Frequently Asked Questions
Filtration Types:
DIATOMACEOUS EARTH (DE) filters remove the finest particles of any pool filter currently utilized. DE filters remove particles as small as 4-10 microns, which are invisible to the eye and give the water that sparkling clean look. This filtration method requires a routine backwash in addition to a bi-annual manual cleaning; making the maintenance required the most extensive of the three. DE, the media that actually removes the particles, is a potential carcinogen and non-biodegradable. These filters allow for the most cost effective recovery method in the event of an upset.
CARTRIDGE filters are gaining in acceptance and usage in the SW. This filter type utilizes a pleated cellulose (paper) element similar to drinking water filters, only much larger. These units filter out particles near 10 microns and typically do not backwash (reverse flow.) The filter must be manually disassembled every 3-4 months and the cartridges hosed off to clean. Occasionally, a chemical soak is required to remove oils from the elements.
SAND filters were commonly used in many pools built in the 70’s & 80’s. They have the lowest maintenance requirements, needing only a backwash (reverse flow) bi-monthly or weekly and new sand every 3-5 years. Unfortunately they only remove particles (dirt) approximately 40 microns or bigger, about the same size as the cross-section of a human hair. These filters are virtually “bullet-proof “and are recommended for applications such as rental properties where tenants may not maintain the equipment optimally. We find this technology is no longer a preferred option with our increasing airborne pollutants, higher ambient and water temperatures and more chemical-resistant algae restrains. This filter type is the slowest method in upset recovery.
What is a dual speed swimming pool pump? A dual speed pump allows your swimming pool pump to run at more of an efficient rate. Swimming pools do not have to have circulating water 24 hours a day to keep clean. They also do not have to be running the full speed of your pump. A dual speed swimming pool pump can be run a slow speed to help cut back on your energy bill.
Why do I need a pool intermatic timer? The Swimming Pool Intermatic Timers will allow your pool to run efficiently. Most pool pumps run 8 hours out of the day. If you do not have an Intermatic Timer your pool and you have to manually turn your pool pump off and on you risk running the pump longer then you need. This causes more energy and will cost you more money in the long run.
How does a swimming pool salt generator work? Swimming Pool Salt Generators generate chlorine by passing low voltage electrical current through the pool water and converting the chloride ions from salt into chlorine. Salt is poured directly into the swimming pool and runs through the generator where it is turned into chlorine gas.
How much energy does a LED pool light save? Compared to Regular Swimming Pool Lights a LED Pool Light will use 80% less energy. The Hayward ColorLogic is one of the more popular LED Pool Light. Hayward states it can save up to 79% on your pool light energy cost.
What is swimming pool suction entrapment? There are five forms of suction entrapment. They're easy, yet essential to understand to "get" this whole issue.
1. Body entrapment (a section of the torso becomes entrapped).
2. Limb entrapment (an arm or leg is pulled into an open drain pipe).
3. Hair entrapment or entanglement (hair is pulled in and wrapped around the grate of the drain cover).
4. Mechanical (jewelry or part of the bather's clothing gets caught in the drain or the grate).
5. Evisceration (the victim's buttocks come into contact with the pool suction outlet and he or she is disemboweled.)
What is the Virginia Graeme Baker Pool and Spa Safety Act and who is Virginia Graeme Baker ?The Virginia Graeme Baker Pool & Spa Safety Act (P&SS Act) takes its name from Virginia Graeme Baker, a young girl who drowned after she was trapped under water by the powerful suction from a hot tub drain.
A twin and the youngest of five, 7-year-old Graeme, as her family called her, was the daughter of Nancy and James Baker IV, the son of former Secretary of State James Baker III. A member of her community swim and diving team, Graeme was able to swim without assistance since she was 3 years old.
In June 2002, Graeme became stuck to a hot tub drain and was unable to pull herself free. Efforts by her mother to pull Graeme from the drain proved unsuccessful. Two men who eventually freed Graeme from the spa pulled so hard that the drain cover broke from the force. Graeme died from drowning, but the real cause of her death was suction entrapment due to a faulty drain cover.
After her tragic death, her mother, Nancy Baker, worked tirelessly to advocate for pool and spa safety. Mrs. Baker, her family and Safe Kids Worldwide actively lobbied Congress to win support for a law to require anti-entrapment drain covers and other safety devices, as needed. The statute, which was sponsored by U.S. Rep. Debbie Wasserman Schultz of Florida, was signed into law by the President in December 2007.
To carry out the requirements of the Virginia Graeme Baker Pool & Spa Safety Act, CPSC launched Pool Safely: Simple Steps Save Lives, a national public education campaign to raise public awareness about drowning and entrapment prevention, support industry compliance with the Act’s requirements, and improve safety at the nation’s pools and spas.
Have you considered color lights? New LED color lights can retrofit into your existing light and give multiple colors or a changing color show to your pool.