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"Miscellaneous Pool Problems"
Pool & Odds & Ends: hard to categorize Information.
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Miscellaneous Pool
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►
Pool Safety Concerns?
We have an inground pool and
are concerned about our toddler son. Are there safety devices that could
put our mind at easy? Or should we use a cover or a fence? Thank you.
Jennifer S., 5/23/2007 
There are
several choices: pool alarms, portable safety fences, safety nets, safety
covers and enclosures.
From the point of view of safety, perhaps the best are
pool safety
covers. These covers seal off the surface - you can actually
stand on the cover - and can be operated manually or automatically. As a
bonus, they will reduce water loss through evaporation and keep the water
warmer. While it may not reduce the local code requirements for a fence, it can
be a real life saver. A
Pool Alarm System and/or a Gate
Alarm System is an easy, relatively inexpensive and do-it-yourself
way to effectively improve pool and backyard safety. Good luck with your decision.
Sincerely.
Alan Schuster, 5/23/2007
►
Underwater Lighting?
My family recently purchased
and moved into a house that has an existing pool. The pool does not have
any type of underwater lighting. I have this thing in the back of my mind
that water and electricity don't mix! Is there any risk to using the type
of light that hangs over the side? Thanks for your information.
Joel, Diane and family, Wayne,
NJ, 7/9/2004 
You can't just
use any type of light, as that could be dangerous. However, there are
Underwater Lighting Systems that are
available that are approved
for this application, by all
of the appropriate consumer products testing groups. These
products work on low voltage and must be plugged into a GFI protected electrical
outlet. Ordinarily, I would need to know if the pool was above ground or
inground - you didn't say - but there are
products available for both types. Good luck with the house and the pool,.
Sincerely.
Alan Schuster, 7/10/2004
►
Locating A Leak?
I went to open our 16'x24'x36"
deep above ground pool. There is a large wet spot in the grass on one end
of the pool. At the base of the pool wall at the ground, you can see water
running out of the bottom of the wall. I have about 26" of water in the
pool now. How do you locate where the hole or holes are if you do it
yourself? Is there an easy inexpensive way? I am willing to get wet
and try to patch the problem but I don't know how to locate the problem area.
Any help would be greatly appreciated.
Joe, 6/24/2008
There is a
product called
FIX A LEAK that can be added to the
pool and
 will
be carried, by the leaking water, to the site of the leak. It can form a
permanent repair on holes as
large as 1/8" in diameter. There are, also, products to aid in leak
detection. Basically, they are highly colored dense solutions. You
shut off the pump and allow the water to become still. A small amount of
product is dripped onto the surface, above the suspected source area of the
leak. The color solution will sink and the currents will pull it towards
the hole. You should be able to see a stream of color entering a point on
the liner. That's where the leak should be! Use a
vinyl repair kit and
hopefully, you'll be back in the swim. The difference between these
products is that FIX A LEAK can seal the leak, even if it not apparent where it
is located. The dye solution cannot seal leaks. If none of these
work, you might have to consider calling in a
leak detection
specialist. I hope that I have
been of assistance. Good luck and enjoy the summer.
Sincerely. Alan
Schuster, 6/24/2008
►
Cracked Wall?
I have what started out as a
hairline crack, in marcite, below the waterline. I used an epoxy based
product to seal the crack and everything seemed OK. Now, it seems that the
crack has widened very slightly. I am losing about 1/4" of water a day
and, from what I have read, that is reasonably normal. Is there something
that would be better to seal this crack. I'm afraid it could get bigger.
Thanks for the help.
Carl R., San Diego, CA,
3/31/2005
It is hard to
tell if you are losing water, at this time. If the crack widens, a leak
will likely result. If the crack is widening, it is probably an indication
that the area is still under stress, due to settling, erosion, or shifting.
As you have discovered repair compounds may solve the problem, but if there is
ongoing stress you may need more repair efforts, in the future. I hope that this information proves helpful. Good luck with the repair.
Sincerely.
