Swimming Pool Led Lights

The answer to this is quite simple indeed, if pool lights were 220v and water went near them you would be killed but the fact that pool lights are designed for water use shows us that they are in fact not dangerous at all and should you somehow be shocked by a pool light it will only be 12v which is really nothing to be afraid of however this been said ” please dont go attempting to shock yourself to try it out”

Tonesto TS18 Timer

Below is a simple drawing which will help any person who is unsure of how to wire up a tonesto timer.

Aqua Pro Timer wiring

Below is a simple drawing which will help any person who is unsure of how to wire up an aqua pro timer.

If you want tto know how to set it please visit our video link on https://youtube.com/shorts/kxI2m1mTpZ8?sl=EsasTjokRy03H62U

Has your pool pump stopped priming?

When we refer to pump priming we mean the water is not hitting the inside of the lid while the pump is running. Now this could mean that your pump is old and its time to buy a new one but before running out to go do so, check the following first.

• Check the weir vacuum lid is seated correctly and is 100% flat and under the plastic lock in grooves.
• Check the pumps lid and vacuum lid for any cracks
• Check the pumps O-ring is seated properly and is not worn out
• Try prime the pump manually by filling water in it
• Look for any wet patches on the ground from the weir to the pump. If you do notice wet patches then you have a leak on your suction line and will need to have it repaired.
• There may be a leak on the weir and if this is the case it will be extremely difficult to detect it if you do not know what you are looking for. In this case call a professional to assist
• How old is your pool pump? Remember a pool pump has a life of around 5 years sometimes they last a lot longer but in short term 5 years. The older the pump the less power it can produce.

Why does a pool pump randomly turn on / off ?

If your pool pump is turned on and within the region of 10 – 25 minutes is switching itself off, then back on again it is usually a capacitor issue.

However this may not always be the case as I have personally had 2 pumps doing this exact same thing and even after replacing the capacitor it did the same thing. After numerous methods tested on the pumps it was discovered that it was in fact the pumps coil which was overheating. Should this be the case on yours it will probably be much cheaper to buy a new pump.

How to wire a pool pump for dummies

So you have just received a pool pump without a cable coming out from the motor, and then wham! it hits you, you do not know how to wire a pool pump.

What now?

Wiring a pool pump is very simple and I will explain how and include a picture to make it really simple.

So what you need is to basically put a wire coming out the pump into the pools db box breaker switch.

So first of all you will need to get yourself around 2 – 3m of 1.5mm or 2.5mm flat cable. This should have a red, black and a thin copper cable in it. ( please note that this is color identification for South Africa other countries may differ)

• Red / Brown- Live
• Blue / Black – Neutral
• Green / Copper – Earth

Find it? Ok great now grab one end and seperate the wires out of the white outer cable about 3cm should be ok.

Once the cable has been seperated you now need to cut the black and red wires tips off to expose the copper underneath.

This needs to be a max of 1cm and you will do the exact same for the other end.

Once both ends are stripped open the black plastic cover on the top of the pump, this is usually done by undoing 2 screws usually a standard size star screwdriver is what you need.

Ok so now you will see the inside of the pumps electrical like the picture below.

• Now using a small star screwdriver loosen the black and red screws coming from the one end of the red block preferably the end which does not have wires in (if you received a pump without a cable)  you can see in the picture.
• So red ( live +) goes to red or if your pump is different from the picture the cable might be brown.
• Now black ( Neutral – ) goes to black
• Tighten the screws to secure the wires into the red block you do not want these wires coming out and causing a short so make sure they are tight and secured in place.

Next step is if you look about 2cm right of the red cable you will see a silver screw just like the picture, but the position may differ. This is your earth point and this is where you need to put the thin copper wire on to. You can use a round lug or wrap the copper around the screw and thread it into the hole of the screw just make sure it is secure.

Next step: You almost done !

• Now that your pump is wired, you need to take the other end of the cable and run it into your pools DB box.
• How do you do that? Simple the outer casing of the DB box should have 4 screws around it. They are usually a big flat size see it? Great so now loosen them and remove the casing.
• Now turn off the main breaker and any other breakers which may still be on in the DB.
• At the bottom you will see a plastic washer or hole at the bottom of the DB? you either need to remove the washer or put the cable through the hole of the DB box.

Ok now you should have from left to right the following switches in front of you:

A big breaker which usually has a L & N on it then 2 thinner breakers next to that. The big breaker is your mains, the second breaker is your pool light and the 3rd breaker is your pump. If you are wanting your pump to run off a timer please see our FAQ how to wire a timer.

If you not using a timer continue reading….

• Connect the red wire to the bottom of the 3rd breaker
• Then connect the Black / Blue wire to the brass rail usually found at the top of the DB but this can vary just look and see if the existing wires are blue or black going to the rail.
• Lastly connect the thin copper wire to the earthing rail usually bottom or side of DB, once again look and see if there are existing green or copper wires going to the rail.

You have now become the man of the house again and your swimming pool should turn on no problem just close the DB box and Pump up before turning on.

The major tech timer is probably the most common timer found in DB boxes purchased today, it is also the most easiest to setup of all the digital timers on the market. Below we explain how.

• 1st off Reset the timer by using a match stick or pen tip in the small hole called R
• Now set the current time by pushing and holding the C+ button and W+ button this will allow you to select which day it is currently
• Next press and hold the C+ and the H+ for hour and C+ and M+ for minutes
• Next if you press the clock button you will see it displays 1 on press again 1 off then 2 on and 2 off this means there are 8 programs you can use for the timer to come on and off but lets say you want it to come on everyday of the week you will press the clock button once it will display 1 on, now press the W+ button until all 7 days are displayed at the top
• Next the time you want it to come on press the H+ for hour and the M+ for minutes
• Now to set what time it turns off press the clock button once and you will see 1 off you will now select the day of the week as above 7 days a week and you do this by repeating the steps above press W+ for days of week, H+ for hours and M+ for minutes
• Now press the clock button to confirm your selection

How do you set a digital timer?

Now this is probably the most asked question in the pool industry and it really can be intimidating at first but below we show you a simple effective way to set a Top Tronic digital timer.

Now remember this timer has 16 schedules of which you can choose from and it has a backup battery so it is able to keep its time should you have no power.

• So first off you will want to reset the timer and to do this just use a small screwdriver or match stick and press the reset button.
• Next you will need to set the current time and date. To do this you simply press the P button and the D+ button this will let you set the day.
• Now to set the time, you press the clock button and the H+ for the hour and M+ for minutes.
• Once you have set the date and time it is time to decide which days you want the timer to turn on so lets say you want only a Monday, or a Monday, Wed & Friday or everyday of the week. You will push the P button then D+ to give you the selection.
• Now select the time you want it to come on. By this you push the H+ for hour and M+ for minutes.
• Just remember you should see a on with a number 1 at the bottom left of the display this means its the 1st schedule and its to turn on.
• Now you want it to turn off at a certain time so you press the P button, make sure that the bottom left display changes from 1 on to 1 off. and repeat the same thing by pushing the H+ for hour and M+ for minutes.

Not running a pool? Save you Cash?

You may save in the short term but in the long run not running a pool can cost you more. I say this because by not running your swimming pool your water will be more prone to algae and turn green, this will cost more due to the amounts of chemicals required to get it blue again. Further more pvc pipes require water flowing through them, it is what they are designed for and by you trying to save on your electricity bill these pipes will become brittle and the day you decide to run your pool, these pipes will burst because now you will have to spend more money hiring a professional to repair the damages.

When a DB Box keeps tripping the power

This is usually caused when there is a bad connection by the light of the pool, or a wire which is wet. Leave the light switch off and only switch on the pump switch. If it does not trip then it is the light.  It could also be alot of other things like earth leakage switch, capacitor or bad grounding etc but best opinion is to hire a electrician or a pool company to assist.

Pool pump just makes a humming noise

If you turn your power on for the pump to run and nothing happens but you hear a humming or buzzing sound then chances are the pump has seized or you could just need to replace the capacitor.

What causes this? The most common cause is to much corrosion built up on the shaft which causes the propeller to jam, the pump then continues to try turn but overheats or ceases due to this.

If it is capacitor then usually fair wear and tear is normal as capasitors these days only last a few months.

The easiest way to check which one it is, is to see on the little square cover at the back of the pump if there are any signs of wires been burned. If a capasitor has gone it usually explodes so the square cover will almost always show signs of been slightly burned.

If the bearing has seized then you will not be able to turn the pumps propella at the rear side of the pump. This will mean send your pump into a professional company as replacing bearings on a pump is not as easy as it seems without the right tools.

Our opinion on Epoxy coating Yes or No?

Back in the day epoxy coating  was the way to go but since then times have changed. The way we see it is epoxy coating is a cheap solution to a long term disaster. The easiest way to describe this is buying a new car and fitting it with generic parts. It may look nice in the beginning but will it last? Hell No! and that is why your sellers such as Pool Solutions only offer the warranty on the product if you are certified and accredited, but the funny thing is the course is done through them and trust me any person with half a brain cell can paint epoxy paint that is why its sold as DIY packages. So we say a big NO to epoxy! It looks really nice when painted yes but not even a year later its almost guaranteed to start coming off. But hey if you looking for a cheap, quick and nasty fix then by all means just head over to Pretoria’s pool solutions  and they will be happy to take your money, but remember you need to be qualified by them before purchasing from them.

There is a company which we used to use when we did epoxy and this really is a company who values there clients and really will bend over backwards for you, they are on the go and there products are actually worth the spend . This company is known as Poxy Cote  Its one of the few companies I will recommend if you are looking for epoxy.

Can a cracked pool be repaired? The answer to this question depends on 3 factors:

1. Which direction is the crack running? vertical or horizontal? Now under normal circumstances a vertical crack is fixable but a horizontal crack could indicate that there is a possibility of earth shiftment, which in many cases if the pool company you hired knows what they are doing, would be able to identify this and fix the issue.

2. How deep is the actual crack? Usually the cracks you see are only surface cracks but when they go through the pools lining into the actual foundation of the pool, then as mentioned above you need to understand the crack and know what you are doing.

3. What type of lining the pool has marbelite or fiberglass? Most pools with a fiberglass lining can be repaired by draining the pool and doing a fiberglass patch repair with a matching top coat. This method applies only if the crack has not gone through the foundation of the the pool and the pool is not losing water. Most marbelite pools can be repaired under water if the cracks are surface cracks and the pool is not losing water. If the pool is losing water and the crack is severe then in most cases it can be repaired by draining the pool and fixing as required. There have been cases where the cracks are so severe that it would cost to much to actually repair it and the owner has opted to build a smaller pool in a different location but the pool company should be able to advise you on this should they know what they are doing.

