HO M EOW NER S. How to Maintain Your Pool. Pool Cleaning Tips Important Terms Steps To Take Care of your Pool

Transcription

1 T H E U LT I MAT E HO M EOW NER S P O OL G U I DE How to Maintain Your Pool Pool Cleaning Tips Important Terms Steps To Take Care of your Pool Mickey Bleeker Owner-Alpha and Omega Pools

2 TABLE OF CONTENTS Chapter 1: Keeping The Pool Clean 3 Safety First! 4 CHAPTER 2: Pool Chemicals 6 Chlorine 6 Chlorine vs. Bromine 7 Pool Shock 8 Cyanuric Acid 9 Algaecide 10 Clarifier 11 Chemical Feeders 12 Salt Chlorinators 12 CHAPTER 3: Measuring Pool Chemicals 13 ph 13 Total Alkalinity 14 Calcium Hardness 14 Free Available Chlorine 14 Dissolved Solids Test 15 CHAPTER 4: Maintenance of Your Pool 16 Step 1. Balance Your Pool 16 Step 2: Chlorinate the Pool 17 Step 3: Shock 17 Step 4: Add Algaecide 18 Step 5: Clean the Pool Surface and Deck 19 GLOSSARY OF TERMS 20 2

3 CHAPTER 1: Keeping The Pool Clean Keeping your pool clean not only keeps it looking sparkling fresh, but ensures everyone can enjoy it safely. Armed with the knowledge in our Ultimate Homeowner s Pool Guide, maintaining your pool can be a simple process for any homeowner. 3

4 Safety First! First and foremost, let s discuss safety precautions and measures to ensure no personal injuries or accidents occur in your pool. Some of the chemicals and products used in pool maintenance are designed to create a healthy swimming environment, but they are harmful to humans and pets in their raw form. To keep yourself and everyone around your pool safe, take these safety precautions when working with pool cleaning products: Keep children and pets away from the chemicals at all times. Store cleaning products in a safe place where children cannot reach or access them. Wear rubber gloves and protective eye wear when handling pool chemicals. Wash clothing and hands immediately after handling pool chemicals. 4

5 If chemicals come into contact with your skin, immediately flush the area with water for 15 minutes. If there is irritation to the skin, call a physician immediately. Follow chemical manufacturer directions completely. Do not dispose of chemicals in household garbage. Store all products as directed on the labels. When measuring chemicals, use clean, dry measuring devices. Rinse all devices and equipment after contact with products. Use only pool specified chemicals for pool maintenance. Do not mix with spa or household chemicals. If mixing chemicals with water, pour the chemicals into water. Do not pour water over chemicals. Dry chlorine must be kept dry. Do not store in moisture or expose to damp areas. Do not expose chemicals to flames or ignite flames near products. Destroy or properly dispose of empty containers according to local, state and federal laws. Do not reuse. Discard unused chemicals at the end of the pool season. Purchase new chemicals for each new season. 5

6 CHAPTER 2: Pool Chemicals Your pool has a filter, but the filter only removes debris from water. While the water may look clean, chemical balance must be properly maintained in order to prohibit growth of pathogens, such as bacteria. These pathogens thrive in unmaintained water where microorganisms can carry disease from one person to another. To keep a pool in sparkling condition and healthy for swimmers, purchase the following products: Chlorine Chlorine is the most common pool sanitizing chemical. Chlorine is very effective at contaminant neutralization. Chlorine is also inexpensive and easy to use. Generally, pool chlorine is available in dissolving tablet or granule form. 6

7 When chlorine is added to swimming pool water, hydrochloric acid and hypochlorous acid are produced as byproducts. Hypochlorous acid breaks into the walls of bacteria cells and other bad microorganisms and kills them. This removes risk of disease from the water. Chlorine vs. Bromine Bromine is an alternative to chlorine. Like chlorine, bromine kills microorganisms and combines and controls debris. When deciding whether to use chlorine or bromine in routine pool maintenance, there are several factors to consider. While there is no right choice between the two, the choice should be based upon knowledge of their similarities and differences. Function: Chlorine dissolves bacteria and itself, sort of washing itself out of the water fairly quickly. Bromine remains in the water longer, continuing to fight bacteria. Due to this difference in how they function, more chlorine is used in regular maintenance than bromine. Odor: Chlorine has a distinct bleach smell. Bromine is considered odorless. Sensitivity: Bromine is used when skin sensitivity to chlorine is an issue. Bromine has less harsh agents within it, so swimsuits, ears, skin and eyes suffer less from chemical effects. Chlorine has been linked to both heart disease and cancer, so those considerations are present. 7

