Please reach us at keepitcoolpools@gmail.com if you cannot find an answer to your question.
General Answer:
Test your pool water at least 2-3 times per week during swim season for key levels like chlorine and pH. Also test alkalinity weekly and other factors (like calcium hardness or stabilizer) once a month. Regular testing helps catch imbalances early so you can enjoy crystal-clear, healthy water.
Technical Answer:
In hot Georgia summers with frequent use, test chlorine and pH two to three times per week, and check total alkalinity weekly while measuring calcium hardness, cyanuric acid, TDS, metals, and phosphates monthly. After heavy rain or a pool party, perform an extra test. Keeping levels at Free Chlorine 1-8 ppm, pH 7.4-7.8, and alkalinity 80-120 ppm lets you rebalance promptly to avoid algae or irritation.
General Answer:
Begin by testing your water, then adjust one chemical at a time to keep readings in the proper ranges. For example, add baking soda if pH is low or sanitizer if chlorine is low. If balancing feels tricky, let a pro handle it!
Technical Answer:
Balance water by managing total alkalinity first, then pH, then chlorine. Aim for Free Chlorine 1-4ppm, pH 7.4-7.8, alkalinity 80-120 ppm, calcium hardness 200-400 ppm, and cyanuric acid 30-100 ppm. Adjust chemicals gradually (using baking soda to raise alkalinity or muriatic acid to lower pH) and retest after each change. In the Southeast, where chlorine depletes faster, monitoring is key. Pro tip: Phosphate removers and clarifiers can help with persistent issues – or simply let us handle it for you.
General Answer:
Skim your pool daily or several times a week to remove leaves and debris. Vacuum and brush once a week to keep walls and floors clean, preventing algae and buildup. A little daily attention plus a weekly deep-clean is ideal.
Technical Answer:
In Georgia’s climate, skim daily when in use, and brush walls, tiles, and low-circulation areas weekly to disturb algae spores. Vacuum weekly or as needed (automatic cleaners help). In heavy pollen seasons, you may need to skim multiple times daily and clean the skimmer basket frequently.
General Answer:
Clean or backwash your filter when the pressure gauge rises about 8-10 PSI above normal. This might mean monthly during heavy pollen season or quarterly in milder periods, keeping water clear and circulation efficient.
Technical Answer:
Regardless of filter type (sand, cartridge, or DE), clean when pressure is 8-10 PSI above the baseline. For sand filters, backwash; for DE, backwash and recharge; for cartridges, rinse or soak. Regular filter maintenance extends the filter’s life and maintains crystal-clear water.
General Answer:
Run your pump long enough to circulate all the water at least once daily — typically about 8 hours in mild weather, 10-12 hours in Atlanta’s hot summer, and 4-6 hours during cooler winter months.
Technical Answer:
A full turnover is achieved in roughly 8 hours with a properly sized pump. In spring/fall, 8 hours is sufficient; in summer, 10-12 hours ensures even chemical distribution and filtration, and in winter, 4-6 hours will suffice. For variable-speed pumps, low-speed continuous running can be more efficient. Adjust pump time based on water quality issues and seasonal changes, and always run the pump during freezing conditions (or use a freeze guard).
General Answer:
It’s best to run your pump during the day, especially in summer, so that it circulates when the sun is active and swimmers are present. However, splitting run times between day and night can help with energy savings.
Technical Answer:
Daytime operation maximizes chemical distribution and debris skimming, while night-time use may reduce energy costs. A balanced schedule (e.g., 6 hours during the day and 4 at night) works well. Ensure at least one full turnover every 24 hours and use timers or automation for efficiency. If using a freeze guard, it will run the pump as needed during freezing nights.
General Answer:
Shock your pool about once a week during swimming season to burn off contaminants, especially after heavy use or rain. Always shock in the evening, run the pump overnight, and wait until chlorine levels normalize before swimming.
Technical Answer:
Shock weekly when temperatures and swimmer load are high, or when combined chlorine exceeds 0.2 ppm. Also shock after heavy rain, extreme heat, high pollen, or intense usage. For saltwater pools, manual shock is sometimes necessary even with a salt chlorinator. Use a quality chlorine or non-chlorine shock and resume swimming only after levels drop below 5 ppm.
General Answer:
Brushing removes algae and film that chemicals and filters might miss. It prevents scale and dirt buildup in “dead zones” where water circulation is weak, ensuring your pool stays truly clean.
Technical Answer:
Brushing agitates microscopic films and biofilm on pool surfaces, exposing them to chlorine and preventing algae and scale buildup. Experts recommend brushing all surfaces at least weekly, and twice weekly in warm weather or if algae issues have occurred, particularly in low-circulation areas like behind ladders or steps.
