Anatomy Of A Salt Water Generator
The saltwater pool chlorinator consists of three basic parts: the cell, the cation conductivity controller, and a chlorine contact chamber.
The Cell
A cell is the part of a salt water pool chlorinator that generates chlorine using electrolysis technology. It does this by passing an electrical current through table salt in the surrounding air, creating pure chlorine gas and caustic soda .;
The cation conductivity controller
The cation conductivity controller measures how much sodium chloride there is in the saltwater pool chlorinators cell. It then sends a signal to the electrolysis cell, telling it when and how much chlorine to generate for your pool or spa.;
Chlorine contact chamber
The chlorine contact chamber is an air-tight container with a vent that emits pure chlorine gas. This container also contains negative oxygen ions, which are unstable molecules of oxygen. When these molecules come into contact with positively charged chloride ion , they join together to form hypochlorous acid which then becomes the germ-killing disinfectant in your pool.;
How To Winterize Your Pool Without Draining It
If you are trying to get your pool ready for winter, here are some steps you can take to close it down appropriately:
Step 1: Remove any pool accessories, such as floats, pool toys, and pool ladders
Step 2: Give your pool a thorough clean
Step 3: Test the water and adjust the chemical balance appropriately
Step 4: Lower the water level to just under the skimmer
Step 5: Store your equipment
Step 6: Shock your pool
Step 7: Add algaecide to your pool.
Step 8: Cover your pool.
Using Filters To Drain Your Pool
Another method you can use to drain your pool is using your filter system.
Step 1. Get a backwash hose with clamp and attach it to your filter.
Step 2. Place the other end of the backwash hose and let the water drain into a place that is allowed by your local regulations.
Step 3. Turn off or unplug your pool filter then set it to backwash. Plug it in or turn it on again.
Step 4. Let it backwash for one minute, then turn off the filter again.
Step 5. Change the filter setting to waste and then shut off the skimmer.
Step 6. Open the main drain and turn the filter on.
Note: If you are closing your pool, drain the water until it is four inches below the skimmer.
This process differs if you have a sand filter, cartridge filter, or diatomaceous earth filter.
Cartridge Filter
If you have a cartridge filter, there are two different draining methods.
Step 1. Check if your filter system has a valve between the filter and pump.
Step 2. Turn off the pump and then turn the valve until it blocks the water going into the filter.
Note: Remember the original position of your valve.
Step 3. If you did this correctly, the water should start coming out of the opening once you turn the pump on.
Step 4. When you reach your desired water level, shut the pump off and rotate the valve back to its original position.
Step 1. Shut the pump off and unscrew the drain plug at the back off the filter
Step 2. Turn on the pump and let it drain until it reaches your target water level.
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Why Calcium Levels Are Important To A Saltwater Pool
Calcium levels in your pool are important to a saltwater chlorinator because they affect the efficiency of its use.;
Saltwater pools have higher calcium concentrations than other swimming pools do, which means that you should be more aware of this when dealing with any problems related to your system. If it is too low or even worse if there isnt enough water flow for it to work, you could be facing many issues with your saltwater pool .
Reasons To Drain An Above Ground Pool
Some of the reasons you might have to drain your pool include:
- 1To replace the pool liner. This is usually due to a tear or leak. There is no getting around draining the pool in this situation!.
- 2To start the season fresh with new water. If you close your pool properly, you shouldnt need to do this, but hey, stuff happens and sometimes, despite our best intentions, we dont get it done…or it doesnt get done properly.
- 3To remove the pool from your yard or replace it. ‘Nuff said.
- 4To fix your;pool chemistry due to chlorine lock. Chlorine lock is one of those water conditions that chemicals just cant fix. In fact, the more chemicals you add, the worse it gets. It’s caused when there is too much pool stabilizer in the pool or when the pH levels are unbalanced. It basically renders the chlorine useless and the only way to fix it is to get rid of some of the over-treated water and replace it with fresh water.
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Drain A Pool With A Cartridge Filter
Step 1 Switch off the pump
Step 2 Unscrew the drain plug
Look at the back of the filter near the bottom you will see the drain plug. Unscrew it completely and remove it.
