The SLAM method (Shock Level And Maintain) clears green pools by maintaining high chlorine levels continuously until water clears. Use liquid chlorine to reach shock level based on CYA, maintain 24/7 until overnight chlorine loss is 1ppm or less.
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 winterization involves balancing chemicals, protecting equipment, and proper closing procedures. The process varies by climate zone but typically includes shocking, lowering water levels, and winterizing plumbing to prevent freeze damage.
Most pool owners do need a pool vacuum for thorough cleaning, but the type depends on your pool size, debris load, and maintenance preferences. Manual vacuums work for small pools with light debris, while automatic cleaners are essential for larger pools or heavy leaf loads.
Salt water pools are not self-cleaning and require regular maintenance including proper water chemistry balance, algae prevention, and equipment upkeep. The salt water generator only produces chlorine automatically but doesn't eliminate the need for active pool care.
You can shock your pool without running the filter system, but you must ensure proper circulation through brushing and the return jets. The filter doesn't need to be running, but water movement is essential for even chemical distribution.
Pool skimmers work very effectively when properly maintained, removing 80-90% of surface debris before it sinks. However, their effectiveness depends on proper water level, basket maintenance, and adequate pump flow.
Yes, pools can leak through tile grout when it becomes cracked, deteriorated, or improperly sealed. Grout leaks typically occur at the waterline where freeze-thaw cycles and chemical exposure weaken the grout over time.
Yes, pool leaks can potentially cause sinkholes by washing away soil around your pool's foundation. While rare, continuous water leakage can erode the soil structure, creating voids that may eventually collapse into sinkholes.
Cartridge pool filters cannot be backwashed like sand or DE filters. Instead, they must be removed and cleaned by hosing off debris, soaking in cleaning solution, and rotating between multiple cartridges for best results.
Yes, Costco does carry pool vacuums both in-store and online, primarily during pool season (March-August). They typically stock robotic cleaners from brands like Dolphin and Polaris, plus manual vacuum heads and hoses.
Yes, you can vacuum a pool on recirculate, but it won't filter debris - it only circulates water back to the pool. This setting is useful for extremely dirty pools to avoid clogging your filter system.
Changing pool filter sand involves shutting off equipment, removing the multiport valve, carefully extracting old sand, and adding new #20 silica sand in layers while avoiding damage to laterals.
Winterizing your pool involves balancing water chemistry, lowering water levels, removing equipment, and adding winterizing chemicals. The process takes 4-6 hours and prevents freeze damage while maintaining water quality through winter months.
Yes, above ground pools can be converted to salt water, but you need to verify liner compatibility, install a properly sized salt water generator, and maintain CYA levels between 70-80 ppm for optimal performance.
