Pool Info: Swimming Pool Cleaning FAQ’s

Why does my pool have a dirty ring around its edges?

Dirt and waste float on the surface of the water and can combine to form a scum line around the pool. You may have noticed that tile is placed at water level around the perimeter of your pool; this is because tile is much easier to clean than other materials. Nevertheless, some pools are lined with different materials, like fibreglass.

Many tile cleaning products can be applied using a scrubbing pad or brush. Abrasive cleaners work well in tiled pools, but are not recommended, and should be avoided in fiberglass pools.

Regularly cleaning the scum from inside of the weir will prevent dirt from sticking to the clean plastic and will help to keep the tiles cleaner.

Why is my pool is covered in leaves?

Be warned that heavy leaf removal can be tiresome and difficult, but it is the most effective way of removing a large amount of leaves at once, short of cutting away the trees and bushes in the proximity of your pool. At this stage, vacuuming through the weir or using automatic pool cleaners will not help; both will clog up too quickly. Most professional pool cleaners use a leaf rake attached to a telescopic pole. Slowly push the leaf rake along the floor, scooping up leaves into the bag. It is recommended that you divide your pool into sections as this will make raking the leaves much easier.

Why does my swimming pool always have dirt floating on top?

Check the regulator valve before you check the pump. It is recommended that the weir pull in about 75% of the total flow into the pump. Make sure that your weir basket and pump buckets are empty.

A quality leaf rake is a good investment; it will make the job of cleaning your pool much easier.

Why do you mention a lot of manual methods – does this mean you discourage using automatic pool cleaners?

Not at all! Automatic cleaners are fantastic for the sake of saving time. They help to distribute and circulate the water while decreasing the amount of work required of the filter. There is a wide range of cleaners available for all types of pools and budgets. The more expensive models will vacuum more debris more efficiently without jeopardising the filter system.

Do I need to brush my pool regularly?

A quality leaf rake is a good investment; it will make the job of cleaning your pool much easier.

When dirt gets into small cracks and pores in your pool wall, it can create fast growing algae. A pool brush attached to the telescopic pole is most commonly used to brush algae off the walls.

Brushing regularly can also reduce the time spent vacuuming. Brush from the shallow end towards the deep end in overlapping strokes. Direct your strokes towards the main drain; this ensures that as much dirt as possible gets swept into the filter.

How do I vacuum my pool manually?

Even if you have an automatic cleaner, cleaning system or a robotic cleaner you may need to manually vacuum the debris from the bottom of your pool. Follow these instructions:

Roll the vacuum hose straight along the length of the pool. Attach one of the cuffed ends onto the vacuum head, which is attached to your telescopic pole.

Extend the pole and place the head and the attached hose into the water so that it lies on the floor of the pool. Point the head across the pool to prevent it from rolling down the slope towards the deep end and prop the pole up against the edge of the pool.

From the point where the hose surfaces, begin pushing the hose straight down into the water, hand over hand, until you reach the other end. You are filling the hose up with water and ensuring that there is no air inside it, as this may present problems for the pump when you attach the hose to the skimmer. Another way to force the air out of the hose is to hold the cuffed end firmly over a return fitting, forcing the air out of the end attached to the vacuum head.

Once the hose is filled with water , you will want to make sure that it sucks into the weir as tightly as possible. If you are struggling to do this, you may need a threaded hose adapter, which will ensure a tight fit. The suction that was at the hole in the skimmer is now at the vacuum head. You should not lift the head out of the water with the hose attached, or you will fill the hose with air, causing it to lose prime, and possibly drawing air into the pump. Turn the multiport valve onto waste. During this process the pool will lose water, please ensure you have a constant flow of water to replenish the water that during the waste cycle.

Roll the vacuum head over the debris on the floor. The suction will gradually decrease as the weir basket fills with vacuumed dirt and debris. If you notice he pressure gauge dropping, or suction decreasing, you should stop the pump and empty the basket. If the pressure gauge rises significantly, you should stop the pump and backwash the filter. Continue in this manner until the pool is clean.

Why do I have no suction when I try vacuuming?

Most systems require adjustment to the valves to increase flow in the line through which you are vacuuming. You may want to close all the valves except the one on the line you are vacuuming through. On some systems, closing too many suction valves will starve the pump of water cause the pump to bubble and create cavities, eventually breaking down. If the pump begins to shudder and make unusual noises, open all the valves until it ceases.

If your suction still isn’t great, check that the weir basket and pump basket have been cleaned. Always make sure the basket is locked into place properly before you start vacuuming; this ensures that debris cannot bypass the basket and clog the impeller.

Why does my pump lose prime when I try to vacuum?

If you notice that your pump draws in air when you connect the hose to the weir, or possibly that it draws in so much air that the pump loses it’s prime of water, an old, dry rotted hose with holes in it, or a bubbling starving pump drawing air in through the plumbing or valves is probably faulty.

To check the hose for holes and splits, hold one end tightly against your thigh while you make a tight seal with the other end around your mouth. Blow into the hose – you should feel a strong resistance. If you can blow easily, the hose is damaged by holes and tears, and you may be able to hear the air being drawn through when it’s hooked up for vacuuming.

