Why is my pool cloudy

Water clarity is dependent on good circulation, filtration, and the proper chemical levels. To troubleshoot cloudy water, check your filter pressure, pump circulation and the water chemistry. Even if these seem correct, you may need a clarifier, flocculant and/or a filter clean.

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How often should my pool water chemistry be tested

A public pool with many swimmers should be tested every hour and the water chemistry adjusted as needed. Test results should be logged in order to provide the pool operator with a comprehensive record of the pool’s chemical readings. Residential pools should be tested daily to weekly, depending on swimmer load.

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When should I backwash my filter or clean the cartridges

Backwash your sand or D.E. filter when the pressure gauge reads ten pounds higher than the "clean" pressure. Or, at the least, once a month. If the pressure doesn’t drop by 8-10 lbs. after backwashing, it’s time for a sand change or grid / cartridge breakdown & clean.

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The pressure gauge on the filter stays high after backwashing

It's possible one of the return line valves are closed or partially closed. The filter's pressure gauge also may be broken. Or, the filter needs to be opened up and cleaned. You can check the pressure gauge by turning off the equipment and inspection whether the pressure gauge returns to zero.

 

The pressure gauge on the filter is abnormally low

Low pressure indicates a blockage within the pump or a suction leak somewhere in front of the pump. The usual suspects are full skimmer baskets, full pump strainer basket, a leak at the suction side of the pump, the water level is too low and the skimmer is sucking air, the pump lid o-ring is damaged or missing, seated incorrectly or needs lubrication, or the pump impeller is clogged with debris.

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My pool lighting doesn’t work

The bulb or LED's may be burned out or the ground fault circuit interrupter (GFCI) has tripped and needs to be reset. Lighting in the area can cause GFCI's to trip. The lighting GFCI is typically located on the side of the control panel or around the equipment pad. If the GFCI trips repetitively, call us! A dangerous situation may exist. 

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My pool pump hums or it won’t start

Electrical repairs can be fatal if done improperly. Always refer electrical repairs to a professional.

The motor won’t spin for one of these reasons:

•  The start / run capacitor has likely failed if you hear an audible humming.

• The relay or timer mechanism has failed or is fouled.

• A damaged pump seal has allowed water into the motor which has caused the motor to fail.

• The stator or armature windings have burned out.

• The pump impeller is bound up and can’t spin.

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My pool equipment is leaking

There could be several reasons why your equipment is leaking. It could be anything from old plumbing, failed valves, cracks in the equipment's housing, to bad pump seals. Try to find the source of the water to determine it's true location.

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Why is water running out of my backwash line

This is usually due to a bad multiport valve gasket (spider-gasket) Or, the handle assembly is broken or not properly seated.

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Why does my circulation system lose prime when it’s turned off

There is likely a leak in the plumbing or equipment that lets air in when the pump is off. This can be from a cracked pipe, skimmer, or leaking oring.

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My spa in draining when the equipment is off

Most spas that are elevated above the pool level have check-valves within the plumbing that are supposed to close when the pool is off. The check-valve gasket and/or spring that keeps it closed has likely failed. 

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My pool pump is very loud & noisy

There can be a few reasons why your pump is loud and noisy. Knocking is often caused by cavitation. This occurs when the pump impeller forces dissolved gases out of solution. This causes high pressures which can damage your pump. Cavitation is the result of poor pump design or oversized pumps which try to move more water than is available. Suction leaks in the systems can also contribute to cavitation by decreasing pump efficiency. Loud and noisy motors can also be from bad motor bearings and/or internal copper windings.

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Why isn’t my heater coming on

Safety switches ensure the heater won’t come on if water isn’t circulating through it. The problem may be with the heater itself or the circulation system. If your pool or spa has good circulation, but the heater still will not fire, call us for diagnostics and repair. Repairing heaters is not typically a do-it-yourself project.

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