Water sprays out of pump lid when turned off

When water sprays out of pump lid when you switch your system off! is it serious or not?

Lets list some common causes of when water sprays out of pump lid :

• First off its recommended that you open the sand filter up and check to see if the breather pipe is not blocked. This is a common mistake made when changing filter sand as a breather pipe is meant to be closed while changing sand to avoid it from going into the pipe. This will cause the back shoot of pressure. If you not sure what a breather pipe is go to your local pool shop and they will assist you or contact us and we will help you too.

• Another thing to check would be the pumps O-ring as if this is worn you can bet you will have a back shoot of pressure. This is not common as normally a pump with a worn O-ring would not prime.

• Distance and gravity play a big part in this problem. For instance if you run a 1.1kw pump on a small pool with 1 return outlet then you can bet it will happen. Another example is if your pump is below the pools level and within a 2m range you might also get this problem.

But to be honest with you stick with the first explanation as this is 99% of the time the actual cause when water sprays out of pump lid.

Fiberglass Pool Has Black Spots?

So you have recently relined your swimming pool, it looks amazing but a few days or weeks have past and suddenly you sitting with what looks like blackheads appearing everywhere on your pools new surface!

What is it you may ask? Black spots are the result of a weakened gel coat and the breakdown of the minerals within your fiberglass surface. As your gel coat weakens and the fiberglass breaks down, tiny pinholes will form on its surface, where this sludge-like black substance surfaces.

Cobalt can also cause spots like these.  The gel coat delaminates a bit from the surface and these spots can develop.

Solution

Try to remove them with a vitamin C tablet.  If that doesn’t work, then have your water chemistry tested to see if you have a high phosphate level.  If you do, use a phosphate remover then balance the pool water to see if that solves the problem.

What Is Pool Resurfacing?

To resurface a pool basically means to take an old pool and make it look brand new.  This can be done in a few ways but the most common techniques are as follows:

Reline the pool with a new layer of fiberglass after removing the old layer off

Marbelite the pool after sanding and acid washing the pool

Repaint the pool after sanding and removing the old paint layer off

Epoxy coating the pool

What you need to know about the water restrictions in Johannesburg

If you are a pool owner or infact lets just say if you are anyone who loves been in your garden whether it be watering your plants, filling your pool, washing your car then read on because this is for you.

Rand water restrictions apply to the entire province, including the major metros Johannesburg, Tshwane and Ekurhuleni, without any exemptions.

Restricting the pressure, which is about 30%, the municipality will make a decision based on the reservoirs. An example is if a specific area is consuming too much water, they will have those restrictions in place and how they do this is they monitor the reservoir and move to another area and just observe if there is too much consumption then they would put in the restriction. If the consumption is way too high, then there would be that intermittent restriction that you will not have water for specific hours and if we are conserving water as an area then we will continue to have water.

What stage 2 water restrictions mean:

• No irrigation or watering of gardens with a hosepipe or irrigation systems.

• No using of a hosepipe to clean driveways or patios.

•  No washing of vehicles with a hosepipe.

• No filling or topping up of swimming pools or water features.

Last update was October 2022

What are the rules for a Pool Fence in South Africa?

These are the new safety standards and rules for a pool fence for private swimming pools. A fence is no longer good enough!

Every private swimming pool that can hold more than 30cm of water should be surrounded not only by a kid-proof fence, but should also be fitted with a safety net or a safety cover to prevent children drowning, according to a draft update from the SA Bureau of Standards (SABS).

• The Standards Bureau is in the final stages of updating rules for private swimming pools, because kids are still drowning.
• The latest standard says that a fence around a swimming pool is not enough; every pool should also have a safety net or cover.
• That net must be child-proof, professionally installed, and must carry the weight of an adult safely.

Such a net or cover cannot be DIY installed but must be fitted by an “accredited responsible party”, according to the standard.

A cover is disqualified if it allows rainwater to pool for more than five minutes, or if a child can unfasten it. It must require keys, a combination lock or “special tools, devices, or inaccessible locations” to remove.

For larger swimming pools a net or cover must have a carrying weight of at least 220kg to “permit a rescue” operation while holding up one child and two adults. For smaller pools, less than 2.4m at its widest point, the weight requirement is 125kg, for one adult and child.

The requirements form part of SANS 10134, a SABS standard last updated in 2008.

Other changes include a requirement for self-closing gates in fences or walls around swimming pools, and a new obligation on renters or other non-owners to keep completely empty any unsafe pools.

It is the responsibility of the owner of a pool to ensure it has both a fence or wall and a net or cover, the standard holds – but any occupier of a property “shall not allow water in an unprotected swimming pool”.

Occupiers are also responsible for ensuring that some sort of pole, be it a brush or a leaf scoop, is available near any pool “to assist a distressed person in the water”, and to regularly inspect a pool enclosure for damage.

The standard requires walls or fences to be at least 1.2m tall, to be sunk into the ground at least 50cm deep, to be very hard for children to climb, and with gates difficult for children to open.

Now here is the funny thing sad but true. If you as a swimming pool owner get robbed in your own home and the bugler just so happens to fumble on his way out and falls into your swimming pool then drowns, you are held responsible should it be found that you did not have a net, cover or fence!

Should you require assistance with a safety net, fence or cover, Our dedicated team of pool experts are ready to assist you from ordering to fitting it.

5 benefits to hiring a pool company

Pools are great for both relaxing and having fun, but they’re also a big commitment. Responsible pool owners must properly clean and maintain their pools to ensure user safety. This requires more than simply skimming the surface to remove debris and maintaining the proper chemical balance of the water. Neglecting your pool can cause big problems down the road, but regular maintenance doesn’t have to be a huge job when you rely on local pool cleaning professionals. Here are 5 reasons why you should contact professionals for regular pool maintenance.

1. Peace of Mind

Hiring the professionals at North Side Pool Services provides peace of mind, because your pool is properly cared for and maintained by experts. Skilled maintenance technicians will do as much or as little of your pool cleaning and maintenance as you want them to do. Choose from a monthly, bi-weekly or weekly service, or keep your pool maintained 12 months a year with the popular year-round contract. When you’re using a professional swimming pool cleaning service, you can relax knowing it’s safe for everyone who uses it.

2. Timely Cleanings

A regular cleaning schedule helps you keep on track with the cleaning and upkeep of your pool and equipment. This ensures yourswimming pool water is hygienic and stays sparkling. It also keeps your equipment in good condition and you will know well in advance if something is about to break, which can increase the lifetime of your pool and the equipment. Professionals do whatever it takes to keep your pool in pristine condition, including:

• Brush automatic pool cover fabric
• Brush pool walls and tile line
• Clean pump and skimmer baskets
• Skim the surface
• Test and chemically treat the water
• Vacuum
• Verify filter pressure and backwash as needed

3. Equipment & Integrity Check

This is where professional pool cleaning benefits you most, because the pros know when and how to service your pump and filter to ensure your pool motor does not burn out. They can also find and fix rips or any other damages before they become an issue, including leak location and repair. Pool professionals are trained to detect and correct problems that non-professionals wouldn’t easily notice without the correct tools.

4. Proper Chemical Balance

Maintaining the proper balance of chemicals in your water isn’t always easy. Improperly balanced chemicals could harbor bacteria growth or cause algae to bloom, which could affect your health. The wrong pH or overly high chemical concentrations can irritate your eyes, ears, nose, mouth and skin. The wrong chemical balance can also damage your pool materials and lead to leaks, premature wear and other issues. While you should test the water yourself regularly and add chemicals as needed, having it routinely checked by a professional ensures you’re doing it correctly.

5. Save Time & Money

Although you may prefer to perform most of your own pool care and maintenance, you can save time and money by hiring professional pool cleaners to lend you a hand. It’s obvious how they save time, but they can also save you money through early detection of potential problems and paying too much for commercial pool cleaning equipment. Professional pool cleaning services include cleaning, inspecting and repairing your pool’s pump, filter and other parts. This extends the life of your equipment by preventing premature wear that could be avoided when detected early. By detecting smaller problems before they become big issues, you can potentially save a bundle on major repairs and replacement costs.

The secret to a clean, inviting pool is regularly scheduled routine care from the professionals like North Side Pool Services. Professional pool maintenance helps ensure you aren’t risking anyone’s health whenever they go for a swim. We make it easy for you to enjoy a clean, safe and relaxing pool experience from installation to upkeep throughout the life of your pool. Contact us today to learn more about the pool services we provide.

What is better bleach or chlorine?

The “bleaching action” of hypochlorite ion (and eventually, hypochlorous acid) is a hallmark of both chemicals and why they are both really good cleaning products in general. It turns out, however, that pool chlorine is substantially more powerful than household bleach for several reasons.

Free Available Chlorine (FAC)

One important difference is the concentration of free available chlorine (FAC) in each chemical.

Research has shown that if you dissolve 1 gram of chlorine in a liter of water, you’ll get an FAC level of 0.47 grams per liter. If you do the same with bleach, however, you’re FAC level is closer to 0.04.

This significant difference shows that chlorine (calcium hypochlorite) has 11 times the free available chlorine of bleach, which translates into more sanitizing power per dose for chlorine. It also means that if you’re using bleach, you’re going to have to add a lot more to get the same result.

Can swimming Pool Water kill Plants?

Pool water cannot be used to water plants unless the chlorine content is reduced. Chlorine eliminates bacteria and algae in pool water by disinfecting or killing action. It also oxidizes other materials such as dirt and chloramines and can harm plants in high quantities.

Now depending on the grass you have, grass does not generally die from huge amounts of pool water been saturated with it.

Is pool water bad for dogs?

Dogs and the Pool: What You Need to Know

Should You Let Your Dog Swim in the Pool?

If your dog likes to swim in the pool, I would say let the dog swim in the pool, but please make sure your dog can actually swim. I know with my Pitbull’s they just sink like a sack of potatoes and when they pop up they panic and look for any way to get out. A dog must ALWAYS be supervised when swimming, even if it’s a small backyard pool.

With this been said, having a dog in your pool will change the way you need to maintain it. It will take extra time and work to make sure your pool chemical levels are appropriate and your filtration system is in good working order.

