Our Technical Help area aims to answer as many of your pool and spas questions as possible. Simply click on the relavant link below. If you have any questions that aren't answered here, feel free to post on our forums, email us or call for a quick response.
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Routine Pool Maintenance Guide
The following is a basic guide to some of the routine jobs you will need to perform in order to keep your pool fresh, clean and safe. Use these quick links to take you to each section.
To Backwash The Filter
- Run flexible pipe out to drain or soakaway
- Switch off pump
- Open backwash valve (if fitted)
- Turn multi-port valve handle to 'BACKWASH' position
- Switch on pump
- Wait until sight glass clears (Approx. 1-2 minutes)
- Switch off pump
- Turn multi-port valve handle to 'RINSE' position
- Switch on pump for 20-30 seconds
- Switch off pump
- Turn multi-port valve handle to 'FILTER' position
- Switch on pump
- Roll up flexible pipe
- Close backwash valve (if fitted)
- Top up pool with fresh water
- Continue filtering until pressure rises to 5lbs above
- normal (approx. 1-2 weeks) then carry out backwash
- procedure as above.
- NOTE: Switch off automatic pool cleaner (if fitted) until backwash and rinse procedures have been completed.
- When backwashing, all suction valves should be left in
- normal 'FILTER' position (normally all open)
To Vacuum Pool Through Skimmer
- Leave pump running in normal 'FILTER' cycle
- Close main drain valve only. If 2 skimmers are fitted close 1 off by plugging hole beneath the basket.
- Attach telescopic 'vacuum handle' to 'vacuum head'
- Attach 'vacuum hose' to 'vacuum head'
- Drop 'vacuum head' in pool and hold other end of hose over pool inlet to expel air
- Attach 'vacuum plate' to end of hose
- Remove floating 'collar weir' from inside skimmer basket (if fitted) and position vacuum plate on top of basket.
- Vacuum pool until clean
- NOTE: Do not allow skimmer basket to 'clog'
To Clean The Pump Basket
- Switch off pump
- Close all suction valves (skimmer, main drain etc)
- Turn multi-port valve handle to 'CLOSED' position
- Open pump lid, remove and clean basket (you will lose a little amount of water from pipes)
- Replace basket and tighten down lid (make sure lid 'O' ring is not damaged and all debris removed which may prevent a good seal)
- Turn multi-port valve handle to 'FILTER' position
- Switch on pump and after 3 seconds open main drain valve only. Allow pump to gain full prime,
- Slowly open skimmer valve (if pump loses its prime continue to run for up to 5 mins until prime is regained).
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To Prime The Pump
- Close all suction valves (skimmer, main drain etc)
- Turn multi-port valve handle to 'FILTER' position
- Open pump lid
- Fill pump with water from a bucket or hose pipe.
- Replace lid (make sure all debris is removed, which may prevent a good seal)
- Switch on pump and after 3 seconds open main drain valve only. Allow pump to gain full prime
- Slowly open skimmer valve (if pump loses its prime, continue to run for up to 5 mins until prime is regained)
To Clear a Green Pool
- Test water and adjust pH to 7.4 by adding pH- (Dry Acid) or pH+ (Alkali).
- Add Liquid Chlorine (Sodium Hypochlorite) at the rate of 5 litres for every 2,500 gallons of pool water.
- Pour chlorine around perimeter of pool and run the filtration continuously.
- Leave solar cover off the pool (if used) until pool is clear.
- After approx. 24 hours the water should clear.
- If the pool is cloudy, see below.
- Remember to check pressure gauge on the filter and backwash if necessary, (sand filters) or if you have a cartridge filter, clean elements by hosing off once a day, until water is clear.
- If the water is still green, after 48 hours, repeat treatment as above.
To Clear a Cloudy Pool
Method 1 (Pool Only Hazy)
- Run filtration continuously.
- Backwash filter (Sand Filter) or clean elements (Cartridge Filter).
- Add ‘Pool Bright & Clear’ clarifying liquid to surface the pool and/or ‘Sparkle Tab’ filter aid tablets to the skimmer basket.
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Method 1 (Pool Very Cloudy)
- Remove cover from pool.
- Choose a period when pool is not in use and sprinkle a solution of ‘Granular Floc’ onto the pool and circulate water for approx. 1 hour on ‘Recirculate’ position until thoroughly mixed.
- Turn off the pool filtration and allow the ‘Floc’ to settle onto the pool floor (approx. 12 hours).