Step 3 switch the pump back on
Switch the pool pump back on. Water will then flow from the drain hole. Keep the pump on until the water has reached the level you want and turn off the pump.
Step 4 Replace the drain plug
Screw the plug back into the;drain hole.
Pool Filtration Systems And Electrical Storms
Its also important to note that saltwater chlorinators are more sensitive than traditional chlorine systems, so pool filtration systems and electrical storms can cause issues for them. If you have an issue with your filter system or if there is a sudden change in the weather that affects electricity near your swimming pool it could cause problems with your water chemistry which could lead to many other issues .
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Figure Out Where To Dump The Water
Before you start emptying the water out of your pool, you’ll need to figure out where to dump it.;
You’ll need to check with your city to see if there are any special ordinances governing pool water disposal, especially if you’re draining an entire pool: some cities require it to be dumped into the sewage system due to the chemicals.;
Draining Your Pool Water
Now youre ready to simply drain the remainder of your pool water. You can drain the pool quite quickly following the steps above. If youre using the severed hose siphon, remove your hand once youve let the unsubmerged end of your garden hoses fall to the ground. The immersion should be enough to generate movement in the water. There are various guidelines online for how to use garden hoses and other equipment to remove all the water from your pool without wrecking your yard. Waiting until the weather is right is crucial to reduce the risk here.
Although the siphoning method should drain the pool very quickly, some people will find that this only works to a certain level. If you have a bigger pool, then you may need to use another method to take some of the remaining water out of the bottom of the pool when the siphoning stops.
Follow the steps above to use the siphoning method when the conditions are right, then around the time when the water begins to slow, you can think about using a pump instead. This is often a good idea if youre removing all the water in the pool because its time for you to remove excess chemicals or time to replace your pool.
Of course, if theres damage to your pool or pool pump, this could be causing quite a mess already.
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Get A Submersible Pump
Make sure to turn off the pool pump and pool lights beforehand.;Attach your garden hose to the submersible pump and place it in the deep end of the pool. Make sure the power chord is long enough to reach the power outlet without stretching too much.;
You also want to make sure the hose is long enough to get to the draining spot you are legally allowed to dispose of the water.;
Pro tip: Avoid using the pool pump to drain the pool. Once the water level falls below the skimmer it will start sucking out air instead of water, causing plenty of damage. Be sure to buy or rent a submersible pump.
Two: Draining The Water
- For a hose: Submerge the cut garden hose completely into the water of an above-ground pool. Pull one end of the hose out of the water and onto the ground. Let the water drain out. Keep one end submerged as it drains. Check periodically to ensure proper drainage. Using multiple hoses will allow this process to go faster. A hose that isn’t cut will need to be attached to a spigot and turned on until the water in the pool bubbles, then removed from the spigot and placed to drain away from the pool.
- For a pump: Submerge the intake hose as close to the center of the pool as possible. Connect the outlet house onto the cleanout or place it where you want the water to drain. If draining onto the lawn, make sure it doesn’t flood the area. Plug the pump in and turn it on. Check on it periodically to make sure it’s running smoothly and unplug and remove it when it can no longer drain the remaining water or the pool is empty.
Note: If draining into a clean out the pump will need to drain the water according to acceptable rates of gallon removal per minute. This differs depending on where you live. Most pumps can drain at a higher rate of gallons per minute than is allowed in a sewage system.
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One: Figuring Out Where To Drain The Water
Check with your city or town ordinances to find out if there are any special laws regarding where pool water can be drained. It’s not a good idea to drain pool water into the street and neighbors will probably be unhappy with their lawn being flooded. If only a small amount or portion of pool water is being drained, then it can drain into your lawn depending on what type of grass and plants there are.
After checking with your municipality or sewage professionals, set up the discharge hose to a cleanout . Newer homes often have multiple clean outs around the property, usually near a bathroom or kitchen. Older homes may only have a clean out connected to a wall of the house, in which case consulting with a general contractor may be necessary to avoid water damage to the home.If you’re draining the water into a clean out, be sure to measure beforehand and get the correct length of hose.
