Archive for the ‘Pool cover’ Category

Swimming Pool Cartridge Filters - How to Service, Maintain and Prolong Cartridge Element Life

Thursday, September 4th, 2008

This is the unit which removes dirt and debris from a body of water such as a swimming pool and or spa. This piece of equipment is one of the most important because a crystal blue environment depends on how this apparatus functions.

Some of the parts of a cartridge filter are as follows:

• Upper Knob and or Clamp Assembly - Usually on the top of the unit and when unscrewed releases the filter head. Note: Always make sure the pump is turned OFF and the air pressure inside the tank has been released before loosening the upper knob.
• Tank Head - Provides easy access to the inner cartridge element. Usually can be rotated to position the pressure gauge and manual air relief valve in a convenient position.
• Tank - Unit in which the element is housed.
• Air Relief Valve - Allows for the purging of air which is inside the unit.
• Pressure Gauge - Usually reads 0-60 PSI and advises when the element is dirty and is in need of disassembly and cleaning.
• Element - Usually engineered of high quality reinforced polyester with molded end caps. This unit can be removed and cleaned many times.
• Inlet and Outlet - Ports which are used to connect the filter to the piping which allows the water to flow in and out. Depending on the brand and model, these ports can be either a slip or threaded port.
• Lower Plug - Used to drain the unit when necessary.

How should a cartridge filter be cleaned and serviced?

• TURN OFF THE PUMP SYSTEM
• Release the air from the tank by opening the air relief valve.
• Turn the top knob or release the upper clamp assembly and remove the top of the unit.
• Remove the element from the tank.
• Use a garden hose and a pressure nozzle to remove dirt and debris from the material.
• Replace the cartridge back into the tank.
• Replace the top.
• Re-tighten the top knob and or reinstall the clamp assembly and hand tighten.
• Restart the pump system, Bleed out the air inside the tank and close the air relief valve assembly.
• Check the system for leaks.
• Take note of the pressure gauge reading.

How can you insure your filter will last as long as possible?

Cleaning your filter on a regular basis is very important. As the element is “loaded” which dirt and debris, more and more pressure is asserted on the unit. If the unit is allowed to continue to operate without being cleaned the cartridge can and will be damaged. Regular cleaning removes the dirt and allows operation at a high level.

How important is the pressure gauge?
Checking the pressure gauge on the top of the tank when the unit is clean and noting the reading is very important. When the pressure inside the unit rises 5-7 pounds it is time to perform a cleaning. Example: Clean Reading = 15 pounds, Pressure goes up to 21 pounds = Time to clean.

Should the cartridge be washed with Muriatic Acid on a regular basis?
Acid washing shortens the life of the cartridge and should be done on a limited basis, if at all. Acid will remove built up calcium inside the element. When using muriatic acid use extreme caution, proper safety equipment and follow safety regulations for disposal of the used muriatic acid. Products are available for soaking to remove excess oils; these should be used as per manufactures recommendations. Remember that when cleaning with muriatic acid, if oils are present in the material, acid can “lock” the oil into the material. It is most important that a product to remove oils be utilized BEFORE acid is used for calcium removal.

How and why does calcium build up on the element?
Poor water chemistry (high calcium and pH levels) in your swimming pool and spa water will contribute to calcium build up. Regular testing is critical and it is important to monitor these levels in order to maintain cleaner and better functioning filters.

The filter in your swimming pool equipment is certainly one of the most important units in your system. Having it operate at peak level is very important to maintaining crystal clear and sparkling water. Take a few minutes each week to monitor and clean this apparatus and have fun and enjoyment with your pool and spa. Disregard your system and plan on spending unnecessary money and time correcting a variety of problems.

Tips to Buy Swimming Pool Covers

Thursday, September 4th, 2008

Are you planning to buy a swimming pool cover? If yes then keep on reading this article. In this article I have tried to give some tips to buy swimming pool accessories. There are lots of sources which offer high quality accessories at reasonable prices. Online stores are getting more and more popular. There are many reasons behind the increasing popularity of online shopping. Online shopping is beneficial for both customers and retailers. Online stores always offer discounts and free gifts because company don`t have to pay the money for product launching in the market. In this way customers can buy high quality accessories at reasonable prices.

It is good idea find some information about the materials which are used to manufacture swimming pool covers. Mainly there are two types are materials which are used in manufacturing swimming pool covers. The first type of material is known as mesh. A mesh completely covers the pool and does not allow debris and leaves to enter the pool. These types of covers are available in different sizes, shapes and colors. If your swimming pool is having a special design then you should look for customized covers. The customized covers can be designed according to the size and shape of your pool.

The second type of material which is used for manufacturing a cover for the pool is known as vinyl. Vinyl is an excellent insulating material. Vinyl cover plays many roles. The first one is insulation of the pool. With the help of this you can keep the water of the pool warm. The second function of vinyl cover is safety and cleanliness.

There are some minute details which should be kept in mind while buying a cover for a swimming pool. First of all you should know all your needs. It is a good idea to fix a budget before buying anything new for your home or office. You can go through the prices offered by different companies after fixing the budget. A proper budget can help you a lot in saving some money. It is a good idea to go through the guarantee of the product before buying it. Guarantee of the cover signifies it`s quality. There are many good companies which offer a life time warranty.

It is a good idea to purchase the accessories through internet. There are many reputed websites and online stores which sell swimming pool accessories. These websites can be found with the help of major search engines like Google, Yahoo and MSN. All you have to do is to type the keywords in the search bar and to click the search icon. Always try to find a reputed and secure website. The method of payment should be safe.

Buying an excellent accessory is a bit difficult task but can be made easier by following some tips and techniques which I have stated in this article. It is a good idea to spend some time with friends or relatives who he recently bought a cover for their pool.

A cover is an essential part of a pool. It not only keeps it safe but also increases it`s functionality.