- Vacuum the pool direct to waste.
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To Calculate Pool Water Capacity
- Square or Rectangle Pools = Length x Width x Average Depth x 6.25 = gallons
- Round or Oval Pools = Length x Width x Average Depth x 4.90 = gallons
- e.g. 28’ x 14’ Pool with 3’-6’ water depths = 28’ x 14’ x 4.25 x 6.25 = Approx. 11,000 gallons
- NOTE: Always dissolve powdered pool chemicals in warm water before adding to pool
Ideal Pool Chemical Levels
- Chlorine = 1.5 p.p.m. } Test using ‘DPD No.1’
- Bromine = 3.0 p.p.m. } Testing Tablets
- pH = 7.2 - 7.6 Test using ‘Phenol Red’ Testing Tablets
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Filtration Running Time
8 hours per day minimum (can be split into 2 periods) longer if pool is heavily used during hot summer months, or when heating pool initially.
Pool Water Level
The correct level for the pool water is mid-way across the skimmer mouth. Never allow level to drop below skimmer mouth when the pump is running.
NEVER - Empty your pool without taking expert advise. Extensive damage may occur.
Leaking Pool
Repair patches are available allowing you to repair a torn or holed liner, without draining the pool. DIY leak detection kits are also available from our pool shop.
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Pool Maintenance DVD
This invaluable dvd (available for purchase) covers all aspects of pool maintenance.
Going on Holiday?
Buy a Chlorine “Holiday Tablet” - It lasts for two weeks
We recommend the use of ‘CLEAR N CLEAN’ our six month algaecide to ensure a crystal clear pool. Ask for details.
Please ask for membership details of our ‘PRIORITY SERVICE CLUB’
- ENJOY YOUR POOL -
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Pool Equipment Sizing Chart
Our pool equipment sizing chart has been designed to help you select the correct equipment for your pool, whether you are replacing existing equipment or building a new pool the guide will aid your selection. The chart can be used for both indoor & outdoors pools. If you are in any doubt please call us on 0870 163 2288.
Pool Size Feet
Metres |
20’ x 10’
6 x 3m |
24’ x 12’
7 x 3.5m |
28’ x 14’
8.5 x 4m |
30’ x 15’
9 x 4.5m |
32’ x 16’
10 x 5m |
36’ x 18’
11 x 5.5m |
40’ x 20’
12 x 6m |
Surface Area Ft²
Metres |
200²’
18 |
288²’
25 |
392²’
34 |
450²’
40 |
512²’
50 |
648²’
60 |
800²’
72 |
Capacity Gallons
Litres
Cu mtr |
5,625
25,500
25 |
8,000
36,350
35 |
11,000
50,100
47 |
12,500
56,825
56 |
14,500
66,000
70 |
18,250
83,000
85 |
22,500
102,000
100 |
Pump Size HP
KW |
½ HP
0.37 KW |
½ HP
0.37 KW |
¾ HP
0.56 KW |
¾ HP
0.56 KW |
1 HP
0.75 KW |
1 HP
0.75 KW |
1 ½ HP
1.10 KW |
Filter Size Dia. Inch
Dia. mm |
19”
480mm |
19”
480mm |
19”
480mm |
24”
610mm |
24”
610mm |
24”
610mm |
30”
762mm |
Heat Pump KW |
12KW |
15KW |
15KW |
15 / 23KW |
23KW |
30KW |
30KW |
Gas Heater
IndoorPool
Outdoor Pool
|
13KW
13KW |
13KW
27KW |
13KW
27KW |
27KW
39KW |
27KW
39KW |
27KW
50KW |
39KW
70KW |
Oil Heater
Indoor Pool
Outdoor Poo
|
32KW
32KW |
32KW
32KW |
32KW
32KW |
32KW
52KW |
32KW
52Kw |
32KW
52KW |
32KW
65KW |
Electric Heater
Indoor Pool
Outdoor Poo |
9KW
12KW |
12KW
18KW |
15KW
24KW |
15KW
30KW |
18KW
36KW |
24KW
48KW |
30KW
60KW |
Coping Stones
Straights
Corners
|
30
4 |
36
4 |
42
4 |
45
4 |
48
4 |
54
4 |
60
4 |
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Notes for Sizing Chart
Capacity - assumes an average of 4’ 6” (1.4mtrs) of water depth, if your pool is shallower / deeper then please adjust the capacity accordingly. Winterising capacity maybe less if you partially drain your pool, never drain your pool without seeking professional advice first.
