Clean The Pool Manually
Yes, I knowmore work? Time to fire up some of that elbow grease.
Using a basic pool skimmer, a pool vacuum, and a pool brush you can stay ahead of a lot of the issues that plague above ground pool owners and users.
How often you do this three-punch-cleaning-combination depends on a few different factors, including how much stuff is falling into the pool .
Skim, brush, and vacuum the pool. These tools are known as soft tools as they are designed for vinyl pool liners and wont puncture or pierce the walls of above-ground pools.
The first time you do this process you might be taken aback by how cloudy the pool becomes. This simply means you got the junk and dirt off the walls and floor.
Vacuum what you can and let the pool filter handle the rest. After a few hours, come back and empty out the debris basket from the pump and filter.
Tips For Adding Start
- Add Stain & Scale chemical first, especially for new plaster.
- Try PoolCalculator.com for amounts of start-up chemicals
- Add one chemical at a time, using a pool brush to distribute.
- Run filter pump while adding chemicals to circulate.
- Re-test the pool water after 8 hours of filter run time.
- Add chlorine shock when the sun is not directly overhead.
- Add algaecides last, after chlorine level drops below 3 ppm.
- See our Pool Start-Up Kits for all the chemicals needed.
Once the pool is opened, you will need to circulate, filter, clean and treat the pool water – every day. Consistent water balance, constant chlorine levels and effective filtering is important to prevent water problems.
And, as the water temperature and pool usage increases through the summer, you will need more hours of daily filtering, and more chlorine tablets to maintain sanitation and clarity.
Additional Things You Might Need
Here is a list of some of the equipment you might need to open the pool for the first time:
- A pool cover pump
- A soft broom or skimmer net
- A cover cleaner
- A friend to help you out
- Chemical testing kit
Now that you have an idea of the chemicals you will need, lets take a look at the steps you need to take to open your above ground pool.
Step 1 Clear off the water, debris and anything else from the pool cover
First off, use a pool cover pump to remove water that might have accumulated on the pool cover surface. You can even use a regular sump pump, which you must have at home. Once all the moisture has been removed, use a soft broom or a skimmer to clear out debris from the pool cover surface.
Step 2 Remove the pool cover
Once the pool cover has cleared and dried out completely, it is time to remove the pool cover. You need to be very careful while removing the pool cover. Make sure that you do not let any of the debris or accumulated water enter the pool.
With the pool cover removed, get the help of a friend and wash the pool cover using a pool cover cleaner. Cleaning the pool cover will save you from a lot of trouble when you need to put the cover back on. It also helps extend the lifespan of the pool cover.
Store the pool cover in a safe place to protect it from damage caused by critters. Use an airtight container to give it the best protection.
Step 3 Pull the winter plugs and accessories out
Step 4 Top up the water in your pool
Step 5 Reinstall the pool ladder
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Establish The Correct Ph Level
Before adding any chemicals, use pH test strips to gauge the acidity or alkaline levels of the pool water. An ideal level of 7.2 pH should be sought.
Once the pH has been established, use the pool chemical calculation chart to determine how much Sodium Bicarbonate you need to add. Sodium Bicarbonate neutralizes acidity and alkaline levels by either releasing H+ ions or absorbing them .
You may also use pH pills as a means of testing the acidity or alkalinity of the pool water.
Create A Maintenance Schedule
As you learn more about your pool and how to care for it, your to-do list might start to seem a little intimidating. Creating a pool maintenance schedule makes it easy to stay organized and make sure important tasks dont slip through the cracks.
Not only will you be able to stay on top of basic upkeep, but youll be able to plan ahead for more advanced pool maintenance tasks like closing your pool, caring for it during the off season, or getting your swimming pool ready to roll when pool season returns.
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Chemicals You Need To Open Your Pool
- Blog Hot Tubs
- Blog Above Ground Pools
Pool opening season is almost here and it will be soon time to prepare your backyard pools for the upcoming pool season. The most technical part of the pool opening is the addition of chemicals into the swimming pools in the right quantity. Though knowledge of basic chemistry helps, the usage of pool chemicals at the end of the day is a simple following of basic rules governing pool opening.
So, there are 3 chemicals for pools that will definitely be needed for your pool opening and 3 chemicals that will be conditional given certain conditions for the water presently in your pools.
Here is the complete list and guide on how to use them.
Above Ground Swimming Pools
Staten Island Pool and Spa offers the best in above ground pools and can supply all of your pool equipment and pool maintenance needs. Our swimming pools are easily installed above ground or semi inground so that you and your family can enjoy a full season of fun and relaxation in your new swimming pool. We carry the highest quality above the ground pools available. Our pool store is open 7 days a week.
