Frequently Asked Questions About Pool Care

Pool Light

What do I do if my pool light won't turn on?

  • Check the GFI on the plug outlet at the pool equipment. Push the reset button. Nearby lighting or static charges can trip this button. There is a plastic piece under the button called a slide bar. Make sure it is all the way over to the right.
  • Make sure the batteries in your remote control are installed correctly and charged.
  • Turn the light on at the manual switch at the equipment. This switch has a square push button.
  • Check the breaker in the electric panel.

What do I do if my pool light turns itself on and/or off by itself?
Your remote control is subject to interference from a variety of sources. Garage door openers, household appliances, house intercoms, phone company microwaves and neighbors with their own remotes can interfere with your remote. Usually, changing the frequency of your remote will correct this interference.

Turn the dial on the face of your hand remote to another letter. Make sure the dial on your plug-in remote (if you have one) matches the same setting. Also, change the dial on the light module at the pool equipment location to match the settings on your remote(s). To locate the module, look for the electrical device that has the square button that manually turns the light off and on. If you cannot see the red dial (matching the one on your remote) on the face of the module, you will have to remove the cover plate that is concealing it.

Change the dial so the letter matches the one you selected on your remote. (Example: if you set the dial on your remote to point to the letter "C," then the dial on the module also must point to "C.") You may have to try a number of different settings if your first attempt isn't successful.

Pump

How do I clean the basket inside my pump?
Turn your equipment off. Unscrew the clear plastic lid on top of the pump. You will hear the water draining out of the system when you do this. Lift the plastic basket out of the pump and empty it. You may tap it gently against a pipe to dislodge debris or use a hose to spray it out. Make sure it is put back into the pump the same way you took it out. You must now re-prime the pump. See the next paragraph on re-priming the pump.

How do I prime my pump?
Make sure the rubber "O" ring that fits on the pump lid and the lid itself are clean of dirt and debris. Use dish detergent to clean them if necessary. Also clean out the groove on top of the pump where the "O" ring will fit. Use a little "Aqua-lube" or, if you don't have that, salad oil to wet the "O" ring before you slip it back on the lid (do not use Vaseline or other petroleum products). Have about two gallons of water in a pail or your hose ready, and fill the pump with water before you put the lid on. Don't be shy here — dump it in as fast as you can. The water will drain out about as fast as you pour it in.

Quickly screw the lid back on the pump and turn the pump on right away. All of the water will disappear from inside the pump, but it will gradually fill up again. After you turn the pump back on, make sure the lid is firmly screwed down (it is not necessary to make it as tight as possible), and open the air relief valve on top of your filter. Air will gradually begin to squirt out. Wait until water starts squirting out, more or less in a steady stream, and close the air valve. Check your filter gauge to make sure it is showing pressure.

What do I do if my pump won't prime?

  • Check that the pool is full enough — halfway up the skimmer opening or midway up tile.
  • Check that the skimmer flap between the pool and skimmer easily swings up and down.
  • Check that the skimmer basket is clean and sits down inside the skimmer.
  • Check that the pool cleaner valve is not set to 100% pool cleaner. Put it to 100% pool until the pump primes, and then reset the valve to its correct position.
  • Check the pump lid to ensure it is screwed on firmly.
  • Open the air valve on top of the filter. If air is squirting out, the pump is working — it's just taking time to get all of the air out of the system.
  • After you have done all of the above, turn the pump off. Check to ensure there is no dirt or debris in the "O" ring groove and that the "O" ring is clean and lubed. Re-prime the pump with water, screw the lid on and turn the pump back on.

Filters

What pressure should my filter pressure gauge read?
There is no single pressure for every pool. Pressures on clean filters should run between 10psi and 20psi. The length of your plumbing, type of pool cleaner and number of valves will determine your clean filter pressure. Turn the pool cleaner off, and turn the pump on. Bleed the air out of the filter with the air bleed on top of the filter (when water squirts out in a steady stream, the air is out), close the air valve and read the pressure. This is your clean filter pressure. Turn your pool cleaner on. Depending on the type of pool cleaner you have, your pressure will either go up or down. This is your clean filter pressure with your pool cleaner operating.

When should I backwash or clean my filter?
Backwash your filter (for cartridge filters, remove and clean the cartridge) whichever is first: every 90 days or when the pressure is 10psi higher than your "clean filter/clean filter with pool cleaner on" pressure (see "What pressure should my filter pressure gauge read").

Diatomaceous Earth (DE) Filters

Note: You should take your DE filter apart, remove the grids and clean out the caked-on DE once a year. A high-pressure hose will usually do the job. To avoid injury, always turn pump off and open the air valve before disassembling a filter.