Heat Pumps - assumes the pool pump will be run for at least 12 hours per day, that the pool is not surrounded by high ground water, the pool is run from May – Sept although extended seasons from April – Oct are possible but not guaranteed . The heater should not be started until the ambient air temp is around 15-20 Deg. C.
Gas, Electric & Oil Heaters – assumes that indoors pool are covered for 90% of the time, that the air heating is provided by a separate heat source not linked to the pool heater. Outdoor pools will need to be covered during the evenings, the swimming season will be April – Oct where a good cover is used.
General - All sizes, conversions & product suggestions are given as a guide only, if you have very precise requirements then please call us and we will calculate your pool on an individual basis. This guide is based on (SPATA) Swimming Pool & Allied Trades Association guide lines, which is the main advisory body in the swimming pool and spa industry.
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How to Select the Right Pool Heater
Choosing the right swimming pool heater for your pool will vary depending on several factors, firstly will the pool be used regularly i.e. 7-days a week or will you only use it during weekends or at prearranged times. This is important because some pool heaters, namely Heat Pumps cost considerably less to run constantly than say gas or oil heaters. However if you are only going to use the pool at weekends then you may benefit from the added flexibility that gas & oil heaters give you.
The ability to turn your heater on say Friday night and have a warm pool by the morning is the flexibility that Gas, Electric and Oil heaters give you not to mention the ability to run the pool later in the season, say Christmas Day.
Heat Pumps take time to build up heat and for this reason they are generally switched on in May and turned off in September. The cost to heat a pool per day is far less with a Heat Pump, however you have to decide if you are going to want or be able to swim that often.
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There are other considerations too like noise and emissions, electric element heaters make no noise and have no emissions. Heat Pumps have no emissions but do make a noise, its rarely enough noise to be a problem but it should be considered. Gas & Oil heaters are relatively quiet but do create emissions, again this is rarely a problem but should be considered.
Here is an example of a typical seasons running costs using different heaters, see notes below.
Pool Size |
Electric
Heat Pump |
Propane / LPG Gas |
Natural Gas |
Oil Heater |
Economy Seven |
Electricity Element |
Size |
Surface Area |
8p/kwh |
27p/litre |
49p/Therm |
35p/litre |
4p/kwh |
8p/kwh |
20’ x 10’ |
200²’ |
£180 |
£395 |
£225 |
£325 |
£350 |
£725 |
24’ x 12’ |
288²’ |
£225 |
£550 |
£315 |
£430 |
£470 |
£925 |
28’ x 14’ |
392²’ |
£310 |
£725 |
£420 |
£570 |
£635 |
£1250 |
30’ x 15’ |
450²’ |
£355 |
£820 |
£465 |
£635 |
£715 |
£1425 |
32’ x 16’ |
512²’ |
£385 |
£915 |
£515 |
£725 |
£815 |
£1580 |
36’ x 18’ |
648²’ |
£475 |
£1110 |
£645 |
£875 |
£975 |
£2100 |
40’ x 20’ |
800²’ |
£550 |
£1350 |
£785 |
£1050 |
£1250 |
£2285 |
Notes on Running Costs
- The above figures assume that the pool is run & heated to 27 Deg C. (80 Deg F.) from May – September.
- The pool is not surrounding by high Ground water.
- The average depth is 4’ 6” or 1.4mtrs deep.
- The pool is covered during the evenings with a Solar Cover.
- The cost per unit of energy varies in different areas of the country, check your unit costs and adjust accordingly.
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Heating Facts for Outdoor Pools
This fact sheet explains how you can reduce your outdoor swimming pool heating costs and save energy.
Heating an outdoor swimming pool will require energy. Pool owners & operators can save a significant amount of energy by reading this guide. Much of the energy is often wasted and can be saved with proper management.
How Pools Lose Heat
Pools lose energy in a variety of ways, but evaporation is by far the largest source of energy loss for swimming pools. When compared to evaporation, all other losses are small. The reason evaporation has such an impact is that evaporating water requires tremendous amounts of energy. It only takes 0.24 watts to raise 45 grams of water 1 degree, but each 45 grams of 26.6C water that evaporates takes a whopping 307 watts of heat out of the pool.
The following diagram illustrates the impact of evaporation on the total energy consumption of the outdoor pool. This is why heaters are often sized on the surface area of the pool rather than the volume of water in it, as the surface area is where the evaporation occurs.
