A: The amount of time required to run your system depends on the time of year and the conditions around your pool area. In the spring and summer months as the weather becomes warmer and swimming increases, the demand for chemicals and filtration increases. It is recommended that the entire volume of water be filtered through twice a day. This can typically be achieved in an 8-10 hour run time per day. In the fall and winter as the weather turns cooler and the demand for chemicals and filtration decreases. It is recommended that the entire volume of water be filtered through once per day. This can typically be achieved in a 4-6 hour run time per day. Certain situations will dictate that your pumps run longer: If your pool is on a heavily wooded lot, you will want to extend the run times during the fall and spring. If you heat the pool in the winter your demand for both chemicals and filtration will not decrease and you will to continue to use the guidelines for spring and summer operation.

A: Every pool system has different pressure restrictions depending upon the type of equipment and features that were built with your pool. New pool owners will be given the normal pressure for their system with their start up instructions. If you are not the original owner or cannot remember the normal pressure of your system it is recommended that you backwash or clean the filter to establish a baseline pressure.

A: The filter should be backwashed every 4 to 6 weeks or when the pressure increases 8 to 10 lbs. over normal clean filter pressure. The filter should also be completely disassembled, inspected and cleaned every six months to ensure proper filtration.

A: Backwashing Procedures:
With filter pump off, set the backwash valve or MPV (Multi-Port Valve) handle to the “BACKWASH” position.
Open release valve.
CAUTION: Be sure that all provisions for wastewater disposal meet local, state or national codes. During backwashing you will discharge more than a 100 gallons of water. Do no discharge water where it will cause flooding or damage.
CAUTION: Maintain your pressure gauge in good working order. The pressure gauge is the primary indicator of how the filter is operating.
Stand clear of the filter, start the pump to circulate the water backwards through the filter to the waste line.
When a steady stream of water is expelled through the air release valve, close the valve.
Run the pump until the backwash discharge water is clear (repeat steps 1 thru 5 if required).
Switch the filter pump off.
Set the backwash valve or MPV to filter position.
Prepare recommended amount of DE as listed on the filter tank.
Start the filter System.
With the pump running and the pool skimmer valve open, slowly pour the DE directly into the pool’s skimmer basket (see manufacturers recommendations for the amount of DE). The slurry will be drawn into the filter.

A: When the outdoor air temperature reaches 32 degrees or lower, freeze damage can occur. Following these steps can help to prevent damage to your pool and equipment.
Run filtration pump and all auxiliary pumps continuously (pool cleaner pump does not need to run). If functioning properly, your freeze guard should run the pump automatically until temperatures rise above freezing. Note: Direct sunlight on your freeze guard may “fool” it into functioning as if the temperature is above freezing thereby turning off your pump. If this happens, turn the pump on manually and remove the timer trippers or switch the computer controller to “service” and turn the pumps on. The pumps WILL NOT turn off automatically in service mode.
Break up ice on the pool and spa surfaces to keep the skimmers and skimmer doors free from ice. Carefully remove skimmer doors if it is not possible to keep them free of ice. Use caution to avoid damaging the skimmers.
Maintain proper pool water level at all times (at the middle of the tile line). If the water level drops too low, the pump will draw in air through the skimmers which increases the risk of equipment freeze damage.
NEVER backwash during extremely cold conditions. Filter pressure gauges can freeze, resulting in inaccurate readings.
DO NOT use heater during extreme cold unless it has been constantly running prior to the drop in temperature.
Adjust pool and spa jets upwards to reduce surface freezing

A: Turn off circuit breakers to all pool equipment.
Open the filter air bleed valve. If it is frozen, pour warm water over it to dislodge the ice.
Drain the pumps by removing all drain plugs from the bottom of the pump. Place the plugs in the pump basket and loosely replace the lid.
Remove the winterizing plugs and/or open drain valves on the heater and place them in the pump basket.
Remove drain plug for the filter.
Remove the chlorinator tubing and lid.
To prevent ice from forming in skimmers, place a one liter plastic bottle half filled with anti-freeze in each skimmer. This will help take up any freeze expansion in the skimmers.
Open all valves or adjust 3-way valves to the middle positions to allow water to flow back into the pool through all pipes.
Any pipes that cannot be drained should be protected with electrical heat strips available at local hardware stores.
Cover electronic ignition heaters with a blanket for insulation.
UNCOVER HEATER PRIOR TO USE.

A: You can expect some water loss due to evaporation and splash out during swimming. The evaporation rate varies by season, area in which you live and amount of time you run your water features. You will experience greater loss of water through evaporation, the greater the difference between warm air temperatures and cooler water temperatures. If suspect you are losing an above average amount of water in your pool, check all plumbing and equipment for leaks, inspect backwash line for water bypassing valve and inspect interior of pool for cracks. Please contact our service department to schedule a service call for visual leaks at equipment or contact the structural warranty department for non-visual leaks to discuss possible scenarios.

A: Believe it or not, water chemistry is the most important part of any pool’s maintenance routine. If your pool water that is not correctly maintained you will not only damage the pool equipment but also damage the interior finish of the pool. Here are some helpful tips to maintaining proper water chemistry:
Test water chemistry at least once a week
Always follow manufacturer’s directions for use of chemicals.
Never mix chemicals.