RURAL INFRASTRUCTURE
Preparing your pool for summer Warmer weather is getting closer and, while the frogs have enjoyed your backyard swimming hole for the winter, it is time to evict them for the summer. The most serious thing about a murky pool is not knowing what’s in there. Items such as broken glass and branches can be a hazard when the bottom of the pool isn’t visible. The first rule of thumb is — don’t enter the pool until it’s clear. The following cleaning process is recommended to keep both yourself and your family safe. 1. Remove the debris using your leaf rake or broom. Look out for plastic bags as they can float into the filter basket and block it. 2. Get ready to start the pump. Check that the pool skimmer basket is not just empty, but intact. Over winter the baskets can fill up, causing the bottom to pull away once the pump starts up.
3. Check that the pool valves are open and the pipes are clear to flow. Clear the lint pot on the pump and make sure the water level is above the skimmer intake. 4. Turn the filter valve to “waste”. Make a visual check of the pump to ensure there is no rodent damage and that, it is plugged in and power is available. 5. Switch on the pump and check how it sounds. Does it sound normal or blocked? Allow some time for the system to purge itself of the pool waste. You can vacuum the pool to assist in the waste removal but ensure you use a specific pool vacuum, as a robotic pool cleaner is not designed for this function. 6. Remove any algae with liquid or granular chlorine. Chlorinated solutions can be harmful, so ensure you follow the safety instructions.
The first rule of thumb is — don’t enter the pool until it’s clear.”
7. After a few hours, the water should lose its green colour, as the chlorine bleaches the algae and begins to oxidise the contaminants. Now add the clarifying agent. For murky water, an agent such as Crystal Clear from Space Industries is recommended. For pools with darker water, Liquid Floc is a suitable, stronger solution. Take note of the application instructions and actions for the filter. 8. Backwash according to the instructions and keep an eye on the filter pressure in between actions. Depending on the severity of the bloom, clearing the algae may take several days with the pump running continuously. 9. Check your buffer and pH levels and adjust accordingly. Add calcium if required and finally Chlor Save. For saltwater pools, through this process you will have turned off your salt cell. Check for any build-up of white residue between the plates and soak in cell cleaner to remove it. Soaking the salt cell annually will add life to the cell and consume less power. Ensure you check the pool salt level and add salt accordingly based on the ppm rating of your chlorinator. The pool revitalisation process can take several days to multiple weeks, but is worth it to see the smiles of your family and friends. For further information, contact your Farmlands Technical Field Officer or the friendly team at your local Farmlands store. Article supplied by Space Industries Limited.
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