Maintaining a Swimming Pool

It is essential to keep the pool water clean and the filtration system in good condition. Leaves, insects, and wind-blown debris will accumulate on the pool surface. Heavier particles will settle on the bottom of the basin.

Weekly Maintenance

Perform cleaning and maintenance operations once or twice a week to ensure high water quality and extend the life of your filtration equipment:

Empty the skimmer basket(s): it is crucial to remove debris accumulated in the skimmer basket to prevent blocking the pipes and improve the water flow in the pool.

Clean the waterline: use a sponge and an appropriate gel to remove greasy residue and scale deposits that have formed on the pool walls, particularly at the waterline. This helps prevent algae growth and extends the durability of the structure.

Use the suction head: connect the suction head to the suction point or use a robotic cleaner to vacuum the bottom of the pool and remove accumulated debris. This contributes to improving water quality and preventing algae proliferation.

Adjust the water level: keep the water level at three-quarters of the skimmers to guarantee good circulation in the pool. If the level is too low, it can cause air to be sucked in by the skimmer and prime the filtration pump, which could damage it.

Pump and Filter Maintenance

To take care of your pool’s pump and filter, it is important to shut off the filtration before checking the condition of the pump’s pre-filter basket. Empty the pre-filter basket before restarting the pump. You must also monitor the pressure on the filter’s pressure gauge to spot any anomalies. If the pressure is abnormally high, it may mean the filter is clogged.

If you have a sand filter

it is advisable to regularly perform a filter backwash:

1. Turn off the pump.
2. Open the drain valve.
3. Set the 6-way valve to “Wash”.
4. Turn on the pump for 1 minute.
5. Stop the pump.
6. Set the 6-way valve to “Rinse”.
7. Turn on the pump for 1 minute.
8. Stop the pump.
9. Close the drain valve.
10. Set the 6-way valve to “Filtration”.
11. Turn the pump back on and check the pressure gauge.

If the problem persists, you can use a filter descaler against limescale.
To precisely descale a sand filter, follow the instructions below carefully:

Preparation:

1. 1. Turn off the pool pump.

and close the suction and return valves.

• Set the multiport valve to “closed” to prevent any water flow when opening the filter.

Accessing the sand filter:

1. Disassemble the sand filter by removing the lid or unscrewing the fasteners.
2. Examine the inside of the filter to determine the extent of the limescale problem.

Select a suitable descaler:

Choose a descaler designed for sand filters, available in specialized stores or online. Ensure you choose a product compatible with your filter type.
Read the manufacturer’s instructions carefully regarding the required dosage and necessary contact time.

Applying the descaler:

1. Dilute the descaler in water according to the manufacturer’s instructions. Generally, the ratio is about 1 liter of descaler to 10 liters of water.
2. Pour the solution into the sand filter, spreading it evenly over the entire sand surface.

Wait time:

Allow the descaler to act according to the time recommended by the manufacturer, generally between 2 and 12 hours.

Rinsing and backwashing:

1. Set the multiport valve to “backwash” and open the suction and return valves.
2. Turn on the pump and let the water run until it is clear. This will eliminate dissolved scale deposits and impurities.
3. Next, set the valve to “rinse” and run the pump for about 1 to 2 minutes to stabilize the sand inside the filter.

Reassembly and checking:

1. Set the multiport valve back to “filtration”.
2. Put the lid or fasteners of the sand filter back in place.
3. Restart the pump and check that the filtration is working properly and check the filter pressure.

Don’t forget to adjust the pool water balance, especially checking the water hardness (calcium concentration) and correcting if necessary to prevent new limescale formation.

For a cartridge filter:

1. Stop the pool pump and close the suction and return valves.
2. Open the cartridge filter housing by removing the lid or unscrewing the fasteners.
3. Remove the filter cartridge: gently pull the filter cartridge out of the housing and examine it for any signs of wear or damage.
4. Clean the cartridge by rinsing it with a low-pressure water jet to remove residue and accumulated particles.

For a more complete cleaning, you can also soak the cartridge in a filter cleaner solution for a few hours, then rinse it with clear water.
Check the cartridge for any tears, pleat collapse, or excessive wear. Replace the cartridge if it is damaged or worn.