Alan Schuster, 4/1/2005
►
Pool Keeps Refilling?
We have an inground pool that came
with the house we bought last April. It now has tears in both
corners of the deep end along with a very large on the side. We
drained it down to the beginning of the deep end only to have it
back up over the light the next day. Repeated the process again
and it has refilled itself again, over the light and past the
second step. We can not figure out why this is happening. Any
suggestions? Thank you,
Tim P., 1/30/2010
Most likely your pool is equipped
with an auto-filler. It is adding water, as the level drops below a present
point: probably the lower 1/3 of the skimmer intake level. Such devices are
used to protect the pump, from running dry, especially when people are away on
vacation. There has to be a valve or means to shut it off. Look in the skimmers
for a float switch or near the filter/pump for a valve. I hope that this
helps to clear up the mystery.
Sincerely. Alan Schuster, 1/30/2010
►
Chemical
Storage Safety?
I had a fire at my house last
June due to pool chemicals. The fire department said having the chemicals
sitting close together was the cause. I had pH+, pH-, Chlorine and Shock. The
labels on these products don't say anything about not being able to store them
together. Can you send my any information? Thank you.
Rebecca C., 1/10/2004
It took
more than simply storing chemicals near one another, to cause the fire.
Think of pool stores with shelves full of different products! Chlorine
is the chemical most likely to cause a fire, especially if the container is not
tightly sealed, is exposed to other chemical vapors or contamination, is
subjected to wet or damp storage conditions or has been contaminated while
product was removed. More information on
chemical safety
is available on this website.
Always store chemicals in a dry location, away from heat and children, close all
containers tightly, clean up all spills, never mix chemicals together, never
reuse containers and avoid cross contamination. Always read the labels for
proper storage and use. There are ways to reduce chemical usage:
salt chlorine generators,
ozonators,
UV sanitizers,
mineral sanitizers and ionizers are alternative pool
water sanitizers. I hope that everything works out for you and that this
information proves helpful.
Sincerely.
Alan Schuster, 1/10/2005
►
Landscaping And
Privacy?
We are planting trees by our
swimming pool so we can have privacy from our neighbors in the back of us
(they are all walk-outs and our always looking down on us). We are considering
planting 2 crimson maples on either side of the back fence (about 10 ' away
from the swimming pool), as well as 3 ivory silk lilacs between the to crimson
maples along to back fence (about 3' - 4' away from the swimming pool).
Can you please let us know if this is a good idea, and if you can suggest
other trees that will grow really high. Please keep in mind my husband
will not plant anything like cedar hedges. If you can please e-mail me
ASAP because this will all happen in the next couple of days. Thank-you!
Sabrina Q., 5/19/2009
I am not at
all familiar with the shrubbery that you are referring to. I suggest that
you discuss the requirements with an experienced landscaper. What I can do
is point out some things that you want to avoid.
Avoid trees and shrubs that drop prodigious amounts
of leaves, as it will only make it difficult to keep the pool clean. Avoid
plantings things like, live oak, black olive and anything else that has leaves
that can cause staining. Avoid using shallow rooted plants that can cause
problems with the underground pipes, patio and decking.
Every area has its best
choices and I am just not able to help in the decision making. Good luck.
Sincerely.
Alan Schuster, 5/19/2009
►
Replacing The
Coping?
I have a pool that came with
the house. So far as I know the builder is not in business any more.
The coping looks like it was a prefabricated aluminum material. I would
like to replace this with something more attractive and durable. Would a
stone coping be suitable or does it have to be something like what is on the
pool. Thanks.
Jeff, M., 4/12/2005 
You should be
able to use a
stone coping, with the right
installation technique. For
some coping ideas visit
www.federalstone.com
I suggest that you have a contractor come in and take a look at what needs to be
done. Try and plan ahead -- don't wait for the season to start. Good
luck.
Sincerely.
Alan Schuster, 4/13/2005
►
Anti-Entrapment Drain Covers?
