How To Remove Algae From Swimming Pools And Keep It Away

May 31, 2010 Posted in Chemistry, Uncategorized No comments

If you are the owner of a swimming pool or know someone who has a pool, you are probably already aware of the problems algae can cause. To remove algae from a swimming pool and to keep it away is tasks that every pool owner has to undertake at one point, or maybe even frequently.

Algae infestation is a very common swimming pool problem that usually appears as a green-colored growth on the floor and walls of the pool, or it could be a green tint in the pool water. In order to remove algae from swimming pools, you will have to use a chlorine-based pool shock. Simply put, shock is a granular form of chlorine that is highly concentrated. This immediately increases the chlorine level of the pool water in the pool and quickly kills any algae.

Effectively Removing Algae From The Pool

While a chlorine shock is the best way to remove algae from swimming pools, it is not enough on its own. In order to ensure that you are doing your best to get rid of the growth, you need to take care of a few more things:

Before adding a chlorine shock, brush the walls and floor of the pool to remove as much algae as possible. This will cut back the time needed to kill the bacteria and clean the pool.

Make sure the pH level of the water is within the range of 7.2-7.6 as this will help ensure that the added chlorine works better and more effectively to remove algae.

After chlorine has worked and the algae is dead, it will turn a white or grayish color and you will need to thoroughly vacuum the pool to ensure that it is completely clean.

Properly clean all the pool equipment like the pump and filter to ensure that all traces of algae have been eliminated to reduce the sources of algal blooms.

Keeping Pool Algae At Bay

Getting rid of pool algae is not the end of it all; you also need to make sure that it does not come back. To ensure that algae are kept as away from your pool as possible is an important part of swimming pool maintenance.

Keep your pool as clean as possible and do not shy away from spending money on high quality pool equipment. Even if you are on a budget, there are various quality pool pumps and filters available that work nicely and will not burn a hole in your pocket. Also, if you think that your chlorine shock has not worked as well as it should have, consult a professional and get some advice on what went wrong.

Ideally, the chlorine gets rid of all the algae in the pool within a maximum of 24 hours. If that does not happen, it may be time you asked an experienced professional to look into the matter.

As someone who owns a pool, to remove algae from the swimming pool and to keep it away is something that you requires continuous care. While it is something you can do yourself, getting a professional’s help is always better in case you find the entire task too cumbersome or if for some reason you are not able to get the desired results.

Resource Box:

If you want to remove algae from the swimming pool you own and also want to ensure that it does not come back, cwipools.com has all the equipment and information you need on swimming pool maintenance.

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Pentair Minimax NT goes Boom!

May 27, 2010 Posted in Heaters No comments

You had a hard day at work or a hard day of play and decide that when you get home your going to try to relax in the spa. You go outside and rotate your valves, kick the pump on and set that heater to spa heat. You want to make sure the heater fires so you hang out for a minute and what you find scares you half to death. As the heater fires up your met with an explosion that does not seem very friendly.

As a pool service repair company we have had quite a few calls recently in regards to the Pentair Minimax NT making a loud explosion during ignition. I know that as a homeowner or even a service technician it’s hard to find answers so I wanted to share a few tips on how to diagnose this problem and possible solutions.

  • The first thing to check is the gas orfices. These are famous for having little spider webs in the orfices and creating obstructions for the gas. Take a piece of small wire or coat hanger and try to poke them out by moving the wire back and forth within the orfice.
  • If possible check the gas pressure on the gas valve inside the heater. You may need a professional to determine whether or not the valve is putting out the right amount of gas. disconnect the igniter and begin the ignition process. With your manometer connected to the manifold side of the gas valve check for 4″ of gas. If its not enough the valve can be adjusted or have the supply upgraded by the gas company.
  • Ensure that the igniter is in good condition. These igniters are very delicate and can break easily. Check with your multimeter for 50 ohms. Big differences could mean it needs to be replaced.
  • The last thing to check is that the heat exchanger is not completely covered in soot and that the heater is venting  properly. If it is dirty it can be removed and hosed down. Inadequate gas supply usually leads to lazy flame which will cause your heat exchanger to soot up.