8 Cost: Chlorine tends to be ten percent cheaper at purchase, but bromine lingers in the water longer and is used less. Use: Chlorine is more effective than bromine in water under 75 degrees Fahrenheit. Bromine works well over 75 degrees. Chlorine is simply applied using methods such as a tablet put into a floating device, allowing the chlorine to dissolve for effective cleaning of up to a week. Bromine requires a specialized feeder which must be purchased and installed separately, adding to cost. Pool Shock Chlorine dissolves into the water and combines itself with existing bacteria. This combination is called combined chlorine. Combined chlorine must then be permanently removed on a periodic basis to keep the water healthy and clear. To remove combined chlorine, pool shock is used. Shocking means that the chlorine level of the water is drastically raised to a level that destroys the chlorine compounds. When adding shock to the pool, the pump should be turned on. Following shock treatment, the pool should not be used until the reading is between 1.0 and 3.0 ppm. Shock treatments are also recommended under the following, special circumstances: 1. Higher number of swimmers than usually in the pool 2. Heavy rain, windstorms or other inclement weather 8

9 3. Foul pool water odor 4. Extreme temperatures 5. Swimmer complaint of red or burning eyes 6. Algae blooms 7. Slimy, slippery or murky water Cyanuric Acid Cyanuric acid is also known as CYA, conditioner or stabilizer. CYA is used because direct sunlight destroys free chlorine. In pools exposed to direct sun rays, owners may find that they use more chlorine to achieve the same effects during brighter, hotter weather. Cyanuric acid helps ensure chlorine stays in the water long enough to be effective. Obviously, in a desert setting such as Las Vegas, cyanuric acid is an important additive for any outdoor pool maintenance. Many chlorine products already contain cyanuric acid. This is true for sodium dichloro-s-triazinetrione and trichloro-s-triazinetrione, both of which are stabilized chlorine products. Calcium hypochlorite and sodium hypochlorite do not have stabilizer added. If using chlorine with stabilizer, it is still important to check pool cyanuric acid levels regularly, as these levels can rise over time. When levels are too high, the only remedy is to drain the pool and refill with fresh water. 9

10 It is recommended to consult with your professional pool cleaning company regarding proper usage for your area and for your pool s sun exposure. Algaecide Algae can start to grow in even the most well maintained pools. Caused by improper circulation or poor water chemistry, algae spores are often carried into water by wind or on swimmers bodies. Filters get clogged by algae blooms. It is better to prevent blooms in the first place. An algae brush should be used whenever yellow or black algae forms. 10

11 Algaecides are safe for many pool surfaces and take effect less than 24 hours upon introduction. Using algaecide also helps alleviate the need for pool shock. Algaecide is very concentrated. Some you pour around the perimeter of the pool with the pump on (like Skill-It). Some you add to the skimmer basket VERY slowly (like Silvertrine). Clarifier Nobody likes swimming in a cloudy pool. Cloudy water can mean that bacteria and viruses are present and ready to cause illness. Visibility issues of cloudy pools make swimming unsafe because depths are not as easily determined by swimmers who can suffer injury and it is difficult to see swimmers who are struggling and might need help. Clarifiers are effective in pushing coagulating debris through the filter s system. 11

12 Chemical Feeders While chlorine may be added effectively by hand, a chemical feeder gradually releases cleaning agents into the pool over time. These optional convenience devices work for several weeks, making pool maintenance more carefree. They help ensure water is chemically balanced and are designed to work with chlorine or bromine. Salt Chlorinators Salt chlorinators are considered an Eco-friendly and cost-effective manner of pool chlorination. In them, basic table salt is converted into pool cleaning chlorine and used immediately. Through use of this equipment, no chlorine is stored or necessary to keep on hand. 12

13 CHAPTER 3: Measuring Pool Chemicals Now that you know the names of your pool s cleaning products, let s go over the terms used to measure pool water quality. ph ph is one of the most important readings of pool water. If you think of ph as a pendulum, just remember that the ideal position for stability is in the middle, on the scale of 0 to 14. If a pool ph is maintained around 7, with 7.2 to 7.8 being ideal, then balance is being held. Use a test kit to measure the ph of a pool. For test strips, pull one out and dip it into the water briefly. Hold it level for 15 seconds, then compare the levels to the color chart indicators on the test kit container. If ph is too low, the water will etch and erode the plaster and strip away metal in equipment (heaters, motors, etc.) over time. High ph results in cloudy water and scaling on the pool surfaces. 13

