New Plaster Startup  

BRUSHING          
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During the first week of operation the pool should be brushed three to four times a day and the filtration system should run 24 hours per day. Do not operate the automatic pool cleaner for the first two weeks after start up. During weeks two through five it is strongly recommended to brush one to two times a day or until all loose material, from the curing plaster, is removed from the surface of the plaster. Excessive amounts of loose material may also require hand vacuuming to be removed faster. This will normally result in pressure build up in the filter making it necessary to clean the filter elements after the first five to seven day of operation. See the following section on vacuum and filter cleaning for instructions.

Without proper brushing, plaster is likely to become rough and discolored from standing loose material, dirt and debris.

Your filter elements will need to be cleaned frequently for the first few weeks of operation. It is important to clean in between the pleats of the filter elements to remove any plaster dust that could harden. After the initial two-week period is completed the filtration system may be set to operate for normal seasonal and pool size requirements and the cleaner may be installed.

WATER MAINTENANCE          
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Your pool has been treated by our service technician, with an initial chemical treatment consistent with the chemical requirements of the city water supply with which your pool was filled. Since the curing process of the plaster, environmental conditions, bather load, sect. have an impact on the pool water, it requires that you monitor your water chemistry daily throughout the first few weeks. Then 2 to 3 times a week thereafter as needed.

You have been provided with a simple to use test kit, which will allow you to test for the pH and chlorine levels in your pool water. It is recommended that you store your test kit out of sunlight and that you replace the test kit every 12 months. You may not have used up all the chemicals in the kit, but they should be replaced for the kit to remain accurate. If you wish, you may take a small bottle of water to one of the many pool supply outlets where, normally, they win test the water at no cost and inform you of its quality. Also, please read the guides section on water chemistry.

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  REGULAR POOL OPERATION  

TIME CLOCK INTERMATIC          
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The main circulation pump is wired directly through a mechanical time clock, which can be set to turn on and off the pump at specific times every day. The clock should first be set to the proper time of day then the on and off times can be set. Hand tighten the tabs to your preferred time settings. Use the silver tab for on and the gold tab for off. 

Summer: 8-10 hours suggested 8am to 4 pm 
Winter:    6-8 hours suggested midnight to 6am

JANDY RS SYSTEM SET PUMP RUN TIME          

  1. Press the MENU button. Use the FORWARD and BACK buttons to advance to the PROGRAM Menu and press ENTER. The Aqua Link RS display will read SELECT EQUIPMENT TO PROGRAM.

  2. Press the button of the equipment you want to program (e.g., FILTER PUMP).

  3. You are now in a menu of choices. You may choose ON ALL DAYS, ON WEEKDAYS, ON WEEKENDS, or you may choose a specific day of the week. Use the FORWARD and BACK arrow keys to move to the choice you want, then press ENTER.

  4. The display now reads ON HR 1 PM <- ->*.  Use the FORWARD and BACK arrow keys to move to the hour that you want the equipment to turn on, and press ENTER when that hour is displayed.

  5. Repeat this process to set the ON MINUTE, OFF HOUR, and OFF MINUTE. When you are finished, the Aqua Link RS Display will review a summary of your program(s).

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PUMP OPERATION          
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The pump circulates water from the pool through the filter and heater and back to the pool. The basket in the pump pot needs to be cleaned periodically. If you do not keep it clean, the debris can inhibit the suction ability of the pump and will not get effective circulation and cleaning. The following instructions walk you through this maintenance.

TO SERVICE THE PUMP:

  1. Turn off the pump and pump breaker.

  2. Remove the see-through pump lid.

  3. Remove the inter basket and dump out all debris.

  4. Reach into the rear interior of the pump opening and inspect impeller for blockage.

  5. Replace the inner basket, reinstall the pump lid and tighten snugly.

  6. Turn on the pump breaker and pump to circulate water.

  7. Open air relief valve on top of the filter tank until you get a continuous stream of water, then close valve for normal operation.

If water does not circulate, repeat steps I through 6 making sure pump lid is seated snugly, "O" ring is cleaned and properly lubricated, water level in the pool is at the proper level and all valves are set to the proper positions. See Pump troubleshooting.


