Frequently Asked Questions

1. Turn pump off
2. Extend backwash hose away from equipment and pool with no kinks
3. Move filter valve clockwise to the backwash position
4. Turn pump on
5. Walk out to end of backwash hose, water will come out clean/dirty/clean
6. Turn pump off
7. Turn filter valve clockwise to the rinse position
8. Turn pump on, wait 10 seconds, turn pump off
9. Turn valve clockwise to filter position and do NOT turn pump on for 30min

1. Turn pump off
2. Extend backwash hose away from equipment and pool with no kinks
3. Move filter valve clockwise to the backwash position
4. Turn pump on
5. Walk out to end of backwash hose, water will come out clean/dirty/clean
6. Turn off pump
7. *Repeat steps 4-6 THREE TIMES*
8. Turn filter valve clockwise to rinse position
9. Turn pump on, wait 10 seconds, turn pump off
10. Turn valve clockwise to filter position
11. Turn pump on
12. When complete, add DE to skimmer slowly with pump running (only 1/2 amount of DE)

1. Vacuum pool
2. Adjust the pH on the low side (~7.2)
3. Add ___ gallons of sanitizer (if needed)
4. Circulate pool for at least 6hr
5. Lower water level 4-6in. below skimmer, at least 2in. below return for pools with over wall skimmer/return, lower 12in. from top rail (this can be done with step 2 if you have a main drain and can circulate pool on main drain only)
6. Disconnect filter and pump, drain lines thoroughly, remove filter drain cap and keep off for winter (store pump in garage, do not leave hoses attached to filter)
7. If you have main drain line, add non-toxic antifreeze to line and tie it up above water level securely, do not plug this line
8. Place winter plug in return fitting
9. Remove all stairs, ladders, etc.
10. Add Free N Klear
11. Cover pool with solid pool cover (do not place air tubes under pool cover) Add padding to top rails of pool before covering if needed
12. Occasionally drain excess water/brush excess snow from cover (ideally 1-2in. of water on cover will help keep it on pool, any more than that may damage cover)

1. Drain ALL water from cover, remove and clean cover, apply solution of algaecide and water to cover, fan fold and store in a container with a lid
2. Remove any plugs and antifreeze from lines
3. Clean dirt from pool walls
4. Reconnect filter and pump (skimmer to the front of the pump, from top of the pump to the filter, from filter to heater or to the return in the pool)
5. Raise water level to proper height (halfway up skimmer opening)
6. Filter pool for at least 8hr
7. Bring water sample into Pool Chem for testing
8. Add ___ gallons of sanitizer to shock pool water (ask us if unsure how much is needed!)
9. Adjust alkalinity, pH, conditioner level if necessary
10. Enjoy your pool!

1. Vacuum pool
2. Adjust pH on low side (~7.2)
3. Add __ gallons of sanitizer (If needed)
4. Circulate pool at least 6hr
5. Lower water level 4-6in. below skimmer, at least 2in. below return fitting (This can be done after step 2 if you have a main drain and can circulate with main drain only)
6. Blow water out of all lines with blower/air compressor (easiest way is to blow from skimmer through entire system and into pool, must drain pool filter or put on recirculate and replug first then blow out system)
7. Add RV antifreeze to all lines and skimmers
8. Place winter plugs in all inlets and outlets of pool
9. Remove lights from housing and either sink in pool or cover loosely with plastic bag and set on deck
10. Remove diving boards, ladders, etc.
11. Remove and store pump and filter drain plugs
12. Add Free N Klear
13. Cover pool with a solid pool cover, secure pool cover with half empty water bags
14. Occasionally drain excess water or brush off excess snow from cover

*For covers that allow water to pass through, check the water level periodically to ensure the water level does not reach the cover.

*For fiberglass and vinyl liner pools where groundwater has the potential to damage or misshape the pool, refill the pool once all returns and skimmers are properly capped. Skimmers should have a face plate cap along with the internal plug.

*You may fill pool up to proper level while cover is on, it makes removing cover easier*

1. Drain ALL water off cover and remove, clean and apply solution of water and algaecide to cover, fan fold then store cover in a container with a lid
2. Remove any plugs and antifreeze from lines (filter on backwash/flush)
3. Clean any dirt from pool walls
4. Reconnect filter, heater, pump, diving board, ladders, etc.
5. Raise water to proper height (halfway up skimmer opening)
6. Filter pool for at least 8hr
7. Bring water sample to Pool Chem for testing
8. Add __ gallons of sanitizer to shock pool (ask us if unsure how much is needed!)
9. Adjust alkalinity, pH, water hardness, conditioner level if necessary
10. Enjoy!

A heater requires proper pressure and flow to work.

Make sure heater is turned on. For millivolt heater, check external gas valve is open and pilot is lit. For electric heater, make sure the electricity is turned on.

You may need to clear the skimmer and pump baskets of debris. Backwash filter and clean cartridge filter to increase flow.

Check for any loose wires and tighten.

Algae is airborne and if balances are off it will bloom.

Levels should be as follows: alkalinity 80-150 ppm, chlorine >3 ppm, pH 7.4-7.5

All pool sanitizers require oxygen to activate, if you have a solar cover it must come off pool daily for at least 4 hours. In the event the pool grows algae, the solar cover must be cleaned with chlorine and water before putting back on pool.

Stairs and ladders may also collect algae, be sure to clean them frequently to prevent algae growth.

Usually this noise is from bad bearings in the pump motor.

It will be loud until it stops working, the motor will eventually need to be replaced.

We offer in-store motor replacement services.

Yes, in most cases well water is a great way to fill your pool.

We suggest using a prefilter, this goes on your water hose and filters the water prior to entering the pool. We sell The Hayward Bobby filter for this purpose.

You can bring in a sample of the well water straight from the hose and we will test it and provide a treatment solution for when you fill.

*Water should be tested at least once a month to ensure balances are safe and to prevent damaging equipment. Water can be unbalanced even when the water is clear.

*When there is a water clarity issue or algae growth, bring water in for testing.