Refresher instructions for operating your swimming pool system, with warm swimming weather approaching, by Dolphin Pools

Warming weather is here, and only a few months left before kids get out of school; Get your pool clear and your water healthy early.
As you get ready to uncover your pool, you may need a refresher on how to operate everything. Here's some basic info to help you get started.

Swimming Pool Care Instructions

**Please note that any time you move the multi-valve (example – Filter, Backwash, Rinse, Waste, etc), the pump MUST first be turned off**

**If your pool has two skimmers, remove the basket from the skimmer not being utilized to vacuum through, and slide the cover plate at the bottom over the suction line in the bottom.  This will send all your suction through the other skimmer.  Shutting off the in-line valve to the bottom drains of the pool will also send more suction to the skimmer. **

**Special note:  when vacuuming your pool; leave the skimmer basket in the skimmer.  Use a vacuum plate over the skimmer basket, and attach the vacuum hose to the vac plate**

Vacuuming Pool:  Small amount of dust/dirt/debris in pool.  Beginning in Filter mode.

1. Turn pump off
2. Remove skimmer lid, place skimmer vacuum plate on hose and place in skimmer
3. Attach vacuum head and telescoping pole to other end of hose, and place in pool
4. Turn pump on
5. Vacuum pool sides and bottom to remove debris
6. When complete, turn pump back off
7. Remove hose from skimmer and vacuum assembly from pool
8. Turn valve to Backwash
9. Turn pump back on
10. Watch viewing bulb for water to clear (1 to 2 minutes)
11. When clear, turn pump back off
12. Turn valve to Rinse and turn pump back on
13. Run until viewing bulb clear (usually 30 seconds to 1 minute)
14. When clear, turn pump back off
15. Turn valve to Filter and turn pump back on.  You have completed this process.  You have sent water through the filter during this process and have not lost pool water.

Vacuuming Pool:  Above average amounts of dust/dirt/and debris in pool.  Beginning in filter mode. 

1. Turn pump off
2. Remove skimmer lid, place skimmer vacuum plate on hose and place in skimmer
3. Attach vacuum head and telescoping pole to other end of hose, and place in pool
4. Turn valve to waste and then turn pump on
5. Vacuum pool sides and bottom to remove debris
6. When complete, turn back off
7. Remove hose from skimmer and vacuum assembly from pool
8. Turn valve to Backwash
9. Turn pump back on
10. Watch viewing bulb for water to clear (1 to 2 minutes)
11. When clear, turn pump back off
12. Turn valve to Rinse and turn pump back on
13. Run until viewing bulb clear (usually 30 seconds to 1 minute)
14. When clear, turn pump back off
15. Turn valve to Filter and turn pump back on.  You have completed this process.  You have taken water out of pool during this process; you may need to add water back to pool.

Backwashing pool:

1. Turn pump off
2. Turn valve to Backwash
3. Turn pump back on
4. Watch viewing bulb for water to clear (1 to 2 minutes)
5. When clear, turn pump back off
6. Turn valve to Rinse and then turn pump back on
7. Watch viewing bulb until water is clear (usually 30 seconds to 1 minute)
8. When clear, turn pump off
9. Turn valve to filter and then turn pump back on, you have completed this process

Lowering the Water Level of the Pool:

1. Turn pump off
2. Turn multi-valve to Waste
3. Turn pump back on and watch pool until desired water level is achieved
4. Turn pump back off
5. Turn multi-valve back to filter mode
6. Turn pump back on.  You have completed this process

Checking Salt Level via Breaker/Control Panel

Please note that these instructions are for pools using the EasyTouch system by Pentair.  This is the system typically installed by Dolphin Pools.

1. Push the Menu button on the inside of the control panel
2. Push the down arrow key until you get to diagnostics, then hit the select button
3. Scroll down with the arrow key to Intellichlor, then hit the select button
4. The salt level of the pool will be displayed
5. When finished, hit the menu key until back at the main menu, you have completed this process

Most saltwater systems operate within a recommended range of 3,000 - 3,500ppm

Make sure to regularly test the water chemistry of your pool.  The easiest way to test these levels are with the litmus strips that we sell in the pool store.  They are color coded and easy to read.

**If you have any questions about these or any other service processes with your pool, feel free to call our office.  Also remember that we offer free water testing and carry a complete line of chemicals and supplies**

Additional Note (Very Important)

It is never a good idea to empty your inground swimming pool.  When vacuuming, removing water, and backwashing; monitor your water to make sure your pool is at the right level and ready to swim.

Saltwater pools, warming Spring weather, Dolphin Pools West Monroe

Saltwater pools have become increasingly popular.  They have pretty much become the norm in the North Louisiana area.

Through the cold winter months, saltwater systems produce chlorine at a significantly reduced level.  Because of this, it is always necessary to monitor the chlorine level of the pool, and add as needed.  As the water begins to heat back up, the saltwater generator will again start to produce chlorine.  After a few warm days, I always get calls from customers who complain of their pool getting a green tint or a cloudy look.

Internet searches have convinced a lot of pool owners that "add a bag of salt" is the cure-all.  This is not at all the case.  You will still need to keep your PH, Total Alkalinity, Calcium, and Stabilizer within acceptable limits.

As the thermometer creeps up, its a good idea to bring a water sample into your local pool store. We offer FREE water testing at Dolphin Pools, and can give you a printout of exactly what you need in your water to get it perfect.

We're only a couple months out from the kids wanting to jump in, so get started early.  No parent should have to be the "bad guy" who left the pool green, with Dolphin Pools ready to help you out.

Quick info on pool salt levels:

Most saltwater systems have a recommended range between 3,000 and 3,500ppm