04.23.08

Above ground Liner description

Posted in Above Ground Pool, Pool, liners at 11:14 am by pcpools

OVERLAP POOL LINERS: On this type of pool, the pool liner goes up and over the top lip of the pool wall. It then comes down over the edge on the outside of the pool. This type of pool liner is normally secured with some sort of clamping method that holds it in place. Any adjustment that may be needed on the wall height of the pool liner is made by removing the lamp(s) and either letting in or pulling out more of the liner.

overlap

BEADED POOL LINERS: Beaded pool liners come in 2 sizes, 48″ & 52″ wall heights. If there is any height adjustment that needs to be made, this needs to be done by removing or building up the height of the “cove” located at the base of the pool wall within the pool. Cove is available in “wedge” shaped Styrofoam or sand can be used by compacting it into the corner where the wall meets the floor.

Beaded liner diagram

UNIBEAD J-HOOK POOL LINERS: Uni-bead or J-Hook pool liners have a upside down J, and just hooks on the top side of the pool wall. J-Hook pool liners can also be cut to be used as a beaded receiver

jhook_unibeaded

04.16.08

Pool care trouble shooting guide

Posted in Above Ground Pool, In ground pool, Pool, chemicals, pool filter at 12:50 pm by pcpools

Please note that this chart is to be used only as a guide since pool water
problems are often the result of several factors.

PROBLEM POSSIBLE CAUSE SOLUTION
CLOUDY WATER High pH Use pH REDUCER to lower pH to 7.2 - 7.6.
Dirty Filter Check filtration system. Backwash if needed. Use FILTER CLEAN (formerly called Cartridge Cleaner) regularly. Use SUPER SHIMMER to improve filter efficiency and add sparkle to the water.
Low Free Chlorine Shock with BLAST OUT, CHLOR-BURST™, or BLITZ™ to bring free chlorine level to ideal range of 1 - 3 ppm.
High Total Alkalinity Use pH REDUCER to reduce total alkalinity to 80 - 150 ppm.
GREEN WATER Green Algae (hazy water) Use pH REDUCER or pH INCREASER to adjust pH to ideal range of 7.2 - 7.6. Shock with BLAST OUT, CHLOR-BURST™, or BLITZ™. Wait 6 - 12 hours and treat pool with HALT™ 50 Algaecide weekly to prevent reoccurrences.
Copper in fill water (clear with green tint) Use SUPER RUST & SCALE as directed. Wait overnight.Test and adjust chlorine and pH levels as needed.
REDDISH BROWN WATER Dissolved iron or manganese in water Use pH INCREASER or pH REDUCER to adjust pH to 7.2 - 7.6. Use SUPER RUST & SCALE as directed. Run filter until clear.
EYE AND SKIN IRRITATION Combined chlorine (chloramines) level too high Shock with BLAST OUT, CHLOR-BURST™, or BLITZ™. Circulate overnight.Test and adjust free chlorine residual to ideal range of 1-3 ppm.(May require another shock treatment.)
pH level too high or too low Use pH REDUCER or pH INCREASER adjust pH level to 7.2 - 7.6.
CHLORINE ODOR Combined chlorine (chloramines) level too high Shock with BLAST OUT, CHLOR-BURST™, or BLITZ™. Circulate overnight.Test and adjust free chlorine residual to ideal range of 1-3 ppm. (May require another shock treatment.)
CALCIUM SCALE FORMATION pH too high Use pH REDUCER to bring pH level to 7.2 - 7.6.
Total alkalinity too high Use pH REDUCER to bring total alkalinity to 80 - 150 ppm.
Calcium content too high Use SUPER RUST & SCALE as directed.
CORROSION OF METAL PARTS pH too low Add pH INCREASER to bring pH to 7.2 - 7.6.
Total alkalinity to low Add ALKALINITY INCREASER to raise total alkalinity to 80 - 150 ppm.
HIGH CHLORINE CONSUMPTION High temperatures and heavy chlorine throughout the season Use STABILIZER at the start of each season. Always use stabilized Blue Wave chlorine, (i.e.: 3″ SANITIZING TABLETS).
UGLY “RING” AT THE WATERLINE Grease and oil from swimmers Clean walls and surfaces regularly using TILE & VINYL CLEANER.