Minimize Evaporation
Since evaporation is the major source of heat loss for swimming pools, to minimize evaporation, one must cover the pool. Covering your pool when it's not in use is the single most effective way of reducing your pool heating costs. Savings of 50-70% are possible. There are many energy management improvements that can be implemented with outdoor pools.
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Pool Covers
There are three main types of pool covers. See our ‘Guide on Pool Covers’ for more detailed information.
Pool covers also provide many other benefits besides saving energy. They conserve make-up water by 30-50% and can reduce chemical consumption. Cleaning time is cut by preventing dirt and other debris from entering the pool.
It is highly recommended that the first step to cutting pool energy loss be the evaluation of the economics of using a swimming pool cover.
Covers must be managed properly for safety. They should always be completely removed before anyone enters the pool.
Wind Breaks
One item that can greatly increase evaporation from outdoor pools is wind blowing over the pool. An 11 kilometer wind at the surface of the pool can increase energy consumption by 300%. Adding trees, shrubs, fences, or other wind break material can significantly lower the heat loss from the pool while it's open.
Pool covers are great at stopping evaporation when the pool is closed, but can't do anything to cut evaporation when the pool is open.
The windbreak needs to be high enough and close enough to the pool that it doesn't create turbulence over the pool and increase evaporation, but try not to block the sun from shining on the pools surface.
Efficient Operation
Consider carefully the temperature that you keep the pool water. Each degree rise in the temperature can cost you an additional 10%. 25-27C for active swimming and 28C for general use. To maintain a pool at 28C costs almost double than of a pool at 24C.
Don't backwash your filter more frequently than necessary. Backwashing too frequently wastes water, while not backwashing wastes energy by requiring the pump to work longer to achieve the same standard of filtration, thus costing more.
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Useful conversions for Pool & Spa Owners
1 Kilowatts |
= 3412 BTU |
1 Feet³ |
= 0.0283 Mtrs³ |
1 KG |
= 2.205 lbs. |
1 Feet³ |
= 6.2288 Gallons (UK) |
1 HP |
= 0.7457 Kilowatts |
1 Mtr³ |
= 220 Gallons (UK) |
1 Inch |
= 2.540 centimetres |
1 Gallon |
= 4.5461 Ltrs. |
1 Feet |
= 0.3048 Metres |
1 Feet³ |
= 28.317 Ltrs. |
1 Foot² |
= 0.0929 Metres² |
1 Mtr³ |
= 1000 Ltrs. |
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uPVC & ABS Imperial Pipe – Dimensions & Flow Rates
Pipe Size
Inches |
Pipe
Class |
Outside
Dia.
Inches |
Internal
Dia
Inches |
Cross Section Area
Square Inches |
Suction Flow Rate
Max Flow
@ 1.2m/sec velocity |
Return Flow Rate
Max Flow
@ 2.0m/sec felocity |
gals/hour |
M³/hour |
gals/hour |
M³/hour |
0.5” |
E |
0.842 |
0.692 |
0.376 |
232 |
1.1 |
386 |
1.8 |
0.75” |
E |
1.053 |
0.888 |
0.619 |
381 |
1.7 |
634 |
2.9 |
1” |
E |
1.321 |
1.102 |
0.954 |
587 |
2.7 |
978 |
4.4 |
1.25” |
E |
1.663 |
1.409 |
1.559 |
959 |
4.4 |
1598 |
7.3 |
1.5” |
C |
1.900 |
1.609 |
2.032 |
1250 |
5.7 |
2084 |
9.5 |
2” |
C |
2.375 |
2.137 |
3.586 |
2206 |
10.0 |
3677 |
16.7 |
3” |
E |
3.500 |
3.012 |
7.124 |
4382 |
19.9 |
7305 |
33.2 |
4” |
E |
4.500 |
3.846 |
11.615 |
7145 |
32.5 |
11910 |
54.2 |
Head and Pressure
1 ft Head
|
= 0.3048 mtr head
= 0.4335 psi
= 0.02989 bar
= 0.8827 inch/hg vacuum
= 0.03048 kgf/cm² |
1 mtr head |
= 3.281 ft head
= 1.422 psi
= 0.09807 bar
= 2.896 inch/hg volume
= 0.1000 kgf/cm² |
The above information is provided as a guide only, we cannot accept any responsibility for any errors made. Please use all information as a guide only, always double check suitability prior to purchasing or installing any equipment.
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