Maintenance FAQs’

A: Often when it appears there is ‘low pressure’, it can mean that there is in fact plenty of pressure, but that the flow is low. This is caused by a dirty or clogged filter or baskets, a blocked return line or a valve that is shut off or partially shut on the return pipe. If there is a humming sound emitted from the electrical end, this may also be a sign that the pump’s impellor may be clogged with debris. Make sure the skimmer baskets and pump basket are clear of any debris. Run a backwash and rinse cycle on the filter. If this does not improve the water flow, contact our Service Department

A: Motor noise – the bearings may need replacing. Perhaps water got into them, which will ruin them in a short period of time. Changing the mechanical seal in the pump every 2 years will prevent this. The bearings can be replaced but often the motor is replaced as a whole.

Clogs – If the water flow is restricted with clogged intake and the basket is full it will be much louder than normal. If something is lodged in the impellor it can also be noisy.

No Water – If a pump is starved of water it will tend to overheat and can seize up. This makes a lot of noise because the pump is working much harder than usual. It can cause a lot of damage by melting the pump’s internal parts.

A: There are a number of potential causes of bubbles returning to the pool. It may be one of the following:

• The pool water level may be low, therefore allowing air to mix with water through the skimmer. To stop this from happening, you will need to top up your pool water level to at least halfway up the skimmer box.
• The skimmer weir door may be stuck in the ‘Up’ position, allowing air to mix with water in the suction line.
• There may be a leak at any connection point in the suction piping or a broken seal in the pool equipment which is allowing air to be sucked into the system. Please contact our Service Department
• The gasket or seal in the pump basket lid may be dislodged or damaged and it is allowing air to be drawn into the pump. Check that the gasket is positioned correctly and grease it with silicone or a similar lubricant to ensure it seals well.

A: The length of time between when you need to clean your filter is referred to as the ‘filter cycle’. A brand new filter would be likely to run for about 14 days between cleans (however, cleaning cycles do vary). Consideration should be given to the following as these could be causes for shorter filter cycles:

• Location of your pool (is it near a building site? Trees? Beach?) There may be higher volumes than usual of debris entering the pool.
• Usage level of your pool (high usage during summer months? Do pets use the pool?)

Filter sand or cartridges can deteriorate over a period of time and increased backwashing is a good indication that it is time to change your filter media. As a general rule, filter sand should last around 5 years, glass media around 15 years and a filter cartridge 3-5 years before requiring replacement. If you are unsure as to whether you need to change your filter media, contact us

A: Chemicals that should be regularly tested for are:

• *pH *Total Alkalinity *Salt or minerals levels (if applicable) *Chlorine *Stabiliser *Calcium Hardness
• Pool water should be tested every 4-6 weeks. Collect a 250ml pool water sample from elbow deep water, away from the skimmer & any returns in the pool & bring to Aqua Technics for a free, computerised water analysis no less than 2 hours after the sample has been collected.

A: Cloudy pool water is often a sign that the water chemistry is out of balance. Some potential causes of cloudy water could be high phosphate levels (caused by garden fertilizer, contamination from animals), high pH levels, early algae growth, high calcium concentration, lack of chlorine, build-up of un-filterable wastes (make-up, lotions) and also a lack of backwashing the filter.

A: Cartridge Filters – Soak the filter in an approved cleaning solution as per the manufacturer’s instructions, and then hose off with clean water before re-installing.

Sand Filter – Sand or glass filled filters can be cleaned by backwashing, where the water is pushed back up through the filter, loosening particles. This should be done after vacuuming the pool or whenever the pressure gauge indicates the filter needs cleaning. Contact us if your filter media requires changing.

A: This is usually caused by too much suction. Many suction cleaners have a flow adjusting valve to stop this from happening, so make sure that this valve is operating correctly. You may need to try another setting to reduce suction. If your hose is too short for the pool, this can prevent the cleaner from turning properly and reaching other areas of the pool.

Loose wheels on robotic cleaners can cause spinning and inhibit movement. If debris gets caught on the wheels or turbine of the cleaner it can stop it moving completely. Also, if you have a robotic cleaner check your water balance as this can cause surface friction issues if it is not balanced.

A: It could be due to one of the following:

• Evaporation which can be reduced by using a pool cover.
• Excessive splashing can lower the water level.
• A plumbing, valve or pool leak which needs to be located and repaired. Contact our Service Department for assistance.

A:

• Clean pool thoroughly, brush & vacuum walls and floor. Superchlorinate (or ‘shockdose’) if necessary.
• Adjust the timer settings on your equipment so the pool pump & filter runs for 3-4 hours each day.
• If you have a salt or mineral chlorinator – use the ‘WINTER’ mode, if available, as per the manufacturer’s specifications.
• If you have a solar system – it should be switched on daily for 3 minutes to flush the system. Refer to the manufacturer’s manual for directions for winterising. Do not switch the system off during winter as it will build up algae and can potentially cause pool equipment to seize up.
• Adjust pH level to between 7.2 and 7.8.
• After 24 hours, add the required amount of Algaecide (Winteriser) for the size of your pool according to the manufacturers’ directions. Be sure to use an Algaecide which is compatible with your system (i.e. a non-copper based Algaecide for use in salt water pools or copper-based solution for use in manually chlorinated pools).
• The next day, brush and vacuum until your pool is completely clean then backwash the filter.
• Add a pool clarifying cube (usually to your pump basket) to help keep your pool in optimum condition.

Note:If you’re having ongoing trouble with algae growth, reduce the amount of phosphate in your water as this inhibits algae growth. Measure the required dose of Starver (phosphate remover) treatment for your pool and slowly add through the skimmer with the pump running (on normal filtration).

Ongoing pool maintenance over winter:

• Check chlorine levels weekly to ensure they aren’t too high or too low.
• Leave your pool cover off for at least 48 hours per week to allow chlorine to dissipate.
• Your pool should still be chlorinated approximately every 14 days. For pools with salt or mineral chlorinators, using the “Winter” mode, if available, will automatically adjust the chlorine output.
• If you have a salt or mineral pool, get your salt or mineral levels checked every 4-6 weeks at Aqua Technics or your local pool shop to avoid damage to your pool sanitation system.
• Check your filter pressure, backwash & vacuum if necessary on a regular basis.