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  REGULAR POOL OPERATION  

FILTER OPERATION          

As water flows through, the filter cartridges remove small particulate matter from the water.
Over-time, the filter cartridges become caked with this debris and will need to be cleaned. The
cleaning frequency will depend on how dirty the water is from pool use, winds and rain. As the
filter cartridges get filled with debris the pressure inside the filter builds and the effectiveness of the system diminishes. You should note the pressure of your system when the cartridges are clean. Once the pressure has increased by 8 to I0 pounds, it is time to clean the cartridges.

TO SERVICE THE FILTER:

  1. Turn off pump and pump breaker.

  2. Loosen air relief valve on top of filter.

  3. Remove bolts from clamp band.

  4. Remove belly band from middle of filter tank.

  5. Lift off top section of tank and set aside. Do not lift tank by the relief valve.

  6. Remove filter cartridges.

  7. Using a spray nozzle thoroughly clean the cartridges. It is important to clean in between the pleats of the filter elements to remove all debris.

  8. Re-install the cartridges.

  9. Clean and lubricate the "O" ring.

  10. Re-install filter lid and clamp band.

  11. Tighten band clamp bolts evenly until the springs touch.

  12. Turn on the pump breaker and pump.

  13. Open air relief valve on top of the filter tank until you get a continuous stream of water. Then close the valve for normal operation.

NOTE:

If you have a in floor cleaning system run the pump for I or 2 minutes, then turn off the pump and pump breaker loosen the union located at the top of the dome that controls the in floor pop-ups remove and clean the screen of any debris that may have gotten past the filter while cleaning.

 

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  REGULAR POOL OPERATION  

SKIMMER          

The basket of the skimmer must be checked regularly for debris. The effectiveness of the filtration system will be inhibited if the basket is blocked by debris. The pipe from the floor drain goes into the bottom of the skimmer. Your system includes a dome shaped valve with a sliding tab in the bottom of your skimmer that regulates the amount of suction to the skimmer and floor drain. If you have a Hayward™ or Kreepy Krauly™ style cleaner you want this tab to be wide open. Close the tab only when you want to maxin3ize the suction to the floor drain. Always clean skimmer of debris after high winds.

If you hear a gurgling sound at the skimmer it is usually due to the water level of the pool being too low, keep the water level at mid-tile for normal operation.

AUTO FILL          

The auto-fill is designed to help keep your pool water level at the proper height. There may be times when the float sticks and the water level becomes too high, or too low. If this happens open the cover to the auto-fill and push the float up and down several times to dislodge whatever debris is causing it to stick. If the float moves freely but water level is still too high, or too low see the instructions under auto-fill in the trouble shooting section.

LIGHTS AND GFI          

Your pool/spa lights are connected to a Ground Fault Interrupter (GFI), which will trip if any electrical problems exist with the lights. It may also trip if other appliances are plugged into the GFI, or if lightning strikes near your neighborhood. If your light ceases to work, first check the GFI by pushing the "Test" then "Reset" buttons on the face of the GFI. Normally this will reset the operation of the fights.

POOL VAC OR KREEPY KRAULY          

The auto pool cleaners are controlled by a valve at your equipment. This valve allows you to adjust the suction for the optimum performance of the cleaner. Remember the more suction you provide to the cleaner, the less suction will be available to your skimmer and floor drain. Large debris collected by the cleaner will be deposited in the pump basket at the equipment. Be sure to clean the pump basket regularly in order to maintain proper system flow.

Whenever you remove the cleaner from the pool, be sure to remove the hose from the head and keep all the sections of the hose straight. If the hose develops a permanent bend, the cleaner will not operate properly.

The Hayward™ or Kreepy Krauly™ is warranted by the manufacturer. Be sure to complete the warranty information card that comes with the cleaner and send it to the manufacturer.

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  REGULAR POOL OPERATION  

VACUMING THE POOL          
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A vacuum head and hose are recommended options for your pool. The system is simple to set up and use. The vacuum suction is extremely powerful. Be sure to follow the instructions below to achieve the best results.

  1. Turn off the pump.

  2. Assemble the vacuum system on your pool deck, attach the telescoping pole to the vacuum head, uncoil and attach the vacuum hose to the vacuum head.

