FAQ

How long should my pool system run?

Good question, many answers. Technically, a pool should be able to run for six hours/day for a full turnover rate. However, the problem with this calculation is that there are too many variables. When you add bather load (the amount of people using the pool at a specific time), you need to increase the amount of time the filter runs. Temperature of the water affects the turbidity (cloudiness) of the water. Chemical balance is also another factor in determining how long the system needs to run. Bottom line, to be safe, run your pool for eight hours in spring, summer, and fall months. If you have guests, add an extra two hours/day. In the winter, change the time clock to run from midnight until six o’clock a.m. to keep the pipes from freezing. (If you have a built in freeze protection you don’t need to change anything. Just be sure that it is in working order.)

Is a pressure gauge necessary?

Yes. Pressure is so misunderstood.

A pressure gauge is attached to the top of your filter. The reading is in pounds per square inch (PSI). Think about it. What this small, round dial is telling you is that the pressure inside the filter is (as an example) 30psi. Imagine a square inch, not very large, is it? Packed inside that little square inch is 30 pounds of energy! Now, think about if you have a 300 square foot filter and every square inch of that is 30 pounds. That’s a lot of power. Do not take it lightly.

See the post in Pumps and Motors.

How do I get rid of algae in my pool?

HUGE question. First let us determine the type of algae. GREEN; YELLOW; BLACK? Green and yellow (or mustard) algae can typically be treated the same way. Before I begin to treat it, however, I like to find what caused the algae in the first place. Most of the time it is caused by either a dirty filter; chemical imbalance (ph too high, chlorine too low); or not an adequate amount of time the water is circulating. Another common issue is an internal problem with the filter, (broken manifold; cracked cartridges). See the topic ALGAE.

What stuff do I need to get started maintaining my own pool?

To get started, here are some of the things that you will need:

* Nylon brush
* Extendable pole (I prefer the outer lock)
* Deep leaf rake net (basically, not the flat ones)
* Water test kit (see water chemistry for details)
* Vacuum hose (get the professional kind, worth the extra dollars)
* Vacuum head (again, get a good, weighted professional head)
* Leaf Master (see Leaf Master to determine if this equipment applies in your situation.)
* Good, sturdy, no-kink garden hose
* Power nozzle to clean cartridges and grids

Q & A 

Specific Questions on Videos

Adams Pool Solutions and How to Start-up a New or Re-Plastered Pool

“Some plastering companies chip out the old plaster and some companies don’t.   They “bond coat” the old plaster and then put new plaster on top of old.  Which is better?  And why the difference?”

Another great question. In my opinion, and my experience out in the field, the chip-out is far superior. I have done start-ups on both so I am familiar with the finished result. I went to one pool that the home owner chose to go with the sandblast and ‘bond coat’. Within one week small cracks were visible on the steps and benches. The company tried to blame the home owner, me, the neighbor’s dog…anyone within shouting distance. They claimed if the pool was brushed enough the new plaster would fill the cracks. Bottom line, and I know I’m going to piss off the companies that don’t chip-out, you get a thicker layer of new plaster with a chip-out. Again, it’s based on my experience (my brother had a pool building company so I’ve been around this a lot). Thanks for watching, Lucy

Adams Pool Solutions and How to Start-up a New or Re-Plastered Pool

“Thanks for the video Lucy one question.. What if the pool you are showing was a salt water pool?”

Good question. I would probably wait a couple of weeks to get all the other chemicals balanced, and to allow the plaster to cure. In the meantime, you can use granular chlorine. It won’t effect the salt system and will burn off eventually. Be sure to use the salt crystals and not the pellets. And always disconnect the cell’s power when adding the salt. Re-connect it when the salt has reached manufacturer’s suggested reading. I will be posting a video very soon explaining salt cell systems. Thanks for watching, Lucy

How a Pool Circulation System Works

“Is that a booster pump next to the pool pump and how is water feeding to it from the
return side of the filter? And Or does it work seperate from the pool pump?”

actually the other pump is for a waterfall so it is plumbed completely separate. The water is sucked in from the side of the pool (main drain covers are used to cover the inlets) and then returns to the falls. Hope this helps, Lucy

Acid Wash-How to Acid Wash a Pool

“Nice video Lucy I was wondering how many gallons of acid was used for a pool that size and If you could mention a ball park price that you charged the customer for that job. Thank You.”

