Water Level to Full in the Pool - Equipment

If the water level of the pool is to high, the skimmer won't work as it is designed to. The weir gate does not operate. In the old days this was remedied by a good back wash of the filter, draining the water to the desired level. With the introduction of the cartridge filter, there is no dry well. But there is a devise that fits in the suction of the deck skimmer, the suction turns an impeller that creates suction. This takes the unwanted water out of the pool and through a discharge hose that deposits it where ever you want. With heavy rains, and over filling, I found this product to be very useful. The skimmer on the pool helps to rid unwanted debris off the surface and provides a clean pool for use. The proper circulation of the water through a filter, along with the skimming action, keeps the pool clean and inviting for every one.

Solar Pool Blanket: Equipment

The solar pool blanket is a very good product. It holds in the heat, produces heat, maintains the water level and holds the chemical balance for a longer time. The blanket is a clear plastic with bubbles that magnify the suns rays and transfers the heat to the water. If one goes to the expense of using the pool heater, the blanket holds the heat in the water and does not let it evaporate as fast. The blanket prolongs the use of the pool, but a system for removal is up to the users. The service price is usually increased because of the time it takes for one man to remove it and keep it clean. There is a Reel available to remove the blanket that makes it easy for one person, otherwise the blanket can be left in the pool and folded and tied to the side. The blankets last a couple of years, and the savings are worth it. They come in different thickness' which determine the price, the thicker last longer. Enjoy the pool with free heat that the sun produces. Have a happy and safe time in the pool.

Porta-vac; Equipment

What is that contraption on the back of a pool cleaners truck? It is a Porta-vac, a complete filtering and pumping rig on a wheeled carrier. The Pool Cleaner can wheel this to the side of a pool and plug it in and have a good vacuuming system. Many pools have poor suction for vacuuming, but with this rig the suction is great. Also the dirt is kept in the Port-vac filter, not the built in system. The Pool Cleaner can clean out the filter on his own time, leaving the systems filter clean, less back washing. The Porta-vac was introduced in the 80s and became a must for the business. With the added suction, a larger vac head could be used and the pool cleaned much faster. Time is a factor when many pools are taken care of. Most Port-vacs are assembled by the person of the business, allowing them to choose the filter and pump. There are complete rigs available, but one saves by doing the labor themselves.

Salt Water Pools, Chlorine Generator; Equipment

Chlorine is derived from salt by subjecting salt to electricity, electrolysis. Salt water pools are not chlorine free but develop the chlorine from the salt in the water. There is no addition of the liquid bleach and makes it much safer from the harmful and powerful qualities of chlorine. The electrolysis system is installed in the plumbing of the filtering system, and has a panel for control. The only thing you add to the pool water is salt(3000 to 6000 ppm). You still have to maintain the acid level but it is much easier than usual. The water is much softer and delightful to swim in, one feels more buoyant and refreshed in this environment.

Pool Filters, Equipment

Mother nature has provided the best filter aid, sand and gravel. The older filters of this kind were huge and placed in an underground pit or in a equipment building. They were obtrusive and ugly, but they worked well. To keep a filter clean, back washing was necessary. One would simply reverse the flow of the water through the filter and deposit the dirt in a dry well, a cesspool like unit buried in the ground. The diatomaceous earth filter was introduced, it was much smaller in size, but still needed backwashing. The filter grids inside were coated with D.E. and the dirt would adhere to these grids and filter the water well. Every year, the filter had to be taken apart and the grids were cleaned separately by a hose with good water pressure and a brush. The filter tanks were stainless steal but later fiber glass was used. Then came the cartridge filter. With the cartridge filter there was no need for a dry well, thus cutting down on the cost of pool construction. One would simply disassemble the filter and hose off the cartridges. There are still sand and gravel filters and D.E. filters, but the cartridge filter took over the industry. They filter the water well and every couple of years the cartridges were replaced. The filter is a necessary product for a clean and sparkling pool. I found the D.E. filter was the best, but it is your choice.