USE AND MAINTENANCE OF TIMBER SWIMMING POOLS
Failure to comply with the maintenance instructions may lead to serious risks to
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health, particularly where children are concerned.
1. TREATING THE WATER
Your swimming pool installation is complete! Before you get into the pool for the first time, it is essential to "prepare" the water. Bathing often leads to
a good deal of pollution caused by things like vegetation, earth, dust, sweat, saliva, hair, grease, etc. The swimming pool water must be protected from
these substances in order to avoid various micro-organisms developing.
In order to do this, a few simple rules may be applied:
- It is a good idea to have the filter running during the day, as it is bathing that causes most of the pollution. Regulate the timing of the filter according to
the temperature of the water. The higher the temperature of the water, the more easily bacteria will grow.
Water Temperature
Filtration time
Generally speaking, whatever type of system you have, any impurities should be removed if the pool is cleaned regularly using the filter.
The sand filter: When the amount of impurities in the sand increases, the circulation of the water becomes less efficient and consequently the pressure
increases. Refer to the notes on maintaining the filtration unit for cleaning it.
- Analyse the water in your swimming pool: it is a worth checking the pH level (degree of acidity or alkalinity of the water) every week. It should always
range between 7.2 and 7.6. An incorrect pH level may result in the water treatment products working less efficiently, may accelerate the development of
chloramines (causing unpleasant odours and irritation of the mucous membranes...) and the corrosion of any metal parts..
- Treat the water regularly: a weekly disinfectant treatment (bromine, chlorine and active oxygen...) against bacteria will avoid all the problems caused by
poor quality water. One treatment every fortnight with an algaecide effectively combats the initial appearance and further development of algae.
Using and storing chlorinated products
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Remember that these are dangerous products that must be stored
and used only as directed by the manufacturers. Do not mix chemical
products with each other. Store products in tightly closed containers
in a cool and well ventilated place; do not expose to direct sunlight.
If using a container for measuring out chemicals, rinse thoroughly
after each use. Read the safety information and instructions provided on
each label carefully. Keep all chemicals out of reach of children..
- Everyday remove as much dirty matter from the pool as possible with a fishing net (fallen leaves, dead insects...) and clean the surface of the water
regularly to remove greasy deposits.
- Empty the pump container. Just like the skimmer container, it is a good idea to empty it regularly to maintain the optimum filtration level.
Annual treatment: In order to have clean water all the time, clean the filter, change about ⅓ to ½ of the water in the pool and look after it properly through
the winter. Change all the water in your pool every 3 to 4 years.
Problems and solutions :
PROBLEMS
1. Water clear with greenish or
brownish tint.
Large number of brown stains
on the sides of the pool.
2. Water has a yellow or brownish tint
3. Water milky and cloudy
4. Slimy green deposits on the sides of
the pool
5. Sides of the pool have an
uneven appearance
6. Irritation to skin and eyes, unpleasant
odour
7. Evidence of corrosion
< 10°
10-12°
12-16°
2h
4h
6h
Oxidation of metallic salts (iron or copper) present
in the water used to fill the pool
pH level too low. Corrosion of metal parts.
Water being used to fill the pool is high in iron or
manganese
Organic and colloidal impurities
Inorganic substancesincreasing the hardness of the
water
Build up of algae
Calcium deposits caused by hard water
Presence of combined chlorine (chloramine)
pH level too low
16-24°
24-27°
8h
10-12h
CAUSES
37
27-30°
-> 20h
SOLUTIONS
Check the pH level. Put in a calcium and metal
stabiliser when you fill the pool. Clean out the filter.
Remove sediment and filter continuously.
See 1.
Chlorinate thoroughly. Clean the filter. Remove
sediment and filter well.
Check the pH level. Put in a calcium and metal
stabiliser when you fill the pool.
Chlorinate thoroughly. Treat with an algaecide
Check the pH level. Put in a calcium and metal
stabiliser. If the pool is empty clean with a pool
descaler.
Adjust the pH level. Chlorinate thoroughly. Put in
fresh water
Increase the pH level to 7.0 – 7.4