How long should I run my pool pump?

Your pool pump should run for a minimum of 8 hours a day, ideally from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm.

How do I know if my pool is leaking?

You can tell if your pool is leaking by performing an evaporation test. This is a really easy test to perform and anyone can do it. Follow these steps:

• Fill your pool exactly halfway up the skimmer (do not fill your pool more than halfway up the skimmer or the test may be inaccurate).
• Fill a 5-gallon bucket with water leaving 2-3 inches from the top and place the bucket on the 1st step of the pool. Using painters tape, mark where the water level is in the bucket.
• Using painters tape mark the water level is in the pool (it needs to be exactly halfway up the skimmer).

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The water in the bucket and the water in the pool should evaporate at the exact same rate. If the water level in the pool drops faster than the water level in the bucket, your pool has a leak.

Please Note: If you have a pool heater, turn it off before running this test.

Can I add chlorine to a saltwater pool?

Yes, you can add chlorine to a saltwater pool, however, never add chlorine and salt at the same time as this could cause staining to your pool.

Why does my skin feel itchy and my eyes burn when swimming in my pool?

Most likely this is being caused by low pH levels. The lower the pH levels are, the more acidic the water becomes.

My pool heater is not working and it’s reading “FLO”, “FLOW” or “LOW PRESSURE”. What is wrong?

The most common reason for the “FLO”, “FLOW” or “LOW PRESSURE” reading is a dirty filter cartridge or obstruction. If the heater is not getting adequate water flow it will not work. Clean your filter cartridge, empty the skimmer and pump basket, verify your pump is fully primed and check all valves making sure they are in the correct orientation.

Please Note: Error codes vary depending on brand/manufacturer of the heater.

My pool motor is making a constant loud noise. What is wrong?

This happens to older motors when their bearings start to go. It is best to change out the motor when this happens as opposed to repairing your existing motor based on my experience.

I just had my pool resurfaced and it is rough to the touch and has white calcium like deposits forming.  What is this?

This is a tricky one. Either poor workmanship on the part of the pool builder/remodeler or your pool was not “Fired Up” properly. Immediately following the resurfacing of your pool, there needs to be a special process that takes place called the “Fire Up Process”. To learn more about this process or anything related to pool resurfacing, visit the National Plasterers Council for more information.