Tips & Tutorials

Tips & Tutorials

We know how overwhelming it can be to start maintaining your pool. That’s why we’ve setup this resource with tons of great tips, tutorials & videos, and manuals. If you don’t see what you need, please contact us and let us know what you need.

Pool maintenance tutorials & videos

This is a list of common tutorials to help people maintain their swimming pools. Choose from one of the tutorials to see the step-by-step directions.

    • Download our Quick Chemical Reference Guide

      Quick Chemical Reference Guide (PDF)

    • Test at least two times a week. More testing might be necessary due to weather changes and bather loads.
    • Shock every 7-10 days (preferably at night). Additional shock may be needed after big parties in the pool or after rain.
    • Never swim right after you shock. Wait at least 30 minutes or as specified on the products’ packaging.
    • Keep the chemicals within these ranges:
      Chlorine Level: pH Level:* Alkalinity Level:*
      1-5ppm 7.2-7.8 80-150ppm
      Ideal: 3-5ppm Ideal: 7.5 Ideal: 100-120ppm

      * Low pH and Alkalinity can cause the heat exchanger to go out in the heater in less than 30 days!

    • Notes:
      • Never mix more than one chemical at one time
      • Never put on the solar blanket AFTER you shock
      • Never swim right after you shock. WAIT at least 30 minutes or as specified on the products’ packaging.
      • Never add water to chemicals. Always add chemicals to water.

    1. Attach the vacuum head to the swivel end of the vacuum hose.
    2. Attach the vacuum plate to the opposite end of the vacuum hose.
    3. Attach the telepoleto the vacuum head and extend the pole. Holding on to the pole, let the vacuum head sink to the bottom of the pool.
    4. Pre-fill (prime) the vachose by putting the other end of the hose (with the vacplate) over the return jet to force water into the hose. The hose will be full of water when the vachead rises to the top of the water and falls back to the pool bottom.
    5. Attach the end of the hose with the vacuum plate into the skimmer.
    6. Close the main drain valve. If you have two operating skimmers, you can half way close the one that you are not using to vacuum. This will create better suction.
    7. Slowly vacuum the pool as to not stir up the debris on the bottom and cause the water to get cloudy.
    8. Check the pressure on the filter when vacuuming is done to see if a backwash is needed.
    9. Clean the pump basket after every vacuum, see cleaning the pump basket.
    10. Return valves to normal operating position and ensure the multi-port valve is in “filter” mode.

    1. Turn off the heater.
    2. Turn off power to the pool cleaner pump.
    3. Turn off power to the main pool pump.
    4. Close all skimmer and main drain valves.
    5. Move multiport handle to “close” position.
    6. Remove pump lid. Clean pump basket and replace.
    7. Open main drain valve.
    8. Move multiport handle to “filter” position.
    9. Turn on power to pool pump.
    10. Open skimmer valves one at a time.
    11. Lastly, you can turn back on pool cleaner pump, heater, etc.

    1. Turn off the power to the pool cleaner and the heater.
    2. Shut off power to the pool pump and move the multiport handle to the “close” position.
    3. Take the lid off the pump.
    4. Insert a garden hose into the pump and then into the supply pipe opening.
    5. Turn on the water and fill the main drain (which is left open) until the line is full and the water spills back into the pump basket.
    6. Close the main drain valve.
    7. Repeat the previous two steps for all skimmer valves.
    8. Ensure the lid O-ring is in place and screw on the pump lid securely.
    9. Turn the multiport handle to the “filter” position, open the main drain valve and immediately turn on the power to the pool pump.
    10. Give the system a few minutes to prime. Once there is no air cavitation in the pump, slowly start opening one of the skimmer valves. You might have to open, then close a little, open further, then close a little again, until it is fully open. This will help tweak the air out of the line.
    11. Follow the same procedure as the previous step on the other skimmer valves.
    12. System will be fully primed when the filter pressure returns to normal operating pressure.

  • Before starting:

    • Record your normal operating pressure and consider your backwash pressure to be about 6-8 PSI above that.
    • *It is important to make sure that the pump basket is clean. (If the pump basket does not need cleaning, skip steps 4-7.)
    1. Turn the heater off.
    2. Turn off power to the pool cleaner pump.
    3. Turn off power to the main pool pump.
    4. *Close all skimmer and main drain valves.
    5. *Move multiport handle to “close” position.
    6. *Clean pump basket and replace.
    7. *Open main drain valve.
    8. Move multiport handle to “backwash” position.
    9. Turn ON pool pump.
    10. Backwash for approximately 3-5 minutes until the sight glass is clear.
    11. Move multiport handle to “rinse” position.
    12. Turn ON pool pump.
    13. Rinse for approximately 30 seconds.
    14. Move multiport handle to “filter” position.
    15. Turn ON pool pump.
    16. Open skimmer valves one at a time.

