Service Tech Tip (Primeing the Pump)

Being the responsible pool owner you are, you are following your normal routine of at least once per week emptying your pump basket. After tightening the lid and turning the pump back on you notice no water is running through the pump. Understanding that most pumps installed on swimming pools are self-priming, there is always a reason your pump will not catch prime that you need to identify. For example, if the pump lid is not all the way tightened down (remember not to over tighten). Check the lid o-ring for cracks, debris, or indentations, if any of these are present, replace the 0-ring. Even if you left the lid off for too long, this allows the pipes to flood with air and makes it more difficult to prime. There are other reason such as suction leaks that may be causing the problem as well. Once the problem has been identified and resolved it is time to prime the pump.
Here is a step by step procedure to priming your pump after any challenges are resolved.
1. With the pump turned off, open the pump lid
2. Turn off suction valves leaving only one suction line open. (if you have a spa it is usually easiest to leave the spa line open.
3. Run garden hose water into pump for 2 mins. (pump will most likely over flow, this is ok as what you are doing is flooding the line with water.)
4. This is the important part...After the 2 mins is up, as fast as yo can, pull the hose out, put the lid on and turn on the pump. THEN you can turn off the garden hose. This is important because once you take the hose out, air can get back into the line if you are not quick enough.
5. Once the pump has re-primed, SLOWLY open the suction valves one at a time. Air from the lines can cause you to loose prime again, so normally closing the line you just opened and giving it a minute will allow the pump to restart.

Congratulations, you just primed a pump!!!

These tech tips are brought to you by Swim Clear Pool Supply.com and Swim Clear Pool Service

Pool Safety

Now that the swim season is almost here, it is not only time to get those pools, equipment, cleaners, and cleaning attachments checked out, but you also want to make sure your back yard oasis is safe. Pool safety is more important to us here than pool fun. If a pool is safe, then the fun is enjoyed even more.

The first layer of protection is your house. Make sure doors and windows are locked and any and all alarms are installed and operational. Check those doors and windows every day.

The area between the house and the pool is of great concern simply because it requires continuous Adult supervision. (Notice the word "adult" is in all caps)
Adults, only, should be responsible for supervising in and around the pool. Consider installing a safety fence or gates around the pool. Motion-sensored lights, and maybe even a camera/baby monitor is a good defense as well. Also, keep hanging tree limbs and pool furniture from being too close to the pool. If you have back yard appliances, or wired electronics, they should be at lease 6 ft. or more away from the water.

The pool itself carries the greatest amount of risk, and also requires continuous Adult supervision. Installing a pool alarm is a great way to be alerted if a sudden disturbance occurs along the pool's surface. Also make sure the pool area is equipped with emergency equipment (i.e. life rings, life hook, telepole, first aid kit, and maybe even an outdoor telephone). Never leave kids, or even pets unsupervised while they are in and around the pool. If you need to go into the house, bring them with you. Even if you think you will be away for only a second or two. A pool emergency happens in seconds.

Taking every, safety first, steps when in and around the pool will definitely make this and every swim season that much more enjoyable.

March Filter Clean Time

It is that time again. If you are following this swimming pool help blog for your swimming pool filter clean schedule it is once again time to take that filter a part and clean it. Remember just like your house or your car, your swimming pool filter will last much longer if you give it proper care.
If you live in the North Dallas area Swim Clear Pool Service is here for your filter cleaning needs.