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Our Most Frequently Asked Questions

Why is my pool green?

Most commonly when your pool water is green, you have algae in the water. Algae usually occurs in pools that have a low sanitizer level. However, if you add a sanitizer such as chlorine to the pool and the water becomes greener, you could have metals in your water. To rectify the problem, bring in a water sample to be tested and we will get your pool back on track in no time!

How often should I change the sand in my filter?

If you have a sand filter you should change the sand every 3-5 years. After this period of time your sand begins to form what is called “worm holes.” These holes allow the water to pass through your sand without being filtered. The particles of sand also begin to lose their sharp edges, which trap debris. Sometimes the sand becomes compacted with suntan lotions and other cosmetics which forces the water around the sand, rather than through it. When water can pass through without being filtered it can cause cloudy water. If you have any questions or need to schedule a service to change the sand, be sure to give us a call!

How often should I clean my D.E. filter?

D.E. filters should be cleaned after your initial opening and once the pool is clear. Throughout the season your filter should be cleaned as needed. If your pressure builds up quickly after bumping (or recharging) the filter it may be time to take the elements out of the system and chemically clean them with Strip Kwik. Never use household products when cleaning your D.E. elements. They are not compatible with your pool chemistry and could cause further filtration issues. You can bring your grids/fingers to our store to be chemically cleaned, or to purchase the right products to get the job done.

Why do my eyes burn? Why does my skin itch when I get out of the pool?

A misconception is that these types of irritation are caused by chlorine. Most commonly eye or skin irritation is caused by inaccurate pH levels. Too high or too low of a pH level will cause red or burning eyes and can also cause a skin rash. The pH level of your pool should be the same pH level as your body, which is between 7.2 and 7.8. This creates a comfortable swimming environment. You could also have combined chlorine in the water, causing your sanitizer to become ineffective. Never enter the pool/spa immediately after a sanitizer or balancer has been added. Talk to your pool professionals here about the type of products being added, and the correct amount of time to wait until it is safe to enter the body of water.

Why do I have no suction when I vacuum?

There are a few reasons why you may have no suction when you vacuum your pool. One of the possibilities is that there is air in your vacuum lines. Be sure to fill your hose with water before turning the pump on to vacuum. Your water level may also be too low to vacuum. Be sure to have your water level between the two middle screws on your skimmer. You may also need to backwash your filter if the pressure is too high. If you own a variable speed pool pump, ensure that it is running at a high enough RPM to allow adequate suction in order to vacuum the pool. If the problem persists call the experts at Pools Plus and we will help!

How do I close my above ground pool?

Closing your Above Ground pool:

Make sure you clear your pool and properly balance the water. Bring in a water sample if you would like assistance with the water chemistry.
Vacuum your pool and brush it. Make sure all debris is out of the pool. Leaves and other debris can stain your liner over the winter.
Add your pool closing kit. We recommend using the BioGuard winter closing kit.
Filter the chemicals for 2-4 hours for proper distribution. After the 2-4 hour period, customers with sand filters should thoroughly backwash the filter and chemically treat the sand (recommended). Then you would drain the pool to the appropriate level and move on to the next step.
If you use an Aquador or stainless steel plate for your skimmer, lower the water just below the faceplate. Apply the plate. Then use a 1 ½” threaded plug for the return line after removing the return eyeball. If you have an Aqualuminator, you would use a #9 rubber expansion plug in place of threaded plug.
If you do not use either or these, lower the water below the return jet.
At this time, you winterize your filter tank. DE and cartridge filters should be drained of water and should be chemically cleaned. The sand filter would have already been backwashed. Remove drain cap, sight glass, pressure gauge from the tank. Disconnect the pump and also remove from the base it sits on. Remove drain cap from pump housing and drain all water from the unit.
Turn off electricity to pump and disconnect the ground wire.
Remove pool ladder/in pool stairs. NOTE: You may leave the in pool stairs in the pool by removing handrail and pushing stairs at least 12” from edge of the pool.
If you have a sand filter and you have not changed the sand in 3-5 years now is the best time to do it.
Make sure the strainer housing is filled with water. Turn your system on.
Once your filter is up and running, try to remove as much debris from the pool as possible by scooping it out with a deep net skimmer. After the large debris is removed, brush and vacuum the pool.
You are now ready to add your opening chemicals.
A small amount of water on your pool cover is expectable. This will add extra weight to your cover. Excessive water should be pumped off the cover to prevent water displacement and also damage to your pool cover. Cover clips may also be used for extra security of your cover.

