Lesson 11 - Questions and Answers

Q: Help! My pool has turned green as a gourd. What do I do?

A: In the business we call this a 'Clean & Clear'. Assuming it is green because of algae growth and not some other reason, you need to shock your pool with a large dose of chlorine and brush the algae. Some people recommend vacuuming the pool first to get as much algae out as possible before adding chlorine, and that is generally a good idea.

Q: I was thinking of draining my pool. Is that a good idea?

A: It depends on why you want to drain it. Sometimes the best option is to drain your pool and start over with fresh water. If the pool needs some kind of major repair, you may have no choice but to drain it. First you need to consult with a pool professional to see if there is any reason why you should not drain your pool, then proceed with great caution.

Q: What's the difference between a 12 volt light and a 120 volt light?

A: From the standpoint of brightness, none. From the standpoint of safety, quite a lot. Lights operating at 12 volts will shock you if there is a short circuit to the water,  but 120 volts can kill you. Both should be wired into a circuit protected by a GFCI for safety.

Q: I'd like to paint my pool. What kind of paint should I use?

A: First, no paint can stand up to water for very long. And I would never recommend painting a plaster pool. Having said that, epoxy pool paints are the best, but also the most expensive. Check with your local pool store and see what they recommend. Keep in mind that surface preparation is the most important part of the painting process, so follow the manufacturer's instructions to the letter.

Q: Someone told me to change the sand in my filter. Is that necessary?

A: Sand can get gummy if swimmers use a lot of oil and then swim. That's the main cause of sand going bad. I'd recommend checking the sand every two years to see how it looks. If it is hard and clumpy, change it. If your filter pressure goes up a day or two after backwashing, that's an indication that the sand is not fluffy anymore. I don't have much faith in the pool degreasers although some companies recommend using them each year. You can expect to need a sand change every five to seven years, though some filters can go much longer. For more information visit Lesson 6 - Filtration.

Q: How often should I shock my pool?

A: Anytime your chlorine goes down to zero you need to shock it back up. Anytime your water is cloudy, or after a heavy rainstorm, or after a big party, shock your pool. Even if your pool looks good, you probably need to shock it once a month at minimum. Of course chemical companies want you to shock every week... I wonder why. If you want to get the benefit of shocking without adding chlorine, consider a non chlorine shock treatment. For more information visit Lesson 5 - Disinfection.

Q: There are no pool companies in my small town. Where can I get help?

A: Here for starters. Your local bookstore or library. The internet. Friends and neighbors with pools. You can telephone us for help (901) 454-0080. 

Q: My diving board has black stuff on in. How can I get it off?

A: That black stuff is probably mildew and will come off with ordinary bleach.

Q: I'm considering having a pool built. How should I begin?

A: Begin by visiting our section on Types of Pools to decide what kind of pool you want. I'd visit the library and bookstore to learn all I can about pool design and construction. Then call a builder to see what the cost will be to build one in your yard. Ask friends and neighbors with pools for their advice also.

Q: Is there an national organization representing the pool industry?

A: Yes the NSPI (National Spa and Pool Institute) located in Washington, D.C. and on the web at http://www.spapool.org.

Q: I'm confused. What is gunite?

A: Gunite is a type of concrete used in pool construction. Another type commonly used is called Shotcrete. Both are very dry mixtures pumped through a hose to make the walls and floor of the pool. Usually they are covered with a coat of plaster for a smooth finish.

Q: Can pools get cracks in them?

A: You bet. Most cracks can be repaired whether they occur in concrete or fiberglass pools.

Q: Should I cover my pool in the winter?

A: If you have trees near the pool, probably yes, at least until the leaves all fall. You could install a leaf net instead of a solid cover. If you have long, cold winters where you live, probably yes, unless you plan on heating the pool.

Q: I've been looking for a good book on pools? Any suggestions?

A: Try visiting my library.

Q: I just bought a new liner. Do I need to do anything special for it?

A: Just keep the pH right so the vinyl will remain pliable, and go easy on the chlorine because too much can bleach the ink pattern.

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