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Your Brand New Pool

Your Filtration System at a Glance

Always refer to your owner’s manuals for the equipment for more detailed explanations. 

pool-filtration-pic-1

Inground/Onground Pools

Your Setup will be the exact same, except you pool and skimmer will be underground and your equipment above the ground possibly in a pool house. You may also have more than 1 return or jet line.

The Skimmer

The skimmer is where the water will go to enter the filtration system. You may have a wide mouth skimmer or a square skimmer. There is a weir door that will moderate how much water will enter into the skimmer. Inside the skimmer will be a basket. This basket should be kept clear of any debris to allow for proper circulation. Always make sure your water level is no less than half way up the skimmer face plate on the inside of the pool.

The Pump

From the skimmer, the water will travel down the fittings and hose to the pump. The pump is what draws the water through the system to allow for circulation. The pump should never be plugged into an extension cord. It is to be plugged into a wall outlet only. It is important to get enough circulations in the pool. Running your pump 24/7 will allow you to get the proper circulation your pool requires. The pump has an o-ring that sits under the lid. This o-ring should be lubed properly and replaced every 2-3 years to keep it fresh. There is also a basket called a strainer basket located under the lid. This basket should remain clear of debris to allow for proper filtration. For the winter, this piece of equipment needs to be drained by undoing the plug at the bottom and stored inside.

 

 

The Filter

From the pump the water will travel through the fittings and hose to the filter. The filter is what will filter out the debris. The filters will have a pressure gauge located on them. This should read between 10-12 psi. There are 3 types of filters; Sand, Cartridge, DE. We will focus on only the two main ones. This piece of equipment can be tarped to stay outside during the winter.

Cartridge-

This filter contains cartridges that will collect debris and store it within the pleats of the cartridge to prevent it from going back into the pool. Make sure you are opening up the tank and cleaning it out thoroughly 1x per year or sooner if you are noticing a rise in pressure on your gauge.

Sand-

This filter contains a piece called a lateral which is surrounded by sand within the bottom tank. The sand traps the debris from getting back into the pool. The sand should be changed every 5-7 years to keep it fresh. This filter allows you to set it to a backwash port to get any debris that is trapped within the sand causing the pressure to read higher on the gauge.

The Filter Head

It is important to remember to turn off the pump any time you switch the handle on the filter head.

 

Filter head Pic

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Filter Head System Operations

Filter-

This is the setting you will run your pool on normally. This will be the setting you will vacuum on too.

Rinse-

This throws all the debris to the top of the sand to allow more debris to come out before backwashing. You will turn it to rinse for 15 seconds only before backwashing.

Whirlpool-

This is a good way to circulate chemical through the pool. Turn it on for 15 seconds only and pour the chemical at the return or jet. This will push the chemical through the pool and allow it to circulate quicker.

Backwash-

Backwashing allows you to get rid of all of the debris built up in the sand. To start backwashing hook up the blue coiled hose with a fitting and a hose clamp. Once the hose is secured to the backwash port, turn the handle to backwash, remembering to always shut the pump off before turning the handle. While backwashing, there is a little jar that sticks out from the side of that port called a sight glass. This will allow you to see the colour of the water coming out at the far end of the hose. Once it runs clear, you can stop the backwashing. You can also use the pressure gauge to judge how long to backwash for. Once it reads between 10-12 psi, you can stop the backwashing. This should be done on a weekly basis at the minimal and after every vacuuming.

Winterize-

This setting is for shutting down the pool for the winter. Once all the hosing and equipment is detached, turn it to winterize and undo the bottom drain plug to allow the water to drain out. Remember to take out your sight glass and pressure gauge for the winter.

Drain-

This setting allows you to drain a substantial amount of water very quickly through the backwash port. If you have a large amount of algae in the pool, you may opt to vacuum on this setting to bypass the sand or if your getting ready to drain down for winter, this would be a good option to use.

 

Options & Add Ons-

-see ‘OPTIONS’ page in troubleshooting area of our website for further information

 

Return or Jet

This is where the water will return back into your pool. The eyeball inside the pool should be pointed down and to the right to allow for proper circulation.

 

Service- Aboveground Only

Any time you are wishing to do work on the filtration equipment, please make sure you are closing the shut off valves or plugging the skimmer line and return line. If you do not close off both sides, water will start to drain from your pool.

Bluewater Pools provides a service for opening/closing the pool, for those wishing to have it done professionally. We also have a service department for individuals needing a service call. Contact one of our locations for rates.

 

Bluewater Pools & Spas                              Bluewater Pools& Spas

Windsor Location                                          Leamington Location

2541 Dougall Ave,                                         258 Oak Street E

Windsor, On                                                   Leamington, On

519.969.8561                                                 519.326.7490

 

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