Basic routine maintenance should be done by pool owner or service professional on a periodic basis. Regular maintenance will save time and service costs if done correctly and on a timely basis. Low water level, dirty filters and baskets are the most frequent cause of repairs. This should be a motivating factor to perform routine maintenance on regular basis.

As the climate changes, the amount of time needed to keep your pool clean will change. The hotter it is; the more we swim; the more chemicals that are needed. It is during this period, your pool must run longer because it is drier and dustier. If you have a salt system, remember that the pump must be running for the system to generate chlorine. The colder it is, the less we swim (that is unless you heat your pool). Salt systems do not generate chlorine below 55 degrees. Your chemicals will become more stable in cold water and your system will not need to run as much as during the summer.

Depending on the size of the pool, the summer settings are 10–18 hours per day & winter settings are 4–12 hours per day.

*NOTICE* Have the internal components of the filter cleaned twice per year (it isbest to have a  professional clean the internal components of the filter). The best time to have your equipment serviced is prior to the summer March, April and May, for winter October, November and December. Please contact us at (972)422-0347 or service@bluehorizonpools.com  for more information or assistance.

During the winter months, the outdoor temperatures will change daily, going from hot to very cold. We have experienced unusual temperature variations during the last several winters. Because of that, winterizing your equipment is especially important. If it is done properly, you should not experience any related problems. If not, you can be sure that your pool will sustain damage.

It is important for you as a pool owner to maintain your pool during the winter months. There are three major things which cause most problems to occur during freezing temperatures: (a) debris in the skimmers; (b) debris in the pool pump basket, and (c) a dirty filter. Freezing water can cause damage to pools and equipment primarily through expansion pressure exerted by ice. This repair is not covered under your pool warranty. Here are a few tips:

GENERAL PROCEDURES

1. Disconnect and drain all fill & slide lines. Remember to blow out the lines to remove all the excess water that can freeze.
2. Repair all air & water leaks.
3. Remove all pool cleaners that float on the surface and store in a clean dry place (be sure to remove trippers (on clip) from pool cleaner’s time clock and leave it in the OFF POSITION.  NOTE: Polaris & Letro cleaners can be left in the pool except under severe conditions.
4. Store your test kit away from freezing conditions. Remove and store all pool accessories (floats, poles, etc.) in a clean dry place.
5. Lubricate all “O” rings (using a non-petroleum base lube. Petroleum base lubes cause swelling of “O” rings).
6. Insure that the skimmers and the pump basket are free of debris.
7. Backwash your filter or clean internal components of the filter (it is best to have a  professional clean the internal components of the filter).

Store your test kit away from freezing conditions. Remove and store all pool accessories (floats, poles, etc.) in a clean dry place. Lubricate all “O” rings (using a non-petroleum base lube. Petroleum base lubes cause swelling of “O” rings). Insure that the skimmers and the pump basket are free of debris. Backwash your filter.

*NOTICE* Have the internal components of the filter cleaned twice per year (it is best to have a professional clean the internal components of the filter). The best time to have your equipment serviced is prior to the summer March, April and May, for winter October, November and December. Contact your local IPSSA service dealer for more information or assistance.

TEST – continue to test your water 2-3 times weekly & adjust chemicals as necessary.

1. CHLORINATE – adjust your chlorinator to highest setting and check weekly – no tablets in the winter.
2. SHOCK – add shock to the pool every 5 to 7 weeks during the winter months or as necessary.
3. Maintain at least a .5 free chlorine level.
4. MAINTAIN PROPER WATER LEVEL at all times.
5. REMOVE ALL DEBRIS from pool to avoid metallic & organic staining on the plaster.
6. BRUSH DOWN POOL WALLS & FLOOR weekly or as necessary.

CIRCULATE POOL WATER for a minimum of 6 hours a day (during the coldest time of 24 hour period). NORMALLY 10:00 PM TO 6:00 AM.

SPECIAL WINTERIZING PROCEDURES FOR FREEZING WEATHER

When the air temperature drops below 32F and ice forms on the tile and surface of the pool, freezing water conditions exist. During these conditions, additional steps are necessary.

