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Scroll
down to browse through some archived SWIMMING POOL
questions and answers. Please click the Pool
Problems Link, on top of every page, to access a complete
listing of Pool Problem subjects, an alphabetized
Website Table of Contents, Pool Equipment Information,
About Alan Biographic Material and a Pool Glossary. Use
the other links to access additional subject
information. More information about some new and unique
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Optimizing the water chemistry and
improving pool and water safety!!! |
A
ColorQ, All-Digital Tester can
perform all of the common pool and spa
water tests and eliminates the
color-matching and guesswork.
There's a model, for every testing need.
A
PockeTester Kit
is a convenient way to monitor the salt
level, to help assure proper performance
of salt chlorine generators.
The
Precision UV model is an
Ultraviolet Sterilizer,
for all types of pools, up to
40,000 gallons. Kills
microbes that normal levels of chlorine
may not. Even better when used
together. |
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If you have a pool or spa water testing
need, we should have the product.
►
Scroll down to read through some
Question & Answer information.
◄
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Salt
Chlorine Generators and Better
Circulation!!! |
Most pools use some sort of chlorine. A
salt
chlorine generator is definitely a
better way to do chlorine, in any type
of pool. Salt chlorine generators are
highly automated and give you better
control of sanitation, helping you avoid
problems such as: algae, swimmer's
ear and pink eye. No more chlorine
to handle, measure or store. The salt level is about
that found in human tears. No
installation
salt chlorine generators are
available, for pools, spas and swim spas, that are plug and play
ready.
The
Circulator is a replace return
jet fitting, that creates a spiraling
return flow, that reaches throughout the
pool. This provides better
circulation, chemical dispersion and
heat distribution. |
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If you have a pool or spa water testing
need, we should have the product.
►
Scroll down to read through some
Question & Answer information.
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How to
improve safety and reduce heat and
evaporation losses? |
Safety pool
covers are an increasingly popular way to
provide backyard security for children and
animals, by covering the pool. This can be done,
without unsightly and clumsy rollers, at the
push of a button or the turn of a key. Pool
safety covers can be built for a natural,
uncluttered look and provide the additional
benefits of reduced water loss through
evaporation and big savings on pool heating
costs. Scroll down the page and click on the linked
keywords,
catch phrases
or images, in the archived answers below, to access additional information, on that topic or product.
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Helpful, Problem-Solving Information, in a
question and answer format.
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►
Cleaning Black Marks?
A couple of
years ago I asked for help to remove black marks on my
telescopic cover over my pool and you said to use bleach. I
have lost your reply and would like to know the ratio of
bleach to water again. I look onward to our reply.
Lydia R,
4/17/2018
Not all laundry bleach is the
same strength - read the label. Add then bleach to enough
water to dilute to 2%. Use a clean sprayer and treat the
affected areas, which are probably due to mold. Repeat, if
needed and, finally, hose off. I hope that the
information provided was helpful.
Sincerely. Alan Schuster, 4/17/2018
► Covering Up?
I'm looking for a pool cover to cover
a swim / spa 8ft x 24 ft long. To keep out leaves. Can you
help?
Barry W., 5/3/2017
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, 5/3/2017
► Pool Safety
Nets?
I just found your website and see that
you give very good answers. So I thought I'd email you my
question. We have a couple of neighborhood ducks that love
our pool. At first we thought it was cute but then we found
some droppings and lots of fuzz on the water surface. Also,
people said that duck droppings are not good because it
produces some kind of organism that borrows into your skin.
So now the visitors are not as cute any more. Do you know
where we can get a big net so that they can't get in? Or do
you have any other ideas we can try? Thanks much.
Angel, 6/27/2016
Ducks do two things. Eat and .... I had a boat so I know all
about them. Duck dropping, people and pools are not a good
mixture. There are safety nets that you can place over the
pool to keep the ducks out. It will also act as a pool
safety barrier for small children. Good luck and I hope it
all works out.
Sincerely. Alan Schuster, 6/28/2016
► Out Of
Sight?
We are planning to redo our 16' x 36'
inground pool next year and are definitely going to add an
automatic pool safety cover. The remodeling will include a
new finish, tile work and coping. Most covers, that I have
seen, are on top of the coping. Is there another way to do
this?
Dennis B., Sanford, NC, 9/14/2012
Being that you are planning on replacing the coping this
should not be a problem.
There are copings that will allow you to attach the
cover on the hidden underside.
Push a button and the cover
will retract to one end. The track will not be seen. At
least you know it can be done. I suggest that you work out
all the details with the contractors, so there are no
surprises. I hope that this information will prove to be
helpful.
Sincerely. Alan Schuster, 9/14/2012
► Solar Cover
Alternative?
Hi Alan. I use a heat pump on my 15x30
built in pool. I use it year round in South Florida and have
a solar cover. I find the cover awkward to use and was
wondering what alternatives that you could recommend. My
wife and I would appreciate your prompt response. Thank you.
