Pool FAQ's

Maintenance

What is the best cleaner? What do you recommend?
There are several very good cleaners on the market. Learn more

How do I vacuum in-ground or above-ground swimming pool?
If your pool is equipped, be sure that the valve on the suction line coming into the pump is selected for the port (either skimmer or lower suction fitting) you will be using to vacuum. Click the link for step-by-step instructions. Learn more

How often do I need to vacuum my pool?
Vacuuming should be done as often as you think. Normally, once a week is sufficient. Generally speaking, the more a pool is used the less vacuuming it needs. It's pretty simple.  Many pool owners enjoy vacuuming on a nice sunny summer morning . Many of our customers use a good automatic pool vacuum to do this work for them. Even so, a good manual vacuum is good once a month.

How often should I be backwashing my filter?
After backwashing, take note of the pressure reading after returning the valve back to the filter position. Once the pressure reaches 10-12 psi over your normal operating pressure, backwash your filter. Backwashing your filter too frequently can cause your pool to become cloudy, as well as decrease the effectiveness of your filter.

How often should my filter be chemically cleaned?
We recommend chemically cleaning the filter at least twice a season. If you did not clean the filter when you closed the pool, clean it at the beginning of the season. However, if the filter was cleaned at closing, the first cleaning should be done around the 4th of July.

How often should the sand in my filter be changed?
We recommend that you replace the sand every 3-4 years.

How often should I run my pump and filter?
We suggest you run your pump and filter 24 hours a day or at a minimum of 8-12 continuous daylight hours.

If I have an automatic pool cleaner do I still have to brush my pool?
Yes! Brushing is an excellent way to prevent algae and other unforeseen problems. Automatic pool cleaners do not provide as much scrubbing action as brushes.

How often do I need to replace the sand in my filter?
Rix recommends replacing 25% of the sand annually after the first two years. Learn more

My filter pressure is high, what should I do?
Most often, a simple backwash is all that is needed. If that doesn't solve the problem, you should have a service tech out to diagnose the problem.

My filter pressure is low, what should I do?
Check the pump impeller for clogging or take the steps to eliminate an air leak on the suction side of the system.

How often should I backwash my filter?
Of the three types of pool filters - Diatomatious Earth (DE), sand or cartridge - two of these are cleaned by backwashing. Learn more

How can I prevent scale from forming?
Use BioGuard Scale Inhibitor to help prevent scale formation that can cause serious damage to pool surface and equipment. Keeping pH and calcium hardness in range will also help to prevent scale buildup.

How often should I clean my pool filter?
It is recommended that pool filters be cleaned at least two times a pool season - mid-summer and in the fall - or more often if needed. The filter should also be cleaned at spring opening if it wasn't cleaned as part of the pool closing procedure in the fall. Strip Kwik® removes oil and grease while Kleen It® removies dirt, scale and metals from from all filter types. Use SoftSwim® Filter Cleaner for SoftSwim pools.

How do I clean my waterline tile?
Brushing and or scrubbing the tiles and/or 'waterline' is the best method for cleaning and keeping the waterline clean in pools.  Learn more

What are the 5 Keys to Basic Pool Care? 
The 5 essentials of pool maintenance are simple preventative maintenance steps to keep your pool clean and clear all season. Learn more

How do I backwash my DE filter?
Backwash your filter when the pressure reaches 10psi over the "clean reading" to obtain the best filtering capabilities. Learn more