FAQ
Keeping your pool clean and safe doesn't have to be complicated. With the right pool equipment for swimming pool maintenance, you can enjoy crystal-clear water throughout the year. Whether you're a new pool owner or upgrading your setup, here's a simple guide to the essential tools you need.
(a) Circulation & Filtration Equipment
- Pool Pump: The pump moves water through your filtration system to prevent stagnation and cloudy water. It's the heart of your pool's circulation.
- Pool Filter: Your filter traps dirt, dust, and debris, keeping your pool water clean and safe. Choose between sand, cartridge, or DE filters, depending on your pool size and usage.
(b) Cleaning Tools
- Skimmer: This handheld tool helps you quickly remove floating leaves, insects, and surface debris.
- Telescopic Pole with Attachments: A must-have for every pool owner. Attach different heads, such as a leaf net, vacuum head, or brush, to clean walls, floors, and hard-to-reach corners.
- Pool Brush: Scrub off algae and dirt buildup from pool surfaces to keep your water clean, safe, and inviting.
(c) Water Chemistry Maintenance
- Chemical Test Kit: Test chlorine, pH, and alkalinity regularly to avoid skin or eye irritation and protect your pool's surfaces.
- Pool Chemicals: Keep your water clean and safe with the right chemicals—chlorine tablets, pH increasers/reducers, and algaecide are essentials for any pool.
(d) Bonus Equipment (Optional but Helpful)
- Automatic Pool Robot Cleaner: Cut down on manual work. Robotic pool cleaners handle floor and wall cleaning independently, saving you time and energy.
Owning a swimming pool is fun—but keeping it clean takes the right tools. If you're wondering how to choose the right pool cleaner, this guide breaks down the top options to help you find the best fit for your pool's type, size, and budget.
(a) Vacuum Set with Trolley
A powerful manual cleaning system ideal for large pools or commercial use. This set includes a portable pump, vacuum head, filter basket, hose, and a trolley for easy movement.
Best for:
- Big swimming pools
- Commercial pools or pool service contractors
- Pools without a built-in vacuum point
Pros:
- Strong suction for tough cleaning
- Cleans independently from your pool pump
- Handles large debris and green pools with ease
Cons:
- Fully manual operation
- Bulkier to store
- Higher price than basic sets
(b) Robotic Pool Cleaner
This is the most convenient option for pool owners. Just plug it in, place it in the water, and let it automatically clean your pool—including floors, walls, and even the waterline.
Best for:
- Busy homeowners
- Medium to large pools
Pros:
- Fully automatic—no effort required
- Built-in filter system reduces pressure on your pool's pump
- Energy-efficient and smart-cleaning models available
- Some units come with remote control or app access
Cons:
- Higher initial investment
- You'll need to clean the filter regularly
(c) Manual Skimmer Vacuum (Connected to Pool Suction)
This basic vacuum head and hose setup connects directly to your skimmer or suction port, using your pool pump's power to clean the floor.
Best for:
- Small to medium pools
- Budget-conscious pool owners
Pros:
- Affordable and simple to use
- Ideal for routine, weekly cleaning
- No extra equipment required
Cons:
- Fully manual cleaning
- May clog easily if there's heavy debris
- Relies on your pool's filter system
To clean your pool by hand, you'll need a vacuum head, a telescopic pole, a vacuum hose, and a skimmer plate or a suction port. Attach the vacuum head to the pole and hose, then fully submerge them to remove air from the hose. Plug the hose into the skimmer or suction port, start the pool pump, and gently guide the vacuum head over the pool floor using steady, overlapping passes to ensure all debris is removed. This method is cost-effective and gives you full control over dirt and debris removal.
To keep your pool filter working well, backwash your sand filter when the pressure increases by 8–10 psi above the normal reading. If you have a cartridge filter, just rinse it with a hose to get rid of built-up dirt and keep the water clean. Need help? Watch this step-by-step video on how to backwash your sand filter:
To keep your pool running smoothly, it's important to know when to replace your pool filter.
- Sand filters usually last 3 to 5 years, depending on usage and water conditions.
- Cartridge filters should be replaced every 1 to 2 years or sooner if they become worn out or difficult to clean.
