lid and switch the Multiport valve back into the filter position and re-open the isolator valves before switching on the pump motor. Read your pool installation manual before starting up the pump; some pumps need to be primed by filling the pump strainer with water before they can be started.
Cleaning your pool Your pool will need to be vacuumed and brushed at least once a week, twice during warm spells. Neglecting to clean your pool, even if it looks clean can result in water quality problems. Remember that prevention is far less costly than cure!
Brushing your pool Don't wait until the surfaces feel slippery before carrying out this task. Brush the pool surfaces even if they look clean. Algae suspended in pool water is fairly easy to destroy, this is not the case if Algae has a surface to cling to. Brushing the floor and walls will prevent Algae and Bio-film from gaining a foothold in your pool. Use a nylon pool brush, surfaces that are facing the sun are particularly prone to Algae.
Vacuuming your pool There is a wide selection of vacuum systems for swimming pools. The design of your pool will determine which is the best for your particular pool. If your pool is fitted with a cartridge filter you will probably have little alternative to using the "Venturi" type cleaner. If your pool is fitted with a sand filter and a relatively powerful main circulation, you should consider a "manual suction system" as the bare minimum for your pool. These are often part of the "add on kit" that can be purchased with the pool. Automatic pool cleaners are also an option for sand filters. See our range of pool cleaners .
To maintain your pool during the winter months, why not use one of our Winter covers...?
http://www.howardswimmingpools.co.uk (+44) 01344 873323