Helpful Tips to Maintain Your Pool
New pool or new liner customers: Please bring in a water sample to Bud’s Spas and Pools before adding any chemicals and/or before entering your pool for the first time.
Filtration
- To maintain proper filtration the pump should be operating 24/7.
- If your pump is on a timer, you should make sure that it runs during the hottest hours of the day.
- Dirty filters can cause foaming, cloudiness, and poor circulation.
- Use Filter Cleaner at least once a season OR after treating for algae
- If you have a cartridge filter, please remember to rinse the filter off throughout the season and/or when pressure gets too high.
- Do not use a pressure washer as it could damage the fibers.
- If you have a sand filter, the media should be changed every 3-5 years and possibly sooner if it has not been chemically cleaned each season.
- If you have a cartridge filter, please remember to rinse the filter off throughout the season and/or when pressure gets too high.
Water Testing
- Test kits or strips can help you monitor your pool water on a weekly basis.
- We recommend visiting our water lab at least once a month to maintain proper balance.
- Monthly tests are required to ensure that the warranties on your pool equipment and pool liner remain valid.
- If any problems occur (ex. algae or cloudy water), or if you question the balance of your water, bring a water sample in for testing.
Adding Chemicals
- Before adding chemicals to your pool water, the pump needs to be running.
- To avoid cloudy water, please be sure to wait for the recommended time required between each chemical addition.
- Follow water testing printout to ensure proper dosing of chemicals.
Weekly Maintenance for Clear Water
- Treat the pool weekly, even if it is not getting regular use.
- Example weekly treatment: Zap or Salt Shock, Algi Pro 40 and Meta Stain Prevent.
- Keep the pool circulating 24/7.
- Bring a water sample into Buds Spas and Pools once a month.
Tips and Tricks
- Do not leave the solar blanket on your pool for an extended period, as it facilitates a warm environment that algae can thrive in.
- The best time to put on the solar blanket is at night to prevent heat loss.
- O-rings tend to break down and can cause an improper seal with your pump, heaters, etc.
- Apply silicone lubricant to o-rings at the beginning and end of every pool season to prevent this (or as needed through the season).
- Using something other than a silicone-based lubricant (ex. Vaseline) can lead to o-rings breaking down faster.
- Brush down the walls and floor once a week and before vacuuming to stir up any debris or algae that may be hiding.
- Clean out your skimmer and pump baskets often, as it can restrict the flow and use up sanitizer if there is a lot debris in the baskets.
- Suction side automatic vacuums are a great way to keep your water clean, but they should not be used for any longer than 6 hours.
- The water at the surface is not circulating when the vacuum is in use.
- Bring a water test once a month to Bud’s Spas and Pools or whenever you are having problems with your pool water.
- Chemically clean your salt cell at least once a season with Salt Cell Saver.
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