http://www.clean-pool-and-spa.com/basic-pool-care-blog.html The Basic Swimming Pool Care Blog keeps you up-to-date on all additions and changes to the Basic-Pool-Care.com Web site. Subscribe here. en-us swimming pool care Wed, 16 May 2012 21:41:33 GMT Wed, 16 May 2012 21:41:33 GMT clean-pool-and-spa.com http://www.clean-pool-and-spa.com/correct-test-readings-with-high-fc-levels.html http://www.clean-pool-and-spa.com/correct-test-readings-with-high-fc-levels.html I use the TF-100 test kit. Readings are FC-16, PH-7..5, TA-100, CH-220 and CYA-40. 16,000 gal. White plaster pool in full sun. Problem is I'm using near Wed, 16 May 2012 21:39:59 GMT http://www.clean-pool-and-spa.com/help-please-with-slimy-water.html http://www.clean-pool-and-spa.com/help-please-with-slimy-water.html I have a pool and on today I was about to clean out the pool before I swim. I look down at the ladder and there are these things attached to it that Wed, 16 May 2012 00:48:43 GMT http://www.clean-pool-and-spa.com/best-filter-for-hayward-super-pump.html http://www.clean-pool-and-spa.com/best-filter-for-hayward-super-pump.html Last summer I got a new Hayward super pump (1 horsepower, model SP2607X10). I have an old American Products Titan CM filter (24 sq ft, 8 grids). It is Tue, 15 May 2012 16:22:39 GMT http://www.clean-pool-and-spa.com/old-diatomaceous-earth.html http://www.clean-pool-and-spa.com/old-diatomaceous-earth.html Does DE have a shelf life? Last year and this year after adding DE we noticed that the pressure dropped. This year after bumping and turning the system Tue, 15 May 2012 16:14:27 GMT http://www.clean-pool-and-spa.com/low-jet-output.html http://www.clean-pool-and-spa.com/low-jet-output.html After adding the DE to the skimmer, 3 to 4 hours later, the water pressure in the pool jets is gone. The jets we pushing out water at the correct pressure Tue, 15 May 2012 16:05:49 GMT http://www.clean-pool-and-spa.com/my-pool-water-looks-milky-below-the-surface.html http://www.clean-pool-and-spa.com/my-pool-water-looks-milky-below-the-surface.html I recently opened my pool. The water was sparkly and looked clean. I went on holiday for a week and when I got back my pool looked dirty. I shocked Tue, 15 May 2012 14:11:45 GMT http://www.clean-pool-and-spa.com/cloudy-green-water.html http://www.clean-pool-and-spa.com/cloudy-green-water.html They tell me alkalinity out of balance. The water is green and cloudy. They had me add muratic acid and pH stabilizer, then turn off salt water chlorinater. Fri, 11 May 2012 19:16:55 GMT http://www.clean-pool-and-spa.com/high-sand-filter-pressure.html http://www.clean-pool-and-spa.com/high-sand-filter-pressure.html Why Does High Pressure Build Up In My Sand Filter? Fri, 11 May 2012 18:23:19 GMT http://www.clean-pool-and-spa.com/sand-filter-help-needed.html http://www.clean-pool-and-spa.com/sand-filter-help-needed.html I've had an above ground pool since 1984. This is the first time ever that I forgot to put in the strainer basket in the Jacuzzi pump when I was (Spring Thu, 10 May 2012 04:10:56 GMT http://www.clean-pool-and-spa.com/problems-with-sand-filter-pump-for-16-foot-above-ground-pool.html http://www.clean-pool-and-spa.com/problems-with-sand-filter-pump-for-16-foot-above-ground-pool.html The filter and pump are running, but there isn't any jet coming out into pool outlet. No swirl in pool at all. Didn't know if our filter and pump are Thu, 10 May 2012 04:09:36 GMT http://www.clean-pool-and-spa.com/amount-of-salt-for-a-pool.html http://www.clean-pool-and-spa.com/amount-of-salt-for-a-pool.html We have a 16 ft wide by 4 ft deep pool. We converted from chemical to a salt water filtration system. My question is, how much salt do we put in once Thu, 10 May 2012 04:07:34 GMT http://www.clean-pool-and-spa.com/problem-with-salt-water-generator-in-new-above-ground-pool.html http://www.clean-pool-and-spa.com/problem-with-salt-water-generator-in-new-above-ground-pool.html We're hoping someone can please give us some ideas as to what to do next. We have just built, one week ago, an Intex above ground pool, 32' x 16' x Tue, 08 May 2012 17:13:11 GMT