Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What should I do if my water is cloudy?

A: Low sanitizer levels can cause cloudy water prior to turning green.  Therefore, add more sanitizer to get the pool clear again.  If you had green water and shocked it and the pool turned cloudy, the cloudiness is from the dead algae that is in suspension.  You will need to add  more shock and a clarifier to help settle the particles to the floor so you can vacuum the debris to the filter or out the waste line.  Make sure you are running your filter system 24/7.  We recommend this on most pools in our area.  If the pressure on the sand filter is consistently excessively high, the dirty/hard sand may be causing cloudy water too, needing sand replaced and/or new filter cartridge on cartridge filters. You may want to consult your pool professional.

Q: What does it mean when my water is green?

A: Normally if the pool water turns green, it is due to lack of sanitizer you are using.  Test your sanitizer (chlorine, bromine, etc.) level and if low, shock the pool.  Metals can also cause green water in pools from new water, especially well water.  Adding a metal inhibitor product can prevent this.  You may want to consult your pool professional.

Q: What does it mean when my pump is making noise?

A: If the pump is making a loud noise, it is usually the motor bearings that got wet from a pump seal leaking into the motor.  The motor can continue running however, if the noise is too much, you will need to replace the motor and seals.

Q: What does it mean if my pump is leaking?

A: If the leak is under the pump between the pump and motor, the pump seal needs to be replaced immediately to avoid damage to motors. The housing gasket should be replaced at the same time. 

Q: When should I backwash my filter?

A:  When the pressure (on the gauge) is approx 5 - 10 psi greater than the normal operating pressure.  Make sure you know your clean operating pressure.

Q: When should I change the sand in my filter?

A: Sand will clean itself regular through backwashing as long as the water balance is in proper ranges.  If you have hard water and high ph, you will need to change the sand more often.  As long as the water is clear, pressure stays within normal ranges and flow through returns stay normal, the sand does not need to be changed for about 5-10 years. Improper operation of the multi-port valve can cause damage to the laterals inside the filter, resulting in a need to replace the sand along with the internal components. Always make sure your pump is off before you turn the multi-port valve, and always turn the valve to the right (clockwise).

Q: What should i do if my pool/spa is losing water?

A: A leak is not easy to detect by simple visual inspection.  Many questions are needed to determine the best place to start evaluating the leak.  First, we ask how long have you had the leak.  If has just recently started, we suggest you check your backwash line to see if your multiport and/or backwash valve is in the correct position and confirm the multiport valve itself is not stuck open.  If this is not the case, then we ask does the pool leak more when it’s running versus when it is off.  This typically tells us if the leak could be in the return line or the suction line.  If one of those situations occur, we would recommend to pressure test the return or suction plumbing. If the leak continues leaking the same amount when it is running or off, then we conclude the leak may be in the shell of the pool, i.e. skimmer housings, gaskets, tile line, light nitches, around fittings, or in the actual liner or concrete structure.  This would require some dye testing around all of those areas to accurately locate the leak.  Consult your pool service professional.