FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Automatic Cleaners
Q: My Legend Platinum or Polaris isn’t working properly. What are easy things I check?
- Check to make sure the “finger strainer” in the wall fitting is clean and free of debris
- Check to make sure both the main pump and the booster pump are operating properly
- Check to make sure that the head float hasn’t filled with water- if it has the unit will not stand up properly
Check to make sure that the backup valve backs the unit up every few minutes
Filters
Q: How often do I need to clean my pool cartridge filters?
The general recommendation is to clean the filters when the pressure rises 10psi above the starting pressure. Only use garden hose pressure- never “power wash” the cartridges. It is also recommended that the filters be cleaned chemically once or twice a year and always between the pool closing and opening.
Q: How often should I replace my filter cartridges?
Filter cartridge element life will vary with pool conditions such as bather load, wind, dust, etc. You can expect an average cartridge life of 3 years under normal conditions.
Q: I have a D.E. Filter for my pool. Why is it that every time I vacuum and run the filter, I have D.E. on the bottom of the pool an hour later?
It would be best to vacuum up the D.E. in the pool and then add D.E. if you know how much is in the filter after you do this. If you don’t, then vacuum up the D.E., backwash the filter, and add approx. 80% of the total amount recommended on initial filter D.E. start-up. Clean the filter grids well and look closely at them for any holes. The slightest hole can allow D.E. to go through the filter. Also, the manifold at the top should be examined closely for any cracks or holes. Lastly, check all pipes to see if their associated o-rings are ripped, torn or missing. Replace as needed.
Q: I have a sand filter for my pool. How can I determine if the sand needs to be replaced?
The general recommendation is to backwash your filter when the pressure reaches 10 psi over the initial start-up pressure. For example, if the start-up pressure is 15psi, you should backwash when the pressure reaches 25psi. If the pressure does not return to the start-up pressure after backwashing, it is time to change the sand.
Mineral Springs
Q: How often do I add Beginnings and Renewal?
Beginnings are added only at initial and spring start-ups. Renewal is added once a week at a rate of 4 lbs. per 20,000 gallons. Renewal should be added to your pool weekly; however, in cases of large amounts of water loss that may cause the low mineral light to come on, it may be necessary to add Beginnings.
Q: How soon can a person swim after the weekly addition of Renewal?
15 minutes. This allows the components of Renewal to be fully dissolved. A major benefit of Mineral Springs is that it’s not necessary to wait for the chlorine residual to drop. High chlorine residuals are only at the electrode.
Q: Are there any necessary adjustments to product additions or the unit itself for a pool operated during the winter?
With the cooler water temperature, the length of time the unit is operating should be decreased. Additionally, Renewal should be added once a month as opposed to weekly. The Mineral Springs unit automatically stops operating when the water temperature is below 45 degrees Fahrenheit. It might be necessary to use an alternate source for chlorination.
Q: How often should I test the water on the Mineral Springs system?
Although Mineral Springs does most of the work, it’s still important to test pool water on a regular basis. Free chlorine, pH, and total alkalinity should be tested regularly. Also, a water sample should be tested routinely by your Mineral Springs dealer to make sure the pool is always balanced. When you start the Mineral Springs program in your pool, it’s recommended that the owner test the chlorine residual every other day. This will help establish the proper setting of the unit. More frequent testing could lead to unnecessary and confusing adjustments. Once the owner understands the proper setting on the unit for their pool and conditions, the pH and free chlorine residual should be tested weekly.
- Test for free chlorine and pH
- Adjust pH to maintain a 7.4-7.6 level
- Regulate Sanitizer Adjustment Control to maintain 1-3 ppm free chlorine
- Add Mineral Springs Renewal on a weekly basis. Adjust time setting if necessary
- Should algicide be added on a regular basis?The sanitizer generated by a Mineral Springs unit also provides algae protection by producing chlorine continuously and superchlorination at each pass through the generator. However, a Mineral Springs unit by itself cannot overcome an existing algae bloom. It should not be necessary to add an algicide on a regular basis in most Mineral Springs pools.
- Is this program suited for individuals who travel often?The Mineral Springs system is perfect for frequent travelers or vacation-takers. Through proper use of the system, you can leave home and forget your pool while you enjoy your trip. Even better, with Renewal you can add advanced applications for weeks ahead before leaving home.
What do I do when “check cell” appears on the display?Every 500 hours your cell will show this display. This indicates a reminder to periodically clean and check your cell. Cleaning requires an acid bath which can be done by the homeowner if you are comfortable, or having and Aqua technician perform a service call. Simply hit the “Reset” button in your menu options to clear the display and return to regular function.
Please note you are always welcome to contact our service division for any questions or problems you wish to address.
Pool Care
Q: How do I take care of a pool?
The five key basics to pool care including proper circulation, filtration, cleaning, testing, and water maintenance.