*These are the appropriate steps to take when winterizing your pool. Each pool is different and may require additional steps and treatments. Pools Plus Inc is not responsible for any damage incured during the off season even if following these steps.

How do I close my inground pool?

Closing your Above Ground pool:

Clear the pool and balance the water. Bring in a water sample if you need assistance with adjusting the water chemistry.
Vacuum your pool and brush it. Make sure all debris is out of the pool. Leaves and other debris can stain your liner over the winter.
Add your pool closing kit. We recommend using the BioGuard closing kits.
Filter the chemicals for 2-4 hours for proper distribution. After the 2-4 hour period, be sure to thoroughly backwash your sand filter. Dependent upon the pools plumbing, you may set the valve to “Waste” or “Drain” and drain the pool to the appropriate level (below the returns) using your equipment. If you are unable to do so, a siphon or submersible pump would allow you to drain the pool also.
If you have a diving board, remove or cover it.
Remove the ladders by lifting the escutcheon plate and loosen the anchor bolts. The ladder should lift out at this point.
Remove all the eyeballs/return jets.
Remove the skimmer basket and weir door.
DE and cartridge filters should be drained. We recommend at this time that you chemically clean the filter also. Remove the pressure gauge also.
If you have a sand filter, remove the drain plug, sight glass, and pressure gauge. Store these items in a plastic bag/skimmer basket
Drain the pump by removing the two drain plugs.
Disconnect the ground wire.
Drain any in-line or off-line chlorinators and remove any chemicals from the feeder. These may be left out or taken in, depending upon the plumbing setup
Drain and winterize your pool heater/heat pump. The lines need to be pressurized with air to do so.
Blow air through each of your pool lines by the filter using a reversible vacuum. This will remove most of the water from your line. Plug the line while the blower is on by using a threaded jet plug or expansion plug (You may need 2 people to complete this step). We recommend using 1 gallon of non-toxic anti-freeze per plumbing line.
Plug your skimmer(s) with a Gizzmo. This will prevent ice expansion and cracking.
Plug your stair jets with a 1 ½“ threaded plug or rubber expansion plug, whichever it accepts.
Once all of this has been completed, it is time to put the cover on. Any solid or mesh cover (excluding safety covers) SHOULD be held in place with the use of water tubes. Using anything other will void manufacturer’s warranty. Try and allow the cover to go along the pool wall and sit on top of the water. This will put less stress on the cover and lessen the chance the tubes get pulled into the pool.
A small amount of water on your pool cover is expectable. This will add extra weight to your cover. Excessive water should be pumped off the cover to prevent ripping.
Safety covers will adhere to apron by attaching them to the brass anchors. Once cover is secure, make sure each spring has the proper tension. Adjust if necessary.

Why is my pool cloudy?

Cloudy water can be caused by numerous factors. Some common reasons are low sanitizer level and the beginnings of algae. Another reason can be poor circulation or filtration. If you are clearing up an algae problem it could be the reminisce of dead algae. To rectify the problem, you may need more filtration time or bring in a water sample for further analysis.

How often do I backwash?

Sand filters should only be backwashed when your pressure builds up 10-12 psi over your start up pressure on your pressure gauge. For example, if your pressure gauge reads 10 psi after you backwash, you should not backwash again until your gauge reads 20-22 psi. Backwashing too often has a reverse effect on your pool filtration system. Your filter will work better when the sand becomes dirtier; it is able to filter out a smaller particle. There is no set time to backwash a filter, however you are to watch the sight glass go through a progession (clear/cloudly/clear). That transition will indicate that the filer media is now cleaned, and your pressure gauge should return to its start up point.

I'm seeing sand/particles go back into my pool. Why?

here could be many reasons why sand or other debris may be passing through your filter and back into the pool. One reason may be you have a cracked lateral or stand pipe in your filter system. Another reason could be that your sand is past due for changing. Your gasket on the multiport valve may be stretched and if so would need to be changed. If you are seeing sand or debris go back into the pool, contact us and we will gladly help you solve the problem.

