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 water 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. Check the pH levels – if it is under 7.2 or over 7.6 your pool water is out of balance, which can lead to scale building. Also, low sanitiser levels, bacteria and algae may invade or organic waste can build up, causing water to become cloudy and lose its sparkle.
• Poor filtration is another cause of cloudy pools.  To rectify this simply clean or repair your filter and baskets. Check your filtration and circulation system. If the flow from the filter returns a powerful enough flow to push your hand away, or does it seem weak? How may hours a day does your filter run for? The filter must be in proper working order, filled, cleaned and operated no less than 12 hours a day in summer. If the filter has not been running for 12 hours a day, run it for 24 hour or until the water becomes clear. If this does not clear up your pool you may need to clean your filter or change your media.

The best solution to cloudy pool water is a water test to help identify the cause of the problem. 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.

While chlorine does have the ability to help fight the prevention of algae, extra prevention and sometime a specific trouble shooting algae killer is required. Algae is a microscopic form of plant life that grows in water. It can grow quickly in summer due to the warm weather and increase pool bather load and once visible can be difficult to remove. Algae is harmful to your pools health as it can clog your filter, turn your water slimy green and damage equipment or your pool surface.

Algae identification:
1. Green Algae – one of the most common problems for pools, green algae usually appears in corners or other areas where circulation is poor. Once established green algae can grow quickly and turn your pool water green and cloudy.
Solution: Contact your local PoolWerx for a treatment plan and product recommendation.

2. Mustard Algae – Another common pool alga in pools which is a yellow-brown or mustard in colour. It brushes off the walls easily, however without treatment it will return quickly. It often grows in shady areas or area with little water circulation. It can be resistant to chlorine and shock treatments.
Solution: Contact your local PoolWerx for a treatment plan and product recommendation.

3. Black Spot Algae – This algae is very resistant to chemical treatment, clinging to and growing on the pools surface and floor. Its name comes from the way the algae’s colour and how it forms in clumps or spots. The longer that black spot algae is present the more difficult it is to treat – and the longer it will take to get rid of. Black spot algae form by a lack of chlorine or a pH level that is too high.
Solution: Brush the algae vigorously and contact your local PoolWerx for a treatment plan as soon as the black spot algae has been identified.

Prevention is the best cure to stop algae blooms from forming in the pool. Regular bushing and maintaining proper chemical balance will help stop algae from developing in your pool. 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.

A spa can be the perfect way to relax and can provide many health benefits to you such as reducing stress and soothing sore muscles. However, maintaining healthy spa water balance in can be a challenge.

It is important to keep your spa healthy to protect bacteria build up, surface staining or scale and to maximise the enjoyment of your spa year round.

Circulation:
Correct water circulation in the spa will help prevent bacteria build and other contaminants becoming a problem. To maximise circulation ensure that the filter is working correctly by cleaning once a month.

Improve the circulation in your spa by:
• Running your spa’s circulation system daily.
• Make sure your circulation pumps are in good working order.

Filtration:
Poor filtration can cause many problems to your spa. The spa filter that is operating correctly helps keep the water healthy by capturing debris, hair and other matter that comes off people when the spa is in use. When the filter is clogged, blocked or not working properly the debris remains in the water – allowing bacteria to potentially build up in the spa water. You should clean the spa filter every four to six weeks.

Improve spa filtration by:
• Rinsing the filter cartridge to remove debris and matter with a hose or tap.
• Ask PoolWerx about our range of spa care chemicals range that help clean the spa filter.

Spa surface:
If left unmaintained contaminants such as dirt, oil and bacteria can accumulate at the waterline.

Clean the spa surface regularly by:
• Using a skimmer net to remove floating debris
• Regularly brush and vacuum the spa
• Empty the skimmer basket one to two times a week depending on use.

If you have concerns with your spas equipment contact your local PoolWerx technician for a full assessment.

Maintaining your swimming pools health can be a demanding task, however if you follow these five simple steps the process can be made much easier.

1. Circulation:

Your pool water must be circulated for the chemicals in your pool to take effect. The more the water is kept in motion, the more difficult it is for bacteria and algae to take develop in your pool. Also, greater water circulation helps debris be captured in your pool. The best time to circulate your water is during the day, for 12 hours in the summer swimming season and 6 hours during the off-season.

2. Water Filtration:

The filter is one of the most important pool equipment as it removes both visible debris and most microscopic matter that helps prevent bacteria developing in the pool. Generally, a monthly backwash (the removal of material trapped or in the media filter) can help maintain your filter and ensure that it works at maximum capacity. Backwashing does not remove oils, scale and deeply embedded debris therefore the filter needs to be chemically cleaned regularly. If you are concerned about saving water and reducing the cost of your pool there are a number of products available that help capture debris and reduce the need to backwash - thus reducing by half the amount of water consumed when cleaning the filtration system. To view these products click here.

3. Pool Cleaning:

All swimming pools have areas where little or no circulation occurs such as steps and corner areas. This is where algae and bacteria begin to grow. To stop these from occurring clean the walls and floor of the pool with a brush and vacuum the pool with a suction cleaner or robotic cleaner to remove any debris that the filter misses. Regular brushing is a must even if you use an automatic cleaner or regular service technician.

4. Water Testing:

Maintaining the water balance can only be achieved with regular water testing. The two most important factors are pH and chlorine levels, however there other properties that contributes to a well-balanced pool. A number of factors can influence your pools water balance such as bather load, weather, environment and product application so no one pool will have the same water balance even if the same treatment has occurred. You should test your pool water weekly using a pool testing kit when the pool is in continual use or after a weather event such as heavy rain. Consult your pool professional once a month for a FREE complete analysis of your water quality.

5. Proper water maintenance:

Applying the right quality products to your pool is vital in maintaining a healthy pool. Each pool has different chemical requirements therefore it is best to consult a professional to work out a treatment plan that suits your pool. This will guarantee that your pool remains safe to use, the water remains in balance, your equipment is protected and your pool maintains a brilliant sparkle all year round.

If you need any assistance consult your local PoolWerx.