How often should you be backwashing your filter/cleaning the cartridge element?

The amount of times you clean or backwash your filter is dependent on the size of your pool, size of filter, type of season we are in and current weather. For example, if there is scorching heat and you have guests swimming everyday, the filter is likely picking up more contaminants than usual, thus requiring more cleaning.

However, a general rule of thumb for most pools is to clean at least once every 2 weeks during Spring and Summer, and once every 4-6 weeks during Autumn and Winter.

How long should I run my pool equipment?

Generally speaking for pools around 50,000L volume, in summer we run the filter at a minimum of 6 hours a day, with the average being 8 hours a day. In winter, we can get the running times down to 4 hours a day, and even lower in some cases. These running times are heavily dependent on multiple different factors such as size of pool (L), amount of sun exposure, type of filter etc. Be sure to take these factors into account when considering the duration of filtration for your pool.

How often should I be emptying my skimmer and pump baskets?

Ideally, you should always have your skimmer and pump baskets as empty and clean as possible, as this will promote the most efficient flow of water through your pool equipment. Try to determine how leafy your pool gets. Some pools will require the skimmer basket to be emptied as much as once per day, whereas other pools could get away with once per week. Pump baskets will not need to be emptied as frequently as they only fill when plant matter gets passed the skimmer basket. However, it is important to keep the pump basket as empty as possible as it is the last

Why does my pool go cloudy every time after my kids swim in it?

It is not uncommon for a pool to look a bit cloudy and unappealing after a big session such as a pool party. Chlorine is absorbed through our skin, so the more bodies in the pool, the more chlorine being absorbed out of the pool. Furthermore, any loss of pool water due to splashing and diving adds to the loss of chlorine from the pool. Also, our bodies secrete excess body fats/sunscreen left on our skin which cause a build up of body fats and sunscreen oils in the pool, producing a harmful compound called a chloramine.

The simple solution is to increase filtering hours and chlorine production before and after the swimming session. Alternatively, a shock dose of chlorine can be added after the pool has been used which is effective in breaking down all the extra contaminants added into the pool by our bodies.

It is good practice to always get your water tested and balance the chemicals properly before and after your planned day of swimming.