Georgia Classic Pool Blog

Features

1. There are many types of pool sweeps available; some are hand-held and others fully automated. While using a hand-held pool sweep is easy and inexpensive, automated pool sweeps are an efficient, time-saving way to get the job done. The most distinctive feature of an automatic pool sweep is a tail or skimmer that “sweeps” across the pool. This type of sweep is attached to one of the pool’s inlets and makes use of the pressure from the flowing pool water to operate the sweep’s tail.

Function

2. A pool sweep is an automated cleaner for swimming pools. It is designed to dislodge and permanently remove dirt and debris from the walls and floor of the pool. Pools typically collect small debris such as silt, hair, sand, bacteria and algae, as well as large debris such as twigs, leaves, acorns and pine cones. Pool sweeps are most commonly used for in-ground pools.

Types

3. There are 3 different types of pool sweeps. The first is a suction pool sweep that attaches to a dedicated vacuum line or to the inside of the skimmer, the second is a pressure cleaner that operates off a booster pump and the third is a robotic cleaner that has an integrated filter bag and pump. This kind plugs into an electrical outlet.

Size

4. Pool sweeps come in a broad range of sizes and capacities to meet the requirements of different types of pools, from the private residential pool to the commercial public pool. Public swimming pools commonly use All-pool sweeps, which are specifically designed for this purpose. Unlike the regular pool sweeps, the All-pool sweep does not require the exhausting, time-consuming process of draining, drying and vacuuming the pool. They are also used in large public garden fountains, because they do not interrupt the fountain’s normal functioning.

Considerations

5. Whatever pool sweep you choose to use, it is important to periodically empty out and clean the basket in which all the debris collects. This eliminates clogging and helps keep the sweep working efficiently. It is also recommended that you use swimming pool water cleaning agents after using the pool sweep. Ideally, you should repeat the pool sweep four times a week.

By Diana Monda Dill, eHow Editor

Introduction

1. A necessary part of owning a pool, is constant pool maintenance. Chlorine is used to kill any algae or bacteria within the pool. This keeps the pool water clear, while at the same time protecting you from any harmful bacteria may be in the pool water.

How it Works

2. Chlorine works by breaking into two parts when it is introduced to the pool water, hypochlorite ion and hypochlorous acid. These two parts kill the microorganisms that like to congregate in your pool by attacking the cell walls of the organisms. First they attack the lipids contained in the cell walls, and through that they gain access and can kill the other organelles within the cell. This oxidizes the organism and makes the water safe for humans to enter.

pH levels

3. The pH level of your pool needs to be stabilized between 7 and 8. Too high or too low of a pH can slow down the chlorine’s ability to clean the pool, and may also encourage bacteria growth and reproduction.

Dangers

4. Chlorine is a harmful chemical to humans and animals. However, as the chlorine breaks down in the pool it either combines with ammonia and neutralizes, or breaks down so much that it is no longer harmful. However, if chlorine levels get too high the pool may not be able to break down the chemicals fast enough to make it safe to enter the pool. Even in low levels chlorine may still cause allergic reactions to those with sensitive skin, or may leave a linger harmful chlorine gas above the pool.

Alternatives

5. Many alternatives to chlorine have been invented in the last decade for cleaning pools. Though not always as efficient, and usually much more expensive, these new alternative do allow you to keep your pool and spa clean without the hazards of working with chlorine.

By Chris Sherwood, eHow Editor

Time Frame

1. Maintaining a swimming pool requires different procedures for each season. In the early summer, the pool will officially be opened. Remove the winter cover, and reinstall the hoses, pump or filters that were removed during the winter storage.

   The pool will require a through vacuuming and initial chemical treatment to balance the water. Shock the pool with chlorine shock until pool test strips give a value of 10 ppm of chlorine. This super chlorination will kill off algae growth and harmful bacteria in the water. Add ph increaser or decreaser until the ph level is between 7.2 and 7.6. Maintain a chlorine level of 3 ppm.

   During the summer months, maintain the chemical levels in the water and perform weekly cleanings to remove leaves. A weekly chlorine shock and algaecide treatment will help keep algae growth at bay and the water properly balanced after heavy bathing loads.

   In the fall, pool maintenance increases. It is time to prepare to close down the pool. A final thorough cleaning by vacuuming up leaves and scrubbing down the walls will prepare your pool for the next season. Be sure to balance the chemicals one last time, and bring the chlorine level back up to 10 ppm to retard the growth of algae on warm days after the pool has been closed. Unhook all external hoses, pumps and filters, and store for the winter. Put on a winter cover, and winterize the filter for your region.

Features

2. Regular pool maintenance requires chemicals to balance the water. Add chlorine tablets, chlorine shock and ph increaser and decreaser until water is balanced. Use algaecide to reduce algae growth and clarifier to get small particles of dust out of the water. Use a vacuum to remove larger pieces of dirt and leaves.

Effects

3. Routine pool maintenance will help keep water crystal clear and visibly presentable. Maintenance keeps the water free of harmful bacteria and microorganisms that can cause infections and illness in swimmers.

Considerations

4. If you will be going on vacation while your pool is open, consider calling a local pool retailer for a service while you are gone. They can add chemicals as needed so algae growth doesn’t get out of control while you are gone. They can also check on your filtration system and make sure the water is moving smoothly and is free of any clogs.

Benefits

5. Swimming pool maintenance is a daily concern for pool owners. Keeping a safe and clean swimming environment for family and friends is important to every pool owner. Keeping the water properly balanced in the swimming pool is possible with routine maintenance.

Identification

1. In a salt water pool, chlorine is not added. Instead, pool salt, which is similar to soft water salt, is added. The water is then subject to electrolysis, which transforms the chloride portion of the salt into a sanitizer, which can oxidize or kill bacteria, algae, viruses and other radicals that can grow in unsanitized pool water.

Features

2. Technically speaking, a salt water pool is not chlorine free. The salt added to the pool, coupled with the electrolysis system, makes its own chlorine, which means the pool owner does not have to purchase, store or add chlorine to the pool water. A swimming pool can go several years without having to add additional salt to the pool water.

Considerations

3. The salt added to the pool water is pure, natural, evaporated ocean salt. Although it is not necessary to add chlorine to the pool, it is advised to regularly test the water and to add muriatic acid to the water once a week. Muriatic acid or spirit of salts is made from mineral acid and salt. Pool supply stores often offer free testing services for customers who bring in water samples.

Benefits

4. Swimming in a pool with a salt water system is less stressful on hair, clothing and skin compared to the traditional chlorine treated swimming pool. With a salt treated pool, hair tends not to turn green and fabric doesn’t fade. Skin will also feel softer in a salt water pool, similar to bathing in soft water. The salt water system requires less maintenance. Since there is no chlorine to purchase, it is less expensive to maintain a salt water pool.

Function

5. The salt water pool has a pump that moves the water from the pool through a cell that filters and sanitizes the water before returning the water to the pool. The pool pump needs to be running during the process. There are various salt water systems, and it is always advisable to follow the manufacturer’s instructions to avoid voiding the warranty. What might be acceptable for one brand may harm another system.