04.08.08

Solar Sun Rings

Posted in Above Ground Pool, Automatic pool cleaner, In ground pool, Solar, solar cover at 10:32 am by pcpools

What Are Solar Sun Rings

The Solar Sun Ring is a passive solar swimming pool heating device made from two sheets of heavyweight U.V. resistant vinyl. The upper clear layer holds insulating air and focuses sunlight on the blue colored lower layer.

The blue layer absorbs about 50% of the sunlight and converts it to heat. The balance of the sunlight is allowed to pass through for deep water heating.

How Do Solar Sun Rings Work?

At night the contained air acts as an insulating blanket to retain heat gained during daylight. Solar Sun Rings are equipped with six magnets to improve clarity and decrease hardness of the water in your pool. The magnets are positioned to facilitate rafting. The strength of the magnets will permit single position removal but will easily separate to prevent entrapment in accidental falls.

Solar Sun Rings were designed to be compatible with automatic pool cleaners. In the event the suction hose catches on a ring, the ring will separate from the raft to allow the pool cleaner to continue.Solar Sun Rings Pool Example Neither water nor pool chemicals can evaporate through the Solar Sun Rings two layers of heavyweight vinyl.

You will save water and chemicals about equal to the percentage of the surface covered. Once the water in your pool has reached adequate temperature, Solar Sun Rings may be turned over to conserve water by limiting evaporation without significantly heating the water.

How Many Solar Sun Rings Do I Need?

We recommend enough Solar Sun Rings be purchased to cover 70% to 80% of your pools
surface, ignoring the small triangles between the rings.

Click here to find out how many rings your pool needs!

Are Solar Sun Rings Compatible With My Pool?

Solar Sun Rings may be used on all chlorine or salt water system pools, whether in ground or above ground.

How Do I Clean My Solar Sun Rings?

After removal from the swimming pool Solar Sun Rings can be easily cleaned with a sponge and mild detergent solution.

Solar Sun Rings Help Your Pool Stay Clean

Your pool requires some direct sunlight and open water to stay healthy. The open water around the raft of Solar Sun Rings and the triangle caused by the convergence of three Solar Sun Rings is by design. These open areas allow your pool to receive some direct sunlight. This sunlight will greatly reduce the incidence of mustard algae.

INSTRUCTIONS
FOR USE

PROPER INFLATION IS NECESSARY TO USE THIS
PRODUCT INFLATION

INFLATION

Inner Grid:Proper Inflation

The inner grid should be inflated orally with about two large breaths of air for an average person. Do not use more air, two breaths is all that is needed. Close the valve. Bunch up the SSR and move the contained air around to separate both layers of plastic. The SSR cannot be made to lie flat unless the layers are separated. The SSR should be about the size of a soccer ball when bunched up.

Outer Ring:Over Inflation

Inflate the outer ring orally until it is firm. Close the valve. Place each SSR single layer in direct sunlight on a flat non-abrasive surface until the packing lines relax. This should take from 30 minutes to 3 hours depending on the intensity of the sun. If the SSR does not lie flat after the packing lines are relaxed, examine the SSR for areas not separated. If the SSR still does not lie flat measure the diameter. A properly inflated SSR is 59 inches or 149.86cm Distorted Inflationin
diameter. If the SSR is smaller use the deflation tube provided to let air out of the inner grid until it lies flat. Excessive air in the grid section, deep packing lines and failure to separate both layers of plastic will all cause the outer edge to curl and distort.

HOW TO USE THE SOLAR SUN RINGS

HEATING: Once the Solar Sun Rings are inflated, cover up to 70% to 80% of the surface of your pool with Solar Sun Rings by placing the blue colored side on the water. You should not cover more than 70% of the surface on deep pools and not more than 80% on shallow pools. For the best solar effect, keep the upper surface of the Solar Sun Rings clean and clear.

COOLING:
Turn the Solar Sun Rings over so the blue side is up. The Solar Sun Rings do not heat water efficiently when upside down.

WATER AND CHEMICAL SAVING

Neither water nor chemicals can evaporate through the two layers of heavyweight vinyl. You will save on water and chemicals about equal to the actual percentage of water covered.

CARE OF SOLAR SUN RINGS

Once inflated proper care of this product will greatly extend its useful life. Pool decking is designed to be abrasive to prevent slips and falls. Do not walk on Solar Sun Rings or drag Solar Sun Rings on this abrasive surface. When Solar Sun Rings are not on the pool water do not stack them in direct sunlight, excessive internal temperatures will develop and melt the vinyl films.

