Category Archives: Pool/Spa Maintenance & Replacement Products

Swimming Pool Startup: Basic Opening Procedures

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By Bob Harper

While saltwater pools have unique water chemistry parameters and use specialized equipment compared to traditional pools, the process for opening them is relatively the same, with a few key exceptions:

1. Remove any debris and standing water from the top of the cover (if a solid type).

2. Remove any debris from the pool, brush the pool and adjust the water level to about halfway up the skimmer face.

3. Remove all plugs and replace the return fittings.

4. Check the pump and filter to make sure they are working properly and turn on the equipment.

5. For saltwater pools, put the electrolytic chlorine generator (ECG) back in place, but do not turn it on until the last step.

6. Run the pump for at least 24 hours to circulate the water thoroughly.

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Electrolytic Chlorine Generators: Maintenance and Troubleshooting Tips for Saltwater Chlorinators

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The control unit regulates the amount of chlorine produced, provides system diagnostics, and in some cases, it provides control of the circulation pump. Photo courtesy AquaCal AutoPilot


By Sean Assam

One of the fastest growing accessories in the swimming pool and spa industry are electrolytic chlorine generators (ECGs), which also go by the name of salt chlorine generators (SCGs), saltwater chlorinators and saltwater generators. They all do the same thing—produce chlorine onsite.

The popularity of this sanitation method is increasing in both the residential and commercial pool/spa markets; however, there is a lack of understanding in terms of how these systems work, how they are maintained and how to properly diagnose and troubleshoot a system to ensure successful operation year after year.

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Electrolytic Chlorine Generators: General Maintenance Advice

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Those who are comfortable working with electronics can inspect the circuit boards for damaged fuses and burnt boards. Photos courtesy AquaCal AutoPilot

By Sean Assam

Testing chlorine levels periodically will help to ensure the ECG is properly adjusted. Bear in mind, overall water chemistry should also be routinely tested to ensure the water is properly balanced. By using the Langelier Saturation Index (LSI), a calculated number used to predict the calcium carbonate (CaCO3) stability of water, the water’s corrosive or scaling tendencies can be determined.

Each manufacturer provides different types of diagnostics and control features on its ECG control units. Some provide digital displays, while others provide light-emitting diode (LED) displays. Warning messages and error codes displayed on the control unit should be utilized, along with the system’s owner’s manual, to diagnose problems. Those who are comfortable working with electronics can inspect the circuit boards for damaged fuses and burnt boards.

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Swimming Pool Startup: Spring Opening Tips and Conversion Advice for Saltwater Pools

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By Bob Harper

Spring is here, which means opening season for swimming pools is just around the corner. The proper spring startup sets the tone for the entire season. For saltwater pools, spring startup is even more critical if problems such as chlorine (Cl) demand, algae, staining and scale were experienced during the prior season and not dealt with adequately.

The opening process typically involves removing the cover, filling the pool to its optimum level, getting equipment operational, initiating water circulation, shocking and balancing the water and performing some housekeeping chores.

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Concrete Coatings: Additional Benefits

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By Elena Danke

Deck coating systems provide protection and extend the service life of a concrete pool deck. The following are some additional benefits:

Waterproofing
There is a variety of deck coating systems available; therefore, pool builders should be aware of the difference between ‘water-resistant’ and ‘waterproof’ coatings. Coatings that are 100 per cent waterproof will provide much greater protection against water penetration. This will significantly increase the life of the pool deck by decreasing cracking, spalling and other related problems.

Easy to clean
The coating’s surface has much smaller capillaries and pores than a concrete deck. This provides fewer avenues for stains to penetrate and become locked into the surface. Further, finishing the coating with a sealer makes it even easier to clean stains. Keep in mind; however, if leaves or other dirt are left to sit for an extended period before being cleaned, stains may not be able to be completely removed.

Less expensive
In the case of existing concrete decks, it is far more economical to over coat, than to rip it out and replace it. Concrete removal is a loud and messy process; as long as the deck is structurally sound there is no reason to remove it. This is especially true in residential applications.
A coating system can generally be installed in two to three days, depending on the level of surface preparation involved and how intricate the design of the finished deck.
Concrete removal alone can take up to two or three days when taking into consideration demolition, clean-up, material removal and the installation of the new deck.

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