14 Total Alkalinity Alkalinity is the pool water s ability to resist ph changes. A pool s alkalinity should be ppm. Calcium Hardness Calcium and magnesium are naturally present in hard water. They are left behind when pool water evaporates. The build-up leaves scaling and staining of pool surfaces. Therefore, you need to check calcium hardness periodically. When hardness is low, a calcium hardness increaser must be added. If hardness is high [at or above 250 parts per million (ppm)] a stain and scale controller chemical should be added. If levels of 500 ppm or more are reached, drain some of the pool water and add fresh water to dilute calcium and magnesium levels. Free Available Chlorine Free available chlorine (FAC) is the chlorine available in pool water to fight bacteria. Chlorine used already becomes neutralized, so it s no longer available. If free available chlorine is too low, a shock treatment should be applied. This is a high concentration of chlorine to add 5 to 10.0 parts per million of free available chlorine to the water. A final note: the ph should be tested and balanced prior to shock treatment. 14

15 Dissolved Solids Test A dissolved solids test is used to determine the level of foreign matter which was once solid but dissolved into your pool water. Dissolved solids can include anything from pool chemicals, debris, human waste, dust, dirt and other materials. The maximum level for dissolved solids in pool water should not exceed 2000 ppm. (The exception to this is if you have a saltwater pool. Since salt is a dissolved solid, the acceptable level of dissolved solids in salt-water pools is increased to 5500 since most salt-water pools will have about 3500 ppm of salt in them). Anything higher than this can create stains on pool walls and reduce chemical effectiveness that causes cloudiness. If total dissolved solids is high, the pool should be drained and refilled. 15

16 Use a test kit similar to the one for pool chemicals, just designed specifically for total dissolved solids. Kits are available at any pool supply store. Check these levels once per year in spring. CHAPTER 4: Maintenance of Your Pool For regular pool maintenance, perform these steps on a weekly basis: Step 1. Balance Your Pool Balanced pool water has the right levels for ph, total alkalinity, chlorine and calcium hardness. This is your pool water balance trifecta. So long as ph, alkalinity, chlorine and calcium hardness are balanced, your pool water is safe to swim in. Through proper balance, pool equipment and accessories are less prone to corrosion or etching. Scale formation, cloudy wa- 16

17 ter and stains are also prevented. Perhaps most importantly, eye and skin irritation does not occur. Check these chemical levels weekly by using test strips or cards. Remember Free chlorine should be at 1 to 3 ppm. Alkalinity should be at 80 to 120 ppm. ph should be at 7.2 to 7.8 ppm. Cyanuric acid should read at ppm. If levels are not balanced in your pool, adjust the following as needed: adjust alkalinity first, then ph, and finally chlorine / bromine. Step 2: Chlorinate the Pool Pool water chlorine level should be between 1 and 3 ppm at all times. Use basic chlorinating tablets, liquid chlorine or chlorinating granules. It is best to select chlorine with a built-in stabilizer. Step 3: Shock Perform a shock treatment once per week or under the extreme circumstances outlined earlier in our guide (weather, odor, algae blooms, slimy water, swimmers complain of burning eyes, etc.) This prevents algae growth and health threats. 17

18 Step 4: Add Algaecide Look for algaecide products that state on the label kills multiple or kills all types of algae and prevents return. Some algaecides only focus on green algae, which is the most common, but not the only type of pool algae we get here in Las Vegas. 18

19 Step 5: Clean the Pool Surface and Deck Each day, skim your pool to remove debris pine needles, twigs, leaves, and bugs floating on the surface. Clean the skimmer basket out to avoid clogging it with debris. On a weekly basis at a minimum, brush and vacuum all pool walls, floor and surfaces. Pool surfaces get coated with everything in the water from cosmetics and tanning lotions, debris and algae. Calcium and magnesium also build up in the form of scale. Start at the shallow end, brush and vacuum down to the deep end, overlapping all cleaning strokes to ensure surfaces were scrubbed. Use your pool manufacturer or cleaning company s recommended detergents or cleaning agents. Hose the pool deck and patio with a cleaner. Guide water spray away from the pool, to ensure debris moves away from the pool s clean water. 19

20 GLOSSARY OF TERMS In alphabetical order, here are a list of terms you will come across when you have a pool, from complicated motors to simple flotation safety devices. Above ground Pool a temporary pool structure that sits above the surface of the ground and is filled with water for the purpose of swimming. It is often constructed with metal, fiberglass, or plastic materials. Auto-fill The auto-fill automatically regulates water in the pool so it stays at the proper level, sparing the pool owner from manually adding water. It s located in the pool deck (similar to a skimmer basket) and should have a small, round lid about 6 inches in diameter covering it. 20

21 Bleeder Valve The bleeder valve is located at the top of the filter tank and is used to bleed the air out after opening the pump basket to clean out debris or cleaning the filter. You open it while the pump runs until water comes out. Once water emerges, this means all the air is out of the system. Capacitor The capacitor provides the necessary energy used by the motor on start-up. It s like a battery for the motor. Often they are located on top of the motor, though some have capacitors contained in the back (you have to take off the back cover to see them). 21