Solar Sun Rings are passive pool heating devices and should not be used as pool toys.

WARRANTY

Solar Sun Rings are warranted to be free of manufacturing defects for two years. Warranty is limited to materials and workmanship. Solar Sun Rings will not warranty products for damage or suitability.

04.01.08

Pool Filtration Systems

Posted in Above Ground Pool, In ground pool, Pool, pool filter, pool pump at 2:57 pm by pcpools

The pool’s filtration system contains a pump and a filter system which circulates the pool water through the filter to remove dirt and contaminants and clean the pool water. A pool filter should run at least 8 hours daily to properly maintain the pool water’s clarity and cleanliness. A sand filtration system, the most popular and economical type, uses a bed of fine sand to trap contaminants and debris as the pool water circulates through the sand filter. Using sand as the filtering media provides some benefits to the pool owner. Sand filters are relatively simple to use and may be cleaned by backwashing to remove the accumulated debris. Sand is an inexpensive filter media and it is very long lasting. If properly treated, sand only needs to be replace once every 3-4 years. pcPOOLS offers sand filtration systems for both above ground and in ground pools. For parts of the country with water restrictions or for pool owners looking for even better pool water quality, another type of pool filter system is a cartridge filtration system. Cartridge filter systems use a replaceable pool filter to trap debris and other contaminants to clarify the pool water. Using a cartridge filter (which looks much like a large oil filter used in a car) provides increased benefits that sand can’t match. Because of the cartridge’s construction, it will trap smaller particles than sand making the pool water quality better. Cartridge systems are also recommended where water restrictions occur. Cartridge systems do not require “backwashing”, which can use hundreds of gallons of water. A cartridge filter is cleaned by removing the cartridge element and hosing it off and soaking it in filter cleaner for an hour or two. The cartridge may need to be replaced every season depending on the amount of usage of your pool.

03.05.08

Pool Chemical Ideal Range

Posted in Above Ground Pool, Pool, chemicals tagged , , , , at 8:54 am by pcpools

Test for pH and sanitizer levels

If you test your own water, check the pH and free chlorine or bromine levels.
The chart below provides the proper levels to keep your water crystal clear.

Test Factor Ideal Range
Free Chlorine 1.0 to 3.0 PPM
Total Bromine 1.0 to 3.0 PPM
pH 7.2to 7.6PPM
Total Alkalinity 80 to 150 PPM
Calcium Hardness
- Plaster Pools 200 to 275 PPM
- All Others 125 to 300 PPM

If any of these levels are not in their proper range, consult our
Pool Care Guide for the proper chemicals to bring them into balance.

02.21.08

Spa Safety

Posted in Spa, chemicals, safety, spa safety at 8:28 am by pcpools

Spa Safety Tips

  • Read and follow all label directions before using chemicals or adding them to your spa water.
  • Always add chemicals to spa water, never water to chemicals.
  • Add each chemical separately.
  • Wait 15 minutes before adding any additional chemicals.
  • Do not combine different chemicals before adding them to the spa water.
  • Accurately measure amounts when adding chemicals. NEVER OVERDOSE! Adding more than the
    recommended amount will most often cause problems, not solve them.
  • Whenever you add chemicals to your spa, let the water circulate for at least 30 minutes
    before use. This lets the chemicals thorouly mix with the water.
  • Keep all chemicals away from your face and never inhale fumes.
  • Never smoke around chemicals.
  • In an emergency involving chemicals, follow label directions. Always keep emergency phone
    numbers handy.
  • Always re-close chemicals tightly after use and store in a cool dry place.
  • Store chemicals according to the manufacturer’s label and keep out of the reach
    of children.
  • All chemicals, if not handled properly, may be dangerous.
  • Maintain proper sanitation levels.
  • Never heat your spa above 104 decrees Fahrenheit.
  • Limit your spa session to 15 minutes.
  • All users should shower without soap before entering the hot tub to remove excess
    deodorant, lotion and body oils.
  • Adult supervision must be present when children are using the spa.
  • Do not consume alcohol while using the spa.
  • If you are pregnant, have high blood pressure or other cardiovascular condition, consult a physician before using a spa.

