How do I manage the pollen in my Pool? Do I run the pump longer to filter the water? Do I need to skim? I’ve read adding phosphates could help it clump together. How do I know if it’s a problem? I’m in GA.
My first pollen season with a pool
- Thread starter albertg
- Start date
Albert, phosphates aren't something we want to *add* to our pools. This pollen is something fierce, isn't it? Yeah, I've got more than my share here in Augusta too.
Best thing to do is put pool skimmer socks in your skimmer to help collect the pollen. This helps keep it out of your filter and lessens the need to backwash or clean our filters. You should let the pool skim the pollen into the skimmer basket and keep an eye on those socks daily while the pollen is so heavy.
If you have a robot it should help pick up and clean the stuff that falls to the floor of the pool. Otherwise vacuum it up.
Adding FLOC or clarifyers will gum up your filter in no time.
Maddie
Best thing to do is put pool skimmer socks in your skimmer to help collect the pollen. This helps keep it out of your filter and lessens the need to backwash or clean our filters. You should let the pool skim the pollen into the skimmer basket and keep an eye on those socks daily while the pollen is so heavy.
If you have a robot it should help pick up and clean the stuff that falls to the floor of the pool. Otherwise vacuum it up.
Adding FLOC or clarifyers will gum up your filter in no time.
Maddie
Thanks Maddie! Yes I bought skimmer socks over the winter and just started using it when I 'opened' the pool. Sounds like I need to skim more and generally clean more for the next few weeks? Pool is 62 degrees anyway. The kids learned quickly that its too cold for swimming.
Yeah... I'd say 62 degrees rates almost as a polar bear plunge!
Do you have a main drain? Do you have valves that can adjust the "pull" to go more to the skimmer and less to the main drain?
Do you have a main drain? Do you have valves that can adjust the "pull" to go more to the skimmer and less to the main drain?
Yeah my oldest (12yr) wanted $20 if she made it from the diving board to the other side. She didn't make it.
Yes I have a main drain. There is a valve at the bottom of the skimmer hole that I can turn to adjust the suction ratio. I usually have it like 80/20 skimmer to main.
Yes I have a main drain. There is a valve at the bottom of the skimmer hole that I can turn to adjust the suction ratio. I usually have it like 80/20 skimmer to main.
I remember when we were thinking about getting our pool, I thought fall would be the worst time of year for pool work. By far, the worst time is early spring here in the south! 
IMissNimoy
Gold Supporter
The Oak catkins (pecan in a couple weeks) are the worst here. I emptied my skimmer of them 3 times yesterday and got two full nets manually. Today, it's the dogwood flowers shedding.
Our temp is 70F. Our boys swam for nearly an hour yesterday. Not this guy.
Our temp is 70F. Our boys swam for nearly an hour yesterday. Not this guy.
So I assume I should expect higher than usual chlorine consumption during this time? This is my first time as a pool owner and living in the south. We got a nice layer yesterday and a little rain this morning. What a mess.
i cleaned the cartridge filters before the pollen started. How often should I be cleaning them for my area and being surrounded by trees and bushes?
i cleaned the cartridge filters before the pollen started. How often should I be cleaning them for my area and being surrounded by trees and bushes?
Do you have a gauge on your filter? If so, we suggest cleaning it when the pressure rises 25%. above clean pressure
Maddie
Maddie
IMissNimoy
Gold Supporter
Do you have a gauge on your filter? If so, we suggest cleaning it when the pressure rises 25%. above clean pressure
Maddie
mine doesn’t seem to climb all that quickly. How often is that for you?
- Jun 12, 2011
- 3,766
- Pool Size
- 19500
- Surface
- Plaster
- Chlorine
- Salt Water Generator
- SWG Type
- Pureline Crystal Pure 60,000
Hair nets in skimmers and change them often, is the best approach. It keeps much of it from reaching and clogging your filter.
It depends on the size of the filter and the amount of stuff getting into your pool. Some people with larger filters might only have to backwash once or twice a season. If your filter is smaller or you have a ton of stuff getting into the pool then it might be as often as every week or two.
