pool water Archives - foxpoolsva

Tag Archive for: pool water

It’s Time for Pool Opening Season!

May 19, 2023/0 Comments/in Pool Service & Repairs/by ccmadmin

At this point in the year, it’s time to open your pool and start enjoying it once again! No matter if you are an experienced pool owner or new to this process, the thought of getting ready for the season can be daunting, but with some planning and preparation opening your pool can become easy and enjoyable again. In this article, we will walk through the process of pool opening so you can make the most of your backyard oasis.

Before Opening Your Pool

Prior to preparing to open your pool for use, it’s essential that it is thoroughly inspected for damage or wear and tear. Take the time to look closely at its liner, tiles, and coping for any cracks, leaks, or signs of wear or damage. Any findings must be addressed quickly, as further damages could lead to costly repairs later.

Once your pool has been thoroughly inspected and any necessary repairs made, it’s time to clean it thoroughly. Remove any leaves, sticks, and dirt that have accumulated since winter’s end by using either a skimmer net or vacuum to get at the bottom. Also, scrub its walls and tiles thoroughly so as to eliminate any algae buildup or buildup that may have formed on their walls and tiles.

Another essential step in prepping your pool for summertime fun is inspecting its equipment. Begin by testing its pump, filter, and heater. Any issues should be corrected prior to opening your pool. Take time to examine ladders, diving boards, or any other accessories you might own for safety issues before you open.

Balance Your Pool Water

Before beginning use of your pool, it’s essential that the water is suitable for swimming. To do this, balancing is required. It involves adjusting pH, alkalinity, and chlorine levels so they are within the recommended ranges. Testing kits or visiting local pool stores are available to do this process for you.

Once You Have Opened and Balanced Your Pool

Now is the time to launch your pool into action! Start by filling it up to its appropriate level, usually about halfway up the skimmer, before turning on both pump and filter systems for at least several hours. This will allow the water to circulate properly while filtering is in action and ensure your pool remains filtered properly.

After Your Pool Has Been Running for Some Time

After your pool has been running for some time, you’ll need to add pool chemicals. Begin by applying a shock treatment to eliminate any bacteria or algae present, followed by adding the appropriate amount of chlorine sanitization product and any algaecide or pH adjusters as necessary.

Tips for an Easy Pool Opening Experience

Beginning Early

To ensure you have enough time to deal with any potential issues that might arise during pool opening day, begin the process early.

Assemble the Correct Tools

For a successful pool opening experience, ensure you have all of the essential equipment, such as skimmer net, vacuum, and test kits, available. This will make opening your pool much simpler.

Professional Help

If you feel you need more certainty about your ability to open the pool yourself, hiring professional assistance might be worth considering.

Regular Maintenance

For optimal pool cleanliness and safety all summer long, regular maintenance must include testing and adjusting pool chemicals, skimming surface debris off regularly, and servicing and cleaning out the filter(s).

Store Your Pool Cover Properly

Once your pool is open and operational, store its cover correctly. Clean it well and let it air-dry before folding it neatly and placing it in an airy, cool location for storage.

Upgrade Your Pool Equipment

If your current equipment is outdated and less energy efficient than it could be, upgrading could offer greater performance and efficiency – saving both money and making pool maintenance simpler in the process.

Final Thoughts

Opening your pool may seem like a tedious task, but its rewards will pay dividends once your backyard oasis is ready to enjoy. By following these steps and tips for opening, it will go smoothly while your summer swimming experience remains safe and clean. Be sure to care for and take full advantage of your pool as much as possible, and contact a professional for help when necessary.

Fox Pools can help you prepare your pool for the season and keep it in pristine condition. Contact us today to get started!

How to Properly Clean a Pool Filter

September 21, 2021/0 Comments/in Pool Service & Repairs/by ccmadmin

A pool filter is one of the essential components of a pool. Pool filters are responsible for trapping dirt particles from the pool. Thus, they keep pool water clean. It is vital to keep the pool filter clean at all times to boost its efficiency. So, how do you clean a pool filter?