How do I setup my vacuum?

To set up you vacuum you should: 1. Connect the swivel end of your vacuum hose to the vacuum head. 2. Connect your vacuum head to your telescopic pole. 3. Put the opposite end of your vacuum hose up to your return jet and fill the hose with water (your pool filter should be running when you do this.) 4. Once all the air is out of your vacuum hose, shut off your pump. 5. Place the skim vac plate over the skimmer opening. 6. Attach the vacuum hose to the skim vac. 7. Turn on your filter and vacuum! NOTE: Pools CAN be vacuumed without a skim vac attachment, but never when there is large enough debris present. This could potentially clog a line. NEVER vacuum your pool without your pump basket present.

How do I open my above ground pool?

Above Ground Pool Opening Instructions:

If you have a solid cover you should use a cover pump to remove the water from the top of the cover. Be sure to remove any debris such as leaves, sticks, acorns, etc off the cover. Try not to get any debris from the top of the cover into the pool. Be sure to clean your winter cover with Stow Away (DO NOT clean your cover with household products). Your winter cover should be stored in a plastic garbage bin with a lid, and should not be stored where animals or insects can get to it. Basement storage is highly recommended.
Be sure to remove the cable winch and any cover clips attached to the cover.
Remove the cover slowly being careful not to get any water or debris from the top of the cover in the pool.
Your water level may be low. Replace the water level to mid skimmer level.
Install your pump and mount it to your base using the two mounting screws. Be sure to reattach your ground wire.
Connect the pump suction hose to the skimmer and the return hose to the outlet. Make sure you tighten the clamps on the hoses.
Remove the winter plug from the jet and skimmer plate from the skimmer.
Install your skimmer basket, weir door, and ladder.
If you have a D.E. filter be sure to recharge your filter by adding the appropriate amount of D.E. to the filter. If you have a sand filter and you have not changed the sand in 3-5 years now is the best time to do it.
Make sure the strainer housing is filled with water. Turn your system on.
Once your filter is up and running, try to remove as much debris from the pool as possible by scooping it out with a deep net skimmer. After the large debris is removed, brush and vacuum the pool.
You are now ready to add your opening chemicals.
After adding your opening chemical kit the pool should be filtered for 24 hours. After the 24 hour period, it is crucial to bring in a water sample. At this point Pools Plus will gladly balance your water and get you started on your Bioguard 1-2-3 system.

*Remember water testing is a FREE service that we at Pools Plus provide.

*Water chemistry is crucial to the functioning of your pool. Incorrect water chemistry can destroy costly pool equipment, such as your filter, and can also ruin your liner.

*If you have ANY questions, please feel free to call us at (401) 764-5800 We will gladly help you with any problems or concerns you have.

How do I open my inground pool?

How To Open Your In-Ground Pool:

Be sure to remove as much water and debris from pool cover prior to removal. It will make the pool opening and clearing process that much easier for you.
Rinse, fold, and put cover away for storage. It is recommended to store the cover in a sealed container. If you own a safety cover be sure to put all the anchors down.
Reassemble the filtration system (pump & filter plugs, pressure gauge, sight glass, etc).
If the water level in the pool is not up to operating level, please fill pool so the water level is AT LEAST halfway up the skimmer. If the pool is cloudy or green, it is recommended to fill the pool slightly higher since you will be backwashing, vacuuming, etc..
Remove winter plugs from return jets and Gizzmos from the skimmer. Replace the skimmer baskets and return eyeballs to their correct spots.
Fill the pump strainer with water. Place cover on strainer and tighten. Turn the pump on and prime the system. If you have a DE tank, be sure to put the proper amount of DE powder into the skimmer. If you have a cartridge filter, be sure to open the air bleed until water trickles out from that area and tighten.
Once the pool is operating, be sure the pump is fully primed and there are no leaks. Address any leaks if they are present
Shock and algaecide the pool. If the pool is clear you can vacuum at this point. Vacuuming the pool is not recommended if you cannot see clearly to the pool floor. Filter the pool for a minimum of 24 hours (only turning off to change DE/clean cartridge/backwash)
Bring in a water sample for guidance on how to proceed from that point. Remember, water testing is always free here at Pools Plus. Be sure to properly balance your water once it is clear.

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