These are not all of the possibilities but they are the order in which I would examine the heater. If possible call a professional pool repair firm to diagnose your problems. The Pentair Minimax is not the only heater that can be loud during ignition but I think it is most noticeable because of the design of the doors. Pentair now carries the Mastertemp which is a great heater in a small package.

For more information about pool heater repair in the Santa Clarita and San Fernando Valley feel free to contact www.cwipools.com.

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Swimming Pool Maintenance – Do It Yourself

May 26, 2010 Posted in Chemistry, FAQ's No comments


Swimming pools are a blessing during scorching summers and people love to have their own private pools, but when it comes to swimming pool maintenance, not everyone wants to deal with it. While it is true that it is not easy to maintain a swimming pool, it is a very important task.

When it comes to maintaining a swimming pool, you can always choose to hire a professional pool service company. However, if you do not want to spend a lot on swimming pool maintenance, there are a couple of things you can do yourself to ensure that your swimming pool is maintained well.

It is of utmost importance to understand that maintaining a pool is not only about keeping the water clean. There are various things involved, from the cleanliness of the pool water to making sure that the pump and filter are clean and working properly. Also, there are various pests you have to keep away. All in all, it might become too cumbersome to maintain the pool yourself. But if you are confident that you can take care of the task yourself, here are some useful maintenance tips.

Maintaining Your Swimming Pool

  • In order to provide proper protection against bacteria, ensure that you are regularly sanitizing your pool with a high-qualtiy stabilized chlorine product. These chlorine products commonly come in the form of a stick or a tablet and are fed into a separation container near the pool’s pump and filter system.
  • When it comes to swimming pools, algae is probably one of the biggest problems and to keep a pool algae-free is one of the most important steps in swimming pool maintenance. You can use an algae defensive or inhibitor to keep the over 15,000 types of algae at bay. All you need to do is find the correct algae preventive product and simple pour it into the water close to the skimmer intake and the pump will then do its job and distribute it across all the areas of the pool.
  • Shocking the swimming pool on a regular basis is also a good idea. This can be done every two weeks and will help you get rid of all water-soluble waste.
  • Keep a careful track of all the pool equipment being used and replace anything that is either too old or does not seem to be working too well. Proper swimming pool maintenance is not only about the pool water and its cleanliness. Equipment needs to be checked as well.
  • Turn to a professional for guidance on whether all your swimming pool maintenance work is helping or not. Find a company or dealership that provides a water test facility and offers computer analysis of pool water samples.

Swimming pool maintenance is all about making sure your chemical treatment program and filtration system are working well together and keeping the water you swim in clean and germ-free. Taking care of the pool all by yourself is definitely manageable, and most pool owners do it as well. But it is always better to have some professional advice, and if you do not want to spend a lot on professional services, you can always pick just a few  to make sure that all your maintenance work is paying off.

For all your swimming pool maintenance requirements, turn to cwipools.com. Whether you are looking to maintain your pool yourself or require a professional pool service company, find all the help here!

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How Variable Speed Pool Pumps Can Save You Money

May 26, 2010 Posted in Pumps No comments


Variable speed pool pumps are steadily gaining popularity, especially with more and more people now preferring to have their very own swimming pools. When it comes to pool equipment, only the most money-conscious and conservation-minded swimming pool owners actually realize the amount of money they spend on pool equipment usage.

Single speed pumps generally end up taking more energy than variable speed pool pumps so people looking to save money tend to choose the latter.

A good working pool pump cannot only help you save money, but will also ensure that the water you swim in is always clean and clear. There are many people who do not think about the costs involved in pump operation when installing a pool, but this is an important aspect, especially if you are on a budget. Running a pump can cost over $1,000 every year and if you are not prepared to spend that much, it is always better to select variable speed pool pumps.

