Pools: Care

Balancing your water

• Water should be balanced on a regular basis, preferably weekly, using the Aqua Check test strips. Unbalanced water results in ineffective use of chlorine and may cause infections in bathers.

• A sample should be brought to the store within a couple of weeks of opening/starting your pool so that our trained staff may complete more thorough water testing and analysis.

• Water samples should be brought in at the beginning of the season and every 4-6 weeks after until closing. We recommend balancing your water 1-2 weeks prior to closing.

• We highly recommend that you keep all records of professional water tests. These are required for warranty purposes.

Claritec Nature2
The Claritec cartridge should not be place within the vessel until the pool water is clear and balanced. For more details on the Claritec Nature2 click here.

Chlorination
Place Aqua Feet in the Aqua Genie container. The red plugs at the bottom if the container may be added and removed to regulate the amount of chlorine feeding into the pool water.

Start with 2 to 4 pucks depending on the size of your pool. This amount may be decreased as the cooler fall weather approaches. You may need to increase amount if you fail to get high enough chlorine reading on the test strip.

Shocking
Stabilized chlorine combines in the pool water and requires oxidation usually once per week. This process is called ZAP, a granular oxidizer. Use one bag once or twice per week.

Algae Prevention
Algi Pro 60 is recommended as a preventative algaecide. The bottle indicates the amount to be use for a weekly maintenance given the size of your pool.

Filter Cleaning
The Zeobrite filter medium used in your filter should be cleaned once per year. This procedure requires that special filter cleaner sit in the filter for eight hours (overnight) and is then rinsed using the backwash.

Pump Operations
If the pressure gauge is reading low and the priming chamber is not filling up with water, then it is probable that your pump impeller is plugged. To check, take the basket out of the pump and with your fingers or needle nose pliers feel for blockage at the impeller. If you don't feel anything or are unsure, call the Water World's Service Department at 1-705-745-4021, Ext. 14. 

Cleansers
Only chemicals specially designed for pool use should be used around the pool. Inappropriate cleansers can cause cloudy water or sometimes even foaming. They may also alter the water chemistry.

Pool Opening and Closing
Every April and September we off free seminars on either opening or closing your pool. All customers will receive an invitation in the mail a few weeks prior to the seminar. We also offer pool opening and closing services if you require.

Click here to view and print our pool opening and closing instructions for:
             Inground Pools - Opening                   Above Ground Pools - Opening
             Inground Pools - Winterizing               Above Ground Pools - Winterizing

Priming
Loosen the lid on the priming chamber. Turn the ball valve to the 'Off' position (perpendicular to pipe line) then turn off the power to the pump. Turn the dial valve to the 'Backwash' position. Open the chamber lid, take out the basket, dump out any debris and return the basket to the chamber. Fill the chamber with water, close the chamber lid, and hand tighten the lock ring. Turn dial valve to 'Filter' position. Turn power back on. The SLOWLY open the ball valve.

Vacuuming
Attach the vacuum pole to the brush. Attach the vacuum hose to the vacuum brush. Extend vacuum pole to its maximum length. Place the vacuum pole and brush in the deep end of pool. Feed the vacuum hose into the water letting the hose fill up as you feed it in. Air must be removed from the hose. Place the vacuum plate on the hose and then place the vacuum plate in the skimmer through the top.

Alternate Method of filling the hose: Hold hose end, not connected to the vacuum, over the return so the hose will fill with water. Take lid off skimmer. Place vacuum plate on hose and then place in skimmer through top. 

Turn the filter dial valve to drain or waste when vacuuming heavy dirt or leaves. For light vacuuming, turn the dial valve to the filter position. Follow regular vacuum procedures.

After vacuuming remove the skimmer basket and clean it out.

Clean the basket in the priming chamber. 

Backwashing (Inground)
Turn off the power. Change the dial valve to backwash position. Turn on the power and backwash for 1-2 minutes or until the water runs clear. Turn off the power and change the dial valve to rinse. Turn on the power and rinse for 30 seconds. Turn off the power and change the dial valve to filter. Then turn on the power again.

**** NOTE: Always remove the Baracuda before backwashing!! ****

Backwashing (Above Ground)
Backwashing is necessary on a weekly basis to maintain the pump and filter and to relieve pressure in the pump. When the pressure gauge is running over 18 psi, it is time to backwash. 

• Turn off the pump and roll out the blue hose. 

• Position filter handle to Backwash and turn on the pump.

• Backwash for 2-5 minutes or until the site glass runs clear.

• After backwashing, turn off the pump and position handle to rinse.

• Turn the pump back on and rinse until site glass is clear (5-10 seconds).

• After rinsing, turn off the pump and return the filter handle to Filter position.

• Turn on the pump to return to regular filtration.

QUESTIONS?
Owning a pool shouldn't be a worry! If you have any questions or concerns about your pool water or applying pool chemicals please call us or visit our store. We have trained professionals who are experts in pool care and water testing and are always happy to help.