How do I backwash my DE filter?

  1. Turn the pump off.
  2. Stretch the backwash hose out to where you want to discharge the water.
  3. Rotate the handle on the front of the filter to the open position and pull it down until it stops.
  4. Turn the pump on and run until the water coming out of the hose turns clear (approx. two to three minutes).
  5. Turn the pump off, wait 60 seconds and turn the pump back on for another 10 to 15 seconds.
  6. Turn the pump off.
  7. Return the valve on front of the filter to the up and locked position.
  8. Turn the pump back on.
  9. Recharge the filter with DE (see below).

How much DE should I put in my DE filter and how do I add it?
36DE = 4.5 lbs., 48DE = 6 lbs., 60DE = 7.5 lbs.

Fill a small bucket about 3/4 full of DE (or less if that's too much DE for your filter). Add water until it is a thick slurry. Turn the pool pump on and the pool cleaner off. Remove the basket from the skimmer and slowly pour the DE slurry into the skimmer. If you need to add more DE, repeat this process until you have added the correct amount. Replace the skimmer basket and turn your pool cleaner back on. Note: Pouring the DE directly into the skimmer without mixing it with water first can cause excessive caking of DE on the grids.

Sand Filters

Note: The sand in your filter should last at least seven years. If the pressure stays high after proper backwashing, the sand could be clogged with suntan oil or other similar substances. Servicing or changing the sand should be done by a professional.

How do I backwash my sand filter?

  1. Turn the pump off.
  2. Turn the pool cleaner valve to the off position.
  3. Stretch the backwash hose out to where you want to discharge the water.
  4. Rotate the handle on the front of the filter to the open position and pull it up until it stops.
  5. Turn the pump on and run until the water coming out of the hose turns clear (approx. 30-60 seconds).
  6. Turn the pump off.
  7. Return the valve on front of the filter to the down and locked position.
  8. Turn the pump back on and reset your pool cleaner valve to its operating position.
  9. Observe the filter pressure. If it is higher than it should be, repeat the backwash procedure.

Cartridge Filters

How do I clean my cartridge filter?
First, turn your pump off and open the air valve! Failure to turn the pump off and open the air valve before unscrewing the lid could result in serious injury. After you have turned the pump off and opened the air valve to relieve pressure, unscrew the hand nut on top of the filter. Lift the filter cover off and lift the cartridge filter out off the filter housing. Be careful — the filter can be heavy. Use correct lifting techniques to avoid injury.

Use a pressure nozzle on your water hose (or take the filter to a quarter car wash) to clean the filter inside and out. If you use suntan oil, we recommend using a mild dish detergent to break up the oil (car wash detergent also will work). Return the cartridge to the filter housing, and clean the lid, "O" ring and filter housing of debris, and put some "Aqualube" or equivalent on the "O" ring. Place the lid on the filter housing, screw the hand nut down firmly, open the air valve, prime your pump (see "How do I prime my pump?") and turn it on. When water squirts out in a steady stream from the air valve, close the valve.

Pool Cleaners – Hayward Pool Vac

How do I set the valve for my Hayward pool cleaner?
While the pump is operating, turn the pool cleaner valve until the pool cleaner stops moving. If the cleaner moves faster and the pump starts making more noise, you are turning the valve the wrong way. After the pool cleaner has stopped, watch inside the clear plastic lid of your pump and start slowly turning the valve back. When you see bubbles start to form inside the pump and the sound of the pump starts to raise in pitch, stop turning the valve. Back the valve up just a little until the bubbles just starting to form. This is the optimal setting for your pool cleaner at that moment. There is no single perfect valve setting. As your filter gets dirtier, water flow is decreased and you may have to readjust the pool cleaner valve to compensate.

What do I do if my Hayward pool cleaner just sits in one spot and doesn't move?
First, check the valve setting as described above. If that doesn't work, turn the valve to "pool cleaner off," turn the pump off and remove the cleaner or vacuum from the pool. Oftentimes, there is a rock or other debris stuck inside. Remove the hose and check inside the top. There is a small paddle-like wheel inside the top just out of reach of your finger. Try using a pencil or screwdriver and gently prod it to see if it will turn. Often, turning it will fix the problem. Either try the cleaner out now or try the next step.

Look inside the hole in the bottom of the cleaner to see if there is a blockage. If not, unscrew and remove the bottom plate and clean out the debris that’s clogging the inside. Put the hose back on the Hayward. Put the cleaner back into the pool until it sinks, and slowly push all of the hose (starting with the hose closest to the cleaner and working your way to the open end) down under water so it fills before hooking it back into the wall. Turn on your pump and reset the valve. Note: When returning the Hayward pool cleaner to the pool, ensure the hose is completely full of water or you will lose prime on your pump (See "How do I prime my pump?")