    Notes:

    • Never move multiport handle when the pool pump is ON. The multiport handle can only be moved when the pool pump is in the off position.
    • Never close ALL valves (skimmers and main drains) while system is running. One valve must remain open.
    • Never swim right after you shock. WAIT at least 30 minutes or as instructed on the packaging.
    • Never turn on the pool cleaner pump when the pool pump is in the OFF position.

    1. Insert hose end into the wall fitting by pushing in and turning clockwise until it locks into place.
    2. Turn on pool cleaner pump.
    3. Keep screen (located in hose end) clean.
    4. Empty cleaner bag (located on top of unit) by twisting counter clockwise.

    Notes:

    • Never run your pool cleaner booster pump when your pool pump is shut down.
    • Take your pool cleaner out of the pool when shocking.
    • Keep in mind that you should remove your pool cleaner from the pool when it is not in use. This will extend the life of the cleaner and its wearable parts.
    • Bring your pool cleaner in for annual maintenance and upkeep after the swimming season is over.

Pool safety & other tips

Your pool and/or spa will no doubt be a source of fun and relaxation for you, your family and friends. To help everyone further enjoy your pool and spa, the following is a list of Safety Tips to remind you and the users of your pool or spa of some common safety practices when using or maintaining the pool or spa.

    • Install a safety enclosure around the pool with self locking gates.

      Protect the pool from access by small children and animals.

    • Supervise children at all times when they are in the pool enclosure.

      It only takes a second for a child to slip into the water unnoticed.

    • Have rescue equipment available (throw rings, life hooks and first aid kit).

      If an accident happens, there may not be time to look for needed materials.

    • Learn CPR and have CPR signs up to remind you of the procedures.

      Learning and keeping up on CPR procedures can save lives.

    • Teach children to swim.

      Teaching your children to swim is the best thing to do for them if you own a pool. It will be a lifelong benefit.

    • Never swim alone.

      There is no guarantee that you will not need help. Even good swimmers need help occasionally.

    • Do not swim in an inadequately lighted pool at night.

      You should be able to see all pool walls and the bottom clearly when swimming to prevent an accident or to see someone in trouble.

    • Protect children against access to pool or spa equipment.

      Chemicals, electrical circuits and moving equipment can cause serious injury or death to any child exposed to these threats. Children are naturally curious and like to play with moving equipment and interesting containers.

    • Turn off all electrical equipment to pool or spa before servicing equipment.

      Timers and automatic controls can unexpectedly turn equipment on while servicing equipment. This can cause serious personal injury or damage to the equipment.

    • Follow all instructions supplied with your equipment for safe servicing and repairs.

      Manufacturers are constantly updating their recommendations for performing the safest and easiest repair procedures for their equipment.

    • Have your pool area tested for electrical safety.

      Electrical and pool professionals have equipment to testyour pool and adjoining area for electrical safety. (See electrical safety checklist).

    • Do not swim when there is a possibility of lightning.

      A pool is a natural ground for lightning to strike. Lightning need not strike you or the pool to injure someone in the pool.

    • Do not allow electrical appliances within 10 feet of the pool or spa, (radios, lamps, etc.)

      Electrical appliances can cause serious electrical shock if they come in contact with water.

    • Do not install any electrical switches in a location that would require you to reach over pool equipment to turn them on or off.

      Serious injury can be incurred in the filter separates or contact is made with moving parts of a pump when reaching for an electrical switch.

    • If a tingling sensation is felt in or near the pool, shut off all electrical power to pool equipment.

      Call a pool professional or electrician to check the pool for electrical safety before allowing anyone to use the pool.

      Electrical leakage in a pool area could come from an electrical source. If a tingling sensation is felt, electrical leakage is probably present. Even with the power off, electrical current could be present. Any electrical leakage in the pool can be very dangerous.

    • Electrical Safety Checklist

      When having your pool professional or electrician check your pool system, the following list will be helpful in determining if your pool/spa electrical system meets basic electrical safety requirements. Be certain that:

      • Pool lighting circuit and all electrical outlets within 20 feet of the pool are protected by a Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter (GFIC).
      • Pool lighting circuit has a dedicated circuit breaker properly sized for the application.
      • Pool light junction boxes are at least 48 inches from the edge of the pool and raised at least 8 inches above water level or 4 inches above the deck, whichever is higher.
      • All electrical equipment is properly grounded.
      • All electrical equipment and metal objects within 5 feet of the pool are properly bonded.
      • An electrical shut off for pool lighting and equipment is accessible in case of emergency.