For crystal-clear water and comfortable swimming, make sure the pH level stays between 7.2 and 7.6. This range helps chlorine work more effectively, keeping your eyes and skin healthy. Test your water weekly to stay on track.
Cloudy pool water is one of the most common issues for pool owners—and it’s usually a sign that something’s off with your pool’s filtration or water chemistry.
If your pool water isn’t looking crystal-clear, here’s what could be going wrong and how to fix it.
Common Reasons for Cloudy Pool Water:
(a) Filtration Problems
- Pump not running long enough: Your pool pump should run for at least 8 hours a day to thoroughly circulate and clean your water.
- Dirty or worn-out filters: A clogged sand or cartridge filter won’t work well. Backwash your sand filter, wash your cartridge filter, or consider replacing them if they’re too old.
- Blocked skimmer: If your skimmer is blocked, it can’t collect surface debris, resulting in cloudy water.
(b) Imbalanced Pool Water Chemistry
- High pH (above 7.8): This can cause minerals to form particles, clouding the water.
- High calcium hardness: Leads to scaling and murky water.
- High total alkalinity: Affects water clarity and stabilizes pH too much.
- Chlorine imbalance: Excessive or insufficient chlorine can result in cloudy water.
(c) Environmental Debris & Algae
- Algae bloom: Algae can quickly turn your water green and cloudy.
- Rain, dust, pollen, or bird droppings: These can all throw off your water balance.
- Biofilm (bacteria colonies): These are not always visible, but they can cause cloudy water.
(d) Other Contributing Factors
- High Cyanuric Acid (CYA): Excessive CYA can weaken chlorine and lead to cloudiness aftershock.
- Poor water circulation: If water isn’t circulating well, debris and chemicals can build up. A common issue is air trapped in the pool pump, which affects performance.
Watch this quick guide to check for air in your pump:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1Xb6nG0UbXk
- Incorrect chemical dosing: Adding too much or mixing chemicals incorrectly can also cloud your pool water.
How to Clear Up Cloudy Pool Water:
- Test and balance your water: Use a test kit to check pH, chlorine, calcium, and alkalinity levels. Adjust as needed.
- Clean or replace your pool filter: Backwash or rinse filters regularly and ensure they’re in good condition.
- Run your pump longer: Make sure your system circulates water for at least 8 hours daily.
- Remove surface and bottom debris: Skim and vacuum your pool to eliminate unwanted particles.
- Use a pool clarifier or alum: These help bind tiny particles, allowing your filter to remove them more easily.
If your pool has turned green or cloudy, it's likely due to algae. Don't worry — removing algae from your pool is possible with the right steps.
The key is to combine brushing, chlorine treatment, filtration, and maintaining a proper water balance. Here's how to get your pool clean and clear again:
1. Brush the Pool Surfaces
Use a sturdy pool brush to scrub all areas where algae may be hiding — especially the walls, floor, corners, and steps.
This helps loosen the algae and prepare it for treatment.
2. Add Pool Chlorine
Next, shock your pool with chlorine to kill the algae. Follow the label instructions carefully,
and it's best to add chlorine in the evening when the sun won't evaporate it. Use the right dosage based on your pool size.
3. Run the Filter System Overnight
Let your pool filter run overnight to circulate the chlorine and trap the dead algae.
Good filtration is key to clearing up the water.
4. Vacuum the Pool
Once the algae is dead, vacuum the pool to remove all remaining debris.
You can do this manually or with an automatic pool cleaner for convenience.
5. Test and Balance Your Water
Check your pool's pH, chlorine level, and alkalinity using a test kit.
Keep your pool's pH level between 7.2 and 7.6 to prevent future algae growth and keep your water healthy.
6. Use Algaecide
For extra protection, you can add a pool algaecide after the main treatment.
It helps prevent algae from coming back.
Always follow the dosage guide on the product label to ensure safe and effective treatment.
Keeping algae out of your pool begins with maintaining a balanced water chemistry and a well-maintained system.
Algae forms fast when water is untreated or poorly circulated — but with the right steps, you can keep your pool clean and safe.
1. Maintain Proper Water Chemistry
- Chlorine Levels: Always keep chlorine between 1–4 ppm. Low levels are the primary reason algae appears.
- pH and Alkalinity: Aim for a pH range of 7.2–7.8 and an alkalinity level of around 100 ppm. These support chlorine's effectiveness.
