INTRODUCTION Welcome to the world of pool ownership. Please take your time in reviewing the information in this DVD and read all of the manufacturer’s instructions that came with your pool. To operate your pool safely and trouble-free you need to know the basics of pool care. If you understand and follow a good maintenance routine- with proper filtration, balanced-pool water and a consistent chemical program, your pool water will be sparkling clean and easy to maintain.
We're proud to be the Pittsburgh’s largest family-owned home leisure retailer. For years Pool City has supplied thousands of families with back-yard fun! In addition to offering the best selection and best prices on swimming pools and accessories we also offer the finest: • • • • Patio Furniture Spas Grills Billiard Tables & Accessories • Bars & Bar Stools • Game Tables • Home Theater • Tanning Don’t forget Pool City is your Christmas store during the holidays! ©2011 Pool Software, Inc.
WATER TESTING Maintaining the water in your pool doesn't require a degree in chemistry. Test strips give accurate test results more quickly and easily than any other testing method. Swimming pool water has chemical characteristics which must be measured regularly. You will be testing your water at home 2-3 times per week for Sanitizer and pH, as these levels can quickly change. When testing your pool water take a sample from approximately 12” below the water’s surface and away from any return inlets.
WATER TESTING SOFTWARE Your Nature’s Way Pool City pool manual includes a water analysis testing program, TestMate 4 Pools™. As mentioned earlier it is a good idea to test your pool water at least two to three times a week. If the sanitizer, pH or alkalinity tests are not in the acceptable ranges you will want to go to the water testing button on the main menu. Here you will enter your test results and receive chemical recommendations with dosages to balance your pool water.
BASIC POOL WATER CHEMISTRY Understanding the basics of pool water chemistry will help you to properly maintain your pool. Clean and healthy pool water is achieved through chemical treatment, water balance, good maintenance (cleaning and vacuuming) and proper circulation/filtration. All of these elements work together to provide sparkling clear water and a comfortable pool.
Low pH When the pH reading is low (below 7.2) your pool water is acidic. Acidic pool water can cause damage to plaster pool walls while corroding metal plumbing and metal components in heaters, pumps and filters. Low pH water also causes skin and eye irritation, making the eyes look red (a condition often mistaken for too much chlorine). You will also find a rapid loss of your chlorine residual and alkalinity when the pH is too low. High pH When your pH reading is too high (over 7.
Adjusting Total Alkalinity When the Total Alkalinity of your pool is low (below 80ppm) you will need to raise it by adding a Alkalinity Plus. This chemical will raise the T.A. level while having a moderate effect on the pH level. Follow the manufacturer’s recommendations for application by either broadcasting the chemical or pre-dissolving. Adjust readings gradually, DO NOT add more than 2 lb. sodium bicarbonate per application and do not raise more than 50 ppm at a time.
SANITIZING YOUR POOL WITH CHLORINE Chlorine is a natural element belonging to the halogen group of elements. Chlorine has long been the most popular sanitizer treatment for pools because of its ability to: Sanitize- To kill all disease-causing organisms. Disinfect- To kill all living organisms. Oxidize- Destroy organic contaminants and swimmer waste. Free Chlorine 1.0-3.0ppm Free (available) chlorine is the measure of chlorine’s active disinfecting power.
ROUTINE CHLORINATION Our Nature’s Way Chlorine program is easy to follow and will provide crystal clear water, when following our simple three step plan. Step 1- SANITIZE- weekly using Nature’s Way Small Chlorinating Tablets or Blue Jumbo Tabs, every other day, if using Nature’s Way Granular Powder. Step 2- OXIDIZE- shock weekly using Nature’s Way Super Shock. Step 3- PREVENT-inhibit algae weekly by adding a maintenance dose of Nature’s Way Instant Pro Algicide.
NATURE2 VISION PRO Nature2 Vision Pro is the ultimate chlorine and mineral sanitizing system for aboveground pools up to 30,000 gallons. The Nature2 Vision Pro system is an all-in-one mineral sanitizer and precision chlorine dispenser. Nature2 patented technology delivers controlled trace amounts of beneficial minerals to help maintain a bacteria and algae-free pool.
SHOCKING or SUPERCHLORINATION When you shock your pool you use the process of oxidation to chemically remove (burn up) organic debris, such as body waste, particulate matter and perspiration, from the water. All pools require a shock treatment on a regular basis to maintain optimum water quality. If you are using chlorine only to maintain your pool, routine shocking the water every 1 to 2 weeks will greatly increase the water quality of your pool.
SPECIALTY CHEMICALS There are many specialty chemical products available today to treat a wide range of water problems. Your Nature’s Way dealer will assist you in choosing the specialty chemicals best suited for your particular water problem. Algae Treatment -Algaecides Specific algaecides are designed to treat different types of algae. To learn more go to the Algae section of this manual. Please read the phosphate treatment section below.