  3. Open your pools skimmer lid and take out the debris basket and diverter valve.

  4. Place the vacuum head, pole and hose into the pool water.

  5. Turn on the pump.

  6. Submerge the vacuum hose vertically this helps fill the hose with water. When the entire hose is filled and water comes out the top end, quickly place hose end into the skimmers plumbing. If air gets into the system, open the air relief valve on the filter to expel the air.

  7. Begin to vacuum by moving the vacuum head slowly across the walls and floor of the pool. Do not allow the vacuum head to come to the surface and suck air.

  8. When finished turn off pump, remove vacuum hose from skimmer, replace skimmer basket, diverter valve and lid.

  9. Turn on the pump, check the filter systems operating pressure and clean filter if necessary.


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 IN GROUND  

VALVES          

There are two main valves at the equipment of your pool/spa; they are the suction line control valve, and the return line control valve. These valves determine where the pump takes water from and where it returns water. In the normal pool mode the pump takes water from the pool and returns it to the pool. In the spa operation mode, you change the valves so that the pump takes from the spa and returns to the spa.

SWITCHING TO SPA OPERATION:

  1. It the pump is on, turn it off.

  2. Rotate the suction and return valves to the spa side.

  3. Turn on the pump.

  4. Switch the heater on to the, spa setting.

  5. Turn on the blower, if applicable, only after the spa has reached the desired temperature.

SWITCHING BACK TO POOL OPERATION:

  1. Turn off the blower, if applicable.

  2. Switch the heater to off.

  3. Turn off the pump.

  4. Rotate the suction and return valves to the pool side.

  5. Turn the time clock to the automatic setting.

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  WINTER TIPS  

GENERAL WINTERIZING          

  1. Test your water chemistry 1 to 2 times a week and adjust as necessary.

  2. Store your test kit away from freezing conditions.

  3. Check and maintain your water level weekly.

  4. Lubricate all "O" rings as recommended in the manufacturers literature.

  5. Clean internal components of your filter

  6. Drain solar system.

  7. Adjust any auto chlorinator or purification system to its lowest setting.

  8. Remove debris from pool to avoid staining of plaster.

FREEZING WEATHER PROCEDURES          

  1. Run pump and filter continuously.

  2. Carefully break any ice formations to prevent ice damage.

  3. Clear skimmer of any ice.

  4. Maintain water levels.

  5. DO NOT run your heater during freezing conditions. It may cause damage to your heater.

  6. Turn directional returns in pool towards the surface.

LOSS OF ELECTRICITY DURING FREEZING CONDITIONS          

  1. Shut off all pool equipment breakers.

  2. Open air relief valve on filter and remove drain plugs from filter, pump and heater.

  3. Remove pump cover and basket.

 

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  SPECIAL NOTES  

YOUR POOL INTERIOR          

Although your plaster interior appears to be white, it is really an off-white sprinkled with a "salt and pepper" condition. The initial application appears pure white, particularly on a sunny day, but as it is trowel, smoothed, becomes dry, and is filled with water, it will become "off-white" in color with certain areas shades of cloudy white to gray. These conditions are due to the minute impurities in the aggregate and the way the plaster reacts to the introduction of water. This is simply a characteristic of the material and cannot be avoided.

CHECKS IN THE INTERIOR FINISH          

Small cracks, called "checks", sometimes occur on the interior surface of the pool, initially or at some future date, and do not necessarily indicate any structural deficiency. Primarily high temperatures, changes in temperatures, humidity changes, wind, expansion, and contraction of the material and other factors cause them. As much as possible is done to preclude these checks from developing, but it is almost impossible to eliminate some checks from forming and, certainly, not feasible to guarantee against their appearing.

CONCRETE DECK CRACKS          

It is recognized and accepted that, because of the extreme temperatures in the Southwest during the summer which could vary from 140 degrees on the surface of the deck in the daytime to 60 degrees at night, or in the winter from 80 degrees to 20 degrees on the deck surface, there will be characteristic expanding and contracting of the concrete which will cause cracks to form. Expansion joints have been installed to absorb some of the movement, however, they cannot prevent it. It is impossible to guarantee that some of these cracks will occur. Therefore, they are not covered by your guarantee. You are strongly encouraged to maintain consistent moisture content in your yard to help minimize ground movement.

