FAQ Pools
- Determining Water Volume For a Pool
- What is the best way to Winterize
- What is better Vinyl or Gunite pool?
- Best Automatic Vacuum?
- What about safety alarms for pools?
- I have ozone and a solar system.
- Winter was bad and the pool is frozen
Q. How do I measure how many gallons of water my pool
has?.
A. Rectangle- length (ft) X width (ft) X average depth (ft) X 7.5 =
Capacity in US gallons.
A. Oval- length (ft) X width (ft) X average depth (ft) X 5.9 =
Capacity in US gallons.
A. Round length (ft) X width (ft) X average depth (ft) X 5.9 =
Capacity in US gallons.
A. Free Form Pool Approximate the capacity by using or combining
the above formulas.
To convert to liters multiply US gallons by 3.8
Pool Winterizing Checklist
"Note of Warning:" These are only guidelines to prevent you
from overlooking something if you are completely shutting your pool down for the
winter. There are many different ways to winterize a pool. This is a complete
shut down for colder climates to prevent damage from freezing and or power
failure during freezing temperatures and eliminates chemical maintenance during
off season, and may not be the best way for your situation.
* Vacuum pool thoroughly.
* Balance all chemical and shock treat.
* Add Algaecide.
* Backwash filter 3-5 times longer than usual (about 10-20 min.)
* Drain pool several inches below the “skimmer” and “return jets”.
* Drain and blow all pipes of residual water, and add non-toxic antifreeze if
you are concerned that some water may still be present in the system.
* Cap off inlets and outlets to prevent water from re-entering.
* Set filter to winter position if applicable and remove or loosen drain plug.
* If it is a cartridge filter then remove cartridge, clean and store. Drain all
water from the filter canister.
* Remove drain plugs from heater and grease them to prevent corrosion, reinstall
after all water removed from system.
* Remove or disconnect the pipes to and from the heater. If you are unable to
drain heater lines completely, fill pipes with non-toxic antifreeze solution.
* Optional-Turn off pilot light and gas valves...keeping pilot on can reduce or
increase condensation in heater depending on location, climate and relative
humidity.
* Disconnect and drain pressure switch inside of the heater.
* Drain pump completely of water and store indoors if possible to prevent
bearings from seizing due to possible condensation damage.
* Double check all the sources that may contain or allow water into locations
where freezing can cause damage. (like water taps or dips in pipe where water
can accumulate)
* Place a winter cover on the pool and siphon off the water that accumulates on
top of cover periodically. Winter leaf covers are best in my opinion.
* Fill a 2 lt. plastic pop bottle with enough sand or gravel so it just barely
floats, place it in the skimmer, after skimmer has been drained and plumbing
sealed.
* Store all chemicals in a cool dry place away from excessive heat or cold.
Disclosure: We will not be responsible for any damage to your pool, equipment
or other related material if you winterize your pool based on this check list.
This is only a guide to help you.
Q. We have both a pool and a spa. Wondering what
your opinion of the best automatic pool cleaner on the market is. I've heard the
Kreepy Krauly and Barracuda are the top 2.
A. The Barracuda works with less suction power than the Kreepy
otherwise there is no significant difference. The two are the most popular
systems for vinyl pools, Not ideal for concrete as they can promote concrete
pitting and rough surfaces. If it is an above ground pool there is a less
expensive model just for aboveground pools.
Q. Would you please offer your opinion on what type
pool is best? Vinyl or Gunite.
We have spoken to salesman for both types and of course, they say there's is the
best. I would appreciate your opinion. Thank you for your time.
A. There are many factors to consider. Concrete and vinyl are both
good vessels for a pool. Concrete needs to be acid washed and repainted on
occasion and vinyl will need replacement liners both being equally expensive. Of
course frequency depends on how well you maintain your pool and its related
chemistry. Vinyl is smoother and prevents skin abrasions while concrete offers a
wider flexibility of shape and form (more customized to your taste). You will
need to continue researching this in depth to make the right choice for you. I
recommend contacting some local pool maintenance people that do not sell pools
but work with them every day. Get their opinion for the area and climate your
in. They can often tell you which is easier to maintain and what the ratios of
each are in your area.
Q. What about safety alarms for pools?
A. Great backup protection to your existing fences and gate.
There are many different alarms available that range in price from $50 to $500
or more. The problem with the cheap ones is the false alarms are constant on
windy days etc... The more expensive ones come with calibration adjustment to
control sensitivity and also provide a remote alarm so you can place a speaker
in the house for audibility and some even come with additional sensors for doors
and gates leading to the pool so if there opened by a child or intruder the
alarm will sound. In other words don't cheap out too much.
Q. I have a 2 speed pump, solar panels and ozone.
Would running the pump on low speed whenever it's not pumping through the solar
panels gain me anything (ozone) other than a higher electric bill (i.e.. the pump
would be on 24 hrs day)?
A. Absolutely. keep the pump on as much as possible and
make sure the ozone is installed down line from the solar panels, as ozone will
deteriorate rubber quickly. Ozone doesn't last long in water and If you want the
best from your ozone keep it injecting, I would.
Q. We have a tough winter in the UK at the
moment and my 1500 gallon pool is frozen over. Do you have any recommendations.
A. You may want to pray that no damage is done by the
frozen water. How did you winterize the pool? or did you keep it running in the
winter. Also you may try to go around and break the ice around the edges. Did
you read my winterization procedure in my FAQ pools?
The material contained here in these web pages is "FOR
INFORMATION ONLY" and should not necessarily replace the counsel
and advice of a professional service technician. Consulting your local
Dealer/Technician is the best path to a quick and successful resolution of any
technical or chemical problem. We will not be responsible for any damage or
problems that occur from information acquired from these web pages. It is here
for your information only.
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