Why A Variable Pump Helps Save Money

A variable speed pool pump works in a smart and energy-saving way. Depending upon the pool’s size and volume, the pump keeps varying its speeds on its own; a single speed pump, on the other hand constantly keeps running at a single speed level. Through the effective use of permanent magnetic motors, variable speed pumps run on less energy and can cut energy costs by as much as 90 percent!

Variable speed pumps work at the least-needed energy for each swimming pool task including heating, cleaning and circulation. In contrast, a pump with single speed will use the same energy for each task. When the speed of the pool pump is at its lowest required level for each task, the electricity costs will automatically be cut. Also, it is easier and cheaper to maintain a variable speed pump and it lasts longer.

Some Things You Can Do To Cut Costs

  • Make sure your pump and filter are clean so they will operate efficiently.
  • Decide what type of pump you want to use before installing the pool. This way, you will know the amount you are willing to spend beforehand. Stick to the plan and budget and also take into consideration costs that will come into play at a later stage.
  • Try to keep the pump turned off for some hours during the day. It is not always necessary to keep the pump running 24/7. Variable speed pool pumps will work well even if they are not on all day long.
  • Do not spend a fortune buying a pump that is too big for your pool.

While it is true that variable speed pool pumps cost more upfront, these are a perfect choice considering the amount of money they will end up saving you later. The pool equipment you choose and how you use it makes a great deal of difference in both its performance and costs. It is, therefore, important to pick the right equipment and use it properly. In case you are confused, you can always turn to a professional who will help you choose the right pump and other equipment for your pool.

Resource Box:

Looking to purchase a good working pool pump that also saves money? Try variable speed pool pumps. Visit cwipools.com for all your needs!

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Selecting the Right Swimming Pool Filter for a Crystal Clear Pool

May 24, 2010 Posted in Filters, Uncategorized No comments

Nothing can compare with the experience of diving head-first into a pool full of crystal clear water. If you have a pool, it is very important that you select the right swimming pool filter to ensure that it is clean and clear at all times. Choosing the correct filter for your pool can make a world of difference.

On a basic level, there are as many as three different types of pool filters available, and depending upon the requirements, size of the pool and your budget, you can pick the one that suits you best and is the right swimming pool filter for your pool.

Types of Pool Filters

Sand Filters: In these types of filters, sand is the filtering medium. The pool water enters from the top and is then pushed down through the layers of sand inside the filter. The dirt and impurities are held back thanks to the sharp edges of the sand.

Cartridge Filters: Filtering elements in this type of a pool filter are in the shape of cylinders, which are made out of polyester or any other material known to act as a good filtering surface. When pool water passes through the cylinders of these filters, impurities are held back in them until the water is cleaned and flows out pure.

Diatomaceous Earth Filters: Also known as DE filters, these are the most effective pool water filters and one of the most expensive pieces of pool equipment. Diatomaceous earth is  basically the fossilized exoskeleton of minute diatoms. If it fits your budget, a DE filter is always the right swimming pool filter.

Picking a Filter for the Pool

When it comes to choosing the right swimming pool filter, there are many things that you have to keep in mind, from budget and other requirements to the effectiveness of the filters available. Here are some deciding factors aimed at making the selection process easier:

  • The first and most important thing to do is to decide on the size of the filter needed. Look at the gallons-per-minute turnover rate for every filter and then decide which one you need. Ideally, the water in the pool should turnover once every 12 hours. Larger filters will keep the water cleaner because they will turn it over more frequently. But if your pool is small, it is better to choose a smaller filter.
  • Set a budget for the filter, and keep in mind both the initial investment as well as the maintenance costs. It will help you narrow down the available options. Sand filters are the most cost-effective.
  • Decide on how clean you want the water to be. If your pool is strictly for personal use, cleaning might not be required very frequently, but if others are using it as well, it is best to clean as often as possible.
  • Determine how much maintenance time and cost you want to put into the filter you choose. Different filters require different levels of care.

Choosing the right swimming pool filter is a very important task and in case you find yourself confused over the choices available, you can always turn to a professional for help.

Looking for the right swimming pool filter? Turn to cwipools.com and find quality pool filters and other pool equipment, all in one place, and at reasonable prices.

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