Q&A for How to Clean Your Own Pool

You are using the wrong type of vacuum. If it's picked up by the filter system, backwash the filter.

Until the sight glass on the multiport goes clear, then rinse for 5 seconds before going back to the filter.

Work out the volume of your pool and read the dose rate instructions on your chemicals. Buy a scale to measure out correct amounts if you need to, and never dose directly into skimmers. Also, don't add 2 different chemicals at the same time.

Change filter medium and inspect or replace laterals if needed. Look for local dust production from neighbors, and cover pool in between uses.

Once a week as a general rule.

If the filter is not working, you can try taking a leaf skimmer to large debris. It's easier to just get a vacuum for the smaller sediments.

If your pool is really dirty, set the vacuum to waste (drain). You will have to replace lost water when complete. Under normal maintenance, you can just vacuum through filter.

When you vacuum the pool, go very slowly and make sure you are pumping the vacuum. If you vacuum the filter, the algae will pass through the filter as it is so small and it will be blown back into pool through the return and it will cloud the water.

Adjust valves if you have any to have more water go through the skimmer than the drain or other places.

If the pH is high, you'll need to add a base (pH minus) to bring the levels of pH down. If the pool becomes cloudy, it should simply respond to a few gallons of pool shock.

You can buy a vacuum from the pool store.

Sand blasting the tile will completely remove any calcium buildup or stains.

If the flow to pool is good, the filter is working good. If flow is low, it will need a backwash. In any case, backwash should be done ever week or 2 weeks on sand filters.

The brown you see is most likely dead algae. Try using a brush with stiff bristles designed for pools and attach that to a telescopic pole. Then sweep with an up and down motion. It will normally be easy to do in tiled pools, but in concrete pools, the algae may stick to the side. After sweeping it down, wait for it to settle, then use your pool vacuum to suck it up.

It is likely you’re using Trichlor or Dichlor chlorine. Both of these products are very acidic thus they’re pushing your pH down. If the pH is this low, take quick action as you’re damaging your pool's equipment and surface.