FAQ's

1How do I calculate the number of gallons in my pool?

Answer #1: The easiest way is to measure the length of your pool, the width of your pool at three locations along the length, and the depth at the shallowest the deepest area in your pool. Then take this information to your pool professional.

Answer #2:

  1. Surface Area in Sq. Ft. x Average Depth in Feet x 7.5 Gallons per Cubic Foot = Total Gallons
  2. Surface Area of a Rectangle = Length x Width
  3. Surface Area of a Circle = 3.14 x Radius x Radius
  4. Average Depth = Shallowest Depth + Deepest Depth / 2
2What should I add to my pool when getting started in the spring?
Answer: Once your filter pump is operating for at least one hour, take a water sample to your pool professional for testing. The test results will determine exactly what is needed. There is no fix-all!
3How many hours should I run my filter pump per day?
Answer: Your filter pump should run 8-12 hours per day, preferably 12 hours from 8 a.m. - 8 p.m. Remember, when your filter pump only runs eight hours, then the other 16 hours the pool water is not being filtered and chlorinated.
4My pool is green. Should I cancel my son’s birthday party on Saturday?
Answer: More often than not, it is possible to turn the greenest of pools into blue in 48 hours or less. Take a water sample to your pool professional and follow their directions exactly. Make sure you have your pool brush ready, because you are going to need it.
5How often should I test my pool water?
Answer: Your pool water should be tested weekly by a pool professional and daily by the pool owner for sanitizer (chlorine) and pH.
6My heater will not start up. What should I do?
Answer: Clean your skimmer baskets and pump baskets. Check your filter pressure and determine if your filter needs to be backwashed. If necessary, backwash your filter. Pool heaters have a safety device that will prevent your heater from starting if there is not adequate water pressure. This is to protect the heater from damage due to improper water flow.
7When does my filter need to be cleaned or backwashed?
Answer: It is time to clean or backwash your filter when the pressure gauge on top of your filter is reading 10 psi higher than the clean startup pressure. You must know the clean startup pressure to determine when it is time to backwash. NOTICE: Always be sure skimmer baskets and pump baskets are clean before checking you filter pressure or you may incorrectly determine that the filter is clean.
8How much DE should I add to my DE filter?
Answer: First verify that your filter is a DE filter. The amount of DE required is determined by the size of your DE filter (not by the size of your pool) and you can typically find this information on the filter label. Generally, 4-6 lbs. must be added after backwashing.
9There is always a puddle of water under my filter pump. What should I do?
Answer: Turn off your filter pump immediately and contact your pool professional to schedule a service call. If the seal between the pump and the motor shaft leaks and allows water to get into the motor, you will be looking at replacing the pump motor.
10Why is it important to shock my pool?
Answer: Shocking is performed for two main reasons. The first is to break down organics such as perspiration, body oils, and suntan lotion. The second is to wipe out combined chlorine that is said to be harmful to humans.
11I shocked my pool, but did I really?
Answer: When adding high levels of chlorine to shock your pool and destroy combined chlorine, you must reach 10 times the level of free (good) chlorine compared to the level of combined (bad) chlorine. Simply adding a bag or five gallons of shock does not mean that you truly shocked your pool. If you add 10 times the level of free chlorine compared to the level of combined chlorine in your pool does not mean that you truly shocked your pool. If some of the free chlorine was burned off from the sun or used up disinfecting while entering the pool, the free chlorine level in the pool may not have reached 10 times the level of the combined chlorine level. Take a water sample to your pool professional to determine the amount of chlorine necessary to reach breakpoint chlorination.
12How often should I shock my pool? My neighbor shocks his pool once per week.
Answer: Historically, the industry has recommended weekly shocking. Adding high levels of chlorine to your pool shortens the useful life of your pool finish and pool equipment, therefore, we recommend using Pool Perfect™ (an enzyme) to destroy many of the organics that shocking is used to destroy. Then, shock only when your pool professional tests your water and determines that a level of combined chlorine exists.
13My pool lights are not working. Should I schedule a service call?
Answer: First, check to be sure the GFI outlet at your filter equipment panel is not tripped. Next, check to be sure that your breakers are in the on position.
14How much does it cost to operate a gas-fired pool heater?

Answer: In our area the typical cost to operate a 400,000 BTU heater is:

Propane Gas = Approximately $10.00 per Hour

Natural Gas = Approximately $2.90 per Hour

15I keep adding chlorine to my pool but it does not show up when I test. What should I do?
Answer: There are several factors that contribute to high chlorine demand, including low pH, high phosphates, and low stabilizer. Take a water sample to your pool professional.
16How long must I wait to swim after shocking with chlorine?
Answer: Swimming may resume once the chlorine level in the pool has dropped below 5 ppm. You will need to test your pool water to make this determination, as there is no set time.
17Is my pool leaking?
Answer: Evaporation generally will not exceed 1/4″ of pool water loss per day. If you are adding more than 2″ of water per week, contact your pool professional. Remember you may have additional water loss caused by splash out, backwashing, or vacuuming to waste.