• Reassembling the filter: put the clean (or new) cartridge back inside the filter housing. Replace the lid or fasteners of the filter and ensure they are properly secured.
• Restarting the pump and checking operation: open the suction and return valves, then restart the pump.

Check the filter pressure to ensure the filtration system is working well.

Regularly monitor the filter pressure and clean the cartridge when the pressure increases by 7 to 10 psi (0.5 to 0.7 bar) compared to the initial pressure.
Replace cartridges according to the manufacturer’s advice, usually every 1 to 2 years.

If you have a diatomaceous earth filter:

Stop the pump, set the multiport valve to “backwash”, then restart the pump. Let the water run until it is clear. Then, set the valve to “rinse” for about 30 seconds to stabilize the distribution of the diatoms.

Disassembly and cleaning of the filter module:

1. Stop the pump and close the suction and return valves.
2. Open the diatomaceous earth filter by removing the lid or unscrewing the fasteners.
3. Gently remove the filter module (grids) and check it for any signs of wear or damage.
4. Clean the grids by rinsing them with clear water, using a low-pressure water jet or a soft brush to remove deposits and accumulated particles.

Checking filter module integrity: Analyze the grids for any signs of tearing, cracking, or excessive wear. Replace damaged grids if necessary.

Reassembling the filter:

Place the filter module (grids) back inside the filter.
Replace the lid or fasteners of the diatomaceous earth filter, ensuring they are properly secured.

Recharging with diatomaceous earth (DE):

1. Restart the pump and open the suction and return valves.
2. Prepare a suspension of DE in a bucket of water following the manufacturer’s dosage instructions.
3. Slowly pour the DE suspension into the skimmer. The diatoms will be carried to the filter and settle on the grids to form a new filtration layer.

Monitoring

eliminating them during vacuuming.

d. Extended filtration: To clarify the water, let the filtration system run continuously for at least 24 hours. This will help rid your pool of residue and improve water quality.

e. Monitor disinfectant level: Ensure the disinfectant level is adequate to prevent the reappearance of algae. A good balance of chemicals is essential for maintaining clean and clear water.

3. Water with an unbalanced pH

If you notice that your water is not reacting as it should to treatment products, the pH might be unbalanced. Here is how to remedy it:

a. Test the pH: Use a test kit to check if your water’s pH is between 7.0 and 7.4.

b. Adjust the pH: If the pH is too high, apply a product to decrease the pH; if it is too low, add a product to increase it. Re-test the water after a few hours.

c. Check regularly: Perform a regular pH check to maintain balance and avoid future problems.

Basics of Pool Water Maintenance

1. Regular Cleaning

To ensure clean water, it is important to clean your pool frequently. This includes cleaning the walls, bottom, and skimmers.

2. Water Replenishment

Compensate for evaporated water, especially in summer, to maintain an adequate water level. This also helps keep conditions balanced.

3. Control of Filtration Systems

Monitor the filtration, ensuring it is working correctly and performing extended filtrations if necessary.

By following these steps and regularly attending to your pool’s maintenance, you can enjoy clear and healthy water throughout the season. The key lies in prevention and proactivity to avoid small problems becoming big concerns.

performing a drain to the waste line using the appropriate position on the filtration valve.

b. pH Control: Check the water pH and adjust it if necessary between 7.0 and 7.4 with a corrective product. An unbalanced pH can facilitate the presence of copper.

c. Application of a specific product: Use an anti-copper treatment to eliminate dissolved copper responsible for the green coloration of the water.

By applying these methods, you can effectively treat the problem of translucent green water in your pool.

using the “drain/waste” position on the 6-way valve.

Use a metal sequestrant to bind the copper ions present in the water and prevent their deposit on pool surfaces and equipment.

Regarding bromine treatments, if the pH is too low, adjust it between 7.2 and 7.8 with a pH corrective product. It is also essential to check the bromine level in the water to confirm it is within the recommended range.

Bromine is a chemical product less affected by pH variations than chlorine, but its effectiveness is optimal at a determined pH. If the pH is too high, bromine will be less effective at eliminating bacteria and algae. Conversely, a pH that is too low can corrode pool equipment and cause skin and eye irritation.
It is therefore fundamental to maintain a balanced pH to maximize the efficiency of the bromine treatment and ensure clean, healthy pool water.