Is Pool Water Safe For Dogs?

A properly maintained swimming pool is generally safe for dogs to swim in. Pool water, whether chlorine or saltwater, is not considered harmful under most circumstances. However, there are a few things to remember.

Everyone who swims ingests some amount of water. Kids and animals tend to swallow more than adult humans. Dogs simply do not know any better and may actively lap up the pool water. This should be avoided. Drinking pool water can lead to an upset gastrointestinal tract, leading to nausea, vomiting, and esophageal damage. In rare cases, drinking excessive amounts of pool water can cause a dangerous condition called water intoxication, this causes a major imbalance in the electrolytes in the body, leading to serious and possibly irreversible brain damage.

Pool chemicals can cause skin irritation and dryness in both humans and animals, especially if they swim often. Be sure to rinse your dog’s after swimming and check the skin regularly for redness, flaking, or other issues.

Can Your Pool Be Affected By Animals In It? 

Per 1 dog in a swimming pool is equal to having 3 people in a pool meaning per 1 dog there is quite a bit more muck going into the pool.

Dogs, of course, have a lot more hair than people. Any loose or dead hairs on your dog’s coat will end up in the pool water, affecting the filtration system and the chemical balance. A dog’s coat also tends to have a lot of debris like dirt, pollen, and even fecal matter that goes into the pool water when they swim. Parasites and germs can also contaminate the pool water and affect humans and other animals that enter the pool.

Dogs also have strong nails that can easily tear the pool liner, so it’s best to keep your dog out of pools with plastic or vinyl lining.

The Cost to run a pool in SA

Here is a break down of the costs involved

Does a swimming pool add value to your property?

The National Association of Realtors confirmed that having an in-ground swimming pool in your home does in fact increase the value of your property.

What and who is NSPI ?

Alright so for all of you who have heard this abbreviation been thrown around here in South Africa by every Tom, Dick and Harry, It stands for ” National Spa & Pool Institute of South Africa”

Now I really do not mean to insult or discriminate this institute but many people in South Africa think that this is an institute which has specific pool inspectors designated to them who come out and inspect a pool for faulty and shoddy workmanship. I have news for you this is a glorified marketing company who sends out inspectors yes if you are a member of theirs, and the so called inspectors getting sent out are any swimming pool companies designated to your area which in turn pay a monthly premium to NSPI to get referred.

The NSPI has a very good ethic to basically test the pool company wanting to be approved by them, by actually going on site with the company and testing them there which I think is a great idea.

However the one ethic which stood out to me the most on there website https://www.nspi.co.za/code-of-ethics/ under point 5

• Advertise and sell on the merits of products and refrain from attacking competitors or reflecting unfairly on their products, services and business methods.

I am sorry did I see right ? I mean that obviously means just refrain from attacking your own members right? because if you are not a member this obviously gives them the right to smear the smaller pool companies names which simply can’t afford the monthly premium to be a member. I have witnessed this personally by one of there so called loyal members ” Curtis Pools ” I think the small minded individuals name is Russ Curtis he should try follow the code of which you guys claim to standby, and just two more points to add here before we end this,

1. Everyone has a different way of building NSPI, so you are entitled to an opinion but not a statement. Just because a company does not follow what you guys say sure as hell does not mean they cannot build a swimming pool.
2. Russ Curtis who comes from a family tree which are well known in the cement industry has sworn under oath that marbelite simply cannot be polished or made smooth once rough. Please see the below because the fact that you are qualified and registered not only in your family business but with the NSPI as well does not say very much.

How To Repair (Resurface) Rough Pool Plaster

  

Pool Plaster Diamond Disc is made with a NON-CORROSIVE bonding material and can be used with or without water. This ensures no rust or corrosion stains from residual material. Rough pool finishes also known as overexposed aggregate or tool marks can be honed and polished (resurfaced). Pool Plaster Diamond Disc removes iron stains, organic stains, topical buildup, pool scale (plaster surface build up) also known as Calcium Scale, Waterline scale, and Calcium Nodes leaving a pleasant smooth finish.

Roughness, scaling, and discoloration is topical problems in pool plaster finishes caused by 3 common practices used to maintain swimming pools with plaster pool finishes.

1. Pool Chemistry: Lack of knowledge or neglect of pool chemistry is shown on pool plaster finish. The pool plaster surface is the report card of the water chemistry maintainer. Bad pool chemistry such as a high pH and/or calcium hardness among others are seen on the pool plaster surface soon within days or weeks. While other poor practices are more subdued at first before becomes noticeable. Calcium Scale, Waterline Scale.
2. Acid Washing: This seems to be common practice for a quick fix. However, muriatic acid eats away at cement surrounding the pool aggregate (quartz, pebble, marble chip, etc.) overexposing it causing a rough finish, weaker plaster, and most of the time worst results than prior. Remember cement is the base of ALL POOL PLASTERS.
3. Salt: Salt itself from a saltwater pool has issues of attacking cement in plaster over time causing a rough finish.

Before Using Pool Plaster Disc

The picture above shows an overexposed aggregate pool plaster surface caused by excessive use of muriatic acid. Pool Plaster surfaces with coarse sandpaper feel will cause skin abrasions, irritation, and bathing suit damage. This can literally make the swimming pool unusable over time. Leaving the pool finish rough and discolored will lead to spot etching, topical stains, permanent scale and algae adhesion. You will have to re-plastering your pool if not corrected.

Polishing (resurfacing) your rough pool plaster with a pleasant smooth finish using our two-step process is easy to perform and most of all cost-effective. Whether you have a color quartz finish (Multi-colored plaster) or standard plaster (white in color), having a smooth pleasant plaster finish is easy and will add years to your existing pool plasters life.

Manufacturers recommend pool plaster thickness to be a minimum of 5/8 inch thick when applied. So you have some plaster to work with.

The two-step resurfacing eliminates calcium nodules, spot etching, skin abrasions, bathing suit damage, and will give you a consistent color surface that makes entertaining in and around your pool area a pleasure.

Drain your pool. Now is the time to replace and repair anything below the waterline. Items that you need to maintain below the waterline are lights, stair steps, fittings, tile, anchors, railings etc. We all know that things below the water line need work at one time or another. So now is the time to do the work.

The two-step process is easy. Using our 7” non-corrosive diamond flexible discs attached to AG7529 7” Velcro pad on a polisher, or sander. (Maximum 3500 RPM). Our 7″ diameter hook and loop backer pad AG7529 used with our 7″ pool plaster disc ensure 100% contact with the pool plaster finish you are resurfacing. (using a smaller diameter backing pad will cause the pool plaster disc to wear uneven and reduce the life of the pool plaster disc) The process will be sanding (resurfacing) your rough pool plaster with our NON-CORROSIVE Pool Plaster Disc.

Start with walls under the waterline tile moving downward, next floor. After ALL, the flat surfaces of the pool are done. Start on the inside coves and corners. Pool plaster disc can be used with or without water. Begin with applying the whole face of the pool plaster disc evenly and lightly against the wet plaster. Too much pressure will cause premature wear of disc and deep swirl marks in plaster. The weight of the tool is all that is needed. As you progress you will see the pad take the roughness away leaving a honed resurfaced to the touch finish. When using pool plaster disc without water it is important not overheat the disc by doing a 5 Ft. x 5 Ft. area then use a hose to wash off plaster residual material remaining. This will keep the pool plaster disc and pool plaster from over heating. Excessive heat will cause break down in the integrity of both pool plaster disc and pool plaster.

Disc Selection

1.) WD7050: 50 Grit NON-CORROSIVE Pool Plaster Disc is used on coarse pool plaster or trowel marks to be removed and leaving a slight texture.

2.) WD7070: 70 Grit NON-CORROSIVE Honed Diamond Disc is used on semi-coarse pool plaster or when new polished quartz plaster is to be honed or lightly buffed.

3.) WD7120: 120 Grit NON-CORROSIVE Pool Plaster Disc to removes the slight texture giving a pleasant smooth polish finish.

Step 1

Use selected 50 Grit or 70 Grit you selected to clean and hone down your pool plaster to a flat surface. During this step, your going to remove all surface scaling, rough aggregate, and trowel marks. (View before polish plaster finish picture). Start by processing 5 square feet before you stop. Then wet the surface and feel the surface with your hand. Remember not much or no pressure needed. Let the pool plaster disc do the work. You want the pool plaster to have an even slight texture surface. If you feel areas that are smoother than others. Continue till pool plaster surface is consistent. It is important for pool plaster surface to have a uniform texture throughout. By removing the top 1/16″ or 1/8″ of plaster you have now removed all surface imperfections, stains, and trowel marks. This is the base and start of your new polished (resurfaced) pool finish. Disc coverage approximately 1,500 to 2,000 so. ft. per disc depending on roughness and plaster material being removed. When using pool plaster disc without water it is important not overheat the disc by doing a 5 Ft. x 5 Ft. area then use a hose to wash off plaster residual material remaining. This will keep the pool plaster disc and pool plaster from over heating. Excessive heat will cause break down in the integrity of both pool plaster disc and pool plaster.

Step 2

Use WD7120 non-corrosive honed diamond disc for final honing and polishing. During this step, you’re going to remove that slight texture feel of the plaster. (View the after polish plaster finish picture shown to see what you will achieve.) Polish about 4 square feet before you stop, wet the surface again and feel the surface you just process. It will have a pleasant smooth to the touch finish. Now you will start to feel and see your polished pool finish. If you can feel areas that have texture, continue with the WD7120 pad to get the smoothness you desire. You will make the final decision on how smooth the surface will be. Coverage approximately 2,000 to 3,000 so. ft. per pad depending on plaster material.

 

After Using Pool Plaster Disc

Compare Before and After

Now we recommend you to start the process of refilling your pool.

Remember proper pH, alkalinity, and calcium hardness levels are key to prevent etching of pool plaster

Back to Pool Plaster Diamond Disc.

Does going the solar route save you money?

Hell yes it does but the initial cost of the setup is quite expensive but worth it in the end most definitely.

What is the best pool pump?

This really depends on where about you located and what type of setup you have. In South Africa we are limited to brands and do not have the leading brand such as Hayward. We have 3 categories here in SA they are as follows: High class which is Quality, EarthCo and Speck then your average brands which can be purchased at the big hardware stores like Leeroy Merlin these are Pro Pumps and Hurricane then your lower ranges found at builders warehouse which is Sun Command or Sunflo. My opinion is Speck Badu and the reason for this is it is manufactured in America, it is really quite in terms of noise and they honestly last longer than the average 2 year span. Now as I mentioned it also depends on your setup and the easiest way to explain this is in terms of what size you need and that is if you have a 2 or 3 bag sand filter you can use up to a 0.75kw pool pump, if you have a 4 or 5 bag sand filter then you should run a 1.1kw pump.