Dick S., Florida, 9/18/2010
Without a doubt the easiest pool cover product to use is the
automatic safety pool cover. It can be operated
automatically, by a
remote control or a keyed switch. It covers the pool and
reduces heat loss, acts as a solar cover and provides
safety. The heating cost savings are considerable. It can also serve as a winter cover,
but I don't think you really care!!! It can be part of a
complete pool automation, that can include an
automatic pool
vacuum, a salt chlorine generator,
pool security alarm and more. I
hope that I have been helpful.
Sincerely. Alan Schuster, 9/18/2010
► Safety
Cover Algae Cleaning?
I have been through chlorine purgatory
trying to rid my pool of a constant low chlorine problem. I
have switched companies that test and the new company
advised me how on how to treat my pool problems and they are
suggesting that I have Mustard algae, which I would agree
with after reading your advice column. Can't keep the
chlorine up regardless of what I do and every time I shock
the pool it turns to white foam on the surface and the next
day the water is clear but there is a brown silt on the
bottom of the pool that looks like dirt or sand but when
brushed floats away like a cloud. When it is vacuumed it
goes away but is back on the bottom the next day in smaller
amounts. I am treating it with a copper algaecide and I am
wondering how to clean the bottom of my automatic cover to
make sure it is not on the cover also. Or is this step even
necessary? I am brushing the sides rigorously and vacuuming
and washing filters almost daily while keeping up the
Chlorine to 5+. Am I doing it right and is this the way to
rid the problem. Thank you.
Jack M. 6/18/2013
You seem to be on the right track and adding a copper
algaecide could help make the difference. Cleaning the
automatic cover
might be helpful. You can raise the water level and make
sure the free chlorine level is elevated and let the
chlorine reach the underside. I would suggest
having the free chlorine at 10 PPM, before this is done and
be prepared to add more chlorine, if required. This sort of
thing, might need to be done yearly, when the pool is
opened. Poor circulation can make algae growth more likely.
You might consider adding THE
POOL CIRCULATOR. The easy to
install device will eliminate the dead spots that can
promote algae growth. I hope that this information proves
helpful.
Sincerely. Alan Schuster, 6/18/2013
► Cleaning
The Automatic Cover?
I read through many posts but I
couldn't find anything on this issue. I have a vinyl liner
pool with a manually operated an in track safety pool cover.
Every time I open the pool cover, the pool has more dirt
settled on the bottom of it. I vacuum it and get it nice and
clean, and then the next time I open it (usually the next
day) it is dirty again! The cover is supposed to help keep
dirt and debris out of the pool, but I am wondering if the
dirt that settles on top of the cover is being rolled onto
the water wide of the cover when it is rolling up on its
spool, and then dropping that dirt into the pool when I
close the cover again. Is this what is likely happening, and
if so, what is the best solution to cleaning the top of my
pool cover off? Or is there likely something else I am
missing entirely. Thanks for you help!
Derek, Clovis, NM, 5/16/2009
I don't think you're missing anything and you see it for
what it is. Dust and dirt settles on the cover and
eventually ends up in the
pool. If it were not covered, the same dirt would enter the
pool in small amounts. I suggest that you clean the
cover, periodically, and deal with this dirt all at once,
rather than daily. I hope that this information will prove
helpful.
Sincerely. Alan Schuster, 5/16/2009
► Heater Cost
Savings?
1st, your site is very helpful and
informative. I have used it time after time for questions
pertaining to my pool. Your answers have always been exact
and have helped me solve my problems. My questions pertain
to Pool Safety Covers: How effective are they? Are they
cost effective? I would like to use it all year round. Are
they easy to operate? Do you have prices for various sizes?
Thanking you in advance.
Mike, N.Y., 9/28/20012
I assume that you are referring to an
automatic pool safety
cover. This type of cover can be used year round, as a
safety cover, a solar cover and as a winter cover. There is
a cost savings, associated with pool heating costs, that can
be considerable. The cover can be operated at the press of a
button and can be part of pool automation. Thanks for
visiting the website and I hope that I have been helpful.
Sincerely. Alan Schuster, 9/28/2012
► Savings,
Costs and Benefits?
Your website is awesome. Can a pool
safety cover pay for itself in heater costs, over a period
of time? Can it be used with a solar cover? Thanks.
Austin, 1/11/2005
It is unlikely to completely pay for itself in heater costs,
but it will make a considerable difference. This type of
cover is not generally
used with a solar cover, as that would eliminate some of the
convenience. It, however, does act as a solar blanket to
help retain heat, reduce evaporation and raise the water
temperature. One thing an automatic pool safety cover does extremely well
is to provide safety and piece of mind. The closing of the
cover helps protect children and animals from falling into
an unattended pool. How do you put a price on that? I hope
that I have been helpful.
