Diagram #2
Standard Filtration System
Diagram #1
Standard Residential Swimming Pool
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How do I automate my pool?
Automating your pool can be anything from an automatic chlorine dispenser, to a salt water chlorine generation system, to an all-out system with all equipment including pumps, heaters, blowers, lights, valves, and water features all controllable from either an indoor panel or a hand held remote control.
Are chlorine tablets Ok to use in my pool?
When used properly they are safe to use in any pool. They should NEVER be used in any skimmer as they can cause extensive damage to the underground plumbing lines.
Can I add a handrail to my swimming pool?
Handrails can be added to any pool at any time. It is most cost effective to add a new handrail as part of any concrete installation as there are typically no installation costs involved when installed with new concrete. If new concrete decking is not being installed it requires drilling the concrete and anchoring the handrail receptors in place.
Why does my pool light seem dull or dim?
This question is most often asked after new pool liners have been installed and the old pattern was faded or the new pattern is a darker color. The light is not actually dimmer or darker but it is reflected less and appears that way.
Why is my pump so noisy?
Pumps can be noisy due to many reasons. If it is a high pitched whine it may be a bearing or seal. Most pumps are louder when priming but if it is loud while pumping it may be caused by any of the following: pump too large for plumbing, air leaks in system, clogged or collapsed plumbing line.
Why won’t my pump prime?
The most common cause is an air leak. This leak can be as small as a pin hole. It is usually on a gasket on or near the pump. Any air leak in any place on any suction line will cause the pump to either partially prime or not prime at all.
How do I check my underground plumbing lines?
Most time this cannot be performed by the pool owner except under very basic conditions. When we want to determine if a plumbing line has a leak, it requires a pressure test. If it is collapsed it would require a flow test. If the exact location of the leak needs to be determined then an underground listening device is used.
What are the best/cheapest ways to put chlorine in my pool?
Salt water chlorine generation is by far the cheapest and the best solution as the chlorine is all but free. Second would be an automatic dispenser that is designed for use with large tablets. Third would be any automatic dispenser. Fourth would be liquid chlorine.
How often should I backwash?
Typically when the pressure on the filter increases about 10 psi over the base pressure when the filter is clean indicates that the filter is dirty and needs backwashing to clean it.
How often should I have my filter dismantled and cleaned?
Most manufacturers recommend at least yearly this be done. If you are having trouble getting the pressure down even after backwashing it may need to be done more frequently.
How should I heat my pool?
This is a question of cost versus convenience. Gas is more convenient as it can raise the water temperature as much as 10 degrees in 2 hours in any weather. Heat pumps are less expensive to operate but can only raise the water temperature 8-10 degrees a day maximum and only if the outside temperature is 60 degrees or greater. With solar heat the same 8-10 degrees a day apply, but this is true only if the sun is shining bright all day and you house is oriented properly.
My pool is leaking. Do I need a new pool liner?
New pool liners should never be the answer for a leaking pool unless you are reasonably certain of the source of the leak, and that the new liner will repair the leak. This can be done by testing and eliminating other possible causes of the leak such as plumbing lines, filtration equipment, lights, steps, or faceplates. The age and condition of the pool liners will also play into this decision.
Can my new pool liner have a leak?
Any liner can have a leak and although it is rare, even new pool liners can have leaks. If the leak is from either a manufacturing defect or an installation error there should be minimal or no costs to the home owner. Keep in mind that there are the same chances for new or old pool liners to get holes if misused.
How do know if I have a leak in my swimming pool?
If the water loss is more than evaporation and splash out would allow for, than you may have a leak and further diagnosis is required.
How much water is evaporating from my pool?
Evaporation averages up to approximately a ¼” per day (1¾” -2” per week). This can vary depending on, landscaping, air and water temperature, humidity, and windy conditions among other things. You will generally evaporate more in spring and fall than in the summer. This is due to the weather conditions and lack of humidity with increased winds.
What are common causes of holes in my vinyl liner?
Some of the most common causes of holes in a vinyl liner are: old equipment (brushes & vacuums with worn or no bristles), non-pool toys, and defective or missing ladder bumpers.
Why did my pool start leaking after it was closed?
Most times it is caused by damaged during the final cleaning. It could also be the result of a defective or improperly used cover pump. This happens when there is a hole in the winter cover and the water flow does not stop as designed.
How do I know if my light is leaking?
This is probably the hardest leak for a pool owner to verify. It is usually indicated by the water level leaking down to about the middle of the light and then stopping. We do not usually recommend letting the pool leak to this level as it can cause other problems.
My pool is leaking in the winter; do I need to wait until spring?