http://www.clean-pool-and-spa.com/air-through-the-returns-on-recirculate.html http://www.clean-pool-and-spa.com/air-through-the-returns-on-recirculate.html I have my pool on recirculation and have noticed a pulsing or air / water coming out of the closest jet to the pool house. Does this mean there is air Mon, 07 May 2012 22:55:19 GMT http://www.clean-pool-and-spa.com/how-often-to-replace-sand-in-the-filter.html http://www.clean-pool-and-spa.com/how-often-to-replace-sand-in-the-filter.html I have an above ground pool (17000) gallons that is going on our 4th year. Should I replace my sand in my filter? Thanks Larry Carbo Thanks for Mon, 07 May 2012 22:53:49 GMT http://www.clean-pool-and-spa.com/de-filter-pressure-issues.html http://www.clean-pool-and-spa.com/de-filter-pressure-issues.html My saltwater DE pool filter starts out at 10-12 psi and moves to 30-35 psi with in about 30 minutes. I have a 15' by 30' in ground pool in a house I Mon, 07 May 2012 22:52:19 GMT http://www.clean-pool-and-spa.com/noisy-water-heater.html http://www.clean-pool-and-spa.com/noisy-water-heater.html I just had a Sta-Rite Max-E-Therm pool water heater installed and it is way too noisy. I'm going to have it removed, but can you tell me if there is Mon, 07 May 2012 20:32:59 GMT http://www.clean-pool-and-spa.com/liquid-pool-acid-or-powder.html http://www.clean-pool-and-spa.com/liquid-pool-acid-or-powder.html Is it harmful to use liquid muratic acid on an above ground vinyl pool as compared to the powder form? Thanks for the question Larry Either powder Sun, 06 May 2012 17:28:23 GMT http://www.clean-pool-and-spa.com/green-pool.html http://www.clean-pool-and-spa.com/green-pool.html I have a green pool and I am wondering when it is just best to drain the pool and start over with fresh water. Also, I am not sure of the plumbing equipment Sun, 06 May 2012 02:17:44 GMT http://www.clean-pool-and-spa.com/knowing-what-chemicals-to-add-how.html http://www.clean-pool-and-spa.com/knowing-what-chemicals-to-add-how.html I have an above ground pool. I understand how to use the test kits and strips. However, after I use the test kits I still do not understand how much of Sun, 06 May 2012 01:53:31 GMT http://www.clean-pool-and-spa.com/arm-and-hammer-detergent-accidentally-put-in-pool.html http://www.clean-pool-and-spa.com/arm-and-hammer-detergent-accidentally-put-in-pool.html I accidentally put in detergent rather than Baking Soda. Stupid, but I did it. I have a spill over spa and it now causes foam and bubbles. What can Sat, 05 May 2012 02:51:51 GMT http://www.clean-pool-and-spa.com/pool-pump-and-filter-high-pressure.html http://www.clean-pool-and-spa.com/pool-pump-and-filter-high-pressure.html I opened my pool. It's not too dirty and replaced the sand with new sand after backwashing my filter. It runs good psi and is around 14, but 2hrs or Fri, 04 May 2012 23:36:32 GMT http://www.clean-pool-and-spa.com/small-brownishred-wormbugs.html http://www.clean-pool-and-spa.com/small-brownishred-wormbugs.html We have an inground pool - fiberglass w/cartridge filter- 2 yrs. old- Since opening 3 weeks ago we've had no problems. Water clear. We have kept the Fri, 04 May 2012 23:34:39 GMT http://www.clean-pool-and-spa.com/what-exactly-are-the-chlorine-types-in-regular-terms.html http://www.clean-pool-and-spa.com/what-exactly-are-the-chlorine-types-in-regular-terms.html I know that sodium hypo is bleach, just not certain of the other three? My husband has always taken care of the pool but he is disabled and has dementia Thu, 03 May 2012 03:52:50 GMT http://www.clean-pool-and-spa.com/i-want-a-pool-but-have-poor-credit.html http://www.clean-pool-and-spa.com/i-want-a-pool-but-have-poor-credit.html My credit score is only a 540. I know that this is low but I have been working to clean up and I would rather not have to wait another year. Is there Wed, 02 May 2012 21:31:18 GMT http://www.clean-pool-and-spa.com/water-flow-with-hayward-pump.html http://www.clean-pool-and-spa.com/water-flow-with-hayward-pump.html When I have my pump on recirculate I have a lot of jet pressure. When I put it on filtration pressure is very