If you running solar panels or a heat pump then a 1.1kw pump is a must in this instance.

Settings on a Multiport

When you are still learning about your swimming pool it can be a nightmare especially when you wondering what are the settings on a multiport? Relax we here to assist you.

So first things first always remember the 2 key things here

1. Always remember to turn the pump off before changing the settings
2.  Never ever turn the dial anti clockwise as this will damage the mpv wagon wheel seal

So looking at a multiport you will have the following settings depending on which way its been installed but most commonly:

12 o’clock Filter – This means the pools water get sucked from the weir through the multiport into the sand filter and gets clarified through the sand and back into the pool through the return

2 o’clock Waste – This setting is usually only used if your pool is sitting higher than the pumps level and you wanting to drain the pool, or if you have a lot of debris at the bottom of the pool and do not want it to pass through your sand then you would use a vacuum and vacuum it straight out the pools backwash line.

4 o’clock Closed – If your pool level is higher than the pumps level and you do not have a ball valve to shut off the water you would use closed. Please always remember never to run the pump on this setting as your pipes will literally suck in and explode

6 o’clock Backwash – The sand in a filter acts like a filter but in order to clean the sand you need to run a backwash

8 o’clock Bypass – This means water does not pass through the sand filter, it just circulates the same water in the pool. This is usually used when you have a problem on the sand filter and are waiting for parts or if you wanting to change the sand but do not have the budget to do so.

10 o’clock Rinse – Once all the debris has been passed through the sand one will need to run a rinse cycle in order for the water to be clear coming back in the pool

How long should you run a pool pump for?

This question comes along so often and each person has there own answer to it.

Google will tell you between 6 and 8 hours but now understand something this is not America, if you are in South Africa our weather is far less harsh so yes running your pool pump between 6 and 8 hours is great but seriously it is not necessary. I own a 100,000l pool and in winter I run it for 1 hour a day, every second or third day and in summer between 2 and 3 hours everyday, I have never had a green pool and all I have ever used is a month mate floater.

The biggest trick here is really to find the time to brush your swimming pool while running the pump.

White stains on the mosaic tiles ?

When you have white stains on the mosaic tiles, this is caused from chemicals in your water like chlorine. Can it be removed? Well depending on how long it has been there usually no but there is a possibility when doing an acid wash

Is a pool leak covered by household insurance?

To put it to you in simple terms, No pool leaks are not covered under household insurance.

Insurance usually only covers for sudden or unforseen damages on swimming pools which means should a rain storm occure and a tree or car falls into your pool causing damage or a car has an accident outside your house, hits your wall with the bricks smashing your pool or something like that then that is considered unforseen or sudden but a leak in general is not considered sudden or unforseen under normal circumstances.

Agree or disagree but it is in human nature when I say that homeowners generally only really look after there swimming pools in the summer months when pools are been used in full swing, but winter months come and pools get covered so they get neglected and its the neglect or lack of which causes leaks which wouldn’t have occured if one had been maintaining the pool as this could have been prevented.

If you do not know what to look for then hiring a pro would be your best bet as these things are picked up way before the time and will save you the hassle and headache in the long term.

Pool pH

Your Pool pH level should be just above 7 which is neutral so 7.2 – 7.8

If you want more information regarding this question please use the link to follow a post of ours regarding pool pH

Uv Pool Sanatizer

By implementing a UV Pool Sanatizer systems for your swimming pool or jacuzzi you not only create a better environment for yourself and family, but you also reduce the use of chemicals, water footprint, and energy costs. This causes an elimination of chloramines, which means that the requirements for water renewal in the pool is drastically reduced.

Has your pool turned green after you added solar?

The easiest way to understand why your pool turned green almost at an instant after you added solar panels or a heat pump to your system is to think of your pool as a man made river or lake. As long as there is circulation and flow of water you have a master piece, however should the water stop flowing and it were to become neglected, it will become a breeding ground for algae and other parasites.

Now how does adding solar to the equation affect a pool turning green you may ask? well on a normal situation algae grows in temperatures 15 degrees celsius and above, if you adding a solar panel system or heat pump to your system your water temperatures will hit between 29 degrees to 38 degrees which will in turn speed up the algae growth by almost 50% and hense why it turns green so quick.

How to clean a green & cloudy pool

Nothing beats a clear, cool pool on a sweltering summer day. However, many homeowners discover that their pool looks alot less appealing after a serious rainstorm, full of cloudy or even green water. Fortunately, with just a little extra maintenance you can quickly return your pool water to its proper state, or even prevent clouding problems before they start. Read on for tips on how to maintain and clean your pool after a rainstorm and keep the water swimmable all summer long.

Why Your Pool Turns Green and Cloudy After Rain

While the rain itself doesn’t generally harm your pool, it can dilute the carefully balanced chemistry in the water. This can alter your pH levels and dilute the chlorine or other sanitizes, allowing algae or other contaminants to gain a foothold. Once the algae spores have the proper conditions to grow, they multiply very quickly, which is why your clear pool can turn green overnight. A pool full of algae isn’t just unsightly – it presents potential health problems for bathers in the form of skin irritation, ear and eye infections, and gastrointestinal illness. It’s also possible for run-off from the storm to bring unwanted chemicals like nitrates and phosphates into the pool, further clouding the water.

Prevent Dilution Before it Occurs

The best way to keep your pool water clear is to prevent rainwater from diluting it in the first place. Keep an eye on the weather forecast during swimming season and pull the pool cover in place before any storms settle in over your region. A good quality pool cover is a worthy investment, as cheaper models made with lightweight plastic vinyl are more likely to tear over time and allow the rain to infiltrate the pool. If you don’t have a pool cover, you can get a head start on cleanup by adding algaecide to the water and sweeping away any debris in the vicinity of the pool before the rain arrives.

Clean the Debris from the Pool

If you missed your opportunity to cover the pool and are left with a cloudy green mess, all isn’t lost. With a small amount of remediation work you’ll be happily swimming again in no time. The first step is to remove any leaves, twigs or branches that found their way into the water. Also check the filters as well as the pump and skimmer baskets to make sure they aren’t clogged. In addition, you’ll want to brush off foreign objects that have lodged themselves on the ladder or steps, and then vacuum up any debris that has settled on the bottom of the pool.

Make Sure Your Water Level is Correct

Many pools automatically drain excess water on their own, but if yours does not you’ll need to remove some water to get back to the proper level before you start re balancing the chemicals. You can open the drain, backwash the sand filter, or follow whatever the proper procedure is for your installation to get the water back down to around the center of the skimmer float.

Test the Pool Water

Once you verify that you have the correct amount of water in your pool, it’s time to check on the pH, total alkalinity, and calcium hardness levels so you know if the water itself is swimmable. Heavy rains dilute the chemicals and may carry particulate matter from the air, which can raise or lower your pool’s pH level. When it comes to free chlorine, it’s a good idea to add a little extra, especially if there were leaves or other organic debris in the water.

Typically, your pool should fall within the following ranges, but check your manual for specific instructions for your setup:

• Total Alkalinity:  100-150 ppm. Works as a shock absorber to prevent against spiking pH levels.
• pH:  7.2 – 7.6 Too low causes irritation. Too high causes calcium scaling.
• Calcium Hardness:  180-220 ppm. A neutral level helps preserve concrete or plaster lined pools.

Run the Pump and Filter the Water

Verify that the water is able to properly complete its journey through all the circulatory equipment, and the filter pressure is at normal levels. Once you’ve achieved good circulation and filtration, let the system run before you give the pool a test swim. The amount of time the equipment will take to totally clear the water will vary depending on what type of filter you use – anywhere from a few hours if the filter uses diatomaceous earth, to several days for a sand filter. As a general principle, change out paper cartridge pump filters regularly. You can make these filters last longer by washing them out with a hose and soaking them overnight in a bucket of white vinegar or bleach. If you use a sand filter system, be sure to perform a back flush according to the manufacturer’s recommendations.

Give the Pool a Shock

If the pool is still very cloudy or green, you may need to shock it to make it safe to swim in again.

1. First, make sure that the filter system is working properly and the chemicals are still at the proper levels.
2. Next, mix up your chlorine shock (hyperchlorinate) treatment. Add 1 pound of your preferred shock treatment into a 5-gallon bucket of water about 3/4 full (the exact measurements may vary depending on the size of your pool and how contaminated the water is).
3. Slowly pour this mixture directly into the pool water. Do NOT add shock directly to the skimmer, as undiluted,
4. Full strength pool chemicals can damage filters, heaters and pumps.

Maintain the higher shock levels to kill off all the algae. This can take several days and involve multiple treatments to get combined Chloramines and FC levels to the right levels that clear the water. While performing the treatment, brush and clean the pool thoroughly every day to remove dead algae and other dirt.

More Pool Cleaning Tips

• Chlorine comes stabilized or unstabilized. Stabilized chlorine is coated with Cyanuric acid to prevent Cl2 from evaporating. Unstabilized chlorine, such as sodium hypochlorite, is not treated with Cyanuric acid.
• Sodium hypochlorite, also known as pool bleach, is available as a liquid and is highly concentrated compared to household bleach. Calcium hypochlorite is available as a granular powder or slow-release tablets. Both of these chemicals are used to shock the pool in order to raise the concentration of free chlorine (FC) in the water.
• Calcium hypochlorite reacts vigorously with water to release free chlorine — but it dissolves slowly. To get the most free chlorine into the water, add it to your pool at night so it won’t evaporate as quickly. You’ll need to wait 8 hours to use the pool, anyway. The calcium acts as an alkaline buffer.

When in doubt, consult the instructions that came with your pool, or schedule an appointment with a professional to resolve any questions and ensure that your pool provides a clean, safe and relaxing environment for you and your family.

Pool Turns Green and Cloudy After Rain

While the rain itself doesn’t generally harm your pool, it can dilute the carefully balanced chemistry in the water. This can alter your pH levels and dilute the chlorine or other sanitizes, allowing algae or other contaminants to gain a foothold. Once the algae spores have the proper conditions to grow, they multiply very quickly, which is why your clear pool can turn green overnight. A pool full of algae isn’t just unsightly – it presents potential health problems for bathers in the form of skin irritation, ear and eye infections, and gastrointestinal illness. It’s also possible for run-off from the storm to bring unwanted chemicals like nitrates and phosphates into the pool, further clouding the water.

