Archive for the 'Pool Tips' Category
Hayward D.E. Filters Troubleshooting Guide
My D.E. filter is running at high pressures and has a slow flow of water returning back to the pool
The D.E. filter is loaded with too much debris or algae and needs backwashing or regeneration. If this problem persists and you notice the filter gauge pressure rising from 7 - 10 psi above your beginning pressure, you need to regenerate your filter. Refer to your Owner’s Guide for further instructions or contact Blue Haven Pools & Spas.
Your pump output might exceed the design flow rate of the filter. Make sure the pump is correctly sized for your filter.
If there is algae in the pool, super chlorinate, backwash or bump/drain and recharge as needed. Make sure you are properly backwashing on your vertical grid filter. Refer to your Owner’s Manuals for instructions.
My D.E. filter short cycles even after I backwash or regenerate and recharge
The filter elements may be clogged because of an accumulation of chemical deposits. Clogging is accelerated if chemicals are fed through the skimmer, operating your filter too long without D.E. after starting the pump, or operating the filter without D.E. D.E. must be added as soon as the filter is full of water, and the pump is putting out a steady stream of water. Refer to your Owner’s Guide for the amount of D.E. your filter requires.
Biguanide based sanitizers (i.e. Baquacil, SoftSwim) can cause short cycling.
My D.E. filter is leaking back into the pool
Be sure that the suspected material on the pool floor is actually D.E. Pollen, chemical residue and plaster dust often look like D.E.
You may have a tear in your filter elements, replace if necessary. Make sure that you assemble the internal parts properly!
Check for air leaks, as this will cause the system to leak D.E. back into the pool. If there are air leaks, install a check valve between the pump and the filter valve.
Read the rest of the article at Blue Haven Pools and Spas Supplies Direct.
Become a Blue Haven Affiliate Partner
Do you have a website or blog? Are you looking for a way to earn extra money? As a Blue Haven Pools and Spas Supplies Direct affiliate, you can earn a commission on every sale that is generated from your website. To register for our program, visit the Blue Haven Pools and Spas Supplies Direct affiliate page.
Use AquaJogger Water Fitness Products for Sports Training
The elements of peak performance are wrapped up in endurance, conditioning, injury prevention, recovery, rest, nutrition, skill development in preparing your mind for competition. You may be surprised at some of the ways you can combine water based programs into your training program to address these elements and raise your level of performance to new heights. The following information is illustrated and covered in more detail in the video “Take it to the Water” with water running specialist David Brennan and Dr. Stan James.
Improve endurance and conditioning
Impact and stress on your muscles and skeletal system take their toll on your body and set up injuries that put you on the sidelines instead of in the competition. By combining the best of land and water training you can maximize training levels while minimizing risk.
Your cardiovascular, respiratory, muscle and skeletal systems all adapt to training at a different pace. The cardiovascular and respiratory systems recover the quickest followed by the muscular system while the skeletal system lags far behind. Take the pressure off your skeletal system and give it a chance to recover while maintaining pressure on the cardiovascular/respiratory systems.
Read the rest of the article at Blue Haven Pools and Spas Supplies Direct.
Good Article on Swimming Laps and Fighting Boredom
As I was out and about this morning on the internet, I came across a good blog post on how to fight boredom when swimming laps. It’s reprinted below. Here is the direct link to the article. It’s from a blog called “Swimming is Easy.”
When I tell people what I do for exercise, I often get replies such as, “I would swim, but its so dull going back and forth ad nauseum.” Well, I don’t claim to have the secret to fighting lap swimming boredom, but I’ve done it long enough to agree it can get dull. Here are some of the things I do to keep up my enthusiasm.1. Set goals (both mini and macro) - achievement makes it all worthwhile and pulls you back time and again
2. Use other swimmers like racing dogs to the rabbit at a dog track. Try to catch and pass them. Then do it again, and again. If they are too fast, just track your progress relative to them with markers in the bottom of the pool like the drain or lights. Note where you are when you pass the other swimmer even if they are going the other way, then when you get to the same spot the next lap, see if you have increased any distance between you and that swimmer (or have they gone faster than you?).
3. Watch other swimmers’ swim style (under water). If they are better than you, try to determine what it is that makes them better then try it yourself.
4. Watch what is going on around you. Things are always changing and just noticing little things can get your mind off the repetition you are doing.
5. Wear a digital watch. During your turns, note your time. I often like to do mental math to calculate simple things like speed and laps to go in how long, etc.
6. Change up your stroke. I do freestyle primarily, so one might think I’m stuck, but I’m not - I change the sides I’m breathing on. I work one side for 400, the other side for 400, then change the breathing rhythm e.g., 5,3,change sides 5,3 … 5, change sides 5, etc.
7. If none of this works … Some people listen to tunes or even audio books using a sealed MP3 player with special ear buds that keep the water out.
Product Tip: Finis’ SwiMP3 Waterproof MP3 player.
