All You Need to Know About Your In-Ground Pool

What Is the Ideal Chemistry for Pool Water?

• Acceptable chlorine level: between 1 and 3 ppm
• Acceptable pH: between 7.2 and 7.8
• Acceptable alkalinity level: between 70 and 120 ppm
• Acceptable calcium level: between 180 and 250 ppm

N.B. These numbers may vary depending on the temperature of the water.

My water is blurry, what should I do?

1. If the water is green, it is probably algae. Begin the treatment by pouring 150 ml of algaecide (40 % minimum) per 10,000 liters of water. Then, it’s time for a shock treatment: dilute the shock treatment (quantity according to the pool’s measurements) in hot water and spread it everywhere onto the pool. 24 hours later, create a good backwash. Finally, make sure the water is balanced.
2. If the water is whitish, the filtration may be defective, the pool may be low in chlorine and / or the pH of the water may be poorly balanced.
   
   Filtration Deficient
   Empty the pump and skimmer basket, make sure the pump propeller is unobstructed and backwashed. There should be no air in the pump.
   
   Lack of Chlorine
   It’s time for a shock treatment: dilute the shock treatment (quantity according to the pool’s measurements) in hot water and spread it everywhere onto the pool.
   
   Unbalanced Water
   To properly balance the pH of the pool water, it is best to consult an expert.

Do I stop using chlorine when I 'switch to salt'?

Contrary to popular belief, by "going to salt", we still continue to use chlorine to disinfect the pool water. Indeed, as its name suggests, the salt chlorination system (SCS) converts salt into chlorine using an electronic cell. A digital control board not only accurately calibrates the desired chlorine level, but also makes certain water quality diagnoses, such as salt level, temperature, etc.

There are spots on my liner, what should I do?

There are two types of stains:

1. Those that brush off: they are usually algae.

If there are just a few
First, brush all stains. Begin the treatment by pouring 150 ml of algaecide (40 % minimum) per 10,000 liters of water. Then, it’s time for a shock treatment: dilute the shock treatment (quantity according to the pool’s measurements) in hot water and spread it everywhere onto the pool. 24 hours later, create a good backwash. Finally, make sure the water is balanced.

If there are a lot
Do not hesitate to contact us so that we carry out an appropriate treatment.

2. Those that do not brush off: they are stubborn algae or metals. Contact us so that we proceed with the cleaning.

What are the benefits of "going to salt"?

1. Effectiveness of water disinfection

The biggest advantage of SCS is undoubtedly the effectiveness of water disinfection. Although there is always the risk of formation of algae, bacteria, viruses, etc. is practically nil. In addition to the fact that a SCS allows a constant and predictable production of chlorine, a SCS limits the interventions of an operator, which are, it must be admitted, often at the root of many problems.

2. Ease of use

SCS is relatively easy to use. Since salt stays in the water, a SCS requires very little intervention from an operator. Note, however, that a SCS is not everything: disinfection of water is facilitated by a SCS, but it does not balance the water. This always requires the intervention of an operator.

3. Human and material security

Another great benefit of SCS is the security aspect. Firstly, a SCS eliminates the manipulation of many chemicals, often potentially dangerous, starting with chlorine. Secondly, by reducing the risk of lack of chlorine, a SCS makes it possible to avoid the appearance of algae, bacteria and viruses harmful to human health, not to mention the "loss of enjoyment" of the pool when these nuisances make their appearance. Thirdly, a SCS maintains a lower chlorine level, which makes the water less corrosive and therefore safer for the water filtration and heating system, thus extending the useful life of these systems.

After how many years do I have to change the filtration sand?

In general, the life of the filter sand is 3 to 5 years. However, this time can be shortened if the sand is contaminated with algae, metals, etc. If the water is continuously cloudy, this is a good indicator that the filter sand is changing.

What are the steps to follow to maintain my pool?

Check the water level and add if necessary (expect a loss of about one inch due to water lost during backwashing).

1. Close the heat pump and ensure that water does not flow into it (if necessary).
2. Close the salt chlorination system (if necessary).
3. Empty the skimmer basket. It will be necessary to put it back if the water of the swimming pool is very dirty.
4. Close the bottom drain valve located at the pump (if necessary).
   
5. Pass a surface net.
6. Plug the sweeper directly into the skimmer hole after filling the water hose (use a "vacuum plate" and basket in the skimmer if the pool is very dirty).
7. Put the sweeper in the filter position everywhere and very quietly, even where there is no dirt.
8. Remove the sweeper (empty the skimmer basket or pump basket if necessary).
9. Brush the entire pool. It is normal, even after passing the sweeper, that there is a white dust. If the dust is green, treat algae. If the problem persists, do not hesitate to call Multi Service PC.
   
10. Do a "backwash": 1 minute to "backwash", 1 minute to "rinse", return to "filter" thereafter). Always turn off the power before changing the position filter.
11. Run a water test and adjust if necessary.
12. Open the water heater valves (if necessary).
13. Restart the salt machine (if necessary).

What should be an acceptable water loss?

Generally, a pool should not lose more than an inch a week. This may vary depending on the temperature (evaporation) and the use made of the pool.

How do you know where a leak comes from?

To discover the source of a leak, the first thing to do is to measure the loss of water for 24 hours when the filtration system is on and off.

1. Do not turn off the heating or filtering system. After setting the water level to half the skimmer, make a lead pencil mark on the outline of the skimmer or in the steps. 24 hours later, accurately measure the loss of water. Make a line again.
2. Reassemble the water level where it was 24 hours earlier.
3. Close the filtration system and measure the loss of water 24 hours later. Make a new line.
4. Compare the two water levels and inform us of the results.

If the water loss is the same while the system is on or off, it means there is probably a hole in the fabric. If the loss is different, it is probably a crack in one of the lines of the pool. In any case, it is best to consult an expert to make a proper diagnosis.