- Cyanuric Acid (CYA): Maintain a level of 30–50 ppm to help protect chlorine from sunlight.
- Test Weekly: Use a reliable pool test kit at least once a week to monitor your water quality. During hot weather or when your pool is used often, test the water more frequently to keep everything in check.
2. Ensure Good Circulation and Filtration
- Run Your Pump Daily: Your pump should run for at least 10–12 hours daily during the summer or longer if you're using a variable-speed pump.
It’s usually safe to swim for 20 minutes to 1 hour after adding balancing chemicals. For calcium chloride, wait 2 to 4 hours or one full filtration cycle. After shocking or high chlorine doses, wait until chlorine levels drop to around 5 ppm or after 24 hours. Always test before swimming.
Test your water first to determine the amount of chlorine to add. Dissolve the granules in a bucket before pouring them into the pool. Place the tablets in a floating dispenser or a skimmer basket. Never toss chlorine directly into the pool.
Pools often lose water due to evaporation or hidden leaks. Evaporation is a normal process, especially during hot, dry, or windy weather conditions.
However, if your pool is losing more water than expected, it could be due to a leak in the structure, plumbing, or equipment.
Other reasons include routine maintenance and splashing during use. Here's a clearer breakdown:
(a) Evaporation:
- Evaporation is a natural process in which water turns into vapour and escapes.
- Hot temperatures, low humidity, and wind can significantly increase evaporation.
(b) Leaks:
- Leaks can occur anywhere, including on pool walls, pipes, or equipment.
- Common spots include the skimmer, return lines, main drain, and pipe fittings.
- Cracks, worn seals, or damaged plumbing may cause them.
- Depending on the location, leaks might only appear when the pump is on or off.
(c) Other Causes:
- Backwashing: Removes dirty water from the filter, causing water loss.
- Vacuuming to waste: Both debris and water are drained from the pool.
- Splashing: Water can be lost during active swimming and play.
(d) Determining the Cause:
- Bucket test: This helps determine whether water loss is due to evaporation.
- Inspect the pool area: Look for damp spots near the pool or plumbing.
- Check the pool equipment: Look for leaks around the pump, filter, or skimmer.
- Consult a professional: If you're unsure, contact a pool expert to inspect and make any necessary repairs.
A swimming pool should be cleaned at least once a week to maintain clear water and prevent debris and algae from accumulating. Depending on how often the pool is used, and the surrounding environment, some cleaning tasks may need to be done more frequently. Here's a simple breakdown:
- Weekly Cleaning: As a general rule, clean your pool once a week. This includes skimming the surface, brushing the walls and floor, and vacuuming.
- More Frequent Skimming: If you notice a lot of leaves, bugs, or other debris, skim the surface more frequently—daily if necessary.
- Commercial Pools: Pools with high usage, such as those in hotels or gyms, typically require cleaning at least twice a week to maintain a safe and hygienic environment.
The key difference between saltwater and chlorine pools lies in the method used to add chlorine and maintain water cleanliness.
Saltwater pools automatically generate chlorine using salt and a generator, whereas chlorine pools require manual chlorine addition.
Here’s a clearer breakdown:
a) Saltwater Pools:
- Chlorine Production: Salt is added to the water, and a salt chlorinator uses electrolysis to turn the salt into chlorine.
- Lower Chlorine Levels: These pools typically have lower chlorine levels, making swimming more comfortable.
- Gentler on Skin and Eyes: The softer water and reduced chlorine often feel better on the skin and eyes.
b) Chlorine Pools:
- Manual Chlorination: Chlorine is added by hand using tablets, granules, or liquid.
- Higher Chlorine Levels: These pools tend to have higher chlorine levels, which may cause a more pungent smell and more irritation.
- More Maintenance: Chlorine levels and water balance should be tested and adjusted more frequently to ensure optimal water quality.
In short, both types use chlorine to keep your pool safe, but the way it’s added and how it feels makes the real difference.
1. Balance Your Pool Water
Make sure your pool water is clean and all levels, including pH and alkalinity, are properly balanced before starting the conversion.
2. Choose a Salt Chlorine Generator (SCG)
Select a generator that matches or slightly exceeds your pool’s volume for best results.
3. Install the Salt System
- Mount the control panel near your pump and filter.
