Saratoga Pools
Swimming Pool and Spa Contractors, Builders and Designers Since 1987
Mon-Fri: 08:00 - 13:00, 14:30 - 17:30 +357 25 334676

FAQ

HOW OFTEN SHOULD I CHANGE THE WATER IN MY HOT TUB?

It is a good idea to completely drain and refill your hot tub every 8 weeks. If you do not use the hot tub as often, you can generally go 12 weeks between water changes. Making sure that your hot tub has fresh water will also guard against the possibility of the heater coil corroding prematurely.

HOW OFTEN DO I NEED TO ADD SALT TO MY SALTWATER POOL?

Salt is added to the water at the time of installation. After that, only top-up salt is required to make up for salt lost through water splash-out, overflow due to rain, filter back-flushing, leaks in the pool etc. Evaporation does not reduce the salt level nor is the salt consumed in the saltwater system process.

WHAT IS THE BENEFIT OF AN AUTOMATIC CLEANER?

Automatic cleaners increase the opportunity that your pool will always be “swim ready.” Automatic cleaners today are sophisticated and reliable. There are many different types for all applications depending on the type of pool and your locality to suit your needs and existing equipment.

Since it is not possible for your pool professional to be in your yard every day to ensure all debris is cleared, this is an excellent option to ensure that algae does not have a good chance of getting hold of your pool’s finish. The most common types of algae are caused botanical debris settling in your pool. Algae is unsightly, unhealthy for both swimmers and the longevity of your pool’s finish (plaster). Automatic cleaners are a very good option in avoiding algae and staining of your pool’s finish.

WHY IS MY POOL CLOUDY, AND HOW CAN I CLEAR IT UP?

Several causes of a cloudy pool could be the pH is not in proper range, high amounts of calcium or the filter needs to be cleaned. Make sure all levels are within proper range and then clean the filter. If you have a sand filter, this doesn’t necessarily mean to replace the sand but clean the filter with a filter cleanser.

WHAT CAUSES RED EYES AND ITCHY SKIN?

These unpleasant conditions indicate that the pool water has not been properly treated. A common cause is high levels of chloramines, formed when chlorine combines with body oils, perspiration, urine and other contaminants brought into pools by swimmers.

MY POOL IS LOSING WATER! WHAT SHOULD I DO?

You can expect some water loss due to evaporation and splash out during swimming. The evaporation rate varies by season, area in which you live and amount of time you run your water features. You will experience greater loss of water through evaporation, the greater the difference between warm air temperatures and cooler water temperatures. If suspect you are losing an above average amount of water in your pool, check all plumbing and equipment for leaks, inspect backwash line for water bypassing valve and inspect interior of pool for cracks. Please contact our service department to schedule a service call for visual leaks at equipment or contact the structural warranty department for non-visual leaks to discuss possible scenarios.

HOW OFTEN SHOULD I BACKWASH MY FILTER?

The filter should be backwashed every 4 to 6 weeks or when the pressure increases 8 to 10 lbs. over normal clean filter pressure. The filter should also be completely disassembled, inspected and cleaned every six months to ensure proper filtration.

HOW IMPORTANT IS WATER CHEMISTRY FOR MY POOL?

Believe it or not, water chemistry is the most important part of any pool’s maintenance routine. Pool water that is not balanced correctly will not only damage the pool equipment but will also ruin the interior finish of the pool. Here are some helpful tips to maintaining proper water chemistry:

  • Test water chemistry at least once a week
  • Always follow manufacturer’s directions for use of chemicals.
  • Never mix chemicals.

HOW LONG SHOULD I RUN MY PUMPS?

The amount of time required to run your system depends on the time of year and the conditions around your pool area. In the spring and summer months as the weather turns warmer and swimming increases, the demand for chemicals and filtration increases. It is recommended that the entire volume of water be filtered through twice a day. This can typically be achieved in a 8-10 hour run time per day. In the Fall and Winter the weather turns cooler and the demand for chemicals and filtration decreases. It is recommended that the entire volume of water be filtered through once per day. This can typically be achieved in a 4-6 hour run time per day. Consider the following when determining the amount of time to run your filter: If your pool is on a heavily wooded lot, you will want to extend the run times during the Fall and Spring. If you heat the pool in the Winter your demand for both chemicals and filtration does not decrease and you will want to continue to use the guidelines for Spring and Summer operation.

WHAT IS NORMAL PRESSURE FOR MY FILTER?

Every pool system has different pressure restrictions depending upon the type of equipment and features that were built with your pool. New pool owners will be given the normal pressure for their system with their start up instructions. If you are not the original owner or cannot remember the normal pressure of your system it is recommended that you backwash or clean the filter to establish a normal clean filter pressure.

HOW OFTEN DO I NEED TO TEST MY POOL WATER?

Weekly testing works for most backyard pools, but the best bet is to test your pH and chlorine levels at least twice per week. Chlorine should be fed continuously through a chemical feeding device to maintain a consistent level.