How are you going to control the functions of your new system?
How are you going to turn on and off the features of your new spa, jet pump, blower, light?
Do you want to be able to automatically set the temperature levels for your pool and spa?
Do you want to manually control these functions or automate?
Now is the time to decide. Keep in mind that if you do not use a type of automatic system, valves will need to be manually changed and heater thermostats adjusted to a spa setting when you want to change from pool to spa mode. Automation can be an expensive option, but it is an option that should be considered.
The automatic systems on the market today include Hayward Goldline, Jandy and Pentair systems. These three manufacturers are the most popular companies for this type of equipment. They all produce systems that have been proven over the years to provide reliable service and warranty service. All three of these manufactures have good helpful systems, allowing for complete automation of your pool and spa. Many of these systems also allow for the addition of a salt generator system directly incorporated into their products. Keep in mind that if a salt generator system is to be apart of your pool, make sure the system is compatible with your automatic controller. Many controllers now communicate with the salt systems to allow for better and more efficient operation.
Once you have decided that automation is the option you are going to choose, you will need to decide how automatic you want the system to be. Wireless spa side controls which are waterproof are available, in house wall control panels with digital readouts, options which allow for computer interfacing and systems which will allow for telephone communication. The amount of automation is up to you; make sure you confer with your pool construction company to help decide the best options for your situation.
Once your swimming pool and spa are completed and you decide to relax in your spa, the automatic control of your system will be one option you will be glad you're decided on and included in your new backyard oasis. Remember to invite all your friends and neighbors to see your new system and how automation
One of the worst things about owning a swimming pool is looking out your back window of your home and seeing that the pool water is a nasty shade of green. Now what? The family is ready to go swimming but the pool is a mess. The fix to your green pool may be as simple as some of the following suggestions.
- No free available chlorine. Use your test kit to check the chlorine and pH levels. Remember to make sure that the test kit reagents are not out of date and or the test strips are still current. Add chemicals as needed.
- Poor water circulation. Check the filter is it dirty. If you have a cartridge filter is the cartridge worn out? If you have a DE filter is it time to backwash or completely tear down the filter, check the grids and re-charge the system with clean filter powder. If your system has a sand filter it might be time to empty the sand and recharge the filter.
- Check the pump basket. If the basket full? Check to make sure that the basket is in good condition. A cracked or broken basket can allow items to bypass into the pump impeller, causing pump failure.
- Lack of proper swimming pool maintenance,which includes periodic super-chlorination and fresh water replacement. Remember to brush your swimming pool surface on a regular basis.
- Check the level of Cyanuric Acid (Also known as CYA, Stabilizer and Conditioner) in the pool water. Levels over 80ppm can cause the water to "Cloud Up". The best way to lessen the amount of Cyanuric Acid levels in your pool is to drain some of the water and re-fill with fresh water. Remember after doing this to check ALL your chemistry levels and readjust as needed. (If you are using Tri-Chlor tablets to sanitize your pool water, check your CYA levels frequently. Most "Tri-Chlor" tablets will contain levels of stabilizer or CYA.)
Possibly the pool water is not green but just cloudy; here are some suggestions for this type of water problem.
- Algae in the water - Check your pool chemistry and adjust as needed
- Too high a hardness level - Use your test kit to monitor. If the harness is too high some dilution might be needed.
- Too much backwashing of the filter. Backwashing causes pool water to be flushed out of the pool, remember after major backwashing and addition of fresh water to the pool to check your pool chemistry.
- Plugged or channeled filter. Clean your filter, replace media if necessary.
- Improper pH - Adjust your pH to the recommended levels.
- Improper total alkalinity levels - Adjust as needed.
- High total dissolved solids content in the water. If the total dissolved solids content in your pool water is to high some dilution might be needed.
Owning a swimming pool does not need to be a time consuming, pain in the neck chore. With the correct equipment installed (pump, filter, automatic cleaner, chemical feeder, valves) and a good test kit, keeping your swimming pool water crystal clear and ready for swimming is easy and fun.
Ron Burr has sinced written about articles on various topics from Swimming Pool, Health and Swimming Pool. Ron Burr graduated from Florida Atlantic University in 1978 with a degree in Music Education. Ron has been in the swimming industry since for over 30 years and is currently a State of Florida licensed swimming pool and spa contractor. Ron is also the owne. Ron Burr's top article generates over 9900 views. to your Favourites.