Tips and advice

I have in my hands a pressure gauge. This small tool allows us to read the pressure inside the filtration system. Ideally, it should be replaced yearly. The pressure gauge works with the natural pressure of the pool. Take the pressure gauge reading when your filtration system and sand are clean or your cartridge is new or freshly cleaned. This is your new natural pressure. When the pressure rises 5 to 10 psi above your natural pressure, it's time for a good cleaning. If you have a sand system, do a backwash or if you have a cartridge system, clean the cartridge. Today we'll look at how to change the pressure gauge. It's best to do it at the beginning of the season because the piping isn't connected yet. Before screwing on the pressure gauge, use Teflon tape for a better seal. If you have to do the replacement during the season, take some precautions to avoid getting all wet. Start by turning off the pump, then close the water access to the filter either before or after the filter. You'll do this if you're using a three-way or ball valve. With a cartridge filter, you must ensure that the valve on top is open to let the air out, or you'll have trouble unscrewing the filter. With a sand filter, you must put the filter handle in the Off position. Now, you can unscrew the pressure gauge. There will be some residual water in the pipe, but that's normal. Replace it with a new pressure gauge that you will have wrapped with Teflon tape beforehand. By screwing in the pressure gauge right away, you will prevent the water from continuing to flow. If you have a cartridge filter, the device is different. You'll have to remove the cover for the replacement. Here we have the valve and the pressure gauge. Both are tied with a butterfly nut under the cover. Locate the right one and unscrew it. Be careful when you unscrew and remove the old pressure gauge as there are gaskets. It will be critical to put them back in place afterwards. There is one here and a second one at the bottom of the cavity. After removing the butterfly nut, remove the screw to replace the pressure gauge. Coat the new one with Teflon tape for a better seal. Put the whole thing back in place, screw the butterfly nut tightly, and put the filter cover back on. It's as simple as that! View differents steps in this French video. 

Spring is the perfect time to take care of your sand filter. Despite the name, filter glass is used instead of sand, as it has superior filtration capacity.  Ideally, change the filter glass every three to five years. You can do it more often, especially if the water in your pool is having trouble staying filtered and clear.  But why should you do it in the spring? Because the plumbing is not connected yet and the filter is already empty. Still, you can do it at any time, even in mid-season.  Before starting, close the pool pump and remove the drain plug to allow the water to flow. In the spring, these steps are already done. Remove the collar from the filter’s head and lift the head.  Empty the filter glass with a workshop vacuum or do it by hand by tilting the filter on the side. It will just take a little longer.  Inside, you’ll see the lateral assembly. The laterals are the finger-like tubes at the end of the center pipe. You’ll need to fold or unscrew them to remove the assembly. Take this opportunity to inspect the center pipe to ensure there are no cracks. If this is the case, the filter glass could seep into the lateral assembly.  When everything is clean, replace the drain plug and fill the filter with water up to half its capacity to avoid damaging the lateral assembly when pouring the filter glass. The water will absorb the shock. Then, put the assembly back, unfolding or screwing the laterals one by one. The assembly must be centered in the filter. If you are two, one person can plug the center pipe while the other pours the filter glass. If you are alone, use tape to prevent the glass from seeping into the center pipe. Once the filter glass has been poured, put back the head and screw on the collar to close the filter.  These are simple steps to ensure that you’ll have good filtration for at least another three to five years.  When you go to the store to buy filter glass, write down the information on the label, or even better, take a picture of it. It will help us determine the right amount of filter glass to refill your filter.   

En début de saison, dès que la glace libère les parois de la piscine, c'est le bon moment de vérifier la toile de piscine et voir si elle pourra être utiliser pour une saison de plus ou non. Il est important de vérifier si la toile est décolorée, fissurée, fragilisée ou même si elle gondole. Si vous avez une piscine creusée ou semi-creusée, il faut absolument vérifier le puit d'assèchement pour voir si il y a trop d'eau à l'intérieur et le cas échéant, vider celui-ci et par le fait même, évacuer l'eau sous-terraine qui se trouve autours de votre piscine. Tout pourrait entrer dans l'ordre à ce moment, sinon prenez des photos de votre toile et amenez-les en magasin afin que nous puissions vous dire si la toile est réparable ou si nous devons la changer. Si c'était le cas, le meilleur moment est biensûr au début de la saison, avant l'ouverture de la piscine.

There are many accessories in a pool, and some may seem superfluous. Today we will focus on the skimmer. It’s critical to ensure that the skimmer basket is intact so that no large object can get through and clog the pipes. It’s also critical to ensure that the skimmer door is well-functioning. Over the years, it can get damaged, and you must replace it if this is the case as it has a specific purpose. It controls the flow of water into the skimmer. Without the door, only deeper water will enter the skimmer to be filtered. It allows the surface water to enter first and keeps it clean. That’s why these two accessories aren’t to be neglected!

When opening your pool, reinstalling the water return is one of the main steps. If you have used plugs for the winter, you must first remove them before reinstalling your pool water return.When putting back the water return eyeball and retaining ring, it’s critical to take your time to do it well despite the freezing water. A proper manipulation will ensure an optimal filtration of your pool water. Ensure that the eyeball points downward to allow for proper mixing and better operation of the bottom drain. It should also be directed opposite the skimmer so that the water can make a complete tour of the pool before returning to the filtration system. Now you’ll need to be careful! Screw the retaining ring but not completely. It will help you to position the eyeball correctly. While you turn the retaining ring for the last time to ensure it’s secured, the eyeball will move slightly. Remain careful and adjust it accordingly.

Before opening your pool in the spring, it’s important to remove the leaves that have accumulated during the fall. To simplify the cleaning of the bottom, we recommend the use of a leaf vacuum cleaner. Remove the leaves from the surface of the water with a skimmer net. Tie the filter bag to the top of the leaf vacuum cleaner. Connect the garden hose and the telescopic pole to the leaf vacuum cleaner. Place the leaf vacuum cleaner at the bottom of the pool. Turn on the garden hose and start cleaning the bottom. When you’ve finished cleaning, turn off the garden hose. Lift the leaf vacuum cleaner to the surface and empty the filter bag. You can now vacuum in Waste Mode to complete your spring clean.

In the spring, when ice clears from the walls, start checking the condition of your pool liner. Here are a few signs that can indicate if your liner needs to be replaced.  Discoloration Cracking Warping with water infiltration under the liner. Note: If you have an in-ground or built-in pool, drain your dry well first to check if it’s an accumulation of groundwater.  In doubt, take photos of the liner and visit your superstore. Our advisors will be able to determine if it can be repaired or if it needs to be replaced. 

Toutes les étapes d'ouverture d'une piscine hors terre