We have an older inground pool and I am
concerned about my daughter's long hair being snagged, by the suction created by
the main drain. Can my pool be fitted with a safety cover, that I have
read about, in a recent magazine article? Thank you for your help.
Debra S., Bonita Springs, FL, 3/12/2007
Your pool should be able to be fitted with a safety cover.
There are safety devices, complying with the latest safety regulations, that will avoid the grave consequences
of hair or body entrapment. This cover can be used on virtually all
U.S. circular drains and meets or exceeds the highest standards.
I hope that this information will be helpful and provide some piece of mind.
Sincerely. Alan
Schuster, 3/12/2007
►
Covering Up?
I'm looking for a pool cover to
cover a swim-spa, 8 ft x 24 ft long, to keep out leaves. Can you help?
Barry
W., 5/3/2003
There are lots of
choices. You can purchase a lightweight laminated pool cover and cut it to
size. You could have a cover made to order. You could use a safety
cover that will keep the dirt and the kids or dogs out of the pool. There
are
automatic pool covers, as well. It
boils down to a matter of budget and needs. I suggest that you pay a local
pool professional a visit, in order to help your
decision making process. Good luck and I hope that I have been of
assistance.
Sincerely.
Alan Schuster, 5/3/2003
►
Too Many Drowned Animals?
Too often, I find a mouse or chipmunk, dead in the skimmer. in my inground pool.
Once, I had a possum in the pool and had to use the net to get it out.
Luckily, it did not damage the liner. Is there any simple solution?
Thanks. Kelly N., Greensboro, NC 12/1/2007 
Actually there is a simple solution: the
Skamper-Ramp.
It is easy to install and provides an
escape route for all types of animals: dogs, cats, possum, mice,
chipmunks, spiders and more. It protects the pool, when you
are not around and flips up and out of the way, when you are using the
pool. It is an easy solution for a concerning
problem. The Super Skamper-Ramp can accommodate regular
use, by pets of all sizes. I hope that this information will be
helpful. Sincerely.
Alan Schuster, 12/1/2007
|
Save Pets & Uninvited
Critters From Drowning! |
►
Blocked Line?
I believe a toy got sucked into my
skimmer, after I failed to replace the basket. Any suggestions.
Keith N., Hauppauge, NY 7/14/2005
You should remove the line from
where it attaches
to the pump or multiport valve. Use a shop vacuum to blow the line clear
out and back into the pool. There is a simple way to
avoid toys and objects from getting sucked into the skimmer or locking the weir
in place. Skimmer guards are easy to install
and solve the problem. I hope the information proves helpful.
Sincerely. Alan Schuster,
7/14/2005
►
Liquid Solar
Blanket?
I am in the process of
installing an inground pool in the northeast, complete with heater. I will
probably get a solar cover at some point but I am wondering about the liquid
solar blankets being sold now. Do you have any thoughts on this product? Thank
you.
Jim D., 5/6/2005 
These
products do actually work. They reduce evaporation and that helps to keep
the water warmer.
The
SolarPill simply
has to be placed in the skimmer basket and can be used in all types of pools and
with all types of chemicals. It may not be as effective as a real solar blanket, but it
doesn't have to be placed on and taken off. Want a really great product
idea? An
automatic pool safety cover!
It acts as a solar blanket, a safety cover and even as a winter cover.
And it covers the pool at the press of a button.
For more information go to:
www.coverpools.com
I hope that I have been helpful.
Sincerely.
Alan Schuster, 5/6/2005
► SolarPill Usage Considerations?
I was wondering about the SolarPill as it
seems to create a film across the top of the pool and some websites indicate
that if it comes in contact with your skin you should wash it off
immediately. Seems counterproductive. What's the scoop? Thanks.
Jay, 2/6/2008
By forming a
mono-molecular film or layer, on the surface of the pool,
SolarPill
helps to retard evaporation, which accounts for the greatest loss of heat.
Reduce evaporation and the water stays warmer.