Whether you are looking for a good quality above ground pool at an affordable price, or our best aboveground pools on the market, Staten Island Pool and Spa has the swimming pool for you. We also offer everything you need for your new above ground pool. Use our Custom Pool Package Builder to decide which pool is right for you, where you can select a pool filter, pool liner, pool ladder, and accessories to compliment your new pool.
You will also need pool chemicals which we offer for your convenience.
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Q: What Is Ph And Why Does It Matter
A: In technical terms, pH is a measure of the activity of hydrogen ions in pool water, also called alkalinity. What it means to you and me is how acidic or basic the water is. Low pH levels mean an acidic condition that can irritate eyes and skin and make your swimming quite unpleasant. A high pH level causes chlorine to become less active, allowing pathogens to live in your pool water.
Good Pool Maintenance Begins With Knowing Your Pool
Before you can properly enjoy or care for your pool, you might need to brush up on all the parts of your pool. You dont need to take an annex course or go for your doctorate in swimology from Harvard. But knowing the basic parts of your pool, and their functions, helps you keep everything running smoothlyand makes it easier to resolve issues when they occur.
Looking for even more pool maintenance tips? Weve got just the thing. Check out The Pool Care Handbook and Video Course and become a pool care master.
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Intex Pool Water Balance
Lets start with the basics. Pool water balance refers to the levels of pH, Total Alkalinity, and Calcium Hardness. Balanced water is less likely to become cloudy or green. This important part of water maintenance also protects your vinyl Intex pool, and is more comfortable for swimmers. Before getting started, test the water with an at-home test kit or test strips .
pH
Remember that pH is the key to a healthy pool. When pH rises above 7.8, your chlorine becomes less effective, and the potential for stains and scale formation increases. Likewise, a pH under 7.2 is considered acidic, and may cause skin and eye irritation as well as corrode pool equipment. Unbalanced pH is hard on vinyl Intex pools, and this damage is not covered under warranty. Use pH Reducer to lower pH levels or pH Increaser to raise levels into the ideal range of 7.4-7.6.
Total Alkalinity
Total Alkalinity affects pH and is best in the range of 80-120 ppm . When TA is too low, pH becomes erratic and unstable, and when too high, the pH is difficult to adjust. When your TA is not in range, adjust this first before addressing pH. Use pH Reducer if TA is over 120 ppm. If TA is under 80 ppm, the product you use depends on pH levels. When both TA and pH are very low , make sure your pool water is free of metals, then add pH Increaser. If only TA is low, use Alkalinity Increaser to bring the levels up.
Calcium Hardness
Algaecidal Application Is Crucial
If you would prefer water without algal blooms, then you should think about using algicide. These chemicals kill them on the spot.
Without That, Blooms Are Only a Matter of Time
Unfortunately, pool water without these chemicals is a great growth medium for algae. Therefore, without preventing their growth, youll see them before too long.
Luckily, With the Right Algicide, Preventing Blooms Is a Cinch
As long as you follow the directions, any common algicidal chemical should suffice. Depending on the one used, youll have to apply it every so often. Ensure that the directions are followed strictly.
Otherwise, You Run the Risk of Skin Irritation:
Since the chemicals can be harsh, you dont want to use them excessively. If you do, things might not be as fun inside of your pool for guests. Harshly treated water tends to irritate the skin.
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Q: How Often Should You Check Pool Chemical Levels
A: You should test and adjust the water balance each week during the swimming season. Most pool service companies will contract with pool owners to provide at least four visits per month. In addition to weekly testing, your chemical levels should get tested after pool parties, heavy rain or particularly hot days.
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Get Your Water Checked Before You Go
Take a sample of your pool water to your local pool store and get it professionally checked.
Make sure when you get it checked that you correct any issues before you go. You want to make sure that your pH and alkalinity are properly balanced and your sanitizers levels are correct.
- pH: 7.4 to 7.6
- Alkalinity: 100 parts per million to 150 ppm, with 125 ppm being ideal
- Calcium Hardness: 175 ppm to 225 ppm, or 200 ppm to 275 ppm for concrete and plaster pools
- For Chlorine Pools: 1 ppm to 3 ppm
- For Bromine Pools: 3 ppm to 5 ppm
- For Biguanide Pools: 30 ppm to 50 ppm
- For Salt Water Pools: 0.5 ppm of chlorine
- For Mineral System Pools: 0.5 ppm of chlorine
Also, make sure your pool is clean and crystal clear before you leave.
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Pool Water Chemical Levels
For the most accurate pool water testing, we recommend a titration test kit the Taylor K-2005 is the same test kit used by pool stores.
The ranges shown here are suitable for any pool surface or any type of pool sanitizer used.
Adjusting to the lower end of these ranges is best under most circumstances.
