FAQs on Maintaining a Pool in Arizona

 

How do you recommend that we cool our pool in the hotter months?

During the hotter months, some pools, especially those in the direct sunlight over most of the day, tend to actually get hot. There are a few options that can help cool a pool. Many pools come with an aerator, which is a little spay nozzle on the deck of the pool. Turning the aerator on should cool the pool water down. Other water features such as waterfalls and sheer descents can also be turned on to cool the water. A more expensive, but quite effective solution is to add a heat pump, which has the ability to heat and cool the pool depending on the time of year.

How often should I clean my filters?

Filters should be cleaned periodically depending on how much dirt enters your pool. For instance, those living in an area with open fields must clean their filters more often than someone surrounded by a golf course.

There is a pressure gauge on top of your filter tank. You should note where the pressure is when you first clean your filters. Once the pressure rises 10 pounds, it is time to clean them again. Make sure to check the pressure gauge at least once a month. During the stormy season, you may have to clean your filters monthly. In winter, you may not have to clean them at all. For the average pool in normal weather, you will likely clean the filters every 3 to 6 months.

How do I fill it my pump basket to prime?

You can prime your pump by either using a 5 gallon bucket full of water or by using your hose. Turn the hose on to about half pressure, open your pump basket, insert the hose and let the basket fill for about a minute. Immediately put the lid back on the pump basket and make sure it is firmly tightened.

Why won’t my pump prime?

All of our pumps are self-priming. However, the system may occasionally take on a lot of air for several different reasons (i.e. water lever too low, pump lid not on tight enough). When this is the case, the pump needs a little water to help it re-prime. We suggest filling a five gallon bucket with water, opening the pump basket, pouring the water into the pump basket, and quickly replacing the pump lid. Make sure the lid is snug. Open the air relief valve on the top of your filter tank, and then turn on your pump. As you hear the air start to escape through the filter air relief, the pump is beginning to prime. Once a solid stream of water shoots out of the filter air relief, you may close it. Your pump is now primed. If it loses it's prime as it is running, make sure you pool is filled up to the correct level (half way up your waterline tile) and that the skimmer door is not stuck in the down position, causing water to be sucked through your skimmer. If your pump still won’t prime or your pump still loses it’s prime, call a qualified service technician. Remember, Presidential Pools has an in-house service team that takes care of every Presidential Pools sold. We are here for the life of your pool.

Where is the pump basket?

Your pump basket is located on the end of the motor that runs your pool by your equipment. It is very important to check this basket periodically. If the basket becomes overly full with debris, your pool is unable to circulate water properly and equipment damage is possible. Check the basket more often during the stormy season (when more debris is likely).

There is a red light on my salt cell. What should I do?

The first thing you should do is clean your salt cell. It is also important that your chemicals are balanced. If certain levels are incorrect, such as salt or cyanic acid, It can prevent your salt cell from being able to produce salt. Also, make sure your filters and baskets are free of dirt or debris, which may cause limited flow to the salt cell, preventing it from having enough flow to produce chlorine. If the issue persists, contact our service department.

How often should I clean my salt cell?

Until you get to know your pool, we suggest checking monthly for build-up. As you assess the volume of build-up over a few months, you may alter your schedule. We suggest cleaning your salt cell at least every three months regardless of visible build-up.

At what level should my salt levels be?

Each system has sensors to detect the salt level, but the levels vary by system. Please check your manual for proper levels for your specific system. Some systems also have the levels printed on the front of the panel. Regardless of system, chlorine will not be produced by the cell if salt levels that are too high or too low.

Before you put salt into your pool, take a water sample to your local pool store. Sometimes the sensors in the salt systems go out and may indicate that the salt level is low. The sensor may just need to be cleaned or replaced. Since the only way to bring the salt level down in a pool is by pumping it out, make sure salt is actually needed before you add it.

How do I clean my salt cell?

Soak your cell in a bucket of 3 parts water and 1 part acid. Always add acid to the water and never vice versa. When it stops bubbling (may take up to 10 minutes), it is clean. Rinse the cell with a garden hose and replace it.

What does High Salt mean on my salt system?

Your sensor may have sensed that your salt is too high. First, clean your salt cell; the sensor is usually inside the cell. If the sensor is clean, take a sample of your water to your local pool store. If the salt is indeed high, the only way to lower the level is to pump it out. The pool store can rent you a submersible pump and let you know approximately how much water you need to pump out and replace with fresh tap water. If you have a DE or sand filter, you may be able to backwash the water out, provided it is not too high. Remember, your water level cannot go below the skimmer.

What does No Flow mean on my salt system?

There is a flow switch inside the salt cell. When water flows over that switch, it will tell the cell that it is safe to produce chlorine. If there is not enough water going across the flow switch, the sensor is not tripped and you will get a low flow indicator. Anything that will keep your system from having proper flow may cause this to happen. If your baskets are full of leaves, for instance, this keeps a good flow of water from going through the system. Other causes may include a dirty filter or a dirty or clogged salt cell. Before assuming that your flow sensor is bad, make sure you filters, cell, and baskets are all clean and not obstructing the flow.

What does No Cell Power mean on my salt system?

You may be able to solve this by simply turning your breakers off then back on to reset your system. If this does not work, a service tech will need to be called; this may indicate a bad board or a bad relay/breaker.

How do I close my Automatic Water Leveler (AWL)?

The water source for your pool can be turned off if you are having an issue with your automatic water filler, or what we call an AWL. It is attached to a water source (generally, the closest hose bib to the pool). The plumbing off of the hose bib will have levers or gate valves attached. If the levers are running in the same direction as the pipe, the water source is ON. If the levers run crisscross or perpendicular to the pipe, the water source is OFF. Turning the water source off will not affect your pool equipment; this is simply to keep water in your pool as it evaporates, so you do not have to fill the pool manually with your hose.

PLEASE NOTE: If you do turn the water source off, the pool will not automatically fill when the levels get low. Either use your hose to fill or turn the water source back on.