Pool and Spa FAQs

Whether a household pool that you own or rent, or a pool in a facility such as a hotel or institution, there are laws governing pool safety and maintenance. Each state and territory in Australia has different legislation that pools need to comply with, so for answers relevant to your pool, please contact your local PoolWerx for further information.

As a pool is basically a body of still water, it can easily become contaminated by things such as body discharges, dirt carried by bathers, hair dislodged from the body and dirt and leaves blown into the pool.  If the water is left unchanged or untreated for a period of time, bacteria, viruses and other organisms are allowed to develop.

These organisms can cause health problems as they multiply at a tremendous rate.  Once growth starts, one algae spore can turn into ten million in approximately 10 hours. The easy way to eliminate this problem is to ensure continuous and efficient recirculation of the water through a filter.  In addition to this, it's necessary to destroy any organism that exists by injecting a disinfectant agent such as chlorine to the water. When added to the pool in sufficient quantity, chlorine will effectively kill any bacteria that may be present.  However, in order for it to work effectively the acid alkaline balance or pH value must be correct.

To ensure your pool stays clear and clean of any bacteria you must have a balance between chlorine and pH along with adequate filtration.  With all of these elements acting together your pool should clear up within 24 hours. A very green pool will require the services of your local PoolWerx franchisee to rectify.

Arrange for a green pool fix up or to save yourself time and money by setting up a regular service.

There are a number of causes for your pool to be cloudy and all with different treatments. 

• You could possibly be experiencing early algae growth.  The solution to that would be to do a super-chlorination of your pool.
• Your pool water balance could also be the cause of cloudiness.  If this is the case, check and adjust your chemical levels. 
• Poor filtration is another cause of cloudy pools.  To rectify this simply clean or repair your filter and baskets.

PoolWerx can help to get your pool sparkling again.  Contact your local technician by clicking here to book a service.

There are three basic reasons for a pump making excessive noise.

1. Bearings are starting to wear and are not as efficient as they should be.  The simple course of action to take here is to have them replaced.
2. The impeller may have picked up a stone or debris and the pump may need to be cleaned to remove any foreign obstacles. 
3. Low water level or poor water flow could also cause a noisy pump.

An ongoing maintenance program from your local PoolWerx franchisee will pick up any of these problems early and ensure you have minimal risk with your pump. Contact us to discuss further or to arrange for a regular service.

Leaves blocking skimmer baskets or pump baskets mainly cause inefficient autocleaners.  Your filter could also need a clean or the autocleaner itself may be blocked with leaves.  You should check the hose for proper connection and cracks. Other solutions include adjusting the autocleaner speed and water outlet sockets, or your autocleaner may need replacement parts.

For repairs, servicing or simply a check up on your equipment, click to book a check-up with your local PoolWerx technician.

There are a number of things that will cause your salt-water chlorinator to be inefficient.  The water pressure could be low, the cell could be dirty, the filter could be blocked or there may be a low water level in the cell. It's also a good idea to frequently check the salt level.  If the level is low it will cause your chlorinator to be inefficient.  Check your skimmer basket and pump basket as well, they may be blocked with leaves and restricting water flow.You could also have a worn cell in your chlorinator that needs replacement.

To have your equipment assessed, click here to book a check-up service with your local PoolWerx technician.

If you've been experiencing a number of very hot days you'll notice that nature will take its course and cause the level of the water in the pool to drop naturally by evaporation.

Of course, if it continues to drop at an accelerated rate you need to look for other problems that may be occurring.  These would include a leaky pool liner, possibly the hydrostatic valve in the main drain at the bottom of the pool floor is leaking or the multiport valve on the filter is leaking down the backwash or a connecting pipe is leaking.  You could also have problems with your pump as it could be leaking or there could be a more serious problem of a cracked pipe underground.

The basic rule of thumb is that through the summer months two to three centimetres of evaporation in any pool over a week is quite normal; anything more than this and you should investigate the problem.

Your local PoolWerx technician can help you to identify the problem.  Click here to book a check-up.

The two simple causes of black spot algae are a lack of chlorine or a pH level that is too high.

To rectify black spot algae you will need to consult your PoolWerx technician as this is a specialised treatment, which can vary depending on the extent and spread of the algae.  Have your pool checked by a professional, click here to book an assessment.

This is mainly a filtration problem; your filter or baskets could be dirty or drawing air. You could also have a faulty pump or low water level.

Your local PoolWerx technician can help you to identify the problem, click here to book an assessment.  

A few of the more common reasons for a pump sucking air are that the pump lid is cracked, or maybe the o-ring under the rim is broken or dirty.  The inlet could be cracked; your autocleaner may have a hole in the hose or the water level may be too low.

A swirl in the skimmer box will indicate a low water level, which could also be the reason why your pump is sucking air.

The skimmer box weir door may also be jammed, rather than floating.  Still can’t work out what the problem is? Contact your local PoolWerx technician by clicking here to book an assessment.

With filter baskets, the constant short term blocking of your filter will cause the pump to burnout through poor water flow.  It could also cause the mechanical seal to fail.  Other things that it will affect will be your automatic cleaner, it simply won't work.

A constant blocking of cartridges will cause high water pressure and poor water return, it will also indicate poor suction so your auto cleaner once again won't work.  This could be the result of a burst filter or poor plumbing.

Oils, lotions and calcium residues will also cause poor filtration and blocking of the cartridge.

To have your pool cleaned or to have equipment assessed or repaired, click here to book a service.