Maintenance of your pool & spa equipment is important all year round, and especially after a party or weather event like a storm. Here is a quick list of the main things to check, so your pool and equipment keep working at their best.
Cleaning Equipment
Check your leaf rake nets for splits and tears, these can be replaced separately either in-store or at home with just a screwdriver (and a lot of patience). Cracks in the frame of leaf rakes and brushes happen when the residual chlorinated water remains on them as well as damage from the sun’s UV rays.
Pumps
Check for any signs of leakage, most commonly found underneath. There is a mechanical seal that can begin to leak and become noisy with age. If you find a leak this means the seal needs to be replaced.
Also check the pump basket for cracks as this can allow fine debris through, clogging the inside of the pump, and restricting or even stopping the flow of water.
Filters
Media filters should be backwashed, they can also be cleaned and degreased as they benefit greatly from this because not everything is expelled with a backwash.
Cartridge and DE filters require a good hose out and should also be degreased to maintain their efficiency and make them last longer.
Those with glass media are the easiest filters to clean as they don't require any degreasing. Just a good backwash then rinse and you'll be good to go again.
Check the Multiport Valve for any leaks, the most common place to find them is water coming up through the handle area as well as from around the collar where it joins to the tank.
The tank of the filter can fatigue over time from being under constant high pressures, be sure to run your eye and hands over the whole tank for leaks and stress cracks. Check the pressure gauge for correct pressure readings e.g. When the pump is off, it should be at 0 and when on, it is operating in the normal range.
Salt Chlorinator
A good cleaning of the cell is important, even if it is 'self-cleaning'. This will remove the excess Calcium buildup that can attach itself to the plates that prevent proper chlorine production & the sensor which can give you false readings.
Simply mix a very dilute acid:water mix of 1 part acid to 10 parts water in a bucket and put the cell into the mix, ensure that the acid/water solution only touches the plates and not over the cap onto the leads.
*Always add acid to water, never water to acid as this can splash the acid onto you!!
Check the power connections on the cap to ensure there are no exposed wires and they aren't stripped or damaged.
Pool Cleaners
There are a lot of wearing parts on suction cleaners including skirts, soles, swivels, floats, and hoses on suction cleaners to rollers and baskets on robotic cleaners. Usually, a visual inspection of the cleaner will easily show parts in need of repair, though if they just aren’t working like they used to, you can bring the whole unit into us and we’ll give it the professional once over or you can have us come to you and make sure it’s covering the whole pool.
Water Balance
A home test kit will check your chlorine, pH, and alkalinity levels. Ensure they are in the ideal range and balance where required.
Alternatively, by bringing a water sample into our shop, we'll be able to test for all the balances that can affect your water quality and ensure that you have the perfect balance to keep your water clear!
*IMPORTANT - This is only a guide for what we suggest to check. If you are unfamiliar with your equipment and/or its operation, please contact us. We can either help you learn more or come and check your equipment for you. More damage can be done by removing or uninstalling any parts of the filtration system and voiding any warranties you may have.