Step 2 – Add Stain & Scale and Clarifier: Before you shock the pool, which can disrupt other pool start up chemicals, add a Stain & Scale chemical to prevent staining by keeping minerals and metals locked tightly in solution. Follow up with a good pool clarifier, following label dosage information, to help your filter remove small suspended particles.
Step 3 – Filter the Pool! Run the filter overnight or for 6-8 hours to distribute water balance chemicals, and then backwash or clean the filter as needed, and empty the pump and skimmer baskets. Run your filter 24/7 if possible, for the first few days after opening the pool from its winter slumber.
Before adding your pool opening chemicals, test the water again to be sure your adjustments hit the mark, and all water balance levels are correct, preferably on the lower end of the ranges.
Step 5 – Add Algaecide: The final product in our pool start up kits is the algaecide. Add your algaecide only after chlorine levels have dropped below 3 ppm, which is usually a few days after shocking the pool. High chlorine levels quickly deplete pool algaecides, or render them useless.
Find A Neighbor Or A Friend
This is the key to success when it comes to keeping your swimming pool clean while youre away.
The ideal candidate is someone who owns a pool themselves. They should already know what to do. Tell your friend or neighbor to check on the pool once a day and provide them with a simple checklist, including:
- Empty the skimmer basket
- Skim the surface of the pool
- Check the filter pressure
- Test the water with a test kit or test strips
- Add any necessary chemicals
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Whats The Big Deal About Cloudy Pool Water
Aside from the obvious who wants to swim in THAT? cloudy pool water can result in some serious issues. It can stain the sides of your pool, and corrode some components of your pool, including the accessories. It can also cause some health concerns if bacteria is the cause.
So, what causes cloudy pool water? Lets take a look at some of the main culprits.
Put Together A Cleaning And Maintenance Schedule
The number one thing I recommend every new above-ground pool owner do is put together a scheduled routine for maintaining and cleaning the pool.
This puts you into a proactive position, staying ahead of potential problems.
Yes, this will require some time that could be better spent enjoying your pool, but when you compare the amount of time that reacting to pool problems, whether its having to shock the water, buy a new pump and filter, or having to hand scrub an inch of algae off the pool walls, a little proactive scheduling will save you a ton of time down the road.
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Pool Chemicals 101 For Above Ground Pools
While a sparkling in-ground pool with a diving board and spacious deck make for a glorious backyard, not everyones yard space is conducive to such a large structure. Above-ground pools have become more popular as their styles, sizes, and cleaning systems has broadened and improved.
However, most pool care companies dont service above-ground pools, leaving the owner in charge of the maintenance. This can be a daunting task! Hazardous chemicals and fairly strict care regimens are necessary to maintain a healthy and safe above-ground pool.
If you find your eyes crossing with all the different products to use, weve got you covered. Lets take a look at the most common pool care chemicals, their ideal levels, and what exactly they do.
A Beginners Guide To Pool Maintenance
Your swimming pool needs regular upkeep. Thats why it pays to develop a strong basic understanding of pool maintenance essentials.
When you know how your pool works, the best ways to care for it, and how to plan for it, youll be ready to solve just about any potential pool problem that floats your way.
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Start With Total Alkalinity
While most startup pool chemical guides suggest starting with pH, we recommend balancing total alkalinity instead.
And heres why: alkalinity is what stabilizes your pH.
Alkaline prevents your pH from fluctuating, which makes balancing your water MUCH easier. So by getting your Total Alkalinity levels right first, youll be able to adjust your pH faster.
Proper levels for Total Alkalinity range between 80 to 120 ppm.
To increase your waters Total Alkalinity: Use an alkalinity increaser . Baking soda also works for increasing alkalinity, although its not as effective.
To decrease your waters Total Alkalinity: Use an alkalinity decreaser . In emergency situations, small doses of muriatic acid can also be used for lowering pH.
Once your alkalinity is within the 80-120 ppm range, its time to start adjusting pH.
Learn How To Open An Above Ground Pool For The First Time
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If you are reading this article, you are probably facing one of the two scenarios: You closed your above ground pool for the winter season and now that the weather is getting warmer, you are ready to go swimming again. The thing is, you have never had to open the pool after closing it in the winter before. The second case is that you have a new pool, but you do not have the experience to open the above ground pool yourself.
A lot of people choose to pay someone to come in and do it for them. You can do that too, but think about it why should you pay someone your hard-earned money to do something that you can easily do yourself? All you need to pull off this simple task is a friend, the right supplies, the right instructions and some good old-fashioned elbow grease.
Opening your above ground pool for the first time might seem like a lot of effort, but you should rest assured that once you are familiar with the whole process, it becomes a lot easier to pull off.
If you are not sure about the steps you need to take to open the above ground pool for the first time, this guide will give you all the information you need.
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