First, it is essential to note that there are different types of filters. Each of them incorporates different cleaning procedures. Follow all cleaning guidelines as directed by the manufacturer. This way, you’ll prolong the durability of the filter.

How do you clean a cartridge pool filter?

Cartridge filters are relatively easy to clean. All you need to do is remove the cartridge from the filter. Then, clean it or replace it; it all depends on what you want. Below are the steps involved in cleaning a cartridge filter.

The first thing to do is to switch off the pool pump and filter. Doing this helps you avoid electrocutions during the process.
Next, switch on the air relief valve to remove all present air in the pool filter system. You can find the air relief valve at the top of the filter.
Follow the manufacturer’s instructions as you remove the filter clamps. Then, disconnect the filter from its lid/top section.
Afterward, pull out the cartridge and place it in a safe place; do this carefully to avoid damaging it. Examine the cartridge to ensure it’s in good condition and start cleaning it. If you notice you have a damaged filter, consider replacing it.
Spray water across the cartridge using a nozzle. Alternatively, use a filter cleaner, especially if your filter is very dirty. Consider soaking the cartridge filter in the filter cleaner for approximately 12 hours. At this time, check the O-ring on the filter tank and apply lubricant to minimize friction.
Once you complete washing the cartridge, use clean water to rinse it. Let it dry before placing it back in the filter.
Fix the cartridge back on the filter. Use the necessary clamps to ensure it’s firmly held in place. Switch on the air relief valves and let the system start running.
Before you leave the filter, ensure it has a standard PSI.

How to clean a sand pool filter

Sand filters are slightly more conventional compared to cartridge filters. Consequently, they incorporate a more detailed cleaning procedure. Let’s look at all the steps involved in cleaning a sand pool filter.

When cleaning a sand pool filter, the first thing you need to do is backwash the filter. Backwashing the filter involves reversing the water flow to remove the build-up of dirt particles on the cartridge. Backwash the filter for approximately three to five minutes.
After backwashing the filter, switch off the pump and switch the valve to filter.
Take the strainer lid off from the pump.
Insert a quality sand filter cleaner into the strainer basket. Then, cover it with another lid.
Switch on the pump for approximately 15 seconds. Doing this helps you facilitate a smooth transfer of the cleaner to the filter from the pump.
Next, switch off the pool pump. Do not turn it on for approximately eight hours; it would be best to leave the pump overnight.
In the morning, conduct another backwash to get rid of all remaining dirt particles in the pool.
The last step would be to switch on the filter again.

How to clean a D.E. pool filter

If you have a D.E pool filter, follow the below steps to clean it.

First, get rid of all accumulated dirt particles from the pool through backwashing.
Afterward, switch off the pool pump.
The next thing to do is to turn on the air relief valve.
Drain water from the pool filter by getting rid of the drain plug.
Follow all instructions from the manual to remove all components used to knit the pool filter.
Then, pull out the grids and the manifold.
Use a spray nozzle or garden hose to rinse the filter tank, manifold, and grids. Always use a quality filter cleaner to clean a filthy pool filter. At times, you may have to soak the manifold in the muriatic acid solution for approximately 12 hours.
When you are done washing the filter tank and its components, use clean water to rinse all these parts. Leave them to dry and place them back to the filter.

Ultimately

Cleaning a pool filter is essential in maintaining crystal clear pool water. Therefore, you need to follow all the right steps if you plan to clean a pool filter. However, it would be best to identify the specific type of filter before cleaning it. Also, consider hiring pool professionals to clean a pool filter. Here at Fox Pools, we have the best pool experts who help you clean a pool filter. As a result, we help you boost the durability and efficiency of your filter.

Replace a pool filter – When Should I Replace My Pool Filter?