It depends on where the leak is. It is necessary to keep as much water as possible in the pool over the winter. The water protects the liner from shrinking and tearing, pool bottom from frost and freeze damage, and walls from bowing and collapsing. All leaks should be identified as soon as possible. If you are unsure where the leak is, a professional should be called and a plan should be set in place. Most leaks can be detected as long as there is no ice present.
Do I have to drain the pool to find or fix the leaks?
No. In fact most leaks cannot be found even by leak professionals unless they are actively leaking under water. Repairs are also better made when the liner is fully seated and the pool is filled. It is possible to find leaks when a pool has drained but it is more time consuming and more expensive.
How will you find a leak in my swimming pool?
Superior Pools Plus, LLC personnel are trained in the leak detection process from initial data collection through finding and repairing the leaks. We have invested in state of the art electronic and computerized leak detection equipment. This equipment can allow us to find leaks as small as a pinhole in a liner, often in a matter of minutes. We have additional equipment that allows us to identify and locate leaks in underground plumbing lines.
How do I know all my pool leaks were repaired?
We have equipment that can allow us to measure how much water is being lost in real time. This equipment is so sensitive that we can distinguish between water lost due to a leak, and water loss due to evaporation. When our technicians have found all leaks, our computerized equipment will confirm that your pool is no longer leaking.
Why use Superior Pools Plus, LLC for my leak repair needs?
Superior Pools Plus, LLC specializes in the leak detection and repair of leaks in swimming pools. Many leak detection companies will find leaks in swimming pools but depending on where the leak is located they may not offer the services to repair the leak they found. Superior Pools Plus, LLC is a full service in-ground pool repair company, both commercial and residential services. We have the ability to repair all the leaks in your swimming pool whether it would in the liner, underground plumbing lines, or filtration equipment.
Can I add a light to my pool?
Yes, in most cases a new light can be installed. This is typically done in conjunction with a new liner installation. Pool lights are installed in the wall structure and require wiring underneath the decking to a power source. This can make it an expensive option but it is possible.
Can I add steps to my pool?
Yes! There are two different types of steps you can add to your pool. The first step is the walk-in type, usually white and made from acrylic. However, the installation of the step requires that the surrounding decking would have to be removed and replaced. The other type of step available is the “wedding cake” step. This step is a pre-manufactured step that is installed in the shallow end of the pool underneath the liner. This step does not require any decking removal or replacement.
Can I change the shape of my pool?
Yes, you can change the shape of your pool. In most cases, however, the more drastic the change in shape, the more it will cost. Most people choose to add new updated pool options such as new steps instead of a drastic change in the shape.
How can my in-ground vinyl Liner pool be upgraded?
You can make a tired old pool look brand new by adding newer options to your pool. Some of these options include; walk-in steps, new decking, new coping, lighting, water-features, slides, diving boards, and spill-over spa. If the decking is being removed, as it is in most renovations, it is just a matter of your imagination, available space, and budget.
What are some of the popular decking options for around my pool?
The most popular and most economical deck option is regular concrete. Superior Pools Plus, LLC has completed many swimming pool renovations using a variety of alternative decking options. Among them are colored and/or stamped concrete, bricks, and pavers. You could also choose a natural stone such as bluestone, flagstone, sandstone, slate, marble, or granite. Many customers use their imagination and incorporate multiple decking materials into the overall design for a stunning look.
What are some popular pool coping options?
Aluminum bullnose pool coping is still the most popular coping option for a vinyl liner pool. This pool coping is usually seen with the concrete decking butted directly up against it. Other materials that can also be used include hand laid pavers or natural stones and stamped concrete. Another option is eliminate the coping all together and install a cantilevered decking. This is where the decking is continuous and overhangs the edge of the pool.
Can my pump and filter be moved to a different location?
Absolutely, in fact the best time to move a pump and filter system into a different location is during the renovation stages. Superior Pools Plus, LLC recommends putting the pump and filter in a location where it won’t be seen or heard but is easily accessible.
How long will the pool renovation take?
It really depends on the work that is getting done. A renovation can take anywhere from 3 days to a multiple weeks to complete. Unfortunately, the weather may also cause delays to this.
What kind of safety cover should I buy?
There are many different kinds of safety cover out there on the market with the primary types being mesh, ultra mesh, and solid (with or without a drain). The pros and cons are discussed in depth on our safety cover web page. If you have any further questions please call us.
My water is green every spring?
Sunlight will allow algae to grow and turn your pool water green. Standard mesh safety covers allow a lot of light to pass thru into the water to promote algae growth. This is more prevalent the longer the pool stays closed as there are no chemicals being installed. If you can open early and close late” it may help keep the pool from turning green.
