Pool Care Blog:: Tips & Tricks
My pool pump motor is getting loud. What is happening?
If your motor is getting loud, the bearings are starting to go. It will keep getting louder until it finally seizes up. The motor needs to be replaced. Bearings are not commonly replaced because replacing the bearings is pretty expensive, and then you will still have an old motor that may well develop another problem soon. We have a line of new energy effecient pool motors. It may be worthwhile to upgrade at the same time as replacing your existing motor, thus resulting in high energy savings!
 
Sometimes when I add water to the pool I forget to turn it off!
Here are two recommendations: Get a sprinkler timer and attach it to your hose bib. When you need to add water, set it for 1-1.5 hours and it will turn off automatically. Don’t put the end of the hose in the pool. Set the end of the hose just over the edge of the coping so you see the water arching into the pool. This way it is clear when the water is or is not running.
 
How long is my filter cartridge good for?
Many manufacturers recommend they be replaced every year. We find that you can often go two or possibly three years. After this time, the pores clog up and the filter itself is breaking down. The back pressure on your system rises as the cartridge ages. If your filter cartridge is squishy and discolored, the bands going around the filter are breaking, or the back pressure has increased, it’s time to replace it. Visit our Cape Coral Pool Store to get a replacement.
 
How long should my pool pump run?
For Florida Homeowners, Our experience shows that the pump should run 8-10 hours in the summer and 6-8 hours in the winter. This is so the water will be adequately filtered, which helps prevent algae and keeps the water clear. Pools in South Florida require the pump to run longer than “up north” due to the high amount of sun which promotes algae growth. Utility companies often recommend pool pumps run fewer hours, but this was based on a study that was done “up north”.
 
Why do I often get algae in my pool?

If you are not testing and adjusting your pool water weekly, you will likely have algae problems. If you are doing this and still have algae, then your water probably contains phosphates or nitrates (components of fertilizer) which are providing food for algae. These chemicals are very common in pool water. Advanced tests can be done to determine if your pool has significant levels of phosphates or nitrates.

At the Pool Doctor we offer free water testing. Pick-up a test bottle from our Cape Coral Pool Store and we will test and track your water for FREE. Call us today for more information.
 
How can I reduce the cost of heating my pool?

A pool blanket is made of a heavy duty “bubble wrap” material that insulates your pool. Through the “green house effect” it helps heat your pool during the day. At night, it reduces heat loss. Finally, it saves money by preventing evaporation.

Remember this important point: the side with the bubbles goes down.

Need to Purchase a Pool Blanket or other Product? Visit our Cape Coral Pool Store
 
Is my pool leaking?

Pools normally lose about 2 inches of water per week due to evaporation. It is possible that if the pool is heated, has a waterfall, fountain or vanishing edge, or is located on the breezy river, it could lose as much as 3 inches. If you are losing more than this amount, you have a leak! Leaks waste water, chemicals and can damage the structural integrity of the pool. Pool leaks are a lot more common than most people think. Fall is often the time people realize there is pool is leaking, because the summer rains have stopped.

Call Us Today If You feel your pool may be leaking and our leak detection team can help assist you in finding the leak and even help you with the repairs.
 
My friend has a salt system, so there is no chlorine, right?
Salt systems are great, but there is a common misunderstanding. The truth is that salt systems convert salt in the water to chlorine. So there is chlorine in the water of a salt pool. However, because the system continually makes chlorine, the pool can have a consistent, much lower level of chlorine in the water. The salt makes the water silky smooth like bath salts, and the system keeps adding chlorine if you are out of town. Most new pools are now built with salt systems. Want to Upgrade your Pool to a Salt System, Call the Pool Doctor Today!
 


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