Complete novice needs help!

The basics of swimming pool maintenance.
New swimming pool owner's questions.
Help getting started with daily pool care.
JacquiP

Complete novice needs help!

Postby JacquiP » Mon 18 Feb, 2008 06:43

Hi,

Hoping someone out there can give some advice. My partner and I have just purchased a property in Portugal that has an in ground swimming pool but there are no manuals and the things written on the equipment are all in Portugese.

We have absolutely no idea how a pool runs or how to maintain it etc. The ex-owner only speaks portugese and ours is very limited! so no help there.

We realise we will probably have to "get a man in" but would like a basic understanding of how it all works, any ideas?

Jacqui


Poolz

Pool question

Postby Poolz » Wed 20 Feb, 2008 04:15

Could you get some pictures of the pool. It is impossible to respond without at least a vague idea of the kind of pool, pump and filtration system you have.
muss51

Postby muss51 » Fri 07 Mar, 2008 21:23

A swimming pool is a circulation system. It draws in existing water in the pool, filters it, and sends it back to the pool. The areas where water is drawn in are usually at the bottom of the well, these are the main drain(s),and around the pool into skimmers. The main drain sucks in small dirt and debris while the skimmers do what there name implies. They "skim" the surface of the pool by sucking large debris into their baskets. The water comes back to the pool by "returns." Returns can be built into the pool floors and walls. Skimmer baskets should be emptied at least once a week. The water is circulated by a pump. The pump is usually located low to the ground with a pipe coming into the front and one out of the top. There will also be a lid with another basket inside. This basket catches what gets sucked in the main drain or through the skimmer. This should be emptied once a week. Usually the water is sucked in the front and forced out the top. From here the pipe will usually lead to a filter. Filters come in three types. Sand, DE, and Cartridge. There may be a pressure gauge on the filter. When the pressure increases 10psi over normal pressure the filter needs to be cleaned. After the filter the pipe will then lead to a heater, chlorine feeder, water features, or any combination of these. Then back to the pool.

Chemistry
pH, TA, and chlorine. pH is a measure of how acidic or basic the water is. Ideal is 7.2-7.8. TA is a buffer from stopping the pH from extreme changes. Chlorine sanitizes the pool 1.0-3.0.

This is all very basic info. If you have specific questions feel free to ask.

Return to “Basics for New Pool Owners”

Who is online at the Pool Help Forum

Users browsing this forum: No registered users and 29 guests