How Long Should My Swimming Pool Be Running (Part 2)

In part one I spoke about the requirement for residential pool turnover is 8 hrs and before I dive any further into this subject, I will say that if at any time there will be use of the pool, you should have your pump running for at least that 8 hrs. Now that I have added my disclaimer... In part 1 the statement of "run your swimming pool pump as long as it needs to run" was made. The requirements are there by law but in many instances because of different features on your pool, your pump system may circulate your pool at a greater rate than what is required. There are ways to calculate how much water flow your pump is producing to help see how long to run the pump. For that you can on on-line to your pumps manufacturer and get the specs. http://www.haywardnet.com/inground/products/displayProd.cfm?ProductID=11. This link is an example of what I am describing. Ok, you thought this was going to be simple, let me help with that. First of all, fact the longer you run you pool the longer it will stay clean. So if you just want your pool to stay clean and do not care about the cost, run your pump 8 hrs, 16 hr, 24 hrs a day. On the other side, if you want to save the money. Start with 8hrs. if you pool stays clear, chemically balanced and algae free for a week, drop it to 7hrs. Repeat this process until you get your run time as low as possible. If the water at any point starts looking a little dingy or you can not keep your chlorine present, increase the run time an hour.
Two details to remember. You should only try this if you are going to be around daily to see the progress. Secondly, these steps would need to be done several times though out the year as temps raise and lower.
What are the possibilities. I have seen pools run 2 hrs a day during the winter and stay clear and under control the entire time. That's a 75% savings on there electric bill.
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How long should my swimming pool be running

Saving money seems to be one of the largest topics lately and reducing energy consumption is an easy way to save money. Have you noticed how your electric bill jumps way up during the summer? It's not only because you are running your air conditioner more. You might not realize this but a typical swimming pool pump can run $200-$300 per month and sometimes more during the summer.

So how can you cut back on that bill? The answer is simple. Only run your swimming pool pump as long as it needs to run.

How long do I run the pump you ask. Because the answer to that question is going to be different for every pool due to the vast number of variables such as exposure to sunlight, the temperature, usage, amount of debris getting in the pool, etc. I will try to make the answer more general. Regulations, at least in Texas, require that a Swimming pool turns over (the entire volume of water goes through the filter) every 8 hrs. Commercial is a bit more strict requiring a 6 hr turnover. That said your pool builder should have put in a system that could do this.

So what does this mean to you? During the summer or while your pool is in use a good bench mark is 8 hrs.

Much more to come on this as we have just tipped the iceberg and have not even gotten to the meat.

DE Filter Tip #3

You are back washing when and how you are supposed to, that's it right?
Not exactly... Your filter should be completely taken apart and rinsed out every six months. This does not mean just pop the top and spray water over the grids like some service companies do. Giving your swimming pool filter a full wash out is extremely beneficial and will extend the life of your swimming pool filter. This takes pulling the grid assembly out of the filter, disassembling it and rinsing the grids one by one.
Be careful not to use too high of pressure. Use of a pressure washer or taking the grids to a car wash, while they appear cleaner, is actually harmful to the grid and in most cases will tear a hole ensuring a need of replacement.
While you have your swimming pool filter apart and grids cleaned off thoroughly check each grid for holes in the fabric or broken veins. Nothing is worst than going through all this labor, putting the swimming pool filter back together then seeing DE jet into the pool.
Is this your first time to clean your swimming pool filter out? I strongly recommend having a service company come out so you can see how it is done. Not that you would not be capable, on the contrary, there are just many time saving tips to be seen. My company here in Dallas Swim Clear Pool Service is ready to support the North Texas needs.

DE Filter Tip #2

Question. How often should I backwash my DE filter?

Answer. Once per month or if your filter pressure raises 5 to 10 PSI from its clean starting pressure.

Clean starting preasure is the pressure when your filter is brand new or completely cleaned out.
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DE Filter tip #1

One of the most common things I come across when doing a DE filter clean is a build up of DE powder clogging up the filter causing potential damage to your filter. This is caused by 1. Adding too much DE (Always refer to owners manual or label on filter for recommended amounts) 2. Improper backwashing. Simple solution...after you go through your backwash cycle, repeat two more times before recharging your filter with DE. Note, the length of time your filter is in backwash mode being 1 minute or 10 minutes has little effect on how much DE you are purging out of your filter. Once the sight glass is clear on your backwash line, that portion of the back was is complete. Repeating the bw process will clear more of the DE powder reducing the risk of a clog.
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10 steps to maintain your swimming pool

Just like your car, house, or pet Bengal tiger routine care/maintenance can save you time and money on swimming pool. Here are 10 steps to make pool care easy.

1. Start off by brushing your pool walls and tiles. This should be done weekly to prevent dirt and algae build up.

2. Skim the surface to clear any floating debris.

3. Empty your skimmer baskets, pump basket and pool cleaner bag if you have one. Do this weekly or more if needed. Full baskets can cause strain on your pump potentially damaging your pool equipment.

4. Vacuum any debris weekly. (Even if you have a automatic pool cleaner) Certain pool cleaners will not catch the fine sediment.

5. Test the chemical balance for chlorine and PH at least once every other day. Check Alkalinity once a week. Take a water sample to a swimming pool professional at least once a month for a full test.

6. Adjust your chemicals as needed.

7. Maintain your water level. This is important for two reasons. If water level is to low your pump may run dry causing damage. If water level is to high your skimmers will not work properly.

8. Check your filter pressure. Backwash or clean your filter as needed or at least once per month.

9. Check for leaks. Weather water on the ground under your pool equipment or air bubbles coming out of the jets in the pool either can be bad new and should be checked out quickly.

10. This last step is the MOST important. Enjoy your Swimming Pool!!!
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Swimming pools and Freezing temperatures

Winter has hit North Texas and temperatures are dropping below the freezing point is there anything I need to do? This is a common question and whether you are a do it your self pool owner or use a maintenance company there are a few thing you should know and check when the temperature is about to fall. My recommendation is.

The most important step to take when we are about to hit freezing temperatures is to ensure your pool equipment is running properly with out any air or water leaks. Leaks either air or water leaks typically only get worst and are what causes a system to loose circulation. Lack of water circulation whether caused by a leak or maybe the pump is just turned off is when freeze damage can occur.

Step two would be to ensure your pool equipment is running when temps are below freezing. Many pools are equipped with a "freeze guard" which automatically turns on your pool equipment when the temperatures fall below a set point giving a home owner a sense of security. If you do not have one just make sure your pool equipment is running when the temp is below 32. Can these freeze guards be added to an existing pool? Absolutely, e-mail me and I will tell you how, after all, it is only when you leave for out of town that a cold front comes through and your not protected. Remember, even though you have a freeze guard on your system it should be check prior to the first cold snap.

Step three is to relax. Temperatures in DFW do not drop low enough to cause any harm as long as your pool equipment is turned on an running appropriately while freezing.

Remember these are just recomendations to hep answer some of those swimming pool questions. For any service needs in the North Dallas area or product needs please go to http://www.swimcleartx.com/. Hope this helps you.