By following these instructions, you can remedy the problem of translucent green water in your pool. Remember to check water quality regularly and make necessary adjustments to maintain clean, healthy water.

5. If the water gives off a strong chlorine smell with eye and skin irritation

this means there are too many chloramines (decomposed chlorine), and the active chlorine level is insufficient
.
Proceed with shock chlorination to increase the chlorine level, then adjust the pH between 7.0 and 7.4.

6. Difficulty maintaining chlorine or pH levels

• Check the stabilizer level (which must always be below 75 mg/l).
• Add a product that increases water alkalinity to limit pH variations (strengthen buffer effect).

Significant fluctuations in the chlorine level and water pH of the pool can lead to discomfort during swimming and damage pool equipment. Here are some frequent causes explaining these variations, as well as possible solutions:

Poor chemical balance: An imbalance of chemical products in the pool water can cause significant oscillations in pH and chlorine levels. It is crucial to regularly control pH, water hardness, and alkalinity levels to maintain a good chemical balance.

Excess of chemical products: Over-application of chemical products such as those intended to adjust pH, anti-algae, or shock treatments can cause marked variations in pH and chlorine levels. To avoid this, always follow the manufacturer’s recommendations when using chemicals and avoid overdosing.

Climatic conditions: Weather, such as rain, wind, or heat, can disrupt the chemical balance of pool water, causing notable variations in pH and chlorine levels. It is important to check these two parameters regularly and adjust if necessary.

Swimmers: The swimmers themselves impact chlorine and pH levels in pool water by introducing contaminants like sweat, dirt, or body care products. It is essential to remind swimmers to shower before entering the pool and to avoid urinating in the water.

3. Monitoring the Stabilizer Level

Checking the stabilizer level is essential to ensure the effectiveness of your pool’s water treatment. Stabilizer is a substance added…

to chlorine-based products to preserve chlorine against the sun’s UV rays. Over time, the use of stabilized chlorine in tablets can lead to an accumulation of stabilizer in your pool water.

A high level of stabilizer can cancel out the effects of water treatments, which can cause cloudy water and favor algae growth. It is therefore essential to regularly check the stabilizer level in your pool water.

To control this level, you can use a test strip or a water analysis photometer. The stabilizer level should not exceed 75 mg/l. If this level is above this limit, one or more partial drains will be necessary to reduce the stabilizer concentration in the water.

It is crucial to remember that stabilizer does not naturally dissipate from pool water over time; it can only be removed through a partial or total drain. It is therefore recommended not to overdose on stabilized chlorine tablets and to maintain an optimal stabilizer level to ensure the effectiveness of your pool’s water treatment.

• Check the stabilizer level with a test strip: the stabilizer level must not exceed 75 mg/l.
• Be careful not to lower the level too much for pools with liners or polyester shells which should never be fully drained.
• Check your stabilizer level with a test strip or a water analysis photometer.
• Favor non-stabilized chlorine.

4. Shock Treatment

To disinfect and remove the green color from the water (suspended algae and other bacteria), increase the active chlorine level by performing a shock treatment with shock chlorine.
Keep your filtration running continuously for 48 hours.

1. Perform a filter backwash then analyze the water.
2. Adjust the pH between 7.0 and 7.4 and maintain the chlorine level at 1.5 mg/l.

Flocculation every two weeks will allow you to obtain clear and crystal-clear water.

Avoid using a flocculant if you have a cartridge or diatomaceous earth filter.
It is important to note that flocculant can be counterproductive with a cartridge or diatomaceous earth filter. The function of flocculant is to aggregate fine particles present in the water to make them fall to the bottom of the pool, which is very effective for improving water clarity.

However, cartridge and diatomaceous earth filters are designed to capture suspended particles in the water. The use of flocculant can cause clogging of the filter pores, reducing its effectiveness and potentially even damaging the filter.

It is therefore essential to refrain from using a flocculant if you have a cartridge or diatomaceous earth filter. Instead, favor clarifiers or cleaning products specifically designed for these types of filters.

Note: Pool construction from a panel kit.