Pool Problems?

My Pool Waterline Tile Is Looking Crusty And Scaly. Why?   What Can I Do? Question:  My pool waterline tile is looking crusty and scaley, but the last time it was cleaned, it looked like it scratched the tile.   Can you clean it without scratching it?   Why is it building up so much when it was just cleaned three years ago? Answer:  Yes, new techniques and materials and technical skill, make all the difference!!!   The pool water contains minerals, in our heat, the water evaporates but the minerals do not leave the pool.   The minerals tend to cling to the waterline tile and make a scaly deposit on the tile.   The old way to clean was to use acid and pumice stone to scratch off.   This did of course also scratch the tile surface which was a small price to pay to get rid of the scale. Please note:   The grout and thin set that hold on the waterline tile on, have a ten to 15 year life expectancy.   That means we...

POOL FILTER PRESSURE GAUGE IS HIGH What Does This Mean? When the filter pressure gauge  is reading higher than normal, this does indicate a water flow problem, but after the pump - not before. It most usually indicates a dirty pool filter, time to backwash or pull out the filter cartridge for cleaning. Be careful with high filter pressure , as filter tanks can rupture with deadly force. Always keep your hand on the switch and your eye on the pressure gauge when starting a pool filter - if you see the pressure spike - to 30, 40, 50... shut off the pump immediately…….. Sometimes, it is better to have a professional look at your situation.   These things can be really simple……or really not! Some of the causes of high pressure are listed below: Dirty pool filter Closed or partially closed return side valves Plugs left in wall, or restrictive eyeball fittings  Filter media (sand, grids, cartridge) problems Broken internal Filte...

POOL FILTER PRESSURE GAUGE IS READING LOW What Does This Mean? If your filter gauge is reading lower than normal, it usually means a reduced water volume problem located before the pump and motor.   That means there is a blockage of some sort holding back the flow of water to the filter.   Here are some common causes of obstructions and blockages you can check into to get your pool filter pressure gauge back on track. ·       Clogged pump basket or skimmer baskets ·       Clogged pump impeller ·       Eyeball fittings not in place at pool returns ·       Filter valve allowing water to bypass filter ·       Air pulling into system at the pump intake or pump lid , or valves. ·       Closed or partially closed skimmer or main drain valves ·       Clogged skimmer pipes or main drain...

Your Pool Filter Pressure Gauge  is Overworked and Underappreciated! The pool filter pressure gauge is probably the one piece of pool equipment no one ever thinks about, yet it is VERY important. It lets you know the pressure inside of your filter tank, which translates to how well the entire filter system is operating. What is surprising, is that every pressure system runs at its own pressure setting for that particular system.   There are lots of variables such as length of pipe running the system, size and strength of filter, size and strength of pump and motor, etc.   However, once you know your system, then that is it.   It will remain consistent and you can count on it. We are going to just list out the things to be concerned about today, and we will go into detail about them in following posts. 1.     Know your normal filter pressure guage reading and monitor it periodically. 2.     Pressure can be low – us...

Age Old Battle of Your “Swimming Pool” -vs- Your “Gardener” ORGANIC DEBRIS:   STAINS POOL SURFACE, RUINS AND DEPLETES POOL CHEMISTRY……IN OTHER WORDS MAKES A PETRFECT PETRI DISH FOR GROWING ALL (brown, green, black) ALGAE’S AND PLUGGING UP THE PLUMBING, MAKING IT NECESSARY TO CLEAN EQUIPMENT MORE OFTEN AND UNPLUG THE PLUMBING!   Who wants to swim in that????   All of the things can mostly be fixed by spending TIME, ENERGY, AND/OR MONEY. Time to clean up the mess, energy to go after the stains and algae, and money for labor, chemical treatments, equipment replacement, or finally resurfacing if it gets that bad.    But why even let this happen? Your gardener may be the type to mow all grass clippings directly into the pool, or to trim trees and shrubs directly into the pool!   Does your beautiful pool and spa look like a garbage can to you?   I should hope not! What if he mows it away from the pool but doesn’t pick it up so a quick b...