- Install the salt cell in the return line after the filter and heater.
4. Add Salt
- Use only pool-grade salt (sodium chloride).
- Target a salinity level of 2,500–3,500 ppm based on your generator’s specs.
- Let the salt circulate for 24 hours before activating the system.
5. Activate the Salt System
- Once the salt is fully dissolved and balanced, turn on the generator.
- It will start producing chlorine automatically to keep your pool clean.
If you're looking to reduce energy costs for running your pool, focusing on pump efficiency and smart pool habits can make a big difference.
Here's how to cut down on energy use without sacrificing water quality:
(a) Optimize Pump Usage:
- Use a variable-speed pump: These pumps allow you to control the flow rate and use less energy when full power isn't needed. They're far more efficient than traditional single-speed pumps.
- Run the pump during off-peak hours: Running your pump during lower electricity rates can help reduce your energy bills.
- Clean filters regularly: Dirty filters force the pump to work harder. Keeping them clean ensures smooth water flow and better energy efficiency.
(b) Other Tips:
- Automate your pool: Smart pool systems can manage heating, filtration, and cleaning more efficiently, saving both energy and time.
- Use a robotic pool cleaner: Robotic cleaners work independently and use less power than running the pump for cleaning.
- Choose energy-efficient lighting: Switch to LED pool lights—they last longer and use much less electricity than standard bulbs.
- Maintain proper water chemistry: A balanced water chemistry helps prevent algae, reducing the need for extra chemicals and shorter filtration cycles.
- Consider rainwater harvesting: Using rainwater to top up your pool reduces the amount of heated, treated water you need, saving both energy and resources.
1. Turn off the pool pump.
Always switch off the pump before adjusting the valve settings to prevent damage to the equipment.
2. Attach the backwash hose.
If your setup includes a backwash hose, connect it to the filter’s waste port and direct the hose to a safe drainage area.
3. Set the multiport valve to ‘Backwash’.
Push down and turn the handle to the BACKWASH position.
4. Turn on the pump.
Run the pump for 2 to 3 minutes or until the water in the sight glass appears clear.
5. Turn off the pump again.
6. Set the valve to ‘Rinse’.
Switch the valve to RINSE to resettle the sand and stop dirty water from flowing back into the pool.
7. Turn on the pump.
Run it for 30 seconds to 1 minute, then shut it off again.
8. Set the valve to ‘Filter’.
Turn the handle back to FILTER—the regular setting for everyday operation.
9. Turn the pump back on.
Your filter system is now back to normal and ready to maintain the cleanliness of your pool water.
For step-by-step visuals, watch our video here:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Tq1o9p9bLs4
Signs Your Pump Has an Airlock:
- Air bubbles in the pool return jets: A steady stream of bubbles usually indicates that air is trapped in the lines.
- Little or no water flow: If the pump is running but water isn’t moving, an airlock might be the cause.
- Unusual pump noise: Gurgling sounds or a dry-running noise often signal trapped air.
- Pump basket not full of water: If you see more air than water through the pump lid, the pump hasn’t been appropriately primed.
- Low or zero pressure on the filter gauge: This means water isn’t flowing through the system as it should.
For a full visual guide, check out our video:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1Xb6nG0UbXk
How to Fix a Pool Pump Airlock?
- Turn off the pump: Always begin by switching off the pump to make any necessary adjustments safely.
- Prime the pump manually: Open the pump lid and fill the basket with water to help restart proper suction.
- Check the pump lid and O-ring: Ensure the lid is sealed tight and the o-ring isn’t cracked or dry. Apply lubricant if needed for a better seal.
- Inspect the suction pipe connections: Look for small leaks or loose fittings between the pool and the pump. Even minor air leaks can cause an airlock to form.
- Open the air relief valve (if available): If your filter has one, open the valve while the pump is running to release any trapped air, and then water will begin to flow out.
- Ensure the pool water level is high enough: The water level should be at least halfway up the skimmer opening. A low level can cause the skimmer to pull in air.
The general rule is 8 to 12 hours daily. This ensures your entire pool water goes through the filter at least once—a process called turnover. The exact runtime depends on your pool size, pump flow rate, and the frequency of pool use. You can also split the total hours into shorter sessions throughout the day to improve efficiency and save energy.