low. What should I do? Thanks for the Wed, 02 May 2012 17:11:21 GMT http://www.clean-pool-and-spa.com/cloudy-salt-poolplease-help.html http://www.clean-pool-and-spa.com/cloudy-salt-poolplease-help.html My pool is 27 round, 54 inch ht. And alkalinity was zero and pH was 7.0. Pool guy told me to add 10 lbs sodium bicarb slowly in a slurry then in 4 hours Tue, 01 May 2012 04:48:27 GMT http://www.clean-pool-and-spa.com/low-salt-readings.html http://www.clean-pool-and-spa.com/low-salt-readings.html I have an above ground pool that is 20X48 & holds 8800 gallons of water. We've had it for 3yrs using regular chlorine/chemicals & last week converted to Mon, 30 Apr 2012 17:15:22 GMT http://www.clean-pool-and-spa.com/chlorine-helpred-oto-color.html http://www.clean-pool-and-spa.com/chlorine-helpred-oto-color.html I check my pool water using the OTO bottles. My chlorine came back dark red. Is that to much chlorine in pool? Thank you James Thanks for the Sat, 28 Apr 2012 17:57:29 GMT http://www.clean-pool-and-spa.com/descaling-of-inground-pool-liner.html http://www.clean-pool-and-spa.com/descaling-of-inground-pool-liner.html The pH has been super high from day 1. Salt generator system. Have white scaling all over the pool liner (bottom and sides). Have finally gotten pH below Sat, 28 Apr 2012 15:57:27 GMT http://www.clean-pool-and-spa.com/de-filter-needs-to-be-backwashed-every-hour.html http://www.clean-pool-and-spa.com/de-filter-needs-to-be-backwashed-every-hour.html I have a Hayward DE pool filter and I have to backwash the filter every hour. After backwashing in runs well and within fifteen minutes it clogs up and Fri, 27 Apr 2012 21:10:54 GMT http://www.clean-pool-and-spa.com/recirculating-setting-on-multiport-valve-on-top-of-sand-filter-drained-pool-set-for-chemical-adding.html http://www.clean-pool-and-spa.com/recirculating-setting-on-multiport-valve-on-top-of-sand-filter-drained-pool-set-for-chemical-adding.html Pool pump capacitor went out. Took over a week to get it repaired. Pool looking pretty green/cloudy. Had to put several chemicals in and set multiport Fri, 27 Apr 2012 05:36:27 GMT http://www.clean-pool-and-spa.com/hot-tub-maintenance-tips.html http://www.clean-pool-and-spa.com/hot-tub-maintenance-tips.html Hot tubs and spas need to be maintained just like your swimming pool does and in fact many of the methods of maintaining and winterizing your swimming Fri, 27 Apr 2012 05:15:36 GMT http://www.clean-pool-and-spa.com/i-put-alkalinity-up-and-hardness-plus-in-my-pool-the-same-day.html http://www.clean-pool-and-spa.com/i-put-alkalinity-up-and-hardness-plus-in-my-pool-the-same-day.html I just found out that I wasn't supposed to do this. What will happen to my pool? Thanks for the question Sarah Pretty much nothing should happen. Fri, 27 Apr 2012 05:12:43 GMT http://www.clean-pool-and-spa.com/leaking-water-sand-filter.html http://www.clean-pool-and-spa.com/leaking-water-sand-filter.html My system is leaking water on top of the sand filter system. It is leaking from under the valve on top of the system. Thanks for the question Coleen Wed, 25 Apr 2012 06:34:05 GMT http://www.clean-pool-and-spa.com/allergic-responses-to-saltwater-pool-system-using-muriatic-acid.html http://www.clean-pool-and-spa.com/allergic-responses-to-saltwater-pool-system-using-muriatic-acid.html I am told muriatic acid was used in our local pool even before they changed to a saltwater pool a year ago. However, I had no health problems when it Tue, 24 Apr 2012 18:24:07 GMT http://www.clean-pool-and-spa.com/type-of-acid-to-use.html http://www.clean-pool-and-spa.com/type-of-acid-to-use.html I have an in ground pool with a salt system. I have had trouble maintaining the pH level. What type of acid works best? Normally, muriatic acid Tue, 24 Apr 2012 16:22:40 GMT http://www.clean-pool-and-spa.com/pentair-3way-diverter-operation.html http://www.clean-pool-and-spa.com/pentair-3way-diverter-operation.html Wonder if someone could give me some information. I had a Pentair 3-way diverter installed on my pool filter set-up while I was away at work today, but Tue, 24 Apr 2012 06:01:04 GMT