The ingredient, used to form this film, is a natural material, used
extensively in cosmetic creams and lotions. It is not known to be
irritating or toxic and is biodegradable. The use of this product
should not change the way people use their pool or require special
considerations. I hope that this information will put your mind at
ease.
Sincerely. Alan
Schuster, 2/7/2008
►
Vacuuming A Small Pool?
I have only of those
inexpensive pools with a liner suspended from a pole. The vacuum I use is
just about useless. It works with a garden hose and only seems to move the
dirt around. It will catch a leaf, but not the small stuff. Is there
an easy, inexpensive solution? Thank you.
 Belinda T, 3/3/2008
The
best vacuums are either have self contained filters or use the pool's filter.
In your case, you have neither. That garden hose vacuum uses water flow to
suck in debris, but it is not effective and could be a waste of water. There
is a hand-held vacuum that is battery-powered, hoseless and fully portable.
It is reasonably and affordably priced and is perfect for all types of small
pools, kiddie pools and even spas. It will make for a much cleaner pool. Enjoy the season.
Sincerely.
Alan Schuster, 3/30/2004
|
Go
cordless and get the job done easily!!! |
►
Major Pool Leak?
We have an inground pool with
a liner. I'm not sure how old the liner is. The pool was there when we
purchased the house 6 yrs ago. The pool did not start leaking until after we
started to bring it up this year. The first time I noticed a leak, the water
level had gone down about 6-8 inches over 1-2 days. The water level is now well
below both skimmers, the ladder and the pool "jets?". It is now just at the
bottom of the light the ring. The leak seems to have slowed from a fast leak to
a slow leak at this point. The leak seamed to slow down after the water level
got on the bottom part of the light ring. Our plan is to just let it drain
until it stops leaking so that we can determine the leak site, but our pool is
10 ft at the deep end; this could take quite some time. The shallow end of the
pool only has about an inch of water left in it and is below the 3rd step. Is
there anything else we can do to determine where the leak may be coming from.
In case you need to know, the pool has a DE filter and all of the ports are
turned to the off position. Help! At this rate it will be next summer before
we determine the area leaking. Hopefully, I have supplied the info you
need. Thanks.
Tammy S., 4/6/2004
If the leak
were in an obvious place like the main drain, it would still have quite a bit of
water depth and would likely continue to leak rapidly. Most likely the
leak is not at the bottom, based on your information. You are correct that
the leak will slow, as the water level comes close. Short of calling in a
leak specialist, there are some things that you could try. There are leak
detecting dyes that could be used to help locate the leak. This a major
leak and could be due to a cracked pipe or loose connection.
Hopefully, you are getting close to the level of the leak. If you can't
locate the leak, you should consider calling in a
leak detection
professional. For more information and for the location
of a leak detection professional go to:
www.poolleak.info I hope that I
have been helpful.
Sincerely.
Alan Schuster, 4/6/2004
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► Sulfur Smell & Discoloration?
I am having an inground pool built and I know that
the water that will be used to fill it has some sulfur in it and probably other
organic decomposition products, as well. Can I treat the water, as the
pool is being filled? Thanks for any help, you can offer.
Bill T, Cody, WY, 5/26/2009
Planning ahead is the best
thing you could have done. The
PURESTART Pre-Filter
will remove sulfur and organic contamination, as the water passes through this
cartridge-like filter.
It simply attaches to the hose, that will be used to fill the pool, and removes
sulfur and organic contamination, as water passes through the media inside.
If you use it to treat all the water used to fill the pool and to top it off, in
the future, you will keep these offensive materials out of the pool. It
should make getting the pool into chemical balance a lot easier and less
expensive, as well. Good luck with the pool and I hope the
information is helpful.
Sincerely. Alan
Schuster, 5/27/2009
►
Water Inflow?
We recently moved into a
house with an inground pool that is a real mess. The previous owners have not
used the pool in years, therefore the pool needs a lot of work. I am not sure
whether the pool is a concrete pool, a gunite pool, or a vinyl lined pool.
