Step by Step Instructions for Maintaining Your Swimming Pool

I had had several customers ask me for this information, so here it is.

Important:

-Please note that any time you move the multi-valve (example – Filter, Backwash, Rinse, Waste, etc), the pump must first be turned off.

-If your pool has two skimmers, you will need to remove the basket from the skimmer not being utilized to vacuum through, and slide the cover plate at the bottom over the suction line in the bottom. This will send all your suction through the other skimmer. Shutting off the in-line valve to the bottom drains of the pool will also send more suction to the skimmer.

-It is never a good idea to empty your inground swimming pool. When vacuuming, removing water, and backwashing; monitor your water to make sure your pool is at the right level and ready to swim.

Vacuuming Pool: Small amount of dust/dirt/debris in pool. Beginning in Filter mode.

Turn pump off
Remove skimmer lid, place skimmer vacuum plate on hose and place in skimmer
Attach vacuum head and telescoping pole to other end of hose, and place in pool
Turn pump on
Vacuum pool sides and bottom to remove debris
When complete, turn pump back off
Remove hose from skimmer and vacuum assembly from pool
Turn valve to Backwash
Turn pump back on
Watch viewing bulb for water to clear (1 to 2 minutes)
When clear, turn pump back off
Turn valve to Rinse and turn pump back on
Run until viewing bulb clear (usually 30 seconds to 1 minute)
When clear, turn pump back off
Turn valve to Filter and turn pump back on. You have completed this process. You have sent water through the filter during this process and have not lost pool water.

Vacuuming Pool: Normal to above average amounts of dust/dirt/and debris in pool. Beginning in filter mode.

Turn pump off
Remove skimmer lid, place skimmer vacuum plate on hose and place in skimmer
Attach vacuum head and telescoping pole to other end of hose, and place in pool
Turn valve to waste and then turn pump on
Vacuum pool sides and bottom to remove debris
When complete, turn back off
Remove hose from skimmer and vacuum assembly from pool
Turn valve to Backwash
Turn pump back on
Watch viewing bulb for water to clear (1 to 2 minutes)
When clear, turn pump back off
Turn valve to Rinse and turn pump back on
Run until viewing bulb clear (usually 30 seconds to 1 minute)
When clear, turn pump back off
Turn valve to Filter and turn pump back on. You have completed this process. You have taken water out of pool during this process; you may need to add water back to pool.

Backwashing pool:

Turn pump off
Turn valve to Backwash
Turn pump back on
Watch viewing bulb for water to clear (1 to 2 minutes)
When clear, turn pump back off
Turn valve to Rinse and then turn pump back on
Watch viewing bulb until water is clear (usually 30 seconds to 1 minute)
When clear, turn pump off
Turn valve to filter and then turn pump back on, you have completed this process

Lowering the Water Level of the Pool:

Turn pump off
Turn multi-valve to Waste
Turn pump back on and watch pool until desired water level is achieved
Turn pump back off
Turn multi-valve back to filter mode
Turn pump back on. You have completed this process

Checking Salt Level via Breaker/Control Panel:

Please note that these instructions are for pools using the IntelliTouch system by Pentair. This is the system typically installed by Dolphin Pools.

Push the Menu button on the inside of the control panel
Push the down arrow key until you get to diagnostics, then hit the select button
Scroll down with the arrow key to Intellichlor, then hit the select button
The salt level of the pool will be displayed
When finished, hit the menu key until back at the main menu, you have completed this process

Make sure to regularly test the water chemistry of your pool. The easiest way to test these levels are with the litmus strips that we sell in the pool store. They are color coded and easy to read.