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  • Getting Started

    Read This BEFORE You Post 


    If you're about ready to post and ask some questions, you will first need to help us and yourself by getting some basics out of the way.

    Profile
    Please put the city and state in which you live in your profile. Your climate is important to the advice you receive.

    Signature
    Please put the following information in your signature.

    • The size of your pool in gallons
    • If your pool is an AG (above ground) or IG (in ground)
    • If it's IG, tell us if it's vinyl, plaster/pebble, or fiberglass
    • The type of filter you have (sand, DE, cartridge) and, if you know, the brand and model of the filter.
    • If you know, please tell us the brand and model of the pump, and mention if is it a two speed or variable speed pump.
    • Date of pool build/install, particularly important if less then a year old.
    • What kind/model of water test kit you are using
    • Other significant accessories or options, such as a spa , SWG, or cleaner
    • Please mention if you fill the pool from a well or are currently on water restrictions
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    ABCs of Pool Water Chemistry 


    There are five chemical levels that every pool owner needs to keep track of:
    • FC - Free Chlorine - A sanitizer which keeps your pool water safe and free of germs. Chlorine must be constantly replenished. (level depends on CYA)
    • PH - Acidity/Basicity - Needs to be kept in balance to prevent irritation and protect the pool equipment. (7.2 to 7.8)
    • TA - Total Alkalinity - Appropriate levels help keep the pH in balance. High levels can cause pH to rise. (60 to 120ppm, sometimes higher)
    • CH - Calcium Hardness - Appropriate levels help prevent plaster damage. High levels can cause calcium scaling. (220 to 350ppm, vinyl lower)
    • CYA - Cyanuric Acid - Protects chlorine from sunlight and determines the required FC level. (outdoors 30 to 50ppm, SWG 70 to 80ppm, indoors 0 to 20ppm)

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    Routine Pump/Filter Maintenance 


    One of the most important pieces of equipment for your pool may be the filter gauge. A properly working filter gauge can tell you a lot about the health and well-being of your plumbing system. Besides knowing when to clean your filter, your filter gauge can help you diagnose common pool problems.

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    Basic Pool Care Schedule 


    Daily
    • Look at the water, notice the clarity and color.
    • Test the chlorine level and adjust if needed.
    • Test the pH and adjust if needed.
    • Examine the skimmer(s) and clean if needed.
    • Use a leaf rake to remove any surface debris.

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    Troubleshooting your Pump/Filter 


    This section covers some of the most common problems that can occur with pool equipment. It bears repeating that having a working filter gauge and knowing your clean filter pressure can be invaluable when diagnosing plumbing problems. So here are some of the most common plumbing problems and their symptoms:
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