Sincerely. Alan Schuster, 1/11/2005
► Reducing
Heater Costs?
I was browsing through your website
for information on mustard algae and came across a reference
to pool safety covers reducing heating costs. I am involved
in the management of our home owners association pool -
Olympic size - and was wondering if this type of product can
be used in our pool. Any idea as to possible savings? Costs?
Does it operate manually or can it be done automatically? If
the cover is a safety cover, is there any insurance savings?
Thank you for any assistance that you can offer.
Irving S., Delray Beach, Florida, 10/8/2005
Considerable cost savings can be had by reducing the
overnight heat loss due to evaporation and radiational
cooling. This type of
automatic
pool safety cover can be operated manually or
automatically and it can locked in place for additional
safety. I have no information about potential insurance
savings: you need to discuss this with your insurance agent.
In order to determine costs, possible savings and
practicality. I hope that I have been of
help. By the way, it seems to have been a bad year for
mustard algae problems! Good luck with the project.
Sincerely. Alan Schuster, 10/9/2005
► Winterizing
With A Pool Safety Cover?
Our pool is a 16' X 36' and we had it
built with the intention of adding an automatic safety pool
cover in the future. My question is can the safety pool
cover be used as winter cover? Thanks for the help.
Dawn & Jim, Fayetteville, NC, 6/3/2009
In many areas a
safety pool cover can be used as a winter
cover. However, the procedures for winterizing are
different. The water level must be dropped below the
skimmer, the lines blown out, openings sealed off and ice
compensators or Gizmos, added to the skimmers. Afterwards,
the water level is raised so that it will help support the
cover, in case of major accumulations during the winter. It
is still possible to use a conventional winter cover on out,
in order to completely seal off the pool for the winter
months. A lot depends upon where in the country you are and
the type of winter conditions. Your dealer or installer
should be able to provide you with specific instructions for
you area and for your specific needs. I hope that I have
been helpful.
Sincerely. Alan Schuster, 6/3/2009
► Cost
Savings?
Hi there. I have what I consider to be
a lot of pool equipment: an automatic pool vac, a salt
chlorine generator and a pool heat pump. We are thinking
about getting an automatic pool cover. Do you have any
information as to the savings in heating costs and chemical
costs. We like the idea of the safety factor and the
possibility of complete automation and the cost savings
would be a bonus. Thanks for any help that you can offer.
J and A, 9/13/2008
P.S. GGGGGGreat website -- keep it up.
You could except a considerable savings on the cost of
heating the pool: up to 70% based on materials that I have
read. However, the actual savings will depend upon your pool
location, exposure and how you use the cover. Evaporation
will likewise be reduced and you will
save on water. The
safety pool cover will reduce the effect of the Sun on the
chlorine level and should make a noticeable savings. The
cover can, also, help keep out debris, which otherwise might
reduce the chlorine level. How do you put a price tag on
safety and time saved? Better circulation helps improve heat
distribution. Adding the
Pool Circulator, which is a replacement fitting for
return jets, will dramatically improve circulation. With a
salt chlorine generator, an
automatic pool vacuum and a pool heater
or heat pump, you are really a
candidate for pool automation. I hope that I have been
helpful.
Sincerely. Alan Schuster, 9/13/2008
► Corrosion
And Salt Chlorine Generators?
I have been using salt chlorine
generators for several years and love the water quality. I
have installed many with the auto vinyl covers and have not
seen any problems, but I hear people saying that this is not
a good idea as the salt will corrode the aluminum track that
the cover rides in. Any comments on this?
Michael T, Dix, Hills, NY, 12/8/2008
Some dealers just don't like
salt chlorine generators. I had
one of the first installed on LI, back in the late 70's. I
was co-founder of Hydrology Labs (Swim-Free) and we were the
LI distributor for the first unit sold in the U.S.. A lot
has been learned since then. Manufacturers discovered that
equipment with two dissimilar metals, in immediate contact,
are subject to corrosion. One day my underwater light
floated up. The chrome plated brass screws that held the
stainless ring in place, dissolved. Simple solution, use
stainless screws or plastic screws. A SCG popularity
increased, the manufacturers redesigned their products
accordingly. So long as there are no dissimilar metals,
corrosion should not be an issue. If a pool owner adds too
much salt, that increases the risk. One great thing about a
SCG is that it makes for a more controllable level and
avoids high chlorine concentrations and the corrosive
effects of low pH. Pools using regular chlorine are at
greater risk, if they allow the free chlorine to get too
high and the pH too low: common problems with trichlor. The
salt content or TDS of pools with SCG is not all that
different from pools in the Sunbelt that use liquid chlorine
and have hard water. And no one is worrying about corrosion,
in these pools. Make sure that the grounding is right and
that the pool safety cover tracks is hosed out periodically.
Good advice, no matter how the pool is sanitized. I hope
that this information is helpful.
Sincerely. Alan Schuster, 12/8/2008
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