1. How often do you add Algecide to a pool?
2. I have a Hayward sand filter w/ a 1.5HP pump, I leave it run 24 -7 --- is that ok to do (I only turn it off when we have a bad storm)?
3. When you vacuum your pool do you change the filter over to something other than vacuum or does it stay there (on filter)? What would the waste setting be used for?
4. Backwashing should be done when the gauge gets to what number/pressure (it is usually around 15)? I usually do that right before and after I vacuum - is that right?
4. How do you clean the basket attatched to the pump area w/o water shooting everywhere (the one that needs to be filled with water before running)?
5. I have a light black ring/dirty area around my skimmer basket area-- how do I clean it off and why is it there?
6. What other chemicals should I test for that are important besides the Chlorine, Alk, and PH? How often do I test for these things?
7. Can bleach really replace pool store "shock" treatments and how often do I need to do shock treatments to a pool? Do you add the bleach right to the pool water or skimmer basket?
8. I know the sun affects the Chlorine so on an average temp and sun day, how many tablets would you use per week or day or should I be checking my Chlorine daily cause of all of the factors that affect the levels?
1. You may never need algaecide if you keep your chemical levels right and learn to use the correct amount of chlorine if you have an algae 'bloom'.
2. It's OK to run your pump 24/7 but you could probably run it quite a bit less and save a significant amount of electricity. I'll let someone who knows more about the flow rate of your pump to recommend run time.
3. You would vacuum to waste if you have a large amount of debris in the pool that would otherwise clog up the filter quickly.
4. If your pressure normally runs 15 psi, I would backwash when it rises to between 20 and 25 psi.
4? Do a search on this forum for 'How to empty pump strainer basket without a flood'.
5. The technical term is 'crud'. It's from any number of sources including body oils, suntan oils, etc.
6.Chlorine (preferably both free cl and combined cl), ph, alkalinity, cyanuric acid.
7. Yes, most people on this forum shock with plain, ordinary, inexpensive bleach. In spite of what many pool stores will tell you, unless you develop a problem such as an algae outbreak, you might not ever need to shock your pool. Shocking is certainly not a regular maintenance procedure. Any time you add bleach, pour it slowly in front of a return line so it mixes and becomes diluted quickly. Don't splash it on your liner.
8. Check out the threads on the forum regarding CYA. If you have no CYA level in your pool, you need one. It will keep sunlight from breaking down your chlorine. Your correct chlorine level will depend on your CYA level. Once you determine that, test every day or so and add just enough chlorine to maintain that correct level. I can't comment on quantity of tablets you'll use as I have never used them. Beyond that, an 'average' day where I am is 10 hours of full sun and 94 degrees. May be quite different in your location.
9. There's no substitute for reading as much as you can on this forum site. You'll learn quickly and have your pool in great shape in no time. If I've missed anything or inadvertently misinformed, there are plenty of well qualified people who will chime in.
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