Pool Chemicals
Q: What is the ideal pH level for pool water?
The ideal pH for pool water is 7.5. A pH range of 7.4-7.6 is considered acceptable. Maintaining an alkalinity range from 80-120 ppm will help minimize changes in pH, which can result in scaling and corrosion.
Q: How should I store pool chemicals safely?
Store your pool chemicals out of direct sunlight to prevent breakdown by UV rays, and place in sealed containers out of the reach of children.
Q: What is causing scale in my pool? How can I prevent this?
Scale and corrosive conditions occur in a pool when pH, total alkalinity, calcium hardness and dissolved solids are out of balance. Frequent testing can help prevent these problems before they get out of hand.
Q: What should be the chlorine level of my pool?
Pool filters remove suspended particles from pool water, but they don’t control bacteria or algae. That’s what chlorine helps to manage.
Q: How can I maximize the chlorine efficiency in my pool?
Using cyanuric acid to stabilize the chlorine in your pool at the beginning of the swim season will help you maximize your chlorine’s efficiency all summer long, since the sun’s ultraviolet rays break down chlorine. Plus, add an algaecide and chlorine to your pool before covering it for the winter. It will ensure that the water is clear and algae-free when you reopen it the following season.
Q: How often should I replace pool chemical test kits?
To ensure accurate readings, replace test kit reagents annually.
Pool Cleaning
Q: How can I limit debris from getting into the pool?
These pro tips help you to keep your pool debris-free:
- When preparing to open your pool for the season, clean all leaves and other debris off the cover before removing it.
- Empty your skimmer baskets frequently. You’ll help minimize the amount of leaves that end up on the bottom of your pool.
- When cleaning the surface of your pool with a leaf net, work your way around the sides first, then clean from the middle of the pool to the sides.
- Empty your leaf net occasionally when cleaning your pool’s surface. Otherwise, the net’s contents may accidentally end up back in the pool.
- Keep the trees and shrubs around your pool trimmed back to minimize the amount of leaves and debris that end up in the pool.
Q: How should I maintain my pool’s water clarity?
These pro tips will help you keep your pool water clear:
- When opening your pool at the beginning of the season, run your filter continuously until the water is completely clear.
- If your pool water appears green or has an unpleasant odor, the problem is probably caused by algae. Test for proper chlorine level, and consult a pool professional if the problem persists.
- Keep your filter, pump, lint trap and skimmer baskets clean and in proper working condition.
- Pool inlets should be adjusted so that the surface water is moving in a circular direction.
- Make a habit of checking and emptying the skimmer and pump baskets regularly.
Q: What is the quickest and easiest way to keep my pool clean?
AQUA Pools knows that it can be tedious to maintain a pool. That’s why we’ve created our 3 Step Pool Care Program for homeowners that takes minutes of your time instead of hours to keep your pool water crystal clear and brilliant.
Pool Opening
Q: What is AQUA’s premier two step opening?
The two step opening is a highly recommended and most cost efficient method for opening pools with mesh-type pools covers. This opening method is perfect for pools to be ready to swim after May 1st. This method reduces heavy algae build up, chemical consumption, and labor required to open a pool as compared to leaving the pool stagnant until May.
Step 1
- After the last potential freeze, you will bring the water up to the proper level.
- AQUA will set the filter system into operation, test and adjust the water chemistry, but leave the winter cover in place.
- The filter will be set to run 4 to 6 hours a day. The filter system will clean the water and minimize algae build up.
- Between the first and second steps the filter pressure will need to be checked periodically and the filter cleaned as needed. The pool will also need a 1.0 ppm chlorine residual maintained.
- Step 1 timing will be scheduled in March or early April.
Step 2
- When you are ready to swim we will remove and store your pool cover, vacuum the pool to waste, remove the waterline ring, clean the coping and debris on the deck, reassemble deck equipment, put any other pool equipment back into operation, and test and adjust the water chemistry. Your water will be ready to swim.
- Step 2 timing will be scheduled according to your requested swim date, about a month after the first step.
Q: What is AQUA’s traditional “Turn-Key” pool opening?
This is AQUA’s full service procedure that we’ve always provided. The pool will be in “ready to swim” condition with little or no owner participation in the opening. If heavy algae is present, more than one trip will be required. AQUA will remove and store your pool cover, vacuum the pool to waste, remove the waterline ring, clean the coping and debris on the deck, reassemble deck equipment, put all pool equipment back into operation, and test and adjust the water chemistry.
Spa Care
Q: How should I take care of my hot tub or spa?
AQUA provides a spa care guideline for quick referencing of the Everfresh spa care system.
Disclaimer: This sheet is intended to be a convenient reference sheet; it is not intended to replace your owner’s manual. Always refer to your owner’s manual for detailed instructions of your spa’s operation and general maintenance.