CHEMICAL SAFETY Handling swimming pool chemicals is safe and easy when they are used and stored properly. Problems occur when careless mistakes are made. By following some easy safety rules, accidents can be prevented. In addition to the recommendations listed below be certain to read and follow the directions on the bottle label. 1. FOLLOW INSTRUCTIONS: MIX CHEMICALS ONLY AS INSTRUCTED. 2. NEVER add water to chemicals—add chemicals to water slowly. 3.
ACIDS AND OXIDIZERS SAFETY Acids- highly corrosive substances and must be handled with extreme care. Muriatic acid (Hydrochloric acid) and Sodium bisulfate are acids most commonly used in the care of pools.
Conditions and Materials to Avoid • Avoid contact with acids • Avoid contact with organics and oxidizers • Do not store near acids Oxidizers- The precautions for oxidizers are important in handling the following: Calcium hypochlorite, Lithium hypochlorite, Sodium hypochlorite (Liquid shock, Bleach), Trichlor, Sodium dichlor, Bromine, Potassium peroxymonosulfate (Oxy shock, Non-chlorine shock).
ALGAE Algae are microscopic plant life. There are many types of algae, yellow, green, brown, or black; thousands of species of algae exist. Green algae are the most common type and the easiest to get rid of. Green algae can appear in patches or create an all-over cloudy green shade of water. Pink slimy algae are actually not algae but fungus bacteria, often appearing as streaks or spots in corners and crevices. See Water Mold or Pink Slime for details and treatment.
Black Algae Some types of algae, especially black algae, are very stubborn and require special treatment. Black algae form a protective coating which makes it highly impervious to shock treatments and algaecide. The best treatment for black algae is to scrub the affected areas or spots prior to chemical treatment so the shock and algaecide will have an opportunity to penetrate the algae spores. 1. Remove solar cover and discontinue use during treatment of active algae growth. 2.
CLOUDY WATER Cloudy water can be caused by a number of conditions, check in the following order: • Insufficient filtration- Make sure your filter is clean and functioning properly. Perhaps your filter is due for a more thorough cleaning than backwashing alone will provide ask your Nature’s Way dealer about a filter cleaner (see filtration).
STAINING AND SCALING All water contains some levels of minerals and metals. When the minerals or metals are dissolved and in suspension they are not visible. If they precipitate, or fall out of suspension, staining or scaling can result. Metals such as copper, iron or manganese in sufficient quantities can all cause staining. Prior to treating a stain you must first determine the cause. Algae or bacteria can cause green, black, yellow, brown or pink discoloration.
WATER MOLD OR PINK SLIME Pink slime or pink algae are actually not algae but a bacteria or fungus, often appearing as streaks or spots in corners and crevices. Sometimes it appears as a pink or orange colored ring around the skimmer or waterline. Water mold may have different appearances. It may appear as raised white spots or as sheet-like growth on the pool's surface. It will have a slippery feel and may appear as different colors.
CIRCULATION Clean, clear, healthy pool water is achieved through proper water chemistry, sanitation and circulation. Circulation occurs as water travels into the skimmer passes through the plumbing to the pump, is filtered and returned via the return inlet of the pool. The pump must be on for the water movement to take place; which should be a minimum run time of 8 hours every day on high speed, 24 hours a day on low speed.
PUMP & MOTOR Water circulation is one of the most important elements of your pool. Adequate movement (or turnover) of water ensures clean and healthy pool water. Circulation begins as water flows through the in-wall skimmer, through the attached hose into the pump, through the filter then back to the pool. Your pump and motor should operate a minimum 8 hours every day to circulate and filter the pool water. 2-speed pump and motors are designed to run continuously at a low-speed with reduced electrical cost.
The motor is what powers the pump to circulate water. The motor is the electrical side of the pump; it is located opposite of the pump housing. Most above ground pump & motors have 110v electrical plugs. They should always be plugged into a GFCI receptacle. You should NOT run the motor off of extension cords as this is an electrical hazard and is also detrimental to the motor itself. Inground Pumps can be 110v or 220v and are generally hard wired.
FILTRATION Adequate filtration is the one of the most important elements of your pool. Chemicals alone do not keep the pool water clean. It is the combination of chemicals, circulation and filtration that keeps your pool water clean and clear. The importance of proper filtration cannot be overemphasized in the overall program of sound pool maintenance and sanitary water. Proper circulation and filtration of the water is one of the best defenses against algae formation and cloudiness.
