Tips & Questions

How long should I run my pool pump each day?

Most pool filtration systems are sized to circulate and filter the water twice in eight hours. We recommend that you run your pool pump six–eight hours in the winter, and 10–12 hours in the summer.

Should I run my pool pump during the day or night?

Because the sun draws chemicals from the pool it is best to run your pool pump during the hottest time of the day.

Is it safe for me to drain my pool?

NO! You should never drain your pool. This is a job for a licensed, experienced, and insured professional. Concrete & fiberglass pools can float out of the ground like a huge boat. The liners in vinyl pools can shrink in a matter of a few hours.

What should I do with my pool if there may be a freeze?

It is best to drain the water from all of your pool equipment. Pumps, filters, chlorinators, heaters, and solar panels are all equipped with freeze plugs or valves to drain the water from them. Running the pool pump can protect the equipment from freezing, but is useless if the power goes out.

What should I do with my pool if a hurricane is predicted?

  • Keeping sufficient water levels in your pool provides the important weight to hold the sides and bottom in place, especially when heavy rains that accompany most storms raise the local water table. Pools that have been emptied may experience serious subsidence problems and could even be lifted off their foundation.
  • If your pool is properly equipped with adequate drains and skimmers and the surrounding area is properly drained, the water level can probably be left as it is.
  • It is recommended that you super chlorinate the pool water. You should “shock the pool” in your normal manner.
  • It is important that all electric power be turned off at the circuit breakers before the storm hits.
  • If you cannot store loose objects such as chairs, tables, pool equipment, and toys inside a building, carefully and gently place them in the pool to help shield them from the winds.
  • Some damage to the frame of your enclosed screen structure may be avoided if you provide a “vent” for the wind to escape through.

How can I tell if my pool is leaking?

A pool’s normal evaporation is usually about 1–1.5 inches per week. When the days are warm and the night’s cool, evaporation is at its highest. Using the ordinary 5-gallon plastic bucket, you can perform this simple test to determine if your pool is leaking.

  1. Bring pool water to a normal level.
  2. Fill a bucket with pool water to about one inch from the top.
  3. Place bucket on the first or second step of the pool.
  4. Mark water level on the inside of a bucket.
  5. Shut off the pump and mark the pool water level on the outside of a bucket.
  6. Resume normal pump operation.
  7. After 24 hours, compare the two water levels.
    • If the pool water (outside mark) goes down more than inside the water level, there is probably a leak.
    • In case of rain repeat the test.
    • The test is invalid after 24 hours.

You can submit your question through our Contact Form.

Pool Safety

Your family’s safety is our concern. Below are some common pool safety resources.

Roll-A-Way Protective Pool Fencing

Custom designed protective pool fencing for your pool area. Roll-A-Way protective pool fence is a strong, attractive and affordable pool fence designed to help protect loved ones.

It includes removable sections, strong see-thru mesh and a 5 year guarantee.

CPR – American Red Cross CPR Course

Drowning Prevention

  1. Never leave a child alone out of eye contact supervision in or near the pool or spa – not even for a second.
  2. Access to the pool or spa should be limited by locked doors and gates whenever swimming or soaking cannot be supervised.
  3. Keep toys, particularly tricycles or wheel toys, away from the pool or spa. A child playing with these could accidentally fall into the water.
  4. Do not allow anyone of any age to swim without a “spotter” nearby. Examples of good safety behavior by adults are important for your children.

PHTA — Pool & Hot Tub Alliance

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