http://www.clean-pool-and-spa.com/pump-motor-overheating.html http://www.clean-pool-and-spa.com/pump-motor-overheating.html THe pump motor is heating up and shutting down It has a therma overload but after 4 hours should not be shutting down Both filter baskets are cleaned Mon, 23 Apr 2012 01:35:23 GMT http://www.clean-pool-and-spa.com/de-leakage-into-pool-de-powder-returning-to-pool.html http://www.clean-pool-and-spa.com/de-leakage-into-pool-de-powder-returning-to-pool.html DE Powder & Leakage Returning To Pool Mon, 23 Apr 2012 00:20:22 GMT http://www.clean-pool-and-spa.com/spa-water-testing.html http://www.clean-pool-and-spa.com/spa-water-testing.html When I turn on my portable spa--the water turns almost milk white with very small bubbles in the water. What causes these bubbles? I think my alkalinity Fri, 20 Apr 2012 01:38:01 GMT http://www.clean-pool-and-spa.com/too-much-de-filter-pressure.html http://www.clean-pool-and-spa.com/too-much-de-filter-pressure.html We have a DE Inground Pool...Problem is: After running the pump for about 10 minutes, pressure in the DE Filter goes past 20 and the flow out of the Thu, 19 Apr 2012 04:26:31 GMT http://www.clean-pool-and-spa.com/blue-streaks-and-patches-on-fiberglass-pool.html http://www.clean-pool-and-spa.com/blue-streaks-and-patches-on-fiberglass-pool.html My swimming pool (fiberglass) has developed dark blue streaks and patches. My husband thinks it may be a build up of calcium I have to get rid of it. Thu, 19 Apr 2012 04:03:04 GMT http://www.clean-pool-and-spa.com/low-water-levels.html http://www.clean-pool-and-spa.com/low-water-levels.html Pool was built in 1993 inground. Since pool was built I've had to fix suction line and re-pipe it with sch 40 pvc pipe. Could not find the original flex Wed, 18 Apr 2012 21:31:36 GMT http://www.clean-pool-and-spa.com/sitting-pool-water.html http://www.clean-pool-and-spa.com/sitting-pool-water.html Above-ground pool installed and electrical contractor bailed before the work was finished. Water is to full level. We're scrambling to get another Wed, 18 Apr 2012 16:25:57 GMT http://www.clean-pool-and-spa.com/heyward-pool-heater-problem.html http://www.clean-pool-and-spa.com/heyward-pool-heater-problem.html I converted my pool to a salt system last year. Now my Heyward heater starts and runs fne but it produces very little heating. It will only raise the water Tue, 17 Apr 2012 20:37:40 GMT http://www.clean-pool-and-spa.com/getting-started-w-above-ground-lap-pool.html http://www.clean-pool-and-spa.com/getting-started-w-above-ground-lap-pool.html We are currently house hunting and would prefer a house with a pool in our price range. However, if we can't find one, I was thinking that possibly an Sun, 15 Apr 2012 04:09:40 GMT http://www.clean-pool-and-spa.com/saltwater-filter-problems.html http://www.clean-pool-and-spa.com/saltwater-filter-problems.html I set up pool and saltwater filter worked fine then had a rain. The filter started beeping low salt have put more salt in and still say low salt so Sat, 14 Apr 2012 22:06:01 GMT http://www.clean-pool-and-spa.com/powdery-sediment-on-bottom-of-swimming-poolyellow-algae.html http://www.clean-pool-and-spa.com/powdery-sediment-on-bottom-of-swimming-poolyellow-algae.html Question After having my water analyzed I added soda ash, then alkalinity up and finally Phosfree. I ran the pump for 48 hours and the water turned cloudy. Thu, 12 Apr 2012 22:38:09 GMT http://www.clean-pool-and-spa.com/chlorine-added-now-shock.html http://www.clean-pool-and-spa.com/chlorine-added-now-shock.html I have a brand new 15' x 42 above ground plastic pool. I filled it with water from the garden hose. Put 2 1 chlorine tablets in the filter (which has Wed, 11 Apr 2012 15:37:11 GMT http://www.clean-pool-and-spa.com/first-time-above-ground-pool-owner-need-steps-on-how-to-check-the-water.html http://www.clean-pool-and-spa.com/first-time-above-ground-pool-owner-need-steps-on-how-to-check-the-water.html I HAVE READ ALL OVER THE INTERNET AND A LOT OF GOOD INFO, BUT IF YOU ARE NEW TO IT WHERE DO I START AFTER I FILLED UP THE POOL WITH TAP WATER? I'M NOT Tue, 10 Apr 2012 19:22:02 GMT