Maintenance and Safety
This page briefly outlines certain requirements, which, if followed, will maximise your enjoyment, prevent problems and protect your investment. Select from the topics on the left menu.
The Filtration Process
So far, the treatments have dealt with the chemical destruction of water contaminants. "Filtration" is the physical removal of neutralised contaminants (chemical and human wastes), together with the insoluble particles from the water.
Daily filtration cycles should be in the order of 6 to 8 hours (depending on the size of the system installed), to ensure that at least (1) one "turnover" achieved (that is, as a minimum, the equivalent litreage of the pool/spa is filtered each 8 hours).
Additionally, the filter should be running during periods of use (and for a short time after), to skim body oil from the water, and, to add some chlorine (if an automatic chlorinator is fitted).
Remember that when the Pool/Spa is being used, there is a high chlorine demand, due to the user contamination of the water.
The Filtration System
While filtration systems may differ in regard to their type, they will all have the following basic features:
- A Skimmer into which the inflow carries surface debris (leaves, oil, dust etc), into the start of the filtration system,
- An initial Leaf Basket in the skimmer to trap leaves and large debris, before the water is sucked through to the pump,
- A Secondary Basket in the hair and lint pot, in front of the pump,
- A circulating Pump,
- A Filter which physically removes solids from the water, and
- Pipework through which the clean water is returned to the pool.
Note: To prevent rubbish inhibiting the water flow (and causing pump starvation), these items need to checked and cleaned regularly.
The concentration of calcium hardness may be increased by l0mg/L with the addition of either:
Types of Filters
All filtration relies on removing solid matter from the water as it is pumped through the filtration system. There are three popular types of filtration systems currently in use in Queensland:
- Diatomaceous Earth (or DE Filter)
- Sand Filter
- Cartridge Filter
All three types have high flow characteristics, and are highly efficient. However, they all require cleaning to remove the entrapped solids, and failure to clean filters (as required) will result in reduced filtration flow, because of the accumulated debris blocking the filter medium.
Regular cleaning (as indicated by the pressure gauge) is essential. Failure to clean filters can also cause an increase in pressure within the filter tank, which will reduce the life expectancy of the unit.
Cleaning methods will depend upon the filter type. Both DE & Sand Filters can be "backwashed" (which is to reverse the flow of water through the filter tank, and flush the rubbish to waste).
Cartridge Filters require hosing down, and soaking in the correct cartridge cleaning fluid.
Regular cleaning of a filter will provide benefits in terms of better water flows for filtration & vacuuming, and, better chlorination, and, better circulation within the pool, due to the increased flow rate.
In addition to this regular cleaning, periodic service of the filter is recommended to remove any build up of grease and scale. This can be arranged through your NSPI Accredited Specialist.
Automatic Chlorination Systems
The cleaning and maintenance of these automatic systems is most important, to ensure that they continue to function up to their designed standards of performance.
In its normal use, a Salt Water Chlorinator (due to the electrolytic action which converts salt to chlorine within the cell) attracts calcium (and other contaminants in the water), which adheres to the cell mesh and which will interfere with the chlorine production of the unit, and eventually reduce the expected life of the unit.
Check and clean the cell, only in accordance with the manufacturer's recommendations.
Safety Rules
NEVER MIX CHEMICALS -this could lead to an extremely violent reaction (explosion!), and/or the production of Toxic Fumes. Do not even use the same bucket for diluting different chemicals, as; even different chlorides can react violently when mixed together.
Transporting: When transporting chemicals in your car, do so in a manner that prevents them mixing in the event of spillage or an accident, and, secure all containers firmly.
Storage: Store chemicals so that any accidental breakage or leakage cannot cause a mixing of pool chemicals or, a mixing of a pool chemical with any other stored substance.
Handling: Some pool chemicals can cause nasty burns or be poisonous, and you should always store them securely away from where children or pets can get at them. You should also use protective gloves, clothing and eyeglasses when handling.
Always add the chemical to a bucket containing water -not the other way around. To add water to a chemical is potentially dangerous. Dilute all pool chemicals with water by at least 1:8 prior to adding to the pool.
Have the filter running when you are adding chemicals to the pool water to ensure proper mixing and distribution.
Always read the instruction on the labels of pool chemicals and other products and, follow them carefully.