Pool Service FAQs

Although this question has many different variables that contribute to how long you should run your pump, my suggestion would be around 3-4 hrs per day in the wintertime. Unless you have freezing temperatures, then you would run your pump for the duration of the freezing temperatures. In the peak summertime, we typically recommend 8-10 hrs of operation per day. Though as I said this depends on many different variables.

This will be determined by how much vegetation you have around your pool… and how much actually falls into your pool and is accumulated by your skimmers. You should get into the habit of checking them at least once a day. If you notice that they are not filling up then you can do it once every two days and so on… be conscious of the seasons. (ie the fall time when there tends to be more foliage).

There are many factors that can contribute to this. Consider that evaporation in the summer heat will take water out of your pool. The first step would be to look for any obvious leaks at the equipment pad. Also, look in the area surrounding the pool for puddles of water or squishy patches. If you cannot spot a clear leak it is best to get a professional leak detection specialist.

The typical problem associated with a non-priming pump is that you have an air leak on the suction side. The leak occurs most often at the fitting where the plumbing meets the pump. It is also common for a valve located on the suction side to be letting air in.

The green is algae. The cause of algae could be a variety of things; the most common cause is lack of proper filtration.

• Make sure all the baskets are cleaned out. If there is too much debris in the baskets it could restrict the water flow and cause the pump to cavitate and thus make noise.
• Make sure that your pump “O” ring has been lubed. If not this could allow air into the system and cause the pump to make noise.
• Make sure the water level is at the midpoint of the skimmer. Too low of water level could cause the skimmer to suck in air and cause the pump to make noise.
• Make sure all your equipment control valves are set properly.

• It is recommended that you backwash 2-4 (more in the summer and less in the winter) times per month. This will not only keep your filter clean but will help keep down the calcium hardness from building up in the water. If the calcium hardness level gets over the recommended levels, it could cause staining on the interior surface and is not covered under the warranty. If you see your calcium levels rising, backwash more often. This is the only way to reduce the calcium levels in the swimming pool.
• Backwash for 2-3 minutes per backwash. If you only have a spa or a very small swimming pool, you may not be able to backwash as much at a time. You can also watch the water coming out of the backwash line. Once it becomes clear, that is the indication that your filter is clean. This could happen as quickly as 30 seconds to a minute. Again, remember to watch your calcium hardness levels. This might determine that you need to backwash longer even though the filter is clean.

The GFI may have tripped. Press the GFI button, located on the receptacle near your pool equipment to reset your pool Light.

We recommend that you do a sand change every 3 to 4 years. Commercial Pools every 2 years.