The pool was constructed in 1988, yet there is an old liner in the pool that
needs replacing. The main problem encountered is that when we pumped the pool
out, using a pump, the bottom of the deep end of the pool refilled with
water. Is this normal, and what should I do? Since I am not in a predicament
to hire a professional right now, I appreciate any suggestions? Thanks.
William D., 4/20/2004
My guess is
that the pool is gunite and not simply a vinyl liner pool. If there is a
vinyl liner, it may have been placed over the gunite shell. If it were a
typical vinyl pool, the liner probably would have floated up, as it is likely
that the pool is in the water table. The inflow could be the result of a
hydro-static pressure relief valve, that is used to prevent gunite pools from
popping out of the ground in high water table situations. You should have
a company come in and inspect the pool and make a proper determination of the
problem. Good luck.
Sincerely.
Alan Schuster, 4/20/2004
►
Return Flow
Direction?
Hi, The water that returns
to the pool comes out of the returns, but how should the returns be adjusted
to obtain the best circulation? Thank you for any reply.
Gary, 4/30/2004 In most cases
the returns are usually set to direct the water straight ahead, so as to create
a good surface flow towards the skimmers. This helps remove floating
surface debris. This is how you should start. However, depending
upon the pool shape or lack of a main drain, it is sometimes necessary to
redirect some flow towards areas that need better circulation. Want
better circulation? Install
"The Circulators."
They are inexpensive, easy to install and will dramatically boost circulation. Enjoy the
season.
Sincerely.
Alan Schuster, 4/30/2004
►
Call For Help?
Alan. Please help me ! I
recently took over a facility that has two pools. Both pools are problems but
the larger one is a disaster. I have two questions:
1. The larger pool is
shaped like the top of a grand piano. The bottom is shaped like a pond.
There are no stairs or even square edges. The previous owner has spent a
fortune on mason work to stop leaking but to no avail. I don't want to throw
away money every year. FYI....The bottom is also scratchy on the feet and we
spend a few thousand dollars every year to acid wash and paint the
pool. It has leaked for 15 years. Is a pool liner my best option ? If not
what are my other options?
2. The same pool has a
heating system that does not work. I must have heat by the end of June. What
are my options and what is my best option? Remember the pool is quite large
so the correct heater is very important.
Please help me. Regards.
R. B., 3/18/2004
You
probably can have a liner made for the pool. A local dealer should be able to assess the possibilities.
While it is possible that the pool is leaking through the walls, it is also
possible that the leak is in the plumbing or fittings. There is a product
called
FIX A LEAK that can seal leaks as
large as 1/8 inch. It is worth looking into. The important thing is
to determine where is leak is located. Inside or outside of the pool
walls!!! If your efforts fail, you might to have consider calling in a
leak detection
specialist. More information can be found on the Anderson Manufacturing
website:
www.poolleak.info
So far as your
heater is concerned, it may be serviceable. You need to call in a heater
repair service. Heaters can be matched to the size of the pool. Good
luck. It sounds like you'll need it.
Sincerely.
Alan Schuster, 3/18/2004
►
Installing An Above-Ground
Main Drain?
The person who installed our aboveground 24' round
pool talked us into a main drain; however, he messed around so long in getting
our pool up that the weather became cold. Thus, he didn't want to finish
the main drain until the spring when we reopened the pool. He is no
longer available to finish this! My husband would like to have
instructions on finishing this job himself. Apparently, the installer
did everything but actually make the hole in the bottom of the pool and
install the "frisbee-looking" piece. Can you help, please?
N.N., 4/28/2003
The delicate part of the
installation is the cutting of the opening in the bottom. Make it too big
and you could ruin the liner. I suggest that you contact, a local
installer that is experienced, in such installations. If you find someone
to finish the job, make sure that you get proper instructions on how the pool
should be winterized.
If you live in the "frost belt,"
the drain and pipes must be protected against freezing.
Improving the water circulation across the pool floor is important in
maintaining pool water quality and avoiding algae problems. The addition
of a
robotic pool cleaner can
accomplish much of the benefits of a main drain, without installation or
winterizing concerns. And it will make pool maintenance easier!