FLOODING AROUND YOUR DECKING         

You are cautioned not to flood areas, particularly around planters. It is quite common that flooding of areas around decks may cause soil expansion, resulting in damage to decks. Such damage is not covered by your guarantee. All landscaping should be such that it directs water away from deck areas.

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  TROUBLESHOOTING  

PUMP WILL NOT TURN ON          

  1. Check to see if the time clock is on.

  2. Check breakers at pool time clock panel.

  3. Check breakers at house main panel.

PUMP WILL NOT PRIME          

  1. Make sure pump lid and 0-ring are on properly.

  2. Clean pump basket and skimmer basket.

  3. Make sure the water level of the pool is correct.

  4. Make sure the skimmer opening is free of debris and that the flap is not stuck shut.

  5. Make sure the filter is clean.

FILTER PRESSURE FLUCTUATES UP AND DOWN          

  1. Follow the same directions as above for pump will not prime.

HOW TO RE-PRIME PUMPS          

  1. Shut off pump.

  2. Remove pump lid.

  3. Fill pump pot with water.

  4. Replace lid, making sure that the 0-ring is clean and properly in place.

  5. Turn on pump.

  6. Bleed air from filter tank using air relief valve.

  7. Repeat steps I through 6, two or three times if necessary.

HEATER DOESN'T WORK          

  1. Check thermostat for proper range.

  2. Check to see if toggle switch is on.

  3. Make sure that the filter, pump pot basket and skimmer basket are clean.

  4. Check to make sure that all the valves are in the proper positions.

  5. Make sure the pump is turned on.


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  TROUBLESHOOTING  

POOL CLEANER NOT WORKING PROPERLY         

  1. Make sure the pump is on.

  2. Make sure that the filter, pump basket and skimmer basket are clean.


SUCTION CLEANERS - POOL VAC, KREEPY KRAULEY & BARACUDA          

  1. Make sure that the cleaner valve is set properly.

  2. Make sure that the main drain is turned off.

  3. Make sure that the throat of the cleaner is free of debris.

  4. Make sure that the cleaners hose segments are properly fastened.

PRESSURE CLEANERS          

  1. Make sure that the cleaner valve is set properly.

  2. Make sure that the hose connections are tight.

  3. Make sure the inline filter screen (usually located in the wall connector) is clean.

SPA DRAINS BY ITS SELF          

  1. If the spa drains when the pump is on, make sure that all return valves are set 100% to the spa side.

  2. If the spa drains when the pump is off, examine the check valve at the equipment to determine if it is closing properly.

AUTO-FILL NOT WORKING          

  1. If water level is to high, adjust the float downward, If water level is to low, adjust the float upward.

  2. If problem persists, change the float.

LIGHTS NOT WORKING          

  1. Check the breakers in the pool panel box and the main house panel.

  2. Check the GFI located in the plug housing on the side of the electrical panel box.

  3. Check that the small switch under the main light switch is aligned with the main switch.

 

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  WATER CHEMISTRY  

WHY ARE CHEMICALS NEEDED          

Your swimming pools water may appear to be clean but: Bacteria, which can be the cause of infection, cannot be detected by the naked eye. Dissolved minerals in your water can show up as stains or scale on your pools wall. A proper chemical program will insure that bacteria, algae and other contaminants are destroyed. It will also protect your investment and keep it looking beautiful.

POOL SIZING GUIDE          

By knowing the gallons of your pool, you can quickly determine the correct amount of chemicals that are needed to insure proper sanitation. The calculation for total gallons is quite simple.

  • Rectangular Pools Gallons = Length x Width x Average Depth x 7.5 

  • Oval Pools Gallons = Length x Width x Average Depth x 5.9

  • Irregular Pools Gallons = Length x Width x Average Depth x 7.5

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BALANCED WATER          

It is important to start with balanced water. We recommend that you take a sample of your pools water to your local pool service store. Use a clean plastic container. Take a water sample from the deep end of the pool, about 18" down, away from any return line fittings. The staff at the store will normally test the water for free and make recommendations as to what is needed to balance the water. Once the water is balanced you can rest assured that you are getting the most out of your chemical treatments.