Why winter pools seldom turn green?

You may ask yourself ” why does your pool remain blue during winter but in summer turn green”?

This is because algae requires 10 – 15 hours of sunlight to start growing and it also requires a temperature of between 15,55 degrees Celsius and 26,66 degreed Celsius. Now in South Africa and I am referring specifically to Johannesburg, here we obtain on a good day only 11 hours of sunlight and our temperatures usually only get to 18 degrees and lower so we are still in the region of pools turning green but for those who reside in cities and towns which get lower temperatures and less sunlight they very seldom ever get a green pool during winter.

What is the best pool cleaner in South Africa?

With so many pool cleaners on the market, it makes it extremely difficult finding out which one really is the best. So below we have listed our top favorite choices as per our experience and knowledge on them. This is a guideline and everyone may have a different opinion.

1. The ultimate robotic pool auto cleaner range such as dolphin is by far the most complex and well thought of idea ever ! It works with a navigation system software which is precise for cleaning every part of your pool. Now beside the main cable which I find extremely annoying it really is a cool machine. It features a 2 hours cycle time, easy clean filter, wifi on certain models which is smart phone compatible. The only snag with this machine is if you are running a timer or you go on holiday, you will have to leave it plugged in and in Australia that is all good and well but here in South Africa we have a huge problem with theft which makes it a very easy item to steal. I have seen so many of these machines ending up at pawn shops without the cable or power supply which means either way they steal them with or without the cable but with a cable and power supply it makes it more of a valuable item to sell. Another snag with this is it holds a price tag starting at around R10 999.00 up to R23 999.00 which makes it almost impossible for the average person to afford it.

2. Now if you like the idea of a robotic pool cleaner but do not have the funds for it then the Hug Bug Pro is certainly an awesome buy, it may not be robotic but this is a really advanced little pool cleaner and it really does not hold a big price tag.

It costs only R3799.00

Features:
– New design tracks with great grip
– Programmed steering for full pool cleaning coverage
– Extremely quiet operation
– Wide Track Design cleans wide area
– Designed to maneuver out of difficult corners and steps
– Easy installation and maintenance, no tools required

3. In our 3rd position we have the Gemini twinsweep.

Now although this is an entry level pool cleaner and well it is really not much to look at, trust me it does the job.

It holds a price tag of only R1200.00 which makes it more than affordable but it very seldom gets stuck in corners and the only problem we have ever encountered with this machine is the rubber hammer getting stuck.

4. In 4th position we have the Kreepy pro

It is a very bulky looking cleaner and very similar to its younger brother the kreepy combi which is a slightly thinner version but equally as good. They almost never give any problems but are known to get stuck in corners and occasionally the swivel head and cone do come lose over time but parts are readily available and affordable to. The unit costs around R2600.00 and has never really lost its value as it has been on the market going on almost 7 or 8 years now.

5. The Zodiac pacer

Cheap, effective and does a really good job cleaning your pool

It costs between R999.00 – R1250.00 and only really gives problems with the diaphragm tearing if you using it in a pool that has lots of trees around it and the occasional getting stuck on leaf catchers. All in all a really good buy

6. The Dominator range 

The dominator came out with 3 versions, the lite, the combi and the pro

The only real difference is the size of the units between the lite and pro and the floor sweeper brushes on the new pro version. The parts however are pretty much universal and fit between the versions. I personally love this machine but have had endless issues with them you either get one which does not give problems or you get one with endless problems it is like a lucky packet. The concept is great but I think they could have made these a little more durable for medium conditions because the minute this machine runs over so much as a little stick or pretty much anything larger than 10mm it jams. The service kits are readily available but who wants to pay R950 for a kit after already paying between R2200 – R3600 for the cleaner? As I mentioned its luck of the draw and should you get the good one then you will be happy with it as it is a good machine.

7. Zodiac MX series

The MX series has been on the market for a good 8 or 9 years I think and it was the first of its kind to come out with a gear and track driven system. They are a good machine however do give quite a bit of problems with the gear system. Parts are available at any pool shop but once again can work out costly as one gear costs between R350.00 – R450.00 and the gears generally only last up to 6 months. The unit trades between R3400.00 – R4200.00 which is quite a bit higher than the dominator however it is a much more rugged build unit and weighs quite a bit more than a dominator. The other issues it gives is getting jammed with sticks and other items in your pool and tipping on its back.

8. Lastly at number 8 we have the Kreepy Tiger shark

This unit is very quite and has quite a bit of suction power and is designed for small to medium swimming pools. I cannot say I have ever experienced any kind of  issues with them and would probably consider this a really good entry level pool cleaner.  The unit complete costs R2699

Chemical Lock

A chemical lock is when you add chemicals to your pool and absolutely nothing happens. You then keep adding more and more in hopes that it will turn color but it never does. So what is actually happening is the pool is over stabilized so no chemical can penetrate the barrier which the chemicals have created in the pool causing what we call “a chemical lock”

There are 2 solutions to fix this they are

1. Drain the pool halfway then top it up with ordinary tap water
2. Use a very good algaecide this method has never failed us and has always worked wonders in the worst of pools we have attended to.

What is the best pool floater to use?

Everyone has a different opinion on which chemicals to use in there swimming pools, a certain floater may work in your pool but not in someone else’s pool.

I strongly recommend the month mate floater which costs anything from R80.00 to R90.00 and can be obtained from builders warehouses, Mica, Makro, Spar, Picknpay, Shoprite and certain smaller outlets within Gauteng.

The really nice thing about month mate floaters is you it requires minimal maintenance after putting it in the pool

It contains your shock treatment, UV cover, Stabilizer and a slow release of chlorine when needed.

Is your dominator running slow?

Yet another great question here regarding the Dominator series pool cleaner.

Why is your dominator running so slow instead of cruising at full speed around your pools surface?

The most common cause here is it is more than likely the plastic bearings which are located on the left side slot of the machine ( as picture below) you will find 2 in that slot and a 3rd one found on the right side of the machine in the gear block ( as picture below.)

What causes them to go? Usually sand and small particles in the pool and because they are not stainless steel bearings which run on lubricants this does tend to happen quite often. Its plastic what can i say.?

Dominator going in circles?

Is your Dominator Pro or Lite going in circles instead of moving forward and cleaning your pool? This can be a frustrating experience we hear you!

It never seems to amaze me that these auto cleaners hold such a high price but always give the most problems, yet people insist on purchasing them not actually knowing what issues they have and will it actually work in the buyers pool? No I am not here to run the cleaner down as it is a really great machine I am just saying if R3899.00 is the approximate cost price of the unit and that is very steep but then there is also additional costs involved which the buyer must be prepared to spend at least once or twice a year that is for the tune up kit which costs R950.00 and the tyres R480.00 its madness!

But anyhow back to the issue at hand …..

The problem lies within the main spindle rod (as picture below) found in the front of the unit, as you open the clip you will see the it. It is the black rod which is slotted through the machine and seen from outside the unit between the two wheels. Now what happens is over time the spindle grooves wear down and instead of it fitting exactly into the wheels grooves it starts missing them and finally there will be nothing to turn one of the wheels, this will then cause the unit to do circles as only 1 wheel will be functional.

The solution for this is to purchase the Dominator tune up kit from us or any other retail store.

Black stuff on the walls and floor of pool?

This is only common in marbelite pools and it is most likely black algae.

Cause of black algae: Usually caused from humid temperatures, Hot water from solar systems, blankets or heat pumps and salt.

Once your pool has black algae it is a menace to eliminate however we have found that draining the pool and acid washing it takes care of this terrible algae.

Which Pool Cleaner is best for you?

There are many different brands of auto cleaners on the market these days and each salesman is hungry to make the deal but be careful as you may purchase something which you will regret later on. Follow our guideline to buying one below.

Firstly determine the approximate size of your pool – Anything driven by tracks such as a dominator lite, zodiac mx6 or mx8 do not do well with large pools.

Secondly what shape is your pool and does it have? straight edges, bumps, L-shapes or funny corners? Most auto cleaners cannot climb a dead straight wall or stairs let alone go around a corner of an L shaped pool.

And lastly is your swimming pool situated under trees? The dominator range and MX range as well as the Hug bug pro are not suitable for a pool which has a lot of leafs in it, it will get stuck constantly.

In our opinion we say small pools = Zodiac Mx6, Hug bug pro or the Dominator Lite / Pro

Medium sized pool = Dominator Pro / Mx8 / Kreepy Pro, Hug bug pro, Gemini Twinsweep or Zodiac G2

Large sized pool = G2, Kreepy Combi, Kreepy Pro or Gemini Twinsweep

Is your Zodiac MX Series not moving?

The most common problem people face with the mx6 and mx8 is the fact that these auto cleaners are run by 1 or 2 plastic gears. Over time you will start facing problem such as reduced speed, circular motions or simply not moving at all, now this is caused from the gears been worn and damaged.

How do you fix it? Simple either let us do it for you or feel free to pop into your local pool store and have them fit new gears for you.

Does your Kreepy Krauly follow the same route?

This is a huge problem especially on the smaller pools but the easiest way is to determine if your pipes length is to long or to short. How do you do this? its simple take the distance from your weir ( where the kreepy usually plugs into ) to the furthest corner of the pool. Your pipes should just reach there.

Alternatively the next thing you could do here is to add a hose weight to your pipes.

How often should you run a backwash cycle?

Depending on the weather conditions and current condition of your pool, usually once a week is enough.

Duration to run a backwash is normally 1 minute depending on the size of the pool.

Can a cracked pool be repaired? The answer to this question depends on 3 factors:

1. Which direction is the crack running? vertical or horizontal? Now under normal circumstances a vertical crack is fixable but a horizontal crack could indicate that there is a possibility of earth shiftment, which in many cases if the pool company you hired knows what they are doing, would be able to identify this and fix the issue.

2. How deep is the actual crack? Usually the cracks you see are only surface cracks but when they go through the pools lining into the actual foundation of the pool, then as mentioned above you need to understand the crack and know what you are doing.