22 The Capacitor provides energy to reach 3450 rpm. If the motor is on and there is a humming sound for a few second and then shuts off, most likely the capacitor needs to be replaced. It should be replaced with an exact match. Chlorine tablets tablets that consist of chlorine The tablets are placed in pool filters to sanitize the water and disinfect it. It also works as an oxidizer and biocidal agent, keeping the pool safe and clean for use. Coping the top lip of a pool that creates a finished edge and is often manufactured out of rigid vinyl, stones, tiles, or aluminum. The coping creates a finished appearance of the pool for a professional and upscale style. 22

23 Filter System an automated device that is often installed on a concrete slab to continuously clean the pool water of contaminants and debris. a. Sand pool filters are the most common and affordable type available and filter particles that are 20 to 40 microns in size. a. Cartridge pool filters can hold multiple cartridges that are similar to paper in their appearance and work to trap particles that are 10 to 20 microns in size. a. D.E. pool filters are most effective at removing the smallest particles in the water by using fossilized remains of diatoms. These types of filters are known to be effective at straining particles that are as small as 1 to 3 microns for the most efficient type of filter available. Hose a hose used in swimming pools that attaches to a vacuum to properly clean the water of contaminants or particles that are present. 23

24 In-ground Pool a permanent, artificial pool structure that is built into the ground of a yard and is constructed with concrete for the purpose of swimming. Ionizer a device that is located on the return line of a pool where water flows through and receives charged, metal ions with the use of either copper or silver. Muriatic Acid A liquid used to lower ph and total Alkalinity of pool water. It can be sold in a dry powder form which you have to dilute in water first before adding. Here is the liquid version: 24

25 Main Drain a drain that runs on the deepest part of a swimming pool and connects to the pool pump for proper circulation and filtration of the water. It s commonly installed on the suction side of the pump in residential pools. O-Rings There are tank O-rings, Jandy valve O-rings, Jandy lid-orings, seal plate gasket O-rings and pump basket lid O-rings. They need lubrication every so often as they can dry out over time. A liquid used to help keep O-rings and gaskets lubricated is pictured here: 25

26 Pool Pumps / Motors a mechanical device that is used in artificial pools to filter the water by prompting it to flow under pressure for the purpose of keeping the water clean. Pool Vacuum an under-water suction device that removes dirt and grime from the bottom of your pool. Wheels attached to the mouth of the pool vacuum assist mobility as you steer the vacuum. 26

27 Pump Strainer Basket a device that is used to prevent the pump impeller from clogs with holes that are smaller than those in the skimmer basket. Safety Ring a plastic ring that is used in swimming pools to rescue individuals who may be at risk of drowning. Also known as a life preserver or lifebuoy, the ring is designed to be thrown into the water to help a swimmer in need. The device is often used by lifeguards at public swimming pools and can be installed within feet of pools on residential properties. Shock treatment when contaminants are present in pool water, shock treatments are used to oxidize the water with large amounts of hydrogen peroxide, chlorine, and potassium peroxymonosulfate. Common contaminants that can be destroyed include chloramines and nitrogen compounds. 27

28 Skimmer Basket Located in the pool deck, this collects dirt and debris from the surface of the pool. Solar System black mats that have water pumped through to properly absorb heat that is present. They are roof mounted with up and down plumbing, which work to reduce the cost of energy when manipulating the temperature of a pool. Many of the systems come with sensors and automatic valves to pump water through the collector. They are often manufactured out of thick rubber or with plastic that is treated with ultraviolet light. 28

29 Test kit a product that works to measure the various levels of chemical residues in pools with the use of titrants, virals, and color comparators that are placed in the water. Test kit devices are either manual or electrical with their function and measure ph, calcium hardness, total alkalinity, free available chlorine, metals, and combined chlorine. 29

30 Time clock Your pool s time clock allows for automatic operation of the pool for pre-set hours at a specific duration of time. This means the homeowner doesn t have to manually turn the pump motor on and off each day for it to run. Under-drain a drain that is located at the bottom of a pool to direct water into the filter for proper cleaning. Vinyl Pool Cover a vinyl cover that is used to protect pool water by attaching to adjacent sides on aluminum tracks. Manual or automatic vinyl covers are available. The cover helps protect the pool water from the elements. 30

31 Weir a small door that is located on the side of the skimmer. The weir allows a continuous flow of water through the skimmer. The product faces the water and adjusts to changes in the water level while preventing particles or debris from re-entering the pool. 31