Pool filters come in three main types: sand filters (low maintenance, 5-7 year lifespan), cartridge filters (easy cleaning, 1-2 year replacement), and DE filters (finest filtration, requires backwashing every 4-6 weeks).
Pool opening involves removing winter covers, inspecting equipment, reconnecting plumbing, and balancing water chemistry. Start with equipment inspection, fill and reconnect systems, then shock and balance chemicals before swimming.
Pool leaks can occur in the shell, plumbing, or equipment and are detected using bucket tests, dye tests, and pressure testing. Most minor leaks can be DIY repaired, but structural damage requires professional assessment.
Pool heaters can fail due to electrical issues, gas problems, water flow restrictions, or component failures. Most common issues like pilot light problems, low water flow, and thermostat malfunctions can be diagnosed and often fixed without professional help.
Salt water pools use electrolysis to generate chlorine from dissolved salt, requiring proper water chemistry balance including pH, alkalinity, and CYA levels. They still need regular maintenance and chemical adjustments despite producing their own chlorine.
Pool pumps require regular maintenance and troubleshooting to operate efficiently. Common issues include low water flow, unusual noises, and electrical problems that can often be resolved with proper diagnosis and maintenance.
Pool salt cells use electrolysis to convert dissolved salt (sodium chloride) into chlorine gas and sodium hydroxide. The chlorine sanitizes your pool while the sodium hydroxide raises pH, creating a continuous chlorination cycle.
Disney generally prohibits pool hopping between resorts, but guests can use pools within their resort category and some exceptions exist for dining reservations and specific resort partnerships.
You need a new pool pump if it's over 8-10 years old, making loud grinding noises, leaking water from the motor housing, or if repair costs exceed 50% of replacement cost.
You don't need to run your pool pump 24/7. Most pools require 8-12 hours of daily operation to achieve proper turnover and filtration, depending on pool size, bather load, and environmental conditions.
Variable speed pool pumps use permanent magnet motors and electronic controls to adjust RPM from 600-3450, providing precise flow control and significant energy savings compared to single-speed pumps.
You should not add salt to a regular chlorine pool without a saltwater system. Salt will not provide sanitization and can damage pool equipment while creating water balance issues.
Connect your vacuum head to telescoping pole and hose, prime the system by submerging the hose underwater until bubbles stop, then attach to skimmer and systematically vacuum in overlapping strokes.
Solar pool heaters work by circulating pool water through dark collectors that absorb solar energy and transfer heat to the water. The heated water returns to your pool through a system of pumps, valves, and controllers.
Variable speed pool pumps can save 50-90% on energy costs compared to single speed pumps and are required by law in many areas. They're worth the investment for most pool owners despite higher upfront costs.