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TOTAL ALKALINITY          

Total alkalinity is the measure of certain minerals in the water. These minerals act as buffering agents and allow you to readily control your PH when in the correct range. In plaster pools, under normal conditions, a measurement of 70-120 ppm is ideal. Total alkalinity should be adjusted before adjusting PH. There are specific products on the market designed to adjust your alkalinity. Consult your nearest supply store.

 

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  WATER CHEMISTRY  

WATER HARDNESS          

Another aspect of balanced water has to do with hardness. Certain 'metals' need to be present in pool water to satisfy water's aggressive need for metals. This is measured in terms of calcium and magnesium. If low hardness levels occur, your pool water will seek out its needs, attacking and corroding your equipment and pool walls. To correct low hardness levels a Calcium Hardness Increaser is used. The desired range for plaster pools is 200-250 pm. If high levels of hardness are encountered, other problems may occur. Cloudy water and scaling of your pool walls, tile, and equipment. To help keep high levels of hardness in check, a Stain, Scale, or Metal Control is used.

CHLORINE          

The most commonly used disinfectant in swimming pools is chlorine. Chlorine in its natural state is a gas. This gas is hard to handle and very dangerous. Chlorine gas is combined with other elements to produce a safe, effective means of combating bacteria, algae, and other organic wastes. When chlorine is first added to your pools water, it must first satisfy an initial demand. This simply means that you must destroy all bacteria, algae, and organic wastes before maintaining a sufficient level of chlorine protection. This level is called your chlorine residual or free chlorine. A good level to maintain would be between 1.0 - 2.0 pm. Lower levels will not protect the bather and higher levels are a waste. Water temperature, air temperature, bather load, debris carried into your pool by wind and rain will are all factors on how much chlorine will be used.

SUPER CHLORINATION          

Swimmer wastes such as suntan oil, perspiration, and urine, add unwanted debris to your pool water. Rain and severe storms also contribute to this condition. This can cause cloudy water and irritating conditions to both the skin and eyes. These conditions greatly retard the ability of your chlorine residual to work effectively. A periodic boost to your chlorine residual is needed. This is termed " super chlorination" or "shock treatment". Super chlorination introduces approximately five times the normal chlorine level. This will rid your pool of unwanted wastes and help restore the sparkle to your pool water. Super chlorination is best done in the evening. The next day, allow your residual chlorine level to drop to the desired range of 1.0 - 2.0 pm before using.

 

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  WATER CHEMISTRY  

ALGAE CONTROL         

Algae come in several forms; free floating or water clinging; and it can be in shades of green, yellow, brown or black. It can be introduced by rain, wind or even a bather's swimming suit. Unfortunately, sunlight and warm weather create a climate for algae to reproduce and grow.

As with any problem, the best cure is prevention. It is recommended to use a good algaecide after super chlorination to control algae. Follow the directions on the label. The algaecide will work in conjunction with the chlorine to destroy the algae and help to prevent its reoccurrences. If you have a specific problem, contact your local pool supply store.

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HANDLING & STORAGE OF POOL CHEMICALS         

  1. All chlorine bearing compounds are oxidizing agents and can cause fire or explosion if they come in contact with organic compounds such as house hold cleaners and paint.
  2. Chlorine is irritating to the skin and eyes, therefore, contact should be avoided.
  3. Chlorine compounds should be stored in cool and dry places, out of sunlight, and certainly out of the reach of children.
  4. Chemicals used to control PH such as dry acids are also considered dangerous, and contact should be avoided.
  5. All labels relating to pool chemicals should be read carefully and strictly adhered to.
  6. Keep chemical containers closed when not in use.
  7. Do not mix pool chemicals together. Add chemicals to the pool separately.
  8. Automatic chlorinators should not be installed in un vented rooms.
  9. All spills should be washed thoroughly with water. Avoid pouring spillage into refuse containers as this could result in fires.
  10. Read all chemical labels carefully and follow instructions.

Never mix chemicals together, add them separately!

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