EQUIPMENT MAINTENANCE
AZ Oasis Pools believes that proper equipment maintenance is an essential component of operating a safe, efficient, and enjoyable pool. Proper maintenance is more than just cleaning filters; it is checking skimmer and pump lids for weakness or cracks, and replacing o-rings, baskets, and other inexpensive parts before they fail. A proper maintenance program may eliminate more expensive repairs and dangerous situations. Our goal is to prevent problems, not repair them after they occur.
Pool Filter Maintenance
- Diatomaceous Earth (DE) Filters- DE filters need to be disassembled and cleaned 1-2X per year for the most efficient and safe operation. Filter cleaning frequency is assessed based on usage, type of cleaning equipment in the pool, and surrounding vegetation. Between manual cleanings DE filters are kept clean by periodic backwashing. In general, AZ Oasis Pools does NOT use DE because it can be considered an environmental concern. Instead we use perlite, an accepted DE replacement.
- Cartridge Filter – Today’s large capacity cartridge filters generally need to be disassembled and cleaned 2X per year for the most efficient and safe operation. Cartridge filters cannot be backwashed so the only way to remove debris is to open the filter and clean the cartridges.
- Sand Filter – Sand filters require relatively frequent backwashing for the most efficient and safe operation. Many pool companies recommend changing the sand in the filter every five years. We have found that often a properly sized filter that is not subjected to poor water quality conditions (high calcium) can last much longer than 5 years. It is recommended that the filter is opened and the efficiency of backwashing is checked at least once a year. The sand can often be “refreshed” to restore the efficiency of the filter.
Pool Draining & Cleaning
One of the most challenging parts of properly maintaining a pool is handling the harsh environmental conditions of the Sonoran Desert and the hardness of our water supply. To keep your pool comfortable to swim in, looking its best, and safe, it is important to drain OR treat the water when certain water quality parameters get too high.
Cyanuric acid (CYA) builds up quickly if only chlorine tablets are used to chlorinate your pool. High CYA reduces the efficiency of the chlorine in your pool which means higher chlorine levels are needed to sanitize the pool.
In most parts of Chandler, Tempe, Ahwatukee, Gilbert, and Mesa calcium hardness out of the tap is around 200-400 parts per million (ppm). The standard for pool water is also 200-400 ppm. Due to evaporation of pure water from the pool, it is not unusual to exceed the calcium hardness standard after a single summer. High calcium makes balancing the pool water more difficult and can result in scale formation on the pool surfaces as well as scaling in the pipes, plumbing and filter. Through proper testing and water balancing, problems associated with calcium levels exceeding standards can be minimized.
AZ Oasis Pools will discuss your pool and goals with you and then recommend if treating or draining your pool is needed. In general, pools need to be drained every 2-3 years. Our goal is to prevent problems, not repair them after they occur.
After draining the pool, the interior surface can be sprayed down, scrubbed, acid washed, or chlorine washed if needed or desired.