3. What type of lining the pool has marbelite or fiberglass? Most pools with a fiberglass lining can be repaired by draining the pool and doing a fiberglass patch repair with a matching top coat. This method applies only if the crack has not gone through the foundation of the the pool and the pool is not losing water. Most marbelite pools can be repaired under water if the cracks are surface cracks and the pool is not losing water. If the pool is losing water and the crack is severe then in most cases it can be repaired by draining the pool and fixing as required. There have been cases where the cracks are so severe that it would cost to much to actually repair it and the owner has opted to build a smaller pool in a different location but the pool company should be able to advise you on this should they know what they are doing.

How long does a resurfaced fiberglass pool last?

If done correctly a resurfaced fiberglass pool should last between 15 to 20 years

Is there a difference between plastering vs marbeliting?

I have been in this industry for many years and there has always been this plastering vs marbeliting debate so anyone who tells you they can marbelite because they are a plasterer is lying.

There is a similarity between the two yes such as the technique used to trowel but but the dry time is quicker with marbelite where you have much more time with plaster.

The thickness is a huge difference, when you plaster something the thickness is usually between 7 and 10mm where marbelite should be between 25 and 35mm.

The mixing process is the same accept that you use a lot less water with marbelite and bonding agent is always used in the mix where plaster you seldom need to use bonding liquid and use slightly more water.

I have had many plasterers in the past work for us and they have failed terribly when put onto a marbelite job and why? because let me tell you something the education level in South Africa is so pathetic that almost 60% of plasterers here do not have the qualification and have been shown by a brother or freind. Any moron can be a plasterer, hell even I knew how to plaster when I was 16 years old but marbelite is a far more skilled job and you need to know what you are doing or you will sit with problems. There are things you need to think of when marbeliting, things like the weather tempurature. You cannot marbelite in tempuratures less than 10 degrees and more than 30 degrees or the marbelite will fail. If you trowel to quick it can cause air pockets in the plaster which will seem like hollow spots. It is also very easy to trowel more in one direction than the other which will cause the marbelite to appear extremely uneven. Another thing to mention that the secret in marbeliting is to keep your trowel clean and always wet.

Should you wish to review a full list of the do and donts please click this link 

Marbelite Calculator

Here is a simple calculator to show you how much marbelite you will need on your next project.

How long does it take to build pools?

Each company will have a different answer for this and it really depends on certain factors such as weather conditions, the amount of staff you have, the size of the pools been built and the equipment you use. But on average a new built will take anything from 2 weeks to 3 weeks.

What is the perfect depth for a pool?

I could be wrong if you are residing anywhere else other than South Africa but the depth limits here are 1m in the shallow and 1.5m in the deep

What pool is the cheapest to build?

Now beside purchasing a Intex pool we are referring to either building an above-ground pool or in-ground pool and the answer is:

An above ground swimming pool would be the cheapest because its less labor and work due to the fact that there is no digging other than a small foundation outline.

Why must a swimming pool be full?

To those of you out there who do not know the answer to this question, the answer is quite simple.

A pool must be kept full because water equalizes the pressure which means the pressure of the water is basically what keeps the pool in shape and it prevents it from cracking. Without water in a pool the entire foundation would crack, shift or cause bulging.

The Rimflow pool

A rimflow pool is an elegant pool design which adds an amazing touch to just about any pool.

It is an additional section which is built onto either side of the existing pool, only much lower. The purpose of a rimflow is purely decorative as it is designed to create a tranquil type of feel.

How does it work?

Just like any pool you have a suction line coming from your weir to your pump and then the water returning back into your pool, the only difference with a rimflow is you will need to have a separate pump driving the rimflow and a separate suction line, sometimes even as much as 3 or 4. Now in a nut shell the concept is very simple.

• Water is sucked from the rimflows inlets
• It is then returned to the swimming pool through the pools returns
• Once the water is in the pool, the water level will rise and overflow over the slanted edges of the pool back into the rimflow pool
• The rimflow is fitted with a bottom inlet valve which acts in the exact same way as a toilet does, when the water is low it opens the valve to allow water in, this prevents the rimflow from running dry and when the water has reached its ideal level the valve shuts off preventing the rimflow from overflowing.

Are you sitting with the problem of the fiberglass lifting from the surface of your swimming pool?

A common problem which many people sit with either caused from fair wear and tear over a long period of time or just plain bad workmanship where the contractor either did not put enough resin on the surface for the fiberglass matt to bond to this is called dry spots or the fiberglass was not given enough time to cure and was filled to quick which will in the beginning start off as a soft and mushy patch and finally ending up in a hole or the above example of the fiberglass lifting.

Now the bad news on this is the longer you leave it, the worse it will get and this is due to the chemicals which are in water and in the normal day to day floaters, granular chlorine and so on do not react well with a resin which has not been cured. It then goes behind the lifted fiberglass and starts eating the fiber from the inside out which then starts spreading throughout your pool.

I do not suggest trying to patch this as one can never know what damage has already been done and with that been said it is highly recommended that you remove the existing fiberglass shell and lay a new one this will ensure a good 20 – 25 years lifetime without any issues.

Leave a pool empty?

Many people prefer draining there entire swimming pools during the winter months because they will not be using it, but to answer the question the answer is no.

This is because a swimming pool relies on the pressure of the water to help keep its shape and plaster from cracking, should there be no water in the pool it will cause major issues down the line such as cracking, shifting and severe damages to the shell and foundation.

How long after fiberglass can you fill your swimming pool?

The process of fiberglassing a swimming pool should be done in 3 days and then an additional 3-4 days is given to cure

How long after marbeliting can a pool be filled?

Marbelite is a product which relies on water to prevent it from shrinking, cracking or webbing and it is therefor recommended to start filling the pool within 12-24 hours after marbeliting and on a hot day almost immediately after it has been marbelited.

How long does marbelite last?

If done correctly and maintained with proper care, you can expect a marbelite pool to last for about 15 years until you need to re-marbelite.

Cost to fiberglass a pool

The average cost to fiberglass a pool in Johannesburg is approximately between R22 000.00 and R50 000.00 depending on the size.

Obviously a swimming pool which is 8 x 5 or 9 x 5 + will be slightly more.

Pools and Cost

What do Pools Cost?

The average cost to build a swimming pool in Johannesburg is roughly around R30 000.00 this excludes the plumbing, electrical, filters and any additional extras it is just to dig a shell which is on average a 5 x 3 size.

For a complete setup with everything you looking anything from R60 000.00 – R180 000.00

raise the depth of your swimming pool

More and more clients we meeting these days are stuck with a really old pool which is not only big in size but also extremely deep! Now most pools these days are built really small and do not have much of a deep end, but if you are one of the unfortunate people to have an old pool which you can hardly touch the bottom of and would like to know if it can be made shallower.

The answer to this is most definitely! however I would not recommend doing it your self as it is a bit more complicated then just throwing down some concrete.

Give us a call to assist you with this matter

Calculate how much water your pool holds

Follow the link below to find out how many litres of water your pool holds

https://www.pentairpool.com.au/129/Calculators/Pool-Volume-Calculator

Pool Sizing

Gone are the days where having a large swimming pool makes you look rich and the cool cat on the block.

Times have changed and people much prefer a smaller pool to socialize, chill out and drink rather then practice laps for the Olympic games excuse the pun.

Most of the pools we build never exceed the length of 5 meters and have a max width of 3 meters which is a really good size in my opinion. If you look at your Northern suburbs of Johannesburg most of the pools are between 2 x 3 or 3 x 4 which is really small but its in the trend and its lower maintenance, cheaper to run and easy to modify.

Fiberglass VS Marbelite Cost?

This really depends on the size of the swimming pool really. We did a calculation last year and watched companies up there prices constantly and even with the new price hikes during the pandemic it worked out that on a small sized pool marbelite was the cheaper option and on a larger sized pool fiberglass worked out cheaper.

What is Gunite?

Gunite is “Aggregate conveyed through a hose and pneumatically projected at high velocity on to almost any surface”. Unlike conventional concrete that is first placed, and then vibrated in a second operation, Gunite undergoes placement and compaction at the same time due to the force with which it is projected from the nozzle. Because of this, it is more dense, homogeneous, strong and waterproof than any other process.Gunite is not constrained by needing forms. It can be impacted onto any shaped surface, including vertical or overhead surfaces. When properly applied, Gunite has excellent structural strength, high shear capability and outstanding durability. Testing has indicated that compressive strengths in excess of 30mpa and up to 75mpa are readily achievable.

Do pool covers reduce heat loss and evaporation?

The answer to this is Yes indeed they do.

Due to the pool been covered and heat transforming under it, you not only prevent heat loss but also evaporation.

Have you ever wondered how a pool heat pump works?

Pool heat pumps are exactly the same as any aircon unit but in reverse. This means that they extract heat from the air surrounding it, permitting it to heat the refrigerant gas which it is then compressed causing it to get even hotter.

Heat pumps do not rely on sunshine or direct radiation but rather extract heat energy from the air at any time of the day or night and so it is effectively a solar heater in a different form. Even in extremely cold conditions (-5°C and lower) the heat pump can still provide a saving of more than 60%. In most cases in South Africa, where our daytime temperatures are relatively high, the efficiency is going to be at least 5 x that of an element heated water system. A heat pump looks similar to an air conditioner and can be installed either on the ground or on brackets on a wall. It is quiet and compact with a user friendly controller, has no greenhouse gas emissions and requires very little maintenance.

It can also be controlled via a smart phone app but this is only available on the newer inverter heat pumps which come with the wifi adaptor. Heat pumps operate by extracting heat energy from the surrounding air, regardless of the time of day or amount of direct sunlight available. This makes them a highly efficient alternative to traditional solar heaters. Even in extremely cold conditions, heat pumps can still provide energy savings of over 60%. In South Africa, where daytime temperatures are generally high, a heat pump’s efficiency is at least 5 times greater than that of an element heated water system.

These pumps are compact, quiet, and environmentally friendly, requiring minimal maintenance. They can even be controlled via a smartphone app on newer models equipped with a wifi adaptor.

What is the best way to heat a swimming pool?

South Africa’s climate can be quite variable, with cold winters in some regions and extremely hot summers in other regions but to heat a swimming pool, many homeowners opt for a solar pool heating system, This is the most cost-effective and environmentally friendly way.

But there are however other options which will heat your pool quicker, these are heat pumps, Element heating and solar blankets It is important to consider the pool’s size, location, and usage when selecting a heating system.

Heat Pump Features

When looking to purchase a heat pump, there are several key features you should consider to ensure you get the most efficient and effective system for your needs. Here is a list of features worth looking out for when purchasing a heat pump.

