Effective Pool and Spa Filter Cleaning Tips

If you want your pool or spa filter to be really clean:

• Use little pressure if you are using a spay nozzle to avoid pushing the dirt further back into the filter. Do this at least once every week. 

• Remove and use a normal filter cleaner and a degreaser to clean the filter.

• Remove and soak the cartridge in a cartridge cleaning solution (such as muriatic acid solution) and leave it overnight or for a few hours. Do this at least every 6 month. 

• Rinse the cartridge thoroughly before putting it back.

So, how often do you need to replace your pool or spa filter? Filters by different manufacturers have different lifetimes. Even a filter from the same manufacturer will have different lifetimes. This is because the life of the filter is determined by the amount of “work” it has to do. You know your filter needs replacement if, even after cleaning, you still notice:

1) The pressure gauge reads about 10 PSI higher than what it reads when it is at clean.

2) The spa jets are not as powerful as they used to be

3) The vacuum is much slower than it used to be. 

4) Algae is growing on corners and walls

Pool and spa filters by different manufacturers have different prices, but the average cost ranges from $1,200 to $1,600. 

The Purpose of Your Pool and Spa Filter

Pool and spa filters ensure that pool and spa waters respectively are clean. The 3 major types of pool and spa filters are sand filters, cartridge filters, and DE (diatomaceous earth) filters. Pool and spa filters are important because:

•They ensure the water is hygienic by eliminating disease-causing organisms
•They make the water clear, thereby making the swimming experience a lot more enjoyable
•They produce chlorine through electrolysis
•They reduce the risk of damage to other pool equipment

The fact that filters are used to filter debris, sand, insects, and other items from the pool means they clog up quickly. You should always keep your pool and spa filters clean. This is because:

•The filter will be as efficient as it was when you bought it and it will move as fast as it used to when you bought it.
•In spas, the jets will be as powerful as they are designed to be.
•Algae will not grow on walls, on areas that do not get much sun, and on corner areas.
•The filter will look like new.
•You will avoid regular replacement.
•You will prevent damage to other pool equipment.

For Dallas, Fort Worth and Plano Spa Filters check out 1StopPoolStore they have great online pricing.

Winterizing Your Pool

Winterizing Your Swimming Pool

We need to start thinking about protecting our pools from the harsh winter months. The next item on our list is to keep your pool clean as possible for next season. Properly winterizing your pool will make the next pool season require less prep time. The following are the steps you can take to winterize your pool for the quickly approaching winter.

1) Test the water chemistry. Test the pH, Total Alkalinity, and Calcium Hardness; make sure all are even. This is going to protect this pool from staining and iron buildup on the surfaces.

2) Add your winterizing kit, this will maintain a blue color, even until next season. Please ask your Dallas Pool specialist for proper instructions.

3) Even though unlikely in Texas the chance of freezing is always a possibility. Water freezes then expands breaking and cracking pipes and pool plumbing. Take proper precaution to eliminate breakage because of the freezing water.

4) Lower the water level below the skimmer (the metal or plastic basket used to catch floating debris). Freezing water can cause the components to crack.

5) Drain all pool equipment including your pump, all should come with a draining valve, leave plug off incase water does enter, this allows proper drainage. Make sure chemicals are drained out of equipment including your chlorine feeder.

6) Place cover on pool to keep out debris, some economical pool covers are made of durable polyethylene and others can be custom made to fit an irregular shaped pool.
Finally, place all components in storage to be easily found next season. Insert a small pressure gauge to measure during the winter.

Please consult your local pool supplier for further equipment and chemical specifications for winterizing your pool.

Above-Ground or In-Ground Pool, What's Better For You?

Image via WikipediaThe biggest difference between caring for an above ground swimming pool versus an in-ground pool is in the tools you use. The basic rules that apply for an in-ground swimming pools also apply to an above-ground pool. To keep your water sparkling and blue, you should follow the same basic rules of pool maintenance. Both types of pools require the basic tests for Chlorine, pH, Aced Demand and Total Alkalinity.

Above ground pool covers are different than in-ground cover and are specifically designed for above ground pools and can help extend the life of your pool. Above ground pools tend to stay warmer because they are not in the ground and allow for warm air to surround the pool. An above-ground pool can extend their swimming seasons, are typically much smaller an in-ground pool.

There are variations in the available features and prices above ground pools as well. In general, the thicker the pool liner, the more resistant it is to being punctured by stones and pool toys. Above ground pool liners come in many different shapes, sizes, and patterns, including tile mosaics, marble looks, fun fish designs, and more. When you need a replacement pool liner, your local Plano, TX pool supply store can be of assistance.

When it comes to pool cleaners and pool equipment, be sure to choose those that are designed exclusively for use with above ground pools. With the proper pool maintenance routine, pool equipment, and pool accessories, your above-ground pool will provide many years of enjoyment for you and your family.

Summertime and the Living's Easy

The warm weather is finally here to stay and your backyard is in full swing. Once you have your pool cleaned and sparkling blue, you may notice that your pool is looking a little dated. No problem. Pool facelift is your local Plano, TX pool remodeling company.

One of the coolest features we add to older pools is a waterfall. Installing a waterfall in your pool is a pretty painless project and adds a nice feature to your pool. Adding accessories such as a waterfall can turn your plain looking pool and backyard into an island oasis.

The best part about installing a waterfall is that all of the pieces can be retrofitted to your existing pool. No huge, expensive remodel, just a few additions and boom you are up and running. For pool owners who look for alternatives to chlorine, a recent trend in the Plano and Dallas area is to install a pool cartridge that enhances the natural minerals from the pool and sunlight and uses it to decrease maintenance on your pool and waterfall.

Sum-Sum-Summertime!

The summer is almost here but the warm weather has already arrived! To keep your pool sparkling all summer long don't forget the Pool Shock and a brand new pool skimmer.

These two items may be the most important tools when it comes to daily maintenance for your pool. Skim your pool on a daily basis to keep leaves and other debris out of your filter. The filter should be the last line of defense. Catch as much surface debris as you can with your skimmer and brush the pool to remove any dirt that may have settled.

When you have a few consecutive days of rain you may need to shock your pool and check your filters. After a rainy day, brush the bottom of your pool and loosen up any dirt that may have settled and let the filter media do the rest of the work.

When it comes to pool care, a little daily maintenance will go a long way. It is 10 times more work to bring a pool back that has not been cared for.

Green Swimming Pool?

Green is a great color, one of my favorites, but just not when I see it in my swimming pool. A pool should only be one color, sparkling blue. So, if your pool is starting to look like the Incredible Hulk, you may want to follow these steps.

First, get the water circulating through your pools filtration system. Getting the water moving will start you on the right track. Typically, three full cycles are ideal.

Next, you will need to shock your pool. The shock is what will give you the sparkling pool color. Start with 2-3 lbs. of shock depending on how green your pool is. Continue to run your equipment and check back in 2-3 hours.

Lastly, check your filters after each cycle to clear the media and if necessary clean or replace the media.

If you continue to maintain your pool, hopefully you will not have to do this but once a year when you open the pool.

1-stop pool care is your local Plano, TX pool cleaning service and they are ready to get you back in your pool!