This was an extreme example; very large and green. I believe I used 16 gallons (normal pool is about 8). I also think I charged $700.00 but then I had to repair the light and other stuff, so it was $900.00. Usually a starting price for a pool that is not green and is around 12,000 gal starts at $400.00. This includes draining, acid wash, filter cleaning and start-up chems. There are too many factors to ever bid a pool without seeing it; water pressure being a big issue. I know I gave you more info than you asked for, but maybe this will help others when seeking a service company. Always be sure a company has at least 20 acid washes under their belt before hiring one. You don’t want to be their experimental pool. And thanks for the compliment. Lucy

“What do you do with the acid / water mix in your vacuum afterwards?  Is there a reason the sump pump is not used to drain the acid solution?  What is the proper way of disposing of used acid?”

I use the pump as much as possible in the pool first, then I use the vacuum. Once the vacuum is full, you can then place the pump inside so the acid solution will go into the waste line, which goes to the city treatment facility. It’s illegal (here) to drain it in the street, as it goes directly to Lake Mead. Plus you don’t want birds or animals to drink it. Another thing you could do is to mix soda ash into the acid solution, but it’s a bit tricky. (must be done gradually and constantly being mixed) This will neutralize the acid. Hope this helps but let me know if you need further clarification.

“Can TSP be used instead of plaster white and bright?”

Pool Motor – Loud Noise Repair- Capacitor Replacement

“Mamm, you were correct to tell your audience to short the cap before disconnecting it but you did not use an insulated tool nor did you appear to be concerned that you were touching the metal of the tool while shorting it. If you are going to teach, teach with the students safety in mind at all times. Some goof will no doubt go to short out a cap like you demonstrated, and get bit by the stored charge because they will not know any better than to hold the tool as you did.
Please be better than that if teaching. No disrespect intended.”

Hey Dave- I appreciate your thoughtful and helpful comment. You are correct in pointing out my oversight. I take for granted that people who are going to attempt this will already know how to hold the screwdriver. I got blasted in my ‘Acid Wash’ video for not wearing a mask. At least you were polite…AND helpful to others. Thank you for your input, Lucy

Pool Motor – Loud Noise Repair

“My pump is doing the same thing but there’s no capacitor on top . Could it be inside the pump?”

Yes in the back of the motor.

Making Your Pool Vac Leaf Canister Float

“Why would you want it to float, would it not leak air easier that way?”

Hey there Chris…the canister should not leak (or suck) air if the ‘O’ ring is seated properly. The reason you want it to float is because as they get older, they get heavy and begin to drop into the water. This affects the movement of the pool vac, and many times the hose will get caught on the canister. Also, in the winter, when the water is cold, you don’t have to stick your hand under the cold water. Thank you for the intelligent question…and thanks for watching, Lucy

How to Replace a Caretaker 99 In-floor Cleaning System

“I removed the rubber band before hand and now its really loud and not rotating properly.”

Stay calm…that may not be the problem. Pull the rod out of the middle just slightly, then spin the top part of the gears. Check to see if all the wheels are spinning…if so, then the gears are in place and possibly the problem is that the small balls are not placed properly. If the wheels are not spinning, simply fit the teeth in so that they move all together. I don’t know if this makes sense…it’s difficult to explain (that’s why I do videos). If you continue to have a problem, write back. Also, when you re-start the system after having opened the unit, there will be a lot of rattling because of the air. But eventually it should stop (like within five minutes). Let me know how if this helps. Lucy

“Thanks!  I did check before reassembling that all the gears were spinning, however it is possible when I put the top of the dome back on it got pushed in too hard.   Its making a loud rattling sound and its not cycling.  I’ll take out and check again that everything is in place.   I wish once the top was put back on I could double check everything before reattaching to the pipes. Thanks again for the help.”

Good idea. You’d think that after all these years some companies would make clear, see-through equipment. Sounds like you know what you’re doing. Please keep us posted, your process may help someone else. Lucy

“I was able to get it to work quietly.  I believe what I did wrong originally was when I went to put the 12 screws back I flipped it upside down and that must have moved something. 

