FAQs

How do I care for my new pool and what are the ongoing maintenance items that need to be done?

Pool & Spa Care/Maintenance

Proper pool maintenance is essential for the long term health of your pool, equipment, and the people using it. Please don’t hesitate to contact Southwest Pools and Spas directly if you have any questions about the use and care of your pool. Thank you for your business!

Daily

Run Pump 10-12 Hours per day -Timer will be set to turn on automatically -More time= Cleaner water Run Automatic pool Cleaner -Timer will be set to run automatically Check Skimmers for Obstructions -Pool Toys -Sticks or leaves -Etc… Check Water Level -Full is at the bottom of the overflow drain grate

Weekly

 Check and Add Chemicals -PH -Normal Range is 7.2 to 7.6 -Chlorine -Normal Range is 1-3 ppm -Alkalinity -Normal Range is 100-120 ppm -Salt ( If applicable ) -Normal Range is 3000 ppm -Add chemicals per label directions Brush all Tile and Plaster Surfaces Empty and Rinse Cleaner Bag Empty Skimmer Baskets Empty Pump Basket Shock the pool as per label instructions. -This treatment restores the sparkle to the pool water and destroys germs and organic  contaminants (can be done once every 2 weeks)

Monthly

Take sample of water to local pool store to check chemicals -Pool store will test for: -Calcium Hardness -Stabilizer Level -Salt Level -Add chemicals as needed per label directions Backwash Pool Filter ( If it is a DE filter. Not required on Cartridge Filters )

Quarterly

 Disassemble and Clean Filter per Owner’s Manual Remove and Clean Salt Cell per Owner’s Manual

My pool and spa light are not working. What can I do?

Near your pool equipment there is an outlet with a GFCI that you can reset. That usually does the trick.

Does my salt cell work during the winter?

When your water temperature gets below 53 Degrees F, the salt cell runs in the cold water off feature so it does not produce chlorine. A red light will appear and it will stay on while the salt cell is in this mode until the water temperature increases. We suggest adding chlorine tabs in your skimmer baskets so you will still have chlorine circulating in your pool even during the colder months.

Do I need to add chlorine to my pool during the winter?

Yes! During our Texas winters with the temperatures varying day by day, we do suggest keeping chlorine in your pool. We like to say “keep your pool balanced as if you are going to jump in and swim today!” You won’t need to add as much chlorine as during the hot summer months, but chlorine will keep algae away.

What factors change my water chemistry quickly?

Here are a few factors that can change your water chemistry: rain, pets, multiple swimmers, adding water, high wind, dirt, and big temperature swings.

What is the normal range for my pump to run?

You should run the pump as much as you can to keep water circulating, we recommend running pump continuously for 8-10 hours a day on high during summer. During winter months we recommend running pump on low for 8 hours a day.

What can happen when my filter pressure gets too high (i.e filters are dirty)?

Your heater will not fire, water features will run low, there will be minimal flow in the pool, algae problems, low chlorine levels, and your salt cell may not function properly. It is important to keep your filters clean.

How do I remove calcium build up from tile and walls?

Calcium is a common problem resulting from poor water chemistry. To address this problem, please bring a water sample to our store to let us test your pool water.

How do I care for my new plaster now that my pool is full?

Filling Instructions

Once your pool begins to fill with water, DO NOT stop the water until the water level reaches the middle of the tile line. If you turn the water off before the pool is filled, it may leave a permanent ring around the pool. DO NOT use the fill line. Pool should be completely filled within 48 hours of plaster.

• Once the pool contains 3’‐4’ of water, an additional hose may be added to speed up the process. This is not necessary, just a convenience for you. DO NOT allow hoses to rest on pool surface. If you choose to use additional hoses, they should be placed on the deck and weighted down so that the water will project into the deep end of pool.
• DO NOT let your pets walk on your fresh surface. Dirty paws will stain your plaster.
• DO NOT walk on fresh surface.
• DO NOT turn on the pool light until after your pool equipment start‐up is completed.
• DO NOT turn on the pool heater for the first 21 days after the pool is filled with water.
• Please turn off the water once the pool/spa is full.

Equipment Start‐Up & Care for your new Pool Surface

• Once your pool has filled to the middle of the tile line, please contact us to schedule your start up
• Our team will schedule your start up. Basic chemicals (shock, acid stabilizer, chlorine tablets) will be added during your start up to balance your pool water. Once the chemicals have been added to your pool, it is the homeowner’s responsibility to maintain your water chemistry. Please take a sample of water to our store and we will be able to test the water for you. Chemicals can be added as needed.
• Please maintain the water level to the middle of the tile line. Add water when necessary.
• Keep skimmer baskets clean and free of debris.
• Brush the walls and floor of your pool 1‐2 times a day for the first 14 days to ensure proper curing and a smooth finish to your pool surface. Use the pole and brush provided to brush the plaster dust down the walls and toward the main drains. (Pole/Brush provided for new pools)
• If you purchased a salt system, you can add salt to your pool after approximately 21 days of operation.
• If you have Turbo In-Floor Cleaning, a pool technician can activate it after approximately 14 days while giving an orientation on how to operate and program your new pool, controls and automation.
• You may install a vacuum cleaner after approximately 21 days of operation.

Pebble Finish Process:

• Technicians prep and clean pool for pebble application
• Pebble surface is applied on day 1
• Pebble surface is acid washed on day 2
• Begin filling the pool with water (see filling instructions)
• Notify our startup team when your pool is full of water at startup@bmrpoolandpatio.com

The pebble finish consists of pebbles and cement and will vary in color, shade, and consistency. It is recommended that you brush your pebble surface 1‐2 times per day during the first 14 days. During this curing process, pebbles may come loose. This is to be expected. You will possibly notice 1‐2 pounds of pebbles in the pump basket during this time. Keep in mind, your pool interior is finished with several thousand pounds of pebbles and cement.

Quartz And White Plaster Finish Process:

• Technicians clean and prep for quartz or white plaster application
• Quartz or white plaster is applied
• Begin filling pool according to instructions
• SWP team will add acid to water and may let it sit for 3‐5 days before a SWP tech starts the equipment
• Homeowner should brush a quartz or white plaster finish pool surface 2‐3 times a day for 14 days

Your quartz or white plaster produces plaster dust during the curing process. It is essential that the entire pool surface be thoroughly brushed 2‐3 times a day to ensure proper curing and a smooth finish. Brush from the top of the pool, down the walls and toward the main drains.