CARTRIDGE FILTERS Cartridge filters consist of a tank that contains 1 or more pleated elements or cartridges where dirt and debris of 25-100 microns in size are trapped within the pleats. Minimal maintenance and less water loss than filters requiring backwashing are advantages unique to the cartridge filter. Cartridge filters do not require backwashing but the cartridge element itself is removed and cleaned, generally every 6 months or 1 to 2 times per season.
DIATOMACEOUS EARTH (D.E.) FILTERS Diatomaceous Earth (DE) is a fossil material ground into a very fine white powder. DE filters contain internal elements (tubes) inside. The DE powder coats the internal element. Water passes through the DE coated element which strains dirt, algae and some forms of bacteria from the water. DE filters will trap the finest particle of the 3 filter types but this also means that the filter needs to be cleaned more often.
Backwashing- replacing the DE (using water flow) Backwashing is recommended when the gauge pressure rises more than 10 psi in less than a 24 hour period or when cloudy water returns to the pool for longer than 30 seconds after regeneration. Before backwashing make sure that the backwash hose is extended to an appropriate area to discharge the used DE, dirt and water. 1. Turn off the motor. 2. Open the air relief bleeder valve on top of the tank. 3.
SAND FILTERS Sand is the oldest and most popular method of filtration. Water passes through the pump housing and enters the sand filter through the multiport valve head, which controls the directional flow of the water. As water passes through a bed of filter sand (silica quartz) dirt is trapped in the sand bed and clean filtered water is returned to the pool. When the filter becomes dirty- pressure builds in the sand filter and the water flow returning to your pool decreases.
5. WASTE POSITION- this function is used when one desires to draw water or vacuum debris from the pool directly onto the ground (bypassing the tank). For example, if there is a lot of debris accumulated on the floor of the pool, one would use this process to vacuum it from the pool onto the ground through a backwash hose, bypassing the filter tank 6. CLOSED POSITION- this position is used when one wishes to shut off water flow through the valve.
VACUUMING To keep your pool clean it will be necessary to routinely brush the pool walls and floor and vacuum the pool floor to remove dirt and debris. When vacuuming you are using your pool pump with vacuum attached to skimmer to pull dirt and debris from the pool floor to be trapped inside of your filter-returning the water back to the pool. You should vacuum your pool on a regular basis, generally once a week- or as needed.
You are ready to vacuum: Move the vacuum head slowly and gently to thoroughly clean your pool and not “stir” up debris. It is normal for the pressure reading on your filter’s gauge to drop while vacuuming- as the water flow is being restricted through the vacuum head and hose. You should not, however, notice a decrease in the return flow. If while vacuuming the suction decreases check the strainer baskets (in skimmer and pump) and empty if necessary.
AUTOMATIC POOL CLEANERS Your Pool City representative will be happy to help you in selecting the right automatic cleaner for your pool. Hand held cleaners, such as the Catfish or Pool Blaster, snap onto any telescopic pole and require no installation or assembly. Using a rechargeable battery and a reusable, easy-to-clean, filter bag they collect leaves, hair, dirt, and even sand, silt and algae which means dirt and debris stay out of your pool.
ROUTINE MAINTENANCE Keeping your pool physically clean is as important as the regular addition of chemicals. Debris in the pool is unsightly, increases sanitizer demand and may cause staining of the interior. During the swimming season, thoroughly clean your pool at least once a week. To ensure proper circulation and filtration you should run your system a minimum of 8 -12 hours per day. 1.
VINYL LINER CARE & MAINTENANCE Vinyl liners provide one of the most maintenance free pool interiors available. Today’s liners offer a beautiful selection of patterns and styles to choose from. There are several factors that can influence the life and durability of your vinyl liner, just like any other pool surface. From UV rays to chemicals and careless cleaning there are certain situations you should avoid.
7. Routinely clean the water-line from the “bathtub ring” that can develop due to body oils, dirt and organic debris, suntan lotions, etc. DO NOT use abrasive cleaners or cleaning tools such as scouring powders, steel wool pads or sharp bristled brushes on your liner. Use only Nature's Way Tile and Vinyl Cleaner to clean the water line. The ring will stain if left untreated. 8. DO NOT drain your pool (other than directed for winter closing). Your pool should remain filled with water at all times.
HEATING YOUR POOL Your pool won’t contribute to your health or pleasure unless it’s warm enough to swim in comfortably- and when you want to swim. Heating your pool will enable you to get the maximum value out of your investment by allowing you to enjoy the most comfortable water temperatures possible- using your pool more often. How warm you keep your pool is, of course, entirely up to you.
The following tips will help you conserve energy and heat your pool more economically. 1. Keep a thermometer in your pool. It will pinpoint accurately the temperature most comfortable for you. 2. Keep your thermostat at the lowest comfortable setting. Each degree more heat than needed could add more to your monthly fuel cost and use up more energy than necessary. 3. Mark the "comfort setting" on the thermostat dial. This will prevent accidental or careless over-heating and waste of energy. 4.