Run pump and filter continuously. The freeze guard unit will automatically activate the pool pump and keep it running until the temperature rises above freezing. NOTE: IT IS POSSIBLE FOR YOUR FREEZE GUARD TO CUT OFF THE POOL EVEN WHEN IT IS STILL BELOW FREEZING. This occurs when the sun is shining directly on the freeze guard. If this happens, activate the pump manually and remove the trippers so the pump will not turn off.

1. Place plastic containers in the pool to keep the surface from freezing. Break up ice on the pool and spa surface continuously to prevent ice expansion damage. Be careful not to damage pool components while breaking ice. NOTE: Filter pressure gauge will sometimes freeze giving a false reading that the pool needs to be backwashed. Never backwash filter during freezing conditions.
2. Keep skimmers free of ice. The weirs (skimmer doors) also should be kept clear of ice. SUGGESTION: Lower door by hand and place a clean brick on top of the door to allow for free flow of water to pump or carefully remove skimmer doors.
3. Maintain your water at normal levels. Evaporation of water is normal during cold weather. If water gets so low in the pool that the pump is allowed to draw air, it will greatly increase the chances of your equipment freezing and being damaged by ice. SUGGESTION: If outdoor faucets are frozen, connect a garden hose to the water supply in the utility room and fill pool from that source.
4. Maintain valves in normal filtration position for suction and return water to pool and spa.
5. If you run your heater during low freezing conditions, this may cause damage to the heater. Always run your heater with discretion in the winter.
6. Open spigot on backwash line if necessary, or remove sight glass.
7. Turn eyeball fitting in the return jets up towards surface so that it ripples from flow line.

SPECIAL WINTERIZING PROCEDURES DURING A POWER OUTAGE OR WINTERIZING A FROZEN POOL

NOTE: The main goal is to reduce the possibility of freeze damage by draining all the water out of your pool equipment. The water will equalize back to ground level where the underground pipes are more insulated.

1. Turn “OFF” the pool equipment circuit breaker.
   
   
2. Open the air bleed valve on top of the filter as well as the drain plug at the bottom of the filter tank.
   
   
3. Remove winterizing drain plug(s) on heater header(s).
   
   
4. Remove drain plugs on bottom of every auxiliary pump in your system to drain water from basket and impeller cavity.
   
   
5. Open all suction and return valves – unless your equipment is below pool water level (in that case, keep them closed).
   
   
6. Loosen lid on automatic chlorinator.
   
   
7. Place a plastic container (such as an empty gallon milk container) in each skimmer – this can be weighted down with pea gravel or 1/3 full of water. If ice forms in the skimmer, the container will allow for expansion, helping to prevent freeze damage.
   
   
8. Remove drain plug on pool cleaner pump.
   
   
9. BACKWASH VALVE: If you have a push/pull type, place the handle in the backwash position. If you have a multi-port type, depress the handle and rotate it so the pointer on handle is between any two of the marked settings.
   
   
10. Cover equipment (or build a “tent” around the system) to protect it from cold and add a heat source.

NOTE: Do not leave the “tent”around the system after power is restored.

HELPFUL HINTS

Electronic heaters do not have a pilot light (constant flame) to provide a source of heat. When cold air blows over them, they tend to freeze up quicker than millivolt heaters. If it is going to freeze, protect it by putting a blanket on the heater. REMEMBER TO REMOVE IT BEFORE TURNING IT ON AGAIN. If the temperature is below freezing or very cold for a long period of time, cover your equipment and put a light or heating pad under the cover. This will help keep the equipment from freezing.

WARNING: REMEMBER YOU CANNOT RUN THE HEATER WHEN THE EQUIPMENT IS COVERED.

*NOTICE* Have the internal components of the filter cleaned twice per year (it is best to have a professional clean the internal components of the filter). The best time to have your equipment serviced is prior to the summer March, April and May, for winter October, November and December. Please contact us at (972)422-0347 or service@bluehorizonpools.com for more information or assistance.

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