Water Leveler

What do I do if my pool either overfills or under-fills?
The water leveler is in your deck, in a cement crock under a lid that looks like your skimmer lid. It operates in the same way as the standard toilet float. The float is "rough set" by your startup person but usually will require fine-tuning by you. Place your thumb on top of the bar (to raise the water) or your finger on the bottom of the bar (to lower the water). With your other hand, gently grasp the float and bend the bar up (to raise the water) or down (to lower the water). You shouldn't need to bend it much. Bend just a little and give your pool 24 hours to reach its new water level. If needed, do another minor adjustment.

What do I do if my water leveler won't shut off?
Many areas have high water pressure that can force the water leveler open when it tries to close. Attached to a faucet (usually at the back or side of the house) there is a valve shaped like a flat bar. When the bar is parallel to the pipe, it is all the way open; when at 90 degrees (like a "T"), it is closed. Close the valve completely and then barely open it until you can just hear the water flowing. This is usually enough to maintain proper water level in the pool and reduces the water pressure so the water leveler can close.

Heating

What do I do if my propane heater won't light?
Your pump must be running and water circulating through the heater before it will light. The electric breaker that controls the heater must be on. The on/off switch on the heater must be in the on position. If you listen carefully, you may be able to hear the ticking of the electronic ignition trying to light. Make sure the temperature dial on the heater is turned up. Check the valve at the tanks and make sure your heater is using a tank that has gas in it. If your tanks were just changed, the gas line may have air in it, and it will take about 10 to 15 attempts by the heater to light before the air is purged out of the line.

A heater will typically try to light three times automatically. If it is unsuccessful in those three attempts, it will shut off and stop trying. If that happens, turn the switch off and back on to reset it so it will try again. You can also call the company that delivered your gas and ask them to come back and purge the lines.

What do I do if my natural gas heater won't light?
Your pump must be running and water circulating through the heater before it will light. The electric breaker that controls the heater must be on. The on/off switch on the heater must be in the on position. If you listen carefully, you may be able to hear the ticking of the electronic ignition trying to light. Make sure the temperature dial on the heater is turned up.

Draining

How do I drain my pool?
Note: If your pool is a plaster pool, do not drain it in the summer months. The average temperature must be below 80 degrees F. to drain a plaster pool. It's best to let a professional drain a plaster pool.

To drain your pool, you will need to use a special pump. A submersible pump or sump pump can be rented at most equipment rental stores. Be sure to check with your city to see if you may drain the pool into the street. Some cities do not allow draining the pool into the street; others require a permit before you do so. Cities can and do fine homeowners for violation of their pool-draining rules.

Another option, the one most frequently used, is to drain your pool into one of your sewer clean-outs. Your sewer clean-out is usually a black pipe sticking up from the ground at or near the base of the house in the front and/or back yard. It usually has a screw-cap that can be removed to gain access. A permit is not required to drain the pool into the sewer clean-out in most cities.

Decking

What do I do if my deck has chips in it?
Small imperfections, landscapers, weed eaters, chairs, the occasional dropped hard object, etc., can all cause chips in your decking. We recommend you wait until all landscaping and other construction is completed before you call us for a chip repair. We will schedule a one-time chip repair at no charge to you.

What do I do if my deck has cracks in it?
All concrete will crack. Concrete is a rigid structure that has to expand and contract with the extreme temperature ranges in Arizona. However, there is a legal limit to how much concrete is allowed to crack. Code states that hairline cracks are normal and expected, but a crack cannot exceed the width of a dime. Cracks narrower than a dime cannot be repaired because they are too thin to fit a repair material in. If you can fit a dime in a crack, it needs to be repaired.

This "dime" rule doesn't apply to the expansion joints. They are designed to crack, and the cracks in them are allowed to be bigger. The joints are intended to control the cracking of the deck, and that is usually where the cracks occur. However, sometimes the deck decides to crack where it wants to. There is no way to predict with 100% accuracy where a deck will crack.

What do I do if my Kool Deck has different shades of color?
Kool Deck starts as a semi-liquid mud that turns hard. Then it finishes drying at the speed of a rock — that is, slowly. Additionally, a portion of the deck getting shade will dry slower than the part of the deck that gets no shade. Moisture under the deck will cause that part of the deck to be darker. If a part of the deck is constantly wet, it will always be darker than decking that hardly ever gets wet. Sunlight will bleach the deck as well. It generally takes about 12 months for a deck to reach its final color.