02.13.08

Spring Pool Opening

Posted in Above Ground Pool, Automatic pool cleaner, Diving Boards, Heat pump, Heaters, In ground pool, Pool, Pool Deck, Pool Ladders, chemicals, liners, pool filter, pool pump at 2:22 pm by pcpools

Remove all leaves, debris & excess water from pool cover. Use Submersible Pump to clear water away. Then remove the pool cover.

Check the condition of your Pool Liner. Need to replace your pool liner?

Remove all winterizing plugs from the pool suction lines and return lines.

Assemble all pool pump and filter pipes to respective fittings. Check the condition of the sand, cartridge or DE elements. Clean or replace if necessary. Need to replace your Pump & Filter System?

Be sure the pool filter top is secure, the tank drain is closed and the pool filter valve is in the “Filter” position.

Hook up pool pump, filter and any other additional equipment you might have (Pool Heaters, etc.).

Re-attach any deck equipment you have such as Pool Ladders, Diving Boards, etc. Install all Pool Deck equipment including skimmer baskets and return directionals.

Bring the pool water level up to normal & Start the pump.

Using Blue Wave Chemical Start-up Kit, follow our FREE Pool Care Guide directions to get your water in swimming condition! Balance the water chemistry and check the levels frequently during the first few days (until they stabilize).

Run the pool pump & filter system 24 hours until your pool water has cleared completely.

Remove any debris from pool using an Automatic Pool Cleaner or Pool Cleaning Equipment.

Clean Liner with Tile & Vinyl Cleaner & clean Filter with Filter Clean.

For more detailed Pool Opening Instruction, in Printer Friendly Format, Click Here.

02.05.08

Automatic pool cleaners

Posted in Above Ground Pool, Automatic pool cleaner, In ground pool, Pool, pool filter, pool pump at 2:38 pm by pcpools

Automatic Cleaners

A suction cleaner works off the vacuum of
the pool’s filtration system to suck debris from the pool bottom and does
not require a separate booster pool pump. This is the least expensive
automatic pool cleaner to purchase and is the easiest to install. It cleans
whenever the pool filter is running. A suction pool cleaner is highly
recommended only if the pool if relatively free from heavy leaves, pine
needles and twigs.
Above Ground
suction type pool cleaners offered by pcPOOLS are

Trident

Dirt Devil®
Ranger™
Zoom™
Barracuda® Zippy™
‘Lil Shark™

Inground suction type pool cleaners offered by pcPOOLS are
Dirt Devil®,
Barracuda® Pacer™,
Barracuda® G3™,
Barracuda® G4™.

Robot Cleaners do not have to be hooked up to the filtration system.
They are fully automatic, computerized, has its own drive motor and filtration
system and filters your pool water at the same time. Since it has its own motor,
it works independently of your pool filter system, and purifies your pool
water as it helps distribute pool chemicals.
Above ground
Pool Rover,
Pool Rover Jr.™,
Dolphin Robo-Kleen.

Inground
Aquabot™,
Aquabot™ Turbo,
Aquabot™ Turbo Remote,
Aquabot™ Turbo T,
Aquabot™ Turbo T2,
Aquabot™ Turbo T4 - RC,
Dolphin™ 2001 Diagnostic,
Dolphin 2002 Dynamic w/Remote & Caddy,
Dolphin HD™ Commercial Auto Cleaner,
Dolphin™ 3001 Commercial Auto Pool Cleaner w/ Caddy,
Dolphin™ 3002 Commercial Auto Pool Cleaner w/ Caddy & Remote,
Dolphin 2×2 Commercial Auto Pool Cleaner,
Orion™ Automatic Pool Cleaner.

Other types include pressure Mars HP. This advanced cleaner uses jet propulsion technology to drive out of deep-end hoppers and move around obstacles.

01.29.08

Worry-free Chemistry.

Posted in Pool, chemicals at 11:36 am by pcpools

Here is a helpful article by Deborah Kon on pool water chemistry and help choosing the right water treatment.. From www.poolspaliving.com

Choosing the Best Water Treatment Combinations

01.22.08

How to buy an Above Ground Pool!

Posted in Above Ground Pool, Automatic pool cleaner, Pool, chemicals, liners, pool filter, pool pump, safety covers at 2:34 pm by pcpools

So you want to buy an Above Ground pool, but where do you begin? Here’s a step by step walkthrough of what you’ll need to get outfitted for fun in the sun this summer. Click here for the rest of the article

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