General Answer:
Cloudy water is usually due to poor filtration, low chlorine, or imbalanced pH/alkalinity. Start by testing and balancing your water, clean or backwash your filter, and ensure the pump is running enough hours. A pool clarifier can help gather particles for the filter to capture. If needed, let us lend you a hand!
Technical Answer:
Cloudiness results from suspended fine particles due to insufficient sanitizer, imbalanced water (high pH or calcium), poor circulation, or early algae growth. Troubleshoot by: 1) Testing and adjusting chemicals (ensure Free Chlorine is 2-8 ppm, pH is 7.4-7.8, and alkalinity is 80-120 ppm), 2) Checking filter pressure and cleaning if needed, 3) Enhancing circulation to achieve a full turnover, and 4) Using clarifiers to agglomerate particles. If issues persist, consider professional testing for metals or high TDS.
General Answer:
To eliminate algae, shock your pool, brush all surfaces, and keep the filter running continuously until clear. Prevention is all about maintaining consistent chlorine levels, weekly brushing, and good filtration. Early action is key.
Technical Answer:
Prevent algae by keeping Free Chlorine at 2-8 ppm. If algae appears — whether green, yellow/mustard, or black — follow these steps: Test and balance (lower pH to about 7.2 to boost chlorine effectiveness), shock the pool to raise chlorine levels (10+ ppm for green, higher for mustard), brush thoroughly (using a steel brush for black algae if needed), run the pump continuously during treatment, and clean the filter daily. Using an algaecide or phosphate remover can also help. Continue treatment until an overnight chlorine loss test confirms algae is eliminated.
General Answer:
Some water loss is normal due to evaporation or splash-out, but if you’re losing more than about 2 inches per week, you might have a leak. Perform a bucket test — if the pool water drops more than the bucket over 24 hours, call a professional for leak detection. Also, inspect equipment and valves for signs of leakage.
Technical Answer:
In Atlanta, evaporation can cause 1/8 to 1/4 inch of water loss per day. Use the bucket test (with auto-fill turned off) to compare the pool water level to a marked bucket over 24 hours. If the pool loses significantly more, inspect common leak points like skimmers, light conduits, or plumbing. A leak detection service can use dyes or pressure tests to locate the issue. Even a small leak can lead to hundreds of gallons lost weekly, so prompt investigation is crucial.
General Answer:
Georgia’s mild winters allow many pools to remain open year-round with adjustments. Run your pump daily (for a few hours) to circulate chemicals and prevent algae, maintain lower chlorine levels, and keep water balanced. Use a cover to protect against debris and consider a freeze guard for extra peace of mind.
Technical Answer:
Unlike colder regions, Atlanta pools typically require light winter maintenance. Run the pump 4-6 hours daily; if temperatures approach freezing, run it continuously or use a freeze guard (set around 35°F). Reduce chlorine output since cold water slows consumption, but maintain 1-3 ppm. Continue monthly pH/alkalinity checks, skim debris regularly, and keep the filter clean. Some owners partially close their pools by lowering the water below the skimmer in late fall, but many prefer low-maintenance circulation to simplify spring opening.
General Answer:
A freeze guard automatically turns on your pool pump when temperatures near freezing, protecting your pipes and equipment. In Atlanta, where freezing nights occur, it’s a smart, affordable insurance policy. If you choose not to install one, you must manually run your pump during freezes.
Technical Answer:
Freeze guards use a temperature sensor linked to your pool’s automation. When the air temperature hits around 35°F, the guard triggers the pump (and sometimes other equipment) to run continuously until warmer. Given that Atlanta averages about 48 freezing nights a year, a freeze guard (typically costing $200-$400) can prevent costly damage. Without one, you must vigilantly run your pump and open valves during cold snaps.
General Answer:
Draining your pool for extended periods of time ( more than 3 or 4 weeks ) is not recommended.
Technical Answer:
Draining a pool may pose hazards: vinyl liners may dry out and shift, and gunite pools can be pushed up by groundwater if they are located adjacent to a lake or a stream. Always shut off the heater and pool lights if you are draining a pool to reduce the likelihood of damage to equipment.
General Answer:
A solid weekly routine includes testing and balancing chemicals, skimming debris, brushing walls, vacuuming the floor, and cleaning the filter or baskets as needed. Choose a day each week to test water, adjust chemicals, empty baskets, skim, brush, vacuum, and check filter pressure. In between, quick touch-ups (like a skim or a bit of chlorine) may be necessary.
Sticking to this routine prevents most problems — and if a stormy week calls for extra cleanup or a heat wave means you need extra chlorine, don’t stress; just let Original 7 Pools handle it for you.
Technical Answer:
A weekly maintenance checklist should include:
We use cookies to analyze website traffic and optimize your website experience. By accepting our use of cookies, your data will be aggregated with all other user data.