That said, it did NOT fix my problem.  I still have the pop up jets at the deep end stuck on and they are not cycling.  It did was very short cycle when I first turned it on, all other jets in the pool had weak pressure while the deep end jets stayed on.  When it cycled to the deep end jets they got very powerful and are now stuck in on position…
Anyone have an idea what could cause this?”

It’s possible that the check valve may be stuck in the open position. Most Caretakers are plumbed with a check valve in case the unit gets clogged. There is one port in which the check valve is T’d into another port. Usually it’s the spa but it could be any port. If it is broken inside, the water will flow out continuously (such as your section in the deep end), then when the gears turn to that same port, all the water will flow through like normal. When the gears move, some water is still going through the check valve and some is going to the next section…the dispersion of water creates low pressure.   At least by the description, this seems very plausible. Can you send me a picture of the system set-up? That might help. Lucy

“That does sound logical.  I’ve messaged you with a link to some pictures of my system.  Thanks for the help here, trying to do this myself when I know nothing about pool systems can be overwhelming!”

I got the pics. Do me a favor and send me the last picture (#6) from a different angle. It appears that the oval ball looking thing near the ground may be the check valve, but I can’t see it very well. It looks like it has threaded unions, which will be easy to unscrew and inspect the middle to see if a piece is broken inside. You may have a problem (again I have to have a better angle) when you remove the valve with backflow from the spa. You may have to drop the level of the spa before you open the valve.    I know this may be daunting…and what you’re trying to figure out…most pool service people wouldn’t know what to look for. I admire that you’re attempting to troubleshoot this problem. I’ll try to help you figure this out but by what you described, it sounds like the check valve. I may end up sending you my phone number, sometimes it’s easier when I have the photos and you’re by the equipment. Lucy

“Photos are on their way.  No problem, I can drain the spa level down and take a look at that.  I was curious what this was as well, I have no idea what that part does.”

“Thank you so much for all of your help.  You’ve saved me hundreds of dollars in pool service through you videos and personal support with my repairs.  You described everything to a “T” and I was able to make my necessary repairs with ease.  Today I ran my system after repairs and all cycles are operating properly now with great pressure.

After removing my check valve and rinsing with water it worked. I don’t know if it was stuck or what, but that was clearly the problem.”

Mike, I am so happy to hear you were able to resolve the problem. You did great!  Thanks for having the patience to work through the advice. Happy swimming…and thank you for watching, Lucy      PS…Please let me know if there are other issues you’d like me to address… I am posting archived videos right now but will try to video fresh material.

How to Replace a Caretaker 99 In-floor Cleaning System

“hi,how long does the cycle usually run between pop-ups? I know the ball bearings move for each pop-up zone. Just wondering how long the cycle should run between them or before it goes to the next zone.”

It depends on the pressure going into the Caretaker unit. That depends on if your filter is clean, the horsepower of your motor, and if the strainer is clear of debris. For a 2 hp with a clean filter, usually 30 seconds to 1 minute. 11/2 hp takes a little longer… 1 to 11/2 minutes. Hope this helps. Lucy

General Questions:

“Hi Lucy! Thanks for posting so many informative videos!! We just purchased an older home with an existing pool and are having trouble with a large Live Oak tree in the neighbor’s yard. It is starting to lose acorns, and while I sweep the pool everyday and our Polaris runs during the day it is staining the gunnite finish before I or the cleaner can get to them. Any suggestions on how to remove the stains?”

As far as the stains, you may want to add a product called “Hasa” Super Stain Out. And keep your chlorine level at at least 3.0 because once the acorns are removed, if the chlorine is high, it will automatically bleach out the stains. You may want to offer the neighbors to pay half of the cost if they cut it either down or cut it back. Legally, anything that hangs over your property, you have the right to cut back to your property line. Just be sure that tree isn’t protected or something like that. Just FYI. I love trees, but not near a pool. Good luck and thanks for the compliment. I plan on adding many more videos this winter. If there is anything specific you’d like explained, please feel free to write. Thanks, Lucy