Custom Gunite & Concrete Pools
pool care essentials
Proper pool care ensures crystal-clear water, long-lasting equipment, and a safe, enjoyable swimming experience. Below, you’ll find essential guidelines for maintaining your pool!
filter operations
Keep your filtration system running efficiently with these tips:
WATER LEVEL
Maintain the pool’s water level halfway up the skimmer faceplate.
SKIMMER BASKET
Regularly empty the skimmer basket and ensure the skimmer throat is unobstructed.
PUMP STRAINER
Check pump strainer basket for debris and ensure it’s properly seated before operation. Fill pump housing with water before closing to avoid damage.
FILTER PRESSURE
Open the air bleeder valve on your filter to expel air and normalize pressure. Most systems operate at 10-15 psi (15-20 psi with heaters).
DIATOMACEOUS EARTH (DE) FILTERS
Add DE slowly to the skimmer when water returns to the pool. Never run a DE filter for more than a minute without DE.
5 steps to cleaning your pool
A simple weekly routine can keep your pool clean and inviting:
1
TEST WATER
Check chlorine and pH levels twice weekly, adjusting your chlorinator as needed.
2
ADD CHLORINE TABS
Refill your chlorinator weekly with 3-inch chlorine tabs (5-7 tabs depending on pool size).
3
SHOCK WEEKLY
Shock your pool in the evening with lithium hypochlorite or liquid shock. Increase frequency in hot weather or with heavy use.
4
ADD ALGAECIDE
Use 5 ounces of 30% algaecide per 10,000 gallons weekly to prevent algae growth.
5
PROFESSIONAL TESTING
Have your water tested professionally twice a month for optimal results.
Vacuuming Made Simple
1. SET UP
Clean skimmer baskets and connect the vacuum head, hose, and pole.
3. VACUUM
Place the hose into the skimmer, moving the vacuum head slowly to avoid stirring debris.
2. PRIME HOSE
Fill the vacuum hose with water by holding it against the return jet.
4. FINISH UP
Remove and store equipment, then return valves to normal positions.
water chemistry
Balancing your pool’s water chemistry is critical for both appearance and equipment longevity.
common water issues & Solutions
CLOUDY WATER:
Causes include chemical residue, poor filtration, or imbalanced water. Shock the pool, adjust pH and alkalinity, or use Hydrofloc to clear contaminants.
ALGAE:
Mustard Algae: Treat with Yellow X and shock.
Green Algae: Use Algaecide 60 and Hydrofloc, then vacuum to waste.
Black Algae: Brush aggressively and use Algaecide 60 with chlorine powder.
Backwashing Your Filter
Keep your filter running smoothly by backwashing monthly or when pressure is 10 psi above normal.
1. Prepare: Unroll the backwash hose and turn off the pump.
2. Backwash: Turn the valve to "Backwash," turn the pump on, and run until water runs clear.
3. Rinse: Set the valve to "Rinse," run the pump for 10 seconds, and repeat as needed.
4. Add DE: Replenish DE via the skimmer based on your filter size.
Liner Care Tips
Extend the life of your pool liner with proper care:
Maintain water chemistry (pH 7.2-7.6, free chlorine 1.0-1.5 ppm).
Clean the waterline regularly with a sponge or vinyl-safe cleaner to avoid grime buildup.
Never drain the pool below one foot in the shallow end to prevent liner shrinkage.
Use maintenance tools designed specifically for vinyl liners.
leak test
If you suspect your pool has a leak, there are simple steps you can take to determine the source. Most concerns turn out to be natural evaporation, but the following tests can help you confirm if a leak exists and identify its cause.
Step 1: Skimmer Faceplate Test
1. Mark the Water Level:
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Fill your pool to its normal operating level and place a piece of tape on the skimmer faceplate to mark the water level.
2. Run the Pool:
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Run the pool system consistently for 12-24 hours. Measure and write down the amount of water lost during this period.
3. Turn Off the Pool:
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Refill the pool to the same mark, turn off the pool system, and leave it off for the same duration (12-24 hours). Measure and note the water loss again.
4. Compare Results:
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If water loss is significantly greater when the system is running, this could indicate a plumbing leak. A pressure test may be needed to confirm.
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If water loss is about the same, the issue may be evaporation or a hole in the liner.