POOL HEATERS A typical gas heater is constructed of a metal cabinet enclosing a burner assembly, heat exchanger and assorted control valves, safety valves, temperature control and vent stack. The incoming water is heated by the open flame and returns to the pool after the heat has been transferred. The typical heater has an initial efficiency of 70-75 %, but this declines with time as the burner ages and the heat exchanger builds up deposits from the water.
TROUBLESHOOTING- If you are experiencing problems with the operation of your heater you can try following the troubleshooting steps listed below- if unsuccessful stop and call your pool dealer for service. Check that the heater is turned on and the pilot is lit, if you have one.
HEAT PUMPS Electric heat pumps run like an air conditioner in reverse. Instead of removing the heat from inside a house and dumping it outside, heat is removed from the outside air and transferred to the swimming pool water via an exchange mechanism. The heat pump uses a refrigeration cycle exactly like your refrigerator or air conditioner.
SOLAR HEATING SYSTEMS Solar pool heating is the most economical, reliable, and environmentally friendly way to heat your swimming pool. Unlike other pool heating systems such as gas or electric heat pumps, solar pool heating systems have little ongoing operational cost. After the initial system purchase price, solar heat delivers FREE energy from the sun to heat your pool day after day, month after month, and year after year. It is lightweight, durable and easy to install.
SOLAR COVERS AND REEL SYSTEMS For a variety of reasons, the single biggest energy conservation move that you can make is to put a cover on the pool or spa. First, the cover reduces the heating bills by preventing heat loss. The cover can also reduce the amount of dirt and grime that enters the pool, reducing the amount of time it takes to remove them from the water through filtration or vacuuming.
SPRING OPENING OF YOUR POOL 1. Remove water and debris from winter cover carefully to keep any debris from entering the pool. For water removal, use a cover pump or a siphon. For leaves and other large debris, use a leaf net. 2. Remove winter cover and other winterizing accessories. Clean winter cover and allow the winter cover to dry thoroughly before folding and storing off the ground. DO NOT lay the winter cover on the grass at anytime as it can burn out and kill the grass in a short period of time. 3.
POOL CLOSING – WINTERIZING When you are ready to close your pool for the season you will want to first be sure that the water is CLEAN AND BALANCED. Before you begin you should assemble and inspect all winter closing items: pool cover, freeze protectors & plugs, winterizing chemicals, etc. Replace any worn or missing items. 1. Vacuum the entire pool thoroughly and remove ALL leaves and debris. If algae is present, be certain to destroy it completely before you close the pool– see Algae section. 2.
14. Cover should rest on the surface of the water. RIGHT WRONG The cover should lie on the surface of the Do not install the cover this tight. The pool water. Leave slack, do not pull tight. weight of snow or rain will force the cover Any excessive accumulation of water or snow at the seams and along the pool edges. should be removed immediately. 15. Secure cover with cable and locking winch and or attach cover clips.
SWIMMING POOL SAFETY Safety is the most important factor to consider when using or caring for your pool. Please read all of the pages contained within this section, and make a habit of practicing basic safety in the use and care of your pool and equipment. Also, read your equipment owner’s manuals carefully. When you see blue underlined text you can click to open up more information on that particular topic.
• Keep all chemicals sealed and out of children’s reach. Always follow all directions on label. • Never mix chemicals together. • Always add chemicals to water, never the reverse. Chemicals should be stored in a cool, dry place. • After handling chemicals, clean hands thoroughly. • Never put a quick dissolving chlorine tablet or granular chlorine into an automatic chlorinator or floating dispenser. • Pool alarms are recommended for families with small children or pets.
supervision. In no instance, are they to be used in place of supervision. In discussing pool safety alternatives, Association of Pool & Spa Professionals (APSP),believes that certain requirements should be met at an absolute minimum. These are as follows: • All pools should be enclosed by a barrier. • When the house is used as one side of the barrier, all windows should have a latching device and all doors should be self-closing and self-latching with the latch located at least 56” from the floor.
Equipment Safety Always read the complete owner’s manual for all equipment and be certain you have a good understanding of its operation prior to start-up. Compressed air can become trapped within your pump and filter system creating a dangerous amount of pressure- enough to actually blow the lids off of filters or strainers. The manufacturer’s owner’s manual for your filter system and pump will explain how to safely bleed the air out of your system.
REGISTERED PRODUCTS & COPYRIGHTS We hope that you have found your Nature’s Way interactive pool manual to be an informative and useful tool as you learn about the care and maintenance of your swimming pool. We encourage you to reference this program often to find answers and advice for all of your pool care needs. Remember, if at anytime you have unanswered questions, please contact our customer service center by calling (412) 655-9695 or contact the store nearest you.