More information on this product visit:
www.smartpool.com Good luck and
enjoy the pool.
Sincerely. Alan
Schuster, 4/29/2003
►
Calculating The Pool
Volume?
I have been searching the web for
a formula to calculate the volume of my pool. I ended up on your Pool Odds
& Ends page, but I can't locate the information. Please help.
Roma W., Amhersturg, Ontario,
Canada, 8/31/2005
Close, but no
prize. The information is on the website, but not on that page. If
you had used the Pool Topics Page link, in the navigation box at the top of
every page, you would have seen
Calculating Pool
Volume listed as a subject. This is what you're looking for.
Glad you found the right website for pool and spa information.
Sincerely.
Alan Schuster, 8/31/2005
►
Pool Layout?
Hello Alan, I just had a
pool installed and would like to know just where the skimmers and return's
should be in relation to each other. My pool is a 19X35 sort of "B"
shaped vinyl. What the contractor did was install the skimmers (2) on
the straight side and placed the returns about a foot away from them with
directional nozzles is this proper or should the returns be opposite the
skimmers? Also, at 17500 gallons what size should the pump be? I have
looked on line and cannot find any site that will show a skimmer and return
layout. Thanks for any info. you can provide.
Russell, 11/21/2003
It would
presumptive of me to further the notion that there is something wrong with the
layout. In a typical rectangular pool, you would expect the skimmers and
returns to be opposite one another, on the short ends. However, this is
not a typical pool. If you were to place the returns on the side opposite
the skimmers, you would create a dead zone at each of the curved ends.
Sending the water towards the curved ends will help sweep the water towards the
middle and the skimmers. I am not a pool builder, but I believe that the
placement was well thought out. Pump size is determined by pool size,
filter type and pipe size. Bigger is not necessarily better. I would
think that a 1-1/2 HP pump would serve nicely. To be certain bring in the
specific details to a local pool professional. Being considered about the
water flow and circulation, you might give thought to a
robotic pool cleaner. It will cover the entire bottom and bring
the additional benefits of a built-in micro-filter and improved water
circulation. I hope that I have been
helpful. Enjoy the pool!
Sincerely.
Alan Schuster, 11/22/2003
►
Less Than Ideal
Skimmer Placement?
I have purchased and begun
the installation of an above ground pool. The size is 12 x 24 x52".
Here is my question. After deciding where to put the pool in our back
yard, I have run into a problem. The deck addition we would like to
build won't allow us to place the skimmer in the location the instructions
call for. Imagine an oval with the flat side facing you. The left bottom
quadrant has the deck wrapping around from the center of the end radius to
the start of the right radius. The electrical would be supplied via
conduit under this deck, leaving the most convenient locations on either end
of the deck. Will this work well? Hope to hear from you soon as I
have already started installation.
Tony, 5/3/2004
Ideally,
you want the skimmer and returns opposite each other, 24' apart. If that
can't be done, separate them as much as possible. To improve the water
circulation, you could angle the return, so as to help avoid a dead zone.
Adding a
robotic pool cleaner will not only
save work and keep the pool clean, it will improve the circulation and help
avoid dead spots. Areas of pool water circulation will be the first to
develop algae problems, if favorable growth conditions are present.
Enjoy the pool.
Sincerely. Alan
Schuster, 5/3/2004
►
Frogs?
PLEASE HELP! We have an
inground pool that is about 400 ft. from a pond. We pulled out over 60 frogs
yesterday morning and another 45 today. We've had only a few here and there
since the pool opened in Aug. Someone suggested Moth balls along the
perimeter where we have an open slat fence. We have done that this evening
but in the event it doesn't work I'm looking for some suggestions. We are
located in northern FL and the daily temp is still in the 80's with the pool
temp averaging between 70 and 75 degrees. I hope you have an easy and
quick solution as I am already anxious about how many will be in the pool
tomorrow. Thank you for your time.
AnnMarie C., Florida, 10/20/2006
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