Hayward In-Ground Pool Cleaner Troubleshooting Guide
Hayward® In-Ground Pool Cleaners Troubleshooting Guide
My cleaner doesn’t move
Cleaners depend on several factors to make them operate. There must be enough water flow past the turbine. Use a vacuum gauge to measure the vacuum in the cleaner hose. You should have 1″ vacuum per section of hose.
Second, the four small “shoes” must be able to grip the pool surface. Make sure that the “shoes” are not worn out and that the surface of the pool is not slippery because of a buildup of algae. Note: some algae is clear, be sure to feel the underwater pool surface.
Third, the shoes and “pods” must be working correctly. Any wear in the “drive train” can cause problems. To check for wear, hold the left and right “pods” in your hands and firmly, try to rock the pods. All force on the pods should be transferred to the turbine and no “play” should be evident.
As a test, hold the cleaner by the hose. Keep the cleaner below water with the pump running. Hold the cleaner off the bottom of the pool and observe, the cleaner should: rotate right - not rotate - rotate left - not rotate - rotate right - etc. All the time, the “pods” should be kicking. If you can reach under the cleaner and stop the pods with your hand, there is either excessive wear on the internal parts or inadequate suction. Remember to check the vacuum reading before calling for assistance.
The hoses are twisting
Cleaner hoses cannot be coiled up for storage. If you have coiled them, take the sections apart, lay them straight, and leave them outside for an entire day and night. Once the curls are removed, the hose should be usable.
Cleaner won’t climb the wall of my vinyl liner pool
Depending on the angle of the pool floor to the pool walls, the cleaner may not be able to “climb” the “slope.” Picture the cleaner on the pool bottom at the intersection of where the pool wall meets the bottom at a sharp angle, (like the walls in your house.) The cleaner will not be able to make the transition, don’t worry, it’s not supposed to. After all, the dirt is on the bottom.
The cleaner sticks at the steps
The hose might be too short.
1. Check to see that the hose extends two full sections past the furthest point in the pool.
2. Check to see that the return line(s) are not affecting the cleaner’s movement.
3. Use the vacuum gauge to measure the vacuum in the cleaner hose. You should have 1 inch of vacuum per section of hose.
4. Check the shoes, wings and flaps for wear.
5. Check the rear flap adjuster, and move it to the I position.
As a test, hold the cleaner by the hose. Keep the cleaner below water with the pump running. Hold the cleaner off the bottom of the pool and observe, the cleaner should: rotate right - not rotate - rotate left - not rotate - rotate right - etc. All the time, the “pods” should be kicking. If the cleaner is not doing the “test” movements, call Blue Haven Pools & Spas Supplies Direct.
Read the rest of the Hayward In-Ground Cleaner Troubleshooting Guide.
Hayward Pool Products
Hayward is one the leading manufacturers of swimming pool products and equipment. They are an industry leader in heaters, filters, cleaners, cartridges, and much more. That’s why we’ve assembled a “Hayward Center” at Blue Haven Pools and Spas Supplies Direct. You’ll find product information, troubleshooting guides, FAQ’s, and installation manuals for products like the Aquarite Salt Chlorinator and various Hayward filters. If you’re interested in a Hayward pool product, visit our Hayward Center and find an assortment of helpful materials.
Floating Swimwear
As young children begin enjoying the water, it’s important to provide for their safety. Floating Swimwear has developed a swimsuit solution that provides both style and peace-of-mind. Designed for young swimmers, Floating Swimwear swimsuits come with built-in flotation devices. Three separate chambers of flotation in the front of the suit gives complete mobility to kids
Visit this link to see Blue Haven Pools & Spas Supplies Direct’s entire line of Floating Swimwear.
Safety Turtle for Swimming Pool Safety
The Safety Turtle is a personal immersion alarm that offers pool owners peace-of-mind and security. Featured on Oprah, the Safety Turtle immediately sounds an alarm if your child or pet falls into the water. The Safety Turtle comes with an electronic wristband that relays information to the base unit, even when the unit is 150 feet away. Best of all, the Safety Turtle is completely portable — meaning you can take it on vacation, to the beach, or to a neighbor’s house.
Preparing Your Pool for Winter
To enjoy your pool during the summer it’s important to properly prepare it for winter. The key to preparing your pool for winter is having a good safety or winter cover. A good pool cover will protect your pool from the changes that winter brings. Water tubes are useful for securing your winter cover — simply fill them with water and place them around your pool.
It’s also important to use the right chemicals when you’re closing your pool for the winter. The right chemicals will allow you to quickly and effectively reopen your pool when the swimming season begins.
By taking the right steps as winter approaches, you will extend the life of your pool and be able to enjoy it again next summer!
Welcome to Blog Haven!
Welcome to Blog Haven, the new blog from the pool experts at Blue Haven Pools & Spas Supplies Direct. We are excited to provide you with a variety of pool tips ranging from how to close your pool for winter to safety instructions. We’ll also keep you informed of the latest news regarding pool products and innovations. Thanks for visiting and check back often!