If Theres Been Rain Wait
Stormy week? If you were ever curious about the absolute worst time to drain your pool, this is it. Because the rain has recently sunk into your yard, there is more pressure on the sides of your pool, and an increased risk that the ground will push the pool to pop out as the water empties.
Give the ground a few weeks to dry out before you attempt to drain your pool. While the ground itself might look dry, you never know whats happening under the surfaceand a pool pop-up is one mean way to find out.
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Drain Your Pool Using Your Filter System
Most pool filters can drain;your pool efficiently, though it is important to make sure your pool filter is clear of debris.;Backwashing your filter prior to draining is highly advised.
Accidents Happenand So Does Time
You didn’t get around to closing your pool in time for the winter or it wasn’t closed properly. It’s okay, it happens. If it’s been enough years since the water in a pool was replaced or refreshed, it can get to the point where chemicals aren’t effective anymore. When this happens the water can stagnate and bacteria can grow or chlorine lock can occur. The water is beyond saving and now that it’s time for a summer fun of swimming, knowing how to drain a pool will get you back into your favorite past-time in no time.
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Allow Pool Chemicals To Dissipate
Regardless of where youre going to dispose of the pool water, its bestand in most cities, requiredto ensure the water does not have high levels of pool chemicals. It should be chlorine neutral, have a neutral pH, and not contain any additional chemicals you may use. Contact your local water authority for required chemical levels where you live.
To reduce levels, stop adding chemicals, and test the water until the water reaches the necessary chemical levels. If you need to drain the pool sooner , you can use a chlorine neutralizer to speed up the process.
Drain Your Pool With A Submersible Pool Pump
A submersible pump is an affordable piece of pool equipment that offers a few uses. Not only is it helpful to remove water from melted snow on the top of a winter cover in the spring, but it can also help you remove water from your pool in preparation of winter.
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Three: Getting The Last Water Out
If you have an in-ground pool, then getting out the last amount of water from the deep end of the pool may only be possible with buckets, depending on the pump. Once the pump can’t drain any more water, remove it and scoop out the last foot of water.If draining an above-ground pool, then hopefully there’s a drain plug that can be opened. Otherwise, the liner can be removed and the remaining water can be dumped or swept out. Buckets can also be used. If replacing the pool liner, then it’s a good idea to let the pool dry completely before installing a new liner to prevent mold or bacteria.
Easy Ways To Drain Your Pool
Lowering your swimming pools water level can be an important part of protecting your pool and its equipment while the pool is closed down for the winter. To prepare for winter closing, drain your pool so the water level is 4″ below the pools wall skimmer. This allows room for any ice expansion that wont let the ice get high enough to potentially damage the pool equipment or press too hard against your pool walls. Below, our videos cover two simple methods in which to drain your pool. ;
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Open The Hydrostatic Pressure Relief Valves
First, what the heck are these things? You came here to learn how to drain a pool, and now theres all this technobabble. Relax. Thats a really long name for a pretty simple but important feature.
If you look at your pools floor, youll see at least one, but probably a few, white rings embedded in the floor. Theyre plastered in place when the pool is built, but under that plaster, theyre threaded onto a slotted pipe.
This pipe runs along the floor of the pool, and then terminates into a gravel pit under the pool floor, which is also put in place when the pool is built. The purpose of these valves is to allow groundwater to come up into the pool if and when its drained.
If water accumulated under the pool with nowhere to go, it would create hydrostatic pressure, which is what would make the pool pop. These valves help relieve that pressure, thereby preventing popping.
Important: Do not open any hydrostatic pressure relief valves until the pool is mostly drained. When the pool gets to that point, you may only need to open one valve to relieve any built-up pressure. The valve in the center of the deep end is best. But if you live in an area with a high water table, you may want to open two valves to be on the safe side.
To open a relief valve, use a hammer and chisel to break and remove the plaster inside the cap, which will reveal the threaded plug. Use large pliers to twist the plug counterclockwise and remove it.
How To Drain And Refill Your Swimming Pool
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Swimming pool water can get bad over the years so bad that chemicals lose their effectiveness. With this information and a free weekend, you can drain and refill your pool without spending much more than $200 .
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