1. Energy Efficiency: Look for a heat pump with a high SEER (Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio) rating for cooling and an HSPF (Heating Seasonal Performance Factor) rating for heating. Higher ratings indicate better energy efficiency.
2. Variable-Speed Compressor: Heat pumps with variable-speed compressors can adjust their output to meet the heating or cooling demands more efficiently, leading to better comfort and energy savings.
3. Smart Thermostat Compatibility: Opt for a heat pump that is compatible with smart thermostats. This allows you to control and schedule your heating and cooling settings remotely, optimizing energy usage.
4. Dual Fuel Capability: Some heat pumps come with dual fuel capability, allowing them to switch between electric heat pump and gas furnace operation based on outdoor temperatures, maximizing efficiency.
5. Quiet Operation: Look for heat pumps with sound-dampening features to ensure quiet operation, especially if the unit will be installed near living spaces.
6. Zoning Options: Heat pumps with zoning capabilities allow you to control the temperature in different areas of your home independently, optimizing comfort and energy usage.
7. Defrost Control: Heat pumps with advanced defrost control features can minimize energy waste during defrost cycles, improving overall efficiency.
8. Warranty: Consider the length and coverage of the warranty offered with the heat pump. A longer warranty period can provide you with peace of mind and protection against potential issues.

By considering these features when purchasing a heat pump, you can ensure that you select a system that is energy-efficient, reliable, and tailored to meet your heating and cooling needs.

Pool Heat Pumps Explained

With a swimming pool heat pump, it is always better to go bigger. By getting a bigger swimming pool heat pump, you will drastically reduce the time factor required to heat the pool and in turn reduce the running time of the unit. This will allow you to not only use less power over the long run but also allow you to enjoy your pool at the right temperature a lot quicker.

Swimming pool heating options

So you want to enjoy your swimming pool but as you get in you discover that the water is to cold for you to swim! now you know that there are options to heat a pool but what sort of temperatures can you really get out of a heat pump, solar panels or solar blanket?

Heat pump – This will increase the water temperature anything from 15 degrees up to 28 degrees celsius without a cover and 15 to 32 degrees celsius with a cover. It is a really good option and does not cost much to run it especially with the new inverter technology. The price is also quite affordable depending on the size of your swimming pool, prices start at anything  from 13k up to 72k

Solar panels – Another great option which will save you quite a bit of money as it relies only on the heat of the sun. This will increase your water temerature anything from 6 to 12 degrees celsius and each panel can holds its heat for 24 hour periods. The only downfall is if there is no sun, well you aint going to get any heat.

Solar blanket – will increase your water temperature anything from 5 to 8 degrees celsius. It is highly recommended that you always use these even when running solar panels or heat pump as it retains heat and heats the pools alot quicker then without it.

E03 Error on a heat pump

An E03 error generally means there is not enough water flow to the heat pump.

This could be that the heat pump is not plumbed correctly or the pool pump is to small in size.

The normal requirements on a standard system to run a heat pump or solar setup is a 1.1kw pump or higher

The benefits of a solar blanket are:

• Its an affordable option which acts as a cover
• Its easy to put on and take off
• It looks good on any swimming pool
• A solar blanket is designed to be used with the natural heat of the sun
• Helps to preserve the heat that is present in the water
• Prevents chemicals and water from evaporating
• Saves you money on electricity and on buying additional chemicals for comfortable swimming
• Can be attached to a roll up station

Why is your heat pump not heating your pool ?

There are thousands of people who went out and purchased heat pumps because they were told that they could get 40 degree heated water! Ok lets face it that is a bit on the false side and even if it were true you would not be able to get in as you would simply cook yourself alive.

But let us say you went out and purchased a heat pump hoping for just an extra 5 or 6 degrees because your pool only gets around 21 degrees on a good day but after forking out the price for the machine and installation,  you are not actually getting much more than what you always had! See below the most common causes as to why it may not be heating.

1.  So 1st off is the heat pump new or old? We ask this as not many people sell second hand units and if they do there usually is a problem with it.
2. Where is the unit located? Location is everything when it comes to getting the most out of your heat pump so you will always want it to be smack bang in the sun, as this will give the heat pump a hotter temperature to start with making it easier to heat your pool.
3. Make sure that the heat pump is not right up against a wall or enclosed area. Remember a heat pump needs ventilation and a lot of it.
4. Is the unit plumbed correctly? We have seen many installations done incorrectly and even thou the system has no red lights to say it is wrong or right, be sure to check the plumbing is correct.
5. Are you using a cover or solar blanket? Another important fact here is in order to heat your pool without a cover or blanket is actually going to take so much longer to do, this is because as the water starts getting hot the heat is escaping just like a pot of water on a stove, if you try boil water on a stove without a lid notice how long it takes but put a lid on and it is boiling in no time and the same thing applies here.
6. Settings – Usually it is not advisable to change any settings on the heat pump this is because if you manage to somehow get into the factory settings and change anything there, you will usually require a technician to come restore the settings because it gets very complicated. However most heat pumps work the same and all you have to do is wait till the machines display is in stand bye mode then simply push the up and down arrows to adjust the temperature to your liking.
7. Is the fan of the heat pump coming on? A common cause here and that is your display is on and no warming lights come on but your fan is not turning, this means it is not heating at all and you should replace or repair the unit.

Solar panels calculator

So lets say you thinking about going the solar panel route ie (black mat) but every pool company which has quoted you has a different number of how many mats you will need.

So just to help you here from not getting ripped off please see the below answers:

1. Call us to assist you

OR

2. 1 panel can heat up to 10 000 liters of water so example your pool is 50 000 liters = 5 panels simple hey!

What side does a solar blanket face?

A good question here as many people think that the bubble side faces upwards, truth is it actually faces downwards.

This allows heat to penetrate through the top of the blanket ( flat side ) and the bubble side at the bottom retains the heat by not allowing it to escape due to the shape of it.

Can a cracked pool be repaired? The answer to this question depends on 3 factors:

1. Which direction is the crack running? vertical or horizontal? Now under normal circumstances a vertical crack is fixable but a horizontal crack could indicate that there is a possibility of earth shiftment, which in many cases if the pool company you hired knows what they are doing, would be able to identify this and fix the issue.

2. How deep is the actual crack? Usually the cracks you see are only surface cracks but when they go through the pools lining into the actual foundation of the pool, then as mentioned above you need to understand the crack and know what you are doing.

3. What type of lining the pool has marbelite or fiberglass? Most pools with a fiberglass lining can be repaired by draining the pool and doing a fiberglass patch repair with a matching top coat. This method applies only if the crack has not gone through the foundation of the the pool and the pool is not losing water. Most marbelite pools can be repaired under water if the cracks are surface cracks and the pool is not losing water. If the pool is losing water and the crack is severe then in most cases it can be repaired by draining the pool and fixing as required. There have been cases where the cracks are so severe that it would cost to much to actually repair it and the owner has opted to build a smaller pool in a different location but the pool company should be able to advise you on this should they know what they are doing.

Signs that your Pool Pump needs Repair or replacement

If you are experiencing some of the below symptoms with your pool pump, its time to consider either replacing it or repairing it

• Pump is extremely hot at the back when switched off
• Pump is making a wining or grinding noise
• Humminig noise when started
• Propella not turning or jammed
• Loss of pressure when kreepy is plugged in
• Not sucking water or water is coming in but extremely slow
• Water dripping from between the housing of the pump at the bottom
• Smoke or electrical smell coming from the electrical box on top of the pump

Clean Pool Tiles

Now as much as there may be many chemicals on the market to clean your pool tiles, there really is no easy way of actually doing it as it is extremely labor intensive and they all have the same effect on your health if the instructions are not followed properly.

We use a cleaner called mosaic wonder but please dont expect a million dollar result because tiles weather glass, ceramic or porcelain they will all get hit by the sun and fade over time, chlorine stains will start eating them and unfortunantely anything you add will not give you a new sparkling tile look.

I am not really sure where the term skimmer originated from but in South Africa very few people call it that.

The term Skimmer is refered to as a Weir.

Ever heard the term Acid Wash?

What is an acid wash you may ask? An acid wash is a term which we use in the pool industry which refers to pretty much exactly what the phrase says. With the use of acid, lots of water and chlorine it forms a chemical formula known as C₄H₈Cl₂S ( aka mustard gas ) 

This is a very toxic gas which is extremely harmful to your lungs and smell and should be handled with caution. So why use it on a pool ? Well among many chemicals available to us this is by far the most effective chemical used in today’s world to get marks off a concrete surface including chlorine stains off tiles as well as to get rid of any bacteria, algae and loose particles of pool plaster. But as with anything it does have it’s negative points and that is by acid washing a pools surface a thin layer of gunnite is taken away hence the reason one should not acid wash to many times and this should never be done on a fiberglass lining as it will destroy it completely.

An acid wash should be performed before marbeliting a swimming pools surface this will ensure all lose particles are removed and a proper bond is formed when applying the pool plaster.

What You Will Need

We always advise on letting a pool company do the acid wash but should you feel confident enough to do it on your own this is a basic guide on how to do it.

First of all you will need the following items:

• Large Bucket
• High Pressure Sprayer
• Hose Pipe
• 1-4 Pool Acid depending on the size of the pool ( Not dry pool acid )
• 1kg HTH
• Hard bristle brush / broom
• Gas mask
• Heavy duty gloves
• 2-3 man team

Instructions On How To Acid Wash

1. Once all the water is out the pool, begin by high pressure hosing the entire pools surface from top to bottom and the mosaic tiles as well. Make sure you get in all possible grooves and holes.
2. Next begin pouring the pool acid on the walls, floor and tiles. You will notice that it is a yellow color with a rotten egg like smell
3. Now on all the places where you have poured the acid begin sprinkling some HTH over the acid. You will then start seeing the acid begin to boil and this is where the gas which is emitted, be careful it is extremely dangerous on your lungs so do not breath it in!
4. The next thing to do is to start getting fresh water in the pool, just enough so that you can sweep the acid in a soap like paste.
5. Work from the deep end out making sure the acid and HTH get everywhere
6. Once this is done you can now high pressure house all the solution off the walls and floor.
7. You may now drain the remaining water and acid mix out the pool.
8. Allow the pool to stand for a few hours before filling it

How to remove sand out your pool

Many people across the world sit with issue with sand in there pools. Perhaps you had a recent renovation done to your home or around the pool paving it does not really matter. The bottom line here is that 90% of contractors never clean up after themselves and you unfortunately find your self stuck in a situation where there is sand in your pool ! Not only does this look terrible but it can damage your pump should the auto cleaner suck it up so what do you do?