August 11, 2021/0 Comments/in Pool Service & Repairs/by ccmadmin

Your pool filter is an essential component in the pool. Pool filters are responsible for trapping all dirt particles and debris in the pool. As a result, pool filters tend to get dirty frequently. It is therefore important to clean your pool filter from time to time. Otherwise, it won’t function to its full potential. Grease, minerals, and dirt particles tend to accumulate around the cartridge. Thus, pool experts advise that you replace a pool filter after three to five years.

Needless to say, this period varies depending on the condition of the cartridge. For example, if your cartridge wears out after two months, you might have to replace it.

The best time to replace a pool filter

More often than not, the time taken to replace a pool filter varies based on several factors. But typically, pool owners replace their filter after every three to five years. Filters are prone to wear and tear after some years of use. So, you might have to replace the filter earlier. Constantly evaluate the condition of your filter and check for any potential issues. Below are some of the signs that you need to replace your filter.

Cleaning Frequency

Pool owners need to clean their filter every time the pressure gauge exceeds 8 PSI. If the pressure gauge exceeds these pounds more frequently, you may have to replace a pool filter. This could signal a problem with the efficiency of your filter. When you find yourself cleaning your cartridge many times in a row, consider replacing the filter.

Water Quality

You can easily tell the condition of your filter by observing your pool water condition. Cloudy or unclear pool water is a major sign that your filter is not working to its maximum potential. Additionally, if you have to add excessive sanitizer to achieve crystal clear pool water, there could be a problem with your filter. If you have murky pool water, it would be best to clean your cartridge first. Then, after some hours, check for any changes in the water quality. If the problem persists, you may have to replace a pool filter.

Filter Damage

Indisputably, every pool owner needs to check the condition of their filter regularly. At times, your filter may have tears or cracks. If you experience any damages to your filter, it would be best to replace it. Conducting a repair is not cost-effective since you’ll still have to replace a pool filter in the long run. Keep in mind that a damaged filter does not keep the pool water clean and safe for human use. If possible, replace a damaged pool filter as soon as you can.

The size of your filter can also help you determine when you need to replace a pool filter. Usually, a large pool filter offers maximum durability. Thus, you don’t have to replace them after three years; filters can always last longer. In particular, large pool filters incorporate fewer cleanings annually; hence, they are likely to be more durable. Nevertheless, note that larger filters are more costly. A general rule is that if your filter is twice bigger, it offers double longevity.

When should you clean your pool filter cartridge?

As mentioned earlier, dirt usually builds up around the cartridge. Thus, it is important to clean the cartridge frequently. Typically, it would be best if you cleaned the cartridge anytime the pressure gauge exceeds 8 pounds. Alternatively, if you are using a standard cartridge, clean it after six months. This only applies if there is a little build-up of dirt around the cartridge. Also, clean the cartridge if there is a change in the quality of water. It is also advisable to check for any cracks or tears in the cartridge regularly.

Pool filter cleaning tips

When cleaning your pool filter, you have to observe certain safety practices. Failure to do so might lead to damage to your filter.

Avoid using a power washer to clean your filter. Power washers often incorporate a lot of pressure. Thus, they can damage your filter. In turn, they will shorten its durability. Moreover, you will have to deal with a lot of repairs both in the short and long run. This might cost you a lot of money.
Once you complete cleaning the filter, don’t expect it to turn white. The filter may not look as clean as you’d want it to be. In fact, it may still look dirty; but it functions best while in this state.
It is very important to give your filter an annual soak. Use suitable detergent to soak the filter. Doing this keeps the filter clean at all times and prevents the accumulation of dirt.

Need help to replace a pool filter? Contact us today!

It is clear that you should replace a pool filter after every 3 to 5 years. Of course, this time varies depending on the condition of your filter, among other factors. When replacing your filter, it is essential to hire a dependable pool company. Currently, one of the best pool companies you can hire is Fox Pools. We offer the best filter cleaning services; thus, we help you prolong the durability of your filter. We also conduct filter inspections. Consequently, we help you check whether your filter is in good shape.