What is clear when it comes to a pool? Your clear to me might be cloudy, or vice versa.

A good benchmark is that you should be able to make a coin out if it was lying on the floor in the deep part of your pool, here are some pointers to help us clarify…(no pun intended?)

• What is the RUNNING TIME OF THE FILTER? During the summer months, a pool must run for at least 10 – 12 hours during the daylight hours. During the winter months, the running time of your pool can be cut back to 4 hours a day. If your pool is not circulating for the above mentioned times this could cause the water to become cloudy. Correct running times can be simply remedied by a plug-in time clock. Please contact us to install one for you on our next visit.
• Have you BACKWASHED THE FILTER? The big round thing in your filter shed is a sand filter. This is full of sand which catches all the dead algae, dirt, greases etc and is the main thing that keeps your pool clear. After a week of filtering, the sand in the filter gets very dirty, and its ability to catch particles is seriously hindered. Backwashing your filter will clean the sand and enable maximum filtration to happen again. A key way to tell if your filter needs backwashing is by looking at the pressure gauge. It will rise as the sand becomes ‘fuller’ of dirt etc. It is important to note that sand has an average life expectancy of 4 – 5 years. Please contact us if you suspect that your filter sand has reached the end of its useful life, we can also supply replacement pressure gauges.
• Is there enough water CIRCULATION? It is important that there is water movement throughout the whole pool. Circulation can be effected by a struggling pump, a full skimmer basket and/or hair and lint pot in the pool pump. A cracked skimmer basket or hair and lint pot can have serious implications for your pool and equipment. Please contact us for replacement baskets, or for further solutions to poor circulation. We can also arrange for your pump to be serviced.
• How is the condition of your POOL SURFACE? Eventually certain pool surfaces will deteriorate, causing them to begin ‘chalking’ or letting off a fine white dust. This is especially prevalent in old painted pools, and old marble plaster surfaces. You may find that the problem ‘flares up’ after you vacuum your pool, or high bather usage. The simple answer here is that it is time to repaint or resurface your pool. Please contact us for advice on this and to arrange a quote for repainting or resurfacing.