Service Tips

Sometimes clean-up can be time consuming, costly, and aggravating to say the least. Here are a few tips to not eliminate but maybe ease the pain:

When shocking . . . don't be afraid! You will not overshock the pool. Too much shock in a green or black algae-filled pool will help, whereas, not enough shock will not only not work but sometimes make it worse. A gallon of shock (or a pound) today and again on Wednesday and again on Saturday only prolongs the agony. Have no mercy . . . SHOCK IT!

Algae is a plant growth. It does not dissolve or go away by itself without being filtered or vacuumed out. The best thing is prevention (you've heard that before). Use shock and algaecide on a regular basis. If it is too late or it is algae-filled because you just opened it, try this:

• Shock the pool heavily (at least twice the normal dose)
• Add Algaecide
• Let the algae and debris settle (shock again if necessary)
• Vacuum to "waste" if your filter allows it:
   - Sand or Diatomaceous Earth filters with multiport valves, simply put the handle on "waste" and vacuum as usual
   - DE Perflex (finger) filters or Cartridge filters, vacuum with the ball valve/gate valve at the bottom of the tank partially open (approximately 20%)
   - Filters with push/pull valves, remove the inside filter elements prior to vacuuming

STILL GREEN?

Have a green or cloudy problem where the particles won't settle? . . . Add powdered Flock or try Family Pools Last Resort (a liquid settling agent) to the pool. Follow instructions on the container. Do not use this method in heavy rains, the water must remain still for settling. Once settled, the pollen/algae must be vacuumed on "waste".

These problems occur most with sand filters. If at any point in time your filter should grow old and die, make sure you ask us about "new" filtration. The filters of today are wonderful . . . no backwashing, higher efficiency etc. Keep the sand at the beach!

Remember if you have a DE or Cartridge filter and you did not have it Acid Washed over the winter, you could be asking for a big headache. Things just may start to go bad on July 3rd, if you know what I mean. With the barbeque ready to light, the swimmers ready to swim, and the sun shining, who wants to be fooling with the pool filter? Those types of filters should be properly cleaned each year for peak performance.