Firstly you going to want to fill your pool right to the brim and go get yourself a 8 wheeler vacuum head or vacuum brush.

Now set your multiport on waste this will ensure the sand does not go through your filter

Next take a pool brush and brush the sand into one pile in the corner of the pool.

Now connect your vacuum and turn your pump on, work quick and gently as your do not want the sand to move upwards as this will cause your water to become brown and cloudy.

Remember you are vacuuming straight out so you will lose quite a bit of water but this is the best way know to man. Hope this helps

 Filter Sand vs Chlinobrite

So here is a question which we do not usually get asked but chlinobrite, is it worth it yes or no?

I am a firm believer in the saying ” old school methods always work best” So personal opinion I say no. The only real benefits of chlinobrite is if you are getting red eyes from chlorine  while swimming this does eliminate that as well as it eliminates the smell of chlorine in your water but other then that I cannot justify the price.

Saltwater vs. Chlorine Pool

Changing Pool Filer Sand

Depending on how often you use the pool or what sort of weather conditions you may have, pool filter sand should be changed at least once a year.

Stop Leafs Going Into the Pool

How to stop leafs going into the pool.

The answer to this is very simple and I am sure there could be many other answers to this question but so far the 2 most effective ways to stop leaves in your pool are as follows:

1. Get a solar blanket or PVC cover installed by us

2. Get a leaf skimmer supplied and fitted by us

Lets face it not all pools are surrounded by a garden. Some pools only have paving around them so theoretically its not possible for sand to be blowing in the air and going straight into your swimming pool. So when you have fine sand at the bottom of the pool, there is a problem.

On rare occasions I have seen pools been built where there is a major slope in the garden, and after heavy rains there is a huge amount of mud slides which lead directly into the pool but its not common.

The main cause of fine sand at the bottom of the pool, is caused from damaged filter laterals in your sand filter otherwise known as sand filter fingers.

They are the black or white tubes which are situated beneath the sand in your filter which form a star like formation. To remove these you will need to remove the sand out the filter and then gently unscrew them from the seating position which they are and inspect them carefully for cracks or splits.

Here is a good example of what the fine sand looks like

Can a cracked pool be repaired? The answer to this question depends on 3 factors:

1. Which direction is the crack running? vertical or horizontal? Now under normal circumstances a vertical crack is fixable but a horizontal crack could indicate that there is a possibility of earth shiftment, which in many cases if the pool company you hired knows what they are doing, would be able to identify this and fix the issue.

2. How deep is the actual crack? Usually the cracks you see are only surface cracks but when they go through the pools lining into the actual foundation of the pool, then as mentioned above you need to understand the crack and know what you are doing.

3. What type of lining the pool has marbelite or fiberglass? Most pools with a fiberglass lining can be repaired by draining the pool and doing a fiberglass patch repair with a matching top coat. This method applies only if the crack has not gone through the foundation of the the pool and the pool is not losing water. Most marbelite pools can be repaired under water if the cracks are surface cracks and the pool is not losing water. If the pool is losing water and the crack is severe then in most cases it can be repaired by draining the pool and fixing as required. There have been cases where the cracks are so severe that it would cost to much to actually repair it and the owner has opted to build a smaller pool in a different location but the pool company should be able to advise you on this should they know what they are doing.

How long does a resurfaced fiberglass pool last?

If done correctly a resurfaced fiberglass pool should last between 15 to 20 years

Swimming Pool Leak

Having a swimming pool leak is frustrating especially when you do not know where it is.

The most common pool leaks will almost always start on the pvc pipe joins, threaded fittings, the weir/skimmer, return jets, mpv seal and light housing.

In this case the water level is normaly quite a drastic drop at first and then it will slow down and stop  just below the suspected place where the leak is.

If the leak is not found at any of these places then it could be on the actual pools surface.

It could be a crack at the bottom of the pool, on the walls or behind the mosaic tiles. In this case the water level would drop extremely quick, and will occur usually when the pool is running or when it is turned off.

Another place which is also common is the weir / skimmer or MPV wagon wheel gasket.

When in doubt call a professional 

Vaseline on a swimming pool pumps O-ring?

Should you use vaseline on a swimming pool pumps O-ring?

The simple answer is No! I do not know where people find this information on google from but this honestly causes nothing but problems. I have personally had 2 pumps in since January with Vaseline on the O-ring and pumps groove for the O-ring to be seated in and we have had to replace these pumps because not only did the Vaseline  stretch the O-rings but it ends up going into the actual shaft and bearings. So no I do not recommend it to anyone.

Common Causes Of Pool Leaks

Below we list some of the common causes which may cause pool leaks

• Not enough water in the pool –  A pool needs to be kept with a water level in the middle of the weir / bottom of the mosaic line

• Neglect – A pool needs to be brushed and maintained. As we say if you do not have the time to do this hire a pool company as your problems will be picked up before hand

• Not running your swimming pool in winter or not enough. We cannot express the importance of this! Think about this for a minute, high pressure 50mm pvc pipe which is used on just about all the pools plumbing relies on water and pressure and should it not have this the pipes becomes brittle and crack when water finally does go through it kind of like putting a boiling glass into ice water same concept.

Should You Be Concerned About Cracks In Your Pool?

Along with proudly owning a swimming pool comes upkeep. And while most in-ground swimming pools are solid and built to last for years, they may every now and then need maintenance or repairs, if you don’t properly care for them. In a case you see cracks starting to shape in your pool, permit’s take a more in-depth study the styles of fractures and what causes them to decide if you must be worried about cracks for your pool.

Forms of Pool Cracks
There are common place varieties of swimming pool cracks: floor and structural. they are normally easy to distinguish, however understanding the difference is essential to preventing damage or leaking.

floor Cracks
Surface cracks are minor fractures that don’t have an effect on the surface or basis of your pool. those cracks are skinny, hairline fractures increasing horizontally or vertically along the pool partitions. you can also spot them via slight, shallow chipping of the concrete or cracks that don’t enlarge beyond the pool plaster. Aside from an unappealing look, surface cracks are especially harmless and no longer a purpose for issue, but, it is vital to screen them to make sure they do now not amplify.

Structural Cracks
Structural cracks are fractures that penetrate the concrete basis of your pool. They’re extra distinguished and damaging than floor cracks and should be regarding for pool owners. You can perceive them by seeing huge vertical or horizontal cracks along the edges or bottom of the pool. They will also have water or rust and particles popping out of them. These cracks run through the concrete and any plaster coating or tile and may reason leaking if they are not repaired.

                                                                                       What causes a Pool to Crack?

The causes of pool fractures vary primarily based on the type of crack. For floor cracks, there may be a huge difference.

• They occur because of the expansion and shrinking of the concrete foundation.
• Climate change
• The concrete hardening procedure during set up, and different wear and tear.

The common causes of structural cracks

• Terrible design, craftsmanship, and wrong engineering.
• Builders ignoring construction plans or taking shortcuts whilst constructing a pool will frequently result in premature cracking.
• Soil movement from poorly compacted, oversaturated, and transferring soil also can cause structural cracks. it’s far crucial to paintings with a depended on business enterprise when building your pool to avoid those troubles.

The way to clear up Cracks in Swimming pools regardless of the form is you have to consider sealing, resurfacing, and repairing alternatives. if you have some floor cracks, you could often repair them at domestic with a pool repair package.

Structural fractures require professional attention to fix. you will likely want to transform your swimming pool if the cracks are causing leaks.

When you notice water coming out of the backwash pipe when on filter

Have you recently discovered that when your pool is running on the normal filter cycle, that there is water coming out from the backwash line? So many people swear blind that there pool is leaking but there are no visible cracks so what can it be?

Well if you are a pool owner experiencing this issue fear not as the problem is not major and it is a low cost repair so do not worry.

Below is a picture of a multiport with the top lid off, now if you pull yours off you will notice a seal in there as per picture 2.

This is called an MPV seal or wagon wheel gasket, should this seal not be seated correctly into the grooves of the multiport or should the lips of the seal be worn down or damaged this will cause your pool to lose water through your backwash line.

Also be sure to inspect the plastic grooves inside the multiport for cracks or broken pieces should the seal be found to be fine.

Water leaking from your pump between the housing?

If you happen to see water dripping from under your pump between the housing the most common cause is the mechanical seal.

You will notice a significant loss in power on the pump, weir and kreepy

How to determine if you have a leak

One of the biggest problems everyone has on a swimming pool is when it starts loosing water, now its a given there is the evaporation factor but if your pool is loosing 2cm a day or you having to fill your swimming pool more than once a week before running a backwash and rinse cycle then you may have a leak.We point out some of the obvious signs to look out for below.

• The easiest way to determine this is to mark the level of your pool with tape and monitor just how much it is dropping, do it 2 days with the pool pump on and 2 days with it off, this will give you an understanding if its on your pipes or on the lining.
• Look for wet patches on your lawn or paving
• Observe the return outlet jets for any visible bubbles coming out constantly
• Pressure loss on your kreepy crawley
• Pool pump not priming (water not hitting the pumps lid)
• Cracks which run vertical on the pools lining
• Holes behind the mosaic tiles
• Wet patches in and around the pump housing and sand filter

If any of these signs are spotted it is best to call us to come sort it out as this will save you on high water bills

Is your kreepy dead

The most common cause when your system runs perfect without the kreepy in but when its plugged in the entire system dies or the kreepy runs for a few seconds then dies is a leak on your weir or suction line.

Another thing one must check is if there is water dripping from between the housing of the pool pump at the bottom, if this is the case then the mechanical seal must be replaced.

If you have bubbles coming out the pools return jet

The answer is simple you have air coming into your system either from a leak on your return line, solar system or a damaged O-ring on your pump. This will also occur when the pumps mechanical seal is damaged or you have a leak on the sand filter or pumps unions

Safety measures around the pool

To ensure the safety of swimmers, it is crucial to have a barrier around the pool, as mentioned earlier. Additionally, pool owners should install a safety cover or pool alarm to detect unauthorized access. Ensuring that all pool users know how to swim and are familiar with pool safety rules is also essential. It is important to have a first aid kit and a telephone nearby, as well as to have a designated lifeguard present when the pool is in use.