Aqua-Clear Pool & Spa, LLC - Swimming Pool Service and Repair - Bucks, Montgomery, and Chester County, PA

Q. How does a chlorine generating (salt) pool work?

A. Through the process of electrolysis, water passing over the chlorine generator cell produces chlorine that is instantaneously transformed into Hypochlorous acid. Hypochlorous acid is the active sanitizer; this is what kills algae and other harmful bacteria in the water. When the naturally produced chlorine is used up and reverts back to salt, the pool water containing this salt is circulated once again through the chlorinator reproducing the natural chlorine necessary for sanitation.

Q. When do most people winterize their pool?

A. Most people close their pools in September or October. It is not recommended to keep your pool open past November 1st unless otherwise stated by the pool builder.

Q. When do most people open their pool?

A. Most people open their pools in April or May.

Q. How soon can we go in the pool after it has been chemically treated?

A. Since every pool is a little bit different, you will need to test the chemicals with your test kit to determine when it is safe to enter the water. When the chemicals are in their proper ranges, it is safe to enter the water.

Q. I can't seem to get my pH levels down, or they won't stay down.

A. For the first year after the pool is built or re-plastered, the pH levels in the pool will want to climb to the levels of the plaster's own pH. After the first year, the plaster should be fully cured, and you should be able to get a better handle on your pH levels. Until that time, keep Dry acid or Muriatic acid on hand to maintain proper pH levels. If you have a chlorine generating pool, the pH will always tend to rise. Adjustments will need to be made to these pools 1-2 times per week while the chlorine generator is in operation.

Q. What are the most common types of chlorine to use?

A. Most pool owners shock their pool with Calcium Hypochlorite (granules) or Sodium Hypochlorite (Liquid). They then maintain the chlorine levels by using 3" Tri-chlor tablets. Different pool stores have different names for these types of chlorines. An easy way to identify the chemical is to look at the "ingredient" label on the back of the bucket.

Q. I am having a hard time maintaining chlorine levels in my pool. What can I do?

A. The first thing to check is your cyanuric acid (stabilizer) levels. If a pool does not have enough stabilizer, the chlorine burns off too quickly. If that is not the case, phosphates may be to blame. Take a sample of water to your local pool store and have them test for phosphates. If that is the problem, a chemical can be added to lower phosphate levels so chlorine is not consumed too quickly. Finally, if you have a chlorine generator, you may need to clean the cell or adjust the output level to produce enough chlorine. Chlorine generators need to work harder to produce enough chlorine in warmer temperatures.

Q. The check system light is lit on my control panel. What should I do?

A. The check system light comes on automatically on Goldline/Hayward systems about every 3 months. At this point the customer should inspect the cell and make sure everything is working properly. If the cell is OK, check your salt levels and adjust if needed. If these two areas are not the issue please call us to inspect the system for you. You should have a message on your panel that tells you what to look for.

Q. How do I reset the check system light on my Goldline/Hayward controller?

A. When you see the message on your panel that says "inspect cell press + to clear", press the + button and the light should go out.

Q. What do I need to do to prepare for my pool opening?

A. Please remove excess water and debris from pool cover, fill the pool to the normal operating level, have available any parts we may need for the opening such as skimmer baskets, wall fittings and handrails. Finally, please make sure there is power at the filter system so we can turn on your system.

Q. What do I need to do to prepare for my pool closing?

A. Please make sure pool is clean and chemically balanced prior to our arrival. Remove solar covers. Allow us to locate the pool cover and winterizing plugs.

Common Questions