Why does the dirt pass right through my vacuum?

When vacuuming fine sand, dirt or debris, you may notice a cloud of dirt slowly coming back into the pool via the return. This can continue long after you’ve finished vacuuming and it can create a frustrating cycle for anyone cleaning your pool. This happens most commonly in sand filters; the tiny particles can be pushed right through the filter, especially a filter in need of a sand replacement. This situation may indicate internal filter problems or a problem with the filter control valve. Multiport valves that are old and have come loose may allow water to bypass the filter and return to the pool unfiltered.

Another possibility is that the pump is too large for the filter and is pushing the water with so much pressure it pushes dirt right through the filter medium. A sand filter works better when it is slightly dirty, as the added dirt helps to trap more dirt. Thus, you will yield better results if you avoid backwashing before vacuuming a pool with a sand filter. It is recommended that you vacuum to waste, especially if the debris is fine and runs the risk of clogging the filter. To do this, overfill your pool and set the multiport valve to the to waste position. Roll out your backwash hose and vacuum the dirt and water right out of the pool to dispose of it.

Why does my coping and deck become discoloured?

Leaves and dirt may stain concrete surfaces or, after removing a cover, you may see a pronounced colour difference. These soils can be removed with a pressure washer. In addition, a pressure washer can restore the original brightness to concrete and coping stones. Coping stones may also be washed using acid. However, if you don’t want to use acid, living organisms like algae and mildew can be lightened or killed with a light bleach solution and a scrub brush on a pole.

Why do my tiles have crusty white deposits?

Called efflorescence (ef-floor-es-since), this kind of calcium deposit usually originates from grout or setting mortar. To remove these deposits, you may scrape them off the wall with a scrub brush or you can remove them with light acid; you could use both of these methods to ensure complete removal. There are products available such as Aqua Pro Metal and Stain Remover which can be purchased at The Pool Team and works well for such tasks. Muriatic acid is also useful in clearing efflorescence from pool tiles, but do note that acids will affect the pool pH as it enters the water.

Why is my Marbelite stained?

Dirt, leaves, rust and various other metals and minerals can leave stains on the finish of your marbelite pool. If the stain is organic (caused by leaves or berries fallen from a tree, for example), a small amount of Aqua Pro Oxidiser added in the pool over the stained area and allowed to settle will usually remove it instantly.Non-organic stains will not be removed by Aqua Pro Metal and Stain Remover applied over the stain. Although sometimes rubbing a stain with Aqua Pro Chlorine Pills can lighten or remove it from a plaster surface, it is recommended that you do not place chlorine tablets directly into the pool, as they will stain and ruin the plaster.

If chlorine doesn’t work, acid usually will. Draining and acid washing work by stripping off a thin outer layer of plaster and thus, the stains on the layer, exposing fresh, new plaster beneath. A ‘no-drain’ acid wash can also be performed, though results may vary. For localised stains, a stain master tool can be used to deliver acid directly to the stain. Sanding with a pumice stone or sandpaper can also remove stains.

Why is my pool is being taken over by frogs, snakes and insects?

Frogs can also be a nuisance for pool owners. To prevent them from swimming in your pool, place a few plastic snakes around the pool deck and keep the chlorine level in the pool higher than normal. If you see frogs’ eggs floating in the water or inside the weir, lower the pool pH to 7.2 and shock the pool.

If your garden is prone to having snakes, try spreading granular sulphur around the edge of the pool deck to keep them away from the water. Mint leaves and lemongrass are good groundcovers to discourage snakes. Dried or powdered garlic can also work to keep snakes away from a pool.

Small bugs on the surface of the pool can be controlled by increasing your filtration time on the pool. Make sure the balancing of water is correct and add an Aqua Pro Oxidiser.

The main way to fight muck and debris on the surface of your pool is to make sure your weir is operating properly, with a functioning weir. Directing your return nozzles just slightly toward the surface, and all facing in the same direction, will help to push surface debris in the direction of the weir. Partially closing your main drain will increase the weir suction and keep the pool surface cleaner.

What do I do if my pool hasn’t been operating for a long time

A pool left uncovered will last only a month or so before it starts to turn into your own backyard swamp. Pools that are covered will last much longer, but if it’s been over a year the pool should be drained, cleaned and refilled. This is usually cheaper and faster than trying to restore it with cleaning, chemicals and filtering. Draining the pool also allows you to closely inspect the pool for any damage and determine any necessary repairs. Additionally, draining the pool gives you an opportunity to remove stains and restore the whitecoat, as well as to do a light acid wash on plaster pools.

If the amount of pool debris is not too great, and if visibility into the water is around 30-60 cm, you can probably bring the pool back to blue in a few weeks if you have a large, effective pool filter, and sufficient chemicals for a pool of your size.

Why is my weir is dark and ugly inside

A weir, too, can get dark ugly stains and scum on the inside, and the weir vac lid can become stained, especially after a period of no use. Sparingly use a phosphate free, chlorine-based cleanser such as Aqua Pro Oxidiser. Wear gloves and use a handheld scrub brush to clean the skimmer lid, the rim, the body and throat and (gently) the weir of the skimmer. Diving boards can also be brightened by using a chlorine cleanser scrub.